In the book "Sisterchicks On the Loose" by Robin Jones Gunn, Sharon, a mother of four and Penny, a mother of two are two very opposite people, yet wonderful friends. Penny is a very successful realtor, fun-loving and former biker. Sharon is a stay-at-home Mom who works endlessly to meet the needs of her children and husband. She is not a risk-taker and seems to find comfort in the same day in and day out routines.
While their children were babies, Penny and Sharon came up with the idea to go on a trip together when their children were grown. One day, Sharon received a package from Penny. It was a plane ticket for a trip to Finland. Sharon assumed she wouldn't go. Her family needed her. Sharon's husband encouraged her to go with Penny and enjoy this amazing opportunity.
There were many events that came to pass during this trip. We learn with Sharon that it is good to step out of our comfort zones. Sharon found out that life can be so much more fulfilling when she did so.
I found this book to be a little "blah". It was a little boring to me. I like the concept of the book, but I did not connect with the characters as I often do in the many books I am privileged to read. It wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't an interesting read for me.
I received this book from Multnomah in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid for this review. These opinions are strictly mine.
Monday, November 4, 2013
She's Twelve Going On Twenty
I have become a believer that every believing mother should read "She's Twelve Going On Twenty" by Kim Camp. I was so impressed with this book. I believe that this book would be helpful not just for parents of tween daughters, but also those in their teen years.
This book is split into three sections: spirit, body and soul. Each and every chapter in this book addresses so many concerns and situations that we as mothers deal with on a daily basis. At the end of each chapter, there is a section of questions and items to discuss with your daughter called "Working It out Together" segments. I read the book through the first time without doing this part. I will be going back to do so though, because I think it will be a wonderful way to discuss many issues with my daughter that will help her as she matures.
It is my constant and continued prayer that my daughter will lead a pure and beautiful life dedicated to Christ. I am always looking for tools to help me instill godly principles in my daughter's life. This is one book that I will be referring back to many times for wisdom and advice.
I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for this review. I was in no way required to give a positive review, nor was I paid for this review.
This book is split into three sections: spirit, body and soul. Each and every chapter in this book addresses so many concerns and situations that we as mothers deal with on a daily basis. At the end of each chapter, there is a section of questions and items to discuss with your daughter called "Working It out Together" segments. I read the book through the first time without doing this part. I will be going back to do so though, because I think it will be a wonderful way to discuss many issues with my daughter that will help her as she matures.
It is my constant and continued prayer that my daughter will lead a pure and beautiful life dedicated to Christ. I am always looking for tools to help me instill godly principles in my daughter's life. This is one book that I will be referring back to many times for wisdom and advice.
I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for this review. I was in no way required to give a positive review, nor was I paid for this review.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Raising Boys By Design
Raising Boys By design authored by Gregory L. Jantz , PhD and Michael Gurian with Ann McMurray is a book that will offer parents of boys some great information. The authors give amazing insight into how boys think, work and function. As a mother of a son with ADHD, I often feel at a disadvantage because I don't always know when my son is "just being a boy" or when there's more to it. This book gave me some great tools in relating to my son on a higher level.
The authors wrote about how the school system can often fail our sons. This is something I agree with heartily. I previously homeschooled and still appreciate how I was able to teach my son exactly how HE needed to learn. While the "system" may fail our sons, I really believe it depends on each teacher. There are some that understood that boys need to be active, while others do not. This is something I have learned as a Mom. Pre-being a mother of a son, I would have expected boys to sit still and quiet like my daughter. I've learned that this is not how it works with him. He learns best when he is active. Studying math facts while playing catch with my son is much more effective than having him sit on a chair across from me while making him answer flash cards. I'm so thankful for the reminder of this fact about how boys learn. It will enable me to be a much better mom when it comes to homework time!
I also liked how this book gave information from a male perspective of how things are for boys growing up and hitting puberty. Puberty scare me! This book helped me to understand more about what will be happening with my son. I'm heading into this stage prepped with some good reading material and many hours spent on my knees!
I highly recommend this book to Mothers, Fathers, Youth Pastors and Teachers!
I received a complimentary copy of Raising Boys By Design from Waterbrook Press in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid for this review.
The authors wrote about how the school system can often fail our sons. This is something I agree with heartily. I previously homeschooled and still appreciate how I was able to teach my son exactly how HE needed to learn. While the "system" may fail our sons, I really believe it depends on each teacher. There are some that understood that boys need to be active, while others do not. This is something I have learned as a Mom. Pre-being a mother of a son, I would have expected boys to sit still and quiet like my daughter. I've learned that this is not how it works with him. He learns best when he is active. Studying math facts while playing catch with my son is much more effective than having him sit on a chair across from me while making him answer flash cards. I'm so thankful for the reminder of this fact about how boys learn. It will enable me to be a much better mom when it comes to homework time!
