Victim of Grace. [Book Review]

{Via}

Well, I realise I haven't talked about Booksneeze in a while. Apparently so long that I managed to get my account suspended while I slowly, and I mean slowly made my way through this book haha! Guess I wasn't the only one who thought it took too long. I do like books though and am trying to make a habit of sharing some good ones with you. 

At first, I wasn't sure I entirely liked this book. Initially it just didn't hold my attention, then about halfway through I really started to understand where Robin Gunn was coming from. The second half I probably read in the space of a few days. That may have been my own fault in taking so long to read the first half, which made it hard to follow. Or just was my opinion of the content of the book. It felt slow to get going, but then once you got to the meat she had some great things to say. 

Robin shares a lot of her own story in this, we follow her through many different stages of life as she grapples with various struggles and God's purpose for her life. I loved how she deepened my understand of grace and what that looks like in everyday life. I enjoyed following her on this journey and learning things to take away and apply to my own journey. I also really enjoyed her use of scripture as she shared various verses that she clung to while wrestling with her issues. There's some gems in there! 

I would recommend it anyway but also say its worth reading the whole thing, as the first half is really not super impressive. 

What good books have you read lately friends? 



Disclaimer: Thoughts are my own, however I was given a copy of the book in exchange for my review through Booksneeze. 

Recommended Reads. Booksneeze Part 3.

{Via}

Yes, its another review. This girl has been reading a lot of books in the evenings as it is now officially summer. Woohoo.

At first glance this novel caught my eye, yes yet another judging a book by its cover moment for this girl. I am a romantic at heart and a sucker for fairytales, so even though I had originally planned on reviewing a different book, I couldn't help asking for this one instead. I love the mush, happy endings and ‘aww’ moments found in fairytales, must be the girly girl in me.

So this book (Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck) looked perfect.

This is the story of a typical 20-something girl called Susanna, who finds life completely turned upside down when her boyfriend of 12 years breaks up with her instead of proposing. Enter a chance encounter with a tall dark handsome stranger who fast becomes a good friend to her. All the while she is unaware he is a prince in line to a European throne. 

While being a cute story which didn't disappoint on its 'aww' moments, I couldn't help feeling like it was a retelling of one of my favorite movies, The Prince and Me. 

So while I enjoyed it, I can't say it is a new favorite.

I feel like I never really connected with any of the characters on a deep level or understood a lot of the political story going on between the two fictitious countries soon to be ruled by the Prince.

I would have loved to have seen more depth in the faith of the main characters  There were times when I felt scripture or a short prayer had been added almost as an afterthought. 

All that to say, I would recommend it as a fun, clean, light romantic read. It is a cute fictitious story inspired by England's royal family.

What have you guys been reading lately?

I need some recommendations :)

Much Love,

L

Recommended Reads. Booksneeze Part 2.

{via}

I would apologize for my lack of posting, but I won't as I have been just enjoying being present in real life and enjoying our new home, marriage, friends. So I will be in and out and thought I would share a recent good read today.

I have been really looking for some encouraging fiction lately. After moving and changing jobs, I found the dust settled and the long summer evenings have been perfect for kicking up feet in our gorgeous living room and picking up a good read. So after completing my last review for Booksneeze, I browsed through the available titles and The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman immediately caught my eye.

I know they say 'never judge a book by its cover' but I'll be honest, I totally do. And this particular cover looked cute, plus I loved the dress on the front. This was also the first time I have ever read a book on my phone as it was only available for download. There were definitely times I wished I could physically hold the pages and see it lying on our coffee table enticing me to find out how the story ended.

(I guess I'm old school in the love of actual books) 

I loved the main characters, Brooke and Owen. I immediately found them easy to relate to as a reader. I particularly enjoyed how the author wrote from different perspectives throughout so you could hear the thoughts of each person. It was a realistic romance between two people who would not have naturally found themselves together without God's intervention. A story that made me wish there was a sequel so you can see where the Lord takes them next. 

I really enjoyed it as a light relaxing evening read. No thought required but I still came away encouraged in my own life after picking it up. I would recommend it to others looking for an encouraging story in how the Lord can restore lives, particularly those who experience loss and second marriages which are honoring to the Lord. 

I would not recommend it to single girls struggling with romance novels. Regardless of the good content and encouragement it is a romance.Waiting is a challenging but rewarding time in life and I wouldn't want to cause discontentment in such a season as a result of recommending this cute story.

Hope to be back around more soon friends.

Much Love,

L 

Unexpected Love.

This isn't my normal kind of post. I generally share things I am learning in my walk with the Lord to encourage here. But often many of the places I find encouragement, are through good books. So when I found an opportunity to review books to share with you guys, obviously I couldn't resist =) 

The book I reviewed this month was Unexpected Love by Julie Zine Coleman. 

I won't tell you that it was the kind of book that changed my whole outlook on life. It didn't leave a huge lasting impression on me. However I did like the different chapters focusing on various women in the bible and how the Lord related to each of them.

I particularly loved the biblical accuracy and scripture used throughout by the author. You can tell each of the different characters have been well researched and care has been taken when interpreting scripture.

I loved that about this book. 

The different chapter focuses also made it an easy book to pick up and then put down again.

But equally made it hard to read through quickly as I would read about one woman,

then put the book down and forget about it. No ongoing story to draw me in.

So it was a very slow read for me. I do prefer fiction in general as I am drawn in by the characters.

But as far as non-fiction books go, it did have some good points. 

I would recommend it as a lighter read through scripture and clear insight into the relationship between God and women in general.

Any of you guys read it? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Are you more into fiction or non-fiction?

Much Love!

L