Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This book is about 12 different spiritual disciplines and teaches us how we can incorporate them into our daily lives. I appreciate the idea of this book, however, I was not able to finish this book despite the easy listening audio format.

There were multiple things that I didn't agree with and then phrases that left me feeling quite uncertain about his exact beliefs. While I want to know more about and grow in applying spiritual disciplines to my life, I will be looking for other books to read.  In all fairness, I have heard some people rave about this and others who have walked away with the same uncertainty as I.  But after so many questionable ideas and too many thoughts I couldn’t agree on, I set this one aside. I personally feel it should not be read and think that there are more options that address the topic with better clarity.

Here is a wonderful, in-depth review of this book by Pastor Kirk Barger…

I looked forward to reading this book by Foster, but after completing it, I must say I have quite a few concerns. I would agree with Foster that “superficiality is the curse of our age” and that the typical tenor of the 21st century church is primarily interested in instant satisfaction spiritually. Rarely do we see the spiritual disciplines (fasting, prayer, study, simplicity, etc.) practiced by individuals in full time Christian service or by the layperson in the pew. Foster blames the lack of spiritual disciplines on two problems—a philosophic problem (materialism)
and a practical problem (a lack of exploring the inward life). With that in mind, Foster breaks down his focus of the spiritual disciplines into three distinct sections—the inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines.

Section one, the inward disciplines, includes meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. From the outset, I was confronted with an air of New Age mysticism whereby Foster encourages the hearing of God’s voice within (18), visualization (25), and lotus-like posture for meditating (28).  The boldest red flag for me, though, was when he referenced the practice of “old mystics” (31).  And although Foster did mention the need to meditate on Scripture, he only refers to this as “the
central reference point by which all other forms of meditation are kept in proper perspective” (29). 

Foster then takes this foundation of meditation and blends it together with several other disciplines. Meditation becomes a springboard for a deeper prayer life as one “listens to God.”  But instead of focusing on the fact that this message comes from God in Scripture, there seems, again, to be a focus on hearing God from within. He does the same thing in his chapter on “study.” He first says that study and meditation are “two distinct experiences” (64). Yet, as he expounds on how to use study, he immediately crosses over from objective learning to the experiential. Foster does have some good suggestions as to how to study, but this is only short lived as he quickly encourages the reader to study other nonverbal “books.” 

His second section—the outward disciplines—focuses on simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. I did appreciate his thoughts on the need for simplicity with regard to materialism, especially in guiding one’s focus toward God’s kingdom and not the stuff of the world. Unfortunately, his journey into solitude, though speckled with positive ideas for this discipline, still gives off the “scent of meditation” found earlier. I found the chapters on submission and service to be relatively helpful. 

Section three deals with the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. I found only parts of this section worth reading. Again, Foster’s chapters on worship and guidance seemed—for the most part—to center on experience. I did find his chapter on celebration to be enjoyable, although he went too far by endorsing “holy laughter” (198).  Add to that the fact that he encouraged the creative gifts of fantasy and imagination, and we are right back where we started—mystical and ethereal. 

Are spiritual disciplines lacking and needed today in the 21st century? Yes. Does Richard Foster give a good and balanced approach on how to practice the spiritual disciplines?  No. He spends an inordinate amount of time in the experiential realm encouraging the reader to be—in my opinion—too self-focused, introspective, and mystical. Instead, the key is to be Biblically grounded and God-focused. Otherwise, one is treading on dangerous ground spiritually and theologically. Even though the book does focus on the need to be strengthened in the spiritual disciplines, I would not recommend this book due to the areas of concern mentioned above.

All I Have To Give by Melody Carlson

All I Have to Give: A Christmas Love Story by Melody Carlson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Every so often I enjoy a good sentimental story and while this had that element, and also the sweet "Gift of the Magi" twist to it, I finished it feeling frustrated by the lack of depth and the abrupt ending. Some of the main themes in this story were left hanging with out a conclusion. And while I liked the main character and the general storyline, she and others were allowed to get away with behavior that was un-biblical with out consequences. It is a short book filled with emotional tug and some sweet gestures - a quick reading fix - but with out purpose and encouragement. I was able to put the book down with out having been uplifted or challenged in any way. I enjoy Melody Carlson's writing - what was written was good writing - but the overall story is sadly lacking impact. If you want a book that's strictly "Christmasy" and emotional then you might enjoy it, but if you want a story that is going to uplift your heart, too, this is not for you.

