Book Review: God Confident Kids Helping Your Child Find True Purpose, Passion and Peace

From The Back:

"A must-read for any parent seeking wisdom for their vital and increasingly challenging role."--Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family

Our children and teens are growing up more anxious, depressed, and fearful than previous generations. But if we help them discover true God-confidence--instead of chasing the illusive self-confidence--we can empower them to embrace their uniqueness and find their purpose, passion, and peace as they grow into humble, compassionate, and resilient young people.

In this hopeful book, associate marriage and family therapist Cyndie Claypool de Neve explains how you can help your kids discover the purpose for which God created them. God-Confident Kids is filled with stories, Scripture, psychological insights, and practical tips to help you move from fear-based parenting to faith-filled parenting as you claim Ephesians 2:10 for your kids: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (NIV).

My Reflections: Who as a parent doesn't want their children to have lasting, true unshakable faith? I believe everyone is created with a very special purpose, a God-given purpose no matter who you are. Whether you choose to follow God's leading or not is a choice. As parents is it not our calling to try to help our children follow God's ways? Ah, but there is the choice factor right? How as parents do we help lay out the path for them? We as flawed people flounder and pray, and read books like these to gain a little insight into the best practices, then we leave it in the creator's hands. 

I loved how Cyndie Claypool De Neve uses personal stories scripture and psychology in a synergistic fashion. Her book has many nuggets of wisdom to glean from and I highly recommend this handy little book to anyone involved with children. 

Packed with sound God centred wisdom, I am sure you will be left with many new ideas and some old ones to ponder a little deeper. I especially enjoyed the quick tips sections, where I could find practical skills that I could start implementing straight away!

If you are looking for a great Christmas break book this is it, friends, you can't go wrong with this one. Easy to read, God centred parenting and extremely practical, How can you go wrong?

Cyndie Claypool de Neve

Cyndie Claypool de Neve, a former journalist with an MA in counseling psychology, is the coauthor of Unshaken, Start With Praise, and Raise Them Up. She has appeared on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk Radio and has a growing speaking...

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Book Review: One More River to Cross

From The Back:

Adversity can squelch the human spirit . . . or it can help us discover strength we never knew we had.
In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend company leaves Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada. They enjoy a safe journey--until October, when a fierce mountain snowstorm forces difficult decisions.

The party separates in three directions. Some go overland around Lake Tahoe. Others stay to guard the heaviest wagons. The rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River awaiting rescue. The months ahead will be long and at times terrifying. But with friendship, family, and enough courage to overcome their fear, these intrepid pioneers will discover what truly matters in times of trial.

My Reflections:

I usually gobble up Jane Kirkpatrick's works, this one, however, left me a little Parched.

Normally historical dramas tickle me pink, I love the cohesion of fact and fiction intermingling. This story was factually intriguing and kept me turning the pages, I did, however, find the multitude of characters confusing and this fact along with the sheer misery that was never-ending sunk my enthusiasm a tad. 

Set in the American West in the 1840s this tale is based on a  true store by Donna M Wojcik It was a footnote actually, posted in the "Brazen Overlanders of 1845" Years later Jane Kirkpatrick decided this was going to be the basis of her new novel. This is so awesome and I love these types of stories. 

Perhaps it is my mind frame at the moment or that the story was just so sad and cold and hungry that I felt bleak. This coupled with my terrible memory for names, and with them being so similar, I well felt a little lost at times! Thankfully Kirkpatrick includes an index on pages 11, 12 and 13. So, in short, I loved the context of the story but got lost in the process. Please don't let my review sway you though, because you may love a story that has not been sugar-coated, the grit of these settlers is beyond anything we have ever endured. You may love a multitude of characters, your dendrites may just be more complex and developed!

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

Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including Everything She Didn't Say, All She Left Behind, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road...

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Book Review: Hope's Highest Mountain

From The Back:

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she's hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

My Reflections:

I find that I am drawn to a book first by its cover then second by the synopsis on the back. I was about to pass this one up due to the cover not catching my eye. I am so glad that I read the back and my interest was peaked, this book was a treat to read. The characters are multidimensional and the writing is beautifully penned. I adore books centring around the medical field and a doctor who flees his career makes these types of stories so much juicier! Pair all these things with the stunning backdrop of the misty Montana mountains and I was smitten!

