{book reviews}

{Book Review: Stand By Me by Neta Jackson}

Continuing with the Yada Yada theme, Neta Jackson starts a new series highlighting another primary character from the Yada Yada prayer group. This time, Avis Douglas takes center stage as we get to learn more about the personal life of the calm, cool and collected  Yada Yada group leader and principal at Bethune Elementary School.  As the story goes deeper into Avis' personal life, the author introduces new characters to the story - Kathryn Davies (Kat) and a few of Kat's college friends. From there, most of the story is about Kat and  Avis. Some of the characters from previous Yada Yada series are included in the story line; others receive an honorable mention. (If you haven't read any of the series before this book, you shouldn't get lost in trying to figure out the characters.)

 The author continues in fashion as before,  discussing real life subjects (HIV, homeless, racial differences in the church), and showing how God's love and faithfulness is available to provide strength when dealing with seemingly tough matters.

 Overall, I liked the book. I'm a fan of the Yada Yada Series (Prayer Group, House of Hope), so I was looking forward to this book when I learned the yada yada concept was going to continue. I thought the story moved slow at times, but I still enjoyed it. I would have preferred to read more about the existing yada yada characters in this book instead of Kat and her friends, but I'm still looking forward to the next release from the series. Overall rating 3.5 stars.

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.”

{Book Review: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo}

When a coworker first mentioned the book, “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and back” by Todd Burpo (with Lynn Vincent), I knew that it was a book that I must read.  As she started to highlight what she had read, I thought to myself, “I need to go to amazon.com and read the the synopsis, reviews, and if available, the first chapter”.

“Heaven is for Real” is Colton Burpo’s account of his experience in heaven as told by his father, Todd over a span of time. What’s most interesting about this story is that when Colton had this experience, he was only three (3) years old.

Todd Burpo tells the story of Colton’s illness, the mis-diagnosis of stomach flu that was actually a ruptured appendix resulting in emergency surgery; the grueling moments that he and his wife, Sonya had to endure while their son was gravely ill.

The story of Colton’s heaven experience wasn’t revealed instantly, but over time and during what I would call everyday life moments.  By questioning Colton without leading him, Todd Burpo was able to hear stories about their child’s time in another place. Colton mentions meeting his great-grandfather (who had passed away 25 years before Colton was born), his older sister (she passed away in a mis-carriage), John the Baptist and spending time with Jesus. Within the book are many more details that Colton shares about heaven.

Since I already profess a faith in Jesus, I’m not a skeptic to the afterlife and truly believe that heaven does exist.  I do believe that there is validity to what the Colton has shared – that’s where faith steps in. I would recommend this book for those that believe and don’t believe. It (the book) may cause you to take a step of faith and realize that heaven is for real after all.

{This book review is not a part of the blogger book review program.}

 

{Book Review: Love You More by Jennifer Grant}

“Love You More, The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter” is about Jennifer Grant’s journey of adopting her daughter Mia.  Even though Jennifer and her husband, David had three children, Jennifer felt inspired to have another child. Starting with Divine inspiration to the actual moment of bringing the child home to live in the US, Grant fits together a wonderful story by sharing the highs and lows of the adoption process.

A few key points of the book that stood out to me:

• The author shares a brief history of her life leading up to the decision to adopt
• The  story of friends’ adoption that probably was another source of inspiration
• Receiving confirmation from God in special/unique ways that brought assurance that the decision was right
• Flashbacks to her youth and how it somehow relates to today
• The pros and cons of adoption

 Grant meshes all of these together well; when the storyline seemed at times to go down different paths, she managed to keep it on course.

 I thought the book was interesting, engaging, and heartfelt -- touching. I knew from the beginning that I would like it.

 I would definitely recommend this book for those that are considering adoption. (At the end of the book are lists of useful resources.) I would also recommend the book for those that cherish stories about family and love.

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.”