book review: "let hope in" by pete wilson

     Hope changes everything. It can disarm guilt, shatter shame, and put your past in its place. All you have to do is make the choice to let it in. It won't be easy. It won't be quick. But it is possible and we serve a God who promises over and over again that anything is possible.

     Pete Wilson, pastor and the author of Plan B, presents a new look at the power of healing through hope, revealing 4 unique choices that have the potential to change your life forever. 

     With Wilson's telltale cadence and candor, Let Hope In explores accounts of seemingly hopeless moments in the Bible; illustrating God's ultimate plan for healing by letting hope fill the dark places of your past. 

     Discover how pain that is not transformed, becomes transferred. Embrace the freedom of being okay with not being okay. Learn that a life of trusting is far more magnificent than a life of pleasing. Because hurt people, hurt people, but free people have the power to free people.

     So make today the day that you get unstuck. The day you fill your past with the light of hope, the day you say good-bye to regret and shame. The day you choose to change your future and embrace who God created you to be, simply by making the choice to let hope in.   

I became a fan of Pete after reading Plan B. I loved the book and highlighted and placed post-its all through it! So I was super excited to have the opportunity to read this newest book, Let Hope In. I love the message of this book because I think we're all looking for hope. In one part of the book Pete talks about the difference between trusting in God and trying to constantly please Him. In pleasing Him, we're striving and striving and never feeling like we've done enough. "In Christianity, God actually shows up and says, "You've done enough. I got it. This is not about what you do; it's about what I did. I got it. Because in the midst of your not being good enough, in the midst of your sin, I went ahead and paid the price." And along with hope is grace. Pete tells a story of a woman struggling to keep her second marriage intact but is unable to see she's merely repeating her past mistakes all over again. She was trying to do it all on her own and it wasn't working. "Grace is believing that against all odds and past history, we are loved and chosen, and we do not have to get it all together. It's not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. It's making contact with something unseen, way bigger that we could ever imagine in our wildest dreams. It's realizing the abyss of our past is no longer holding us back from God." I really enjoyed this book! 

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.

book review: "bread & wine" by shauna niequist

"As a follow up to her two bestselling books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines, author and blogger Shauna Niequist returns with the perfect read for those who love food and value the community and connection of family and friends around the table.

Bread and Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread and amp; Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them. It’s about hunger, both physical and otherwise, and the connections between the two.

With wonderful recipes included, from Bacon-Wrapped Dates to Mango Chicken Curry to Blueberry Crisp, readers will be able to recreate the comforting and satisfying meals that come to life in Bread and Wine."

My thoughts: I've been a fan of Shauna's since I read her book Bittersweet. And this book has made me like her even more! Shauna writes with an honesty I don't see often. With each recipe (some I'm super excited to try!), she shares a part of her life - really allowing the reader to connect with her. There really aren't chapters - each recipe is a "chapter." I like books with natural stopping places so I can easily put the book down and come back to it without having to sit for a long time just to read a chapter. This is both a light read and heavy read. Shauna tells about making cookies with her son on Saturday mornings and about her struggle to have a second child. And she talks about the connection she makes between recipes and those moments in her life. I want to have a home like hers someday. A home that I open up to friends and family and we gather around the table, sharing food and life. 

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.  

 

book review: "max on life" by max lucado

Max on Life is a collection of questions asked to Max over the years and his responses. Questions such as:

- How can I get free of the fear that God might not forgive me? I’m always afraid I’m not perfect enough. - Why is there so much chaos and evil in the world? It seems that no one cares about what God wants and humanity is imploding. - Our church is having trouble getting along. Sides are being drawn and tempers are flaring. What can we do? - In my opinion, premarital sex prepares the couple for marriage. Wouldn’t you want the soon-to-be married couple to know each other as well as possible?

The book is divided into several different sections: hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots and hereafter. Max shares in the beginning of the book that some of these questions and answers have appeared in some of his others books while some are just now being published. Some of the questions have easy answers and some require thought. This is a good resource for those questions that we may have and need the assurance from someone else of “I’ve been there.”

The part I liked best was the handwritten letter at the beginning of each section. It’s a copy of a note Max has written someone and reading his words touched me. Here’s my favorite one: "Kevin, Knowing God is like mountain climbing. Some days the path is steep. Others, the trail is easy. Clouds can eclipse the view. The sun might illuminate the peak. Most of all, it just takes time. Know this: God will help you." The book covers so many topics and the index at the back makes finding ones related to specific topics very easy. I’ve also read Outlive Your Life and was excited when he made reference to the book because I enjoyed it as well. Definitely a book to keep handy for quick reference.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "the promises she keeps" by erin healy

Promise is ok with the fact she’ll die young; she just wants to make sure she’s not forgotten when it happens. She aspires to be a singer, a feat not normally heard of for someone with cystic fibrosis.

