Showing posts with label 3 Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 Stars. Show all posts

Monday, June 6, 2011

Face to Face with God by Jim Maxim

When we read “brush with death” encounters it can open ones eyes to the will to survive. Often there is an experience of a religious nature and a definite change of life’s choices. I enjoyed Jim’s account and his story of survival.

However, once the details of the accident and relevant recovery experience are shared, the writing shifts to “sermonizing” and “preaching”.

I was expecting a more detailed account of the changes and how they have shaped the life of the author.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

A Dream for Hannah & A Hope for Hannah - Jerry S Eicher

A Dream for Hannah
3 Stars

When young hearts dream of love it can lead to perilous paths. Unprepared, with high expiations, those dreams can be easily shattered.
I found the writing vivid and the people and places easy to visualize. The story line, however, had some definite dry areas and seemed to drag in places. In my mind, Hannah's character needed deeper development so the reader could better understand her heart and her choices. Teenagers however, Amish or otherwise, make spur of the moment decisions that can lead to devastating consequences, a fact that is definitely brought out in the story. Truth is also found in the need for honesty and openness in communication between parents and teens that can help prevent tragic outcomes. There are valuable lessons here for the growing young heart.


A Hope for Hannah
4 Stars

Sometimes, when dreams come true, they fall short of expitations.

This second book is an improvement over "A Dream for Hannah". The struggles of newly married and expectant parents Hannah and Jake Byler seem to multiply at every turn. With a cold Montana winter closing in, Hannah faces both physicial and mental challenges that are over whelming.

There is deeper character development and the story line is more consistant. The descriptions were clear and believeable. The dialogue seemed a bit wordy in places but in the long run, the necessary points were brought out.

I felt the story had good teach potential for the growing, impetuous heart. The need for honesty, communication and trust between couples was emphisized as a vital ingredient for a successful marriage.

When Hannah's world is crashing down around her, the future looks bleak. Will things get worse before they get better? A good read for the growing young heart.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Crazy Faith

3 Stars


Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives
By Susan K. Williams Smith

Reviewed by Diane A Brown

Faith is an astounding thing, especially when you test it…

Crazy Faith emphasizes the amazing accomplishments of several biblical persons and latter-day counterparts. It is well thought out and the conclusions drawn by Susan Smith are thought provoking, giving the reader another paradigm to consider.

Through intriguing imagery, familiar bible renditions of struggle, faith, and courage come alive. Individuals who pressed forward in the face of doubters and unbelievers were able to achieve the humanly impossible. Keeping an open mind will give the reader a chance to appreciate the authors’ interpretations.

The stories of crazy faith taken from more modern experiences are informative and truly inspiring. Each is presented with vivid details that will leave the reader in awe. The accomplishments are remarkable. The journey of faith begins with just one small step, followed by dedication, perseverance, and the hand of heavenly intervention. Many attitudes, visions, and lives were altered for the better because one person had enough crazy faith to stand up in the face of impossible odds. Even the hardest heart will be touched.

I found Crazy Faith to be a wonderful source of inspiration intermixed with honest preaching from a single perspective. Never the less, it felt like the same points were emphasized again and again. Different areas of focus were presented, but still the same point over and over again.