Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker

Never Unfriended

by Lisa-Jo Baker

About the Book

In a world where women can unfriend each other with the swipe of a finger, how do we find friendships that we can trust to last? Maybe by first becoming those kinds of lasting friends ourselves.

As the community manager at the website incourage.me since 2010, Lisa-Jo Baker has had the chance to engage hundreds of conversations with women about friendship. She’s learned that no one can make us quite as unsure about ourselves as another woman. And nothing can wound as deeply as unkind words from a friend. While we are all hungry for friendship, it’s the fear of feeling awkward and being rejected, left out, or hurt (again) that often keep us from connecting.

But what if we knew we could never be unfriended? Would we risk friendship then? 

Starting with that guarantee from the most faithful friend who ever lived—Jesus—this book is a step-by-step guide to friendships you can trust. It answers the questions that lurk under the surface of every friendship—What are we afraid of? What can’t we change? What can we change? And where do we start?—with personal stories and practical tips to help you make the friends, and be the friend, that lasts.

My Thoughts
Friendship is something every woman craves, yet doesn't come naturally to most of us. Despite "making friends" being a skill we learned in kindergarten, it's something that we must work out throughout our entire lives.

I appreciated Lisa-Jo Baker's honest approach to friendship in her book Never Unfriended. She shared personal experiences of times when she wasn't a good friend as well as times when she was. I feel I learned as much (or more) from her "bad friend" experiences as I did from the "lessons" she was sharing. This book was practical and I feel it will help me as I continue to develop friendships that I've had for years, along with steps I can take to ensure I start new friendships on the right foot. I recommend this book to anyone hoping to be a better friend (which I hope is all of us!).

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Lisa-Jo Baker has been the community manager for www.incourage.me, an online home for women all over the world, for nearly a decade. She is the author of Never Unfriended and Surprised by Motherhood, and her writings have been syndicated from New Zealand to New York. She lives just outside Washington, DC, with her husband and their three very loud kids, where she connects, encourages, and champions women in person and through her website, lisajobaker.com. She is convinced that the shortest distance between strangers is a shared awkward story, and she'd love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @lisajobaker.

The Wonder of Advent by Chris Tiegreen

The Wonder of Advent

by Chris Tiegreen

About the Book
Rediscover the heart of the Advent season

As the year comes to a close and the stress and busyness of the consumer Christmas holiday grows, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season really calls us to: worship. In today’s world, is it even possible to slow down, to ponder, to wonder in the coming birth of Christ?

This Advent, recapture the mystery and beauty of the season with The Wonder of Advent Devotional. In this insightful and thought-provoking book, beloved devotional author Chris Tiegreen brings you into a deeper experience of this integral time in the church calendar. After completing a week of short readings to prepare your heart for the Advent season, you’ll journey through December with daily Scripture readings, prompts for reflection, and guided prayer to help you savor this remarkable divine story. With each day, The Wonder of Advent Devotional will reconnect you with what happened in Bethlehem long ago—and experience it anew in your life right now.

My Thoughts
I've become such a huge fan of Advent over the past few years. It's HARD to focus on Jesus when there is so much ELSE going on around us. That's true for any time of the year, but it seems to be especially true at Christmas.

The Wonder of Advent provides a devotional moment for your busy day. Take a break, read a short passage of Scripture, and get a glimpse of the deeper story through the author's devotional writing. Each day's reading is short enough to squeeze in regardless of what else is going on, but long enough to cause you to pause and think about the true meaning of Christmas. I liked the questions that were included at the end of each day. These would be beneficial for personal journaling or family discussion, depending on which you prefer. This will be a book I pull out year after year. [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. However, this is a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers shows God's Character

Earth Psalms

by Francine Rivers

About the Book

Millions of readers have been transformed and inspired by Francine Rivers’ bestselling novels Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. Now, in this weekly devotional, the beloved author invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she’s gathered over a lifetime of exploring—abroad and in her own backyard—and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity?

Stunning photography, Scripture excerpts, applications, and prayers accompany Francine’s reflections, inspiring you to be encouraged. Be challenged. Be comforted. God’s power is immense; His attention to detail in precise; His love for you is vast and unfailing. The proof is all around you.

My Thoughts
I've been a fan of Francine Rivers' novels for years, so I was curious what a devotion book by her would be like. And I was not disappointed!

Earth Psalms is a weekly devotion that will take you through the entire year. I loved how Rivers looks to nature to show different aspects of God's character. For example, we can see God's faithfulness in the sunrise and sunset occurring every day. As I read the devotional, I noticed myself paying attention to everyday things, seeing them with new eyes, and reflecting on who God is. Inevitably, I also found myself sharing that week's devotion with a friend. The concepts were just so easy to remember and share!

I enjoyed the weekly format of this devotional because it was easy to add to my other Bible studies since many of them are only 5 days per week. I've already given this as a gift and highly recommend this to anyone looking for a place to start studying God's Word. [5 stars]

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

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years before becoming a born-again Christian. As her statement of faith, she wrote Redeeming Love, a retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush. Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry's top-selling titles year after year.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Francine's novels have been translated into over thirty different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries.

Francine and her husband live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Visit her website at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents

by Gary Chapman with Shannon Warden 

About the Book
Dr. Gary Chapman has helped millions prepare for marriage.
Now he helps you prepare for kids.

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents has one goal: prepare you to raise young children.

Dr. Gary Chapman—longtime relationship expert and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages—teams up with Dr. Shannon Warden—professor of counseling, wife, and mother of three—to give young parents a book that is practical, informed, and enjoyable.

