I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair by Patrick Gray/Justin Skeesuck

I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

by Patrick Gray, Justin Skeesuck

   From the moment I read the subtitle of this book, I knew it would be a rare and interesting read. This is an account written by both Justin and Patrick of their unusual and incredible trip together on the 500-mile trek called the Camino de Santiago. The incredible factor? Justin is wheel-chair bound yet was able to traverse the total 500-miles with the help of his childhood best friend Patrick as well as many other volunteers met along the journey. This is an extremely interesting and oftentimes humorous account. I appreciated how Patrick included his own spiritual growth which occurred along the trail. What Patrick learned about himself and the way he treated his wife and children back home was life-changing and I'm so glad it was described in the pages of this book.

Personally, I didn't care for a lot of the humour in this book. But what can you say when it's two guys writing such an account? Apart from that, it was a very good book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.

So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."

I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.

Colored Pencil Painting Portraits: by Alyona Nickelsen

Colored Pencil Painting Portraits: Master a Revolutionary Method for Rendering Depth and Imitating Life

by Alyona Nickelsen

Colored pencil painter Alyona Nickelsen reveals how to use the medium to push the limits of realistic portraiture.

   I am always amazed by how some artists are able to render a realistic portrait. As an amateur artist with many more talented artist family members, I know how hard it is to portray accurate skin tones and details. This book helps amateur as well as artists of more experience master using colored pencils to complete portraits. A very helpful book full of illustrations of the techniques as well as step-by-step guides to portraits already mastered by the author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Colored Pencil Painting Portraits provides straightforward solutions to the problems that artists face in creating lifelike images, and will prime readers on the intricacies of color, texture, shadow, and light as they interplay with the human form. In this truly comprehensive guide packed with step-by-step demonstrations, Nickelsen considers working from photo references versus live models; provides guidance on posing and lighting, as well as planning and composing a work; discusses tools, materials, and revolutionary layering techniques; and offers lessons on capturing gesture and expression and on rendering facial and body features of people of all age groups and skin tones.

The ICB Blessed Garden Bible by Thomas Nelson

The ICB Blessed Garden Bible

by Thomas Nelson

   Isn't the cover of this Bible absolutely adorable? Never have I seen a Bible with such a whimsical yet appropriate cover. I have certainly seen other themed Bibles, but this one seems one of the best since the illustrations on the cover are creatures and plants God has created for His pleasure (as opposed to the Frozen Bible...nothing against Frozen but it doesn't seem to match God's Holy Word...) Young (and older!) girls will love this publication of the Bible. If you like the International Children's Bible translation, you will like this Blessed Garden Bible. Personally, I think the ICB version unnecessary. As a child, I was perfectly able to understand even the KJV. I recommend the NKJV or the ESV for children. The ICB over-simplifies God's word, taking away from the meaning of the original text in many cases.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

The International Children’s Bible® translation, the Bible kids can read and understand, has been a favorite of kids, parents, and teachers. With its easy-to-read text, the ICB has a third-grade reading level, making it the ideal translation for children beginning to read and learn Bible.


The ICB Blessed Garden Bible is a full-text ICB Bible with swirling, floral details, foil, glitter, and winsome illustrations. This will appeal to both moms and daughters, as it capitalizes on an organic garden trend. Inside features 24 colorful pages of study help inserts, including a presentation page for personalizing. Young girls will enjoy this softer more sophisticated look as she reads God’s message of love just for her!

An Outlaw and a Lady by Jessi Colter David Ritz

An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith that Brought Me Home

by Jessi Colter, David Ritz

  I love autobiographies. They a wonderful view into a person's life. When autobiographies are co-written by a slightly less biased author, they are really enjoyable to read. This one was written by Jessi Colter with the help of David Ritz and was extremely interesting. Whether you are familiar with the singer and songwriter Jessi Colter and/or Waylon Jennings or, like me, had never heard of them before, you will find this book interesting. I must add however that although I had an easy time reading this book, I was confused about the spiritual transformations supposedly experienced by both Jessi and Waylon. In contrast with other autobiographies I've read, the author in this book didn't write much about her own heart change and new spiritual life. She did include much about Waylon's reformation. Considering the church beliefs of the couple, I am left in slight confusion as to what they really believe about true Christianity. However, this was, as I've stated in the start, interesting to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Renowned songwriter, singer, and wife of Waylon Jennings writes an intimate, enormously entertaining memoir of American music, of life with Waylon and the Outlaws, and of faith lost and found.


