Review: I Finally Quit by David Ross

When it was presented that Heather Randall of Christian Women Affiliates had a “different” book for us to review and wanted to make sure she had willing reviewers I took a chance. I read the summary of I Finally Quit by David Ross on Amazon. I replied to her, I would be willing to review it. And here we are.  

So, I Finally Quit by David Ross is a memoir with a call to action. David Ross was successful, engaged, and at the top of his game when his world came crashing down and sent him straight off the cliff, metaphorically of course.  You see Ross was all those things, but he was a alcoholic and a smoker.

Ross takes you through a series of “fortunate” events. Horrible, but “fortunate” events that took him from where he was to the lowest of lows and back up the mountain. This time that mountain was a different mountain, one of sobriety. This mountain lead to living, really living, not just existing.

When I read the summary of “I Finally Quit” I thought to myself, okay I don’t really have things that I need to quit … like this. I have other things I am sure, but not like this. His story sounds really interesting and maybe it will give me some concrete tools to pass on smokers and drinkers in my life.  

That was my expectation. Having finished the book I don’t feel like my expectations were met. I know what David used, but he didn’t give any tools on how to take what he did and use it for yourself. The final 10 pages of the book or so are a call to action. The action being join the “I Finally Quit Movement” through the ifinallyquit.com.  I felt this was a little like pleading, honestly.

What I didn’t expect was to find myself so incredibly intrigued by this story. I actually found myself wanting to come back to the book and find out more. How did he do it? What did he go through next? I found it amazing that he quit drinking without being checked into a rehab facility.  When you read about what he went through I dare you to not be amazed by what God can do in people’s lives … even when they don’t really seem to know Him all that much. Ross mentions that it was obvious God’s hand was on his life and he talks about one time where he saw an angel. It did not appear that he was actively seeking, or in a relationship with God while all this was happening to him.  

I wanted to know more. I went to ifinallyquit.com, I registered and looked around. He has groups for anything you want to quit -- low self worth, sweets and sugar, complaining -- right now there are 16 support groups. The movement is newer, but the dream of this movement is what got him through the dark temptations.  

His story may be what you need to take that next step into quitting the thing you want to quit. His website might just be the thing you need to connect with the support that is going to help you move to quitter.

You can become a quitter here> ifinallyquit.com

You can pick up a copy of “I Finally Quit” here> The I Finally Quit Movement: Recruiting an Army of Quitters

You can like I Finally Quit on Facebook here>www.facebook.com/ifinallyquit

Review: Against the Grain by Nancy Cain

What happens when you are a mom known for your homemade pizza Friday nights and your son is diagnosed with celiac disease? You realize that gluten is in everything! You head out on a mission to find a way to make pizza. This is exactly what happened to Nancy Cain, owner of Against the Grain Gourmet and author of "Against the Grain."

The introduction to "Against the Grain" tells the Cain family story that lead them to creating a gluten free baking company. She then explains the fundamentals of gluten free baking and why gums are not necessary. In the fundamentals you find out so many things about the importance of the pans (much more important in gluten free baking than standard baking) and the essential items for a gluten free pantry.  

I had wanted to experiment with gluten free baking in November since I was tired of the constant stomach aches. I had gluten free pizza at a friends house and it was the first time in a long time I was not in pain 15 minutes after eating. I purchased a gluten free flour mixture, gluten free bread mix and xantham gum. I had made the bread and that was nice to be able to eat a sandwich. I had cut it out for the most part in bread and pasta for a week. I realized that I am sensitive to gluten - I can eat some, but when I hit a limit I then get 'sick' again. 

When I saw this cookbook available to review at Blogging for Books I jumped at the chance. I had experience with a few gluten free mixes and although it was nice not having stomach issues after eating, the texture of the foods left much to be desired. After the introductory pages I found myself leafing through the recipes. I found things that I was SO excited to try. I had The Hickmans pick out things to try and I added the items to my grocery list. 

Now I typically get everything I can at Aldi and Dollar Tree. This is how I feed us typically for around $75 for a week.  Knowing I was going to be trying out some new recipes I added $25 to our budget for this week. I also knew I was going to have to head out to some other stores. I found most of what I needed at Kroger. I think I would have found it all, but they were out of the Buckwheat flour. I got all the extra I needed (except the Buckwheat flour) for 17. The coconut flour and coconut milk were on sale, it would have been 20 without the sale.

I found a recipe for pancakes and instead of the flours suggested I just used the flour mix I had. They turned out. They were good, but not great. I knew it was because I didn't follow the recipe exactly I used different flours. I read the introductory pages, I understood that different flours need different hydration levels. I knew not using the exact flours listed would make a difference. 

So with the next recipe I followed it, to the letter. We are trying the little Hickmans pick. Tater Donuts. Gather your supplies and helpers.

Follow the directions and get this scrambled egg looking dough. Be fearful that it is going to taste like fried eggs and potatoes, but keep going and trust the process.  

Taste the donuts with a little hesitation ... the whole fear of fried eggs and potatoes. Then realize that your fears are -- once again -- unwarranted. 

These are delicious! 

I called my dad (a chef).

D: "Hello."

M: "Dad, I may never buy donuts again. These are as if french crawlers and cake donuts had a love child."

D: Laughs at me.

Then I text the husband.