Together they share what they wished they had known before having kids. For example: children affect your time, your money, and your marriage—and that's just the beginning. With warmth and humor they offer practical advice on everything from potty training to scheduling, apologizing to your child, and keeping your marriage strong… all the while celebrating the great joy that children bring.

From the Preface: "Our desire is to share our own experiences, as well as what we have learned through the years, as we have counseled hundreds of parents. We encourage you to read this book before the baby comes, and then refer to its chapters again as you experience the joys and challenges of rearing children." — Dr. Gary Chapman

My Thoughts
This is a great, quick read for anyone about to become a parent or who has a young child. You'll probably read much of it thinking to yourself, "Of course that's true. Doesn't everyone know that?!" But it always helps to be reminded of the changes that are coming as a result of any life change. Dr. Chapman's writing style is personal and practical. He uses lots of illustrations, which makes for a quicker read. Each chapter includes several practical application type things, to help you answer the question "now what?!"  [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. However, this is a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible Story Devotional (5 stars)

The Big Picture Interactive Bible Story Devotional

by B&H Publishing 

Children's Devotional

Available February 2015

224 pages

About the Book
The Big Picture Interactive Bible Story Devotional is the perfect way to bring the Bible to life in a kid's heart! This unique 52-week devotional is packed with value and includes interactivity kids will love. A Bible story is at the center of each weekly devotion, and a two-to-four minute video is available by scanning a QR code. Plus, a free downloadable app lets kids experience a digital "pop-up" (using Augmented Reality) of each Bible story along with narration by Jenna Lucado Bishop. Get more info here.

My Thoughts
I'm always looking for new books that will help kids grow in their relationship with God, and The Big Picture Interactive Bible Story Devotional is a resource I can recommend. The book is divided up into 52 short devotions for elementary-age kids. Each devotion is divided up into several sections: a one-page devotion, a short "augmented reality" clip that they can watch and hear using the mobile app, a passage of Scripture, questions for further thought, a video clip, and more. While it's intended for children to use on their own, I can see how this could also be used in family worship or even in homeschooling. One "devotion" could easily be stretched into a week's worth of discussions.

The devotions themselves are short, easy to read, and straightforward. If read in order, they will take a child through the entire Bible, showing how the Bible tells one complete story. This is something that I've only learned as an adult, so I love the emphasis on teaching children from a young age.

I definitely recommend this devotion and will confidently give it to the littles in my life. [5 stars]

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

For the Right Reasons by Sean Lowe (Review)

For the Right Reasons: America's Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First
by Sean Lowe
Non-Fiction / Memoir
Available February 2015
Thomas Nelson
272 pages

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About the Book

The "virgin Bachelor" Sean Lowe reveals the challenges of finding love while championing his Christian convictions in the morally complex world of reality TV.
 

After The Bachelorette broke his heart, Sean Lowe suspected his "nice guy" image hurt him. The show never emphasized it, but Sean committed to living according to biblical standards of sexuality, even as producers emphasized the risqué and promiscuous. A Texas boy from a Baptist home, Sean tells the story of how he went from a Division I college football player to a fan favorite on reality television, taking readers behind the scenes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to see the challenges of living out his values and faith-and ultimately winning his true love's heart.
 

For the Right Reasons is about the journeys we all have to take in the real world, where being "good" is the right thing to do but sometimes doesn't seem to be enough; where betrayal is commonplace; and where that thing called perfection is actually just a cruel myth. Sean learned a few things from his two seasons on the hottest romance shows on television, and he wants others to benefit from those lessons: good does eventually win, lies will be discovered, and "nice guys" do ultimately finish first.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

I confess, I have been a fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette since the very beginning. I've been fed up a time or two and sworn that I would never again watch, but I always get sucked back in. Of course, I was excited to see that Sean Lowe had a book out since he truly was one of the nicest people to ever be on the show. I knew there was something different about him when I watched his seasons, so I was looking forward to reading more of his story.

For the Right Reasons probably won't win awards for the best written book. BUT that doesn't mean I didn't thoroughly enjoy it. I appreciated learning more about his family, career before becoming a reality TV "star," and his personal life. I loved getting the behind-the-scenes story about the process to becoming a contestant, insider info about how the show works, and more details about the things I watched on TV. What a fun read! 

Fans of The Bachelor franchise, fans of Sean Lowe, or anyone who's curious about the inner workings of reality TV will enjoy this book. [4 stars]

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

About the Author

Sean Lowe, one of the three finalists on Emily Maynard's popular season of The Bachelorette, later starred in the 2013 season of The Bachelor. Credited by the New York Times for "reinvigorating the franchise," he has been voted America's favorite Bachelor and is the only one to marry his match from the show. Sean and his bride, Catherine, live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs, Ellie and Lola.

Go Ahead & Like It by Jacqueline Suskin (Review)

Go Ahead & Like It
by Jacqueline Suskin
Available April 28, 2015
Random House
72 pages

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About the Book

An artistic, smart self-help book that prompts and inspires readers to write lists of things they like--a simple yet profound way to collect and remember the good in daily life.

This scrapbook-style art book is an invitation to write lists of things you like: small things that bring delight, intriguing things that excite, and meaningful things that make every day special. It's a how-to guide, writing prompt, model for self-discovery, and beautiful inspiration for daily gratitude, with poet Jacqueline Suskin's personal lists intertwined with photographs, illustrations, and instruction. It's a self-help book for people who might not be drawn to standard self-help, and it's creative thinking for people who might not identify themselves as creative thinkers (What does it mean to "like" something in today's digital age, anyways?). Above all, it presents a simple, dependable method to notice the good that's all around us--even in a traffic jam or waiting in line--so we can inhabit our world more fully and smile more in the process.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think  |  Learn more

My Thoughts

To be totally honest, I had a hard time telling what this book was all about from the description. However, I thought it sounded interesting. I love making lists, and I love the idea of recording things I'm grateful for, special memories, or whatever random thoughts strike. What's not to like, right?

