The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh

Front Cover

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: February 2011

Format: Paperback

Pages: 244

ISBN: 978-1-4002-0244-7

List Price: $15.99

Keeping faith can be difficult during hard times. Sheila Walsh’s The Shelter of God’s Promises reassures readers of God’s promises and unfaltering reliability. Each of the ten chapters are focused on a different theme: Walsh addresses promises, provision, peace, confidence, love, grace, hope, strength, more/something better and home. Whether you are feeling alone, broken, loveless or poor, The Shelter of God’s Promises will life your spirits. Walsh intersperses personal narratives and in-depth Bible study throughout her book. Each chapter has a designated Bible study guide with assigned readings from the Bible and discussion questions. Walsh’s book isn’t just for people experiencing difficult times. Readers at any stage of life will benefit from its messages. Although this is a useful tool for Bible studies, Walsh’s personal anecdotes occasionally distract her message. However, the positive features of the book outweigh its faults.

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.”

Learning to Encourage Yourself by Hephzibah

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing

Publication Date: 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 24

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0347-1

List Price: $5.00

This self-help book helps readers overcome difficulties caused by low self-esteem, employment issues, childhood bullying and other problems. Hephzibah opens by revealing obstacles in her own life. She then draws readers in by posing numerous questions about issues that commonly lead to depression. The majority of the book focuses on passages from the Amplified Bible that illustrate God’s love for His followers. This short book is a jumping point for readers who are not currently Christian or are struggling with their faith. The list of Bible verses push readers to use religion as a means of encouragement.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 - Quick pamphlet that offers some encouragement, but not life changing

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Learning to Encourage Yourself as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Blaze of Glory by m. garzon

Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing

Publication Date: June 2011

Format: eBook

Pages: 340

ISBN: 1602648107

List Price: $5.99

Horse enthusiasts and general readers alike will enjoy m. garzon’s first novel, Blaze of Glory. With two jumpers and impressive skills, Tea Everson is on her way to the top of professional equestrian sporting. Unfortunately, everything changes in the blink of an eye and Tea’s life is turned upside down. Tea’s tragedy becomes more painful as she struggles to suppress her newly found passion.

Blaze of Glory highlights m. garzon’s strong descriptive abilities. Tea’s show jumping scenes are incredibly well-written and allow readers to experience the thrill. m. garzon describes the feel of the horses muscles, the rein’s in Tea’s hands, and the physical effort required to guide a horse over show jumping obstacles.

The overall plot of the novel is enticing for teenagers and adults. It moves at a good pace that keeps readers on edge, but leaves time for description and background information. The characters are dynamic. Tea, her stepfather, twin brother and friends all undergo transformations as the novel progresses.

Although Blaze of Glory is aimed toward young adults, readers of most ages will enjoy it. However, the novel does address sexual issues. Overall, highly recommended to readers interested in novels dealing with animals, romance and growing up!

On the Road to Success (With Self-Analysis Exercises) by Eunice Elizabeth Nash

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2010

Format: eBook

Pages: 52

ISBN: 978-1434907783

List Price: $5.00

On the Road to Success (With Self-Analysis Exercises) encourages people in their personal and professional endeavors. Attaining success isn’t something that happens overnight: it requires preparation and determination. Eunice Elizabeth Nash gives readers the insight needed to excel at all pursuits.

Nash’s book is brief and useful. Her advice is clear. She urges readers to set goals, take steps to achieve them and keep an upbeat attitude. Although the information isn’t new, it's a good reminder of the simple things forgotten as we struggle to achieve success. The self-analysis exercises set the book apart. The questions really help readers determine their goals and track their progress.

Rating: 4 / 5 - Useful, but common advice

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of On the Road to Success as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Self-Imaging from Head to Toe by Ainsley E. de Salazar, R.N.

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 82

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0178-1

List Price: $5.00

Every woman wants to look and feel her best. Ainsley E. de Salazar helps women with cosmetics, clothing, fitness, proper eating habits, hair care and other important issues. Salazar even addresses plastic surgery and home decorating. Although much of the information is basic, it is a useful reminder for some of things women tend to forget. For example, Salazar explains how the body uses specific vitamins and nutrients. She also provides a guide to the different moisturizers, toners, and facial masks women should use to maintain youthful skin. Self-Imaging from Head to Toe is very clear and can easily be completed in one sitting.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Self-Imaging from Head to Toe as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Like a Thief in the Night: Stolen Soul Book II by S.R. McDanniel

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Publishing Date: May 19, 2011

Format: eBook

Pages: 178

ISBN: 9781456099657

List Price: $24.95

With mass murder-suicides happening across the planet, Dr. Matthew Reiber is recruited to find a solution because of his expertise in thought transference and telepathy. As the second installment in S.R. McDaniel’s series, this book makes several improvements over the first. He steps away from his overly descriptive writing and focuses more on the book’s plot. Although this makes for a faster read, fans of McDaniel’s incredibly descriptive passages may be slightly disappointed. The book is much easier to follow and get into than the first. I did not find myself lost, confused or having trouble keeping the characters straight. The overall plot surpasses Book 1. McDaniel’s combination of mass murder, telepathy and religious cults makes for a pleasurable read. The book is creative and easily holds the reader’s attention.

However, I did find several small problems with the book. During a couple crucial points in the plot, McDaniel stops to include background information. For example, when the protagonist is searching for a missing person at the Old Irish Church, the book cuts away to a detailed description of the text the religious cult follows. The information is interesting, but I wanted to quickly get passed it and return to the plot. The book also needs to be edited more carefully. Although slightly annoying, the typos do not make the book unreadable. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Like a Thief in Night and would recommend it to others because of its thrilling storyline.

Miles Away…Worlds Apart by Alan Sakowitz

Publisher: Legacy Series Press, LLC.

Publishing Date: 2010

Format: eBook

Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0-615-38240-1

List Price: $27.95

There is risk with any investment. Unfortunately, too many investments are schemes run by dishonest people willing to steal the life savings of others. In his book, Miles Away…Worlds Apart, Alan Sakowitz reveals his role in taking down the largest Ponzi scheme in South Florida’s history. Through his book, he also manages to provide an introduction to the Jewish faith and an overview of his close-knit hometown.

Sakowitz provides background information for readers not familiar with legal and business concepts. This information is always clear and does not distract from the book. He does the same for important holidays and features of Judaism. Sakowitz juxtaposes the scheme run by Scott Rothstein with the kindness found in his own community. Whereas Rothstein willingly steals from anyone, Sakowitz’s community is focused on helping everyone in need.

Anyone interested in current events will enjoy this well-written book. The suspense of the book will even interest readers who prefer fiction. Highly recommended.