Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan is an eye-opening explanation from the first person point-of-view of what a person experiences when they commit to working for God’s enemy, Satan. More importantly, however, is how God used Christians who crossed Mr. Leehan’s path to plant seeds of salvation, either through prayer, personal example, and/or forgiveness.  This book will give the Christian who is strong in their faith, the assurance that God is in control and He is victorious. 

First of all, I must tell the reader that I agonized over writing this review.  Mr. Leehan expressed that he is not a writer at the beginning of Ascent from Darkness.  I must say that the visual images that he presented in the book will not leave my mind.  His descriptive writing is extremely visual and powerful.

For that reason, if given the opportunity to speak to Mr. Leehan personally, I would ask him to preface the book with a warning.  It is my opinion that books dealing with the subject of the occult have the power to influence the reader in ways that they do not even recognize.   I would only recommend this book to Christians who are strong in their faith and who have a fair understanding of spiritual warfare. 

Part of my reason for this warning is what I experienced personally the day after I finished this book.  While the book’s theme is God’s deliverance of Mr. Leehan from the hand of Satan and his fallen angels, I found myself overcome with the discernment of evil around me.  The day after I finished this book, I found it difficult to focus in church, snapped at my family members, argued with my husband, and felt a deep sense of depression as I heard in my head suggestions that I was lazy, a bad cook, etc.  I believe what I experienced was a form of spiritual oppression. I prayed throughout that day and later found that a friend was praying for me also, although she did not know why she was led to pray for me.  I must say that I did not choose to read this book in ignorance, my life’s path has led me to work and school situations where I have gotten to know individuals involved in the occult.  I have read other Christian books on the topic of spiritual warfare, but none has affected me in this way. In choosing to read Ascent from Darkness, please be aware of your own spiritual condition and prayerfully consider whether this is the book for you.

In addition, I found the imagery on the cover and at the beginning of each chapter to be objectionable.  While I understand the intent of contrasting the dark with the light, I believe showing a cross upside down (coupled with the cross right-side up) is a poor choice of illustrating the contrast.

In conclusion, Ascent from Darkness is a powerful book that celebrates God’s victory over evil.  Do not enter into this reading lightly, only after prayer, due to the detailed descriptions of the activities of Mr. Leehan when he was under Satan’s influence. Would I recommend this book to others?  Of my personal friends there are a few to which I may recommend this book that are strong in their faith and have a grasp of what spiritual warfare is. Would I recommend it to an immature Christian, still being fed “milk” – definitely not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write 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.

Babylon's Falling by William G. Collins

Babylon’s Falling, expertly written by William G. Collins is a fascinating journey into the mind and life of the Daniel of scripture.  Written as historical fiction, Babylon’s Falling recreates the setting of Biblical events with historical references of ancient Mesopotamia that make the reader feel as though time travel has certainly been accomplished.

Upon reading multiple reviews of Babylon’s Falling, I determined to read the book through at least two times – once to evaluate the book from a literary point-of-view and a second time to evaluate the Biblical accuracy.  I have read it far more than two times in my journey to discover the truth behind its words.

From a literary standpoint, I give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars.  Mr. Collins has obviously mastered the interweaving of historical setting, cultures, and facts into his writing in a delightfully informative, yet entertaining attempt to draw the reader into Daniel’s world.  He begins on the road to Babylon.  As we suffer with the exiles, we discover the character traits of Daniel.  While much of this part of the tale is conjecture on the part of Mr. Collins, his building of the setting and the character traits of Daniel are integral to the remainder of the story.  He keeps the traits of Daniel believable to those who know the Biblical account.  I found myself thinking, “Daniel must have possessed these traits and skills to be the man of God recorded Biblically.”  Therefore, conjecture on part of the author has been done in a thoughtful way, only to enhance the Biblical meaning.

From a Biblical perspective, I also give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars.  The chapters that directly deal with the Biblical account of Daniel are amazingly accurate.  As I read and compared the words to scripture multiple times over, I discovered accuracy even in small details. The accuracy of Nebuchadnezzer’s  dreams and details such as King Nebuchadnezzer falling on his face before Daniel and ordering incense to be burnt in Daniel’s presence in Daniel 2:46 and the queen telling Belshazzar about Daniel in Daniel 5:10, continues the meshing of historical setting and Biblical facts to enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and events.

In conclusion, the preface of Babylon’s Falling said it best, “This book is a work of fiction.  I hope the reader will allow the author some latitude in the use of certain historical people and events.  In the end, I pray this work will inspire the same hope that Daniel had in his God.  Perhaps what he teaches us is to have the courage and faith to dare!”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write 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.

