The 20th Christmas by Andrea Rodgers - my review

I just finished reading The 20th Christmas by Andrea Rodgers and have to tell you about it!
WOW! What a heartwarming inspirational story. I cried my way through this book as I could easily feel the emotions that Arianna felt when her son, Chase 22 months old, was first kidnapped right before Christmas. She keeps her faith that he is alive somewhere, that God is watching out for him, as she keeps praying to see him again. The author does a fabulous job with this story making you feel the emotions of each and everyone involved. As I tried to put myself in the position of each of these three ladies, Arianna, Lydia, and yes even Lacey the kidnapper, who has for years been homeless, suffering from mental illness, and has a substance abuse problem, my heart broke for all of them. And of course Chase and everyone else that was close to him in anyway.  Andrea Rodgers shows how God can make something beautiful come from something so tragic in this awesome story of faith, love, and forgiveness. An inspirational touching book that grabbed me from the first page.

I  highly recommend this book, stock up on kleenix, and allow plenty of time because it is one of those you want to finish in one sitting!

I received a free copy of this book from Ambassador International in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin - my review

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin is book 2 in the Restoration Chronicles, but is a good stand alone book. Bringing the Old Testament to life, as you read about how Haman got King Xerxes to sign a decree to annihilate all of Jews, and Queen Esther getting him to sign another decree.

The little crippled Edomite girl, Amina, who befriends the older Jewish woman, Hodaya, and finds she is has more in common with her than she first thought.

Then Ezra a quiet scholar and teacher of the law, wanting to take his family home, and leading the Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon. This story comes to life as you meet his wife Devorah, their children, family, and friends and see how they live.

I loved my journey through these pages of the Old Testament, Lynn Austin has done a terrific job of making me feel as if I was right there taking part with them with her writing of this story. She has added some characters to help tell the story.  This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last, I have found a new favorite author!

At the end of the book she tells you where you can read the stories/verses that she has used in this book in your own Bible.

I  highly recommend this book to anyone who like to read Biblical stories.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

   

The King is Coming by Erwin W. Lutzer - my review

The King is Coming: Preparing to Meet Jesus by Erwin W. Lutzer tells about the end days and the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The author uses biblical scripture to discuss the rapture of the Church, the tribulation, the coming of Jesus, the Antichrist, the end of the world, and Heaven. Erwin Lutzer does a marvelous job of explaining his views on what the Bible tells us will happen in these last days and uses the scripture to back up what he says, so you can read it in the Bible for yourself.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is ...
"If you've been told that you have to donate money to go to heaven, you have not heard the gospel. If you've been told that you must make yourself deserving to go to heaven, that is not the gospel. Nor is it through baptism, your church attendance, or through the sacraments." 

And the last quote he uses in the book is from the Bible...
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Luke 12:40 ESV

If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, please do so, because our King is coming soon!!

I  highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.