Monday, April 18, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado

In this book full of questions, Max Lucado answers in true Lucado fashion. He tells it like it is, uses Scripture to back it up, and still manages to be compassionate. Questions about life and death, angels and demons, heaven and hell. He tackles it all. Sections include Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. All take on the big questions. If you’re struggling to understand something in light of Scripture, if you find it difficult to reconcile today’s world with the God of the Bible, the answers are here.

Not as enjoyable as other Lucado books to read straight through, Max on Life is perhaps better utilized as a reference book, a resource. Having said that, I did read it straight through and found many parts of it insightful. I’ve never read a Lucado book that was not worth reading, and this was no different. 

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I loved this book! Subtitled “A quest to find the one principle that will save humanity,” this book was a quest, an adventure. Dialogue driven, the weaving of timeless truth and historical events was both inspiring and entertaining.

A stand-alone sequel, this book follows David Ponder as he is tasked with leading a conference, the outcome of which will affect the future of the human race. With time running out, David and the other Travelers (you’ll have to read the book to find out who they are) must solve a mystery of mankind.

A masterfully-woven tale, The Final Summit simultaneously draws the reader into the story and teaches the reader principles to live by. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, having not read The Traveler’s Gift, but I was hooked from the first chapter. Fabulous!

I will definitely be recommending this book!

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl


Disturbing in its realism, Heart of Ice reveals the mind of someone so cold and calculating that she could kill without blinking an eye, so manipulative that she could inspire others to kill for her. As a series of seemingly unrelated crimes make headlines, our triple threat members find themselves closer to the truth than they’d like to be. FBI agent Nicole, Federal Prosecutor Allison, and Crime Reporter Cassidy face personal and professional struggles while unknowingly developing a relationship with a killer.

A real page-turner, this third book in the Triple Threat series was a thrilling read and I will continue to follow this series. Be aware that if you’re conservative in your reading (or recommending to teen children), it likely deserves a PG-13 rating.

My review would be remiss if I did not mention the fact that it could have been published as a secular novel. As with the first book, there was no clear Christian message, although Allison is clearly a Christian. I’d like to see her be a little more proactive in sharing her faith. Having said that, there was a surprising moment near the end that I hope is a foreshadowing of some spiritual changes. You’ll have to read it if you want to know what that moment was!

If you enjoy a good psychological thriller, you’ll enjoy Heart of Ice.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.