She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

She Makes It Look Easy: A Novel by Marybeth Whalen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a fascinating storyline that gives you one story from multiple angles. It took me a moment to get used to the story going back and forth between the perspectives of the two main characters, but after the first few chapters I really enjoyed it. This back-and-forth format brought to life the depth of each character in a way that was so easy to relate to and I found myself sympathizing with various emotions from each person. She Makes It Look Easy expertly uncovers and opens for all to see that someone's life as we see it may not be at all what it appears to be.

While I really enjoyed the way this book approached an all too common occurrence in our world today, I also walked away feeling quite unsettled. Such a raw and close up look at the slow fade to adultery was border-line scary. I do believe that there can be a healthy fear that leads to better self - and in this case marital - examination, but I am just not sure that this book is the proper tool use. The lack of hope through the daily impact of the gospel made me set the book down feeling like I had been standing just a little too close to a fire and was now left with singed hair. There were multiple lessons to be learned from this book but they were not drawn out to the depth that not only should have been done, but needed to be done, nor were they attached to the hope we have in Christ.

Marybeth is an excellent writer, but I highly recommend discernment in making the choice to read this book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood playdates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.

Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that "perfection" isn’t always what it seems to be.

A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.


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This review copy was provided courtesy of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance but the opinion expressed was strictly my own.

Who Is My Shelter by Neta Jackson

Who Is My Shelter? by Neta Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a fabulous book that is not only entertaining but encouraging spiritually. I love Neta's writing and how real it is. It's not just fluffy and feel-good but full of real-life situations and turmoil. While I don't personally feel comfortable with all the mix of denominations at points, I also don't think it's strong enough to not be able to enjoy this book. The message it carries about turning to Christ for ALL things is powerful and shared in a way that will connect with anyone reading this book. I would highly recommend this series and her previous series about the Yada Yada Prayer Group to all ladies.

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This review copy was provided by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance but the opinion expressed is my own.

False Pretenses by Kathy Herman

False Pretenses: A Novel by Kathy Herman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Intrigue, suspense, twisting plots, and just a dash of romance for good measure make this a fun beach read book. I enjoy Kathy's fiction writing that makes the character real and deeper than the written page. And it is fun to read about an entirely different area and group of people with still the hint of old friends from past books. In the end, this book is wrapped up with a bow of grace and you can close the book feeling settled and encouraged. However, I only give this book 3 stars because while it's all good, it's not great. The writing is enjoyable, but the spiritual message is weak. It makes a great relaxing read for when you just want to "chill" and not have to work physically or mentally. If you are looking for a good summer vacation read, and enjoy moments of suspense, this is for you.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown—especially their popular brasserie Zoe B’s, to which folks drive all the way from Lafayette for lunch or dinner. It seems like heaven.
But it’s about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery—because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?
The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance but the opinion expressed is purely my own and was in no way influenced by the publisher or any other person.