I also liked how this book gave information from a male perspective of how things are for boys growing up and hitting puberty. Puberty scare me! This book helped me to understand more about what will be happening with my son. I'm heading into this stage prepped with some good reading material and many hours spent on my knees!
I highly recommend this book to Mothers, Fathers, Youth Pastors and Teachers!
I received a complimentary copy of Raising Boys By Design from Waterbrook Press in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid for this review.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Rules of Murder
Julianna Deering brings us to the 1930's era in England in her book "Rules of Murder". Drew Farthering returns home to his estate to find an unwanted visitor. He quickly takes care of the situation.
During a big party at his estate, Drew and Madeline (the visiting niece of his step-father discover a dead body. This is when things turn interesting! There was more than just one victim! Who is the killer? Drew is determined to help solve the mystery of who murdered the victims. His best friend Nick (son of the butler) and Madeline are alongside Drew helping him to figure out who the murderer is!
I liked how this book kept me guessing. There were times I was sure I knew who had committed the murders, however there would be a twist that brought doubt to my mind. I would then think someone else was the killer. After, I got past the difference in the style of speaking from the 1930's, I was hooked. This was a very fast and enjoyable read for me.
This is a very different type of book for me. It is the first murder mystery I have ever read. It definitely has caused me to want to read more! I would be very delighted to read more of Julianna Deering's book.
I received a copy of Rules of Murder from the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. This fact in no way influenced, nor sought to influence, my opinion of the novel.
During a big party at his estate, Drew and Madeline (the visiting niece of his step-father discover a dead body. This is when things turn interesting! There was more than just one victim! Who is the killer? Drew is determined to help solve the mystery of who murdered the victims. His best friend Nick (son of the butler) and Madeline are alongside Drew helping him to figure out who the murderer is!
I liked how this book kept me guessing. There were times I was sure I knew who had committed the murders, however there would be a twist that brought doubt to my mind. I would then think someone else was the killer. After, I got past the difference in the style of speaking from the 1930's, I was hooked. This was a very fast and enjoyable read for me.
This is a very different type of book for me. It is the first murder mystery I have ever read. It definitely has caused me to want to read more! I would be very delighted to read more of Julianna Deering's book.
I received a copy of Rules of Murder from the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. This fact in no way influenced, nor sought to influence, my opinion of the novel.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Lead Me Home
"Lead Me Home" is the first book I have read by author Stacy Hawkins Adams. The first sentence on the back page description of the book intrigued me... "Shiloh Griffin has no identity outside of her role's as pastor's wife and mom." I find this to be true in some element for so many women, including myself. We may not all be a pastor's wife, but I find that I hear this type of sentiment from many stay-at-home moms.
Shiloh has dedicated herself to her husband, four sons and church family. One day, Shiloh is presented with an opportunity to become a substitute music teacher for a local school. This unexpected opportunity began to pave the way for the plan that God had for Shiloh's life. I was able to connect with Shiloh's character because I have personally experienced how your life can change with one phone call. The important message given in this book is to follow God's leading. As God leads, FOLLOW!
I enjoyed how this book was in our modern day and time. It helps me to relate to the characters much more. It was such a blessing to see how Shiloh was human! She had so many similar thoughts and feelings like I have had. She struggled with "Jade", yet Shiloh followed God's promptings in how to interact with this lady. If Shiloh had chosen to not listen to the Holy Spirit prompting her, she would have missed out on great blessings and on the amazing ability to help another sister in Christ out.
I would definitely recommend this book. Stacy's style of writing is different than I've read before, but I found myself enjoying this book very much. I read it within 2 days. We all know that can be hard to do as busy mom's.
I received this complementary copy of "Lead Me Home" from Booksneeze and was in no way paid for this review.
Shiloh has dedicated herself to her husband, four sons and church family. One day, Shiloh is presented with an opportunity to become a substitute music teacher for a local school. This unexpected opportunity began to pave the way for the plan that God had for Shiloh's life. I was able to connect with Shiloh's character because I have personally experienced how your life can change with one phone call. The important message given in this book is to follow God's leading. As God leads, FOLLOW!
I enjoyed how this book was in our modern day and time. It helps me to relate to the characters much more. It was such a blessing to see how Shiloh was human! She had so many similar thoughts and feelings like I have had. She struggled with "Jade", yet Shiloh followed God's promptings in how to interact with this lady. If Shiloh had chosen to not listen to the Holy Spirit prompting her, she would have missed out on great blessings and on the amazing ability to help another sister in Christ out.
