Guess Who

The rules are simple.

But the game is not.

At eleven years old, Morgan Sheppard solved the murder of a teacher when everyone else believed it to be a suicide. The publicity surrounding the case laid the foundation for his reputation as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. He parlayed that fame into a gig as TV’s “resident detective,” solving the more typical tawdry daytime talk show mysteries like “Who is the father?” and “Is he cheating?”

Until, that is, Sheppard wakes up handcuffed to a bed in an unfamiliar hotel room. Around him, five strangers are slowly waking up, as well. Soon they discover a corpse in the bathtub and Sheppard is challenged to put his deductive skills to the test. One of the people in the room is the killer. He has three hours to solve the murder. If he doesn’t find the killer, they all will die.

Meh...I was a little disappointed by this book.  The synopsis sounded so engaging to me I had to give it a try.  The story centers around a man known as a TV detective and whether or not he really is who he portrays to be.  I had high hopes when I started the book, but it just never quite became what I anticipated.  I will say, it did read quickly because I wanted to know what would happen, but I just felt like it fell short of what was promised.

      
       * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Wartime Sisters

Two estranged sisters, raised in Brooklyn and each burdened with her own shocking secret, are reunited at the Springfield Armory in the early days of WWII. While one sister lives in relative ease on the bucolic Armory campus as an officer’s wife, the other arrives as a war widow and takes a position in the Armory factories as a “soldier of production.” Resentment festers between the two, and secrets are shattered when a mysterious figure from the past reemerges in their lives.

I was a huge fan of Lynda Cohen Loigman's first novel, The Two-Family House, so I could not wait to get my hands on her sophomore book.  This is another novel that takes place during WWII, but I was a big fan of the way she portrayed the war.  I've seen some criticism of the novel for not really talking about the war enough.  But I don't think she ever claimed this to be a war novel.  I actually found that to be a welcomed change.  While I understand that during those years, the war was on the forefront, life still went on.  This novel explores the lives of two sisters who dealt with their own tragedies and secrets that weren't a part of the war.  I had no problem with war not being the main focus.  I found these two sisters intriguing and was often frustrated with each of them, but still loved them.  I actually identified more with the older sister and had sympathy for her.  If you enjoy a book that really develops characters, but still moves forward, please check out this book as well as her first.  I will continue to seek out her novels whenever she writes them!   

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Alive in Him

 

God's grand plan for the redemption of creation has been in motion since before time began. The book of Ephesians lays out this glorious vision, highlighting the coming of Christ's kingdom on earth--a kingdom that will soon arrive in full. In Alive in Him, Gloria Furman leads us deep into the biblical text, exploring the book's main themes and showing us how the blessings we have received in Christ empower us to walk in a new way. Designed to be read alongside the book of Ephesians, Alive in Him draws us into the plotline of Scripture, directing our gaze to the love of Jesus Christ--a love that has the power to transform how we live.

Gloria Furman has amazing knowledge of the Bible.  I am always in awe of the beautifully crafted sentences she writes in her books.  I must admit, however, they often go above my head and I find myself having to re-read passages several times before I completely comprehend what she is trying to convey.  Her study of Ephesians was not a verse-by-verse study, but rather a thematic study of the text.  I enjoyed the study and learned a lot from her teachings.  I will continue to pick up her books in the future, but just know going in, her books are meant to be savored, not plowed through.  

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Dream Daughter

 

When Caroline Sears receives the news that her unborn baby girl has a heart defect, she is devastated. It is 1970 and there seems to be little that can be done. But her brother-in-law, a physicist, tells her that perhaps there is. Hunter appeared in their lives just a few years before—and his appearance was as mysterious as his past. With no family, no friends, and a background shrouded in secrets, Hunter embraced the Sears family and never looked back.

Now, Hunter is telling her that something can be done about her baby's heart. Something that will shatter every preconceived notion that Caroline has. Something that will require a kind of strength and courage that Caroline never knew existed. Something that will mean a mind-bending leap of faith on Caroline's part.

And all for the love of her unborn child.

