It’s Okay Not to be Okay

It’s Okay Not to be Okay – Moving Forward One Day at a Time
Written by Sheila Walsh
Published at Baker Books

About the book

We've all experienced that moment where we wish we could start all over again. Failed marriages, lost friends, addictions, lost jobs. This is not the life we imagined. Yesterday can sometimes leave us stuck, sad, shamed, scared, and searching. Sheila Walsh encourages readers to face the pain head on and then start again, from right where they are. She shares that when she discovered "I'm not good enough and I'm good with that," everything started to change.

In It's Okay Not to Be Okay, Walsh helps women overcome the same old rut of struggles and pain by changing the way they think about God, themselves, and their everyday lives. She shares practical, doable, daily strategies that will help women move forward one step at a time knowing God will never let them down.

My Thoughts

I was hesitant in getting this book for review because I didn’t thought it would touch me.  I knew of the author and had heard her speak at a Women of Faith event in the past so I knew that I could gleam some gems of advice in the pages of the book.  The book arrived after a women’s retreat I attended.  Interestingly enough we had talked about the fact that self-help books would not provide the help we need – the help directly coming from God.   So when I received the book and I flipped it over to read the back cover these words were right at the top of it – “Not Self-Help. God Help.”   I thought it was an interesting coincidence having these words written there and it got me thinking that effectively God has been there to help me from day one, he is still there today and he will be there in the future as well.

I started reading the book and I was hooked by the writing style of Sheila Walsh.  It was as if she was sitting in my living room and speaking to me.   She is honest and direct in her writing to make her point go through your mind. You will find eight uplifting chapters to encourage you to realize that it is okay to feel downward and to struggle in life.  But you will also realize that God is there with you through it all.  

Sheila Walsh offers personal insights and stories to illustrate the points she desire to share with the reader.   Not only that by at the end of each chapter you will find a section titles “One Step at a Time” where you can find exercises or activities that will help you to meditate on the chapter and how it applies in your own life.   For example, in chapter one you will be encouraged to write a letter to God to tell Him the whole truth.   This exercise and many others found in the book will allow you to connect on a deeper level with God.

The author also highlights numerous scripture from the Bible through the pages of this book.  I have found the book really uplifting in a season of life where I start to doubt myself and sort of beat myself up some days.   As I approach the age of fifty (yes I am going to be half a century in 2019!), I am wondering if my past decisions were wise one, if I am worth anything, and so many other questions popping out every now and then that makes me self-criticizing myself.   This book has brought some encouragement and made me realize that I am not alone.   I knew it deep down in my soul but reading it helps me to cement this notion in my brain.   God is with me always.  He provides me strength and knows everything about me.   I do not have to be okay all the time because it is during these times of struggles that I can grow even more in my faith.

If you are wondering about the decisions made in the past.  If you experience pain and wonder was it worth it?  If you struggle with sadness, shame, and fear then this book could be a blessing for you.   The words within the pages of this book will help you switch your mindset about God, yourself and life in general.   It is okay not to be okay but it is also possible to heal and become better.  God is there to help you.

It’s Okay Not to be Okay is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Paul Apostle of Christ

A new movie is out in theater this week – Paul Apostle of Christ will bring you in the Roman Prison at the end of the life of Paul – a life that started in persecuting believers to  finish in being the most outspoken missionary for Christ.   I had the opportunity to visualize the movie in advance in order to be able to write about it.    The movie has also been transformed into a book which I will present to you afterwards.

About the movie 

Affirm Films brings to vivid life on screen the epic story of Paul, the man who went from persecutor of the church to its most powerful and important proponent. Paul suffers alone in a Roman prison, awaiting his execution under Emperor Nero. Mauritius, the ambitious prison prefect, can hardly see what threat this broken man poses. Once he was Saul of Tarsus, the high-ranking and brutal killer of Christians. Now his faith rattles Rome. At great risk, Luke the Physician visits the aged Paul to comfort and tend to him—and to question, to transcribe and to smuggle out Paul’s letters to the growing community of believers. Amid Nero’s inhuman persecution, these men and women will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and change the world. Andrew Hyatt directs, Jim Caviezel stars and James Faulkner plays the title role of Paul.

My Thoughts

Before I signed up for this opportunity, we had taken the time to watch the trailer and we were interested in watching it.   Though I admire the fact that more and more Christian based movies are created, I have been disappointed with the fact that the movie at times are dragging in the storyline.   As I watched this morning, I had questions – Did Luke really visited Paul during his final days? Did Paul really was accused of starting the fires?  Did all the events in the movie really happened this way?   I had a feeling that some of these  scenes were not truly what happened in reality.   I had questions… and some of the answers were found at the end of the book (more on that later).

