All But Normal by Shawn Thornton

Beverly Thornton was in a tragic car accident that left her in a coma. After waking up, her life was forever changed. She had horrible mood swings. She would lash out at her family and put herself or them in danger. Growing up in that atmosphere is unimaginable. The other side of the coin is that Beverly was kind, thoughtful, and was even a Sunday school teacher.

This book is a memoir and at times was difficult to read. It was difficult in the respect that you’d never know how Beverly might respond in a given situation. She could be kind or cruel. And dodging from her throwing things seemed to be a common occurrence. She continually lashed out her husband with curse words. What amazed me the most is that her husband continued to stay with her, care for her, and loved her.

Although it was sad for her husband and kids to deal with, I can’t help but think how frustrating it was for Beverly. She was forever changed. She had to rely on other people to go places or fix things around the house. She wasn’t really able to fully care for herself. I believe she understood what was happening and was frustrated that she couldn’t do better. She loved her family dearly but at times, the situation became so overwhelming for her.

I would recommend this book to Pastors and Counselors. It’s a great book on showing how to love someone through the trials.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review through Tyndale Blog Network.

Casting Crowns - The Very Next Thing (Official Lyric Video)

Our family is excited to get this new album being released September 16, 2016!

Guys Slimline Holy Bible

This bible is attractive with its chevron design. The imitation leather has a great feel to it. As stated in the description of the retail sites, it has a dictionary that the youth can use as an easy reference point to find the pertinent verses. For example, let’s say he/she wanted to look up the word lie. In other words, not telling the truth. It references Proverbs 30:8 – “First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” This may lead to another discussion about poverty and riches. What does that mean? It can spark a discussion with their parents. The attractive ribbon bookmark makes it easy to save your place. It includes a 365 daily reading plan as well as colorful maps.

It appears to be a standard bible and I’m not sure that I would classify it as a youth bible. There’s no lesson plans for the youth to refer to. I do like the bold statement at the beginning of the bible that gives a great reminder of God’s love which states, “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” Psalm 62:7. I would recommend this bible for teens or an adult. 

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this bible from Tyndale and was not required to write a positive review.

Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes

I hope you enjoyed the interview with Gina Holmes in my previous blog post. Here’s my review!

After Holton’s wife, Adele, dies in a freak car accident, he is unable to cope with the pain and guilt. He is a talented driftwood sculpture artist but loves his gin. Drowns in it. One day, Libby, shows up at his door claiming to be Adele’s friend but later admits that she’s her daughter. Libby is expectant of meeting her birth mom only to find out that she’s passed away. All that’s left is her father who is an alcoholic and claims to be responsible for her mother’s death. Libby was given a good life except her adoption mother wasn’t exactly the nurturing type. With mixed emotions, Libby convinces Holton to give her a summer job. Will the truth bring them together or push them apart? And how does his driftwood art come into play?

I enjoyed this book. I was able to feel the color of emotions throughout the book. The feeling of anger portrayed through Holton and his answer of turning to alcohol. The feeling of an expectant high of meeting a birthparent and then seeing that dream shattered in a million shards. I could see, smell, and almost touch the alcohol and how it affects another human being. But the author was able to balance both sides and portray the angst of not only being the alcoholic but being on the other side of the fence trying to help him.

When an author can make you feel those deep-seated emotions, she’s hit the mark. It’s easy to put an unknown person (i.e. birthparents) on a pedestal. But then to actually meet them and find out that they are human with flaws just like you can shake you to your core. And finding out that someone has betrayed you and how to reconcile those feelings. And how does God come into play?

This is a heart-warming story that you don’t want to miss. I was given a free eBook through NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers.  

Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes!

Please welcome, novelist, Gina Holmes!  Gina is the founder of popular literary site, novelrocket.com. She is a two-time Christy and ECPA Book of the Year finalist and winner of the INSPY, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award. Her books regularly appear on Christian bestseller lists.

Gina, tell us a little bit about your newest release, Driftwood Tides.

Driftwood Tides tells the story of an aging, alcoholic driftwood artist turned beach bum, Holton Creary, and young Libby Slater. Libby grew up with an absent father and a loving but cold, socialite mother. Leading up to her wedding, Libby and her groom-to-be go through genetic testing and she learns her blood type doesn’t match either of her parents. She confronts her mother and is reluctantly told that she’s adopted. She goes searching for her mother, Adele, only to find her husband, Holton Creary lying face down on the carpet of his Nags Head beach shack.

She lies about her real identity until she is finally found out. Holton does not welcome the news. He never knew the wife he had given saint status too had given up a daughter for adoption. Together the two search to find the truth about Adele, Libby’s father and themselves.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

At its heart, Driftwood Tides is really about discovering who we are, whose we are, where we belong and the need to accept and bestow forgiveness.

Why did you set the novel in Nags Head?

Oh, how I love that place! I’m not sure there’s a more peaceful setting in all the world. And the further out I get from civilization, the happier I am. I love the sand dunes, the untouched nature, the quaint towns. Just everything! Well, except sand in my bathing suit maybe :)

You seem to have a recurring theme in your novels about absent fathers, if it’s not too personal, why do you think that is?