Well, Go Ahead & Like It is part instruction on how to make a "list of likes" and part a sampling of the author's lists. It seems the author was going for a "Post Secret" type feel, with photographs, unique layouts, and handwritten text. Unfortunately, it didn't strike the right chord with me. The lists included things like "I like: lake swimming, naps, the banjo, and storms." I think I might have felt differently if I was previously familiar with this author and her work.

It wasn't a total loss, though. I think this might be a fun idea to try with our Compassion kids. Sharing "like lists" would be a simple, easy way to get to know one another better, and the simplicity would help us cross language, cultural, and age barriers a bit easier.

This wasn't a good fit for me, but others may enjoy it.  [2 stars]

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

About the Author

Jacqueline Suskin is best known through her work with Poem Store, a public performance project in which she composes custom verses on a manual typewriter in exchange for donations. She and her typewriter have been featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, in the New York Times, at SFMoMA, and at Los Angeles Contemporary, bringing poetry to the general public in an intimate, immediate, and accessible way.

Home Is Where My People Are by Sophie Hudson

Home Is Where My People Are

by Sophie Hudson

Southern Memoir

Available February 1, 2015

Tyndale House Publishers

256 pages

About the Book
All roads lead to home. It’s easy to go through life believing that we can satisfy our longing for home with a three-bedroom, two-bath slice of the American dream that we mortgage at 4 percent and pay for over the course of thirty years. But ultimately, in our deepest places, we’re really looking to belong and to be known. And what we sometimes miss in our search for the perfect spot to set up camp is that wherever we are on the long and winding road of life, God is at work in the journey, teaching us, shaping us, and refining us—sometimes through the most unlikely people and circumstances. In Home Is Where My People Are, Sophie Hudson takes readers on a delightfully quirky journey through the South, introducing them to an unforgettable cast of characters, places, and experiences. Along the way, she reflects on how God has used each of the stops along the road to impart timeless spiritual wisdom and truth. Nobody embodies the South like Sophie Hudson, and this nostalgic celebration of home is sure to make even those north of the Mason-Dixon line long to settle in on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea and reflect on all of the people in our lives who—related or not—have come to represent home. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the address on the front door or even the name on the mailbox that says home, but the people who live and laugh and love there, wherever there might happen to be.

My Thoughts
Told in her signature style—with plenty of parenthesis and all caps!— Home Is Where My People Are is another hilarious book from Sophie Hudson. Sophie tells some great stories (she’s southern after all!), but she doesn’t simply rely on being fun. Instead, she uses these stories to tell her life’s story as well as make the reader think a little more his or her own story. After reading about Sophie’s family and friends, I found myself wanting to hug mine a little tighter, grateful for the gift they are to me.

I love all things Sophie Hudson (The Big Boo Cast, anyone?!), and Home Is Where My People Are is no exception. Snag a copy today and prepare yourself to laugh and hopefully learn a little something about yourself. [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review, which I have given.

About the Author
Sophie Hudson began her blog, BooMama.net, in 2005, which means she's now been blogging for three times as long as the mid-90s stirrup pants craze. She is also a contributor to the Pioneer Woman's blog, serves as co-emcee of LifeWay's dotMOM event, and the author of A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet. She enjoys laughing until she cries, cheering like crazy during a college football game, and hanging out with her people (preferably while wearing pajama pants). She lives with her husband and son in Birmingham, Alabama. Follow Sophie online at boomama.net.

The Soup Club Cookbook (Review)

The Soup Club Cookbook
by Courtney Allison, Tina Carr, Caroline Laskow, and Julie Peacock

Cookbook
Available January 2015
Random House
240 pages

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About the Book

Food-sharing is the hot new thing in the "getting dinner on the table" conversation, and in The Soup Club Cookbook, four busy moms share not only their formula for starting a soup club--which gives you at least three meals every month when you don't have to worry about dinner--but also 150 fantastic recipes for soups and sides and storing tips for stretching those meals across the week.

The Soup Club began when four friends (who, between them, have four husbands and ten hungry kids and several jobs) realized that they didn’t actually have to cook at home every night to take pleasure in a home-cooked meal. They simply had to join forces and share meals, even if they weren’t actually eating them together. Caroline, Courtney, Julie, and Tina happen to be neighbors, but a soup club is for anyone: colleagues, a group of workout buddies, a book club. All you need are a few people who simply want to have more home-cooked food in their lives.

In a soup club each person takes a turn making soup—and sometimes other dishes for sides or for when everyone needs a break from soup, so if a club has four people, in a month each person will have dinner delivered three times—a dish that can start as a full meal and stretch into more dinners or lunches or even morph into a sauce. Soup is forgiving, versatile, and perfect for sharing; it can be spiced to taste, topped elaborately or not at all, and dressed up or down. It travels well and reheats beautifully.  The Soup Club Cookbook also has dozens of tips for cooking in quantity and for tailoring soup to individual tastes and needs. Here, too, are simple guidelines for starting your own soup club, anecdotes, and a few cautionary tales  that will inspire anyone to share food and eat well.

