Quiet

Quiet

by Susan Cain

About the book (from the back cover):

At least on-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike the self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts -- Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak -- that we owe many of the great contributions to society. In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts - from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after he talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.

My take:

Being an introvert myself, I thought I would really enjoy this book. Upon reading it though, I found it to be too dry and "researchy." I am sure I will probably come back and reference this book at some point, but it was not my cup of tea for an afternoon read.

I did enjoy the references to introverts that contributed to our society. Too often, people over-value extroverts and overlook the introverts who have much to say if only people would listen to them.

I give this book a "3 1/2." I would recommend it for reference, but not for reading straight through.

If you are interested in the Reading Group Guide, please click here:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/files/2013/01/Quiet-Reading-Group-Guide.pdf



About the author:

Susan Cain's writing has appeared in the New York Times; the Dallas Morning News; O, The Oprah Magazine; Time.com; and PsychologyToday.com, and her TED talk has been viewed more than three million times. She lives in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons.








Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Deadline

Deadline

by Randy Alcorn

Jake Woods, Gregory "Doc" Lowell, and Finney "Finn" Keels have all been best friends since they were young boys. Having grown up together and then fought in the Vietnam War together, they were as close as friends could be. The following is a description from the back cover of the book:

Doc's shoulder jammed into Jake as he swerved the Suburban sharply to the right, cut between a telephone pole and a billboard, then careened into a ten-foot-high embankment. Sometime between the sound of Doc's last cry and the sickening crunch of bent metal from the car's first roll, Jake lost consciousness. The last sensation he felt was of being crushed between the two men he had known since childhood. When tragedy strikes those closest to him, award-winning journalist Jake Woods must draw upon all his resources to uncover the truth about their suspicious accident. Soon he finds himself swept up in a murder investigation that is both complex and dangerous. Unaware of the threat to his own life, Jake is drawn in deeper and deeper as he desperately searches for answers to the immediate mystery at hand and - ultimately - the deeper meaning of his own existence. Deadline is a dramatic and vivid novel of substance, filled with hope and perspective for every reader who longs to feel purpose in life. 

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I had the interest to get drawn into such an "involved" book. When I say "involved," I mean I thought it was going to have several offshoots in the story line that would make it hard to stay focused. I was right about the offshoots, but I was wrong about not being interested. I knew I had loved Alcorn's Safely Home when I read it last year (see my review here), and wanted to see if I would feel the same way about other books of his. I definitely loved this book. I loved seeing Jake's character change throughout the book, and enjoyed the descriptions of what Alcorn thought Heaven might be like. There were times when I felt the Heaven storyline was detracting a bit from Jake's story (I will be honest - I really wanted to find out what was happening to Jake and kind of skimmed at times through the Heaven parts). While the Heaven parts were interesting, it seemed like they would be better suited for another book.

However, overall, I loved this book. The parts I really enjoyed were Jake's conflicts in the world of journalism, and political correctness. I didn't realize it when I first started reading, but this book was actually written in 1994. I thought that might make it a bit dated, but surprisingly, it was very true to the times we are living in. I had to chuckle a bit at the references to a "car phone." But the abortion, homosexuality, and politically correct debates were right on target. I am definitely looking forward to reading Alcorn's other books in the series, Deception and Dominion. This book easily gets 5 stars.


About the author:

Randy Alcorn is the best-selling author of Heaven, with more than 500,000 copies sold. His novels include Dominion, Deception, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin's Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home. He has written numerous non-fiction books as well, including The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. A former pastor, Randy is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries. He and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and five grandsons.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Not This Time

Not This Time

by Vicki Hinze

Book synopsis from the publisher:

Small town scandal. International terrorist attack. Who among them is the traitor? Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara's husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect. Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn't know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn't fall in love with him, but she can't resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

My take:

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Last year I read the first two books in the Crossroads Crisis Center series (read my review of Deadly Ties here), and loved them. It didn't take me very long into Not This Time to remember why I loved the first two books so much. Hinze is an expert at creating memorable and believable characters that stay in the mind long after the reader is finished with a book. All of the twists and turns with NINA (the terrorist organization in the book), Sara and Robert's relationship, and Beth and Joe's fledgling relationship had me turning pages (on my Kindle) as fast as I could to find out what would happen! I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys suspense!! This one gets a 5!

