Booksneeze Book Review: 'Fasting' by Scott Mcknight

Publishers' Book Description:
Building a body and mind that hungers for God.

Is the practice of faith centered solely on the spirit? Is the body an enemy, or can it actually play a role in our pursuit of God? In this installation of the Ancient Practices Series, Dr. Scot McKnight reconnects the spiritual and the physical through the discipline of fasting.

The act of fasting, he says, should not be focused on results or used as a manipulative tool. It is a practice to be used in response to sacred moments, just as it has in the lives of God's people throughout history. McKnight gives us scriptural accounts of fasting, along with practical wisdom on benefits and pitfalls, when we should fast, and what happens to our bodies as a result.

For those who have wondered how to grasp the value of this most misunderstood ancient practice, this book is a comprehensive guide.

A volume in the eight book classic series, The Ancient Practices, with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, General Editor.

I wanted to like this book.  No, I wanted to love this book. It sounded absolutely fascinating to me and I couldn't wait to read it. My husband also wanted to read it and kept asking me to hurry up so it would be 'his turn'. Finally, this books' ticket came up and I dove in, eager to soak up everything Scott Mcknight had to offer. I gave up about halfway through - and my husband lasted about 40 pages. Neither one of us could finish it - although my husband says he may try again.

The book, to be perfectly honest, was one of the most dry, repetitive, and redundant books I've ever read. It had all of the potential in the world and it fell way short of expectations. It was very critical of the modern perceptions and treatment of fasting and, while I agreed with a good chunk of his positions, it came across as quite negative sometimes. That's not the feeling I would think you'd generally be going for when you're writing about something as spiritual in nature as this. Mr Mcknight also tended to repeat the same subject matter over and over in each chapter, adding very little new information - just re-formatting and repeating what had already been said. My opinion is that people could understand the main viewpoint from the book in the 2 page conclusion at the end.

As much as it pains me to write a bad review (and, I assure you, it does pain me), I can't help but be honest with you. I think this book is one that can be skipped. Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, I must tell you that according to the reviews on Amazon.com - I'm in the minority when it comes to my opinions on this book. As of the time this post is being written, 'Fasting' has 4 stars with 67 reviews.

What can I say? I've never been one that goes along with the crowd...

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Booksneeze Book Review: The Secrets Beneath by Kathleen Fuller

Well, due to some family situations - and the Thanksgiving holiday - I'm running a little bit late on this review. Nonetheless, here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

Rebekah Yoder is an extremely inquisitive 13 year old Amish girl in Middlefield, OH. She's a Nancy Drew fan, and in her mind everything has the potential to become a mystery that needs to be solved. Caleb, the boy next door, loves spying as much as Bekah. He also likes to pick on her. The house next door to her has been empty for some time, but now she has a new neighbor - a grumpy old man that buries things in his backyard at night. Bekah has a mystery on her hands and she's determined to solve it.

Her cousin, Amanda, has come to stay with the family from Paradise, PA under quite mysterious circumstances. Amanda is sullen and anti-social and Bekah just doesn't understand why no one will tell her what's going on! While Caleb and Bekah spy on the neighbor, Amanda starts to take an interest as well. But what they don't realize is that what's going on next door isn't just a mystery - it's dangerous.

Despite numerous warnings from family, friends, and even the grumpy new neighbor to stay away and mind their own business, the trio continue to push their luck. One day everything comes to a head and Bekah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Will help come in time? Amanda watches helplessly and learns a valuable lesson: sometimes all you can do is pray for the right outcome.

I enjoyed this book - it was simply written, as it is really a Young Adult book. It was a quick read and fairly entertaining. The characters were fun and very well written - I especially enjoyed Caleb's character.