  

Diane Chamberlain is such favorite for me, I couldn't wait to dive into this one.  I buddy read this book with several ladies and for the most part we all really liked it.  I have to admit that it isn't a personal favorite of mine when compared to other novels by the same author.  I like realistic books.  This book took a turn I wasn't expecting, which was fine, but it lost me a little when she decided to do that.  Without saying what it was, I still enjoyed the story and the characters overall.  So I allowed myself to suspend belief and enjoyed it regardless.  It was a wonderful book to discuss and we talked a lot about this one!      
 

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Tear Me Apart

Tear Me Apart is the powerful story of a mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter even as their carefully constructed world unravels around them.

One moment will change their lives forever…

Competitive skier Mindy Wright is a superstar in the making until a spectacular downhill crash threatens not just her racing career but her life. During surgery, doctors discover she’s suffering from a severe form of leukemia, and a stem cell transplant is her only hope. But when her parents are tested, a frightening truth emerges. Mindy is not their daughter.

Who knows the answers?

The race to save Mindy’s life means unraveling years of lies. Was she accidentally switched at birth or is there something more sinister at play? The search for the truth will tear a family apart…

What a ride - this book had as many twists and turns as a ski course!  Mindy is faced with a disastrous diagnosis that threatens her life in more ways than one.  She needs a transplant and soon discovers that her parents are not her biological parents.  From there we join her in the question to uncover the truth.  I can't really say more but I found this book totally engrossing.  I never wanted to stop.  It was a long book, but I really powered through.  It may have been edited down a bit, but I really didn't care.  I loved all the twists and felt completely invested.  This is my third J.T. Ellison novel, and it was definitely my favorite so far.  

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Dear Mrs. Bird

London 1940, bombs are falling. Emmy Lake is Doing Her Bit for the war effort, volunteering as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. When Emmy sees an advertisement for a job at the London Evening Chronicle, her dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent seem suddenly achievable. But the job turns out to be typist to the fierce and renowned advice columnist, Henrietta Bird. Emmy is disappointed, but gamely bucks up and buckles down.

Mrs Bird is very clear: Any letters containing Unpleasantness—must go straight in the bin. But when Emmy reads poignant letters from women who are lonely, may have Gone Too Far with the wrong men and found themselves in trouble, or who can’t bear to let their children be evacuated, she is unable to resist responding. As the German planes make their nightly raids, and London picks up the smoldering pieces each morning, Emmy secretly begins to write letters back to the women of all ages who have spilled out their troubles.

What a breathe of fresh air this book was!  I was initially drawn to the cover, but it was such a pleasant surprise all the way around!  Emmy was one of those characters that I felt drawn to immediately.  I couldn't help but want to keep reading to find out the rest of the story.  While the book took place during WW2, it was refreshing new take on a subject that it written about all the time.  But what I thought was just going to be a straightforward story turned out to be so heartwarming and I can't recommend it enough!

         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

You Were Always Mine

Jessica Chamberlain, newly separated and living with her two sons in a small Iowa town, can’t believe that a tragedy in another state could have anything to do with her. But when her phone rings one quiet morning, her world is shattered. As she tries to pick up the pieces and make sense of what went wrong, Jess begins to realize that a tragic death is just the beginning. Soon she is caught in a web of lies and half-truths—and she’s horrified to learn that everything leads back to her seven-year-old adopted son, Gabriel.

Years ago, Gabe’s birth mother requested a closed adoption and Jessica was more than happy to comply. But when her house is broken into and she discovers a clue that suggests her estranged husband was in close contact with Gabe’s biological mother, she vows to uncover the truth at any cost. A harrowing story of tenacious love and heartbreaking betrayal, You Were Always Mine is about the wars we wage to keep the ones we love close.

I chose this book for my online book club to read and I am so glad I did!  It's a quieter family drama, so please don't go into this book expecting a huge page turning story twist.  I found the characters to be complex and I was always trying to decide if I liked them or not, which made them feel real.  The story deals with a newly widowed mom trying to uncover what happened to her husband.  I liked how we really dove deep into the daily lives of Jess and her children.  I also absolutely loved the layout of this book.  The way each chapter began and ended was so unique and propelled the story forward.  I would love to see more authors using creative ways of hooking a reader like she did.  This novel took the subject of adoption and gave a real life perspective of what that can look like and I appreciated the good and the bad.  I will be looking for more books by this author in the future.  

             * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Convenience Store Woman

 

Keiko Furukura had always been considered a strange child, and her parents always worried how she would get on in the real world, so when she takes on a job in a convenience store while at university, they are delighted for her. For her part, in the convenience store she finds a predictable world mandated by the store manual, which dictates how the workers should act and what they should say, and she copies her coworkers' style of dress and speech patterns so she can play the part of a normal person. However, eighteen years later, at age 36, she is still in the same job, has never had a boyfriend, and has only few friends. She feels comfortable in her life but is aware that she is not living up to society's expectations and causing her family to worry about her. When a similarly alienated but cynical and bitter young man comes to work in the store, he will upset Keiko's contented stasis--but will it be for the better?

I picked this book up because it was recommended on Anne Bogel's Summer Reading Guide.  I had such high hopes for this quirky, little novel.  Keiko is a woman who finds herself in basically the exact same place she has been for years.  She feels stuck.  The setting of a convenience store seemed like the perfect place for this book.  I was hoping for a heart-warming story that really endeared me to all the characters.  What I found was a day to day picture of Keiko, but just not much else.  It just didn't really go anywhere.  I just kept waiting for something to happen to shift things in her life or in the store, but it just wasn't there.  I closed the book and felt that I just didn't get it.  

  

         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

          

Bring Me Back

Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They’re driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone—never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story.

Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla’s sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there’s something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him...even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her.

Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla—hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla’s past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen’s house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive—and on Finn’s trail—what does she want? And how much does she know?

Ugh...this is a hard review to write.  I wanted to love this book so much!  The author's previous 2 books, Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown were 5 stars reads for me.  I had really high expectations for this one and it just missed the mark completely in my opinion.  It felt so unrealistic and far-fetched, and I never like that.  I also did not care one bit for any of the characters.  The whole doll thing was just so strange!  I hate to say all this because I will not hesitate for a second to pick up the next book B.A. Paris writes, but this was just not her best work for my reading preferences.

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

    

Us Against You

After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they hear that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded. What makes it worse is the obvious satisfaction that all the former Beartown players, who now play for a rival team in Hed, take in that fact. Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown’s new hockey coach.

Soon a new team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you’ll ever see; Benji, the intense lone wolf; and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker. But bringing this team together proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.

As the big match approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up and their mutual contempt grows deeper. By the time the last game is finally played, a resident of Beartown will be dead, and the people of both towns will be forced to wonder if, after all they’ve been through, the game they love can ever return to something simple and innocent.

Fredrik Backman has done it again!  I have to admit that whenever I see he has a new book I jump at the chance to read it.  He is a magician with words! His writing makes me feel so many emotions with each page I read.  It's hard to describe too much about this book because it's the second Beartown book.  I was nervous to dive back into this town and it's characters because I was afraid nothing could be better than Beartown.  I was wrong.  This book captured the same spirit and just continued to amaze me.  I loved watching the characters continue to develop and grow admist a new conflict.  I will not hesitate to pick up the third novel whenever it becomes available.

             * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Recipe Box

Growing up in northern Michigan, Samantha "Sam" Mullins felt trapped on her family's orchard and in their pie shop, so she left with dreams of making her own mark in the world. But life as an overworked, undervalued sous chef at a reality star's New York bakery is not what Sam dreamed.

When the chef embarrasses Sam, she quits and returns home. Unemployed, single, and defeated, she spends a summer working on her family's orchard cooking and baking alongside the women in her life--including her mother, Deana, and grandmother, Willo. One beloved, flour-flecked, ink-smeared recipe at a time, Sam begins to learn about and understand the women in her life, her family's history, and her passion for food through their treasured recipe box.

As Sam discovers what matters most she opens her heart to a man she left behind, but who now might be the key to her happiness.

This was a sweet read, but just an okay book for me.  Sam returns to the orchard where she grew up to try and heal from disappointment.  I am always a sucker for books that involve multiple generations and cooking/baking.  This book had all those things, but it fell flat for me.  I just didn't seem to connect with the characters, they lacked depth.  It was an easy, quick read and I loved the background of an orchard in Michigan.  I was so hoping this book would help me capture some nostalgia, but it just didn't quite hit the mark.  

    
          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

 

Let Me Lie

 

The police say it was suicide.
Anna says it was murder.
They're both wrong.

