Mary Magdalene

Imagine the feeling of spending your life tormented by demons because of your terrible memories from a kidnapping at an early age, the death of your mother and father, the inability to have children, and the death of your husband. These are all things that Mary Magdalene experienced in her life as told in the new book by Diana Wallis Taylor. Even though Mary experienced all of these hardships, she still placed her trust in Christ and spent her time following Jesus and his disciples. The book follows Mary from the young age of 11 until her adulthood and her experiences following the resurrection of Jesus.

Mary is a great example for people who are living through hardships. Although anyone who experienced what she went through in her life may have become bitter, Mary never lost her faith. This shows a great example for young women as to how they should live their lives, even in the face of difficulty. Mary’s husband Nathan was also a great example. He never gave up on Mary and did not stop loving her although she almost became a stranger to him. He had ample opportunities to leave her and find a new wife, but he was dedicated to their marriage and commitment. Family was also integral in this book, as both of Mary’s parents were strong in their faith and passed on their beliefs to Mary. They never gave up hope that someday she would be cured from her headaches, nightmares, and demons.  

This was a great book which allowed me to learn more about Mary Magdalene, since I really only remembered stories of her in her older age and I did not realize what she went through before she decided to follow Jesus. The book was also written in a way that made it easily understandable and a fun read. I wanted to learn what would happen next with Mary, and I was interested to see Jesus’ resurrection through her point of view, as told by the author. I cannot wait to share this book with others so they can have the opportunity to learn more about Mary Magdalene.

“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. 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.” 

Fearless

From the first pages of Eric Blehm’s book Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, which tells the story of Adam Brown, a member of the elite SEAL Team SIX, I was hooked. Adam’s personality, from his fearless nature on the football field to his caring way of dealing with students who were bullied, immediately made me think he was the type of person I would have liked to have been friends with in High School. Although Adam was a very charismatic man, he found himself involved in a life filled with drugs and alcohol in his early 20s. He seemed lost and needed direction in his life. Although he recommitted his life to God, he was still struggling with maintaining his sobriety. With that in mind, and childhood memories of seeing the brave acts committed by Navy SEALS, he decided to enlist.

The book is told in both the words of the author and through the interviews of those people who were involved in Adam Brown’s life. This made the book especially poignant, as the feelings and stories from his wife, family, and friends displayed the kind of character Adam possessed even as he gave up his life to save those in his unit.

I am going to recommend this book to my family for reading, as I think the story of Adam Brown’s life is one which should be read to not only remember the sacrifices those in the military make, but also the forgiving nature of God. Although many people would have given up on a person with a background like Adam’s, he is a shining example that even those who had problems in their past can overcome them.    

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook 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."

Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher looks at a time in Shannon Adair’s life during the Civil War, as she moves from the home she’s always known of Virginia to the Idaho Territory with her father who is a minister. The new town she finds herself in is not the type of place she imagines spending her time, as she is now living in the gold mining town of Grand Coeur which has saloons and brothels, something she was not used to in her hometown. Shannon also must come to terms with the fact that she is a staunch Southerner and does not want to befriend anyone who sides with the North in the Civil War. As Shannon tries to find her place in this new community through using her nursing skills, she begins to form relationships with the residents of the community. She finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely man, a driver for Wells Fargo named Matthew. Shannon served as a nurse to Matthew’s sister who was dying of cancer, and their relationship grew from there.

I really enjoyed this book, since I love the setting of the Civil War. It was also interesting to read about a Southerner so far out of her element during this trying time in history. I liked seeing how those from different areas of the country felt about one another during this time. Although I liked the character of Shannon, there were some characteristics which did not make her the most endearing character, but she truly felt her beliefs were correct, and she did not want to compromise. I can understand and relate to this as I often find myself thinking my way is always the right way.  

The book was also a quick read, and I liked that I didn’t have to think too much while I was reading this book. Although there were some difficult subjects discussed, it was still something which would be appropriate for teenage readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com blogging for books 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 55.

Waiting for Sunrise

Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson is a book in the Cedar Key Novel Series that looks at Patsy Milstrap and her wishes to leave everything in her past behind her. Patsy had a difficult childhood which left her with feelings of neglect after her mother sent her away at the age of 13. Patsy’s past never truly leaves her, as she is still struggling with her childhood memories after her marriage and birth of 5 children. Her husband decides what she needs is a vacation to Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast. While vacationing, she sees someone from her past which causes her to face a difficult time in her life.  

The book is set up in flashbacks where we learn more about Patsy’s childhood as we progress through the book. The reasoning behind Patsy’s mother sending her away isn’t as clear cut as may originally believed, and we see the devastating effects an abusive relationship can have on a family as Patsy’s mother must make difficult decisions to protect her children.

I loved all of the characters in this book, and I really felt for Patsy and the emotions she was feeling throughout the book. She must learn to forgive those who wronged her in the past, which is a very difficult thing to do. Forgiveness is a topic which all people struggle with at some point in their life, and I think that made the book very poignant.

