Book review: Heaven Revealed

About the Book:

There are so many questions in life... but few are as universal as: "What is the afterlife like?" For those who have put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ here on earth--Heaven awaits. Addressing questions as basic as What will we do there? and What is it like?, theologian Dr. Paul Enns dives deep into the Scriptures while reflecting on the very personal nature of what is to come. Heaven Revealed is concurrently a helpful, easy-to-read guidebook for Christians as well as an encouragement for those of us who are left here on earth after our loved ones who are Christians pass away. Follow along as Dr. Enns succinctly leads you through what the Bible has to say about Heaven.
In grief, we all need hope--hope for our loved ones who are now gone, and hope for ourselves as eternity looms closer. Heaven should be something to look forward to, not something to be confused about

My reflections:

Heaven is a subject that causes an assortment of questions, concerns and debate. I have been intrigued with the thought of Heaven as of late and these being the case have reviewed two vastly different books on the subject.

After suddenly losing his wife of 45 years, Enns began a quest to answer the longings of his heart. His search lead him to write this book.

Enns;s background seems sound: (minister through Biblical Training & Leadership Development, Idlewood Baptist Church, Tampa, Florida, and serves as professor and director of the Tampa Extension, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)

Some of the topics of discussion are where is heaven?  What kind of body will we have?  What will the new heaven and earth look like?  What will life be like in heaven?  What will we do in heaven?  What will our relationships with others be like?

While I didn’t agree with all of Enns’s ideas, I did appreciate his attempt at shedding some light on some very interesting theologies. 

Though at times it seemed like he was overstretching the biblical verses he was applying, making ‘claims into certainties’ based on one or two passages from Scripture.

 Over all though I did enjoy the fact that Enns tried to back up what he was asserting with biblical content, this was far better than the previous book that I reviewed.

So in closing I would recommend this book generally, with caution. It is a great resource to help you understand that life doesn’t end when our life here ends. It will instill a peace about life after death and the assurance that we will one day be reunited with our saved love ones. 

I received this book from Moody Publishers in the exchange for my honest review.

 Thank you Moody!

About the Author:

 

Paul P. Enns

Pastor

Paul P. Enns is an evangelical Christian pastor, biblical scholar and writer who serves as a full-time minister at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, and as adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Book review: Swept Away Mary Connealy

From the back of the book:

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

My reflections:

Oh, the anticipation! Just as soon as I requested this book I was looking forward to reading it.

The title says it all; I was literally swept away by this book, once I started reading it I could not put it down even if I wanted to. The plot was intriguing and there wasn’t even a dull spot in the entire novel. The story builds onto itself and keeps on going until the very end.

Swept Away (Trouble in Texas) is the first book in Connealy’s new series, although it is a new story line, it contains threads of other of Connealy’s books – the main hero is the brother to the heroine in book #3 of the Kincaid Brides. Very clever indeed!

In this book the Trouble in Texas series we are introduced to 4 men that are forged together, from their experiences at war. These men are bound to each other through honor and duty, and let me tell you, they have their “brothers” back. Though this series touches on aspects from other book it is a great stand-alone book as well. Connealy did a wonderful job of tying in the storyline without having to read the other series. I would however urge you to read her other books, because she is one talented writer!

Ruthy aka: Rosy is a plucky, fun, and feisty, lead character who snatches your heart, right away and spurs you on. I loved this character and her can do attitude. She makes you feel like you too can do just about anything just by reading about her adventures and knowing her life history. This book is a Christian Historical Fiction, although it is not heavy on religious content, it does mention faith in broad terms, and the characters do hold true to their faith in God. I have to say this was a refreshing change for me, it was subtle and sweet, and you got the point. I know some readers may have an issue with this fact. That being said this book is my favorite this year, and that is saying a lot, since I read like a mad woman!

So seriously what are you waiting for go get this book….I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Book review The Icecutters Daughter

 The Icecutter’s Daughter (The Land of the Shining Waters)

Author: Tracie Peterson

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

From the back of the Book: 

Merrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she's bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses--despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small town to join his uncle doing carpentry, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. As he thrives under the mentorship of his uncle, Rurik dreams of inheriting the business and claiming Merrill as his wife. But while he is determined to start a new life, the past is determined to follow him when his former fiancée and her brother show up in town. Soon Rurik is put in the center of a major scandal that may damage his relationship with Merrill. Can they learn to trust God--and each other--and embrace the promise of love?

My reflections:

First off I have to tell you I am a big Tracy Peterson fan. So when I had the opportunity to review another of her books, I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail man.

This book is set in 1895, in the chill of a cold Minnesota winter.

 Merril is a feisty self-determined gal who has responsibilities that zap her femininity, and leave her yearning for relief. Being that her mother has passed away and has left her the only female in a family of men it is up to her to hold the Krause clan together.