Though I ended up with questions after having watched the movie, I was able to appreciate the various scenes.  I could see that great thought have been made to make the décor has realistic as possible.  The scenes I particularly enjoyed were the ones filmed in the prison cell of Paul.  I really like that area and how the movie depicted the darkness surrounding Paul during his imprisonment.  At times I had to turn my eyes for some scenes in the movie are hard to swallow. But at the same time it is historically correct with what Nero has done to believers during that period in the Roman Empire.   The costumes were amazing as well depicting the era where the movie is set.

At times in the movie, the conversations between Paul and Luke brought parts of the letters of Paul – bringing back some of the scriptures found in the Bible.   For example, Paul remind Luke that Love is most important and during that conversation they use the words from 1 Corinthians 13. 

After watching the movie, I have the feeling that it is not only about Paul himself but also the persecution of the believers during the time when Nero’s reign over Rome because the movie allows you to imagine the life of believers during that era which was not an easy one.

Another note, some scenes are very difficult to watch.  My ten years old daughter had wanted to see it but by the time we could do it it was too later for her.  We are glad she did not watch the movie because even my fourteen years old thought that the scenes of believers used as torches were hard to swallow.

The movie will play at certain theaters.  To discover where it will play, please visit the faith films website – Paul Apostle of Christ.  In Ottawa, the movie will be presented at Silvercity Gloucester and Landmark Cinemas 24 Kanata.

The book
A novel by Angela Hunt
Based on the screenplay by Andrew Hyatt
Published at Bethany House, a Barker Publishing imprint.

About the book

His Story Will Change the World, But Only If It's Shared in Time.

Paul, Apostle of Christ is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life every time he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero's bleakest prison cell. Before Paul's execution, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of "the Way" and the birth of what will come to be known as the church. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians.

Paul has survived so much--floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure--yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past. He wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to bequeath the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

My Thoughts

As I am writing this, I can honestly say that I enjoy the book more than the movie.    I find there are more details in the book – though I can recall certain scenes of the movie as I read it.  

The book itself goes through the same events depicted in the movie but with more details I find.  However, keep in mind that the book was written based on the screenplay.  The book also contains photos from the movie – either characters, scenes as well as the writer/director with the actors. My only disappointment would be that I wish there would have been a section in the book explaining some of the Roman words used in it like lararium or paterfamilias for example. I could google it mind it but having a description of what it means would be nice.

So I mentioned that I had questions after I watched the movie and some answers were given at the end of the book.  For example was Paul really accused that he was behind the fire of Rome?   Well historically, Nero did blame the Christians for the fire but there is no historical evidence that Paul was accused of the arson.   However you will also find stretched information in the book as well – in one section Paul recall being a young man while studying in Jerusalem and recall a time when a young boy was speaking to the religious leaders in the Temple when his parents came to find him.   He says he didn’t know then that it was Yeshua but now he realize that it was him.   At the end of the book, the author herself says that she guesses Paul’s age and put his timeline alongside the one of Christ.  However, there is no evidence that their paths crossed at the point in time. 

As I mentioned above I personally much prefer the book than the movie even though some scenes in the movie were speaking to me on an artistic level.   However, I am a bit disappointed on how the novel has stretched some of the truth but adding on what the Bible tells us.  It makes me uncomfortable when authors do this because it feels as though it is adding to the events.   There is no proof that Paul was present when young Jesus were speaking to teachers in the Temple.  So why adding this image in the mind of believers who will be reading the book I wonder…

Some people won’t mind have added details (even if not historical) in a book.  Personally when I read a book based on history, I would prefer to have as  much truth as possible.   Just know that this particular book is based on a screenplay and might offer some historical theories that are no proven or verified.

Paul Apostle of Christ – the book – is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Film has been provided courtesy of Sony Entertainment Releasing Canada (Affirm Films) and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Words of Grace

Words of Grace
By Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand
Published at Bethany House

About the book

Be Amazed by God's Grace!

Bring new joy to your time in God's Word by incorporating beauty and creativity. As a gentle tonic for the busyness and worries of your life, this travel-sized coloring book devotional will help you focus your attention and calm your hurried soul.

Each page spread includes Scripture, devotional thoughts, and images to color that are all designed to reconnect you with the God who knows your every need. Grab your colored pencils, crayons, or markers and set yourself free to create. But most importantly: relax, have fun, and be blessed by God's grace.

My Thoughts

When I received this book to review, my first impression was primary based on the size of it.   The book is not very large nor thick for that matter.  But there is a saying that says “do not judge a book by its cover” right?  So who was I to think that this book was less important than another devotional which has hundreds of page?   I proceeded to explore the book before passing any further judgment on it.

