Miracles From Heaven

The hardest thing for any parent is watching your child suffer and knowing there isn't anything you can do to help. That is the life that Christy and Kevin Beam witnessed for years as their daughter Annabel was diagnosed with a devastating digestive disease for which there is no cure, and would likely claim her life in the very near future. So for them, they never knew when Annabel's final day would come, so they did what most parents would do, is to try and make the remainder of those days the very best they could be.

Annabel's faith in God was always strong, despite the many tests, trials, medications, surgeries and lengthy hospitals stays she had to endure, she remained as strong as any child could. She held on to her faith in God. Being the middle daughter, her life was challenging at best. Sitting back watching others enjoy food was a luxury Annabel couldn't afford. Just taking a bite of food could set her in the hospital for obstructions in her intestines, and as you know, people celebrate life with food as part of life. How hard for a child to watch people open their stockings filled with candy and have to hand it over to others to enjoy.

But the Beams would never know how a seemingly innocent day turned into a nightmare and would forever change the outcome for Annabel's life. An aging cottonwood tree on their property with a gaping hope thirty feet up in the air would trap Annabel as she fell head first into the black hole while her sisters watched in horror. Had they not been present, who knows if anyone would have found her. Annabel's claims that during the time she remained trapped into the darkness of the tree, she went to Heaven where Jesus assured her, it was not her time to come home despite her many pleas to her parents to "let me got to Heaven with Jesus where there is no pain." What follows can only be a series of miracles for the lives of the people who were a part of this life changing rescue.

I received Miracles from Heaven by Christy Wilson Beam compliments of Shelton Interactive and Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own. I've read quite a few books about visitations to Heaven, and we may never know what exactly happened in Annabel's life, but what happened afterwards is truly miraculous. This is the memoir of Annabel's life up to the point where this accident happened and how God worked in the life of this family is bound to make even the harshest critic a believer. A truly inspirational true story of one little girl and her journey to heaven and her amazing story of healing. Well worth 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Miracles from Heaven, Christy Wilson Beam, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Miracles from Heaven by Christy Wilson Beam

You can find Christy Wilson Beam on Facebook to stay up to date with her family. 

To read more reviews on Miracles from Heaven, please visit Hachette Book Groups' website. 

Beyond the Rapids - Giveaway and Review

Imagine you are a believer living in a communist country. You live with the knowledge that anytime you could be imprisoned, tortured, or killed simply because you are a Christian.

Beyond the Rapids by Evelyn Puerto is the true story of Ukrainian pastor Alexei Brynza and his wife, Valentina, who endured persecution in a culture that was hostile to their faith as they struggled to raise their four children as believers.

From the Great Terror of the 1930s to the time when believing in Christ is no longer a crime, this close knit Ukranian family quietly persisted through the years, trusting God for everything. The Brynza's children, forced to choose between God and the communist system, wrestled with temptations of ambition, popularity, love and wealth. For periods of their lives, one or more gave in. But God heard the faithful prayers of Alexei and Valentina, and eventually the Bryzna family was able to not only survive while serving God, but to thrive. Their son in law, Igor Yaremchuk, adds his own testimony of coming to Christ with the help of miracles and atheistic propaganda.

I received this amazing book of the Bryzna's testimony of God's faithfulness in all circumstances compliments of the author Evelyn Puerto for my honest review. I loved this book, not only based on all the details of just how difficult life was for the whole family but in knowing my own friends that have immigrated here from the Ukraine and knowing personally from them just how difficult life was for them being Christians.

The book details how difficult it was for them and how many times God came through for them in miraculous ways. One of them was when Valentina had developed a painful lump in her left breast, not only had it doubled in size but turned black and green and developed a horrible smell. She prayed to God to help save her because she couldn't imagine her children enduring life without her. When she realized was a foolish prayer it was to God saying that she doubted His ability to care for her children without her presence, she changed that prayer.

As she prepared for surgery to remove that breast, she felt a peace in her heart. As the doctors performed her biopsy to see how difficult the tumor was, all that came out was pus. There was nothing left to remove and surgery wasn't necessary after all. There are so many examples of just how God constantly showed His hand to this amazing family and just how it strengthened and challenged their faith.

This book rates a 5 out of 5 stars! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build their faith and make it stronger. Sometimes just seeing difficulties in others is such an encouragement in our own lives and shows us that God really does love and care for all of us. As you sail through your own torrents in your life, God will meet you right where you are and guide you to the smooth water beyond the rapids.

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the title below:

Beyond the Rapids by Evelyn Puerto

Thanks to the generosity of Evelyn Puerto, she has agreed to offer a giveaway copy to one lucky reader of this blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner, so please provide your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols and please include it with your comment.

4. Leave me a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. The giveaway will end on February 7th. I will notify the winner via email at that time.

