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Donna S

Donna S

has 3 followers and is following 2 people

  • member since June 20, 2009

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 54 reviews
  • Erasing Hell
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Eternity is at stake and every person must decide if Heaven and Hell are real. It is easy to believe in Heaven, but not so with the literal Hell. We tend to think that a loving God would allow such a place to exist. Well, in this book, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle challenge everyone to rethink Hell. Why do you believe what you believe? Through the study of Scripture, the authors look at Hell and make the reader pay attention to the magnitude of his decision. They answer questions like, "Would God allow someone to go to Hell?" and "Is there a second chance after death?" and "What is Hell?" and "Won't I just party with my friends there?" This book will make you wake up to your destiny as well as those around you. What will you do with the knowledge?

    This book is a well-written, well-researched discussion of Hell. I received an audio copy from Oasis Audio for review and found myself with chills a few times. While I believe in a literal Hell, I once again delved into Scripture with the authors. This book is great for Bible studies and book discussion groups because there is so much to glean, but it will also make a wonderful gift for someone you know who needs to examine the subject. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Mugabe and the White African
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Sadly, hatred, prejudice, and inhumanity still exist in our world today. They know no boundaries and wear many colors. "Mugabe and the White African" is one such true story. Ben Freeth was one of many white men who had grown up in Zimbabwe. Their families had farmed the land for generations and then, Mugabe came to power and started taking the land for the government. His sole purpose was to drive the white man from his land and gain complete control over the people.

    For more than ten years, the Freeths, Campbells, and others fought for the right to continue farming on their land. They knew the risks. They had seen the destruction leveled on other farms, on other people. They had become all too familiar with death. Courage comes from many places, and Ben drew his from God. He and the others worked through the legal system to help stop the land take-over in order to keep the land that was theirs. Come, read the true account of the harrowing accounts that would have made many people run in fear. It is the story of the destruction of a country.

    I received this free book as part of a blog tour from FSB Media, and I thank them for the opportunity! I recommend this book to those who enjoy true stories and to those who think things like this don't happen in the world today. The comments by Desmond Tutu and John Sentamu will prepare you to read on. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Waking Hours
    • Rated 5 stars

    “What happened at the party? Why can't anyone remember? These are just two questions forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris has when she begins to investigate the murder of a high school student. This was no ordinary murder, but rather a ritualistic killing. How could something like this happen in East Salem, NY? It is normally a quiet place. Tommy Gunderson (former pro-football player) also wants to know because not only does he want to be a PI, but one of the suspected students has asked for his help. Things get really spooky and eerie as Dani and Tommy work to unravel the mystery. As they work to find the killer, will they rekindle their high school romance? Come along and help them solve the murder and find out what happens between them!

    Lis Wiehl has done it again! This is the first book in a promised "East Salem" trilogy. The characters and events are realistic and the writing is superb. I was drawn in from the start and didn't want the story to end. I can't wait for book number two! I recommend this and Ms. Wiehl's "Triple Threat Series" to anyone who loves a good mystery. Many thanks to NetGalley for the copy I read on my Nook. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Waiting for Dawn
    • Rated 5 stars

    “"Waiting for Dawn" is the prequel to the Team Hope series by Susan May Warren. In this novella, the reader is introduced to the main characters and shown how their pasts connect. Jim Micah - a Green Beret stationed in Turkey. Lt. John Montgomery - his best friend also stationed in Turkey. Then there is Lacey Galloway, the girl who holds both of their hearts. When one of them goes missing, Lacey travels overseas to find a way to rescue him. One of these men really loves her, the other - well, you'll have to read the series for that.

    I totally enjoyed this novella, although I must say I wasn't happy with the ending. But that is the purpose, right? Ms. Warren weaves these three together with action, suspense, love, faith, and more, totally drawing the reader in. I loved how Scripture and prayer were woven throughout the story. I received this review copy through Tyndale House and Net Galley, and thank them very much. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • The House of Hope
    • Rated 5 stars

    “"The House of Hope," what a wonderful name. It brings to mind a place where help is available and lives can be changed. That is exactly the ministry Robin and Joyce Hill were called to open. God gave them a love for the orphaned, medically challenged children in China. Through prayer and trust, the Hills watched God supply not just the children who needed them, but the building, caregivers, money, supplies, and countless surgeries. The home opened in 2000, and the work has helped more than 1,000 children. Not only were the children given much needed surgery for medical conditions like spina bifida, cleft palate, and "extrophy," but they were given love and the chance at what the Hills call, a "Forever Family." This book is the story of their journey, trials, victories, and faith. This book is the story of the children, some who wouldn't live, but all who were loved and given hope.