This is a devotional book that will also allow the reader to color the pages while you reflect on what you have just read. This book contains exactly twenty-eight devotions divided into four weeks based on specific themes.  The themes are the following:

• Week 1: Knowing Who You Are
• Week 2: Intimacy with God
• Week 3: When Life Gets Tough
• Week 4: Now This is Living!

Each week contain a devotion for each day.  Through these devotions, you will learn to discover who you are, how to live intimately with God, remember that you can rely on Him at all times, and spread you wings in the world.   You can spend more time reflecting on the teaching you have just read by coloring the opposite page.  Sometimes you will have a little drawing on the devotion’s page as well.  

In conclusion, I think this little devotion book is fun for whoever likes to color as well.   I am saying this because recently as I was drawing in one of my books, someone looked at what I was doing and said “Oh you are one of those…”  I was surprised but when the person told me she really hate coloring then I could understand her comment better.  However, that small comment had other consequences on me like doubts and insecurity creeping slowly…. but in the end I decided to embrace my coloring because I find it is relaxing and it provides healing in my life.

Words of Grace is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Between Heaven and the Real World My Story

Between Heaven & the Real World My Story
Written by Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham
Published at Revell

About the book

Experience the moments that made Christian music history

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

From childhood, music has been both a refuge and a release for Steven. With humor and humility, he offers a backstage look at his early days on the road and his wild ride to the top of the charts. Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.
Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Thoughts

I find it is always nice to read an autobiography of an artist every once in a while.   Like it or not, we have a tendency as human beings to uplift them to a pedestal and to think that they have the best of lives.   Reading an autobiography you can be guaranteed that the artist in question was involved in the process of writing the book hence you can have a perspective of his/her life through his/her own eyes.   

So when I signed up to review the new autobiography of Steven Curtis Chapman, I knew I would have a peek in his past and discover more about his life at the same time.    I have received an Advanced Reading Copy so that I can peruse and discover the life of this artist whom we know in our house.  And let me tell you that you will not be disappointed when reading it.  The writing style is very intimate which will transport you almost in the living room of Steven where he will tell you his story.   Not only do you learn about his debut in music but you will also learn more about his parents, his wife and children, his rise to become the Christian artist that he is today and all the ups and downs of his life.

I found the book to be uplifting and particularly encouraging.   We have a son who is pretty good at music and at times he will write his own songs.   We want to encourage his interest in music for sure.    Reading about how Steven navigated the industry is an eye opener I find.   I will strongly suggest to my fifteen year old son to consider reading this book.  I seriously think it would be good for him to do so.

If you enjoy Steven Curtis Chapma’s music and would like to learn more about how he grew up, what he did while growing up, how he embarked on a journey to become an artist, I think this book will be a delight for you.   It is easy to read and the chapters will hook you from the beginning of the book.

Between Heaven & the Real World My Story is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

It is also available for Kindle and Kindle App.

 

Disclaimer: The Advanced Reading Copy of this book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Everything Is Possible

Everything Is Possible – Finding the Faith & Courage to Follow Your Dreams
Writteb by Jen Bricker
Published at Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group

About the book

Strength in Belief

When Jen Bricker was born without legs, her shocked biological parents were uncertain they could care for her and gave her up for adoption. In her loving adoptive home, there was just one simple rule: "Never say 'can't.'" And pretty soon there was nothing this small but mighty powerhouse set her sights on that she couldn't conquer, including roller-skating, volleyball, power tumbling, and spinning from silk fabric thirty feet in the air.

Everything Is Possible is her incredible story--a story of God working out his plan for her life from before day one. Let Jen show you what you can accomplish when you remove the words coincidence and can't from your vocabulary.

Filled with heart and spirit, as well as Jen's wit, wisdom, and no-holds-barred honesty, this inspiring true story points the way to purpose and joy.

My Thoughts

It is always nice to read an uplifting book every once in a while.  The story of Jen Bricker is not exception.  It makes you realize that there is no point whatsoever in always thinking negatively while living your life.  When you see a person like Jen and think that she might not have any hope in her future, always remember that God can use that person in ways you cannot imagine yourself.  

Jen was born without legs but this did not stop her in have big aspirations and wanting to try anything.  Early on she was a very determine little girl who only desired to try out everything she found fascinating – even gymnastic.  She did not stop there and she continue to dream big and follow whatever opened up to her.    She has been blessed beyond measure with the family who adopted her despite the fact that she did not had legs.  She was covered with love not only by her immediate family but by many people who came in contact with her as she grew to become the young woman she is today.   As you read through the book and learn more about her journey you can sense that she feels sorry for the people who judge her or compare their own kids to herself.

I suspect not everyone would have been able to become successful in life like she did despite the challenges.   It takes a lot of strong will and dedication for someone with a disability to rise above their peers.   But dedication and enthusiasm are definitely two things that Jen had in her heart and bad comments did not slowed her down a minute.

