The Dandelion Field By Kathryn Springer

Well I'm pretty sure even the crickets have stopped chirping in this little space since its been such a long time since I posted anything regularly. However even when in the throws of first trimester pregnancy, I was still reading and reviewing books. I just never got around to posting about them. 
This was one book I read back in the Spring and am finally writing the review for.


I haven't done many reviews on fiction lately, I went through a stretch of several not-so-enjoyable fiction stories and have been drawn to non-fiction a lot lately. However this one was actually a really cute story. I loved the message of redemption weaved throughout the story. The book follows Raine and her mother, Gin. Who have moved around a lot because of Gin's longterm insecurities after a wild past. The reader comes in after they have chosen to settle in a small town for Raine's senior year of high school, and Raine has been in a relationship with a godly young man from the church's youth group who she makes a mistake with and finds herself pregnant. 


Its a great reminder that none of us is ever good enough to earn our own redemption and that even people with the best upbringing and best of intentions can find themselves deep in sin and its consequences. Also a reminder that no matter how far we have strayed from God's ways and His plan for our lives, He is always ready to welcome us if we genuinely return to Him. 


I loved that there was depth to both stories, between Raine and her boyfriend as well as Gin and a local firefighter who gently pursues her and shows her what grace and redemption look like. 


I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it for a wholesome light read with a great reminder of grace. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from BookLookBloggers, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions 

Make It Happen By Lara Casey

I was curious to read Lara's book since hearing the incredible responses from her talk at the Influence Conference several years ago. A lot of amazing tweets and quotes came from that session, so when I was given the opportunity to review her book, I couldn't resist.

I learned a lot more about Lara from reading this book than I had seen through just glimpses of her life on Instagram, she has a great story with a lot of examples of trusting God with your circumstances. While she did have some great things to say, I will admit that I expected more to this book than was perhaps there. It is pretty much just her story with some wisdom interspersed so it does make for an easy read. 

I did like that there were journaling questions throughout, and while I did not complete them at this time, I do wonder if perhaps I would have got more from the book by completing them. I guess my other main criticism was that being a christian author, I had expected there to be more of a scripture focus. It is obviously written from a christian perspective in places, but still reads very much like a self-help book which just isn't really my thing. 

I still think it is perhaps worth the read for the encouragement and wisdom throughout anyway. But I can't say it is on my top list of books ever read. 

What have you guys been reading lately? 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from BookLookBloggers, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions 

Veil of Secrets By Shannon Ethridge

I hoped when I chose this book, that it would hold some great marriage advice and be a great story about reconciliation for two people ready to divorce one another. Meet Melanie and Will Connors who are struggling in their marriage while involved in an election campaign. I will admit, I really struggled with this story, there were so many main characters that I struggled to connect with any of them. They all seemed to be lacking in any depth. 

It seemed to me as though the author tried to involve too many hot topics in this novel. Politics, marriage problems, counselling, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, family pressure. While I felt that it read easily, I just never found myself understanding several plots in the story. The politics felt hard to follow, although I haven't had much of an interesting in politics ever in my life, so that could have been it. Then there was an element of terrorism from an extremist group that never seemed to be resolved in the story. There were several instances of hacking and shootings, but I don't actually remember how that supposedly ended. 

I really liked what the author set out to do in exploring how the past affects marriage in the present, but felt as though it could have been more focused on that one issue instead of getting too complex overall. Maybe I will have to try one of her other books, as I really did enjoy her style. 

I would recommend it for readers who have an interest in politics perhaps. Maybe with that interest, it would have made more sense and been easier to keep the characters straight. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from BookLookBloggers, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions 

10 Books From 2014.

While I may not have kept up with writing exciting posts all throughout the year, one thing I did enjoy and manage to do on a monthly basis, was review several great books. Some I really loved and will hopefully read again, others just weren't my thing. Here's a recap from the year.

Victim of Grace By Robin Jones Gunn 

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....[Read More]

Love & Respect in the Family By Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I loved it, honestly. Dr. Eggerichs talked again about the love and respect principle and how it relates in a parent child relationship this time. He uses biblical wisdom and scripture to tackle common problems within the family unit and how children and parents can get into a crazy cycle where no-one feels loved or respected. It was very practical and approached a whole range of topics including discipline, encouragement, supplication, giving, understanding and instructing. I know it is going to be a great resource for years to come for me personally....[Read More]

P.S. He Loves You By Erin James

....It has brought me into a beautiful season of seeking my precious prince & I have enjoyed just sitting in His presence understanding how much He thinks of me, how huge is love is for me, while reading her precious thoughts and meditating on the scriptures she shared. It reads like letters from her directly to you friend, you will honestly believe they are personally written for you. 

