Book Review: This is Awkward by Rhodes

Let me tell you why you need to read this book. Mostly, because we really just need to lighten up and laugh more. But if you need other reasons then keep reading. I know you should not judge a book by its cover but really, look at it. It is just stupid funny. It is okay to laugh and not take yourself too seriously because honestly in those awkward moments in life is where God meets us. This book helps you see this.

This book is just a series of stories but in them a connecting to God and how He is relevant to all of life. The author is really funny but also an introvert which is probably why I could relate so much. Also, he is really insecure about people hating his book so that has got to pull you in. Humility is what we need more of from authors. Maybe there is a little too much insecurity but it is continually pointing itself back to God and that is why I just like this book. It is honest, vulnerable and real but most importantly sees its desperate need for a Savior who loves us right where we are.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Risen by Hunt

This was an interesting and beautifully woven story of historical fiction. It helped me visualize the potential things that could have been happening after the resurrection of Christ. I especially liked seeing the Roman citizen's cultural point of view. This was helpful in visualizing that particular time period. I really have wanted to see this movie as well but have been unable to up to this point. The author states that the novelization includes more than the movie but this is true of most books. I like the Novel because I enjoyed the entire story that it portrayed. It was a good and interesting read all around.

I was first introduced to this author when I read her book about Bathsheba. These books really are beneficial, though they are fiction, because they are well researched and give a realistic picture of the time periods they are about. I think most believers could benefit from these portrayals. They stretch the imagination in order to place yourself in their shoes or rather sandals of the time period. Not only is this important in a realistic historical novel but also helps in personal Bible study thought.

I enjoyed this and recommend it.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World by Stiller

This book is magnificent! I highly recommend it for all Christians.

First, it gives great background into the history of each country that it features. It also gives a personal, real life story from someone who has traveled there. Someone who has seen and heard and smelled the land. This is moving in and of itself. But after you are given this experience, it gives you key items to pray for the country or people and a prayer that you can read to aid you in praying for that country.

It also gives you a key Scripture to pray for each country or people it is focused on. I have been using this book as an aid to help me pray for a country or people group a day. The book divides these country or peoples up into 52 chapters so you could easily focus on one a week. It is divided for your ease and guidance.

Any way you embark on this prayer journey is good because you are helping others by praying. It is a unique way that God allows us to partner with Him in His greater work and this book just moves you, giving you the desire to pray. I think every Christian should have this book. It will only grow and challenge you while strengthening your prayer life for the nations.

 I received a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Curio by Denmark

This book was interesting. It depicted two creative worlds. One that is ruled by evil magical overlords called chemists and another that exists in a curio cabinet. The Curio world is filled with wind up and porcelain dolls that are alive. It was inventive and curious for one's mind exploration. And though I love the striking cover of this book; you cannot judge a book by its cover. This was not my favorite for several reasons:

1- It was listed as a book from Zondervan which is a Christian book publisher. I did not see anything Christian about this book. This fact bothers me, like it is deceptive to the reader or something. I would much rather see it published under a non Christian label. I mean what is the point of distinguishing between Christian and non Christian if this guideline is not followed.

2- This book was listed as a teen fiction book. I would not be comfortable with my teen reading this book for all of the descriptive scenes of intimacy, though not sex, there was way too much kissing and touching guiding the mind into sensuality for a YA book. I found more in this book than other non Christian books that I enjoy with my daughter. This is sad that it was included while not necessary.

3- The book did not flow well. It was not pleasurable to read. I think it was because of the switching between the two worlds too often and trying to describe two unknown worlds to the reader. It was exhausting to keep up with especially because the descriptions did not flow with ease. It was too choppy.

I appreciate the author's imagination. I however cannot, in clear conscious, recommend this book to my readers. When you browse a Christian book section you should be able to trust its appropriateness for your children. This book really opened my eyes to this failure here.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Whatever is Lovely

This is a beautifully done adult coloring book. I have seen several of these now but I really love how the pages in this one are based on biblical concepts, thoughts, and Scriptures. Each page is made with great deal of detail that will take concentration to complete.

The books intro suggests that as you color a page, you take that time to meditate on the truths of that page. They also offer a spotify playlist to spurn on worship of God as you do this. This is a great enhancement that this book offers that others do not. Of course you can listen to this playlist whether you are coloring or not but the time put into that is what makes this one a little different from the other coloring books I have seen.

It has thick pages that seem to be compatible with color pencils, sharpies, and crayons. There are 45 pages to color in this book.



If you want to get a copy of this coloring book from Amazon.com, you can here.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

How to Help Empower People with Fair Trade Products

Trades of Hope is an incredible organization that not only helps women around the world earn a sustainable income but also shares the gospel with these artisans all around the world. The products are great but the best thing is your purchasing with a purpose. When I wear my products I often like to picture the women who made them and pray for them and their families. There are stories after story on youtube of the help done for women around the world. This video explains each artisan's work well. If you are interested in anyway please contact me or purchase products at a party I just opened here. https://mytradesofhope.com/MemberToolsDotNet/ShoppingCartv3/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=24418&PartyGuestID=-1&RequestedGroup1Code=&RequestedGroup2Code=&ReferringDealerID=815218

Book Review: Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Welch

This was a practical book on raising kids against the current cultural situation we live within. I found helpful info all throughout on many topics. I think many Christian parents can be encouraged and instructed by it.

I was challenged by it in a few ways regarding my own family. I am hoping to implement the changes. It is nice to know others struggle in the same ways and it is worth exploring possibilities of improvement.

Overall this was an encouraging book. It was worth the time and an easy read which is important to a busy mom.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

I received a copy of the book free of charge from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.