Sarah Holman's Blog, page 122

Book Review: The Gospel of Yes

Recommend for: Every Christian!
From the back cover: What you believe about God affects the way you approach life—often in ways you don't realize. Are you convinced that God limits you, or liberates you? Is he more interested in correcting you or connecting with you? And when you hit a rough spot and start looking for help, do you believe God is against you or on your side?In The Gospel of Yes, Mike Glenn reveals God's most powerful word, which opens our eyes to everything he does. That word is YES. God said "yes" to creating a world for us to live in and "yes" to inviting us into a relationship with him. No matter what we face in life, the best way to live is captured in one word: yes. When you live in God's "yes" you find your identity, your true value, and your unique purpose on earth. You can stop trying to be someone else and enjoy being yourself as you join with God in doing the work of his kingdom. When God looks at you he always says "yes." It's time to live like you know it.
Wow! This book left me saying. wow!  Go pre-order it! I think that this will end up being #1 on my 2012 book list, it was that good.
Have you ever felt like you weren't measuring up to God's expectations?   Have you felt that no matter how hard you worked, you just weren't good enough?  This book is for you.  It is a powerful reminder of God's grace, love and purpose for our life.  It is like a breath of fresh air to anyone who has felt like they are drowning in a sea of expectations.
About three years ago, God used another book to really make me realize how many false conceptions I had about him.  Not since that book have I been so blessed or so moved by a book.  This book made we not only feel closer to God, it made me want to share my faith more with the people around me. Any book that does that is wonderful.
What I liked about it:Mike Glenn wrote this book in the context of what had personally happened to him.  So many books, even good books, are written because the author wants to share some facts.  This felt more like it had sprouted out of an overwhelming desire to share what God had done in his life.
Mike Glenn seemed to know exactly how much scripture to use. There is quite a bit, so you see him backing up what he says with scripture, but not so much that you start skimming through the book.  This balance is hard to achieve, but he did it.
The message of the book is something that so many people need to hear. I have read a few books with the same message, but none of them were written in a way that I felt most people would pick them up.  The message is definitely one that I needed to hear, and I am sure will be a blessing to many others.
What I didn't like about it:The script seemed a bit small to me.  Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the.

I encourage everyone to get a copy of The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn as soon as you can.  It is a must read for every Christian.

I received this book from WaterBrook Press (through Blogging for Books) in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Tales for the Heartily Homeschooled

Recommend for: Homeschoolers, families, all ages, big families, those looking for a humors read
From the back cover:What do you get when you throw 20 children, four parents, several cross-country trips, and a sense of humor between the covers of one book? Lots and lots of big family fun that will tickle the funny bones and warm the hearts of your entire clan. Rachel Starr Thomson is the oldest of twelve children. Carolyn Currey, her second cousin, is the oldest of eight. Not only are their families huge, they also homeschool Drawing on some of their favorite memories, Rachel and Carolyn have written a book of essays that will make you laugh, think, and thank God for family.
I was sick and couldn't sleep so I pulled out a book that I had gotten off one of my favorite sites PaperBackSwap.  I kept my sister Rose up with my laughter.  I couldn't help it!  This book kept me in stiches.  When I finished it about three hours later and was finally able to go to sleep.
This book by Rachel Thompson and Carolyn Curry was an excellent collection of real life humor of a large, homeschooling family like my own.  Many of the stories ended with moral or lesson being taught, but wasn't preachy.  This book is at the top of my great-gift-book list.  Yes, some of my friends might get a copy for their birthday of Christmas.
What I liked about the book:I love reading stories from real life.  Humorous stories are some of my favorite to read. The stories were told in such a real, relatable way that I felt like I was on in the living room with these two girls, listening to them recount these stories.
This was a very easy and quick read. I was able to read it in two or three hours, but it didn't feel too short.
What I didn't like about it:…..?
I encourage you to buy this book and sit down and read it someday when you need a good laugh.