The book also contains numerous photos of her growing up and how she uses her skills in life.   It is breathtaking to see her doing her signature pose in various places around the world or see how she never hesitate to expand her experiences in life.   

This book is a great autobiography to read if you are interested in knowing how someone born with no legs can become an amazing aerialist and motivational speaker.   It is her true story that is worth discovering because it is packed with great wisdom, honesty and joy.  

Everything is Possible is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Kindle

 

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Live Loved–A Adult Coloring Book

Live Loved – An Adult Coloring Book
Craft God’s Word Into Your Heart Through Creative Expression
By Margaret Feinberg
Published at Bethany House

About the book

PRAY • CREATE • MEMORIZE • REFLECT • JOURNAL
How would your attitude, actions, and responses change if you lived in the unconditional, immeasurable love of God? What would it look like for you to live loved?
Live Loved provides an opportunity for you to pull away from the hustle and bustle of life to pray, journal, and unleash your creative gifts as you marinate in the truth of God's fierce love for you.
• Spend time in prayer, reflecting and growing in your relationship with God
• Commit Bible passages to memory and deepen your faith
• Share your fun artistry with others through what you create
Color and doodle and learn to live loved as you craft God's Word into your heart.

My Thoughts

Since last year, we have seen a huge demand of adult coloring books on the market.  The craze is there right now but I sometimes wonder how long it will last.  I discovered bible art journaling a few years ago as I was drawing some images in a sketchbook.  But what I didn’t know was that there was suck a thing as a bible journal…. which I stumbled upon back in the late fall of 2014.   However, I was very restricted with money and decided to use a bible that I had at home.   When the local Christian book store closed its door in the spring of 2015, I decided to splurge a bit and get myself an ESV  journaling bible.  Since then, I draw and highlight the scriptures that speak to me in three bibles – one being an interleaved New Testament.

I knew that coloring books was getting more and more popular last year but I never really was attracted to it.   I couldn’t justify the price to pay for one.    So I was pleased to see this new title to be offered one day so I could review it.   I had mixed feelings about it because I usually prefer to have freedom in what I draw.   So I didn’t know how much I would enjoy coloring in it.

First of all, I totally support the fact that coloring can help remove the stress you might have in your life.  I know that it helped me quite a bit over the past year.   Secondly, this specific adult coloring book will allow you to memorize the scripture which I also think will be beneficial for you as you store the words of God in your heart and mind.   Thirdly, this adult coloring is different from other ones in the market simply because for each page of coloring you can do, you will also have a page to record notes and prayers you might have while coloring as  you can see in the image below.

However, as you can see the writing is a bit small to color in.  Personally, I would have prefered a bigger font in order to color in the letters to highlight the scripture.   I would have been better I think.    I find the fact that the lettering is also in italic to make it more difficult to color in.   But then again, I am picky when it comes to coloring.  I am used to do my own lettering in my bibles and I have been more independent that way for quite some time.  

Having a Christian adult coloring book is nice because if I don’t feel like bringing one of the bibles with me when I go somewhere I could bring this coloring book and some pencils to color while waiting.    I find it peaceful to do so when I feel somewhat overwhelmed with things happening. 

Live Loved is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Planet Middle School

Planet Middle School
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman
Published at Revell

About the book

You are about to embark on a fantastic journey.

If you've ever watched one of those movies where regular people are walking around minding their own business, until without warning their chests burst open and alien life-forms come slithering out, then you know what it's like to suddenly find yourself with a middle-schooler. Your once-peaceful home full of silliness and laughter morphs into the twisted landscape of a forbidding alien world, where moody adolescents drag their claws and moan about . . . well, just about everything.

Welcome to Planet Middle School. Better get comfortable. You'll be here awhile.

Lucky for you, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman successfully navigated Planet Middle School with five children. With his expert guidance, you'll see how you can help your child not only survive but thrive during these turbulent years. Leman shows you how to
· understand your child's rapidly expanding world
· respond rather than react to mood swings
· tell your child about sex (before someone else tells their version)
· create opportunities for your child to practice selflessness and gratitude
· ensure that your kid is one who loves home and family
· and much more

Middle-schoolers can be a strange, unpredictable species. But with a little help from Dr. Leman, you can ride out the interstellar storm with humor and confidence.

Houston, we have a problem.

It happens to every parent. One day, you have a sweet son or daughter who loves to snuggle on the couch and who puts a smile on your face just by walking into the room. The next day, it's as if someone left the door open and let in an alien with a smart mouth and an attitude that, frankly, you could do without. Entering middle school is like stepping onto a different planet--for parent and child alike.

