Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Coming Soon...

More reviews will be forthcoming. Right now, I'm working my way through a family crisis.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper

Carrie Carter’s small cafĂ© in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.

When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, leaving only cryptic clues in her Sudoku book, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all too present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.

Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry.

My thoughts...

This is the first book by Gayle Roper I've read and I loved it! I read it in one day, it was that good. Roper is an excellent writer, she weaves her powerful characters into the storyline with ease and mystery.

This book has the right amount of romance and mystery, including a bit of tragedy. There is forgiveness and trust mixed in as well. Just a perfectly wonderful story.

The story of a girl who has been abused and neglected and finally gains the strength and courage to escape from that world. With her is her little sister. Their story will hold your interest.

I certainly hope there is a sequel in the works! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?


My thoughts...

Beth Wiseman's Land of Canaan series is a touching portrayal of Amish life. The characters she has created are interesting and enjoyable, people you would like to meet. I enjoy a book with great characters that come alive and make you feel as though you are right there with them.

The shame and pain Katie is feeling after discovering her deceased husband had been having an affair is described so well you feel it with her. God's love is the theme of the book, His love is amazing and the characters experience it over and over and want others to know Him and His love.

Overall a wonderful book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from Booksnzzze in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer

The average person has 70,000 thoughts every day, and many of those thoughts trigger a corresponding emotion. No wonder so many of us often feel like we're controlled by our emotions. Our lives would be much improved is we controlled them.

In LIVING BEYOND YOUR FEELINGS, Joyce Meyer examines the gamut of feelings that human beings experience. She discusses the way that the brain processes and stores memories and thoughts, and then - emotion by emotion - she explains how we can manage our reactions to those emotions. By doing that, she gives the reader a toolbox for managing the way we react to the onslaught of feelings that can wreak havoc on our lives.

In this book, Meyer blends the wisdom of the Bible with the latest psychological research and discusses: the 4 personality types and their influence on one's outlook, the impact of stress on physical and emotional health, the power of memories, the influence of words on emotions, anger & resentment, sadness, loss & grief, fear, guilt & regret, the power of replacing reactions with pro-actions, and the benefits of happiness.

My thoughts...

Meyer encourages people to not let your feelings determine how your day goes or how you make decisions, etc. Too many of us are living according to our feelings and as Christians we can't do that and live peacefully. Meyer says we must be careful what we say as our words effect us greatly. Our words impact our lives so speak positively and stop complaining and all negative talk.

Our choices can be difficult at times so don't be hasty, pray about them. Think positively. Don't let your feelings have a say!

Meyer brings in the 4 personality types... if you are choleric be careful you don't try to control people or situations. you are melancholy you tend to think a lot and want everything done a certain way. If you're phlegmatic, you tend to ignore things that should be confronted or get up and do something about that pile of laundry instead of just sitting in a chair. If you are the sanguine type you tend to be more serious and not very humorous. You become more balanced as you allow God to control your personality.

There are many interesting facts, lots of scripture to back up what she is saying. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author:
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers, with her TV and radio broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life, airing on nearly 450 television networks and 400 radio stations worldwide, including ABC Family Channel, Trinity Broadcast Network, Daystar, and the Word Network.

Her bestselling books include Battlefield of the Mind, Look Great, Feel Great, The Confident Woman, Never Give Up! and Power Thoughts.

Joyce holds conferences approximately 15 times each year, worldwide, speaking to thousands.