Unburdened by Chris Tiegreen

God clearly tells us to give Him our burdens but do we?

Chris delves into the heart of burdens that we are plagued with. It’s easy to say, “Trust God.” How do you do this when something dramatic happens such as illness or job loss? We forget that in Biblical times, it was no different. What about Job? It’s easy to think that Job is a character in a story. It’s real. His family really did die. It’s not pretend. I’m confident that I will accept my life over Job’s any day.

Chris brings up some interesting stuff. One thing that peaked my interest is hearing God’s voice. He talks about how ‘we think we need a certain amount in savings’ for our old age. I believe we should do our part. Guess what? God might have other plans. We do not see the same way He does. There’s God’s voice and then there is ‘our voice.’

These are hard times especially now with the economy. Jesus reminds us that we will have trouble but He has overcome the world. Amen!

If you are feeling burdened by life, pick up this book. There is a ton more stuff that Chris talks about in his book. You will clearly see that what may be a ‘burden’ in our life may turn into a ‘blessing.’

**Disclaimer: I have been given a free copy of this book from Tyndale for review purposes**

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller

Donald Miller has a unique style of telling stories of faith that is thought provoking but not simple by any means.

Reading his stories is like a peek inside his mind. He tells of the 9-1-1 events and how losing three thousand people in the United States is small in comparison to the thousands that are killed each day in the Middle East. He tells how the Arabs were treated in the United States after that event.

I remember watching the horrible news that fateful day. It was surreal. All different emotions were evident throughout the day. Some were in shock and numb. Others felt community with others and talked about it. Still others cried. Some businesses went on as if nothing happened. Others closed.

I love to know what’s going on in the mind of others. Donald Miller holds nothing back. He tells you like it is. His book reminds me of a diary. It’s an inside view of how he thinks and perceives the world. It does seem to jump around a bit. I start get interested in what else he’s going to say about a particular subject and he’s moved on.

We relate to stories. Jesus told stories. Donald tells the story through his eyes. It’s up to us how we perceive it.

If you love Donald Miller’s previous books, this one will be no exception.

**Disclosure: I have received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for free for review purposes**

Life in Defiance by Mary DeMuth

Who killed Daisy?

I have followed Mary since the beginning. I started with Watching the Tree Limbs and have been hooked ever since.

I’m not sure if this has changed, but I heard that no one has guessed who the killer is. I thought I figured it out. Lo and behold, I was wrong. She kept me guessing. To make sure I was the one who cracked the code, I picked more than one person. Nope. No can do. The best books are the ones that keep you guessing. This book does that. If you do guess it, you are the exception.

Secrets. We all have them. Some we share. Some we keep to ourselves. This book will touch your very core.

Ouisie knows who killed Daisy, her son’s best friend and she’s not telling. Married to a Pastor, she struggles to be the best wife, friend, and mom she can be. But, she fails. No matter what she does, it’s not good enough. Will it ever be?

Not only does Ouisie have dark secrets, she has another secret. She has dreams. It’s a reminder that we all have dreams. A God-given dream.

This is the last book in the Defiance series and there’s a satisfying ending.

Do you have a secret? Mary has a blog that you can share your secrets. Not only do you get to release it, other readers may respond. Hop on over to http://blog.myfamilysecrets.org/ and read a few of the stories. You will find that you are not alone. I think that’s the biggest myth. You are alone. Bring light to the darkness.

To check out this book and other books Mary has written, check out:

marydemuth.com or

amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310278384


Disclosure: I have been given this book for free from the publisher for review purposes.

So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones

There are some authors that you grow to love. You anticipate their new releases. Jenny B. Jones is one of those. They say that there’s a little bit of the author in each book that they write. I think that’s why her books are easy to love. Jenny’s easy to love. No, I do not know her personally. But, I stalk her on facebook. She is an absolute funny person. If you are feeling down, go read her facebook. You will smile.

Bella has been thrown a loop. Her father is getting remarried and Bella’s investigative instincts are awaken. Although Bella cannot pinpoint exactly what’s going on. She stops at nothing to find out.

Back on the home front, a killer is on the loose. Bella is determined to figure out who the killer is before he/she strikes again. The countdown is on and Bella seems to be the one who fits the pieces together. Can she stop the killer?

