"We want our lives to leave a lasting legacy...This book helps you find your way. 5 out of 5 stars."

Selah: Your Moment to Stop, Think, and Step Into Your Future

• Paperback: 221 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800759575
• ISBN-13: 978-0800759575

Editor's Note: While this title is not a Deep River Books imprint, it was written  by DRB Co-Publisher, Nancie Carmichael.

Selah. Just what does it mean? Depending on which version of the Bible you find, you are likely to see it a variety of ways and interpreted several ways. I find that the definition of Selah is a pause. It means to stop and think about what you just heard. Others say its a musical notation or interlude. Still others find its similar to the Hebrew word Calah, meaning to weight, to measure, to evaluate. Wherever you find it in the Bible, it seems the word is a boundary, a marker. A place to stop and observe, to be still. But regardless of what we cal lit, we need Selah in our lives - no matter where we are in our journey.

Selah helps us remember who we are; it's a place to be still, to know God. It's a place where we can deal with choices and changes. In these pauses, we're reminded that we have a certain number of days, and we can ask ourselves, Do I want to spend the rest of my life doing what I'm doing? In these places, we see things we need to add or to let go. But we need these pauses in the presence of God to examine our priorities - to pursue what matters most.

In the book, Selah by Nancie Carmichael, she helps the reader map out the next steps toward a more meaningful life - touching others, making positive changes, and leaving the legacy of a life well spent. She invites you to come alongside as she examines the lives of people who took defining steps to make a greater difference. Their wisdom can help you live with greater joy and a sense of anticipation. It's never too late to make your life count, no matter how old you are!

I received this book compliments of Bring It On Communication for my honest review and think we all need a book like this one. It's never too late to take account of what you are doing in your life, where you are at and just what would you like to accomplish before you die. We want our lives to leave a lasting legacy and to make a difference in the lives we touch. This book helps you find your way, using biblical references from women in the Bible, such as the woman at the well! This one spoke volumes to me and offered me a different perspective that I needed in my life at 47, and for that reason I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

Selah by Nancie Carmichael

"The story is full of details that make it come alive for the reader...I laughed and cried with the family involved."

The Place of Belonging

By Jayne Pearson Faulkner

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Carmichael Publishing (Jan 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935265458
• ISBN-13: 978-1935265450

 

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe as a child?

So many factors can make this worse as a child. Moving, entering into a step-family situation, being labeled as “different” by your peers…

These are just some of the issues that Jayne Pearson Faulkner writes about in her memoir, The Place of Belonging. Janie (Jayne)  grew up in Montana in the 1940′s. She was the daughter of an unwed mother, marking her as an outcast from the start.

The heartwarming story takes you back to life in the 1940′s and reads almost like a diary, written by Jayne (Janie) as a child growing up. From the time Janie’s mother marries and leaves Janie with her grandmother (except for on weekends), to the point where Janie goes to live on the farm, the story is full of details that make it come alive for the reader. And throughout it, I had points I laughed and cried with the family involved.

So, who would I recommend it to?

Any girl,13 and up, can relate to Janie. And since Janie is not the only one who doesn’t feel like she belongs (through the course of the book it is evident that her mother wants very much to fit in too), I’d have to say it is a good and quick read for just about any teen girl or woman.

You can find your copy at a number of locations, including Amazon for just under $11.00, and at Deep River Books.

Looking for a great mystery? Read my review of The Key to the Kingdom, by Jeff Dixon.

**I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes.   I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review.   All opinions are my own.

"Tea Cup Art and Reflections would make a lovely gift for friends who enjoy art, tea, or photography. I simply couldn't put it down until I'd read it cover to cover."

Teacup Art...and Reflections

Reviewed by Jan at Jewelry 4 Change

By Joyce Wilkins

ISBN: 1935265814

ISBN-13: 9781935265818

Publisher: Deep River Books (Nov 2011) 

Hardcover, 222 pgs

List Price: $16.99 US

TeaCup Art... and Reflections is what I would call a 'coffee table book.' The stunning photography of teacups arranged in artistic scenes, printed on high quality paper is something I would leave out to look at over and over again, rather than hide on my bookshelf. 

When the book arrived in the mail I opened the package and began to thumb through it, thinking I'd pick it up later for a thorough read.  That didn't happen... I simply couldn't put it down until I'd read it cover to cover.

Ms. Wilkins has made each of the very unique teacups come to life by placing them in appropriate settings and including a brief story of each cup.  I was fascinated by the cups from other countries and the explanation of their symbols and designs. 

 Some of the pages include humorous stories about how the author acquired the cup. Teacups make me think of quiet afternoons spent with friends. Tea Cup Art and Reflections would make a lovely gift for friends who enjoy art, tea, or photography.  It would also be a nice addition to any waiting room. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On Communications to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review was not guaranteed, and no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

"Can be used as a great counseling manual for anyone wanting to get married, build their marriage, or save their marriage."

