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Monday, July 13, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: Meander Scar by Lisa J. Lickel



Summary of Book:

Ann Ballard’s husband Gene Ballard has been missing for seven and a half years. She’s raised her only son Ritchie “who seems to hate his mother while adoring his missing father” alone.
Mark Roth is a young man who lived next door until his younger brother Trey died in an auto accident which also involved Ritchie who lived through it. He is eleven years younger than Ann but is fully in love with Ann.

Mark returns to town and helps Ann to learn to live and love again. Also to deal with finding her lost husband and the betrayal of her mother-in-law. Mark stands by Ann until all the pieces fall into place and they can face the world as a younger man and older wife. But then Ann has a stroke and Mark’s faith is tested to the max.

Author’s purpose: The author assumes the position that true love conquers all. If it’s mean to be, it will be.

Themes:  Donna’s Treachery/Ann’s Headaches and fears/The stroke Ann had/Love can conquer all

Controversial issues:

1.              Younger man/Older woman: The author stands on love being more important than age.
2.              Sex before marriage: The author believes it’s a gift worth waiting for.
3.              Whether to press charges on Donna for fraud: Circumstances and motives should be weighed and considered.

Thesis:  True love can stand, overcome, and conquer over every obstacle when God is its foundation.

I really loved this love story and was blown away by Mark’s faith and resolve to stand firm and love Ann unconditionally. When he told her he loved her enough to go away if that was what she wanted, I was floored.

The deception of the mother-in-law, Donna, the rebellion and confusion of the niece, Maeve, the anger and rebellion of the son, Ritchie, even the bitter and loving relations between Ann and her sister Rachel.

This love story – mystery is really good. I’d give it five stars on a five star scale.


Book Review by Booker T.

        WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW



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I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 


Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of 
John 3:16 books. 
Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. Chaplain Steve Fox  is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."


 

Monday, July 6, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider by NJ Lindquist, Wendy Elaine Nelles, Kimberley Payne, and Others



Author: Various Authors  Edited by NJ Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles


Summary of book:
The book is about life, real life. Not just the good easy days. Short stories by a wide variety of authors. Most of the stories are non-fiction talking about living through cancer, a love one who has alzheimers and the pain caused to the loved ones of that person. As the victim forgets not only who they are but who the loved ones are as well.

One lady had to break her back in two places before she could see the love of her family express in their actions for her. She was seeking words, when they were offering deeds.

Author’s Purpose:
The purpose was to offer a wide variety of poems, stories, and praise. That would leave the reader deep in meditation, contemplating the works of God in their own lives. Not just through the good times but also the difficult times.
It’s a devotional that shows God’s hand in all walks of life.

Author’s Theme:
Over all the book points to us as an imperfect people, with a perfect God. Who can use all things to grow us and build us in our faith and our lives, rock bottom is not the end of life. It’s the beginning of change, understanding, and recovery.

Book Thesis:
There is healing and blessing from God even in the most painful situations.
Where author’s stands on controversial issues:
With their hand in God’s hand.

Did I enjoy the book?
I enjoyed this book very much. I was blown away by the testimonies of most of the authors. I even enjoyed the fiction stories although I would suggest putting them in a book by themselves and using only non-fiction because of the power behind the struggles and wisdom they bring to bare in the non-fiction.


But don’t misunderstand the fiction story, “Bannock and Sweet Tea” had me in tears. M. D. Meyer really touched my soul with that one. I really enjoyed them all.

Book Review by Booker, J.
A WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW

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*~*~*~*

I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, July 3, 2015

Eliza Earsman's Manley






About the Book:
Manley was in a bad way. Dehydrated and exhausted from a long ‘stowaway’ journey, he was found in the back of a removal merchant’s haulage truck. One day and 400 tarmac miles earlier he had crawled in to examine what he thought was a load of peace and quiet. Falling asleep on a sofa wasn’t the best option but that is what happened—and he had no way of raising the alarm. 

The two hardy workmen fed, watered and soothed him. Short of leaving him on the mean city streets, they had no option but to take him to an inner city London animal shelter. Staff there found a microchip identifying his owner but the ‘owner’ didn’t want the cost of hauling him back to his south-of-England home county. 


June 2015
20 pp
Buy on Amazon US $1.49
Amazon UK
Amazon CA

My review:
A lovely story about the relationship between two adventurous souls, one human, one cat. Manley might have been rescued from the shelter, but he rescued Shelagh, his boon companion, every bit as much. Nice little reading nugget, cat romance, charming adventure, and yes, Manley's expression on the cover, a little smug, a little shy, and little sleepy, says it all. Delightful For those who like a quick short pet read.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: A Summer in Oakville, by Lisa J. Lickel

The book has a great idea tell the same story from 4 people’s perspective, the four people in the story. It is good to see how different people see and talk about the same thing happening, but have a completely different take on it. It reminds me of the four gospels. They all tell the same story but all highlight different parts of the story.

The book is designed for older teens and adults. At times it was hard to keep up with [some of the characters]. It is a story about faith. Faith in God and other people. Cn you trust your family? It talks about our past and how our past can influence our present and future.

The story is based on a small Farmington town called Oakville, WI. It is a story about big business and the takeover of the small farmer. It is a story about how the younger generation must help the older generation. It is a about the survival of the family farm. More than of these, is the belief in how big is your God. The God of the Bible is able to overcome pride, your past, your future, big business, and more importantly, yourself.

Overall the book was good. As I said before, at times, it was hard to keep up with some of the characters. Some needed more of a backstory. Their past played into the current situation and I had to go back a couple of times to find why they were doing or saying certain things. Overall, though, it was a good read.

Reviewed by Ken B., a Wakulla Book Review



*~*~*~*

I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."



Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: Get on Board and Stay on Board, by Pearl Nsiah-Kumi




“Get On Board and Stay On Board” is a book of short simple writings and poems that share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The book is divided into three sections: a) Jesus is Calling; b) Saved, Now What? c) Special Days.

Jesus Is Calling - is directed to the unsaved. These writings are straight forward and simple. Pearl is very blunt and direct in sharing her faith, yet comes across as caring and concerned. Her passion for Jesus and witnessing to the unsaved is very refreshing and encouraging.

Saved, Now What? – is geared toward helping the newly saved babes in Christ to grow in their relationship with God. Pearl does an excellent job of encouraging the new believer. These writings share what we’ve been saved from, what we’ve been given, and what we should do in response. Pearl gives instruction on day-to-day life as a Christian, in simple, easy to understand language.

Special Days – is a small section in which Pearl talks about the reasons we as Christians should be celebrating and thanking God for all He has done and provided for us. It is very informative and easy to understand.

Overall, Get On Board And Stay On Board is a well written work. Pearl has been blessed with a gift of sharing in a simple, easy- to- understand way. I find the book to be informative and refreshing. I recommend it to anyone who has any questions at all about the Christian life and the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

-Wakulla Book Review by Loren


*~*~*~*

I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this an initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."