Chase draws trees. Lots of trees. He says he sees people as trees and hands out these pictures when he feels prompted. His twin sister Chelsea has put her life on hold to care for her autistic brother. But then he meets Promise and tries to warn her of those who wish her harm.

Porta has been told she will die within “five weeks of five days” – making her quest for immortality that much more vital. She knows there is one who will be able to aid in her search and when she sees a picture of Promise, she believes the gods have shown her favor.

All three people’s paths will cross in ways they least expect until they’re tangled together. Porta will stop at nothing to find the key to immortality. She believes Promise is that key and isn’t above murder in order to prove it. Chase tells Promise he loves her and though she doesn’t return the sentiment, he thinks she feels the same way. Promise doesn’t understand why she’s had a handful of near-death experiences of late or why she feels better than she has in a long time. Can she trust Porta or will confiding in her prove to be a fatal mistake?

I read Healy’s first solo novel, Never Let You Go, last fall and though wasn’t overly impressed, still thought it an ok read. I was hoping for something more with this book. From the first few pages, I could tell it was going to be better than her first. I was immediately pulled in, not knowing how the three main characters stories would intertwine. Though there were parts I felt didn’t quite fit with the rest of the story or could have just been taken out altogether, I enjoyed the book and quickly read the 329 pages in two days.

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and all opinions are my own.

book review: "save the date" by jenny b. jones

Lucy Wiltshire has found what she’s supposed to do with her life: run a home for girls needing a second chance at life called Saving Grace. A place for girls who are too old for the foster care system but too young to survive alone in the world. But she faces a huge obstacle when a large portion of her funding is cut. She doesn’t know how she’ll continue to run Saving Grace and the thought of closing it down is unthinkable. Where will her girls go?

Alex Sinclair has made the transition from running down the football field as a former quarterback to running for Congress. Yet he’s having a hard time convincing voters of his qualifications. When he meets Lucy and tabloids take a picture of the “couple,” an idea takes place. Lucy poses as his fiancée, giving him the look of a stable, family man and he pays for Saving Grace to continue to leave its doors open. It’s a win-win situation. But neither of them is prepared for the act to start to feel real and when Lucy’s ex-boyfriend returns, she has to make a choice…

I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first I’ve read by Jenny Jones and I’m now a fan. I loved the humor and how I was able to connect with both Lucy and Alex. The interactions between all of the characters is very well done. I loved how tender Alex was with Lucy – first for show but then as he came to care about her. One of my favorite scenes is when Clare and Finley are playing Guitar Hero with Julian and Lucy cheering them on. She writes in such a way that I can see the scene playing out in my mind…and it’s hilarious! Very good read!

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "dining with joy" by rachel hauck

Joy Ballard is the host of the popular cooking show “Dining with Joy.” She took over hosting the show after her father passed away three years ago. When the show is sold to a new production company, the new producer wants to add a co-host. Luke Redmond is immediately attracted to Joy and agrees to join the show as the new chef. Overcoming a failed restaurant, he jumps at a chance to get back on his feet. They seem to be the perfect combination. Joy is funny and charming while Luke is a very talented chef. But Joy has a secret and if Luke finds out, she fears he’ll quit. If the new producer finds out, it could be the end of Joy’s career. The closer Joy and Luke become, the harder it is for her to keep the truth buried. Can she trust him with her secret? Can she trust him with her heart?

I really, really enjoyed the book. I’ve read “Sweet Caroline” and was excited to read another of Hauck’s books. I also liked how those characters made a few appearances in this story. I loved Joy and Luke’s banter. It just seemed so real to me, making the story that much more enjoyable. Reading this makes me want to try the recipes that are mentioned in the story and conveniently located at the back of the book (especially Charles Ballard’s Banana Bread). Joy also goes through a time of wondering what it is she’s supposed to do with her life – a feeling I can identify with. At one point she tells Luke, “Haven’t made any decisions about what’s next for me. Kind of enjoying not knowing, leaping out, aiming for the hand of God…” I like the idea of that. I think the ultimate theme of this story is finding that thing that you’re passionate about – that thing God has called you to do – and chasing it with everything you have.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "the nativity collection" by robert morgan

All six short stories in this book take place on Christmas though it’s in different places and times. “Ollie” is about a boy and his family going Christmas shopping. It’s 1963 and they spend the day buying presents and picking up the necessary items for their traditional Christmas dinner. Through a series of events, they end up at a neighbor’s house who mistakes them for her family who passed away when she lived in Germany. They celebrate Christmas with her, giving Ollie a chance to change his perspective on what the season is really about.

