Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young*A Review

He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets. Now Kerby Wilson finds himself duped by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own. Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away¿his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, he sells all that he holds dear for an elusive state of peace.Herby, Kerby's identical twin brother is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won't allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God's unfailing love and Kerby's need for his help.When Kerby uses his past identity as a police officer to rob the biggest drug dealer in Philly, a price is put on his head. Learning of Kerby's latest antics, Herby, family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles to help keep him alive and break free of his addiction.This hope-filled story reveal the internal and external struggles of two men who find themselves in need of God's grace, love and forgiveness as they fight for their lives against the very gates of hell.

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Lift Every Voice; New Edition edition (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802401694
ISBN-13: 978-0802401694
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds


MYLOW YOUNG is a native of Philadelphia and has struggled with drug addiction for more than half of his life. After several stays at Bethel Colony of Mercy and even serving in that same ministry, consistency in his life was not to be found. After totally surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and discovering his identity in Christ, he has found newness of life. Mylow and his wife Sondra attend The Connection of Statesville Church where Mylow serves as a Deacon. Mylow is available for speaking engagements at your church, youth group, Sunday school service or recovery group and can be contacted at gaitsofhell1@gmail.com.


MY REVIEW
  Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young is a book about the inside and outside struggles of life, drugs of twins. It is about police officers and how you can so easily get off of the right track. It also is about not judging anyone when we don’t really know what is going on in their lives.
  I really enjoyed this book. I’ve never read any books by Mylow Young before, but would gladly read any more of his.
  Against the Gates of Hell showed me what it is like to be an addict, but also how people may want to stop, but don’t believe anyone cares for them or is wanting them to be free.
  In this book Kerby was a police officer turned addict after some horrible things happened. Even after all of that he still had family who loved him, prayed for him and wanted him back. Even through all of that he still couldn’t believe he was worth anything, but God wouldn’t let him go. I can just imagine if an addict didn’t have anyone who cared how would they even get help or out.
  This is a very tender, touching story full of action, adventure, love forgiveness and real life situations. I really enjoyed all of the preaching and Bible verses mentioned in this book.  You won’t be sorry you read this book. It really gives you an inside look at how hard some people have it, but they can make it with the grace of God.
 I highly recommend this book. It will change how you feel about drug addicts and those people who are alone in life.


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Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. 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

DVD GIVEAWAY and Review of Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge

ABOUT THE DVD
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

http://www.christmaslodgethemovie.com/

"I believe we all have a higher purpose to our lives than merely existing day to day. Each of us, in our own unique way, is called to let our light shine. The unique, one-of-a-kind canvas of our existence is meant to be an inspiration to others – a true joy to behold and a heaven-sent blessing to those we meet and to the world around us."
– Thomas Kinkade

THE ACTORS

Erin Karplunk plays Mary


Michael Shanks plays Jack









Actors: Victoria Banks, Michael Shanks, Erin Karpluk, Peter Benson
Directors: -
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 11, 2011
Run Time: 90 minutes
ASIN: B005BXY1QU

MY REVIEW
  Christmas Lodge is a wonderful family movie and sweet love story all in one.  Mary loves spending time in the mountains, because when she was young her family always spent time in the mountains at the Christmas lodge. By accident she finds the Christmas lodge again and finds out it is falling apart. This really upsets her and she wants to do something about it.
  Mary’s grandfather had heart surgery and then a stroke and they don’t know if he will live or not. I love the sweet relationship Mary and her grandfather have. You can tell they love each other so very much.
  Mary also falls in love with Jack who owns the Christmas lodge. They work together in life, love and rebuilding the lodge, but so many problems keep coming up.
  The actors/actresses do a fantastic job in this movie and it is just a beautiful place to have a movie, and what isn‘t wonderful with Thomas Kinkade involved?
 This is a movie to watch with your family for Christmas and beyond. A G-rated movie and one full of love, faith and family. Highly recommended for one and all.


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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”


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The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan & Mike Berenstain * A Review

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GIVE THANKS

The Living Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving---complete with costumes, props and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear's pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God's many blessings.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712513
ISBN-13: 978-0310712510
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

THE AUTHORS
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

MY REVIEW
 I’m just delighted at these new Berenstain Bears books from Living Lights. This one of course is about Thanksgiving and is full of such wonderful colors, pictures and we all love the Berenstain Bear characters. I like the story also. Sister doesn’t want the turkey for Thanksgiving because she wants it as a pet. I can see my daughter doing the same thing. Also brother and sister put on a play for the family who comes for dinner about the pilgrims and how they wanted to be able to worship the way they wanted so they came to America.
  I like these books because they are longer, but really hold the attention of children. So if you have a child/grandchild or young friend, this book is just prefect for Thanksgiving. You will be entertained and also learn something about this special holiday. I recommend this for everyone.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer*A Review

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separates her from her tribe.

Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay arrives in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. He is totally focused on this goal... until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe. And befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?



Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207857
ISBN-13: 978-0764207853
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces


Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.


MY REVIEW
  A Whisper of Peace is a good book, but for me it really started slow. It didn’t seem like a lot happened in this book and it was easy to guess the ending. It took me longer than normal to read because it just wasn’t that interesting. I know Kim Vogel Sawyer is a sweetheart of a person and has written many wonderful books, but this just isn’t one  of them.
  Don’t get me wrong this is a fun read if you don’t have any other books to read. It is full of encouraging thoughts.
  I would have liked the characters to have had a little more depth of character and to be stronger in their feelings and the way they lived their lives.
  I just don’t think it is a book I would ever read again.
I recommend this book for a easy going kind of read if you don’t have anything more interesting to read.

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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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

BOOK WINNER The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander was won by

Patsy 

If you didn't win, go out and buy The Wedding Kiss or another book by Hannah Alexander.