    I was totally pulled into the Hill's story and began praying for the children and ministry they discuss. The stories are powerful and show God's love and care for the smallest among us. Parts of the story made me smile and some brought tears to my eyes, but sll brought the burden to pray for this ministry. I recommend this book to everyone, and encourage you to visit the website below. I was given my review copy by the Litfuse Publicity Group, and thank them for the opportunity.”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • The mirror of N'de : a novel
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Two peoples, the rich Oresed and the poorer Ramash, live in Turris. The powerful Oresed oppress the Ramash, but the Ramash have a secret, a hope. That hope is the lost city of N'De. The hope is that one day someone will find the way to N'De and save the people. Hadley has been having dreams, disturbing dreams. A being in a mirror she can't touch, but who wants her to find a key. What is the key? Where is the key? While dealing with the dreams, the emperor calls for new trainees for the palace. This time, Oresed youth are not the only ones called. Hadley and other Ramash youth are also included. Hope! But, what training awaits them in the palace? What creatures has Zeru designed? Is this really the answer to their problems? Who is Sirach and what will he give up for Hadley? Enheduana? Come along with Hadley and the others to what is true and what is not.

    I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all YA readers. The characters face choices, the ultimate battle of good and evil, and the true meaning of trust. It was fun reading a "fantasy with a Judeo-Christian approach" as I understood the comparisons she was making. I received my review copy as part of the Litfuse Blog Tour and am happy to have been a part. I hope there are more books to come! ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Bill Warrington's Last Chance
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Bill Warrington has a a couple of big problems. He is losing his memory and his children don't want to visit him. While he sees his daughter, she is oblivious. His granddaughter, however, is interested in him and his stories. When Bill can't get his children together to talk, and his granddaughter wants to stay with him for a little while, he hatches a scheme to get their attention. With the notes saying that he had April sent to each of his kids, Bill and April set off for their first destination. The clues would be sent as they went along with the express purpose of having his children work together. But, what will happen to the plan when Bill loses his memory? April is only 15. How will she cope with driving, getting hotels, and dealing with the various people along the way? Will his three children work together to find resolution for the entire family? This funny and poignant story will keep thinking long after you are finished.

    I really enjoyed this book, especially when I was able to be part of the discussion with the author! The scenes where Bill fights with remembering, or is totally lost, brought tears to my eyes. It really brings home what people with Alzheimer's must feel like knowing they are losing it. I recommend this book to all types of readers, especially groups because there is so much to discuss. Many thanks to TNBBC (The Next Best Book Club) for the copy I won and for hosting the discussion. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
    • Rated 3 stars

    “The story was ok, and there were lots of twists and turns. But, I wasn't especially fond of the language as I listened to this as an audio book. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Dovekeepers
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Four women find their lives interwoven as the Romans kill the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding lands. All four end up in Masada, a fortress built for a cruel king, now their safe haven. As their tales unfold, each woman is drawn into the lives of the others. There are, however, secrets that all keep. They are Yael, Revka, Aziza, and Shirah. They care for the doves in the Dovecote, sharing food, time, and space. As their time in Masada unfolds, you will learn of their loves, their fears, and their reality. Will they make it out alive? What happens with the loves in their lives? Once you get into the story, you won't be able to put it down.

    While I found the book slow to start, once it picked up it wouldn't let me go. These women seemed very real and their stories were very compelling and complex. There were many times I wanted to cry with them, laugh with them, hope with them. I purchased this book because a group I belong to on Goodreads was reading it and I am so thankful I did! Now I want to read more about the actual event this book is based on. I recommend it to all historical fiction readers, and to book clubs everywhere. There is a lot to discuss within these pages. ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Taft 2012
    • Rated 4 stars

    “It's 2012 and former President Taft wakes up within the White House gates, ambles over to a press conference and is shot. Positive identification means that there is a big shake up in Washington and there are lots of questions to answer. But, what about President Taft? What happened to him almost one hundred years ago? How will he cope with living in a totally different world? Jason Heller paints a wonderful picture of what it might be like if Taft showed up today. He presents real situations that fit into today's world, and brings President Taft to life with his words. You will discover things like; what happens when Taft finds real family; and what it be like to be his bodyguard, especially when he wants to take a road trip. You will also discover who the "Tafties" are. Come on, pick up a copy of "Taft 2012." You won't regret the moments of fun, joy, and sadness; and you might even enjoy the politics.

    I really enjoyed this book, perhaps more so because I was able to discuss the book with the author in "The Next Best Book Club" here on Goodreads. The characters seemed very real to me, and I wish I could meet the Taft of this book. There was plenty to keep my attention as I watched the former President and those he contacted on a daily basis go through pretty normal reactions. I found it to be a quick, interesting read. Thank you to Jason Heller for joining our group to discuss his book, and to Lori (Super Mod.) and the others who joined the discussion. It was a pleasure! ”

    Donna S wrote this review Saturday, March 3, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
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Displaying 1-10 of 54 reviews

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