Recipes include quick and easies, classics, twist on favorites, and dozens of flavor-rich new crowd pleasers: 

• Carrot Coconut and Chicken Chili
• Senegalese Peanut Soup
• Faux Ramen
• Red Lentil Curry Soup
• Potato Cheddar Soup
• Sun Dried Tomato Soup
• Jeweled Rice Salad
• Cheddar Cornbread
• Summer Corn Hash
• Soy Simmered Chicken Wings

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

I love soup, and the idea of sharing soup with other families through a soup club sounds like a genius idea! The first section of the book does a great job explaining how these four families do soup club and offers suggestions for how you can do something similar with your own people. 

There are tons of recipes in this book—everything from broths and dressings to soups (duh!), a few other main dishes, sides, and snacks. Each recipe is accompanied by a few details or a story behind why it's a favorite for the club. There are also tons of helpful tips about prepping, cooking, packaging, and delivering mixed in throughout. Very practical and helpful cookbook. 

The main drawback I see is that the majority of these recipes involve a lot of steps and a lot of ingredients. I'm sure you could eliminate some of this based on whether you buy fresh or pre-packaged ingredients, but if you're hoping to simply follow a recipe as is, be prepared to spend several hours cooking.

I look forward to trying these recipes. There are several that I know now we will love. There are many others that will be more adventurous "tries" for us, but I look forward to trying these new soups and hopefully finding a few to add into our permanent rotation. Now to just find a few more families to form a soup club with! [4 stars]

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

About the Authors

We grew up in other places and settled in New York City. We are an educator, an ecologist, a filmmaker, a nutritionist, a yogi, a traveler, a feminist, a mother, a runner, a Dane, a Jew, a Yankee, a Christian, a vegetarian, a gardener, and a coffee drinker.
 

We make sure each other’s glasses are filled with seltzer or wine, as the case may be. We pick up, hang on to, feed, and hug each other’s kids with abandon. We try to be honest and kind and sometimes succeed at doing both.
 

We are four friends who cook and we are Soup Club.

The Soup Club Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

Book Trailer Thursday ... on Wednesday | Counter Culture

I've run across a few really awesome book trailers and video interviews recently. I thought I'd feature them from time to time when I see one that I just have to share. Of course, I couldn't wait even one more day to share it on Thursday, so without further ado ... here's the first installment of Book Trailer Thursday ... on Wednesday. ;)

David Platt's new book, Counter Culture, released yesterday! To say I've been waiting a while for this one is an understatement! I love this trailer and the passion it conveys for the subject matter. This certainly won't be a quick read, but I know it will be well worth my time.

Counter Culture Book from Radical on Vimeo.

About the Book

Too often Christians pick and choose which social causes they are willing to engage in based on what our culture deems “fashionable” while remaining silent on others out of discomfort or fear of personal persecution. But the Bible makes it abundantly clear that is not what Christ’s followers are called to do.

In Counter Culture, New York Times bestselling author David Platt redefines social justice from a biblical standpoint and makes a compelling case for why Christians are called to fully and actively surrender themselves to every cause—regardless of personal cost or consequence.

Drawing heavily on Scripture and compelling personal accounts from around the world, Platt presents a pointed yet winsome call for readers to faithfully follow Christ in countercultural ways—ways that will prove both costly and rewarding for the contemporary church. 

For more information about the book, visit CounterCultureBook.com.

The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow (Review)

The Waiting
by Cathy LaGrow
Non Fiction / Christian / Memoir
Available May 2014
Tyndale House
336 pages

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About the Book

An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.

In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. 

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

When I heard the premise for this book, I knew I had to read it. It was every bit as good as I anticipated! After Minka is raped as a teenager, she discovers she is pregnant and gives the baby up for adoption. This incredible story goes on to tell of Minka's life and reunion with that baby 77 years later.

I was shocked time after time at how different life is now than when Minka was growing up 100 years ago. Her difficult circumstances were heartbreaking, but she was strong despite them. I appreciated, especially, that she grew closer to God in the midst of these challenging times.

The writing is tender and moving, which only adds to the beauty of the story. By the time I reached the end of the book, I was quite emotional. What a wonderful gift the Lord gave both Minka and "Betty Jean"! And what a wonderful gift Minka's family has given all of us through the telling of this story. It was simply delightful. One of the best books I have read this year. [5 stars]

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

About the Author

Cathy LaGrow first fell in love with books as a young girl, when she often chose to lose herself in a story rather than play outside. That love has never waned. She estimates that she's read more than two thousand books, and she habitually collects new titles much faster than she can read them.

Her previous writing endeavors include her blog, Windows and Paper Walls; a story for Chicken Soup for the Soul titled "A Good Mother"; and a weekly column for All the Church Ladies on a website created by journalist Karen Spears Zacharias.

In 2006, just after the birth of her first baby, Cathy and her family learned the secret her grandmother Minka Disbrow had been carrying for almost eighty years—that at age seventeen, she'd given up a baby for adoption. Cathy's mother is Minka's second child, born nearly eighteen years later. Cathy began working on The Waiting in early 2012.

Cathy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Dan, for almost twenty-five years. She is a licensed, nonpracticing US Customs broker and a piano teacher. She lives in Oregon, where she's often found in the kitchen baking or curled up in a chair reading. An avid runner, she sometimes runs literal circles around her two small boys at the neighborhood park. Nearly everything fascinates her.

This is Cathy's debut book.

The Story Behind the Story | Rhinestone Jesus

Back in the fall, I joined up with other bloggers to assist in a grassroots fundraising campaign for Mercy House Kenya. I was floored by how God used moms, daughters, sisters, women—bloggers!—to raise over $74,000 to provide a new van, generator, classrooms, computer lab, and a second house for theses precious moms and babies.

Kristen Welch, founder of Mercy House Kenya, has written a book called Rhinestone Jesus and it releases today! I wanted to share some of what she recently shared on her blog about why she wrote this book. You know, the story behind the story.

