Book Review: A Kingsbury Collection by Karen Kingsbury

I recently had the opportunity to read the three novel collection, A Kingsbury Collection, by Karen Kingsbury.  I have read several of Karen Kingsbury’s books and usually enjoy them to tears.  I had not previously read any of the stand alone novels in this collection.  The novels in this collection include: Where Yesterday Lives, When Joy Came to Stay and On Every Side.

Where Yesterday Lives follows Ellen Barrett, a prize winning journalist, as she examines her present, revisits her past and dreams of her future.  When Joy Came to Stay is a story of Maggie Stovall.  A woman who appears to have it all together and finds herself falling apart at every turn.  The novel, On Every Side, tells the story of Faith Evans and her fight to save a precious community statue of Jesus in a city park and the heart of a boy she knew long ago.

I enjoyed each title in this collection.  A couple of the stories included story-lines related to adoption which is very close to my heart.  I love how Karen Kingsbury creates characters and story-lines that are real, relational and relevant.  I would recommend her books to any avid fiction reader.  I strongly recommend the e-book format.  I found the size of this book to be a bit cumbersome to read and carry.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

2013 Reading List

Here's to another year of enjoying some of my favorite authors and finding new ones!

1) Simple Secrets - Nancy Mehl
2) Where Yesterday Lives - Karen Kingsbury
3) Shattered - Dani Pettrey
4) When Joy Came to Stay - Karen Kingsbury
5) On Every Side - Karen Kingsbury
6) Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Amy Chua
7) Created to be His Help Meet - Debi Pearl (I do not recommend this book)
8) Vanished - Irene Hannon
9) The Longest Ride - Nicholas Sparks
10) Unspoken - Dee Henderson
11) His Mistletoe Family - Ruth Logan Herne
12) Christmas in the Air - Irene Brand/Dana Corbit
13) Bring Me Home for Christmas - Robyn Carr
14) Stranded - Dani Pettrey

Book Review: gods at war by Kyle Idleman

I jumped at the opportunity to read Kyle Idleman's new book, gods at war.  However, my "preacherman" husband received first dibs at reading it and was helpful in writing this review.

I recently read the book “gods at war: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart” by  author Kyle Idleman.  This was a challenging and insightful book that will push even the most devout Christian to reexamine their lives and not only throw out idols but, replace them with a deeper love and commitment to God.  The author’s witty and playful writing style makes this an enjoyable read and a book that I will definitely be adding to my library.

The first half of the book addresses the development of idols in our modern context and the last half of the book addresses specific idols such as entertainment, pleasure, sex and achievement.  At the close of each chapter are probing questions that force you to struggle with whether this is an idol in your life that needs replacing.  This book is based on solid Biblical principles and as a pastor I plan to develop a sermon series later this year based on the concepts I have learned from reading this book. 

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I anxiously awaited the opportunity to review Dani Pettrey's second installment to the Alaskan Courage series.  I previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Submerged, where I was introduced to the McKenna family in Yancey, Alaska and the suspenseful romance of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

The sequel, Shattered, picks up with a focus on the youngest McKenna sister, Piper.  The distant and rarely heard from McKenna brother, Reef, returns to Yancey and is arrested and jailed awaiting trial for murder.  Piper sets out to prove his innocence at all costs.  Deputy Landon Grainger is a long time friend of the McKenna's and desires to believe Reef is innocent.  However, due to the overwhelming evidence that is mounting against Reef, Landon is finding it difficult to believe him to be innocent.  This presents further complications as he is aware of his ever-growing feelings for Piper and his desperate need to protect her from the danger she chases.

My biggest dilemma when writing reviews on fiction novels is trying to convey enough of the story line without revealing too many of the surprises.  My review of Shattered is no different.  This book was a fun and enjoyable read.  I finished it quickly and would read it again.  I enjoy a good, modest, suspenseful, romantic read.  Dani Pettrey is quickly emerging as one of my favorite authors at the top of my list with Dee Henderson, Kristen Heitzmann and Irene Hannon.  I think readers of Submerged will similarly enjoy Shattered.  It provides familiar characters and a new and twisted plot.  If you haven't read Submerged, I suggest picking it up first to get better acquainted with the McKenna family.  If your reading interests are similar to mine, I think Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will find a permanent spot on your bookshelf.  I will now anxiously await the release of book three, Stranded, set to be released in the Fall of 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Bible Study Review: Chase by Jennie Allen

I recently reviewed the dvd-based study, Chase, by Jennie Allen.  The study is published by Thomas Nelson and contains an eight session dvd, member's bible study book, leader's guide and discussion cards for use during group discussion times.  In the Chase study, Jennie Allen leads us to explore the question, "What are you chasing?" by looking into the life of David and the defining events in his life.

