The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Okay, as a whole, The Final Summit by Andy Andrews was a fairly entertaining, quick read that held my attention decently enough. However, I am not sure that it lives up to the hype that he is the next C.S. Lewis, and I find his worldview to be questionable.

The "solution" to save the world (summed up in 2 words - which I won't divulge as a spoiler) ironically includes no mention of the true 'savior' Jesus Christ. I thought this a bit strange coming from a Christian publishing house. Perhaps this book is better viewed as an encouragement to persist, work hard, and be an honest person, as opposed to being a religious study or guide. It was interesting to see how Andrews used the gathering of historical characters in the summit to find the solution to saving the world.

Entertaining, yes. Great character building advice, maybe. Recommended for a quick read, but don't take it too seriously. Just my .02.

Review of The Velveteen Bible

I have mixed emotions about this sweet little Bible. If you are looking for a nice gift to present a new mom for their baby, something unique, then this might be a good choice for a keepsake gift. It comes in a gift box that exactly matches the front of the Bible, and it is also accented with velvet. The quality of the box is okay, but the spine of the box came unglued on the inside the first time I opened it... not a huge problem, just needs to be re-glued.

It is the New King James Version.... which is good and bad in my humble opinion. I think with the cover being so oriented towards a very young child, that it might have been an adapted Bible inside, but it's not. My 6 year old son does love this book, so perhaps not all is lost. There are some beautiful pieces of artwork in here too. If you could take them out, they might be worth framing. (Of course, this would destroy the book.)

So, don't expect this to be the "perfect" Bible for any child, but there is something here for multiple ages. I think it is most appropriate for a new baby gift, as it is decent quality and would make a very unique present. It would be cute displayed in a child's room too.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the Booksneeze bloggers review program in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review Of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh

The Shelter of God's Promises is a fresh treatise on the promises of God and how He shelters you through them. It was a pleasure to be introduced to Sheila Walsh, as she is an invigorating, gifted writer. She covers topics such as provision, peace, confidence, love, and grace by utilizing stories from the Bible and relates them to you and your life today. She has a unique gift for seeing the reasons that the stories like the woman at the well and the unnamed, unclean woman at Capernaum are so relevant, and why they mattered at the time they happened. This book is full of substance.

Perhaps my favorite passage is this: "God keeps us not only to give us a future, but also to reflect his glory. He keeps His promises to us because He cannot help Himself." This is something so simple, yet profound - God keeps his promises to us because that is the NATURE of God. He can't break a promise. It isn't possible. Her knowledge of Greek and Hebrew make her interpretation of the Word clear. If you are struggling in your daily life with issues of faith, you should pick up this book. It will give you hope again in the sustaining promises of God.

(I recently received a complimentary copy of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh from the publisher through BookSneeze in exchange for reviewing it.)