"Oh my these are a little bite straight from heaven. As if it is a tantalizing dance just for my mouth. Seriously, you might not get any!"

The kids are crazy and didn't like them. These are very airy and they like a dense cake donuts, so that makes sense to me. 

There is something else that I just love about this cookbook. With each recipe there is a little story, reason behind the recipe, or tip to make the recipe even better. I love aspect. 

I had mentioned it earlier, but I want it to be known. I was given this book in exchange for a review. At no point was I asked to give a positive review and all the opinions are 100% my own. 

Review: Complicated Creatures by Alexi Lawless

Yesterday I finished Complicated Creatures Part One by Alexi Lawless. I was making lunch for the kiddos and I found myself still thinking about the book and how it ended.

I have done much of my reading on my phone/tablet lately. My new PC version ... LOVE IT!
Next read will be paper and in my hands though.

Then I found myself thinking about things like ... this book would not be for everyone. I would not recommend this book to this person or that person. I remember one time I was talking about books I have read with a group of bible study ladies. One said, "I couldn't finish that Emily Griffin book - too much sex. Too descriptive."  If you feel that way about Emily Griffin books you need to run from this book. There are sex scenes. There is more than one. They are explicit. If you don't like books with harsh language. This book is not for you. There is frequent use of four letter words.

I have been reading a lot of Christian fiction lately. This is book in no way is Christian fiction. In fact the book description asks, "Over 50 Shades?"

Now -- if you are still interested - time to talk about this book.

The characters are Sam Wyatt and her team including Carey Nelson, Jack Roman and his "team" including Mitch and his brother Jamie. The story is set in Chicago with a lot of travel.

Sam and her team are all part of a Human Asset Protection team. They protect high profile people. They are all former military special agents of some kind or another. Sam was a naval negotiator, and she is a Texan. She is strong, sexy, and intriguing.

Jack and his 'team' are in real estate. Jack is the tall, dark and handsome Italian playboy.

Sam and Jack meet when she purchase the penthouse across from his in The Whitney (a building that Jack owns and restored). He has no clue that S. Wyatt that just bought the penthouse was a woman which begins the "who is this woman?" for Jack.

The story takes you through the blooming of their relationship. While keeping you at the edge of your seat as you go to all these intense places Sam and her team have to go.  Since she has a dangerous lifestyle Sam keeps relationships "fun" and doesn't make attachments. Jack falls for her hard and fast.

Jack just keeps loving her and he wears her down. She starts to get attached, she starts to fall in love.

To be honest in the middle of the book I was starting to think if it would take a turn that would make me want to read part two. I wasn't loving it. It was a good story, but it was just a romance with some excitement to give it a different flair.

Then a new client brings Sam's past right into her present. Protecting an ex-lover, her boyfriend's brother testing out technology in a violent area with her team there to also protect him. Then things take a turn and ... THE BOOK ENDS!

It ends without any conclusion to any of the stories. You are left asking what is going to happen to Jamie, Carey, Jack, and Sam. Who is this new guy and what happened when to make that happen? Talk about a cliff hanger! I felt like I was watching a season finale of a show and now I have to wait ... for how long??? When does Part Two come out?!?!?!

Would I recommend this book to my friends? Depends on the friend. I would warn them about the language and the explicit nature. Would I recommend this book to my mom? No - I know this is not something she would read, but I would totally pass it along to a few of my aunts who read "steamy romance novels" or even my sister.

Get your copy here:


Interested in more? You can connect with Alexi Lawless here. Join her mailing list and you get a Free Novella for a limited time.  Complicated Creatures 1.5!



I was contacted by the publishing company to review the book a while back. When I reached out (I was ready to review things again) I was told that the book was free on Amazon right now and I was more than welcome to review it. I was not compensated for my review in any way and the opinions are 100% my own.

Review: Crossing Redemption by Carrie Daws

The Crossing Series by Carrie Daws all in all is amazing. Each book is a great read.  Crossing Redemption is the final book in the series.

Crossing Values {Review Here}
Ryan's Crossing {Review Here}
Romancing Melody {Review Here}

Carrie Daws is a Christian author. Her writing style is refreshing and clean. I have said it in the other reviews, but it begs to be mentioned again. You can read these books anywhere and not worry that you will start blushing.

Crossing Redemption brings Amber back into the main character roll. In Crossing Value you find out that Amber has a past that created some baggage.  As not to spoil anything for you, but that baggage comes out in this book. Romancing Melody you also found that Melody's Aunt Patrica also had some skeletons she wanted to keep hidden. Patrica and Amber work on over-coming these demons together.

As I mentioned, this is the final book in this series.  {However, there are several short stories on Carrie's website about these families.} I hate to say it, but this was my least favorite of the series. Although I love Carrie's just enough details to let your imagination take over writing style, I would have really like more about "the baggage". What happened to make these women react the way they were reacting to the situations that were happening in their present.  I also missed the supporting characters that were more present in the other books.

This final book of the series did bring characters full circle. You really do see what God can do in their lives and how far they have come.

I look forward to diving into the short stories. I have recommended this series to youth pastors, friends and family. I think the series is great and I look forward to more from Carrie Daws in the upcoming year.

Thank you Carrie Daws for the copies of your books in exchange for a review. The opinions of these reviews are 100% mine.

