Book Review: A greater Story

 

Each of us is living a story

Sam Collier's story started with rejection. When he and his twin sister were born, their biological mother gave them up for adoption. Though Sam loved his adoptive family, he sometimes felt like a puzzle missing crucial pieces. But God reached into Sam's life and showed him that he didn't have to write his own story, because it was really God who was telling his story through Sam.

In this deeply personal yet remarkably universal book, Sam Collier tells his inspiring story of abandonment, sacrifice, gratitude, and rescue, revealing how God is always doing something bigger and better than we might imagine. He has a purpose and a plan for every single one of us, and he is always telling his greater story through our trials, our relationships, and our triumphs.

If you're in the middle of a challenging time and long to know that God is working through it, Sam's story will teach you how to see the big picture, even when there are pieces missing.

My Reflections: I had not heard about Sam Collier's story so didn't quite know what to expect from his memoir.

I was so surprised and moved by Collier's life journey. I absolutely adore people's life stories, they are so interesting and moving, everyone has a story it's just if they are brave enough to tell it. 

Collier does an exceptional job of weaving his personal story in with God's amazing grace and redemptive plan for each and every one of us. It is always amazing to look back and see where God has worked in the lives around us. It may seem pretty bleak in the short term but God always had a greater plan for all of us, sometimes we just have to hold on tight with eyes pointed upward. 

If you are looking for an uplifting and inspiring book this one is definitely a must-read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Sam Collier:

Sam Collier is a pastor, speaker, writer, and host of the A Greater Story with Sam Collier TV show and radio podcast that currently airs in 100 million homes. He also communicates nationally and internationally as a speaker and regular contributor at...

Continue reading about Sam Collier

Book Review: Set the Stars Alight

 

From The Back:

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My Reflections: Amanda Dykes newest book "Set the Stars Alight" is divine and begs readers to cuddle up with their favourite hot beverage and settle in for the rainy season (If you live on the Island that is) I'm always thrilled to read books by this author she writes timeless tales that make the reader want to savour and ponder her mystery entangled stories. 

This book has it all lyrical enchantment, heart-rendering sadness and is inspiring and uplifting all captured into one novel!

This story landed in my lap at just the right time, isn't God good! Thank you Amanda Dykes for penning a story filled with vivid imagery and a captivating reading experience!

If you are in love with words, mystery and history this my friends is your next read. I can't wait for the next story that comes my way from this writer, simply amazing!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Set the Stars Alight and...

Continue reading about Amanda Dykes

Book Review: These Nameless Things

 

From The Back:

Once held captive and tortured on a mysterious mountain, Dan was lucky to have made it out alive. But freedom comes at a cost. Left with little memory of the horrific ordeal, Dan can recall one thing--his escape meant leaving his brother behind.

With each day that passes, Dan waits with the other survivors in hope of his brother's escape. But just as long-forgotten memories start rising to the surface, the sudden appearance of a wounded woman throws everything into question. As Dan struggles to know who to trust, he is caught once again in a paralyzing moral dilemma:

How far will he go to save the people he loves?    

My Reflections:

I have to say I usually give positive reviews, but this book I just couldn't sink my teeth into. I found it dark and broody and couldn't really see the connections being made. Now, this may just be my lack of interest in these types of genres, so please do read it for yourself and decide. Next time I will read the back a little more carefully.

I had the storyline pegged from the beginning, it was hard not to miss. I just kept wondering if the book was going to reveal some great faith-based lesson, If it did I totally missed it. I am in a place in my life where I do not want to read unsettling distressing stories, and this may be why I was not a fan. 

I think if you like this type of read you may very well love it. I'm not a fan of sci-fi or horror types of storylines, so that is my issue not the fault of this storyline or book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Shawn Smucker:

Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars and These Nameless Things, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with...

Continue reading about Shawn Smucker

Book Review: Love And A Little White Lie

There's a lot of irony in hitting rock bottom

After a heartbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything--including moving into a cabin on her aunt's wedding-venue property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt's church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she's determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community's overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can't coexist, can January find the healing that's eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

My Reflections:

This fresh and feisty tale won me over from page one. Who wouldn't be intrigued by the main character who is named after a summer month and living a tiny lie...she is working as a church helper and isn't even a believer. I enjoyed watching her evolve and grow into a well-rounded character. She is funny however like many of us she puts herself down and seems to struggle with low self-esteem it's no wonder since she has suffered a nasty breakup. To break free and start her new life that means putting herself in situations that may be uncomfortable, but help her grow. and grow she does!

