Love in a Broken Vessel - A Review

I was sent a copy of Love In A Broken Vessel to review. My reaction was strong. This is a rewrite of one of those crazy Bible stories - the one where God tells the prophet to marry a prostitute. The story becomes alive in this book, and if you read it, you won't be the same.

I know I'm sensitive. I know that, but the level of pain in this book is almost more than you can bear. I still cannot grasp the horror and abject devastation lived through these words. To think God asked this of someone....it just shakes up my entire notion of life and how to understand God. It shows me that MY ways are not His ways - MY thoughts are certainly NOT His. The sadness breaks your heart twenty times over and more if you have ever been greatly betrayed in a relationship. Can you do this? Will you do this? You find yourself wondering and asking these things. Will you love people when God asks? Do you even consider that God may be asking something of you or are you already choosing the easy out the first chance you get?

You may think that a reaction like that is not good, that I don't want you to read this, but that isn't the case. Whew. It's hard, I know that, but I've never been someone to run from the hard when I know it should be done. And, this book should be read. I feel like I understand God better. I feel like I understand love better. And, sure, you want to cry more, but it is worth it. I would buy this book and read and re-read. I'm looking into Mesu Andrews' other books because of it.

I was given a copy of this book for free from Revell. The review is 100% my opinion. This book is available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

Moonlight Masquerade - A Review

Moonlight Masquerade is a really fun read. That is a terrible first sentence, but I'm just too tired to think of another at this point. I am enjoying more and more books that reflect different parts of history. I have focused so much on American history in my studies and reading, so this was a welcome change.

The story is set in Europe in 1813, during the Napoleon wars and is a spy story. I'll admit that, while I didn't finish it in one setting, it did keep me up at night the first day I started it. I appreciate the creativity of the plot, giving a glimpse into life at that time. Servants, danger, near-death experiences - it was all so unexpected and interesting, like James Bones with a little Jane Austin thrown in. And I really like that mix.

I would recommend a read of this one. I would say it's a book to buy and then pass along to a friend.

I was given a copy of this book for free from Revell. The review is 100% my opinion. This book is available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

You're Made For A God Sized Dream - A Review

Perhaps I need to loosen up.  Okay, I'm pretty sure that is what I need to do. You see, Holley has you writing IN the book. I hate to write in books. Seriously. I think it's the perfectionist in me, but I hate to mess up what is perfect, clean, and orderly. So sad.

SO, if you feel like me, prepare yourself, then go and grab You're Made for a God-Sized Dream and get to reading.

(Now, for the record, I have not finished this book. I am slow processor when it comes to books like this. I know it will just take me more than average time to read it and work through it.)

However, I feel that this book is great for encouraging you to more forward into what God's purpose for your life. There is much writing and interaction involved in the text. It's almost like homework at the end of each chapter. I think it is helpful and helps you work through this topic so that at the end of the book, you will be actively moving toward this God-Sized Dream. That is not bad, but it does make this a slow read if you process important things slowly. I cannot just grab this book and read 5 chapters in one sitting like another book.

I believe this book will challenge you to grow in your life and faith, working both together in a wonderful way. I would definitely recommend this book. It would probably make a great gift for all the graduations that are coming up in just a few short months.

I was given a copy of this book for free from Revell. The review is 100% my opinion. This book is available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

Understanding World Religions In 15 Minutes A Day - A Review

I found this book to be very effective in its mission. In fact, I was able to get through most chapters in under 9 minutes. Garry Morgan is clear and explains things really well. His perspective is as a Christian, but he does a good job of objectively covering other religions. There were a few that seemed a bit simplistic in review, but I think anything more would really have been too complicated for the mission of this book.

I would rate this book at a 5, because I think it is a good read and a very important area for people to understand. Religion is key for many people and the more we understand each other the better! I think the cover design was ok, but not crazy compelling. I would recommend this as a read and definitely one to purchase. This will be good to have on your shelf for reference.

This book was sent to me for free by Bethany House, but the review is 100% my own. 

I Am Only Me

I am only me. And that is ok.

I will have to keep repeating this to myself over and over. Why? Because I worry, I question, and I feel terrible about my life at times. Wondering if anyone will see value in my really good resume and actual skills. Question why I bother at writing if there are already so many good folks out there...and whew, boy, they do it so much better.

I am only me. And that is ok.

I do have good qualities. Is it odd that I have to remind myself and reenforce this for myself? I think it makes me a bit of a loser, but oh well. Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to. And hey, my kittens like me - most of the time. Kittens count for quite a bit these days. 

Rare Earth - A Review

I wanted to write this review at least two times before I even finished the book. I talked to this book about how great it was. Let me be honest, it takes a really good book for me to talk to it. LOVED THIS BOOK. Really think you should get this book. Have I mentioned that I liked it?

Something I have been doing over the past few weeks is really evaluating what books I keep. What makes a book valuable enough to take up space on my shelf? It's been very painful quite a process too, since I am a recovering book hoarder. This is one book I would keep. 

Reasons why you should get this book:

1. It sent me to my atlas two times just to review terrain and such. TWO times.
2. You learn.
3. You are thrown into a completely different way of life and story. Definitely an out of the ordinary read.
4. It makes you think, really think about life and how you live it.
5. You don't take what you have for granted and you want to give more after reading this. 

I could really go on and on. I really loved it and will definitely look for more that he has written. I'm thoroughly intrigued.  Oh wait. I realized I wrote absolutely NOTHING about what happens in this book. Well....

The story is focused on displaced people in Africa and the events that surround relief worker, Marc. Volcano, drought, conflict, deception, a trip to Israel - all these things are woven seamlessly into the story. I really don't want to say more, because it would ruin it all. 

Bethany House sent me a free copy of this book, but the review is 100% my opinion.

All This Reading Has Me Thinking

Lately, I've been doing quite a bit more reading of historical Christian fiction that usual. And by usual, I mean a good 70-80% increase. When someone offers me a free book and I get to honestly review it, well, I'm down. I will read most anything within limits, but that is another topic.

All of this reading has me thinking. Now obviously books are fiction and life is still tough in its own right, but man...I am blessed. I am not living in some 'just get by' kind of mindset. My main concerns are not food, shelter, and steady work. Ok, the work part is bust for me right now, but as a general rule, it does not consume me. I do not have to worry about being thrown out without a means to care for my general welfare. I mean, there is actual general welfare right now. I'm thankful I do not need it, but it is there.

Life isn't dismal, in that more people today have better things. The average American 150 years ago would have been thrilled to have amenities that poor Americans have today. A constant source of heat in the winter, I mean, how nice is that?

It wasn't this way for everyone, but life was different 'back in the day'. I see the good and the bad. The busyness and hurried manner of most modern folks is not my desire either. I do love modern bathrooms and bathtubs though, for that matter. I love that I have a home and many means of having a place to stay if the need should arise.

Right now, my fiancé and I are putting together (or trying) a house. We need a table, measuring spoons, a back porch light, and more. But we can go get these items. Our worry is picking them out. It isn't the cost (within reason and if I don't shop at Restoration Hardware - Oh my stars HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?)

And drumroll please.....WE HAVE CLEAN WATER. Fresh water. Every day. Available on tap. At the turn of a handle.         That is hardly ANY effort at all.        SO MANY folks still do not have this. I still am amazed and thankful for water.

As much as I sometimes idolize history (isn't that what history majors do), I realize that I am blessed to have the amenities of the current time. I am blessed to not be so concerned with the preparation and gathering of food.

I know this was a rambling bit of thoughts, but it leads to this....some are not so fortunate, even in this day. Can you help with that?