Today is the Day

I really enjoyed and gained a lot from reading Bil Cornelius' book "Today is the Day", his type of book is actually one I tend to stay away from, so I was quite surprised to have enjoyed it as much as I did!! I find a lot of these "Grasping your God given dreams" books to be fairly unrealistic, or mostly hype with very little substance. I was though, pleasantly surprised to find that Cornelius' book was actually full of practical and truly Biblical processes and ideas that bring you steps closer to fulfilling what God has set you aside to do. The way he presented the straightforward steps, (goal setting, focusing, developing talents, prayer) was very practical and very realistic. I found I was easily able to follow what he was saying, and could easily see how it applied to my own life.
In all, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you've got a dream that God has planted in you that has yet to come to fruition. This book gives great steps to completing these dreams!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

No One to Trust

I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Lynette Eason and her mystery/crime novels! Although I did find the main character Summer a bit flighty at times, I also found her fairly endearing and very smart. I like it when authors don't take the well traveled (and insulting) route of making their main female characters weak and oblivious/less than intelligent! Eason has a style of writing that really does keep my attention and keep me glued to the book till the very last page.  While there were a lot of twists within the book, Eason managed to present a clear path still that didn't confuse the reader! The story line was mysterious but clear and easy to follow. Her characters we well developed and interesting as well!
All in all, I'd recommend this book, it was a pretty great read and truly had me glued till the last page!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

The Pleasure of His company

I love reading the books written by Dutch Sheets, I appreciate his fearlessness and straightforwardness in talking about God, and His will for our lives. Dutch Sheets just seems to have a way with words that rings well for me, I'm easily able to understand what he's talking about (which is a pretty great accomplishment, lol, I find that many authors of this kind of genre tend to try and fluff their message with a thesaurus full of words in each sentence!). However Mr Sheets is very straightforward in what he's saying, he gives clear Biblical backing in every idea presented in his book.  I love that He's called it a journey to and intimate friendship with God, because that is exactly what this book did. It took me on a journey to know on a deeper level the love of God, and how to get beyond "life" and instead find love and faith in the arms of a loving Father!
I would more than recommend this book, and already have plans to buy a copy for my church's library as well! I think everyone, no matter where they are in their walk with God, would benefit from reading this book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

All Things Hidden

I absolutely loved this book, my favorite kind of genre is of almost a frontier type book. Where people struggle and overcome rough conditions. I especially like to read books that have a realistic and strong woman as a main character.
This book covered all those! Through the book we can see Gwyn (Daughter of the Alaskan doctor in their small village) show a quiet strength and strong faith even when faced with pain, fear, and struggles. One thing I loved in this book was that the main character Gwyn did have the "bad" things in life happen to her, not everything at the end of the book resolved itself in a happy way. However her faith was unwavering, even in the middle of the trials. I appreciate that the authors kept the book a little more authentic and realistic by allowing the story to not have a complete "story book" type ending. I think that the ending was the perfect ending for this book, and I very much hope to see more books (maybe a series?!?) come out of this Alaskan story!
I highly recommend this book, truly one of the best ones I've read in a long time!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

The Dancing master

Within the first chapter, I was almost certain I wasn't going to enjoy this book, although I normally love reading books by Julie Klassen, I wasn't overly fond of most of the characters or their attitudes.
Fortunately, this opinion of mine did not last! As the book went on and as the characters developed, I began understanding the initial behavior/attitudes of the characters.
I truly did end up enjoying this book and had was quite disappoint to have finished it!
In this book we learn the story of Julia who's mother is extremely influential (in both opinion and monetary ways) within their township. Julia struggles to find herself amid her father's disdain and her mother's secrets.
When dancing master Alec Valcourt moves into the town, he's surprised to learn that there is a "ban" on dancing, and struggles to find his way (and work) in this small town. Both Alec and Julie find themselves drawn to one another, yet have family members who wish to keep them apart. With many secrets hidden within both families, Julia and Alec slowly learn more about themselves and about their faith.
Over all, I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".