Discovering Liz

Book Review: Room For Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed "Room for Hope" because of the story setting, small town in the 1930's. It was a little out of my typical reading interest, seeing as I'm more into historical fiction set either in the Regency period or Civil War/post-Civil War.

The plot grabbed my attention from the beginning, a husband and father living a double life and leaving behind his wife to pick up the pieces after he dies. It is a story of forgiveness, overcoming shame, and learning what it means to love.

At some points it had me turning pages quickly to find out what would happen, and then there were moments I was near tears because the characters stirred my heart.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

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Book Review: A Lasting Impression

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 16:48:00 +0000

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. In the beginning of the book I wasn't sure it would draw me in, but the characters were interesting enough to pull me in. Then the theme of the book made the story memorable for me. Claire, Mrs. Acklen and Sutton were interesting to read about. Although each of them came from different stations within society, they all shared one thing in common. Shame.

This is part of why I enjoyed the story so much. I've been going through a Bible study for the last 6 months about the shame we experience in our sinful and human state. It doesn't matter who you are, you have either done shameful things or are associated with someone who has brought shame on you. That's exactly what Claire, Mrs. Acklen and Sutton were all dealing with privately within their hearts, and they were seeking how to overcome it.

I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to book 2 of the Belmont Mansion series.

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Book Review: Transforming Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 02:33:00 +0000

Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It seems like prayer is one of those areas of the Christian disciplines that I'm always working to improve at. I've read several books on prayer, and this book is one of the better titles I've found.

Christians need to be most concerned with God's will as they pray, rather than seeking their own will. Henderson teaches much about the worship - based prayer, and I find it very helpful. As I've begun to practice looking for the character of God within the psalms and praying through them, I am finding that a worshipful prayer comes much more readily. Remembering and meditating on the character of God makes all the difference when you pray and prepare to go out into your day ready for spiritual battle. This is a book I will be recommending to friends.

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Book Review: Invisible

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 16:32:00 +0000

Invisible: How You Feel Is Not Who You Are by Jennifer Rothschild
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Rothschild. A friend had recommended it to me, and I wanted to see what it was about. Jennifer writes in a down-to-earth style with humor, as if she's having a chat with her girlfriend, using little quirky words to make the truths she's talking about simple and to stick in our minds.

I believe her teaching on the believer's identity in Christ is helpful. This is a doctrine that many Christians fail to grasp, and as a result, they end up living bound in chains of guilt and self-condemnation that God has released us from at the moment of salvation. Christ lived under the law, died and rose again that we could live freely by grace when we put our faith in Him.

I have read other books on the believer's identity in Christ, and I would categorize this one as entry-level reading. If you are a new believer, have not learned about your position in Christ, or do not consider yourself to be much of a reader, this is a good starting point. She teaches in a simple way, and you don't walk away wondering what she meant.

Beyond this book I would recommend two others, Found in Him by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Shame Interrupted by Ed Welch. They are excellent and go much deeper into the doctrine, really opening up the scriptures to teach how Christians should deal with their shame.

There are a couple things that Jennifer refers to in her book that make me squirm a bit and would cause me to be cautious in recommending the book to a new believer. She refers many times to self-esteem, which is a psychology term, not a biblical one. Scriptures do not teach anything about having a good or bad self-esteem. The one thing I can say about her references to self-esteem is that she never tells you in this book how to have a good self-esteem, which makes me a little less concerned about it. The other thing that didn't sit well with me was her statement, "You aren't redeemed because you are worthy, but because you are worth it." I feel like we're treading on thin ice a bit here. The only worth I have is because Jesus saved me, not why He saved me. Salvation is not about our worth to God. It is about showing the glory of God and the riches of His amazing grace. But maybe I'm splitting hairs.

My last observation of the book is that I felt concerned for the gals who read the book who are unbelievers and might think that everything she's saying applies to them too. Jennifer's teaching in Invisible only applies to believers who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus, and I'm not sure she makes that clear.

Although it's not the first book I would recommend to people on the topic of identity, it is useful and has its place.

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Well, Hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 02:13:00 +0000

Hello?...

Is this thing on?...

Just dusting off the old blog today, working on updating my picture and bio information. I thought I might put it back into use for a bit, and I want it looking fresh and spiffy for all two of you who might still have my blog link.

Stick around, and we'll see what happens....

