WHERE HEARTS ARE FREE

‘Where Hearts Are Free’ by Golden Keyes Parsons is the third installment of her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Trilogy. The other two being ‘In The Shadow Of The Sun King’ and ‘A Prisoner of Versailles’.

The story is set in Philadelphia 1681. It revolves around Bridget Barrington and the Clavell family. Bridget is in love with Philippe Clavell, who has worked for her father for six years as an indentured servant. However, because he is "only" a servant, she is forbidden to marry him, and her parents instead insist on a more suitable match - the daunting Edward Moorehead. The book deals with how in spite of all odds and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, love and faith in God finally triumph.

I found ‘Where Hearts Are Free’ to be quite well researched and narrated in a quite a well woven manner. Though in certain parts the plot seemed to move too slowly, I attribute it to the pace of that era rather than the skills of the author.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE

"Outlive Your Life" by Max Lucado quite literally swept me off my feet. For the record, I have heard a lot about Max, an educator, philanthropist, minister, accomplished writer…the list goes on. However this is the first book of his that I read. In his said book through Acts and real-world examples, backed by Scripture and prayer, Max reminded me that it is possible for anyone to be used by God to bring about justice, answer needs, healing, and love. The message is not new - it's about helping others and what we go through to make decisions on when and how we act (and react), but the presentation of it really moved me and made me think.

I feel it is essential for those introspecting on their lives and actions.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM HIS GLORY

‘The Heavens Proclaim His Glory’ compiled by Lisa Stilwell is not just a book, it is a revelation of cosmic proportions. Every photo is accompanied by facts and quotes from the scriptures to portray God’s magnificent creations. The pictures have been taken by the famous Hubble telescope which orbits the Earth and they are breathtaking to say the least. We may have seen some of these snaps earlier but what this book does is that it makes us think about the Creator who can make such visions possible. It is true that science in the form of the Hubble telescope is bringing these photos to us but it can do so only because ‘He’ created such beauty.

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory is a lot more than just a coffee table book. It is a priceless treasure worth collecting. It goes a long way in justifying the saying that a picture speaks a thousand words.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

THE BOY WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

‘The Boy Who Changed The World’ by Andy Andrews and illustrated by Philip Hurst is not about just one boy but four in all who each indirectly had an effect on each others’ lives. All four- Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver (not the GEORGE WASHINGTON) and Moses Carver were famous by their own right but the fact that they each had a role to play in their fates in general has been fantastically brought forward by this book.

Though essentially a children’s book, ‘The Boy Who Changed The World’ has great depth to the message it conveys and can be read by all. The illustrations by Philip Hurst add a new dimension to the appeal of the book. The most important message that it seeks to convey is that every decision that we take whether good or bad has a result and consequence akin to the flapping of the wings of a butterfly. So before taking one it is prudent to think about the future repercussions.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

LET'S DO LUNCH

"Let's Do Lunch", by Roger Troy Wilson is one of the rare books from the stables of Thomas and Nelson that does not have a spiritual twist. I had half expected to read the author talking about how will power and self control helped him beat the flab but no, he writes about very practical and achievable methods.
There is no denying the facts that most of us are not happy with out weight and it is our diet and eating habits that are the biggest culprits. This book sets you up to discover alternate routes to your nourishment and culinary satisfaction with minimum fanfare and deviation from taste. Sometimes the alternative to a juicy steak is a tasteless veggie but Roger Troy Wilson offers us a wide and varied spread. One is free to choose the diet that suits him/her as long as he/ she sticks to the basic fundamentals of calories.
The most important twist in the book is the fact that the author himself is testament to this sermon. If he, being an ordinary man like us can achieve such success through the said methods then the least that we can do is try....... I have been extremely impressed by this book as it means a lot to people fighting obesity. It not only provides them with recipes and shows them the path but also gives them tremendous inspiration. For the rest of us it is a must read since a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Jungle Warfare: A Basic Manual for Christians in Sales

