Glad to have you visit my little corner of the blog world! I'm a minister's wife and stay-at-home mommy.
Here you will find LOTS of book reviews, because I LOVE to read. You'll also get a little peak into our family life as we seek to raise the three gifts from the Lord with which we have been richly blessed and a little of the things I'm learning as I daily surrender to the Lord in complete trust. This life isn't always easy, but it is an adventure like no other. At the end of each day, I rest in the faithfulness of Almighty God.
Praying you are blessed by your visit with me!
Francine Rivers has published numerous novels - all bestsellers - and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her books have been awarded or nominated for many honors. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from ACFW. Francine's novels have been translated into more than thirty different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband, Rick, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Connect with her via her website HERE.
A successful Los Angeles artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want - money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman's past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn't know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist - an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison. Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it's as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together...until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship - and both their lives - forever. You might enjoy this radio interview with Francine Rivers where she talks about not only The Masterpiece but her writing in general.
My Thoughts: The very first book by Francine Rivers that I ever read was Redeeming Love which is now a classic and the novel by which Rivers is largely known. I remember thinking when I read that book, "How can Rivers or any author rivel the message of this book?" I believe Rivers may have accomplished this herself. The Masterpiece is a book about identity and takes a strong look at the things that shape us and make us who we are. Reading the back stories of Roman and Grace was completely heartwrenching at times. I really appreciated the way Rivers juxtaposed the present and past in order to explain the dynamic tension in the main characters' lives. Rivers does a masterful job of showing the transforming power of the gospel through Roman's and Grace's story. Rivers clearly shows readers that the things that shape us are sometimes very hard and painfully difficult but God's grace is greater than all these. And like Roman and Grace wondered where God was at certain points in their life, we too may wonder. Rivers also used secondary characters to show the importance of others that come alongside us to speak truth into our lives and challenges us to look at our influence and how God may be using us in the lives of those around us to know Him and His love. The Masterpiece is gritty and it is genuine and is a reminder that God can take the most broken things in our lives and create something beautiful...bueaty for ashes. *I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions here are my own. Blessings, Jennifer
Dani Pettrey is praised as a name to look for in romantic suspense (Dee Henderson). Dani combines page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happily-ever-after of a sigh-worthy romance novel. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters" (Publisher's Weekly), "gripping storylines" (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent" of romance (USA Today). Dani's adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Valor series, starting with Cold Shot. Connect with Dani at her website HERE.
The wrath is coming but they don't know where or when. "The wrath is coming" were the final words that FBI agent Declan Grey heard the suicide bomber say. Now Declan is in the chase of his life - but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after or when the threat will be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation's best clue leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw for assistance. She's sought justice for refugees and the displaced around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner. Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor...meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. As they work together to uncover the mounting threat, the tension between them also includes a spark she can't deny - and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything more can develop, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives. My Thoughts: I became a big fan of Pettrey's writing while reading her Alaskan Courage series consisting of five books. Blind Spot is the third book in her Chesapeake Valor series. Not many can pull off a series like Pettrey, especially one with over 2 or 3 installments. While each book in the series includes characters and the continuation of some storylines from previous books, Pettrey does well at giving readers more of characters they love while also giving fresh content. I appreciate the talent Pettrey has in writing romance that doesn't come off cheesy but has real depth with characters that are well-developed and genuine. And she also does an expert job of peppering Biblical truth as a natural part of the story/dialogue without sounding "preachy". Pettrey consistently pulls of romantic suspense without a hitch and Blind Spot certainly did not disappoint! *I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own. Happy Reading Ya'll, Jennifer
Aaron and Elaina Sharp are both Master of Theology graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary. Aaron works for Insight for Living Ministries, and Elaina owns and operates a small business. Aaron is the author of Everything the Bible Says About Parenting and Children and What Does God Say About That? Elaina writes and develops curriculum for ministries such as Cru. Aaron and Elaina Sharp live in Little Elm, Texas with their three children
Powerful stories that reveal God's love and mercy. The Bible is the story of God's relationship with people - Jews and Gentiles, saints and sinners. From well-known characters like Eve and Esther to those less known like Jochebed and Zipporah, women play a vital role in the biblical drama. Discover how each woman fits into the overall narrative of God's good news, and let it remind you that their story is also the story of His powerful love for you.
My Thoughts: Mother's Day is right around the corner and I can't think of a more appropriate gift for grandmothers/mothers than a copy of The Most Important Women of the Bible. The Sharps have put together a snapshot of over 30 women found in the Bible. Each short chapter is divided into the following sections:
Opening quote
Scripture references where the woman is mentioned in the Bible
Biography
Role in Redemption
By The Numbers
Things We Wondered
The Sharps have taken a very gospel-centered approach in the book. My favorite section was the Role in Redemption portion. Rather than cherry-pick a particular woman and a few facts about her, the Sharps went to the next level and show readers how that woman and her life fit into the Bible's overall narrative of God's redemption of mankind which is lacking in many female-focused resources.
"Maybe our desire to know a little more about Tamar points us to something very important in Tamar's story. Her story is not really about how she survived the horrible things that happened to her. It isn't about what she did to get herself out of her situation. And it isn't even about the wickedness that she confronted. Ultimately, Tamar's story is a beacon of light pointing not in the direction of what a person can do, but what God can do with a person. Through her son Perez, Tamar would be an ancestor of Christ. Her dejection would give way to a permanent place as a woman of faith. She would be in the line of the Savior who came to destroy darkness and defeat sin."
