Ascent from Darkness

Having just finished reading “Ascent from Darkness” by Michael Leehan I can venture to say that we get a front row seat in the theater as he describes his conscious rebellion against a God he didn’t understand at one time. Angry and depressed with how his life was going, Leehan actually declared his allegiance to Satan and so begins a most horrific and amazing journey. This much most of us can relate to as in our daily lives whenever things don’t go our way we tend to blame “Him”. From the making of a blood covenant with Satan to hearing, seeing, and experiencing his evil minions, Leehan’s life was controlled by Darkness.

The life Michael Leehan lives today is an incredible testimony of the transforming power of God's mercy and grace, but is also a wakeup call to the church to be fully aware of the spiritual war that is going on all around them, and to the ultimate battle for their souls.

I found this book an excellent read and I would recommend this book as a lesson in character, faith and hope.

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.”

One Call Away

The Book “One Call Away” by Brenda Warner, wife of football MVP Kurt Warner portrays  her life as a woman dedicated to service in the form of being a marine, wife, mother, nurse, and most of all a child of God.

The book is titled “One Call Away” because her life was changed one phone call at a time. From her son's tragic accident when he was an infant to her ex-husband's betrayal and divorce. She had a choice to make with each phone call: to give in to the tragedy and let it take over her life or move forward and survive. She chose to survive. She held on to her faith in God and her hope for a better future. Brenda and Kurt have a beautiful family and their marriage is an example to other couples. There are even pictures of her and her family in the center of the book.

I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it for people from all walks of life.

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.”

The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood

“The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood” compiled by William J. Bennett is more than just a book. It is an education in history, patriotism, principles and above all “marketing”. I used the word marketing because one look at its exquisite hard cover, scarlet spine and the majestic design on its front cover is enough to make you want to have it in your collection! However while the beauty of most superbly jacketed volumes are only skin deep, “The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood” delivers till the last page.

It is a compilation of writings that causes one to pause and consider the many facets of men and the decisions and revelations men have had throughout history.  It covers a variety of spaces that men occupy from war to leisure, sports and politics. To name just a few of the many men whose lives and wisdom and examples he draws from in this book, there is: Winston Churchill, Colin Powell, Alexander the Great, William the Conqueror, Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert Louis Stevenson. In short every selection is meant to teach a different attribute of manhood.

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.”

Sherman: The Ruthless Victor

In this biography of General William Tecumseh Sherman, the authors Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin paint a colourful portrait of Sherman, who rose to fame mostly because the North won the war between the States in the 1860s and because of his wealthy and powerful father-in-law’s influence and because of General U.S. Grant’s influence.

However, it must be said that in the narration of the life of one of the greatest generals to have graced the Earth his formative years were emphasized, his Civil War experience was spoken of in the broadest of terms, and his post-war years were given the briefest treatment.

There are some rare and wonderful pictures attached, but it would have been better if the pictures were on glossy paper.

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.”

Where Has Oprah Taken Us?

The first thing that I would like to say is that before reading this book I had very little knowledge about Oprah Winfrey let alone know about her roots and spirituality. The book “Where Has Oprah Taken Us? - The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Woman” by Stephen Mansfield recounts her fascinating life and all that went into shaping her as she is today, both the good and the bad, chronicling her resolve and her beliefs that have evolved over the years and throughout her life. Oprah thought started off as a Baptist has been influenced by numerous beliefs and practices which in my opinion does not go well with a celebrity, more so if that celebrity happens to be the icon of a significant section of society.

Over and above I feel that instead of the title that this book has it should be called “Where does Oprah stand?”. I did not enjoy reading this book as much as I had looked forward to it mostly because the subject dried as I read on.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Stand By Me

Having just finished reading ‘Stand By Me’ - by Neta Jackson which I had received through Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze program, am none the wiser. It focuses, mainly, on two women. Avis, who is the older woman, is married and has three daughters and known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. And then there is Kat, the younger woman, who is a college student with a flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life. Both of these women face various domestic situations, and realize they need each other to see things through.

I have had a very laborious task reading through this as contrary to what the cover suggests it turned out to be a very boring and hollow book. However since it was based on women and mostly dealt with their issues hopefully they can connect with it more than I could.

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.”