Softly and Tenderly

Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck was a good book.  The characters are realistic and diverse adding interest to the novel.  The struggles in the plot are real world and unfortunately too common.  Jade’s struggle to find something to hold onto kept me turning pages and hoping to find her happy in the end.  I related to her struggles with infertility and perhaps that made those aspects of the book more real to me.  If one has never faced that struggle you can never really understand the depth of the longing for a child.  The majority of the plot is concluded in the end she hints as to where the characters’ lives are going, but clearly there will be more to the story in the next book.  I recommend this book as a good read and you will, like me, be looking forward to the next installment.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Soul Reader

Soul Reader by Gerard Webster lives up to its billing as a suspense novel. The plot was well written and engaging. While this is the second in the series I was able to understand what was happening in the story. I would like to read the first book as well and I recommend reading them in order. The characters were realistic and their interactions drew you into the story. Seeing the condition of one's soul can be a blessing and a curse as Ward discovers in the book. Christian aspects of this book are overtly Catholic and include Ward and Carrie's desire to live a more Christ-like life and the Christian works of some of the supporting characters. This is not a "fluffy" Christian fiction work. There are some worldly issues confronted by the characters. They all have fallen and been broken, but some are being impacted by Christ. The main theme was Ward's struggle to deal with his gift and his desire to protect those around him. This sends him on an adventure and through the process brings him to the place he has longed to be within himself. It is a well written book that I enjoyed and would recommend as a good fiction read. Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble was a good book.  The story begins as Eden and Clay are separated and Eden is trying to move on from their crumbled marriage and the loss of their daughter, Brianna.  Clay shows up in Eden’s life again and shares his belief that their daughter has not died and is still under the control of her kidnapper.  He believes he knows where she is and wants Eden to go with him to find her.  They embark on their journey and experience a roller coaster ride of emotions as they search for their daughter.  The plot deepens as Eden learns more about why her daughter was taken four years before.  The story is interesting and the characters have undergone a spiritual awakening, but this book did not inspire me as much as others have.  I was not left with a desire for study or for improvement in my walk in some area.  It was simply a good book and one with an enjoyable story and Christian characters.  I would recommend it as a good vacation or holiday read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Wonder of Your Love

Beth Wiseman’s The Wonder of Your Love is a good read.  It is the second installment in the Land of Canaan series.  The main characters are Katie and Eli.  Both have reached a changing point in their lives, Katie’s change has resulted from the death of her estranged husband and Eli’s change involves his life after children following the marriage of his last child at home.  The story is not your usual Amish novel plot line and that is refreshing.  Both characters have expectations of what life has in store next for them.  The plot reveals how often times what God has in store is not what we have planned.  The characters are well written and refreshingly realistic, while still inspiring.  The growing strength revealed through Katie’s character and spiritual maturity was one of my favorite aspects of the book.  While still growing as a person she makes mature decisions that most in the world would find hard to do.  The character is an excellent example of a Christian dealing with the results of sin and being a shining example in the process.  This book is an enjoyable recreational read that will also give one some inspiration for ways to improve their walk.  So while its not the best book I've read lately, that makes it worthwhile for me.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Baker's Wife

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy is an enjoyable book.  The story involves a group of individuals connected through life events brought to crisis through a mysterious disappearance.  The main character, Audrey, is a former pastor’s wife turned baker and a woman with the gift of comforting others.  This crisis will test that gift and force her to open herself to others as never before.  There are questions at the end of the book for discussion of the story and message in the novel.  I found the book enjoyable. The fact that sometimes helping others requires more of yourself than you might really want to give was a theme that was well written in the book.  The character of Geoff, Audrey’s husband, also models forgiveness and selflessness.  He shows true dedication to loving others with Christian love and compassion, even when many would have reacted differently and felt justified.  The connection Audrey experienced with others was sometimes a stretch for me.  I appreciated the modelled sacrifice of the character, but did not enjoy that element of the book at times.  It would not be my top recommendation of the books I have read over the last few months, but it is a good book.  The Baker’s Wife has a interesting story, characters that are well developed and well written, and inspires the reader to treat others with compassion. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Charles Martin’s Wrapped in Rain is an excellent read.  I have read the novel twice over the last few years and both times I couldn’t put it down.  The characters are well written.  The story is a difficult one to read at times, but inspires as well.  This is not your typical “christian fiction” there are real world struggles within the story line.  Clark and Missie Davis do not live here.  It is not a book I would give a young teen to read.  However, for adults the transition that transpires within the main character, Tucker Rain, will inspire and encourage.  Martin will bring you to tears.  The example set forth for the reader by Ms. Ella will impact how you interact with others.  It is a story about two young boys, their friend, and their troubled childhood and how one lady made all the difference.  To say more would ruin your enjoyment of a spectacular book.  Read this one.  You’ll be glad you did.  I am, twice.  For this reading I received a e-copy of the book from Booksneeze in exchange for a reader’s review without any requirements of the contents of my review.  My above comments and opinions are my own.

