Book Review - Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to make a Difference by Max Lucado

When I first picked up this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I mean who doesn't want to live a life that is successful and that will live on even after you do? And as this book's title says, "Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference" you would expect to read about how you could do just that.

This book takes a whole new look at ways that you can live unselfishly and thus give you a way to make a difference in this world. Of course, many people automatically think of giving to charities as a means to this end and once you've given then your social obligation is done. But this book gives so many more ways to reach out to others, to show them Christ's love, to truly make a difference on the poor and needy in this world. If you are looking for a book "feel good about yourself" book, then skip this book. But, if you are looking for a book that will challenge the way you view life and others then by all means this book is for you.

Another great thing about this book is that it has a study guide that goes along with each chapter. This is extremely helpful if you are reading this book through in a group, though could be used effectively for personal use as well.

I received this book for free from the publisher in conjuction with the BookSneeze program, www.booksneeze.com. I am not obligated to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner - Book Review

I had never heard of Susan Meissner before, so I wasn't sure how I would like her book "Lady in Waiting." I must say I was pleasantly surprised. From the moment I started reading this book I found it hard to put down. The book says that it is considered contemporary fiction and while it does have elements of contemporary fiction, it also ties in a very good historical fiction story as well. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best of both worlds. You have a very interesting contemporary story that also has a very compelling historical story as well.

Modern day Jane has just had her husband leave her and is dealing with handling the loss of their relationship after twenty-two years. She feels like everything is out of her control and must learn to wait and take control of her life. Historical Jane is essentially a political pawn and learns the same lesson. As the back of the book states, "Love is a choice you make every day."

I really enjoyed reading this book and felt like I could probably relate more with modern day Jane than with the historical Jane. Part of this could be that even though the story in the past was about Jane, it was written from the stand point of her seamstress Lucy Day. This book goes back and forth between the two time periods, but does so in a very interesting way. While sometimes this method of storytelling can detract from the story, in this book it enhances the overall story. If you are looking for an interesting book that will keep you wanting to know what will happen next, this is the book to read.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.