Ingrid is travelling with her father who is a physician and researcher to deliver Small Pox vaccines to the remote backcountry when the unthinkable happens. Ingrid's resilience and determination are remarkable as she struggles with her injuries. Will she be able to fulfil her quest?

Micah Bradley is a physician by trade but all that is behind him, all he wants is the solitude the misty mountains can provide. His self imposed exile is broken when he crosses paths with Ingrid who is very much in need of his doctoring skills. Can he truly help Ingrid, or with the past continue to destroy his God giving gifts? 

I'm sure readers will love the depth and thread of perseverance through the entirety of this story. I absolutely love how God speaks to us through everything, even books we read. In this book, the author really hits home the message of his faithfulness. Out of any bad situation can come beauty. Perhaps a different type of ending we imagine but a more beautiful one then we could have ever dreamed up ourselves. That my friends is our God.

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

Misty M. Beller

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and...

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Book Review: The Words Between Us

From the Back

Robin Windsor has spent much of her life under an assumed name to avoid association with her infamous parents. She thought she'd finally found sanctuary running her used bookstore in quiet River City, Michigan. But when she receives an eerily familiar book in the mail on the morning of her father's scheduled execution, Robin is thrown back to the summer she met Peter Flynt, the perfect boy who ruined everything. Why would Peter be making contact now? And why does she have a sinking feeling that she's about to be exposed all over again?

My Reflections:

Erin Bartels captivates her readers from the start with "The Words Between Us." Her story is so all-encompassing that I found my self pondering this tale well after the last page was flipped. Luckily I had a chunk of time to devote to this book because I'm not sure much would get done until I crawled out of this raw and engaging story.

Robin Windsor is a brave and resilient woman. Having endured a rough and traumatic childhood has done her best to create a new and very separate life from what she experienced as a child. 

Her experiences have forged the steel in her spirit and sharpened her abilities, however, that resilience and steel have left its mark, no matter how hard she tries she will need to reopen those wounds so that the festering can be purged, healed and she can become even more. The journey is painful but the outcome is akin to watching a long ravaging storm then the sunshine that is birthed in the morning.

I absolutely adored all the characters in this novel! I'm no doubt a book fan so the references to several good books mentioned in the tale made my heart sing, silly but true!

I also loved the dual timeline the peek into the mind of a teenager then the same character as an adult was very fascinating. The icing on the cake of this story was watching Robin transform. She realizes her growth and claims the balm of forgiveness, this is true living! If you are looking for your next read, this is a perfect treat. It would also make a great Christmas gift!

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

Erin Bartels

Erin Bartels is the author of We Hope for Better Things and The Words between Us. A publishing professional for seventeen years, she is a member of Capital City Writers and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. Her short story "This...

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Book Review: What Comes My Way

From The Back:

At the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, there's something special each and every night!
Ella Fleming is on the run from her past and the secrets that could tear her family apart. As a member of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, a wild west show comprised of all-female performers, her uncanny talent for trick riding impresses the audience. Only while performing can she forget her former life--and the man she knows to be a murderer.

Phillip DeShazer has secrets of his own and has done his best to bury his guilt in work and drink. Realizing he needs something more, he seeks answers and finds support and kindness from the beautiful Ella. The more she comes to his rescue, however, the more his guilt grows. He's fallen in love with her and feels confident that she returns his feelings, but he's not sure he's worthy of her love.

Uncertain of what will come their way, Ella and Phillip must learn to trust God even when the road they travel takes them in different directions--and into danger. Only then can love be a part of their journey.

My Reflections:
This is Petersons's third book in the Brookstone Brides series set in the early 20th century. Filled with talented rodeo slingers and old west adventures Petersons newest book is a delightful way to end this series.

This being the third and last of the series Peterson was able to tie up several loose threads from her previous two books. Though there seemed to be little surprise in the way the love interests play out, or how the plot progressed I still enjoyed the story and was warmed to its conclusion. There is little in the way of spiritual content, but we do see the example of the way the characters conducted themselves, which is clean and family-friendly. The action is not as gripping as some of Peterson's previous books, but it is there and readers do engage in a tinge of excitement throughout the story. 

If you love westerns and you have read the other two books, I think this would be a nice way to kick back and enjoy being transported to another era. 

