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  There are historical references to a time when real people with integrity helped fellow human beings under dangerous circumstances; the Underground Railroad.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.

Book Review: An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long

 An Amish Wedding is unique in that it is written by not one, but three authors; Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long.  The book is divided into three Amish Novellas entitled A Perfect Secret, A Perfect Match, and A Perfect Plan.  The reader has an opportunity to peek into the unique lifestyle of the Old Order Amish Community.

As I got to know the female characters that are woven within the book, Priscilla, Naomi, and Rose, I find myself discovering that the themes of love, relationship, family, and God’s will in our lives are not exclusive to the Amish community alone.  It is a human theme.

The book has a glossary at the beginning of the book with words and phrases to help educate the reader.   One example is the phrase “Derr Herr” for God and “appeditlich” for delicious.  Speaking of delicious, there are a few Amish recipes at the close of the book.  Who wouldn’t want to bake Amish Blueberry Cobbler or comfort food called Underground Ham.

If you are in the mood for a sweet love story with a glimpse into a different lifestyle, then you will enjoy An Amish Wedding.  This book allows the reader to appreciate how similar we really are as human beings who long for love, strong family ties, and the ability to trust in God’s plan for our lives

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: When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

I enjoyed reading When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado.  The author has successfully taken God’s teachings, personalized them, and made them relevant to today’s readers.  The words flow on the page with an ease that is felt by the reader.  Max Lucado is masterful at retelling Biblical truths that will inspire, comfort, and challenge you.

The book is divided into three sections, yet each chapter stands alone.  The first section speaks to the fact that God works in our lives, the second section teaches us that God is with us in our brokenness, and the last section challenges us to see the unseen and look to a time when we will be in God’s presence.   There is a discussion guide at the back of the book.  The guide lists “Points to Ponder” and “Wisdom from the Word” for each chapter.  This allows the book to be transformed from a personal devotional to a small group study.

I found this to be a good book to take along with me; to steal away and read during a free moment in my otherwise busy day. The author’s words flow effortlessly as he reintroduces us to Biblical notables like Moses, Gabriel, Philip, Joseph, and King Josiah.  I believe that if we are quiet, if we take time to slow down enough, we receive the blessing of hearing God speak to us in a still small voice.  This book helps us to live into that truth; while remembering that God loves each one of us and knows us by name.

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: Where Has Oprah Taken Us? by Stephen Mansfield

Oprah is a name known by most Americans.  Who hasn’t watched the Oprah show at some time in their lives?  I have enjoyed and learned from some of her show topics and have disagreed with others.   I was looking forward to reading Where Has Oprah Taken Us?  by Stephen Mansfield.  I was curious to find out more about Oprah’s faith journey and learn more about what she personally believes.  Instead, I found this book was filled with unnecessary comments about the promiscuity of her younger years and other scandalous comments.  The book attempts to blame Oprah for leading Christians astray on their faith journey.  I find it odd to blame a celebrity for others short comings. If you are strong in your faith, you are able to listen to the ideas and beliefs of others with acceptance even when they might not worship in the same way you do.  This should not shake your faith, but strengthen it.

I found this book was overflowing with footnotes.  Chapter Two had a whopping 64 footnotes with Chapter Four winning the grand prize with a total of 103 footnotes.  It’s hard to respect an author when he spends most of the pages referencing passages from books that were written by other authors. 

In the introduction of the book, the author tells the reader that there will be sections in the book when he will speak from his personal point of view.  He acknowledges that these biased comments will be set off with italics.  I found these sections to be too “soap box” in nature for my taste.

I would not recommend this book.  Instead, I would recommend that if you disagree with Oprah’s faith practices, you pray for her; that God would reveal His love to her.  I am a Christian who worships God.  I don’t worship Oprah or any other celebrity so why would I be threatened by her belief system.  

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: Hermie a common caterpillar by Max Lucado

Let me begin by saying that I’m a mom of two children who are now in college.  So I have read many, many children’s books over the years. From the time we brought our babies home from the hospital, they were surrounded by books.  When they behaved appropriately in the grocery store, they were rewarded with a trip to the library.   Hermie a common caterpillar by Max Lucado gives parents an opportunity to develop the love of reading in their children along with teaching them that God loves them, unconditionally and as they are.  That’s a winning combination. It has been a joy to have the opportunity to read and review Hermie a common caterpillar by Max Lucado.  This book is developed for early readers and is part of the Hermie & Friends series.  

The storyline centers around a caterpillar named Hermie and his friend, Wormie.  Hermie is ordinary.  He isn’t visually flashy; no spots or stripes like some caterpillars have.  Hermie talks to God and wonders why God has made him so common.  He isn’t strong like Antonio the ant, or pretty like Lucy the ladybug.  Hermie talks to God and God tells Hermie that He loves him just the way he is and He isn’t finished with him yet.

The book is endearing.  It teaches lessons about friendship, acceptance, prayer, and transformation.  The characters are loveable and the illustrations are appealing.  We get to see the growth in Hermie as the story progresses.  After his transformation into a butterfly, Hermie understands that God has made him special; both inside and out.  I love that Wormie is part of the story; a friend who feels the same way as Hermie feels.  They are not alone, and have each other. 

I think this book would be a great addition to a home library.  On a practical note, the pages of the book are thick, slightly shiny, and good quality.  The colors in the illustrations are vibrant.  The characters are loveable and it left me wanting to learn more lessons from Hermie.

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.