Beating the Marriage Odds 
by William R. Campbell

182 Pages

ISBN 10:   1935265032 ISBN 13:   978-1-935265030
Publisher: VMI Publishers/Deep River
Price: $11.69

This book caught my attention just by simply reading the back cover. The book can be used as a great counseling manual for anyone wanting to get married, build their marriage, or save their marriage. Although the book is written for Christians, it can be used for anyone. The book offers tons of principles that can help create healthy relationships. The book is backed up by statistics, examples, and scriptures. As Mr. Campbell states, in a marriage you work together as a team. I agree with that statement. As my husband and I have issues as any marriage, I love the fact that we work together as a team. From parenting to finances, and bonding.

He uses the example that I find so true: "If you were buying a car and the dealer told you that it had a 50% chance of being a lemon, would you buy it anyway?" Each chapter in the book has such great topics, real-life examples and scriptures that your and your spouse will find so helpful.

About the book: 
The statistics are staggering. One out of every two marriages today will fail. What is the cause of such staggering statistics? What, if anything, can be done to keep couples together? This book offers concrete principles for building and sustaining a sound marriage. It outlines the most common causes of marriage failure and offers sound principles to avoid or correct such problems. Those who are considering marriage as well as those who have been married for years will benefit from real life examples and principles that they can apply to their own marriages. Beating the Marriage Odds also provides a valuable resource for pastors, small group leaders and counselors.

About the author: 
After graduating from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, William R. Campbell went on to have a successful career in publishing. After retiring to a rural Montana Community, he returned to Seminary where he earned a Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis on counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has also earned a certificate in biblical counseling from the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Buy: you can go here and order from Amazon for $11.69.

Disclosure: I was sent products for free to review for my honest opinion, from either a PR agency or a company. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

"Wonderfully inspiring book about a mother's journey with an autistic child and her faith in God"

Lonely Girl, Gracious God
By Lauri Khodabandehloo
Reviewed by Laura at Adventures at Greenacre

 

Published by Deep River Books March 2011
264 pages/Non-Fiction/Autism 

ISBN-10: 1935265466

ISBN-13: 978-1935265467

Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor Lauri Khodabandehloo takes us on a journey down the broken road that leads us to the truth of God's overwhelming faithfulness, and His promise to never leave us as she shares the special bond between those who are challenged with a developmental disability and the people who love them.

"From the moment of her birth, Farema was not like her sisters. She didn’t respond normally to sounds or the touch of a hand. She was different. Embrace this mother’s deeply personal account of tragedies and triumphs, along with joys and sorrows of raising a child with the devastating disability of autism.

When lives have been turned upside down and we have nothing left to cling to, God offers amazing grace to find encouragement and authentic hope in the face of overwhelming confusion and grief."

I had the privilege of reviewing this wonderfully inspiring book about a mother's journey with an autistic child and her faith in God to help her through it all.

Knowing from pregnancy that something was wrong and fighting what she knew deep down inside is a testament to the intuition we all have but need to listen to more often. Reading how she ultimately dealt with the diagnosis and found the inner peace to accept it was very motivational. I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves wondering why.

I received a copy of this book free, in exchange for my honest opinion.

"I love this book! Full of pretty pictures of teacups."

Tea Cup Art ... and Reflections

by Joyce Wilkens
Review by Carol at Song Berries

Hardcover: 122 pages

Publisher: Deep River Books (November 1, 2011)  

Language: English 

ISBN-13: 978-1935265818

Like art, life can be splashed with expected and unexpected curves and colors, offering chances to take a good long look, simmer on your reflections, share your thoughts, and to listen to others…to learn to respect and appreciate our diversity, especially when blended with the perfect symbol of hospitality, the teacup.

Teacup Art . . . and Reflections is a dazzling display of teacups from around the world that are steeped with stories. Photographed with flair and uniquely showcased, artist and photographer Joyce Wilkens ignites your imagination beyond the porcelain on the page. Each image sparks mystery, wonder, laughter, and feelings of peace, and might even make you cry as you reminisce about your own stories. . . where you have been, where you are going, and what inspires you. 

I love this book! Of course that could be because I collect teapots and I adore teacups! This book is full of pretty pictures of teacups. This book is also full of great stories and is a very fun easy read.

You can purchase TeaCup Art at Deep River Books.

~I received a product sample in order to write my review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are mine.

