Breaking Free From Fear - Nonfiction

 

Breaking Free from Fear by Kay Arthur

I have never done a Bible study by Kay Arthur before and I found this study to be very in depth. Kay Arthur had an unusual way of formatting her studies, she has the reader do a lot of work with the text of Scripture. You will underline, circle, triangle and do other things to the words in the text. She also puts the Scripture right there in the book, do you don't have to mark up your Bible if you don't want to.

This study is set up to be a 40 minute study and you do the work right there in your session. I know that it is tempting to do it at home before hand and some people will, but this is a great study for people who don't have a lot of time to complete the homework of Bible studies but still want to get deeper into the Word.

I definitely recommend this study to anyone, especially people who are struggling with the concept of fear (isn't that most women?).

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

4.5 stars

Short Straw Bride - 4.5 stars

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

I loved this book! I admit that I was a little skeptical when I read the back of the book, but Karen Witemeyer came through with flying colors!

This book started out with a prologue that was so sweet, it drew me in instantly. Now, that is the way to write a prologue!

Meredith and Travis started their relationship when they were kids, it was rocky then and it remains rocky as they meet again in adulthood.

I loved Meredith and though the author did a fantastic job developing her as a character. I wish I could sit down and have coffee with her and get to know her even more.

I loved all the Archer brothers, I wish the author could do a story for each one of the brothers.

I was disappointed by the lack of spiritual content, I wished that Karen had added more of a spiritual side to this story.

Overall, I think this book is a keeper. I have never read a book by Karen before, but this will not be my last!

I received this book free from Baker Publishing. This review is my honest opinion.

Inescapable - 3.5 stars

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Lizzie ran away from her roots in her hometown of Kingdom in order to get away from the stuffy, strict community. Most importantly, she ran away from her father who never showed her love.

Now, she has to run again, this time she runs BACK to Kingdom. Will this time be like the last? Or will she find that life has changed? She can only hope that her father has changed.

To top off the fear of returning to Kingdom, Lizzie also has to deal with a stalker who has been leaving her threatening notes. Her only hope lies in the form of a childhood friend, Noah.

I found this book to be intriguing. It was different than the typical inspirational romantic suspense. The setting was unique, as were the characters and plot. I did find that the depth of development of some of the characters fell a little flat and was predictable. I did enjoy watching Lizzie grow in her faith and forgiveness.

I am looking forward to more books in the Kingdom series, as well as deeper characters.

I was given this book for free for my honest review.

The Girl's Still Got It-Nonfiction review

 

The Girl's Still Got It: Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World

I absolutely loved this book. Liz Curtis Higgs takes us through a journey in Moab and Bethlehem. She leads us through the lives of some extraordinary people and she shows us how God is constantly at work in our lives.

I was enthralled by the way Liz wrote this book. It was obvious that this girl knew her stuff. She did the research and wrote this Bible study as a story in a way that anyone can identify with the characters, places and events.

I found every chapter entertaining and I wanted to continue reading on. I never thought a nonfiction book could be a page turner, but this one is.

If you want to be challenged in your view of God's sovereignty. If you want to be encouraged to get through a time of drought in your faith. If you want to be inspired to continue on, then this is the book you need to read.

Grow and be encouraged by the life of Ruth.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.**

Be the Mom - Nonfiction Review

 

Be the Mom is a nonfiction book for mommies. As a new mommy, I was so eager and excited to get this book. 

Tracey Lanter Eyster gives such good advice for moms; both newbies and seasoned mamas. She is like an older sister who is there to give support and advice. Most important, in reading her book, I had the overwhelming feeling that I was not alone in my fears, doubts and concerns about being a good mom. 

Tracey helps moms feel empowered. We aren't "just moms" we are MOMS. That is an incredible calling. It is powerful and it is righteous!

I highly recommend this book to moms everywhere!

On another note: Join the facebook party for Be the Mom. A note from the publisher: 
 

What is a Facebook party? A Facebook party is essentially a live chat. Tracey will be online on her Be the Mom Facebook page answering questions and chatting about motherhood with folks at the party.

How do I participate? First, “like” the Be the Mom fan page. At the time of the party, hop on the page and simply “chat” with Tracey and other moms via comments. You can ask Tracey questions, and she will be posing questions as well. It’s a time to get to know Tracey and others too- make some new friends! Be sure to hit the refresh button often so that you can keep up with the latest comments.

Treat this just like you would a live book club discussion or party. Go grab yourself a soda, sweet tea, coffee or hot cocoa, a snack, and MINGLE.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

First Giveaway!

Hey Ya'll, Over at my main site - Tales of Beauty for Ashes. I am hosting my very first giveaway! It is perfect for the book lover! Come join up!

Firestrorm - 4 stars

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Reyne Oldre is a wildfire firefighter. She has battled the demon of fires and won. In the process though, she gained a few demons of her own to fight.

Logan McCabe is a smoke jumper; arrogant, confident and passionate about life.

When the two collide in an unlikely meeting, their worlds get flipped upside down. Reyne must battle the fire in her heart as she learns to fight the demons from her past.

I found this book captivating, as the wife of a firefighter. I also have wanted to be a wildfire firefighter in my past, so this was very intriguing. I think the conflict with the fires and fighting the fires was well written and researched.

I admit that I struggled with the relationship between Reyne and Logan, many times it seemed too good to be true. (As is often the case in fiction) I would have enjoyed more conflict between them, to build the suspense of their relationship.

I thought the story of Reyne and her two close friends was beautiful, although it brought me to tears. You have to read it to see why.

I did enjoy the fact that both Reyne and Logan looked to God to be their strength in the middle of storms and conflict. It was an encouragement and an inspiration.

I received this book compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

4 stars!