Book Review: My Rising Up by Jennifer L. Dean

Jennifer L. Dean's My Rising Up is a novel that not only explores hardships that may occur in life, but also the overcoming power of God. As the story opens, the reader is immediately pulled into the life of Brendan Maxwell--a young man who encounters death from an early age. This sets the tone of a seemingly troubled journey that rocks his world into adulthood.

I found this novel an interesting and enjoyable read. Situations and circumstances in the book reminded me of what it was like to live a college life, but more importantly, how it should be done with God as the head in every area. As the story was drawing to a close, I found myself flipping the pages even faster to get to the end!

This story is definitely one where I can relate. I think it is very important that stories like this one are told because so many lose hope in the One who gives hope. It is apparent that this author has an intimate relationship with the Lord because it shows in her writing ... and I appreciate that above all else.

My Rising Up is a wonderfully crafted faith-based read that any age group would enjoy and can be purchased at various online retailers.

To read a recent interview with this author, visit Striaght Up! Newsletter. The author's website is located at http://www.jldeanauthor.com/.

Book Review: Song of Solomon by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Commonly known as May-December relationships, age gaps between couples is a highly discussed topic. In Song of Solomon, we find out if that’s truly the issue of why Shaylynn Ford and Neil Taylor seem to struggle when it comes to embracing one another.

Song of Solomon delivers a message of love that goes beyond just the natural, but delves into the spiritual connection of soul mates. Love is not just a superficial thing and as these characters learn from their past hurts, they finally face their emotions head-on. What becomes of two people who clearly have an attraction to one another, but an invisible wall of fear keeps them living in the past?

Song of Solomon is very well written by a seasoned and loved author.

From the author’s website:

At age forty-five, Dr. Neil Taylor is single (again) and living a seemingly satisfied existence as a deacon of his church and the director of Kingdom Builder's Academy. But despite outward appearances, Neil harbors secret pains that have caused him to build a well-constructed wall of defense around his heart, and to silence a ministry with which God gifted him as a child.

Everything begins to change, however, when Shaylynn Ford, a bold and beautiful, yet blanched and broken young mother, strolls through the doors of his office at Kingdom Builder's Academy. The affect that Shaylynn has on Neil not only makes him yearn for another chance at true love, but her injured spirit somehow begins to bring melody back to Neil's soul for the first time in ages.

Shaylynn's definitely worth fighting for, but so many obstacles stand between them that Neil wonders if he's up for the challenge. His anointed voice has been accredited with healing sick bodies and saving lost souls, but can it perform a miracle the size of the one he'll need to win Shaylynn's affections? She is his God-appointed soul mate. Neil is certain of it. But how can he compete when her heart already belongs to another? And even with all the songs in the world, how can Neil remain righteous while trying to win over a woman who's already wearing a wedding ring?

This book is available online and in stores through various retailers. To learn more about Kendra Norman-Bellamy, please visit http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/

Book Review: Good Morning Brown Butterfly by Lisa Marie McNeill

Bringing to life Proverbs 17:22 “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones,” Good Morning Brown Butterfly is a wonderful read for preschoolers. When I visited the Charles Tisdale Library in Jackson, MS on August 6, 2010 for the Story Time hour, it began with this engaging book. The children immediately received the message of being good little boys and girls not only makes them feel good, but also their parents and teachers around them.

The main character, Ashlee, has an important question for her mommy, “How do you know that today will be a good day?” As the story unfolds, her questions are answered in simplicity that shows the child versus just telling her. Author Lisa Marie McNeill delivers a heart-warming read that had the children with smiles all around shouting, “Good morning!”

Lisa Marie McNeill currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia, with her husband and two children. More information about this author can be found on her website at http://www.lisamariemcneill.com/.

“Illuminating the love of Christ for every child,” Lisa McNeill.

Blog Tour: The Radical Question by David Platt

“What is Jesus worth to you?” This question posed on the front cover of David Platt’s The Radical Question resonate volumes throughout the booklet. This powerful exploration of Christian living both in and outside of the United States delivers an inspiring display of scripture personified. Consider the scripture passage of Luke 18 where a rich ruler asked Jesus what he must do to be saved. Jesus replied, “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother,” verse 20, KJV. The wealthy ruler replied, “All these have I kept from my youth up.” Then Jesus said to him, “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” When the ruler heard this he did not jump up and say, “Yes, Master! Whatever you’ll have me to do, I’ll do!” In fact, when he heard this, the scripture states that he was very sorrowful because he was very rich.