Tell Me About it Tuesday: Book Review: Romancing Melody by Carrie Daws

January 8th was the best day.

Let me explain why.

Carrie Daws asked me to review Romancing Melody and Crossing's Redemption. I was elated! I mean I responded to her in ALL CAPS. When I told my husband about it he asked me if it was bold, too.  

That day she sent me Romancing Melody.  (At no point did Carrie ask for a good review, she specifically asked for an honest one.)

I shared this picture with the Caption ...
MUST NOT TOUCH, MUST WAIT, TO DO LIST ... TO DO LIST.

Well, I waited until I started cooking dinner. We were having a rather elaborate dinner that night so while the frozen pizza cooked away in the oven I stood there at the island reading. 

In our stream of emails Carrie asked me if I had read Ryan's Crossing.  Romancing Melody makes more sense if you had read Ryan's Crossing first.  I had read Ryan's Crossing (review here for your pleasure).  I happened to win it through a GoodReads giveaway when she first released it. 

We ate dinner and I sat my tablet down until the kids went to bed. Husband asked me if we were going to watch a movie. I told him something along the lines of watch what you want, I have a book to read. Curled up on the couch with the dog I shared this on Instagram.

UGHHH .. Must put it down.

I followed that up with a tweet to Carrie, "I won't finish tonight. I am sobbing, but so good!"

Yes, this book will make you cry. Although I might not be a good judge of that since I cry very easily. 

Well, I guess God had different plans than my going to sleep. My little man was having a really hard time sleeping and needed me to sit with him until he fell asleep. So I continued reading. By the time he was sleeping enough to move I had 30 pages left.

Okay, so have I built this up enough? Like my Crossing Values review and Ryan's Crossing review I am going to keep this slightly vague. I don't want to spoil this read for you. 

Melody is married to Ryan's friend David. David is in the Special Forces and they live in NC. Melody and David have a baby.  Shortly after he is born David is sent to Afghanistan. This is where the vagueness begins. Stuff happens, big stuff, stuff Melody can't handle on her own. People in her life remind her that God loves her, but Melody is not so sure.

After stuff happens Melody goes to Crossing for a few weeks. (With or without David - you will have to read to find out!) While she is there more stuff happens. 

We get to see more of our favorite Crossing peeps. Amber and Brittany are both pregnant. Faye Yager is still feeding everyone and spreading love. Ryan is charming and kind. We meet a new Crossing resident Mrs. Guire, Melody's aunt. She is on fire for God and I can tell there is a story there!

Here is what I love about Carrie Daws and her writing. I can read her books anywhere. At no point while reading one of her books will you get embarrassed or blush. Sometimes our faith walk is more like a roller coaster ride. Regardless where you are on that ride you will be touched by her writing.

I also love how Carrie gives you enough to create the complexity of a human, and still letting your imagination fill in the details.  For example, I cannot remember a visual description of any of the characters ... except Matthew and his bluer than blue eyes. I like that because to me Melody might be a brunette and to you she might be a blonde - and that is okay. It makes the reading more alive for me. I could be friends with these characters and I want to be part of the Yager family. 

I am looking forward to reading the final installment of the series Crossing's Redemption. 

Now Carrie did ask if I had read Ryan's Crossing first, because Romancing Melody will make more sense. I looked, it had been 2 years since I read a Crossing book. I do think you will enjoy this book not having read Ryan's Crossing first. You will enjoy it more if you have read the other books first.

Head on over to your favorite book seller and pick up copies now. 

Want to support The Hickman Five and get them through Amazon. Click down below.

Romancing Melody

You haven't read the beginning of the series?

Book 1: Crossing Values

Book 2: Ryan's Crossing

Want to ready Crossing's Redemption before I review it? Here you go.

Don't forget to connect with Carrie.

GoodReads

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Review: FarFaria Book App for Kids

This App Review of FarFaria is a LONG time coming.

Is an read-to-me or read-to-myself app. It has over 800 stories and with 5 new stories added each week.  The free version of the app allows for 1 free story a day. The full version allows for unlimited stories starting at $4.99 a month.

Here is how the app works. You bring it up and see this fun map. The home page lets you search for something specific.  You can pick from Recently Read, New, Book Club Activity, 2014 Most Popular, New Adventures, and Winter Fun. You can swipe through these options or hit explore. Which was by far my 5 year old's favorite way to find a story.

When you hit explore it takes you to the map. You pick an island and all the books that would be from that island are then listed on a menu. Mt. Make Believe and  Fairy Tale Falls are two favorites.

See those great letters on this picture. That is a code for parents to help pick reading levels for our kids.  Information on this is listed under the Parents section. A through D are kindergarten levels, PK is preschool.

When you pick a book you can pick from Auto Play (which turns the pages too), Read to Me, or Read to Myself.  I encouraged the Auto Play in the beginning. The weren't always sure when to hit the screen to turn the page and they would tap too many times and end up turning multiple pages. The words also light up while it is reading to you in certain books.

After you finish the book you will see this screen.

It gives you suggestions based on the story you just finished. It gave us some different suggestions after we finish our stories. "Go Car Go" was suggested after we read "How Are You?" They were same reading level.  Monster Machines was suggested after "Go Car Go" which makes sense, both car oriented stories.