The development of this character is fun to watch, written in first person you get to really grasp what January is thinking, what a hoot! Even if she found her quirky personality offputting, I think that's what drew me to her, who doesn't like a free-thinking character with a fun personality!

I absolutely loved aunt Doreen, I have an aunt Judy who I adore! Such a patient and loving soul! My aunt is just the same. Aunties are so much fun!

This is the third book I have read by this author and I have to say this one was my favourite thus far, I can't wait for a sequel which will most likely be based more on Dillion and or Aunt Doreen. I am definitely anticipating the release. If you want a book that has you laughing then crying and sighing in between this may just be your next read. Fun fact I was also staying in a cabin as read this novel, it was not however a wedding-themed one!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

About the author:

Tammy L. Gray

Tammy L. Gray (www.tammylgray.com) lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include the 2017 RITA Award-winning My Hope Next Door. When not taxiing her...

Continue reading about Tammy L. Gray

Book Review: Veiled In Smoke

From The Back:

The Flames Took So Much.
She Can't Lose Her Father As Well.
Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop.

Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters. Days later, when the smoke has cleared, Meg and Sylvie manage to reunite with him. Their home and shop are lost, and what's left among the ashes may be even more threatening than the flames, for they learn that a close friend was murdered the night of the fire--and Stephen has been charged with the crime. After he is committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, where they cannot visit him, Stephen feels as lost to them as the shop that now lies in rubble.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life but prove the truth of what happened that night, before the asylum truly drives her father mad.

My Reflections:

This book had me utterly spellbound from page one. I adore Historical fiction and this book was accurately retold in a way that was honouring and evoking in a cohesive way. You can always count on Jocelyn Green to pen an authentic moving plot where you fall in love not only with the characters but for the entirety of not only the era and the city of Chicago as well.

Meg and Sylvie Townsend are sisters brought together by the caring of their Civil war veteran father who has PTSD. Together the girls try hard to keep their father safe while running their little book store under the apartment. When the great fire hits, the town is in a panice with looters and families running for their lives. In this chaos Stephen the girl's father gets scared and hides, but then is framend with his friends murder. Will Stephan be coherint enought to explain what happened or will he be destined to live out the rest of his years in the Cook County Insane Asylum? 

PTSD an often debilitating condition that ends up devastating many familys and individual living with it. Without help this disability can render an utter shutdown of the mind and body.

 In some people the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness from the constant nightmares and ever-present flashbacks start encasing a mind into a impenetrable fortress where the suffering individual sees no way out. Statistically deaths by suicide for popople who struggle from PTSD are 26.3 percent higher than the advrage population. 2020 data colloected from: Centers for disease Control and Prevention

PTSD was also refered to solders heart back in the day, it was treated with strong medicine which left patients unable to participate in life. These indivduals were mostly housed in insane assuylms of jails. 

Authour Jocelyn Green excells in her ability to resech all of her hystorical novels she is well known to do this with dedication, meaningful plots couple that with amazingly detailed backdrops and you have one fine writter!

 

Book Review" Braver Stronger Smarter

From the Back:

"This book helped me remember how brave I am!"--AnnabelleWant to know something? Girls who worry the most are some of the smartest, kindest girls around. The worry you feel happens because you care deeply about things and people. You try hard and want to do the right thing, which is wonderful. But it's not fun to feel pressure, is it? That's why Sissy Goff wrote this book. To help you know how brave and strong and smart you really are.

Whether you're a mom, dad, aunt, or grandmother, you can help the girl you love overcome her worry and anxiety. This interactive guide--created for elementary-age girls but helpful for all ages--teaches you and your girl practical ways to work through overwhelming emotions. With fun stories and writing and drawing prompts to guide her, your girl will feel empowered, knowing she is deeply loved by a God who is bigger than her fears.

Also available from Sissy Goff! Raising Worry-Free Girls, a companion book that provides more in-depth information and strategies for parents and educators.

My Reflections:

I had the opportunity to set the stage for this book as I was able to read "Raising Worry-Free Girls" This first book has much more depth and insight but more geared to the parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and thought this book would be a fantastic way to connect with my daughter in a meaningful and safe way.

This second book "Braver Stronger Smarter" Could be done independently or with a parent. The foundation is laid for teaching girls the vocabulary to express their feelings. This is such an important skill for any child. The neat thing about this book is that it is adaptable and multifaceted, girls have the opportunity to notebook as they read through with a parent or independently. The note booking is unique because it takes all learners into consideration. An example is your child could respond with writing or drawing out the emotions they are feeling. Providing the opportunity to create different avenues of communication and expression.