But these years don't have to create chaos in your family. In fact, they can be some of the best, most fruitful years of all, a time when you can grow closer rather than drift apart. From the internal storms of hormonal changes to the external challenges of peer pressure and our technology-saturated culture, your child is under constant bombardment. Learn how to come alongside your middle-schooler with the love, understanding, and values that will see you both safely back home to earth when your time on Planet Middle School is over.

My Thoughts

This book was specifically written for parents of children who are in Middle School which means grades 7 and 8.   The main reason I jumped on this opportunity to review this book was because of the author.  We love Kevin Leman’s wisdom on how to parents our kids.   But I also was realistic about this book because I suspected that it was mainly written for parents whose middle schoolers go to a school.

And as I suspected the book is more geared for parents of kids in the school system.  But as a homeschooler, I find there are gems in this book as well.   An homeschool 7th or 8th grade kid will also go through some of these challenges like fitting in the crowd, going through changes physically and emotionally, and many more covered in this book.    Even if you are an homeschooler, I think you can glean some precious information on how to raise a middle schooler and encourage him/her through the changes he/she can experience in her life.  It isn’t easy to grow up.  I remember going through some  difficult days during that period of time in my life.   I wish my parents would have been christians and got that kind of information from an author like Kevin Leman.

The table of contents will give you an idea of what the author covers in his book.

• Introduction contains information about how to determine that you have arrive to Planet Middle School.
• 1. Creatures fromt he Black Lagoon:  our kids change when they hit the ages for grades 7 and 8.   Discover how your home and relationship with them can feels like a sci-fi  and what you can do to ease the transition.
• 2. Their Expanding Universe:  What you need to know, and why you need to be along for the ride.
• 3. All Flared up!: emotions and everyday drama for the middle schoolers and what you can do to weather the sudden flashes of brightness. 
• 4. Survival of the Fittest: why your child will do anything to fit in, and what you can do to combat the intensity of peer pressure.
• 5. Walking on Polar Ice:  all middle schoolers are at risk, but some more than others.  How to identify and help the ones who need it.
• 6. Confronting the Black Hole – Technology at Warp Speed: what you need to know and safeguard your child.
• 7. Growing Up Way Too Fast: acceptance, belonging, and competence are critical to keep you and your child in the same stratosphere.
• 8. Becoming a man/woman: all you need to know about hormones and the changes of the body.
• 9. Blue Chip or Penny Stocks: talking about sex and respecting themselves and others.
• 10. Understanding Who your kid really is: and how he or she got to be that way.
• 11. How to talk so they’ll listen: and how to know when to shut up.
• 12. Expect the best, get the best:  training your kids, believe in them, and having positive expectations are power plays in the game of parenting.
• 13. Raising a “Home” boy/girl: Make your home the place where your kids want to be.
• 14. Life-Mapping:  It is never too late to plan your child’s future, but you shouldn’t be the one in the driver’s seat.
• 15. Creating an attitude of gratitude: Modeling and teaching gratitude within the home.
• 15. Raising a giver in a gimme generation: how giving without receiving can transform your child’s world and his/her life.
• Word of Encouragement
• Conclusion – how we will miss these days of middle school eventually
• A middle schooler’s 10 Commandments to parents.

As I mentioned above, not all the information found in this book would apply for homeschoolers but the more I read through the book, the more I realize that there are precious wisdom that any parents of a middle schooler could use in their parenting.   As I write this, I have a teenager and a child who is starting to show emotional issues of growing up.  This child is currently in grade 6 level but you can see him having more emotions and learning to deal with them.   As I said these days are though for any kid – wether boy or girl – and having the skills to help them go through this is essential for any parent.   I am thankful to have this book handy and will continue to read it to better prepare for the transition.  I consider myself fortunate to have two kids following each other quite closely.  But I suspect that I will return to this book when my daughter approaches grade 7 in a few years.   It will be a different ball game than our three boys too!

Planet Middle School is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

The book is also available for Kindle and Kindle app.

 

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Memory Weaver

The Memory Weaver
Written by Jane Kirkpatrick
Published at Revell

About the book

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now a mother of two, Eliza faces a new kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity.

Haunted by memories and hounded by struggle, Eliza longs to know how her mother dealt with the trauma of their ordeal. As she searches the pages of her mother's diary, Eliza is stunned to find that her own recollections tell only part of the story.

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Get swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

My Thoughts

I love good historical novel and I knew that the author of this particular book had a specialty of writing stunning historical novels based on real events. The main character of the book is a strong woman who has lived and lives some hard times.   She was raised among the Cayuse Indians and had to leave the ministry of her parents when a massacre happened.   Now all grown up and having children of her own, she has to follow her husband who desire to relocate on the land of her captivity from when she was younger and leave behind those whom she loves.

