Keys to Successful Living: 12 Ways to Discover God's Best for Your Life, by Derek Prince

Title: Keys to Successful Living: 12 Ways to Discover God's Best for Your Life

Author: Derek Prince

Publisher: Chosen Books

Date: September 16, 2014

Paperback: 144 pages






About the Author
Derek Prince (1915 - 2003) is the author of more than 50 books. his concise way of explaining the Bible has helped millions build a foundation of faith and walk in freedom.

About the Book
Life rarely goes the way you hope. But you can take action!

Important secrets to living a successful life are found in the 12 keys of the book of Hebrews. Bestselling author Derek Prince uncovers these keys and reveals how they will unlock God's provision and blessing for you. No matter what situations you are facing, you can step into the successful future God has planned for you.

My Take
I don't know anyone who doesn't want to live a successful life. In this day and age, people are trying even harder to live a successful life. But what may be success for one person is different for another. Success for one person can be all about money, while another person it can be growing closer to God. In the book Keys to Successful Living, it shows you how to live successfully with the help of God through through the Bible.

In this book, you will find the 12 keys broken down and explained in depth for your understanding. Some of the things you will learn about will be fear, diligence, drawing nearer to the Throne of Grace, considering one another and offer up a sacrifice. Throughout the book, you will find the key points linked with versus from the Bible to help out with explanations. In some of the chapters, you will find biblical characters like David and Abraham that have gone through certain things and how they have used one of the keys to help them live successfully.

At the end of the book, he reviews each of the 12 keys for you. This way you can quickly look at them if you need to without having to read the book all over again. He also includes a small prayer for you to pray at the end of the book. He also includes two indexes, a general index and a scripture index.

This book isn't for everyone. But for those of you who want more of a biblical understanding to the success of life, you should read it. It is small, so it can be completed within minutes and you can start transforming your life before you know it.

This complimentary book was given to me by Chosen Books for my honest review.

Deceived, by Irene Hannon

Title: Deceived (#3)

Series: Private Justice

Author: Irene Hannon

Publisher: Revell

Date: October 7, 2014

Paperback: 416 pages





About the Author
Irene Hannon is the author of more than forty-five novels, including Vanished, Trapped, and the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

About the Book
For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

My Take
As I read through this book, I noticed there were times when I did not want to put the book down. It had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. I was really excited when key points were revealed and the story was coming together and to and end. I felt like I was on the journey with Kate as she was trying to piece the puzzle together. Trying to visualize each character and seeing there emotions unfold on the pages, was a treat in itself. If you don't think you will enjoy this book, you are wrong. Irene Hannon is an amazing writer and will keep you reading until the end.

Irene Hannon's writing style is very simplistic, so you will not have a hard time getting through the story. When I get in to books, I usually visualize everyone and everything that is going on. Not so much in this one. I kind of was able to see everything around them and maybe one or two characters, but not necessarily their faces. I don't know if I was so engrossed into the story that it just didn't seem to come up or if she just wasn't descriptive enough. But it didn't matter. I still enjoyed the story just the same.

I am not one who likes to read romance novels, as this one is listed as Romance Suspense. I felt as though she didn't overdue it to the point to where it took over the story. It was just the right amount and I actually enjoyed that part of the story too.

Deceived is book #3 in the Private Justice series. Book #1 is Vanished and book #2 is Trapped. After reading #3 ( I always tend to read things out of order), I think I am going to go back and read #1 and #2. If they are as good as this one, the deserve to be given a chance.

This complimentary book was given to me by Revell for my honest review.

The Hockey Saint, by Howard Shapiro

Title: The Hockey Saint (book #2)

Series: Forever Friends Trilogy

Author: Howard Shapiro

Publisher: Animal Media Group

Date: October 14, 2014

Paperback: 150 pages





About the Author
Howard Shapiro has written four children's books. The Stereotypical Freaks, the first book in the Forever Friends Trilogy won the 2013 Best Graphic Novel also a finalist for the Young Adult Library Services Association's Great Graphic Novel for Teens Award. Hockey Player for Life has been the off and on #1 downloaded children's hockey e-book in November 2011. His first children's hockey book, Hockey Days, was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Magazine Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children.

About the Book
The Hockey Saint is the highly anticipated second book in the Forever Friends Trilogy, which covers the unlikely friendship of the world's best hockey player, Jeremiah Jacobson and college sophomore, Tom Leonard. Their friendship is immediately put to the test when Tom discovers his idol is not as perfect as he appeared to be. Can Tom save Jeremiah from this checkered past and fast lifestyle?

My Take
First I must say that I am a fan of hockey, but not to the point where I can name the best and follow stats. I know, it doesn't sound like a fan, but I do love the game. Second, I love to read. What better book to pick up then The Hockey Saint. This happens to be the sequel to The Stereotypical Freaks, which I haven't read. But I guarantee you, I will be getting a copy to read. If it reads anything like The Hockey Saint, it is worth a buy.