If you have a young girl between the ages of 7-13 this would definitely be a fantastic tool to work on with your daughter (s).

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Sissy Goff, MEd, LPC-MHSP, spends most of her days counseling girls and their families, with the help of her assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. Since 1993, Sissy has worked as the director of child and adolescent counseling at Daystar...

Continue reading about Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Book Review: Dead End

From the back:

When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses, some from twenty years ago, others from the recent past. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before--Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for more than twenty years . . . and is FBI Special Agent Kaely Quinn's father. After several failed attempts to discover if Ed has been training someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis for help.

Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She's always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she's hated for years.

As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own inner turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?

My Reflections:
Oh, how I loved this book, actually scratch that I loved the whole series!
This is the third book in the series "Kaely Quinn Profiler" How I would love to learn how to read a person like an open book. 

Kaely Quinn may have some unusual ways of profiling her UNSUB. But her ways seem to work well until she loses control of her imagination, that paired with her imaginary friend Georgie, Kailey has some big issues to tackle. Including PTSD.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, unfortunately, she is tasked with facing her Father the infamous "Raggedy man" he has been serving time for 20 years now and Kailey has never had the nerve to see him. But when a copy cat murder starts to ramp up the dead bodies, she feels it's time to try and get her father to speak about his protege, everything is too similar to his MO. Or is it?

I loved the psychology of this book. It really delves into what makes a serial killer or a psychopath? It shows how childhood experiences can shape a person for life. How PTSD works and the devastation it can bring to its victims. This theme also touched on the darker side of how the devil can use situations to hurt and steal and destroy.

If you love this kind of thing as much as I do you certainly will not be disappointed with this series. I'm just so sad it's finished!
This really is a must-read friends!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty-five books and a Christy Award and Carol Award finalist as well as the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling...

Continue reading about Nancy Mehl

Book Review: Daughter Of Cana

From the Back:

How Will Walking in Yeshua's Footsteps
Forever Change Her Life?
Thomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys--and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tasted in Cana.

When Thomas impulsively decides to follow the teacher from Nazareth, the twins argue bitterly. Tasmin refuses to be abandoned or to let her brother be taken in by a magician-prophet. When he departs anyway, she decides to follow the Nazarene's group, aided by Jude, younger brother to Yeshua of Nazareth, and do whatever she must to mend the fractured relationship, reveal the truth, and bring her brother home.

My Reflections:
Angela Hunt's newest series is off to a fantastic start!
If you love Biblical fiction as much as I do you won't be disappointed with Daughter of Cana.
The first part of the book drew me in straight away, what an interesting plot. To imagine what it must have been like to be around Jesus as he walked the earth. 

After witnessing water being turned into wine Tasmin, one of the bakers at a wedding decides it must be trickery. However, her twin brother Thomas decides to leave the family business to chase after the one who had the power to do many unimaginable things. Tasmin has no choice to chase after her brother and talk some sense into him to come back home where he belongs helping their father in the orchard.

I love Biblical fiction because it makes well-known stories come alive, although we cannot know the exact happenings other than the true Biblical telling, I find it interesting to see things how they might have happened. It also makes me turn to the Bible and re-read the passages again.

I really enjoyed taking a fictional look at what Jesus's family and his apostle Thomas. I actually missed that Thomas was a twin! I also enjoyed the character development, watching as Jesus brother Jude and Tasmine chase after Jesus and the change of hearts they experience. Both have personal agendas to get their family members back which put a fun twist on things.

Daughter of Cana is a must-read, I mean what else are you going to do right now, surely you have cleaned out every corner and binge-watched Netflix. What better book to read during these uncertain times!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book...

Continue reading about Angela Hunt

Book Review: More Than We Remember

From the Back:

One night changes everything. . . .
When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She once thrived as a counsellor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbours, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

My Reflections:
More Than We Remember is a touching, and emotional story told by several points of view from the characters and their personal experiences. All of this is synergetic and homogenizes the storyline quite brilliantly. 

Difficult topics were handled with accuracy and brought to light struggles many suffer from but never let anyone in. A few of the topics included drug addictions, brain injury and abuse. Getting help for any of these afflictions is so very important, we are here to support each other and hiding away your fears, addictions and abuse only makes the problem grow, and can one day become unbearable. But I digress, sorry. 

Nelson did a marvellous job of fleshing out the realities of these situations, it was written accurately without sugar-coating anything. This story definitely had my emotions engaged.

