Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer

Kristin had a fleeting thought. If she were to kill herself, what method would she choose? Her method of choice became a reality. A method that she knew that she would never survive. No bringing her back to life. It was perfect. Or, was it?

One night, Kristin overwhelmed with life saw a train in the distance. With the perfect opportunity, she laid herself across the train tracks. She should have died but God had other plans.

Have you ever or had a friend ever appear to be depressed, moody, giving away their stuff, or even a lack of appetite? This can be a sign of suicidal thoughts. The person is asking for help. They feel like they do not want to live. I truly believe that. But, down deep they want help. They want hope. They want Jesus. They need Jesus.

This book is about Kristin’s journey through her suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, and the harsh reality of losing her legs. It’s through the loss of her legs, that she gave her life to Jesus. She now helps many others through her website. For more information, check out:

Reaching Your Ministries

Kristin provides encouragement for those in despair. If you know someone that feels hopeless, this book can help.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Multnomah) . 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.”

The Muir House by Mary DeMuth

Do you ever have a childhood memory but can only remember parts of it? That's exactly what happens to Willa Muir.

Living in Seattle, Willa is determined to never return to Rockwall, Texas. She receives a letter requesting for her to return to the Muir House. She changes her mind and decides to confront her past. Her mom is on her deathbed. Maybe she has the key that will unlock the unanswered questions?

Hale Landon loves Willa and asked her to marry him. How can she say yes when the past haunts her? Willa returns to the Muir House Bed and Breakfast (formerly a funeral home). Genie Skye seems to stand at a distance. Willa has more questions. The truth is close but yet so far.

Willa runs into an old flame that has the resources to help her solve the mystery. But what does he expect in return? Maybe Willa's mom has the answers but can she really face her after what has happened? Hale appears to be silent while Willa is in Texas. Why? He put the ring on her finger? Willa pushes for answers so that she can move on in her life. But will the answer help her move forward or confuse her further?

I know that there are unanswered questions in my past. I've sought answers only to have a big stop sign shoved in front of me. It's up to me to stay comfortable behind the sign or push further to prove a point. But, at this point in my life, I'm looking ahead not back.

The question remains does Willa knock the stop sign down or not? Guess you'll have to read the book and find out. I've read all Mary DeMuth's books and she never disappoints.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

I was pleasantly surprised to see a writing book up for review. I snagged my copy knowing that it would be part of my home library.

This is not a book to be read in one sitting. One must digest each chapter and enjoy each bite. If you are a highlighter fan, get them ready to use.

If you have read every book under the sun and still have rejections decorating your wall, this is a book to consider. If you are a seasoned writer, this is a book to read. You will catch something that will make your writing a little bit better. One has to wonder how authors have made it without this book. It’s because the authors have written to the 6 core competencies with instinct. They may be seat of the pants writers but they still have them buried deep within. They understand. They get it.

What is the concept of your story? Character? Do you have a hero? You should. Concept and Theme are easily confused. He explains the difference. Story structure. If you do not have that, good luck getting published. A story is set of scenes. Write one scene after another. Larry Brooks explains the your writing voice is like a coat of paint. I love that. It’s not all the uncommon to want to be the next Karen Kingsbury. But, there is only one Karen. And there is only one you.

I recommend this book for both unpublished and published writers alike.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson 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.”

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

This book is utter amazement. Ann experiences pain but through the hardships, she finds joy. The world stopped as I read her poetic descriptions of pain, joy, and grace. Much grace.

It’s easy to see everyday tasks as mundane, boring, or downright depressing. Ann takes the everyday tasks and finds joy. She has a challenge to write down a thousand blessings. She runs with it.

To find the blessing, one must stop and notice. Notice the bubbles that gather around and through the fingers. Notice the tingling sensation. Notice. Life feels like a big to do list. Overwhelming. As I read Ann’s book, I began to see some of the blessings in my own life. Slept in on a lazy Saturday, hearing my son’s laughter, kissed by the sun, my husband’s smile, and chatted with my best friend. The blessings were right in front of me. I had to open my eyes and see them. It’s easy to focus on the negative. I have to remind myself on a constant basis to see the blessings. It’s one day at a time.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Zondervan 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.”

