Stumbling into Grace

To be honest, I'm not sure what I think about this book. I enjoyed the spiritual lessons through Lisa's often funny and sometimes poignant life experiences, but I sometimes felt like I was reading more of a memoir collection than a spiritual lesson. I think that may have been the author's intention, but I felt like both parts were missing something. Instead of the personal anecdotes leading into the spiritual discussion, I felt they were disjointed and awkwardly joined. I enjoyed the personal stories, and I enjoyed the spiritual discussion, especially the questions and journal prompts. I just didn't like the combination.

However, fans of spiritual growth books with a good dose of laughter will enjoy this book. The set-up is great for a small-group or Bible study since the chapters are short and already contain reflection and discussion questions.

I received this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cherished

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. Kelli and Heather are shackled with guilt for past mistakes. Kelli’s past keeps her from fulfilling her dream of writing and singing songs for God’s glory. Heather’s sins are on display for the church to see and to judge her. Both feel as though they are undeserving of a future because of their past mistakes. Will they allow God’s mercy and grace to capture them and to guide them to the plan He has for their lives?

There were several things I enjoyed in this book.

*The different ethnicity of characters. Just at my church, we have white, black, and Hispanic members. It’s a good mix, and I love that.  The body of Christ is all races, and Christian fiction books should reflect our diversity of race but unity in the brotherhood of Christ. The author pointed out race a little too much for my liking at the beginning as she introduced characters. (One character looks at another and just wonders about his race…didn’t seem to fit the moment. A brief description of the character would have given the same information.)

*The development of characters. I felt I knew them by the end of the book.

*The theme of being cherished by God. I needed to hear that today as I read the book.

*The openness of topics the church usually tries to ignore. In the Christian church world, we often try to hide sin. We don’t want to think that people in the church struggle with addiction, sex outside of marriage, pornography, abortion, and the other sins Christians have deemed “the bad sins.” This book shares two women’s struggle with sin that others judge as far worse than their sins. It’s an open look at the weight of guilt when it’s carried around and the forgiveness that comes through not only accepting Jesus’ forgiveness but also forgiving ourselves. It’s an important story that needs to be read. I felt convicted for holding someone’s sin against them, but I also felt convicted to forgive myself for sins in my past that I still beat myself up over. When a fiction books makes you think spiritually while still enjoying a story, it’s a good book.

This is the first book I’ve read by Tate, but I plan to check out her other books.

I received this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

Even though science has taught us that there are other galaxies beyond ours, that our sun isn’t even the brightest star, and that our existence is just a mere vapor, people still believe that life is about them. It is this belief that destroys families, communities, and even countries. In a society that is me-driven, how do we keep ourselves from becoming self-absorbed and therefore inactive and ineffective believers? Max proposes that when we get to know God through His Word, we can finally see ourselves and our position in life: to be mirrors of Christ, bringing Him honor and glory. As we come to know God, we realize our existence is for him, our abilities are for him, and even our suffering is for Him. For His Glory. For His Name.  There were several truths that spoke to me in this book.

1. A God-centered life works, and it saves us from a life that doesn’t.

2. God has one goal: God.

3. When hard times come, people often say, “Life is short—get out.” God says, “Life is short—stay in.” Endure suffering. Eternity is worth it. “The brevity of life grants power to abide, not an excuse to bail.”

4. If life is just a moment, can’t we endure for a moment? Sickness for a moment. Poverty for a moment. Sickness for a moment. Loneliness for a moment. Isn’t eternity worth it?

5. His plan—born in eternity—will withstand any attack of humanity.

What I like most about Max’s books is that every single idea is backed up by scripture, which is presented in a loving but firm way. The Bible says that the Word is a two-edged sword. It cuts and yet brings healing.

At the end of the book, there are study questions, which make this book an excellent book for a Sunday school class or a small group. I hope it challenges you as it did me.

I received this book free from Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts are my own.

The Seraph Seal

              Taking ideas from Kabbalah, the Bible, and the Mayans, this is a classic tale of good vs. evil, the end of the world vs. the salvation offered by the lamb. The story revolves around a man named Paul, who was born on December 21, 2012, the date the Mayan’s calendar ends. It is his calling to bring together the four humans who can usher in a new age, a perfect age. Will they be able to put the clues together and find the perfect age before the world ends and it’s too late?

