If You Were Me and Lived In...Norway By Carole P. Roman Self Published, 2013 English, 32 pages Description:
Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn
about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series,
children are able to read about the many things we share in this great,
big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many
things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to
learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as
favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent
introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many
thrilling places and great people who share our planet.
Review:
This is one of many books in this series which introduces kids to other countries and cultures. I got it because my older son (7) is very interested in geography and learning about what kids do in other parts of the world. He really enjoyed this book. It was really fun to listen to him try to sound out the Norwegian words.
The pictures are cute and it was very easy for him to read by himself. (With a little help on the Norwegian words.) He has started calling his dad Pappa and he was thrilled when I served him waffles with yogurt (there is a page about vaflers with krem) and really wants to go to the ice hotel in the winter (not gonna happen!).
I'm very excited about the other books in this series and using them to further introduce cultures and countries to him.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.
Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions By Lysa TerKeurst Zondervan, 2012 English, 208 pgs Description:
God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it! Lysa TerKeurst
admits that she, like most women, has had experiences where others bump
into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. We stuff, we explode,
or we react somewhere in between. What do we do with these raw emotions?
Is it really possible to make emotions work for us instead of against
us? Yes, and in her usual inspiring and practical way, Lysa will show
you how. Filled with gut-honest personal examples and biblical teaching,
Unglued will equip you to: Know with confidence how to resolve conflict
in your important relationships. Find peace in your most difficult
relationships as you learn to be honest but kind when offended. Identify
what type of reactor you are and how to significantly improve your
communication. Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to
stuff, explode, or react somewhere in between. Gain a deep sense of calm
by responding to situations out of your control without acting out of
control.
Review:
This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I have already recommended it to a handful of women at church and have passed the book to my husband to read as well. You have to read it.
There are two basic types of people discussed in the book, exploders and stuffers. There are those who explode with emotion and those who stuff their feeling deep inside. Neither is really a good way to handle emotions. And you can be both, depending on circumstance and the person you're dealing with at the time.
It's important to note that the book is not a "miracle cure". You have to be willing to work toward the imperfect progress, wrapping yourself and your situations in grace. She teaches how to gain perspective in a situation as well as a few tips on how to keep from exploding or let emotions out without stuffing them inside.
She reminds us that we have the power to control our thoughts and that having conversations (or rehashing them) in our head can cause us to have unrealistic expectations and cause us to label ourselves and keep perpetuating the problem.
She discusses four categories: The Exploder Who Shames Herself, The Exploder Who Blames Others, The Stuffer Who Builds Barriers and The Stuffer Who Collects Retaliation Rocks. There are practical tips and discussion about each.
There is available a study guide with a DVD (which is very likely to be our Spring Bible Study) as well as a 60 day devotional book.
Favorite Quotes:
We can face things that are out of our control and not be out of control. (This is printed out and posted on my fridge!)
A soul who believes she can't leave...doesn't.
There is courage and strength in starting somewhere.
Condemnation defeats us. Conviction unlocks the greatest potential for change.
Soul Integrity brings the passion of the exploder and the peacemaking of the stuffer under the authority of Jesus Christ where honesty and godliness embrace and balance each other.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Holy restraint is the seed.
The more we dance around an issue, the more emotional yuck gets dragged into it.
My job isn't to fix the difficult people or enable them to continue disrespectful or abusive behaviors. My job is to be obedient to God in the way I act and respond to those people.
Comfort zones don't always have to be comfortable, just familiar.
Make the courageous choice to embrace what is and to fill our souls with all of the good reality right in front of us.
We don't need anyone's approval on our obedience. Only God's.
The Sabbath not only needs to be observed but also preserved. The observer remembers to rest. The preserver rests to remember - remember that it's all about God.
We get into trouble when, instead of parking our minds on truth, we let them idle in perception.
Anytime I start hearing lies speaking louder than truth, it's an indicator my soul is starving for God's Word.