And I really think you should check it out.

You really won't regret it....[Read More]

The Queen's Handmaid By Tracey L. Higley

Tracy L. Higley writes about an orphan girl named Lydia, following her journey as a servant to Cleopatra then later to Herod. She also slowly uncovers her heritage and where she came from as we see her mentor, Samuel, pass along several scrolls into her possession with the intention of placing them into the rightful hands of a man on the Jerusalem temple steps who awaits them annually....[Read More]

Passion By Louie Giglio & Others

The book is a collection of talks from the conference itself over the years, and is a great encouragement giving so much food for thought. I will probably come back and read parts of this book again just to glean more wisdom from the pages. Due to the different authors within the book, some of the talks are heavier and harder to read than others, but all of them had really good things to say and will encourage you not to grow complacent in your faith and purpose here on earth....[Read More]

The Nesting Place By Myquillyn Smith

This book couldn't have come to me for review at a more perfect time. I downloaded it two days before we were due to pack our current apartment into boxes, and finished it before we physically moved everything. It was that good! I know I will be reading it again! Myquillyn drew me in from the first page with her hilarious stories, helpful tips and motivation to try new things that I will probably love. 

The next thing is that I get to put it all into practice, having moved immediately after I felt like I was handed a blank canvas and given tips and resources to go with it. The hubby and I laughed hard over her story of spilling fresh paint on the floor of the rental (ok I may have cringed a little too knowing the horror I would feel if it were me). The pictures in the book of her beautiful home encouraged me and inspired me to try things I've never tried before. (I can't wait to look into have a canvas with all the streets we've lived on since being married) 

It felt like a big sister slightly further ahead of me, in a similar journey of moving every 12 months, giving me the permission I needed in the area of decorating our home.....[Read More]

The Family of Jesus By Karen Kingsbury

This book is a historical biblical fiction account of the family members of Jesus. It gives fictional (but biblically accurate) accounts from the perspectives of Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James and Mary. With bible study sections for each to look further into the biblical context and implications. 

I really appreciated Karen Kingsbury's careful way of sticking to biblical truth and her explanation of how she went about her construction of the stories. Inserting biblical truth first, then researching culture to ensure accuracy then lastly filling gaps with fiction. Obviously the most accurate accounts are those found in the bible itself, but I loved seeing it come to life through stories in the Family of Jesus as Karen Kingsbury has certainly been gifted with story-telling....[Read More]

Sarah's Choice By Rebecca St. James

Meet Sarah Collins, a beautiful successful 20-something who is about to get a promotion at work that she has worked hard for. She finds herself hoping to replace a woman who is leaving on maternity leave at first, but probably not returning at all. Especially if corporate has anything to say about it. 

Then Sarah discovers she herself is expecting. Then she begins to question everything; her boyfriends ability to stand by her and support a baby, whether she even wants him to be in the picture, her past and her issues with the Lord following the death of her father.  She finds herself with more choices than she knows how to answer all in a very short period of time.....[Read More]

Let's All Be Brave By Annie Downs

I loved the encouragement in this book, it reads very much like a big sister trying to encourage you to live your life the way the Lord wants you to. Encouragement to not stay with comfort when He is calling you to leap out of faith, her stories are full of scripture and truth guiding her decisions. 

There are many stories of her own showing her own personal journey from wanting to stay where she was comfortable and felt safe, moving towards ministry she felt called to. It was a great light read and I finished it very quickly. It really did feel like a coffee date with a friend, mentor or big sister.....[Read More]

Just Rise Up: A Call to Make Jesus Famous (InScribed Collection)

The study is based on Psalm 145 and calls us to consider whether or not God is actually the main priority in our lives, as He should be. Sarah breaks the study into five Chapters (topics) with five readings in each chapter. Ideally one reading per day with a place for journaling as you read, as well as questions to ask yourself encouraging you to think and dig deeper on the topics. 