Book Review: Perishing by John Parry

Recommend for: Ages 13 and up, history buffs, WW I enthusiasts, those wishing a better understanding of history, those interested in military history
From the back cover:No other American military leader is so important and yet so little known as John J. Pershing. He led an army of more than a million men in France, defeating the seemingly invincible German war machine with only six months of offensive action. He was an American hero, and yet, today, General Pershing has faded away to the second or third tier of America's historical memory. His accomplishments rightly place him in the company of great generals such as MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Patton, all of whom he commanded and inspired, and all of whom he outranked. He shaped world events in Europe as surely as Woodrow Wilson or David Lloyd George, so why has America forgotten him?John Perry chronicles the life of a strong, inflexible leader who was an insufferable nit-picker on the job, but a faithful friend, tender husband, and devoted father. To the small group fortunate enough to know him, Pershing was a great and wonderful man. To the rest, he was stiff, cold, impersonal, and best avoided. Remembered as a stern taskmaster, he was driven not by devotion to discipline but devotion to duty. Not only was there honor and order in his methods, there was victory. And that is the lesson this teacher leaves with us.One of the things that I realized this year is that I have really missed my biographies.  I used to read twice as many books on history and people in history as I did fiction works.  I spent hours reading about daily life in the Middle Ages, pouring over the life of William Tyndale, and searching our shelves for another biography of Abigail Adams.  However, over the past few years, I have drifted away from that.
When I signed up for BookSneeze, I decided to go back to my first love and read a book about a great person is history.  A General whose name I had only heard in person seemed like a great way to start.  I enjoyed the book and it made be hungry for more.  So look for more book reviews coming on historical themes.
What I liked about this book:The book was paced well.  The author did an excellent job and not speeding through some of John J. Perishing's life and dragging through other parts of it.  It kept on at steady pace and kept me interested.  It was one of the best paced biographies I have ever read.
I always like leaning about people I don't know about in history.  This was no exception.  John J. Perishing was a fascinating character, who lived in an intriguing time.
I loved that the author was honest and didn't try to make Perishing into something he was not.  Many Christians biographers try to find the Christianity in people who just didn't have it.  In this case, Perishing was very privet about his beliefs and did some things that I shook my head at.  However, if was authentic without over glorifying sin.
What I didn't like about it:There was some mild language, although, most of the quotes they used that had language in them were edited.Perishing was a ladies man and after his first wife died, he didn't commit to another woman until near the very end of his life.  Although, he did have several long lasting affairs.  John Parry did an excellent job of giving the facts, without going to into too much detail.
Over all, I recommend this to those interested in history, those learning about WW I, or looking for an easy historical read.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson (through BookSneeze.com) in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review; Interpreted: I Life Beyond Words

Recommend for: Those who like YA fiction, well written book seekers, those looking for a thought provoking read, clean fiction lovers
From the back cover:Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.
I was very excited about receiving this book to do a review on.  This was my first ARC, my first review book, as well as my first traditionally published book by a homeschooler.  This book had a lot to live up to, and it did not disappoint.
Rachel Coker has an engaging style or writing, one that lets you feel what the character.  Even though Allie and I are nothing alike, Rachel made me feel what she was feeling.  Not only that, but I also knew that Allie was like as a person.  She was so real, her character was so deep, and she will go on my list of unforgettable characters.
I was challenged by this story in a way I hadn't been since Sophia's Heart (link to post).  I was challenged to look at the people around me in a new light.  Maybe the angry people I met were like Allie, dealing with a past that I could only begin to imagine.  This book made me want to reach out to hurting people, and show those who might be the love of Christ. Just about any book that challenges you to do that, in my opinion, is worth reading.
What I loved:Although this book deals with some heard subjects such as mental illness, a parent leaving, Christians not acting as they should, the death of a parent, etc.; it was not depressing.  Rachel Coker manages to through in humor where needed.
I loved the poetry at the beginning of each chapter.  For someone who has a hard time sitting down and just reading poetry, this was a wonderful way to be exposed to a great poet.
What I didn't like:That Rachel doesn't have another book out yet.  After reading this book, I can't wait to get my hands on her next work.  However, I might have to wait a while.  Look for my name at toward the top of the pre-order list when she does come out with one.
I highly recommend this book as a thought provoking as well as an enjoyable read.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Multitudes on Mondays; MOHL

When I started Meditations of His Love (MOHL), I thought I was starting a blog to encourage others.  However, God has used it to bless me far more then anything I ever could have imagined. The girls from MOHL have become my closest friends, the kind of people you run to when you have a bad day. After so many years of having "friends" that thought I was weird for my beliefs, I have a group of girls with whom I can share anything.  Some of them might still think I have issues, but they don't yell at me, tell me I am evil or even send me a link to a article that will show me the error of my ways.  The MOHL girls love me for who I am.  If they see something I need to work on, they tell me about it in a loving manner or simply ask questions that will make me see.You girls are awesome!



