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.

Wealth, is it Worth It?

I received this book for free from Chick-Fil-A.  It is written by the founder of the company, S. Truett Cathy.  The title of it really intrigued me, and I couldn’t wait to start reading it.

When I received it in the mail, I started on it immediately. It was a hard book to put down. I would consider this book inspirational as well as historical. There are stories of people who did well with their wealth, and there were others who did not do so well. 

I found the history of Chick-Fil-A to be very interesting and just goes to prove that you can achieve what you want to in life.

Dave Ramsey wrote the introduction for the book, and I thought that was great. His words really summed what I believe was behind this book.  Dave says, “With the youngest one in college now, we can only pray that we’ve done enough to pass along not just the wealth, but also the character to carry that wealth. It struck us early on that if we didn’t pour into their character, the wealth our kids inherit will absolutely destroy their lives” (p.12).

Isn’t that the truth…

We have all heard the interpretation of what the Bible says about money… Some say it this way, Money is the root of all evil.  But that is not exactly what the Bible says. It says it this way: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)

We are also advised to be careful of money and the trust we tend to place in it instead of the God who gave it to us in the first place.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says it this way. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Hebrews 13:5 encourages us with this. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I think these things are what Mr. Cathy is trying to say. Work hard in your life, and God will bless you. If you are blessed with money, don’t forget the hand that gave it to you. Don’t allow it to be what you “bank” on (no pun intended).

The story of Chick-Fil-A is a story of a family who trusts God with their wealth.  They receive with an open hand, give with an open hand, and they receive it back again. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it is very encouraging to the reader. If I would not have eaten at Chick-Fil-A before reading this book, I would certainly make it a point to frequent their restaurant now. They are people with integrity and character.

"You Were Born for This" - Bruce Wilkinson

I really liked the idea of this book by Bruce Wilkinson.  I have enjoyed his other books, like Prayer of Jabez.  Some of the examples he uses in this book are chilling and supports the fact that God actually does have our lives in His hands.  I think the book could be summed up with this statement: Be available to God, and He will not disappoint you.

If you are wondering where your life is headed, if there really is a divine plan for your life, you will certainly enjoy this book.  It can be very encouraging.  I always like reading the stories about the situations that he encounters while giving his whole life to God.

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

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years - Donald Miller

I found Donald Miller’s “Blue Like Jazz” in 2006.  I thought it was one of the best books that I have ever read.  I liked him as an author, and his style is unique.

I visited Mardel’s one day, and his book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” was on clearance for a dollar.  Of course, I bought it.  And with my classes finished for the spring, I started reading it last week.  I could hardly put it down.

The most distinctive thing about Miller is his ability to make you believe you are sitting right across from him as he tells his stories.  You actually feel that you were there on the bike ride, or sitting in his living room as he talks to his film makers about the movie he is writing.  His wisdom, exceptional advice and encouragement to writers is second to none and inspired me.  I wanted to go sit at my computer and pound out a few pages, but I couldn’t read his book at the same time.  I chose to keep reading.

This particular book, as is true with his other books, is truly inspirational in nature and cause you to take a good hard look at your own life and ask the questions you need answers to. 

Ø                               Am I truly living the life that God wants me to live? 

Ø                               Am I missing the mark somewhere? 

Ø                               What can I do to change it?

Max Lucado wrote a review on the book and said that he wanted to read it again as soon as he finished it.  That is exactly what I wanted to say about it, too!

Donald Miller, I wish I could sit down with you and have a chat about writing.  I wish I could listen to your words of encouragement in person.  If you ever conduct a writing seminar in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’m there!

If you are at a crossroads in your life, or even if you aren’t, this book will rejuvenate your spirit and excite your heart.

I am also placing the link to "Blue Like Jazz" on here.  This is a book that will challenge your thinking.

Keep writing, Donald Miller!