Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Donita K. Paul has captured a heartwarming story of love and the holiday spirit in Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball as two very unlikely people fall in love and teach each other about true love.

Mysteriously, two lives are crossed. Cora Crowder, a simple living young woman that is estranged from her family and Simon Derrick, a seemingly serious family man. Cora lived her life simply, not taking risks. Even her process for buying Christmas presents was logical and carefully planned. Simon, a man of two sides, focuses carefully on his work but loves his family dearly. When both travel to the mysterious Sage Street to purchase Christmas gifts they had no idea that a group of eccentric shopkeepers would be planning a trip for them, a trip to the Wizards’ Christmas Ball.

Cora is scared when Mr. Derrick, her bosses’ boss, decides to ask her to attend the Wizards’ Christmas Ball with him and his sister Sandy she gladly accepts. Eager to find a ball gown to wear, the shop keeping sisters, Bonnie and Betty Booterbaw, are more than glad to help her find the perfect gown; with perhaps a touch of magic.

This beautiful book has an easy reading style and is such a great story to pick up and read. I personally enjoyed the portrayal of different personalities that came across the pages so clearly. Ms. Paul was careful in crafting characters that would appeal to a wide audience.

I can see most people enjoying this book, whether you are looking for a love story, a Christmas tale, or a story of magic and mystery. You will find what you are looking for in Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball.

Ms. Paul does a fabulous job of mixing whimsical elements in this heartwarming Christmas story of fate, true love, and the true bond of families. Where wizards and servants come together at a magical ball, to bring joy to so many ordinary people. As you read the novella Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, you can find the true spirit of Christmas gracing the pages of this magical tale.

The Bride Collector ~ Ted Dekker

How much does God love his bride? Here is the perfect picture of a demented love for the perfect bride. Brad Raines is a FBI agent working on a new case that involves the help of some amazing people that are considered mentally ill.

This was another wonderful book by the amazing author Ted Dekker. He had all the normal appeals of frightening scenes, with gut-wrenching details. Yet, there was a bit of a sympathy for people that have (or are dealing with) special abilities. In this book a supernatural force of these special people are mixed with the wits of a special FBI agent to make for a thrilling ride into the world of The Bride Collector.

This amazing thriller by bestselling author Ted Dekker will be releasing April 2010. Make sure and get your copy then!

Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff

Reading is a very enjoyable activity for me, yet in the case of this book I was disappointed in the content. In the book Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century Hank Hanegraaff explores the many different “Faith” preachers that teach many false doctrines and are corrupting the words of the Bible.

Hank Hanegraaff has revised his book Christianity in Crisis, that he first wrote around ten years ago. This book was very interesting to read, as he uses proof from different “faith” preachers messages that show their own false teachings. Although the book is written on a interesting topic, it has a lot of repeated information. The same subject is scrutinized multiple times.

After reading half-way through the book I put it down, now several months later I picked it up and finished it. Many people will not enjoy this book because it is very redundant and wordy. Overall I enjoyed the concept and will further more be careful when I listen to some or these “faith” preachers again.

Fearless by Max Lucado

As I began to read Fearless, I didn't know what to expect. I don't normally read non-fiction books like this so I was a bit wary. What I found was a wonderful book explaining to me how to live my life fearlessly. This culture today tries to instill fear in us, but we always must remember to live in the hands of God. In a few chapters of the book, Lucado included lines from his children's book The Tallest of Smalls, the poetic lines of this simple story struck me as I read them. He explained so simply how we should live, simple enough for a child to understand. At the end of the book is included a discussion guide, to be used alone or in group, to help grasp how to live your life without fear. As I read this book I was empowered to live my life more fully, not being held back by fear. I would recommend everyone read this book; it will help free you from the bonds of fear and teach you how to live your life Fearless.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The story begins with Andy, a young man that has come upon hard times and is living under a pier. He has become bitter about his situation and somewhat hopeless. Jones is an eccentric old man that mysteriously shows up under the pier one night, he tells Andy that his job is to be a noticer. Jones helps Andy to find his way out of his situations. Jones leaves, but always comes back when he is needed most. Almost everyone if town knows who Jones is.
In the Noticer we find that if we would look beyond our own problems we could see the way to fix them. The story is enjoyable to read, but seems very light in content. The characters were well written and you could cisualize them easily, the scenery was also very easily visualized. The book is very thought provoking in places, but not life changing. I am not sure that I would recommend this book for others to read.

BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker

Why has he taken them? BoneMan's Daughters, by Ted Dekker is a story woven of intricate depth and beauty that portrays BoneMan, a Father searching for the perfect daughter. But each of the six young women he has taken so far are not the perfect ones, so he has killed each of them by intricately breaking all of their bones.
Bethany’s father, Ryan has been absent from her life for so long, entrenched in his work, that she resents him. When Bethany is taken by BoneMan, her father, Ryan, begins to search for her; but if Ryan finds her will she take him back? Or will BoneMan first break her bones?
This is a must read book by Ted Dekker, there is a psychological depth that does not often make its way into fiction books. You must read this book!