Forever Faithful Trilogy by Karen Kingsbury

This past Tuesday, as the UPS man was walking up the sidewalk leading to our townhouse, I was wondering what he could possibly be delivering to us.  I was trying to think back so I could remember if I ordered something.  A tight budget hasn't allowed me much room for nonessential purchases.  I couldn't think of what it could be.  Once Kevin told me who it was from though, I immediately knew.  UPS had just dropped off my latest Blogging for Books selection.  I quickly opened up the box and pulled out the book, "Forever Faithful" a trilogy by Karen Kingsbury.  I couldn't wait to get started and later that evening, I did just that.

This morning, not even 48 hours later, I finished the trilogy.  For my review I will, try to, give a brief synopsis without giving too much away and then my thoughts on the book.  Let me just say though, if you choose to read this trilogy (which I hope you will, if you like Christian fiction), have the tissues handy.  I shed many tears over these stories and my puffy eyes are proof of that. :)

In Waiting for Morning, we are introduced to the Ryan family.  Tom, a doctor, had married his childhood friend Hannah, and together they had two daughters, Alicia and Jenny.  When we meet the family, Hannah is at home waiting for her family to return from their annual weekend camping trip prior to the school year beginning.  As Hannah is waiting her mind starts wandering to reasons as to why her family is late.  A feeling, that she cannot shake, comes over her and the worry/anxiety continues.  Later on two police officers arrive at the door of her family home.  Immediately Hannah knew this couldn't be right, they had to be at the wrong home.  NOTHING like this could happen to her family.  Sadly it is true.  Her husband and eldest daughter died in a horrific car accident.  Their youngest daughter survived.  Waiting for Morning takes us through Hannah's journey of grief, resentment, anger, and the desire to see Brian Wesley, the man who killed her family, be placed in jail.  What about Jenny though?  She's withdrawing and dealing with all this as well.  Only, her mother doesn't notice.  Hannah hires a lawyer, Matt Bronzman, that is skilled at handling drunk driving cases and she also becomes involved with MADD at his prompting.  It is through MADD that Hannah meets a friend named Carol.  Carol walks Hannah through all this but there is one thing she isn't telling her friend.  One thing she cannot tell Hannah.  Not yet.  Will Hannah ever be able to forgive?  Will she continue to resent God and doubt his existence?  Will she return to Him?  What about Jenny?  Will she get the help she so desperately needs?  Will Hannah and Jenny be able to move forward with their lives?

My thoughts: The message behind this story is one that I think many people can relate to.  Not so much that we've lost loved ones to drunk driving but more so the heartbreak and questioning that is happening.  Even the doubt.  Could I remain strong in my faith if something like this were to happen?  Could I continue on and forgive?  I might be like Hannah and grow distant and be upset with God about these happenings.  I believe that for all who are struggling the bible verse Karen Kingsbury has atop chapter one, might be related to by many: I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed. (Lam 1:20a)  I know I've felt that way before.  Maybe it's time for me to pay Lamentations a visit.

A Moment of Weakness, introduces us to Tanner, Jade, and their families.  They are childhood friends and Tanner knows Jade is the one for him.  Even at age 12, he knows this to be true.  Tanner's mom, Doris, she doesn't like Jade or Jade's parents.  She will not tell anyone why though.  Doris knows that Jade's Mom is having an affair with another man and that she will be leaving her husband and daughter.  Doris also knows that her son is meant for someone better than Jade Connor, after all she will end up like her Mother or a drunk like her Father.  A little ways into the story we find out that Jade and her Dad are moving to Washington.  Jade is convinced that her Mom will meet up with them there.  She doesn't know that her Mom has left them as her Dad only told her that Mom had to leave for a while but would meet up with them later.  Tanner tells Jade before she leaves, that he will marry her one day!  Fast forward 11 years, Tanner's Dad has passed away and his Mother (Doris) is now living in the Northwest!  Tanner is in Washington state for a summer internship and Doris is just praying that Jade no longer lives there.  Needless to say Jade does still live there and happens to meet Tanner again.  A summer love happens, dreams for the future are discussed, a line is crossed, distance happens due to a mission trip, and suddenly they are apart.  Believing lies, Jade goes to the man her Dad thinks she should be married to.  A quick marriage and she disappears from Tanner's life for another ten years.  So much has happened.  Jade is going through a divorce and her soon to be ex wants full custody of their son because his wife is a religious fanatic and, in his mind, hurting their son. Jade doesn't know what to do, so she does the only thing she can think of, she calls Tanner's law firm.  Next thing you know Tanner and Matt (Bronzman) are flying up to meet with Jade so they can handle this case.  Will Tanner and Jade reconnect?  Will Jade get her son back?  Will the truth about Ty come out? What will happen with Doris, will her secrets ever be revealed?