Little Man (3) like the app as much as Little Miss (5). His favorite was Monster Trucks - for obvious reasons if you knew him.  His favorite part of this book was when the narrator read "The --- sounds like this." and then the sound of that truck was played.

Okay now as a parent -

My kids really like the app. I liked the readers the company used. They were great readers. Many of the stories seemed to have Anime influences on the illustrations which bothers me, but my kids didn't mind.

The company states that the app provides "The Perfect Story Time Experience". As a parent that limits screen time - computer, tablet and phones (my kids get up to 15 minutes a day) - this did not provide the perfect story time experience. For my big one it was good that words were highlighted as they were read, however, the words are small and hard to see I could tell she wasn't look at the words at all.

The company also says that encourages families to read together. The app will auto play the stories. I will be honest, we used the app while I was trying to get meals on the table. They took turns picking the story and letting the app read to them. I was not involved in the reading at all.

The company states that the app encourages children to read stories they might not have otherwise. This is true. My kids loved the suggested stories feature. They used that more than they used the explore or search menus.

The company states that they want to help children build a love for reading. I do believe this app would achieve that. I am not a far judge of this goal. My kids are the kids who need to be limited at the library to 5 books or they would be coming home with 30. These kids have over 150 books in their personal library. We have a slight obsession with reading.

Like I said before the free app allows for 1 story a day.  To be honest, that would have frustrated the daylights out of my kids. They would have had to agree on a story or only one of them would get to pick a day. With the stories they liked to pick - the app would be used for about 3 to 5 minutes for the entire day. With the full version (which we were given a 6 months subscription for review the app) allows for unlimited stories.  $4.99 a month for full access is more than I would be willing to pay. I might consider purchasing the app if it was an annual subscription.  I am not sure I would be willing to pay more than $15 for the full year.

If I were to rate this app 1 to 5 stars. I would give it 3.5. I liked that my book worms had additional options than me sitting there reading to them, but that is not what the company is encouraging. I liked that the kids could work the app themselves and find stories that interested them. I liked the readers. I didn't like the illustrations of many of the stories and I think it is expensive.

I did mention it, but I would like to say it one more time. We were given a 6 month subscription to FarFaria in exchange for a review. The opinions of this review are 100% Little Mister, Little Miss and mine.

If you would like to get the app you can download it from The App Store, Google Play or their website. 

Review: Esther Queen of Persia by Jim Baumgardner

While on Facebook last night I find this status:

Joe Boyd: Fascinated - not surprised or hurt - by the 100+ negative comments to my latest blog on @HuffPostRelig re the BIble http://t.co/A2IhfcNLmi

So of course I had to go over there and see what was going on!  I read the entry and I started to read the comments.  So much negativity - they were even coming across like this is a man who is just a Christian with a view point.  I got really riled up, who could these people say these things without even knowing this man?  Why is no one who knows him standing up for him?

Let me sum it up like this.  Joe Boyd is the former teaching pastor at our church.  God has put a calling on this man to be a storyteller.  He is AMAZING!  The post is basically saying -- if we don't start sharing the stories of the bible they will get lost.

As a Christian I hate to admit it, but there are SO many stories in the bible that I don't know.  The story of Samson was used as an example in one of our services recently and I only had my knowledge of the Bible mini-series to go from.  So what he says is true, as Christians some of us don't know these stories and if they are not shared they will get lost.

Jim Baumgardner might feel along the same lines.  He is doing his part to share the stories of the bible in his unique way.  Just like Joe Boyd, he (Jim) is amazing.

Now, the story of Ester is one that I knew from the bible - 2 summers ago I did the Beth Moore Ester study.  However, you do not need to know the story from the bible to understand the book.

This is what Jim does - he takes the story from the bible, the history from the time and writes a captivating story.  My friends and I were shocked that half way through the book Ester finally becomes Queen of Persia, but the first half really puts you in Hadassah's shoes.  Her thoughts of being taken from her home, her fears of no longer being able to wed a Jew, her fears of what would happen if she isn't selected as Queen.  The whole book is like this.  It really brings the 4 chapter story from the Bible alive.

Jim Baumgardner is an amazing story teller and gifted with words.

Pick up a copy of Ester Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time here:
Amazon Soft Copy
Amazon Kindle 

Connect with Jim at:
Bible Novels
Blog
Sarah Books
Facebook
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9 Traits of a Life Giving Mom by Sue Detweiler {Tell Me About It Tuesday}

Wowsas!  It has been a long time since I have reviewed a book.  I thought I would jump back in.  Today's pick from Christian Women Affiliates: "9 Traits of a Life Giving Mom" by Sue Detweiler.

First off, I want you to watch this.  Then I will tell you why all moms - even if you think you are a professional and got this thing down - need to read this book.

