Book Review Revealing Jesus: A 365-Day Devotional

Revealing Jesus: A 365-Day Devotional by Darlene Zschech
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the cover:
"Bestselling Author and Renowned Worship Leader Darlene Zschec has led millions of Christians in worship as she's written and performed such songs as "Shout to the Lord" and penned bestsellers Extravagant Worship and The Kiss of Heaven. This collection of all new thought-provoking devotions has been designed to accompany her upcoming live album, which will be produced by four-time Grammy award winner Israel Houghton, and will include guest performances by Kari Jobe and Michael W. Smith.
Each devotion will reflect on grace given to the reader through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This beautifully packaged book will be released in conjunction with the album. Perfect for Christians looking for fresh readings on the passion and resurrection of Christ, or as a thoughtful seasonal gift."

Darlene Zschech has done a wonderful job of bring a daily devotional to us. It's formatted as one page a day, starting with January 1 and ends, of course, with Dec 31st. Each day offers scripture, and a wonderful life-application detailing and explaining the scripture. Each day ends with a prayer. I love it and I really love the nice, heavy hardback cover of the book. The pages are all nice and heavy too. (Crazy thing to comment on perhaps, but I love how good paper feels in your hands.)
The colors on the cover are beautiful and mesmerizing. Cover design gets an A++.
This would make an excellent gift, as the whole package is so attractive.

I received this as a free preview from Bethany House.


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Book Review True Love

True Love by Jude Deveraux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really pleased and excited to get a preview copy of Jude's newest book through NetGalley. What a thrill to be able to review one of my all time favorite authors!
I am happy to see a new trilogy come out, simply because that means more stories to come!

 From the Cover:
"Jude Deveraux, the New York Times bestselling author of unforgettable romance, returns with a breathtaking first book in a fantastic new series—the Nantucket Brides trilogy. Set on the magical Massachusetts island, True Love introduces characters from a new generation of Montgomery-Taggerts, the beloved family from Deveraux’s classic novels.

Just as Alix Madsen is finishing up architectural school, Adelaide Kingsley dies and wills her, for one year, the use of a charming nineteenth-century Nantucket house. The elderly woman’s relationship to the Madsen family is a mystery to the spirited Alix—fresh from a romantic breakup—but for reasons of her own Alix accepts the quirky bequest, in part because it gives her time to plan her best friend’s storybook wedding.

But unseen forces move behind the scenes, creaking Kingsley House’s ancient floorboards. It seems that Adelaide Kingsley had a rather specific task for Alix: to solve the strange disappearance of one of the Kingsley women, Valentina, more than two hundred years ago. If that wasn’t troubling enough, Alix must deal with the arrogant (and extremely good-looking) architect Jared Montgomery, who is living in the property’s guesthouse."

I wish I could give this 5 stars, but there were a few issued I felt kept it from perfection. I had a hard time jumping into this story and following along with who was who. Most characters are believable and very loveable. After thinking about this for a few days, I believe it was because there were so many characters in this story. Too many, in my opinion. I like the idea of bring basically a whole mini town into a story, but I don't think it was effectively done in 350-ish pages. I would have been happier with the handful of important characters and work to develop them further. Between the real characters and the ghost characters, I found myself not caring about any of them as much as I wanted to.

The ending wedding was really, almost too much to believe. I mean, really. No one wants a wedding quite like that.

All in all, I was a little disappointed. But, will I read the next in this series? Absolutely.

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Book Review Starting Now

Starting Now: A Blossom Street Novel by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Debbie Macomber has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I have not read the Blossom Street Series, but I would like to go back to my local library and get all of the back stories!

"For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now.

With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways.

As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear."

This is really an adorable story. I'm not sure if I was expecting more, or if I just wasn't in the best mind-set to read this book. I loved the characters, the descriptions and the story line. The part I had trouble with was the quick build up and then disappointment to the almost adoption. I just felt like it wasn't clearly expressed and clearly delivered to the reader.

This luke-warm read will not keep me from enjoying the rest of the Blossom Street Series!

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Book Review Imperfect Pairings

I received this as an advanced review copy through NetGalley.

I was also disappointed in this selection. It left me feeling flat and frustrated. First, it was the larger than normal amounts of Italian scattered throughout the conversations, then it was the way the two main characters treated each other. It may be a true reflection of how some couples interact with each other, but it's not the kind of story I want to spend hours reading.  At least the title got it right.

I just couldn't ever fall in love or connect with any of the characters.

Book Review One Step Too Far

I received this as a free preview from NetGalley and I had a hard time getting into the book initially. Each chapter dealt with a different character and I felt I was going back re-reading various chapters in order to make sense of it. I almost quit a few chapters in. However, I'm glad I read the book in it's entirety.

Emily is a confused, troubled woman. I did not appreciate the extent of her disturbed mind until the big twist was revealed toward the end.

The final, final ending I was not exactly pleased with. By the time it came around to wrap it all up, I felt almost betrayed by the author. I didn't know if I should even trust what was she was indicating. I think after you've invested so much time and energy into a character as a reader, then you get blind-sided by a HUGE secret, you feel hurt, almost "used".

I'm glad I read the book. I just don't agree that it will be the book everyone is talking about this Summer.

Book Review A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year

What a great way to bring a group of women together and study God's word.  I love how this book is written and organized.  It contains everything you need to succeed.  It's 52 sections, with a great weekly synopsis, reading assignments, and general discussion starter questions. 

As a Bible Study Leader, I realize women must have a fierce determination to stay on task and focused.  This is a long time to have a weekly study without losing your members.  Individually, I can see myself succeeding much better than trying to lead a group for an entire year. 

The daily tasks seem short, succinct and will be able to be accomplished in 20-30 minutes of reading a day. 

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Book Review The Briarpatch Gospel

The first chapter was compelling.  I wanted to just delve into it and absorb as much as I could as quickly as possible.  After that, I found myself arguing more and more with both myself and the author.  While I agree with quite a lot of what he addresses, there are things that I have to question and shake my head over.

I absolutely love the change in my mindset to live and love more like Jesus.  Love and care for the needy like never before.   I want to be compassionate and act on that compassion.  I don't want to just pass by and do nothing.

On the same token, I don't like being made to feel like I am part of a "self-righteous" church simply because we do not follow absolutely all of his thoughts.  My church is the body of Christ and it feels like my home.  It's warm, welcoming, accepting and loving. 

I intend to change myself from the inside out after reading this book.  I also want to dig deeper into many of the topics he addressed.  I'm not a theologian.  I love my Christ and I do intend to follow him into the briarpatch.  

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, to review.