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I wrote Rhinestone Jesus because I want you to know the whole story. 

It’s funny how easy it is to look at someone’s life and even their God-sized dream and think, “I could never do that, be that, have that sort of faith or courage or success  or fill in the blank.”

I’m pulling back the curtains, revealing the dirt under the rug, and I’m telling it all…the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, the shattered and redeemed chapters of my life. I want you to meet the awkward teen who wore a sparkly Jesus pin to high school because I was too afraid to do the talking myself. I want you to understand I was a dreamer. But instead of chasing dreams, I mostly ran from them.

I want you to identify with me as a mother –weary and overwhelmed and not always realizing I was seeing the face of God every time I wiped a small smudged one. I want you to see just how damaged my marriage was and how we fought hell itself to love again. I want to show you the ugly places, the unwilling heart, the times I said no–you must see this to get a clear picture of who is really telling this story.

I want you to see past these gorgeous faces full of hope and a future and understand how against all odds, a broken girl with a broken past said yes to God in a most unlikely place. I want you to see that your small every day yes matters so much more than you think it does.

And most of all, when you read about my sometimes chaotic, troubled and imperfect life, I pray it inspires you to look at yours and instead of seeing a mess, you discover the perfect place for God’s glory.

I’ve spent the last year spilling my story onto the pages of this book. It’s not for “just moms” because there’s no such thing. It’s for everyone who has a yes inside them. It’s for women who would like to get their life just right before they feel like they can do something for God. It’s for those who are sick of stuff and the weight of the American Dream. It’s for those who wonder if Jesus is enough. It’s for those who have stopped dreaming. It’s for the broken.

But mostly, it’s for Jesus, not the sparkly one, but the one who rescued me, the Savior who urged me out of my comfort zone into wild obedience. I wrote it for His glory and for all those brave enough to say yes with me.

* Originally posted on We Are THAT Family. Re-posted with permission.  

About the Book
In high school, Kristen Welch wore a big, sparkly rhinestone “Jesus” pin to school every day and carried her Bible wherever she went. (Yes, she was that girl.) But she didn’t realize her faith, though sincere, was shallow; much like her artificial accessory, it would one day tarnish, no longer a true fit for who she was. As real life catapulted Kristen into places and situations she’d never imagined, there came a day when she stood shocked in the slums of Africa and realized in one desperate moment that Jesus wasn’t enough for her. At least . . . she wasn’t living like He was. On the brink of a risk bigger than any she’d ever taken, Kristen knew she didn’t stand a chance—unless she was willing to put aside the rhinestones and get branded by the real thing. Rhinestone Jesus is the story of one woman’s journey from comfortably living a safe, “good-girl” faith that didn’t cost much, to realizing that God was daring her to say yes to a bolder, more authentic, more dangerous way. This story of spiritual adventure throws the doors wide open for any woman who’s ever thought of herself as “just a mom.” Kristen will inspire and empower you to say yes to God right where you are—and stand amazed at how your life will shine.

Know Orphans by Rick Morton

Know Orphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology
by Rick Morton
Non-Fiction / Christian Living / Orphan Care
Available March 2014
New Hope Publishers
192 pages

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About the Book

The global orphan crisis is complex. The church’s response should be comprehensive, but is it? In this provocative follow-up to Orphanology, author Rick Morton provides the framework for families and churches to have a gospel-centered response to the growing global issue of orphan care.

KnowOrphans addresses three distinct areas associated with global orphanology. Delving deeper into the criticisms of the movement, the need for reform, and what families can expect, author Rick Morton helps shape realistic perceptions of the challenges and rewards adoptive parents face in transnational adoptions. Through illuminating the work internationally adoptive families can expect, KnowOrphans offers solutions for the church in remedying the ills and deficiencies surrounding the church’s role in equipping and supporting families before, during, and after the adoption process. Knowing that the church’s response and attitude should be one that goes beyond adoption, KnowOrphans also addresses the complexities of how Christians are to respond ethically, compassionately, and comprehensively to the biblical call to care for orphans.

KnowOrphans is the next step in conversation as this evangelically based movement of orphan care matures and begins to live out James 1:27 globally.

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My Thoughts

Know Orphans is a great follow up to Orphanology, a collaboration between Tony Merida and Rick Morton. Where Orphanology gives readers the "theology" behind orphan care, Know Orphans gives practical steps that individuals and churches can take to put this theology into action. 

This book is both informative and a great encouragement to do something. Rick shares from his personal experiences, which adds a great personal touch to the book. I also appreciated that he goes beyond simply talking about adoption, which is what most people think of when they think of orphan care. I also appreciated the emphasis on the church's role in leading this movement.

Know Orphans is highly recommended to anyone seeking to follow God's commands for taking care of the least of these. [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from New Hope Publishers through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Rick Morton is the father of three transnational adopted children and coauthor of the popular book "Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care." His dedication to the plight of orphans extends beyond his own family. The Mortons were cofounders of Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An inspiring speaker for the gospel to be expressed by the church living out God’s heart for the fatherless, Rick presents at adoption and orphan-care conferences and pastor’s conferences. Rick and his family live in the Greater Memphis area.

Rick Morton Online

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Praying the Attributes of God by Ann Spangler (Review)

Praying the Attributes of God
by Ann Spangler
Non-Fiction / Prayer / Devotional
Available October 2013
Tyndale House
336 pages

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About the Book

Many people feel both drawn to God and afraid of him. How can they feel close to a perfect God whom their flawed self is incapable of pleasing?