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow was an entertaining read.  This book is the second in the Santee series.  I have not yet read the first book and as able to pick up here without difficulty, but I plan to read the first installment asap.  The story opens with Baxter Richardson struggling to recover from a fall off a cliff and his wife Rena’s struggle with what that recovery might mean.  The main character Alexia (Alex) Lindale is Rena’s attorney and a new Christian beginning her walk in the faith.  Alex becomes more and more emotionally invested in Baxter’s recovery through her work with music minister Ted Morgan and his attempts to reach Baxter through music.   She also constantly deals with the demands of tumultuous Rena.  The story twists and turns as it unfolds.  Alex’s new faith and the strength that is building within her is an inspirational element.  The ending is unexpected and somewhat abrupt, but the overall story makes this one a worthwhile book for me and one I’d recommend.  Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow was a good read.  The main character, Tom Crane, goes through a transforming series of events in this novel.  Tom’s father passes away and he returns to his hometown to settle the law practice his father has left behind.   As Tom experiences a series of additional losses he finds himself examining his priorities and opening his heart to the Father.   In this Job-like experience Tom finds more in the small town of Bethel then he bargained for and is transformed as an individual.  Whitlow blends an inspiring story of faith with a suspenseful story-line.  I enjoyed the book, although at times the clear doom coming Tom’s way was somewhat frustrating to me as a reader.  Some of the actions of Tom’s character seem overly trustworthy and unlikely.  Thus the 4 out of 5 stars.  However, the story is a good one and enjoyable for the reader and I recommend it.  The growth of Tom’s faith is inspiring and so well woven into the story throughout the book that I was impressed at its feeling of authenticity.  It was enjoyable to read a suspense novel and also have my faith inspired and fueled.  A good book.  Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 

No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcode

In No Place Like Holmes Jason Lethcode has produced an enjoyable work of fiction for young adults.  In the story young Griffin Sharpe has traveled to England for the summer to spend time with his mysterious uncle.  The story carries the reader through the summer as Griffin gains confidence, survives an adventure, foils the plot of a mastermind criminal, and softens the heart of his uncle.  The story is well written and enjoyable.  It is a crime story however, and therefore might not be for the young preteen set.  There is a crime afoot and some violence results, so parents should be sure that their readers are ready for that sort of thing.  I decided not to share this book with my ten year old who has a tender spirit and I felt would be too upset by the actions of the villain in this story, especially those at the end of the novel.  That said, the character of Griffin models good morals, maturity, and a strong faith.  He provides a good example to readers of how to deal with a relationship with an adult who is not a believer.  These qualities make this book a good read for young readers.  Lethcode does a good job of weaving in Holmes traditional setting, character, and feel to the story.  This will provide a good introduction to later reading of the Holmes books by Doyle.  Normally I shy away from modern works for my kids, but this will likely be one I will happily let them enjoy in their late preteen years.   I am confident No Place Like Holmes will entertain and be an enjoyable experience for them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Nick of Time is the latest novel in the “Bug Man” series by Tim Downs.  The main character is a forensic entomologist by the name of Nick Polchak.  A socially awkward but gifted man who often says things we all wish we could, but never truly consider actually saying out loud.  This book opens with events leading up to Nick and Alena’s wedding.  From there it takes the reader on an exciting journey as Nick seeks to discover the identity of the murderer of a dear friend.  The characters are well developed and interesting.  I found the story engaging and enjoyable.  The plot was well written and the ending sent me straight to the author’s website hoping to see he is planning the next book.  If you love crime novels and enjoy a good story, you won’t be disappointed here.  I read this voraciously while on vacation, finishing it in one day- I just couldn’t put it down.  It was a fun read, perfect for a vacation break.  I previously enjoyed crime novels by a famous female author, but have given up reading them in recent years because the stories have been so consumed by inappropriate content I found them offensive no matter how good the “story.”  I was happy to be given the opportunity to return to the genre in a “clean” form.   Thanks, Tim Downs, for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a good fictional crime book without having to deal with offensive language and profuse sexual content.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Max on Life