I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and all opinions are my own.
The Miner's LadyBy Tracie Peterson Bethany House, 2013 English, 336 pgs Description:
When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando
Calarco, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Calarcos have
been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep
wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist
Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with
Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother.
Chantel
can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a
tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has
simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel
and Isabella's hope for love be buried amidst decades of
misunderstanding?
Review:
I'm conflicted. I liked the book enough that I read it in three days. I liked the Italian American families and the budding city/industrial area aspect. I liked that it was well paced and that the romances (yep, two) were tender and respectful.
I didn't like that I could predict everything that would happen. But I also know that those of us who read Christian romance books are not looking for anything beyond the usual. There was one surprise in it and it almost felt like it was added afterward or something just to have another suspenseful part.
I'm not one to give away plot points so I can't say more than that, but a secondary story line felt rushed and trivial. It felt like it was there only as a "danger" aspect that really didn't add anything to the story.
However, like I said, I read it in three days. At the start, there seemed to be a lot of mining jargon that made it read kinda slow, but that lets up and the story moves into family ties, family feuds and romance.
It's a good book. Would be great for taking on a flight or something where you want something light to read.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a positive review. No additional compensation has been received and all opinions are my own.
The front of my house is exceedingly plain. I have a black thumb so I do not have pretty plants. We don't own the house so we can't change paint colors. So my method of decoration is wreaths. I've been trying to have a new wreath each month to reflect a holiday or something.
My September wreath is a Back to School/Football Season wreath. In Texas it would also classify as a Homecoming wreath since I used lots of little things the girls use on their mums.
I used two and a half lengths of silver garland. Green shiny paper stars, plastic homecoming cutsy things and glue dots. I used the only wreath frame available at my local superstore so it's a wrapped raffia type. I really wanted a styrofoam, but this was what they had.
I began my wrapping the garland around the frame. I secured each end and several places along the middle with the glue dots. Lots of glue dots. You can see in the above picture that I wrapped it pretty tight so it would be very full.
I was planning to use a Mardi Gras type beaded necklace as my hanger so I placed it across the wreath where it would be when on the door. Then I started placing the stars. Again...lots of glue dots. I found that the dots were removable with a little force if they're put in the wrong place, as was the case with the one at about 10-11 o'clock on the above picture.
Next step was just putting the football things on the wreath. I added one for the band. Because no football game is complete without the band.
At this point, I thought it would be better if I hung it on the door and worked on placement. I'm really glad I did that because I was able to see a big gap in things and that one star needed to be moved..
Anyway, here's the finished product. I'm really happy with it and cannot wait to get started on the next one for Halloween!
Kingdom Woman: Embracing Your Purpose, Power and Possibilities By Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst Tyndale, 2013 English, 224 pgs Description:
A kingdom woman gives the devil as much reason to fear as a kingdom man.
She lives confidently in the knowledge that Christ died and rose for
her so that she can experience the significance of the destiny to which
she has been called.
In Kingdom Woman, Tony Evans and his
daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, remind women of their calling from God
to be free, delivered, healed, and to have hope. The authors bring
insight that encourages women to correct distorted perceptions and
understand who they really are in Christ—never settling for less when
connected with the One who gives them hope. All believers are covered by
God’s covenant with Abraham. Evans and Hurst want women to know these
rights and confidently claim and live by them. The new covenant offers
more than a life of mediocrity. A kingdom woman is called and empowered
to live a life of victory through Christ!
Q&A With the Authors:
Why did you write Kingdom Woman? I wrote Kingdom Woman because my daddy asked me to. Seriously. With five kids in tow, writing a book was not on my radar. I could barely write down my meal plans, much less think about writing a book for other women to read! So when my dad called to discuss the idea of us writing the book together, my prepared answer was a “no”. After listening to his heart, however, I slowly changed my mind. Daddy realized that as much as he wanted to empower women to be all they can be through the power of God at work in their lives, he is not a woman! So he asked me to join him in this project, to add a woman’s practical expression and experience to the heart of his uplifting biblical message of female empowerment. I said yes.
