Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze

This is a fictional novel that incorporates aspects of a mystery, suspense and thriller. Annie Harper's husband died, leaving her and her seven year old daughter, Lisa, without financial means. In a seemingly act of desperation, Annie married Dutch, a cruel and vicious man. To save Lisa from Dutch's hatred and evil, Annie gives up custody to a close friend and is separated from Lisa for over ten years. Fast forward twelve years and a compelling, supensefull thriller develops. What will Dutch do, now that Lisa is old enough to be self-sufficent and can rescue her mother from his prison? Moreover, how does the past tie to the current events of Annie's and Lisa's lives?

This novel is smart and clever. There is an intricacy of characters that slowly reveal mysteries and keeps the book suspenseful. The more you read the harder it is to put down! Rich in complex plots and character development, this book is a must read. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys fiction.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.

The Blessing of Adversity by Barry C. Black

This book is a scripture-based road map of how to survive life's difficult times. The book is divided into three sections: 1. Mastering the Basics, 2. Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, and 3. Turning Your Adversity into Advantage. The majority of the book focuses on the first section, Mastering the Basics. Sixteen chapters are devoted to every aspect of living your life in firm belief that God has plans for you to succeed, even through difficult times. Jesus said we'd face trials and tribulations and this book is a wonderful source of encouragment and support. The second section, Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, consists of 5 chapters that focus on how we can avoid adversity that comes through giving into temptation and sin. The third section, Turning Your Adversity into Advantage, shows a plan of resilience with two chapters that sum up the underlying premise of this book: Supersize your Faith and Build a Storm-Proof life.

One aspect of the book that could use improvement stems from the author's assumption that his readers are familiar with stories from the Bible. The author, however, provides the references to the Bible which enables the reader to use the Bible to gain a better understanding. This book could be used as a Bible study by studying the full stories of the Bible that the author uses as examples. Overall, the book is very good, but at times it seems redundant, as the author cites the same examples throughout the book.

I think everyone can certainly benefit from reading this book. Implementing the principles will most certainly deepen his/her relationship with God. I'd, however, challenge the reader to go beyond the book and study the complete stories from the Bible.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy of this book for me to review. This in no way influenced my review.

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

This book isn't a self help book, but it can make your life a lot better. We've all done it. Made a bad choice and suffered the consequences. Life is really more than a series of choices, however. Each choice you make leads to a "path" and that path has a destination. The path is the basis of every part of life - relationships, finances, careers, etc. The author does an excellent job of exploring the obvious - all paths/choices have consequences and much of the time, we have the ability to make the right decisions about which paths to take. Have you ever thought to yourself? Why didn't I do it differently? Such as retirement - why didn't I save more? Or, you married someone who is not right for you. You ignored your reservations hoping it will all work out, but it doesn't.

The book is biblically based with stories and verses from the Bible. The Bible is truly a road map of human nature with wisdom to live life to the fullest. The author uses King David and King Solomon as some of the excellent examples of the Principle of the Path. Moreover, the author does not lecture, but rather takes a conversational approach to this subject. The author understands and explores other factors that cloud the decision of which path to take. The author acknowledges that it is not always easy to choose the right path and provides useful advice in an effort to help the reader learn to use tools that will give better insight of the destination of each path.

One excellent example of the depth of this book is the explanation for the verse: In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:6) In my opinion, that verse could easily be interpreted as no matter what choice you make, even when things get bad, acknowledge God and everything will work out. No, that is not what that verse means. The author provides an insightful explanation, but in short it means that when you acknowledge God, he will make the best path obvious. As the author contends, direction, not intention, determines our destination.

This is a must read for everyone in high school or college. I highly recommend it to everyone, though. I believe everyone, regardless of what stage in life they are at, will gain a lot from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Scars of a Chef by Rick Tramonto with Lisa Jackson

This book is the autobiography of celebrity chef, Rick Tramonto. Tramonto takes the reader from his early childhood through his latest venture. Tramonto is transparant and honest, a real inside look of how a high school dropout was determined to succeed. This includes episodes of Tramonto's life that are not flattering - brutal honesty about his dark moods and drug use. Tramonto describes a few encounters with God, but shares his ultimate conversion that changed his life. After years of only knowing how to rely on himself, Tramonto lets go and places his trust in God.

