Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

This is a story about Colton Burpo who went to Heaven during a life saving operation. When he came out of surgery he was screaming for his dad. When the nurses located him and took him to see his son, Colton told him that he almost died. He told him that he had seen the doctors working on him and had seen him praying in another room by himself. This blew Todd Burpo away.

Over the next few years Colton would describe visiting with Jesus and meeting his stillborn sister and his Pop. He would describe heaven and people he saw there. He would describe feelings in heaven, like Jesus' great love for the children and the beauty of His eyes.

I was impressed with the story and the fact that Colton's parents,Todd and Sonja, never pushed for descriptions. They would wait for him to say something and then question him without asking leading  questions. They never considered jumping on the story and making it a book sooner.

It definitely makes me think more of heaven and if it is really as he describes it.  It is very well written and it gives you insight into the pastor and his family as well. That no one is promised an easy road but that God will walk it with us.


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.

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

Holly Oak is a house in the south said to be cursed or haunted by Susannah Page who is accused of being a spy and traitor during the civil war. A curse on the women of Holly Oak, misfortune seems to have followed them through the generations.

Marielle Bishop marries into the family and is transplanted into her husband's home. As she learns about the house's history and the rumors of the haunting, she starts to believe that the house may be out to get her. She begins to search for the truth and a way to make peace with it.

I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't overly riveting or exciting at first but it did hold my interest and did pick up halfway through. There wasn't anything overly religious about this book, but I did like how one character returns after finding peace with God and helps the inhabitants of the house realize the truth and accept the fact that changes needed to be made.

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

The Soul Reader by Gerard D. Webster

Ward McNulty's life is falling apart around him. He is a jobless journalist, broke and losing his home and crippled from an accident that ruined his life and reputation and a relationship with woman he loves. But just when things seem the bleakest,, Carrie walks back into his life again with a book deal. They are to investigate and write about the very event that ruined his life and caused his father's death. At first he turns her down but then agrees to help her, if only to protect her from the danger sure to come.

As they dig into the investigation, they discover inconsistencies with the death reports of several key members of the group. This brings about a contract to end their lives. Through all of this, Ward leans on God for help and direction in his life and with Carrie.

Even though this is a Catholic based story I enjoyed the fact that they relied on prayers to God. I may not agree with all Catholic traditions and rituals but I can support and praise the author for having his characters leaning on God for direction ad for instilling values that I believe even some so called "Christians" have tossed aside.

The story aside from it's religious content was exciting and enthralling. I zipped through the book in no time. I always enjoy a good action/suspense story and this was definitely one. And I liked the fact that the author felt no need for crude language.

On a side note I have to say at this point that I borrowed a friend's kindle to download this. I thought that I would remain a devote paper book reader but I actually found the kindle somewhat convenient. I may have to invest in one since it is looking like many books available for review are now mostly ebooks.

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.