What is Kingdom Woman about? Every woman—in every season and in any situation—has power. Through the transforming power of God available to her, she is capable of unleashing her full potential and purpose as she embraces God’s design for her and her role as a woman. While many women are enjoying this day and age when we have so many opportunities never before available to our gender, other women are crumbling under the pressure to do all and be all in the light of the options available to us. This book is about the wonderful possibilities that emerge when you align yourself with the dreams that God has in mind for you. Not only will you be encouraged to seek God and the purposes that He has in store for you, but you will be inspired to do so in the power that He offers when we do things His way.
In our culture there is an abundance of opinions and suggestions from professionals, personalities in pop culture, and self-help gurus as to who a woman should be, what she should have, and what she should be able to achieve. But there is another definition of woman. And the One who designed her wants us to know about the wonderful thoughts He has in mind for her. Kingdom Woman will guide every woman to the understanding of who God created her to be, what he created her to do, and how He empowers her to do it.
I hope each reader will sense from this work that God is on her side and that He tenderly cares about every female on this giant, male-dominated planet. The inspired teaching of my dad, Tony Evans, gives new and transforming insights into biblical principles that can revolutionize women’s lives and the way we see ourselves.
How is Kingdom Woman different from all of the other women’s self-help or spiritual books on the market? Well, there are lots of great books out there for women. I know—I’ve read a bunch of ’em. This book richly references the Bible, but it is not a Bible study. The book is extraordinarily motivational, but it is not designed solely to be a motivational tool. The book has stories but it is not a tale from beginning to end.
Kingdom Woman takes all of these aspects—God’s Word, encouragement and motivation, and practical stories and life examples—to set the stage for God to speak to you about your wonderful design and destiny. It’s a book that will either remind you or show you for the first time that God loves you, believes in you, and has designed you for a measure of greatness that you can achieve when you do things His way.
Why is this kind of book such a great resource for women to read? There are lots of books that are written to encourage women in their relationship with God. There are also a lot of books out there, many with a feministic bent, that encourage women to achieve their full potential and, in doing so, push past traditional or cultural barriers. I have yet to see another book that encourages women to align with God’s design for them while at the same time spelling out a design that also includes a message of empowerment. When God created man and woman and placed them in Paradise, His instruction to both of them was to rule. In the quest for women throughout history to be recognized for God-given talents, skills, and abilities, waves of women have been led to do so by leaving God out. God’s design and the possibilities for women as He created them do not have to be mutually exclusive. This book delves into a thoroughly God-focused, yet full empowering message for women to understand His plan and purpose for their lives.
What principle from the book resonated the most for you? Oh, that’s an easy question to answer! God uses imperfect women. Throughout the Bible, God used women who didn’t necessarily come from the right family or the right city. He used women who weren’t the right age or who didn’t have the right status. God gloried in using women who weren’t loved the right way by others or who didn’t know how to rightly love themselves. And in every single case, He worked a miracle—in her, through her, or around her. I’m not perfect, and I don’t know any women who are. The good news is, we don’t have to be. God takes joy in making miracles out of messed-up situations. I don’t have to have it all together to be a Kingdom Woman. I just have to be willing to bring all I am and who I am to Him and let Him do His thing.
What is your favorite chapter of Kingdom Woman? That question is not so easy. So many of them speak to me. If I had to choose, I’d say chapter 5—“The Power of a Kingdom Woman’s Faith.” The reason why I have a good idea of what Kingdom Woman living looks like is that I have had good examples to look at. In this chapter I reflect on the lives and legacies of my grandmothers, who both have been walking examples of what a Kingdom Woman looks like when she exercises faith beyond feelings. Because this chapter is so very personal and emotional, I think I’d choose this one. Every time I read over it, tears come to my eyes, both because I am ministered to and because I love those two women so very much.
