I bought this book because I thought it would be an entertaining read, which it was. I was not disappointed in that. But I wish it read a little bit m...moreI bought this book because I thought it would be an entertaining read, which it was. I was not disappointed in that. But I wish it read a little bit more like a story than a list of recipes with little blurbs. The author does expand on some points, but she has such a unique voice, I would have liked to hear more!
Writers can start with an incredible talent, but like most things, they need to grow and study their craft. 31 Days to Become a Better Writer helps an...moreWriters can start with an incredible talent, but like most things, they need to grow and study their craft. 31 Days to Become a Better Writer helps anyone wanting to improve their writing skills in just 31 bite-size steps.
I was pleasantly surprised with the size of Embracing Beauty. It’s not a skimpy 40-50 page ebook. This is a 127-page actual book, packed with practica...moreI was pleasantly surprised with the size of Embracing Beauty. It’s not a skimpy 40-50 page ebook. This is a 127-page actual book, packed with practical suggestions! You really get your money’s worth, because you can apply everything you learn in an easy and simple way.
While the relationship of Owen and Brooke is a major part of The House that Love Built, there are three complementary stories that demand almost as mu...moreWhile the relationship of Owen and Brooke is a major part of The House that Love Built, there are three complementary stories that demand almost as much attention.
The author also wove in a theme of forgiveness throughout each story, and it’s neat to see how each character responds to their unique situation with that trait in mind.
If you enjoy spiritually laced fiction, this book is for you. It’s a pretty short read – only took me 3 hours from start to finish, and has a subtle a...moreIf you enjoy spiritually laced fiction, this book is for you. It’s a pretty short read – only took me 3 hours from start to finish, and has a subtle allegorical feel to it.
While I do appreciate some of the points made in Complete Without Kids, I feel Ms. Walker wrote this book only to validate her own decision to remain...moreWhile I do appreciate some of the points made in Complete Without Kids, I feel Ms. Walker wrote this book only to validate her own decision to remain childfree.
The subtitle implies this publication is “an insider’s guide”, but it wasn’t filled with brilliant writing and childfree tips as I originally would have thought. Instead, Ms. Walker uses multiple stories to back up her claims and many of the couples are used repeatedly throughout the book, only in different circumstances.
It's hard to make short stories seem complete without an abrupt, or quickly wrapped up ending. I think of all the authors, Beth Wiseman did this the b...moreIt's hard to make short stories seem complete without an abrupt, or quickly wrapped up ending. I think of all the authors, Beth Wiseman did this the best. Her story did not seem rushed, and the character development was spot on, all while being able to finish in a believable and timely manner.
I'm really not a fan of Arianna Huffington, really no conservative is, but I was still curious to read her take on the blogging world and how it's aff...moreI'm really not a fan of Arianna Huffington, really no conservative is, but I was still curious to read her take on the blogging world and how it's affecting mainstream media. There's definitely a liberal slant!
The book is also a little outdated, with a copyright of 2008. Because blogging and social media trends change so fast, I'm not sure I would ever read a book about blogging more than a couple years old. Although, there were still valid concepts that are a must and won't ever change.(less)
I’m always tentative reading new authors, because I’m never sure what to expect, but Lisa Wingate brought her A-game on this one.
I had a hard time pre...moreI’m always tentative reading new authors, because I’m never sure what to expect, but Lisa Wingate brought her A-game on this one.
I had a hard time predicting anything, and the complementary story lines not only kept the book moving right along, but also made it interesting.
This eBook is short, but packed full of practical advice. Amy also includes printables on her website that coincide with her writing.
Read the rest of...moreThis eBook is short, but packed full of practical advice. Amy also includes printables on her website that coincide with her writing.
The writing seems very childish, and not well thought out. I would honestly recommend these more toward tweens and teens, as their first dip into more...moreThe writing seems very childish, and not well thought out. I would honestly recommend these more toward tweens and teens, as their first dip into more adult Christian Fiction. The scenes are very clean, and not the least bit edgy at all.
Though I feel I have a fairly healthy attitude toward money, Carrie did encourage me in saving up for what “might happen”. We don’t ever expect our ca...moreThough I feel I have a fairly healthy attitude toward money, Carrie did encourage me in saving up for what “might happen”. We don’t ever expect our car brakes to go, a flood to demolish or home, or an extreme medical emergency, but if we prep for the unknown, we will be better equipped to handle whatever comes our way.
As for the readability of the book, I like how the author writes about her own life and makes each of the points personal and applicable. However, I was easily distracted away from the writing of the book. I had to work to finish it, and it doesn’t usually take me that long to finish a book!
In A Wandering Heart, a whole new cast of characters come in to play, literally. Liza hosts a film crew complete with a famous actor and actress at he...moreIn A Wandering Heart, a whole new cast of characters come in to play, literally. Liza hosts a film crew complete with a famous actor and actress at her B&B while they shoot scenes on the beach below the inn. A side story between Charlotte, the actress, and Colin, the fisherman, blossom when they least expect it.
The book seems to wrap up to quickly though. All the pieces fell into place just so, which didn’t give the story much believability. But it’s not enough of a problem to give the whole series a bad review.
I really really like the concept in this book. Even though I sort of knew that emotional stress could create physical problems, I never really thought...moreI really really like the concept in this book. Even though I sort of knew that emotional stress could create physical problems, I never really thought about it like Dr. Rita explains in her book.
However, I encountered some doctrinal issues that make me very unlikely to recommend this book to others. Dr. Rita goes in depth with two, how do I say, interesting visions, and later in the book, dives into the subject of physical healings through touch. (less)
Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, will take you on a whirlwind ride into a quaint little town with limited cell coverage, and more bears than peo...moreLove Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, will take you on a whirlwind ride into a quaint little town with limited cell coverage, and more bears than people, and show you that sometimes, love is just waiting there right in front of you.