Book Review: The Rose of Winslow Street

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:21:00 +0000

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden has written an intriguing story that held my attention from beginning to end. The story takes place in Colden, Massachusetts and is about a legal battle between Professor Sawyer, one of those absent-minded professor types, and a large bully of a man named Michael Dobrescu, who just arrived from Romania with his two sons, the mysterious Lady Mirela, and his friend Turk. Professor Sawyer lives in an old house on Winslow Street, but Michael Dobrescu arrives in town and claims the house was willed to him.

Of course, the professor's lovely daughter Libby gets caught in the middle when she strikes up a friendship with the Dobrescu clan, even though everyone in town shuns the Dobrescus and her father warns her to stay away from this dangerous Romanian. As the story progressed I could not figure out how any of the matter could be resolved peacefully in the end.

The book was excellent. I especially loved the characters, which were all palpable with layers to be peeled back, and the dialogue gripped me so I could empathize with each of their troubling situations, even Michael's character, who drove me nuts in the beginning.

There was so much mystery woven throughout the story concerning the Dobrescu family background and their reasons for arriving in Colden, Massachusetts. I found it hard to put the book down. The writer unravels the mystery slowly as the book progresses, and sometimes a question would be answered only to produce three more questions in its place.

I highly recommend the book and would enjoy reading other works by this author.

I appreciate Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an advanced copy for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Book Review: Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:47:00 +0000

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kate Winter is a painfully shy young woman, but she has a stunning soprano voice that gets the attention of anyone who hears her sing. She's set on escaping to freedom from the secret pains her family brings, a controlling mother and a drunken father.

Ben Hanby, a young man anticipating becoming a minister, has a secret of his own. Just as his parents before him, he desires to aid fugitive slaves to escape through the Underground Railroad.

Ben and Kate's relationship quickly moves from college acquaintances to family friends, and through circumstances beyond her control, Kate finds herself helping others on their journey to freedom. It causes her to take a good, hard look at her own life and wonder if she really needs to escape after all.

This book had plenty to hold my interest. I'm fascinated with stories about slaves escaping to freedom and learning what kind of hardships they overcame to gain freedom. I also enjoy stories with characters who endure tough times and grapple with who they are, then experience a change after gaining a different perspective on life.

This is historical fiction and romance. It contains a fair amount of romance, which isn't my first choice in genre, but I still enjoyed the book very much. It also had a bit of suspense thrown in, which I always love in a story. The author includes the historical information at the end of the book, which I always appreciate.

Although this is the second book in The Saddler's Legacy, you don't need to read the first in the series to enjoy this book. It does fine as a stand-alone novel.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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My 2012 Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Being that you haven't heard from me since before the new year began, I'll have to fill you in on the theme I've designated for myself this year (although I'm positive the Lord had much to do with it). It's going to be DISCIPLINE. That's spiritual discipline I'm talking about. It really began in the fall of last year because of a Bible study I've been going through at church, but I'm finding myself going full force this month as I've begun implementing new habits (and a few old habits that I'd gotten lazy about) into my daily routine that help me spend a lot more time in the Bible throughout the day.

I am so excited about the changes the Lord is making in my heart and my mind because I'm choosing to fill my day with His Word. Today I was thinking it over while I pushed my shopping cart through the grocery store. I realized it feels like I got saved all over again. Now, don't get me wrong. Christians are only born again one time. It's just that there's this fervor that has returned, which I haven't had in quite some time. So I guess what I'm experiencing is revival.

If you had asked me a month ago if I thought I needed to be spiritually revived, I would've told you "no". You see, I have daily devotions. I memorize scripture. I'm faithful at attending church. I pray. I even speak passionately about God's Word and righteous living. Still, I can tell you after looking back, I know there was something missing. I've needed more. I've simply needed to take in more of the Word and meditate on it more, and I've needed a bit of heart stirring, as well. I'm praying that the Holy Spirit will keep fanning that flame.

So if you see a girl out there carrying a big banner over her head that says Got Discipline?, it'll be me. And forgive me if I talk too loudly. I'm like my father in that respect. I get louder when I'm excited.

Book Review: Wonderland Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

In this somewhat humorous story we meet Alice Grace Ripley, a young lady who always has her nose in a book and her head in the clouds. After losing her boyfriend and her job, she decides a little time away from home might do her good.

Since she'd been collecting some books for a small, needy library in Kentucky, she thought it might be nice to deliver them in person. Upon arriving at the library to help out for a couple weeks, she finds herself smack dab in the middle of a backwoods, mining community full of distrusting people and plenty of secrets. Alice quickly learns that there is more to life than what she's been living.

