"Breakthrough" by Joyce Smith

My review...

This true story has been made into a movie, and it is a reflection of a miracle and the power of prayer.

Joyce Smith shares her personal story of when her son falls through the ice and his heart stops for an hour. Through it all, she believes and relies on the power of prayer, boldly asking God to save and heal her son.

Smith’s story is one that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let up, making this book a quick read. The faith message is prominent throughout the entire book, and the details allow the reader to clearly see God’s hand at work. The forward is written by John, the main character, and there’s an afterword by the pastor. Scripture references, John’s doctor’s letter, and an author’s note are also included and well worth reading.

If you are not a believer in Christ, this book may not be for you. Or, it may be just what you need to see the peace that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus and recognize that miracles still happen.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FaithWords/FirstWords Blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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"Never Look at the Empty Seats" by Charlie Daniels (a memoir)

My review...

If you are a fan of country music, or if you just enjoy a good memoir, this is a book you will want to check out.

Growing up, my family was a fan of Charlie Daniels’ music, so I was quite familiar with him, at least the musical side. However, this book offers the reader a chance to see the more personal side of the music legend — in his own words. He offers his views on life and world events, including Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, and 9/11. He opens up about his childhood, as well as his alcoholic father. Overall, the book is well-written and insightful. As a warning to some readers, there is mild swearing (less than five times). Daniels is upfront about his political views, as well. The chapters are short, almost as though you are hearing a collection of stories while sitting across the table from Charlie, which makes the book go by quite quickly. A number of personal photos are included, which really adds to the book. This is a heartfelt and encouraging read which runs the gamut of emotions, from funny, sad, to be honest.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

• “Walk on stage with a positive attitude. Your troubles are your own and are not included in the ticket price.”
• “You’re concerned with the people who showed up, not the ones who didn’t. Always give them a show, and never look at the empty seats!”
• "I've always ascribed to the theory that if you can't get what you want, take what you can get and make what you want out of it."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link