How did you manage writing a book and homeschooling your kids at the same time? What was your writing schedule like? I’m a night owl. The end.
Seriously? I wrote and edited in between assignments, during lunch, and while the kids enjoyed their mom-mandated quiet time. I live or die by 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day. In addition to that, I do believe in putting kids to bed so I can have a life after dark. Most of the time that life is catching up on housework, phone calls, ministry work, or “me-time.” Lord knows, I wasn’t going to give up ministry work or “me-time,” and I didn’t want neglect friends and family via the phone, so let’s just say my pile of laundry got really big! LOL
What was it like working with your dad? Amazing. Simply amazing. I know the man is brilliant, but I don’t think I realized how much I took his brain for granted. He is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to things of the Bible, and in other areas too, really. I just tried to keep up. That said, it was nice to know that he could benefit a bit from me, too. The book is a balance of the spiritual and the practical, as I added some of the lessons I’ve learned that flesh out some of the theology that he presents. In the course of the project, I had precious time to process some of my own experiences in the light of Kingdom principles by asking my dad and pastor lots of questions and seeking to understand my own journey in the light of God’s Word. Working with my dad is the privilege of a lifetime.
What has writing this book taught you? I can do more than I think I can when I commit to doing what God wants me to do.
When God is behind something, He will provide the strength that we need to exceed our own expectations. I have learned that it is wise to never say never—and to never even say “not right now.” This is not the season I would have chosen to undertake a venture of this magnitude. My hands and life are full. However, in the way that only God can, He kept nudging me and speaking to me through circumstances and the words of others. He moved major obstructions out of the way by changing the landscape of my life to accommodate the work I needed to do. He did not give me the charge to write and then leave me in my own strength to get the job done. He truly did bear me up on the wings of eagles, and for every inch of effort I put in, He multiplied it and moved me forward a yard. I’ve learned that when God is in something, it works. That doesn’t mean that it’s easy, but it does mean that God is true to finish the work that He starts . . . even when that work involves a content-to-be-in-the-background mom of five kids.
Review:
This book has me excited in a way that I haven't felt in a long time. I had the honor of hearing Tony Evans speak at a conference last month and was so challenged by what he spoke that I started looking for books, sermons...anything I could get my hands on for more of his teaching.
I was so thrilled to get to read and review this book for him and his daughter.
Quick note on the format of the book: it is broken down into three parts: Purpose, Power and Possibilities. Each part has 4 chapters. The text in each chapter is formatted so you can tell which are Tony's words and which are Chrystal's.
I highlighted, took notes and sent quotes from every chapter. I can't even begin to describe the value of a book like this. In this male dominated world, all to often women are led to believe they're "less than" or "weaker". That's not the way God intended it to be though. As they point out in the introduction, God introduced Adam and Eve together as "them" when He said "let us make them in our image" in Genesis 1:27. Yes, Adam was formed first, but Eve was very much on the mind of God as He did the forming.
Tony is a master at illustration. He can tell a story and find a connection between events in ways I would never think of on my own. He pointed out many parts of stories from the Bible that I never picked up on. In 30 years of reading the Bible. Seriously!
For instance, the woman with a bleeding disorder who knew that all she had to do was touch the hem of Jesus's cloak. It never occurred to me before that to touch the hem of said cloak, she would have to be down on her knees, in a humbled position. And then Jesus instructs her to tell her testimony. This was a woman who was shunned and outcast. And Jesus used her to tell others of His power. Amazing.
I could go on and on about Bible stories with new revelations for me in the book. Seems like almost every one had a point I'd never considered. Oh and that "perfect" Proverbs 31 woman...she didn't do it all herself! She accepted help and kept servants for her assistance.
The chapters in the possibilities section are related to how a kingdom woman relates to others in her family, church and community. As a pastor's wife, these meant a lot to me. As a woman helping form a women's ministry in our church, the chapter about relating to other women as instructed in Titus 2 convicted me about the events and studies we've been planning.