"Jungle Warfare: A Basic Manual for Christians in Sales" by Christopher A. Cunningham is a book targeted towards a certain group (Christian Salesmen). It teaches salesmen to stick to their Christian values and morals while dealing with their clients. The basis of the book, or shall I rather say that the inspiration behind is as novel as can be. The author has used his grandfather's World War 2 jungle warfare manual as a rider. There are 22 chapters in all, each with a scripture verse, and a daily prayer and it is expected that we tackle one chapter a day. The language is simple and at times very captivating. Each chapter begins with a preface taken from the World War 2 jungle warfare manual.

After reading the book I felt that this is one of the most innovative presentations that I have come across in a long time. Though the author targets salesmen, I think this book would be useful for people from all walks of life. After all life itself is a war and we live in a ‘Jungle’, so what better to survive than a basic manual for Jungle Warfare.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

EVERYONE COMMUNICATES, FEW CONNECT

John C. Maxwell’s latest offering – ‘Everyone Communicates Few Connect’- What the Most Effective People Do Differently, is not just another leadership guide, it is more of a handbook for leaders. Of course the term ‘leaders’ is metaphoric as anyone in their day to day lives will benefit fro the principles in this book. What sets it apart in the first place is the hands on approach that the author suggests in winning over audiences. Now-a-days with the presence of numerous modes and channels of communication, John C. Maxwell through his book - ‘Everyone Communicates Few Connect’ elucidates some simple principles of getting our words across and making them count.

I found the book very boldly presented and the design on the cover is very attractive. The print quality, font used and the design and layout of the pages build up for an excellent reading experience. It has been presented in a very reader friendly format with specially highlighted boxes to draw attention to important parts of the page. The narrative skills of Dr. Maxwell are by and large exhibited throughout this treatise and Yes! As far as I am concerned his methods are a success because I am listening.

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.”

LEAD LIKE IKE

By- Geoff Loftus

Prior to reading Geoff Loftus’s “Lead Like Ike” I only knew General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower as the supreme commander of the Allied forces during World War II and later on as the President of the United States of America.

This book illustrates the magnitude of his feat in tackling successfully the objectives and goals set before him during those tumultuous days. His success not only secured victory for the allies but freedom for millions worldwide. His failure would have doomed civilization and humanity indefinitely. General Eisenhower’s handling of such mammoth pressure and astute policy making paved the way for his success against all odds.

Ike’s functioning has been compared to present day corporate situations and parallels have been drawn to illustrate the fact that his principles can very well be applied today’s financial and business problems.

‘Lead Like Ike’ is a mixture of business studies, history and biography. It has been presented in a very reader friendly format with specially highlighted boxes to draw attention to important parts of the page. The language is very lucid and the message quite clear. It is a very interesting book and the lessons taught can be applied to our individual lives. A must read for people from all walks of life.

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.”

MIND YOUR OWN MORTGAGE

By Robert Bernabé

Mortgages are no longer an option but a necessity for our society. To take control of our financial portfolio and to get the maximum out of it we must be familiar with the various aspects associated with a mortgage. Robert J Bernabé through his book- “Mind Your Own Mortgage” guides us through the complex issues of loans and mortgages and shows us ways to tweak and tune them to our advantage. He familiarizes us with complex concepts like debt-to-income ratio, mortgage snowball and a host of other similar terms that are essential for our knowledge when planning for a mortgage. The book is presented in a very interesting manner with charts, boxes, tables and illustrations that make an otherwise monotonous topic quite interesting.

This book has broadened my knowledge about mortgages and has shaped my approach towards my financing plans. It has further armed me with important information and I no longer feel vulnerable before the financing institutions and their technical jargon. I readily recommend this book to every person who has, is and would be going in for a mortgage. In short Robert Bernabé’s Mind Your Own Mortgage should be treated as a handbook on the principles of mortgaging.

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.”