Nathan and Mandy's Book Review Blog

Reggie Dabbs: A book Review

2011-10-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to review this book! On several occasions I have had the priviledge of sitting in on his seminars and I have thoroughly enjoyed his speaking, so I figured I would share similar sentiments for that of his writing.

Reggie has a powerful story of being borned to an unweb mother who asked her english teacher to care for her son in an effort to give him a life she could not. The english teacher and her husband ended up adopting him.

While the story of Reggies life is unsettling- he shows how every trial brings about a new lesson and how he choose to grow from each one.

I was not disappointed by his book- it is definitely worth the reccomendation. I will give this book 5 stars :)

I was given this book for review purposes by Thomas Nelson. I was under no obligation to review positively or negatively. The opinions in this entry are solely those of my own.

Tyndale Review: "GRAY MATTER"

2011-03-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

Gray Matter written by Dr. David Levy is a great inspirational book. Dr. Levy writes of his journey as a neurosurgeon and how before operating on each patient he takes some time to pray for them.

What a leap of faith!

He throws all risk of humilation, mockery and scoff to the wayside as he approaches each new patient with the request to hold their hand and ask God to guide his hand during each surgery.

I really appreciate the fact that Dr. Levy does not imply that by praying beforehand gives him a better success rate with surgerys. He simply asks for wisdom as he operates and prays for peace for the patient. I love that :)

I give this book 5 stars! Each chapter talks of a new amazing story! I wont go in to details because I would give the book away but it is definetly a must read!!

I was given this book for review purposes from Tyndale House Publishers but was under no obligation for a positive review.

Family Life: The Marriage Bible

2011-03-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Family Life Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey has been wonderfully written. I recieved my review copy in hard cover, and it really is a beautiful bible! Inside, the Rainey's have written some of their thoughts as well as small devotions that really make you think!

The NKJV (New King James Version) is also a great version for every day reading. Easy to understand and equipped with knowledge as the bible always is. On a morning that you have free add an easy chair and a latte, and you have yourself a great morning!!

It is also something that can be read alone- you don't have to read this book in a couples setting in order to benefit from it. The little devotions and thoughts found throughout the pages of this bible are things you can think about and grow on in an individual setting as well.

Also the "romantic quotes and notes" sections are really well written and laid out!

Overall it's a really great read...! I give it 5 stars!

I was given this book for review purposes by Thomas Nelson (BookSneeze), but am under no obligation to give a positive review.

The Sacred Meal- Nathan's Review

2011-01-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

Nora Gallagher writes "The Sacred Meal" with a fresh take on the church. She opens your heart and your eyes to the theology of communion with Jesus Christ and gives you some important things to think about.

While the cover is certianly not the most attractive aspect of this work, Gallagher draws you in by the pages inside. She gives you a reason to dine without the demands of dressing up fancily.

Communion isn't a new practice, rather an anchient one and Gallagher takes you through the history of communion with a passion and intenisty that is irresistible to put down.

This book belongs to to the "Ancient Practices Series" of books and was provided to me from Thomas Nelson. I was in no way forced or asked to submit a positive review for this book.

Love and War- by the Eldridges!

2011-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I reviewed this book over the holiday break and throughly enjoyed the intimate spirtiual growth that its devotions initiated!

The prayers at the end of each day were both inspirational and well written.

I would definitely reccommend this to any couple who is looking to grow in their spiritual relationship with Christ and with each other! The topics that are brought to the table for discussion are wonderful!

I was given this book from Multanomah Publishers for purpose of review and give this book 4.5/5 stars!!

Book Review: "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball" By: Donita K. Paul

2010-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

Cora and Simon discover a wonderful gift this Christmas- their love for each other.

Donita K. Paul takes us on a whimsical journey of romace and love- with a little fantasy at Christmas time. Paul has a wonderful playful way of grabbing your attention from the beginning and holding it until the end.

As Christmas is just around the corner- I can't help but reccommend this book as a gift! It will truly be a favorite!!

"Flight To Heaven" By: Captain Dale Black

2010-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Captain Dale Black starts his book by completely humbling himself, explaining that he made a vow to never share his story until God revealed to him that it was time. He went on to tell that the only man he shared his story with was his grandfather, for 40 years. He was careful not to commercialize his experience and vowed to keep his experience sacred. He chose to 'live' his experience rather than boast about it. He allowed himself to be very transparent and real- which grabbed my attention from the first couple of paragraphs!