What I didn't like were the fictional settings. There are plenty of Amish communities - why make one up? It's not really a big deal, I just didn't understand the reasoning. Also, the author used Amish words throughout the book in place of 'normal' words like Mom, Dad, Uncle, etc. I admired the intent, but I found it distracting - especially in the beginning when I kept having to stop reading to look up a word. Also, while I enjoyed the Amish slant it really wasn't a big part of the book. There wasn't a lot of Amish culture or 'education' in the book it was just a girl and her family and 'Oh, FYI, they happen to be Amish'. I wish it had been a little more prominent in the story as I find it very interesting.

All in all, I'd give it 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it and I may see if Ms. Fuller's other books are at my local library.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it at this link on Amazon.

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Next Book Review: ' The Secrets Beneath' by Kathleen Fuller

Publisher's Book Description:
Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one.

Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved.

Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far?

Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

I finished reading this book yesterday and am working on my review. I'm hoping to have the review up tomorrow or Wednesday. Great book!

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bethany House Book Review: 'Amy Inspired' by Bethany Pierce

Publisher's Book Description:
Amy Gallagher, aspiring writer, has an unabashed obsession with words. She gave up a steady, albeit unexciting, job to pursue a life of writing. However, two years and one master's degree later, she finds herself almost exactly right back where she started. Discouraged by the growing pile of rejections from publishers and afraid that she has settled, Amy knows something has to change.

Then she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. Amy finds herself struggling to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as she tries to cope with the feeling that her friends and family are moving on without her. When the unexpected begins pouring in, Amy doubts the love and fulfillment she seeks will ever come her way. Forced to take a close look at who she has become, the state of her faith, and her aspirations for her life, she must make a choice: play it safe yet again or finally find the courage to follow her dreams.

Amy Gallagher is a young English professor on the cusp of turning 30. She's wanted to be an author since childhood, and she did everything 'right'. She has a Master's degree, writes regularly, faithfully submits her manuscripts to both publishing houses and magazines alike - and yet the rejections keep coming. To make it all the more frustrating, her zany roommate Zoe seems to be able to get magazine articles published with hardly any effort. As if all of this isn't enough for Amy, her roommate brings home an old friend to 'temporarily' stay with them. Eli is, on the surface, your typical starving artist; but the more she get to know Eli, the more she sees the deep, caring person with the painful past. The longer he stays, the harder it gets to convince herself that she doesn't have feelings for him. Suddenly, her whole life feels out of control and she starts to wonder if she's been her own worst enemy all along.

All around her, tragedy is striking, jealousy is rearing it's ugly head, old wounds are being reopened, self-esteem is being shattered, and feelings are getting harder to stifle. Can she keep it together and, more importantly, can she finally find peace and happiness?

I really enjoyed this book. Amy's character - and all of the others, really - were just so beautifully written. She was very flawed and real. I particularly enjoyed her dry, sarcastic sense of humor. It was very balanced - never falling too far into being negative or crass. I think that the author did a great job of portraying Amy's internal battle with herself. All of the characters were equally as intriguing, flawed, and unique.

I felt that the story line was very unique. This isn't your typical conversion story or story of the believer that questions their faith. It's simply a story about a girl who's faith is a part of her life, and she's trying to find her place in the world. I appreciated this. I think that a lot of Christian Fiction books are too 'in your face', and this tends to make them less believable. The way this was written was much more 'real life' to me. I alos enjoyed the sub-plots - all were very well developed and the author did a superb job of 'wrapping everything up' in a believable, and satisfying, way.

To sum it all up, I enjoyed the book. It's just as much a love story as it is a book of self-reflection and self-discovery. 'Amy Inspired' was well written, well developed, unique and thoughtful. I highly recommend it, and I will definitely be reading more from author Bethany Pierce.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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.”

Next Book Review: 'Amy Inspired' by Bethany Pierce

Publisher's Book Description:
Amy Gallagher, aspiring writer, has an unabashed obsession with words. She gave up a steady, albeit unexciting, job to pursue a life of writing. However, two years and one master's degree later, she finds herself almost exactly right back where she started. Discouraged by the growing pile of rejections from publishers and afraid that she has settled, Amy knows something has to change.