The book is a very easy read and only has 150 pages. It goes by pretty fast because the author does a great job of telling a story that keeps you engaged. I felt as though the characters in the book could have been real people going through real situations. He made the characters very real to life and ones you feel as though you can sympathize with. You could actually feel their emotions coming off the page. At least that is how it was for me. I also felt like this story had a message to go with it. One that is not just for teens, but adults could also learn from.

In conjunction with a great story was amazing artistry. The pictures are filled with brilliant color, which really adds to the book. A great deal of thought was put into it which in turn made for a great book. I really enjoyed reading it and think that anyone who picks this book up will not be disappointed.

I received this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.

Vegan Holiday Cooking from Candle Cafe, by Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos & Jorge Pineda

 Title: Vegan Holiday Cooking from Candle Cafe

Authors: Joy Pierson, Angel Ramos & Jorge Pineda

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Date: September 30, 2014

Hardcover: 176 pages






About the Authors
JOY PIERSON is co-owner of the Candle Cafe, Candle Cafe West, and Candle 79, and coauthor of The Candle Cafe Cookbook and Candle 79 Cookbook. Certified in nutritional counseling, Joy has appeared on the Todayshow, Good Day New York, CBS News This Morning, The Food Network's TV Food Diners, and NPR.

ANGEL RAMOS is executive chef at Candle 79 and Candle Cafe West. His recipes have been featured in the New York Times and Vegetarian Times, and he helped develop the nationally distributed Candle Cafe Frozen Entrees line. In 2010, Angel was named the VegNews Chef of the Year. Pastry chef and kitchen manager

JORGE PINEDA developed the nationally distributed Candle Cafe Desserts and Candle Chef's Cuisine for Whole Foods Markets, and his pastries have been deemed the "Best Vegan Desserts in America" by the Los Angeles Times.

About the Book
This collection of vegan holiday recipes—the first of its kind from award-winning chefs—elevates plant-based fare to a new level. With fresh, inventive menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Lunar New Year, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine's Day, Passover, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, and Independence Day, this cookbook blends favorite traditions with a modern sensibility. Tantalizing dishes include Sweet Potato Latkes with Almond Crème Fraîche for Passover; Porcini-Crusted Seitan with Glazed Cipollini Onions and Mushroom Gravy for Thanksgiving; and Red, White, and Blue Margaritas for the Fourth of July.

Now home cooks can entertain in the spirit of New York’s premier vegan restaurants, Candle Cafe, Candle 79, and Candle Cafe West. With forewords by Alicia Silverstone and Laura and Woody Harrelson, plus sumptuous photography throughout, this festive cookbook invites vegans and omnivores alike to gather around the holiday table and enjoy.

My Take
If you are like me, you love a good cookbook. I can't really cook but love to eat. So cookbooks are a good thing for me to have. I actually like to collect them and have quite a bit of them. The Vegan Holiday Cooking from Candle Cafe, I will say is my first vegan cookbook. I never really thought of vegan eating as something that would look/taste good. When I think of vegan, I think of bland healthy food. But after perusing this cookbook, I realized I was wrong.

The Vegan Holiday Cooking from Candle Cafe is broken down into 10 sections. Each of these sections being holidays we celebrate. They have everything from the Super Bowl to Passover. Under each section, you will find different recipes that you can cook and enjoy. Most of the ingredients can be found in your home, so cooking should be extremely easy. Like the Make Your Own Chili Bowl recipe, I had everything in my pantry already. This one is listed under the Super Bowl Big-Game Party section, but can be enjoyed at anytime, like I did the other night. My daughter even liked it and she is a picky eater. Some of the other mouth watering recipes are Soba Noodle and Seaweed Salad with Wasabi-Tahini Dressing, Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, Grilled Artichoke Hearts with Pesto, Crispy Black Bean Tacos, and much more. I guarantee you, if you get this book, you are going to want to try just about every recipe in this book.

The presentation of this cookbook is eye catching. Not only does the cover look great, but the pictures inside are just as enticing. I personally feel like a good cookbook has pictures that make you want to keep opening it up and creating all the recipes over and over again, and this one does not fail. Even though it is broken down for specific holidays, you can use the recipes (meals, desserts, and drinks) anytime of the year for a casual meal or a spruced up one with guests.

This complimentary book was given to me for my honest review.

Paws in the Piazza, by Jerilyn Mcntyre

Title: Paws in the Piazza: Harley's Venetian Adventure

Author: Jerilyn McIntyre

Illustrator: Ken Shuey

Publisher: Bristlecone Books

Date: December 11, 2013 (1st ed.)

Paperback: 96 pages

Ages: 10 - 14 years old



About the Book
“Back home, I was content to be just an ordinary house cat. I didn’t get out much. But it’s different here in Venice.” How different? Harley quickly finds out after his family arrives in Italy. He takes up with a group of local cats who roam wild in the alleys and neighborhoods of Venice, and meets the mysterious Angela, a beautiful white Angora who steals his heart. Then he becomes embroiled in a fierce and ongoing war between his friends and a rival band of cats, and discovers the magical order that underlies life in the enchanting and historic city that is his new home.

