Category Archives: Reviews

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

Reviews

Book Review: Potiphar’s Wife

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Potiphar’s Wife

Potiphar’s Wife is the untold story of the woman who accused Joseph of rape. Looking at Joseph’s life through Zuleika’s eyes, we begin to see the backdrop of politics, people, and power struggles, and how they collide to ruin the lives of all caught in their path. Or, so we thought.

The author is no stranger to calamity. When Mesu was diagnosed with chronic illness, bedrest led to rest in God’s Word, and her love for writing biblical novels awakened. Now, “Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers.”

As one of her avid readers, I was immediately pulled into the story by envisioning the choppy sea and tasting the salty mist. Descriptions and dialogue convey surroundings and scenes in Zully’s story world, and I was drawn to the woman who was torn from her homeland in a time of crisis and despair.

Potiphar’s Wife tackles the age-old question of “Who does God favor?” His promise was made to Abraham’s seed, but what about the rest of us?

Mesu says she opened a hornet’s nest in researching Joseph, and research she did. Intricate details unlock the life he might have lived in Egypt. The story arc is one from her own imagination, but the tenants are true to both. Through the crises of living in times of war, to secrets inside the palace walls, Joseph’s growth continues to astound. The God of Truth Joseph knew is the same God who sees me and you. We can be confident He knows and He cares about every detail that concerns us.

Potiphar’s Wife is an excellent tool for better understanding of the Biblical narrative.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. 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.”

See more reviews of Mesu Andrews’ work:

ISAIAH’S LEGACY

OF FIRE AND LIONS

ISAIAH’S DAUGHTER

MIRIAM

Reviews, Writing

Book Review: Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold

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Published.

Do you want to be published? Chandler Bolt gives you the tools in his book, Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold. Actually, rather than feeling like you’re reading a long tome, it’s more like sitting down with your own manuscript coach. Chandler’s writing style comes across as a conversation loaded with practical tips. Chandler’s approach is “Let’s move away from getting your book done someday and have a discussion about making it happen now!”

“Chandler Bolt is the CEO of Self Publishing School and Selfpublishing.com, the author of six books, and the host of the Self Publishing School podcast. He believes that ‘Books Change Lives’ and has helped 6,000+ aspiring authors publish a book.”

Published promises:

  • How to write a quality book and save time in the process
  • How to produce a quality book on a budget
  • Proven launch strategies and marketing methods
  • How to sell books and get booked for speaking opportunities
  • Three ways to grow your business with a book

Published came through on fulfilling those promises by showing how to have a clear vision for your writing, providing a strategy for organizing words, and tackling limiting beliefs. Chandler says when you have an outline, you create your own GPS that will help you navigate the writing process. He not only shows you how to map out an outline, but to also use it to create your rough draft.

I like the down-to-earth way Chandler works through the nuts and bolts of putting together a book. Checklists and Next Steps provide clarity and ingenuity. From mind mapping your outline to marketing your finished product, Published gives you a sound vehicle to arrive at your destination. Chandler’s contagious enthusiasm makes you believe you can do it and want to tackle the work to make it happen.

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Holidays, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Scandal of Christmas

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The Scandal of Christmas

The Scandal of Christmas asks how we handle our difficulty to understand God’s ways when He doesn’t answer prayer. It’s one thing to praise God when things go as we desire, but what happens when God is silent?

Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. chose four unlikely personalities to highlight the weeks of Advent—the approach to Christmas. Teacher and then pastor for 19 years, Bill’s “command of the dictionary often stretches our understanding and challenges us to the depth of word meanings.”

Take a look at Zechariah. He remained faithful through years of service, but seemingly had no answers to his plea for an heir. Or, Joseph, an unlikely candidate whose story remains hidden in the shadows. What did he sacrifice for the young bride’s reputation? Obedience was the hallmark of his life.

Bill says Mary is not an object of our faith to be worshipped, but a pattern of faith to follow. “From confusion to amazement to surrender, she offered her willingness for whatever God wanted.”

And then, there’s Jesus—The One of mystery and revelation who defies all protocol.

