Category Archives: Reviews

A fair and honest opinion about someone else’s work.

Book Review: Afghanistan: 179 Days of Teachable Moments

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Afghanistan: 179 Days of Teachable Moments is a book of daily devotionals from a soldier living in combat zone. The author’s goal? To find the voice of God in small moments.

The author, Florence Robyn Smith, served a six month deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. Her assignment as Executive Officer (XO) on base gives a unique perspective to the daily workings of military life. She speaks of assignments in such a way that you can taste dusty air and feel bumpy roads filled with craters. The threat of Taliban Insurgents and rebel attacks gives the devotions a surreal element. And the journal of daily activities shapes a new understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

From the military exercises to the mundane tasks of life, there is something for everyone within these pages. Smith offers the gift of looking at the intricacies of daily life and pulling out a scriptural truth, which she calls, Teachable Moments. Smith says, “Playing with sin is like playing with a hand grenade.”

She says she learned to love the people she served, both on base and off. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the soldiers buying shoes for the Afghan people, through initiatives like the Afghan Women’s Education Center, a non-profit organization providing assistance to women and children.

I am grateful for Florence Robyn Smith’s service, and for all who strive to keep our country safe. We have no idea the dangers our military face on our behalf, and in a largely thankless position. But they do so day after day, away from family and friends. Smith also uses this as a Teachable Moment, encouraging all to leave comfort in order to “enter into a realm of His presence that is extraordinary.”

Get this book of devotions for a soldier in the military or for a soldier in the Lord’s army. It will equip for battle on the frontlines of life!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Book Review: Breaking Busy

Breaking Busy

When do you reach your capacity? Breaking Busy says you can identify your limits and stop saying yes to every request out of guilt. The author, Alli Worthington tells of her own pitfalls in the struggle to keep up with the demands of running a successful business and raising five boys. She shares the process she had to learn to abandon the never ending need to please, and how it provided a foundation to live out her calling.

I have to say, she stepped on my toes. I didn’t realize how comfortable I had become with my own busyness. I thought it filled a need in my heart, but Alli says it just masked the deeper need to be a people-pleasing machine. She reminds us to ask ourselves if escaping reality is easier than reducing the To-Do list. And she provides a voice of reason, by encouraging us to “be realistic about your time and energy!”

In a culture of busyness being our barometer of worth, Alli’s book is a refreshing reminder that Jesus calls us away to rest with Him. In fact, Chapter 10 might just be the most important chapter in the whole book, because it tackles the lies we believe about where our self-worth comes from. Alli gives permission to say, “We don’t have to do it all.” She calls us back to a relationship with the Lord and His Word that fills the empty places of striving. She says, “God’s Word is continually new to us because it speaks through the filter of the circumstance of life we are in.”

Do you struggle with busyness, worry, making decisions or communication? This book is for you! Alli provides the framework for weighing each opportunity, so that you can even pass up great opportunities to be ready for the best option for you. She even offers online tools to help implement the principles laid out in the book.

Get this book! It is from the heart of encourager who has learned to overcome the cycle of busyness in order to experience the fullness of life!

Sally

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book plus a book bundle from Zondervan in exchange for my thoughts and opinions of Breaking Busy.


Book Review: The Breeding Tree

The Breeding Tree

In this riveting tale of utopian society, the characters are forced to choose between their conscience and safety. The Breeding Tree tackles important questions about right to life, and who determines whether or not a person is useful to society. Do birth defects, accidents or age dictate a person’s worth? Or, does the value of human life come from something intrinsically deeper?

J. Andersen is a budding author who understands the pace and rhythm needed to move a story. From the establishment of the Institute’s Code of Ethics, to the description of lab experiments, J. Andersen has created characters and environments that are believable and compelling. I found myself cheering for Kate and warning her about the shadows chasing her through the streets of Sector 4. I had a hard time trusting Micah, yet felt pulled to find out more about him. And Kate’s grandmother held more secrets!

