Chase.

 

‘Everyday we wake up and we chase something or we chase an invisible God’ – Jennie Allen, Chase

After Stuck and Anything I knew that I wouldn’t embark on Chase without facing conviction.  Jennie Allen has a way of hitting you right between the eyes with truth.  The truth of our sin nature, the truth about the allure of the world we live in, and the truth about what it takes to be whole-heartedly in love with our Savior.

It took her exactly one chapter to tug my heartstrings by stating: what we love determines how we live.  I read this line on a plane on my way to Togo in West Africa where I was headed on a short-term missions trip.   As good as that may sound, to you, I knew my life still wasn’t reflecting what I so desperately wanted my love to show.   Jennie says in her video intro to the study she says that she use to care more about people thinking she loved God then actually knowing and loving Him.

I was still clinging to too much me.  Still within that first chapter she writes, ‘self esteem dies hard, especially for those of us who stand on a great performance.  The work of Christ steals all shame but it also steals all of our pride’.  Pride.  If wanted to Chase after the heart of God I was going to have to sacrifice my pride.  I was going to have to crush the image I’ve controlled, let go of my death grip on my earthly desires, and say simply: here I am Lord.

As I continued the study I knew that Jennie understood what we’re up against as Christian women.  What keeps us from chasing after the heart of God?  Fear.  The fear of what that life would look like.  Of the sacrifices it might require. 

Chase is rooted in the story of David.  If you’ve read about David in the bible you know that he made some huge mistakes.  Murder and adultery for starters but he is also the one and only person the bible ever says the Lord called ‘a man after my own heart’.  You need only to spend some time reading David’s psalms to know he was in passionate pursuit of the Lord’s heart.

In chapter three of the Chase study, the chapter on obedience Allen writes, ‘ as my view of Him grew, my trust in Him grew and my obedience to Him grew, not out of fear but because I wanted Him more than my own way’.  This.  This is what that tired, filthy mini-missionary in Africa wanted.  I found that as I read Allen’s study I was desperate to want His way more than my own.

Each of Allen’s studies have challenged me, grown me, and pushed me out of being comfortable in my Christian existence and for that I’m grateful.  Each study has had a profound effect on my faith walk and each has come to me at the perfect time.  As I find that I am at the strongest my faith has ever been I am also realizing that I’ve reached the point in my walk with the Lord where I have to jump off the cliff into full surrender. 

Allen’s Chase study includes a DVD with lessons for you and your group to watch weekly – a great feature for in-home bible studies.  I love her honesty. I love how real she is.  Most of all I appreciate how relatable she is in each video.  The package also comes with a leaders guide, a member book, and my favorite feature – discussion cards.  The kid has a box labeled ask and each week as a set of cards you’re to lay out on the table.  Each member of your group will either have a key verse to read or a question to ask at the end of the group meeting.  It is the perfect way to get everyone in your group involved (as well as relieve some of the pressure off you as a leader).

I highly recommend the Chase study, especially for a group that’s growing and thriving but ready to kick their commitment up a notch.  This study challenged me – a bible study leader, a church worker, a long-time Christian and I know it will challenge you and your group.  We wake up everyday and we are chasing either something or someone – the one.  I hope that many of you will joining in chasing the heart of God even as I will be leading my own small group through this study over the summer.

Love,

B

*Please note: this study was given to me for review but the thoughts are my own honest opinions.

Book Club Friday - The Paris Wife.

I haven't linked up for Book Club Friday in a hot minute so I thought this week, while I will be out of town on Friday anyway, would be the perfect opportunity!

The Paris Wife was book number 24 for me in 2012 and a refreshing break from the 1-2 star Kindle reads of late. I marked it a 4 star read on Goodreads after finishing it before work on Wednesday morning (I hate when library due dates are looming over my head going into a vacation).

This fictitious story about Ernest Hemingway and his first (of four) wives, Hadley, fascinated me. I've read about half of Ernest Hemingway's published work including: The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and I believe the Sun Also Rises (sounds familiar but I'm not positive I've read it). Having read his work I would have pictured his personality almost exactly as author Paula McClain writes him - dramatic, dark, selfish, and brooding.

Well written and strikingly realistic for that time period, in Paris, I found this book really enjoyable. Not a light, summery beach read by any means but a true literary work of art. I found is refreshing she didn't try to paint Hemingway as a favorable light but rather played into what we know of his dark, alcoholic lifestyle. Also, the way she carries you from his first wife towards who will later be his second wife is believable and gracefully composed.

