Welcome to the "Spring Cleaning" book giveaway! Somehow I have managed to get extra copies of some books and while I declutter my shelves, you will get a chance to add them to your collections!
Simple rules this time:
1) If you want to win the book being highlighted under the "Spring Cleaning" listing, just post a comment and answer my spring cleaning type question.
Today's question: Do you plant any flowers in the spring? How about any vegetables? I put out lots of annual flowers, but no veggies. About when it's time to harvest veggies, the mosquitoes are so bad here and the humidity is up and I can't seem to make myself work in the garden. I love my flowers though!
2) I'll post all the winners on April 6, no matter what day the book drawing is posted. I'll try to email you if you win.
Today's books are the Rock Star Chronicles by Creston Mapes!
Dark Star, book 1 Description:
Can Fame, Wealth and Power Buy Happiness?
Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road when he is charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from the letters written by a prayerful young lady in Kansas. Consistent and persistent, the notes offer Everett a fulfillment he's never grasped before. But what if he's found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that's raging for his soul?
My Review:
A chilling look at what can happen when someone with fame and unlimited wealth goes searching for something to fill their empty heart. Satan is ready and willing to step in. This book is the story of Everett Lester's crash from fame to despair to conversion. In the spiritual realm, Satan has a hold on Everett and has plans for him and doesn't want to let him become a believer. In the physical realm, Everett has tremendous obstacles to overcome: drug and alcohol addiction, unhealthy relationship with a psychic, the fallout from drug-induced violent episodes, and more. The story is all about redemption and how God meets us where we are and loves us and forgives our sins. Jesus died for the likes of Lester too. It is a powerful reminder of that love that brings more to fulfill lives than all the money and fame in the world.
Creston Mapes is one of my favorite authors. The story is gritty and real. And it shows that while Satan is alive and plotting, God is more powerful and nothing can separate us from his love. I love how Mapes boldly tackles this story and conveys the frightening truth of evil but leaves no doubt as to the hope we have in Jesus.
Full Tilt, book 2 Description:
In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ's love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett's attempts with disdain and hatred, when the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie's son, Wesley--who blames Everett for his brother's death--hooks up with psychic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down ant secure his demise!
My Review:
Becoming a Christian didn't automatically make Lester's life easy! His brother's family is extremely messed up and he feels responsible because of the messages he had conveyed in his "previous life" as a rock star. Everett seems to be desperately trying to pull his brother's family together, but everything keeps going wrong. Spiritual forces are at work against him and his wife Karen as they try to reach out to Eddie's family and launch a new music tour in which he will proclaim God's work in his life. Satan uses threats through some dangerous men, emotional turmoil, and doubts to try to thwart Everett's plans.
This novel takes an edgier look at life addicted to Meth and how it plays with Wesley's mind and emotions. Again Mapes does an excellent job of communicating the realness of spiritual battles while reminding the readers of God's conquering love. It is another powerful book by a wonderful author who has a great way of communicating truth. As I said in my review of Dark Star, the first book in this series, I love how Mapes boldly tackles this story and conveys the frightening truth of evil but leaves no doubt as to the hope we have in Jesus.