Favorite Quotes:
A kingdom woman is to reflect Him and His kingdom in such a remarkable fashion that people want to know more about the kingdom she represents. (p. 7)
What sets a kingdom woman apart from any other woman boils down to her fear of God. Her reverence determines her actions, thoughts, words, and priorities. Without that, the demands of life would overwhelm any woman. (p. 19)
The reason why so many people end up bound by issues is that they try to address the circumstances rather than appealing to the One who can address the root. (p. 35)
Excellence is concerned with how you are compared to the potential of how you are supposed to be. (p. 47)
Excellence doesn't mean perfection. (p. 48)
You'll never be excellent if you make the world your standard. (p. 55)
Sometimes God lets you be in a situation that only He can fix, so you will discover that He is the One who can fix it. (p. 61)
A kingdom woman does hard things, and sometimes having faith based on God's Word is the simplest yet toughest thing she will ever have to do. (p. 83)
However, the very things Martha was doing for Jesus distracted her from Jesus. (p. 139)
Too often today people view the church as a hospice rather than as the hospital it was intended to be. (p. 170)
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House in exchange for a blog posting and review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.
The Lifestyle of a Prophet By James W. Goll Chosen Books, 2013 English, 288 pgs Description:
Accessible Guide from Bestselling Author for Embracing the Prophetic Calling
Internationally
respected prophet and bestselling author James W. Goll offers a
readable, practical approach to the prophetic gifting. Centered around a
unique, hands-on 21-day guide, he helps believers develop the intimacy
with God essential to hearing his voice clearly and correctly--and then
proclaiming his words faithfully.
Through illustrations from his
own life and those of John, Daniel, and Ezekiel, Goll exposes common
misconceptions, the successes and failures of gifted people throughout
church history, and wisdom from the trenches of the prophetic.
Devotional prayers and reflection questions follow each chapter. A
must-have resource for those in prophetic ministry and all who work with
them.
Review:
I don't know what I was expecting when I chose this book to review for Chosen Books. I learned more than I thought I would and spent more time reading it than I typically do on a book review book.
The material is not light, but not dense. It's a challenging read but it's easy to grasp. I know that sounds like double talk, but I can't describe it any other way.
The book is divided into three major sections: The Lifestyle of Intimacy, The Lifestyle of Wisdom and The Lifestyle of Revelation. Each has seven chapters. The book is meant to be read one chapter a day, as a devotion. The actual reading isn't a long section, but do not skip over the questions at the end of the chapter. They really make you think about what you've read and what you believe in regards to what you read.
The Lifestyle of Intimacy is focused on getting closer to God. The other two sections are focused a lot on hearing God clearly and listening for what He tells you and how to pass on that knowledge and wisdom.
I'm not sure the book was 100% "for me" but it was a good read and I learned a lot from the devotions. I'm very willing to recommend the book to other believers.
I received a copy of the book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.
The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel By Jennifer LeClaire Chosen Books, 2013 English, 192 pgs Description:
From the Back Cover
Is Jezebel bending you to its will?
What is the "spirit of
Jezebel"--and what influence does it have on your life? Despite decades
of teaching on this subject and specific warnings in the Old and New
Testaments, the Church is still being distracted from her endtime
purpose. This high-level principality fools sincere believers into
directing their prayer power against controlling individuals in their
midst, while the real enemy and its real purpose remain hidden.
Through
Scripture, prophetic insight and practical experience, Jennifer
LeClaire roots out the underlying workings of this evil spirit.
Manipulation and control are just surface-level fruit. The devil's
deeper agenda, she explains, is idolatry and immorality.
If you
are a believer, then you are already being baited by this seductive
spirit. This guidebook shows you how to identify the true enemy and
engage in effective warfare. Here are the weapons you need to battle the
Jezebel deception--and win.
