The Final Summit - Andy Andrews

Book Description

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

Second in a two book series, the "Final Summit" is a book that is easily read on its own.  I have not read "The Traveler's Gift" and I didn't have any trouble understanding the story.  "The Final Summit" is an enjoyable read that has an interesting and engaging concept.  The hero, David Ponder, plays host to a bevy of historical figures as he tries to save mankind from certain doom.  We're talking Biblical proportion doom.  Oh, and he does so at the request of  the Archangel Gabriel.  This book does cover a bit of philosophical ground on its way to the solution.  However, it is no way a heavy read.  I found "The Final Summit" to be a nice respite from my day to day routine and along the way it gave me something to think about.  Not a bad deal in  my opinion.  If you like action packed, seat of you pants reads this may not be the book for you...mostly the book consists of dialogue and it does get a little tedious.  I didn't realize how much I like a bit action thrown into my reads but then again I guess you can learn something new about oneself from time to time;)  Over all I feel that I can recommend this book to most anyone.  It shouldn't take you very long to read even if the book doesn't beg to be finished before midnight (that only happens with the very best of books though).  So if you're feeling like you crave something a little philosophical, and wouldn't mind a bit of the historical thrown in, go on, give this one a go!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Max On Life-Max Lucado

Book Description

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.
In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.
Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?
A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.
Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.
I can only say good things about this book.  It is a concise and pleasurable read.  It is not a book that needs to be read from beginning to end rather it is a book that can be picked up from time to time and picked through.  A bit of perspective here, a little advise there and whole lot of common sense and guidance throughout.  Max Lucado is a well loved author and theologian who has proven himself to be a thoughtful and intelligent voice in the Christian world for years.  With this book he has used a question and answer format to address his readers most pressing, common and, at times, desperate questions regarding their faith and their personal walk with God.  Mr. Lucado guides his readers gently among some of the more difficult circumstances and questions of faith that inevitably creep up as we endeavor to make our way in an increasingly confusing world.  With gentleness, common sense and a strong basis in scripture Max guides the reader and I personally felt as I read this that my faith was strengthened with each turn of the page.

I hope that if you get the chance to read this book that you will not hesitate to add it to your personal library.  It could prove itself to be a useful reference for those times when you comes across a difficult time in life and find yourself in a crisis of faith.  You just might find that with Max Lucado's gentle words you will not find yourself despairing in the wilderness but rather emerging from that dark place with a stronger faith than before.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Kntting Knee Highs-Barb Brown

Book Description

In this book, author Barb Brown takes sock knitting to new heights by teaching you the ins and outs of knitting kneehighs, a popular sock, but one that needs more explanation than most books and magazines give it. Here, in the first book on the topic, you will learn how to size these socks as you knit them, with 20 great patterns to pick from. Each of the 20 knee-high patterns comes with a variation that features that design in a different color and style of sock, perfect for knitters who want to mix up their sock drawer.
**Please note that this book is not explicitly Christian in content. If you are looking for a Christian Living titles featuring a large amount of faith-centered content, this titles may not be the best selection for you.
This is a lovely knitting book.  It includes 20 wonderful sock patterns that are not limited to knee highs.  There are many variations included for anklets and leg warmers.  The book includes clear and easy to follow directions for adjusting length and formulas for sizing.  The numerous photos clearly show the finished product and are of high quality.  Most of the patterns are fully charted, they are also largely done in color work.   This is a book best suited for experienced knitters as it does not cover any how to information beyond adjusting for size.  The designs themselves are very beautiful and should provide a  challenge for most knitters.  If you are an experience knitter and are looking for sock patterns suitable for gifting then this is a must have book. However, if you are a new knitter or are at all intimidated by intricate colorwork, cables and very textured patterning then please look elsewhere.  Having said that, if you are a confident knitter, any one of the patterns in this book would make a cherished gift for any lady on your list.  I highly recommend "Knitting Knee-Highs".

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze® so that I may review the book.

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In your name (In your name) I find meaning

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I'm barely holdin' on to you

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Just to see what you will throw my way

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In the pain (In the pain) there is healing

In your name (In your name) I find meaning

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The Chasm By: Randy Alcorn

The Chasm

By: Randy Alcorn
Multnomah Books / 2011 / Hardcover

From the Publisher:

A Journey He Couldn’t Miss… and a Step He Couldn’t Take

He found himself a traveler in the strangest of lands. Where invisible secrets come starkly into sight. Where the fairest of companions leads the way into unsuspected danger and darkness. Where hidden battles burst into the open. Where so much is grasped…and so much more seems unattainable.
   Driven by a yearning he doesn’t understand, compelled toward a destination he can’t quite see, the traveler navigates the inhospitable landscape with determination and a flicker of something like hope—despite the obstacles that seem to unerringly block his path.
   Best-selling novelist Randy Alcorn weaves a supernatural interplay of wills and motives, lusts and longings, love and sacrifice. It’s a potent mix that leaves every reader wondering: Do I really understand this world I live in? Do I really understand myself? Is there more to all this than I’ve ever dared hope?
INCLUDES 12 ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS

I seriously was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, as I snuggled up and began to read I was struck by a strong sense of deja vu. Had I read this book before and simply forgot? But no, that couldn't be it...this is a new release. Right?

Well sort of. What it really is, is a rewriting of "Edge of Eternity." Some of it hauntingly exact in it's replication. If you haven't read “Edge of Eternity” it is an allegory of a man that experiences death to self through the cross of Christ (as is 'Chasm” for that matter). Whereas, "Edge of Eternity" is a magnificent book, "Chasm" tends to leave the reader feeling a bit winded by its pace and at some level the reader feels like a chunk of the message is missing. Read the “Chasm” if you must but I much prefer “Edge of Eternity”.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Same Life, New Story: Change Your Perspective to Change Your Life By: Jan Silvious

Same Life, New Story: Change Your Perspective to Change Your Life

By: Jan Silvious

Thomas Nelson / 2011 / Paperback

Product Description

Are you stuck in a rut? Silvious helps you move from what is to what can be! Introducing you to Naomi, Leah, Deborah, Elizabeth, and others, her 10-week study will help you embrace a new perspective, be free from the past, and change "I can't" to "I can." Includes study questions and journaling exercises. Paperback.

This book is divided into different studies of Biblical Women. Silvious uses each unique story to illustrate how we, as women, can rewrite our lives and find triumph amidst our struggle. The book is a quick and easy read, that could be easily adapted to a ten week bible study for women involved in a small group. Each chapter ends with sections including "personal reflection", "journal entry" and "group discussion questions" making it a very accommodating tool for women seeking guidance and enlightenment.

The only caveat that I have is that the book can be a tad tedious in its constant repetitious phrases, tired analogies and well, more repetition. I definitely found myself skimming through rather than reading each word. Having said that, the book does have a valuable message that could be quite helpful for any woman that desires to make positive change in her life.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through BookSneeze®.