Smack Dab in the middle review

I received "Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love" by Brennan Manning (e-book) for free from http://www.booksneeze.com/.  Smack Dab is a children's book of about 2nd grade reading level and interest level.  However, it is such a sweet story it could easily be read by an adult as a short story with pictures.  Smack Dab is the story of a middle age couple with no children who sort of adopt the neighborhood children.  The children come every evening for sopapillas.  While they are there Willie Juan asks them life's questions.  At this particular visit he asks them, "what do you think Abba will ask you when you get to heaven?"  The story is the children's answers and their discussion.
This is a really sweet, feel-good story.  I read it to my 6 year old daughter, but since she doesn't really like the kindle she didn't pay attention. (she very much prefers real books.)   The pictures are good, there is some multi-culture qualities, and cross generational issues.  Good book, should have gotten the real book though instead of the e-book.

Stumbling into grace

I received "Stumbling into Grace" by Lisa Harper for free from http://www.booksneeze.com/.  This is a non-fiction book written sort of like a diary, but I guess I would call it a collection of sermons.  Not real sure how to categorize it.  I read it strait through, but it would make more sense to read it as a small group study or a devotional.  It is sectioned into 15 chapters with each chapter ending in prayer, discussion questions, and journal entry suggestions.  The chapters each have a topic of the day and the authors thoughts on the topic along with bible stories in which her topic is pertaining to.
I really like this book.  I should have read it in a devotional method.  It is funny, thoughtful, and she seems to be able to get into the reader's head.  Aimed at women of course.  A man would get use out of it, but would probably avoid it because of gender content.  Its a short book and I recommend it for study groups or devotionals.

canary list review

I received "The Canary List" by Sigmund Brouwer for free from bloggingforbooks.org.  The two main characters from this book are Crocket, a teacher whose daughter died at 12 years old, and Jaimie, a twelve year old student in his class who happens to be able to detect evil when she meets people.  Crocket and Jaimie get into trouble and our story begins when her foster home burns down and she is discovered at his house hiding. 
Let me start with this is a complicated story.  There are twists and turns everywhere.  Jaimie is being hunted because of her ability to see evil, she is being hidden because of her ability, and then you've got "The Prince" which is all tied to the vatican and the CIA.  You also have Crocket's daughter and his weird situation with his ex-wife and her attorney/Crocket's friend.  There is also the missing neighbor.  Like I said conspiracy out the ying-yang.  This is not a story that you can skim through.  You have to read each paragraph and re-read some on it to.  You are never totally sure what's going on, but you can't wait to find out.