A Review: To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

05/13/2013

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This is the second book I've read by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller, and I enjoyed this one more than the first one. The plot was much more believable, with a few more twists at the end.

The characters in the story are very likable. Callie is a kind, down-to-earth person facing the dilemma of what to do next with her life-a phase many can relate to. Wes is a man also trying to decide what to do with his life, after his first choice seems to have not worked out. With faith they both find the answers that will best serve them and others. Great job!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany publishers for my honest review.
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A Review: Judge by R. J Larson

03/09/2013

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"Judge" is the sequel to R. J. Larson's "Prophet," a Biblically-based story that captivates the reader in Ela Roeh's adventures as the Infinite's servant. Ela's friend, Kien Lantec, is also called to be the Infinite's servant. 

Although the first book was interesting, Ms. Larson has definitely improved her writing style in "Judge." There is much more build-up, more character development, and less verbal spats between the Infinite's servant and those who are being called to repentance. Kien becomes much more of a main figure, and between jumping between his woes and Ela's challenges, it kept me as a reader wanting to continue chapter after chapter.

One aspect, however, that I did not like in the book was some of the interchanges between the Infinite and his servants. I felt that the Infinite delivered a too-harsh sentence against Kien at one point, whom I felt was trying to do the Infinite's will, although imperfectly. At other parts in the book, Ela is told to stop praying for certain people, and is even chastised for praying for her family's welfare at one point because the Infinite tells her He will take care of them and to trust Him. While we do need to trust in God and accept His will, I do not feel that God ever wants us to stop praying for others no matter the circumstances. However, that is my own personal view, and others may have no objections to the interchanges.

Overall I recommend this book. I appreciate Bethany Books for a free copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
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A Review: A Home in Drayton Valley

03/08/2013

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I received a copy from Bethany Publishers for review and I enjoyed "A Home in Drayton Valley." Like others have said, nothing earth-shattering, but enjoyable and thought-provoking. 

Tarsie is a very strong character from the start. It was a little hard for me to reconcile the placid character on the cover to the feisty woman described inside the book. It was also hard to believe how she suddenly became submissive after marriage, but it worked. 

Many things have been said against Joss in the reviews--I liked him. Although he was definitely flawed, he was not abusive, nor did he take advantage of certain situations when it would ultimately hurt other people. If anything, it was harder to believe that he could overcome life-long prejudice in just a couple of months, although, for the story's sake, I'm glad he did. 

The overarching theme of this story I would say is overcoming prejudice: Tarsie overcoming her prejudice against Joss for not being the kind of husband and father she thinks he should be, not understanding his background; Joss's prejudice against religion and "colored" people, and Tarsie for not being like his first wife. I think this story makes the reader think about what it would be like to experience certain situations--having an abusive or neglectful parent, being discriminated against, being crippled, or just being put down for being the person you are--and tries to help the reader think how we should perhaps respond to people that we don't at first understand. I would say it's definitely appropriate for young teen readers and insightful for starting conversations about trying to put ourselves in others' shoes, especially when Joss starts to consider his overseer's position. 

The eventual difficulties and twists at the end keep the reader in suspense as to how everything will work out. Good job, Ms. Sawyer. 
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A Review: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

02/20/2013

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Honestly, this book took me a while to get into. The plot begins as two lovers, Melinda and Evan, are forced to say their good-byes when Melinda's employers leave their vacation for home unexpectedly. Melinda is hoping for a proposal, and is disappointed and confused when it is not forthcoming. So was I. It felt that the authors were trying to create a problem when none existed, and was a little unbelievable.

However, the story picks up as Melinda eventually quits her job and, with her brother, goes back seeking a future with Evan. Her brother adds an interesting element to the story as the reader tries to decide when he is telling the truth and when he is not. An assassination plan also thickens the plot as it comes to an end. 

Melinda is an admirable character as she seeks to find her way through work and love. Evan is the kind of hardworking provider a man should be. The book is very clean and suitable for young teens. 

