Bittersweet Surrender, By: Diann Hunt

I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest opinion. Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt is about Carly Westlake finally getting her life back after dealing with a bad divorce and a battle with breast cancer. Business at her chocolate spa is starting to pick up, and her childhood crush, Jake, (who is also her brother's best friend) is moving back into town and he is ready to move full speed ahead with the Internet relationship they've had going on. Her best friend, Scott, who has always been there for Carly and helped her through her hard times of divorce and cancer always goes above and beyond being there for Carly. Carly is nervous about Jake's return. She is uncomfortable about her weight and her body after the mastectomy she had. Scott helps her feel better about herself and encourages her to go running with him. Jake arrives into town and is the typical man-jerk and not at all how Carly remembered. She tries to make it work, but soon realizes her heart just isn't in it. Meanwhile, after Scott has seen Carly with Jake he begins to get jealous and soon realizes that he has romantic feelings for Carly. As far as stories go, this one is pretty predictable, but definitely a feel good "chick flick" story. The first few chapters were hard for me to get into, but as the characters developed I found myself liking the book way more than I anticipated. I would recommend to a friend.

Ascent from Darkness, By Michael Leehan

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. Ascent from Darkness chronicles the life of author Michael Leehan. Michael has been a full on Satanist for 20 years and as lived life in the dark side which included channeling evil spirits, self mutilation rituals, animal sacrifices, possession, infiltrating churches, leaving satanic bibles in places of worship, and even an assignment from Satan to assassinate a pastor. Things get so bad for Michael that he decides to take his own life and even writes several suicide letter to his family and kids, but God had other plans for him. Eventually, as the title indicates, Michael ascends from the darkness into the light, and accepts Jesus into his life. Accepting Jesus into his life was no easy task for him, but luckily God provided him with a fantastic Christian support group of friends who never gave up on him. I can't say enough good things about this book. I was completely drawn in and had a difficult time putting it down and it definitely sparked some great conversation topics about faith and how God works. I encourage everyone to read this book, you will not be disappointed. This book will have you in tears at the end...tears of joy!