THE MASTERPIECE

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

​My thoughts...

A beautiful story that covers so much of what people are experiencing today, full of life & romance & a few tear jerking moments in the midst of their chaotic souls. Written in a way that is so real you forget you’re reading fiction! People deal with problems in different ways, Roman is on his way to destruction. Gripping, and clever with a way out...one that points to the light. One of my favorites.

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

ROOTED by Lara Williams

A six-week study of the book of Ephesians, Rooted digs deep into the transformative power of love. Through reflection and study questions, participants will discover what it means to receive God's love and explore what love looks like in a broken world.

​My thoughts...

I enjoy bible studies and always have one or two going, ROOTED takes 15 minutes a day and is packed with such eye opening and heart warming knowledge about God's love and how He pours it out on us. Written so well and easy to understand Lara adds her insights which are just what I needed to hear so many days. Ephesians is a great book to study and Rooted is the perfect companion.

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

UNHITCHING FROM THE CRAZY TRAIN

You have a picture of how your life should go. We all do. The dream job. Close friendships. Loving, grateful children. A perfect marriage. But more often than not, life doesn’t go according to plan. So we corral and control, determined to make our picture come true. Our emotional, spiritual, and even physical well being are taken for a crazy ride as our very sanity becomes dependent on how closely reality matches our expectations. No wonder we’re exhausted. We’re hitched to the crazy train, and we want to get off. But how?

“Come to Me,” Jesus says, “and I will give you rest.”

Join counselor and teacher Julie Sparkman as she explores Jesus’ gentle yet costly invitation to true rest—rest that is dependent on the finished work of a Savior who will never leave us alone.

​My thoughts...

Julie’s book is one most women can identify with, life gets so hectic we forget there is a way to unhitch from the crazy train this fallen world throws at us. If we trust in God and His plan for us we would see He really does give us peace and life, to stay focused on Him is the way.

There are many treasures in the book that her scripturally sound teaching helps us to see and understand, I can’t say enough good things about it.

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

GOOD NEWS

Everything the Bible has to say about the gospel is simply an exposition of its central message: Jesus Christ lived and died to save sinners. The gospel is about Him, and it answers Jesus’ key question: “Who do you say that I am?” It is good news.

In Good News: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Dr. John MacArthur examines the Bible’s revelation of Christ and encourages Christians with the vast implications of all that Christ accomplished for them. This is a book to rekindle love and awe for the Savior.



​My thoughts...

It took me a minute to decide how to start this review...Good News is not like anything I've read before. At first, I thought the guy was just dissing on tv preachers and certain religions but when he backed up those comments with scripture I realized the author was correct in calling them false gospels. I then thought about how much the church has changed its beliefs over the years and just how watered down the message of the Good News is becoming.

We must speak the truth to the lost, tell them they are in danger of hell no matter the good they do, there is only one way to Heaven and that's through Jesus Christ. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time.

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

DEVOTIONS FOR THE HUNGRY HEART

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, the Belle of All Things Southern, is back with a devotional guide for the Jesus-hungry heart. Grounded in scripture and offered in the author’s signature storytelling style, this devotional invites you to God's table for a continual feast. With six prominent themes including Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering, and Being Intentional, you'll be challenged and encouraged to develop God-honoring traits in your spiritual life.

​My thoughts...

A small hardcover devotional with a pretty cover I found the author's love of food shown in the pages of the book. Full of personal stories and lots of humor she gives a true to life scenario with a verse of scripture each day, several southern recipes are also included. It's more of an inspirational read. Not exactly my style of devotional but for those who enjoy food as much as the author I think you would enjoy it.

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

EXTRAORDINARY

EXTRAORDINARY tells the amazing story of ultra-marathon runner and college professor David Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their attempt to finish their marriage race well. Although proud of his incredible athletic accomplishments and the impact he has on his students, David's family continuously pays a high price for his years of competitive running. Following his open-heart surgery and irreparable damage to his knees, Nancy is ready for Dave to hang up his racing shoes for good and focus his boundless energy on their family. Instead, feeling called by God to "inspire people one last time," Dave sets off for a 2,900-mile race across America.

​My thoughts...

EXTRAORDINARY is about a college professor who is good at inspiring people and that he does. Setting out for one last race against his wife's wishes doing irreparable damage to his knees, it is a difficult journey.

I enjoyed the wife's story much more and that of her friends, they are such fun, likeable, people who enjoy laughing and encouraging each other (even if it means getting into trouble with the cops). She is more inspiring. To me, there just wasn't much depth in Dave's character and I felt disappointment. He does have stamina and completes the race but not without troubles.

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

Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity

Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative-and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. SACRED REST combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect. By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, SACRED REST gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

​My thoughts...

A very insightful book for anyone but especially those who never seem to slow down. Rest is important for every area of our bodies including mentally and spiritually. I like that the author points out the signs that indicate the need for rest, some of which we've all seen but maybe not recognized and also one thing she brings up is the need for creative rest....never thought about that before. I enjoyed the journey with this book and appreciate what I've taken away from it.

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