A story of life, love, betrayal, infidility, alcoholism, and the artist plight - McClain really impressed me with this one. I also enjoyed the inclusion of other writers I admire from Fitzgerald (of The Great Gatsby) to Gertrude Stein.

Amazon describe it this way:

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.
A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.

Love,

B

Book Club Friday.

Well I'm headed to New York City tomorrow morning bright and early but my prep for the NYC hasn't kept me from absolutely mauling books lately. Can't.Stop.Reading. Seriously though, I've had my nose in a book every free minute for the last 2 weeks. Since I've been babysitting up a storm to have extra money for my big trip, I've had plenty of time while babies were sleeping to read oh a thousand pages a week or so.

So, I'm linking up for the second week in a row to share my book club read of the week. I know a few of you have probably already read this (people seem pretty obsessed with Giffin) but I just finished Heart of the Matter.

Oddly considering I've read all of her books to date, I've never considered Giffin one of my favorite authors, that may just change after this novel. Written to capture and even break your heart, this book will take you through every emotion from anger, frustration, sadness, hope, pity, and more. Giffin gets down to the nitty gritty of what makes relationships work, and fail. Showing what happens when we let human nature take over and toss aside what we know to be 'right'. A great show of the battle between our short term and long term desires, Giffin masterfully wrote this one to tug at your heart strings.

Love,
B

Book Review: Baby Proof.

I've had this book on the self for a while, meaning to read it but getting distracted by new books that kept coming out. So finally in my excitement over Something Borrowed the movie coming out in May of this year, I decided it was time to get back to reading Emily Giffin. After skipping this book, her third, I read the 4th book last year - Love the One You're With which I previously wrote to you, was not my favorite. Giffin recently released a 5th book entitled, Heart of the Matter which I hope to read soon (perhaps I'll buy it on Kindle, I haven't been using my Kindle enough lately).

Baby Proof was a funny choice for someone like myself, whose somewhat neutral on the kid thing. Claudia and Ben, the perfect couple with big plans, excluding babies find themselves at a crossroad when Ben has a change of heart and the sudden desire for children while Claudia remains solidly in the 'no babies' camp. The book takes you through their ups, downs, and discoveries throughout. You see them grow as people and the author keeps you guessing on just how things will work out.

I laughed and cried as fell in love with both Claudia and Ben as well as a few others key players along the way. I felt myself torn between both camps and going back and forth between Team Ben and Team Claudia. A fun summer read for all and I highly recommend.

Love,
B

Book Review: Firefly Lane.

Firefly Lane came available at my library just in time for my trip to Indiana for 10 days I hoped to spend a good bit of reading. It was the December book club choice which I keep track of even on months when I can't make it to the meetings. I clicked through the reviews and thought, this sounds worthwhile. I popped by the library the day before I left town and had this in tow for a week in midwest winter.

It goes without saying that friendship plays a huge role in all of our lives. Whether in times where we feel friendship is lacking or times when our friends are our families. I spent years having many, shallow relationships only to find that the most rewarding friendships are when you cut out some of the fringe and dig in deep with the friends you can really 'do life' with. In the past few years I've really come to realize the value of a 'best friend'.

Hannah's story follows two friends from middle school through adulthood and beyond in her recent novel, Firefly Lane. A prototypical 'easy read', it was a great vacation book. Simple writing, simple story line, rather predictable but entertaining. You follow TullyandKate through the tumultuous teen years, through college scandals, first jobs, growing up and at times - growing apart.

You see the danger of sharing it all from family to first loves. Lines are crossed. Boundaries broken. You question whether love can prevail and at what point you have to leave someone behind to truly find yourself.

For me perhaps the most though provoking theme that came from the book was that people who go after their dream careers lose out at love. That you can't replace having a family with having a successful career. Is this true? Do you have to lose at one to win at the other? Wherein lies the balance? At what cost does fame and fortune come?

I'd give Hannah's Firefly lane a 6.5. If any of you decides to read it, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, the book club response was really split.

Love,
B

Book Review: A Million Little Pieces & The End of The List.