                This book is not a beach-side summer read. The plot is complicated, and there are myriad characters. However, if you enjoy “end of the world” fiction, this is an interesting book. There were many interesting topics for conversations in the book: the United States’ role in end time theology, warning signs of the end times, how the world will end, etc. However, that’s where it ended for me. I am a character-driven reader. I have to root for the characters to enjoy a book, but this book had so many random characters that it was a bit overwhelming. My favorite character was the bird Seraphim, who sang hymns that ministered and offered truth to the characters.

                While I find end-time fiction interesting, this book was too complicated for me and lacked a strong conclusion.  

                 I received this book free from Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beyond all Measure by Dorothy Love

     Looking for a fresh start after the death of her father and the end of her engagement, Ada Wentworth flees to Tennessee to become a companion for an elderly lady and to start working on her dream of making hats for ladies. What she finds in Hickory Ridge is a small town divided by prejudice in the aftermath of the Civil War: prejudice against black people and Yankees. To further complicate things, Ada seems to be falling for Wyatt, the nephew of the woman she cares for. Can she become a successful businesswoman without losing her heart? Or is the price worth it?


     I enjoyed this book. The time of the Civil War has always been of interest to me (I even took a whole class on it in college), and I liked the way Dorothy Love handled the topic of race and regions and the prejudices people have towards one another. It was a great side storyline in addition to the romance. Ada and Wyatt are great characters (I’m a character-driven reader). Sophie, a young orphan girl who is racially mixed, and Lillian, the stogy old lady Ada cares for, are excellent supporting characters and breathe a little humor into a tough time period. The plot was well-developed and was realistic for that time period in American history. I was surprised when the person terrorizing Ada was revealed, but I won’t spoil that for you.

This was the first book I’ve read by Dorothy Love, but I will check out her other books. I recommend this book for any Christian fiction fans.

I received this free book from Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

    
     Max on Life is a compilation of questions sent to Max Lucado throughout his years of ministry and answers. The questions range from those wanting to grow spiritually to those questioning the Christian faith. The questions are organized into topical categories including hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots, and the hereafter. Included in each response is a personal explanation with scripture references. The book also includes a topical index so that readers can search for a question and answer based on their own questions as well as a scripture index for readers to read and study the scriptures for themselves.


     Max Lucado is a gentle truth giver….an example of “speaking the truth in love” like scripture instructs believers. His answers are based on Biblical scripture, emphasizing the core of the Christian faith: belief that God loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sins and that Christians should continue in His love. While many Christians argue and fight over interpretation of scriptures and doctrine, this book is a simple yet poignant reminder that nothing matters except love. This book is a great read for someone new to the faith since many questions new believers face are answered here as well as anyone wanting a book to savor. The book can be read quickly or one or two questions a day, using the answer and the scriptures given as a jumpstart to personal study.



This book was given to me by Booksneeze for the purpose of reviewing.

Izzy's Pop Star Plan by Alex Marestaing

In this devotional novel, Izzy Baxter is following her dream of becoming a singer by auditioning for International Pop Star Challenge, which is much like American Idol. Traveling around the world, singing and dealing with fame proves to be more difficult for Izzy than she expected, especially when society pressures her to compromise her standards.


Set up in blog form, each page includes a blog entry by Izzy, a nightly prayer, questions for the reader to ponder and to answer, and then comments from Izzy’s friends and family. The style of the book, a novel with spiritual questions to spark thought and prayer for preteens is fun and isn’t preachy. (Most teens are weary of lecturing or “preaching” books.) The topics of peer pressure and disobeying parents are relevant and handled through scripture. The comment section also helps provide the voice of reason when Izzy drifts off course.

Izzy is a typical teen, and readers will be able to relate to her and to her struggles. She finds herself disobeying her father to spend more time with a fellow contestant, a handsome young man she has feelings for. Then she struggles with finding herself and staying true to her humble Christian foundation. By the end of the book, Izzy finds out who she is in Christ and how to share Him with others.

I recommend this book for preteens who are beginning their walk with Christ. The book has excellent thoughts for living a daily Christian walk. It may be a little light for older teens who are ready to delve into deeper theological topics.



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.”