52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful life

By: Bob Welch

Fall has arrived and once again I am reminded that the Christmas season is not too far away.  I enjoy Christmas classics which is why I was excited about the opportunity to review 52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life.  Bob Welch has penned a delightful book which contains 52 life lessons from this classic movie.  Each chapter has a title (which is the life lesson), a line (or lines) from the movie and then a few pages expanding upon the life lesson. 

I really enjoyed this book as it gave an in depth view of the movie.  I look forward to watching the movie this year as I am sure I will notice things that I have not noticed before reading this book.  One part of the book that I really enjoyed was the Author’s Note in the beginning.  Bob talks about how a bank in the city that he lives in requires all new employees to watch a series of scenes from this movie.  He quotes the bank president who said, “The message in that film, is the message we want our employees to come to work with every day: the idea that our actions make a difference in the community around us.”  What a powerful statement!  If you like this movie I believe you will enjoy this book.    

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Be Still My Soul

By: Joanne Bischof

 

Lonnie, eager to escape from the clutches of her abusive father, finds herself in a very precarious position.  When her father catches her kissing the ladies’ man, Gideon O’Riley, he forces the two of them into marriage.  Although they do not want to be married to each other, they know that they cannot escape the inevitable.  Joel Sawyer, Lonnie’s father, has made up his mind crushing Lonnie’s dreams of moving in with her Aunt Sarah when she turns eighteen. 

Come along on Lonnie and Gideon’s journey.  They are an unlikely pair, who manage to learn lessons in faith, love and forgiveness.  Along their journey they encounter a loving couple named Jebediah and Elsie.  They are just the example that Lonnie and Gideon need in their life. 

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.  It had a lot of twists and turns and evoked many emotions.  This is the first novel by this author and I look forward to reading her second book in this series.  This series is called Cadence of Grace and the second book “Though My Heart is Torn” will be released in April 2013.  I have included some additional resources below, including a link to the first chapter.   

   

Additional Resources:

• Author's Web Site
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my honest review.

Perfect Lies

By: Jennifer Crow

 

 

 

 

This book is about Jennifer, a pastor’s wife, who had many struggles, both physical and mental, and her road to healing.  Everything looked perfect on the outside but inside she was going through so much inner turmoil.  There are nine lies that Jennifer  believes people struggle with: I am unlovable, I am worthless, I am unacceptable, I am unable, I am a target, I am not angry, I am bad, I am in danger and I am deprived.  In each chapter Jennifer mentions emotions that are associated with each lie.  For example, if you believe the lie that you are worthless then you may also be experiencing sadness, depression and inferiority.

 

Jennifer believes that the Lord healed her through what is called Christian Meditative Prayer.  She addressed the lies that she believed through scripture, prayer and meditation.  She devotes a chapter at the end of the book to explain what Christian Meditative Prayer is and how to use it.  She understands that many people shy away from meditation because often it is associated with New Age.  However, she mentions that we are to meditate on the Word of God.    

 

This book spoke to me and has helped me during my own journey to healing.  It was an answer to my prayers and I would like to thank Jennifer for sharing her story.  I do not agree with everything that is said in this book but I found a lot of the information helpful.  I would recommend this book because it helped me.  However, I realize that there are many people that may not be able to receive from this book.  Regarding meditative prayer, you will have to decide if it is right for you.  I believe we are to meditate on the Word of God and the Lord always needs to be our focus.

 

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.