The first section was all about living a live of praise, the study really encouraged and challenged me to begin thinking about how much I give praise to God during my daily life. Do I really acknowledge His gifts to me everyday? The Second section was on having a kingdom focus, really encouraging me to consider my daily activities and choices with an eternal focus and perspective. Section three dealt with pride and the issue of really bowing low before our king, recognizing my need for Him and His standing in my life before being able to rise up for Him. 

Section four is on our dreams and God's agenda, and lastly section five was about influence......[Read More]

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links Used, All Opinions Expressed My own.

Just Rise Up By Sarah Francis Martin

I was given the opportunity this Fall to review Just Rise Up by Sarah Francis Marin, part of the Inscribed Bible Study Series for women. I loved the timing involved with reading this book as I started it right before our trip to Kenya. It seemed perfect to read her words about sharing our faith in a public way learning to be bold right as we were about to adventure to do that exact thing. 

I started in the weeks before our trip and actually finished after we returned. The study is based on Psalm 145 and calls us to consider whether or not God is actually the main priority in our lives, as He should be. Sarah breaks the study into five Chapters (topics) with five readings in each chapter. Ideally one reading per day with a place for journaling as you read, as well as questions to ask yourself encouraging you to think and dig deeper on the topics. 

The first section was all about living a live of praise, the study really encouraged and challenged me to begin thinking about how much I give praise to God during my daily life. Do I really acknowledge His gifts to me everyday? The Second section was on having a kingdom focus, really encouraging me to consider my daily activities and choices with an eternal focus and perspective. Section three dealt with pride and the issue of really bowing low before our king, recognizing my need for Him and His standing in my life before being able to rise up for Him. 

Section four is on our dreams and God's agenda, and lastly section five was about influence. 

This study was intense, which I wasn't quite expecting. Given that I had a deadline for the review, I really don't feel I gave it the time I needed to in order to enjoy all that Sarah intended it to offer. I will definitely be revisiting this again in the future though and taking the time to answer the questions and journal as I go. Because it really was so rich in wisdom and good questions to ask yourself.

I would absolutely recommend it to any woman looking for a great quiet time tool to use for several weeks. It is perfect for use in that way!  

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from BookLookBloggers, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions 

Sarah's Choice By Rebecca St James.

Growing up, I listened to Rebecca St James' music all the time. I had her song Wait for Me as my ringtone on my phone & just looked up to her in so many ways. Her example of purity, surrendering her love story to the Lord and her own personal relationship with the Lord. I shared more thoughts on purity & waiting here. So of course, I wanted to read another book she had written, although wasn't too sure what to think since this was fiction and not non-fiction like all the others.

Meet Sarah Collins, a beautiful successful 20-something who is about to get a promotion at work that she has worked hard for. She finds herself hoping to replace a woman who is leaving on maternity leave at first, but probably not returning at all. Especially if corporate has anything to say about it. 

Then Sarah discovers she herself is expecting. Then she begins to question everything; her boyfriends ability to stand by her and support a baby, whether she even wants him to be in the picture, her past and her issues with the Lord following the death of her father.  She finds herself with more choices than she knows how to answer all in a very short period of time. 

An elderly lady leaves Sarah with a Christmas card as she exits from a family planning clinic promising her three visions to help her make her decision. Can she trust them? Is this all in her imagination? Could the God of the Universe really care about her unborn child?

I loved this very real, emotionally raw story. It read very easily and was difficult to put down once I got into the story. I found myself really connecting with Sarah and wishing I could love on her through her difficult time. It is a perfect story for anyone who's ever had a difficult decision to make. Appropriate for all ages as no detail given on the family planning clinic or events prior to her discovering the pregnancy. 

Let me know what you thought if you have read it? Or have you seen the movie?

Much Love!


Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for review, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions

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. 

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

A Book Launch: //Love's Memory by Shannon O'Donnell//

{via}

Today, I have something different for you. Sweet Shannon approached me a while back about helping her launch her new book. Of course since I am in love with most christian fiction books, I quickly agreed. I was then privileged to read it before it was launched today!!!
Check out Love's Memory by Shannon O'Donnell.