The book allows you to follow the life of Eliza and her family as well as read the notes of her own mom before she dies through the pages of a journal.   Going back and forth between the past and the present, the reader can grasp a better understanding of how the events of the past have affected the current road Eliza is travelling with her family.      Intertwining the past with the present in a story is always interesting I find because it makes the story a bit more real as you discover the hopes and dreams of her mother through her journals.  And to be honest seeing the famous Hudson Bay Company blanket on the cover was a delight for the eyes for this Canadian.

The novel is interesting for someone who like the read historical novels particularly the kind that is pioneer based.

The Memory Weaver is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com

  

It is also available on Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Esther

Esther – Royal Beauty
Written by Angela Hunt
Published at Bethany House

About the book

When an ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews, an inexperienced young queen must take a stand for her people.

When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart.

My Thoughts

In this biblical fiction, you will discover how Angela Hunt views the life of Hadassah a.k.a. Queen Esther was in the time of the ruling of Xerxes, King of Persia.   Through the pages of the this book, you will be transported in the time of the ruling of Xerxes and the event that will bring young Hadassah to become Queen Esther.   This book also novelize the story behind the plot to kill the Jews and ultimately how Esther herself put her life in danger in order to save her own people.

I don’t mind historical fiction but I am a bit uneasy on taking a biblical story and novelize it.   Though I must admit that reading this book makes you wonder if her life was like the one portrayed in the novel.   The author was able to portray the life in Persia and compared the Persian women with their Jewish neighbors.  You can see the differences of lifestyle and almost smell the odors from the market.  You can close your eyes and visualize the life of the queen, how the parties were thrown and even be a witness of the life of the slaves in the palace.

As much as I admire the fact that the author has penned a great story around a well known biblical account, I ponder on the purpose of doing so.   I am torn inside between sticking to the book of Esther in the Bible and allowing my mind to venture into what might have been to be in her shoes, how life was in an harem, what Hadassah really thought so many years ago and what life was for her as a queen.  How did she really interact with the king?  Did she really loved him?    What was her feeling at every steps of her life?    Part of me would prefer to personally imagine it.  Part of me enjoys having the novelize version of Angela Hunt. 

If you enjoy historical fiction – more specifically biblical historical fiction – I think you will enjoy Esther – Royal Beauty.

Esther is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Kindle Edition

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Emissary

Emissary
By Thomas Locke
Published at Revell

About the book

With his twenty-first birthday, Hyam begins a journey that will lead him to his destiny--or his doom.

Hyam has always shown a remarkable ability to master languages, even those left unspoken for a thousand years. But now the shadow of suspicion that was cast upon him as a child prodigy at Long Hall is lengthening, and he must keep his identity hidden--or face annihilation.

As Hyam's mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall before he settles down to farm his land. This journey born from duty becomes an impassioned quest for the truth. War is coming swiftly, and Hyam must rely upon his newfound powers and the friends he meets along the way in order to unravel the puzzling past and ensure that he--and the realm--will have a future.

In a world where magic has been outlawed for centuries, one young man discovers that he possesses powers beyond his wildest dreams.

But he does not realize how pivotal this gift will be in the days to come.

Except for the healing arts, magicking is a punishable offense in the realm. The only places it is still practiced are the Long Halls scattered throughout the land--isolated haunts of wizards called mages and their long-suffering students.

But hidden rivers of power course deep beneath the earth, and not everyone has obeyed the edict banning magic. Vixens lie in wait on the Galwyn road. A mysterious race of telepaths comes and goes invisibly. It is even rumored that Elves still hide among the wizened trees. And somewhere beyond the badlands, a growing menace threatens the hard-won peace of the realm.

This young man could stem the ominous tide . . . but only by turning away from everyone and everything he has ever known. And facing dangers he cannot fathom.

Who is Thomas Locke?

Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, the award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies. His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He divides his time between Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. Davis's screenplay adaptation ofEmissary is currently under development as a feature film with a British production company. Learn more at www.tlocke.com.

My Thoughts

Here’s a fantasy novel that I think your kids will enjoy as much as you would if this is a genre that you like to read.    The story will grab your attention as you advance in the book and will keep your attention throughout the pages.   Suspense and adventure awaits you at the turn of each chapter in this book.   At the beginning of the book, you will go back and forth between two main characters up to the point where their lives converge.  

I am usually picky with the books I review and I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised with this one.   I enjoyed reading it and discover one book from Thomas Locke aka Davis Bunn that I liked.    I have tried other titles from him in the past and just didn’t click with them.  The fantasy genre that he explored with this novel is definitively something that I expect he will write more of in the future.  However,  I question the fact that he is using a pseudonym as his writing pen name.   Why now use his real name?   Is it because of the different kind of genre he wrote in the past and he doesn’t want to mix the two genres under one pen name?  

