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 

For the Love By Jen Hatmaker

Having read bits and pieces of Jen's blog, I was exciting about reviewing this particular book. My instagram was definitely filled with various ladies enjoying it & so I was extremely excited when I saw it listed for review. 

This was definitely a fun, easy read. She had me laughing in many places & also ready to try the few receipes she included throughout. I did enjoy seeing the author's heart behind the message she was trying to put across. My biggest complaint with the book however is I didn't really feel that it focused on comparison or fighting for grace at all. A few chapters in it began to feel like a series of essays or blog post entries thrown together into a book. While still very enjoyable and amusing to read, I don't really feel the title was appropriate as this was not the focus of the book. There is also practically no mention of scripture references or discussion of grace in general in the book which felt a little misleading based on the title. 

I would still say it is a fun read and thought the author had a great personality. But perhaps a different title would have been more appropriate for the book?

Have you read any great books 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 

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

The Family of Jesus By Karen Kingsbury

If you've seen many of my book reviews before, you probably know by now that I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan. I own almost all of her books and have read the entire Baxter Family Series several times. The Bailey Flannigan Series even more. So when I was given a copy of her new book to review before it was even released, I may have squealed. 

The Family of Jesus releases tomorrow on July 1st, you can purchase it through amazon for $9.78 right now on their pre-release kindle price (hardcover print $13.00).  

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. 

I don't think it was my most favorite book written by her, I am not a particular fan of historical fiction. But it was definitely my favorite historical fiction book by far. I also loved the bible study sections with each perspective, that was a huge highlight. I look forward to going back and spending more time in those sections. 

Hope you enjoy! Have you read anything good lately?



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. 

This Week's Favorite Reads.

I love when other bloggers use this as a topic for a post. It's a great way to be encouraged by what another may see on their dashboard, blogs they may not know about. 

I have found many new blog friends through people highlighting what their favorite reads have been that week. 

So I think I am going to do a regular posting when I have a selection of encouraging posts to share.

I also need a place to document these so my poor bookmarks section doesn't explode. 

Cling By Nicole Neesby @ Today is My Favorite

What I'm Reading: Sacred Singleness By Kiki @ In Its Time 

Anybody Story: Lauren Casper By Lauren Casper over @ Gloriously Ruined

It Will Work Out By Gennean @ Loved, Not Lost

A Visit I'll Never Forget By Amanda @ My Love For Lyla 

Carrying Burdens By Carrie @ Waiting with Joy 

Because, if you really cared... By Rachel @ Chasing Kite Tails 

They tell me I need them to feel happy again.... By Caroline @ JCaro

A Long Season of Waiting By Amanda over @ Where My Soul Belongs

Marriage By Casey @ The Wiegands

Phew. That's a ton of food for thought right there.

Enjoy friends! Oh and if you've read something good this week or written something encouraging, leave me a comment, I'd love to check it out :)

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 

Current Favorite Reads.

Outfit Stats: Mustard Peacock Coat - Charlotte Russe, Striped top - AE, Jeans - AE, 

White Cami layered underneath - Old Navy, Boots - England ;)

Hey friends! 

Lately I have had a little more time to catch up on some favorite blogs.

This doesn't always happen for me depending on how busy we are during the week.

So when I started to take some time away from a regular blogging schedule, I have been able to put some of that freed-up time into reading.

And I have been enjoying listening and reading to so many wise and encouraging ladies.

I thought I would share several of these reads for you guys to head over and check out.

Kerrie from The Williams Post - Free At Last

Caroline from JCaro - Time Spent worrying is Lost Joy

Moriah Sunde (On the Influence Network) - Called To Love 

Julie at From Awkward to Art - Doing What I have to Do to get What I want

Rachel at Finding Joy - The Gift of Grace

Cassidy at Cassidy Robinson - Why Blog?

Amanda (On Allume) - When you struggle to Find Your Niche

Nadine at Secondary Heartbeat - Even If My words Defeat the Purpose

Erin at SweetnessItself - Vlog//My Ten Favorite Books

I hope these encourage you! I have found them so thought-provoking and challenging. 

This is what I love about the blog community.

If you came across a post which encouraged you this week, leave it below in the comments.

I'd love to read it =)

Much Love!

L