BEYOND THE BOOKSTORE

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

DARK VESSEL BY D. I. Telbat

Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) is the fourth in a series of books by D. I. Telbat that describes the missions of C.O.I.L. an organization out to help Christians in distress. It is a Christian suspense novel which means blood and gore, sex and violence are not incorporated within the pages of this ebook, nor the others in the series. Despite the absence of what most popular novelist believe are necessary to make a book worth reading, I promise you, you will not miss the absence of these “marketing gimmicks.” I believe the lack of these secular exploits improves the flow of the story line.

As with the other books in the series Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) is filled with suspense, action and of course an exciting yet purposeful plot.

I so appreciate the writings of D. I. Telbat which is why he is one of the few fiction writers whose books I will review without hesitation. I would have been surprised if the book had been anything but exciting. I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Despite my obvious bias I recommend Dark Vessel (The COIL Series); because the book is that good.

I would have to caution you that it would be best that you read the other three in the series before reading Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) . In the following order: Dark Liason: A Christian Suspense Novel; Dark Hearted; Dark Rule then Dark Vessel. Like any book in a series it can be very irritating to read a book and then discover you like the story line and then have to play catch-up.

Available on Amazon (click on any link above) and Smashwords

Thursday, January 23, 2014

THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY: A Journey To Intimate Friendship With God by Dutch Sheets

RELEASE DATE JANUARY 28, 2014

Rarely does the title of a book surmise the essence of a book as the title: Pleasure of His Company, The: A Journey to Intimate Friendship With God” by Dutch Sheets. I am a Dutch Sheets fan so I would have been surprised if this book was not a good one.

Pleasure of His Company, The: A Journey to Intimate Friendship With God reads like a devotional should read in that it is introspective. His words guide the reader into a more personal vision of who Jesus is. The traditional devotional provides a bible verse and a commentary in which the reader is free to accept or reject this book is not a devotional but a guide to an intimate friendship with God.

Upon completion of this book the reader will, at least he or she should, have a better understanding of what it means to have a personal relationship with God. The 265 pages should not be read in one day but savored. Each prayer found at the end of each of the 30 chapters should be read first then spoken but only if you mean it.

The first book I ever read by Dutch Sheets was The Beginner's Guide to Intercessory Prayer, one that I have recommended to numerous people. I also recommend Pleasure of His Company, The: A Journey to Intimate Friendship With God. As a believer and particularly if you are an intercessor you should have a copy of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that my review would be fair and honest.

OTHER BOOKS BY DUTCH SHEETS:

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

COMPASS: The Study Bible for Navigating Your LIfe

AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 4, 2014

Yes; another Bible! You will never hear me say there are to many Bibles to choose from however to a novice it really can be mind boggling thus I approached this review with two question: 1) Why should anyone read Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life? 2) Who should read Thomas Nelson’s newest study Bible?

If the book of Job discusses the journey of one going through a difficult time then the book of Lamentations takes that experience up a notch. How does COMPASS treat this book? It was easy for me to choose to review this book of the Bible since I have just completed studying this book and it is one of the most difficult books for me to read, I love the book of Job.

In reading the introduction to the book of Lamentations I found the commentary agreeable in terms of its’ contextual historical perspective. The acknowledgment of who may have been the books author serves as an excellent bridge to an excellent paragraph as to how the reader can apply the words in this book to his or her life. Footnote: this is the same introductory commentary found in The Voice Bible .

Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life is the study compliment to the Voice Bible translation, which I love, at first I thought the Bibles were identical however I was pleased to discover the differences which make this new Bible a great tool for study.365 Days through the Whole bible; Maps as well as an Index to in-Text Maps.

I like the Voice translation of the Bible, which as I mentioned the Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life is. If you are looking for a Bible to read from Genesis to Revelation for the very first time or because this is something you do every year this is a good choice. Why should you read Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life because it is a great study tool. Who should read Compass anyone who wants to gain understanding of God’s Word.

There were two things I did not like about my copy of this book, neither of which had to do with content. 1) I have had Bibles printed on similar type paper and discovered it tears easily. 2) Because my vision is no longer 20/20 I would have preferred a bigger font. I suspect the quality of the paper and the size of the font were decisions made in order to cover the cost of production, though understandable it is something that I consider when purchasing Bibles.

I understand how difficult it is for anyone to chose a Bible, particularly the first one. This Bible is well worth the purchase and so I do recommend it only if you intend on reading it.I received a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that my review would be fair and honest.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

AWAKENING FAITH by James Stuart Bell

I am not a devotional fan, however I chose to review Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church by James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly, because the title caught my curiosity. My first impression upon opening the book was that of happiness; there were no dates to control my reading pleasure!