"This book is a powerful tool that should be read by every single looking to tie the knot"

Beating the Marriage Odds By William R. Campbell

Reviewed by Amanda at Graphoniac

ISBN: 1-935265-03-2
VMI Publishers, © 2009
$11.69 @ Amazon.com

Overall Grade: A+
Great prep course for the engaged, refresher for the married
It's no secret that America's divorce rate is 50%. What may surprise you is that this is true, even of Christian couples, those who vow before God to stay together "until death." It's shocking and sad.

But it doesn't matter whether you are Christian or not. If you have the average American mindset, and you're thinking about getting married, you've got a 50/50 chance of staying married.

Whatever happened to lifetime commitment? Is it possible to stay married, and never divorce? In his book, Beating the Marriage Odds, William R. Campbell says, resoundingly "Yes."

But wait a minute. Mr. Campbell has already been divorced... so what does he know?

Well, I read his book, and I'd say he knows a great deal. I've only been married since 2008, but that's already longer than many of my peers. And I'd state, without hesitating, that I have a solid marriage. How? By the training of my own parents, and the counsel of long-married couples in my church, before we wed, my husband and I read a book similar to this one.

If I were to sum up what this book advocates into just one word, it'd be Teamwork. In my own experience and observation, I'd say Campbell's right. No marriage--or other relationship, for that matter--can survive without teamwork. That means truly honest communication between partners, unqualified mutual respect, and determination to make it work. As Campbell points out, if you go into marriage thinking of failure, you're highly likely to fail. If failure isn't ever an option, you're much more likely to succeed.


Each chapter in this book focuses on one principle that any marriage--Christian or not--must have, in order to last. Actual examples illustrate the concepts, and Scripture and statistics are used to support them. In the back of the book are study helps that can be used by counselors or by a couple to help take each of these principles and apply them to real life.

This book is a powerful tool that should be read by every single looking to tie the knot.

Pros:

• Solid tips based on Scripture, statistics, and personal experience
• Tell-it-as-it-is approach
• Easy to understand
• Practical applications
• Quick read--doesn't trail on and on
• Study material and other helps in the back

Cons:

• Can't honestly see any, unless you have a hard time reading books about marriage written by a previously divorced author. I personally like his unique perspective.

This product was provided, free of charge, to Graphoniac for review. All opinions are my own.

"By the end of the book, the overwhelming feeling is one of awe."

The Son in My Eyes  Mai Spencer with Dixie Philips

Reviewed by Graphoniac

ISBN: 10-1-935265-66-0
Deep River Books, ©2011
$11.24 @ Amazon.com

Overall Grade: A
Compelling first-hand stories, minor flow concerns

The Son in My Eyes is the auto biography of Mai Spencer, a Vietnamese lady who has seen the hand of God working through even the most dire of circumstances. As a child, she lost family members to war and sickness, and nearly lost her own life when Agent Orange was sprayed over the jungle--and over her!--to destroy the broad leaf plants near her village. She endured beatings, railings, rejection, raids, poverty, abandonment, and so many more unspeakable things. In her autobiography, her reflection on her life, she sees those events not in a bitter light, but in the light of grace.

After having married an American and moving to the States, Mrs. Spencer became a Christian. She left all her Buddhist traditions. She began following God with her sensitive spirit, and ultimately started a ministry in Vietnam, investing in lives and making a difference one child at a time. The Son in My Eyes tells, first hand, how God used each of the difficulties in her life to prepare her for this ministry.

The writing is clean and easy to read, though it takes a little getting used to Mrs. Spencer's gut-level honesty. She doesn't sugar-coat anything: this is a tough, tough read. I admire her transparency, telling her painful story with such openness had to have been hard. Through that transparency, you can't help but see her amazing heart. Towards the end of the book, Mrs. Spencer notes that while some come to Christ immediately, others, like herself, come to Him "inch by inch." She goes on to explain that God doesn't waste trials, but rather uses them later in life to bless others. And that's where she's at now: blessing others.

If you're a stickler for writing style, you may notice a few rough spots where flow is iffy at best. Sometimes it's hard to see the relevance of what she's telling us, and sometimes it's just hard to keep up with the story. After a little while you adjust, though, and it feels like you're sitting in this sweet lady's front room while she shares the stories that come to mind.

By the end of the book, the overwhelming feeling is one of awe. How God can take such horrible, terrible experiences and use them for good... well, I won't spoil it: go read it for yourself.

Pros:

• The hard-to-read stories are tempered with knowledge of God's grace, and often scriptures.
• It's clear that the author is not bitter, and wishes to share her story of God's protection through very, very difficult times.
• The author is courageously honest, sharing good and bad alike.
• Even with the story-telling style, the grammar is correct and easy to understand.
  

Cons:

• A little rambly, at times hard to follow, unpolished story-telling style
• Intense situations, told rather matter-of-factly, may be hard to read for some, especially if they come from abusive families.

This product was provided free of charge to Graphoniac for review. All opinions are my own.