The Most Important Women of the Bible sparks and encourages readers to study the Scriptures and is a perfect gift for Mother's Day or to be used for personal use or with a small group.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated are my own.
Jaime Jo Wright is the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas, and a human resources director by trade. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. The House on Foster Hill is her debut novel. Connect with Jaime Jo Wright:
Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas fo further investigation into his suspicious demise fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her f=rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing buy painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters, resurrecting painful memories and forcing a reunion with the man who broke her heart. Can Ivy unravel the mystery and find a renewed hope before any other lives - including her own - are lost?
My Thoughts: In her debut novel, The House on Foster Hill, Jaime Jo Wright has written an hauntingly beautiful story. Wright grabs readers' attention with the very first line
"Death had a way of creeping up on a soul, and Ivy Thorpe was determined that when it visited her, she would not be surprised."
and secures it until the very last
"We live, right on into eternity."
In between those two lines is a collision of past and present. Wright presents a cast of characters that have depth and are genuine, believable. She weaves suspense, with more twists and turns than I thought my heart and mind could take at certain points, a bit of romance, and a lesson on true identity and worth that will leave readers pondering the truths long after the book is placed on the shelf.
I appreciated how Wright wove gospel truth throughout the book that didn't come across as "preachy". Wright is an author to keep on your radar and her books on your keeper shelf. *I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own. Happy Reading Ya'll, Jennifer
Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary fiction. He received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Connect with Robert via:
In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for Justice against the tide of prejudice on every side? Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career. Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital. Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable - defend the officer. As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime. My Thoughts: The subject matter in A Time To Stand is ripped straight from current headlines. In this "relevant to our times" story, Whitlow handles the matter of racial tension head on. Whitlow addresses the racial tensions in a small Southern town from every angle with well-developed and believable characters. The plot is well thought out with a few twists I didn't see coming. A Time To Stand is certainly a page-turner that will challenge the reader's own prejudices and attitudes. Fans of Randy Singer and John Grisham will soon be drawn to Whitlow's legal thrillers. His books are slowly one by one making their place on my bookshelf. *I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own. Happy Reading Ya'll, Jennifer
Samuel Parker is the author of Purgatory Road. Born in the Michigan boondocks, he was raised on a never-ending road trip through the U.S. Besides writing, he is a process junkie and the ex-guitarist for several metal bands you've never heard of. He lives in West Michigan with his wife and twin sons.
The vigilantes behind him are nothing compared to the enemy within. Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the still-vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had left off. Now he's on the run from men who've tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force skulks within him, threatening and destructive. What - and who - it will destroy next is the only real question. From the bold voice that brought readers down Purgatory Road comes a new pulse-pounding, spine-rattling tale of vengeance and justice. My Thoughts: Samuel Parker, a new author to me, has a new fan...me! Cold Water was a different book than what I would normally read. Michael's story has a bit of a paranormal feel to it. The book was haunting to read and was quite emotional for me at several points.
"The warden stopped and gazed at the child...'Warden what's that? In there?' The warden looked and saw that the boy was pointing at the chair. 'That's what we used to do to the worst of the worst.' 'Am I the worst?' The warden thought about it. 'You know, son, if you are, I don't see it.'"
The story is heavy. Parker trickled flashbacks at strategic points in the book that deepened and explained the present day aspects of Michael's story. I especially appreciated that Parker allowed readers to experience Michael's story from the various characters' viewpoints. This is a story I won't forget and Cold Water has a place on my keeper shelf. *I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own. Happy Reading Ya'll, Jennifer
John Crotts is the pastor of Faith Bible Church in Sharpsburg, Georgia. John graduated from Liberty University in 1990 and received his MDiv degree from The Master's Seminary in Los Angeles and his DMin degree from Southern Seminary in Louisville. He has served as a board member of The Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals. The Lord has blessed John and his wife, Lynn, with three daughters and a son; Charissa, Danielle, Chloe, and Josiah.
Sometimes we have important things to say to other Christians, but if we deliver our message ungraciously, they won't benefit. Author John Crotts points out that God cares about how we say what we say: "It is not enough always to say the truth; you must also say the truth in love." In Graciousness, the author addresses Christians who are zealous for od's truth yet struggle to communicate it graciously - in a loving way. Filled with practical instruction and wise insights, this book includes a biblical description of graciousness, with a look at positive examples and commands from the Bible and methods for cultivating graciousness in various areas of the Christian life. Be equipped to speak the truth in love! My Thoughts: Comming in at just 137 pages, Graciousness by John Crotts is packed with Scriptural exhortation and practical application. Chapter titles include:
Why this issue is important for you
The Graciousness you need
Learning from the gracious example of Jesus Christ
Learning from Paul
The truth about an ungracious church
Cultivating graciousness in your heart
Cultivating a gracious mind-set toward others
Cultivating graciousness through your actions
Cultivating graciousness in community
The gospel and graciousness
Endorsed by R. Albert Mohler (president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) and Stephen J. Nichols (president, Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer, Ligonier Ministries), Graciousness is an invaluable resource that should be on every Bible-believing, faith-filled believer's shelf. I know that I will be returning to it often. A zeal for the truth is important but the delivery of that truth is so important if we actually want others to really hear/listen to what we are saying. Crotts, in his conversational/teaching style, conveys the why and the how of gracious communication with others while helping readers to drill down to the heart level of the matter. And, he reminds us all that the ultimate aim is the glory of God. You can listen to an interview with the author HERE. *I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own. Blessings, Jennifer
