Where Has Oprah Taken Us: The Religious Influence of the World’s Most Famous Woman

In recent years, Oprah Winfrey has made a huge impact on our culture. This book chronicles Oprah’s life with a particular focus on her quest for spiritual enlightenment. It begins with Oprah’s rough (to say the least) adolescence and it details the events in her life that have led her to a “church-free spirituality” . Mansfield explores her shift from a biblical faith rooted in the worship of God to an eastern type, meditation-driven spirituality rooted in the worship of self. She has rejected her Baptist roots and has become a champion of the Course in Miracles, a seminar in which Christianity is reinterpreted in terms of self-actualization, personal divinity, and self-empowerment. She has also become a disciple of Eckhart Tolle, the increasingly popular teacher of a form of spirituality that blends Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Christianity.

I enjoyed this book. I was intrigued by much of the material and was very impressed with the way Mansfield very tactfully and clearly draws the line between the philosophy of Oprah and that of traditional Judo-Christian beliefs. The book is very well written and researched. Mansfield  was very gracious not to attack Oprah as a person, but he explicitly differentiates her beliefs from those outlined in the Word of God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby

In Behind the Veils of Yemen, author, Audra Grace Shelby shares her journey as a Christian woman in a culture very different from her own. Audra, her husband and their children uprooted their lives in the U.S. for a life of missions deep in the heart of conservative Islam. This 238 page book details Audra’s journey, struggles and intense doubts while trying to get “behind the veils” of muslim women. Audras’s deep desire to know these women on a personal level and share her love of Jesus Christ with them was truly inspiring. She definitely built some strong relationships and I was very impressed with her level of commitment to uphold their conservative appearance.

I could not put this book down, it was incredibly fascinating to learn more about the Muslim faith and their views on Christianity. Audra doesn’t share a lot about her family in the book and I guess that would be my only complaint, I would love to know how her children felt and coped with being in culture so different and dangerous. As a Christian, I am reminded that God loves people of every religion, background and nation. It’s very easy to not see past our borders, I am in awe of what this woman was committed to doing for the Kingdom of God. I would recommend this book to anyone. I have never been interested in missions but I have a completely different view after reading this. The story flowed very well and was a fast read for me. I LOVED IT!

I received this book from Bethany House publishers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love You More by Jennifer Grant

Love You More by Jennifer Grant is the story of Jennifer’s life leading up to, the decision making process and finally, the adoption of her Guatemala born daughter.  I was very excited to receive this book, as I have always (secretly) dreamed of adopting a child when it came time to expand my family of three. I really appreciated Grant’s honest account of the adoption process and related to her emotions while waiting for the long process to be completed. The first few chapters of the book were mostly about her life leading up to the adoption and I have to admit, I was not nearly as interested in that part of the book. It seemed to dredge on for me and I had a hard time completing the book because of that. Also, at times, it felt as though Jennifer was trying to talk people out of adoption. I realize that adoption isn’t something that everyone should do and it definitely needs to be approached with the right intentions but I finished this book slightly less enthusiastic about the idea.  I enjoyed the book, It just wasn’t quite what I expected. I haven’t been through the adoption process before but I believe that Jennifer’s description is fairly accurate. She was very relatable as a mother and I do appreciate her honesty.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone thinking about adopting, to any mother, or to anyone who needs to know that a family is not formed by blood, it is formed by love.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

It Couldn’t Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards

It Couldn’t Just Happen: Knowing the Truth About God’s Creation by Lawrence O. Richards is a 234 page book that argues theories such as evolution and The Big Bang theory using biblical principles and information. It uses fun activities and fascination insights into God’s marvelous works from asteroids, dinosaurs, and fossils, to genetic codes. It presents compelling evidence that God created the universe and all living things. This book has some amazing pictures and a lot of really good information. The book touches on 5 main topics; Earth in Our Universe, How Life Began, Evidence from Living Things, Humanity in God’s Nature and The Book That Didn’t Just Happen (a.k.a. The Bible).  Each part of the book has 3-5 chapters and gives “discussion questions” or activities after each chapter. I like that this book  encourages you to take time to look things up and to study different things on your own. I also like that it includes several bible verses. There is a nice mix of science and biblical information, which many people are reluctant to discuss together.

I was very excited to receive this book and thought it was a refreshing read. It would be a great tool for school age children who are exposed daily  to the theory of evolution, as well as a homeschool curriculum. My only “negative” comment would be that this book reads  like a text book. At times, the words were a little large and I felt more like I was studying for an exam than reading for pleasure. I don’t think that this is a book that I would read again or that a child would just sit and read for fun, but it would be a wonderful reference guide for anyone to have around.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

A Place Called Blessing by Dr. John Trent

A Place Called Blessing is a book about a young man with a very rough childhood. He never learned to trust and had a hard time believing in himself or in anyone else. His parents were careless and neglectful and after their death, he and his brothers entered into child protective services. They were separated and bounced from foster home to foster home.  Eventually they were reunited but then an accident forces them into a group home and they are separated again. Josh ages out of the home and sets out to make a living by himself. He ends up in a town, doing a job that will change the entire course of his life. Josh finds everything he ever needed or wanted in the most unthinkable place.

I loved this book. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read and it isn’t super well written but it is one that will stick in my mind for a very long time because of the message and because I felt a deep connection with the characters. The book flows pretty well and is a very quick read. The story is 158 pages , then after a message from the author,  there are questions relating to each of the nineteen chapters. The questions are designed to take you back through the chapters, explore the meaning of the story, and tap into your own memories, emotions and issues. The questions could be worked by yourself or in a small group setting.