"This is a fantastic book to leave out for guests to see"

Tea Cup Art ... and Reflections

by Joyce Wilkens
Review by Melanie at So Many Books

Hardcover: 122 page 

Publisher: Deep River Books (November 1, 2011) Language: English 

ISBN-13: 978-1935265818

TeaCup Art is a collection of teacups displayed in an array of artistic scenes, reflected on by author Joyce Wilkens. I have never given much thought to teacups prior to seeing this book, but I was drawn to the beauty of the photos. 

People have sat around for generations, in all countries sipping tea, sharing their lives and conversation in a multitude of different styles of teacups, each with their own stories. Teacups conjure up thoughts of warmth, friendship and a break from the daily grind.

Joyce takes each teacup and either it’s heritage or something from its characteristics and designs a scene to photograph. I love the artistic edge she gives to the simplicity of a teacup, bringing to life its stories and the life it has lived. The variety of cups is so fun to see and I imagine collectors of teacups would love to see her collection in photos.

I have been inspired to firstly use teacups a bit more, not always coffee mugs, and to keep my eye out for unique teacups to collect. This is a fantastic book to leave out for guests to see, and lead into a discussion of cups they have used and seen. I loved the concept of the book and the combination of Joyce’s reflections and artistic photos.

I received a copy of this book from Bring it On Communications in exchange for an honest review.

"I cannot begin to tell my readers how wonderful this book is"

The Son in My Eyes

Reviewed by Sarah at Growing for Christ

By Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips

ISBN: 978-1935265665
Deep River Books
2011
$14.99

About the Book: 

(from Deep River Books)

Raised a poor, young, Buddhist girl during the time of the Vietnam War, Mai Spencer nearly lost her life after being exposed to Agent Orange. Overcoming tremendous obstacles, and surviving the effects of the war, she found a sense of security in her new husband and life in America. It wasn’t until after three of her four children died prematurely, Mai turned from the false god of her childhood and cried out to Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

The Son In My Eyes – Seeing the Light Of Jesus In Vietnam, is a dramatic testimony of forgiveness and hope, and tells how God made Mai into a woman of destiny when He called her to return to Vietnam and build a church there.

My Opinion:

I had no idea what to expect when I first began this book, I mean I knew it was about a woman who was born and raised a Buddhist in Vietnam but beyond that I really didn’t know.  I cannot begin to tell my readers how wonderful this book is – even though you’ll read about the horrible things that happened to Mai as she grew up, you’ll see the wonderful woman that becomes one of God’s own children who is loved and protected even before she knew Him.

There were times that Mai should have been in a place where she would have been killed but God’s providence protected her – she didn’t know God but she knows now looking back that God indeed did protect her even while she was a Buddhist for His purposes.  She has sprinkled Scripture that means something to her or backed up what she was going through at a time in her life, even adding in Scripture that she later learned was applicable to her early life.

God can call even the hardest of hearts to Him even if at the time, that heart doesn’t recognize His sovereignty.  I have experienced this to in my life that God protected me even when I turned my back and hardened my heart toward Him, he kept me from things that would have all but ruined my life.  Travel with Mai from the time in Vietnam as she lives life with her dysfunctional family and on to her time in America with her husband and her children to being a successful business woman that begins church planting in her home country.

I have to say I loved this book even the pages that made me want to cry at her losses and the way she was treated as a child, this book was moving and so inspirational.  I will say the use of the word spanking was used interchangeably with beatings – that is the only thing I had an issue with – in that spankings aren’t the same as beating and abuse.  However, that being my only disagreement with this book, I wouldn’t let that deter me from reading it as I loved seeing how God was working in Mai’s life before she ever came to a Saving Faith in the True Savior.

Also Available on Nook and Kindle

**To read more reviews like this one, go to: Tell Us the Truth Reviews
**I was given a copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.

"This book is definitely thought-provoking"

Fountains of the Deep: The Creation Story & Mainstream Science, by Stephen L. Ross

Review by Jan at Jewelry 4 Change

ISBN-10: 1935265334
ISBN-13: 978-1935265337

Publisher: Deep River Books (September 1, 2010)
Paperback, 270 pages

List Price: $14.99 US

Science and the Biblical Creation Story conflict, right?  That's what many believe, but Steven L. Ross explains how the findings of mainstream science and archaeology actually parallel the Creation Story.  

Using scripture from the King James Version of the Bible, Strong's Concordance with Hebrew Lexicon, and the Transliterated Pronounceable Bible, Ross takes us step by step, verse by verse, through the creation story in this fascinating study.  Ross proposes that religious tradition and the simplified flannel board Bible stories we heard as children may seem to conflict with science, but a more literal reading of the Bible's Hebrew language is, in fact, in agreement with science. 