Fortunately, God has revealed truths about himself in Scripture that can untangle our confusion. In this daily guide to studying and praying according to the attributes of God, Ann Spangler resurrects old-fashioned words like holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Far from boring us, these words, when excavated for their biblical meaning, paint a thrilling vision of God that can help us experience spiritual growth in a deeper way. They can also prevent us from making the colossal mistake of concluding God is too weak, distant, or uncaring to help us when we need him.

In the tradition of her bestselling books Praying the Names of God and Women of the Bible, this new daily devotional focuses on one particular attribute each week.

Praying the Attributes of God will help you see that God is far bigger and far better than you could ever hope or suspect. 

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My Thoughts

This is a great devotion book. The author chooses 17 attributes, focusing on one each week. Each week includes five daily devotions that will help readers more fully understand the character of God by learning more about the attributes of God.

Of course, this book is good for personal use and study, but I also think this could be a great option for a small group Bible study or even to use with one or two accountability partners. If you are looking for a devotion book that will draw you into Scripture and help you know God better, check out this book.  [4 stars]

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

About the Author

Ann Spangler is an award-winning author, publishing her first book and bestseller in 1994. She has continued to author several bestselling books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda), Praying the Names of God, and Praying the Names of Jesus. Together her books have sold millions of copies. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to address themes of profound interest to many readers. She and her two daughters live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ann Spangler Online

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Blog Tour & Review | Everyday Confetti

Everyday Confetti
by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer
Non-Fiction / Family / Holidays
Available January 2014
Revell
192 pages

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About the Book

Got a calendar packed with reasons to celebrate but a brain that lacks ideas? Special people you want to love on but limited time to do it? Relax. We've got you covered.

Everyday Confetti is your go-to guide to making holidays, birthdays, special events, and even the everyday special. Inside you'll find more than two hundred ways to make memories with your family, including easy recipes, fun activities, and inexpensive decorating ideas—all simple, doable, and stress-free.

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My Thoughts

As someone who enjoys celebrating holidays or any other day, I was excited about this book. I was hoping to get some new ideas for celebrating all year and having someone else do the work for me! After reading Everyday Confetti, though, this isn't the book for me.

While I definitely found a few nuggets in this book, I didn't walk away feeling like I was ready for a year of celebrations. Some pretty major holidays/occasions (i.e., Easter) only offered two or three suggestions. Then there were a lot of minor or made up holidays that were listed with only a couple of suggestions that would require quite a bit of research, thought, or creativity to pull something together. Other times the suggestions just weren't that creative. For instance, the suggestion for both Black History Month and Cinco de Mayo was to read a book about the topic and learn more about the reason for these holidays—but no books were suggested, nor discussion questions or other activities to make it fun. Personally, I would have preferred a shorter list of holidays/occasions and more thorough, creative, and fun ideas about how to celebrate the holidays that were included. Since this is a Christian book, I also wished that there was a spiritual tie-in for each holiday. Some of the holidays included this type of connection, but many did not.

The three sections that were the best were Valentine's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These were the most complete sections and thought some of the ideas listed might be things I could incorporate into my family celebrations.

While some may appreciate this book for what it offers, I think many readers will be frustrated. People who are super busy, overwhelmed by Pinterest, short on time, and/or less creative than they'd like to be—the people I think this book is written for—will most likely be disappointed by the lack of complete information and suggestions provided in Everyday Confetti. [2 stars]

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

About the Authors

Karen Ehman is a national speaker, an online devotion writer, an author for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a contributor at TheBetterMom.com. Her latest book and Bible study is Let. It. Go. She has been a guest on Focus on the Family, Moody Mid-day Connection, and The 700 Club. She and her husband, Todd, live in Michigan with their three children. Connect with her at www.karenehman.com.

Glynnis Whitwer, executive director of communications for Proverbs 31 Ministries, is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 Ministries online devotional. She is the author of several books, including I Used to Be So Organized. Glynnis and her husband, Tod, live in Arizona with their five children. She blogs regularly at www.glynniswhitwer.com.

A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman

A Million Little Ways: 
Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
by Emily P. Freeman
Christian / Non-Fiction
Available October 2013
Revell
224 pages

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About the Book

Do you desperately fear you have nothing to offer the world but secretly hope you're wrong?

You were born to make art. You were made to live art. You might not see yourself as an artist, but you are—in so many unexpected ways. In what you create, whether poetry or pie, sculpture or sand castle, calligraphy or conversation. It's time to uncover the shape of your soul, turn down the voice of the inner critic, and move into the world with the courage to be who you most deeply are.

Creating a life of meaning is not about finding that one great thing you were made to do, it's about knowing the one great God you were made to glorify—in a million little ways.

My Thoughts

I hoped that I would really enjoy this book and would be encouraged by it. While I liked the premise—that the definition of art is much broader than we generally think and that we are all artists because God is and we are created in His image and that art is essentially anything we do in life for the glory of God—I had a really difficult time connecting with the book. I'm not sure if it was how the content was laid out or the writing style or simply the mood I was in while reading it. Regardless, I decided to move on and not finish this book. The reviews on Amazon are highly favorable, so if you are a fan of Emily Freeman's previous book or blog or if the premise intrigues you, I would encourage you to check out other reviews before making a decision based solely on mine.  [DNF]

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

About the Author

Emily Freeman is the author of Grace for the Good Girl and Graceful. Whether writing or speaking, Emily's words create space for souls to breathe, offering fresh perspective on the gracefulness of the everyday and the sacredness of our inner lives. She and her husband John live in North Carolina with their three children. Connect with Emily online at www.emilypfreeman.com where you'll find her blog, Chatting at the Sky.

