Book Review | And Then She Was Gone by Christopher Greyson

and then she was gone

I love mysteries, and this one did not disappoint. This story follows Jack Stratton, a 17-year old, who has goals of going into the military and becoming a police officer, mostly a detective. In his neighborhood, a woman goes missing and he jumps into the case, interviewing coworkers, family members and those in the vicinity of her disappearance. When her body finally turns up in a park, he continues to interview bystanders, and gets a slap on the wrist from the local police department for impeding the investigation. But he just can’t seem to help himself. He is drawn to figuring out who the killer is, and won’t believe that the police have the right person in custody. He continues his own investigation amidst attempts by his parents, police and others to stop, but his persistence is unmatched.

Jack is an adopted child who had a very hard upbringing until he landed in a loving family. His desire to prove himself is evident and though sad at times, he grows up and learns lessons throughout the book. When certain testimonies don’t add up, he keeps pushing until it makes sense. This is definitely a novel that will take off into other novels, and Christopher Greyson has them laid out on his website. I found it to be a little juvenile at times, but I think that is because the main character is a young teenage boy, who hasn’t fully grown up yet.

I liked the book and would read other works by Greyson. Much thanks to him, NetGalley and Greyson Media Associates for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Best wishes on your future works!

Book Review | Eternity: Understanding Life After Death by Tony Evans

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We’ve all heard the saying, “You only live once”, but I believe what the Bible implies, “You only die once.” The unsettling truth is that we’re all going to die a physical death at some point, but our souls live forever. The question is will it be in Heaven or in Hell?

This was a great book on the afterlife from a biblical perspective. It was also a short read (took me two days in the sunshine to finish) and answered many of my questions. In today’s world, we seem to have so many different interpretations of what Heaven will be like, but God gave us clues and insight to our eternal home in His Word. Tony Evans put together a concise book filled with answers from the Bible to our most asked questions, such as: Will we recognize each other in Heaven? What will we do there? And how can I get there?

A relationship with Jesus Christ is essential to our eventual outcome. Knowing God’s Word but not knowing His Son is not enough to be with our Heavenly Father forever. And Tony Evans shares how to know the Lord and accept His Son into your heart so you can be with God for all of eternity. If you’ve read “Tony Evans Speaks Out on Heaven and Hell” from 2000, then this book would be repetitive, as most of the material comes from that book, but there’s enough here to glean the truth of life after death and the urgency in making a decision that affects everything.

If you think we’ll be strumming harps and floating on clouds, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Dr. Evans pulls back the curtains and shares about our roles, our gifts and how we will spend time with God. It gives me hope and encourages me to stay the course. Life on earth is fleeting, and time is temporary here. Longing for our Home needs to stay forefront as we journey here. And from what Dr. Evans shares from the Bible, it’s worth it!

Thank you to Moody Publishers for their advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest, unbiased review.

Book Review | The Things We Wish Were True by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

the things we wish

I absolutely loved this book! It took a while to build the characters, but slowly, the intricate parts of their lives began to unfold, and the unity between the neighbors in Sycamore Glen began to gel. It was a wonderful story, told from multiple points of view. I found that not to be distracting, as every character was different, in age, their situation and their perspective.

This story really made me think about our quick and hasty judgements of others. At the beginning of the story, a lot happens around the community pool, which is a common backdrop for gossip and opinions of others. This pool, however, has quite a cast of characters seated around it, and the story takes off.

A small child drowns and it sets off a chain of events that draw people toward each other, some that probably never would have crossed paths otherwise. I found the needs of each character to be vulnerable and exposed, and it says a lot about humanity.

Everyone has secrets, and each one is revealed throughout the book, and how they intersect and unravel is delicate and flawless. I loved each “what just happened” moment and would love to see this book become a movie. The characters were all lovable, with the exception of one, and you’ll figure that out as the story moves toward a garden at Zell’s house. I found this book to be endearing. And at the end, all of the little trails led to a forward moving path. Great story and depth!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy! This was a great read and one I’m grateful to have had the chance to review for you.

Book Review | Dysfunction Interrupted by Audrey Sherman, PhD

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The title for this book may sound like a quick self-help book, but let me assure you, Dr. Sherman goes very in-depth. For those struggling with anxiety and depression, this book is all-inclusive and a vital asset to the sufferer.

She breaks the book down into three parts.

Part One concisely breaks down common dysfunctional home scenarios (namely parenting types that include: violence/abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, depressive, histrionic, abandoning, invalidating, perfectionistic, controlling, and non-disciplinarians) and she presents case studies of clients who exhibit symptomatic manifestations as a result of upbringing.