Take a step back from Christmas this year to consider what it means to prepare for Christmas. Bill says God used ordinary people in the Christmas story to remind us we can do the exceptional to bring His message to a needy world. When we grant God access to our lives, He reminds us He has not forgotten about us, but remembers us and His word.

The Scandal of Christmas has great applications for our culture today, stunning illustrations from artist Dave O’Connell, and personal takeaways to implement. It will encourage you to use prayer as “a personal approach to an approachable God!”

I am giving away a copy of The Scandal of Christmas to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday, December 10. Tell me a tradition that draws you into Christmas. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of The Scandal of Christmas from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Family, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Farm to Film

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Farm to Film

In Farm to Film, the lens of an old camera provides a fun way to look at life on the farm. Author and illustrator, Hannah Miles Pierrou captures childlike wonder as she meanders through the barnyard.

Hannah Miles Pierrou is a lifestyle photographer, designer and artist. She views the world around her from a treehouse cabin in the Colorado foothills. “Hannah loves sharing the concept of capturing the beautiful creation found in everyday experiences. She utilizes her experience as an artist to expose her readers to various design elements such as detail, contrast, movement, composition, shape and rhythm.”

Step back in time to a simpler lifestyle, where there’s ample opportunity to visit the animals and explore the barn. Children of all ages will enjoy the lyrical storyline and pictures, stirring up the imagination in pursuit of the next image caught on film.

Virtues of family (at Pop and Gram’s farm), wonder (to view the world through the lens), and a sense of humor (the Alpaca eats with funny little teeth) lead the way. From A to Z, the animals play their part in farm life and the humans who tend them benefit with honey, milk and eggs.

pig https://www.instagram.com/p/CVehZXcsGtX/

I can’t wait to share Farm to Film with my grands. They’ll love the cow pies, splatters from the galloping horse, and the old truck in the muddy field. Truly, child’s delight!

I am giving away a copy of Farm to Film to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What is your favorite farm animal?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Black Friday, November 26. I can’t wait to hear about your barnyard friends!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. 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.”

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Faith, Family, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Growing Season

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The Growing Season by Sarah Philpott http://allamericanmom.net/

The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions didn’t make it a full year for me. Instead, I devoured Sarah Philpott’s anecdotes as fast as I could. Sarah describes farm life, calving season and adapting to challenges we face daily, whether we’re a farm gal or a city gal.

Sarah Philpott is the author of Loved Baby, a book I cherished on finding comfort in the midst of grief. She and her family live on a farm in Tennessee. Sarah finds life lessons in manure spreaders and mudcaked boots, and opens our eyes to the beauty of the fields beyond her window.

The Growing Season is broken into segments of seasons, following the cycle of life. Walk the furrows of the field with Sarah while you plant, cultivate, prune and meditate. Sarah starts with a recipe for hot cocoa (one of my go-to beverages), a challenge to tackle (I’m task oriented), and an invitation to look for the blessings in the mess of life (I need that perspective), and gives practical advice for every gal to “meet people where they are.” Farmer Perry even chimes in with tips for planting seeds, harvesting watermelons and chopping down a Christmas tree.

Farmer Perry Tip

Sarah says taking care of God’s land is holy work, and reminds us we are all stewards. Maybe not of a farm, like she and Perry, but “Stewards of our home. Stewards of our family. Stewards of God’s land. And most importantly, stewards of God’s Word.”

Sarah sees joy in the canvas of the farm horizon and says we can find it, too, when storms dot our landscape. She says, “We don’t always choose change—sometimes change chooses us… We know we can bounce back from anything when we walk with (God). In an ever-changing world, the one thing we can trust will never change is the great I Am.”

I’m loving this new book from Sarah Philpott and can’t wait to try out her recipes for Blackberry Cobbler, Fried Apple Pies, Honeybun Cake and more!

I am giving away a copy of The Growing Season to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What are you thankful for in this season of your life?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Sunday, November 7. I can’t wait to hear about your blessings!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. 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.”

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Reviews

Book Review: Book Proposals That $ell

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Book Proposals That $ell

Book Proposals That $ell brings a whole new understanding of the publishing world. From a look in the board room to a peek at an editor’s calendar, Terry Whalin shows why a book proposal is crucial to an author’s success. Terry says, “Nine out of ten nonfiction books are sold from a nonfiction book proposal.”

