Nearing Home

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.

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.

The Christmas Note

It is a few weeks before Christmas when Gretchen moves into a new condo with her children Emma and Ethan in order to be closer to her mother.  Gretchen is content to unpack boxes and get settled into her new home and life.  However, an unexpected visitor shows up, forcing her to extend a helping hand to her new not-to-be-bothered neighbor, Melissa.
When Melissa's mother dies, Melissa sheds no tears.  The life she has had up to this point has been rocky at best and she blames her mother.  When Melissa and Gretchen go to the apartment to clean out all Melissa's mother's things, there is nothing there worth having, except for a couple of photos and the beginning of a note, only two short scribbled lines, to Melissa from her mother.  The note leads Melissa to find who she really is and  family she didn't know she had.
I love Christmas so stories about the season always warm my heart.  I loved both Gretchen and Melissa.  They both have imperfect lives and are dealing with difficulties life has thrown their way.  Both need to find peace within their circumstances.  Through these circumstances their lives become more and more intertwined.
While much of the story is easy to predict, the author, Donna VanLiere, places a good deal of twists and surprises that make you want to keep reading.  This story of Christmas miracles warmed my heart and is one I would recommend to just about anyone through the holidays.  If I understand correctly, this is the 9th in the series of Christmas stories by Ms. VanLiere but stands alone so do not be concerned if you have not read the other eight.  I hope to be able to find the others at my library.
I received this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Shadows on the Sand

Carrie Carter was a runaway teen, finding a “home” in Seaside, NJ with her sister Lindsey.  Running away from an abusive alcoholic mother and her many boyfriends, Carrie went to work for Mary P in a café in the coastal small town.  When Mary retired, Carrie realized her dream of running the café and life beginning to look up.  When one of her employees, Jase, goes missing and is discovered dead in the nearby bay, it appears the past is catching up with several of her closest friends.  Carrie also longs to be loved and has her eye on an ex-cop, Greg, but she is uncertain if he can let go of his past and be able to love again.  He barely seems to even notice her even though she serves him breakfast every day.

I loved the small coastal town that Gayle Roper set the story in.   Carrie and Greg were both very believable characters who I could sympathize with and understand.  Carrie was insecure and Greg had seen his wife and children needlessly killed several years prior and was still overcoming his own grief.  However, I do feel the author went too far with the overuse of social networking and the role it played in the town news and solving the mystery and the cult involvement of the café employees was not all that believable for me.  However, I did love the fact that Mrs. Roper dealt with some real world topics such as alcoholism, adultery, drug use, and forgiveness.  There were some unexpected surprises and twists, including who the real killer was, throughout the story that also added to my enjoyment.  If you are looking for a mystery title with a sweet love story thrown in for good measure, check out Gayle Roper’s latest book, Shadows on the Sand.

Sunrise on the Battery

Mary Ann Scoville, a small town girl who was raised by a single parent and bullied as a child, has more than she ever thought possible--a lovely home, three beautiful girls, and is climbing up the social ladder.  She and her husband, Jackson, have a mission to raise their children to have everything they didn't have growing up in small town South Carolina.  But Mary Ann's life still feels empty until she is invited by a friend to a local Bible study and experiences her own personal miracle.  Mary Ann then prays that her husband will find God but, when he does, he seems to take that to extremes just as he has so many things in life which causes a chasm to begin to develop in their marriage.  To her friends and outsiders, everything looks picture perfect, but is it?  Being part of the upper crust in Charleston brings on a whole new set of concerns and her daughters are exposed to a lifestyle that may not really be what she and Jackson had hoped for. 

I was originally drawn to this book because  I love Charleston, SC and the area surrounding and I had never read anything by Beth Webb Hart.  Although the book is a fairly easy to read text, there are parts that I stumbled through.  Ms. Hart can write a sentence longer than anyone I know!  There are entire paragraphs that are only one sentence.  Once I overcame that obstacle, I did enjoy the book. The author does paint a realistic picture of Charleston and it made me feel like I was walking the beloved streets.  Each of the characters are believable, even if a bit radical and extreme.  However, to be honest, it wasn't a story that made me not want to put it down.  I wanted Mary Ann to be a bit stronger of a person and for Jackson to not be so dominant and over the top.  It will make a nice addition to our church library and I will recommend it to anyone who loves Charleston as much as I.

100 Read & Sing Devotions

If you are looking for a devotional book to use with your small children, this could be what you've been looking for.  100 Read & Sing Devotions, created by Stephen Elkins, is filled with colorful child friendly illustrations and daily devotions which include a short scripture verse that you and your child can memorize, a prayer, and a brief devotional narrative.  Each devotion is accompanied by a classic children's song which is included on the two CDs which come with the book and reinforces the Biblical truth of the day's devotional.  The songs, performed by children,  are easy to learn and will hide God's word in your child's heart.  Your child will learn about creation, worship trusting God, Jesus' life and ministry, and more. 

Nothing is more special than sharing your faith with your child.  However, reading stories straight from your own Bible for them might be a bit frustrating for young ones to understand.  The languuage used in this devotional is simple to understand yet does not compromise God's word. No devotion exceeds  two pages in length, including the illustration, prayer, and scripture, so your little one doesn't lose interest.  Use this book as a springboard for further discussion as you tell your child stories about how God has been real to you.  "100 Devotions is an important way to establish a lifetime relationship with God."  I would recommend this book for ages 3 - 8.  It would also make a wonderful gift.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest opinion of the product.

Mercy Come Morning

Krista Mueller left her home in New Mexico years ago leaving behind a past love, Dane, and a mother who seemed to care little about her.  She has a successful life as a college history professor in Colorado which she loves.  However, when Krista's mother, who has suffered from Alzheimer's for over ten years nears the end of her life, she is called home for her final days.  Here, Krista begins to discover who her mother really was through notes written in a book of Christmas carols used as a journal and letters hidden in storage.  Krista also discovers that her feelings for Dane may not be as deeply buried as she once believed.  Having felt neglected and unacceptable all these years, can Krista open her heart to her mother as well as accept the friendship Dane offers?

Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a story of healing and second chances.  The present day story is interspersed with flashbacks of days in Krista's childhood, some with her loving grandparents and some with memories of her mother.  Although a quick read, I do feel that anyone who is dealing with or has dealt with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia would enjoy this book.  I could almost picture my own grandmother who suffered from the disease in Charlotte.  The characters are well developed for the length and believable.  The picture Ms. Bergman paints of Taos, New Mexico almost makes you feel as if you are visiting there yourself.

This book was received from Waterbrook Multnomah as a preview copy in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.