Freedom from Performing by Becky Harling

This will be my last review for NavPress as this publisher has discontinued their blogger review program.

Anointed. Simply anointed best describes this book by Becky Harling. What I loved about this devo-conversational style book of encouragement and Bible truth was the down-to-earth way the author came alongside me. Often a Christian author will hit the wrong balance of speaking, teaching,exhorting and challenging the reader. Not so in Freedom from Performing.

The author hit the perfect note in regard to balancing Truth with faith, thus eliminating the irritating "legalistic" mumbo jumbo that so many devo style books deliver. There was much emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ (applause) as opposed to having to do many works to please God. The title was perfect for this book because every chapter in this book nailed the mission of the title. Freedom from legalism, bondage to having to be "good enough." The subtitle was Grace in an Applause-Driven World.

This was the first time I read a book by Becky Harling. I would jump at the chance to review another book by this author. Any Bible teaching church would benefit from this book. I will not loan this book out but will keep it in my bookshelf to refer to again and again as it delivered a Holy Spirit infusion each and every time I picked it up.

Well done! Applause in order for Freedom from Performing!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their  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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson

Having read Bruce Wilkinson's mega bestselling Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of The Vine, I anticipated a book which would inspire and intrigue from beginning to end. I was not disappointed!

Right away, the stories about people who put these principles into practice and connected with others to deliver God's love to those God directed them to helped me understand the mission of You Were Born for This. The mission upheld the fact that God wants all of His children to deliver miracles to others and to remind them of His love and desire to have a personal relationship with all of humanity.

We can be His delivery agents as long as we are willing to be the hands and feet to do the work. Subtitled 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles, this book was delivered in a How To format. My only objection in this entire book was that at times it did feel a bit "methodical" as if God would need His people to approach His Word in a certain way. I know the author did not intend to replace God's directions but some sections could have been left out or abbreviated. One example of this critique was a sort of "infomercial" about the author and his previous books.

This book was an exhortation to live your life as never before. Page 15, "You Were Born For This is a bold initiative to reclaim the miraculous as normal way of life. Through biblical insights, true stories, and practical  how-tos, I'll show you what that new normal could look like for you."

It was written to the born again believer who already has a desire to serve God and be a part of an exciting journey to help others see God. It would be difficult to get through this book if you did not already have a passion for Christ and His Word.

So many great stories which I liken to parables. The stories stuck with me especially the story on page 20 about easter eggs! My all time favorite quote which I will never forget was found on page 102 in the section entitled Getting to the root of fear. I quote, "All of us feel fear when we are about to do something that involves considerable risk. Risk, after all, means there's no guarantee of success. And usually when we feel fear, we don't  proceed. But fear is a fruit, not the root. The root is unbelief in our hearts.  That's why the greatest obstacle to a life marked by miracles is not fear but unbelief."

Yikes. I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end. I feel I am better prepared to go into all the world and make fishers of men. I am reminded to pray daily to be available and always ask, "What can I do for you?" Then wait for God to do the work!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging For Books 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 by Jan Johnson

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 was subtitled "A Personal Retreat Guide." I was quite excited to realize this book would be a guide for getting time alone with God to grow in my faith. Finding tools to slow down and allow God to quiet my mind are important to me as learning these concepts allows me to help not only myself but many other women as well.

Each chapter confirmed the previous chapter's message, which was basically growing closer to God through understanding His Word and letting it seep into your soul in a way that that Scripture had not previously done. Psalm 23 was the main Scripture presented.

I enjoyed the history of Psalm 23 as well as the explanation of the individual words and their original meanings. I also appreciated the consistency of each chapter: Opening to God's Message, Immersed in God's Message, Responding to God's Word and Resting with God in the Message. I also found the many questions for personal exploration interesting and helpful for personal introspection.

This book would be a good start for someone who needs to take a break from life and get back to God. The guide may also be good for a few women to use together if even just for a walk in the park as the guide suggested.

There were several areas of the guide I found concerning. I noticed a few references with a New Age undertone. One was to imagine God speaking to me and what color would I imagine during that interaction? I liken that visualization exercise with the New Age concept of Chakra. Imagining a conversation with God and having to visualize a color is not a biblical concept. God does not need anything added unto Himself as He is the epitomy of color.

Also, I was to imagine an empty chair next to me and God sitting in it. I remember that exercise from my "embrace your inner child" days before I came to Christ (I was a sold out hard core New Ager). And yes, the chair exercise was a New Age concept and still is today.

