Reviewed By Lori M for Readers' Favorite

Gabe Murfitt and his mother Gigi Devine Murfitt have provided us with a wonderfully inspirational book in “My Message is C.L.E.A.R.: Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities.” C.L.E.A.R. is an acronym created by Gabe that explains his focus on how to live a successful life: Courage, Leadership, Endurance, Attitude, and Respect.

Gabe starts the book out explaining about his body, because when people see him for the first time, they are curious. Gabe was born with arms that are only three inches long and his legs are stuck in the position of being bent at the knees. Even though he realizes he is unique and different, he wants the reader to understand that he/she is different too – we’re all different, but we have more similarities than we do differences. It’s touching when Gabe describes that despite his physical appearance, he takes comfort in God’s word in scriptures such as Psalm 139:13-18, and Jeremiah 29:11 that talk about God’s plan for us, to give us a hope and a future. I love how Gabe and Gigi included photos of themselves and their family. Gabe has such a beautiful smile that lights up the room and shows he has a positive outlook on life. In fact, Gabe is so positive that he started speaking at schools as part of a nonprofit group called Positive Programs when he was in the 7th grade.

If this were a movie, it would be promoted as “The Feel Good Movie of the Year,” and this book is in fact just that. It’ll lift you up and brighten your day.

Reviewed By Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

In her book “Underneath the Scars” the author tells her story living with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). She shares her feelings, trials and tribulations, accomplishments and failures, fears and courage, and disappointments and hope. Candida prayed for healing, and God answered her prayer, just not in the way she expected. He didn’t take away the scars, but He gave her so much more. And this is why she wrote this book. The book explains to the world what God has done, and is still doing in her life.

The entire book is awesome, but one chapter stood out to me more. In the chapter about 'Stares and Smiles' Candida talks about people staring at her, feeling sorry for her, and I love her reaction. She says “I respond by saying something like this, “Actually I’m thankful to be alive! I could have died, but yet I’m alive to love and be loved. These scars remind me daily that I am a survivor.” Candida Sullivan can say this because she doesn’t look at herself as being disabled and not worthy of anything. She realizes her life is a gift from God, and she writes this book to show the world that her scars are not any punishment for her, but to exemplify God’s love and mercy for her life. As you follow Candida’s journey though this book, you will experience the many feelings and emotions she goes through. She will have you crying and then laughing, feeling her disappointments and also her hopes and healing through Jesus Christ. You will be amazed at what God is doing in this young lady’s life. And if you struggle with health issues, or any other issues, you will find hope in this wonderful book.

I can’t say enough to recommend this book for you. You will fall in love with this sweet young lady as you read about her life, and how she trusts the Lord and follows Him. This is a book extremely worth reading.

Reviewed By Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite

Launch Out Into The Deep is a spiritually touching book of devotions written by Author, Acacia Slaton Beumer. Beumer writes from her own life experience and has included inspirational essays, divine poems and quotes from the holy scripture in this book that truly touches the soul. Beumer's brother, Aaron Slaton, has delicately written the uplifting poems in this book with character and class. The cover of the book grabs the reader's attention. The girl with the ripped shirt looks as if she is tormented, but the hand of God reaching down is a powerful image. This makes the reader want to pick up the book to see what it is about. Each essay is short and to the point, and each relaying a lesson in life that we can all relate to. The plot is well thought out, each chapter flows nicely to the next and the wording is very easy to comprehend. The issues written about are common ones that affect the world today and she offer's her spiritual guidance to those who need it and will embrace it. Beumer explains that life is a constant battle of temptations whether it is money, drugs, crime, sex or even peer pressure. Those temptations feed on themselves and can drag the victim down to destruction. But Beumer is also there to remind us how great the power of God is and how having Faith can turn our lives around.

I loved how Acacia Slaton Beumer added so many elements into one book. Her words of wisdom, poems and quotes all blended together nicely to create a true masterpiece that is different from anything I have ever read before. We all choose our path in life and we need to be careful that we make the right choices and Beumer reiterates this message through and through. This book would be perfect for teens who think they know everything and what is right for them. They will be able to relate to the issues presented and will come away with a powerful lesson in faith and spiritual guidance. I felt very connected and inspired by reading this wonderful book that made me question my own relationship with God. Let's face it, the Bible is very hard to read, let alone to understand each message that God intends for us, but I found this book to have some of those answers written in simple terms that I could easily comprehend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance, anyone who is searching for spiritual inspiration, or anyone who just loves beautifully written poetry. It has something for everyone, no matter what age you are, you will be certain to bring away the message of hope, forgiveness and peace in your life.

Reviewed By Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Like many of us, Carl Marshall had questions. He turned to the Bible for answers. Marshall is a self taught Biblical Scholar. Most Biblical Scholars attend school for many years and have several degrees, Marshall's authority comes from the Holy Spirit.

Many Christians believe their duty is fulfilled by showing up at church on Sunday mornings. Those same people wait for someone to guide them, to interpret scriptures for them and in general to tell them how to live. Like Marshall they could make their own discoveries by delving into scripture.

