Wednesday, May 4, 2011

No He Can't

As a conservative, I was really looking forward to reading Kevin McCullough's "No He Can't: How Barack Obama is Dismantling Hope and Change", if for no other reason than to reaffirm my own beliefs about the current presidency. I was surprised at how much I learned from this single book. Kevin McCullough did a great job of simplifying politics so that every person who picks up this book will be able to follow it, regardless of their political literacy.

"No He Can't" goes into detailed accounts of the bailouts, and the economic implications thereof. McCullough delves into the nuts and bolts of President Obama's administration, and has the audacity to speak the truth, and report the facts. In a day in age where politics is all smoke screens and mirrors, it was refreshing to walk away from this book, feeling like I had gained something.

Kevin McCullough brings to light President Obama's double speak, and offers up the truth behind all of the little white lies of political speak. "No He Can't" touches on the issue of civilian trials for terrorists, Obama's lack of understanding of foreign policy, and of course, ObamaCare. McCullough not only reports the reality of these situations, he also explains the implications and consequences of the situations, and does so brilliantly.

This book was easy to follow, and wonderfully written. I would recommend this book to anyone who shares McCullough's concern for the future of America. No political science degree required.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Living In Love

I have to admit that I was a fan of James and Betty Robison before reading their book, "Living In Love". I have watched many of their television shows, and always thought to myself what a cute couple they were, and I could tell, even through the television, that they had something very special. Their book, "Living In Love", only furthered that opinion.

"Living In Love" shares James and Betty's story, from the very beginning, when the two first met. It is interesting that this book shares both James and Betty's separate recollections. It's so neat to read James' story of coming from a rough childhood and growing into a Godly man. It is so inspirational to see the miracles that God can work in the lives of others. I also really enjoyed reading Betty's recollection of their life together. It is a very cool thing to get both sides of the story, and to read the impressions that both had of each other.

"Living In Love" also offers some of James and Betty's insight into having a successful and happy marriage. They offer their wisdom on topic such as finances, communication, commitment, and baggage. James and Betty have followed God's plan for their life, and I believe that their wisdom is worthwhile for every couple to soak in. This book was a great read, and I think that it offers advice and tips that could benefit those who choose to pick it up. I highly recommend it. Great job, and thank you, Betty and James!

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

The Fight Of Our Lives

I have to admit, I was very excited to read "The Fight Of Our Lives" by William J Bennett and Seth Leibsohn. I have been a big fan of Mr. Bennett for many years, and used to listen to him on a local conservative talk radio program. This particular book is truly fascinating, and I would recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the future of American democracy as we know it due to the decisions being made about how to deal with radical Islamists. As I expected, this book is written in very up front, logical, no nonsense tone that I find it very easy to respect. "The Fight Of Our Lives" focuses on the particular kind of threat that we face in the war on radical Islam. This book gives an easy to understand narrative on key characters and incidents that I found to be refreshing amid the whirlwind that is politically correct main stream media reports. This book essentially calls for an end to the doublespeak and demands attention be paid to the reality of this war, and the damaging effects that it could have on our country if nothing is done. This book is honest, and I enjoyed every page of it. This book is relatively short (only around 150 pages), but it was interesting, and I had a hard time putting it down. I felt that it was relevant, realistic, and a factual account of the situation that the United States is currently facing in dealing with a war on radical Islamic factions. This book is easy to read, with no overly complicated political correctness, and I would highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love At Last Sight

"Love At Last Sight" by Kerry & Chris Shook is a 30 day devotional dedicated to making the most of important relationships in our lives. The title alone summarizes the mentality of this book - making sure that every interaction with those we love is as fulfilling as possible. The devotionals are slightly longer than other devotionals, which could make it difficult to read if you are short on time. I would estimate around fifteen minutes per day would suffice for reading the text of the devotional. Each devotional targets a particular mistake that we make in interacting with those around us, such as "Being All There No Matter What" (Day 6) and "Intentionally Giving Encouragement" (Day 15). The insight that Kerry and Chris offer is so profound in its effects on relationships, either for the better or worse. At the end of every devotional is a "Love At Last Sight Challenge", that offers up a few journal entry type of questions for you to answer. I think this book could be a great tool to be used in deepening my relationships with those who are most important in my life. It truly does show me how, even unintentionally, I am not getting the most out of those relationships, and offers genuine, honest advice on how to remedy some of those problems. A great book, that I would highly recommend. 