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional by Stormie Omartian
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I truly appreciate the concept of this book - having devotionals and prayers coming from the three perspectives of "I", "He", and "We" and all focused on a godly marriage. However, while there is truth in the pages, it is presented together with a very weak focus on the gospel and way too much focus on the act of prayer being the magic act needed for change. I believe there is power in prayer and I am not here to bash prayer in anyway, but I do not agree with phrases like: "The more you pray for your husband this way, the more his heart will become sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings." [In reference to an unsaved husband.] While I don't disagree with that being possible, I do disagree with the presentation that it will happen if you just pray these prayers. The focus on this book is heavily on our part in prayer rather than praying from a heart overwhelmed with Christ and the gospel.

Again, I appreciate the idea of this book, but I personally think it's lacking in a gospel centered focus and if you choose to read it I highly recommend reading with great discernment.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

New from bestselling author Stormie Omartian is a book close to her own heart—The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional. Following up on the insights and prayers of The Power of a Praying® Wife (more than 3.5 million books sold) 100 brand-new devotions, prayers, and supporting Scriptures offer a praying wife fresh ways to pray for her husband, herself, and her marriage.

These easy-to-read devotions will increase any wife’s understanding, strength, and peace, as well as provide her with perspective on the situations and challenges she faces. And each prayer will help both husbands and wives be more attuned to the Holy Spirit so they can do what’s right without allowing negative emotions or unclear thinking to get in the way.

A must-have for anyone wanting God’s best for this most important relationship.

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This review copy was provided by NetGalley along with Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expresses is my own.

30 Days to Taming Your Fears by Deborah Smith Pegues

30 Days to Taming Your Fears by Deborah Smith Pegues
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I like the concept of 30 Days to Taming Your Fears - although I don't like the idea of putting an exact number on how long it should take one to tame their fears - but I think that this book on fear misses it's mark on getting to the heart of the matter. Deborah has provided a comprehensive look - day by day - of many of the fears that we face and has also provided many practical tips for overcoming them. But as someone well acquainted with fear, I know that these tips don't dig down deep enough to truly tame the fears that rise up within.

Shortly in to the book Deborah says "I believe with all my heart "that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Roman 8:28) - even if I never comprehend what the "good" is. Therefore, I never asked, "Why me?" Because she leaves off verse 29 no one will ever be able to see the "good" in all situations - which is to grow more and more into the likeness of the Son, Jesus Christ, through the shaping and molding that all things in our life produces. It is faulty, surface level beliefs like this one that continue through out this book and while they may be informative and change your thoughts for a few moments, they do not change the core problem which in turn provides long term change.

It's a cute book with an appealing cover and title, but it's not one to read.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Deborah Smith Pegues, behavioral specialist and bestselling author of 30 days to Taming Your Tongue (more than 500,000 copies sold), sheds light on rational and irrational fears and offers readers a path of hope and assurance.

With her trademark clarity and practical wisdom, Deborah addresses spiritual, relational, physical safety, financial, and emotional fears with godly principles and straightforward helps. Each step of the way, she gives readers power over fear by helping them understand:

-the foundation of their fears
-God's perspective on their specific anxiety, fear, or phobia
-how to respond to fear triggers with information, awareness, and confidence
-ways to embrace healthy fears and to resist unhealthy ones
-how neutralizing their fears maximizes their life

This will be an invaluable resource for anyone walking the minefield of constant apprehensions who is ready to exchange fear for the peace which passes all understanding.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own.

Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore

I have not read this book myself but I highly appreciate this review and would encourage you to CLICK HERE and read the review yourself.

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Here is a link to a great blog post about this book that I put on my TO NOT READ list. 

I don’t like to come across as harsh, mean, or judgmental, but when someone teaches that everyone will go to Heaven it is completely contradictory to the Bible.

Read this post for a better explanation.

Instead of reading Love Wins, try reading any of these books.