You can read the first chapter here: http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/NotThisTimeSneakPeek.pdf. Also, if you are interested in hearing what Vicki Hinze has to say about her book, you can listen to a podcast here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2012/02/21/podcast-not-this-time-by-vicki-hinze/.

About the author:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of multiple novels including Forget Me Not and Deadly Ties. Hinze's willingness to take risks in writing and genre has earned her a reputation for trail-blazing skill. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Doctorate of Philosophy, Theocentric Business & Ethics and served as vice president on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. She lives in Florida with her husband. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Forever Faithful: The Complete Trilogy

Forever Faithful: The Complete Trilogy

by Karen Kingsbury

This book is a compilation of Karen Kingsbury's Forever Faithful series books - Waiting for Morning (which I reviewed last year), A Moment of Weakness, and Halfway to Forever. The first book Waiting for Morning, tells the story of Hannah Ryan, who loses her husband and daughter in a car accident. A Moment of Weakness is the story of Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman, and Halfway to Forever wraps up the series with Hannah, her new husband Matt Bronzan, and Jade and Tanner's story.

I really enjoyed this series. I had read A Moment of Weakness a time or two before, but had never read Halfway to Forever, mainly because it sounded kind of depressing. I have to admit the book was pretty depressing until the last few chapters. But I still enjoyed wrapping up the series and finding out what happens to Hannah, Matt, Jade, and Tanner. The only other criticism I have is the weight of the book itself. While it might seem like a good idea to package 3 of Karen Kingsbury's books into one, it wasn't very practical for carrying, and holding it for long periods of time was not comfortable (ideally I like to have a book that is easy to hold and "curl up with").

I would give this series a 4. But if I had to individually rate the books, I would give Waiting for Morning a 5, A Moment of Weakness a 5, and Halfway to Forever a 4.

About the author:

After graduating from college in 1986 with a degree in journalism, Karen became a full-time reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Her first book, Missy’s Murder, was based on a murder story she covered in Los Angeles as a reporter. She sold a version of the story to People magazine in 1989. A New York agent read her People story and asked her for a book proposal. The book hit stores in 1992. She then wrote three more true crime novels. Next she wrote four collections of answered prayers and miracle stories before transitioning to inspirational fiction in 1998.

Her first novel, Where Yesterday Lives, was a real challenge for Karen to get published. Although publishing companies said they liked the story, they were not sure what to do with it since it didn’t contain foul language and had no sex scenes. Finally, the Christian publishing house Multnomah, published her novel and gave her a multi-book contract. Her books made a real connection with contemporary romance fans. Since her first novel, Karen has written more than 40 faith based novels, many of which have hit #1 on national lists. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print.

Dubbed by Time magazine as the “queen” of Christian fiction, Karen receives tens of thousands of letters from readers who say that Karen’s fiction has dramatically changed their lives. These letters and e-testimonials of improved marriages, spiritual awakenings and new found hope have enabled her to formally trademark her work Life-Changing Fiction™.

Karen lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Don. They were married in June, 1988 and have six children, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. You can read her Adoption story. 

They celebrate their faith daily by laughing, loving and living life to the fullest. You can contact Karen atmoc.yrubsgniKneraK@neraK.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Worlds Collide

Worlds Collide

by Alison Strobel

Jada Eastman is a biographer who is writing a book about Jack and Grace Harrington. Jack Harrington is an actor who has starred in several television shows and many movies. Grace Winslowe is a teacher who recently moved from Chicago to California, where she meets and falls in love with Jack. 

I really enjoyed this story, and I liked the idea of where I think the author was going with it. But at times I was confused about what was going on. For instance, in the prologue Jada Eastman, the interviewer, introduces herself and talks about how she is interviewing Jack and Grace Harrington for a book she is writing. Then it abruptly jumps into the first chapter, where what seems like the same first person voice is telling her story. It wasn't until the middle of that first chapter that I realized it wasn't Jada's voice, but Grace's. And then there are times when Grace or Jack will be telling their story, and Jada will interrupt them to ask a question - only it isn't always all that clear where the story begins, the interview questions begin, and the story resumes. 

