If My Husband (Review)

This review is for the book "If My Husband Would Change, I'd be Happy" by Rhonda Stoppe. Obviously the title of this book is very eye-catching! I knew I was going to like this book because I think we have all been sucked into the mindset that if our spouse would change, we would be happier. This is a great book which mainly focuses on Rhonda's viewpoint, but every chapter includes a bit from her husband Steve, and his outlook on the different topics throughout the book.

Each chapter talks about a different aspect of marriage, such as respecting one another, feeling like you would be happier being married to someone else, or finances. Rhonda uses scripture and real-life experiences to guide us on a path that is godly and God-honoring. At the end of each chapter is a section called "Thinking It Through" which has scripture references and questions about those scriptures that make you think deeper about the theme of the chapter. There is also a section called "Living it Out" which can help you put things into practice that you need to change. Rhonda also has a website that she encourages readers to go to for extra video or audio links.

This book is an easy read and it will really help you self-reflect. Rhonda asks simple questions throughout the chapters that made me really think as I answered them on my own. I chuckled as I read some portions of the book and recognized myself in horror in other portions! I think this is a great book for wives to read and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Dwelling Places (Review)

This review is for the book "Dwelling Places" by Lucinda Secrest McDowell. In this book, McDowell searches out ways for us to settle down and dwell in a place of calmness and serenity, rather than busyness and noise. The devotions are short and refreshing. The book is split into the four seasons, and each devotion has a theme, such as "called", "fear", or "listens". There is a scripture, and then a short devotion, and each one ends in a short paragraph from God's perspective. The devotions are real-life situations and stories or they go more in depth on scripture. They are down to earth and easy to relate to. I really enjoyed these devotions and highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Like a River (Review)

This review is for the book "Like a River From Its Course" by Kelli Stuart. When I first began this book, I will admit that I was hesitant. The fictional story follows the invasion of the Soviet Union by Adolf Hitler, and from the perspective of four different people. I was hesitant about the book because I am not much for historical fiction typically, and when a story is told from several perspectives I tend to get mixed up.

This book made me hungry to keep reading. I never got confused about the families or situations in the novel. I couldn't wait to see how the stories intertwined in the end. I was enraptured, angered, sad, emotional... this novel will bring out every feeling you have. The realistic vibe of the characters and knowing that although this particular scenario did not take place - it is probably quite similar to what people were going through - it is a lot to take in. But powerful, and encouraging as well, and you will see the strength that people had to have, and the faith they grew in.

I loved this novel. I have already recommended it to others and I feel that it is a worthwhile read. It will suck you in and be one of those books that you stay up reading way past your bedtime.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

The Atonement (Review)

This review is for the book "The Atonement" by Beverly Lewis. This is one of Beverly Lewis' standalone novels. I believe most people are probably familiar with Lewis as an author. I have always enjoyed her Amish fiction, and this book did not disappoint me.

In this book, Lucy Flaud is twenty-five and assumes that she will always live the life of a single woman due to past mistakes. She spends most of her time volunteering as a penance. Once her father strikes up a friendship with an English man who starts coming around the house, Lucy starts thinking about her past, and her relationship with God and others. She is able to talk to her friend Tobe, who has always been there for her, and start coming to grips with her past as well as God's forgiveness.

Another beautiful story by Lewis that focuses on family and God's grace. A great read that will leave you feeling good.

Thank you to Bethany House for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Dressed For Death (Review)

This review is for the book "Dressed for Death" by Julianna Deering. This is the third book I have read by Julianna Deering and they have all been part of the series involving Drew Fathering. Drew is one of those guys who doesn't necessarily TRY to get involved in crime-solving, but he can't exactly help it when crimes happen around him and he's really good at figuring out the answers.

I love the characters in these novels. Readers can easily read any of the books as standalone novels, but I have watched Drew and Madeline meet, fall in love and now I see them in their married life. I enjoy following the journey of characters in series. In this novel, the Fartherings arrive at a house party, but a few things feel "off". When people start dying and being arrested, Drew and his friend Nick begin their own investigation - not without a few bumps in the road, either.