Emily Freeman Online

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Another Great Marriage Resource from Dr. Gary Chapman

The Four Seasons of Marriage
by Dr. Gary Chapman
Non-Fiction / Christian Living / Marriage
Re-released September 2012
Tyndale House
240 pages

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About the Book

Spring, summer, winter, fall. Marriages are perpetually in a state of transition, continually moving from one season to another—perhaps not annually, as in nature, but just as certainly and consistently. Sometimes we find ourselves in winter—discouraged, detached, and dissatisfied; other times, we experience springtime with its openness, hope, and anticipation. On other occasions, we bask in the warmth of summer—comfortable, relaxed, enjoying life. And then comes fall with its uncertainty, negligence, and apprehension. The cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marriage, just as the seasons repeat themselves in nature.

The seasons of marriage come and go. Each one holds the potential for emotional health and happiness, and each one has its challenges. The purpose of this book is to describe these recurring seasons of marriage, help you and your spouse identify which season your marriage is in, and show you how to enhance your marriage in all four seasons.

My Thoughts

As with other books I've read by Gary Chapman, I was impressed by The Four Seasons of Marriage. Dr. Chapman strikes a delicate balance between explaining his belief that marriages journey through "seasons," practical helps for couples in each of those seasons, action steps for improving your marriage, and Scripture to provide the biblical basis for all of his thoughts. I found this to be an incredibly practical book—though many of the suggestions will not be easy ones to put into practice. I also appreciated the focus on personal responsibility, rather than blaming one's spouse for everything that's wrong in a relationship. This book is a must-read for all couples--regardless of how long you've been married or what season you find yourself in. [5 stars]

About the Author

Dr. Gary Chapman seeks to fulfill his call to the ministry as a pastor, speaker, and author. He speaks extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally on marriage, family, and relationships. The government of Singapore invited him to present his marriage seminar there and the Chaplain’s Office of NATO issued a special invitation for Dr. Chapman to speak to the NATO forces in Germany. Other engagements have taken him to England, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Mexico and Hong Kong. Sales exceeding 5 million copies earned him the Platinum Book Award from the Evangelical Publishers Association for The Five Love Languages, which has been translated into over thirty-six languages. Twenty-seven other books and five video series are also among his publications. 

On the home front, Dr. Chapman is Senior Associate Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He and his wife, Karolyn, have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Gary Chapman Online

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Beyond Ordinary by Justin & Trisha Davis

Beyond Ordinary
by Justin & Trisha Davis
Christian Non-Fiction / Marriage
Available January 2013
Tyndale House
256 pages

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About the Book

How safe is your marriage? The answer may surprise you. The biggest threat to any marriage isn’t infidelity or miscommunication. The greatest enemy is ordinary. Ordinary marriages lose hope. Ordinary marriages lack vision. Ordinary marriages give in to compromise. Ordinary is the belief that this is as good as it will ever get. And when we begin to settle for ordinary, it’s easy to move from “I do” to “I’m done.”

Justin and Trisha Davis know just how dangerous ordinary can be. In this beautifully written book, Justin and Trisha take us inside the slow fade that occurred in their own marriage—each telling the story from their own perspective. Together, they reveal the mistakes they made, the work they avoided, the thoughts and feelings that led to an affair and near divorce, and finally, the heart-change that had to occur in both of them before they could experience the hope, healing, and restoration of a truly extraordinary marriage. 

My Thoughts

I want to preface my review by saying that I understand that Justin and Trisha Davis (the authors) are real people. I think it shows great courage to write a book sharing the darkest, ugliest parts of your life in the hopes that God would be glorified through your testimony and that others might be helped.

Unfortunately, though, I didn’t feel that the book was executed well. First, let me explain the layout of the book. The book is divided into twelve chapters. Each chapter begins with Justin and Trisha telling a little about their story—how they met, some about their dating life, their young marriage, having children, struggles in their marriage, the issues that nearly caused their marriage to crumble, and a bit about how they were able to overcome those problems. The “story” alternates between the two of them, so you get both perspectives. This section reads like a blog or a conversation. Then the last half to two-thirds of the chapter is “teaching” on marriage and topics geared toward helping couples improve their marriage. This section reads very much like a sermon.

Now, here’s what I liked about the book. It was well-written, technically speaking. Everything made sense and was well-edited. I also liked the back-and-forth style of the first part of each chapter, allowing both Justin and Trisha to tell their story in their own words.

From the beginning, I found it extremely difficult to like Justin and Trisha—as they chose to portray themselves through the first section of each chapter. Justin especially seemed unlikable, and I wondered all along why “Team Justin” felt so strongly that Trisha and Justin should date and marry.

Throughout the book, Justin told story after story of awful things he said and did to Trisha and their children. There were only two instances that I can recall that he prefaced it by saying he was sorry or ashamed or something similar. Since this is not a journal but is written from the perspective of having repented of these sins, I wished he would have shown that repentance throughout the book. I needed him to reiterate over and over that he regretted these things, that it was painful to admit them, that it was embarrassing and shameful to have to share with the world what he had done.

Similarly, as Trisha shared mistakes that she made in their marriage, she confessed to what she did but I didn’t feel her sorrow, grief, or repentance over these actions and words. (Side note: Justin and Trisha most likely are extremely remorseful and repentant of the actions that took place in their marriage, but it doesn’t come through in how they tell their story in this book.) And with both Justin and Trisha, it seemed that blame was the name of the game—obviously in the past, but it felt like they were still blaming each other, other people, and their circumstances at the end of the book without taking personal responsibility for what happened. With all of this presented as the background, it made it difficult to view the “sermon” portions of the chapters as something that I should listen to and put into practice.