If you like fantasy novels and want to find a novel that will be a delight to read, I think Emissary would allow you to travel to a different world from the comfort of your own home.   It could also be a wonderful book to include in your child reading list as well.   

See a map of the realm which can be found in the book. 

This book is the first one in a series titled Legends of the Realm.  The second installment is schedule to be published in spring 2016.   Apparently, the screenplay adaption of Emissary is under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Emissary is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days – 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To
Written by Holley Gerth
Published at Revell, a Baker Publishing Group Division

About the book

We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.
Thankfully, Jesus said we don't "live on bread alone"--that includes cupcakes--"but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.
If you're tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you'll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.
Remember, you're not alone, my friend.

In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we're all in this together.

Who is Holley Gerth?

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, and Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com.

My Thoughts

As a woman, I know that there are days harder than others.   And sometimes we need to be reminded that we matter and that God cares deeply for us.  Holley Gerth has a way of bringing into writing the truth about ourselves and about God.   This time, she has gleaned precious wisdom from the book of Psalms which will remind us of God’s goodness.  This little book is a companion of Holley’s book You’re Going to Be Okay.  However, the book can easily be use without it and bring healing in your heart.

This book can be used as a weekly devotional or during the span of 52 days.   You can also opted to read one devotions every once in a while in order to slowly advance in it and be touched by God – going back on the devotion and ponder on the words of Scripture.   Slowly but surely as you progress in this book, read the Scripture associated to the devotion, take the time to respond and personalize your prayer you will go through the book of Psalms.

One particular devotion has touched me more than the other ones so far – it was about how God wants to exchange the pain for joy.  When going through a painful experience, it is important to remember that it takes time to feel joy again.  It’s a process.  Still we are not alone in the midst of the pain.  God is there – always.

This book could be a great little gift to someone you know who is going through a difficult time or simply to bless someone in their stocking at Christmas.    What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

It is also available for Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Have a Happy Family by Friday

Have a Happy Family by Friday – How to Improve Communication, Respect & Teamwork in 5 Days
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman
Published at Revell, a Baker Publishing Group division.

About the book

You really can have a happier home in just 5 days!

Every member of a family plays a vital role in the health and happiness of the household. Everyone is important, deserves to be treated with love and respect, and needs to know that when they make mistakes they will still be loved unconditionally. And when every member of the family is pulling for each other and on the same team, everybody wins.

Is this kind of family life even possible?

Parenting expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman says it is, and he's ready to show you exactly how you can make it happen in your family--in just five days. He shows families how to

• communicate honestly and kindly
• prioritize the right things
• maintain great attitudes and behaviors
• determine the role each person plays in the family structure
• make family time count

As always, Dr. Leman's outstanding advice is laced with humor, great stories, and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience.

If you've had it up to here with bickering, hurt feelings, and emotional exhaustion, Have a Happy Family by Friday is just what the doctor ordered.

• Does any of this sound familiar?
  
  You're sick of the word whatever.
• You'd have a coronary if you ever walked into one of your kids' rooms and it was picked up.
• You remember way back when you and your spouse paid attention to each other.
• A good day is when you only send your kids to their room once.
• An exciting evening with your spouse is no yelling and no trips to the ER.
• You'd like to ground your kids for life . . . somewhere else.
• Everybody wants a piece of you, and there's nothing left to give.
• The only family member who listens to you is the dog.
• You spend a lot of your time wishing things were different in your family.

Well, wishes can come true. You can be on your way today to a happy family by Friday. Is it really possible? Yes! Embrace the truths and suggestions in this book, practice them, and watch them last a lifetime.

I guarantee it.

My Thoughts

Let’s face it.  Living with different types of people in a home can be difficult at times.  Not every one is the same and emotions can cause problems.    After all we are not all cut from the same cookie shape right?   But don’t desperate because Dr. Kevin Leman has written a book to help you get a happier home within a week.    Every member of a family plays a vital role in the health and happiness of a household.    And the book Have a Happy Family by Friday will help your to improve life under the same roof.

On Monday you will learn to choose your words in order to change your family.   Essentially, what you says and how you say it has everything to do with how your loved ones respond.   And trust me when I say that it is completely true.   I have seen how my kids respond on how I say things and I definitively know how I personally respond depending on how things are said to me.  So this chapter was a great reminder that I need to be careful on how I say things to my kids and even my husband.

Tuesday is all about time, priorities, activities, work and finances.   Bottom line you will learn what to do, what not to do, and why.  This chapter was great and I did grab a few things but our family is already very careful in how much activities are done during a week.   We do swimming on Wednesday afternoon and the kids have Awana on Thursday night.   Every once in a while during the school year we will also have the homeschool coop.  Our oldest son is also attending youth once a week.  But apart from that we are very careful not to overschedule our calendar and prioritize the time as a family.  Finances is also another thing we have been straightening up for the past few years.    