I love just about anything written by Lynn Austin, and she didn't disappoint me in Wonderland Creek. If you're an Austin fan, you should enjoy this one. I love her characters because sometimes they're sassy and make me laugh, and I can feel what they're feeling.

The story grabbed me from the very beginning. It had humor, mystery, nutty people, suspense, and books. What's not to love about this book? I'm rating it 5 stars and highly recommend it!

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: House of Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:51:00 +0000

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Have you ever kept a heavy secret (or maybe several) from a loved one simply because you believed you were protecting them for their own good? What happened when the truth came out? Did it feel like your whole reality was coming apart at the seams? Is there healing for someone with such painful wounds?

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson is just such a story. It is a page-turner and a heart-breaker. As I started the book I was immediately pressed to keep reading because I wanted to know the family's secrets. What could be so terrible about these sisters' pasts? Why didn't they want to return to their family's summer home of 15 years ago?

This is a story about family, forgiveness, and victims becoming victors over their past. I give it 4 stars and highly recommend it.

I appreciate Bethany House Publishers providing me with a copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Read the first chapter....

Book Review: His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:12:00 +0000

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons
4 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book first of all for the setting. It takes place in the south during the Civil War. I also was intrigued by the plot. Amanda Belle, a young southern woman, is caught between her love and loyalty to her brother, a Confederate soldier, and a developing interest in Captain Littlefield, a Union officer.

As both men go off to war, Amanda struggles at home with her father and young sisters, waiting for the day this bloody war will be over and their brother returns to them. Her father is a pastor, and although she has been a woman of faith, she's uncertain that God is hearing her prayers anymore as the Civil War rages on.

I loved the characters in the story, the plot, and the interaction between the Belle family and their slaves. I could feel for Amanda's plight as her heart was torn between honoring her father and brother and following her desire to remain in communication with Captain Littlefield.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories set in the Civil War period. This is my first reading of anything by Golden Keyes Parsons, but I plan to read more of her books in the future.

I received a review copy in e-book form from Booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Buckle Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

So yesterday I was driving to work. I was listening to my new favorite song and singing along. All of a sudden I felt a THUD, as if I had run over something. I was sure I hadn't seen anything in the road, so I couldn't understand why it sounded as if I had run over something.

I slowed down and looked in my rear view mirror, and much to my horror, I saw a cat darting across the street. It didn't look injured, but I must have hit it. There was nothing else in the road behind me, except the cat.

It made me gasp and clasp my hand over my mouth in unbelief. Where did the kitty come from?!? I love cats. I've owned five. I cannot believe I hit one, but I never saw it. He must've been a fast runner to get under my van and back out without major harm. As I said, it ran off and didn't appear injured. I'm hoping it simply got off with a scrape.

It's an obstacle course out there on the roads these days. Between the few dreaded intersections near my home and cats running out from nowhere, it's a wonder I can venture out there.

Buckle up, people. It's dicey out there.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?

Yes, I have had to report for jury duty several times. Only once did I get called to the jury box and was questioned. They didn't like my answers, so they let me go home. I was relieved.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.

I'm about a 3, I suppose. I become very familiar with my office equipment, particularly. Up until a couple weeks ago we had this very large digital duplicator for about 10 years. I knew by the sounds it made if it was malfunctioning. I knew what to do if the masters wouldn't spit out of the machine. On more than one occasion I had a pair of tweezers in there trying to get the bands positioned back on the rollers. Of course, my hands were always covered with ink when I was finished.

That's about the extent of my mechanical abilities, though.

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

I can happily say that I eat all of those vegetables, but as for a favorite... I suppose I'd choose butternut squash, simply because I eat all the others year-round. I eat butternut squash a couple times in the fall. It's very good with butter and brown sugar.

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?

Reading the Bible helps, and meditating on what Christ did for us on the cross and His great love and mercy lavished on us.

5. Do you enjoy classical music?

I will listen to it, but I have to work to enjoy it.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month?

Okay... how did I miss that this is National Book Month? I'm hopelessly in love with books. I am currently reading His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons and The Essentials of Prayer by E.M. Bounds. I'm expecting several other books in the mail for me to review in a few weeks, like The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund, House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson, and Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. I can't wait!

7. What is your idea of 'cute'?

My little Dixie girl, my Sheltie

8. Insert your own random thought here.
My favorite season is summer, but I do enjoy the fall colors. We've been enjoying temperatures in the 70's and 80's through the last week, so I've got to enjoy a little mix of summer and fall. I like it!