Part Two deals with symptom sets and explains in detail where they stem from (namely anxiety, attachment problems, attention and focus problems, boundary issues, caretaking, codependency, chronic anger, depression, hypervigilance, learned helplessness, locus of control, low self-esteem, personality disorders, poor coping strategies, relationship and trust issues, and underachievement). These are quite concise and explanatory.

Part Three gets to the meat of the situation and shows how to address the issues found in parts one and two, and where to go from there. This is an amazingly comprehensive book that doesn’t beat around the bush. Dr. Sherman is straight-forward, and compassionate about helping those who struggle with anxiety and depression. To get a better handle on your own symptoms, check this book out and see if it doesn’t get you on the road to healing.

I was given this book for free by Netgalley and Concord Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the gift and opportunity to present my opinion.

Book Review | No More Perfect Marriages by Mark and Jill Savage

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Wanting a perfect marriage is typical of newlyweds and romantic hopefuls. And for a while after the wedding bells are rung, things seem to be just that. But then dust settles and life takes over, and the real “US”es start to show. Could it mean that a perfect marriage is unattainable?

Instead of answering that question, I think the question should be, “Are we focusing on what marriage is really supposed to be?” Because the truth is that, if we are, we will realize the truth of what Mark and Jill have written about in their new book, “No More Perfect Marriages”- there is no perfect marriage. They give very real and candid examples from their own lives and long-standing marriage, which I found to be incredibly admirable, and they discuss many changes that many of our marriages may face.

Understanding that each marriage is unique (remember two of us are becoming one), we have to also understand that both people are bringing their pasts, experiences, understandings, expectations, and realities to the center. And trying to blend those things doesn’t always work out without understanding, grace and forgiveness at the ready. So needless to say, we need help for our marriages, picture-perfect or not.

One section of the book that I loved was right in the beginning. They addressed the masks that we wear. In any marriage, it’s easy to resort to old habits or hide when we don’t get our way, but the problem lies in what those actions do to our spouses. We need to be realistic and admit when we let selfishness creep in where God wants us to put the other first. It’s hard, but can be done with Christ’s help. And Mark and Jill show us how.

I also love how they laid out some God-tools- relevant for all of us, and practical items that we need on a daily basis to consistently put our spouses first, and recognize how our behavior affects each other. This book has some additional links for support, a link to Jill’s page (http://www.jillsavage.org/) and many fun, practical ideas for how to get over trying to pretend our marriages are perfect. You’ll love their honesty, raw emotional stories and uplifting outcomes.

This book is (dare I say, PERFECT) for marriages of any length of time, those who are thriving and those who are struggling. There is help, and these two, along with Gary Chapman are some great Christian resources!

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I received this book, free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. I am very thankful to Moody Publishers for giving me this advanced reader copy, and providing me an opportunity to post about it with all of you. Pick up your copy today!

Book Review | The God’s Eye View by Barry Eisler

Barry Eisler captured my attention within the first few pages by citing names stripped from today’s NSA headlines. I was interested in the book simply because I love a good mystery, but I’m even more drawn to a conspiracy driven mystery that seems to give a glimpse to hidden networks and clearances mere civilians will never see. I work for our nation’s government, and also am prone to wondering if there is more than meets the eye.

This story follows an NSA employee who knows too much and sees things she’s not supposed to. Of course, she must be dealt with, and the person in charge of ordering that, appears to be someone who would not normally be suspected-unless of course, he has something to hide. I didn’t find the plot to be unbelievable. Interlaced in the story are code names for projects and programs that the NSA has in place, and the possibility for these to be a reality, made me question whether this book was fiction or non-fiction.

I loved the suspense, the romance, and the outcome. Worth the time to read, and I would be interested in reading more of Eisler’s work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review and Update :)| Come With Me by Suzanne Eller

come-with-me come with me devo

Update: Suzanne Eller has just released a yearlong devotional that is available at Amazon. Click the book below to get your copy!! ❤

I love Proverbs 31 Ministries, and I love their authors as well. Suzanne Eller writes with such fervency that you begin the Introduction with a faith challenge, and one very deserving of attention: “What would you say if Jesus walked up to you today and said these words, ‘Come with me. Wherever I lead. Whatever the price’?”

She lays out her chapters by beginning with Simon Peter and going through an intimate account of his genuine encounter with Jesus. Interwoven into each chapter are personal accounts of her own encounters with trusting Jesus and the outcomes of some of her life lessons. They are deep and moving, but real and transparent. In the last chapter, she invites us to be the 13th disciple, and begs us to examine our hearts and motives for following Him.