It is too personal, but I don’t mind answering (wink!) When I was 6 years old, I was packed up by my stepfather and driven to my father’s house. Overnight I had a new Mom, new sisters and brother, house and life. It was as traumatic an experience as I can imagine. There were few explanations that made sense to me and I missed my other family desperately. I think ever since I’ve been trying to settle some pretty deep-seated questions. Writing books is wonderful for that.

The novel you’ve written that seems to be a fan-favorite is Crossing Oceans, do you ever see yourself writing a sequel?

I love that book too. Makes me cry just thinking about certain scenes. I would love to write a sequel, prequel or off shoot stories. I love those characters dearly. I’m under contract for three different novels, so I’m not sure when I’ll have the time, but I’d love to explore Craig’s story and of course, Bella’s. I miss Mama Peg very much!

You’ve said that your favorite novel you’ve written is Wings of Glass. Why is that your favorite?

Well, for storyline, I think Crossing Oceans is the strongest. I think my writing in Wings of Glass was my best, plus when I was very young I watched my mother in one abusive relationship after another, and then two of my sisters. I had been there too, despite thinking I was better than that. I know the mindset that keeps a woman (or man) in a relationship like that and I wanted to give insight to those who don’t understand. I’ve received enough letters to know I did what I set out to do.

You’re originally from NJ but write all your novels from the South, why do you set your novels down South if you’re from up North?

Ha, you found me out! Yes, I was born and raised in NJ. As much as I love my friends and family, I am definitely more suited for the slower pace of the South. I’ve lived in Southern VA for half of my life and I plan to spend the rest of my life here if I can help it. I try to write books from settings that make me happy. So I write where I want to be. (Although, I’ve got to say, NJ food is amazing and you’ve got to love a boisterous NJ laugh!)

What do you like most about being a writer? Least?

Most, I like being able to have a platform to share lessons I’ve learned in my life that I know others would benefit from. And more than that, I just love to tell a good story.

Least, would be the unpredictability of the business. Sometimes it seems so random and the lack of control makes me uncomfortable sometimes. (Which is probably right where God wants me!)

Do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?

My advice is pretty much always the same. 1. Write. So many people want to have written but don’t actually do the work. 2. Get to a writers conference because there’s so much  you don’t know, that you don’t even know you don’t know. If you don’t you’ll be spinning your wheels for years, wasting valuable time. 3. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest bookstore and buy yourself a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Then apply it. (Best money I ever spent!) 4. Join a good critique group and get a nice thick skin, ‘cause you’re sure going to need it!

If you could go back to the pre-published writer you were, knowing what you do now, what advice would you give her?

Well, I wouldn’t have told myself how many novels I’d write that would never see the light of day, because I would have given up. I wouldn’t have told myself how little money there is actually to be made or how lonely writing can sometimes be. I wouldn’t have told myself that I’d still have a day job with 4 novels out in stores, including 3 bestselling novels… okay, but that wasn’t your question… I would tell myself to relax. Some of this, most of this is, is out of your hands, and that’s okay. It’s not going to be at all what you think it is, but it’s going to be so much more. You won’t get rich, but you will touch lives. At the end of the day, that’s going to be exactly what will fulfill you.

Where can readers find your books and more about you?

Thanks for asking. My books are in B&N, BooksaMillion, Amazon, Lifeway, Parable, Family Christian and hopefully a good number of independent bookstores. You can find me at Ginaholmes.com. Thanks so much for hosting me!

Gina, it was such an honor! I can relate to your story and believe this will have a powerful impact on your readers. I look forward to your future books. No pressure! :)

Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna

This book doesn’t disappoint. Emotions are part of everyday life but when it comes to middle school students, the impact is magnified. If someone looks at them wrong, it could signify the end of the world. This book gives you a peak into the minds of these precious kids. In today’s world, it’s more compounded with the increase in technology, video games, social media, and the Internet. The book has four parts, which include: changes, parenting, friends, and school.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that they interviewed middle school students and the transparency that they shared and I enjoyed reading how these students view the world. In the parents’ world, we can only see the outside many times and have no clue what our kids are thinking or feeling on the inside. This book gives you that insight. I love all the quotes sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed the personal stories and the guidance provided to help our children grow into responsible adults. I enjoyed the thoughts at the end of the chapters. The book is easy to read and pleasing to the eye.

I recommend this book to middle school parents to read on their own and then discuss it with their middle school student.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.

Writing Days: 52 Devotionals for the 52 Weeks in a Christian Writer’s Year by Jan Thompson

I gulped down this book. It’s supposed to be stretched over 52 weeks but I read it in a week. I wanted to stop, I really did. Or, at least make it last longer. I liked that she touched on a verse each week as well as gave you a daily action plan. The idea is to take a daily action plan for each day for that week.

Week 43 entitled Press On reminds us that every success comes from God. Sometimes we think we should have a bigger blessing than we receive. It reminds me that our life is not our own. God will reveal blessings in His time not ours. This is just one devotional and just a snippet for that week.

Now that I have swallowed it whole, I shall read it again at a much slower pace and take it to heart. I recommend this book to writers whether published or not for weekly encouragement. I’ve been looking specifically for a devotional for Christian writers and this one came to the top. Is that a God thing to encourage me to keep writing? I believe it is. Now, I just need to obey.