If you're interested in seeing how other bloggers answered these questions, pay From This Side of the Pond a visit.

It Always Takes Me By Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:24:00 +0000

Yesterday while I was on my walk, I had to stop and gaze. Then I had to get a picture of these beautiful trees on the hill.

Every year the fall colors surprise me. I know that sounds crazy because seasons change like clockwork. It may be that I'm not expecting them in early October, but all of a sudden I look around and there's yellows, oranges and reds everywhere.

Are you enjoying the changing of the season and all the fall colors?

Musings Monday: Non-Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:08:00 +0000

The Musings Monday question for today is...What types of nonfiction do you read? Can do multiple choices.

CHOICES:

- e-books

- Mythology/Folklore
- Travel/Locations
- Humor
- History
- Art, including art history
- Science including forensics
- Gardening/Nature
- Political
- Financial/Economical
- Religious
- Self-help
- How-to books
- Books on writing
- Audio books
- Biography
- Autobiography
- Sports
- Architecture
- Fitness/Exercise/Nutrition/Beauty
- Other
- None of the Above

I read Religious and Biography. Specifically, I read books on Bible doctrine and Christian living. I try to be in a biblical book all the time in addition to my fiction selections. I've never really been a fan of biographies, but after being required last spring to read Shadow of the Almighty (about the life of missionary Jim Elliot), I realized how beneficial Christian biographies are.

What kind of non-fiction do you read?

Sunday Scripture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

"For who has known the mind of the Lord,

Or who has been his counselor?"

"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:34-36 ESV

So This is What 39 Looks Like

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:59:00 +0000

Well... my birthday was on Thursday. I'm now the big 3-9! Thirty nine years old. How did that happen? I really don't feel 39, although, I'm not sure exactly how 39 is supposed to feel.

I remember being in my 6th grade classroom and daydreaming about getting older... like being 30. Honestly, I never thought I'd see 30. I have been expecting the imminent return of Christ. I truly thought that He would rapture me out of here before I ever experienced age 30.

Yet here I am at 39.

So as I was saying, it was my birthday. The funny thing about it was I woke up at 5:30 AM. I had the opportunity to sleep in, but my body seemed to think I had sufficient sleep.

I walked into the bathroom, turned on the dimmer of the two lights, and looked in the mirror. I never look in the mirror the minute I get up. I was shocked at what I saw. Right between my eyebrows were two crease lines. They're the ones that crease whenever I scrunch up my forehead when I'm worried or upset. And there they were, as if I had been scrunching my forehead ALL NIGHT.

Seriously? This is how I look first thing in the morning? I had no idea! And if I look like this at 39, what will I look like in 10 years?

So... this is 39. It looks to be an "interesting" year.

Book Review: Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carny Sullivan has seen plenty of cons, having been raised by parents who were carnival people and taught her all the tricks. When Logan Brisco blows into her small, close-knit town she knows his promises to the locals of making money in his investment opportunity are nothing but a scam. Carny does everything she can to convince her town that he's a con and refuses to tear down her personal walls of defense. But just when she believes she's got Brisco all figured out, he surprises her.

The book synopsis calls this a modern day "Music Man". It is that type of story, and I hadn't expected that when I planned to read it. I think I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first. Carny's constant nagging about Logan Brisco's con for the first half started getting on my nerves, but somewhere in the middle of the book I got over it.

I give the book 3 stars because it just didn't "wow" me. I was looking forward to suspense because it was Terri Blackstock, but the suspense just wasn't there. I would've enjoyed it more if it had been. Overall it's a fun read, and I found the background of the life of the con men and the "carnys" interesting.

*I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes from Shelton Interactive. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Read the first chapter

View the trailer... (If you are reading this by email, click over to the blog to see the video.)

Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:23:00 +0000

I'm uncertain as to how to sum up the last few months. I've basically written book reviews but nothing personal. The blog took a backseat to book reading, summer pursuits, and my physical problems.

I have been struggling since the first week of July with a motion feeling, akin to floating on a boat. It comes and goes, but it's mostly on all the time to one degree or another. Along with the floating sensation are constant headaches, which are an absolute puzzle to me. I have a headache all the time. Some of the time it's just a mild ache, and I hardly notice it's there. Other times it's a hard throbbing.

