Review of Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

Book Description

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn’t always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried Brad and Darlene through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of the students starts paying more attention to Darlene than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.

If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.

Experience a family’s triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

This is the first book of Beth Wiseman’s that I have read.  I understand she writes very popular Amish fiction.  I thought this book was just okay.  I feel that the characters lacked a certain depth.  The only interesting character was the next door neighbor, Layla.  I probably would not recommend this book to others.


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

 

Review of The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

I was already a fan of Rachel Hauck’s writing, having enjoyed the Lowcountry romances (Sweet Caroline, Love Starts with Elle, and Dining with Joy).  But I LOVED The Wedding Dress.  I could not put it down, and I read it in a day.  Rachel has a masterful way of intertwining the stories of four different women who wear the same wedding dress.  I love story lines that go back in time and describe what it was like for women to live in by gone eras with the different societal expectations and roles for women.

The word “redeemed” is used frequently in the story, reminding us of the redeeming love of Jesus.  Rachel Hauck uses the wedding dress as a symbol for the Gospel of Jesus-“it never wears out, it fits everyone who tries it on, it doesn’t need to be altered, and it’s always in style.”

I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it to others.

Review of Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.  Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving.

Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.  She discusses where some of these develop.  For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.  Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.

I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.  God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.  So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.  Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”  I am looking forward to going home!

I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.  Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

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.

When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.  Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving.

Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.  She discusses where some of these develop.  For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.  Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.

I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.  God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.  So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.  Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”  I am looking forward to going home!

I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.  Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

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.

Review of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I have read several of Andy Andrews’ books and The Final Summit is my favorite by far.  I found the story line to be very interesting and I liked meeting all of the historical figures and learning new things about them. I found the premise that all of these people from different eras in time meet and discuss the problem to be very intriguing. 

Overall, I found The Final Summit to be very entertaining and I would recommend it to others.

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.

Review of The Voice New Testament by Ecclesia Bible Society

I like to read different versions of the Bible, and have several of them, so I was interested in reading The Voice.  I was intrigued by its description as being “a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom”.  But I did not find much poetry or song.  Much of it is written as a script, which is interesting, and the notes throughout are helpful.  Overall, I think this translation is interesting but I would go a more standard translation for actual Bible study.Top of Form

Bottom of FormDisclosure 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

Review of Right from the Heart Turning Your Day toward God by Bryan Wright

I am always looking for new devotionals. I have been using this devotional ever since I received it.  It is a very pretty book to use on a daily basis. A variety of topics are covered in this devotional include parenting, marriage, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, prayers, tolerance, and priorities.  Each devotion begins with a Scripture verse and is followed by a short, meaningful discussion.
I have enjoyed this devotional and will continue to use throughout the year.  I would recommend it to others as a great way to start the day with God.

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.

Review of Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper

Lisa Harper is a Women of Faith speaker who has written a likeable, friendly book that shares her personal experiences along with stories from the life of Jesus. The book is divided into three parts: Real Life, Real Gifts, and Real Growth.  Real Life discusses scary things, binding things, dangerous things, and sweet things.  Real Gifts includes the gifts of forgiveness, touch, humor, community, and rest.  Real Growth shows how Jesus helps us become less critical, more honest, more content, more dependent, and more grateful.  In each chapter, Lisa gives a story from her personal life, a scripture passage from the life of Jesus, and a short discussion of the passage.  At the end of each chapter are questions for personal reflection or group discussion, as well as a journal prompt, so this book can be used in a group setting or on an individual basis.

All of the big names from the Women of Faith conference- Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel give great praises to Lisa Harper’s book in the opening pages of the book, so I was expecting a can’t-put-it-down read.  This was an okay book, but I didn’t get what I expected.  It would be a good book for a group Bible study to help generate discussion.

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.