Review:
I'm still not sure what I feel about this book. I cannot find fault in the Scripture references or the logic and truth behind the book. It is well researched and written. This is not a book you can "skim through" or read lightly. The material is dense and heavy and it will change a lot in the way you view others and their motives.
I appreciate that there is a chapter titled "Loving Jezebel Back to Jesus". This chapter redeemed a lot of the condemning tone of the book. There is not anyone too far gone for the love of Jesus. He died for all, including the person being controlled by this spirit.
I'm just not sure about this book. The author would probably say that I'm being too tolerant of evil because I'm hesitant to fully and completely agree with everything she says. Please know, I'm not arguing against what she said. But rather how she said it seems harsh.
It's a hard, condemning book to read. I think it could have been done in a more loving manner. Being a Christian isn't about condemning each other (Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus) or judging other believers (Luke 6:37 - Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.). It's about showing the love of Christ and allowing the Spirit to work in someone's life. We are not the harvesters. We are not the judges. We are not the jury. We are not the executioners. We are the planters. We are the nurturers.
I received a copy of the book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.
Can't Stop Believing By Jodi Thomas Berkley, 2013 English, 320 pgs Description: NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes us back to Harmony, Texas, in CAN’T STOP BELIEVING. The sixth book in her popular Harmony series presents a story where big dreams are brewing—and anything and everything is possible…
Cord McMillan gave up his freedom at eighteen when he went to jail for a crime he didn't commit. Now, ten years later, he's about to give it up again for a piece of land. Nevada Britain, his neighbor, has just made him an offer he can't refuse: If he'll marry her, she'll sign over a section of property that their families have been fighting over for a hundred years. Nevada refuses to ex-plain why, but Cord knows the bargain is in his favor.
He just has one condition--she has to sleep in his bed every night as long as their doomed marriage lasts. Nevada only wants to maintain her family's legacy--and redeem herself for a wrong she did Cord years ago. But as she spends more time with her husband by necessity, she discovers something unexpected--a love so deep it takes her breath away.
Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of 37 novels and 11 short story col-lections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in the Harmony series, won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.
“Another winner...Fans will be delighted.”-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Compelling and beautifully written.”-Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling author
From the Author:
From the day I started writing CAN'T STOP BELIEVING, I felt like I was surrounded by people I could love. These characters walked off the pages and said hello. I had to laughwhen Martha Q, a widow seven times married, forms a writing group and then decides to help folks out whether they want it or not. I cried when Ronny first sees a love she thought she'd lost. And I fell in love with Cord and Nevada as they fought their way through all the baggage they both carried to find something worth keeping.
Amid
them all, Cord McMillan tries to hang onto his farm in a town where no
one will talk to him. He made a mistake and hurt a deputy when he was
17, and now he believes everyone
hates him. When the first car in three years drives up to his place,
he doesn’t trust his neighbor, Nevada Britain, or the bargain she offers
him. He has nothing to offer in return, but he knows if he agrees he’ll
step all into her plan, with no holding back.
If she doesn’t hold up her end of the agreement, he also knows she’ll
break him completely like six years of prison never could.
As
you read CAN’T STOP BELIEVING, you’ll find love so deep it’ll melt your
heart. So, come along with me to Harmony, Texas, a place where you’ll
find a home. I promise to
keep you up late reading.
Welcome, step on in and meet the folks,
Jodi Thomas
My Review:
I love going home to Harmony. I have been reading this series since the first book and I love this look at small town life. I was so excited to see familiar characters, Tyler and Martha Q, as well as meet new characters, Cord and Nevada. There was a touch of mystery (with a bit of comedy) with Martha Q and her widows.
Of course, there is romance. New romance. Returning romance. Just starting romance. And it's all good. It's all heartwarming and touching. This book brought a range of emotions and I was so wrapped in the story line I didn't notice that I read right through time to cook dinner. Two days in a row!
The main story line is about Nevada and Cord. They grow so much over the story arc and I was really happy to see things turn out as they did.