If that’s not enough, her on and off again boyfriend, Luke is giving her grief. Is Luke the one for her?

One of the best parts of the book (besides the awesome storyline) is the All-Access Bonus Content in the back of the book. Throughout the story, there is an * and that’s a clue to go look at the story behind that story snippet. I hope to see more of these in future books.

This is the third in the Charmed Life Series. This novel can stand on its own. However, I recommend you checking out the first two in this series.

I dare you to read one of her novels. Start saving your money now cause you will want to go and buy the other ones. Not sure? Stalk her on facebook.

Thicker than Blood by C.J. Darlington

I love to read new authors. There are some real gems. C.J. Darlington is one of them. She has penned a wonderful novel about forgiveness.

The character development, plot, dialogue, and setting were on target. The characters were real. You felt the scenes.

Two sisters. Two separate lives separated by years due to a tragic event. How could a stolen Hemingway First Edition Book bring them together once again? Can the past be forgiven?

Christy Williams works for Dawson’s Book Barn. She loves her job and is given the opportunity to step up in that role by taking a lead in an auction.

On the other end of the spectrum, May Williams is part ownership in Triple Cross Ranch. The bank has issued a demand letter to pay up or lose the ranch. She hasn’t seen her sister, Christy in years and longs to be reconnected, as sisters should be.

Christy Williams will do anything not to see her sister again. Circumstances make that impossible and May is her only hope. She lands on May’s doorstep.

It’s evident that May Williams is a Christian. Christy doesn’t want to hear about it. What has God done for her? She’s only experienced trouble her entire life. It’s getting worse not better.

The novel has a satisfying ending and you will want to hand the book to someone else to read.

I look forward in reading C.J. Darlington’s future works.

Inspirational Zingers Jumble by Christopher Hudson

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of Inspirational Zingers Jumble.

Do you love words?

This book reminded me of puzzles that I did when I was younger. It would be great to have with you if you were waiting for an appointment or had a few minutes to spare. I think I will keep this in my car for lunch breaks or surprise appointments.

There are six types of jumbles provided in this book. It’s not only a jumble but there’s a reward at the end. You complete a quote, sentence, or identify a mystery person.

Each jumble has a main theme. Word search jumble number 9 is about perseverance. There are six words to unscramble. There is one or two letters circled in each word. Those you need to unscramble to fill in the zinger. Then you find the word in the word search.

As for me, I’m going to keep it handy in my car. There have been many times that I’ve thought I should have had something in the car to read (besides facebook).

I recommend this for upper elementary students who love words and learn a lesson at the same time.

The Word of Promise Next Generation - How Should a Christian Live?

A great devotional for youth, the Word of Promise Next Generation is easy and fun to read. As an adult, I enjoyed it immensely. It teaches without preaches.

This is part of a devotional guide series. It is focused on How Should a Christian Live? It includes a MP3 CD to help youth cement the concept in their hearts.

As stated in the description, Thomas Nelson used the eye-catching approach to help understand the stories and concepts in the bible. It’s described as GET-IT, GRAB-IT, HOLD-IT, GIVE-IT, DEFINE IT, and LIVE IT. How does that look? In session four, it’s about the concept of faith. Thomas doubted Jesus had come back to life. He had to see it. Faith is belief that Jesus exists even though we cannot see Him (GET-IT). A fun word search (look for faith) cleverly titled Finding Faith. The GRAB-IT is comparing the wind with knowing Jesus. We can feel the wind but cannot see it. The scripture for this lesson is Hebrews 11:1. The DEFINE-IT portion is the heart and how it relates to the human spirit. This is only a portion of what the lesson offers.

I loved this book even though it’s designed for youth. It includes many puzzles like word searches, scramble, fill in the blank, code deciphering, etc. For some, reading the Bible may be daunting but it makes it much easier when there’s a devotional to go with it. You can read the scripture in context and the devotional to bring it to life.

The best part of the book is how it applies to our lives today and a journaling section. Journaling is a great way to document spiritual growth. I highly recommend this book for today’s youth!

**Thomas Nelson Publishers has provided me a free copy of this book**