What I liked about this book was the uniqueness of the story presentation. It's not every book that allows the reader to see into the minds of both main characters. I did find myself wishing to have more than one chapter at a time into either Jack's or Grace's mind, but overall, Strobel did a great job with this technique. I also loved the character development that occurred over the course of the book. The author's portrayal of the characters' skepticism about Christianity makes it evident that she is Christian apologist Lee Strobel's daughter. When I figured that out, I was so excited, because I love his book, The Case for Christ. 

Would I recommend Worlds Collide? Absolutely.

Click here to rank my review. 

About the author:

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Alison began writing stories in elementary school, following in the footsteps of her journalist/author father, Lee Strobel. She moved to California where she was inspired to write her first novel, "Worlds Collide," which released with Waterbrook Press in 2005. Her sophomore release, "Violette Between" came the following year and earned her a Rita Award nomination from the Romance Writers of America. After writing "Violette Between" Alison took a break from writing to enjoy life with her new baby girl Abigail. She now has another daughter, Penelope Jane, and two more books published--"The Weight of Shadows" (with Zondervan Publishing) and "Reinventing Rachel" (with David C. Cook), as well as two more releasing in 2011. To learn more about her or to sign up for her newsletter, please visit http://www.alisonstrobel.com.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Shadows on the Sand

Shadows on the Sand

by Gayle Roper

Carrie Carter and her sister Lindsay ran away from home 17 years ago (at 16 and 10 years of age, respectively). Their mother was an alcoholic who attracted the wrong kind of men, and it had no longer been safe to stay at home. The two sisters wound up in Seaside, New Jersey, where Carrie got a job at a diner. Now, 17 years later, Carrie runs the diner while Lindsay works as a sous chef in the kitchen. 

Greg Barnes, a former cop, has been coming in to Carrie's Cafe for breakfast for the past 3 years - since his wife and children were killed. He doesn't say much, but Carrie has a major crush on him. When one of Carrie's employees, Jase, turns up missing, Greg helps try to figure out what happened to him, and he and Carrie figure out they have a mutual attraction. When another employee goes missing, suspicions turn to a dangerous cult. Will they figure out what happened to the missing employees? And will their romance last?

I loved this book. I have read several other suspense novels by Gayle Roper and enjoyed each one of them. So when I saw that this book was available for review, I put my request in right away. I love the small town feel of Roper's novels, and the way she weaves a suspenseful story without making it overly scary. I also like the way she has her characters work through spiritual issues of forgiveness and trust. Roper also works in some comedy -in this instance, through the back characters who are constantly on their smart phones, "twittering" and "facebooking." She almost made these characters seem satirical - I know I laughed out loud several times! This is one I recommend, and one I will definitely read again in the future. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die

Hell, Rob Bell, and What Happens When People Die

by Bobby Conway

When I saw this book was available for my Nook, I immediately downloaded it. I had been wanting to read one of the several "response books" to Rob Bell's Love Wins, but hadn't had the chance to do so yet. I had also tried to read Rob Bell's book, but put it down after one chapter. I realized that the questions Bell brought up, as well as his irreverent writing style in this book were more off-putting than I was willing to take. That and the fact that I knew the things he was saying were biblically wrong, but I had no idea how to refute them. Enter Bobby Conway, known as the "one minute apologist." He lovingly but firmly addresses Bell's misguided philosophy on hell with scripture. 

I would recommend this book to anyone. I think it is very important to understand the false teachings that are out there, and be able to defend our faith whenever necessary, as it says in I Peter 3:15-16: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." I really appreciate the time and effort that both Bobby Conway and Waterbrook Multnomah put into writing and publishing this very important book. I think now I would be able to read Bell's book and be able to explain, with scripture, why Bell's teaching is misguided. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Judgment Day

Judgment Day

by Wanda L. Dyson

Suzanne Kidwell prides herself in her sensationalist tv show, Judgment Day. She exposes a lot of crooked businessmen and politicians. The only thing is, she doesn't check her facts well enough, and her employer is not happy with her. When someone sets her up for murder, she looks to her former fiance, private investigator Marcus Crisp, and his partner, Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne. In the process of investigating her case, they find a bone-chilling underground operation. Will Suzanne's name be cleared? What will happen with the underground alliance?