One secondary story line is Martha Q and her widows. They just can't leave their suspicions alone. I can just imagine little ladies with trench coats trying so hard to be inconspicuous.
Other secondary lines include Ronny, Tyler and changes in their lives. I was really glad to see these story lines return to allow closure to the stories.
You just can't go wrong with these stories. Especially if you've lived in a small town and been part of a community where everyone knows everyone else.
I received a copy of the book from Ms. Thomas in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Many thanks to Ms. Thomas for continuing to include me in her blog tours.
Sherlock Holmea and the Needle's Eye By Len Bailey Thomas Nelson, 2013 English, 336 pgs Description:
Embark on a journey through the Old and New Testament with Sherlock
Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they explore exotic and spice-laden places
in search of clues.
The detective and the doctor travel back in time with the help of a
Moriarty-designed time machine to investigate ten Bible destinations,
unlocking clues to ten Bible mysteries. The most fascinating crime cases
are those that are already solved, those that have been investigated by
the police and brought to a swift, satisfying, and almost inevitable
conclusion. So it is with Bible stories which the reader may consider
familiar and unremarkable. But under close scrutiny these stories give
up their hidden clues, their long kept secrets. Like a jewel newly
polished, they sparkle and shine with a fresh, introspective light.
Review:
This book can be read as either a novel (starting at the first page) or as a Bible Study (starting with questions in the back, then reading the chapter). Either way, it's really interesting!
Holmes travels back in time to answer 10 questions from the Bible. Things like: Why did Ahithophel hang himself? What did Jesus write in the sand:? What did Luke mean when he said Satan left Jesus for a more opportune time?
The questions are well researched and I learned a lot of new things. After each chapter (I chose to do the questions first) I sat the book down and told my husband "this is so cool!"
There were a couple of places where I thought the story was a bit laborious and it was a little annoying to figure out if they were "spectators" or "visible" in each story line. It was tedious to hear Holmes' non-faith view, but interesting to see that Watson was written with Biblical faith. I'm still not sure why Holmes bothered with Biblical mysteries if he doesn't believe in any of it. And he sure had a lot of Scripture memorized for someone without faith.
Even though it was extremely far fetched and at times maddening (isn't that just like Holmes...), I liked this book a lot and had a lot of fun reading it.
I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.
A Noble Groom By Jody Hedlund Bethany House, 2013 English, 368 pgs Description:
From the Back Cover
Michigan, 1880
Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale
love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has
left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful
harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong,
dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something
she's given up on.
So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.
Then
a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a
former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will
serve on the farm until her husband arrives.
With time running
out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's
admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever
known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart,
she knows her true groom may arrive any day.
Review:
I enjoyed this book. Like any Christian romance novel, you can figure out what's going to happen pretty easily, but this one is still fun to read.
The story is centered around a family of German immigrants and a daughter, Annalisa, whose husband dies suddenly. She has to save her farm and to do this she needs a husband. Her dad "orders" her one from his brother in Germany. However, a man shows up with a note saying that he's there to "fill in" until the real groom can raise enough money to make the voyage.
The conditions in the family were harsh. Women didn't eat with the men. Women didn't do anything their husband or father didn't say was okay. People looked the other way with abuses. I have a hard time with believing a father wouldn't stand up for his daughter. Then again, I am not a German immigrant in the 1880s so I don't know what conditions were really like back then.
The love story is sweet and gut wrenching at the same time. The description hints that Carl is hiding something and I honestly kept expecting it to surface at any minute.
Annalisa fights not only nature but a ruthless businessman to save her farm and family. She is a strong woman and it was good to see her soften as the book went on.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.
First and foremost, I am a Christian. If you don't know my Jesus, I'll introduce you. All you have to do is ask and listen.
I believe it is my duty as a wife and mother to manage my household within the description of the "Proverbs 31 woman". I do my best to help anyone and everyone learn to do the same.
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