Family Treasures

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Book Review: Trusting GOD, A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure

By Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland

Book Description:

You don’t have to understand God to trust him.

“Just trust me.” Those are the words we often hear in movies just before something bad happens. And yet, we are told to trust God. In a culture where we tend to take control of our own lives, trusting God has become a religious platitude rather than a life-changing attitude. We say it, but do we really mean it? And what does trusting God really look like?

Sharon, Mary, and Gwen—the Girlfriends in God ministry team—have been there. They’ve traveled the tough roads of life to discover the peace and power that comes from grabbing the hand of God and trusting his plan. The life stories they share bring laughter and sometimes tears, but always spiritual growth.

Each of the 12-week sections concludes with a Bible study guide and journal page, inviting you to lock arms with Sharon, Mary, and Gwen and share with other women in a small group setting or to use individually in your own quiet time.

A few these book-related resources:

My Thoughts: This is an excellent devotional. It is designed to be a twelve week program and I read it in just under a day but I know that I will use it (as intended, in 12 weeks) many times in the future! I loved that the authors used moments from their own lives to get their point across. What I loved about this book is the way it is presented, a down to earth and loving read, and told in a way your best friend would talk to you. I enjoyed having a space for to journal and reflect as well as how it lends itself to be either a solo read or a group bible study. This is one of the best devotionals I have ever found, I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Book Review: Brush of Angel's Wings By Ruth Reid

Book Description: Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

My Thoughts: Last year I had the pleasure of reading The Promise Of An Angel by Ruth Reid. I loved the book and couldn’t wait to read more by this fantastic author, so I was thrilled when I picked up Brush of Angel's Wings. While I love Amish romances, I would have enjoyed this book regardless.

Ruth Reid again does an excellent job of weaving the story together. By bringing in bits of her previous book and expanding on the story line. Although you do not have to read the previous story to enjoy this one. This book is a sweet, simple story of two young people who find each other while trying to find themselves and their futures. Rachel and Jordan bring out the best in each other and show us how to do this in our own lives. Your heart follows these two characters and by the end you are celebrating with them as they find their way.

This is an amazing Story written about the Amish and with a twist about Angels. I have honestly never read books that is written like Ruth Reid's books and I have read plenty of Amish fiction. (AS you can tell by my previous review) I highly recommend this book and I intend to read all of "A Heaven on Earth" series.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description: In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?

Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

Learn more:

My Thoughts:

Kristen Hietzmann is a suspense writer of the best kind. Her fast paced novels keep the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page until the last one. I read this one while on taking a road trip... it sure made the 19+ hour car ride much more pleasurable.
This novel comes after Indivisible, Although it probably adds depth to the story, I don't think it is necessary to read one before the other. However I will say I cant wait to read the first book and I suggest if you have the opportunity read them in order. The topics Kristen chooses to write about are not the normal everyday life type of topics, but yet they are still present and draw you in to the this could happen mind set.

The story line is unique and very well thought out. Taking two characters that have been injured in their own unique ways learn how to better understand themselves and each other. A woman with an eidetic memory who uses sculpting as her way to deal with the stress of having people’s images imprinted in her mind and a former Olympic skier with a hero complex and a stalker. The are both strong characters and yet vulnerable. The author takes great care to balance the two and give us a glimpse into the lives of these to complex people and their struggle to find a way through their struggles towards trust and love.

The story flows well, though fast, and the only thing I regret how fast I read it, you end the book wanting more. (The mark of a good book in my opinion.) She makes you feel as if you can see the scenes happening, and that you are right there. Not for the faint of heart and not an easy feel good cozy read.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."