No, We Can't, by Robert Stearns

The world is shifting.  It is dissatisfied, baffled and craving transformation.  

Once I read that intro, I was curious.  The world we live in today is bombarded with news of coexistence, wars, peace, and opinions.  What should we believe?  Does anyone know the truth?  How can we trust any source to be accurate?  These are all questions that begin to have answers in this latest book I've read, by author, Robert Stearns.

The book, "No, We Can't, Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence", provides the reader with a comparative religious overview of a coming perilous culture clash.

My first impression as I began to read this book, was apprehension.  As I read further, I realized I need to be more informed about the three dominant world cultures and their value systems.  The presentation of each culture is quite detailed and factual.  Understanding how different belief systems and each culture's response to basic human needs was the major portion of this book.
After reading "No, We Can't, a believer of  Judeo-Christian beliefs and values will be able to respond to a world we thought would always stay the same.  That world is changing rapidly whether we like it or not.  Should you read this book?  Yes.  Should a believer of Islam or secularism read this book?  I think so.  Will we all be able to coexist?  After reading this book, probably not.  The age-old struggle for power and being in control hasn't changed.
One final thought.  I believe this book would be read by more people if it was titled, perhaps, "The Climax of Human Civilization", or "Coexistence Is A Myth".
"I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for this review."

The Harvest of Grace, Ada's House Series #3, by Cindy Woodsmall

It was easy to be swept into the life of Old Order Amish in this third book, "The Harvest of Grace", from the Ada's House series, by Cindy Woodsmall.

Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever?
Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.

I liked the determination and values of the main character, Sylvia.  She struggles with the same issues all of us face each day.  Being honest with others, wondering how our past mistakes can ever be forgiven, and finding hope in the simple things.  When Sylvia takes time out to rest under a tree in the hot summer heat, or notices the strength that comes from generation after generation working to build a dairy farm, or the tenderness she gives to the little kittens she finds in the barn loft, you can almost believe you are there sharing those moments.

Sylvia has to learn to trust her new friends, too.  Aaron, Grey , Cara, Ephraim, Trevor and the other families who all come to Ada's House, will bring you to appreciate traditional Amish events and the daily routines that are part of the Old Order Amish heritage.  I would recommend this book for those who appreciate the Amish community and for those struggling with the issues of forgiveness and God's grace.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of this book, just click here:    http://www.scribd.com/doc/58119222/The-Harvest-of-Grace-by-Cindy-Woodsmall-ch-1-excerpt

Author Bio

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline, in The Wall Street Journal, and in other media. She is the author of the Sisters of the Quilt series, The Sound of Sleigh Bells, and a nonfiction work, Plain Wisdom, which was written with her closest Old Order Amish friend. Cindy lives in Georgia with her family. Visit her website at CindyWoodsmall.com
 
 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Then Sings My Soul, Book 3, by Robert Morgan

My passion is music, especially hymns of faith.  This future book to review, "Then Sings My Soul", will be a treat to read. 

The long-awaited third installment! In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul. This collection of the world’s greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you’ve never heard, with lead-sheets included.
All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.
Morgan’s conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God’s music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.
 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.”

"Game One", by Emmett Smith

 After watching this "smooth moves" entertainer, it will be delightful to learn about the man behind the dancer.

Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher of the Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars champion, and successful real-estate investor, outlines the principles that helped him become a winner on and off the football field. In "Game On" he encourages you to live your God-given dream, now. Emmitt reveals that it’s not only vision and talent that propel us toward our dreams, but also a combination of determination, persistence, humility, courage, and faith. In this book, Emmitt gives readers the tools to pursue their dream with all their mind, heart, and soul.

The best part of "Game On" is author Emmitt Smith's ability to draw his reader into his plan (that works!) to dream, set goals, and then build on the strengths God has given you.

I found myself thinking seriously about dreams and goals I still want to achieve.  Not only dreams and goals, but a very important part of this book deals with principles that are determined by our character traits.  Chapter 3 "Follow Your Path", discusses the content of our character.  I was very impressed with this chapter as the author reminds us that in order to be of good character we put the needs of others first, not always an easy thing to do.  Well, I believe that is "Game On"!

Emmitt shares many football stories throughout the book, which would attract many sports enthusiasts to read his inspiring story.  In particular, stories of his time spent with football legend, Walter Payton, deserve to be read.

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

As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur

What Can You Do When Life Doesn't Turn Out Like You Planned?As Silver Refined
Answers to Life's Disappointments, As Silver Refined, written by Kay Arthur, is an eye-opening book which guides you to biblical truths that will help you break that cycle and instead embrace disappointment as the cleansing fire God uses to make you - as silver refined - a reflection of His goodness.
My first reaction was disappointment as I expected to find the answers in a more simplified explanation.  However, the depth of explanation is extensive, accurate, and extremely well presented.  As I read through each chapter I concluded how important this book is for individual study or a small support group.  It would be wise to take time to digest the wealth of information provided by Mrs. Arthur.
Now for the information provided.
Take Courage! How? That's what this book is about! How to handle life's disappointments God's way OR fall into the awful pit of despair.
My favorite part of this book was understanding meekness.  "Meekness is the key to acting rather than reacting . . . . the key to meekness is understanding the sovereignty and the character of God." (page 152) I hope you will read this book for this reason alone.
The companion study guide provided at the end of the book would be very beneficial to the application of each topic addressed.  Topics include failure, regrets, stress, pain and the positive scripture based topics of courage, joy, hope, victory and restoration. 
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Encounter, by Stephen Arterburn

The Encounter, a unique new book, kept my attention and it's a quick-read book that packs a powerful punch.  Stephen Arterburn, best-selling author and counselor, has an excellent knack for storytelling with the ability to give the reader the desire to think about how the story might apply to one's personal life.  If you've had an encounter such as this, you'll recognize the theme of forgiveness.


The Encounter, is a moving parable involving Jonathan Rush, a wealthy and famous entrepreneur, who is tortured by bitterness toward his mother who abandoned him when he was four. He travels to Alaska to find her but instead meets an enigmatic old woman known only as Mercy.  Mercy has the information he needs but is strangely reluctant to talk to him. Somehow Jonathan must find a way to persuade a frightened woman to unlock the secrets of his past.


The end result is a healthy new way to look at life with an ability to share hope with others for the future. Healing is possible but requires truth, acceptance, and forgiveness, including of oneself.

I would highly recommend this book for young teens through adults.

 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.”

Just In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

Just In Case You Ever Wonder, written by Max Lucado,  is now sitting on my "permanent books" shelf.  This one is a keeper and I'll read it as often as possible to my grandchildren.

The cover illustration, by Toni Goffe, caught my eye before I even opened this book.  Every child wishes for this scene with their parent and the story, Just In Case Your Ever Wonder will be a favorite for your child or grandchild to read again and again.

The affirmations on each page give hope for each of us.  Knowing that you'll always be loved, always be hugged, always have someone on your side, will help children and adults cope with life's ups and downs.

Each page of this hard-cover book are filled with gentle, soft-colored illustrations that give that warm, fuzzy feeling.  I believe I would read this book to a child at any age.

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.”