God's shining light can burn through the darkness, but only if we hold on long enough to experience his plans for our suffering. 

I always get confused when there are so many characters telling their stories, but this one was not as hard, Nelson made her writing clear and engaging making me forget I don't love multiple POV's.

If you are looking for an emotionally engaging story with a little suspense thrown in for good measure, this may be your next favourite read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

© Katey Tryon

Christina Suzann Nelson

CBA bestselling author Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) writes stories that focus on changing legacies from dysfunction to hope. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was named a Library Journal Best Book of 2017 and a...

Continue reading about Christina Suzann Nelson

Book Review: Before I Called You Mine

From The Back:

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Reflections:
I am so in love with this book. A single woman yearning for her heart's desire to have a baby of her very own and start her little family...alone, single. Laureen Bailey has given up traditional ways of starting a family and looks towards international adoption. Time is ticking and she has waited oh so long for the call.

Joshua Avery enters into her life as a sub for the class next door. He is so sweet, kind, gentle and patient with Laureen as she struggles with her stubborn singleness and adoption rules. When she gets the call she is elated, yet torn. Will she choose love over God's chosen child for her or will she choose love and hope it is successful this time around. 

Having explored international and local adoption when we were struggling for five years of infertility the memories and heartbreak rushed back. This made the novel so much more meaningful to me.

I was delighted with the character development and genuine emotions displayed by all characters. I'm not sure such a sweet family can actually exist Joshua is lovely on so many levels, and his family is no different. Will Joshua have the strength to just walk away after he has finally met his soul mate?

All in all a perfect 10 out of 10 for me! I just fell in love with the town, characters and plot, it was so well played out, bravo Nicole Deese!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and...

Continue reading about Nicole Deese

Book Review: Stay

From the Back:

What do we do with everyday aches, disappointment, and pain?
We can run. Or we can stay.It may sound counterintuitive to stay with our aches and disappointment. We prefer comfort, so our default response is to withdraw, avoid, numb, and neurotically fix. But what if Jesus is pulling out a chair and whispering, Stay?

Anjuli Paschall invites you to stop running from your pain and to discover that the deep end of your story is the way to intimacy with Christ. She extends a daring invitation to stay with your everyday aches, your guilt, your loneliness, your anger, your anxiety, your longings, and even your apathy. True power and transformation are found in the very places we resist the most.

It's here, in the staying, where we move from merely knowing in our heads that God loves us to believing it in our hearts.

Stay is an invitation to sit with God at the table of your soul--and be free.

My Reflections: 
Stay, I love how God works in our lives! Most people can't do much else than stay at home right now. I never expected COVID 19 to even reach this type of impact, yet God knows our hearts our needs, those deep painful ones that you don't share with anyone for fear that your intense emotional state will become a reality. This book by Anjuli Paschall is a breath of clean fresh cleansing air. My soul does feel parched and dry as the sierra desert, however, God knows. This book was such a gentle nudge to steep in those feeling, let them come and accept them for what they are. So ironic because that's the exact advice I am getting from professionals. 

This book will really make you examine how you react to the stressors around you, be it the kids home from school, having no job to go to or working from home. Paschall reminds us that isolation doesn't have to be a frightening process. Feelings my friends are just that, they change like the wind. Being present and engaged in the day you are living, connecting to God in deep and meaningful ways brings what our hearts desire, He fills the empty and dry. 

I loved this quote" Anxiety is the Lighthouse in the storm leading me back to my tender need for God" Anxiety, fear all these things are opportunities to run to our saviour. I admit I'm kind of not doing a great job of applying these beautiful words to my life, but little step by little step, perhaps I will get there. Grace is oh so good, God knows, this book exemplifies our need to feel that pain, the loneliness and use it for growth. God's got our back babe. (Family joke, but such truth!)

You won't regret online ordering this book, or perhaps put it on your kindle. The writing is soft, loving and oh so encouraging, so I think in these uncertain times this book was launched divinely at the perfect timing.  

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Anjuli Paschall

Anjuli Paschall is the founder of The Moms We Love Club and writes regularly for (in)courage, a widely followed online community of Christian women. She grew up encircled by an orange grove in San Diego. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University,...

Continue reading about Anjuli Paschall

Book Review: You Are What You Love

You are what you love. But you might not love what you think.

In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. 

We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. 

He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavours are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship.


My Reflections: I was not quite sure what I was expecting when I chose this book. The cover was eye-catching and the title jumped out at me. 

