From the Library of A.W. Tozer by James Stuart Bell

From the Library of A. W. Tozer: Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey by James Stuart Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Over the past two years I have developed an appreciation for the writings of "the dead guys" as a well known speaker affectionately refers to them. The writings of men like D.L. Moody, C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther and others are such an amazing encouragement to me. However, in all honesty, I find myself struggling to read an entire volume by them in my demanding, fast pace life when I have other books waiting to be read that are a easier reads. So imagine my excitement at a book that contains shorter excerpts of their works!

This beautiful book - From the Library of A.W. Tozer - is a compilation of one to three page selections of the writers who influenced the spiritual life of A.W. Tozer. The book is broken into topical chapters with many small portions within each chapter. It's the perfect book to leave on the coffee table and read a page or two a day. It is also a fabulous way for those of us who don't have the self discipline to read an entire work from one of these men of faith to enjoy small bits at a time. Rather than own multiple books you may never finish or use, this is a book you most likely will pick up again and again.

I enjoyed this book for the highly impacting messages in such small portions making it something that was easy to understand and stay with you through out the day. This book is not overwhelming or daunting, but uplifting and addicting!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

A Collection of Writings That Shaped One of the Most Influential Pastors of the Twentieth Century

Pull back the curtain on the life and mind of A. W. Tozer as you read selections from the authors and thinkers who influenced his spiritual journey. Without their words to serve as guides, Tozer never would have become the man of God that he was. Drink deeply from these selections, chosen to emphasize major themes from Tozer's life and ministry--worship, practicing the presence of God, living the Christian life. As you do, you too will grow in your devotion to and understanding of God.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House but the opinion expressed is my own and was in no way compensated.

The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you afraid or intimidated by the thought of entertaining? Or are you one who relishes in inviting people over for a casual dinner or party?

No matter who you are, what your style is, whether you are organized or not-so-organized, have children or not, this book is for YOU! It truly is as the subtitle says, every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality.

I love hospitality and have read a number of books on the subject and will still say that this one if one of my favorites. It is fun to look at - full of colorful photos - and a sweet mix of encouragement and practical help. The ideas Sandy shares will help you get started and keep you wanting to think of new ways to entertain. Over all this book is easy-to-read, enjoyable to browse, and a delight to any person who desires to entertain. And you don't want to miss these yummy - oh so wonderful looking - recipes! If for nothing else...buy the book for the recipes!

Enjoy the read!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Faced with feelings of inadequacy or unrealistic expectations, most women never experience the joy of inviting others into their homes. But no more. Speaking candidly about her entertaining highs and lows, popular blogger and author Sandy Coughlin offers apprehensive hostesses genuine encouragement and practical tips for simple yet savvy entertaining.

Hospitality is not about perfection or complicated, expensive meals. It's about connecting deeply with others--all you need is an open door and an open heart.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In Every Heartbeat is proof that a good novel can be written without even the "acceptable sensuality" that is in many Christian fiction reads.

I really enjoy Kim Vogel Saywer's writing style and appreciate how she is able to give us an enjoyable novel while holding to high standards. While this book is written and aimed at an audience of women, I would not hesitate to allow my teen daughter to read it. I enjoyed the overall story, and followed along easily even though I had not read the prior book in this series. While some of the story line was easy to predict, there were a few twists that kept you guessing. While some issues seemed to be resolved rather quickly, my personal opinion is that Kim did a good job to probe certain topics yet wrap up the book so it could be enjoyed rather than drawn out.

There was a lot of Biblical truth tucked into the pages of this relaxing, yet touching drama of friendship and faith.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

As friends Libby Conley, Pete Leidig, and Bennett Martin head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishing by the opinions expressed are my own.

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stephanie Grace Whitson makes you feel like you are back in the year of 1871 with this post civil war novel. The book takes you for a ride with 16 women who are moving west for various reasons only to find out that the men out west may have other plans for them.

At first I found this book to be very confusing hard to follow with the immediate introduction of 16 women plus other main characters. However, for various reasons the story soon slows down with only 6 women to follow. The tale is engaging and fun with a wide range of emotions and situations. You get a good long story for the cost of the book!

It is a good story, some wonderful history woven in, and some great biblical truth sprinkled through out - primarily from one of my favorite characters, Jeb Cooper. There are a few situations that are intense and may not be appropriate for a teen girl to read.

Sixteen Brides is full of twists, turns, and tender friendship, but can be a challenge to keep up with!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishing.

Not A Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols Review

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mary is scared and in over her head. Not knowing where to turn, she escapes, however the freedom she finds is only partial as she is haunted by the sins of her past. It isn't until she reaches out to a troubled young girl from a family stricken with pain that she begins to piece her disjointed life back together and in doing so learns what it means to love again. In Linda Nichols book, Not a Sparrow Falls Mary Washburn leaves behind her given name and assimilates to the name of her mother, Bridget--Bridie for short. Follow Bridie on her emotionally charged journey to save a young girl and in doing so, save herself.

I applaud Linda Nichols for her work on Not A Sparrow Falls. So many authors shy away from topics such as drugs, alcohol abuse, and suicide, but Nichols broached them with sincerity and truth. She portrayed the dangers of substance abuse and the lifelong impact with great clarity and truth while not crossing any descriptive lines that could compromise the integrity of the reader. At the heart of it all is Christ's redeeming power, the love of Christ for those whom have sinned beyond what they believe he could forgive and lastly, the power of prayer. I could easily recommend this book to any of my friends and be confident that they would enjoy it!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing this copy of Not A Sparrow Falls for review purposes.