Book Review: Chance of a Lifetime

Chance of a Lifetime
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley, December 31, 2012
English, 336 pages

Description:
Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony's library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adams. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before...

From the Author:

Welcome to my town, Harmony, Texas.  I thought readers might like to start the new year with a book set in a small town called CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.  Once in a while everything comes together in a story that makes it fun to write. I think you’ll love the visit where secrets whisper of old love affairs and kindness to others warms your heart.

I wanted to write a deep love story about two people who had been friends in childhood and lost each other one night because of an attack.  She was hurt and he felt guilty for not being there to help.  When Emily Tomlinson sees Tannon Parker ten years later, they don’t know how to mend the fences to find one another again.  I wanted to write a very tender love story about an attraction far deeper than physical, a love that went all the way to their hearts.

While they are getting to know one another, they’re also dealing with problems in the library that she runs.  The place is suddenly infested with want-to-be writers meeting upstairs.

If you are looking for a book that will let you step out of daily life into a world of mystery, laughs and falling in love, you’ll enjoy CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.

So, come along with me to Harmony.

 
My Review:
It's good to be back in Harmony! I have loved every story from this series, and this one is no different. I like that new and different characters are highlighted and actually missed some from the other books (Reagan, Tyler, etc). There was a lot focused on Beau too. He and Border are characters I've wanted to see more about and hope that there will be more about them in future books. 

Anyway, I digress...

The story is mainly about Emily and Rick (as described above) and what they go through. I love the Emily story. It is a very sweet and tender love story that just blossoms and leaves you feeling really happy for the characters. It's satisfying to read about her and Tannon and see how they grow and change in response to their friendship and history.

Rick's story is much more action packed. The "accidents" are terrifying to imagine and the story of him and Martha Q, Trace and his Matheson cousins will keep you turning the pages wanting to know what's going to happen! I really like the interactions with the bookstore owner downstairs! What a funny little character!

The book is hard to put down. I think I finished it in three days because I just didn't want to stop reading! I'm pretty sure I was cooking and reading a few times. The Harmony series just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Congrats to Jodi for CHANCE OF A LIFETIME reaching #20 on the NY Times Bestseller List!

I received an advance reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Ms. Thomas for continuing to include me in her book tours for the Harmony series.

Book Review: If You Have a Craving...

If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure
By Sheri Rose Shepherd
Tyndale House, 2012
English, 224 pgs

Description:

Life can be hard . . . but food, faith, and fun are three amazing gifts from God to satisfy and refresh us every day. Yet all too often, we focus primarily on what we can not do, and what we should not eat—which leaves us feeling deprived and depressed. Instead of being energized by following Christ, we waste our days feeling bored and burnt-out on our faith, while battling the guilt that comes from craving the food that we love. In If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure, best-selling author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd encourages you to embark on a new adventure with faith and food. She reveals the food coaching tips that enabled her to lose over 50 pounds and keep it off, and shares fun recipes in celebration of the healthy, delicious food our God created for us to enjoy. It’s time to let go of guilt, grab hold of grace, and recapture the life God craves for us to live! “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)

 

Review:

What a better time than the beginning of a new year to make new choices...

 

This book has 15 very short chapters. Each chapter is broken into 4 parts: a personal story, a short devotion, life tips and recipes. There are short, encouraging sayings with each chapter as well as a prayer.

The chapters are about what you're craving in food and that's tied into what you're craving in your spirit. For example, Craving Something Salty: Salty, Satisfying Recipes and Faith Seasonings for Life's Seasons or Craving Real Refreshment: Delicious Drinks and Hydration for Your Soul.

Each chapter will take about 5 minutes to read. That would make this a very easy book for a women's group to use as a weekly Bible Study. Then the group could make the recipes related to the chapter. I think that would be a great way to use this book.

The Life Tips in each chapter kinda feel cliched...if you want more energy then you should exercise and remove excess from your life...or...if you need rest, take a bath or go to bed early...nothing new to those, but they are good reminders sometimes and each has Scripture related to it.

Now, the recipes...I can't wait to try the cheeseless cheese dip (!) and the kale chips, but there isn't really anything new in these either. For instance, there is a recipe for a vanilla shake and there are several that are "adapted" from other cook books.

All in all, this is a good devotion/Bible study book for a group to use or even for just solo reading and study. I think discussion and involvement with the study would make this better than just reading alone though. What a better time than the beginning of a new year to make new choices...