The book is targeted to the Young Adult audience, yet held lessons for all ages. The storyline is fast-paced and multilayered. Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize the same thirst to rebel against an establishment that threatens life and liberty.

Fantastic book! I can’t wait to see how the ongoing story will unfold!

Sally


Book Review: Lazarus Awakening

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Joanna Weaver says that which we believe will destroy us, can be the catalyst to more accurately reveal Jesus in us. Her direct, yet gentle approach paves the way to receive the truths packed throughout this three piece set of the Lazarus Awakening DVD Bible Study.

Weaver tells us, her previous book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, began a ten year journey with the family from Bethany. Her smooth writing style puts personal stories to good use to illustrate Scripture. She unwraps truth in the telling of story, with profound depth to the multiple layers of application found there. We are reminded that we all have issues we need to surrender to the Lord, and the convicting is done is such a gracious manner, you keep coming back for more. This book should be placed in the hands of every person who ever tested faith. It probes questions we usually leave simmering beneath the surface, yet has a way of clarifying Scripture in such a way that stories open up in a whole new light. Suddenly the application to my sin wound is crystal clear and reveals a Love so profound that the Truth is staggering. Weaver uses “analogies concerning the tombs we often settle for and the graveclothes we often wear, pointing us to the resurrection life Jesus came to bring.” Halfway through the book I knew I was holding in my hands a transformational key for our next Women’s Retreat! And there, on the third DVD, I found a retreat format ready to be tweaked to our own event, including power point slides, craft ideas and workshop materials.

The workbook consists of an 8-session series for personal or group study, as a companion to the video sessions. It is user friendly, with lots of tools for reflection. I like the use of journaling prompts and opportunities to flesh out what the Lord is saying through the passage. Planning Guides are also provided with action steps, and it’s packed with helpful tools for personalization and application.

The DVD was filmed in Israel, placing the study of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, in their homeland. The visual backdrop of the Holy Land is stunning, as Joanna Weaver explains God’s Word in a compelling way. Extra footage highlights interviews on location and tools for study. The piece that especially grabbed my attention, was the section with downloadable leader’s guide, promotional material, and a complete retreat laid out. Weaver has thought of everything!

Sally

Disclaimer: I received this book set from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.


Book Review: You Don’t Know Me

You Dont know me

You Don’t Know Me begins with a mysterious goodbye. Then, Annalise Decker alludes numerous times to her fragile existence. But the reason why it’s fragile is not fully understood until her Witness Security agent shows up. To the townspeople of Deep Haven, the Deckers look like the perfect family, but inside, they’ve got their problems, too.

Her mother-in-law, Helen has secrets.

Her husband, Nathan has secrets.

Her son, Jason has secrets.

Her daughter, Colleen has secrets.

And her son, Henry wants a different life with skateboarding, rather than the one he has with soccer.

The secrets turn into a nest of lies, and Annalise wonders what the town would do if they discovered she’d lied to them over 20 years? She’s very good at lies, and doesn’t know how to separate truth from fiction any longer.

You Don’t Know Me tackles themes of integrity, trust and self-worth by fleshing out how bad choices affect those around us. And when grace and forgiveness come back into play, the Deckers learn hard times make you stronger and more compassionate. Their struggle to trust God and each other brings them to wonder, how does family stick together when their world falls apart?

Author Susan May Warren says, “I believe I am called to be authentic and honest in my storytelling. As a Christian woman, I am not interested in cardboard characters with unrealistic struggles who receive pat answers. Life can be overwhelming and at sometimes messy and confusing. Relevant faith-filled fiction deals with that and yet offers hope. I don’t presume to know all the answers. I just try and write stories about people learning to walk in faith, every day trusting God just a little bit more.”

Susan May Warren has lived up to her desire to portray real people with real struggles. You Don’t Know Me brings raw emotions to the surface and weaves them into a can’t-put-it-down-book. Bravo!

Sally

Note: I received this book as part of the Tyndale Rewards Program. I received no compensation for this review.


