The Grace Effect by Larry Taunton

“Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”

What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues? Not much, according to the secular Left. The world, they say, would be a better place without it.

Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired Ukranian orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace.

Larry Taunton gives a firsthand account of life in a world without Christianity. Using his experience with the adoption process of Sasha, Mr. Taunton helps us comprehend what we have been blessed not to endure. In a society that ignores God, where are the morals, the values, the joy?  How can a world without God be best for us?  Mr. Taunton sets out to show how just one life touched by grace can start a domino effect of changed lives.

I have been a foster parent and have had the opportunity to love on children who had been abused and neglected.  The conditions in the orphanage brought tremendous pain to my heart.  Anger swelled as I read of the children being more of a commodity than a human life.

Sasha's ability to blossom into a precious young lady, having experienced deplorable living conditions and a lack of love and human kindness can be summed up in one word, GRACE!!! 

Whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, this book will touch your heart.  The Grace Effect made me get on my knees and thank God for His lovingkindness.

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Love & Respect Experience by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Eggerichs has crafted a fifty-two week devotional that will appeal to both wives and husbands as they to listen to what God has to say to them. The Love & Respect Experience is an effective tool to help you and your spouse invigorate your experience with God and rejuvenate your marriage with love and respect.

I must preface my review with the fact that I am not married.  I am, however, involved with ministering to women and am constantly on the lookout for material to assist with the ministry.

I see this book more as ways to start a conversation with your spouse as opposed to a devotional.  The 52 weeks of material contain very basic subject matter for having non-threatening conversations with your spouse, while learning to understand and accept their point of view. The topics covered can allow for shallow to indepth communication between spouses and when unsure, there are discussion questions to assist.

This is a good starter book for engaged and newly wed couples to explore communicating either before marriage or in the early stages.

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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”