Run To Overcome

"I am often at my best when things looks the worst." - Meb Keflezighi

Meb Keflezighi is all about hope and second chances - starting with his very survival. The child of a small African country ravaged by a brutal war, Meb arrived in America with nothing but the clothes on his back, speaking no English and never having raced a mile. So how did he end up an A student, one of the most celebrated and respected athletes of his generation, and winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon?

His story sounds like the living embodiment of the American dream...but Meb's path to victory hasn't been smooth. Not long after he stood on the Olympic platform as a U.S. silver medalist, it all came crashing down. And he was about to find out whether his faith in God, the values his parents had taught him, and his belief that he was born to run were enough to see him through.

Run to Overcome by Meb Keflezighi and Dick Patrick, tells the inspirational story of a man who discovered the real meaning of victory, and shares the secrets to overcoming the odds in your own life.

My Review: This is such a moving tribute to show just how far we can overcome any adversity we may be faced with, as long as we have faith in God, and the belief of our parents and family. Nothing is impossible. Meb Keflezighi's journey from his life in a humble and poverish beginning in Africa shows us through his novel how his parents instilled within their family that hard work and dedication will enable you to rise up and become better people because of it. We learn how important education and a willingness to do our best at all costs will cause others around you to sit up and take notice.

I loved at the end of each chapter that there are Runner's Tips as well as Overcomer's Tips to help you along your own personal journey of discovery. One such tip for runners is keeping a journal of your workouts, times and even how you felt during practice. These can provide your own motivational boasts just before a big race in your own words.

I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and loved every chapter. Not only that, I am passing it along to my high school daughter's track team to participate in a group read of the book. This one really does rate an all star 5 out of 5 stars. For more on the book, the author and even where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the title below:

Run To Overcome

From November 1, 2010 until March 31, 2011, on the Run To Overcome website is hosting a signed book a day giveaway. There will be monthly grand prize winners that will receive a signed copy of the book, other free Tyndale titles, as well as Sony and PowerBar products. Simply click on the website link below:

http://www.runtoovercome.com

Don't forget to watch Meb run in this year's New York CIty Marathon on November 7th!!!

Meb Keflezighi

Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi and his family came to the United States after fleeing their native country of Eritrea to escape a violent war with Ethiopia. His unexpected athletic and academic successes earned him a full scholarship to UCLA, where he won four NCAA titles in one year and earned his B.A. in communication studies with a specialization in business. Meb is an Olympic silver medalist (Athens 2004) and a three-time national champion in cross country running (2001, 2002, and 2009). He came back from an injury to win the 2009 New York City Marathon, setting a personal best time of 2:09:15. Meb became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He lives in Mammoth Lakes, California, with his wife, Yordanos, and their three daughters, Sara, Fiyori and Yohana.

Heart with Joy - Giveaway and Review

In his latest novel Heart with Joy, Steve Cushman takes us into the life of fifteen year old Julian Hale's life in Greensboro North Carolina. We catch a brief glimpse into a troubled time for him when his mom announces she is moving to Florida to run her parent's motel and finish her novel. When Julian probes her for a reason, she simply says that there is no one else plus it will give her time to write.

Julian and his distant father are staying to finish his school year out in North Carolina. When he pushes his dad for the reason of his mom leaving all his dad can reply is, "What did your mom tell you?" This doesn't provide the answer that Julian is looking for. However never seeing his parents actually fight doesn't mean things have been going well for either of them. His father spends all of his time at the hospital where he is a nurse and his mom spends hers writing leaving Julian to wonder if this is truly what a happy family is all about.

When Julian is forced to take on some of the responsibilities of his mom from cleaning the home, to learning to cook something besides mac and cheese hotdogs, he turns to the Food Network, where he becomes a natural chef in the making, cooking for him and his dad.

On his weekly trips to the market, Julian meets Tia, the cashier and she invites him to join their cooking club. He is reluctant at first trying to figure out why a boy his age would want to show girls he can cook.

He ultimately finds comfort in the strained relationship with a ninety year old lady whose been his neighbor. When she asks for help retrieving something under her home, this begins the basis of a unique relationship with Julian that ultimately will help him sort through his feelings of resentment with both of his parents.

I received this book complements of Steve Cushman himself for my honest review and absolutely loved this book. It takes the reader into a short time in these peoples lives to see how broken relationships can be mended through finding out what really fills our hearts with joy! I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

I am going to offer a giveaway copy of this amazing book, to one lucky reader of my blog who leaves a comment telling me what fills your heart with joy, what is your one true passion in life?

1. You must be a follower of this blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must reside in the US and NO P.O. Boxes please.

3. I must have a way to contact you via email if you are the lucky winner, so please include your email address in the comment box. You may use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the actual symbols.

4. The giveaway will end on September 27th and I will notify the winner by email. Don't forget to include what fills your heart with joy in the comment.

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, simply click on the link below:

Heart With Joy

Raising The Dead Giveaway and Review

We've heard of stories in the past of people on the brink of death or who are medically pronounced dead, returning and coming back to life. This novel, Raising the Dead by Chauncey W. Crandall IV, MD, is a twist on that very premise.