The dvd contains eight video segments approximately 10 minutes each of bible teaching from Jennie Allen. The segment titles correspond with the study and include:
1) Chase - the introduction
2) Identity
3) Courage
4) Obedience
5) Belief
6) Repentance
7) Surrender
8) Chased Down

The leader's guide provides tips and information for preparation and leading a small group.  Each session is broken down into two parts: the main idea and the main goal.  The main goal section includes homework discussion questions to help foster direction in small group time.

The medium sized, 156 page member book provides focused bible study and projects designed to be completed individually throughout the week.  Each week includes approximately 15 pages of individual study and projects with plenty of "white space" for notes and answers to your study questions.  I did not find this study to be as intensive as previous studies I have completed by authors such as Beth Moore, but the study will provide many opportunities to respond and grow as you read and study the life of David.

My favorite part of the study is possibly the most unique way I've seen the use of discussion questions in a bible study.  The "ask" question cards.  There are approximately 12 question cards and a scripture card for each week.  It is suggested that you distribute the cards for each week and take turns reading the questions and discussing them as a group.  Also included is a scripture card for the week to help bring home the focus of the scriptural truth for the week's study.

This study is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of your specific group.  It can be used for a one-hour study group or expanded to a longer time frame that allows for more in-depth conversation among group members.

I found Jennie Allen to be real and transparent in her own struggles of what she loves in life and those things that often take priority over God, His kingdom and His word.  She uses personal examples of her life, her children and her family's adoption experience throughout the video segments.  I especially liked how she spoke directly to the camera in her video segments to her viewing audience.

I received this study for free from the Booksneeze blogging program in exchange for my honest review of this material.

Book Review: The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I recently had the pleasure to read Kristen Heitzmann's novel, The Breath of Dawn. This is the third book of a series, following Rush of Wings and The Still of Night.  I have enjoyed many of Heitzmann's novels and I was excited to get my hands on this newest addition. The Breath of Dawn lived up to the high expectations I had for it.

The Breath of Dawn picks up with success guru, Morgan Spencer, adjusting to the tragic loss of his wife, Jill.  After a couple years regrouping at his brother's ranch and learning how to be a father to his little girl in the midst of all his pain, he meets Quinn Reilly.  Quinn has a past of her own she is trying to escape.  When Quinn begins to realize her past is catching up to her, she turns to Morgan for help. Although Quinn is initially offended by the unconventional solution Morgan offers, she soon realizes it is her only real option for safety.  In what maybe one of Morgan's riskiest moves yet, his family steps aside and prays he knows what he is doing. 

If you enjoyed Rush of Wings and The Still of Night, follow Morgan and Quinn on this wild and crazy ride of suspense, romance and healing in this third installment of the series and you will be glad you did.  I enjoyed it so much that I returned to it and revisited the last half of the book before writing this review.  Please be aware that Quinn's character is threatened by a person from her past.  If you are sensitive to violence of any form, you may not enjoy this book.  

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

I recently read my first romantic suspense novel set in the Mennonite community.  Inescapable is the first in the Road to Kingdom series by Nancy Mehl.  Inescapable follows the life of Lizzie Engel as she runs back to her hometown of Kingdom, Kansas.  Lizzie never intended to return to her father or the Mennonite community that wanted to have nothing to do with her and her young child born out of wedlock.  However, mysterious letters and glimpses of a stalker and trouble in her workplace force Lizzie to leave her new life and return to Kingdom, a place so far off the map she hopes no one can find her there.  When Lizzie returns to Kingdom, she is met with a town in limbo.  There are many struggles within the town and the changes people are pushing in the church community.  Lizzie finds friends that help her to adjust to her return and her time in Kingdom presents her with many new options to consider for her and her young daughter.

Inescapable was an enjoyable read.  Two minor things I took note of while reading were the dialogue between Lizzie and her parents and also Lizzie's relationship with her daughter, Charity.  It took a little to get used to the writer's dialogue, especially between Lizzie and her mother and father.  Although Lizzie speaks plainly, her parents speak in a very formal manner, often referring to her as "Daughter" or by her first and middle name.  I also found it difficult to fully identify with the relationship between Lizzie and her young daughter.  Lizzie is a great mom, doing the best she can as a single mom to raise her child. If I recall correctly, Lizzie's daughter is identified as a six year old in the story, yet her behaviors and the mother/daughter relationship make her appear much younger that six in my opinion.

