Sunday, February 27, 2011

The heart revolution

I think I need to stop starting my posts with "I normally don't like these kind of self-help books" considering there have been so many lately that I've enjoyed, lol.
This book is no exception, and I really think it has the chance to greatly improve your walk with God if applied!
This book is basically a 40 day (40 chapters/40 days) challenge to increase your own understanding of Christ and who you are in Christ.  One of the biggest questions that I think every Christian, seasoned or new, struggles with; "How do you keep your heart turned toward God rather than letting the circumstances of your life dictate your destiny" As a pastor's wife I'm aware of how drastically oppression can effect a person's life and their understanding of themselves.
I absolutely loved chapter 7 that talks about "the supremacy of Christ", I love how Da La Mora puts a big emphasis right at the beginning that "There is no circumstance or situation we could ever face that Jesus himself did not face and overcome while he was on the earth" I know its something we should all know by now, but for some reason its one of the hardest things to comprehend. I love the term he used "Liberating power to overcome", how often we forget all the Christ has truly done for us!!
This was such a great book that we're looking into doing a Bible study around it with our small groups! HIGHLY recommend!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

If God, why evil?

If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question  -     
        By: Norman L. Geisler


This is one of those books that help answer one of the toughest questions out there. As a minister's wife the question is asked quite often, and I honestly struggle to find an appropriate answer at times. How to explain evil to a fallen world?
Geisler does a fantastic job of going through the Bible and openly discussing all the "Controversial" questions that no one seems to want to answer. Also, one of the things I truly appreciated in his book was how he equipped the readers regarding the debates of evolution and creation. Honestly, I don't fully understand all there is to know about evolution and it's hard to find an author who's willing to take that step out there (with intelligent points) and discuss evolution along side intelligent design. I really enjoyed two sections of his book, one was in the chapter "Evidence for the existence of God" where Geisler talks about microbiology and the complexity of it that indicates (and I believe proves) that there is intelligent design.
I also really enjoyed reading in the third appendix about his problems with the book "The Shack". I think I'm one of the few Christians out there who just didn't get into this book. I tried reading it a few times and it really rubbed me the wrong way. Geisler really gets to the heart of why parts of the book could while sounding nice, are doctrinally dangerous.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Larkspur Cove

Larkspur Cove, Lisa Wingate, 978-0-7642-0821-8



"Larkspur Cove" begins with one of the main characters Andrea Henderson who after having to survive a humiliating and incredibly upsetting year, moves back to Larkspur Cove to begin a new life with her teenage son. After a little while of being at her job she is faced with the task of finding ways to help take care of and care for a little girl who suddenly appeared with the town recluse. As she gets more involved with this child she also begins to have feelings for the game warden who's been helping keep in contact with the family. While trying to balance everything (Her job, her new client, new feelings, and new surrounds) she suddenly finds herself thrown into a dangerous and scary situation!
I really enjoyed this book, it was thought provoking and well written. There were parts (especially towards the end) that really had me sitting on the edge of my seat! There was enough suspense in the story to make it interesting, but not so much that it took away from the enjoyment! I highly recommend this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Promises to keep

Promises to Keep, Ann Tatlock, 978-0-7642-0809-6


First off, this is hands down one of my favorite books that I've had the pleasure of reading. It is heartfelt, heart wrenching and heartwarming all at the same time! So many times through the book I was nearly brought to tears by the emotions shown in the characters. I loved the character Tillie and her eccentric ways, how outright honest she was and straightforward. I also loved her courage and sacrificial love that she had for the other characters in the book. The story focuses mainly around Roz Anthony and her mom and brother moving away from an abusive father. It shows the struggles she (Roz) went through and the scariness of living in an abusive home. When Roz promises to keep a secret she doesn't realize the effect it can have and the danger it will present to the rest of her family.
This book is fantastic, honestly, I couldn't put it down till I finished the entire book.
I really do recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Another Dawn