This book is marketed to "Christians" however in order for any person to commune with God, one must be "born again" (John 3:7). I was disappointed an Invitation to Salvation (Romans 10:9-11) was absent. Having the invitation or explanation of being born again provides essential clarification to the reader how to have a personal relationship with Christ. I say this because I was a 'Christian" all my life and talked to God, but it was not until I understood what the Bible had to say that I realized God did not hear my prayers until I became His child through Romans 10:9-11. John 9:3 (I do not review books from a religious standard).

Without separating the sheeps from the goats, the question then is, 'Who are you talking to? God or the enemy of your soul?" Being a Berean, I not only read the back cover of the book but the About the Author section. I saw the reference to Ms. Johnson having a DMin in Ignatian spirituality and spiritual formation not on the back cover but inside the book. I learned she writes primarily about spiritual formation topics. I googled Ignation spirituality http://ignatianspirituality.com/what-is-ignatian-spirituality/10-elements-of-ignatian-spirituality/. Had I only read the back cover I would have missed this important element of Ms. Johnson's theology.

Overall, I would recommend this guide to be used as a tool. I would treat it merely as a walk through a buffet line, taking just those best and useful tasty morsels that would benefit me, my soul and my walk with God. On the other hand, The Bible in its entirety I would eat as a nine course meal and more. All of Psalm 23 is a confidence psalm as the author shared. Spend each day in Psalm 23 and you will enjoy white glove table service for the rest of your life. You will be so satiated you will want to share your bounty with all who pass by your table.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Starting a Micro Business by Carol Topp

I enjoyed Starting a Micro Business - from the Micro Business for Teens book series. The book was informative and no doubt a godsend to teens and mothers and fathers of teens as it was a great tool to get a teen started in a business of any kind.

In the Introduction the author Carol Topp explained the reason she wrote the book, "This book is geared toward teenagers and their lives. There are no unrealistic expectations of opening a restaurant. There are ideas of businesses that real teenagers have started and run successfully. I provide a lot of examples of teenagers I know personally. I walk you through some very important topics such as making a plan and avoiding debt. That's how this book is different!"

The author is a CPA thus she has the knowledge and ability to offer her readers practical advice about becoming a micro business owner. I found the definition of a micro business as opposed to an entrepreneurship interesting. The Micro Businesses Are Popular statistics (page 13) was quite surprising.

Examples of teens running micro businesses inspired me to be better focused on my own micro business (which I had not referred to as such until reading this book)! I need to get Dave's phone number (page 31) as I could also use a bit of help with my iTunes/Ipod Smart List. Examples of micro businesses a teen can pursue were very  helpful. I appreciated http://www.1and1.com/, http://www.badomelet.com/, http://www.websitetips.com/ and so many more.

The Business Plan charts presented a treasure chest of guidance for a person of any age to utilize when planning to start a business. So many businesses fail for lack of planning. This non-intimidating resource was so helpful in considering the foundation for a business of any size. Thedown to earth format allowed me to realize planning a micro business for a teen may be easier than anticipated.

I appreciated Scripture verses along with secular sayings. The subtle backdrop was the Bible and also the author repeatedly reminded the teen to speak with his/her parents about what they learned from reading the book. Ms. Topp's offer of accounting advice if the reader did not yet have an accountant made me smile. She came alongside her reader throughout the book with encouragement and promoted a "can do" mantra.

Finally a book available for teens somewhere in between a lemonade stand and a storefront. No doubt the entire series will be a welcome resource if it also teaches, exhorts and encourages youth as did Starting a Micro Business. Every teen parent would benefit from reading Starting a Micro Business. I enjoyed it immensely and hope to read more of the Micro Business for Teens book series soon.

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Secrets of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson

Having had read and enjoyed Bruce Wilkinson's Secrets of the Vine, I ordered this book to review wondering, "Why write this book?" I doubted this book for women could top the amazing Spirit-led book by Bruce Wilkinson.

Shortly into the book, the answer was clear. Secrets of the Vine for Women introduced a woman's perspective on John 15. The author (and wife of Bruce Wilkinson) Darlene Marie explained why she wrote this book.

Secrets of the Vine was more widely read by women than men. Bruce Wilkinson received many letters and comments from women about how the book changed the their lives that Darlene Marie decided to write this book to address many of the comments.

The purpose of this book as in the original is to experience greater fruitfulness in your life. God disciplines those He loves - those who are His (Romans 10:9-11). Using John 15 and relating that Scripture to our lives is such a powerful key to open the door to abundance in our lives.

A story of a daughter and her father was weaved throughout the book. The story was so helpful in not only understanding the complexity of running a vineyard but it was symbolic of the care and love our heavenly Father give to us.

