Tightropes and Teeter-Totters

 

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods. Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around. Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities. Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude. Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

This was a wonderful book that teaches how to keep your balance in life.  It used the word BALANCE to list the steps.  I really enjoyed the setup and the examples she gave.  I would definitely reference this book in the future if I needed a reminder of finding balance.  I can see myself pulling it out at different times when facing difficulties.  I would be interested in reading more by Lisa Pennington soon!

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

Becoming a Woman Who Knows God by Name

These names of God give you important insight into His steadfast character. Seek the Lord on a deeper level by getting to know Him as He reveals Himself in the Bible...Elohim—Creator of your life and purpose Jehovah Jireh—Provider of your endless supply Jehovah Rophe—Healer in your brokenness Jehovah Shalom—Peace in your fear and uncertainty.  Knowing God by name makes Him more approachable and His Word more applicable. Learning who He is and how deeply He loves you gives you confidence to walk by His side day by day.

Strengthen your trust in God for every circumstance, hope, and step of faith in this study of some of the most beloved aspects of His nature. Let His heart assure your heart as you become a woman who knows the God of the universe by name.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for my devotional time.  It was thought provoking and kept me engaged.  My only criticism would be at times it felt more like a textbook and lost my interest at times.  Jen Wilkin wrote a book called "None Like Him" that talked about the qualities of God and it felt similar, but Jen's title was more engaging.  Not that I need something to be surface level, but I don't think a person new to the Word of God would understand some of the text.  This book is well researched and I appreciated the knowledge I came away with.  

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

I Liked My Life

Maddy is a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, host of excellent parties, giver of thoughtful gifts, and bestower of a searingly perceptive piece of advice or two. She is the cornerstone of her family, a true matriarch...until she commits suicide, leaving her husband Brady and teenage daughter Eve heartbroken and reeling, wondering what happened. How could the exuberant, exacting woman they loved disappear so abruptly, seemingly without reason, from their lives? How they can possibly continue without her? As they sift through details of her last days, trying to understand the woman they thought they knew, Brady and Eve are forced to come to terms with unsettling truths.

Maddy, however, isn’t ready to leave her family forever. Watching from beyond, she tries to find the perfect replacement for herself. Along comes Rory: pretty, caring, and spontaneous, with just the right bit of edge...but who also harbors a tragedy of her own. Will the mystery of Maddy ever come to rest? And can her family make peace with their history and begin to heal?

 

This book was just okay for me.  I liked the premise and enjoyed the journey, but I thought it took a little longer than I would have liked for it to get to the conclusion.  While I wouldn't describe this as a "ghost story" I tend to not like books that have elements of someone beyond the grave because it just feels unrealistic to me.  I think the story could have been told without that aspect which is why my rating is 3 stars, instead of 4.  I would read this author again depending on the description of the book.   

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

Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart

God’s love, plans, and promises for you are forever unfolding. I get it, Momma. I totally get it.  Every day you wake up and try your very best. You love, give, and pour out your life for the ones who call you Momma. But no matter how much you offer, there are still days you feel as though you come up short. You worry, Am I loving these babies enough? Is this ever going to get easier? Why does it seem like I am the only one who cannot balance it all? Sometimes, we just need hope (and maybe a long uninterrupted nap). We need someone to help tune our hearts to the voice of the Father and to remind us that He has not forgotten about us. In Hope Unfolding, Becky Thompson is a friend who reminds you that you aren’t alone, and that God is still writing your story. She guides you to encounter the Truth of God’s presence that not only fuels you with strength, but also a fresh confidence. And beyond gaining faith that tomorrow could be different, you find hope and purpose where you are standing today.

This book has been on my shelf for a while and I've just kept skipping over it.  Oh, how I regret that!  I could have benefited from reading awhile ago, but so glad I finally picked it up.  The other just had an honest way of relating to each chapter and I just felt myself in each area.  I loved the stories mixed with God's word.  It was very easy to understand, yet challenged me on many levels.  I believe this author has another book available and I hope to get my hands on it soon.  As a side note, the cover of this book is beautiful!

 

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

 

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon April 2017

Current Totals:
Pages Read: 21
Time Read: 20 minutes
 

Update: 10am - So far I haven't read much.  The kids woke up way earlier than normal so it's been a slow start.  

I am back for my third round of Dewey's 24 hour readathon. We have a busy day with some family activities, but hoping I can do some reading in the morning and in between.  I picked up a couple graphic novels and fiction reads for tomorrow to mix in with a couple of NetGalley titles I need to finish and review.  Thanks again to all who dedicate their time to running this 24 hours.  My plan is to update here with totals as often as I can as well as on Twitter @mustreadsoon if I can do that without getting distracted.  Best of luck to my fellow readers!

I See You

You do the same thing every day.

You know exactly where you're going.

You're not alone.

When Zoe Walker sees her photo in the classifieds section of a London newspaper, she is determined to find out why it's there. There's no explanation: just a website, a grainy image and a phone number. She takes it home to her family, who are convinced it's just someone who looks like Zoe. But the next day the advert shows a photo of a different woman, and another the day after that.

Is it a mistake? A coincidence? Or is someone keeping track of every move they make . . .

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I wanted to read this book after finishing the author's other title, I Let You Go.  This book kept me in suspense and guessing the whole time.  At times I did think you had to suspend belief just a little, but overall I just could not figure this one out and I love that about a book.  The storyline was different than many other suspense type novels which is always a welcomed change.  I will continue to seek out titles by this author in the future because I fly through these books.  The only thing that stopped me from giving it a 5 star rating were the times when things just didn't feel realistic to me, but it didn't affect my ability to get sucked right in to the narrative.  

 

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

 

Word Writers: Ephesians

The book of Ephesians calls you to carry on with a rich understanding of God's love and the strength to serve those around you. Get ready to explore this magnificent book through the tried-and-tested inductive study method—with an added writing step to help you treasure each word!

In this exciting Bible study (complete with devotions, questions, and blank pages in the back), you will...

READ—Find out what these verses say.
REFLECT—Discover what these verses mean.
RESPOND—Apply these verses to your everyday life.
WRITE—Rewrite these verses to better remember them.

As you dive into Ephesians you will learn how God intends for you to walk in His love and power, daily drawing closer to Him.

I previously read and reviewed Word Writers: Philippians and in the review I explained that I did not enjoy re-writing the scripture so I didn't even attempt to try it while reading this title.  With that said, I really enjoyed the daily writing even more in this selection and really looked forward to my time to read each day.  I would definitely pick up another one if the author continues the series.

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