The daughter of a Pentecostal evangelist and a race-car driver, Jessi Colter played piano and sang in church before leaving Arizona to tour with rock-n-roll pioneer Duane Eddy, whom she married. Colter became a successful recording artist, appearing on American Bandstand and befriending stars such as the Everly Brothers and Chet Atkins, while her songs were recorded by Nancy Sinatra, Dottie West, and others. Her marriage to Eddy didn’t last, however, and in 1969 she married the electrifying Waylon Jennings. Together, they made their home in Nashville which in the 1970s, was ground zero for roots music, drawing Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein, and others to the Nashville Sound. And Jessi was at the center of it all, the only woman on the landmark Wanted: The Outlaws album, the record that launched the Outlaw Country genre and was the first country album to go platinum. She also tasted personal commercial success with the #1-single “I’m Not Lisa.”


But offstage, life was a challenge, as Waylon pursued his addictions and battled his demons. Having drifted from the church as a young woman, Jessi returned to her faith and found in it a source of strength in the turmoil of living with Waylon. In the 1980s, Waylon helped launch the super group The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and the hits kept rolling, as did Waylon’s reckless living. Amid it all, Jessi faithfully prayed for her husband until finally, at Thanksgiving 2001, Waylon found Jesus, just months before he died.


An Outlaw and a Lady is a powerful story of American music, of love in the midst of heartache, and of faith that sustains. 

Jesus Loves Me by Gynux /Thomas Nelson

Jesus Loves Me

by Gynux

From Thomas Nelson publishers comes another beloved children's book. This sturdy hardcover book features the words of the song ''Jesus Loves Me'' paired with cute illustrations.

I absolutely love the choice of animals in this book. The illustrator chose to draw adorable red pandas, otters as well as other beloved woodland creatures.

Children especially two and three year olds will love this book! The artwork is not especially fine or talented, but it is bright and colorful and will please young eyes!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Read or sing along with your little one’s favorite song! Jesus Loves Me pairs sweet, snuggly illustrations with the text of the familiar children’s song. This newest board book in the beloved Sing-Along series also features a padded cover perfect for little hands, and is sure to delight children and parents alike.

Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul by Mark Gregory Karris

Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul

by Mark Gregory Karris

     This was a very interesting book since it is written by a neuroscientist who has been able to examine the brain's reaction during emotional stress and trauma. He fills the chapters of this book with facts which have been learned concerning what happens to the brain when under stress emotionally. When I ordered this book to review, I did not have a full understanding of the topic. I thought it was a book to help people going through any type of relational failure, such as I have experienced in the past. However, it is specifically for actual breakups as in boyfriend-girlfriend, or husband and wife. Thus I wasn't as interested in the book but here is my honest review for any interested reader:

Much of this book was interesting but it was not well organized or well-written. Also, I was confused by the Christian stance taken by the author. One of his recommendations for a person going through a breakup is to repeat the name of Jesus or other Biblical good things over and over for 20 minutes. I think Scripture meditation a must, and relaxation wonderful. I also think ''holy yoga'' beneficial if worship music is playing or Scripture being read. But the repetition gets a little strange as that is not in any of the Bible. Look at the Psalms- the best example of praising and meditating on God- for one thing.

I believe the main problem with this book is that it is very technical and factual which is not what will necessarily always help someone dealing with deep emotional trials. I recommend this book for counselors and psychologists and therapists.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

How to Overcome Worry by Winfred Neely

How to Overcome Worry: Experiencing the Peace of God in Every Situation

by Winfred Neely

    This is a slim paperback book which will invite even the most timid of readers to peruse its contents. I personally found it the perfect size to slip into my purse for reading on the go.

The chapters are clear, well-organized and purposeful. Men and women alike will benefit from this book by Winfred Neely. At first I did not expect much from such a short book. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality within. This may be a short book, but it packs an important message.

   Dr. Winfred Neely writes with understanding and wisdom. This is a book which will definitely help the worried Christian learn to place his trust in Jesus' plan. It will also unravel confusion as to where worry begins and why we worry. The author writes each chapter in a kind way, not condemning but desiring to help the reader.

I was very pleased with this book and was struck by the Biblical wisdom pertaining to trusting God instead of worrying. Sometimes you know something but don't really ponder it until reading a book about it....this is such a book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do you struggle with worry or anxious thoughts on a regular basis? Does your mind get fixated on the same concern over and over? Do you know you should stop worrying but repeatedly fail to do so?

