"A Worthy Pursuit" Book Review

I'm normally not the biggest fan of romance novels but "A Worthy Pursuit" by Karen Witemeyer was lovely. In fact, I'd say the worst part about it is the cover. It doesn't match the main lady character at all. Not that it matters.

Author Karen Witemeyer spins an endearing tale of a teacher accused of kidnapping three students and the bounty hunter hired to retrieve one of them. As luck would have it, the teacher is in fact the legal guardian and the bounty hunter now has a dilemma on his hand. Cue romantic music. Of course he has to prove his worth by getting hurt defending her and the kids a couple of times and she has to nurse him back to health. I won't say too much because I don't want to ruin the plot for you.

What pleasantly surprised me was that there were a few plot twists I didn't see coming. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration. There were a few plot points I didn't see coming. That's more truthful. But, the writing was easy to read - meaning I didn't find myself skimming page after page of descriptors or inner contemplations. The characters were endearing and the dialog flowed. One thing that this book lacked (and I mean this as a compliment) was the usual mind numbing emotional roadblocks most romance novels use to bulk up their page count. Sure, the main characters have a hard time telling their true feelings in "A Worthy Pursuit" but it doesn't take up much air time.

All in all, well done Ms. Witemeyer on an enjoyable novel. You've earned my recommendation which, in this genre, is far from frequent.

BTW, I got a free copy from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

"The Hiding Place" Young Reader's Edition - Book Review

The photo is not of the Young Reader's Edition but of the 35th Anniversary Edition. However, they are extremely similar.

Corrie Ten Boom's story is the thing of legend. Who hasn't been inspired by her life? I had read the adult version of "The Hiding Place" before so I was familiar with the story before reading this version - the Young Reader's Edition. I remember telling her story to a group of children at our church's Vacation Bible School one summer. Over the course of 5 days, I presented them with the hardships and lessons Miss Ten Boom shares. One the last day, when I was telling them of her encounter with a cruel soldier years later in life - when he asked for her forgiveness, they sat in rapt attention. Of course, it probably concerned them that I couldn't even get the words out I was fighting tears so hard myself. If by the grace of God, Corrie can forgive her torturer, what can I not forgive? Powerful.

At the beginning of this young reader's edition, I had a hard time following the characters, setting and plot. It just seemed like too many descriptors and names were given all at once and it was difficult to create a picture in my mind of her house. However, at it went along, I found myself swept away by the dramatic unfolding of her life. I marveled at God's goodness in the darkest place and was inspired by her sister Betsie's agape love. Every couple of pages there is an illustration that perfectly complimented the storyline - not too graphic but enough to give a spark to the imagination.

In my opinion, this is a life story that should be mandatory reading for every young person. It's just so rich with life lessons and makes you stop and think, "What am I willing to do to stand up to evil?" Especially as we see the world quickly imploding and humanity reaching new levels of degradation, Corrie Ten Boom's story serves as a reminder of all that is important and how the One True God will see us through.

BTW, I was given a copy of this book by Chosen: a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus" Book Review

Do you know why "Braveheart" and "We Were Soldiers" were such huge hits? Because they finally portrayed men as they ought to be. The world is inundated with tales of deadbeat dads, unfaithful husbands, and men who just won't grow up. But in these sagas, the leading heroes knew what real love looked like, and were willing to die for what was right and for their woman and children. While realistically flawed, they longed to bring about change. This is also why I loved "Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus". The author, Cliff Graham takes the person of Caleb from the Bible and and made a fictitious story based on what we know of him. It's the tale of a battle hardened man living in Egypt before and during the plagues. Mr Graham did an astounding job of seamlessly weaving 'present' events in Caleb's older life with the retelling of his younger escapades. I don't usually like reading stories in first person but it really worked.

I have to say, it's definitely a man's book. I mean that as a compliment. At one point in the story, Caleb finds out no one in his army helped one of the old widows, who is cooking for them, put up her tent. He brutally punishes the lot of them while righteous anger flows through his veins. That is the kind of man I want my sons to emulate. He is a strong and brave character who comes to trust in the God of the Hebrews with his whole heart and is willing to go up against giants because that God is worth trusting in.