My thoughts: I'll be honest, parts of this story were predictable.  But that didn't matter to me.  This was a story of love, loss, hurt, shame, and reconnection.  The verse that plays over and over in this story is Jeremiah 29: 11-12, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  Such a true verse.  God does know the plans he has for us.  He knows what our future holds and how much time on this earth we have until we are reunited with him again.  If it is His will to help us, it will happen.  We must first come to Him though.

Halfway to Forever brings back the characters we have grown to love: Matt, Hannah, Jenny, Tanner, Jade, and Ty. (Tom and Alicia are also mentioned.)  Matt and Hannah have since married and Jenny is getting ready for college.  Jenny is smiling again but Hannah knows there is still something missing for her daughter.  There have been talks between Matt and Hannah about adding to their family through adoption, will this work for their family?  Meanwhile, Jade and Tanner have now married and are busy raising Ty while praying for another pregnancy so they can add to their family.  They struggle with getting pregnant, have a miscarriage, but continue to pray with each other and the Bronzman's.  Jade isn't feeling well, there are frequent headaches, nausea, and tiredness, what is going on?  Everyone urges her to go to the Doctor.  She finally goes and gets great news, she's pregnant!  An answered prayer.  Around that time the Bronzman's receive good news also and are excited.  Great things are finally starting to happen for both families, or are they?  A pregnancy, a soon to be adopted child, great jobs, happy families, it's all so great but then it happens.  Jade has a seizure.  The adoption falls through.  Tanner works more to not deal with Jade's condition.  Everyone is emotionally hurt.  What will happen?  What will God do in their lives?  Will they remain faithful to Him?  Will the Bronzman's add to their family?  What will happen to Jade's unborn baby?  What about her health?  What about her marriage to Tanner?

My thoughts: I was a wreck reading this book.  I cannot lie.  I loved the story and it tugged at my heartstrings.  Be still and know that I am God, was the verse that kept playing on repeat throughout.  Was it predictable?  Yes and no, I mean obviously there are parts where you'll read it and say "I knew that would happen" but then there are those other moments where it takes you by surprise a little bit.  Things happen in our lives, and while they are not always good, they happen and it is how we respond to those events that will speak as to who we are and what we believe.  This book also furthers my desire to have a friendship like the Bronzmans and Eastmanns have.  To have that other family that you can share these life events with and know that they will be there to pray with you.  To have that type of friendship is something I can only dream of but I look forward to God putting people like that into my life.

I truly hope that you will check this book trilogy out.  It is worth reading.  The stories are good.  You will need tissues.  There are things that you can take away from this fiction series.  Give it some thought.  I'll gladly share my copy with my local friends if you want to read it.

Disclosure: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books review program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts listed above are my own.

Thank you God for blessing me by Max Lucado

Friday, after I finished my other book reviews, I was going through the book selections on BookSneeze and came across this adorable children's book by Max Lucado called "Thank you, God, for blessing me".  I knew right away that this should be the book (well e-book) that I pick to review.

The book is short, sweet, and easy for young children to sit through.  My son, L, sat with me while I read the book to him and he kept looking at the caterpillar and all the other characters, telling me what each one was.  (This is huge because it shows that my son not only can name each bug, but he can also recognize them even in cartoon form.)  Whether or not he understood what I was saying, well that's another story but one that I am hopeful on.

Here's the book description from the BookSneeze website:

Meet Little Hermie—the cutest baby caterpillar in the garden! Little Hermie’s thankful heart shows toddlers how to be thankful for God’s blessings.
Little Hermie is thankful for everything God has given him. He goes through his day thanking God for his many blessings in this adorable board book with flocking on the cover!

If you are looking for a cute, thoughtful, and short children's story, definitely check this one out.  This was the first Hermie book that we have read, but you can bet that I will be looking for more.  Thank you BookSneeze for allowing me to review this e-book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

A few months ago I received the young adult book Departures by Robin Jones Gunn, from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

It took me a while to start the book.  Things happen in life and reading just wasn't at the top of my priority list.  ::gasp::  I know, right?  That just sounds so wrong.  But it's the truth.  Books temporarily got put on the back burner.

Let me preface this by saying, I have not read any of the books prior to this that feature each character.  This was a totally new "series" for me to read.  Will I go back and read the others?  Maybe.  It's hard to say right now.  There are so many books out there waiting to be read and even though I enjoyed these two novellas, I am kind of past the young adult stories.

Both stories, Now Boarding at Gate 10 and In the Event of a Water Landing, were quick and easy reads.  They were easy to follow along and get to know the characters.  I am guessing that had I read the previous books that feature Christy and Sierra, I might have had more insight into their relationships not only with others but also with God.

The novella about Christy was definitely my preferred story.  There was something there that just seemed so much more relatable as an adult or a teen.  Going back to your childhood city, hanging out with your crush (or childhood friend), and witnessing the love of your Grandparents as they celebrate 50 years together, all of that just drew me in.

