The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit

by

Andy Andrews

copyright 2010 Andy Andrews

Thomas Nelson Publishing

ISBN 978-0-7852-3120-2

Andrews takes us on a journey with character David Ponder to answer the question, "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"

 The character, Ponder, meets such reknown Time Travellers as Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, and many others in the quest for the answer.

The truths that Andrews brings to light will cause one to stop and "ponder" ones own pathway through this journey we call Life.

I fully give this book ...

...Five Stars and...

.my Thumbs Up Award!

I highly recommend this book for all readers, teens to adults of all ages!

The guides in the back of the book make it perfect for group study as well! A perfect additon to every home and church library!

***DISCLOSURE: A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program for independent, non-biased review.

The Homeplace Revisited - by William Leverne Smith

The Homeplace Revisited

by

William Leverne Smith

Vision to Action Publishing

Copyright 2011

ISBN-13: 978-1463504922

ISBN - 10: 1463504926

The second book in the "Homeplace" series, I found the story intriguing. However, in comparison with the first book in the series, "Back to the Homeplace", I found it a bit more difficult to follow.

Smith brings characters to life easily enough, but tends to get more technical in the day-to-day job descriptions each character takes upon himself. Perhaps a little less of the job descriptions and a little more in the character build is called for.

Nonetheless, the story, as I have stated, is intriguing and pulls you along to find out what will happen around each bend and twist of the family's lives.

I did find editing to be lacking somewhat, when compared to his previous work. There were not only spelling, but grammatical errors in places.

And I was not impressed with the abrupt ending to the story, although it does leave one feeling like the old cliff-hanger movies of the '50's once did! You can't wait for the next in the series to come out to find out what will happen within the family Bevins next!

All in all, I give The Homeplace Revisited...

...three stars and...

...my Thumbs Up Award!

I highly recommend reading both Back to the Homeplace and The Homeplace Revisited.

Both books are suitable for readers of all ages.

****DISCLOSURE:  A copy of this book was provided by the author for unbiased review.

Futurecast - George Barna

FUTURECAST

by

George Barna

Copyright 2011

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

ISBN  978-1-4143-2406-7

A fast-paced, and accurate view of the world as we know it today, and the implications of what today will bring on the morrow, as viewed through the perception of visualizationist, George Barna.

Applying Christian principles, Barna challenges each of us to come to know, embrace, and bring positive changes to the world about us for the glory of God, and the good of mankind.

I found Barna to have good insight and perception of what the world is facing today. I highly recommend FUTURECAST to anyone concerned with what the future may hold for us individually, and as a greater part of the family of man.

I give this book my...

...my Five Star  rating and ...

... my Thumbs Up award!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishers for independent review at no charge.

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb - By Melanie Benjamin

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb

by

Melanie Benjamin

Random House

Copyright 2011

ISBN 978-0-385-34415-9

Imagine life, in miniature! Every day, every step, every breath, at only 32-inches of height Vinnie does just that.

At a time when women had little to say, or rather, little rights to say or do what they themselves wished to, Vinnie took matters in to her own diminutive hands, and became a women of means and influence.

Joining a traveling show at only 17, Vinnie learned first hand the cruelty of the world. Later, upon meeting, and joining the troupe of P.T. Barnum, Vinnie became a woman known the world over.

Upon meeting, and eventually marrying Tom Thumb, aka: Charles Stratton, Vinnie was reknown!

But life wasn't always easy. And Vinnie lost much to gain what she did.

This is perhaps one of the most heart-warming stories I have ever read. Told from Vinnie's point of view, as through an autobiography, Melanie Benjamin does an extraordinary job in this tale!

I give this book....

... Five Stars and....

...my Thumbs Up award!

I highly recommend

The Autobiographyof Mrs. Tom Thumb

by Melanie Benjamin.

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by the Amazon Vine program for independent review.

Money Secrets of the Amish - Lorilee Craker

Money Secrets of the Amish - Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving

by

Lorilee Craker

Thomas Nelson Publishing

Copyright 2011

ISBN 978-1-59555-341-6

Wonderfully, and descriptively, written book imparts many of the wisdoms of the Plain people, the Amish.

Intended to guide us into a simpler way of financial freedom, without the harsh environ of a materialistic, and too ready for credit, world. Craker, instead, steers us into re-thinking what is truly important in today's society. Living up to the "Jones's", or getting back to the basics of what real family life is all about.

Having grown up amidst neighbors of the Mennonite community, I found this extremely heartening and well worth the read. The tips and clues on how to save money as an "Englisher" just made plain common sense!

I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for ways to cut corners financially, and finally see what freedom without debt can actually be like!

I give this book...

...Five Stars and...

... my Thumbs Up award!

DISCOLSURE: This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing through its BookSneeze review program for an independent review of the written work.

The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth

Ken Follett

Penguin Books

Copyright 1989

ISBN: 978-0-451-23281-6

An extraordinary masterpiece of the 12th century and the building of a mighty cathedral, and of the families involved in the treacherous and torturous times of upheaval.

Love and loss, life and death are visited and re-visited. Betrayal, as well as faithfulness are seen time and again.

Made into a television mini-series, the epic cannot compare to the actual book!

Paramount to any of the classics, this is a tale worth reading, and re-reading again!

I give this book...

...five stars, and...

...my thumbs up award!

Highly recommended for readers over the age of 17.

DISCLSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligtionfor review.

Happy Memorial Day!