In regards to the content of the book, I left the book feeling like I needed more of the “after” part of their story. The build up to the “final straw” and the chapters dealing with the initial response was so drawn out and had me feeling so negative towards marriage in general and Justin and Trisha in particular that I needed more of the “redemption” part of their story. I wanted to know how in the world they managed to save their marriage after ten chapters of such tragedy. I wanted to know how they are doing now. How is their marriage different now than when they first got married or when they first started trying to make things right? What steps are they taking to prevent another catastrophe? What accountability is in place for both of them to keep things moving in the right direction? Some fairly serious things happened during the first ten years of their marriage, and the “fix” was simply glossed over. The last few chapters were long on sermon and short on personal account, which contributed to this feeling of needing more.

My final problem was with the overall tone of the book. I read Christian books—both fiction and non-fiction—because I want to read books that leave me feeling hopeful. On a whole, I didn’t feel that this book was hopeful and inspiring. Parts of it were very negative and hopeless.

I really struggled while writing this review. These are real people who are sharing their personal story. I never want to appear to criticize someone’s story because it’s just that—their story—and everyone’s story is worth telling. My goal was to critique the telling of the story without diminishing or attacking this couple or how God has worked in and through them. I hope I have succeeded in doing so.

With that said, I would not recommend this book. I believe other books would be more helpful to couples in crisis and portray an overall more hopeful picture of how God can redeem anything for our good and His glory. [1 star]

About the Authors

Justin and Trisha met at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois. Justin received his BA in Christian education, and Trisha later earned her BA degree from Indiana University. The Davises' return to ministry is the result of a victorious battle for their marriage and family. After successfully planting their first church, their marriage was devastated by an affair. What followed was a four-year journey of pain, grief, and ultimately, by the grace of God, the restoration of their relationship.

In 2009 they founded RefineUs Ministries, Inc., to ignite a movement in the church and among pastors and church planters to build healthy marriages and families. They consider the resurrection of their marriage to be a great gift and feel it a privilege to use RefineUs to help others find that same healing. Today Justin and Trisha are bloggers, authors, and teachers in Nashville, Tennessee, where they reside with their three boys. Justin is currently campus and teaching pastor of Cross Point Community Church, Bellevue Campus.

Sparkly Green Earrings ... A Charming Memoir from Melanie Shankle (a.k.a. "Big Mama")

Sparkly Green Earrings
by Melanie Shankle
Christian / Non-Fiction / Memoir
Available February 2013
Tyndale House
240 pages

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About the Book
“There is really no better indicator you’re a mother than acquiring the ability to catch throw-up in a plastic bag, disinfect your hands, and immediately ask your friend to pass the beef jerky as you put on another Taylor Swift song and act as if nothing has happened.”

This is the type of insight Melanie Shankle offers in this quirky memoir of motherhood.

Written in the familiar, stream-of-consciousness style of her blog, Big Mama, Sparkly Green Earrings is a heartwarming and hilarious look at motherhood from someone who is still trying to figure it all out. Filled with personal stories—from the decision to become a mother to the heartbreak of miscarriage and ultimately, to the joy of raising a baby and living to tell about it—Sparkly Green Earrings will make you feel like you’re sitting across the table from your best friend. A must-read for anyone who’s ever had a child or even thought about it.

My Thoughts
I'm not a mother, and I don't know if or when I ever will be. However, Sparkly Green Earrings still resonated with me. Yes, it's a book about "motherhood," but it's so much more than that. It's really about relationships and friendships and trusting God when we don't know why things happen like they do. It's about growing up and growing out of our selfish tendencies so that we become more like Christ each and every day.

Melanie has a special gift for writing about her personal life experiences in a way that still strikes a chord with readers. I found my eyes misting over as she talked about her miscarriage, and then mere paragraphs later (not even the next chapter!) I was guffawing loudly enough for Hubs to roll over and ask what was wrong. (I have GOT to stop reading in bed after my husband has already fallen asleep!!!)

This is an incredibly charming book, one I am happy to recommend! [5 stars]

About the Author
Melanie Shankle was in fourth grade when her teacher asked her to read a story she had written to the entire class. Even though that story now seems a little silly and simplistic, it made the students in Mrs. Rice's homeroom laugh out loud, and a little dream began in Melanie's heart—a dream to use words to make people laugh.

Over the ensuing years, Melanie wrote when she had a chance and tucked things away in notebooks and journals, rarely showing any of it to anyone. But in July 2005, on a total whim and in desperate need of a creative outlet, she began writing a blog called Big Mama. No one was more shocked than Melanie when someone other than her dad and her college roommate began to read it.

Since that time Melanie has seen her blog readership grow beyond her wildest dreams and open the doors to writing and speaking opportunities she never could have imagined. It's proof that God wasn't playing around when he inspired Paul to write Ephesians 3:20. It is "immeasurably more" than she could have asked or imagined.

In addition to her blog, Melanie writes a quarterly column for the popular online magazine Praise and Coffee, is a regular contributor to the Pioneer Woman's blog, and serves as co-administrator and writer for LifeWay Women's AllAccess blog. She also serves as emcee for LifeWay's annual DotMom event and participates in Compassion International's blogger initiative.

A graduate of Texas A&M University and a former pharmaceutical rep, Melanie loves writing, shopping at Target, looking to see what's on sale at Anthropologie, and encouraging other moms in a humorous, yet relatable way at TheBigMamaBlog.com.

Most of all, she loves being the mother of Caroline and the wife of her husband, Perry. The three of them live in San Antonio, Texas, with their two elderly dogs. She also believes she owes a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Rice for making her read that story out loud all those years ago.

Melanie Shankle Online

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