Life: The Almost Amish Way

Almost Amish:  One Woman's Quest For A Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life

Author:  Nancy Sleeth
Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN #:  9781414326993
Pages:  288

Ever wanted to take a closer look at the way in which the Amish live?  Nancy Sleeth will give you a look inside the traditions and ways in which the Amish live their lives for God.  She also gives tips on how these Amish ways of living can be incorporated into our own lives creating a much simpler living for us.

This book was very informative and insightful.  Some subjects covered are home life, nature, finances, technology, and service.  Mrs. Sleeth gives background on the Amish way of living and how it has been incorporated into the life of herself and her family.  It was helpful to read how the author integrated the principles of the Amish into her life.  While reading this book I became very aware of some of my own daily habits and decided to make changes of my own.  There is also a surprise at the end of the book:  Amish recipes for you to try!  While I have not tried any yet, I am looking forward to doing so.   

If you have ever wanted to live a simpler way of life or learn more about Amish ways, you should pick up this book.  It was a good read, filled with practical tips on how to achieve a simpler life centered on the Lord.

Feel free to comment below if you have read this book; I would love to know your thoughts.

Happy Reading!  J

Note:  I have received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review.

Want to Experience an Exceptional Life?

The Exceptional Life:  8 Powerful Steps To Experiencing 

God's Best For You

By:  Stephen Arterburn

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers
ISBN #:  0764204254
Pages:  224

Author and Christian counselor Stephen Arterburn addresses exactly that in his book, The Exceptional Life:  8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God’s Best for You.  Mr. Arterburn addresses eight areas in which individuals have struggled with that could hinder the plan that God has for our lives.  With humor, Scripture, and real life stories from individuals whom he has counseled, Mr Arterburn discusses guilt and shame, resentment, fear, anger, instant gratification, helplessness, isolation, and addiction.  He also discusses how we can overcome these circumstances and live the life God truly intended us to have.

What really struck me about this book was that I could really hear the voice of Stephen Arterburn within its pages.  The book reads like a conversation that the author is having with the reader.  The language is very personable, which may makes it easier for the reader to surrender themselves to the difficult topics discussed.  The questions at the end of each chapter really allow the reader to explore each topic as it relates to them. 

In sum, I would recommend this book.  Comment below if you have read this book; I would like to know your thoughts.

Happy Reading!  J     

Note: I have received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review.

Fearless Book Trailer

Good evening everyone!  I just wanted to share with you a book trailer I just viewed.  The book is called Fearless by Eric Blehm.  It's the true story of a courageous man of faith and what he did for our country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_L8ca7AKEA

 Check the video and let me know what you think!

A Past Revisited

Mercy Come Morning

By:  Lisa Tawn Bergren

Publisher:  WaterBrook Press 

ISBN #: 0307730107

Pages:  240

Lisa Tawn Bergren pens a story of a young woman, Krista, and her relationship with her mother, Charlotte, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.  It is obvious from the beginning of the novel that Krista does not have a close relationship with her mother.  Krista seems very resigned towards her mother and holds much against her.  When she finds out that her mother is close to going home to heaven, Krista makes the reluctant trip to her hometown.  The author proceeds to unravel the mystery behind Krista’s feelings toward her mother as well as allow the audience to follow Krista’s journey into discovering who her mother really was.  Along this journey, you will meet a couple of characters that I found truly endearing, Dane, a childhood friend and beau, and Elena, a confidante and friend.  Christmas is a major theme in this story as it is set as the time of year in which the story takes place.    

This novel is about forgiveness, healing, and relationships.  The story is a bit fast-paced; however, it is still a wonderful read with a great message.

In the comments below, feel free to leave a message on your thoughts on this novel.

Happy Reading  J 

Note:  I have received a free copy of this book from Multnomah Books in exchange for a review.

Craving God!

Made to Crave:  Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food

By:  Lysa TerKeurst

Publisher:  Zondervan

ISBN #:  9780310293262
Pages:  218

Made to Crave is a book that was written to the heart of women who are on the journey of weight loss.  However, this is not your typical weight loss book.  Mrs. TerKeurst writes realistically about the struggles we go through that may cause us to crave the wrong foods and develop unhealthy habits.  The overall message is to develop a closer relationship to God, not the foods that we consume. 

As you journey through this book, you do get the sense that the author has been exactly where you have or are in.  She writes bits and pieces of her own journey throughout each chapter, which I found to be insightful and comforting.  Mrs. TerKeurst writes with honesty along with Scripture that will encourage and enlighten you to the purpose that God has for our lives. 

This book is a great read.  Let me know what you in the comments below.

Happy Reading!  J

Carolina Calling!!

Restless in Carolina
by:  Tamara Leigh

Publisher:  Multnomah Books
ISBN #:  9781601421685
Pages:  352

Restless in Carolina is the third book in a series called Southern Discomfort.  I will start by saying that you do not necessarily need to read the first two books in the series in order to read this one.  I have yet to read, these first two books, but I can say that they are definitely on my list to pick up.  The reason for this is because of my general curiosity into more depth into this endearing cast of characters. 

This third installment of the Southern Discomfort series tells the story of one of the Pickwick family members, Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan.  Bridget is a very colorful and relatable character.  Her struggles are very real; grieving and healing from the loss of her husband, and coming to terms with happy endings.

This book is highly recommended.  It will make you laugh along with its quirky village of characters and route for them as well.  Tamara Leigh knows how to make characters that are relatable and weave a story that keeps you guessing in between laughter and struggle.    

Feel free to comment below if you have read this wonderful book!

Happy Reading!  J 

Note:  I have received a free copy of this book from Multnomah Books in exchange for a review.