I really enjoyed reading about this family and would love to read more as Shannon continues her series. Particularly seeing the stories behind several other characters, her daughter, sister and even the other ladies she meets in her journey. I really related to the characters in the story, loving how it slowly unwrapped what was truly going on.
It was an inspiring story and I particularly loved the discussion questions included at the back of the novel to unpack some of the thoughts it provokes. I would highly recommend this wonderful piece of fiction as it is uplifting and fun to read!
You seriously won't want to put it down! 

So battle those winter blues by picking up a good book! ;) 
Anyway.....on to words from the author herself.....

Much Love,

L

-----------------------------------------------

Love’s Memory Review By Shannon O’Donnell

Love’s Memory, The Scott’s of Mountain Ridge Book One, is a story about destinies. The truth is we all have a destiny to fulfill in our life. A destiny designed by God. Our first step into that destiny is realizing we cannot live a happy, prosperous life apart from Him. Like Manny, Valerie and Wren, we are lost, wandering sheep until we are found in Him.

The catch phrase of Love’s Memory is: "It is only when you lose yourself that you find out who you are." This is so true for all of us. When we reach rock bottom, it is often the best thing that can happen to us. It forces us to reach up to something higher than us: God. God then reaches down and grabs us, pulling us to Himself. 

Valerie Mahoney, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, comes to that realization later in her life when she is forced to confront her deepest fears: losing the man she loves and confronting a sister who despises her. Manny, her husband, who married Valerie against his parents' wishes, experiences his valley when he loses the family farm and begins questioning his youthful decisions, including his love for his wife. Heartbroken at this revelation, Valerie flees one night, but a disastrous accident leaves her with amnesia. Distraught, Manny begins the desperate quest to find a wife who doesn't recognize him and return her home.

As with Manny and Valerie, life doesn’t always turn out the way we envision in our youth. Dreams don’t pan out, hearts get broken, disasters strike. But none of this catches God off-guard. In Loves Memory a praying-warrior is strategically placed in their path. 

See, the most important thing to God is bringing His children home to Him.  God was the missing piece in their lives. When Manny and Valerie finally surrender to Him, life suddenly takes many unexpected turns.  If you haven’t met Jesus Christ yet, He is the missing piece in your life. Without Him we can never fulfill our destiny and we all have one. Until He becomes the center of our existence, we are wandering sheep in need of a Shepherd. We may be moving forward, but not necessarily in the right direction. Only God can lead us to the perfect green pastures of our destiny.

Thanks for reading  Love’s Memory-The Scotts of Mountain Ridge Book One,  and no matter where you find yourself in life or what you’ve come out of,  you have a destiny to fulfill. 

You are important!

Shannon O’Donnell

To purchase a copy of  Love’s Memory go to www.shannonhopeodonnell.com

P.S. There's a book launch party over on her blog today with free prizes!! 

{On My Heart} Mondays. [Soaring Eagles.]

{Via}

While I was reading a book recently there was a beautiful conversation in it about soaring eagles.

The girl was talking about seeing an eagle and how they ride the currents up into the heavens, riding them soaring and dipping with the wind. 

When out of nowhere two smallish crows came along. 

Rather than leave the eagle alone, they started irritating it, poking at it, flying into it and trying to knock it off its course.

The eagle was unfazed by the crows and kept riding the currents, flying in big arcs and circles moving high with the wind until the smaller birds left it alone.

They then went on to talk about how people can be like the eagle and crow in the situation.

How those that shine or soar like the eagle are often those which are picked on or targeted by others.

How important it came across to me that we should forgive people who are like the crows and have harmed us in our lives. How like the eagle, we need to keep our focus on the things above. To be focused on Christ, to keep flying like the eagle to higher ground. To that place where Christ is what matters, and we don't spend out time and energy focusing on people in life who hurt us. 

Sometimes we can feel that the world is against us with what we are trying to do. Whether they are against the way we are trying to live to please the Lord, against whatever work he has called us to missionally, or just feel they are against us.....there are many days when we can relate to the eagle. 

But other times we are in fact the crow.

In those moments we need to make things right with those we harm or hurt, 

and right before the Lord.

To change our actions with the Lord's help and ask Him to forgive us.

And ask for forgiveness from others if appropriate.

I just wanted to share this insightful imagery I found.

I found it encouraging & such a wonderful reminder of where my focus should be.

Much Love,

L

Loving By Karen Kingsbury

So if you're a fan of Karen Kingsbury's books, like I am.

You've probably been estatic about the release of the Loving trailer.