Love their books.

New giveaway coming soon.

Have a blessed day,

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper * A Review

ABOUT SHADOWS ON THE SAND
She serves him breakfast at her cafe every morning … but he never seems to notice her.
Carrie Carter’s small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601420846
ISBN-13: 978-1601420848
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gayle the Writer: Gayle is the award winning author of more than forty books. She has been a Christy finalist three times for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows, and Winter Winds.
Her novel Autumn Dreams won the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Summer Shadows was voted the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Book of the Year (tied with fellow author Brandilyn Collins).
Gayle has won the Holt Medallion three times for The Decision, Caught in a Bind, and Autumn Dreams. The Decision won the Reviewers Choice Award, and Gayle has also won the Award of Excellence for Spring Rain and the Golden Quill for Summer Shadows and Winter Winds. Romantic Times Book Report gave Gayle the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her Amhearst mystery series, Caught in the Middle, Caught in the Act, and Caught in a Bind, originally published by Zondervan, was reprinted in 2007 by Love Inspired Suspense with a fourth original title added, Caught Redhanded. Another original single title, See No Evil, was also released. Caught in the Middle has been optioned for film.
A Woman and her Emotions, an updated and expanded version of Gayle's title Balancing Your Emotions, also saw release in 2007. Gayle's other nonfiction title, Riding the Waves, has been called the "thinking woman's book on contentment".
2008 sees the release of Fatal Deduction (Waterbrook Multnomah) in May. Publishers Weekly states, "Roper's dialogue and character development are spot-on, which is no small feat, considering that Libby's world is peopled by everyone from elderly patricians to two-bit gangsters…This novel is a pleasure from start to finish."

Gayle the Teacher:  For her work in training Christian writers Gayle has won special recognition from Mount Hermon CWC, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC. She directed St. Davids for five years and Sandy Cove CWC for six. She has taught with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS), serving for several years as their writer in residence.
Gayle enjoys speaking at women's events across the nation and loves sharing the powerful truths of Scripture with humor and practicality.
When she's not writing, or teaching at conferences, Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and eating out.
http://www.gayleroper.com/home.html

MY REVIEW
  Another author I haven’t read any of her books before. She is new to me and I really loved this book.
  Right off I really liked/sympathized with one of the main characters Carrie. She is full of spunk, but also tender, but acts tough. It is hard for her to trust people after the way her mother brought her and her younger sister up.
   It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read it, but didn’t want it to end.
  This book Shadows on the Sand is full of love, patience, suspense and forgiveness. Each of the main characters had something happen in their past that they need to let go of and move on in life. In each other they find how they can do that.
  Also a cult is after two of Carrie’s employees, but she doesn’t know this. It’s sad how things like this happen and no one knows what is going on.
  In this whole book people are dealing with love, loss and forgiveness. Each person deals with things differently.
  I really love the setting of this book. It’s called Seaside, New Jersey and just sounds like a place you would love to live or vacation at. Carrie’s café sounds so very special, warm and inviting. Just a place you would love to visit and share with a friend.
 I highly recommend Shadows on the Sand. You will love it.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. 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

No Escape From Berlin by Rudi London * A Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

A FRIEND IS A TREASURE FOUND

If you are a romantic history buff, you'll love Alex's challenging journey to purpose. We previously met Alex (from Philippi, West Virginia) in Rudi London's first book, The Operator Is Calling. Now we're telling his story. We learn how he grew up to fall in love with Tamlyn, which was not an easy task. Tamlyn had a mind of her own, but so did Alex. It was complicated; on their wedding day, suddenly one of them was missing. Many other members of the US Army Air Forces had issues with pilot Highland and his unit flying over Berlin that night in early June of 1944. We don't know for sure what specific night it was because all records of that raid were immediately destroyed afterward and Adolf Hitler took the secret with him to his grave-or did he really go to the grave?

Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Amazing Road (October 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982302274
ISBN-13: 978-0982302279
Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rudi London was born upstairs at his parent's home in the city of Nedstrand, on the southern west coast of Norway at 12:37 A.M., July 7, in the year of Rudolph. His father, Far, had called in the mid-wife and his mother, Mor, gave birth. The birthing process went flawlessly up to a certain point. This is discussed in London's book, 3 Angels (July 2010). Upon graduating High School Rudi started his computer career in January 1969 at Forsvarets (Norwegian Military/NATO) Datasentral, Oslo. Working on IBM 360 mainframes, Mr. London sent his first email from Oslo to Bergen in November that same year. July 1970, Mr. Rudi London joined the Norwegian Air Force to fly fighter jets. After completing military duty, his Computer Systems boss thought young London needed more knowledge and sent him to evenings classes at Bedriftsøkonomisk Institutt to study college importance.

MY REVIEW
  This is the third book I’ve read written by Rudi London and I must say this is his best one yet. Don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed all of Rudi’s books, but this one is superb.
  I really enjoyed how the book No Escape From Berlin tells the story of a very young boy, his growing up and then when he goes off to war.
  Alex meets an older man down by the creek and they become very good friends. Alex never tells anyone about his friend, but so enjoys all of their talks and the lessons his friend Charlie teaches him. It’s fascinating how these lessons helped Alex all through his life.
   I was captivated with the action, adventure and sweet romance. I usually don’t like to read books that are set in the time of Hitler’s rein, but I loved reading this one. I was sitting on the edge of my seat through the last half of this book, wondering how things would turn out.
  I love books with Norwegian characters in them and Alex and his family are Norwegian. I’ve learned some new Norwegian words and phrases, which is cool.
One of my favorite characters in No Escape From Berlin is Adriana. She is strong, brave and full of life. I like the way she never gave up.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is a keeper and one you will want to read again and again. Thanks Rudi for another great book.
 
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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. 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