Given the nature of this subject, it's not surprising that Fountains of the Deep is written on an academic level, and is not a book you'll want to read to put you to sleep at night. It requires your focus and dedication... and, believe me, you'll need a highlighter too. 
Even though Ross has studied and researched this material for forty years, he urges the reader not to consider this the 'end all' to the debate, but rather to use his writing as a springboard for our own research. 

Whether you agree with Ross' explanations or not, this book is definitely thought-provoking, and worth reading. I'm loaning my copy to a friend, and when it's returned I plan to re-read it. It's the type of book which will prompt new thoughts and questions each time it's read. 

To read more reviews like this one, go to

Tell Us The Truth Reviews!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On Communications to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review was not guaranteed, and no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

"Her words may be just what (families living with autism) need to get them through the difficult times."

Lonely Girl, Gracious God by Lauri Khodabandehloo
Review by Heidi at It's Just Me Heidi-D

Arielle sent me Lonely Girl, Gracious God - a lovely little non-fiction book, written by an inspirational woman named Lauri Khodabandehloo (say that three times fast)...
The story outlines the struggle of a mother (Lauri) whose youngest daughter (Farema) is born with autism during an era when little was understood about the disability. Lauri writes about the struggles she faced dealing with not only raising (and diagnosing) an autistic daughter and the guilt and doubts she felt - but also raising her three older daughters and supporting her husband in a blossoming restaurant business. In the book, Lauri talks in detail about how navigating through life led her closer and closer to God during a time in which many mothers might have lost their faith.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Lauri paints a picture of her beautiful daughter trapped within herself and their journey as a family to help Farema find her voice. As a reader you experience the desperation that Lauri must have felt as a mother advocating for her child's future, as well as her own!

My only criticism of this book is that there are no pictures of Farema. In a non-fiction read I always like to have an actual face to go along with the character. It makes my connection to them feel much more real. That said, I did visit the book's website - on which you can view photos and a video of some of the events described in the book.

Over all, I was pleased with this read. There are a number of people that I would recommend it to, most specifically the families that I know who live with autism. So much of what Lauri wrote about is illustrated in the stories that I hear from those families, and her words may be just what they need to get them through some of the difficult times - while giving them somebody to rejoice with during the good times!

Thank you to Bring It On! Communications for this opportunity!

To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!

** I don't feel like I should have to say this, but I was advised to point out that I have not been compensated for this review. It is an honest opinion based on my experiences with Bring It On!, Tell Us The Truth Reviews, their employees as well as their products and authors.**





*Since the initial contact from Bring It On!, Arielle has been replaced by Kit Tosello. They have been wonderful to work with and I would highly recommend it!*

"This self-help devotional, diet plan book is a keeper."

Fit for My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd 

Review by Abi at 4 the Love of Books

Are you battling the diet War?  You can break free from the "food issue" and "Barbie bondage" and Win Diet Wars.  Fit for My King was written with you in mind.  You find...

• the root cause of why you battle body image
• discover keys to break free from food control
• nourish your soul and renew your mind while learning to care for your body
• There are 30 daily Princess devotions, Prayers and Treasure Truths along with "Love Letters" sprinkled throughout.
• Tips on ways to detox your body
• Bonus feature of recipes and best diet secrets.

This self-help devotional, diet plan book is a keeper.  The 30-day book shares the heart of the author as no other book I've seen.
Each day for 30 days you'll read a

• devotional
• prayer
• action plan
• treasure truth

The author shares from her personal road of being a food addict with an eating disorder.  You be given a new reason to care for your body, mind and spirit. 

Visit the book's site here
Find more information about this book here.

A copy of this book was provided by BIO communications in exchange for my honest review.

“God used an unexpected event to change her faith from skeptical to unwavering.”

Cut In Half, by Ana Le Roux

Review by Sarah at Treasures of Faith
"If miracles were given to those who deserve them, they would simply not exist" ~ Ana Le Roux

I love reading stories about faith! I am always amazed and encouraged at how powerful our God really is.
I recently had the opportunity to read "Cut in Half" by Ana Le Roux who "wanted to tell the world that miracle's happen everyday to everyone", and her story did not disappoint!

After only a few weeks of her second child's birth, Ana and her family were in a terrible head on collision. Her husband and both her 3 year old daughter and 1 month old son walked away without a scratch, but that was not the case for Ana. She was in the back seat wearing a lap seat belt and the impact of the accident literally "cut her in half".

Ana shares the dramatic events that happened as she discovered not only a God that heals, but a God that performs miracles! "23 miracles" in fact is how Ana titles her book. The miracle's range from an experienced nurse driving in the car behind her who was able to give her immediate assistance, to the miracle of God's perfect timing of her writing the book where "God's gift to me was closure." God even changed her perspective of the accident from horror to now being one of her greatest memories.

