Book Reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable book about love, listening and seeking the Lord before you act 

with my favorite subjects added, art and business. 

I definitely recommend this book, it leaves you feeling good! 

This book was provided to me free from Bethany House for review.  

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

This was a good coming of age tale of learning the difference between being grateful and setting boundaries necessary to become mature. I found the exploration of honoring your parents while finding your way to adulthood very well and respectfully done.  There is much to learn about love and honor in this book so that we follow God’s path for us and not the path others think we should take.  I highly recommend the book, it is a lovely story of love.

This book was given to me at no charge by Bethany House for review.

Shadow of the Mountain Exodus by Cliff Graham

I love books that tell me about the times from an unexpected viewpoint, in this case the story is told by Caleb.  I found it fascinating to see what the plagues of Egypt may have looked like from the side of the Egyptians. Caleb tells the story of the Israelites to his nephew so that the history can be passed along to future generations. First from the viewpoint of a high ranking Egyptian soldier, close to Pharaoh then as one of the Israelites. The story is authored by a solider and from a soldiers viewpoint. 

Great Stuff!  

I read it in 2 sittings and will be looking for more by the same author.

A free copy of this book was provided to my by Bethany House for review.

The Smart Stepfamily Marriage

 Ron L. Deal & David H. Olson

There is a lot of good information here. If you are thinking about marriage you should read this before you enter into a blended family. 

It will help you to identify and address situations before you get in them.  It also helps you to identify what you really want and learn some very important truths about yourself.   

There are Couple Positioning Systems throughout the book to assist you plus bonus exercises. You have access to a free individual online profile. 

All in All this book is easy to read and understand and gives you practical advice that you can easily apply to your life.

A free copy of this book was provided to my by Bethany House for review.

I don't want to say a lot about this book because I don't want to ruin how wonderful it is for you.  It would spoil the surprise that you got each morning when you learned one more aspect of just how much God loves you.  I could hardly wait for the next days adventure in friendship and to be truthful sometimes I didn't, I would read ahead! 

 This is a month long journey of daily, easy to read and understand devotions of God's desire for you.  You don't want to miss out on this book and I would highly recommend more of Mr. Sheets books.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

What a lovely read this book was.

 It really brought up the point that the Lord has forgiven us our sins 

and we should never judge others. 

We can accept people just the way they are and if we allow them 

to they can put their past behind them. 

While the book is basically a typical romance where a couple is put together, 

starts to find love, is separated, t

hen overcomes all the obstacles to continue their lives together. 

 I Just Happen to Love that scenario.

It gives me hope and makes me happy.

Another great point to this book is it is clean, no graphic stuff that I have to wash my mind of and try to skip past.

I recommend this book and you will also learn some cool stuff about lighthouse keeping on the Great Lakes.  

I didn't even realize before this that lighthouses were needed on the Lakes.

I received this book free from Bethany House to review.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Usually I just enjoy clean romances for the feel good feelings however, this one actually reminded me of a few truths in life. One, is that I need to live in the moment and enjoy that moment because all too soon it will have passed. Two, I need to NOT assume how well I know someone.  It would be worth my time to spend time getting to know my family members better, really listen to them. Three, I need to honor my Mother and Father by listening to their advice.  They have already felt and experienced much of what I have not and they can save me from making a lot of mistakes, finding what my true strengths and dreams are.

While this book was a lovely read with situations that are applicable to things happening in today’s world. I felt that I learned more of the Father’s love for me and how if I depended on Him no matter what then I would not be facing anything alone.  Melville is quoted in the book and I found it to be an excellent quote. “For the scene of suffering is a scene of joy when the suffering is past; and the silent reminiscence of hardships departed is sweeter than the presence of delight.”

I was also delighted when I discovered that Janette Oke’s stories are the base for some of my all time favorite television movies and series on Hallmark channel!  I highly recommend all of Mrs Oke’s and her daughter’s books.  Let’s bring back worthwhile stories that honor the Lord and entertain.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Short-Straw Bride -- Book Review for Bethany House Publishers

 

Short-Straw Bride

I loved this book!  It grabbed me right at the beginning and kept me going and wanting to know more about their lives and relationships. I really want to know more about the rest of the family and hope there are more books coming about them.  The early years of the 19th century are one of my favorite times to read about. And if you enjoy that time period, you are really going to enjoy this book. 

It spoke to me on more than one level. The story was not only full of action and clean romance it made me think about my relationship with God. I'm so often wanting to do it my way, not God's way. I don't often ask myself, What would God not want me to do? And I find it so easy to erect walls and fences with big gates around myself that keep me and God inside of a box when He really wants me to step outside and let others in.  This was a wonderful reminder to take a chance, rethink the boundaries I've set for myself and God, and just love someone.

I hope you will pick up a copy of this book, Karen Witemeyer found a way to share two people's hearts and how their faith in the Lord led them thru several misunderstandings to the start of a loving relationship. It will give you hope for your own relationships.

I received this book from Bethany House as a free copy to review.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Jesus Story by Dr. William H. Marty

I have been trying to remove a lot of extraneous “worldly” entertainments from my life and focus on Jesus.  Some people call this a Jesus Fast. I can’t say that I have been 100% successful but, it has been a big help.  It is books like The Jesus Story that has helped me in my fast.  I have been craving books that will not only translate the Story of Jesus’ life into everyday language but I’m the kind of person who wants those details about what His everyday life could have been like.  I want to know how food was prepared, how the towns were laid out, what type of fabric they made their clothing out of and how they made it and on and on.  While this book does not go into that type of depth it gave me a glimpse of the story in chronological order.  As I read there were many times I wished for more of Dr. Marty’s insights but it did make me go and read more about it in the Bible.  All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an over view of Jesus.

This book was provided to me free from Bethany House to review. I was in no way paid for the review though I feel enriched by having read the book.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate 

When reading Firefly Island I felt  like the main character Mallory could have easily been me. A career driven woman with a family that loves her and a dream job that she is willing to leave all behind for a man she loves. I like the mystery behind the small town, Moses Lake, her laughable "honeymoon" destination that is her new home. She quickly finds out that small town like is no much different than the politics of Washington, D.C. where she came from. Mallory has to learn to TRUST, which is hard for her but in the end is part of the beautiful reward she receives.

I asked my friend Hannah to finish reading this book for me and write the review.  I was only a third of the way thru the book (and enjoying it very much) when circumstances intervened that did not allow me to finish it in a timely manner. What I was able to read I found delightful and appreciated Lisa Wingate's style in bringing Mallory to life.  No matter what your age and where you are in your life we all have doubts when starting a relationship and trust in God is what brings us thru.  I recommend the book and hope you will make it a point to read it. I received a free copy from Bethany House for review.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Book Review - The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish

 

At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but the more I read the more I was pulled into the struggles of these women.

It showed me that God does have a plan and nothing happens by accident. My choices can affect how a situation plays out, but God is still there. The book reminded me that I need to be more sensitive to that still small voice inside of me. That just an act of kindness can change someone's whole life. That calling on Jesus, no matter how I pronounce His name, He will be there for me.

I highly recommend this book, it is not only a good read, it will remind you how easily you can influence and make a difference in the lives of others.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House for review and I am not a paid reviewer