I'm not going to lie, I wouldn't put this book into the hands of a son under the age of 14. Maybe even then it's a bit young. There are a few reference to sexual violence which, while in keeping with the nature of the times, are very unpleasant. The battle scenes are well written which means they are gory and admittedly slightly far fetched. Mind you, when the God of the Universe is empowering you, I'm sure you can take an arrow to the neck or leg, give out a cry and keep on going.

Cliff Graham has also written books on David's mighty men and now that I've read this one, you can be sure I'll be looking to purchase those.

BTW, I got a free copy of this book from Bethany Publishing House in exchange for an honest opinion. I can happily report that I loved it

"Adventures in Saying Yes" Book Review

Okay you know how hard I can be on books. If I don't like it, I say it as it is.

"Adventures in Saying Yes" by Carl Medearis was AMAZING!!!

It's rare that a book can so perfectly combine inspiration, truth and humor. I found myself falling in love with the people of Lebanon while praising God while honest-to-goodness laughing out loud. Some of Mr. Medearis' stories had me wanting to clap for God's goodness and sometimes I was blown away by His beautiful weaving of people and events.

I can't say I'm an adventurous soul. I didn't learn to ride a bike or swim until after ALL of my friends and younger sister did. What can I say? I don't like pain. So I thoroughly enjoyed the encouragement to trust instead of fear, especially since, life rarely sees us having to deal with the worst outcome possible. It's more likely that we will get to the end of our days and question why in the world we played it so safe.

I could not put this book down. Unfortunately, bedtime came and I was only halfway through. Such an inconvenience! I may or may not have rushed my morning devotions the next day to quickly get back to it. And, I did so much out loud chuckling that my teen son quickly snatched it to read after I was done. (He too agreed that it was an incredible book.)

Oh, and I'm very pleased to admit that I've already implemented some changes because of this book. We've lived in our house for 10 years and not once have we had a neighbor over for supper. Not once! Talk about being sub-urbanized. So embarrassing. Well, I've invited some neighbors over for supper in a week and a half. They were delighted by the invitation and I'm delighted because they are lovely people. Remind me again why I've lived such a safe life.

I really don't know how to express this any other way but to say READ THIS BOOK!!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

BTW, I got a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

"Freedom Tools" Book Review

God is so good! He's shown me love and mercy so many times and yet I still find myself amazed. I wonder if I'll ever get to the point where I just take it as normal. (since...it...is!)

The day "Freedom Tools, Revised and Expanded Edition For Overcoming Life’s Tough Problems" by Andy Reese and Jennifer Barnett, arrived in the mail, was the very same day I was going out of town to meet with a few others and have a prayer/healing meeting for someone dear to me. The same day! I've read about inner healing ministry before so I was familiar with what they're about and what can be accomplished through them but come on, the same day? Too awesome. So, as I waited outside of McDonald's while my son was being interviewed, I started reading.

Okay, admittedly, since I only had a few hours before the meeting, I was reading the headlines and trying to cram in what I could in a very short amount of time. All golden. Then following that meeting, because, you know, there are a few paragraphs in between said headlines, I went back and read the entire book. And here is my thought:

You know how when you surf Pinterest you feel empowered and insecure all at once? Same feeling. YES - God can mightily use me to help bring healing. NO - this is a massive topic and I'm just, well, I'm me. Not so grand. But of course the missing ingredient is God. Without the Holy Spirit guiding, Jesus wooing and the Father smiling, why bother? But, WITH this Divine trinity, anything can happen.

Taking a risk for the Kingdom is always nerve wrecking but what a high comes from it. "Freedom Tools" is a very practical book that gives you the guidelines as to how to be a "first responder" to those who suffer from spiritual, emotional and mental pain. It gave a lot of sound advice and it's a book that I'll definitely keep for reference.

If you are open to being led by the Holy Spirit and believe that God talks to His children, and if you want to help others be free from whatever it is that holds them back, you should read this book.

BTW, I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Love Inspired" Series Book Review and Big Giveaway

Any romance lovers out there? Have I got a giveaway for you!

(Admittedly, I totally stole this photo off the internet. Don't know who it belongs to but kudos to you.)