I've been getting adjustments at the chiropractor. I've seen my family doctor. Neither one knows exactly why I'm feeling this way. Oh, there are some medical test options I can choose from, but I don't love the options. I currently have an appointment with a specialist, but it's a month out and I'm not sure that it's the right direction for me. So I wait.

It's always been near impossible for me to proclaim God is good when I'm suffering. I believe in the sovereignty of God, but when it came down to saying those words while I'm grappling with feeling horrible and wanting my circumstance to change, I stop short of saying it.

I know the Lord is working something in me, though. He's changing me. He knows my great need to learn how to trust Him, to surrender to whatever He gives me. In my daily prayers I've been giving this physical problem over to Him, asking Him to help me be surrendered to His will. If I believe God's will is always for my good and His glory, then I should be able to say that having headaches and a floating-on-a-boat feeling is good for me. I don't want to bring shame to His name by responding with despair.

I've recently learned the song written by Laura Story called Blessings. It's currently my favorite song because it speaks of asking God to remove suffering or making circumstances better, but we don't realize that the hard things God brings are really His mercies toward us. Sometimes when I'm awake at 3:30 AM because my head is spinning, I will turn on this song and sing softly. And it's in those moments I know that God is changing me because I'm drawing nearer to Him.

Book Review: Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths That Last. by Joshua Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading the testimony of Joshua Harris as he talked about his teenage years in a mega church youth group and his lack of being grounded in correct doctrine. The premise of his book is to help the reader understand that we need doctrine, and we need right doctrine in order to live in a way that's pleasing to God. If our doctrine is wrong, we'll live wrong.

Harris writes about some of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, but he does it in a simple way so the average reader can grasp it. He doesn't use big words, and if he does, he explains what they mean. He covers the doctrines of salvation, sanctification, scripture and more. My favorite chapters were on the doctrine of Jesus and the doctrine of the church.

When I requested the book for review I was anticipating it would be a very good resource for the teens at my church. I would recommend it for older teens, but there is one chapter that hits briefly on a subject that's of a sensitive nature, and I would recommend a parent read the book first to determine if it's appropriate for their teen.

I have already recommended the book to friends because it's excellent. I think if you read it with other people, it would generate some good discussion. It would especially help someone who is a new Christian or someone who needs to have a better understanding of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. It does include an in-depth study guide at the back of the book for small groups.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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Book Review: Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The book is about how God makes the broken pieces of our lives into something we can use to change us. We are broken people, but we need God's perspective on what He's doing and how He's working in our lives.

Patsy encourages us to focus on gratitude to God for where we are and what He has given us, looking for God in our circumstances, and thinking Biblical thoughts. She shares personal stories of troubling seasons in her life and how God gave her His perspective through them.
Although Patsy is quite a humorous speaker, this book did not use humor as you might expect from her, except for one chapter where she talks about aging. I enjoyed that one the most because that's the Patsy I am familiar with. Beyond the humor, though, Patsy does have a way with words and describing beauty around her. You can tell she loves words and puts them well to use.

As for the spiritual impact of the book, I was left feeling like something was missing. It doesn't delve deeply into spiritual truths as much as I would like, and I probably won't remember much from the book in days to come. It was a bit on the "fluffy" side, in my opinion. I also don't go in for "self-esteem talk", which was mentioned a couple times.

I probably would not recommend this book to a friend, simply because I believe there are better resources available for women who need encouragement in their spiritual growth.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Book Review: Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Rating: 5 stars

Attorney Tom Crane travels to his small hometown in Georgia to close down his deceased father's law practice. In the process of working to get his father's clients hooked up with other attorneys who can take their cases, he finds a large sum of money in a secret bank account and must investigate who the money belongs to. He runs into unexpected trouble, and what he believed would be a simple task, lands him in a web of mystery and uncertainty over who he can trust.

I loved this book. I think it took off a little slow, but once it got going I was glued to the pages. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you will enjoy this book. There were some exciting twists and turns at the end.

What I really loved about the story was that it was written from a Biblical worldview, meaning the characters who were believers in Christ worked to handle their problems in relation to their faith. This is exactly what I am looking for in a Christian novel.

The main character, who didn't have faith, was challenged to seek God by other characters in the story. The Christian characters were concerned with prayer and church attendance and actually had meaningful relationships with the Lord. These are elements that are missing far too often in Christian fiction as well, and I am thrilled that Robert Whitlow included these in this book. I will read more of his work because of it.

