Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

I was pleasantly surprised to see a writing book up for review. I snagged my copy knowing that it would be part of my home library.

This is not a book to be read in one sitting. One must digest each chapter and enjoy each bite. If you are a highlighter fan, get them ready to use.

If you have read every book under the sun and still have rejections decorating your wall, this is a book to consider. If you are a seasoned writer, this is a book to read. You will catch something that will make your writing a little bit better. One has to wonder how authors have made it without this book. It’s because the authors have written to the 6 core competencies with instinct. They may be seat of the pants writers but they still have them buried deep within. They understand. They get it.

What is the concept of your story? Character? Do you have a hero? You should. Concept and Theme are easily confused. He explains the difference. Story structure. If you do not have that, good luck getting published. A story is set of scenes. Write one scene after another. Larry Brooks explains the your writing voice is like a coat of paint. I love that. It’s not all the uncommon to want to be the next Karen Kingsbury. But, there is only one Karen. And there is only one you.

I recommend this book for both unpublished and published writers alike.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson 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 Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

This book is utter amazement. Ann experiences pain but through the hardships, she finds joy. The world stopped as I read her poetic descriptions of pain, joy, and grace. Much grace.

It’s easy to see everyday tasks as mundane, boring, or downright depressing. Ann takes the everyday tasks and finds joy. She has a challenge to write down a thousand blessings. She runs with it.

To find the blessing, one must stop and notice. Notice the bubbles that gather around and through the fingers. Notice the tingling sensation. Notice. Life feels like a big to do list. Overwhelming. As I read Ann’s book, I began to see some of the blessings in my own life. Slept in on a lazy Saturday, hearing my son’s laughter, kissed by the sun, my husband’s smile, and chatted with my best friend. The blessings were right in front of me. I had to open my eyes and see them. It’s easy to focus on the negative. I have to remind myself on a constant basis to see the blessings. It’s one day at a time.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Zondervan 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.”

Soul Print by Mark Batterson

Pastor Mark is amazing! He opened my eyes to the true meaning of being created by God. He delves deep into the story of David. He interweaved the story with current times and how it applies to our lives today.

He challenges us to go through a process of self-discovery. The discovery will dig up joyful experiences and painful experiences. It’s through the pain that God can show us His greatest glory.

It’s easy to think we are but a small pebble in God’s eyes. But that’s not true. We are unable to understand the love that God has for us. It’s the same for parents. Whether we have one child or seven children. Each child is unique. As parents, we cannot imagine life without our child or children.

Mark brings up lifesymbols. Lifesymbols can be anything but they are items that remind us of a specific time or event. It can be photos, letters, or even a special rock. I have many things but very few lifesymbols. Or, I should clarify; my stuff is overwhelmed by lifesymbols. In a previous job, we had some sort of contest and it had to do with coming up with the best idea. I won the contest! I received a black shiny rock and it had best idea on it. I love that rock. It represents a time that I came up with an idea that would change our company for the better. That rock is more important to me than a book that I may have purchased and I love books. Mark has reminded me to look for those lifesymbols and to surround myself with those rather than stuff.

There is so much more to this book. I highly recommend others to pick it up and take your time. Read, digest, and discover your Soul Print.

Disclaimer: I have received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to make a positive review.

The Prophetess One: At Risk by Linda Rohrbough

Jack and Anna McClintock should be on top of the world. Jack’s almost finished with his Engineering Degree. His wife, Anna is pregnant with their first child.

Jack and Anna attend a church Couple’s Shower. Through some social interactions, Anna ends up in the room with Kristy, a preschool child. Anna is uncomfortable. Something isn’t right. Her and Jack leave the shower but Anna cannot let go of Kristy’s appearance. She believes she is going to die. Jack wants her to leave it alone. The parents will take care of her. Anna ignores Jack pleas.

A knock on the door changes the couple’s lives. Anna is arrested for the murder of young Kristy. Kristy’s family attends the same church and chaos erupts. The church family believes Anna killed her. They really do not know Anna very well. All but one person is willing to help.

