Playing By Heart

Playing By Heart

Author:  Anne Mateer

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

ISBN #:  0764210653

Pages:  320

Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer is a thoroughly enjoyable novel.  Ms. Mateer writes these characters and their world so beautifully and vividly that you cannot help but become engrossed in their world.  The story starts with Lula Bowman, a serious graduate student out to make her way in life.  Her plans however become interrupted by a family tragedy and she must move back to her hometown to help her family.  Back in her hometown, she is offered a job teaching music, which she isn’t happy about at first.  Lula goes through many challenges and her faith in God, determination, and tenacity in meeting these challenges I find endears that character more to the reader.

I really enjoyed this book.  Anne Mateer has a gift for writing such complete characters.  I definitely recommend this book to everyone who love a good fiction read.

Happy Reading!

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

The Hardest Peace

The Hardest Peace:  Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard

Author:  Kara Tippetts

Publisher:   David C. Cook Publishing

ISBN #:  9780781412155

Pages:  183

This book is an open and honest look into getting through the difficult times in life.  This is Kara Tippetts story of her diagnosis of cancer and the days and months since.  She writes with heartbreaking honesty about her most difficult hard and the struggles she faces each day.  Throughout reading I found Kara Tippetts bravery and strength an inspiration.  However, most notable and inspiring to me is the faith and trust she possesses in the Lord and the belief she emanates to the world that God is good through all moments in life.  The message of faith and dependency on the Lord through all things and moments is a message she sends to all of her readers.  Through sharing her thoughts and struggles with her readers, Mrs. Tippetts has shown that despite the many hard moments we face in life, God is always faithful. 

I found Kara Tippetts story to be very poignant and touching.  Her faith in the Lord jumps off the page and into your heart; her story will forever stay with me. 

Feel free to comment below if you have read this book and have any thoughts on it.

Happy Reading!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Answering Your Kids’ Toughest Questions:  Helping Them Understand Loss, Sin, Tragedies, and Other Hard Topics

Authors:  Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

ISBN #:  0764211870      

Pages:  176

Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson wrote this book with the goal of helping every parent answer some of the tough questions children could ask.  The range of questions the authors’ explore are death, sin, divorce, and the explanation of difficult Bible stories.  What I found helpful is that the explanations were divided by age groups.  The authors wrote helpful scripts designed to aid parents explain these topics to children.

In my opinion, I think this book can be really helpful for parents.  I found the scripts used appropriate language for each stage of child development and serves as a great example on how to conduct these types of conversations with children.  I also find that this book is also very practical and relevant for types of questions children ask today.

Feel free to comment if you would like to share any thoughts on this book.

Happy Reading!

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

The Beloved Daughter

The Beloved Daughter

Author:  Alana Terry

Publisher:  Potter Works Publishing

ISBN #:  1941735002

Pages:  234

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry is beautifully told from the very first word.  This story truly took me in and took me on a heartbreaking story of faith and perseverance.  The story revolves around Chung-Cha in North Korea, during a time of Christian persecution.  From the beginning, the reader is consumed by the situations that occur to a very young Chung-Cha and transgresses into her adulthood.

I will say that Alana Terry does a wonderful job in writing a story so involving with vivid characters that it does not let you go long after the last page has been read.  Keep a box of Kleenex close by because tears will definitely fall as you read this story.  It is a story that illustrates how the love and strength of God sustains us in everything we go through in life. 

I highly recommend this book; you will not be disappointed.  Alana Terry has a true gift in telling stories that will leave a lasting impression.

I would love to hear from you if you have read this book or if there are any other Alana Terry’s books you can recommend. 

Happy Reading!

Note:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

CD Review - Manic Drive - VIP album

CD Review:  Manic Drive – VIP

I was pleasantly surprised that I had the opportunity to review music this month from FlyBy Promotions and to bring you my review of this album.

I have known of Manic Drive for quite some time and they are a very talented Christian pop group that sings uplifting songs.  Their current album VIP is no exception to what I’ve heard from them in the past.  Most of the songs on this album are upbeat and this is illustrated by the very first song “Electric.”  The lyrics are uplifting and very heartfelt.  The group sings beautifully and the songs are so catchy I believe you will be singing them all day long.  

I would highly recommend this album to everyone.  I believe you will enjoy it! 

Please feel free to leave a comment if you’re a fan of Manic Drive or of your opinion of their latest album. 

Happy Listening!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Their Name Is Today

Their Name Is Today:  Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World

Author:  Johann Christoph Arnold

Publisher:  Plough Publishing House

ISBN #:  0874866308

Pages:  189

Johann Christoph Arnold writes with such passion about how the world treats children poorly and truly brings awareness to this fact.  Mr. Arnold illustrates his opinion on how children should be guided.  He gives examples of how he raised and taught his children which I felt really showed that he was really speaking from a true parental perspective.  Mr. Arnold truly has a heart for children and it is conveyed in how he writes on this topic.

I would recommend this book to individuals who are interested in raising awareness of issues that are affecting the children in our society and reading about a parent’s perspective on raising children.  Mr. Arnold makes many great points about the areas in which children are at risk and I admired his telling of the style of parenting both he and his wife chose in order to foster an environment that put his children first.

Please comment below if you have read this book or having any thoughts on the topic of this book; I would love to read what you think.

Happy Reading! 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Want To Change The World?

Overrated:  Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World?

Author:  Eugene Cho

Publisher:  David C. Cook

ISBN #:  078141112

Pages:  240

Eugene Cho asks a very pertinent question:  Are we more in love with the idea of changing the world than actually taking the steps to change the world?  I can say that I was very intrigued by this question.  With truth and humor, Eugene Cho challenges his audience to ask the hard questions such as why they want to change the world and what’s their motivation?  He also makes a point in addressing the 140 character dilemma; not everything can be explored or communicated in 140 characters or less.  He challenges us to dig deeper instead of going on the little bits of information we can gather; really learn about your passion.  Mr. Cho calls this book his confession and he does write with sincerity and raw truth, sharing his experiences with all of us.

I can honestly say that after putting down Mr. Cho’s book, I found myself in serious introspection.  Mr. Cho really challenges all of us think before we put anything in action and to seek God in all that we do.

I recommend this book to everyone.  I think you will find yourself to be changed in a great way.

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

Happy Reading!

Note:  In accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising: I received a copy of this book from Propeller Consulting, LLC in exchange for a honest review.