More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong

Is a “bucket list” just a “to do” list before you die?  It doesn't have to be JUST that.  More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong speaks to what it’s like to live an abundant life; a life filled with adventure, humor, spontaneity, and personal growth. This book is filled with creative ways to challenge you to live a more faithful and fulfilling life.    

I like the way the book is physically designed.  Its smaller square shape feels good in my hands.  It’s small enough to travel with you but it could also be a conversation starter on your coffee table.

The range of ideas for your bucket list include: be ok with a nothing day, visit the locations of some of your favorite movies, make amends, live complaint-free for 30 days, and make a pie from scratch. My current favorite is “kiss your sweetheart under a waterfall in Hawaii” … why not? If you are stuck in a runt, feeling unfulfilled or predictable, take a chance and think outside the box by filling up your bucket.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain

I love Southern cooking.  It means comfort food to me.  The Southern Foodie by Chris Chamberlain combines two of my favorite things … home cooking and exploring new restaurants that serve delicious food.  The recipes in this book come from 13 different states and draw from some of the best food establishments in the South. 

This recipe book is unique.  It has recipes of course, but it also has interesting facts about each restaurant including comments on the atmosphere, specialties, and insider tips.  It can be used as a food travel guide.  The bonus is that you also get to cook these tried and true recipes in your own kitchen.

This is more than just a cookbook.  I love to travel, so I can see myself seeking out some of these restaurants to have a firsthand experience; ordering the food I recreated in my own kitchen. Now stop reading my review, get the book and start cooking … or if you prefer, it’s time for a foodie road trip! 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Song of the Brokenhearted

Song of the Brokenhearted by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma is an entertaining read, but a bit predictable and uninspiring.  As the reader, it didn’t bring out the emotion in me that I had hoped for.  I felt a bit unmoved and unchallenged.

The storyline addresses the question of how do we trust God when unpredictable things happen in our seemingly perfect life.  Ava and her family encounter money troubles, a called off wedding, and a disappointing choice by a high school age son.  The problem with the book is that I feel the ups and downs that Ava and her family encounter are kind of watered down.  The reaction of the parents when their son fails a drug test did not seem authentic to me.   

My family has personally faced some dramatic challenges.  As a woman of faith, I have had moments of questioning God, asking for strength during times of brokenness; desperately looking for God to lean on Him during the turmoil.  This novel did not tap into those feelings and God’s promise of “I will not leave you or forsake you”.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Choice by Robert Whitlow

The Choice by Robert Whitlow is a novel that I didn’t want to put down.  The storyline took some interesting turns and kept me turning the pages.  The book included some controversial topics such as teen pregnancy, adoption, and abortion without being “judgmental” or preachy.  It was refreshing to hear a solid argument for adoption as a choice.   

The reader will enjoy getting to know the personalities of the characters within the pages of this book.  The sign of a good book is when it brings out emotions in the reader; empathy, joy, sadness, etc.  and I found this to be true for me.  I definitely recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Mondays with My Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo

I enjoyed reading Mondays with My Old Pastor by José Luis Navajo.  I found the book to be inspiring.  The book reveals intimate moments between the writer and his aging/dying pastor during his weekly visits.  The baton is being passed from one “man of God” to another.  I believe we need to place a more deliberate focus on the wisdom of our elders.  This book beautifully portrays that concept and the great commission found in Matthew 28 ... to go and make Disciples of all nations.

The reader will enjoy the many stories told by the old pastor.  These stories feel much like the parables found in the New Testament that Jesus told.  One specific lessons deals with writing the names of those who have offended you down so you can pray specifically for “your enemies”.  This type of forgiveness can change the world.

I work in a large Methodist church.  I found that many of the stories told and lessons learned apply to all who desire to serve God.  This book is not just useful to inspire local pastors who might be discouraged.  It is also a challenge to all of us to be Disciples of God.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickman

Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickem was a wonderful, thought provoking, and even sometimes emotional book for me to read. This book explores the question I have often pondered … Why was Mary chosen to be the mother of Jesus?  We read about the extraordinary qualities that Mary had.  Qualities that equipped her to be the mother that Jesus needed her to be.  Mary mothered a young child, a teenager, and a grown man.  When we study the qualities that Mary had as a mother, we can begin to understand what we need to be to our own children. 

Within Mary’s nature existed many of the same challenges mothers of today face.  She felt fear, questioning, helplessness, and must have been overwhelmed.  The wonderful thing is that she knew what to do with those challenges.  She sought support from other women, had great faith, had a spirit of praise, faced the unknown, took time to ponder, obeyed, let go, prayed, and trusted God.

As a mother of two adult children (college age now) this book challenged me to think about “motherhood” in a whole new way.  Our children are not entrusted to us to meet the expectations we have for them, but instead we are asked to parent them so they can reach the full potential that God has placed within them. I don’t often say this, but I plan to read Heaven in Her Arms again.  There were so many moments in the book that challenged and moved me.  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

Here’s Lily! by Nancy Rue is a well developed pre-teen book for young girls struggling with self-esteem and bullying issues.  Lily is an endearing sixth-grader who hasn’t quite embraced her bright red hair or grown into her lanky body.  It sure doesn’t help to be surrounded by her nemesis, Shad, and his buddies who seem to enjoy making Lily’s life miserable. Even at home, Lily has to put up with her brothers constantly teasing her.