I would definitely recommend this book. Stacy's style of writing is different than I've read before, but I found myself enjoying this book very much. I read it within 2 days. We all know that can be hard to do as busy mom's.
I received this complementary copy of "Lead Me Home" from Booksneeze and was in no way paid for this review.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
GOD DISTORTED
John Bishop talks very openly about his own life in God Distorted. John lost his father at a very young age and goes on to explain how this affected him in his life. John not only lost his father, but he was subjected to a very abusive step-father.
Bishop urges his readers to understand that God is NOT a replica of our earthly Fathers. He explains how we all too often relate to God just like we did with our earthly Father. God is not some ruler waiting to pounce on you the second you make a mistake. God loves us. God IS love.
This book encouraged me to do better as a mother. It made me realize how I expect perfection out of my children at times.
I had a hard time connecting with john Bishop's style of writing, but yet, I would highly recommend this book to those who have come from homes where a father was absent, not available, unloving, etc.... John is very honest about his own personal life and struggles. I believe that those who came from such homes as mentioned previously would benefit and relate to John's own journey.
Click on this link to be able to read the first chapter of God Distorted.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Bishop urges his readers to understand that God is NOT a replica of our earthly Fathers. He explains how we all too often relate to God just like we did with our earthly Father. God is not some ruler waiting to pounce on you the second you make a mistake. God loves us. God IS love.
This book encouraged me to do better as a mother. It made me realize how I expect perfection out of my children at times.
I had a hard time connecting with john Bishop's style of writing, but yet, I would highly recommend this book to those who have come from homes where a father was absent, not available, unloving, etc.... John is very honest about his own personal life and struggles. I believe that those who came from such homes as mentioned previously would benefit and relate to John's own journey.
Click on this link to be able to read the first chapter of God Distorted.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Do What Jesus Did
Robby Dawkins gives personal testimony and instruction to his readers in his book "Do What Jesus Did." Robby Dawkins has been working in a mighty way for God. He has tapped into the true power that is available for us. He has become a vessel of God's love and healing to so many people.
I was hooked from the very first chapter when Robby shares of how men from a gang came into the church in a confrontational way. However, they left changed men! Not only did their lives change, but they were influential in sharing how this change was available to so many others.
I requested to review this book because it seemed to line up with a class that I was taking at church about operating in the gifts of the Spirit. I was amazed at how closely this book lined up with what I had learned at my class. It was not an accident that this book came across my path. I believe 100% that it was a God thing! He wanted me to read this book to continue to learn of how to live in His Spirit.
Robby Dawkins does a wonderful job of encouraging others to reach out to the lost. He mentions so many times that we do not have to be perfect to reach out to others; we just have to be a willing vessel. God will give Dawkins a word of knowledge about someone and Dawkins does a wonderful job of giving that word in a loving way.
I read this book while on vacation. It was so good that I started reading many parts out loud to my husband. My 12 year old daughter would see me reading and take her head phones off and listen. At one time she asked, "Mom, can you read some more from that book." It opened up a door to share with her about the love of Christ and how she can walk in the light of God's Word and be used by Him.
I cannot wait to recommend this book to others! As I was reading it, one person came to my mind over and over. I will be recommending this book to her first!
I received a complementary copy of this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not paid for this review. These views are strictly my own.
I was hooked from the very first chapter when Robby shares of how men from a gang came into the church in a confrontational way. However, they left changed men! Not only did their lives change, but they were influential in sharing how this change was available to so many others.
I requested to review this book because it seemed to line up with a class that I was taking at church about operating in the gifts of the Spirit. I was amazed at how closely this book lined up with what I had learned at my class. It was not an accident that this book came across my path. I believe 100% that it was a God thing! He wanted me to read this book to continue to learn of how to live in His Spirit.
Robby Dawkins does a wonderful job of encouraging others to reach out to the lost. He mentions so many times that we do not have to be perfect to reach out to others; we just have to be a willing vessel. God will give Dawkins a word of knowledge about someone and Dawkins does a wonderful job of giving that word in a loving way.
I read this book while on vacation. It was so good that I started reading many parts out loud to my husband. My 12 year old daughter would see me reading and take her head phones off and listen. At one time she asked, "Mom, can you read some more from that book." It opened up a door to share with her about the love of Christ and how she can walk in the light of God's Word and be used by Him.
I cannot wait to recommend this book to others! As I was reading it, one person came to my mind over and over. I will be recommending this book to her first!
I received a complementary copy of this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not paid for this review. These views are strictly my own.
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