One year ago, Caroline Johnson chose to end her life brutally: a shocking suicide planned to match that of her husband just months before. Their daughter, Anna, has struggled to come to terms with their loss ever since.

Now with a young baby of her own, Anna misses her mother more than ever and starts to question her parents’ deaths. But by digging up their past, she’ll put her future in danger. Sometimes it’s safer to let things lie…

Clare Mackintosh is quickly becoming a go-to thriller author for me.  I have read and enjoyed 3 of her books and I will continue to pick up what she writes.  This story follows Anna in her quest to discover what happened to her parents.  I enjoyed the way Anna's character was written.  It looked at the life and hardships a new mom faces and it was done well.  This time can be some of the hardest, yet must joyful moments that I don't think is often represented in fiction titles.  Mental health themes are also well addressed in the book.  It's hard to say much more so I suggest you just go in blind with this one and enjoy the ride.  It was a little slower than her other 2 books, but I didn't mind that at all.  

 

         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

No Time to Blink

Catherine Clarke defied her family’s expectations when she married Gabriel, a handsome Lebanese businessman. After moving to Gabriel’s homeland and welcoming a baby daughter, Catherine knew she had to acclimate herself to the strange new world. Yet both her husband and her surroundings became more volatile and threatening than she could have ever imagined.

When Gabriel forbids her to return to the States, Catherine devises a plan to deceive him, but she vastly underestimates how far he will go to punish her. And after her daughter, Ann Marie, is abducted and taken deep into the mountains of Beirut—protected by family, culture, and law—the only thing on Catherine’s side is the fierceness of a mother’s love. She’s prepared to move heaven and earth to find her child.

Told from alternating points of view—that of a daughter whose past is a mystery and of a mother with painful secrets to share—this profoundly moving story of impossible risks will resonate with anyone whose love has no boundaries.

As a mom, I am always fascinated with stories, true or fiction, that depict the love of a parent and how far they will go to protect their children.  I find them inspiring because you truly never know when you may be faced with a situation that requires you to fight for the life of your most precious loved ones.  Catherine Clarke did just that.  My heart ached for her throughout this book.  I found it very unique to see her story, while at the same time seeing her daughter Ann Marie in the present time.  The story felt so real at times I thought I may have been reading a memoir.  I applaud Dina Silver for creating such intricate characters and developing this beautiful novel.  I will be on the lookout for other books by her very soon!

              * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

  

The Story of Arthur Truluv

 

A beautiful, life-affirming novel about a remarkably loving man who creates for himself and others second chances at happiness.

A moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness to a different kind of happiness. Arthur, a widow, meets Maddy, a troubled teenage girl who is avoiding school by hiding out at the cemetery, where Arthur goes every day for lunch to have imaginary conversations with his late wife, and think about the lives of others. The two strike up a friendship that draws them out of isolation. Maddy gives Arthur the name Truluv, for his loving and positive responses to every outrageous thing she says or does. With Arthur’s nosy neighbor Lucille, they create a loving and unconventional family, proving that life’s most precious moments are sweeter when shared.

Before I had kids, I worked at a local senior center and I absolutely adored it!  I enjoy spending time with senior adults, especially the men, because sometimes they feel forgotten, while I think they have a lot of wisdom to offer.  I am always on the hunt for books that captures the heart of the older generation.  I had heard of Elizabeth Berg before, but had not read anything by her so when I saw this I wanted to give it a go.  It was a joy to read this book!  I think so many young people could benefit from looking to senior adults for guidance and direction.  I loved seeing the relationship develop between Arthur and Maddy.  It was so sweet to see a little "family" grow from these 3 unlikely friends.  The book tackled tough issues with a lot of heart, which was a welcome change from some of the heavy books I've been reading.  

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Bookshop of Yesterdays

A woman inherits a beloved bookstore and sets forth on a journey of self-discovery in this poignant debut about family, forgiveness and a love of reading.

Miranda Brooks grew up in the stacks of her eccentric Uncle Billy's bookstore, solving the inventive scavenger hunts he created just for her. But on Miranda's twelfth birthday, Billy has a mysterious falling-out with her mother and suddenly disappears from Miranda's life. She doesn't hear from him again until sixteen years later when she receives unexpected news: Billy has died and left her Prospero Books, which is teetering on bankruptcy--and one final scavenger hunt.