Max on Life by Max Lucado may or may not be what you are expecting.  It depends on what the title has led you to believe the book will contain.  The book is a collection of thoughtful answers to a variety of questions.  Organized by topic it is a collection of letters Max Lucado has received and his response.  Often he will guide the individual to scripture or use scripture to clarify and solidify his response.  Clearly he has given thought to the advice he is giving.   This collection is not going to provide the reader with an exhaustive theological essay on any topic, so if you are looking for in-depth study on an issue, this is not the reference book you seek.  Most responses are one page in length.   However, if you are looking for thoughtful answers to many of the common questions we ask as Christians many are here.  Often one doesn’t need the theological essay and its research, they need the concise answer to help them move along in their individual walk.  This book fits that bill.  It will give you food for thought.  It will give you his perspective.  It will reveal his heart for others.  You will need to study more, perhaps his suggestions will give you a place to start.  Remember God gave us the book we need for life, this one can’t (nor do I believe it was intended to) replace it.  A more apt subtitle might have been “Thought Provoking Responses to Your Most Important Questions.”  The “answers” can only be found in the Bible itself so let this collection lead you back there.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Regret Free Parenting- Book Review

Note:  I recently signed up for a book review program through Booksneeze.com.  They provided me this book free of charge and in return I review it here, honestly and without any restraints or requirements on my comments.  My opinions are my own.

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem is an insightful, thought provoking book.  It provides insight to truly successful parenting and gives concrete information that will lead the reader to further study and thought on the content which is presented.  I found it refreshing and helpful.  Unlike many parenting books it is not promoting the latest strategy or innovative parenting technique, it is solid information that you can put into practice.  It is also biblical and encouraging to Christian mothers. This book will make you think.  It would be excellent for a women's study group.  What are you really hoping to achieve through your role as your child's mother?  What qualities do you desire in your child as an adult?  Knowing those answers can lead to goals in the present and she does ask you to put them down on paper.  She discusses intentional parenting and gives good discussion on the topic (I have often found others to say "be intentional" without going further to describe what they argue that means).  Hickem provides a thoughtful chapter on the topic.  One new point that I found helpful was the idea of becoming a student of your child.  As a homeschool mom I have a lot of time with my children, and feel I know them well but I have never really "studied" them.  I have done that over the last few weeks and have learned a lot more about them in the process.  I will benefit from this lesson for a long time.   In closing, I found the book to be helpful in my role as a Mom and I am thankful to the author for giving me lots of "food for thought".

North Face Coats and Timberland Shoes

We traveled around Germany for three months.  Two things were vital for us- good coats and good shoes.  We did not have a car and utilized walking and public transportation.  We walked several miles on an average day of touring and went in all weather conditions.  When we arrived home only my oldest son's Timberlands and their North Face coats survived the trip. 

We literally walked the tread off our shoes.  Two kids had to have their shoes replaced half way through the trip (not cheap with the current exchange rate).  We threw away our youngest son's shoes the day before we left, and he traveled home in crocs.  However, my oldest son is still wearing the Timberlands.  They outperformed 5 other pairs of shoes of various brands.  Love the Timberlands!

Their North Face Triclimate coats.... How can I express how much we love them.  We debated about the expense of the coats (we have four kids=FOUR coats), but I can honestly say they were well worth the money.  Yes, we do have the stress of not wanting to lose them.  We've put tags on the zippers and we try to make sure everyone is aware of where they take them off and we've done well so far.  We didn't go into this purchase without research.  My husband hiked the Appalachian Trail so he is a connoisseur of good outdoor gear.  He wanted the kids dry, comfortable, and able to adjust for whatever conditions we faced.  I can honestly say that I am thrilled with their performance.  This was the best purchase we made for our adventure.  If there is one thing I'd tell people to buy before going to Europe for the fall this would be it. We used the fleece liners on cool fall days.  The outer waterproof shell on rainy days and the combined coat once the weather turned cold.  My kids were never cold or wet- even when walking in heavy rains.  I am sold on North Face.  A few photos of them in their coats in various locales: