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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Review of Stumbling into Grace

Lisa Harper shares her personal experiences in her relationship with God in a very frank, and often hilarious, way. Each chapter ends with a relevant sample prayer and questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion.

From the moment I had this book in my hands, I knew I would love it. I have never read any of Lisa Harper's books before this one, though I had heard good things about her Christian ministry before. Now, I can't wait to read more by her. I really felt i related to this book. It made me laugh and cry, and it kept me hooked from the beginning to the very end.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Review of Treasuring Emma

Emma has been brokenhearted by her mother dying and her love, Adam, leaving the Amish way of life. When Adam suddenly returns, however, she expects that he will leave again at any time, so she cannot easily find it in her heart to forgive him. With financial and familial problems building up, the only thing Emma can do is learn to take her grandmother's advice – trust in the Lord.

I haven't read much Amish fiction before, but Kathleen Fuller always captures my attention and holds it from the first page to the very end. This particular novel is an entertaining and satisfying read, and I look forward to reading more of Fuller's novels.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Review of It's Not About Me

It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about God. To most Christians, this seems to be a given – OF COURSE it's about God... but do we really live our lives as if this were so? Lucado presents his case, allowing us to explore the truth in our own experience.

Max Lucado, one of the most humble Christian authors I have ever read, truly has a God-given gift for writing and speaking the truth in a unique yet simple way that touches my heart every time and often even leaves me in tears. Every Lucado book I have read has truly been a blessing to read, and this one is no exception! I highly recommend this book, and this author, to everyone who seeks the love and truth of God.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Review of Courting Miss Amsel

Edythe Amsel, the new schoolmarm of Walnut Hill, Nebraska, is about to turn the tiny town upside down with her unorthodox teaching methods and strong determination. Almost immediately, many parents try to stand against her, with the prime exception of John Townsend, who finds her contemporary ways – not to mention her rosy lips and pretty eyes – delightful. Edythe must place her faith in God to trust that He will provide a way for her, and He, of course, is faithful to prepare her for plans that are greater than she could ever have imagined.

I love books that surpass my expectations, and this was one of them. I enjoyed it so much that I was a bit disappointed when it ended. I must admit, however, that I started getting a bit frustrated with John and Edythe, and I almost found myself wishing that John would be successful in moving on and finding someone else. All in all, this was a wonderful read, and Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very talented author.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Review of A Reluctant Queen

This is the story of the Biblical Queen Esther, with a twist. The author takes several artistic liberties to turn the tale into a work of fictional romance.

To be honest, I expected something more – something better – from this book. The book of Esther in the Bible always stirs my emotions and pulls at my heartstrings, but somewhere, I think the author just missed the mark for me on that majestic quality. I really wanted to like it, but I found it quite difficult to do so. I think I'll put this book aside and return to it someday at a later time and see if I change my views about it, because the story itself has so much potential.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Day 5: Favorite Quote

I love quotes that make me think "YES! I couldn't have said it any better!!" They just describe exactly how I feel at exactly that point in my life. This particular quote that I'm going to share today has been my favorite quote for many years now, because it always fits how I feel about life.

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." -- Dolly Parton

That's so true. Whatever point I'm at in my life at the time, it may seem like a lot of hard times and a lot of struggle, but I know that it will eventually work out for the best. In fact, that leads me to another similar quote, but this one is Scripture.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

No one promises that all things are good (that would be foolishness), but all things work together for good to those who love God! Praise the Lord for that.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Day 4: Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Ooh, good topic. Actually, my blog name comes from one translation of The Illiad that begins by invoking a mythical Muse this way:

"Sing, O Muse, of the rage of Achilles..."

Muses were typically invoked at the beginning of Greek and Roman authors as they began to write poems/plays/etc. to help the author in telling the story as it should be, so it seems like a good blog name to me! haha. I don't know why, but that line has always resonated very well with me.