Sweet, Light Reading

Double Shot by Erynn Mangum is the third book in the Maya Davis series. I was looking for a light, easy read for my impending snow day and this was a perfect choice! Double Shot seems to pick up right where Cool Beans and Latte Daze (the first two books in the series) left off. However, the novel definitely stands alone if you haven't read the first two.

Maya, recently engaged to her long-time friend Jack, is in the midst of planning her wedding. With the help of her mom, best friend Jen, and sister-in-law Kate, all the details start coming together.

The story is sweet and an easy read. Maya, Jack, Jen, and the other characters are very likable. I appreciated that Maya constantly struggles with not letting the wedding plans take over her life. She still seeks out opportunities to share the gospel with her non-Christian friends from work and reaches out to new people in her small group. She also battles with anxiety and fear as circumstances threaten to interrupt this happy time. Friendship, family, and faith in God are obvious themes in this book. The book is fairly predictable and doesn't develop the plot or the characters too deeply. But it was enjoyable and I would recommend it if you're looking for a quick read.

I think that this book is technically billed as young adult fiction. However, I would recommend this book for adults and older teenagers (mature, upper level high school students). There aren't any controversial topics in the book; I just feel like books about adults (vs. teenagers) are better suited for older age groups.

4 stars

I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Young Adult Fiction: Angry by Laura L. Smith

Having been a reader for my entire life, I've read my fair share of young adult fiction. Ah ... the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn! I chose Angry by Laura L. Smith to see what young adult fiction looks like these days. I was pleasantly surprised!

Angry is a short, quick read. The third book in the THINK series, readers follow Emma as she learns of her parents' divorce. Struggling with taking care of her five younger siblings, dealing with her anger at her dad and his new girlfriend, wondering why her mom is drinking so much, and fighting to fit in with her friends, Emma is generally angry. (Hence, the title of the book.) Things begin to look up when she makes the school play, but will she figure out that God is in control of everything and look to Him for guidance?

This book read a lot more realistically than much of the high school fiction I read back in the day. It addresses difficult issues and reveals feelings that most youth can identify with. This series is probably for a more mature teen reader as this book alone mentions/addresses teen pregnancy, eating disorders, divorce, adultery, and alcoholism. An involved parent or youth leader would be useful in discussing the issues brought up. The writing style of the author is in-tune with teenagers. Told from the perspective of Emma, I felt like I was in the midst of a high school girls conversation for most of the book. Well done! The only complaint I really had about this book is that it wraps up a little fast. Emma suddenly recognizes her need for God and jumps to the conclusion that everything is going to work out in the last two very short chapters. Just seemed a bit quick and neat for me. Overall, though, this was a great read! Check out the first two books in the series if you like this one: Hot and Skinny.

Read a sample chapter here.

4 stars (out of 5)

I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Topical Memory System: Hide God's Word In Your Heart by NavPress

NavPress's Topical Memory System consists of a course workbook with an introduction to memorization and meditation of Scripture and twelve essays by various authors on topics that most people struggle with. Topics include knowing God's will, self-image, dealing with sin, guilt, perfectionism, anger, depression, sex, money, stress, suffering, and love. The other component is a book of memory verse cards and a card holder. The cards are perforated so you can you easily separate them and put them into the holder. Each topic has six memory verses written in six versions, so hopefully your version of choice is included.

What a wonderful resource! I know I need to memorize Scripture, but I find it somewhat difficult. This book gives simple, practical helps that I feel certain will make things a little easier. The essays were helpful to gain biblical perspective on each of the twelve issues. Additionally, the questions at the end of each chapter helped me really digest what I studied in the Scriptures. The system is set up in a way where you can master this discipline as long as you are just that ... disciplined. This would be a great book to work through with an accountability partner or small group or even your spouse.

The following quote pretty much sums up the basis for the rest of the book:

"The most substantial way to solve your deepest problems is to take them to God in prayer and to find His solutions in Scripture. In prayer, we call out to the living God from the depths of our soul; in Scripture memory and meditation, we find that God is calling us from the depths of His living Word. ... Both memory and meditation are vitally important. Scripture memory puts God's Word in your mind. Prayerful meditation puts God's Word in your mind. Having the mind of God directing your life can really help you overcome your anxieties" (pg. 6).

5 stars (out of 5)

I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my fair and honest review.

LifeChange Series: Psalms by NavPress

The newest in the LifeChange Series by NavPress is a study on Psalms. The writers approach the book of Psalms as a book of prayers. The ten chapters focus on topics like prayers of worship and praise and prayer and waiting on the Lord.

Each chapter states a lesson objective, a desired action, and a list of psalms for this lesson. A combination of commentary, selected readings, questions, and word studies allow individuals to process and gain a better understanding of the book of Psalms. The margins of each page include additional questions or suggestions for study that will allow the user to take their personal study deeper. Chapters end with suggestions for group study that will help new group leaders facilitate study and discussion easily.

I have done several of these studies in the past and always love them. They're great for individual study or for a group setting. Plus, I can do the "basic" study for each chapter or go deeper with the questions in the margins if I have more time or if I want to learn more about a specific topic.

I would HIGHLY recommend this study (or any other in the series) for those looking for a new devotional study.

5 stars (out of 5)

I received a free copy of this study from NavPress in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron is what my friend would call "literature." Chase has a crisis of faith when a little girl in his congregation dies. Not sure if he believes in Jesus or the Church anymore, he goes to Italy to visit his uncle Kenny, a Franciscan friar. Kenny directs Chase on a pilgrimage, where he learns about the life of St. Francis of Assisi and how St. Francis relates to Chase's life and the modern-day church.

This one's really hard to describe - probably because I'm still processing some of what I read. There's a lot of great history in the novel and I learned a lot about St. Francis. I made several new realizations reading the book, and felt like I went on a bit of a pilgrimage myself. (I even stopped reading and started discussing with my husband a few times!) There is also a little journal type section at the back of the book, which would really help readers glean even more from the book.

I really enjoyed the book and learning more about the subjects that the author addressed. Not easy summer reading, but definitely one I would recommend!

4 stars (out of 5)

I received this book for free from NavPress Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Forgotten by Melody Carlson

Forgotten by Melody Carlson is the first book in her Secrets series. Seventeen-year-old Adele faces pretty tough circumstances when her mother leaves, she is evicted from her apartment, she begins working at a nursing home, and is eventually forced to live in an old van. Too embarrassed to tell her wealthy friends what is going on in her life, Adele continually lies to them and tries to cover up the truth of her new, homeless life. When everyone finds out the truth, what will she do?

Melody Carlson is a fantastic writer. The story is told from Adele's perspective, and you can really FEEL what she is experiencing. It really opens your eyes to a way of life that most readers have probably never experienced firsthand. This book is geared toward a teenage audience, and would be perfect for several friends to read together. The discussion questions at the end would help girls digest the tough topics discussed in the book. Plus, the book is a pretty easy read - I started and finished in a day. The one thing I was disappointed in was that the book came to a pretty quick conclusion. I felt like it was about to have a "to be continued" ending, but suddenly everything was wrapped up and done. However, I can't wait to see what Melody writes next.

4 stars (out of 5)

I received a free copy of this book from NavPress Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.