How to Overcome Worry presents a biblical and practical strategy for this exact problem. Dr. Winfred Neely, who has experienced his fair share of anxiety-inducing circumstances, walks you through Philippians 4:6–7 to help you:

Understand the difference between concern and worry
Use prayer as a means of grace to overcome worry
Cultivate gratitude and thanksgiving as an antidote to worry
Navigate changing seasons and circumstances without falling into worry
Employ practical strategies for experiencing the peace of God
Worry is one of the top issues in our world today, even among Christians, and this concise and biblical approach will offer real solutions. In His Word, God tells us to stop worrying, pray about everything, and expect His peace. This is a true promise of Scripture, and this book will help you to lay hold of it.

The Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk by Tracy Groot book review

The Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk

by Tracy Groot

    With the new Dunkirk film being released this year, this book has been published at the perfect time! I personally did not know much about Dunkirk before reading this book from popular Christian author Tracy Groot. As with much historical fiction, this book gives a good perspective on the actual events, opening the reader's eyes allowing him to experience the events through reading. This book was difficult to begin. The writing style was at first confusing as were the characters. However, almost magically, three chapters into the book I was engrossed and couldn't put the book down. Maybe it was just me, but more likely the author had a hard time beginning the story. Not to be negative, but the same situation repeats itself for the last two chapters of the book. They are just a little confusing with too much action and to many conclusions in a short amount of pages.

Nevertheless, negative points aside, this book was a pleasure to read!

   I was worried that it would be simply a romance with little historical quality. I was happily surprised to find that the romance is tastefully added to this novel without taking over the tale. I mean, there is no kissing. For a world war 2-based book (or movie for that matter!) this is phenomenal. Not to mention a nice change. The story in this book focuses more on action and character development. There are two different perspectives: Clare Child's on the homefront of England, and a small remnant of the British division over near Dunkirk (and finally, at Dunkirk). Unfortunately, the latter group was hard to really ''get to know'' in this book. The author tended to over do it with English sayings and jokes. She also did this with Clare Childs in a sense, which showed the author has a more televised understanding of English people.

But I still enjoyed this book. It really captured the setting and mood of the time and location.

I hate to be negative again, since this was a pleasant book but I must add that this is not an intensely Christian book. In fact I was a little confused by the point of the author on that subject. I gather that she was trying to appease both Catholics and Protestants in this book. The main character comes to a good realization of God's sovereignty but I was left a little bewildered nevertheless.

  In short, this book was not the most well-written and thought-out yet it captured my attention and interest for it's majority. Most of the characters were very realistic and enjoyable as was the setting. The romance was tasteful. This book is worth reading as a work of clean, accurate historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

England, 1940. Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the "Maggie Bright"--a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she's counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler's darkest schemes and prompt America to action. Across the Channel, Hitler's "Blitzkrieg" has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows "Maggie Bright" must answer the call--piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.

Faith in Crisis: How God Shows Up When You Need Him Most by Jim/Shirley Carroll

Faith in Crisis: How God Shows Up When You Need Him Most

by Jim Carroll (Goodreads Author), Shirley Carroll

On August 2, 1990 Iraqi forces, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded the tiny Persian Gulf nation of Kuwait. Jim and Shirley Carroll were missionaries on assignment when the first shots were fired. This is their story...

This is a true story of faith under fire.

This story is as unusual as it sounds. It is the autobiography of a man separated from his family because of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. With his family in America and him in Kuwait, he had to live about four months not knowing when or if he would ever be able to see his loved ones again. This book also includes his wife's perspective, giving a well-rounded view of the experience. I thought this an interesting book. However, if was really too lengthy and detailed for the content. The author, having lived through this time remembered every detail and found them important but I think an editor or third author should have helped make this book more concise and flow better. The writing style is a little too simple for the length of the book. Also, the faith is not as emphasized as it could be. This is a detailed account of Jim Carroll's forced stay in invaded Kuwait. The author is obviously Christian and he is pretty humble throughout the book. However, it is not a life-changing story of faith. Although there is a good conclusion to the story, there is no specific climax either.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn by Chitra Agrawal

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn

by Chitra Agrawal

From the acclaimed chef and owner of Brooklyn Delhi, a debut cookbook focused on the celebrated vegetarian fare of South India.