Lily is noticed by Kathleen, a woman who invites her to join her modeling class.  Lily’s encounter with Kathleen seems to be the confidence builder she needs. Lily and her friends Reni, Suzy, and Zooey form the “Girlz Only Group” to empower each of them to make the best of what they have in the hopes of warding off Shad’s insults. I liked this aspect of the book; the belief that you give your own power away when you allow people’s negative comments to affect you. Sometimes the best defense is to just be true to who you are; many adults can even benefit from that lesson.

The characters are endearing and engaging.  The storyline keeps you wondering what will happen next.  The references to “God” and “prayer” are present in the book, but I found myself wishing for a stronger Christian role model.  It was frustrating to me that it seemed the parents were minimizing the teasing Lily took from her own brothers.  I just think “home” needs to be a safe place.  There are way too many other people willing to poke fun … it should not be tolerated in the home.  It is a “realistic” view of what happens in most homes; however, I wanted the mom or dad to take a stronger stance against the “sibling” teasing.

The story takes a turn near the end; just before the big fashion show.  Lily is responsible for a serious injury that happens to her father.  This could be a bit too much for some young readers. The family pulls together and it has a strong, positive resolution, but it could be troubling to some sensitive young readers.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler

Talk about perfect timing!  I was just talking to my family about how I want to be more adventuresome in my summer grilling and Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler came along.  It has been a joy to look through this beautifully designed hardcover cookbook.  I love to cook, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and cook the same tried and true recipes.  Now I have a whole new palate to work from.

This recipe book is filled with mouth-watering photographs of the food creations I’m about to make.  Those visuals inspire me to cook.  I also like the features at the bottom of the recipes that denote things such as: cooking tips, do-ahead, variations, marinate, suggested sides, and grill pan.  The grill pan symbol lets you know which recipes can easily be made indoors on a grill pan.

To peak your interest, here is an Italian inspired four course meal I designed for you to try from the book: Grilled Tomato and Vidalia Onion Bruschetta, Prosciutto and Fontina Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Panzenella Salad, ending with Café au Lait Granita.  Delizioso!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Stand By Me by Neta Jackson

Stand by Me by Neta Jackson is a story about two women who are different from each other in many ways: age, race, maturity in Christ, marital status, and life experience.  These two women don’t always feel at ease with each other and might even feel annoyed or frustrated at times.  As the story unfolds, the author peels back the complex layers within each of these women.  In the end, we find out how much they really need each other.  It becomes clear that God has been orchestrating events all along.

The author touches on the controversial topics of racial prejudice and even spousal abuse.  I felt the author just touched on the edges of these issues and perhaps did them a disservice by not delving deeper.  

I enjoyed reading this novel.  It was a bit slow at first.  My interest in the story line picked up in the last ten chapters of the book.  It was a satisfying conclusion.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott is a lovely coming of age story.  There are historical references to a time when real people with integrity helped fellow human beings under dangerous circumstances; the Underground Railroad.  The author does a wonderful job providing the reader with a glimpse into what it means to be courageous.

The story unfolds layer by layer and is a good mix of adventure and love.  The author does a wonderful job introducing us to the day to day lives of those living in Westerville, Ohio.  You feel you have been transported to a different place and time.

I enjoyed reading this novel.  It touched my heart and left me wishing for more.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Real Marriage the Truth about Sex, Friendship & Life Together

Real Marriage the Truth about Sex, Friendship & Life Together is written by Mark and Grace Driscoll.  My husband and I have been married for 26 years and I was looking forward to reading what this book had to say about marriage.  I was hoping it could be something we could read together, discuss, and grow as a loving couple.  Unfortunately, I did not find the book to be very cohesive in the way it is presented.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some nuggets of wisdom, but it is a bit all over the place.

I found Chapter 2, “Friend with Benefits” to be helpful; discussing the importance of friendship in a healthy marriage.  Chapter 4, “The Respectful Wife” seems to be the only complete chapter penned by Grace Driscoll.  I found this to be the most cohesive, well written chapter.

My biggest complaint is that the “style” of the book is disjointed chapter to chapter.  The chapters vary so much in style; some are very personal (which made it un-relatable to me) while others are factual with cold statistics; not leaving much room for discussion or dialogue.

I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on Chapter 10 “Can We __?”  since I’ve heard that it is drawing some controversy. As a mature woman, I was not shocked by it, but I also didn’t find it helpful.  In this chapter, they answer the questions “Is it lawful?”, “Is it helpful?”, “Is it enslaving?” when discussing various sexual acts.  In a healthy marriage, this chapter is unnecessary; in an unhealthy marriage, this chapter can be used to “argue the point” for doing something that one spouse might be uncomfortable with.  The intention of the writer is for the couple to “prayerfully discuss what they would like to do and not do”, but I still fear that it could be used to put undue pressure on an unwilling spouse.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.