My Thoughts:
I instantly fell in love with Ana as I was reading her story. I felt her pain, I felt her grief, I felt her joy! Her story captivated me from the moment I picked it up. Ana does not claim to be the perfect Christian or to have had perfect faith through her trials. In fact some of her chapters must have been very hard to write about, where she talks about depression and suicidal thoughts. But that is part of what is intriguing about her. She was just an ordinary wife and mom who had an ordinary faith in Christ, until God used an unexpected event to change her faith from skeptical to unwavering! I think we can all relate to her story.

She learned that: "merely asking is not enough. You need to believe that what you have asked for will happen ... You need to be spiritually convinced that something will happen, even if it seems unlikely in the spiritual realm."
"I have sorely underestimated (the power of prayer) most of my life."
"A conscious decision has to be made every morning that you will get through the day no matter what."

If you are looking for inspiration that God can do miracles in impossible situations then "Cut In Half" is the book for you! It would also make a wonderful gift to someone recovering from an accident or illness. There are so many wonderful lessons that Ana shares as God began to increase her faith that your faith will increase also as you read her book!

You can purchase a copy of "Cut In Half" at www.DeepRiverBooks.com

*I received a copy of this book to review from Bring It On Communications, but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*

“An incredible story of survival and surrender!”

Cut in Half; How God Mended Me With 23 Miracles

Review by Dalia at Inspirations By D

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Deep River Books (May 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1935265113

ISBN-13: 978-1935265115 I enjoy a good read once in a while especially if it’s about a real experience, a life lesson and if it's a Christian based story.  I have received the book “Cut in Half”, by Ana Le Roux the perfect description of the above to review from Bring It On Communications.
Do you believe that miracles happen everyday?  This is a story of an average 30 something woman who after three weeks of giving birth to her second child is struck by tragedy -a violent head on collision.  The force of the impact thrust her forward with such intensity that it literally cut her in half!
Ana Le Roux would tell you that she was set to die that day, but instead, after seemingly endless dialogue with God, she relinquished her freedom of choice to Him.  Cut in Half tells how in that instant Ana opened her eyes and began to experience the most amazing gift of healing.
In her awe inspiring testament of God’s love, Ana proves that miracles are not just an archaic phenomenon found in scripture; they happen every day in a variety of ways.
About the author:

Ana Le Roux is not your average housewife.  With a titanium plate embedded in her back and a limp to her walk, she takes every step of life with humility, gratitude and optimism.  Ana’s fate was sealed when in a tragic moment; she instinctively and selflessly sacrificed her life in an attempt to save the lives of her children that changed her life forever.
My personal Review:
What an incredible story of survival and surrender, allowing the miraculous power of God to work in her life and in her body!
Each chapter chronicles a portion of her journey and the miracles that took place.  Roux’s explains that at the end of each chapter there are sections and she indicates what each section entails, so that the reader can have a better understanding of her story.
The first part of every chapter is about retelling her story.  The second section is called “food for thought”, and it’s designed to help you reflect on the preceding story.  The third is the “Soul Searching” section.  She thought was necessary to include.  It reflects on your own life to see all the wonderful things that God has done for you.  Reading this book you will find quotes from scripture, mostly seen in the beginning of her chapters.
Once I opened the book I could not put I down, it was captivating and visual.  It was as if a friend was telling me what had happened to her and the details of her story kept leading me to the next moment.
I like how she shares that miracles are not limited to strangers or “special” people, but they are a reality in our lives everyday.  She also desires to dispel myths that we come to believe; Phrases, words or clichés that we use everyday that diminish God’s participation in everything we do, words such as luck, coincidence, destiny, being in the right place at the right time.
You take away from this story a sense of hope, gratefulness, and believing that miracles do happen everyday, big or small.
It is a touching story that will make you view life differently.  
*I received a copy of this book for free, in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews on books like these go to Tell Us the Truth Reviews.

"Want to be inspired? Read this book or give it as a gift to someone you know who is planning to start their nursing career."

Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self

Review by Tiffany at Fabulous Finds

 

Title: Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self

Author: Lois Hoitenga Roelofs 

ISBN-13: 9781935265375

Publisher: Deep River Books

Publishing Date: October 1, 2010

Paperback: 224 pages

Price: 13.99

In Caring Lessons, Lois Roelofs tells her stories about being a rebellious minister’s daughter, reluctant nurse, restless mom, perpetual student, and eventually, fun-loving teacher. She used to tell her students that if she, an ordinary suburban sandbox mom, propelled by restlessness and prayer, could end up having a career, growing in faith, and getting a PhD, they could too.