Sierra's novella on the other hand, well I was just glad when it was done.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the other stories involving this character are probably good, but I couldn't get past the competition of friends and the whiny, negativity that Jana seemed to let off.  Was it just me that was turned off by that?  Possibly.

Do I recommend this book?  Maybe.  I only say that because if you've read the other books that contain these characters, well then you might enjoy it.  If you haven't read any of the other books, I'd say skip it.  Just my opinion though.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lead, Serve, Love by Gregory Lang

About a month ago I requested a book through Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.  I wanted something interesting, something informative, something that I could understand and something that I could use the knowledge from to put to work in my life.

The book I chose is Lead Serve Love by Gregory E Lang.  The tag line is 100 three word ways to be like Jesus.  That tag line is what really grabbed my attention.  Three words?  Really?  Yes really.  Lang makes a three word statement.  Then after that statement, he goes on to explain what he is referring to in a brief paragraph.  This description that he gives is where you learn how to implement the statement into your life.  Lang takes it one step further though and provides bible verses to back up what he is talking about.  Some could say that this stuff is common sense but you know what, sometimes we all need the reminder.

One of the three word phrases that stood out to me is number 52, which is "ask for help".  Lang goes on to say that "You cannot save yourself or conquer your own sin.  But Jesus can, and he waits patiently, listening for you to call on him."  There is more after this but it's that reminder, that we need to speak to the Father and ask Him for help and guidance.  He is waiting for us to ask.

Did I like the book?  Yes I did.  It is an easy read and there is so much in the book that you can take and apply in life.   Take a look at the book the next time you are at the store. Read a page or two and see for yourself what Gregory Lang has written and see how you can apply this in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Love: 3 Amish Novellas

By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
Published by Thomas Nelson

When I originally selected this book through the Book Sneeze program I wasn't sure what to expect.  Would these three stories take place in the same community?  Would I be able to connect with the characters?  Would the stories keep me interested?  The simple answer is yes.  Yes the stories took place in the same Amish community.  Yes I was able to connect with the characters and imagine the environment, the people, the language.  Yes the stories kept me interested.  The three authors did an amazing job.

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long

Abigail tells her father a lie but he too is keeping something from his daughter.  What happens next is a quick wedding to a confused and shocked Joseph Lambert.  Why?  What happened that Mr. Kauffman was forcing this marriage to happen?  What was Joseph's story?  Why, after being gone from the church and community for so long, had he returned?  What is Mr. Kauffman hiding?  Can these two people who do not know each other fall in love and become happy in this marriage?  Does Abigail still want to leave the Amish community?

It was wonderful to see Abigail and Joseph's relationship grow and a fathers heart soften.  Abigail growth in this story was amazing to see.  Didn't know how to cook, quilt or be that Amish housewife.  After all she had no one to teach her.  Or so she thought.  Joseph learned that he had a woman whom he could trust and that would be there for him when he struggled.  Joseph also learned that he needed to help his wife remember to play like a child from time to time, especially since her childhood was taken from her with the loss of her mother.  Mr Kauffman, well he learned that he had to come clean with his daughter.  He had to let her grow and become the woman she would.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

Ellie, a young woman who five years earlier lost her vision due to head trauma, has a great business going.  Ellie's Jellies is a hit with the community!  This is just what she needs to take her mind off the recurring nightmares and the memories of her friend.  Christopher has been in the bann for 5 years now.  He left shortly after things happened due to the accident when the woman he loved died.  Sarah Lynne and Isaiah were soon to be married although Christopher did not know his sister was marrying.  Imagine his surprise when he returns to the community and discovers this news.  Isaiah, the man he blames for losing Caroline.  Was Christopher returning to the church and community?  Could he forgive Isaiah for what happened?  Could he move forward?  What was this feeling he had for Ellie?  Was Ellie feeling the same way?  Through many conversations, something was happening between the two.  Ellie was trying to help Christopher realize that he needed to move forward and return to the church.  He needed to forgive Isaiah and accept him as family.  It wasn't that simple for him though.  Ellie was also struggling with things from the past.  She had a secret but didn't know if she should tell.  Isaiah was the only other person who knew.  What should she do?  Then there was her feelings for Chris.  She knew she wouldn't act on them though and she would push him away.  After all who wants a blind woman?  Certainly not Chris.

This story is about forgiveness and love.  Allowing yourself to forgive those have hurt you and that you have hurt.  Allowing yourself to feel the emotions.  Allowing yourself to move forward and start new.  It comes down to remembering that we are all worthy of love, understanding and forgiveness.