I can’t wait to read more books in this series!!

*Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. 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."

Winning Balance

I am one of the many people who love to watch gymnastics during the Olympics. Maybe it’s my complete lack of talent in that area, but I can remember at a young age watching every competition during the Olympics. My first memory is of Shannon Miller (I think having the same last name made me especially like her!!) during the Olympic games, and I have memories of every team since then. The same is true of Shawn Johnson who competed in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Winning Balance is the story of Shawn’s journey to become an Olympic athlete, as well as her personal experiences outside of the gym, and her time following the Olympics.

I liked the overall format of the book, as each chapter began with a quote and ended with the lesson Shawn learned through that particular point in her life. There were also very personal writings from her journal including some poetry that was written during special or trying times in Shawn’s life. I also liked the focus on    Shawn’s relationship with God throughout the book. Although she didn’t grow up having a typical, every Sunday at Church upbringing, it’s clear through her words that she puts her focus on Christ. I think that showed in her handling of not receiving all Gold Medals at the Olympics and also her drive and dedication. Throughout the book, she was also gracious toward all of the other athletes she encountered throughout her years of competition. She also wrote many kind words about her coach, and I think her desire to make him proud also shows her kind and caring attitude toward others.

I really enjoyed this book, and I think it would be especially appropriate for a High School or College Student, but as someone in my mid-twenties, I definitely enjoyed learning more about what it takes to become an Olympic Athlete and earn 4 Olympic Medals. Shawn Johnson is the epitome of hard work, but also a great example for balancing a normal life with whatever your passion is. This can relate to anything in life....a career, educational pursuit, sports, hobby, etc.  I will definitely be sharing this book with my young cousins, as I feel there are many great qualities of Shawn’s that they can emulate. In my opinion, she makes a great role model for the young girls of today!

Watch this trailer to learn more about Shawn Johnson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Momentum. 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."

Ride of Her Life

Over the past few years, I have so enjoyed reading about the adventures of Marguerite, Emily, and Lilly in the Lake Manawa Series. In Ride of Her Life, written by Lorna Seilstad, I was able to follow the story of Lilly Hart, and her experiences at Lake Manawa which were vastly different than those of Emily and Marguerite. Lilly Hart is a widow living at Lake Manawa with her young son Levi. Whereas Her one goal is to provide a better life for him and a home which he can call his own. With that in mind, she works tirelessly at a local diner, whereas Marguerite and Emily were always vacationing at the Lake. Little does she know, the foreman who is constructing a roller coaster, Nick Perrin, will enter her and her son’s lives in a way she never expected.

I have to say, I always look forward to these books, and I am upset to see the series come to an end. Although I am disappointed there won’t be any more stories about Emily, Marguerite, and Lilly, I really enjoyed each and every one of these books. I think each character learned something important during their summers, and the same can be said of Lilly. She was fiercely independent, and did not want to ask anyone for help. Throughout the story, we see this lessening, as she learns to rely on Nick. Although she is faced with hardships, in the form of her ex father-in-law, Lilly never lost her faith. Although there were points she questioned what her feelings were toward God, I feel as if deep down she was always living her life with him in mind.   

In addition to the strong character of Lilly, I really liked Nick. He was always kind and understanding to Lilly, even when she tried to push him away because of her confusion with falling in love again after the death of her first husband. He showed this same compassion to her young son Levi, and he provided a great “father-figure” for the adventurous young boy. All of the characters were very well written, and I will definitely be looking for new books to read by Lorna Seilstad to find some more entertaining main characters!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. 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."

"Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

Beloved Enemy

Beloved Enemy by Al Lacy is exactly the type of book I like to read on a rainy summer day, so it was perfect for reading this past week since I was trapped inside with non-stop rain!! Jenny Jordan and her father find themselves Virginians living in Washington D.C. during the Civil War. Due to her father’s military background, he is assigned to President Lincoln’s Wartime Committee. Little does anyone know, Mr. Jordan is still faithful to his home state and the Southern Cause. As Jenny herself becomes involved in the spy ring, she must consider her feelings for Buck Brownell. Buck is a part of the Union Army, and has been forbidden from spending time with Jenny due to the War. As you can imagine, tensions arise as Jenny’s espionage becomes known as she is found delivering a message to General Stonewall Jackson. I liked seeing the relationship between Jenny and Buck, as well as learning more about the events leading up to the Battle at Bull Run. Since I love anything to do with the Civil War, it was very easy to fall in love with this story and the characters. Although the book was full of facts, it was written in a way that didn’t seem bogged down in dates and strategic military maneuvers, rather it felt like I was actually with Jenny throughout this time in her life. I think the most interesting part of the book was that although Jenny and her father were spying for the South, they were still compelling characters. I just found out there are other books in this series, so I will definitely be reading them in the near future :-) With that said, this book was easy to read as a stand-alone, and I did not have any difficulty following the story. I will definitely recommend this book to others, and I cannot wait to read more books by Al Lacy. The following Link has more information about the book http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781590529034 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 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."