Roelofs brings the “therapeutic use of self” required in nursing to her writing. You will be amused, saddened, and inspired as you read this intimate and introspective memoir. You may even run to enroll or teach in a nursing program, and, if you’re already teaching nursing students, you may discover renewed gratitude for the privilege.



My Thoughts: This beautifully written and touching memoir details Lois’s long journey through nursing school, becoming a wife, mother and eventually a fun-loving teacher. Lois is now a Professor Emerita of Nursing at Trinity Christian College in Chicago. Getting to where she is today wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. In Caring Lessons Lois does an amazing job detailing her one on one experiences with patients, teachers and the important people in her life. Lois never lost touch with her faith and it was her faith that help get her through the hard times. It’s not often easy to juggle a career, family and being a wife, Lois made that very clear in her book but it is possible.

Want to be inspired??? Read this book or give it as a gift to someone you know who is planning to start their nursing career. I plan to give this book to my mom to read now that I am done with it. I know she will appreciate reading Caring Lessons as she is a nurse too. I helped my mom go through nursing school, and all while raising three children on her own. I took on the role of parent while she dove head-first into her schooling. I really admire all women in the nursing field and I have a lot of appreciation for just how difficult it can be.

• Check out other great book reviews at Tell Us The Truth Reviews.
• I received a copy of this book for free to review. I was not monetarily compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and based on my experience with this book.

"After reading this book, I am in awe of the work that this couple has done to better the lives of others"

“The Son in My Eyes” Book Review

Review by Judy at What I Live For

Mai Spencer grew up witnessing the horrors of the Vietnam War first hand as she struggled to avoid the Viet Cong, gather enough food for her family and care for all of the younger children in her family. She knew nothing but extreme poverty until she moved away from home and eventually met Dennis, an American who fell in love with her and brought Mai and her daughter to America where they became a family.

Though Mai had grown up Buddhist, she found little comfort after the deaths of her son as a teenager and of her daughter just a few years later. Eventually, Mai and Dennis were led to Christianity where they changed their lives and through great sacrifice have sought to bring Christianity to her people in Vietnam.

As soon as I started reading this book, I honestly struggled with how extremely religious and “preachy” it felt. I chose to read The Son in My Eyes because of the opportunity to learn about Vietnam and the culture there, knowing before-hand that it would be somewhat religious because it talks about Mai’s conversion to Christianity. It was just too religious for me and I ended up skipping sections that frustrated me in this manner.

All of that aside, the stories that Mai tells of her years growing up were fascinating and horrifying. It is incredible that Mai and Dennis, through their great faith and diligence, were able to build a Christian church in a country that was so opposed to anything of the sort as well as help so many Vietnamese people who were struggling financially. After reading this book, I am in awe of the work that this couple has done to better the lives of others and appreciate the opportunity to read their story.

The Son in My Eyes is written by Mai Spencer and is published by Deep River Books, ISBN 978-1935265665. For more information visit www.DeepRiverBooks.com.

This book was provided to me by Bring It On Communications for free in exchange for my open and honest review. All opinions stated herein are mine. To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!

"The kind of inspiration that is relevant to us all: how to find God's grace as we stumble through this life"

Lonely Girl, Gracious God

Review by Kimberly at Drinkin From My Saucer 

As most of you know, I love to get free things.  :)  A few weeks ago, I was offered Lonely Girl, Gracious God by Lauri Khodabandehloo to review.  Though I was reluctant to start reading another book this summer... the crooked cover kept beckoning me to open it up.  ((The old adage: Don't judge a book by it's cover kept coming to mind.))  Finally, I opened it up!  Immediately, Lauri's honesty cut to my core.  I couldn't put it down!  Every feeling is shared.  Every thought captured.  She has opened up her heart and revealed the innards of a mother who struggled to find God's promise. This book is an inspiration.  Not all in it turns out as sunshine and rainbows kind of inspiration, but the kind of inspiration that is relevant to us all: how to find God's grace as we stumble through this life.  I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants a look into a beautiful example of God's unending grace.

About the Author: After raising three children on her own, Lauri found that God heard her prayers, and He answered them in His timing and in His way with the birth of Lauri’s fourth child Farema. Before Farema, Lauri didn’t really understand that there were disabled people.  But today, Lauri lives a life full of compassion for other people.  Today, she ‘sees’ people she never saw before...she sees the hurting people on the streets, or the drug addict, she sees those who need help.  She now is keenly aware of people with disabilities, autism, and the developmentally challenged, and she has a deep desire to help those that are just learning for themselves that their child has a disability. In Lonely Girl Gracious God, Lauri tells how she came to fully trust God in ALL things, and how her life was changed because of God’s gift of patience given to her, wrapped as a beautiful daughter named Farema.