“Poet Boy” is about Robert Louis Brendleton and the Christmas play he reluctantly stars in as Joseph when fourteen. Brendleton suffers from stage fright and instead of saying his lines the night of the play, he recites various lines from poems he’s read during the many hours spent in the library in his home. For example, when Mary gives her line about being called blessed, Brendleton responds, “Oh Mary,” he said, “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight…I love thee to the level of every day’s most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.”

“Over My Dead Body” tells the story of Max Schroeder, a gifted woodcarver. Though he mainly whittled sheep, he was inspired to make a nativity. He began receiving offers for the masterpiece but would always give the same response, “You shall have it…over my dead body.” When Schroder finally passed away, no one knew who he left the nativity to. At the reading of his will, it was revealed “he left it to all of them – by leaving it to none of them.” He was buried beneath his church and left the nativity to the church so it would be displayed…over his dead body.”

The final story is titled “Sugarplum and the Christmas Cradle.” J.B. and Sugarplum are newly married and their families are less than thrilled that she’s already pregnant. J.B. sets to work making a beautiful cradle for his son, spending all of his spare time carving and sanding. When he finally shows it to his wife, she’s speechless at the simplistic beauty of it. Yet their son was never to see it. Shortly before Sugarplum would give birth, they were summoned to Bethlehem to take part in a census. And we know how the rest of the story goes.

I liked the uniqueness of each story. Some were light and funny while others a little more deep. I think maybe the last story was my favorite. It was interesting to read about Mary and Joseph in a modern setting. “The Nativity Collection” definitely helped put me in the mood for Christmas.

I received a free copy of the book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "immanuel's veins" by ted dekker

Toma Nicolescu and Alek Cardei are assigned to protect Kesia Cantemir and her twin daughters, Lucine and Natasha. The two men arrive at the Cantemir estate in Moldavia to find the women celebrating by hosting a Summer Ball of Delights. Shortly after their arrival, Toma’s filled with unease at the presence of a handful of Russians. These guests stand out from the rest, dressed in all black with the women wearing tight-fitting and rather revealing clothing. Alek’s immediately transfixed by Natasha, deciding she will soon become another of his conquests. Toma is taken by Lucine but because of his loyalty to Catherine the Great, he keeps his interest to himself. At her mother’s prodding, Lucine shows Toma around her home but it’s when they return to the dining room that Toma’s unease returns. They walk in to find Natasha on the floor, her face bloody. Alek threatens to kill the man responsible – one of the Russians who claims he merely kissed her and she fainted. The tension continues to escalate and when the Russian lunges for Alek, Toma shoots him dead.

Natasha soon wakes up, claiming she’s more than fine and admits she did welcome the Russian’s kiss. It’s soon after that she begins going to the home of Vlad van Valerik, where the Russians are all residing. She returns each morning, face pale and lips red. Alek, in an attempt to protect her, goes with her one night. It’s then that they are both sneaking out each evening. Toma is furious Alek doesn’t see the danger in this so he goes to the castle to retrieve them both. Once there he’s unsure what to think. Everyone is merely reclining on chairs or lazily talking with each other, no threat in sight. It’s then that he is offered some of their wine.

Lucine discovers Toma with one of the Russian women and shoving aside the growing affection for him, accepts van Valerik’s offer of marriage. He asks to not only kiss her but to bite her lip. “It’s not a bite as much as a sharing. A mixing of blood. A seal of love between two people. This wins the heart, not merely the drinking of the blood.” Pain begins to flow throughout her and she is scared at what’s happening. Vlad smacks her when she voices her fear. Natasha finds her, telling her when she wakes she’ll feel better. His “kiss” begins Lucine’s transformation into what Vlad is: a half-blood Nephilim, the children conceived from the union of fallen angels and humans. Toma is outraged that Lucine would even consider marriage to Vlad and is arrested for accusing the duke of being possessed. The only way for him to win back Lucine is to convince her of his love – to be her Immanuel. As he battles Vlad but is losing horribly, death imminent, he cries out for the woman he’s doing this for. “Lucine! Oh, God! Lucine, Lucine, Lucine…” These were the guttural groans of a dying man clinging to the last thing that was more precious than life itself. To love.” Lucine is restored by falling into the fountain of water that is now mixed with Toma’s blood. His blood brought her back to life.

