READING CAN MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL

Reading can enhance your life. Studies show that the most successful people are the ones who read. We can learn a lot by picking up a magazine, a book, or a newspaper. I think it's great to be able to talk to others about what you read, too. Reading promotes conversation, intelligence, and knowledge. So, what are you waiting for?

I think everyone has a story to tell, and we should. For many years, I got away from writing fiction, but I have had a great time writing my first novel as an adult. Changing real-life situations into fiction helps heal the heart.

What can I say about Life? Mine has been tough at times, but I'm grateful that God has given me mercy, grace, and love. I love my life and the family I've been blessed with.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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.

Friday, August 10, 2012

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.