Category Archives: Book Review

The Way of a Christian Book Review

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The Way of a Christian: Life Lessons from Pilgrim’s Progress-a 90-Day Devotional is an intriguing devotional.

Using John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, which was published in 1678 after he spent twelve years in prison for refusing to give up his spiritual mission, each devotion pulls a quote from Part I of Bunyan’s book, discusses how it relates to a Christian’s life today, explains what’s going on at this point in The Pilgrim’s Progress, reinforces the devotion with scripture references, offers several questions for reflection, and ends with a prayer. 

The introduction to this devotional book states its purpose is to show the transcendent and eternal truths contained in Bunyan’s story. I believe it achieves exactly that.

The reader is encouraged to read The Pilgrim’s Progress along with the devotional. Although it is not necessary to read the book along with the devotional, it is interesting to do so. When I received my copy, I pulled my 1933 edition of Bunyan’s book from the shelf and started reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my July Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

When the Meadow Blooms Book Review

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woman in meadowWhat a wonderful story! Ann Gabhart’s latest novel, When the Meadow Blooms, is a story filled with rich characters. Some you will love. Some you won’t. Some are hurting. Some are hopeful. There are heroes to love for their honor. There are villains to despise for their evil.

Set in 1925 Kentucky, When the Meadow Blooms tells the story of widow Rose Meadows, her two daughters Calla and Sienna, and Dirk Meadows, Rose’s brother-in-law. There is so much heart in this story. It is easy to get caught up in each character’s life as they struggle with painful memories and past hurts, misunderstandings and forgiveness.

Of all the Ann Gabhart books I have read, When the Meadow Blooms tops the list. If you enjoy faith-based historical fiction, perhaps this will top your list as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my May Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

Trusting God in All the Things Book Review

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blue flower petalsTrusting God in All the Things by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk is a book of 90 devotions designed to help overwhelmed hearts find true calm. A calm that carving out daily time to connect with God provides.

Alternating between Karen and Ruth, these devotions touch on issues many women face each day. Some of the issues are disappointment, family, contentment, priorities, worry, plus much more.

Each devotion begins with a scripture. Following the scripture, either Karen or Ruth offers a devotional thought on how the verse applies to life. Two questions to ponder for personal reflection follow the devotional thought. A prayer with space to respond completes the devotion.

Through these short devotions, the authors offer the reader time to pause and reconnect with God for a little bit of calm amid the hectic of each day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my March Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

With God I Always Have Hope Book Review

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With God book coverWith God I Always Have Hope is a 90-day devotional filled with two-minute devotions which, although brief, are full of substance. Each devotion begins with a scripture, goes to a meditation on the scripture, and includes questions for reflection, a prayer to guide your thoughts, a declaration of truth from scripture, and practical action steps to take.

The devotions cover a wide range of circumstances we face where we need the hope that is found in Jesus. Here is a sample of what’s inside. Equipped for Your Calling Exodus 4:12, The God Who Hears Nehemiah 1:6, Hope That Doesn’t Disappoint Romans 5:5.

I found this book encouraging, no matter what we might face in our day to day life. Perhaps you will also.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my March Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

The Spark of Love Book Review

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1850 prairie womanThe Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot is book 3 in the Mesquite Springs series. If you enjoyed the first two books, you are sure to enjoy this one.

As the story of Alexandra Tarkington and Gabe Seymour unfolds, four strangers arrive in Mesquite Springs, Texas in the 1850s. One seeks love. One seeks truth. Two arrive seeking to accomplish their evil intent. The author drops hints to the puzzle along the way, but it isn’t until the end of the book that all the pieces fall into place in a satisfying conclusion.

Spark of Love is an enjoyable book which kept me rooting for Alexandra and Gabe through twists and turns as buried secrets were revealed, plots of evil were overturned, and years of hurt were healed by love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my March Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

To Disguise The Truth Book Review

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Set in 1887 New York and Montana, To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano, follows Eunice Holbrooke and her Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency as they assist Arthur Livingston in finding missing heiress, Eugenia Howland. Disguised in widow’s tweeds, Eunice can keep her true identity from Arthur for only so long before they join together to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Within the pages of To Disguise the Truth, you will find a story with a cast of varied characters which weaves together a tale of murder, deceit, revenge, family, forgiveness, and a runaway heiress who must be found before she loses her family fortune.

If you enjoyed the previous Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency books by Jen Turano, you will probably enjoy this final book in the series as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my February Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

He Loves You So Devotional Book Review

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He Loves You So

He Loves You So Falling Deeper Into God’s Heart, is a 366-day devotional compilation of brief inspiring devotions. The devotions go day by day one scripture at a time through the Bible. The prayer reflects on the verse, affirming how it is applicable to life. The declaration sentence personalizes the verse as your own to hold on to.

Each of these devotions can be read in about one minute, but the value comes from spending time meditating on them. At least that is what I found to be true. What I appreciate most about this book of devotions is the way they are personalized.

If you enjoy the Sarah Young Jesus Calling series, then you may enjoy He Loves You So as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my February Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

Shadows of Swanford Abbey Book Review

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Shadows of Swanford Abbey bookcover

Filled with interesting characters, mystery, intrigue, twists, turns, and romance set in a foreboding medieval monastery turned grand hotel, Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is a delightful book for fans of Regency Romance that  keeps readers guessing.

Set in 1820 England, Rebecca Lane receives a vague message asking her to return home to help her brother. In the process of helping her brother, she teams up with childhood friend, Sir Frederick to solve a murder.

Amid the pages of Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Julie Klassen weaves a page-turning tale of sacrifice, forgiveness, and restoration. A tale I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Perhaps you will as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my January Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

God With Us Book Review

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God With Us 365 Devotions on the Person and Work of Christ complied and edited by Justin S. Holcomb is a book of devotions selected from works of classic Christian writers. These devotions focus on the person and work of Christ. The devotions begin with a scripture followed by a reflection.

The introduction states: This book celebrates that Jesus Christ is God with us and God for us. It explores the abundance, capacity, and immensity of Christ’s tender and powerful love for you. It explores His sovereign rule as Lord and King.

These devotions include works of Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and many others. They require more thought than a quick read. I found them best used for reflection rather than application.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my January Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

A Heart Adrift Book Review

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Heart Adrift book cover

Set in 1755, in the Tidewater Virginia area of York and Williamsburg, A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz tells the story of chocolatier Esmee Shaw and sea captain Henri Lennox, as war with France threatens the colonies.

After being apart for ten years, Esmee and Henri are reunited. Though still interested in each other, they are weary. When the Governor of Virginia asks Henri to go on a dangerous mission for the colonial government, their future together becomes uncertain.

Laura Frantz is a master at filling her books with likeable characters, and providing enough historical detail to make the story interesting without boring the reader with too many details. She layers intrigue with unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader turning the page.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Heart Adrift. If you enjoy Christian historical romance at it’s finest, then perhaps this is a book for you as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

You can find my January Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!