I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Wild Texas Rose

Wild Texas Rose
By Jodi Thomas
Berkeley, 2012
English, 320 pgs

Description:
Twenty-five year old Rose McMurray may be beautiful, smart and capable of running her adopted family's ranch at Whispering Mountain, but she's backed away from marriage three times without giving any reasons. Everyone thinks Rose is a coward, afraid of any adventure, including falling in love. She's never done a single wild or reckless thing in her life...until now.

Duncan McMurray, like Rose, was adopted into the family. As a Texas Ranger, he swears he'll never settle down and marry. Duncan has been Rose's guardian angel since they were kids but now, for the first time in their lives, he's the one who has put her in danger. So, somehow, and without letting Rose know, he has to protect her from an outlaw gang determined to kill her. He's convinced that her heart can't take the stress if she knows. The only question is, can his heart take the nearness of her?

When opposites collide, the adventure into love begins...

Review:
I have mixed feelings on this one. Jodi Thomas has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to losing myself in her books for a couple of days while I forget everything else and read. This one was good, but I didn't really feel like it was a love story about Rose and Duncan. They just kind of did a "well, we have no one else..." and decided to pursue a relationship.

The other stories, Abe and Sara and Killian and Victoria, really receive the bulk of the attention and they are completely enjoyable and satisfying story lines. Abe and Sara is actually kinda steamy and chaste at the same time...you just have to read it to understand...

Rose gets a fair amount of action when she's forced into a situation to protect Victoria and another to protect Duncan. But I'm not sure I'd call her actions wild or reckless. She's pretty calm and keeps her head in her situations.

I had figured out the surprises in the story before they were revealed and it didn't change my enjoyment one bit. I actually was looking forward to when it was revealed! However, there was a letter mentioned that was never dealt with in this book. I'm betting it's coming in the next though.

This is only my second Whispering Mountain book to read, but when I get a chance, I'm going to go back and start at the beginning. I kinda feel like I'm missing parts of the story by picking up where I have. I'm not disappointed about that at all...looking forward to it!

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.

Book Review: Against the Tide

Against the Tide
By Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House, 2012
English, 368 pgs

Description:

From the Back Cover

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

When forces conspire against them from without and within, can their love survive?

Review:
I had given up on Christian historical romances. But I remembered that I enjoyed previous books by this author, so I gave it a chance when the opportunity for a review came up. I'm very glad I did!

The story is about Lydia and Bane, so they are the most developed characters. The supporting characters are really funny and well written too. Her coworkers at the Navy Yard really made me laugh. The Professor's staff really made me mad!

Reading the romance unfold was heartbreaking at times and really sweet at others. It also made me wonder: how many people have grown up in a city and never been on a farm to see a real cow?

The undercurrent of opium trade and addiction was a nice addition to the plot. It kinda angered me when I read the notes at the end and it said that the opium laced syrup was not fictional. Those poor children.

I can't remember him in it, but Bane was a character in another book by Camden, The Lady of Bolton Hill. I just pulled that off the shelf to refresh my memory on him in it! 

Like most Christian romances, the theme of salvation runs throughout it and is presented near the end. I can live with that on this one. 

 The only thing that could get you hung up is that her work at the Navy Yard and for Bane gets a teeny bit tedious and technical. Just get past it and you'll enjoy the story!

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. No additional compensation has been received.

Book Review: The Anger Workbook

The Anger Workbook
By Les Carter and Frank Minirth
Thomas Nelson, Reprint 2012
English, 256 pgs

Description:
Don't Let Anger Take Control!

Most people stereotype anger by assuming that it always results in shouting, slamming fists, or throwing things. However, anger is not that one-dimensional.

In fact, all of the statements below represent feelings of anger:

• When I am displeased with someone I shut down any communication and withdraw.
• I get very tense inside as I tackle a demanding task.
• I feel frustrated when I see someone else having fewer struggles than I.
• There are times when my discouragement just makes me want to call it quits.
• I can be quite aggressive in my business pursuits or even when just playing a game.

We all deal with anger in our lives, whether it be in a subtle or violent manner. Being angry can involve such emotional expressions as frustration, irritability, annoyance, aggravation, blowing off steam, or fretting.

The good news is anger can be managed. In The Anger Workbook Les Carter, Ph.D., and Frank Minirth, M.D., offer a unique 13-step interactive program that will help you:

• Identify the best ways to handle anger
• Understand how pride, fear, loneliness, and inferiority feed your anger
• Uncover and eliminate the myths that perpetuate anger-"Letting go of my anger means I am conceding defeat" or "No one understand my unique problems."
• Identify learned patterns or relating, thinking, and behaving in your life that influence your anger.

Review:
This is a very intense and involved workbook. It is not something that you can sit down and just "breeze through". This requires you to spend time and effort toward learning about your own anger issues (and note, as in the description above, it's not just violent anger) and coming out a better person, better in touch with yourself and your feelings. The biggest thing you will learn is to discern what is actually causing your anger.