Clicques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks:Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks: Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite is a masterful following of the stream of consciousness of a young girl in middle school through the unique challenges faced by her family. Living in a primarily Christian town in rural America, the community befriends a couple who recently moved into the area.  This couple is portrayed as decidedly non-Christian. The wife (Isabel), in particular, is portrayed as self absorbed.  Although the family of April Grace allows the couple to move into their home, Isabel has an attitude of wanting to be served.  The lack of gratefulness and the sense of entitlement she exhibits is in sharp contrast to that of the community where she has found herself.  McCrite shares April Grace’s opinions of this woman with such childlike emotion that, if it weren’t for the skill of writing, I would believe a tween girl actually wrote this book. The sharp contrast of the attitudes of the world versus the attitudes that we are supposed to have a Christians is startling raw, but the message is well made.  I found myself examining my own attitudes as I read this book.  In the end of the book, the couple finds themselves becoming a part of the community.  The reader sees Isabel becoming more malleable as she finds that she can play an important part in the community and as she realizes how much the community has done for her.  The reader sees changes take place in Isabel, that although an acceptance of Christ is not indicated, a change of her heart condition has taken place. This book illustrates an excellent example of how Christians should be the “salt” and “light” to those with which we come into contact.  I would recommend this book to tween readers with the caveat that, although not detailed, subjects such as pregnancy and issues surrounding pregnancy are discussed.

As I read this book I kept in mind the audience for which is was written and I wondered why there are so few book of this caliber available for the tween set.  The issues surrounding pregnancy in the book involve a married couple and are very focused on April Grace’s concern for her mother’s health and her fear that her mother could die.  April Grace’s mother experiences fatigue, paleness, and nausea, but because April Grace has not been told of her mother’s condition in the beginning, the writing revolves around her fears that something is very wrong. Sometime after April Grace is told that she is going to be a big sister, her mother is diagnosed with preeclampsia and requires bed rest.  The artful way this is handled should not present a problem for most tween girls.  Girls who have younger siblings can probably relate to April Grace’s fears during her mother’s pregnancy.  The author handles this issue by showing how April Grace’s mother retains the heart of a servant even though she needs to be served.  It is a fine portrayal of humility that is inspired by reality. In every issue that April Grace encounters, the reader sees that emotion is not wrong, but that our responses, our decisions, are crucial.

I am allowing my own 11 year old daughter to read this book.  She read up to chapter 7 in one sitting and was so involved in the book that I had difficulty getting her to put it down. I intend to add this book to her reading library as well.  If you are looking for a fiction for your tween daughter that deals with real life issues such as relationships and attitudes and shows the response that Christians should have, this is the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write 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

Book Review: Billy Graham: Nearing Home - Life, Faith and Finishing Well

Billy Graham's new book,  Nearing Home:  Life, Faith, and Finishing Well,  has a central theme that God can use anyone who is willing, regardless of age or ability.  Primarily written to relate to a middle age to senior audience, Rev. Graham uses plentiful Biblical examples of persons who were in their later years who were used by God in amazing ways.  Secondary themes include preparation for old age, the psychological and physical issues that accompany aging, wisdom that comes from experience, and the falsehood spread by society that the contributions of the aged are no longer valued.  Then in true evangelical style, Rev. Graham explains what the Bible teaches about heaven, followed by the gospel message for readers who may not know where they will spend eternity. 

I would recommend this book to anyone of any age, particularly middle age and up.  While the intended audience appears to be this group, younger persons will learn what to expect as they age and will come away with a new respect of seniors and issues that seniors face.  Through reading this book, my learning was not limited to ways that God can use me in later years, but ways to be available to God's calling now.  Also, I have gained a greater understanding of the words of my now deceased grandmother.  Rev. Graham's words will be an asset in understanding and learning from the issues of my parents and mother-in-law as I minister to them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write 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

Welcome to My World

Greetings fellow book worms!

My name is Tara Owens, I work for a non-profit that provides crisis assistance for families in the county where I live. I homeschool my children and believe that families are responsible for making sure  children are brought up with values that will guide them throughout their lives. I can never seem to carve out enough time to read for enjoyment, so for my birthday this year, my hubby presented me with a Kindle e-reader.

I know how important it is to guard your mind when viewing all kinds of media.  Therefore, I will be reviewing books to help you  know the basic content before making a purchase that may be inappropriate for your household.  You can also go to Barnes & Noble and read my reviews there.

Soon to Come!

Please check back soon, this web page will be up and running!!!