The Love Inspired product line puts out 6 new books every month and the ones in the photo above will be for sale in May 2015 - just in time for Mother's Day. What I appreciate about this line is that it is smut free. It's big on gentle kisses, touches on the goodness of God, and heavy on the heart swoons.

They're light, they're fluffy, and they're small enough to fit in your purse - perfect waiting room material. Admittedly, if you're looking for a plot twists, existential-mind-blowing dialog or even a surprise, you might want to keep looking. These are your run of the mill paperback romance novels. The guy and gal dislike each other for some reason but all is overcome with a simple kiss that takes them to a level of passion they've never felt before.

I read "The Rancher Takes a Bride" by Brenda Minton and "The Single Dad finds a Wife" by Felicia Manson so I can only tell you what I think about those two. Let's start with "The Rancher Takes a Bride".

This is quite possibly one of the lamest romances novels ever written. Both of the main characters have things they want to hide (par for the romance novel course) but it felt like every single page was saying the same thing. You can skip a couple pages at a time and still know what's going on because there's zero plot. There's the dialog off of half the pages.

He says, "We need to talk."

She says, "I can't handle what's happening."

He says, "We'll figure it out together."

She says, "We can't be together." (because of aforementioned hidden secrets)

Somewhere in the exchange a gentle kiss is given and then they both go away frustrated.

Repeat ad nauseum.


"The Single Dad Finds a Wife" was better. While the plot wasn't exactly believable, not that we care about that sort of thing in a romance novel, at least there was a quasi-plot. Don't let the less than creative title scare you away. This book was sweet and held a few slight surprises. Alright, 'surprises' might be too big of a word. But for this genre, the author made "The Single Dad Finds a Wife" as intriguing as it comes.

Are you a fan of fluffy reading? Then have I got a giveaway for you. I am giving away all 6 books in the series to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment below and you're name will be entered into a draw.

If you don't win, copy and past this link to your address bar to order your own copy.
http://www.harlequin.com/store.html


Good Luck in the Giveaway! Draw will be held April 25th, 2015.


"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"Wrecked" Book Review

I was so excited to get this book. Recently God called me out of my comfortable suburban lifestyle and into the realm of downtown street ministry so I thought "Wrecked" by Jeff Goins would be the perfect book to encourage my new passion.

Wrong.

I hate writing negative book reviews because I know that when someone writes a book, an entire BOOK!, they've put their heart out there for all the world to see and potential crush but...

I couldn't even bare to finish 2/3 of it.

It makes sense when you think about it. Like Jeff Goins says, you can't read about having your life changed by breaking out of the usual. You have to do it in order to experience it. It's funny that he would write that for...us...to...read. Anyone else seeing the problem here? He then continues on to talk about his heart being changed through his interactions with homeless people. (a sentiment I can completely relate to) and then about the need for committing. (again, I agree)

Perhaps the problem is that I grew up too fast. I had my eye on being an adult asap. Got married barely out of high school and immediately had kids and a mortgage - because that was the responsible thing to do. So when someone says, commitment is a lost art, sounds like the same old, "They don't make 'em like they used to." story. But I didn't need to go across the world to be "wrecked". Nor did I need to go wondering around, following my restless heart. Quite frankly, nor do you. You want to know what to do with the stirrings of your heart?

ASK GOD!

He put that in you for a reason. And while, yes, He might be calling you to go to Zambia, or Siberia or, or, or... maybe He just wants you to quit thinking about yourself so much and start thinking about how amazing He is and how much love He wants to show the people around you through you. It was God who filled me with the desire to serve the outcasts and it was in a nice safe living room where that desire manifested.

Definitely, Mr. Goins has some extremely valid points, like previously stated. But it would have been nice to hear Him quote Jesus a bit because at the end of the day, if you're looking to serve God, maybe you should ask Him what He has in mind.

In conclusion, instead of spending 4-5 hours reading this book, spend some time in prayer and then follow where the Holy Spirit leads.

THAT'S IT!

That's what's missing from "Wrecked". There wasn't really any, that I can recall, talk of the Holy Spirit - you know, the One who is given to us to guide us. Oh, yeah, that one. The same one that comforts us and teaches us. Why write a book about trying to find your place in the world without talking about the One who will bring you there?

A better question is: why read it either?


I was given a free copy of this book by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are mine.