The devotion questions are quite deep, but so is the level that the Lord wants to take our personal relationship with Him. Comfort is not one afforded to those who follow Jesus, and to be challenged in faith is something the Holy Spirit desires for growth. I loved reading this, and the way she made my faith deepen and my longing to hear Jesus more clearly. I invite you to read the invitation firsthand, and then determine your next step.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson

your-sacred-yes This book was a strengthening journey of confirmation for me on the benefits of saying yes and no. Choosing whether to say yes or no to something can be hard, especially if you are a people-pleaser and want to make everyone happy (hopefully by now, you know that’s an impossible, futile task).

This is the first book I’ve read by Susie Larson, although I’m sure I’ve heard her radio program over the years (http://myfaithradio.com/programs/live-the-promise/).

What a phenomenal writer! I enjoyed her perspective, her insight, and her godly wisdom. She shared personal stories, lessons learned and ways to say no without feeling guilty. We can honor God by using our time the way He means for us to use it, and it doesn’t mean every obligation is ours. This theme of listening to God for time management is paramount in the lives of Christian women today. We have duties to our relationship with Jesus primarily, spouses, families and then wherever God needs us. When we let that slip, we become overwhelmed and drained. That is not the way the Lord wants for us to live.

Her chapters are organized very intelligently: Sloppy Yeses, Shackled Yeses and finally Sacred Yeses. Sadly, we all fit somewhere on the spectrum.

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My prayer is that you will take some much needed time to read this book, as time allows 😉 and tuck away the Scriptures she gives, so you can give yourselves permission to steal away time for rest and regeneration with your Lord. It’s an essential reward.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Delighting in God by A.W. Tozer

delighting in god

“Delighting in God” is a follow-up to “Knowledge of the Holy”, and is published posthumously from Tozer’s sermons. Aiden Wilson Tozer used his words to speak TO the church about finding peace and contentment with God. He had a conversational style approach to his words, reminiscent to me of how Dr. Charles Stanley speaks when he preaches. He really gets your attention, and states his case as if he’s processing Scripture with you and then comes to an important conclusion.

A. W. Tozer writes as a man determined to point the church back to the Word of God, so as a church family, we can be content in the Christian life and realize the peace Jesus brings. His words are timeless, and any one of his sermons are still relevant today. I’ll share with you one point he made about Apostle Paul in speaking on Paul’s passion:

“To know God was Paul’s passion, and nothing else really mattered to Him. Three things helped Paul focus on God (from the Scripture quoted [Philippians 3:10-11]).

The first was ‘the power of his resurrection.’ Becoming a Christian is not just nodding to a few truths and then saying, “I accept Jesus.” It is infusing into your life the divine power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the tremendous work of the Holy Spirit to bring you into the divine world of redemption.

The second was ‘the fellowship of his sufferings’. This was Paul’s identification with the Christ who died on the cross and rose the third day. What Paul meant by this was that his Christianity was a result of his relationship with God. And Paul was willing to follow Him at all costs. This passion of Paul got him into a lot of trouble. I think I can safely say that Paul’s attitude was that Christ’s enemies were going to be his enemies and Christ’s friends were going to be his friends. Paul did not expect the world to treat him any better than people treated Christ. They crucified Christ, and they finally killed the apostle Paul. All of this was the result of his love for God that could not be satisfied with anything but God himself.

Paul’s third focus was ‘being made conformable unto his death’. This was the key to the apostle Paul’s ministry and the passion he had for God. When Jesus died on the cross, it was for our sin. It was his desire to bring his life into conformity with the death of Jesus Christ so that the resurrection power of Christ could usher him into worship and praise.”

Grab this book for spiritual, Scriptural truths from a man steeped in godly wisdom. It will benefit your spiritual life and challenge your faith. And once you’re done, pick up some of his other titles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Baker Publishing House (Bethany) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Kill the Silence: A Survivor’s Life Reclaimed by Monika Korra

Kill the Silence cover

Wow, just wow! This book is an intense journey through a painful experience. It walked me down a path that led to shock, heartache, fear, and eventually hope. Monika Korra writes from her own perspective as a young woman who had grown up in Norway and moved to Texas for college, training and life in America. One night after leaving a party with friends, she is abducted right off of the road and taken into a big black SUV by three men who repeatedly sexually assault her and then toss her from the vehicle when they are done with her. Leaving behind a cell phone and other items that allowed her captors to be found, she embarks on a journey to find herself again, the strength she is so used to depending on for her sport, and builds stronger relationships with those friends and family members who were there for her post-trauma. Her story evolves to the point where she refuses to stay a victim.

Caution: The details of her rape are raw and descriptive, but I feel it is necessary due to her processing the event and gaining strength from it. If you are a sensitive reader, be advised. The story moves past the event rather quickly to the part of her addressing the situation with family, the school, and law enforcement.

This was a great read, rather long with incredible detail, but filled with hope and insights on how to seek the Lord for strength and move past something that could victimize you for the rest of your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”