W. Terry Whalin is an acquisitions editor with Morgan James Publishing. His articles have appeared in more than 50 publications and he has authored more than 60 books. Terry has a website for writers of all genres called Right-Writing.com.

Terry wants authors to know the book proposal is a tool to sell a publisher on your manuscript. It also gives an editor ammunition to take to the Pub Board, lending passion to the pitch. Even if an author self-publishes, the book proposal serves as a “business plan and a roadmap for your book.”

I found the chain reaction account of a tardy book interesting. When an author is late turning in the manuscript, it backlogs editors, reviewers, sales forecasters and print runs.

Another eye-opening lesson is found in the spine of a book. When an author requests a spiral-bound book, they’re asking the publisher to give up prime real estate for marketing that book.

Book Proposals That $ell is a valuable resource for every writer, providing tips to catch an editor’s attention, secrets critical to success in marketing your book proposal, checklists for pitching the essence of your idea, and twelve maxims for any writer.

Terry admonishes us to “never lose the wonder of the opportunity,” and encourages authors to persist in the industry. “Every publisher is looking for new talent, and they need and want your book proposals.”

Do you want to be published? Then, first master the book proposal, and then partner with your publisher to launch your masterpiece into the world!

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author with no expectation in return.

Reviews

Book Review: Carmen’s Journey of Courage

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Carmen’s Journey of Courage

Carmen’s Journey of Courage takes you into the heart of Mexico City and mysterious family secrets. Carmen is a character who stays with you, long after the last page.

Susan K. Beatty is the mastermind behind the story, and the author of more in the Faces of Courage Series. “Susan is proof you can begin a writing career after age seventy,” and what a legacy that is proving to be. Susan’s books include House of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Isobel’s Mission of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Courage for Your Everyday Life: A Faces of Courage Flash Fiction Devotional, and Faces of Courage (Book One).

I like the way Susan uses conflict to bring out character flaws. It makes them more relatable in the issues they try to resolve. Carmen’s last interaction with her aunt took place when she was a teenager and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Yet, Carmen finds new layers to the person she thought she knew.

Carmen also struggles with being compared to her successful sisters, choosing to follow her own path in the military. We feel the anguish of never measuring up to her family’s expectations.

Carmen realizes through Mateo, her aunt’s maintenance man, gardener, and driver, that bitterness takes root like the weeds in a garden. It’s hard to get out and harder to forgive.

I enjoyed the story and the lessons intertwined within. Carmen’s Journey of Courage is a great read and keeps you riveted until the end. Susan Beatty is a master storyteller!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Used Cookie Sheets

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Used Cookie Sheets

What do used cookie sheets have in common with working at an upscale culinary shop? It all comes down to a valuable lesson in gratitude for Kendra, when old Mr. Vann shares pans from his own mother’s kitchen.

Author, Lori Lipsky knows her craft. She carries a story well and draws the reader into the narrative, like a scene from a storybook.

Lori says, “Stories make you feel. They transport you from your own life to another reality. Stories provide escape, make you think, and help you see from a new perspective.”

And, she’s right. The stories provide a peek into human behavior and sometimes mirror our own responses. When seen from another angle, they give pause to revisit how we interact with others.

Lori calls Used Cookie Sheets flash fiction spotlighting slivers of life. She says, “Short fiction is perfect for readers short on time, and that describes many of us these days.”

You’ll read about a match-making mom, a persistent mom, and the domino effect our actions have on those around us. Some stories are a few paragraphs, others are a few pages, but all create wonder at things we take for granted.

If you are short on time, but need a brief reprieve, grab Lori’s book, Used Cookie Sheets. You’ll be transported immediately!

I am giving away a copy of Used Cookie Sheets to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Saturday morning, August 7. Tell me about your favorite reading nook. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: An Anointed Mess

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An Anointed Mess

An Anointed Mess: life may feel topsy-turvy, but have you ever thought your disjointed chaos could be anointed? Karen Pennington does, and proceeds to help us discover the daily adventure of grace.