This was my first Ted Dekker read. I’ve always wanted to read his work but could never decide where to start. I liked the overall message of the book but it was a little hard to get into at first. I found myself not quite sure what was happening and waiting for everything to fit together – which it finally did. The book tackles the theme of sacrificial love and the question has been posed, “what is sacrificial love?” To me, it means giving entirely of oneself, not expecting anything in return. It’s completely selfless. The ultimate example of this would be Jesus’ death on the cross – He paid the highest price for sin so that we wouldn’t have to. I think as selfish humans, it’s hard for us to fully understand His sacrifice. We try to love others is our own flawed way but we still fall short. Sacrificial love gives and gives, not stopping because of a bad mood or hurtful word. It loves…for the sake of love itself even when we’re so undeserving of it.

Click here to see a video trailer for the book. And Thomas Nelson is letting me share something else with those who read this. If you'd like to win a "Spread the Love" t-shirt, leave me a comment on this post. Contest will end on September 17 at midnight.

* I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "outlive your life" by max lucado

Chapter one asks this question: “we are given a choice…an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God’s love and life?” And that’s the question woven throughout the rest of the book. Lucado talks about how society has slowly evolved into a “as little social interaction as possible” world. You can pay bills online, speak to a automated system when you call tech support - “You can cycle through a day of business and never say hello.” This makes it hard for us to reach out to people when we never see them. He talks about the man in Acts who’s sitting at a gate, asking for money. Peter and John have nothing to offer except for one thing: “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). “Let’s be the people who stop at the gate. Let’s look at the hurting until we hurt with them. No hurrying past, turning away, or shifting of eyes. No pretending or glossing over. Let’s look at the face until we see the person.”

And while we’re called to help those who are hurting, we don’t need to have an audience when we do so either. “Bottom line: don’t make a theater production out of your faith. “Watch me! Watch me!” is a call used on the playground, not in God’s kingdom.” We need to be real with our faith instead of trying to put on a good show. “…when people enter a church to see God yet can’t see God because of the church, don’t think for a second that God doesn’t react.” We shouldn’t strive for anyone to see us when we feed the homeless or pray in church. God’s the only One who needs to see and He already does.

This was my first Max Lucado read but I really liked it. It’s a book that challenges you to stop living a comfortable faith. Why do we keep such an amazing thing like our salvation to ourselves? Why would we not want others to have this too? Lucado asks us to be active in our faith and actually strive to make a difference in the world. “Here’s a salute to a long life: goodness that outlives the grave, love that outlasts the final breath. May you live in such a way that your death is just the beginning of your life.”

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

book review: "the edge of the divine" by sandi patty

“A dictionary defines the word edge in several ways, but my favorite is “the point at which something is likely to begin…I’ve learned that, throughout each day, we encounter points at which something is likely to begin. Edges.”

“The Edge of the Divine” is about, as the title hints, edges. Sandi Patty, through her weight-loss journey has come across edge upon edge in her life. This book is about what lead up to her decision to undergo Lap Band surgery and her life since. She talks about the times when she had no idea what God was doing but trusted Him anyway. “God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.”

One line from the book that stood out to me is this: “That’s my God. That’s my Jesus. He doesn’t mind getting rained on or mud-splattered. He’s right there in the storm with us.” She talks about how Jesus doesn’t wait on us to get everything together before being there for us. When we go through rough times, He’s right there with us…not afraid to get a little dirty. In life we have two options when coming upon an edge. Sandi talks about Humpty Dumpty and what might’ve happened if he fell on the other side of the wall. “We teeter on that edge, looking on either side of the wall. Neither landing site looks comfortable; there are rocks and sharp points to be endured. But sometimes, if you look a little farther in this imaginary scene, you can make a better choice by checking out the first responders to pick up the pieces.” She talks about the importance of friends who will support you during hard times and gives her own firsthand experience with her divorce and the situation surrounding her second marriage.

This was a good read and good message. Another line that jumped out at me was, “we keep trying, keep moving in the right direction, knowing that our journey isn’t about a stopwatch but about a compass.” Life is full of edges and moments when life might get a little messy. I love how each chapter begins with a scripture. My favorite was 2 Corinthians 12:7: “my grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”

Note: I received this book free to review from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.