When Miranda returns home to Los Angeles and to Prospero Books--now as its owner--she finds clues that Billy has hidden for her inside novels on the store's shelves, in locked drawers of his apartment upstairs, in the name of the store itself. Miranda becomes determined to save Prospero Books and to solve Billy's last scavenger hunt. She soon finds herself drawn into a journey where she meets people from Billy's past, people whose stories reveal a history that Miranda's mother has kept hidden--and the terrible secret that tore her family apart.

I love books about books and bookshops which was what initially drew me to this novel.  While it does involve inheriting a bookshop, I have to say that most of the book does not center around books or the shop.  The main focus is on Miranda discovering what happened to Billy and why he left her the bookshop.  It was full of things I didn't see coming and I loved that about it.  However, it dragged in a lot of places that never really pushed the story forward.  I found myself often just wanting to hurry up and get to the end because I was just a little tired of Miranda hitting dead end after dead end. Overall, I the book was just okay for me.  

     
         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Stolen Marriage

It is 1944. Pregnant, alone, and riddled with guilt, twenty-three-year-old Tess DeMello abruptly gives up her budding career as a nurse and ends her engagement to the love of her life, unable to live a lie. Instead, she turns to the baby’s father for help and agrees to marry him, moving to the small, rural town of Hickory, North Carolina. Tess’s new husband, Henry Kraft, is a secretive man who often stays out all night, hides money from his new wife, and shows her no affection. Tess quickly realizes she’s trapped in a strange and loveless marriage with no way out.

The people of Hickory love and respect Henry but see Tess as an outsider, treating her with suspicion and disdain. When one of the town’s golden girls dies in a terrible accident, everyone holds Tess responsible. But Henry keeps his secrets even closer now, though it seems that everyone knows something about him that Tess does not.

When a sudden polio epidemic strikes Hickory, the townspeople band together to build a polio hospital. Tess knows she is needed and defies Henry’s wishes to begin working at there. Through this work, she begins to find purpose and meaning. Yet at home, Henry’s actions grow more alarming by the day. As Tess works to save the lives of her patients, can she untangle the truth behind her husband’s mysterious behavior and find the love—and the life—she was meant to have?

Diane Chamberlain is one of the best in my opinion!  This is the 8th book by her that I have read and it may very well be my favorite.  The story is so well crafted and paced so perfectly.  It was one of those books that I couldn't wait to finish, but at the same time did not want it to be over.  The choice that Tess had to make was heartbreaking and I felt so connected to her throughout the whole novel.  I enjoyed reading about the polio clinic and was so saddened that this took so many lives.  I don't want to say much more, other than pick up this book, you won't be sorry.  I have already recommended it to several friends and they are loved it just as much as I did!  

  

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

 

Becoming Mrs. Smith

 Not all of war’s destruction takes place on the battlefield.

Violet’s heart flutters from the scarlet fever she survived as a child, and it beats faster at the sight of John Smith, the man she plans to marry. America is entrenched in WWII, and when John enlists, Violet is certain she won’t ever forgive him for dashing their dreams. As the realities of war slowly overtake her life, Violet's days are filled with uncertainty and grief. She struggles to maintain her faith in John, as the world as she knows it, crumbles.

Becoming Mrs. Smith is the inspiring, and at times, heartbreaking story of a woman’s struggle to reclaim what she lost. War stole the man she loves, and childhood illness weakened her heart—perhaps beyond repair. While guns rage in Europe, the war Violet faces at home may be even more devastating.

I really don't read too many novellas, so I was a little apprehensive to pick up this one. While they are often quick reads, I sometimes find they can lack much substance to the story. I will say this title delivered more than I was expecting. The story takes place in a rural are and tells the story of Violet and John and their connection from a young age and beyond. It explores the toll the war can take on the soldier and the loved ones back home. Even though I enjoyed the story, I think the ending will keep me from reading the rest of the series. I was just disappointed and it left me disinterested. But as a whole, I found this novella an enjoyable, quick read.

       * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

My Sister's Secret

What if everything you’d built your life on was a lie?

Willow’s memories are happy: full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.  Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.  How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? And what is the secret Hope has been keeping from her sister for so long?  Willow can’t move forward in her life without answers, but no-one wants to give them.

