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Category: Christian Living

Review: Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas by Ace Collins

[ 2 ] December 20, 2011
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Reviewed by Alyssa Katanic

I am a huge fan of Ace Collins books! He has quite a few focusing on Christmas, and specifically the stories behind some of our favorite aspects of this wonderful Holiday season. His most recent book, Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas, lists off America’s favorite Christmas songs (think Casey Kasem’s countdown, for those of us who are old enough to remember, focusing on Christmas music), the story behind what made that song a “hit,” as well as the story behind how the song was originally created.

Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas is similar to Ace Collins’ Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (which I gave as a Christmas gift to a music loving friend a few years ago), however, it gives a bit more focus to how those songs came to weave themselves into the fabric of Americans’ Christmas celebrations.

We all know these songs! And have probably been hearing them in the stores and on the radio since sometime in October. Here is your chance to read why songs like White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, and Silent Night continue to see daily play on the radio during December, and to fall all the more in love with them for knowing that much more about their background.

For fans, there is also the Stories Behind Christmas Boxed Set, including: Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, and Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas (another one that I’ve read with my family often during this season).

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Alyssa is a wife and stay at home, homeschooling mother of five, with two boxers, two cats, a soft shelled turtle named after Bob the Builder, and 7 frogs (admittedly a homeschooling project gone froggy). In all her spare time, she loves to read and believes that there is no such thing as having too many books!

Review copies were provided free of any obligation by Zondervan. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Grumble Hallelujah by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira

[ 2 ] December 3, 2011
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Reviewed by Poppy Johnson

In life, everyone experiences some type of regret. Some people are better than others at getting over disappointments and moving on to enjoy a fulfilled life. Grumble Hallelujah, by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira, offers a new way to find peace when your life doesn’t pan out quite as expected.

The source of fulfillment can come in many forms: an acceptance of one’s destiny, a commitment to living a spirit-filled and spirit-led life, a realization that there is always room for hope that the future will be brighter and the realization that when bad events happen in life, they are an opportunity to come closer to God. It is in fact possible to find joy when life takes drastic twists and turns.

Grumble Hallelujah offers the advice to “live dead” because only then will it be possible to see what life blessings are on tap for you. This is reminiscent of the philosophers who say that we should “love the questions” as we find real answers to life. And it does follow that if we accept what is happening in our lives rather than fight our destined path. If we find our paths, we will live the peaceful lives that we are meant to live.

Most believers have had moments when the stars were out of alignment and their lives did not go as planned. At these times, we have less physical control and feel the most vulnerable. People want to have a positive outlook and this book shows how to continue to share that enthusiasm even when the sky is the darkest.

By reading Grumble Hallelujah, I gained the motivation to live a mightier life by trusting in my destiny, whatever it may be. Fear can be useful in our lives as a motivator or as an obstacle remover, but it should never be used as a negative force to stand in the way of potential success. Knowing that you are not alone in your life’s journey makes it easier to weather the tough times. The book offered guidance, advice and scripture for many of these life moments.

Rivadeneira shows that when people learn to stand on the promise of God, it means that it is possible to keep standing on faith until the promise for our lives is fulfilled. Grumble Hallelujah is for anyone ready to change their attitude and lead a more positive life.

Rating: 5/5

After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Tyndale. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Blog Tour: “Life, In Spite of Me” by Kristen Jane Anderson & Tricia Goyer

[ 5 ] May 26, 2010
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Please join Kristen Anderson and Tricia Goyer, authors of Life, In Spite of Me, as they tour the blogosphere with LitFuse Publicity!

Reviewed by Vera (Luxury Reading)

Kristen Anderson was only 17 when she decided that life was no longer worth living. Raped by an acquaintance, Kristen tried to push the assault to the back of her mind and pretend that it did not happen. However, the secret weighed down on her more than she realized or cared to acknowledge: her grades were suffering, she was constantly partying and drinking, and her relationship with her parents was going down the drain. Her father was going through bouts of depression himself, and Kristen’s acting out was even more difficult for her parents to accept given the situation

Feeling hopeless and lost, and not wanting to face her parents at home, Kristen found herself at a nearby railroad. Before she could consciously acknowledge it, she was lying down on the tracks and being swept up by the oncoming train. The next thing she knew, she was crawling out from underneath the train, with her legs severed below the knee and lying some feet away from her.

Life, In Spite of Me is Kristen’s reflection on her suicide attempt and the forces that made her survival possible: her parents, friends and most importantly, her new found belief in Jesus Christ. Her account is brief and to the point, starting with the accident, going back to explain the reasons behind her state of mind, and finishing with her road to recovery. Throughout the book, Kristen includes notes addressed to the reader who may be experiencing the same feelings she did or going through a tough time. The notes are a showcase of her religious views and her strong belief that God kept her alive for a reason.

Life, In Spite of Me is a cautionary tale, but also one that many might find inspiration in. Kristen survived against all odds and her experiences just may be what someone needs to address their issues instead of considering suicide as a solution.

Visit Tricia Goyer’s website to see the video trailer and follow along on the blog tour!

A review copy was provided free of any obligation by Multnomah Books. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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