"Fearless", by Eric Blehm

About This Book

Fearless takes you deep into SEAL Team SIX, straight to the heart of one of its most legendary operators.

“As a rule, we don’t endorse books or movies or anything regarding the command where I work—and Adam Brown worked—but as the author writes in Fearless, ‘you have to know the rules, so you know when to bend or break them.’ This is one of those times.  Read this book. Period. It succeeds where all the others have failed.”  --Anonymous SEAL Team SIX Operator

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 Thoughts

My first reaction after reading this book (without putting it down for a minute!) was to wish this book was required reading for all secondary education students.  To understand what someone has done to keep each of us free and safe is to read the story of Adam Brown.  His name is added to the list of many other brave people when defining the word "warrior".

It's difficult to read a book when you know the ending.  Yet, it's very important to read the beginning and learn about Adam's life.  He will inspire our young people to not give up, even if their life is messed up.  Adam's parents never gave up on him.  His wife, Kelley, never gave up on him.  She deserves her own medal for the faith and courage and hope she had for her husband.

I will give Fearless as a gift to many, as this is a story that deserves to be told again and again. My humble words of praise are so insignificant in comparison to the impact of this book and the story told within it's pages.  I realize how blessed I am to live in a country in which so many people have done much to give us freedom.

Without a doubt, this book is a keeper and will stay on my favorites shelf, always.

The writing skills and thorough research of author, Eric Blehm, deserve an enormous degree of gratitude and the title of "best-selling author".   Thank you, Eric.  Please keep writing stories of unsung heros.

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review" 

Wishing On Willows, by Katie Ganshert

Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?  

A three-year-old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband.  As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her cafe and vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.  As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily.  His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks.  

I liked the two main characters in this story, Robin and Ian.  Robin’s struggles as a young widow determined to succeed and Ian is trying to gain approval from his successful father. Being successful and finding approval from the ones we love are the strong points in this book. 

I liked the idea that the author included a list of questions at the end, so this book would make a nice addition to any small group or book club. 

I wish Katie Ganshert, the author, had used the text about the willows earlier in the story since the title gave me the idea the willows had a significant meaning.   I was a bit confused by the chapters that gave Robin’s first-person point of view since they were interspersed throughout the book.  Perhaps a small heading at the chapter’s beginning would have clarified my story thoughts.

I give this book a definite 4 stars.  I look forward to reading Katie's next novel.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Lord, I Give You This Day, by Kay Arthur

Do you need wisdom and strength for the days ahead?  

Do you long for the peace God promises, the power to perservere?

Reviewing "Lord, I Give You This Day", brought an instant feeling of comfort as I read the 366 Appointments with God in this power-packed daily devotional, by Kay Arthur.  She beckons you into a deeper relationship with God, helping you discover for yourself the life-changing power of His unwavering character and unshakeable love.  As each brief reading draws you into the Bible and leads you into purposeful prayer, you'll be equipped to greet each day with bold faith, confident in God's faithfulness, strength, and transforming grace. Kay says, "In the greatest trials I have faced, these were the truths that kept me in perfect peace as I took them into my heart and lived accordingly."

As I read the introduction ....

"Each brief, one page reading addresses the challenges and joys of surrendered living...."

the suggestion of surrender gave me a sense of drawing my daily strength for each new day from God, and only from Him.  Kay suggests that if you make the consistent practice of surrendering, you'll find your life and your relationships transformed.  That sounds really good and positive.
I like the format for each day's devotion with a simple thought, confirmed by God's Word and at the end is a one or two sentence prayer, or an idea or suggestion from the author how to apply that day's devotion.  The simplicity of this book will allow this book to stay at my bedside permanently.  I've read many devotionals throughout my lifetime, and this little book is just right for anyone.   The added bonus of this beautiful treasured book is the fact that the publishers had this book printed here in the United States.  One final note, the size and smooth cover make this book so nice to hold.  What a wonderful book!

You might like to click on the link http://www.scribd.com/doc/92939414/Lord-I-Give-You-This-Day-366-Appointments-with-God#.UUFLCKK0KSo   to read the first chapter and find out this is a book you need. 


"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."