I didn't realize until reading the author's note at the end that this is the second book in a three book series. It is an excellent stand-alone book, and the other books could be purchased if the reader enjoys this one.

I appreciate Bethany books for allowing me to provide my honest opinion in exchange for the book.
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A Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

02/20/2013

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This book is definitely the kind you will read as fast as possible. As fateful possibilities loom over many of the characters, you are never quite sure who is going to make it, keeping you in suspense. Add a romantic twist and the main character, Bailey, also working to get through a shady past to a brighter future with her faith, this book is highly recommended. 

The book begins with a plane crash near Yancey, Alaska. As one victim's niece (Bailey) returns to Yancey to tie up loose ends her aunt's passing brought on, she discovers there is much more to do than simply close her aunt's shop. When a former friend, Cole, and his family join her in her search for answers, mystery leads to suspense as they come closer to a fateful conclusion.

The author's writing style is easy to follow, and yet she brings you along on a tour of Alaskan and Russian history mixed in the story. The hope and faith that she adds to the struggles Bailey has, many can relate to.

All in all a five star book! I am anxiously awaiting the second book to come out soon.

I appreciate Bethany books for allowing me to provide my honest opinion in exchange for the book. 
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A Review: An Invitation to the Supernatural Life

02/19/2013

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An Invitation to the Supernatural Life by Michelle Perry is a one-of-a-kind book. She shares her visions and miraculous experiences that she's had since she was a child. Initially, from the description, I did expect more of the book to be about experiences she's had in Africa (from her bio, perhaps?), but they did come later in the book. 

Her book takes you right into her life as she invites you ("dear reader") to come in and experience her memories with her. Her vivid stories, from the poignant to the humorous, help the reader recognize and remember God moving in his or her own life. 

One of my favorite experiences from her book is one where she did NOT feel or experience the supernatural but continued living the faith anyways. I think many people can relate to that.

If you are searching for something inspirational or new ideas of how to connect with God in your life, this book is for you.

I appreciate Chosen publishers for allowing me to give an honest opinion of this book. 
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A Review: Confronting Jezebel by Steve Sampson

01/15/2013

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Confronting Jezebel: Discerning and Defeating the Spirit of Control by Steve Sampson was an interesting book. I must admit it wasn't exactly what I expected--I was looking for a book that recognized how most people struggle with trying to control others, and this book was more about people who have "Jezebel spirit," or an extremely controlling person. It also deals with "Ahab personalities," people who support Jezebels. It turned out interesting, but not really applicable to my life.

Steve gives multiple scenarios in which a person with a leadership position is undermined by someone under them seeking control, either in a work place or congregation. He gives warning signs to leaders to watch out for people with a Jezebel spirit. As a stay-at-home mother, I did not feel this was helpful to me. He also only tells stories from the leaders' points of view. It would be interesting to get two sides of the story.

However, around chapter 7 it did go into some exploration of what motivates controllers and how they may act in family situations. This was a little more useful to me and helped me think of ways that I could be less prideful and controlling in my own life. 

In short, this book is best suited to pastors or other leaders who struggle with prideful members or perhaps being to passive (an Ahab spirit), or those who are simply curious about the struggles some pastors have in their congregations. 

I received a free copy of this book to review by Chosen books. The opinions expressed are my own.
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"Prophet" by R. J. Larson

06/22/2012

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One of my goals for the year is to read 25 books, and I'm well on my way! Here's another recent read: "Prophet" by R. J. Larson.

Although I ended up enjoying R. J. Larson's Prophet, it took me a while to get into it. Many events, particularly in the beginning, just happened too quickly without any build-up, and seemed to unfold a little too simply. However, it did get interesting, and I enjoyed the ending.

One aspect I liked about this book was that it made me think of how the Lord speaks to me in my life, and how easily I listen to Him. Ela, when speaking with the Infinite, either gets a clear, plain verbal answer right away, or the Infinite stays silent for the time being. While I don't think it's that clear all the time, I think that perhaps I make my communication with the Lord more complex than it needs to be. Since reading the book I have been more reflective of what the Lord expects of me in my life.