If you love a good British mystery novel you will enjoy these. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Thank you to Bethany House for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Hidden Agendas (Review)

This review is for the book "Hidden Agendas" by Steve Brown. Every so often - very rarely - I come across an author who makes me want to literally jump up and down for joy because he is so REAL. I mean, this entire book is about dropping the mask and how to stop being so phony, so if Brown didn't write in such a transparent way, he would be a total hypocrite. I totally "get" Steve Brown. When he said that he KNOWS it's all about God, but it's hard to remember the part that it's NOT all about me - I GOT THAT. When he said that we're afraid to drop the mask because we don't want others to reject us - YES, got it. When he talks about our self-righteousness, and how we feel like we need to know all the answers, and how we sometimes forget how forgiven and loved we are.

This book made me laugh, it made me nod my head in agreement, it made me grin, and it made me want to take my mask off a little bit more. I loved it. I think everyone should read this book. This book is going on my bookshelf, and that is rare. I can't wait to recommend it to everyone I know, and read more books by Steve Brown in the future.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't Go To Bed Angry (Review)

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This review is for the book "Don't Go to Bed Angry" by Deb and Ron DeArmond. I loved this book. The authors begin by explaining that arguing or disagreeing is a fact of life in a marriage, but you should be following some rules. The authors spend the rest of the book discussing the things you have to figure out when fighting in a marriage - burdens (how conflict creates burdens), baggage (our "stuff" from our past), bridges (being able to bring a conversation back to a constructive mode), barriers (our personality and behaviors), boundaries (replacing negative patterns of behavior with positive actions) and blessings (walking in alignment).

Each chapter goes in depth on these topics and ends with a section called "Put on the Gloves!" This is a section that both spouses can complete. There are questions to answer individually and then come together and discuss them, as well as other questions that should lead to a discussion, and then scripture that should also lead to a discussion. You also should be writing down new discoveries about yourself and your spouse, and then there is a prayer you can read after each chapter.

I loved this book. It is honest, it is realistic, and it is a great read. I think it is an awesome book for couples to read in order to gain a better understanding of how to fight - scripturally! We're human, and we're going to argue, so the best thing we can do is figure out how to love each other through the arguments and most of all, keep the focus on God.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Love in the Face of ISIS (Review)

This review is for the book "Love in the Face of ISIS" by Lorraine Marie Varela. This book contains seven prayer strategies for the crisis in the Middle East, and it is awesome information that you can transfer to any situation. Varela gives readers the background of ISIS and how it came to be in a clear, concise introduction. In the rest of the book she gives multiple examples of how people used prayer to effectively defeat enemies in the Bible. She discusses how to pray in order to release the presence of God, the armies of God, the protection of God, perseverance for the people of God, the provision of God, the healing of God, and the peace of God. She puts scripture and biblical stories into each chapter, but she also weaves stories of ISIS in so that you can see what effect ISIS has on people all over the world.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good read that I easily understood and it is really useful, especially for the times we are in right now.

Thank you to Chosen Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Come With Me (Review)

This review is for the book "Come With Me" by Suzanne Eller. I have always enjoyed Proverbs 31 author and speak Suzanne Eller, and this is another book filled with great advice and encouragement.

In this book, Eller shows us how to follow Jesus and stretch ourselves. The book is filled with points from scripture that are encouraging but show our need to step out and follow Jesus with no reservations. Each chapter also has little notes from the author that I would describe as excerpts from her journal, as well as a section called "Taking It Deeper" which includes extra scripture and discussion questions. There is also a short prayer at the end of each chapter, and a section called "Living As a Disciple" which shows action steps we can take that apply to the chapter.

Eller continues to be an author who is relatable and easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and learned several things from reading it. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Bethany House for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.