This book isn't what I thought it was going to be about. Coming from a tough childhood and with a determination to succeed, I thought it would be inspiring and focus more on the how the author realized that God had been working in his life all along. It mostly details the author's turbulent life. I like that the ending truly demonstrates how you should really live your life and define yourself. God is to come first. No matter what - always place your trust in God. I wish there was more of that in the book, however. I didn't like the book very well, and I wouldn't recommend it.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy of this book for me to review. This in no way influenced my review.

Pujols: More Than A Game by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

This book is a biography about baseball player, Albert Pujols. The books consists of an overview of Pujols's life story; baseball stats Pujols's charity activities and Pujols's faith in Jesus. The book is well researched citing many quotes.

The book describes Pujols success as a baseball player and his spiritual life, but it is lacking. I was under the impression that the book discussed Pujols's hardships and how his faith in God pulled him through. Disappointingly, the book simply discusses when Pujols became a Christian and cites quotes by Pujols that describe his deep faith and commitment to Jesus. The book references that Pujols had become upset with reporters because they would cut him off when he tried to talk about his faith in Jesus. This book would have been great opportunity for Pujols to express his belief and commitment to Jesus, but Pujols was not interviewed. The authors simply used quotes by Pujols and bits of interviews with those who know him to describe Pujols's faith.

The book is dry reading. Moreover, it reads like a college term paper. I was very disappointed. I would only recommend the book to die hard Pujols fans. The book would have been so much better if Pujols was interviewed or even particpated in the writing of his biography.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One Month To Live by Kerry & Chris Shook

What if you only had one month left to live? What would you do differently? How would your priorities change? While this isn't really the focus of the book, it is about learning how to change your life to live it to the fullest - within 30 days. The second title more aptly describes the book, "Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life". The inner flap has a very descriptive phrase: Do you suffer from "Someday Syndrome"?

I wouldn't exactly call this a self-help book, but if you apply the principles, you will certainly change your life for the better. The book is all inclusive taking into account every aspect of life - from relationships to personal struggles, this book has much wisdom to offer. It is also backed up with verses from the Bible that relate to similar struggles you may face and how to live life to the fullest. For example, the writings from Paul is used to show how he handled struggles as well as the equation for a fulfilling life. Paul had much Godly wisdom when it comes to relationships and the focus of life.

The book is easy to read and the use of metaphors makes it very easy to understand and apply to your life. I read this book practically in one setting - just couldn't put it down because it has such great insight. I plan on re-reading it and following the 30 day plan to a life with no regrets. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Everyone can find useful insight to improve his or her life!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.

When the Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur

This book was written to help those in deep pain, whether emotional or physical, to overcome their pain. A second title is descriptive as it states, "Healing and Hope for Life's Desperate Moments". Reflecting on those who faced deep pain in the Bible, as well as Bible verses, the author demostrates that it is possible to overcome deep pain. It is also a Bible Study with discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book.

No, it may not be easy to apply the principles taught in this book, but it is well worth the effort. The book discusses some of the great stories of the Bible and the pain people went through. For example, Joseph was despised by his brothers. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and Joseph's life went into a downward spiral by circumstances that were not his fault. In the end, Joseph had suffered a great deal, but realized his brothers meant him harm, but God used it for good. God ultimately placed Joseph in a position to save Israeal from famine. Many other stories are explored and it would be hard for the reader not to feel a tremendous amount of hope.

I liked this book a lot. In fact, I wished it had been published YEARS ago and I had read it through some really tough times in my life. I know it would have strengthened my resolve and faith in God even more. People suffer from all kind of hurts, some very devestating, but I believe this book is worth reading and can start the healing process.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.