#161. Jessica, the one brave enough to send me a e-mail which started a friendship that was the foundation for MOHL.#162. For Rachel, for being such a godly example of womanhood#163. For Arianna, Arial, and Elizabeth. We miss you!  Thanks for the blessing you were in my life#164. Melinda, who's blog as well as her life are always an encouragement to me#165. Rose, my sister, cheerleader, and fellow blogger#166. Julia, blog designer and always willing to send you a note to make you smile#167. Rachelle, you may be the newest member of our team but I feel like I have known you a lot longer then a year. You have been a big blessing#168. World Wide Web, Blogger, and Yahoo, without which we never would have found each other#169. Our faithful readers #170. Jesus, use love has built us into what  we are

Book Review: Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen

Recommend for: All ages, mild sci-fi lovers, those looking for a short read, those wanting to support homeschool authors.

From the back cover:
Government regulations said they had no choice. 17-year-old Philadelphia must stay on Earth in the care of complete strangers while her father is sent against his will to Mars. When a benevolent official gives her the opportunity to accompany her father, Philadelphia knows she must keep her head down or be sent back to Earth. But when a search for her deceased brother's Bible leads her into a hallway that isn't supposed to exist, Philadelphia is faced with a question she doesn't want to answer – the choice between returning to Earth or destroying it.
Can I be honest? I don't read a lot of Sci-Fi because I don't like most of it that is out there. I know, this is hard to believe coming from a science fiction writer, but it's true. Red Rain was a resounding exception.
One day, while working on Homeschool Authors, I found out about Aubrey Hanson. When I stumbled on her website, I saw that there was a free audio book. One day while I was busy mindlessly entering data into the computer at work, I put on my head phones and started listening to the book. I was hooked from the first few sentences. In fact, I stayed up late when I got home (even though I had to get up early the next morning) to finish the book.

A week or so later I bought the Kindle book and thrust the Kindle at my twelve-year-old sister, telling her she would love this book (my twelve-year-old sister is one of the few people in the family that will sit and watch corny old sci-fi movies with me). She brought the Kindle back to me the next day declaring that the book had been too short. "It was such a good book! Why didn't you make it longer?"

What I loved about it:First off; Grace Pennington, the girl who read the book, has an amazing voice. If I ever had an audio book done of my books, she would be the one I would choose to do it.
The suspense was excellent and made me frustrated when the downloader didn't buffer fast enough to keep up. I loved the faith displayed in this book. Without giving anything away, in the end they make a decision that goes against what many Christians would have chosen. It is the hard, much less traveled road of doing what is right, even if sets you back personally. I applaud Aubrey for the courage she showed in her writing.One of the best things about this book is you felt you were in a real place. You could see the place where Philadelphia lived. You good feel the cold, hard walls of the star base. It all seemed so real, so believable.
What I didn't like:
Does too-short and wish-there-was-more count?


I encourage you to listen to it for yourself and then, if you like it, show your support and buy the book.

Book Review: Red Rain by Aubrey Hanson

Recommend for: All ages, mild sci-fi lovers, those looking for a short read, those wanting to support homeschool authors.

From the back cover:
Government regulations said they had no choice. 17-year-old Philadelphia must stay on Earth in the care of complete strangers while her father is sent against his will to Mars. When a benevolent official gives her the opportunity to accompany her father, Philadelphia knows she must keep her head down or be sent back to Earth. But when a search for her deceased brother's Bible leads her into a hallway that isn't supposed to exist, Philadelphia is faced with a question she doesn't want to answer – the choice between returning to Earth or destroying it.
Can I be honest? I don't read a lot of Sci-Fi because I don't like most of it that is out there. I know, this is hard to believe coming from a science fiction writer, but it's true. Red Rain was a resounding exception.
One day, while working on Homeschool Authors, I found out about Aubrey Hanson. When I stumbled on her website, I saw that there was a free audio book. One day while I was busy mindlessly entering data into the computer at work, I put on my head phones and started listening to the book. I was hooked from the first few sentences. In fact, I stayed up late when I got home (even though I had to get up early the next morning) to finish the book.

A week or so later I bought the Kindle book and thrust the Kindle at my twelve-year-old sister, telling her she would love this book (my twelve-year-old sister is one of the few people in the family that will sit and watch corny old sci-fi movies with me). She bought the Kindle back to me the next day declaring that the book had been too short. "It was such a good book! Why didn't you make it longer?"