Inescapable is a good choice if you like the combination of modern day romance, suspense and the Mennonite community setting.  The characters are well developed as well as the suspense and desire for reconciliation.  Inescapable also includes 10 discussion questions and a sneak peak of the first chapter of Book #2 of the Kingdom series, Unbreakable, available Spring 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

I recently read The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman.  This book, while not my favorite, was an interesting, captivating and entertaining read to me.

Corrie Saunders returns to her home that had been in her husband's family for generations. Corrie faces some coldness from family members who think she should have returned the home to the family and moved on with her life after her husband died a hero at war.  Corrie feels somewhat out of place in his hometown, yet it is also the place she feels closest to her late husband, Jarrod.  Corrie believes that the spirits she senses belong to her husband and that maybe he hasn't left her after all.  Jarrod's cousin, Eli, is helping with the renovations of the family home.  He is concerned for Corrie and her safety as she begins to open up about the odd occurrences.  Eli begins to witness the spirit occurrences as well.  Eli, a strong man of faith, is aware of the evil that has been allowed to roam the home for generations, invited to stay by his grandparents.  Eli is aware of many of Jarrod's failings and struggles to hide his somewhat ill feelings from Corrie to not dismantle her hero view of her late husband and her delicate emotions.  Eli and Corrie find themselves drawing closer together, yet being torn apart by differing opinions.  Eli encourages Corrie to grow in her faith and to rely on Jesus in those moments of concern.  However, Aunt Trudy, a old magic practicing medium encourages Corrie that Jarrod is not lost to her and that she can reconnect with him and his spirit.  Corrie must decide how she will choose to live the rest of her life.

The book is full of deep characters, the struggle between good and evil and the growing romance that grief and healing allow.  It had a different plot than books I frequently choose, however, it drew me in quickly and kept my attention.  I would not hesitate to read another book by Tracey Bateman.

If you are interested in The Widow of Saunders Creek, follow this link to a free preview available at Scribd.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Waiting for Morning is a fictional novel, filled with fictional characters that took me on a very real emotional roller-coaster.  The main character, Hannah Ryan, experienced such tragic loss early in the book.  I cried with her in her anguish and at times I wanted to reach out and shake her as she struggled to find new ground.    I rejoiced in the new friendships she unknowingly formed in the midst of tragedy.

Karen Kingsbury has written what I would call plausible fiction.  While this is categorized and intended as a work of fiction, I found myself asking if I would respond the same way Hannah Ryan responded if faced with similar circumstances.  In many ways, I hope not.  Yet, I realize that Hannah's response is very real and possible.  Could I be the friend to Hannah that she found in Carol and Matt?  Would my relationship with God change for the better or worse?  Would I be able to reach out to my children in my pain?

Waiting for Morning is the first of Kingsbury's Forever Faithful Trilogy.  I look forward to completing the series and taking another ride on an emotional roller-coaster.  Kingsbury also includes discussion questions at the end of her novel for personal or group consideration.

An excerpt of this book is available here.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

A glowing review from one of my favorite authors, Dee Henderson, on the front cover of Dani Pettrey's novel, Submerged, set me up with high expectations for this romantic suspense.  I am pleased to report that my high expectations were not disappointed.  Dani Pettrey did a superb job of mixing characters, faults and faith with twists and turns to keep you tuned into the action.  In the midst of action, Pettrey creates budding romances and restored relationships that satisfy the hopeless romantic reader.  I thoroughly enjoy a book that keeps me so involved I don't want to let it rest.  That is what I found in Submerged.  Be prepared to pull an all-nighter when you pick up this romantic suspense.  Obviously intended as "book one" of an Alaskan Courage series, upon completing Submerged, I immediately went looking for information on the release of book two.  Dani Pettrey has earned her place on my "watch-list" of favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of my unbiased review.

2012 Reading List

I enjoyed keeping up with my 2011 Reading List so much that I decided that I would continue it with a 2012 Reading List.  I hope it proves to be as fun and productive as last year's.