This booklet shares with the reader those who have said “yes” to the call. There are specific examples of where “great jobs” and “once-in a lifetime” opportunities were turned down for the sake of doing God’s work. It causes one to think about those who are less fortunate in reality versus the abstract. Not just the hungry and those who are homeless, but those who are without the freedom to worship God—those who are subject to become martyrs. What are you willing to sacrifice? Those of us who stand in firmly built air-conditioned homes, visit comfortable worship centers, and rest easy with lucrative bank accounts? What are we doing with what we have? If God were to place it on your heart to share some of it with a neighbor, the community shelter, or even foreign ministries … what would you do? Could that new pool installation wait? Could that brand new TV wait? Better yet, could that weekly lunch or dinner out be sacrificed?

God blesses us to be a blessing. It is all for kingdom advancement. To whom much is given, much is required. When a person teeters on the edge of selfishness, they are on the brink of making those things idols. “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” verse 25.

Many thanks go to Waterbrook Multnomah where the book can be purchased. Please visit this site for more information: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Book Review: Bent But Not Broken by Victoria Poller

Bent But Not Broken is a testimonial penned by Victoria Thomas Poller, fondly known as Ms. “V”. In this book, Victoria shares a series of events that unfolded in her life during the late 1990s. She explains how she was hard-pressed on every side sharing with the reader her honest emotions, but still faithful in God. In this piece of work, the author makes it plain that one must wait on the Lord, no matter the situation. I thoroughly enjoyed how this book was layered with scriptures, encouraging Bible study.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV.

From the back cover:

Just as a fruit tree branch is heavy, when laden with fruit; so too are our lives sometimes heavy with problems. We sometimes bend under the pressures and strains that life brings us. We get depressed. We lack self-confidence. We don’t trust people. We say that we can’t take it anymore. We need a solution to our dilemma.

When things like this happen to us it’s good to know that someone else has gone through the same or similar situations as you have; and that they have made it through. You too should be able to identify with this book and make it through life’s journeys. You are not alone. You can make it with confidence. You can move your mountain that has kept you back. You can be an over-comer through Christ Jesus, the deliverer of all our problems.

For more information about this author, please visit her website at http://www.victoriapoller.com/.

The Jesus Series DVD BIBLE

Description from the back cover: Animated straight from the pages of the popular Read and Share® Bible, The Jesus Series introduces children to the life of Christ. Unlike the 3-minute, bite-size story format of the Read and Share® DVD Bible Volumes 1-4, this DVD is an uninterrupted half-hour presentation of Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth. Children will see Jesus call His disciples, feed 5,000 people, heal the sick, teach about God's kingdom and introduce the Lord's Supper.

As I viewed this animated adaptation of Jesus' ministry here on earth, I looked on with great expectation, similar to how I felt when popping in the tape for The Prince of Egypt. I was particularly excited to receive the DVD, looking forward to sharing it with my niece. This DVD was rich in color and characters, but lacked excitement that I think would keep a child's attention focused. I could follow the storyline because I'm very familiar with Christ's life, but question whether younger children would. I understand that it is simplified and told on a basic level, yet deem it important to keep the details in tact. It would be wonderful to extend this series out to five DVDs if necessary to get children to clearly understand Christ's ministry and miracles.

This Read and Share DVD Bible is a great starting point and overall pleasurable as it shares God with the world.

Book Review: From Crack Addict to Pastor by Karen Sills

Karen Sills was very revealing and honest in this poignant testimonial. Mrs. Sills make no excuses for her mistakes, rather implores the reader to seek God, turning away from the devil. The book is layered with scriptures in every chapter as the author lays it out respectfully and straight forward. To God is the glory! Mrs. Sills was delivered from crack, prostitution, lesbianism, and more. It was not an easy road, nor does the author make excuses for her mistakes. More testimonies such as hers need to be told so that it will encourage others who may think there is no hope. There is hope in God, Jesus is the answer.

From Crack Addict to Pastor was a fast read that will keep the audience engaged until the very last page. I recommend it to those who are struggling with sins of the flesh and bouts of spiritual adultery. Mrs. Sills explains the error of her ways while showing how important it is to have Christ in your life. Although I was unable to contact the author for an interview, I pray that she continues to seek God in all her ways as she press forward to teach others. Although her delay in committing her all to God was disappointing, the book was uplifting and will have you saying, "If she went through all of that and came out on top ... so can I."

Karen Sills’ book was originally published in 2005. Her current ministry (and its location) is unknown.