A New Endeavor - "No More Perfect Moms" by Jill Savage

So, I have been subscribing to Jill Savage's blog, www.hearts-at-home.org. I knew she was writing a new book called "No More Perfect Moms," and I was totally interested in it. You see, I sometimes lean towards being a perfectionist. Fortunately, I married a man who is the opposite, and over our almost 22 years together, I have become more like him, as he has become more like me. But where being a mother is concerned, it's tough.

If we are honest, all of us mothers wish we were perfect. We wish we had a hot dinner on the table every night, all of the laundry was totally done all the time, our house smelled like chocolate chip cookies everyday, and there were no fights... or yelling. But that isn't reality!

Back to my story... After writing a response to one of Jill's blog posts, she asked if they could use it for the website, and I was very honored. Then, I found out they were choosing a launch team for the book, "No More Perfect Moms," and I really wanted to do it. I filled out the application, and I was chosen! Talk about a blessing!

Those of us on the launch team have the opportunity to read it now, and let me tell you, it's fantastic. It has made me look at myself in a different way so far, and I'm only half-way finished with it!

If you find yourself trying to be perfect, wishing you were perfect, or trying to make things perfect, I would suggest reading this book when it comes out in bookstores. You can find out lots of information on Jill's website, again, www.hearts-at-home.org. There you can sign up for the e-newsletter, find out about the No More Perfect Moms 2013 National Conference, and get great encouragement for your life.

I'll be writing about my experience with reading this book, so stay tuned!

A Time to Embrace - Karen Kingsbury

I recently read A Time to Embrace, by Karen Kingsbury. It is the second part of the series called Timeless Love Series.

The story of Abby and John Reynolds and their family continues throughout many stressful and difficult situations. The fact that they are still together after the first book is encouraging, even though they had been through so many things that could cause many marriages to fall apart.

Kingsbury reaches into the hearts of these characters and makes them very real. Her style of writing goes into the hearts of readers, too, and found myself teary several times. The Reynolds family could be any family, and I venture to say that it felt they were part of my own family after reading these books.

These two books are the first I have read by Karen Kingsbury, and I say they won’t be the last.

(image from www.amazon.com)

The Girl's Still Got It - Liz Curtis Higgs

I loved, loved, loved this book by Liz Curtis Higgs! She is a great storyteller anyway, but then add that fact to the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz… I read the online version of this book, and I was just blown away.

We have read the book of Ruth, but for Higgs to add comments, many humorous, and details about what might have, and maybe was happening around the story was just fascinating. It was thought-provoking, interesting, and this book caused the story to come alive, more so than any other review and/or commentary on the book of Ruth that I’ve seen. Sometimes I think we read about these people in the Bible, and we forget they are people, just like us.

I couldn’t even stop reading once I started, and I finished it in one evening. It would be great for a Bible study or book club, as it provides many stimulating aspects of the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this story of love and redemption in the Old Testament book of Ruth.

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

Quiet - Susan Cain

The book, Quiet, by Susan Cain, is a very interesting book.

While I enjoyed reading about the concepts of “The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” I found my mind wandering when I didn’t necessarily understand some of the points. I did learn, however, that while some people can be considered extroverts because they get along well with others and seem to enjoy being in a crowd, they could actually be introverts. For instance, Cain writes that some consider introverts to be shy, but they aren’t necessarily.

This book is good to read if you are trying to know yourself better, and if  you are able get through the somewhat tedious language (at times).

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

A Time to Dance - Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Dance is the first Karen Kingsbury book I have ever purchased. On a shopping trip to Mardel, I saw many of her books on the clearance shelves, and I looked through most of them, hoping to find a whole series of books I could read. This was the only series that was in the clearance area, so I also purchased A Time to Embrace, which is the other book in the Timeless Love Series.

The truth is I have not been a fan of fiction for most of my adult life, though I loved it as a kid. However, I have heard many wonderful things about her books for so long, I decided to give it a try. I was so glad that I did. I really liked this book for many reasons.

Being married to a teacher, I found myself drawn to the John and Abby Reynolds family. They were a compelling group, and the stories that took place with this family were interesting and believable. Unfortunately, some of the topics, mostly the infidelity, riddle our world right now, tearing apart families and hearts. I found myself empathizing with both John and Abby in their situation.

This book hits a certain place of the heart where the reader may begin to think back to the days where she first met her mate, the anticipation, the memories… And it can cause her be thankful for all they have been through.

While this book may be considered fiction, I think it probably happens every day with your neighbors, your brothers and sisters, anyone who loses sight of the important things. It’s a good reminder to be grateful for the relationships you have in your life.

I like it when fiction crosses into believable, and I look forward to reading A Time to Embrace. Then, who knows? I may move onto another Karen Kingsbury series.