Another Dawn, Kathryn Cushman, 978-0-7642-0825-6




I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I in no way lived the same kind of lifestyle as the main character (Or even necessarily agree with her) I still felt like I could really relate to what the character was going through. I really appreciated that the author didn't push the views of the main character into almost a platform to tell others how to live. I think its a fine line when writing these kind of stories, how to add depth to your character without making it sound like you're on a soapbox. (I'm happy to say the author did a remarkable job of this!)
The story really revolves around Grace Graham and how one of her choices ended up effecting (in a very bad way) the lives of many others. Through all the discouragement and heartache though, she's able to find friendships in the most unlikely people! She doesn't just learn new things about those around her but learns through this trial a lot about herself!
I thought this was a great story, it was well written and highly relatable! I definitely recommend it!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Seek me with all your heart





I have to start off saying (like always, lol) How very much I love Amish fiction! Beth Wiseman is one of my very favorite authors in this genre (Her and Suzanne Fisher Woods are at the top of my list!!) her books are always thought provoking and heartfelt!
This book in no way disappointed me, the main character Emily and her family face a situation that is difficult in most regular settings, but in the Amish community its very nearly unheard of!  The descriptions in the book of life in the Colorado mountains was both beautiful and though provoking! I was impressed with the details she (Beth Wiseman) thought to include in the book when describing it! (But again, this is common with Wiseman's books, to include beautiful descriptions and details that give it a very real feeling!).
I don't want to talk too much about the actual story line, its so focused around a certain event, that I don't want to ruin it for those that are looking to read it! However I will say that this is another great book by Beth Wiseman, and I KNOW you won't be disappointed in this story!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Life ready woman: Thriving in a do-it-all world



Life Ready Woman








I first became a fan of Shaunti Feldhahn's books when I read "For women only", (Which was a fabulous book, if you're a lady, you need to read it!) So when I saw that her new book "The Life ready woman" was available for review, I was beyond excited! One of the issues I seem to have with a lot of these kind of Christian self-help books for women is they are big pushers of the woman not being equal to her husband. These books annoy me, so I was more than happy to read (and having read previous books by feldhahn was also expecting) right near the beginning of the book she starts off with explaining that men and woman are equal. I appreciate that both authors didn't try to push down the woman's role as unimportant, it was a great start to the book!
I especially enjoyed near the end of the book, where the authors talk about the "Three steps to believing God" One of my biggest struggles in my Christian walk is learning to lean and trust God rather than depending solely on myself. Its good to be reminded of who God is, and all he's done in the past. It spoke to me in the way that if He took that much care of my past of course He's to be trusted with my future! And one point they made that I think so many of us need to hear and understand is to "Act on trust, not feelings". Out of everything in this book, this spoke to me the most.
I will fully be recommending this book to any and every female out there! This is a must read ladies!!

Now, with that said I've got a giveaway ladies!!
If you'll leave a comment and your name (and email please, or else I can't contact you!!) I will be entering you for a chance to receive a free copy of the book "The life ready woman"!!
I'll be doing the draw a week from today, so you have lots of time to sign up and invite your friends!! Good Luck!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Mountains bow down

I'm not usually a big suspense/homicide fiction fan, too many times they're pretty corny or just completely unrealistic. However, I do have to say that I quite enjoyed this novel! Even with it being the third book in the series (I haven't read the other two) I didn't feel like I was coming into it mid story. It was easily able to stand on its own without me needing the background to the other stories!
Mostly the book focuses on Raleigh Harmon an Special Agent for the FBI, who takes an Alaskan cruise to get away, clear her head and make some big decisions. During her stay a passenger goes missing and Raliegh finds herself thrown back into work! While having to deal with both family and having to work with Special Agent Jack Stephanson (someone she in the beginning can't stand!) she is also rushing to solve this mystery within the five days of the cruise!
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't so out there to be unrealistic, but it was still eventful enough that it was interesting and intriguing!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Almost Heaven




I have to say, Originally when I received the book in the mail, I was a bit weary about it. The story line seemed like it would be slower and perhaps not all that interesting. I have to say though, that in all honesty, this is one of THE best books I have read yet.  Through the book we're seeing the life of the main character played out from two prospectives, his own, and the perspective of the angel charged with protecting him. The book is heart felt and has such a beautiful message. I think for some it may be a difficult read (It deals with some pretty hard situations) however there is such a strong and loving message that I really think its worth the read. I highly recommend this book, I don't think there are enough good things that I can say about it! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!