This is a series about a young girl called Bailey, played by the author's own daughter in the trailers.

Such an encouragement to young women.

Wonderful reminder of how God truly knows the plans He has for us.

As readers, we have been able to follow Bailey through many tough decisions she has faced post graduating high school. 

A character I can so relate to, because I have been there. 

A positive role model in a world so set on applauding things not in line with God' kingdom.

Her book is set to be released on March 27th....I'm SO EXCITED!

So excited to find out how Bailey's journey continues.

If you missed the previous trailers, you can find Longing and Learning here.

There was no trailer made for the first book which was Leaving.

You may remember the post about the real life engagement of the girl who plays Bailey, Kelsey to Anthem Lights' Kyle, who plays Brandon in the trailers.

Loving the example of these men & young woman setting a wonderful example of living for Christ.

What a wonderful series full of purity & seeking God's will for your life.

Praise Him!

Much Love,

L

The Joy Dare: One Thousand Gifts. Ann Voskamp.

If you know me even a little bit, you will know that 

I Love books.

One of the most powerful books I have read recently is

 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp.

I'm sure I have mentioned it before but I keep sharing, because this book keeps impacting me and the way I see life.

My eyes have been opened to the way the world is a series of gifts from the Lord.

A way to see life in its entirety.

A secret to praying without ceasing.

You may have noticed my new banner at the bottom, the Joy Dare.

I have decided to take part in the February Joy Dare....

I am hoping to continue this habit and count 1000 gifts this year in 2012.

Along with thousands of others.

I would encourage you to check it out and join us!

 Here's to enjoying every moment.

Much Love,

L

P.S. I am totally considered doing a linkup for one of my series on here. What do you guys think? Which would you enjoy? The {On My heart} series? Or 'Two Hearts In Love'?

The Nerd in Me.

There are several things in life that I have a total weakness for.

Books, is one of them.

I went to the library on Saturday to pick up a book which I liked the look of online.

I came back with this 'small' pile.

What can I say....

I'm a hopeless book addict.

Nerd.

Love,

L

{On my Heart} Mondays. [Part 2: Joy instead of complaining]

'Lament is a cry of belief in a good God, a God who has His ear to our hearts, a God who transfigures the ugly into beauty. Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God in this moment, a distrust in the love-beat of the Father's heart. God's anger kindles hot when the essence of the complaint implies doubt in His love....'

~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Source: munchkinsandmohawksphotography.com via Kelly on Pinterest

For those of you that have been in recent contact with me, you know that I am in love with this book, One Thousand Gifts. I can't highly recommend it enough. Ann Voskamp has done an amazing job of encouraging & challenging me through her thoughts. 

Of the many things I have been challenged by, the one on my heart currently is: replacing an attitude of complaint with joy and gratitude. I have been remembering that God has my best interests in mind for the things which come into my life. He is a loving God who cares about me more than I can comprehend. If I complain about things occuring in my life am I really doubting that the Lord cares about me. That He doesn't care about my best interests? 

I have been learning to see joy in the mundane of life. To see each small thing as a gift from the Lord. When you start to see life in this way, you realise how many gifts He bestows on us everyday. It truly is a different way of seeing life. A far more beautiful way. A way which acknowledges the Lord and meditates on Him, constant communion with Him throughout the day.

It also helps me have a much better attitude. There is nothing worse than hearing someone complain when they could be choosing to see joy.

The other thought which the quote from Ann Voskamps's book brought to mind was the story in Exodus about the Israelites and the manna. They complained about His provision for them, ever thought that their attitude of complaint led to them not being able to ever get to the Promised Land?

Each time I see things differently, it feels like I am seeing the Promised Land, a new level of God's love. A new understanding of who He is. 

A greater Love.

My first Love.

Much Love,

L

Growing our Home {Link Up}

Every day I have the wonderful priviledge of being this man's helper.

Yeah ok he looks funny in this picture, he is and thats TONS of fun. 

I decided to post today and link up with http://www.growinghomeblog.com/ about how we have grown our home this week.

Just like most weeks, one of the ways we work on our relationship is to read good books together.

We are currently reading 'Love & Respect' by Dr Emerson Eggerichs. I can't highly recommend this book enough! It has truly taught me how to better love my significant other.

I am very thankful for him. 

Enjoy all the other Link-Ups!

Much Love,

L

x