Because my goal was to review the book I chose a few passages to read, however before I give you a thumbs up or a thumbs down from what I read in Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church I would like to point out a few tidbits.

There are 366 thoughts from various men from the past with an accompanying mini biography which makes Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church a great introduction to Christian history. Each thought, or entry, found includes a Bible verse,or two, upon completion of the book the reader will have read something from every book of the Bible. The index of Scripture listed according to the book in which you will find is a very thoughtful tool.

Scanning the various pages I did not find the text offensive, or condemning but thought provoking and relevant. Despite many of the passages being written over one thousand years ago each entry was easy to read and understand.
The first devotional I read was entry #160 “Stay Focused In Spiritual Warfare”. The key Bible reference was Philippians 1:9-10; within the context was an additional 1 Thessalonians 5:19 was quoted. The words by Diadochus Photice presented a practical posture for the believer to maintain and what is needed to overcome spiritual battles. I appreciated the opinion of the author and believe his words can easily be applied to lives of any individual.

After reading a few other exerts I and reviewing the remainder of the book unlike other devotionals this is one I can use. I recommend you purchase this book. I only wish I had a copy prior to Christmas because it would have made a great gift for numerous of my friends who love the Word.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest and fair review. 

Sunday, December 15, 2013

THE DANIEL PLAN by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen M.D., Mark Hyman M.D.

The best way to explain The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life is a lifestyle makeover how to. I am not by any stretch of the imagination a “diet professional” thus it was the title that attracted my attention. That said if I wanted to lose a few pounds this is the book I would choose to read.

The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life reads more like a motivational book than a health and nutrition guideline. The first few chapters are dedicated to establishing the proper mindset for wanting to lose weight. Yet, these foundational words are more than preparation for weight loss it is the basis of changing the way the reader does life.

Understanding the five “F’s”: faith, food, fitness, focus and friends help the reader realize the ultimate goal which is a lifestyle adjustment which will lead to a healthier person.

Admittedly I cannot tell you if the precepts were successfully for me since it takes more than a day of reading to make the necessary adjustments. What I can tell you is that the basis of The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life is solid and well worth investigating. It is my intention to incorporate the principles introduced and the suggestions presented into my own life which means the book is well worth the read.

I recommend The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life. For purposes of the review I was presented with an eBook which means that I will have to invest in a print copy for personal use. My one hesitancy is personal, I read numerous motivational material thus the first few chapters were a bit wordy HOWEVER please do not let this discourage you. xxx Marsha L Randolph

FOOT NOTE: There is a corresponding Study Guide

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

NIV ESSENTIALS STUDY BIBLE

It is difficult to describe such an awesome Bible in 300 words or less without omitting some interesting feature yet I will give it a try. THE NIV Essentials Study Bible aptly named because for anyone studying the Word this is an essential tool.

I have read quite a few Bible translations from Genesis to Revelations on more than one occasion, this includes having read the New International Version a.k.a. NIV Bible at least twice. What the NIV Essentials Study Bible does is incorporate everything I need in one book.

Since I am currently studying the book of Isaiah in my personal Bible study this is the book I chose for review in order to make my assessment.

The Key Concepts is a great feature since it gives the reader an idea of what to expect. The three bullet points were brief and significant.
I truly appreciated the picture in the About section which included a mini-history lesson.
Key Verses are in other study Bibles that I own thus its’ placement was not a surprise but truly appreciated.
It became obvious as I read the Key Teachings that the collaborators of the NIV Essentials Study Bible wanted the reader to focus on the Bible itself and not their opinions as once again each bullet point was short and without commentary.
What is not in any of my other study Bibles but a feature I love is Key Terms.
In addition to the personality profile People in Focus which is a detailed biography there is also an introductory mention of individuals to look for or People To Know.
A timeline is essential when you are studying the Bible thus When Did Things Happen is something a reader will want to review. Compared to the timeline in my other study Bibles, I like this one better.
Do you think it would be helpful to have a map in places where you need it and not at the end of the book? Well with NIV Essentials Study Bible they are.

As if this was not enough there are Q & A sections great for group or personal Bible study, verse Commentaries, Reflections and Response, verse highlights, historical tid-bits and so much more.

This is my new favorite Bible. I recommend you purchase one for yourself and a friend. xxx Marsha L Randolph