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 

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 

The Nesting Place /It doesn't have to be perfect to be Beautiful/ 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. To try new things, to go ahead and paint those wood items which everyone keeps telling me I shouldn't even consider doing because who dares to paint perfectly good wood.

So I've been experimenting these last 2 weeks taking baby steps, my huge wall art of a London bus is hanging in the hallway of all places this time.....and you know what I LOVE it even more than I did previously!!! My $0.50 frames from goodwill got a coat of wall paint this week (no I didn't sand or even wipe down the frames) and they look AWESOME! I LOVE them!!! I even found $5 cabinet doors in Ikea on Monday which I have huge plans for.

This book is incredible. Be warned, its hard to put down and it might keep you up at night dreaming up ways of improving your home. Who says you can't love a rental.....I'm falling pretty hard over here as I adapt many of Myquillyn's ideas and dream up my own. 

Definitely one of the best books I have read in a while! A fast favorite! Be sure to head over to her blog as well if you want a sneek peek of Myquillyn's incredible work on a great budget. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through BookLook, however all opinions expressed are my own. 

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 

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