When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I always said two things, "a mom and a teacher."  To be honest - I am both of those things.  As a teacher, it is WAY different than I ever anticipated, but I love it.  As a mom, I feel like I am failing at it daily.  My mean mommy makes an appearance way, way too often.  Don't even get me started on our trip back from visiting my mom - mean mommy was in the driver's seat.   I picked "9 Traits of a Life Giving Mom" to review because quite frankly, I want to be a better mom.  I want to yell less.  I want to remain calm and peaceful.  I want frustrations to remain in check.  When I get frustrated I don't want it to stay with me all day.  I want my first response to be love, not whatever it has been lately.  Fill in your reasons - I am sure there are places in the dark areas that you don't let people see you want to be better. So I start reading ... Replace Anger with Love - wisdom, tip, nugget, scripture, prayers -- all great stuff.  I keep going.  Replace Sadness with Joy - I swear our pastor read this chapter before he preached the Sunday before.  I keep going.  Replace Anxiety with Peace - more wisdom, more tips, more scripture, more great stuff.   Then I read the title of the next chapter.  Replace My Frustration with God's Patience.  Let's be honest - here is my chapter.  If this wasn't an e-book this chapter would be completely highlighted! So look at this pile of tips, wisdom, words to live by ... 

Then I read this.  

Sue used the Amplified Bible version where "opposes" also means "frustrates."  Could my frustrations really come from pride?  This one just stuck with me.    I kept reading, Replace my negativity with kindness, Replace manipulation with goodness, Replace fear with faithfulness, Replace pride with gentleness, Replace self-indulgence with self-control. This would be a great book if it stopped right there.  Then there is the study guide.  Each trait has a lesson and with each lesson there is a story of a mom learning to be a life-giving mom.  There are questions to help us along the way.   Now that I have you ready to drop everything you are reading and pick up "9 Traits of a Life-Giving Mom" by Sue Detweiler where can you get it? On Amazon of course!  Soft Cover or Kindle!      Want to know more or connect with Sue directly?   Her website is here: SueDetweiler.com Connect Socially:  Facebook Twitter Google + Linked In You Tube Still need more reasons to get this book?  Check out what other reviewers are saying here.

I am linking up with What are you Reading Monday over at BookJourney

Tell Me About it Tuesday: Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett

Get your copy here

What if the most upright person stumbles?  In the process of concealing a mistake, he is accused of treason and murder?  Oh and that person is the president of the United States?

It would be a book worth picking up right?

And it is … if.

If you enjoy a book that gives a lot of back story.  As the reader you know that Josh Davis is going to become the president of the United States.  You also know that he is an honored Army Lieutenant.  You get all that right from the back of the book.  Well the first 20 chapter of the book lead up to Josh making the decision to run for the presidency.

If you enjoy books that give you lots of minute details.  Such as the type of gun used in a battle.

If the visual flow of a book does not distract you from reading.  There are plenty of editing errors in this book.  For me, that completely takes away from being able to get lost in the story.  I need to be able to get lost in the story, not be reading along and get thrown off that a random line in the middle of a sentence is indented.

Twisted Wolf is probably not for you if you are into Chick Lit and "girly" books.

Yes, I had a hard time with this book.  I had a very hard time with the layout and it was hard to tell what was conversation and what was not.  This book was so hard for me that I couldn't even get into the story.  It would have been better for me with less details and got to the story faster.  Why did Josh stumble?  What happened for his pride to take over?  What did him running against his father-in-law do to his marriage?  What was the temptation?  How did his wife handle it all?  Why is he being accused of the murder of 6 Navy SEALS?  (You know all of this just from reading the back of the book.)  None of these are even answered in the first half of the book.  He is barely even the President by then.  I did like how you saw Josh's faith as part of his real life.  It wasn't something that he just called on here or there.  His faith is a big part of this story.

If you enjoy reading military or political fiction.  Or if you like - male oriented authors and stories.  You can pick up a copy of Twisted Wolf at Amazon.  Here is the link for you.

If you want to connect with Perry Perrett
Website
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Good Reads

Tell Me About it Tuessday: On a Quest for Christ by Lisa Are Wulf Review

Get it here

On a Quest for Christ by Lisa Are Wulf is part devotional part bible study, all a guided self reflective journey.

Why did I pick this to review?  I was at a point in my life where I was ready to throw in the towel.  At this point in my life I had said, “Why did I even start believing again?  Life was better before I ever gave my life to Jesus.”  Yeah, I was at a pretty low point.  I found myself asking “Where are you?”  all the time.

The idea of On a Quest for Christ is to read a chapter (super short, maybe a page or two at most) that day and answer the questions with the chapter.  In each chapter you will see parts of Lisa Are Wulf’s story.  As well as have space to write your own prayer for that topic.

I had a hard time really getting into this.  Many of the questions in the beginning I was having a hard time with.  Mostly because I don’t know a time when I didn’t believe.  I don’t know a time that I had a “Spiritual Awakening”.  I always believed and I always questioned.  I never had any answers.  As I worked through the book I reflected on things like “belonging” and being judgmental toward others.

Honestly, I think I had a hard time with this book because I never have really sat down and thought about why I do what I do or have done.  I just go, go, go and I don’t really reflect.  Through working through this book I have found that I do need to get introspective from time to time.

Is this book for you?  Yes.  Even if you are someone who has known all along you believe.  Even if you are someone who grew up in a household that knew and loved Jesus.  Even if you are just coming to Christ.  Why is this book for you?  It will strengthen and solidify YOUR faith.  It is a personal journey that is good for all of us.

You can get it here.

Want to connect with Lisa Are Wulf?
Here is her website
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Review: Changing Churches: A View from the Pew by Dottie Parish

Get your copy at Amazon

Whenever I start reviewing a book I like to let you know why I picked the book to review.  Most of the books that I review are from Christian Women Affiliates.  When I saw “Changing Churches: A View from the Pew” by Dottie Parish I glanced at the description and moved on.  For this main reason - I LOVE MY CHURCH and have no intention on leaving it anytime soon.  On a second look through I noticed Dottie is from Cincinnati, Ohio.  I live in Cincinnati, Ohio.  So, I signed up to review this book.  Crazy reason I know - but that’s the truth. 

