Counting Candles by Dustin Bradshaw-Blog Tour Review

Product Details

• Title: Counting Candles
• Author: Dustin W. Bradshaw
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (June 10, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1462114334
• FTC, FYI: Received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description: As accountant James Smith approaches his 40th birthday, he concludes that his life is tedious, ho-hum, dull, and, well . . . mediocre. He can’t image the vast ways that those around him are affected by his simple, caring acts. This tale of the extraordinary impact of ordinary lives is sure to touch your heart.


My Review: 

Anyone that reads my blog knows that I read A LOT of books! I read books that entertain me, books that enrich me and then there are books that are life-changing. Counting Candles is life changing. The message that readers will gain from reading this book, I can ensure you, will change the way that you view your own life. There is NO way that this book won't change your heart. 

I know I needed to read this book right now. I have been going through some of what the main character, James Smith, has. James is turning 40 and wondering if his life has been meaningful. Has anything he's done made a difference at all? I think all of us wonder this at some point, regardless of what we have done with our life's work. This novel looks into the people that James loves, knows, doesn't know well and with whom he associates with. James is a good man, very average, married and a good father. As he looks around him,it seems like everyone else has been more successful and productive than him in life. This novel has an "It's a Wonderful Life" flavor to it; not exactly the same storyline, but the same idea. I don't want to give too much of the story away, because this is a book that you must experience on your own. Here are the best reasons why I think everyone should read this book:

-It will change your mind and heart.
-It will give you an attitude adjustment.
-It will bring you to tears several times as you read.
-There are fabulous characters in this story. This is one of the best things in the story...great characterization!!
- You will see how the small things in life, a smile, a thank you, a small deed of service, can mean the world to someone else.

I know that there is some controversy about how many books are getting 5 star reviews these days. But honestly, with all my heart, this books deserves 6 stars!! This book needs to be nominated for a Whitney Award and that is exactly what I'll be doing. I highly recommend Counting Candles for everyone!! Thank you Dustin for writing a book that I will read again and again. I needed this mind and attitude adjustment and I'll forever be grateful for this gift.

Purchase this book at Amazon. 

Meet Author Dustin Bradshaw:

Being raised in a small farming community, Dustin Bradshaw thrives on adventure and challenge. Dustin lives by the theme, “If you want to accomplish something, do it!” It was with this attitude that Dustin penned his first book in third grade and, as a senior in high school, entered and won a literary scholarship that he was told no male had ever won. This same adventurous nature has helped Dustin achieve many of his life's goals, including forming that country boy into a accomplished leader. Dustin is now a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Department of State. He and his wife, Hiva, are now posted in Manila, Philippines. 

Goodreads  ||  Website

"Counting Candles” blog tour schedule:


June 9: Katie’s Clean Book Collection 
June 10: New LDS Fiction • The Author’s Hideaway
June 11: I Love to Read and Review Books
June 12:
June 13: Readalot
June 14:
June 15: I Am a Reader
June 16: Getting Your Read On
June 17: Why Not? Because I Said So • LDS Women’s Book Review
June 18: Closed the Cover
June 19: Mel’s Shelves
June 20: Books and Benches
June 21: Jinky is Reading
June 22: Citizen Judie