Thank glory for the/ good read
587254
I enjoyed this book. Will check for Linda next book thanks/ for all the good reads.  I am looking forward to the next book. Thanks Doreen
56833
Nice to read a story without a bunch of cursing and sex and glorified God. Made me feel good. Thanks
3743136
At first I wondered why I'd picked this book to read but soon was hooked & had to finish. A story of triumph but sadness as well. I'm glad I read it. Storyline written & flowed well IMO.  Faith in the human spirit!
2072325
This past week, I felt like I needed to read something soul stirring. So I grabbed John Piper's The Legacy of Sovereign Joy.

So glad I did.

This is the first in a series of books that Piper has written on people in church history. Each book is centered around a specific topic. This one is around joy and grace and what they really mean. He looks at the lives of Augustine, Martin Luther and John Calvin.

What makes this different from a mere biography is that throughout the book, Piper interjects some commentary on each person. Which is fascinating.

Each life was interesting and challenging in its own way. Easily though, the chapter on Luther should be mandatory reading for any pastor. I was reminded in that chapter and in the chapter on Calvin about the weight of preaching, the amount of work it takes and what is at stake. I think too many pastors stand up in church every weekend, give their opinion on a verse and sit down. Many pastors give more weight and time to college football than they do to their preaching. For Luther, preaching and studying a text was likened to Jacob wrestling an angel. That is the struggle he saw in coming to terms with a text to be able to preach it. I wonder if preaching would improve if we saw it that way as pastors. As Piper points out, "Too many pastors preach as if nothing is at stake."

I'll step off my soapbox now.

What was interesting is the struggle, the hardships, death threats, illnesses and tragedies each man went through and yet, seemed to live a life centered on joy. What Piper points out, what many of us miss and what these men discovered is that joy, true joy is rooted in God's grace. To experience joy, we must understand the depths of grace. Until we understand the depths of grace, we will miss joy because we will be to focused on deeds and performing for God.

Definitely worth a read if you are looking for something soul stirring on the subject of joy and happiness.

For more, check out [...].
3916541
I'm a single mom, and quite frugal due to said circumstance. I don't usually pay for books I get them on KIndle when free and check the rest of the series out at the library.  I do however, LOVE to read.  Historical fiction is one of my favorites. reminds me I'm not the first to struggle in this life and I won't be the last.  Some authors do a better job than others. I had just finished reading a novel I wasn't pleased with when I came across this ... It was a delight to read.  though once or twice I questioned whether or not something was historically accurate, in the end it didn't truly matter to me (as I can't recall what it was, likely just figured it was used to get a point across or something similar)...  The characters were well formed, it kept you on your toes waiting to see what happened next.  I really appreciate that there isn't any trashy details of romantic affairs in this book.  I would say I don't necessarily put this on a list of books based on faith at all though.  Yes her brother is a Pastor, and at times he worries about implications of the propriety of a situation, there is no depth to Ms. McGarvies faith, or hope .. subtle little hints of possibility but in my opinion the author speaks more to Ms. McGarvie having no faith at all then any time in developing faith into the depth of her characters; even the Pastor.  So if you are looking for a book in which an author does a good job incorporating ones faith into the daily lives of the characters you will be left wanting.  In my opinion a review that says otherwise, renown author or not , is misleading.  However, Aside from that this  is well written and a great book of resilience, and overcoming. Written in good taste, with care to let you into the personal struggle of the main character and the supporting characters are interwoven carefully.  In my opinion without any spoilers  it leaves you cheering for the right ones and caring for the right outcomes.  A couple of surprises so there aren't dull moments.  But not so farfetched  that it would be unbelievable.  Felt Like I could have been reading my great grandmother's life story/ journal.  It includes all the aspects of life, joy pain, defeat, victory etc. I definitely recommend it.
2505351
I had read and loved Kim Cash Tate's book, "Faithful," almost two years ago, but somehow had missed the news that there was a sequel (of sorts) out since then. I recently finished "Cherished," and I have to admit, I forced myself to keep it in the car for poolside-only reading so I could stretch it out longer--otherwise I would have read the whole thing in one sitting! Thankfully we've had 100+ degree heat this summer, so hopefully no one noticed that the streams of tears I had as I read it weren't drops of sweat... This book was so powerful and moving, in a way that truly blessed me! The story is about a group of girlfriends--some of them very close, some of them on the fringes--who each have to deal with fallout from past choices (their own and others'). They have to choose between reconciliation and alienation, between forgiveness and shame, between grace and bitterness. The author digs into some tougher issues like adultery and abortion, and how it affects the church as well as individuals. And of course, the fact that the book frequently includes moments of these women praying and giving each other biblical encouragement was such an uplifting contrast to other secular books I've read, which may be entertaining, fun stories, but ultimately leave me more empty than filled. I can honestly say that "Cherished" left me more filled--with God's Spirit.