Book of Days by James L Rubart

Book of Days: A Novel by James L. Rubart
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

Two stars for those who might like reading about the possibility of finding God's book that records our lives according to Psalm 139:16. The characters were genuine and believable, but the plot was not. I was encouraged with the ending to the story, though, and with the focus on God knowing and caring about all the details of our lives.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781433671517
Price: $14.99

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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing Group but the opinion expressed is my own.

O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett

O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling by Jason Boyett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:
I really like the concept of this book...the idea of probing into our doubt...our "little faith".

However, this book was one of the hardest books to read. In fact, in honesty, I did not finish it. I skimmed through the remainder but I just could not follow the book. I have always thought of myself as someone weak in the area of faith - and still do - so I was looking forward to reading this book. I think my main lack of enjoyment in this book is because it is more a detailed spiritual biography than a help for those who struggle. Let's face it, we all need to be stronger in our faith so why do I want to read the confession of someone else?

My biggest concern for someone reading this is that if you have time to read this, you have time to read other books that will help you grow in your faith.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

O Me of Little Faith is a brutally honest, frequently hilarious look at the struggles of a self-confessed spiritual weakling. Jason Boyett invites you to ask the hard questions and remain hopeful as he examines how you doubt, why you doubt, and what (if anything) should be done about it.

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This review book was provided courtesy of Zondervan but the opinion expressed are my own.

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you liked the movie Napoleon Dynamite then you will like this novel aimed at teen girls. However, I thought that Napoleon Dynamite was rather pointless and that's how I feel about this book as well. There was a lot of drama, and some humor, too, but not a lot of clear purpose.

I liked the theme - conservative parents at odds with their generally well-behaved teen daughter. But there was so many other issues and characters packed into this book that it was hard to follow along at points.

The book begins with an excerpt from Daisy's prom journal with more excerpts throughout the story. I liked the general flair that they added, but there was too many entries and they were too long in my opinion.

There was no one specific thing that I would caution readers concerning this book, but an overall advisement that it addresses drugs, drinking, easy girls, and what unfortunately is typical teen drama and topics. And the book overall is for entertainment with no real moral to the story. I personally would not have my daughters read it and if anyone else was to let their girls read it I would highly recommend it for only older teens girls; probably 16 and up.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

From bestselling author Kristin Billerbeck comes Perfectly Dateless, a hilariously endearing story about a regular high school girl, trying to fit in. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

Can Daisy talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, who offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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Pearl Buck In China: Journey To The Good Earth by Hilary Spurling

Pearl Buck in China: Journey to The Good Earth by Hilary Spurling

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a unique story of a brave woman who endured a hard life. While it's a fascinating story, the book tends to be a hard read. I listened to the audio version and had a hard enough time just getting through that, let alone physically sitting to read it. It's not so much Pearl's story that is so hard to read, but rather they way it is presented through it's original print version. Although, I must admit that this audio version is not the most easy to listen to either. The narration is in an English accent and somewhat dry. It's not so much the story content but rather the presentation of this book - both audio and print formats - that make me give it a 2 star rating.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

One of the twentieth century’s most extraordinary Americans, Pearl Buck was the first person to make China accessible to the West. She recreated the lives of ordinary Chinese people in The Good Earth, an overnight worldwide bestseller in 1932, later a blockbuster movie. Buck went on to become the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Long before anyone else, she foresaw China’s future as a superpower, and she recognized the crucial importance for both countries of China’s building a relationship with the United States. As a teenager she had witnessed the first stirrings of Chinese revolution, and as a young woman she narrowly escaped being killed in the deadly struggle between Chinese Nationalists and the newly formed Communist Party. Pearl wrote about the realities of the only world she knew in The Good Earth. It was one of the last things she did before being finally forced out of China to settle for the first time in the United States. She was unknown and penniless with a failed marriage behind her, a disabled child to support, no prospects, and no way of telling that The Good Earth would sell tens of millions of copies. It transfixed a whole generation of readers just as Jung Chang’s Wild Swans would do more than half a century later. No Westerner had ever written anything like this before, and no Chinese had either. Buck was the forerunner of a wave of Chinese Americans from Maxine Hong Kingston to Amy Tan. Until their books began coming out in the last few decades, her novels were unique in that they spoke for ordinary Asian people— “translating my parents to me,” said Hong Kingston, “and giving me our ancestry and our habitation.” As a phenomenally successful writer and civil-rights campaigner, Buck did more than anyone else in her lifetime to change Western perceptions of China. In a world with its eyes trained on China today, she has much to tell us about what lies behind its astonishing reawakening.