I wasn’t sure really what to expect when I requested this book. I knew the author was a Christian and would point out the faults of this famous woman,...moreI wasn’t sure really what to expect when I requested this book. I knew the author was a Christian and would point out the faults of this famous woman, but actually, his words read more like a biography and are fairly unbiased.
There are sections, though, where the author chimes in with his personal notes and beliefs, but these are always prefaced as such and are even written in a different text.
I thought the book started out kind of slow, and was all ready to give it an average rating, when out of the blue, it completely amped up the storylin...moreI thought the book started out kind of slow, and was all ready to give it an average rating, when out of the blue, it completely amped up the storyline. I was hooked, and had to finish!(less)
I like History, I even like the author, former presidential candidate Rick Santorum, but I did not like this book.
It’s not that it was a bad book – it...moreI like History, I even like the author, former presidential candidate Rick Santorum, but I did not like this book.
It’s not that it was a bad book – it was just boring – and reminded me of an old History textbook. That’s not how we win non History buffs over, FYI.
Kim Ketola weaves her story in with a step-by-step process to find true healing after abortion.
She begins with a questions, “Do you want to be well?”...moreKim Ketola weaves her story in with a step-by-step process to find true healing after abortion.
She begins with a questions, “Do you want to be well?” Sometimes grief can be the only reminder of a life lost, and those who have had abortions tightly hold on to it. Kim will help women release this grip, and encourage them to find other ways to memorialize their baby. (less)
Idols of the Heart is not a riveting read, but it is very informative and has many useful takeaways. I don’t agree with every statement in the book, b...moreIdols of the Heart is not a riveting read, but it is very informative and has many useful takeaways. I don’t agree with every statement in the book, but it does a good enough job at tackling a topic that is convicting, and necessary.
I’ve had my fair share of regretted conversations, and even though I’m shy around people I don’t know, I...moreI really wanted to read this book, but didn’t.
I’ve had my fair share of regretted conversations, and even though I’m shy around people I don’t know, I tend to be a little blunt with people I do know – aka family and friends.
Dr Michael Sedler had enough conviction in When to Speak Up & When to Shut Up to get the point across, but not enough to bash the reader with guilt. He instead relied on Biblical passages and examples to support his claims. (less)
You Don’t Know Me is suspenseful, well-written, and indicative of what it means to stay true to your marriage, and your family. I’ve only read about 4...moreYou Don’t Know Me is suspenseful, well-written, and indicative of what it means to stay true to your marriage, and your family. I’ve only read about 4 of Susan May Warren’s books, but this one is the best as of yet.
I’m practically in love with the town of Deep Haven series, even though it’s located in cold Minnesota with lots of snow! A community not without it’s problems, but a community that sticks together through tough times.
This book was a lot better than the first one I read of hers, and I loved that it was set in the Florida Keys! Shipwrecks, mysterious pasts, and a bud...moreThis book was a lot better than the first one I read of hers, and I loved that it was set in the Florida Keys! Shipwrecks, mysterious pasts, and a budding romance made this one a delight. I do wish though that the writing flowed better - still a little choppy in some parts.(less)
Most Mennonite/Amish reads are very similar, but this one is definitely not. The twist of a mystery keeps you on edge for a good 3/4 of the book, and...moreMost Mennonite/Amish reads are very similar, but this one is definitely not. The twist of a mystery keeps you on edge for a good 3/4 of the book, and my lack of knowing “who-dun-it”, meant the plot line wasn’t predictable.
I have to say though, I felt the end wrapped up too quickly, and too nicely. Inescapable was so good up until the last couple of chapters. When the plot took a turn for the worse, I was hoping for a climax that drew the characters out a little more.
I do occasionally dip my toes into theology and politics, in between Amish fiction and prairie romances, of course, and I’m normally not disappointed...moreI do occasionally dip my toes into theology and politics, in between Amish fiction and prairie romances, of course, and I’m normally not disappointed when I do.
This book, however, has the capacity to lose key readers when it tries to do both.
Jane Austen fans will love anything by Julie Klassen, and this story will transport you to a Downton Abbey like setting for sure. The author doesn't r...moreJane Austen fans will love anything by Julie Klassen, and this story will transport you to a Downton Abbey like setting for sure. The author doesn't reveal much at the beginning, and slowly releases tidbits of information as you continue read - it certainly keeps the mystery going.....and your interest!(less)
The much anticipated Baxter Family wrap-up started out slow, but gained momentum for the last 2/3 of the book - maybe too much. I think I was more ups...moreThe much anticipated Baxter Family wrap-up started out slow, but gained momentum for the last 2/3 of the book - maybe too much. I think I was more upset about the direction of this plot line, than those who rooted for Cody in the Bailey Flanigan Series.
If you cry at books and/or movies, have a box of Puffs nearby.(less)
I’m not quite sure if it was the memoir-type style, or that the entire story seemed more like an autobiography tha...moreI really did not care for this book.
I’m not quite sure if it was the memoir-type style, or that the entire story seemed more like an autobiography than a reflection of the Spirit’s Fruits.
The Guardian is a love story/thriller and will have you saying, “That’s so sweet!” one minute and then give you anxiety the next. I loved all the diff...moreThe Guardian is a love story/thriller and will have you saying, “That’s so sweet!” one minute and then give you anxiety the next. I loved all the different plot lines going on throughout the story, and the suspense made this novel a true mystery.
I loved meeting Vivian Sinclair, she was so different from the other sisters – she didn’t come seeking marriage, she had already made her share of mis...moreI loved meeting Vivian Sinclair, she was so different from the other sisters – she didn’t come seeking marriage, she had already made her share of mistakes, and she was desperate to prove herself as a young woman.