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was the perfect mix of suspense and wit, with a bit of romance mixed in. I do, however, think some of the side story lines could have been developed a bit more. Also, at the beginning I had a hard time going back and forth from Suzanne's story line to Alexandria's (Alex's). I also want to mention that the back of the book has some wrong information. Overall, I loved this quick, suspenseful read. I would love to read more about these characters, and hope the author has a sequel planned.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Enemies of the Heart

Enemies of the Heart

by Andy Stanley

I have heard Andy Stanley speak in person 3 times. All of those times I found him to be a very engaging speaker. Until reading this one, I had never read any of his books. I was very happy to discover that his writing style is just as engaging. 

In Enemies of the Heart, previously published under the title It Came From Within, Andy Stanley talks about the four emotions that control us: Guilt, Anger, Greed, and Jealousy. He says that for every evil deed that is done, the motive stems from one of these. As I thought about it, I had to agree. He explains that guilt is the belief that "I owe you"; anger is the belief that "you owe me"; greed is the belief that "I owe me"; and jealousy is the belief that "God owes me." For each of these, Stanley offers solutions for ridding ourselves of the negative emotions. Before the skeptics step in and say that it can never be that easy to rid ourselves of negative behaviors, Stanley talks about how our humanity wants to dredge up the emotions long after incidents are over, but God can free us. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the emotions that control our hearts. I would actually recommend that everyone read this book, for the reason that Andy Stanley has a way of making God's Word relevant and applicable to life. When I first picked up the book, I wasn't sure what God was going to teach me. But I found myself searching my heart to see if any of the negative emotions controlled me. It is not easy to find the darkness that lurks in the heart, but it is always encouraging to know that God is a forgiving God, and if we allow Him to change us, He will. 

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Praying for Your Future Husband

I grew up on Robin Jones Gunn's "Christy Miller" series, and later read her "Sierra Jensen" series. I dreamed of having the same adventures as Christy Miller, and of one day finding my own Todd (Christy's wonderful Christian boyfriend). I always admired the way Robin uplifted the character qualities of godliness, patience, and steadfastness throughout her books. 

Reading Praying for Your Future Husband brought the themes in Robin's books full circle for me. Robin writes about her own love story. Co-author Tricia Goyer writes about her own as well. Both women prayed for their future husbands before meeting them, and both loved and lost several boyfriends. I found myself relating to both women's stories. Robin related how her fiance broke up with her 6 months into their engagement - her wedding dress in the closet, church paid for, invitations about to go out. I too had this happen to me. I could relate to her depression, bitterness, and distrust in the months following her broken engagement. I had been there. I could also relate to Tricia's stories of wanting to be accepted and loved by someone. 

This book is not a manual on how to get a husband. It is not a guide for how to pray in the right way so God will "finally" hear your prayers. I feel the subtitle of the book says it all: "Preparing Your Heart for His." Not just the heart of your future husband, but the heart of Christ. Robin and Tricia talk about how praying for another person not only affects the person being prayed for, but the person praying. For when you pray for the qualities of patience, steadfastness, and godliness in your future mate, you realize how much you also need those traits. Praying also brings you closer to God's heart - the most important trait to have, whether you get married or not.

I felt this book was primarily geared for high school girls, but that doesn't mean a 30-something can't get something out of it too. I highly recommend this book to any single woman who wonders why God hasn't brought the right one into her life yet. As the last line of the book says, "What exactly will happen once you start praying for your future husband? There's only one way to find out…PRAY!"

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Chocolate Diaries

The Chocolate Diaries

by Karen Scalf Linamen

In The Chocolate Diaries, Karen Scalf Linamen shares true stories of women who have been through rough times, and their secrets for making it through those times. Karen mixes humor and a sprinkling of recipes throughout the book. I knew I was going to like it when I read the title of the first chapter: "Nobody Knows the Truffles I've Seen." I may or may not be a regular user of bad puns. Nevertheless, the author drew me in with the title of that chapter.

Later in the book, Karen talks about the cathartic and stress-relieving process of making lists. She writes, "Every morning, put eating chocolate on your to-do list. That way, you'll always get one thing done." What a great idea!

I really enjoyed this fast, light-hearted read. At the end of the book I felt I had just spent an evening with a great friend - sharing burdens, laughing, and learning from others.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love At Last Sight: Book Review

Love at Last Sight: 30 Days to Grow and Deepen Your Closest Relationships

By Kerry & Chris Shook

The title of this book intrigued me. I had heard of the term "love at first sight," but certainly not "love at last sight." I decided it would be interesting to read what the authors thought this was.