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This digital review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio Reviewers Program and in now way affected my thoughts or opinions on this book.

Bringing Up Girls by James C. Dobson

Bringing Up Girls: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Women by James C. Dobson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The title of this book pretty much sums up the overall point of this book - bringing up Girls. I, along with many other parents of girls, desire to know how best to raise our daughters, especially during those moments of drama, emotions, and crying that even us grown-up girls just don't "get".

Dr. Dobson presents the basic make-up of a girl both emotionally and physically which aids you in better understanding what girls are experiencing at the various stages they go through. Through out this book he has great insight as well as some practical direction that will help parents of girls. However, for as good as the advice may be, there is one component that really bothers me. Dr. Dobson uses self-esteem as the primary area to focus on in order to "cure" the problems our girls - young and old - face on a routine basis. In my personal opinion based on the lens of Scripture, our girls don't need more self-esteem, they need the love and esteem of Jesus Christ. While Dobson talks about the importance of faith, I feel that he misses the extent and power of the Word of God and the love of God to overcome the challenges our daughters face.

I greatly appreciate some of the concepts and thoughts Dr. Dobson shares, especially his concern for preparing your child for adolescents. But due to the amount of stuff I don't agree with, I can not recommend this book for reading. If you have all the time in the world to read then I might say "read it with great discernment", but if you do not have much time I think there are better parenting books to read that will give sound Biblical advice.

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This review copy was provided Tyndale House Publishers, but the opinions expressed are purely my own.

Moses & Noah I Can Read Books by Zonderkids

Moses, God's Brave Servant: Biblical Values by Dennis Jones

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

An I Can Read! book with a spiritual emphasis and biblical lesson is a great idea. However, while this book is age appropriate on an academic level, the biblical content is leaves much to be desired. There are facts left out and facts that are altered - such as Moses being taken to the palace as a baby. While it's a good idea for a book, I can't recommend a book in which my 5-year-old picks-up on incorrect facts.

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Noah and God's Great Promise: Biblical Values by Dennis Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I appreciate Zonderkids imitative to publish I Can Read! books that not only aid a child in reading skills but also in their Bible knowledge. However, this book about Noah, while relatively sound in the fact department, is just too childish. I truly respect and like the concept, but my 6-year-old daughter laughed at all the pictures as she read and kept mentioning how they weren't true pictures..."the boat didn't look like that!", etc. This book also doesn't change facts as much as in Moses but still is not as concrete as it could and should be.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zonderkids.

Smile a Lot! by Nancy Carlson

Smile a Lot! by Nancy Carlson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Smile A Lot! is a cute book with what seems to be a really cute storyline. It's all about how smiling makes your day better, makes friends easier, and makes bad situations better. While all of that may be true, the book also gives examples of deciding to play on the monkey bars when the swings are full and "smile a lot" so that the kids will think you are having more fun than they are and then the swings will open up and you can swing. In reality, this is teaching children to smile to get their way. It's manipulating.

Most of the book is okay, but there is enough that represents manipulation that I would rather not read this to my kids.

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Related articles:

• I Don't Like To Read! by Nancy Carlson (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress by Emma Carlow

Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress by Emma Carlow

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

While the main point - using manners is good - is an important concept to teach, I did not like this book and it's approach in doing so. The storyline was rather dull and lacking much. There are better stories to read than this one.

Princess Justina Albertina by Ellen Dee Davidson

Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale by Ellen Dee Davidson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Princess Justina Albertina - which by the way is a fun name to read over and over - is a spoiled princess who throws a fit if she doesn't get her way. She wants a pet and makes her nanny keep searching for the right one until the end of the book when the last pet eats Princes Justina Albertina.

Quite honestly this book is silly and empty. There is no talk about how the fit-throwing-princess is wrong to throw fits, and the ending is quite abrupt and a little scary to some. You be the judge, but I say there are better books to read!