This is a spiritual warfare novel. Anna has ‘visions’ and she cannot ignore them. She meets Theo, a hospital employee, who seems to have the same gift. Theo, like Anna, cannot leave it alone. Jack doesn’t trust Theo and wants her to back off. Anna is torn between Jack and Theo but ultimately does what her soul tells her to do.

I do not have the gift of prophesy so this was new territory for me. I think we all get ‘feelings’ like something is not right and usually we are right. Visions are different. It is a biblical concept but one that I’m not real familiar with. I think it would be a bittersweet gift. You have to fully rely on God. Otherwise, you may be lead astray.

If you enjoy murder mystery and spiritual warfare novels, I think you will enjoy this book.

His Other Wife by Deborah Bedford

This is the first book that I’ve read by Deborah Bedford. I am thrilled that I was given the opportunity to read this book. After reading this book, I’ve scanned through other books (in the back of this book) and I have my eye on another one that I plan to read.

Hiliary’s life is turned upside down when her husband leaves her for another woman. Her son, Seth, is set to go to college soon and she will soon be experiencing the empty nest syndrome. Maybe she depended on him too much after the divorce? Seth will protect his Mom no matter what.

Hiliary prides herself that her son can bring home his friends and they confide in her. Seth is senior and will be graduating this year. All is in place for the annual senior campout party. There may be some harmless drinking. It’s not a party sponsored by the school.

Eric, Hiliary’s ex-husband and his new wife, Pam, get wind of this party and thinks that Hiliary is making a huge mistake by allowing Seth to go. But, Hiliary trusts Seth and she’s not worried.

The campout doesn’t go as planned. An accident happens at the campground and now the two families must come together as one.

How can Hiliary possible befriend another woman who stole her husband and her life?

In life, there are many circumstances. We wish that we can change them but in some cases, it’s not going to happen. In Hiliary’s case, Eric was not going to return to her. It was a fact. Hiliary had to learn to change herself since her circumstances did not. It’s only through God’s power that one can truly change and the change will stick like superglue.

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author/publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.

Driven by Shellie Neumeier

Robyn is under attack like never before. She prays on school grounds with others in her youth group. An obnoxious reporter, who is determined to stop the prayers, challenges her. How dare she pray for others when they didn’t ask for it? Her Principal requests that she stops the prayer group, she refuses.

Enter Caleb and Taylor who fights for Robyn’s affection. There is a spiritual battle at play and the demon is not about to give up.

This book kind of reminded me of a play that I watched called, “Interview with the Devil.” The demon is at work and he looks for a way to mess us up. Satan whispers lies into our ears. It’s subtle enough that we believe that it’s our own thoughts not ours. It’s scary. It’s not a joke.

This story plays upon the fact that Satan is alive and well. He will do anything to trip us up. He might hurt loved ones to trick us into thinking that God doesn’t care. I admit I can easily be tripped but if we store God’s word into our heart, the damage can be minimized. I do believe that the stronger our faith and if we continue to shoo the Devil away, he will be tired of us and move on. Unfortunately, he may move onto people that we truly care about.

This is a great story and reminder that we are not alone in this world. There is an unseen battle at play.

I recommend this story to teens and youth pastors. Great book!

Note: I received a PDF copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.

I'd Choose You by Dr. John Trent

Norbert, a sweet elephant wants to fit in but he’s having the worst school day ever! No one wants to sit by him except for Heidi the Hippo. Then the others think Heidi’s his girlfriend. What’s worse than that? He wasn’t picked for a team.

Norbert confides to his mother all of these bad events. Norbert is confident that even his mom would choose the others, because they are better and more skilled than he could ever be. But, he’s wrong.

The author reminds us that we can bless our children through touch and the words we express to our children. The concept is based on the Old Testament blessing.

God has blessed parents with children. It’s only natural that we continue the tradition by blessing our own children.

The story is a great reminder how we often compare ourselves to others. The grass looks greener on the other side. If we hop on over, we’d be stung by bees, the grass would itch, and dirt would become evident.

God didn’t make a mistake. By thinking that He did, it’s actually an insult to Him. He created us and we should thank Him and seek Him in everything that we do. It’s through Him that He will make our paths straight.

I receive a temporary free electronic copy of this book through http://www.netgalley.com I was not required to give a positive review.