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

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Book Review: Raising Worry-Free Girls

From the Back:

You Can Help Your Daughter Overcome Anxiety and Worry
It's surprising to find a girl who doesn't struggle with anxiety and worry--either in short episodes or for longer periods. For a variety of reasons, childhood anxiety rates are soaring, especially among girls. Today's parents need to know what contributes to anxiety and worry and how they can empower their daughters to overcome fears and live more courageously.

In this immensely practical book, veteran counsellor Sissy Goff shares how you can instill bravery and strength in your daughter. Addressing common age-specific issues, Goff gives you the tools to help you and your child understand why her brain is often working against her when she starts to worry and what she can do to fight back. With your help, she will find the anchoring truth of God's strong, safe love for her and the confidence she needs to thrive.

My Reflections:

In a world where girls are taught from an early age to be happy, perfect and that they can have it all its no wonder our girls struggle with the realities they face daily. 
This is a different time than the world we grew up in. Social media has put so much pressure on our children, they are never able to be unavailable to their 2000 plus friends. It's no wonder that statistics show that anxiety and mental health problems are steeply on the rise. However, this doesn't have to be the norm. With tools and support, our children can lead healthy empowered lives. God is good all the time and he never changes. 

This book is a helpful tool that equips parents and their children to reach a more balanced approach to the stressors they encounter in everyday life. Sissy Goff does not write in a way that engages panic in parents, she sets out clear and easy to implement strategies to help navigate the world our children face. Her background is in counselling, this is exemplified throughout the book with a clear well-balanced philosophy. I really enjoyed her multidimensional approach. 

Her book also covers how anxiety can be expressed within different personalities. This was my favourite part of the book it opened my eyes to behaviours I may have misinterpreted in my own children. I also enjoyed the "Help" chapter in section #2 I found such good science-based information, on what happens when our bodies are stressed and how that may manifest later. I also loved that I could share the "tools for her" sections with my girls, this will empower them to be informed and confident about what they are experiencing. 

If you are the parent of a girl or are involved in any aspect of mentoring girls, this book is for you. I am definitely recommending this one to my readers and friends, wish I had this book when I was young! This book applies to all children, the principals are also the same for boys and girls of any age. Thank you, Sissy Goff, for writing this much need book!

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 counselling 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 counselling at Daystar...

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Book Review: The Girl Behind the Red Rope

From the Back:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history.
When a terrible scourge is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red rope.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will cause Grace to question everything she has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

For the first time, bestselling authors Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker team up and deliver an intense, tightly focused ride through the most treacherous world of all.


In a world where the boundaries are clear and punishments severe, a young woman risks everything to break free from the system of fear and control to find freedom and love.

My Reflections:

I don't remember if I have ever read a book by Ted Dekker, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't think I was quite prepared for this type of novel, I usually steer away from the dystopian type read however I thought why not? 

The cover was inviting and I love a good suspense-filled book. Having had an unfortunate time spent in a cult when I was young I am all too aware of the fear and power these types of individuals use to control their followers. 

I found this book to be interesting, it was a tad predictable but I was less than impressed with the darkness contained within the pages of this book. I am not a pollyanna type, I am aware that we live in a fallen world I don't, however, have to read about it in my spare time.  

The "Girl" Grace is a young newly married woman. She possesses a curious mind and a desire to know truth she often finds herself in great danger as she tests the boundaries of her teachings. However, she has been witness to the darkness that pervades unless she keeps herself pure and follows the rules. These rules are meant to keep not only Grace but the community as a whole safe from the Fury. Sylous (a dark spirit) has appointed Rose as the head leader with her weak and spineless husband. Will Grace blindly follow the teachings she has been taught or will the appearance of a young boy with beautiful eyes and a supernatural draw be her undoing? 

This book lacked sound Biblical backing, more of a new age flair with a splash of Christianity thrown in. This book would not be the first book that I would recommend to my readers. I think it may be an okay choice for adults and older teens who have a good solid foundation in their faith. This and the dark subject matter left me feeling slightly bewildered and frankly a bit disappointed.

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

Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. He was born in the jungles of Indonesia to missionary parents, and his upbringing as a stranger in a fascinating...

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Rachelle Dekker

Rachelle Dekker is the Christy Award-winning author of The Choosing, The Calling, and The Returning in the Seer series. The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle was inspired early on to...

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