My Take
I thought this was a cute book. It made it seems like the cat was experiencing life like we would. It takes you on the journey of a cat that goes on a trip with his owners. We learn about how life in another country is for a cat. This cat gets to experience the ups and downs of meeting new cats. Some are good and some are bad. He gets in fights and for his safety joins a group. He also finds another cat that he falls for.

The story is not a hard read. Most children can get through it pretty fast. My daughter is 11 and she didn't have a problem reading it at all. There aren't that many pages, so they won't get too discouraged about it lasting forever. I did feel as though the story was more of something an adult would enjoy over children, but who is to say they won't like it also. After all it is a story about a cat. Also, the illustrator has a couple of hand drawn pictures to give you an idea of what the place looks like and the different cats in the town. What I would have loved to see, would have been a picture or two when the cats were underground having their meeting. That would have been cool.

All in all, it is a book that I am sure young readers would really enjoy.

This complementary book was given to me by the author for my honest review.

Fearless, by Eric Blehm

Title: Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Author: Eric Blehm

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Date: May 21, 2013

Paperback: 228 pages






 About the Author
Eric Blehm is the best-selling author of The Only Thing Worth Dying For, which recounts the harrowing story of the first Special Forces A-team to infiltrate Taliban-held southern Afghanistan weeks after 9/11. It was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. The Last Season, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, was named by Outside magazine as one of the ten :greatest adventure biographies ever written." Blehm lives in California with his wife and children.

About the Book
When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hind Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—but he was ready. In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote, “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”

Fearless is the story of a man of extremes, whose courage and determination were fueled by faith, family, and the love of a woman. It’s about a man who waged a war against his own worst impulses, including drug addiction, and persevered to reach the top tier of the U.S. military. In a deeply personal and absorbing chronicle, Fearless reveals a glimpse inside the SEAL Team SIX brotherhood, and presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior whose final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice.

Adam Brown was a devoted man who was an unlikely hero but a true warrior, described by all who knew him as…fearless. 

My take
First and foremost, everyone should read this book. It is very inspiring. When I first received this book, I assumed it was going to be just about his mission in Afghanistan (no, I don't always read the back to see what the book is truly about). As I started to read it, I realized it was much more than that. It was about courage, strength, loyalty, faith, but most of all "fearlessness".

The author does a great job showing us who Adam Brown truly was. By taking us on a journey from his humble beginnings, we get to see the real person he was. The demons that he had to conquer and how his faith in God helped him through. He was a person whose book everyone should take a chapter from. It takes a lot to become a SEAL and he had everything that was needed.

The book also includes pictures from Adam Brown's life that shows him as a child through him becoming a SEAL. It also includes an epilogue that will tug at your heart as much as the book itself. You will also find an In Memoriam at the back of the book that lists West and East Coast U.S. Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, and U.S. Army General Support Aviation Battalion men that gave their life for their country. Then you will find a section called Adam's Legacy which shows different emails or letters that people sent author Eric Blehm to show him how much Adam has inspired them.

Like I stated before, this is a really good story that everyone should read. 

This complementary book was given to me for my honest review.

Confession or Miracles Happen, by Marina Polukhina

Title: Confession or Miracles Happen

Author: Marina Polukhina

Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

Date: May 30, 2014

Paperback: 72 pages







About the Author
Marina Polukhina (maiden name Granova) was born on March 26, 1966 in Leningrad, USSR (Saint Petersburg, Russia). She finished High School with extensive learning of English in 1983. In 1985 she graduated technical college. In 1986, completed "State Course" of British English. In 1987, Marina got married; and in 1988 her daughter Arina was born. When Arina was 5 1/2 years old her parents got a divorce. Marina worked in Medical Genetic Center of St. Petersburg till March 1, 2003. On March 21st, Marina together with her 15 years old daughter Arina moved to the USA. Marina got married on May 16, 2003. She lives with her husband in Maryland.

About the book
Do you believe in miracles? Most of us do not. I did not believe in miracles either until one late afternoon I realized that despite what I did, I was still alive. I discoverd myself after 25 years of struggling and suffering. I have just turned 48, but I can assure you that my life has started a year ago. Yes, first 47 years of my life I spent in the deepest and terrigying darkness.

My take
This book doesn't have a lot of pages, so it can be finished pretty fast. I did enjoy the storyline of it. Being written in first person and having to read "I" in every sentence made it hard to get through. I had a really hard time with her writing style. Putting that aside, I made it to the end and found the story interesting. This story makes you realize that not everyone has the greatest life, but if you truly want to live and survive, you will do whatever it takes to make it. I also learned that depression can be a very troubling disease and if you don't have anyone to help you or if you don't get any help, it can end tragically.

I feel as though the author is very brave to tell her story. She struggled through some very trying moments and still felt that she could put it on some pages and put it out there for the whole world to see. May be her hope is for other women in her situation to realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you can survive no matter how hard you struggle. Pull yourself up by your boot straps and have a little faith in God and you can make it through.

This complimentary book was given to me through Bostick Communications for my honest review.