What I loved about it:First off; Grace Peninton, the girl who read the book, as an amazing voice. If I ever had an audio book done my books, she would be the one I would choose to do it.
The suspense was excellent and made me frustrated when the downloader didn't buffer fast enough to keep up. I loved the faith displayed in this book. Without giving anything away, in the end they make a decision that goes against what many Christians would have chosen. It is the hard; much less traveled road of doing what is right, even it sets you back personally. I applaud Aubrey for the courage she showed in her writing.One of the best things about this book is you felt you were in a real place. You could see the place where Philadelphia lived. You good feel the cold, hard walls of the star base. It all seemed so real, so believable.
What I didn't like:
Does to-short and wish-there-was count?


I encourage you to listen to it for yourself and then, if you like it, show your support and buy the book.

Writing Saturday; B is for Battles

Image from Wikipedia commons
Ever since I started writing, epic battle scenes have been some of my favorite to write. Whether it is the clashing of swords or the screeching of leaser guns it gives me a thrill to write the battle scenes.
One of that hardest thing about battles is you want to give your readers an idea of what is going on over all as well as show them what you MC (main character) is up to. A good way to do this is to get your MC to a high point so that they can see the big picture.  Like in one of my early books, which I have my MC on a cliff over looking the whole battle.
Another thing to remember about battles is that though there is a reason for the nation/people to be fighting, you need to make sure that your MC has a personal reason for righting and connect his actions to that.  Was he forced to fight?  Then how does he react why he kills the first enemy?  Is he fighting because a family member was killed?  Then what does he shout as the lines meet.
Here is a sneak peek of the battle in The Destiny of a Galaxy. Enjoy
"Collin! Take out that gun there. Pete where are you? You need to cover Jerry's tail!" Drew was giving orders furiously.Maria could see on the screen the laser bolts flying all around them. Drew was truly a skillful pilot. He also seemed to be a good leader However, at the moment, everything seemed to be in complete chaos."Drew, a starfighter is trying to launch.""Stop it! The last thing we need is company up here. Collin, I think I see another anti-starcraft gun on the other side of the security station, take it out."
Copyright 2012 by Sarah Holman.  You are not allowed to use any of this without permission

Book Review: Christy by Catherine Marshall

Warning: I do not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 15 due to some of the subject matter.

Recommend for: Young adults, Homeschoolers, Those looking for faith building and faith challenging fiction.

From the Back Cover:In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains -- and comes to know and love the resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy, by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion.
There are very few books that are life changing. For me, this is one of the few.

When I first read Catherine Marshall's Christy, I was fifteen, the youngest age my mom would let us read it at. I was captured at once by the plight of the mountain people, and cheered as Christy worked so hard to make their life better. The last third of the book though forced me to ask myself the question: "What do I believe?"

This book caused me to figure out what I believed about my faith apart from parents, pastors, or anyone else. It also made me face the fact that outside my nice home bubble, there was a hurting world. I couldn't live in the bubble forever; it was only there to prepare me to reach out.

What I liked:
I liked the fact that this book got me thinking. Without being preaching, just through the story, I learned so much. Christy and I had so much in common, except for the fact my parents are doing a better job to prepare me for the outside world.

This book is based on real people and real events and you can feel that. The cast of characters are colorful and deep. There are no flat characters in this book. All of them have depth and feel so real.

What I didn't like:
Some of the things that were hard were also what made the book so powerful. Probably the hardest part of the book was Miss Alice's story. A man she trusted took advantage of her and she had a child out of wedlock. She tells the story of what happened to Christy in enough detail to make most of my readers squirm. This is why I think anyone under the age of fifteen shouldbe cautious about reading this book.  If you wish to avoid the story (which is a pivotal part of the book), or if parents would like to preview it, it is chapter 33 in the book.

I highly recommend Christy to anyone who is looking for a faith building fiction story.

Book Review: Putting on a Gentle & Quiet Spirit

Recommend for; women, girls, quiet time
                                                         From the back cover: Elizabeth George takes readers through a thought–provoking study of Peter's teachings on handling trials and persecutions, including: suffering for doing good; understanding the mysteries of God; and fanning the flame of faith. The special "heart response" sections offer readers suggestions to help them apply biblical truths to their lives and focus on the amazing glory God promises.
Sometimes, I like to take a break from doing self-guided bible study and do a prepackaged one.  When I do Elizabeth George is one of my favorites.  This, her study on 1 Peter, was no exception.What I liked about it:I loved the style of questions to answer.  I found her thoughts and questions very helpful.  This study wasn't too long either.  I didn't get tired of it before it ended.What I didn't like about it:The only thing that I didn't like about it was sometime I didn't agree with her interpretation of a verse, but then, I rarely agree with an author 100%.
Over all, I would recommend to any girl or woman wanting a refreshing look at 1 Peter.