There were so many nuggets in this petite book. I quote (page 26), "Too many women I know think of singing in the choir or teaching a Sunday school class as the real good works, and the ordinary tasks of serving others throughout the day as somehow less significant. Even the disciples had that problem." We then read the account in Mark 14:3-9 when Mary anointed Jesus with oil that the disciples thought should be used to sell and give to charity.

Page 43, "Sadly, Christians you and I know are suffering every day unnecessarily because they have not heard or acted on the truth of God's discipline. They misinterpret unwanted circumstances and emotions as random events when they are actually God's efforts to set them free from sin and bring them back to fruitfulness."

Before reviewing this book, I doubted I would enjoy this book more than the first. I enjoyed this book just as much but in a different way. This book was quite personal. The author's warm and encouraging story telling was a true blessing. I did not want to put the book down as I felt as if I were sharing a cup of coffee with a friend or wise mentor. I felt as if I were in a retreat. This book is a spa for the soul!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

New York Times Best-Selling author Lorilee Craker's Money Secrets of the Amish was an interesting read. Subtitled Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving, I expected a well-organized book of frugal tips and tricks. While the book was relatable to me as person who grew up in a frugal household, this book left me wanting much more. It left out the application of just how to simplify, share and save.

In the Introduction the author shared her Amish roots. Her explanation of her ties to the Amish was more of a connection with tradition in the way of dress, eating and verbiage. I don't recall mention of Amish theology. I did appreciate the logo on the back of the book with the website www.amishliving.com as I am intrigued with the simple lifestyle of the Amish in this country.

Secular cultural references (Oprah, Nate Berkus, NPR, etc.) as well as websites and retail stores for hard to find items were threaded throughout the book. Unfortunately I found the topics in each chapter to be randomly scattered. While I did enjoy the author's conversational (and sometimes humorous) writing style, if I had purchased this book to save money, I would have been disappointed. After reading this book I cannot recall one money-saving tip that I would implement into my own lifestyle.

While the author's testimony of repairing her dented car with white tape (dents became almost invisible!) saved her money, I have to say that this technique is not something I would personally attempt. Many accounts the author shared of situations in which she wanted to buy something but did not (almost a WWAD - What Would Amish Do? as opposed to WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?) "because after all the Amish wouldn't" was not a mantra I would adopt.  The subtitle Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving was a promise not kept.

For an offering in the Business & Economics/Personal Finance/General category this book needed more practical how-to save money tips, tricks and practical secret sharing. Personally, I do not believe driving a nice car, wearing nice clothes and jewelry is bad. I work hard, play hard and strive to look nice. Everything in moderation is my mantra. If I can pay my bills, tithe my ten percent, and meet all other financial obligations, I can rejoice in the blessings that God has given me. If you've got it, wear it!

The Amish  lifestyle is to be applauded. I would have liked to hear more about the Average Joe Amish and less about how to save a dime by living the American lifestyle while trying to "be Amish.". The cover of the book hooked me as it depicted four Ball jars. I would have enjoyed hearing how the Amish live from the land and put away for the future. Practical tips and tricks to save money was my goal in reading this book. However, if I had paid the $15.99 cover price I would have asked for a refund. Sorry to say but that would not have been very Amish of me....

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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

Sisters Stevie and Eleanor opened Chapter One. I related to the teasing. The banter of sisters who clearly loved each other made me want to immediately call my own sister.
The story was told from sister Stevie's perspective. Stevie gave entrance into her world with a down-to-earth yet slightly humorous conversational voice. Throughout the story, words were beautifully strung into visual accounts of Stevie's memories of days gone by (some good, some not-so-good, some awfully grievous).

One example of the author's amazing visual account of Stevie's growing up was on page 96, "Once I'd determined how to operate the phonograph, the music magically swelled outward, flooding the enormous room and washing over the gloom with waves of vigorous energy. And while the rain battered down unabated against the skin of weather beaten clapboards sheathing the house, pummeling sea and sand like machine-gun fire - I danced-spinning, twisting and gyrating with wild wicked abandon, as song after song dosed me with an invigorating intensity." Now who hasn't done that?!

Sadly, the sisters' unified front begins to fray beginning on page 113. Without being a spoiler, lies began to grow and the truth became quickly muffled by silence. At times I slammed my fist on the table next to me, shook my head in disbelief and cried tears of joy as well as sadness. Stevie was so courageous - but silent. I desperately wanted Stevie to shout for all the world to hear - for her to be angry - to be vociferous, to report in detail everything that had happened to someone other than her aunt (who muzzled her).