Another beautiful Indian cuisine cookbook now added to my family's collection of cookbooks! It is so hard for me to resist cookbooks which focus on Indian cooking. I find the flavors so unique and pleasing. As the name of this cookbook suggests, the recipes within are indeed vibrant. This particular Indian cookbook focuses on vegetarian recipes. Your experience in that realm might have been bland, but no longer! With the spices and techniques of the Indian culture, the simplest vegetarian dishes are taken up to an amazing level sure to please most people. As with most of the books from this publisher, the cookbook is full of beautiful photographs which make this book coffee-table worthy!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lifelong vegetarian and chef Chitra Agrawal takes you on an epicurean journey to her mother's hometown of Bangalore and back to Brooklyn, where she adapts her family's South Indian recipes for home cooks. This particular style of Indian home cooking, often called the -yoga diet, - is light and fresh, yet satisfying and rich in bold and complex flavors. Grains, legumes, fresh produce, coconut, and yogurt--along with herbs, citrus, chiles, and spices--form the cornerstone of this delectable cuisine, rooted in vegetarian customs and honed over centuries for optimum taste and nutrition.
From the classic savory crepe dosa, filled with lemony turmeric potatoes and cilantro coconut chutney, to new creations like coconut polenta topped with spring vegetables 'upma- and homemade yogurt, the recipes in Vibrant India are simple to prepare and a true celebration of color and flavor on a plate. Chitra weaves together the historical context behind the region's cuisine and how she brought some of these age-old traditions to life thousands of miles away in Brooklyn during the city's exciting food renaissance.
Relying on her experience as a culinary instructor, Chitra introduces the essential Indian cooking techniques, tips, and ingredients you'll need to prepare a full range of recipes from quick vegetable stir frys (corn, basil, and leeks flavored with butter, cumin, and black pepper), salads (citrus red cabbage and fennel slaw with black mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chile), yogurt raitas (shredded beets and coconut in yogurt), and chutneys and pickles (preserved Meyer lemon in chile brine) to hearty stews (aromatic black eyed peas, lentils, and greens), coconut curries (summer squash in an herby coconut yogurt sauce), and fragrant rice dishes (lime dill rice with pistachios). Rounding out the book is an array of addictive snacks (popcorn topped with curry leaf butter), creative desserts (banana, coconut, and cardamom ice cream), and refreshing drinks (chile watermelon juice with mint). Chitra provides numerous substitutions to accommodate produce seasonality, ingredient availability, and personal tastes. The majority of recipes are gluten-free and vegan or can be easily modified to adhere to those dietary restrictions.
Whether you are a vegetarian or just looking for ways to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your repertoire, Vibrant India is a practical guide for bringing delicious Indian home cooking to your table on a regular basis.

This Life I Live by Rory Feek

This Life I Live: One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life and the Woman Who Changed It Forever

by Rory Feek

The love story that captured the heart of the nation

Joey and Rory Feek were enjoying a steadily growing fan base in country music when Joey was diagnosed unexpectedly with a rapidly spreading cancer. This vibrant and beautiful young woman would soon be on a unique journey for which no one is ever fully prepared. Her husband, Rory, and children, Heidi, Hopie, and Indiana, were beside her each step of the way. Rory, a prolific songwriter, entrepreneur, farmer, and overall tender man, has seen God bless his life in countless unexpected ways and had started a blog, thislifeilive.com, not really knowing its purpose other than he needed to write. That purpose soon became clearer when Joey’s cancer battle hit.

By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life, this astounding couple captured the hearts of millions with their powerful love story, the manner in which they were handling the diagnosis, and the inspiring simple way they had chosen to live their lives.

In this vulnerable book, Rory takes us into his own challenging life story and shows what can happen when God brings both his presence and the right companion into our lives. He also gives never-before-revealed details on what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end and taking advantage of it. Feek shows how we all are actually there already and how we can learn to live that way every day. He then goes into detail toward the end of the book on what it’s like to try to move on with your life once you’ve “had it all.”  

 I had never heard of Rory and Joey Feek (having only become interested in country-style music recently) so I began this autobiography/memoir excited to get to know this couple. From the first few chapters, I was deeply interested. As I continued in the book, I couldn't wait to listen to their music and watch their videos. This book is a remarkable and touching story. But it is more than that. It is a wonderful testimony to God's work of salvation in Rory's life and the strength and faith which resulted. I love how this book shows a distinct Before and After. And it is obvious that the Rory in the Before was a totally different man than the Rory in the After. His testimony of salvation is bold and victorious. And he has so much joy and hope even after the loss of his beautiful and loving wife Joey. This book is a must-read. Men and women alike will love and learn from the story in this new book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.