Book Review: Ties That Bind

Ties That Bind
Cindy Woodsmall has done it again! She’s drawn me into her world so effectively, that I hardly noticed I had reached the end of the story. In fact, I was frustrated that the story was finished, as it had more to disclose.
Ties That Bind begins with a crisis and immediately pulls you into the story of an Amish family and an Englisch family whose lives intersect. Woodsmall is able to navigate the two worlds successfully, framing each with the language and idiosyncrasies that make them believable.
The mysteries continued throughout the book, and it made me feel valued as a reader, not having everything spelled out for me. I love the wisdom spattered throughout, such as when Quill realizes hardship is a sign of being alive (p. 71), or when he recognizes the shallowness of treating God as a star to wish upon (p. 175). Arianna’s world turns inside out as she considers the treachery of those leaving the Old Order, but clings to love’s virtue, “with its thriving desire to be kind, encouraging, and protective” (p. 193).
The audience of Amish readers will have no further to look to find a great story. Award-winning Cindy Woodsmall has added another family to her repertoire, with The Amish of Summer Grove series, and it left me hanging on the edge of my seat for book two!

Sally
Disclaimer: “I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”


Book Review: Seven Women and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas

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What is the hallmark of a great life? Eric Metaxas contends there are specific qualities that set apart certain people, people who have conquered great odds to accomplish the unthinkable. He sets out to highlight the lives of seven extraordinary women, all who saw themselves as average, everyday people…

Joan of Arc: pure, brave and singular in her faith and obedience to God.

Susanna Wesley had a theological knowledge that fueled a disciplined life.

Hannah More’s culture was influenced by art and she sought to use her gifts in God’s service.

Saint Maria modeled the Christian life outside the four walls of the church.

Corrie ten Boom had a foundation of faith that began way before Nazi occupation turned her home inside out.

Rosa Parks was persistent in seeking rights for blacks in an age of terrible discrimination.

Mother Teresa saw the poor as God’s wonderful people.

I loved the narrative of this book. The author wove a story of faith, hardship, ingenuity and humility. It was a joy to read the chronicles of these who struggled with faith and its application to daily lives. It painted them in a light that showed they were real people with real difficulties. They were not sugar-coated, but weaknesses were laid bare. Why is that important? Because it helped me to relate to their lives, and to understand the power of faith in God to change the course of history.

Eric Metaxas also wrote Seven Men and the Secret to Their Greatness and states both sexes suffer when the uniqueness of each is denied. 7 Women challenged me to be fully me, and to stop the comparison game that robs my sphere of the gifts given by God to impact change in the world.

A great Christmas gift for both male and female readers on your list!

Sally

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”

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Escape to the Beach!

Warm breezes. Water slapping the reef. Sailboat bobbing. Stress level dropping.

Seagulls soaring. Water shimmering. Pebbles beneath my feet.

Barcelona reef

Surely this isn’t just around the corner, in western New York? It sounds like a southern paradise! But no, it’s a western New York oasis, by the name of Barcelona Beach. Hubby & I went to a charming B & B there, Barcelona Lakeside Bed & Breakfast.

Barcelona sign

I love the old charm of the house, with little nooks of cozy seating. All of the views turn your attention toward the waters of Lake Erie and its mesmerizing lull. I could imagine an old sea captain living there, right across from the harbor.

Barcelona window

We did a lot of walking… to the beach, to sit on benches on the pier, and to wander around the lighthouse. Coming back to the Inn was like returning home. There, we were greeted with warm cookies, and took a turn in the hammock, and the swing. I just could not get over the breathtaking view!

Barcelona lighthouse

Innkeepers Rodger and Lesley Hazen were friendly hosts and very knowledgeable about the area. Their stories added appeal to the entire experience. In fact, I’m interested in the winter B & B activities, just to experience the sleigh ride and hot cocoa!

We had the option for the Beach Package, and were blessed with a sunny day. A wagon was packed with sandwiches, fresh fruit, beach chairs, umbrella and towels. And we set out for our excursion. The water stretched out before us, and for a time, we had our own private cove.