First off, I really like the way the book is divided into 30 short and easy to read chapters with 3 challenges/questions at the end of each to encourage your work on your relationships. I also thought it was helpful that they created a topic to focus on for each week: Week One is "The Art of Being All There"; Week Two is "The Art of Acting Intentionally"; Week Three is "The Art of Risking Awkwardness"; and Week Four is "The Art of Letting Go."

Now for the things I didn't particularly care for. When I read the sentence, "Everything you've been told about relationships is upside down and wrong," I cringed and thought to myself, "What a horrible generalization," but decided to give the book a chance. Then the authors (a husband and wife team) stated that they would be writing the book as "one," so when one tells a story, it is impossible to know which one is talking. Though the concept of writing as one is a nice thought, I think it took a lot away from what could have been more valuable lessons.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. I found out that the idea of "love at last sight" is about living every day as if it would be your last with an important person in your life, whether it is a parent, spouse, or friend. I believe I can take away some valuable ideas in order to work on m y own relationships.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Corruptible

The Corruptible

by Mark Mynheir

"Dying on the toilet was not how I envisioned leaving this world." When I read that first line of The Corruptible, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. Ray Quinn, an ex-homicide detective, recently went into the private investigating business after an injury left him unable to work on the force. His latest case has him investigating the murder of a former colleague with his sidekick, the goofy Barney Fife-like Crevis Creighton, and friend Pamela Winters. 

This book, as I state above, had me interested from the first page. I love a good suspense novel, especially with humor and quirky characters mixed in. The book had numerous twists and turns, and I definitely didn't expect the ending. Mynheir creates in Quinn a very likeable, dynamic character. The Corruptible is the second and latest in the Ray Quinn series and I look forward to reading the first book, and the books to come. 

If you love reading mysteries with a twist of humor and interesting characters, you will love The Corruptible.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Life In Spite of Me: Book Review

Kristen Anderson tells a powerful story of the second chance she was given at life in Life, In Spite of Me. When she was 17 years old, after a series of traumatic incidents in her life, she made the decision to lie down in front of a train. Miraculously, she survived, but lost her legs. The story that follows captures her struggles with recovery and then the ultimate discovery of what really makes her life worth living.

I read this book almost straight through in one evening. I was captivated by her honesty and renewed hope at her second chance at life. I would recommend this book highly, especially to anyone who works with teenagers or knows of anyone who is struggling to find life worth living.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements & Testimonials in Advertising."

Plain Wisdom: Book Review

Plain Wisdom

by Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud


Cindy Woodsmall, a Christian inspirational fiction author, co-wrote Plain Wisdom with her Amish friend Miriam Flaud. The two met through a mutual friend, and soon became fast friends themselves. As they spent more time together they realized more and more that they wanted to write a book together - a book comprised of wisdom from both "Englischer" (non-Amish) and Amish cultures, but with one single tie: a deep faith in God through the years.

This is the type of book that you don't have to read through all at once. Because it contains snippets of wisdom in short story format from both women in each chapter, I imagine it could be useful to read alongside a daily scripture reading or devotional. You can be reading another book, and still come back to this one without missing a beat.

I found it very interesting to learn more about the Amish lifestyle and traditions. I was also surprised at how open the Amish people are to the "Englischers," inviting them into their homes. At least in the example of the Flauds, they are understanding about the differences between the two cultures - never looking down on those who don't hold the same views, but very steadfast in their cultural traditions.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about another culture while being encouraged in one's faith.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements & Testimonials in Advertising."

Deadly Ties: Book Review

Deadly Ties, by Vicki Hinze

Lisa Harper is about to help her mom move away from her controlling husband, Dutch Hauk. The only thing is, Dutch isn't about to give up control of his wife, and his hatred of Lisa has never run deeper. Mark Turner is a former spy who has taken on the job of guarding Lisa and her mom. Both he and Lisa have feelings for each other, but trust and timing keep them apart.

Vicki Hinze does an excellent job of taking the reader on a suspenseful journey. She kept me turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down. Even before I was finished with the book, I was searching for more of her books. I am already planning on reading Forget Me Not, the first book in the Crossroads Crisis Center series, and am looking forward to the next book, Not This Time.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."