The difference in this story is that Dr. Crandall is a Christian and this is his story of the many times as a cardiologist that he has personally witnessed miracles taking place within his OR and in the various places he has practiced that God has personally shown him, his mission in this life.

God has shown Dr. Crandall that even times in the Old and New Testament where people are healed and even raised from the dead, are possible even today. As Dr. Crandall searches for the true while still being a doctor, God has revealed to him that his mission is to save those very lives in his care while they still have a chance to come to know him. There are countless miracles described in detail and the effect that they have had on both Dr. Crandall and the very people who witnessed them as well, technicians, nurses, family members and even the patient themselves who are given a second chance through their encounter with Dr. Crandall.

During this amazing journey, we are taken on a personal one of faith in both the spiritual and physical worlds and see first hand the battle being waged behind the scenes as Dr. Crandall fights to save his own son from dying.

I received this book, compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. This book has recommitted my personal ministry to follow God instead of waiting for God to provide me with another challenge, God has challenged me to do what I can with what He has already provided for me. There is no need to look further. I have no doubt in my mind what so ever that what Dr. Crandall has experienced is divinely inspired and led. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

It would make the perfect gift for those still undecided of their eternal fate and the choice that we all face in facing our own deaths. Where will you chose to spend yours?

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this amazing, life changing book, click on the title below:

Raising the Dead

For three lucky winners, Hachette Book Groups has provided copies for a giveaway. Here's all you need to do:

1. Be a follower of Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada, No P.O. Boxes please.

3. Provide an email address that I can contact you at should you win this giveaway. You can include it with your comment. You can also use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

4, I will notify the winners on September 24th via email. If I don't hear from you within 5 business days, I will select another winner(s).

5. Leave me a comment telling me where you plan on spending your eternity.

Without A Word - How A Boys Unspoken Love Changed Everything - Book Giveaway and Review

Your son has been diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. There is no treatment and no cure. I will do everything I can to help your son. But the disease has already progressed so fast I don't think he will live to see his second birthday.

With these words, pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, were catapulted from a seemingly fairy-tale life of celebrity into a world of private struggle and medical uncertainty. What the public didn't know, however, was that behind the scenes lurked more than a family's pain at the dire prognosis of their only son. Hunter's illness exposed the troubled depths of a marriage that had been shadowed by uncertainties of its own.

For eight years, Hunter defied all medical odds, and his parents pursued every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill's marriage continued to fail yet was held together by their love for their kids and their determined hope for Hunter.

Though Hunter's illness prevented him from ever speaking a word, his will and unconditional love spoke volumes to his family and all who knew him. And in time, the light of Hunter's silent, all-too-brief life shone into the darkened corners of the couple's lives, leading them to authentic faith, a restored relationship, and the establishment of a foundation that is reaching other families with terminally ill children around the world.

Without A Word, How A Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything, by Jill Kelly and foreward by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, transparently shares every moment that silently transformed the hearts of every member of Jill's family and changed their lives forever, moments that may change your heart and life, too. (excerpt back cover).

This book takes you into the personal journals that Jill and Jim kept during those years of Hunter's life and show you a deeper side to the love and trials that challenged the family and marriage of the Kelly's. Even despite the fact that Jim Kelly was still active in the NFL during this time, his faith would be forever changed by the behaviors shown to him by his wife and his mother in law during Hunter's disease.

The part of the book I enjoyed the best was the chapter in dealing with Hunter's death and the grief that Jill writes about. The most haunting revelation is when Jill is given the answer to the question that haunts any parent enduring these time, Why God didn't you heal my child? Jill is finally given the answer by God that if He healed Hunter, it would have made headlines for a year or more and then be forgotten about by everyone. Yet in his death, Hunter's life has changed the lives of those who knew him and that will never be forgotten.

I received this book compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups, for my honest review. I found this book to be very emotional as a mom of kids herself and who at times struggles with my own faith during storms. Jill Kelly's truths reminded me that no matter what happens to us in life, God is still in control. We have to hold on to that. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!

Faith Words and Hachette Book Groups is going to give 3 lucky followers of my blog the change to win this amazing life changing book. Here are your guidelines:

• Winners are restricted to the US and Canada. No PO Box mailing address please. You do not have to be a blogger to win.

• I must have a way of contacting you, so be sure to leave your email address in your comment.

• Some choose to omit the @ sign and the . dot by writing it in "code" like this: you (at) your email (dot)com.

• I'll close the comments September 17th and pick the three winners. I will contact the winners via email to get their mailing information. The winners will have three days to respond. If I do not hear from them within three days, I will select another winner(s)

Please leave me a comment and let me know why you would love to win a copy of this book!

For more information on this book, the authors and how to purchase a copy for yourself, simply click on the title below:

Without A Word