The first part of the book I really enjoyed.  It is written like a memoir.  Parish tells her story, why she changed churches and what the pastors were like.  She tells you what the changes did to her relationship with her husband and with God.  She also tells you how these changes grew her faith. 

The second part is full of lessons and suggestions all things that Parish learned throughout her “Journey in Three Churches”.  Lessons like, “Building up the Church Where You Are” and giving yourself a “Christ-Like Makeover”.  These lesson are great for someone like me who knows what I believe.  I want to be more like Christ, I want to know God more.  I want to see God in this world.  I don’t want to be a “causal Christian”.  I still have questions, and some of them seem pretty darn basic.  Like how I am struggling with one word right now -- seek.  More about that another time.  I am 100% positive that one day all of my questions will be answered.

What about someone who doesn’t know what they believe, or has been hurt by the church, or doesn’t have a “home” church?  What about them?  How can this book help them?  Near the end of the book Parish discusses the different world religions and different types of churches.  In fact in that chapter my church is mentioned. 

So, another question I like to try and answer is … who is this book for?  Parish gives a list of who she is trying to talk to on the very first page of the introduction.  The one that sticks out to me, and is probably most encompassing is, “All of us, helping us understand what we need to do to build up the body, the church, the bride of Christ.”  I think if you are someone who is questioning the whole “faith-thing”.  This book is not for you, yet.  If you want more from your faith, then yes, by all means pick up a copy and study your way through it.

Where can you connect with Dottie Parish?

Facebook
Twitter
Faith Notes Blog
Tabers Truths
Amazon to get your copy

Review: No Shame! Only Power by Val Newton Knowles

Tell Me About it Tuesday is back!  Today I am hear to tell you all about “No Shame! Only Power” by Val Newton-Knowles. 


“No Shame! Only Power” reads like a conversation.  Come up to the table and pour yourself a cup of coffee.  Join the conversation.  Val Knowles is going to teach you how to embrace life and find your purpose.  While enjoying the journey.  Right off the bat Val Knowles reminds us that we were made to be a success and has a plan for it.  As long as we follow his plan we will succeed!

This conversation takes place in three parts.  The first part tells us the story of God’s plan.  The second part helps us find where we fit in the place of power and victory.  The final part helps give us a plan on how to achieve all that God wants for us.  I really like that Val is bold enough to lay her viewpoints out in black and white.  I am specifically talking about this one: “We are children of The King.  We are not supposed to be lacking in anything.  Yes, I dare to say that God even wants us to have money, and plenty of it.”  That is not a view point that you see anywhere.  It is refreshing. 

As someone who has a rather basic understand of the bible I found the first part of “No Shame! Only Power” to be a breathe of fresh air.  It retold the story from creation to resurrection, but it wasn’t your basic this is what happened, dry and ‘teachy‘.  I found it to read like Val Knowles was talking right to me.  It was almost like I could have asked my question right to her. 

The second section is all about the power and victory that comes from the Word.  In this section she gives us action steps to get more of this power and victory in our lives.  These actions steps are things like, get passionate about God’s Word.  As well as get someone in your life that knows the Lord more than you do.  (There are three others that you will have to find out for yourself.)

In the final section Val Knowles gives us even more concrete action steps to success.  She goes into details on the importance of the word, why God is the only source and the progression of our faith. 

The big question asked when reviewing a book is would you recommend this to a friend.   My answer is yes.  Like I mentioned earlier, “No Shame! Only Power” reads like a conversation.  The teachings, scripture and messages Val Knowles shares should be read by any believer.  Not only would I recommend this to a friend, I am recommending it as a bible study for my small group.  It does not have study questions with the chapters, but it is definitely a book that would be great for us to discuss.  

Connect with Val Newton-Knowles on her site and on Facebook.

Review: Spiritually Stronger in 40 Days

When I saw Spiritually Stronger in 40 Days by Serge Roux-Levrat.  I knew this was one I needed to read.

If you have been around the blog at all you know we are going through a rather rough season.  If you haven’t here is the nutshell version - November 2011, baby boy is born.  December 2011, Hubs job “could be gone at anytime” (the second time this happened with the company) he finds something that promises to be better.  Fast forward to present day we still don’t have a job that covers expenses and pretty much lost everything.

Needless to say, I am ready for this season to be over.  We have been working through the book of Nehemiah with our Church.  We have been learning how to build our spiritual house.  We are taking a class together to help us rediscover the hope that our faith brings.  So with all of this going on I figured, this book would be a great one to add to the mix.

Now I didn't take the time to do all the homework that goes along with each day.  In fact, I read several days at one time.  Why you ask?  I wanted to make sure this was some thing I would be able to stick with.  I also wanted to see if this was something that Hubs and I could do together.  I am sure that it is.

What sort of things will you need to do over the 40 days that you are making your spiritual life stronger?  Seemly easy things like create a bucket list and review it regularly.  To much more difficult things like make a list of all the wrongs done to you and forgive the person.  To other things like cast your worries and declare promises.