I was raised in a Christian home. However, a time came when I began to question the rituals of the denomination and interpretation of my pastor. I also began to study and discovered that most of the rituals were man made. I discovered that I was in love with the denomination, the church building (stained glass windows) and the people. I loved the Lord but perhaps I was beginning to love other things more. I had to ask myself if I had lost my first love. Much like Marshall so began my journey

Light of Innocence is Marshall's story. This book is well organized and well written. I found this text to be inspiring. He covers many topics including baptism, Christian living, the virgin birth and church rituals. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed By Maureen Timerman for Readers' Favorite

Hortense Duarma Grimes is a unique woman. She was brought up on Proverbs 13:24: "Spare the rod, spoil the child." She came from a close-knit family. At an early age they were taught the gift of giving. Her father was a geodetic engineer and land surveyor. They lived in Liberia and shared a precious closeness. When her father returned home from work, she took delight in meeting him at the front door with hugs and kisses. Immediately one of the children would bring their father his slippers. They even removed his shoes and socks for him. They would do the same for their mother, even taking her handbag into the bedroom.

Hortense's childhood had much to do with her life's work. In her book She Shall Stand, Hortense shares her Christian witness. She devoted her life to serving the Lord by serving others. After a divine spiritual encounter with Christ, she formed the Do It For Christ Ministry; The International Outreach for Spiritual Motivation and Rehabilitation. She combined her passion for prayer and compassion for people. She describes herself as an ordinary person. Hortense is an encourager, a gifted Christian woman, with great zeal for serving him.

She Shall Stand is an inspiring message to all readers: NEVER GIVE UP! The book is well organized and written. I found this book inspiring. It was wonderful to watch as God molded this woman into a prayer warrior and a Christian servant. This is a truly remarkable book about a truly remarkable woman.

She tells of her life at her boarding school, Rick's Institute in Virginia, Liberia, which she attended from eighth grade until her high school graduation. She is an excellent student graduating second in her class. During the last year in Rick's, she develops a mysterious illness which makes her retention of learning very difficult. She originally had the desire to become a Thoracic Surgeon, but the mysterious illness puts a damper on her learning.

When she does come to the States, the people she is staying with want her to take a job. The one they picked for her was an attendant at an all night gas station doing the late shift. I loved the thoughts she shared about being killed after just finally arriving here and was glad when she decided not to take the job!

She shares how she is always talking to God, and she also tells what happens when she didn't listen. This is what I came away with from this book: Pray with all your heart! There is always another chance. So says God, and He has the last say.

Reviewed By Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

Stephen White is a man of great wisdom. I was blessed to meet him at the Almost Famous Authors Bookfair about a year ago. He allowed me the honor of reviewing his first book, Bluegrass Bishop. We are of different denominations yet respect each others beliefs for we believe in the same God and Savior.

When we lose someone we love it is very painful. The pain is lessened when we understand that death is merely a door to another phase of life. When I mourn it is because of my pain and loss. It is not for the one that has passed. When I have the assurance that, my loved one is in a happier, better place I cannot wish them to return to this life of hardships and sufferings.

In So Long For Now, White helps everyone, regardless of faith or beliefs to understand the reality of life after death. He shares his own experiences, scriptures and wisdom with readers. There is great depth to this book. White has studied the prophets and scriptures. This book will bring reassurance of a happy ever-after ending.

Reviewed By Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

"God Made Me Pick Up Underwear" is the inspirational story of Orlando U. Javien, Jr. I have read many books written by men concerning their faith. When I read this one I knew it was written from the heart. It takes a courageous man to admit his faults. Mr. Javien is a courageous man. It is easy to admit your faults and failings to your friends, but much harder to share them with the public. He relates to us his struggles with addictions. Everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the chapters in this book. The writing style is simple and conversational. I felt as if Javien and I were sharing a cup of coffee, as he shared his story with me.

This book will benefit everyone. It would be ideal for a small group Bible study or simply for a couple to read together to strengthen their marriage and home life. I found the book to be quite inspiring and it made me look closer at my own faith and Christian life.

Reviewed By Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

Karen Bachert offers readers her experience and wisdom about retiring. My husband is looking into retirement. In three years he will be 59 and he decided that 59 would be his retirement goal. We have looked carefully at our finances but had not looked at other aspects of retirement. He plans to leave the world of management and enjoy farming. I look forward to spending more time with him. However, I am a vocational pastor; I have a full time job besides being an active pastor. I’m concerned that he might feel neglected. This is just one issue people must consider when looking into retirement.

I appreciate Bachert’s shared thoughts with readers. Her book is well organized and very informative. She discusses, in detail, preparing for retirement, the first year of retirement, and finding your new identity. Her book encourages enthusiasm and embracing your new role in life. Retirement is not an ending, but a new beginning.

Reviewed By Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

"Missing Andy" is an unusual love story. Author, Lori A. Moore, and her ex-husband, Andy, were best friends. They had a better relationship after their marriage ended than during their marriage. They went places together and always knew they could depend upon each other. Andy died unexpectedly, leaving Lori grief stricken. "Missing Andy" is her journey through grief.

This book is actually about three amazing people: Lori, Andy, and her husband, Michael. Not every man would be receptive to the lasting friendship between his wife and her ex-husband. Not all divorces end with friendship between ex-spouses. Lori demonstrates Christian love throughout her book.

In a nut shell, this is a book about Christian love. I found the message heartwarming. Dealing with grief is another lesson within these pages. Andy was a very blessed man to have had a friend like Lori and vice-versa.

Reviewed By Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Stephen E. White writes from the heart in his book Bluegrass Bishop. I enjoyed his words of wisdom. White and I are of different denominations yet we can agree on much. He relieves much on history and experiences in illustrating his messages. This book is inspiring. White adds just the right amount of humor to keep this message from being heavy. This is a powerful book and will bless many.

I had the privilege of meeting Bishop White at a writer’s convention. He is very personable. His writing is as genuine as he is. I enjoyed the way he used personal experiences to introduce or strengthen his point. It is obvious he is a strong family man, I appreciate that. All in all this is an excellent read that will change the lives of many.