Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"A life without purpose is a story without ending." - Jane Kirkpatrick

I have to admit that when I first began this book, I wasn't sure I could/would finish it. I'm typically not a fan of historical fiction, even though this book is based on fact. But after the first page, I was hooked. Jane Kirkpatrick has gone above and beyond to do her homework on what the old west was really like. Today we tend to romanticize the settling of the west, but this book brings home the stark realities of what life was truly like back then. It is honest and "in your face", yet the stories are interwoven so beautifully as to soften the edges of the harshness. I admittedly had done little reading or research concerning the building of the railways out west, but Jane Kirkpatrick has portrayed both the hardships and successes in such a way as to make you want to know more. If you've ever had even the slightest interest in how the west "was won", and/or how our railway system spread west of the Mississippi, you'll love this book. It is riveting to the degree that I could hardly put the book down long enough to tend to my daily activities. Very well written and highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place - John Ortberg

Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place by John Ortberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What an inspiring and encouraging book! John Ortberg has done a phenomenal job of explaining just what eternity is, and when it begins. So when do you think eternity begins? When you die? Surprisingly that is the view many have of eternity. It seems to be something so very far away, something to be hoped for and attained, yet if we read the scriptures, we find that eternity begins the very moment we believe in Christ for salvation. Once we grasp that realization, we become more motivated to "lay up treasures" in heaven. We may also find ourselves looking for a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS, afterall, the very reason we're offered eternity with Him. This book brings to light the realization that we should be striving toward eternity, as something we already have, yet want to add to. While Tyndale House Publishers has provided a copy of this book to me at no charge, they have in no way tried to influence my review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion and mindset. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper insight into what eternity really is.

View all my reviews

Praying God's Promises - Linda Evans Shepherd

Praying God's Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures by Linda Evans Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Linda Evans Shepherd has hit the ball out of the park with this one. While this was my first time reading anything by this author, it most assuredly won't be my last. Mrs. Evans has gone above and beyond, collecting scriptures pertinent to basically every area of our life. It is an invaluable resource of hope and comfort, and a tremendous aid to finding God's incredible promises in His Word, and highlighting them. As the author shares in the introduction, God is truly a God of promises. This book will show you what they are, where they are, and will guide you to specific promises to meet your current situation. I highly recommend having this book in your library.

View all my reviews

Justice Betrayed (Memphis Cold Case #3) by Patricia Bradley

Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not normally a fan of mysteries, especially if they're mixed with romance. But this one was really good. As I first began the book, I was disappointed that the "who dun it" was exposed so early. But the story grabbed my attention, and as I continued to read, I began to suspect a plot twist. Sure enough, at the end of the story, there is a HUGE plot twist, one that not many will see coming. Patricia Bradley appears to have done her homework on the inner workings of a police department, and portrayed each character with realism and integrity. As an "inspirational" book, I would have loved to have seen more talk of God, faith, and more scripture reference. However, that is the only negative I have found with this book. If you love a good mystery, with a brilliant plot twist, then you absolutely MUST read Justice Betrayed.

View all my reviews

Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells

Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Few books have ever truly touched my soul like "Before I Saw You" has. As a child of adoption, this book stirred thoughts and emotions I thought I'd long ago dealt with. But after reading this book, I've at last been able to forgive my birth mother, and have come to understand what a truly incredible gift she gave me.
The characters in this book were completely believeable and totally relevant to today's society. My family has been deeply touched by the opioid epidemic, and have watched vital, purposeful lives become reduced to pure squallor. But thank God, I've also seen those lives turned around and made into something incredibly beautiful by the power of God's grace and mercy.
While a fictional story, this book shows the reality of what a life of poverty and drug abuse can do to an individual and their family. But it also shows the unconditional love, grace and mercy shown by our loving Heavenly Father, to anyone who would ask. Amy Sorrells has done an amazing job telling a story that few are brave enough to tackle. A must read!!

View all my reviews

Just Let Go (Harbor Pointe #2) by Courtney Walsh

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To be honest, when I first looked at this book I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of sappy romance or olympic hopefuls. Wow, was I ever in for a surprise. This book was every bit as delightful as it was emotional. It is an incredible reminder that no matter what out past holds, what baggage we carry with us, there is always redemption available, and always another chance to get it right. As someone who has struggled with rejection from my biological mother, this book definitely touched an emotional raw spot. But by the time I finished the book, I found that I truly do have the capacity to forgive, and to see not only the lessons learned, but the grace which God has so abundantly given. If you've ever felt the sting of rejection, or ever longed for an opportunity to "do better", you'll love this book. Although Tyndale House Publishing has provided this book to me at no charge in exchange for my review, everything I've written is honest and heartfelt. It truly is a wonderful, uplifting book, and definitely worth of a re-read.

View all my reviews

The Theory of Happily Ever After - Kristin Billerbeck

The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a word, WOW! Rarely do I sit down to read a book and finish it in one sitting. And it's not due to time constraints, the fact is that not many books can hold my interest long enough for a marathon read. But this book grabbed my attention from page one, and didn't let go. Although I'm not a fan of "psychology" or it's fringes of "junk" science, this book wove the facts throughout the book in such a way that I was left wanting more. I literally found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics of Maggie McGuire, and a few times was yelling at her circle of friends, especially Haley. This was SUCH a fun read! The perfect way to start off my springtime reading list. I'm hoping, from the way the book ended, that there may be a book 2 in the works!

View all my reviews