NIV Pink Bible new international version

I love my pink bible.It has a very soft cover and is not to large.I love the insert with messages of hope on them.I found nothing negative about it.
I think it would make a wonderful gift.

Homeless At harvard By John Christopher Frame

"Homeless at Harvard" is a memoir about a young man who lived among the homeless community at Harvard Square to better understand homelessness. He was taking a summer course at Harvard and had access to campus facilities, but he spent his free time on the streets and he slept on the streets. Much of the book was about his experiences on the street and about his childhood, but he also shared the stories of some of his homeless friends and included some of their thoughts "in their own words."

The writing was somewhat disjointed, though usually it wasn't hard to follow. The author would start the chapter talking about an experience he had while on the street--like learning to beg for money--and then he'd jump to a story from his past or to some thoughts he had about how he wasn't really homeless even though he was sleeping on the streets. Then he'd continue the original story. He also sometimes contradicted himself or the homeless people would--like someone said the homeless aren't all addicts or mentally ill, yet a few chapters later someone said they were.

I don't feel like I gained insight into why people are homeless, but I did learn some things about homeless people. The homeless in Harvard Square only lacked for homes--not food, not medical care, not alcohol or drugs, not lottery tickets, not cell phones or grills or digital cameras. A few of those begging money even had homes! Many were addicts. Even those who didn't think they were mentally ill didn't have an accurate grasp of reality, though sometimes that appeared to be a product of their upbringing. They had a very works-oriented, confused view of God, and even the author didn't view God as sovereign (i.e. in control of everything).

The author's conclusion was that spending time with the homeless and treating them like people will do more good than giving them your pocket change. The book didn't really show that to be true, but it is clear that giving them money doesn't help so spending time is worth a try.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

Downside up By Tracey Mitchell

Recently I was given a copy of the book Downside Up by Tracey Mitchell to review from Booksneeze. The book is a self-help type book that tackles rejection in the different facets of life, from family, career, romantic relationships etc. The author speaks in easy to understand language and gives examples from her own life as well as those of friends and acquaintances. The book is about 200 pages and while it gives each subject its due it is not so long that you feel like you are receiving information overload. It is written from a Christian perspective and helps you to view yourself not as others view you or how you might view yourself but how your Heavenly Father views you. It helps you realize that things are not always perfect and that is OK! It is how we deal with the imperfections of life that really help us grow and develop.

Initially I thought that a book about rejection would be depressing not uplifting. It was quite the opposite. I honestly found the book intriguing and really liked the way the end of each chapter was set up with a review, a quote and action items to reinforce the skills you just learned. It made me feel that this was a book you could return to over and over should the need arise. I cannot say it hooked me in but I found it to be an easy read and something that made a difficult subject more social acceptable per say. I would say if someone or something has got you down that this book would be a good first step to dealing with feelings that are not always easily explainable to others

I Call Shotgun By Tommy Newberry and Curt Beavers

love that there is a book that is by Dads for sons. You see so many books on Mothers and daughters, though maybe because I have not searched out books with this content.

You can read this book straight through or turn to the lesson you need. As a reader who read straight through, the letter format made the book easier and faster to read. Changes in fonts helped fiend off monotony. Text bubbles gave a modern take and look to letter writing.

I found this book very refreshing by using Bible verses and personal life stories to help explain the lesson. The letters are not demanding, my-way-or-highway. They are positive, understanding and relatable in nature. The Fathers gave their sons respect. As if they are writing in the same context or lesson they are trying to teach (i.e. to teach understanding, the tone of the letter comes from an understanding aspect), if that makes any sense.

Letters to Katie By Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller finishes up her Middlefield Family series in fantastic form with Letters to Katie. She promised me she would tie up loose ends of the series in this book -- and she did a superb job of fulfilling that promise.

The story is filled with great characters -- like Katherine, Johnny, Sawyer, Laura, and Cora -- many of whom are familiar "faces" from the earlier books. There is enough uncertainty in Katherine's and Johnny's story to keep you turning the pages, and the continuing struggle between Sawyer and his grandmother adds a whole other dimension of interest.

Kathleen has delivered a thoughtful message of people learning the importance of giving up personal goals to search for God's plans -- and the sometimes unexpected benefits of doing so.

I would highly recommend Letters to Katie to anyone who enjoys great Amish fiction. You will likely appreciate the story more, though, if you first read Treasuring Emma and Faithful to Laura.

Thanks to Kathleen and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

THE HEIRESS OF WINTERWOOD

By Sarah Ladd

The Heiress of Winterwood is a great story that really held my attention throughout the book. It has a gripping opening and a great story. The story is about a young woman who is about to inherit her family's estate, but only if she is married. She is engaged to a man whom she believes will be the right man to take her and her estate where it should be. However, in the meantime, she befriends a woman whose husband is off to war. A baby is born, but her friend dies and she has promised her friend to care for the baby. Her betrothed refuses to allow her to take care of the baby after they marry. So, she decides to go against everyone and propose to the baby's father.
The story takes several turns and goes in a different direction than I anticipated. While it felt like the baby's father and she would eventually be married, there were some uncertain plot turns. About halfway through the book, the story really became engaging such that I really wanted to read until it was finished.
This was a great story and I would read more from this author should I have the chance.

Moon Over Edisto By Beth Webb Hart

Moon Over Edisto is a compelling story of a family journey toward healing after one man's ultimate betrayal. The author Beth Webb Hart did an incredible job of writing sensitively about an extremely touchy subject. Her extensive character development allows readers to see the effects of extramarital affairs through the eyes of both children and adults.
There were many things that I enjoyed about this book. I was thrilled when the main character Julia was introduced as an artist at the beginning of the book. As a young painter, I strongly relate to Julia's journey toward discovering her voice in the art world. It was fascinating to read that, of all the places Julia had lived in and traveled to, her hometown of Edisto, South Carolina provided the richest art inspiration for her work.
I also enjoyed reading about Marne's sweet children, especially little Etta. Although I struggled to like Marne at first, her children immediately captured my heart. They were bright, creative, and very shy. They lived in poverty, yet did their best to make the best of their situation. I enjoyed reading about how Julia invested in the children's lives by teaching them to fish, taking the girls shopping, cleaning their house (even getting rid of the fleas), and giving art lessons. Julia exemplified what unconditional love looks like.
The only thing I disliked about this book was that I was left with many questions about Julia's father. The author describes the man as an idealism, loving dad. Yet, the man was easily swayed to have an affair with his daughter's best friend (gross!) and to divorce his wife. As I read, I kept thinking, If he was such an amazing man, why would he do that? I wish the author had included a major character flaw or a specific moment of weakness that might have given a sense of closure to the affair.
Overall, Moon Over Edisto is a very engaging, touching fiction book. The main character Julia displays unconditional love and grace that extends beyond what society considers to be fair. Her actions inspired me to extend kindness and grace to others, regardless of whether or not it is deserved. I give Moon Over Edisto four out of five stars. Due to the discussions of extramarital affairs, I recommend this book to readers at high school level and above.
In exchange for an honest review, Book Sneeze provided me with a complimentary book.