I have never read James Smith's works, so I didn't know his writing was geared to church theologians and high minded individuals. I have to admit I was disappointed with this book, not because of what it contained, but the level of academia. 

I found myself lost, confused and slightly bored. The first two chapters are quite good and have some solid things to ponder but after that, I was a lost cause. I guess my brain has a hard time pondering deeply right now?

The primary idea of the book centers around that we were created to be lovers, not thinkers. In other words, humans were created to have something to love. That would be God, right? I completely get that but, Hmm, I'm not sure I agree with all the opinions expressed in this book, but then again it was out of my league. 

If you love to dig deep into thinking about big ideas, love theology this may just be a great book for you. It will have a happy life at our church library.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Book Review: Secrets of the Happy Soul

From the back:

Experience the Deep Delight You Were Made For

How do some people do it? They rise above the circumstances and distractions of life and remain consistently happy. For the rest of us, the pursuit of lasting happiness can be exhausting. No matter how much we try, dissatisfaction and discouragement inevitably return.

But what if there is another way? A true path to happiness that is far better than chasing an elusive ideal? In Secrets of the Happy Soul, Katie Orr shares six clear ways to nurture the Happy Soul already within us. Through key teachings from the book of Psalms, you will learn how to
· seek God in everyday moments
· grow your resolve to follow His way
· cultivate a growing love for God's Word
· develop a deep-rooted relationship with God
· be confident in God's will for your life
· surrender to the Lord and experience daily delights found in His presence

Uncover the secrets of the Happy Soul and experience the satisfying, fruitful life you crave.

My Reflections:
Katie Orr is a well-known speaker, although she found that it was ironic that she was to speak on her own journey to happiness. 

I am delighted to say that this book is not one of those self- help books that never really give you lasting results. Orr is not talking about worldly "happy" she is referring to the biblical meaning from specific Bible passages taken from Hebrew or "esher". This conversational type read is easy to understand and presents no over the top medical or philosophical language. In truth, it is for us ordinary Christians who want to experience the extraordinary truths God has for us. 

In God's presence. What does that me to you? For me it sitting quietly talking to God, perhaps crying out to him or just listening to his still small voice. Our happiness I'm learning doesn't depend on circumstances, how I feel or how the world defines it. We need to deepen our relationship with God. I know firsthand how hard that can be when you are in a dark place, where did God, whom you love so much go? I don't have those kinds of answers. But this book points us to the Creator, whether we feel him or not he is there. 

All in all, I enjoyed this book, it was a very nice reminder to snuggle up to God when things aren't quite going the way you expect. I mean we are in the middle of a world-changing pandemic, What better book to reach for?

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Katie Orr

Katie Orr is passionate about helping women enjoy God daily. As a conference speaker, prolific author, and online Bible coach, she provides biblical teaching and relevant resources to help women jump-start their journey toward walking with Jesus. Katie and her...

Continue reading about Katie Orr

Book Review: Woman of Sunlight

From The Back:

He's Seen the Entire Country.
She's Never Been Off Her Mountain Home.
When Danger Comes, This Unlikely Couple Will Need to Rely on Each Other.
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. But with the arrival of added danger, it may cost them the only life they've ever known.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when Mitch follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten with a strong-willed, dark-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood and defends herself better than most men.

Mitch is intent on helping his family reclaim their land but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Hired killers are tracking him, and he's determined to draw them away before anyone else gets hurt. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on an adventure they'll never forget.

My Reflections:
My long time favourite author Mary Connealy does it again with her smashing new book"Woman of Sunlight" from the Brides of Hope Mountain series. I enjoyed the first book in the series "Aiming For Love" and was eager to see what would happen to this sister. 

Sweet kind Ilsa Nordegren with her quiet ways and tree swinging wildness. Having been raised in the wilderness and taught from a young age to fear the outside world, she now feels ready to break those constricting binds and explore the unknown However, the danger is lurking in their midst.
Mitch Warden is ready and willing to show Ilsa his favourite places and help her shrug off the past lies, however even though he thought he had left his dangerous past behind him, it looks like it's back to haunt him. 

Will he be equipped to save the woman he has fallen for and the family he loves?

I loved this couple and the strengths and weaknesses that made them perfect for each other. If you are looking for a new series, this is something fun to read as we are all isolated. I would recommend this sweet little gem. We have only been in isolation for three weeks imagine growing up in isolation? That's what I was thinking about as I read this book :-) Book three won't be released until next year, I can't wait to read about the most headstrong sister Ursula, that will be an interesting one indeed! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...

Continue reading about Mary Connealy