Thankfully, I got to witness the loose and extremely frayed ends become tied. A "you reap what you sow" last chapter. Many may refer to Karma or "getting back what you put out." However the reader views the last chapter, I smiled inwardly because truly Stevie did win in the end. Actually, she was awarded a new beginning. She had a Bible with the names of her deceased family members written in it. I silently hoped that one day she would crack that Bible open for more than recording her geneology and instead learn about her Saviour's geneology. If not for her or her husband - but for her future children. But that is just me, being a believer...

I was blessed to travel through the pages of The Secret of Lies and read of the romantic, PG-rated accounts of Stevie's romantic adventures. Both of her suitors respected her as a woman and both were heroes. I did not find redemptive value in the other characters other than in her mother's cautious but loving care. The last chapter was my favorite chapter. Actually, the last scene I shall not soon forget. I felt the author may have left the door open for a sequel.

Ms. Barbara Forte Abate's  work was peppered with amazing images of seaside storms, childhood struggles, dysfunctional fleshly family members as well as several accounts of human frailty and fear. I was sad to have to turned the last page. Stevie was a survivor. No doubt she grew wiser as a result of covering up the truth.

I hope those two suitcases never left the farmhouse. I hope the luggage remained side-by-side for many years. No doubt the secrecy ended as the screen door slammed shut just before the couple headed up the stairs to mend their first feud as husband and wife. In the morning as they rose, no doubt a new chapter began.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from http://www.promotionalacarte/ as part of their Courtesy a la Carte 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Lead. Serve. Love. By Gregory Lang

Lead. Serve. Love. Three words. Consisten with its title, this petite book was designed around three words. Each chapter heading is three words. The subtitle is the mission statement, "100 Three-Word Ways to Be Like Jesus."

The author's passion for God clearly displayed in red, "Dedicated to my Lord, who died for me so that I might live." Truly this author is also a humble man of God. In the Acknowledgment at the back of the book he shared," Indeed, I am a depraved, morally bankrupt, wretched sinner through and through. I've attended church sporadically most of my life, haven't spent a minute in seminary, and only recently gave the Bible more than a cursory review. I've attended exactly one theology class, and I dropped out of it."

Mr. Lang then gives all the glory to the Holy Spirit. He gives thanks for his salvation through Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. With each turn of the page, a three-word title is listed and underneath an exhortation to change is announced. The next page is a list of appropriate and contextually accurate Scripture references with the reference written out. Perfect for a daily devotional or a quick break from your day! How often do we not take even three minutes to crack open a devotional book because we think our devotion time has to be more in-depth? Guilty. Guilty. Guilty.

I love the description on the back of the book, "Lead by example. Serve each other. Love the unloved. Simple yet profound, these three-word messages will help you live like Jesus. Give second chances. Help others succeed. Believe in miracles. Change doesn't have to be overwhelming. Practice one down-to-earth message each day, and see your life change in an eternal way."

Great gift book. Wonderful daily devotional. Inspirational pick me up. Buy it today!!
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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

The Part-Time Vegan by Cherise Grifoni

This paperback cookbook promises "201 Yummy Recipes" and does not disappoint. A very helpful Vegan 101 is included in Chapter One. Chapters are broken down by food type ie. dips and appetizers, easy breakfasts, salad dressings, salads, super soups, vegetable dishes, rice, pasta, grains, tofu, seitan and desserts.

Chapter 13 offers 11 different meal plans consisting of appetizer, main course and dessert. All dinner plans serve four making the plans quite attractive to experiment or to make for a romantic dinner for two. Yes, I said romantic because after reading this cookbook I do believe good health and better eating can be good for a marriage!!

The author's sense of humor and her casual approach to Vegans as explained in the back of the book in the 'About the Author' section left me with a dilemma.

As this review was offered in the Christian market to be sold in the Christian market as a Cooking resource, I must not turn a blind side to the text presented. In my opinion, the author's comments throughout the book presented verbiage with a sarcastic, non-biblical approach.

For example, immediately upon cracking open the cover in the 'Acknowledgements' section Ms. Grifoni states, "A salute to my father, Jim, because he has taught me the most important lesson that I have ever learned: be tough, or you will break; no on will ever, ever put you back together but yourself." God's Word tells us that we are desperately lost apart from Him Ephesians 2:1-10. He will provide all our needs Philippians 4:19. He will renew our minds Romans 12:2. He will straighten our paths Proverbs 3:5-6. God also tells us our acts are like nothing but filthy rags Isaiah 64:6 without Him.

The word "hell" being used twice was offensive. I quote respectively (section V11 and page one), "Are you curious about where the hell vegans get their protein?", "Maybe you have questions like these, 1. How do you start? 2. What ingredients do you look for? 3. And how the hell do you find them?"