Ramona The Brave by Beverly Cleary

Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I remember my mother reading books about Ramona Q to my brothers and I as we grew up, but I do not remember if she read this particular book to us or not. I recently got several of Cleary's book about Ramona to read to my own three children...and quite honestly, I was disappointed.

While Ramona is a lovable character and is easy for young children - especially first graders - to relate to, I was unable to read any of the 9 chapters straight through. There are mentions of ghosts, being scared of things in closets, and the mean name that the boys called Beezus. I had to use great discernment in reading this book with my own kids because I did not want to put fearful ideas in their heads. While I was able to "read through the book" as I left out certain paragraphs and sometimes pages, I would not recommend this one to young children or to any child who is easily scared. It's not that it was overall so scary, but it puts ideas into a child's head that then can become very scary to them. My thoughts are that if I have to skip through so many parts of the book, why should I read it? I do plan to read other Ramona books and see how they turn out, but you can be sure that I will be reading with great discernment.

Ramona is fun and is very "real life" yet may not be the best to be read. I would recommend reading the Cul-De-Sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis instead.

Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller

Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

BOOK RECAP:

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

MY REVIEW:

The Mother-Daughter team of Cheri Fuller and Ali Plum have given us a book about "getting to the relationship you want with your adult daughter".  While this book has parts that are beneficial and encouraging, I personally did not like the solutions to many of the issues mothers and daughters face in their relationships with one another. Time after time I found the answers to the problems to be secular thoughts tied onto a verse or Biblical application and not Biblically sound from start to finish.

I have read other books by Cheri Fuller - like A Busy Woman's Guide To Prayer - and really enjoyed them and encourage you to read that one instead.

AUTHOR BIO:

Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.

Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Multnomah.  I was not compensated in anyway for this review and the thoughts are my honest opinions.

A Christmas Carol (through the magical window version)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This is a library book that Abby brought home to read together and while the overall story is a dear classic, this book is not a good one to read to kids. My personal opinion is that I don't want to talk or read about ghosts for "the fun of it" to my young children. But that wouldn't have been so bad if the pictures had not been so scary for a 4 & 6 year old. While this book is written for younger children, I don't think it's the best choice to be making for bedtime reading.

Just Where Does God Live? by Scott J. Brown

Just Where Does God Live? by Scott J. Brown

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Just Where Does God Live? is based on the question of a first grader wondering where God lives. The author, Scott Brown, takes this question and turns it into a story for to help more kids understand where God lives.

The story is that Nate and Parker ask various people where God lives and they get a variety of answers. Some are silly and funny and others just don't quite make sense. So one night they decide to ask God Himself. The answer they get is "...inside of your hearts."

I read this book to my 4-year-old and 6-year-old who really enjoyed the bright pictures and the fun storyline while dealing with a serious question in their little minds. That part that we (I) did not like was when the book said: "...I live in all spaces. I live in all people, I live in all places."

I disagree with this. God lives in the hearts of those who believe in Him...not all people. The next page has another line that I feel is misleading.

While the concept of this book is great, and the majority of the story line is great for young children, in the end I have to say it is a book I think is best not read unless you plan on following each reading with some in-depth conversation with the little minds that soak it all up.

This review copy was courtesy of WinePress Publishing.

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For some good reading for you children, try this book instead!

The Sweet By And By, by Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck

The Sweet By and By by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the story of a girl named Jade who is getting ready to be married in only weeks while at the same time sorting through her very painful past. Her mother is free spirit, her father has been out of her life since she was 8, and she was forced to grow up way to fast and face heartache after heartache.

I enjoyed the story for the simple pleasure of reading. The story line was believable due to the craziness of today's world. It also has it's touching side of reconciliation and healing.

However, despite the feel-good message and charming characters, along with the not-so-charming ones, this book was overall shallow. It pains me to say this...but even with a cute cover and a well-known celebrity as the author, this book leaves much to be desired.

It's a fun story line to follow if you have nothing else to read and it's a lazy day (or sick day as was in my case) but if you have a list of books to read, save this one for last.

I would NOT recommend this for teen girls and would prefer you use your time to read something that will leave you with thoughts to "chew on" rather than just purely entertain...although this sad story is anything but "entertaining".

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This review copy was courtesy of Thomas Nelson.

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For some really good books, browse these reviews.