 

About the book: It didn’t take long to learn that Farema was not like the other girls.  And, later, in finding her daughter was autistic, Lauri found she had no other choice but to be patient.  Without her newfound patience given to her by God, Lauri would not have been able to win the battle.  You see, you can not win a battle with a child with autism-they cannot deviate-they do not know anything different. 

From the moment of her birth, Farema was not like her sisters. She didn't respond normally to sounds or the touch of a hand. She was different. Embrace this mother's deeply personal account of tragedies and triumphs, along with joys and sorrows of raising a child with the devastating disability of autism. 

When lives have been turned upside down and we have nothing left to cling to, God offers amazing grace to find encouragement and authentic hope in the face of overwhelming confusion and grief.

I received a free review copy of "Lonely Girl, Gracious God" in exchange for my honest review. 

You can purchase the book: Amazon  Barnes and Noble  Christian Book 

"I...found a lot of practical ways to help turn my insecurities into a wonderful new life that I can live for God."

Sand to Pearls

Review by Brenda at Brenda's Handmade

I'm a book reviewer for Bring It On Communications, and the latest book I was sent to review was, Sand to Pearls, written by Heidi McLaughlin. Heidi is a teacher, mentor, and a great inspiration to women. The book was published by Deep River Books in 2011.

Sand to Pearls is a great book about "making bold choices to enrich your life." It's about how our insecurities can hold us back from the wonderful future that God has planned for us. The book has 13 Chapters and each chapter covers a different topic that women often get stuck in. These topics are obligations, sabotaging ourselves, friendships, resentment, blended families, buyer's remorse, comparing ourselves to others, fears, regrets, shame, panic, and careers. The author shares personal stories and examples in each chapter and how to move past the area you're stuck in. She also quotes from other books, which give wonderful encouraging, inspiring words to help you move forward in your life. Every chapter has a section about how to make choices that enrich your life that are very practical and helpful. Also, every chapter ends with a section entitled, "Stop and Ask God To Help You Change Sand to Pearls." Each "s" is a scripture, "t" is thanksgiving, "o" is observation, and "p" is prayer.

I really enjoyed this book and  found a lot of practical ways to help turn my insecurities into a wonderful new life that I can live for God. One of my favorite things I learned was in Chapter 6 " Broken or Blended." Although, I've been married to my one and only husband for 16 years, I still found something great in this chapter. It talks about how your husband can't meet all of your emotional and spiritual needs, that God is the one to look to in order to meet all the empty places in our hearts. This really spoke to me - and I think reminding myself to turn to God will take a lot of pressure off my husband and make our marriage happier. Another thing I liked was in Chapter 12 "Panic or Prayer." It suggests to say a prayer to God, thinking of words that describe him using every letter of the alphabet. What a great challenge!

I was furnished this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

If you want to read this book yourself, the ISBN numbers are: ISBN-10 1-935265-43-1, ISBN-13 978-1-935265-43-6. You can find it at amazon.com on sale for $2.53! What a great price! You can also contact Heidi McLaughlin on her web page.

"I ended up wanting to take my time and soak and savor the messages God was speaking to me through Mai’s writings."

The Son In My Eyes: Seeing the Light Of Jesus In Vietnam
Review by Andie of Ours + His + Mine = Nine


Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips
978-1935265665
Deep River Books
2011
$14.99

The Son in My Eyes is first and foremost a beautifully inspirational testimony of Mai Spencer’s life. I was captivated from the start by her recollections of her childhood growing up as a young Buddhist girl in Vietnam. My heart was spoken to and encouraged as the author wove the memories of her rather dramatic life into the pages of this book; stories of her poverty and struggle to provide for extended family, surviving Agent Orange exposure, the loss of children and more all unfold between its covers, yet even the tragedies can’t keep her from sharing peace, hope and the promises of God.

I loved the way scripture is fluidly included. I started out with the intention of reading this book from cover to cover in just a day or two. Instead, I ended up wanting to take my time and soak and savor the messages God was speaking to me through Mai’s writings. This book brought a sort of reawakening to my heart of the passion I once had for missions. I would be happy to read more from this author as the book truly touched me. I believe this book is a good example of “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Coming from someone who grew up reading fiction and humor, especially science fiction or westerns this would not have been the first book I pulled from the shelf due to its peaceful, quiet beauty. Even so, The Son in My Eyes did not disappoint.

I think the back cover sums it up well when it calls this book “an amazing testimony of tragedy and loss…[which] speaks to the broken-hearted and brings hope to the hopeless...”

I recommend this book be added to your nightstand, or at least your wish list. I pray it touches your heart and leaves an impression just as it has my own.

 

"The Son in My Eyes" is available through Amazon.com and Deep River Books.

I received a complementary copy of this book to read for the review from Bring It On! Communications. All opinions are completely my own.