[SPOILER ALERT!!!] One other thing I loved about this book: the author didn't have everything wrapped up neatly or perfectly at the end... showing the truth about how sin is messy and leaves brokenness, too. Some of the characters are reconciled and there's even an engagement at the end (Jane Austen-style!), but there is never a complete embrace of the character Heather by Dana--which felt very true to life. Forgiving doesn't mean there isn't still hurt. Also, Heather has the opportunity to move to another city and leave her possible-romantic-interest Logan behind--I liked leaving that story line open-ended and without a clichd wedding or engagement. Again, it felt more realistic. The ending was completely satisfying, but didn't feel forced or like every single loose end had to be tied in a neat bow.
1859920
The author has done justice to the book, it is a good read
1556595
Omg I really enjoyed this read.. I'm in a better place in life where I can really appreciate this book.. Especially now that I'm celibate and spending time with loving self.. This book is amazing it gave me confirmation/ insight to be patient wait on God don't settle and stay prepared for my BOAZ!! This book was LOUD in a beautiful way.. In that order Swoon
2941945
As for me, I'm taking the bright side and am truly loving this book.  That isn't to say that I agree with the POV's of these stories, but they involve me emotionally, some haunting me and some amusing me.  I'm not Mormon, but I am gratified by the insight the author gives me of that faith.

Read these reviews, both by those who loved the book and by those who hated it along with the smaller troup in between.  And then, read the book itself and enter into the discussion of it.
926982
With nearly 400 previous reviews, it is not necessary to rehash the plot and characters.  I am glad that I had no clue this was a modern retelling of a biblical story, because I might have passed it by. Uplifting and full of hope, I recommend this as a fun, fast paced read that will leave you smiling and thankful for the experience.
4513617
I seen this book a lot through the web the last couple of weeks. I knew I wanted to get my hands on it when I saw it sitting on the New Release stand at the library, I am so glad I did! This book was good. I am so glad I got to read it. Fifteen Minutes was different from my normal reads, but most of the books I read come from my inner-self of give that book a shot.
Zack Dylan knows he wants to sing, and save his farm. He heads off to Atlanta to audition of Fifteen Minutes. Constantly Zack is reminding himself, and others that he won't let the spotlight get to him and that he will shine for God. However, Zack is blinded I guess.
Zack gets warned about a lot of things, but it is like he doesnt want to hear it, or doesnt want to see the truth, but yet he prayed for God to show him.
There was a lot to this book that made me want to stop reading it. A lot of things was predictable. The book is like reading about American Idol, or The Voice transcript. Of course, most common sense people would know that TV shows are staged, and they make things happen. I did enjoy the read, but it wasn't one of the best reads. Would I read it again? Probably not. Would I recommend it to someone? I dunno, I guess it all depended on the person I was talking to. Would I try the author again? Absolutely.
4158087
I love to read but it has been a while since I read through a book like I did with this one. I went through about the first third of it over the last few days but yesterday it reached a point where I could not put it down. I ended up reading from about 10pm until about 1130pm to finish the book. There was so much that resonated with me of her story  feeling the limits of her faith, discovering the beauty that is present in life, being surprised where the holy is found, being honest with our woundedness, doubts and fears, hope and joy, the necessity and blessing of family and community, and recognizing that the journey of wholeness for ourselves and the world is never finished. These just skim the surface. Rather than going through it in detail, I simply am grateful for Lisa Gungor and her willingness to open her story to the world and I am grateful to have been able to find my story in the midst of hers. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You may not be in the same place as she is spiritually but it is a beautiful, challenging, honest, and hopeful story.
2654932
i enjoyed reading this text...God bless Tozer for he writtes with out fear of beign judged by his readers. Amen
267697
Because of the content of the storyline I can't say I enjoyed this book per-say but it was so well written and the subject matter of abuse was so gently and graciously written with no over graphic details. Add to that that it is part autobiographical with a wonderful message of salvation woven in, this is definitely a five star book. I ended up reading late into the night as I kept saying "just one more chapter"-gripping .Well done and God bless.
1041479
A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, writes honestly about life and suffering.  In her down to earth way, she encourages the readers to let Gods light shine through them every day.  Focusing on a daily scripture verse, her devotionals begin with a common word picture or experience and draw the reader into the heart of her point.  She closes with a heartfelt prayer.

The book is well-written and grounded in Gods word. It accomplishes the goal of encouraging readers to glorify God despite their suffering.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the daily entries and heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting some encouragement through lifes difficult journey.
4360576
Great read.
Reading her book Morning Glory now--so far it is a 5+ star--fun--enjoyable--hard to stop reading
3431099
I read this in one day - thanks to a tolerant husband - it really is a good read. Jo writes honestly and with candour about the experiences that brought her to the you- tube- clip- moment that went viral and which catapulted her to fame. At times funny but always moving - what a wonderful and warm Geordie family - the book leaves you with a sense of awe at this lady's achievements as well as a renewed respect for all those who experience society's ignorance towards the differently abled.