Then she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. Amy finds herself struggling to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as she tries to cope with the feeling that her friends and family are moving on without her. When the unexpected begins pouring in, Amy doubts the love and fulfillment she seeks will ever come her way. Forced to take a close look at who she has become, the state of her faith, and her aspirations for her life, she must make a choice: play it safe yet again or finally find the courage to follow her dreams.


I just started reading this book on Tuesday. I'm hoping to be able to post a review sometime next week.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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.”

Bethany House Book Review: 'Hatteras Girl' by Alice J. Wisler

Publisher's Book Description:
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

This book is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Jackie Donovan has dreamed of owning the Bailey House Bed and Breakfast since she was a child and now, through a series of events, it looks as if her dream may finally come true. But, as Jackie learns, sometimes things aren't always what they seem.


This review is actually a little hard for me because there were a lot of things that I actually did like about the book. The problem is that what I didn't like was really distracting and frustrating for me. I thought this book was just okay. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it, either. Confusing? Let me explain.

I'll start with the things I did like. I like the charm and ease of the South that was very evident and very well written throughout the book. I liked the characters. They all had very unique personalities and you really felt like they cared about each other. They really were very well written. They also all have some quite unique names, although I found them to be a little distracting sometimes. I liked the message and the storyline of the book. To me, it was evident that the plot and the characters were really well thought out and that the author took great care in making them come to life in her book.I also think that Ms. Wisler did a good job at portraying emotion - particularly worry and confusion. I think that those are really hard sometimes to make your reader feel, so I appreciate when an author has the ability to do that.

Now for what I didn't like.This book was really anti-climatic for me. I kept finding myself 'waiting for the good part'. There was a constant sense that the plot was building, and it would either be a great confrontational scene or a really great I'm-in-love moment. It did neither until the last few pages of the book. So I had 300 or so pages of anticipation - and letdown - and a couple of pages at the very end that gave me a bit of satisfaction. I found that really frustrating. I kind of felt like I kept getting strung along by a proverbial carrot on a string. Sometimes in books - mostly suspense and mystery types - this is actually a very exciting plot strategy, but it just didn't work for me here.

I've read the reviews for the book on Amazon, and honestly, I'm in the minority when it comes to my opinion on this book. I have heard good things about Wisler's other books however, so I may give them a try in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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.”

Next Book Review: 'Hatteras Girl' by Alice J. Wisler

Publishers' Book Description:
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

I'll be posting this review tomorrow. I've finished reading it, but need a little bit of time to decide what I think about it. This may turn out to be my first 'lukewarm' review.

Look for my review of 'Hatteras Girl' by Alice J. Wisler tomorrow!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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.”

Bethany House Book Review: 'A Rush of Wings' by Kristen Heitzman

Publishers' Book Description:
Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.

Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide. 

If you would like to read an excerpt, you can do so here.

I finished this book WAY ahead of schedule - having two sick kids that just want to dog-pile on you all day will do that. If I can't move, I may as well read, right?

Terror. That's what Noelle St Claire is experiencing. Primal terror. Her flight instinct is maxed out and she's not trying to fight with it. The problem? She's not quite sure what she's so afraid of and why she's running. She eventually comes to a small town in the Colorado Rockies and, after inquiring about housing, is directed to a ranch owned by Rick Spencer. He's quiet, serious, and God-fearing. His brother, Morgan, however is the exact opposite. He's a successful, womanizing, corporate guy who works hard and plays harder. When both take a serious interest in the secretive Noelle, things get interesting.

William St Claire is a high powered New York defense attorney with connections and money. His protege, Michael Fallon, is Noelle's fiance. William has been much the overprotective parent for most of Noelle's life; picking her friends, teachers, activities... and partners. He admires and respects Michael, but he is unaware of the unstable, violent person he really is. Michael has learned that money means control and he takes advantage of it so often that it's become second nature. If someone dares to defy him, his temper is dangerous. The story that unfolds from the entanglement of these characters is dramatic, twisting and suspenseful.