Karen Pennington is a podcaster, a writer, and involved in education and ministry. She is passionate about the Bible and teaching. Karen is a storyteller who will link arms with you to unveil “the divine drama of grace.”

Beginning with a great hook, Karen says, “The Bible is the world’s largest anthology of seriously messed up people.” After compiling a long list of dysfunctional characters, it’s easy to see we’re going to connect; we can all relate to things gone awry for people who struggled just like us. Karen promises our worst can “become a catalyst for experiencing God’s glory beyond our wildest dreams.”

Karen brings a fresh perspective to familiar stories. She says, “In the case of Adam and Eve, shame over their nakedness had little to do with their apparent lack of clothing. Rather, eating the fruit made them aware of the mess they had created. They covered the outside as an attempt to shield the inner brokenness. They masked their bodies in an attempt to hide their hearts.”

Another example is from the night Jacob wrestled with an angel. Karen says, “Jacob, the heal grasper, became Israel, the man who ‘struggles with God.’ That night he changed from a man who always grabbed for what belonged to others into a man who reached for that which God had longed to give him all along.”

I am reminded to let go of my illusion of control, and instead, submit to God’s design. “The Lord does not call us to do for God, but rather to be with God, to rest in our heavenly provider’s embrace, and to allow God to do through us. Everything that we do, say, and feel can come as an overflow of the empowerment of God’s embrace and the knowledge that God has things under control.”

When God seems far away, remember your “loving heavenly Father stands, invisible but not unseen, taking care of everything.”

I am giving away a copy of An Anointed Mess to one reader in the continental United States. I know you will love it because the personal illustrations connect you to an author who provides excellent background to Biblical examples. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Sunday night, July 11. Tell me a verse that endears you to God’s grace. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Interview with Athena Dean Holtz, on the “All Things Podcast.”

 

God enables us to see our break-downs as opportunities to experience His glory & grace. ~ Karen Pennington

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Words of Endearment

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Words of Endearment

Bill Coker has turned The Ten Commandments inside out, in his book, Words of Endearment. Bill says The Ten are a revelation of God’s love. Is that a new thought for you? It was for me.

Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. is the pastor behind the sermon. “Most of Bill’s ministry has been connected with teaching and pastoring. He served as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, and professor and dean at Asbury College (University). His pastoral ministry started in Louisiana, then Mississippi and Kentucky, and ended in Indiana at World Gospel Church as senior pastor for 19 years. He retired in 2008.”

Ann Coker, Bill’s wife, partnered to bring the sermons to life in written form. Also a writer of her own works, “Ann has written a companion book for John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, connecting Scripture and personal life.”

Words of Endearment promises to unveil God’s expression of love through

  • integrity, not perfection
  • healthy boundaries
  • relevant questions in society
  • developing social conscience
  • action steps

Words of Endearment brings context to The Ten Commandments as a revelation of who God is and has always been. As it unwraps the layers of meaning surrounding each commandment, it shows how the commandments link together and set the pattern for the new commandment of the Savior to come.

An interesting point, monotheism, or the worship of one God, began with Israel. All nations surrounding them were polytheistic, worshipping many gods. Israel needed guidelines to know how to approach a holy God. Bill says, “Where the first four words (commandments) direct our attention to God’s place in our lives, in our speech, and in our worship, the fifth word looks to the significance of the family. It would be easy to say the fifth word marks a break, but when we look at it more closely in terms of the first four words, we find a natural progression taking place.”

“The next set of commandments – thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal, thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not bear false witness, and thou shall not covet – all flow out of the relationship first established in the home.”

Bill says, “We do this… so our culture itself might survive.”

Words of Endearment presents an important look at how God provided a way for His people to deal with the fallenness of the human heart in order to thrive in the world He provided.

Written in conversational tone, Words of Endearment is a book you’ll love to dig into and savor. There are questions at the end of each chapter to help process the material, whether for personal reflection or group interaction, and the text will wash over you in a loving response to the message.

I am giving away a copy of Words of Endearment to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday, June 21. Tell me a verse that endears you to God’s love. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of Words of Endearment from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.