You will be taken on a journey to heaven and back. But that isn't where the story ends!!! Black tells how throughout the last 40 years he was affected by this incredibly journey. His faith-building story is completely inspirational! You will be encouraged, awed, and amazed!

Flight to heaven is a MUST-READ! I give it 5 stars!!!

I was given this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers for purpose of review however was under no obligation to submit a positive review.

Masquerade- Nancy Moser

2010-10-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

Nancy Moser has written a story that will truly tug on your heart strings!!

Moser does a fantastic job of showing certian areas of diversity and contrast. She does a wonderful job of opening our eyes to both the wealth and the poverty in New York City. Her imagery was so vivid that you almost felt as though you were walking the streets of New York with Dora and Charlotte in 1886. Its a story of happiness and pain- showing the ability to rise above the grim circumstances that surround us and claim true happiness.

The book was a bit more difficult to get into, but became more inticing near the end. Masquerade was a great book for those who enjoy historical romance!!

I give this book 4 stars!

I was given this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers for purpose of review however was under no obligation to give a positive review.

No More Christian Nice Girl

2010-10-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Paul Coughlin's (with psychologist Jennifer Degler) "No More Christian Nice Girl" had me intrigued by the title alone! Together these authors explain how being 'nice' isn't always productive and further, how it can harm your relationships with others. They examine the secrets to fulfillment in many areas of your life.

The main punch line- being Christ-like in all that you do will trasform you from being a Christian nice girl into a powerful woman of God.

This book makes you think about things that you may not think of on your own. It explores areas that you may be hiding away from such as confrontation in relationships for fear of someone liking you less, and teaches you new ways to approach such things in a way that is Christ-like.

This book is an easy read, and a great tool for teen girl small group! I give it 4 stars!!

This book was provided to me from Bethany House Publishing for review however, I was under no obligation to submit a positive review for this company.

"Love is a Flame"- Gary Chapman

2010-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

"Love is a Flame" is a wonderful compilation of very beautiful stories of rekindled love! Chapman has placed together a variety of love stories, written by real-life men and women, that truly touches the heart.

Sometimes a marriage can get so caught up in the busy-ness of life that we forget to work at it. This book is a simple reminder that love takes work, but that that work doesn't have to be hard, it can be fun and will always be rewarding!

I reccomend this book highly! I read it front to back in a matter of days! If you are dating, married, engaged or have been married for years- you will enjoy this book!

"Storm Warning"- Billy Graham

2010-08-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Billy Graham's "Storm Warning" was truly eye-opening and educational. If you are seeking to find answers to end times questions, this book is for you. The answers that Graham provides are based on real scripture and not just his opinion, which I appreciate. I have thoroughly emjoyed the walk through these eschatological scriptures, as well as the practical way that they apply to our world today! I can honestly say that Graham piqued my interest from day one, and held it until the very last word on the very last page.

I would definitely reccommend "Storm Warning". It was thought provoking, enlightening, instructive and a truly fascinating read!

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: Review!!

2010-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

In John Maxwell's Everyone Communicates Few Connect, he discusses communication in a way that brings a new light to the subject. The book is divided into two parts, and in the first part Maxwell divulges into the five principles of connecting. At the conclusion of each chapter Maxwell includes questions for thought on how to apply the principle either in one-on-one, with an audience, or in a group. In the second part, he expands further and elaborates into five practices of connecting. Each chapter also concludes with a set of thought provoking questions on how to apply these practices.

I reccommend this book for leaders mostly, who are looking for a better way to connect with the group they are leading. It also may be a great resource for someone in ministry who is looking for answers on ways to connect with their congregation. I didn't find it as helpful as an individual who is looking for a way to better connect with one-on-one relationships, but it paved the road for a future study on one-on-one communication. Overall, great book!!

Mandy's review on "The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with your Mate!"

2010-03-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

"The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with your Mate" initially peaked my interest as a must-read after its predecessor "Love & Respect". In both books Dr. E. Eggerichs lays out the vast differences between men and women and gives practical examples of how to apply the communication tools he writes about with your spouse.

While I enjoyed reading this second book, I found it very much a continuation to that of Eggerichs first. Having said this, I would not reccomend reading number two without having read number one. Eggerich seems to take what he theorizes in "Love and Respect" and goes deeper in this sequel. I really reccomend you having the background from book one to thoroughly capture book twos potential.

I enjoyed the books well balanced approach at linking scriptures to the way we communicate with our spouse. Keeping in mind that this is a continuation book to "Love and Respect", I'd highly reccomend this as a great follow-up for readers young and old!