Beyond Talent by John Maxwell

**I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.**

This is another amazing book by John Maxwell. Not only does he give great advice on how to go beyond talent, he does it in such a way to make you want to go beyond talent.

One main takeaway is that talent is not, and never should be, a substitute for character. Developing one's character should be a lifelong pursuit and supersedes talent. Such wisdom is sadly lacking these days. This is why this book should be read by as many people as possible.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I must first start by saying this; never read this book at night. You'll have a difficult time sleeping as your anticipation grows. This book did such a great job of capturing my attention that I wished I didn't have to work the next day so I could stay up all night reading it. What a marvelous book.

First, you are not reading a story; you are reading a journey. Each page, each word is captivating as you enter the world of David Ponder. What is equally amazing is that your mind and soul are being challenged and exercised and you don't even know it.

It is for this reason that I recommend every student graduating this year must make reading this book a priority. The lessons learned will take them far and propel them to new heights.

However, this book is not for students alone. I would dare say that message, which has been forgotten by many, needs to be retrieved and done so soon. It cannot be avoided anymore. Mr. Andrews is calling many to action: will they answer the call? Only time will tell.

**I received a complimentary copy from Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review**

Soulprint by Mark Batterson

Having just completed this book, I must say this: READ THIS BOOK. The challenges, insights, and honest approach of this book really get to the heart of its message: what has God created you to do?

Throughout the book Mr. Batterson weaves a masterful work using King David as his prime example. Batterson shows that David was created for a certain purpose and this was brought out throughout this life. It was his destiny; his soulprint.

To live your soulprint brings purpose to your life. This is why I was created; why you were created. Batterson makes this point and makes it well. Thus this book is a must read by those searching, those needing refreshing, and those who may have lost their way.

**I received this complimentary copy for my review**

Dot.com Dating by Les & Leslie Parrot

"Online dating is for those who can't get a date the old-fashioned way." Phrases likes these, and other myths about online dating, are what Drs. Parrot & Parrot try to dispel in this book.

The Parrots show that, when used properly, online dating can be a very useful and effective tool for finding that "special someone." It is not to be looked upon as solely for the social misfits. Gone are the stereotypes of online daters being the Quasimodos of the world. Online dating sites are being used by managers, students, blue collars, white collars, university-educated, and high school dropouts.

It is for this reason that this book was written. It gives helpful tips on how to use online dating sites, some pitfalls to avoid, and if online dating is even right for the reader.

However, what I enjoyed from the book was its simplicity. Drs. Parrot and Parrot do not give all the answers but merely good, sound advice on how what online dating can do and what it cannot.

**I received this courtesy copy from Tyndale in exchange for this review.**

Time With God for Fathers by Jack Countryman

**I received this complimentary copy from Booksneeze.com. The opinions and views are my own.**

This little book is a great book for those that would like some thoughts to meditate upon throughout the day. There is no poignant sayings or witty anecdotes. Rather the book is just some simple, but powerfully introspective-causing, thoughts about being a father. I would recommend that a father read this every morning with their personal devotions.

Scars of a Chef by Rick Tramonto

**Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC**

I found this book to be a great read. It was very engaging and the reader was easily drawn into the life of Mr. Tramonto. What is also apparent is the passion that being a chef produces in Rick Tramonto. The reader can imagine himself/herself in the kitchen seeing the food being prepared, hearing the sous chef barking out commands, knives cutting, blades chopping, fires simmering soups. Mr. Tramonto does a magnificent job of giving a firsthand account of how hard being a chef really is.

Yet through all this, Mr. Tramonto makes it evident that passion and drive never truly satisfy; Christ does. Through the pages of this book, Tramonto details his rise to fame, his realization that it did not bring what he thought it would, his finding Christ, and now how satisfaction comes from being a child of God.

The raw nature of this book, the passion Tramonto evidences, and the conclusion that God gives true satisfaction, make this book a great read. Cooks, and consumers alike, should have no difficulty devouring this book.

The Walk by Shaun Alexander

This is an amazing book. The power that it is packed in the simplicity of this book is immense. I found myself reading a few sections and then putting the book down to meditate on what I read. I also found that as I did so each section was exactly what I needed to read at that exact time.

As to the book itself, the chapters flow beautifully and the subject matter is very well written. Each section builds on the other and Mr. Alexander has a very teachable style of writing that draws the read and maintains attention very well.

I really enjoyed how Mr. Alexander used personal testimony from his life to show how his walk has brought about a God-blessed life.

I highly recommend this book.

*I received this book as a complimentary copy via Waterbrook Multnomah. The opinions expressed are my own.*

First Things First by Kurt & Brenda Warner

I found this book to be a great read. There was good humor, great advice, but is also had a personal touch which was quite evident. I really appreciate the openness of the Warners as they shared some suggestions, struggles, and even some personal moments.

While Mr. Warner is a football player, football wasn't the main focus; family was. It was a great comfort to know that there are some athletes who realize that there are more important things to life than sports.

I highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.*

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

This book is about very popular hymns and a brief history on how the hymn came to be. Each hymn is displayed in the book and the following page gives a brief history of the song. By understanding how the hymn came to be, the reader can appreciate and have a better appreciation of the hymns sung in many churches each Sunday.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the history to be short but informative. I also appreciated having the song right next to the story of the song's origin. I found myself singing several of the hymns and having a deeper love for each song. This book would be a great gift to the music-lover in your family.

-I received this book via Booksneeze.com as a complimentary copy for my review. The views expressed are my own.-

Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After by PeggieSue Wells

There are many books out there regarding how to move on with life after divorce. There are many books are dating after divorce, raising children after divorce, and financial advise after a divorce. What is rare is someone being open and raw about divorce.

What about being single again when it was the norm to associate as a couple? What about your friends viewing differently because you are not "Mrs. X"? What about your church judging you because of divorce?

That is where this book goes. Through the book, Ms. Wells gives her struggle, emotions, and heart after her divorce. She also details how she began the process of healing in various areas: emotions, friends, finances, family, and God. A very organic book on a very difficult subject.