Also distasteful the use of the "ninth-circle". There are not three sins according to God's Word but seven Provebs 6:16-19 the Lord detests. Also there are no levels of Hell as acted out in Dante's play. Hell is hell. Horribly horrific. Enough said. This is supposed to be a cookbook after all. I mention these details merely for the sake of supporting the argument that sarcasm/joking about the things of God or God's proper behavior for His people is not biblical.

Also offensive page 219 describing the Foolproof Vegan Fudge, "Rich and delicious, vegan fudge is just as good as the "real" stuff. So good, actually, that no one will ever know the difference. See, a little fraud may or may not be a good thing!."

Humorous? I understand the attempt to use words like virtue, contrast heaven and hell in regard to "good eating choices vs. bad eating choices", however Ms. Grifoni's attempt is in bad taste - pardon the pun.  It is unnecessary.

If you are going to write a book for the Cooking Market, write a book about cooking. Period. Leave the "religious" humor at home.

Solely reviewing this book as a cookbook I give it five stars. The recipes are fabulous. I had been buying some of the staples in it such as quinoa, tofu, couscous and up til now have not known what to do with these items other than cook and add butter (seriously!).

For this reason I appreciate her incorporation of those specialty or "vegan" ingredients with my standard list of pantry items. I am sure we can all agree we do not want to buy 5-10 new items that we may use just for the recipes in a cook book never to use again. Ms. Grifoni allows the average reader to save his/her money and just buy one or two items to make many of the recipes.

I appreciated several of her humorous attempts aimed at men and women of faith. Her Table of Contents reads "Table of Contentments." I also appreciated the Intro title "Totally Not Boring Intro". She was effective and encouraging in her little comments for each recipe. She offered tips and tricks and a few warnings here and there which left me the reader feeling so much less intimidated about exactly what a vegan lifestyle is and is not.

The recipes offer versatility and a healthier lifestyle (I do believe eating is a crucial spoke in the wheel which is Lifestyle). Should this be considered a cooking resource for the Christian market? Yes. And No. The comments I explained were truly offensive and unnecessary. The Secular market would hopefully laugh along with the author. However, a born again Bible reading person like myself? Not so much.

Distasteful humor forgiven - Mercy grace peace and love to Ms. Grifoni for presenting new tasty meals without sacrificing a single animal. My extra-firm tofu has been pressed and ready to enter the saucepan as we speak. I may just become a part-time vegan after all.....


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from F+W 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed.

Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Having first read the first book in this series The Traveler's Gift I realized one without the other would not suffer. However, having a background of the main character Mr. David Ponder, I better realized his depression in Chapter One.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews was a challenge for me to review. As a reviewer of mainly Christian non-fiction works, this type of Christian historical fiction left me with mixed emotions regarding take away and entertainment value.

I appreciated the "Seven Decision For Success" which was certainly the theme throughout. The story unfolds at the end of Chapter One as Mr. Ponder is an old man and though he has overcome many financials struggles and was at the pinnacle of affluence, he is lonely. The archangel Gabriel is ushered in and the adventures begin starting in Chapter Two.

Without being a spoiler of events, there was a lot of interesting historical discoveries and intermingling accounts of the human sinful condition, which was relatable to me. Hopefully relatable to readers also. There was a considerable amount of reminiscing about past time travel and the character seemed to take the role of a man with the purpose of helping humanity.

Though the writing style was inspirational, encouraging and warm as well as entertaining, I was left with one question. Wouldn't Scripture have added a deeper value to this book? I do believe God's Word would have added a point for further discovery.

The text on page 217 entitled A Personal Declaration was awesome! I appreciated the encouragement that writing provided as well as the beautiful images the author shared his reader. However, ultimately the point of any Christian truly is to give God all the glory and honor and praise. I felt there was a flavor of New Age mixed with a positive, self-help style of preaching to the reader. No doubt if Scripture had been infused into the pages of this book there would be no doubt as to what The Final Summit truly was all about (giving Glory to God).

The Reader's Guide at the end of the book was a great idea for a Christian Book Club to utilize (along with the Bible of course). This resource will drive the reader back into the book and hopefully be a tool to introduce the Gospel.

I am still absorbing this interesting read. It was a book I shall not soon forget. The take away was no doubt our free will and how we make decisions according to the choices we are daily presented.

What is your final summit? I pray every reader that closes this book will understand that though the archangel Gabriel (with or without wings) may never visit them, they are going to be facing their final summit one day. Romans 10:9-11. They may never travel through time or space. However, the God of the Bible is and was and shall ever be. And this He has accomplished without ever having to launch the Time Travel machine once. This story of the Bible as outlined in Genesis I will no doubt refer to again and again...
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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.