To be honest with you, I looked over this book for weeks, thinking that, in my forties, I wouldn't need to read a book by Billy Graham about the final stages of life. None of us know when God will call us home but I hope I'm in mid life, not Nearing Home.
However, as Dr. Graham points out, we're all getting closer to home whether that going home day be tomorrow or years away. Each day brings us closer. Nearing Home helps the reader prepare for getting older, knowing what God's purpose is for our golden years, and how we can grow stronger and face those years with joy and hope rather than dreading them. Whether you be at the point of retirement, want to learn how to handle your finances, creating a living will, grieving the death of a loved one, trying to figure out what REALLY matters, or simply want to leave a legacy to your children or grandchildren, Dr. Graham's words of wisdom are pertinent to all. Of course, as Dr. Graham writes in the very first chapter, in order to look toward those years with anticipation, each of us must be certain that we have placed our hope in Christ in order for heaven to be our eternal home.
As always, Dr. Graham shares with the reader a wisdom that is far beyond what most of us will ever have. To still have the opportunity to learn from his relationship with God and his life is such a treasure. He may be nearing ninety-three but he still has the same wit and humor he has always had. Whether you be 25 or 75, you won't regret the time you spend learning from such an annointed man of God. As you read, you'll almost feel like you're sitting in your living room having a conversation with Dr. Graham. He makes no attempt to talk above you. He is honest and forthright about the challenges of growing older but I would expect nothing less from him.
I did receive this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball
Cora Crowder has her Christmas shopping planned out. One or two gifts at a time between Labor Day and Christmas and it will all be done. When the time comes to select a gift for her uncle, she seeks out an eclectic bookstore where she receives a ticket to a Christmas Ball with her purchase.
Simon Derrick, Cora's boss, is searching for a gift for his sister and discovers the same bookstore and also receives a ticket to the Christmas Ball. Were the owners of the bookstore trying to match Cora and Simon together? No other tickets can be purchase so when Cora decides to give her ticket to Simon's special needs sister, the plan doesn't come together as intended. However, they do keep finding themselves "thrown" together through the twists and turns of the story.
I always enjoy any story set around Christmas. This book was no exception. However, it wasn't what I expected.
First, the ball is the Wizard's Ball. Not exactly what I would expect from a Christian book. Throughout the book, there almost seemed to be an element of magic as the street the bookstore was on seems to "disappear" which again, isn't what I expected. The fact that the two main characters and Simon's family were Christian was evident but, I hate to say, almost seemed like an afterthought for the author, especially during the first half of the book. Almost forced and unnatural in places.
However, as I said above, I did enjoy the lighthearted quick read. Simon's tender heart toward his sister was refreshing and genuine. That Cora finally saw a side of her boss that she never would have seen outside of the office was quite enjoyable and made me think about people I work with everyday that I may not truly know. And the fact that Cora felt quite insecure developing a relationship, even as a friendship, with the boss made her easy to relate to.
I would have no problem giving this book to someone else to read if they are looking for a fun little love story with a Christmas setting. Can one book be realistic fiction and fantasy? That is the way I might classify this story. I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Simon Derrick, Cora's boss, is searching for a gift for his sister and discovers the same bookstore and also receives a ticket to the Christmas Ball. Were the owners of the bookstore trying to match Cora and Simon together? No other tickets can be purchase so when Cora decides to give her ticket to Simon's special needs sister, the plan doesn't come together as intended. However, they do keep finding themselves "thrown" together through the twists and turns of the story.
I always enjoy any story set around Christmas. This book was no exception. However, it wasn't what I expected.
First, the ball is the Wizard's Ball. Not exactly what I would expect from a Christian book. Throughout the book, there almost seemed to be an element of magic as the street the bookstore was on seems to "disappear" which again, isn't what I expected. The fact that the two main characters and Simon's family were Christian was evident but, I hate to say, almost seemed like an afterthought for the author, especially during the first half of the book. Almost forced and unnatural in places.
However, as I said above, I did enjoy the lighthearted quick read. Simon's tender heart toward his sister was refreshing and genuine. That Cora finally saw a side of her boss that she never would have seen outside of the office was quite enjoyable and made me think about people I work with everyday that I may not truly know. And the fact that Cora felt quite insecure developing a relationship, even as a friendship, with the boss made her easy to relate to.
I would have no problem giving this book to someone else to read if they are looking for a fun little love story with a Christmas setting. Can one book be realistic fiction and fantasy? That is the way I might classify this story. I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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