Benjamin Mester

I have read another book from this author and really enjoyed his writing. He has a way of writing that almost sings to your soul. He gives each word purpose and I was excited to read this one. Right away I was drawn to this statement from him , " Beautiful things pass by, and then they're gone forever. " It's like a brilliant butterfly that you see and lavish in its beauty. Before you know it, it has disappeared. Do we hold on to that memory or allow it to fade?

I know so well how it feels to say , " I want my life to matter." I want to be remembered as a loving and caring person who would give their last penny to someone in need. I have experienced in the last two months an over whelming loss of my brother. He became very ill and I promised him I would not put him in a hospital. I became his full time caregiver and wanted him to know how much he was loved. He told me he had always felt he didn't matter and never felt love. Oh how I cried that day as he told me those words. I saw beauty in him that he couldn't see and I wanted to be with him till his last breath. I don't regret one moment of my time with him and God reminded me how precious life is.

For me this book was timely and I needed to know that God does have a plan for my life. We do take things for granted until something smacks us in the face. A new baby is born and we see the beauty in that precious miracle. It gives us hope that life is important and God is always there to show us the beauty that is everywhere. I loved how the author talks about the first time he experienced true beauty. I know exactly what he is talking about every time I see my husband. He is a compassionate man who loves me unconditionally. I look in his eyes and see the beauty that God has given me. He is the only person I have ever felt unconditional love from and he sees in me the beauty I don't. What a wonderful gift I have been given.

The author illustrates his points with scriptures and beautiful poems. I am captured by the way he explains things with words that flow with hope and love. I never thought about the scriptures about strength, but my eyes were open to what they meant. God wants us to be strong and not give into the "captivity of the flesh like laziness, and comfort." We settle for less when there is so much more for us. The author does an amazing job of stating truths and backing them up with scripture. It is like a wake up call for everyone. Don't settle for what the world thinks is the best you can do; instead focus on achieving the beauty that God has for you. We need to desire Him more and worldly things less.

The second part of the book was just what I was waiting for. The author's poetry allows us to see into his heart and feel his emotions. He writes with such strength and it shows in every word he uses. I loved the poem, " The Famine of the Human Heart." I read it three times so I could soak up the words and understand the meaning with a pure heart. I won't forget that poem and will be rereading it many times over. I appreciate the author and how he can write words that help the hurting and give hope to those who struggle. I also enjoyed the poems he included at the end by other people.

I love the author's writings and always come away with new hope and words that stay with me as the days ahead come along. . I hope you read this book slowly and really grasp the heart of this author. I am blessed to have read his book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (lisätietoja)

This is a new author to me and I'm glad that I was given the chance to read this book. It is not like the usual genre I read, but I love that it expanded a new genre to me. The writing is awesome and when the poetry is placed in the story, I savored every moment. The author has created a world like no other. As I traveled with Durin and his friends, my curiosity piqued. Where was the story going to take me? What mysteries would be discovered?

I loved the title of the book and I thought this described it perfectly, " If something had returned from there, it should not have happened in secret," It was powerful to read that the land was watched over and nothing would ever return. So I began to wonder, what was so evil that was causing so much concern? This is when I really started to allow the author to take me to where the story was. I walked beside Durian and others and was on guard at every noise I heard. The writing is good and was easy to feel myself transported to the lands. The group encounters dangerous creatures along the way that would make me scream and run the other way.

I loved the determination of the characters and they seemed to draw strength from each other. It made me think how we should hold each other up when we struggle.This beautiful castle is ruled by a great and powerful man. Guards surround him and he is hesitant to believe that danger lurks nearby. Will he listen to Pallin who has great power? The quest is on to find where King Euthor buried his wife. The story kept me glued to my chair as I read how Pallin and others were faced with enemies. Their purpose was to regain their powers. Would they achieve that before war breaks out? Malfur is a fierce enemy and will do anything to win. I liked him because I thought he was a perfect example of how power can cause you to turn against family and friends. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. This is a fantasy type book, but within the story lies many messages of hope, courage and strength.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (lisätietoja)