If you were to ask me directly, “Does this book really work?”  To be honest, I don’t know I haven’t applied it yet.

This is what I can say about Spiritually Stronger in 40 Days:

• There is significance in the number 40 (and I like that he gives us tons of reasons why 40 is significant).
• Each day is easy to read and won’t take more than 15 minutes (and I am a slow reader).
• The homework seems do-able and I am sure it will stretch me. 

I am looking forward to becoming Spiritually Stronger and I am sure that this book will help me along the way.

Interested?  Connect with Serge:

SRL Ministries 
On Facebook

{Review} Christmas at Holly Hill by Martha Rogers

Tell Me About it Tuesday is here again with another book review.  Today, Christmas at Holly Hill by Martha Rogers. 

Let me tell you about the book a little first.  Christmas at Holly Hill is set right before the turn of the twentieth century in a small town in Kansas.  Everyone knows everyone.  Everyone knows everyone's business.  Was Clay Barlow strong enough to prove to his hometown he had changed?  Would he ever be able to regain his father's trust?  Let alone the rest of the town.

Clay comes home after 5 years in prison.  He runs into an old friend.  She is now the schoolteacher and feelings from his past bubble up.  He is worried that his past will effect her and tries to keep his distance.  Merry wants to at least be friends with Clay, but it seems like he just keeps pushing her away.

The story starts in October and ends on Christmas.  As the town prepares for Christmas trouble starts brewing.  There is a fire that leaves a little boy orphaned.  A new family is in town and things aren't what they seem to be on the surface.  The gang that got Clay in trouble before starts showing up again.  Will Clay get pulled back into it all? 


Before I started reviewing for Charisma House I had not read historical fiction.  This is my second one and I think I am hooked.  Martha Rogers develops the characters so completely.  The faith of each character is so prevalent and it is refreshing.  The story is page turning, gripping, and heart felt.

This is a great read, especially at this time of the year.  Get yourself a blanket, cup of coffee or hot chocolate, grab this book and enjoy.

 

{Review} Prayer Never Fails by Berney Dorton

Welcome to another installment of Tell Me About it Tuesday.  Today's review:  Prayer Never Fails by Berney Dorton.

This book was difficult for me to get into.  It was pretty choppy in the beginning, but as the book went along the flow got better.  I am not sure what I was expecting with this book.  This book is written like a memoir, and for some reason that threw me.  It also took me 7 chapters to realize that she ends each chapter with a lengthy prayer about the chapter. 

Prayer Never Fails used real life situations, heartache and triumphs in an attempt to illustrate the importance of an intimate relationship with God.  That relationship is developed through prayer.  Dorton's desire was to encourage people to pray consistently to receive God's blessing.  She illustrated this point with her life stories.  Dorton seemed to exemplify "pray without ceasing"

Would I recommend this book to a friend?  Yes, but it would have to be a friend who was at least as far as I am on my faith walk.  This is not a book those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior.  I would recommend this book for anyone who is part of  prayer group.

You can connect with Berney Dorton:
Her website
Twitter
Facebook

You can purchase her book here.

{Review} Ryan's Crossing by Carrie Daws

Carrie Daws does it again.  Her debut novel Crossing's Values is a great read with good morals and values.  Ryan's Crossing continues that trend.

Purchase it here.

Ryan is Amber's (main character of Crossing's Values) brother.  He comes to Crossing for Amber's wedding.  Life hasn't been the easiest for Ryan and as the story unfolds you find out about that.  Then one night Ryan asks God a question.  Did God answer?  How did He do it?  What happened to Ryan?

This is what I really liked about Crossing's Values.  It's a Christian romance that you can read any where without blushing.  If Little Miss were a teenager, she could read it and I would not be concerned about she was reading.  Ryan's Crossing continues that trend.  You never read about intimate things between any of the characters.  There are not even any depcitions of characters kissing.

In Ryan's Crossing the Yager family values are described more in detail.  Minor characters from the first book were the main characters of this book.  A few new characters were introduced.  I liked that there was more from Matthew in Ryan's Crossing than in Crossing's Values. 

Like Crossing's Values, Ryan's Crossing is under 170 pages.  It's easy to read and enjoyable.  You do not need to read Crossing's Values to enjoy Ryan's Crossing.

Would you like to connect with Carrie Daws?
You can connect with Carrie Daws on Twitter or Facebook. 

I won Ryan's Crossing from GoodRead FirstRead contest.  I was not required to post a review. 

{Top Ten Tuesday} Books of 2012

I have been reviewing books for about 6 months now.  I love to read and this makes it great that I can read new authors that I might have never tried before.  So here are some of my favorites ... If you click on the title, it will take you to the full review.

Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley - Christian Historical Fiction
Decision to Love by Michelle Sutton - Edgy Christian Fiction (difficult issues people face, these people are Christians)
Crossing Values by Carrie Daws - Christian Romance Fiction (smut free)
Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss - Being a Mom in today's society trying to be the Proverbs 31 wife.
Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi

I had to also mention the books that I have not reviewed, but read and are some of my faves this year.