Is there anyone she can trust?

 This booked sucked me and I couldn't have been happier!  The story revolves around 3 siblings, Willow, Charity and Hope, and is told through multiple perspectives.  I thought the book gave the characters a lot of dimension and the detail was very engaging.  I did find that it dragged a little in some places and just wanted to see the story keep moving.  As the title suggests, this novel explores secrets and how whether they are big or small, they can really affect a lifetime.  While it's hard to discuss much more than that without giving the plot away, it really was a wonderfully crafted story.  I think if you enjoy domestic suspense, you will like this one!

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Truth Unchanging

As moms know, even when there isn't noise around us, there is usually noise within us. The constant to-do lists that spin in our minds, the worry and wonder if we are doing a good job, and the need to stay two steps ahead of our families when we feel two steps behind keeps our minds routinely restless. So when quiet time with God isn't so quiet, and alone time is nearly nonexistent, how does a modern-day momma tune in the voice of the Lord?
With Truth Unchanging, you don't have to wait until you're alone to talk with Jesus. Designed to be read in five minutes or less, each powerful, hope-filled devotion will...
  *   refocus your heart on the Word of God
  *   refresh your mind with God's Truth for your life
  *   revive your spirit as you realize God is speaking to you  

      personally
Truth Unchanging is not just a devotional. It's an opportunity to begin daily conversations with Jesus, the One who has everything we need to take on the days ahead, the One who wants to speak to you right now. Tune in to His voice today. 

This book really packed a lot of wisdom and fresh perspectives that I needed as a mom.  The devotionals were shorter, but they delivered what was promised.  Becky Thompson gave me hope on days when I wasn't at my best.  I looked forward to picking this up every night before bed.  I had read a previous book by the author entitled Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart which is the reason I originally requested this book.  I will say that I think I enjoyed the Hope Unfolding a little more than this one, but I can't really explain why.  It just may have been the place my mind was at the time.  I will be on the look out for future books from the author.

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

    

Whispers and Wildflowers

How many of us find ourselves constantly busy and, deep down, constantly soul-weary? By striving to keep up our busy pace, we can easily miss out on a deeper connection with God. So many of us are overwhelmed and underfed. But there is hope.

In this inspiring and practical book, Sarah Beth Marr helps women develop a regular practice of withdrawing from busyness to realign and refresh their hearts, minds, and souls. She helps them

- discover Scripture that will lead them to peace
- connect with God on a deeper level
- run to God rather than other things that do not satisfy
- experience less stress and more contentment
- be fully present in their lives

Any woman who feels distracted, burnt out, depleted, or overwhelmed will find in Marr a gentle and uplifting guide to greater personal peace and simplicity. 

This book was a great read for 30 days.  It wasn't watered down and I found it to challenge me in areas that I needed to make changes.  For instance, one chapter made me realize that I needed to give some things up to be more present in other areas.  I realized I was tired of giving some effort to lots of things instead of focusing my energy on my family and giving them my all.  I enjoyed that the chapters seemed a little longer than the average 30 day devotional.  I often find those shorter ones lack depth.  And just a side note, this cover is absolutely gorgeous!  

           * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

In His Image

 

After first teaching women to go deeper in their study of the Bible in Women of the Word, and then unpacking why our limits are a good thing in light of God’s limitlessness in None Like Him, best-selling author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin helps readers see what human beings are to be like as they reflect the image of their Creator. In His Image explores 10 attributes of God that Christians are called to reflect—they are called to be holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise. This book calls readers to discover the freedom and purpose in becoming all that God made them to be.

This is my third 5-star read by Jen Wilkin and once again she delivered!  I have now read all her books and had the opportunity to see her speak. She challenges and inspires me on so many levels.  One of her trademark teachings is the idea that so many inspirational and devotional books geared for women are intended to engage them on an emotional level.  She says we must be connect with God's Word on an intellectual level because he says we are to love Him with all our heart, soul and MIND.  And that is exactly what this book does.  It challenged my brain to think and dig deeper.  It didn't just pull out a few random verses and create a little devotional to fit them.  No, she uses his Word, to show us how we need to reflect His character everyday.  I would encourage everyone to pick up this book, as well as her 2 previous works.  You won't be disappointed!!    

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *