Rebel Book Reviews

I'm ending this blog early this year, but I would like for you to check out these wonderful books. They will make great gifts and these are ones that I wholly recommend! By the way, I'm in the process of reading a few more great books; so, be on the look-out come January for these wonderful stories! This year, I'm dividing the top 10 into genres, with one special bonus book at the end. (total of 11, so this is contrary to my title)  In no particular order nor ranking: Nonfiction :  Love Him Anyway by Abby Banks Abby Banks wrote a book of raw honesty and a look into the life of a Christian parent. We all struggle with feelings of selfishness and unselfishness, that duel between anger and love, and the ping-pong effect between bitterness and praise.   Young Adult :  The Delusion by Laura Gallier     "My stories are twisted and bizarre--and so terrifying that I'm sometimes told to shut up a few minutes into them--but I can't." ...

Bible Promises to Live by For Women by Katherine J. Butler, Ronald A. Beers The golden embossed linen textured book is compact enough to carry on your travels, to work, to school, in your purse, etc. The small devotionals take only moments to read. Each have a variety of scripture for reference. I found many of the chapters to be exactly what I needed. One such chapter was about Helplessness. With compassion and insight, the words lifted my spirit and gave me that added boost I needed in my daily meditation. This is a perfect gift for any women, young and old. ***I was given a copy by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange of an honest review*** 

Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories by Jean Fischer (Thomas Nelson 2017) Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories by Jean Fischer is the perfect board book to introduce a toddler up to a young reader to well known Bible stories. Many of the Old Testament stories include Genesis' story of creation, Noah, Abraham, and Moses; David, Daniel, and Jonah. After Jonah, the young reader reads about Jesus' birth. One of the things I liked about this story is the inclusion of " The Lost Sheep ". This parable told by Jesus is often overlooked, but one of the best stories for children to learn. I have a soft spot for Mark 4:39, so it was my utter delight to see the chapter " Jesus Calms the Sea ". The classic "loaves and fish", plus the story of his crucifixion and resurrection was next. The book wraps up nicely with " Jesus Lives " and the commandment to go and spread the Good News! The sturdy book will withstand even t...

The Delusion by Laura Gallier (Tyndale 2017) "My stories are twisted and bizarre--and so terrifying that I'm sometimes told to shut up a few minutes into them--but I can't." So by this prologue begins a strange and weird tale told by Owen Edmonds. Owen starts off as an agnostic. We see that he is basically a good boy, someone who strives to do what is best, even though he comes from a broken home. He has friends that at times can be good, but for the most part are self-absorbed and vain. Just one moment of curiosity, the want to know more information, the need to have his questions answered, Owen takes a risk and the consequences send him into a supernatural existence. Now he can see demons and angels. He can see the shackles and chains that bound people to sin. And he can see the light of those who have been freed of their chains by their belief in Jesus Christ. The book is told in first person. The reader falls headlong into teenage t...

The Gift of Heaven by Charles Stanley (Thomas Nelson 2017) This isn't a devotional or a coffee-table style mini book. What it is, is a book that gives detailed descriptions and answers, according to Scripture, about heaven. Many people often wonder about Heaven. Who will be there? Will we eat? Will we know anyone? What does it look like? Where is Heaven? In the short 10 chapters, Charles Stanley answers each. Whereas, not all questions can be answered because we lack the information, he does provide a satisfactory answer to those unanswerable questions. Complimenting the pages are beautiful photography, each showing a bountiful heaven on earth and underscoring that Heaven will be even more beautiful and glorious. Charles Stanley doesn't rely on only one version/translation. He uses 6 translations throughout the book: New American Standard, English Standard Version, New International Version, New King James Version, New Living Tra...

Regarding Tiberius (2017) As I read this story, a tribute to Louis L'Amour and Lew Wallace, John Bunyan and Henry van Dyke, I imagined it to be bound in cloth hardback and smelling of history. Anachronisms in the novel gave Regarding Tiberius a distinct Shakespearean flair. Like Shakespeare, the novel contains some 16th century words, some that can be found in the King James Bible; although, nowadays these words are considered crass. Other words used, although in proper format isn't considered vulgar, when used as an oath or epithet it becomes vulgar and shouldn't be found in Christian literature. If not for these words, which many readers of Christian fiction may find offensive, the novel would be a strong Christian historical tale. As it is, it's a well-written and highly engrossing historical novel with Christian themes. Various cultures, aligning with history, and a true portrayal of the Roman Empire adds to the dusty and timeless adventure. With...

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck (Thomas Nelson 2012) 1: I want this book so that I can read it time and time again. (I borrowed a copy from the Marion Public Library). 2: The main character's name is Daphne. The perfect name, in my opinion. 3: The smell of rain is my favorite scent. Nothing smells as peaceful or as refreshing as the smell of falling rain. And no other chick-lit book seems as refreshing as Billerbeck's The Scent of Rain . The main character was an utter delight: smart, sassy, and sensitive. The Christian aspects were natural and authentic. The pace never bogged down or seemed rushed. To me, this became the ultimate Christian Chick-lit romance novel. By the time I turned that last page I was smiling and felt as though all cares were taken from me. And that is how a book is suppose to make you feel!   ***Click on the title for the option to purchase a copy***