1) Indelible - Kristen Heitzmann
2) The Lucado Inspirational Reader - Max Lucado
3) How to Get Organized - Mary Masterson
4) Frugal Kitchen Tips - Mary Gail Stanley
5) The Witness - Dee Henderson
6) Simple Secrets to a Happy Life - Luci Swindoll
7) Fatal Judgment - Irene Hannon
8) True Devotion - Dee Henderson
9) A Fair to Remember - Stacey Joy Netzel
10) Jenna's Cowboy - Sharon Gillenwater (Callahans of Texas #1)
11) Emily's Chance - Sharon Gillenwater (Callahans of Texas #2)
12) Megan's Hero - Sharon Gillenwater (Callahans of Texas #3)
13) A Bend in the Road - Nicholas Sparks
14) Everything Romance
15) The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks
16) Shades of Blue - Karen Kingsbury
17) Unforgettable - Kristen Heitzmann (Michelli Series #2)
18) Ever After - Karen Kingsbury (sequel to Even Now)
19) Echoes - Kristen Heitzmann (Michelli Series #3)
20) Unlocked - Karen Kingsbury
21) Deadly Pursuit - Irene Hannon
22) True Valor - Dee Henderson
23) Cleaning House - Kay Wills Wyma
24) Full Disclosure - Dee Henderson
25) Submerged - Dani Pettrey
26) True Honor - Dee Henderson
27) True Courage - Dee Henderson
28) Waiting for Morning - Karen Kingsbury
29) Lethal Legacy - Irene Hannon
30) Inescapable - Nancy Mehl
31) The Widow of Saunders Creek - Tracey Bateman
32) Saving Hope: Men of the Texas Rangers Book #1 - Margaret Daley
33) The Breath of Dawn - Kristen Heitzmann

Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

Doesn't everyone need a course in a happy life?  Luci Swindoll's book, Simple Secrets to a Happy Life, 50 ways to make the most of every day, is a book full of great topics to help you do just that.  Luci breaks down the secrets into five parts: Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living a Good Life and Staying Connected.  Each part is composed of ten secrets.  Each simple secret is short and sweet and colored with examples to drive home the author's point.  Many secrets are laced with scripture or other quotations to encourage and uplift the reader.  The author also provides practical steps to help the reader achieve these simple secrets.  These secrets to a happy life cover a variety of topics from spiritual disciplines to organization and creativity to personal relationships with others.

I found this book to be a worthwhile read.  The author draws in her readers with personal stories from her childhood as well as her adulthood.  Each secret is only a couple pages in length and can be quickly and easily read.  I find the more difficult part is deciding to take action and implement it into my personal lifestyle.  Luci Swindoll has written more than a dozen books and curriculum studies.  This is the first of her works I have read, hopefully not the last.  I found this book to be very encouraging and would recommend it to my friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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.”

Enemies of the Heart - Book Review

I was given an opportunity to review Andy Stanley's book, Enemies of the Heart.  This book identifies four emotions that have the power to control us if we allow them to do so. This book is well written; however, may be difficult to digest, especially if one or more of these four emotions has lodged itself in your heart. Stanley identifies the four enemies of the heart as guilt, anger, greed and jealousy.  Stanley uses multiple scriptures and personal illustrations to help the reader understand each enemy.  Throughout reading this book I began to find it easier to identify emotions in myself and those around me. The good news is that not only does Stanley identify these four enemies he also provides ways for us to overcome them.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to take control over his or her emotions. One chapter I especially enjoyed described how learning to model this control over our emotions can greatly benefit our children.  By learning how to model confession, forgiveness, generosity and celebration we can teach our children how to manage the emotions that rage within them and provide them with a valuable resource that will serve them well for a lifetime.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Chocolate Diaries - Book Review

I am excited to have the opportunity to review the new book by Karen Scalf Linamen, The Chocolate Diaries.  This is the first of her books that I have read.  I figured anything with chocolate in the title had to be sweet.  This book offered a healthy serving of fifteen chapters of the author's anecdotes on life seasoned with a variety of true and relevant stories from friends and acquaintances.  While this 201 page book could be digested quickly, I chose to spread it out over several courses to savor the flavors presented.


Each chapter offers "Sweet Secrets" from the author's readers with different answers to the question, "What's your secret to a sweeter journey on the rocky road of life?" Each chapter concludes with a handful of questions the author titles, "Food for Thought" and also a section "Because Real Women don't need a Cookbook" that offers various types of chocolate indulgences.  


I personally enjoyed chapter four with seven "pick-me-ups" to brighten each day.  I found them to be practical and possible.  I also tried the recipe offered at the end of chapter eleven for Three-Minute Cake in a Mug with my girls and it was a huge hit.  This book offers some real-life, practical advice on managing the ups and downs of life.  This book's wit, recipes and questions would make for some fabulous fun for a women's group that meets on a regular basis.  If you are searching for your next bible study, please keep in mind that although there are references to Christian living within this book there are not regular passages of scripture in each chapter for study.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.