I've taught my sons that it's okay to be angry, it's not okay to act angry. This book will help you work through your anger issues in a methodical manner. It does rely on Biblical principles, but not to the point of it being "preachy".

The format of the book is easy to follow. It has 13 steps, each with its own chapter. The chapters are long. I think a week in each chapter is adequate and really allows you to work through each step. I like that there is a chapter regarding anger in children. Our 6 year old is struggling with learning how to control emotions and I found really good tips and information in that chapter to help him.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Book Review: Secrets of Intercessory Prayer

The Secrets of Intercessory Prayer
By Jack Hayford
Chosen Books, 2012
English, 176 pages

Description:

From the Back Cover

See Your Prayers Answered!

Here are the keys to unlocking effective intercessory prayer. With encouragement, powerful testimonies and keen biblical guidance, pastor and bestselling author Jack Hayford offers the insight you need to pray more effectively for God's grace, goodness and power in the lives of those you love. Pastor Jack also reveals how to

-answer God's divine invitation to partnership

-apply the basic promises of God to prayer

-launch a counterattack against the enemy

-help bring about victory in others' lives

-pray for someone you'd rather not pray for

-and more

Regardless of the situation, you can pray with rightful authority, perseverance and confidence. Stand in the gap for those you love and watch God's answers come.

Review:
I have no problems with what Pastor Hayford says in any part of this book. However, it's a pretty dry read. There are several parts where I feel like I have no idea what he was writing about and had to re-read it several times just to get through it. It's not a terribly difficult concept, but a very difficult book to read.

I felt like the book never really got to the point of the title. It tells you lots of things that are revealed in Scripture regarding prayer but doesn't give you really any tips or help to learn to pray yourself. I think the addition of a study/prayer guide would have been very helpful.

I received a copy of the book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Book Review: Understanding Theology in 15 Minutes a Day

Understanding Theology in 15 Minutes a Day
By Daryl Aaron
Bethany House, 2012
English, 224 pgs

Description:

From the Back Cover

An Easy-to-Use Guide to Christian Theology

Theology can be intimidating, even overwhelming. Where do you start? How is it important to the Christian life? What are the key topics that you need to understand? How do you make time to study something so complex without going to Bible college or seminary?

In Understanding Theology in 15 Minutes a Day, professor and former pastor Daryl Aaron answers forty critical questions about the Christian faith. Arranged by topic, you can choose the areas that interest you or systematically read through the book. Each section is short and easy to understand. You'll come away with a deeper faith as you learn about the nature of God, heaven, the Bible, church, and even yourself.

Review:
This book is well organized and easy to read. It has 40 questions which Dr. Aaron answers with about 4-5 pages each. The topics range from angels to sin to baptism and so far beyond...

My husband is a pastor and has been able to use this both in sermon preparation as well as for his graduate level classes.

As far as one of the more difficult theological questions to explain, the Trinity, the explanation is clear and has explanations from the Nicene Creed as well as explanations of what some have tried to use to explain the Trinity. It's a hard concept but this explanation would be really helpful for someone who is just starting to learn about God and why Christians believe in the Trinity of God.

There is a question, What is Sin? that we have been finding useful in explaining the concept to our oldest son. The way Dr. Aaron writes is easy enough for even him to understand (he's 6) but complex enough for an adult to get "meat" out of it as well.

I received a review copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: 90 Devotions for Kids

90 Devotions for Kids (Adventures in Odyssey)
Focus on the Family
Tyndale House, 2012
English, 258 pgs
Available October 1, 2012

Description:
Written by the Adventures in Odyssey team, 90 Devotions for Kids provides fun, Bible-based devotions for families and will encourage children to spend time learning more about God. There are no better mentors than Whit and the folks from Odyssey to partner with parents as they teach their children about God’s Word and make the truths of the Bible accessible to their kids.

AIO’s 90 Devotions for Kids includes thirteen weeks of devotions. Sidebars from Odyssey favorites Wooton, Whit, Connie, and Eugene provide friendly suggestions for life applications. Each week has an individual theme and will include an overview to introduce the theme, seven devotions that reference AIO dramas, and an activity, puzzle, or game to reinforce the core biblical truths taught during the week. Parents will find the tools they need to help start children on a path toward regular time alone with God, and families will be encouraged to spend time together as they share the daily readings.

From the Back Cover

Discover, Imagine, Grow!
Join Whit, Connie, Eugene, Wooton, and your other friends from the exciting world of Odyssey and DISCOVER tried-and-true biblical truths— like salvation, prayer, and forgiveness, and many others—that form the core values of Christianity.