Soul Print by Mark Batterson

Pastor Mark is amazing! He opened my eyes to the true meaning of being created by God. He delves deep into the story of David. He interweaved the story with current times and how it applies to our lives today.

He challenges us to go through a process of self-discovery. The discovery will dig up joyful experiences and painful experiences. It’s through the pain that God can show us His greatest glory.

It’s easy to think we are but a small pebble in God’s eyes. But that’s not true. We are unable to understand the love that God has for us. It’s the same for parents. Whether we have one child or seven children. Each child is unique. As parents, we cannot imagine life without our child or children.

Mark brings up lifesymbols. Lifesymbols can be anything but they are items that remind us of a specific time or event. It can be photos, letters, or even a special rock. I have many things but very few lifesymbols. Or, I should clarify; my stuff is overwhelmed by lifesymbols. In a previous job, we had some sort of contest and it had to do with coming up with the best idea. I won the contest! I received a black shiny rock and it had best idea on it. I love that rock. It represents a time that I came up with an idea that would change our company for the better. That rock is more important to me than a book that I may have purchased and I love books. Mark has reminded me to look for those lifesymbols and to surround myself with those rather than stuff.

There is so much more to this book. I highly recommend others to pick it up and take your time. Read, digest, and discover your Soul Print.

Disclaimer: I have received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to make a positive review.

The Prophetess One: At Risk by Linda Rohrbough

Jack and Anna McClintock should be on top of the world. Jack’s almost finished with his Engineering Degree. His wife, Anna is pregnant with their first child.

Jack and Anna attend a church Couple’s Shower. Through some social interactions, Anna ends up in the room with Kristy, a preschool child. Anna is uncomfortable. Something isn’t right. Her and Jack leave the shower but Anna cannot let go of Kristy’s appearance. She believes she is going to die. Jack wants her to leave it alone. The parents will take care of her. Anna ignores Jack pleas.

A knock on the door changes the couple’s lives. Anna is arrested for the murder of young Kristy. Kristy’s family attends the same church and chaos erupts. The church family believes Anna killed her. They really do not know Anna very well. All but one person is willing to help.

This is a spiritual warfare novel. Anna has ‘visions’ and she cannot ignore them. She meets Theo, a hospital employee, who seems to have the same gift. Theo, like Anna, cannot leave it alone. Jack doesn’t trust Theo and wants her to back off. Anna is torn between Jack and Theo but ultimately does what her soul tells her to do.

I do not have the gift of prophesy so this was new territory for me. I think we all get ‘feelings’ like something is not right and usually we are right. Visions are different. It is a biblical concept but one that I’m not real familiar with. I think it would be a bittersweet gift. You have to fully rely on God. Otherwise, you may be lead astray.

If you enjoy murder mystery and spiritual warfare novels, I think you will enjoy this book.

His Other Wife by Deborah Bedford

This is the first book that I’ve read by Deborah Bedford. I am thrilled that I was given the opportunity to read this book. After reading this book, I’ve scanned through other books (in the back of this book) and I have my eye on another one that I plan to read.

Hiliary’s life is turned upside down when her husband leaves her for another woman. Her son, Seth, is set to go to college soon and she will soon be experiencing the empty nest syndrome. Maybe she depended on him too much after the divorce? Seth will protect his Mom no matter what.

Hiliary prides herself that her son can bring home his friends and they confide in her. Seth is senior and will be graduating this year. All is in place for the annual senior campout party. There may be some harmless drinking. It’s not a party sponsored by the school.

Eric, Hiliary’s ex-husband and his new wife, Pam, get wind of this party and thinks that Hiliary is making a huge mistake by allowing Seth to go. But, Hiliary trusts Seth and she’s not worried.

The campout doesn’t go as planned. An accident happens at the campground and now the two families must come together as one.

How can Hiliary possible befriend another woman who stole her husband and her life?

In life, there are many circumstances. We wish that we can change them but in some cases, it’s not going to happen. In Hiliary’s case, Eric was not going to return to her. It was a fact. Hiliary had to learn to change herself since her circumstances did not. It’s only through God’s power that one can truly change and the change will stick like superglue.

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author/publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.