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman

Levina and Naaman have been married for 30 years and have 5 children.  Up until they became empty nesters they had been happy and knew their roles in life.  However once the last child was married and left, something changed.  Naaman up and left for a year.  Why did he leave?  What did his wife think about this?  Now though, Naaman is back and is intent on fixing his marriage.  Levina is hesitant to accept her husband being home again as she is afraid he will just up and leave again.  What does their future hold?  Does she even know this man anymore?  Does she even know herself anymore?  All is going fine in their lives and things are starting to look great but then a sheriff comes to town looking for Naaman.  Why?  Immediately gossip starts and Naaman's own children are left wondering what their father did.  One thing though, Naaman doesn't know this man is in town and has no clue of the gossip.  Who is this sheriff and what does he want with Naaman?  Will his newly rekindled romance with his wife be in jeopardy?  Will he leave Levina again?

This story of Levina and Naaman could be any of us as we age.  After children leave the home will we will know our spouse?  Will we know our role?  Will there still be that spark?  I can only pray that the answer is yes.

Would I recommend these novellas?  Absolutely!  Well that is if you like a good love story with interesting characters.  Don't let the Amish aspect of the story push you away from this book.  There is a lot to be learned from these stories and I believe they are universal regardless of the type of community that you live in.  The book was a pretty quick read with each story being approximately 125 pages.  I'll be honest with you.  I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in one sitting.  Yes, from 9pm until 2:30am I was busy reading, picturing the characters, and wondering what was next.  Pick up the book.  Chances are you'll enjoy it!

Thank you Book Sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: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.

Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski

 Written by Mike Yankoski
Published by Multnomah Books

Francis Chan said it best in the foreward of this book.  "Don't read Mike's book if you're not willing to change you attitude and actions toward the homeless."

After asking himself "what if I stepped out of my comfortable life with nothing but God and put my faith to the test alongside of those who live with nothing everyday?", Mike and his friend Sam set out on a five month journey.

Mike had 3 objectives that he wanted to accomplish while on this journey of discovery.  They are (as listed on page 9 of the book):

1) To better understand the life of the homeless in America, and to see firsthand how the church is responding to their needs.

2) To encourage others to "live out loud" for Christ in whatever ways God is asking them to.

3) To learn personally what it means to depend on Christ for my daily physical needs, and to experience contentment and confidence in Him.

Together Mike and Sam spent time in Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego before returning home.  Each destination was filled with new people, new experiences and new realizations.  They never expected this to be easy but I don't think they expected to go through the trials that they did.

What did I think of this book?  Honestly, I thought it was really interesting and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to read it.  I took away quite a bit from this book and it opened my eyes to the homelessness situation in new ways. No longer can I turn a blind eye and act like I don't notice.  Homelessness is everywhere and most people do not choose to live on the streets or in shelters.  Also there are ways that every one of us can help, if we are willing to step out of our comfort zones.  Volunteer at a homeless shelter, give a little money when you see an open guitar case, buy a meal, offer clothing, just do something!

This stuck out to me:  "When someone stopped to talk, even for a minute, the powerful underlying message was, 'I notice you, you're a human being, and you're worth my time."   Everyone wants to be noticed and treated fairly regardless of the situation they are in.

I really do suggest that people read this book.  Not just because I think it is a good read but because you will learn things from it.  Give it a chance, especially if it isn't something you would typically read.  It's all about stepping out of our comfort zones.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Who is My Shelter by Neta Jackson

source: Amazon

A couple years ago now I discovered a book series that I instantly was hooked in to.  The series is called The Yada Yada Prayer Group.

There are seven books in this original series and I breezed through them in no time.  Naturally I was left wanting more.  I mean how could I not, I felt I had gotten "to know" these characters and I wasn't ready for the story to be over!

I was so happy when Neta Jackson released the next spin-off book series called A Yada Yada House of Hope.  The fourth installment of the series just came out on March 1 and I picked it up this past weekend.

Let's just say I started the book last night and when I finally turned the light off at a little after 2am I was left wondering when the next one was coming out.  Horrible I know!

Naturally the book ended with a lot of things left unfinished.  What happened to Lucy?  What about Gabby/Phillip/Lee?  Do Josh and Edesa adopt Gracie?  So that pushed me to Neta Jackson's website.  Imagine my surprise when I read that book 4 was the LAST book in this spin-off series.  WHAT?  NO!  But then I heard that she is working on another spin-off series and while that makes it better I can only hope that some (if not all) of main characters return and we find out what happened since "Who is my shelter?" concluded.

Now I will just wait for a release date of the new series and also pick up the parallel books (for the House of Hope series) that was written by Dave Jackson.

Although I would love it if some how these Yada Yada books were picked up for a mini-series or even some movies.  Oh how I would enjoy that! {dreaming}

disclaimer: I purchased all of these books on my own and just wanted to pass along a good Christian fiction series that I know others would enjoy.  The thoughts expressed in the review are 100% mine!