Overall, I would recommend the book to young readers who appreciate adventure while trying to understand their relationship with God. A more mature reader may not appreciate this book as much, but I would like to read the second book in this series and I hope the author continues to refine her writing style with practice and time. I appreciate Bethany Publishers for providing a free copy for review, which did not affect my opinion expressed here. 
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A Book Review: The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

05/29/2012

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I love to expand my knowledge by reading, and recently read an excellent book that I would like to share--The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

This was my first book to read by Siri Mitchell, and I was very impressed by her writing style, knowledge, and ability to weave a fascinating tale between truth and fiction. She created an engaging story between two unusual characters--a young Quaker woman and a former British soldier, missing a hand from battle wounds--spying for the Colonial Army. It was difficult to put down, and another person I lent the book to had it read in two days as well.

Although I've read several historical fiction books about the American Revolution and consider myself fairly-well versed in the events of the war, this book included events that were new to me about the Walnut Street Jail, while including events that I had previously read about, such as the Meschianza orchestrated by John Andre for General Howe. It was all the more engaging to read about events new to me as well as those that were familiar.

Another intriguing aspect of the book was the question of loyalty the main character, Hannah, faces between what she feels God is calling her to do and what her church and family expects of her. I think most can relate to feeling divided between what we feel we should do and the expectations of other people, and it added a thought-provoking dynamic as well.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. This book was provided to me for review by Bethany Publishers, and I'm very glad to have discovered an excellent read that I would not have likely otherwise found. Opinions expressed are my own.
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House-wife Home-School

03/02/2012

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Before I begin, I want to tell you what this post is and is not. This post is NOT about home-schooling children. It's about home-schooling ourselves.

While I was still in college, I made the conscious decision that my learning was not going to end when I got my degree. I still felt there were so many things out there that I needed to learn--some things that the University had classes for (but I just didn't have the schedule to take them), and others that it didn't. So I decided even after I had graduated, I was going to set up "classes" for myself, make a little syllabus with deadlines, and continue my education.

Fast forward four years--although I've continued learning and set goals to educate myself in different areas, I've never quite done the "classes" I've wanted to do since graduating with my bachelor's degree. A few months ago, a good friend of mine wrote about the many skills she's learned since marriage and called it "house-wife home-school." It reminded me of my plans and I decided this year I was going to be more intentional about teaching myself new things. 

Please don't get me wrong--I don't think everyone needs to do this, and I for sure have learned a lot just trying to glean things from blogs and books. But I know I DO get more out of things the more intentional I am, and it's been working great for me the last couple of months.

My first "class" this year is going from January to April, and it's about parenting. I'm trying to learn how to be a more patient and practical mom, be better at teaching my children self-control and self-discipline, and trying to instill important values into them. The following is my course "syllabus" or assignments that I'm going to complete before April 30:

   --Read six books on parenting

   --Implement at least 3 ideas from each book

   --Find at least five scriptures on parenting and incorporate the principles into my life. 

   --For at least two weeks without missing a day, pray every night and morning about specific parenting dilemmas I'm having and write down my thoughts and impressions about what I should do. Then act on them.

So far the books I've read in this "class" are RAISING A SELF-DISCIPLINED CHILD and LOVE AND LOGIC MAGIC FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD. I've loved them both. I've started reading PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LOGIC and TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN VALUES, and I plan on reading THE ENTITLEMENT TRAP and EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE as well. I've started implementing ideas from LOVE AND LOGIC MAGIC FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD that have been really helpful for me, especially with my daughter (she has a will to do things her way!), and I'm a few days into my two weeks of prayer on parenting. I know I would have learned a lot anyways from these books, but making these practices a more conscious effort have helped me learn even more.


I'm excited to keep you updated on my progress in my "house-wife home-school!"
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    Making the Most of the Small Things

    There was a 
    young woman 
    who lived in a shoe,
    She had three 
    small children 
    and PLENTY to do!
    She started a blog with ideas in her head,
    And works on it quietly while they are in bed.

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