Ascent From Darkness by Michael Leehan

Michael Leehan made a decision at age 33 to serve Satan.  He felt it was the only one to make. But over the years he spiraled further and further into chaos and depression. Worshipping Satan took a toll on his life physically because of blood letting and blood sacrifices, mentally because Satan isn't into love and hope, and of course spiritually because it took him away from God's love.

But God isn't one to give in easily. Michael tells how Satan influenced him but God sent strong believers to bring him the light and hope he longed for. And eventually brought him to the place of decision. Either he took his life or gave it all to God and let God work miracles.

This is a book for anyone who has struggled with depression, hopelessness, and spiritual warfare. It reminds us that no matter how far we think we are from God all we have to do is turn around and He is right there.

As I read this story I thought back on all the times when I felt a tug of war for my soul. Even now. God never promises easy times but He promises to never leave our side. We need to lean on Him for strength. This book has given me the courage to keep on moving on with God, in God, through God. I feel many would benefit from reading this book. Teenager, young adults, and adults. Whether you are a fence sitter or hard core for God.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Gabby, God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh

 I picked this book mostly for my 4 year old daughter. She loves Sheila Walsh's Gigi God's Little Princess dvd series. So I figured she like this too. I grew up listening to Sheila Walsh's music and it is wonderful to see she has created these wonderful books and dvds.

Gabby is an excitable, talkative guardian angel who is assigned to watch over Sophie who has a lot in common with this little angel.

This story is written to show children and adults, if they listen, that God loves us very much and sends His angels to watch over us. This is found in the Bible in Psalm 91:9,11.

Without giving away too much of the story, Sophie gets a pony and while trying to ride it for the first time gets into a little trouble. Later as she talks to her mom about it, she says she was a little scared but felt "protected".  Her mom then shares the scripture in Psalms with her and tells her that God does this because He loves us very much.

I found this story adorable and saw my daughter in both Gabby and Sophie. I am so very thankful that God sends His angels to watch over us. they will have there hands full with her and I am sure be greatly amused at her antics.  My daughter's comment to the story was "Wow, I can't wait to get a pony and try riding it like that".   Oh boy. They are going to be busy. :)

She really liked this book as much as I did. My only fear is that like Gigi it just encourages her to be even more excitable and active than she already is. But at least she is getting the message that God loves her and everyone very much.  Thank you God for the talent and insight you have given Sheila Walsh. I know you had my daughter in mind, along with others like her, when you inspired Sheila Walsh to write about girls just like her.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky

"One last dig.  One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem.  Will the truth be fund among the treasures that lie beneath the holy city?  In a world where faith has been eclipsed by the allure of doubt, The Scroll offers a different journey: a gripping adventure to find truth worth dying for."

Biblical archaeologist, Dr. David Chambers, loses his faith in God after a painful experience. And despite the evidence surrounding him has decided to leave that field of study for another not so Biblically influenced.  But before he can, an old mentor calls and offers him a dig of the lifetime. Despite misgivings he agrees. This dig will unearth treasures long searched for and could change the course of the world. It also brings him face to face with his former fiancee. As they struggle with their feelings for each other, they are also faced with threats from opposing peoples. 

I found this book interesting. I couldn't stop reading it because I just had to know what would happen next. Would they find the treasure? Who is leaking secrets? Is it truly possible to find treasures spoken of in the Bible? 

I found myself relating to the characters very easily. Especially with David's struggles with his faith.  Amber is a good example of someone who relies on God entirely regardless of what happens in life.  Dr. Ben-Judah is a charismatic man and you can't help but love him. 

There is a lot of action and suspense in this story. It is a good example of christian fiction. It just shows you don't need cussing and smut to make a story good. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.