And I'll leave you with that - because I don't like plot spoilers.

So, the verdict? I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it. The beginning was a little boring and sometimes the plot tended to drag a bit. There were a few plot development and character development issues, but they were very minor and I don't feel that they detracted from the story at all. I will say this: Kristen Heitzmann NAILS human emotions - turmoil, panic, hopelessness, confusion... and love. All of it. That talent is why I enjoyed the book so much. She made it real. I can honestly say she's one of the best at portraying emotion in writing that I've ever read. For that, I'm completely won over and I will definitely read more of what she has out.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing. 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.”

Booksneeze Book Review - 'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Publishers' Book Description:
A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Honestly, sometimes these books end up being either preachy or corny. This one was neither. It was honest, real, and touching. I was fully expecting a dramatic grab-a-box-of-tissues kind of book, but it really wasn't like that. I honestly have a hard time putting my feelings about this book into words. It was just amazing. Nothing I write here could possibly do it justice.

Colton Burpo, 2 months shy of his 4th birthday, has to have an emergency appendectomy because his appendix exploded. His life is literally hanging by a thread as he goes into surgery and doctors don't give the Burpo family much hope that Colton will be ok. After a truly amazing turn of events, Colton makes a complete recovery slightly less than 3 weeks after his surgery. Six months later he starts talking about seeing Jesus in Heaven.

To be frank, it's not the details of Heaven, God, or Jesus that are so amazing. I think we all know that almost-4-year-olds aren't generally all that great at giving detailed descriptions, although some of his descriptions were very impressive. It was more the very matter-of-fact way he gave his details; His absolute steadfastness in his statements that are so compelling. The fact that some of the things he says so perfectly align with intricate Bible descriptions of God, Jesus and Heaven, to me, are evidence that he's seen something. And I believe he saw what he says he saw. But from a parents' perspective, to imagine having your child tell you he's seen Heaven, sat on Jesus' lap and had conversations with his sister that was miscarried - and that you didn't know was a girl... mind-blowing. Truly mind-blowing.

I also loved how the book was written. Very conversational and easy - almost as if you are sitting over coffee with your friend and they just start telling you this amazing experience they've had. You're completely in awe and just want to hear more. It had a lovely, enjoyable rhythm to the writing and I finished it in about 3.5 hours. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I may even read through it again, I just loved it.

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Booksneeze Book Review - 'Outlive Your Life' by Max Lucado

Publishers' Book Description:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.


Where do I begin? I have mixed feelings about this book, to be honest with you. The overall message was wonderful: have compassion for others - particularly those that are having a rough time, serve others, and get down off your high horse. All things that most of us can agree on. I appreciated his strong reminder that we are REQUIRED by God to help the less fortunate. That compassion and service are not optional. I also appreciated that he put that call to action into perspective: "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." Such a simple and obvious thing to say, but it makes the task so much less daunting.

I also REALLY liked the way he took Bible stories and made them come to life. You can tell that he can really see these stories when he reads them - he can visualize the conversations, the emotions, the settings. It was actually very inspiring to me. Others didn't like that he took so much literary liberty with these stories, but I actually feel it was beneficial. His easy writing style made for a relaxing read.

There were, however, several things I did NOT like his book. I didn't like the Bible passages being quoted from several different Bible translations. It made them seem choppy and less genuine; like when one translation didn't say what he wanted it to say, he just used a different one. I don't like the pick and choose mentality that this seemed to portray (at least to me). I also didn't like his paragraph long prayers at the end of each chapter. While I appreciate the thought, it came across as showy instead of humbling. Also, while the message of the book was to help and serve those less fortunate, at times his suggestions and stories seemed to border on 'social justice' type theory and I didn't appreciate that - although I do admit that I could just be acting a bit too sensitive.

All in all, I enjoyed reading the book. It was enjoyable enough for me that I will probably pick up another Max Lucado book or two.

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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”