Rurik is running from an obligation he can’t bring himself to commit to. When a letter from his Uncle comes in the mail, asking for his assistance, Rurik jumps at the chance to get out of town and away from the restraints. He can’t wait to leave and aide his Uncle, and perhaps even pursue a career he loves.

While helping his uncle he lends a hand to a neighbor. He finds his senses are not only numbed by the frigid cold but also by the unexpected sight of Merril. There is an instant attraction, but complications soon arise. Will love be able to bloom or will the chill of the past forever hamper any sort of relationship?

I very much enjoyed the cultural aspect of this story. The traditions of the Swedish as well as German people brought the story to life for me. This era was ripe for change and the struggles the people had to endure were many and hard won. Generations of trades’ people had to adapt and make way for change and often times a complete transformation in occupation. I was smitten with the peppering of language and food throughout this book. It was so much more than a mere story for me it was the way of the times and people of this era that I fell in love with.

As always with Peterson’s novels the characters are real, vibrant and their struggles heart stirring. There is always an undercurrent of truth, love and family values that I especially appreciate! I can’t wait to read her sequel in this series, it is already planned to be released in the summer of 2013, and is titled The Quarryman’s Bride.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is searching for a heartwarming historical novel.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer.
Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..

Gluten free Coconut Pizza Crust for Pizza Night

 Awana is tomorrow and the great Pizza night is fast approaching!

Two of my children are Gluten free, and LOVE pizza. What to do?

I have experimented with a variety of soggy gluten free pizza delicacies...ever try cauliflower pizza crust?..don't.

although my kidletts did love the German Pizza, more like a upside down shepherds pie if you ask me...I will post that another day though.

So I figured I would not be a good mom if I didn't at least TRY to create a tasty alternative.

I went fishing around in the pantry and what did I see? Coconut flour, and not much else to use as a substitute. Coconut flour it is! Here is the recipe I will use to create this gluten free delight!

Hope they enjoy it! Give it a try?

Coconut Flour Pizza Crust {perfect for pizza night}

Serving Size: 1-2 people

Ingredients

    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I use the full fat type)

    1 egg

    1 tablespoon cream of buckwheat (or flax meal)

    1 tablespoon coconut flour

    1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

    Preheat oven to 425.

    Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

    Line a cookie tray with parchment paper and spread the cheese mixture on the paper as thinly as possible, using the back of a spoon or fork.

    Reduce heat to 400 and bake on the top rack for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is starting to look golden in places. Remove from the oven and add desired toppings.

    Bake for a few minutes, just to melt cheese on top.

Book Review: Wings of Glass, By Gina Holmes

By: Gina Holmes

Tyndale House

2013

Paperback

ISBN: 1414366418

From the Back:

On the cusp of adulthood, eighteen-year-old Penny Carson is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign town, Penny's happily-ever-after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn't the last, yet the bruises that can't be seen are the most painful of all.

When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to find her own.

My Reflections:

The novel Wings of Glass is Gina Holmes third book. Holmes has previously published Crossing Oceans and Dry as Rain. I have not had the pleasure of reading these other two stories, but when Wings of Glass became available I jumped at the chance to review it.

This tale is an emotionally gripping narrative about dashed dreams, spousal abuse and good friends. The story is told in first person. Penny is retelling telling her story, not to the reader, but to her young son. It took a while for me to get accustom to this style of writing, but once I grew familiar with the flow It was fine, Gina’s writing is definitely unique and very memoir-like

Gina has masterfully written a very realistic, true to life story. The characters are believable, and heart breakingly accurate. It is strongly written, eye opening and raw.

 I must admit I felt like putting this book down and walking away at points in the novel. It was just too hard to see this beautiful, character get beaten down time and time again, emotionally and physically. It broke my heart to watch her turn her back on the very people who tried to help her. But like a train wreck you persevere on and find that Penny’s friends have her back, and will not let her continue on a life of destruction and fear.

This book is not a light read, I feel it would be a good choice for book clubs, there are some great discussion questions at the back, and this type of abuse often gets swept under the carpet even in churches. The more women are educated and supported the better it is for people suffering mental, physical and sexual abuse.

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Tyndale House!

About the Author: 
 
 

Gina Holmes

Bestselling author Gina Holmes is the founder of the influential literary site Novel Rocket, regularly named one of Writers Digest's best sites for writers. Her debut novel, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Christian Book Award finalist and winner of the Carol, INSPY, and RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest awards, as well as a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and Publishers Weekly Religion bestseller. She is also the author of Dry As Rain, a Christy Award finalist, and Wings of Glass. Gina holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. To learn more about her, visit www.ginaholmes.com.