Through historical stories, modern biography, Bible adventures, and key scenes from Adventures in Odyssey radio dramas, you’ll IMAGINE what it’s like to be a hero of the faith.

As you read each inspiring entry alone or with your family, you’ll be informed and challenged to GROW in your walk with God. Each devotion features a relevant Bible verse.

Special Features for Each Theme

• Creative Daily Challenge ideas to keep kids thinking about each lesson long after they’ve finished reading it
• Fun activities to involve the whole family in biblical learning and accountability
• Lessons drawn from favorite Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas
• Theme puzzles to reinforce the spiritual lessons in thought-provoking ways
• Whit and Wisdom—Friend and mentor John Avery Whittaker explains important Bible truths in easy-to-understand language
• Connie’s Corner—Connie relates spiritual applications to her own life
• Loquacious Learning with Eugene—Odyssey’s favorite intellectual shares important cultural and biblical facts
• Wandering with Wooton—Musings from the wacky postman on all things licorice and godly

Review:
I've been reading this for a month with my son and I've noticed a few things:
1. He has no frame of reference for who the characters are
2. He has been asking questions about the daily stories
3. He has been better behaved and seems to be understanding what we've been teaching

So, yes, I heartily recommend this book. It will be more effective if your kids have any idea who the Adventure in Odyssey characters are, but it will be just fine if they don't.

Each week (13 total) has a theme which the studies will follow and 7 daily lessons. None of them are long at all. Each week has a memory verse to study and learn as well as daily challenges which take the learning deeper than just what's printed in the book.

Every day has an aside from one of the characters and I've noticed that my son really likes Eugene because he loves learning facts and word meanings.

I'm really pleased with this book and will continue to use it and will probably start over at the beginning when we're done!

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review and participation in a blog tour. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Grace

Grace: More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 240pgs

Description:
Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

Let’s make certain grace gets you.

Review:
I am a long time fan of Max Lucado's books. This one does not disappoint. It's a little light on theology, but very strong on Scripture, anecdotes and personal application. The chapters are quick and easy to read and there is a separate study guide in the back of the book.

My only complaint about the book is that the study guide is in a separate area. It makes it a little difficult to have to flip around the pages. It would have made more sense to just put the study/application questions at the end of each chapter. Also, the study guide has zero room for writing in your answers, so if you're going to do the questions, you may want a journal handy.

The content however is superb. The stories, both from Max's life and history, are engaging and applicable. I can see where this would make a good group study book.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review and no additional compensation has been, or will be, received.

Book Review: Courageous Teens

Courageous Teens
By Michael Catt
B&H Books, 2012
English, 176 pgs
Available September 15, 2012


Description:
Catt brings fresh insight to “stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe . . . (who) challenge me to keep moving forward. They demand that I examine my priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to my heart.”

 

Teen readers will be inspired to resolve to live for God as they learn more about Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Ruth, Daniel, and many more.

 

Best-selling youth market author Amy Parker arranges the heart-stirring material into four categories: Courageous Faith, Courageous Leadership, Courageous Priorities, and Courageous Influence. Discussion questions are also included at the end of each chapter.

 

Review:

This book hooked me in the introduction with the line "Unless the people of my generation take the time to equip you, our young people, with spiritual courage, the church is always just one generation from extinction."

There are 4 sections and 10 total chapters. Each chapter has questions at the end and each section has a recap page. These would be really useful in a group setting.

 

The first section "Courageous Faith" is about learning to trust God.  It uses a lot from the life of Abraham to teach. It encourages teens to find what motivates them and to find courage regarding facing a future that we don't always plan for our selves. It uses the examples of Esther and Joseph.

The second section "Courageous Leadership" is about a personal relationship with God, finding courage to lead and be a humble hero. It used Joshua and Moses as some of the examples. I like the inclusion of Gideon here. That's a study in learning to be humble and let God have all the glory!!

The third section "Courageous Priorities" is about doing what's right. This is probably the hardest lesson for teens. So many are pulled in so many directions. It's good to ground yourself in your faith and let that be your guide. Examples are Elijah, Martin Luther and Moses. The chapter on facing persecution is, I'm afraid, going to be more and more relevant to teens. The Biblical example is Stephen.

The final section "Courageous Influence" is about taking what's been learned so far and using it to reach others. I like that this section uses modern examples as well as Nehemiah and Paul. The chapter regarding mentoring has really touched my heart and given me a desire to reach out to the youth in our church.

This is a powerful book, with a powerful message. I cannot wait to hand it to one of the youth group leaders at church and suggest that this be the Spring Bible study. 

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.