Review: Own It: Leaving Behind a Borrowed Faith by Hayley DiMarco & Michael DiMarco

Own It: Leaving Behind a Borrowed Faith by Hayley DiMarco & Michael DiMarco
B & H / 2013

About the book:

It's time to stop borrowing or faking your faith . . . own it!

The feature film Grace Unplugged tells the story of Grace Trey, an eighteen year-old small town pastor's daughter who is also a phenomenal singer. But when she abruptly leaves home and finds instant Hollywood fame, the faith and relationships she grew up with are put to the test.

As seen in the movie, Own It challenges readers by asking what it means to really "own" your faith rather than just automatically or blindly following in the footsteps of friends or parents. Bestselling authors Michael and Hayley DiMarco will help you navigate what to do when faith meets real world challenges.

Renting, borrowing, or faking your faith is a waste of time. Own It is all about the supernatural reality that when you take hold of your faith, it's really God's love that takes hold of you. 

My rating:

My thoughts:

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CFBA: Dating, Dining, and Desperation by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dating, Dining, and Desperation B&H Books (March 1, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column. But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

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Review: Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos by Vicki Courtney

Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos by Vicki Courtney
B&H Books / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Most every woman dreams about having a family and a building a home. We grow up on a steady diet of fairytales and chick flicks that drive our dreams . . . and leave us with a sugarcoated version of reality. We want it all: the prince, the kiss, the proposal, the ring, the castle, and eventually, the kids in smocked rompers playing cheerfully on the perfectly manicured lawn. Our hopes and dreams are pinned on the world’s version of happily-ever-after.

The problem is, the fairytales and chick flicks end where real life begins. We never see that follow-up scene where the prince and princess argue at 3 a.m. over who will get up with the colicky newborn. Or the princess reluctantly returns to work to help pay the bills and feels the stress of juggling work and family. And you certainly won’t see that part where the princess moves her last child into the dorm and realizes the bulk of her identity has been based on being a mother.

The truth is, marriage and motherhood are hard. Few of us are prepared to handle the balancing act of being a good wife and a good mother, without one or the other getting the short end of the stick. No matter how much we give or how hard we try, we never quite feel like it’s enough. And heaven help us, we always imagine every one else is doing a much better job.

In Ever After, best-selling author Vicki Courtney addresses the realities of marriage and motherhood, the difficulties and the blessings. It offers women a behind the scenes glimpse of what a fairytale really looks like on the average day for the average wife and mom. Poignant, funny, and even cathartic, Vicki shares mistakes made, lessons learned, and memories to keep. Most of all, she reflects the hope and promise that God meets us in the middle wherever we are in the journey.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Ever After was a really good nonfiction read. I liked how honest Vicki was about life and marriage. I'm not married, so most of the things in this book aren't applicable to my life right now (and there were a couple chapters I had a hard time reading because of that), but there were still some things that I could relate to and/or apply to my life (for instance, the chapter on beauty, "I Love Me; I Love Me Not" was great and informative).

Overall, Ever After is a book that I think married women will find refreshing and honest. There were some funny things in the book, in addition to some serious topics. It definitely shows how many challenges and difficulties come with married life and parenthood and that true joy and peace can only be found in Jesus Christ. I recommend Ever After.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

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Review: Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

B&H Books / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.


And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

My rating:

My thoughts:

First and foremost, I want to say that I'm only basing my rating/review on the actual story, not the writing itself, since I received an uncorrected ARC copy of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel and it was very rough/unpolished.

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel was a fun and quirky read! The characters were interesting and I liked how the book didn't have a typical ending and left me wondering what was going to happen next in Daphne's life.

I really loved the "Dear Daphne" letters. That was definitely one of my favorite parts of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel.

Overall, I liked Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel a lot and look forward to (hopefully) reading the next "Dear Daphne" novel when it releases. :) If you enjoy contemporary novels, I think you will enjoy this book.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you! 

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Review: Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

B&H Books / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:


Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.

When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But—brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo?

What if something far worse goes wrong?

Written in the relentless style for which Brandilyn Collins is known, Double Blind is a psychological thriller with mind-bending twists. Lisa faces choices that drive her to the brink, and one wrong move could cost the lives of many.


My rating:

My thoughts:

I've read most of Brandilyn Collins books (I think all but her Bradleyville series) and I've yet to be disappointed. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. I was somewhat curious going in to Double Blind, as it's a psychological thriller and I had little to no idea what to expect... well, it was a fantastic read!