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, especially  someone in need of affirmation and encouragement.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Fashioned by Faith by Rachel Lee Carter

"Fashioned by Faith" details Rachel’s struggles, revelations and convictions regarding her modest clothing all while working in the fashion industry. Rachel brings her experience from the fashion world to offer creative and practical suggestions that combine modesty and a great look. Each chapter of this 203 page book includes direct quotes from young men and from Rachel, herself. It’s important that women of all ages realize how important it is to honor God with all they do. Women should take special care to protect their bodies and men should take special care to respect women’s bodies. Rachel shares many stories about how difficult it is to work in her industry while not being willing to bare her body. She encourages young woman to set boundaries and not cross them, no matter how much pressure. There are many discussion questions throughout the book and it would be a terrific tool for a small group or Sunday school class. I think this book is geared more toward younger woman but it is an important read for any woman, especially a mother  of girls to read. Rachel encourages girls to involve their parents in their wardrobe decisions and I think that this is something that is seriously lacking in our society.  Parents need to insert themselves in EVERY aspect of their children’s lives, including the mundane, everyday choices like choosing and/or approving clothes.

The last portion of this book is a 45-day Bible Study which could be an excellent tool for a group of girls or a mother/daughter devotional type project.

I enjoyed this book and will definitely be using some of the ideas and tools that Rachel offers when my daughter is old enough.

Side Note: This book also includes many beautiful color pictures from Rachel’s modeling career.

 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

Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado

Max on Life is a 254 page book (including Scripture index) filled with 172 questions. The book is divided into 7 basic sections titled Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have Nots and Hereafter. There’s a new question and answer on nearly every page. There are also some photo copies of actual notes that Max has written people. I love Max Lucado books so much and this book did not disappoint! He is very straightforward with his answers and always backs his beliefs with scripture. I really love that this book has such a wide range of questions. In addition to the typical questions Pastors are asked, Max has included some very personal, very atypical questions. For example one person asked Max “What sexual items and activities are acceptable to God? Negligees? Body Oils? Engaging in specific activities, using sensual language, and watching stimulating movies? What does God prohibit and permit?”.  This may be a question that many couples have but it isn’t something that a lot of pastors are comfortable answering and probably isn’t something that people are comfortable talking about with someone that they have to see every Sunday.

The back of the book has a scripture index but I love that Max quotes scriptures directly in all of his answers. Max has a way of telling a story and getting a point across that a lot of Pastors just aren’t blessed with. I am so happy that I will have this book to refer to when I have life questions and I would DEFINITELY recommend this book to a friend. I honestly think that this book would be a good tool for any Christian, in any season of their walk with Christ.

: 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.”

A Conversation with God: If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It Be? by Alton Gansky

A Conversation with God: If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It Be? By Alton Gansky is a 304 page book (notes included in count) comprised of 55 questions. I thought this book was fairly generic. I’m a Christian and have been for some time, none of the content was new to me and very little was explained in a new way that I haven’t heard before. That being said, I do think this would be an excellent book for a new Christian with many questions. I liked the format of the book and I hadn’t ever seen one written from God’s “point of view”. After you read each question, you are given several answers as if they are being spoken by God, Jesus and various other characters from the bible. It was easy to read and the chapters are very short. I didn’t really care for the way the references were set at the back of the book, instead of directly with the chapter that they pertained to. I found myself being too lazy to actually flip to the back and check the references. I chose to skip around and read different questions that interested me first, instead of reading the book straight through. The author actually encourages this in his introductory. Also in the introductory is a list of many of the other characters that are referenced  and a short description of who each person is, I really liked that this was included. A few of the questions in this book are: God, how can we believe that you created us?, Why weren’t all early writing included in the Bible? Why should we work if the world is going to end? Why are some people rich and others poor? Can I lose my salvation? What is the kingdom of God? What will we do for eternity? And Are we Unique?

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

PUJOLS: MORE THAN THE GAME By Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

Pujols: More Than The Game chronicles the life and career of Albert Pujols (first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals). In 229 pages, you will learn about Albert growing up in Santo Domingo, migrating to the United States, playing high school and college ball and then eventually making his rise to MLB. This book flows well with short chapters and is entertaining enough to keep the pages turning, which made it a quick read.

Coming from very humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic, Albert Pujols has made quite a name for himself in baseball, often being compared to greats like Babe Ruth, Stan Musual and Pete Rose. Pujols has also been able to keep himself out of trouble. His strict self-discipline and religious beliefs are as much to blame as his wife Deidre and his kids. He enjoys being a hero to children all over the world and upholds that image at every opportunity.   It’s evident throughout the pages, that Pujols has a wonderful support system and he gives all the thanks and glory to Jesus Christ. I don’t think any Pujols fan could say that they didn’t realize Albert is a Christian but I have to admit that I was surprised to learn just how “young” of a Christian he is and how devoted he is. One of my favorite things that I learned is that he’ll often witness to other players while playing first base and that he has led more than one of his teammates to Christ.

Being a Cardinals fan, I was impressed with the amount of background information and stats that these two writers were able to include, however, some may find some of the lingo/stats a little confusing or distracting. That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. If you’re not a Pujols fan when you start this book, you will be when you finish. 

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.”