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

A Conversation With God For Women

"A Conversation with God for Women" is an extraordinary book! Marcia Ford's book addresses so many questions that we, as Christian women, have in such an insightful way, completely backed with biblical reference and examples. The format of the book is genius - each chapter starts off with a question that I'm sure many Christian women would ask God if we ever had the chance, such as "Can we ever be free of guilt?" The question is then followed by two answers - one from God, and one from Jesus. The chapters are relatively short, and could easily be read as a devotional, only requiring five minutes or so each day. The format of this book and the way it is set up to resemble a conversation made me feel as if I was really making the connection with God while contemplating the issues this book addresses. It really is a great book with a lot of Christian related thought-provoking issues within. I would highly recommend this book. It would make a great Mothers Day gift for the mom/grandma/wife/daughter in your life. Absolutely loved it!


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Life, New Story



"Same Life, New Story" by Jan Silvious is an interesting book that profiles biblical women in their most important moments. Ruth, Rahab, and Rachel are just a few of the woman Jan Silvious profiles in this book. The stories of these brave women are inspirational, and Jan Silvious does a great job of tying in the faith of the women and God's grace and plans for them. The chapters are lengthy, however. As a mother, I rarely get time to sit down and read a book cover to cover, so personally, I like shorter, more concise chapters that take only 10 minutes or less to read.


 The chapters themselves are great as far as relating the chosen woman and her struggles to the everyday struggles of most women, and there is a lot of references to Scripture, which I liked. Instead of just telling you the facts, Jan gives you the tools to find them out for yourself, which I enjoy. I felt like the chapters were a little bit choppy, though. Each chapter starts out with a brief introduction to the woman of that chapter, and then Jan Silvious cuts to personal experiences or experiences of others that relate to this woman's struggle. The personal reflections are great, but they are then followed by the rest of the story of the woman profiled. It seemed a little bit discombobulated to me, which was annoying. I would rather read the entire story about the woman profiled and then read personal experiences, or vice versa, but to me, it just seemed like it wasn't placed correctly.


 This book is a great tool for women today seeking biblical role models. The women that Jan Silvious discusses in this book are courageous, intelligent, faithful, committed women of God, and I think that overall, it was a great read.


 I would give this book a 3/5.


 Recommended for any woman who wants to strengthen her walk with God and is looking for a biblical role model.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love & War

I recently received "Love & War Devotional for Couples" by John and Stasi Ederedge through my bloggingforbooks.com membership. I have to admit, I read it much faster than one devotional at a time. It seemed as though the words on the page were being recorded straight to my heart, as I read page after page. I really had a hard time putting it down.


"Love & War Devotional for Couples" offers a variety of advice and insight on the personal relationship between a man and woman. Since the book is written by both John and Stasi Eldredge, it offers a unique perspective that both men and women can relate to. This devotional offers practical advice backed with biblical perspective. Each day's devotional begins with one short scripture, then John and Stasi's devotional follows. The devotional is followed by a prayer for the day, as well as another short scripture. The devotionals are short, and can be easily read in only a few minutes, which helps it fit into anyone's busy day. I found this devotional to be loaded with insight for my own marriage. This devotional offers the perspective that marriage is and was meant to be a constant work in progress, and offers up wisdom and biblical insight into not only maintaining marriage, but thriving as a couple. I thought this devotional was a great addition to my daily routine, and would highly recommend it to any couple, whether they are just starting out, or have been married for 30 years. I believe it offers something for every couple.


My Rating: 5 Stars/ 5 Stars
Appropriate for any couple, from newlyweds to couples with 30 years of marriage under their belt. There is biblical and practical truths in this devotional that apply to everyone


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