From the first page (literally) I felt for Lisa and all she had gone through. Not only did she suffer three miscarriages, then lose her husband in a car accident, but she was also attacked and almost killed by her attacker. I can completely understand why she deals with depression after going through all that, and it's no wonder she's thinking about participating in a medical trial to heal the depression.

I have to say, the story was really... bizarre. I loved how it was so weird and I couldn't guess the ending. Seriously, there were so many times I "thought" I knew what was going on but I was so very wrong. There were just so many twists.

There were a couple times I was a little confused and I wish the ending would have had a bit more closure. I also didn't like how a character would hear/feel a reply from God (it's one of my pet-peeves).

Still, Double Blind was a very good read and I did not see the ending coming AT ALL! Such a shocker. :) If you enjoy psychological thrillers or suspense novels with some weird elements, I definitely recommend Double Blind.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via Netgalley for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. I also received a print copy from a blogging friend (thanks!). All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

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CFBA: Strands of Deception by Robin Caroll

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Strands of Deception B&H Books (March 1, 2013) by Robin Caroll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.

Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.

But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Strands of Deception, go HERE.

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Review: Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker

~Non-fiction~

Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker

B&H Publishing Group / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads 

About the book:

You need Courage.

You need the courage to stand strong when everything else is falling apart.

You need the courage to say no when the world entices with diversions.

You need the courage to be a faithful leader of the next generation.

Looking at strong biblical characters, examples from the unforgettable film Courageous, insightful questions, and practical applications, Courageous Teens builds an unshakeable foundation for a courageous lifestyle. Perfect for weekly group or individual study, this inspiring and in-depth study of courage will call teens like you to step out in faith, equipping you with the courage that is vital to your future-and to the future of us all.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous." Joshua 10:25 [HCSB]

My rating:

My thoughts:

Courageous Teens was a good non-fiction book that I enjoyed reading. I loved all of the quotes from the movie, Courageous - for most of them I could picture the scene. That was probably my favorite part of this book.

I agreed with some things Courageous Teens said, but other things I wasn't so sure about, personally. At times, I got slightly bored when reading this book, but that may have just been with me.

Courageous Teens was a good encourager to be more courageous in your life (no matter your age) and I am glad I took the time to read it. If this book sounds like something for you, then you should definitely read it. I liked it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click yes on Amazon. Thank you! :)

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Review: Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

B&H Publishing Group / 2012

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down.

But each woman suspects a different man.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I'm quite familiar with Brandilyn Collins' books (I think I've read every suspense book she's published so far) and she is one of my favorite authors! Gone to Ground might just be my favorite of hers to date! I absolutely loved it!!

The way the chapters were set up was great! They were written in first person, but the POV went back-and-forth between Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Also, every once in a while, there was an excerpt from The Jackson Bugle.


Gone to Ground was a great mystery - it kept me guessing! It wasn't until the last moment that I guessed who "The Closet Killer" was and even then there were some twists left.

I can only think of one thing I didn't like in Gone to Ground - how it portrayed God talking to Cherrie Mae. Other than that, I completely loved this book and it is one of my favorite books now.

If you are looking for a great mystery novel, you should definitely try Gone to Ground. I think you'll have a hard time guessing what happens. :)

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Book Review: The Chair: A Novel by James L. Rubart

The Chair: A Novel by James L. Rubart

My rating:  


I wasn't sure what to expect when I started 'The Chair' - because this is the first book that I've read by James L. Rubart - but I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed it! It had suspense, drama, and a good story.

If you were given an ancient-looking chair and told Jesus Christ made it, would you believe it?

Corin Roscoe, the owner of an antiques store, is given a chair and told it was made by the most talented craftsman the world has ever known. He is then taken on an intense journey of grief, joy, sorrow, and restoration.

He lives with guilt over pain from the past, deals with claustrophobia, and is afraid of going in water because of something that happened when he was young.

I found many parts of 'The Chair' weird (which I think was the intent) and I felt as though I was reading a mystery. There was so much going on, but until the end you didn't know the full intent (and even now I'm still slightly confused). I feel there should have been at least one more chapter (or at least an epilogue) - the ending didn't feel like the end (if that makes sense).

I found the characters intriguing. People you thought were friends, were foes. And people you thought were against Corin, were actually for Corin.

'The Chair' puts a whole new light on James L. Rubart's books. I now plan to read other books by him in the future. I recommend this if you enjoy reading books that have a slightly weird plot, but are really interesting (kind of like Ted Dekker's books).

*Many thanks to B&H publishing and JKSCommunications for my review copy.*

Watch the book trailer:

Watch an author interview:

ISBN: 9781433671524

Available September 15, 2011.

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