Yada Yada Prayer Group - I started the series last year.  (I read books 4 through 7 this year - all borrowed from the library)  This is the only series that I have read all completly.  It was amazing and I cannot wait to have the time to start one of Neta Jackson's other series.  Jodi Baxter and her prayer group go through life together.  So many story lines, so many lives touched by God.  Although you could read them out of order, but I would recommend reading them Book 1 to Book 7.  If you were to ask Hubs I could do this in a month.  Such easy reads. 

Remember Me - Sophia Kinsella.  My sister loves this author and introduced me to her with Undomestic Godess.  Remember Me is possibly the raciest of her books that I have read, but it has a great story about a girl who gets in a car accident and cannot remember 3 years of her life.  Is her dream life really the life of her dreams?

I am linking up at Top Ten Tuesday with Many Little Blessings

{Review} Everyday Matters Bible

As I have told you before ... I get to review some wonderful things being a member of Christian Women Affiliates.  You can become one too if you like.  Just head over and sign up.  Today's review ... Everyday Matters Bible for Women.

I was not to sure how I was going to write this up for you.  And as I sit here, I am just asking that God just guide my words to properly explain this bible to you.  I thought about writing up something that just moved me while I was reviewing it.  Then I thought about just telling you about my favorite features.  So I decided I would just tell you part of my story and how this bible has changed it.

The weakest point of my walk is my time spent in the bible.  The Everyday Matters Bible has helped me with that.  I know it's not just because I am reviewing it.  It's the New Living Translation, for me, this is a easy translation to read.  I really don't understand all the different translations and their different nueances, but I do now that it is difficult to do a bible study with differnt translations.  This bible makes me want to read it because it's pretty.  Yes, I am that woman.  If things are pretty I gravitate to them.  It even has pink on the cover. 

Okay, yes these seem to be superficial reasons why to like this bible.  Here is what makes this bible different.  It's the features.  It states in the beginning of the bible "The purpose of the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is to help you use spiritual disciplines to make your everyday life fuller, richer and deeper."  How do they do this?  The bible contains 24 spiritual disciplines.  These are things like Worship, Acceptance, Faith, Community, Prayer and Simplicity.  Each discipline has these four features Everyday Matters - in-depth articles to intorduct major themes, Everyday Profiles - profiles of biblical women, Everyday Q&A and Everyday Reflections.  At the end of the bible they give you suggestions how to use the bible for small group study.  As someone who is considering starting a small group this is helpful for me. 

So what did I find most helpful?  Honestly, I cannot pick one feature. 

I let my spirt lead me to several different passages.  The one that really spoke to me was the Everyday Matters - "Life Changing Community" in Daniel 1.  It gave me one of those "ahh, I am not the only one" feelings.  I had always had this ... I am missing something feeling.  I have always known what it was.  It is that intimate small group of girlfriends.  Sure, I have lots of friends but they are all sort of at the wall.  I need that group of friends who are in the garden with me.  I have never really had that.  We moved around so much when I was a kid that keeping friends was hard.  I figured I would go to college and I would meet me life long girlfriends. I did for a few years and thanks to Facebook some of us have been able to stay connecected, but we live all over the country.  Seeking that group of close knit women I attended a few small groups, but the group would end and I was empty again.  I am still looking for that small, intimate group, but each time I do something I connect with 1 or 2 people that I continue a relationship with.  I have connected with a group of moms and I have joined a bible study.  Maybe I need to be more proactive about finding my inner circle, because that is what I need - an inner circle.  Even Jesus had an inner circle.  There were his 12 disciples, but 3 that he was super tight with.  That is what I am missing. Last week at church we talked about Acts 2:42-47 and this Everyday Matters Article mentioned it too. 

There is even an Everyday Q&A in regards to Acts 2:42-47.  Guess that is my scripture for now.  We'll see how things progress as I dive into this.

So where can you dive into this bible? 

You can get it on Amazon here.
Here is the publisher's site.
Connect with them on Twitter here.
Conntct with them on Facebook here.
Read other reviews here.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

{Review} Crossing Values by Carrie Daws

Seeing that I am a part of the Christian Women Affliates Reveiw Crew, I get to review some great things.  The latest ... Crossing Values by Carrie Daws.

Purchase Here

I really think this is the first Christian Romance that I have ever read.  Let me just say this, can I get my hands on some more?  This book was so right up my alley.  I was needing a quick fiction read.  I was needing a story that was encouraging but maybe stretched my faith some.

This book did just that.

It's a love story.  Jesus taught us to love God and to love others as we love ourselves.  The Yager family does just that.  Faye and Frank take in Amber, a girl on the run.  Amber refused to let anyone get close to her.  Everyone is going to hurt you or let you down, so don't let them get to close.  Amber spends the winter helping the Yager family.  As she spends the winter with them she starts to ask questions.  Big, tough questions.  Questions not all Christians are equipped to answer.

God prepared the Yager family for Amber.  God guided Amber to this specific family, all without Amber every really believing.  And if I tell you about my favorite part I will give you too much, so I must stop there.

Carrie Daws is not the first Christian Fiction author I have read.  Her characters are the most "Christian" characters I have ever read.  These characters pray.  These characters talk about their faith.  These characters talk about God.  They quote and refer to scriputre.  In others, off of this is  implied.  They way that Carrie develops her characters shows me that she also has a very strong faith.  That was refreshing.

I finished the book and said to Hubs, "Wow, that was really good."

You can connect with Carrie Daws on Twitter or Facebook. 


I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.