Ready to read it? Download Water's Edge to your Kindle right now!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Church Camp Adventures 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:48:00 +0000

I've been home from camp for seven days, and I don't think I'm quite back into a routine. Of course, summer changes my routine anyway.

One thing that's been wonderful this week is the weather. Nothing but sun and pleasant temps. Wish we could've had two weeks at camp just like this, but for whatever reason God didn't see fit to give it to us. We still had a good time, in spite of the rain and several days of cool temps.

So let's talk about camp a little. I woke up with a stuffy nose the first day we were heading out. I have frequently been sniffly in the mornings but not stuffy. Thinking the congestion would just clear up as the day wore on, I didn't worry much about it. I popped a Claritin and went on with my day. Only it didn't just go away. It made me miserable. And I was staying in a cabin among a lot of trees and grass and growing things that... you know... create pollen.

I woke up in the middle of that first night with my sinuses miserably congested and couldn't breathe. That warranted a trip up to Walmart first thing Wednesday morning before the kids even were up. Thank goodness that the state park is only about 25 minutes from the Walmart. I grabbed a couple packages of sinus meds and some throat drops and headed back to camp. Let's just say I sneezed a lot and used up almost an entire box of Kleenex all by myself over the next five days.

I just want you to know that although I never would've anticipated having an allergy issue during camp, God's grace carried me through it. It's not what I would've chosen for myself, but I managed and still had fun in spite of the discomfort.

So what do you want to hear about next? The volleyball games, the snake, or the nicknames the kids gave me?

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Busy Busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:07:00 +0000

Hello. I'll bet you've been wondering where I have been. Or not... and that's okay.

I haven't been doing any book reviews of late. I needed to back away from any review commitments because I'm going to help at our church camp for two weeks in June.

Otherwise, I haven't written anything else simply because I haven't felt inspired. I guess this is a dry writing spell.

On the flip side of that, though, I started a prayer journal in January, and I have been keeping up with journaling almost every day. You might say I was challenged after reading A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller and also reading Jim Elliot's biography The Shadow of the Almighty. My desire to journal over spiritual things got kicked into high gear.

So as I mentioned, these next two weeks are going to be full and challenging. Next week I leave for teen camp, in which I will strive to keep up with a handful of teenagers (and their fearless leader) for 4 days.

Thank goodness, the girls get to stay in a cabin. With a toilet. And beds. What we're all praying for is that we get to keep our power this year, otherwise that toilet will only be a pipe dream. Last year we lost power during both weeks of camp. None of us camp veterans want a repeat of that.

Then I'll return on Saturday to do laundry, go to church, repack my things, and turn around to do it all again with the junior campers. They cut that week down by a day. I'm still not certain whether they do that for the young campers or for the adults.

But lest I forget to tell you... before all the camp fun begins I will be attending my 20-year high school reunion this Saturday. Did I just say 20 years?!? How did I grow old enough to even get here? I've been reading on Facebook of late about some of my classmates having children graduating from high school this year. One gal's daughter is going to make her a grandmother very soon. Yipes!!! How did this happen?

So wow! A lot happening around here, for sure. Hopefully I'll get a chance to fill you in on all the details later. Whenever that is.

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Book Review: Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bailey Flanigan has dreams of performing on Broadway, so she is thrilled when she is given an opportunity to audition for her favorite show Hairspray. At the same time she's nursing a broken heart because her family friend-turned-boyfriend, Cody Coleman, walked out of her life without explanation. She still misses him after months of no phone calls or texts, but at the encouragement of her mother she tries to move on.

The characters in this story are connected to the Baxter Family series, none of which I've read. As I started into the book it was a little hard to discern who belonged to whom, and it seemed like there were so many characters to keep track of. After a few chapters it started falling together for me, and it wasn't a problem.

I liked the characters Bailey and Cody. I felt like they had depth and were relatable. I felt drawn into Bailey's life, particularly, and was left at the end of the book wanting to find out what happens next.

The one thing I especially appreciate about Kingsbury's writing is that she includes characters who have a genuine relationship with God, and they have regular conversations with Him when they face adversity and in their decision making. I wish more Christian writers would include this element in their books.

I have enjoyed a few of Karen Kingsbury's other books more than this one. Unlocked is by far my favorite of the few I have read. Having invested time into this story and getting caught up in Bailey's character, I will probably have to read the next in the series to find out what's next for Bailey, as well as a few of the other characters.

If you're a fan of Karen Kingsbury, I'm sure you will enjoy the book.

I would like to thank Zondervan for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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