Barcelona wagon 11889490_10206380524724794_8531468029041647933_n

After awhile, we wandered back to the Inn. Rodger started a fire in the fire pit, where other lodgers were catching up after the events of their day.

Barcelona fire pit

The B & B is a short jaunt from Westfield and Dunkirk, both offering shops and restaurants. (Map) Saturday morning we enjoyed a sampling of country fare, as Westfield had a Farmers’ Market downtown, with artists also displaying their crafts.

Our room was dressed out in a nautical theme, making the beach experience even more tangible. When others checked out of the front two rooms, we peeked into large suites facing the pier. Comfortably decorated with daily fresh towels and Lake Erie at your doorstep, who would ever want to go home?

Thank you, Rodger and Lesley for the scrumptious breakfasts on the back patio and the warm welcome in your home. We left refreshed!

Sally

Barcelona harbor



Book Review: Squeezing Good Out of Bad

Squeezing Good out of Bad

Ever have a sour day? James N. Watkins wrote the book on it! With his characteristic pun-filled humor, Jim Watkins has somehow managed to put a lemony twist on the serious side of life and called it, Squeezing Good Out of Bad.

Jim is an author and speaker, with over 2,000 articles published. His editorial work and lecturing have opened many doors, but his biggest qualifier for writing this book? “He’s felt the squeeze of cancer, unemployment, family crises, and chronic nose hair.”

The book promises to squeeze good out of those life-puckering problems and delivers with seasoned advice, the benefits of laughter and great perspective (“Is this truly a hand grenade or is it more in the category of a hangnail?”). I love the reminders (“We don’t need to take responsibility for the things that we had no control over.”) and action steps for working through topics of forgiveness, suffering and learning to let God have complete control.

“Squeezing Good Out of Bad” is an important addition to my library, because Jim has added so many seeds of truth. It is a reference book on those days when nothing is going right, and provides insight into the issue of pain. He says Romans 8:28-29 offers a clue: the Lord works all things for good, so that Jesus may be revealed in us.

Make time for this book and receive a dose of inspiration. It includes quotes from Flannery O’Connor, G.K. Chesterton, Cecil Murphy, Henri Nouwen, Philip Yancey, Brother Lawrence, Saint John of the Cross, Watchman Nee, Brennan Manning, and many more. It highlights the servanthood of Francine Rivers and recommends works of other authors. It is not some fluff piece of work, but one with depth and courage.

Need a recipe for those lemons? You’ve come to the right place!

Sally


Book Review: 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage by Kim Kimberling, PhD

7 secrets

What does it take to build a good marriage? Take that answer and multiply it by 7… 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage. The author, Kim Kimberling has over 30 years of experience counseling couples in distress. But he advocates in a climate of bad statistics to fight for marriage, against all odds. Dr. Kimberling draws from research, counseling and study, but he also references his own marriage and lessons learned from the difficulties of life. He says, “Take the risk. God meant for marriage to be awesome.”

What does it look like to fight for an awesome marriage? Kimberling tackles issues of selfishness, apathy and money. But he does so in a conversational tone that makes you feel like you’ve just met a friend for a cup of coffee. He uses examples to explain the concepts and brings challenges and practical exercises for spouses to work through together. The action steps are clear and easy to understand, but not necessarily easy to follow. And that is the hard work of fighting for your marriage.

The book, 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage broaches an important topic. With families falling apart, do we really want to add another divorce? Society says, “Maybe I didn’t marry the right person?”

Kimberling says, “Fight for your marriage and see what God will do.”

I really like Kimberling’s approach to writing. He doesn’t gloss over issues but validates the need to learn good communication skills that will show compassion, authenticity and empathy to your spouse. Even the best marriages can find room to improve the connection that creates intimacy in the daily responsibilities of work, family and commitments. I’m adding this book to my gift list, for newlyweds and marriage veterans, alike. When the secrets are applied, they will change the landscape of marriage!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”

Sally

I review for BookLook Bloggers