Wednesday I have learned how to navigate the teenage years with chaos.   Oh!  I know there will be though times but this chapter was wonderful to read for me as our oldest has turned 13 this year.   His three siblings are slowly coming closer to this age and I hope that God will pour patience over me for the years to come.

Thursday will be the day where you will read more about how your role as a mom/dad and your marriage can affect the family as well.   Having attended numerous marriage conference and training since our engagement, we have continued to seek advices from various sources through the years.  

Friday will encourage your to make time together as a family and make lasting connections.

After going through each of these chapters, the reader might have questions.   Included in this book, you have a whole section titled Ask Dr. Leman where you can go through the days of the week and see topics and advices on communication and family dynamics, time/priorities/activities/work/finances, discipline and attitude, dad/mom/marriage, and family connection.   Dr. Leman takes the time to answer specific questions and will encourage you at the same time.

Finally, the book concludes with a whole chapter on the secrets of birth order for those who have not read the Birth Order book.

I think that every family can benefit in reading this book.  I even read some tidbits of it to my oldest son.    I hope that one day my kids families will be joyful and thriving as the years go by.    If you are tired of the bickering, the feelings being hurt, and the emotional exhaustion, this book might help you to turn your family around and transform it from the inside out.

Have a Happy Family by Friday is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Atlas Girl

Atlas Girl – Finding Home in the Last Place I Thought to Look
Written by: Emily T. Wierenga
Published at Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

About the book

Emily Wierenga left home at age eighteen with no intention of ever returning.

Broken down by organized religion, a childhood battle with anorexia, and her parents' rigidity, she set out to find God somewhere else--anywhere else. Her travels took her across three continents in buses, cars, and planes, across mountains and over deep blue seas.

What she hadn't realized was that her faith was waiting for her the whole time--in the place she least expected it.

Poignant and passionate, Atlas Girl is a deeply personal story of the yearning we all share to be truly known, entirely forgiven, and utterly loved.

My Thoughts

I enjoy reading memoirs, autobiographies and biographies.   I find it gives you a new perspective on life in general when you read about the live of people.   This memoir will give you an insight in the life of the author and how she was able to lean on God in the midst of struggles and issues in her own life.  This is a great testimony in how the author searched throughout the world and find her faith in the place she least expected.

The book is beautifully written and will bring you through her past from 1998 until more recent years.  You read about her struggles and how she overcome them.   You read about her love story, about how she came to help her parents when there was health issues, about her travels , about anorexia and her kids.    It is a poignant and touching book that will touch you in many ways.    It is a book about restoring relationships – whether with God or with aging parents.   It is a book where the author deliberately pours out her heart so that the readers can see that in the midst of all there is hope.  That ultimately you are loved by the God of the Universe.

This kind of book can be difficult to read for some people.  But I would like to encourage you to read it in small portion at a time – process the information slowly so you can savor every words of her book. 

Atlas Girl is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  
Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

What Follows After

What Follows After
Written by Dan Walsh
Published at Revell

About the book

In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy.

And when they weren't, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.

For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie. While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they've actually been separated for over a year. To keep up the charade, they've even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie--to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.

Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan. He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scott and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.
In this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life--love, truth, and family. With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us that a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we'll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.

My Thoughts

Dan Walsh is definitively one of my favourite authors.   When I realized that a new book from him was available for review, I immediately checked out the description of the book.   I will admit that I hesitated before requesting it.  The story seemed to be a bit more emotional than his previous novels.  But I figure that since I really like the author it would be okay.

The story is fabulous though it can twist your own stomach when the dramatic events unfolds.   I don’t particularly like stories where children are in danger.  And this book, though the child is not armed, will give you a chill that will go down your spine if you are a parent.  I can’t even imagine how the parents in this novel dealt with it.   You can their thoughts every once in a while but just enough to make you read more.    The story of this book is intertwined with the events surrounding the Cuban situation back in the early 60s.

In all, I was hooked with the characters and the events of this book.  Though I do not want any children to go through what Timmy experienced, I think the book helped to be realistic in what could happen even to this day and time.   Though somehow you hear more about kidnapping nowadays then back then, you will wonder up to about four fifth of the book is they will find the child.  

I won’t tell you the ending of the book.  But I will be honest in telling you that this novel from Dan Walsh was a bit harder to read for me – being a mom and all.    Even though I hesitated in requesting it, I am glad I read the book because I find that Dan Walsh writing is a delight for the eyes.

What Follows After is available at your favourite bookstore from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

   

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.