Before I get on with this book review I would like to take this time to celebrate the meeting of a challenging goal - I have now completed 50 books in the year 2010! My friend, Joy, asked me back in December of last year if I would set out to read 50 books with her this year. I quickly agreed thinking 50 didn't sound so overwhelming. Later, as I drove home I realized that was almost a book a WEEK! In what has been in some ways the craziest year of my life to date, it was a challenge. But I'm thankful to Joy because her challenge pushed me to make reading a priority this year.


At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I truly believe that access to literature and the ability to read are a gifts. I try my hardest not to take them for granted. I have learned and expanded my mind through literature this year and have stretched myself to expand my reading horizons. I have truly read a little bit of everything this year. Autobiographies, fiction, non-fiction, christian literature, bible studies, memoirs, etc. You can find the now completed list of my readings here. Also, I've now linked to reviews for any of the books from this list that I have written about along the way. So if you're looking for reading material, maybe one of my reviews will spur you on towards something I've read this year.


Now, on with my review...




First off, I want to start by saying I'm not going to give this book my stamp of approval for two major reasons - language and adult content. The language in this book is horrific, which I imagine is pretty true to alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. I've never been forced to sweep over so many f-bombs in a book in my life. The content of this book is explicit though it could be argued, realistic. Similar to R rated movies, I don't recommend to anyone with my stamp of approval something I would define as vulgar.

That being said, I got curious about James Frey's depiction of his time as a drug addict, alcoholic, and criminal and coming to terms with each through rehabilitation after seeing first hand this year the effects addition has on a person. Not in my own life but in the life of a friend who's spiraled downward over the past 10 or so years. I wondered to myself what that life must be like and the empty, sad existence it leads too. Frey's book was recommended by Oprah who's opinion I rarely agree with but it got my curious and I checked the book out at the library.

Frey's book was met with much attention as it was originally released as an autobiography of his time in rehab but was later found to hold a large amount of fiction. I read it as an interpretive work, one in which he relives as he recalls it, his experience with trying to overcome a disease. His fight against his own mind and body in order to survive.

I was most struck by how young his downward spiral began. He describes his crossing the line from recreation to out-of-control as happening at the age of 10. 1o years old. I remember playing with Barbie and swimming in our pool every day at 10 years old, not blacking out from alcohol poisoning and missing large pieces of time in my memory.

Frey writes himself in what I imagine addicts would see as a hero type role. He doesn't play by the rules. He falls in love with a girl he's forbidden to talk too. He won't follow the AA plan. Doesn't believe in God or a higher power. And immediately after his release from rehab goes to a bar to see if he can overcome his own temptations. He's a rebel with a cause and he's unwilling to take advice. Most of all he finds successes where those who came before him met with failure.

He also portrays himself as winsome in some ways. He makes friends with the most deviant of his rehab-mates and they help him get a fresh start. The fight for him. They lie for him. The protect him against all opposition with in the facility. They also help him escape a 3 year jail sentence - one through criminal means and one who though spending time in rehab is still a judge through pulling his strings. They reduce the sentence he will face when he is released and they both desire to stay a part of his life and look out for him when he leaves.

Hard to decipher through to what may hold some truth but the story did give me a dark look into addition, rehabilitation, and the hopelessness of a life where substances win out as the most important thing in life. A look from the addicts eyes of the destruction they leave in their wake. The hurt they cause. The relationships they ruin. The people who's lives they destroy along the way. A sad reminder of what life without hope or faith is like. Moving, impactful, terrifying, and somehow beautiful, I close 2010 with this dark and twisted memoir.

This has been a great literary journey - 50 books in 2010. I look forward to the new worlds that will be opened through my reading in 2011. Thank you for following along with me.

Love,
B

Another Chilly Weekend.

Picture.

Well I'm headed to the 'lou' tomorrow morning. St. Louis that is. My first trip to that side of Missouri. I'm looking forward to my first view of 'the arch' and of course the usual experimenting with a new cities cuisine. Life has to revolve at least a little bit around food, right?

I thought it had gotten chilly when I was running errands last night and it was only 50 degrees but it's looking like that's only a little prep for a chilly weekend in the L. The temperature should be a slightly terrifying 41 degrees when we touch down tomorrow morning. I woke early this morning to work on my packing. Good thing I had my coat dry cleaned. It's new but for some reason it was a bit smelly. Thankful for 1.99 dry cleaners this week - especially since my Christmas party dress is also now clean and ready for Tuesday.

On a happy note my most recent review was a success on multiple levels. One of my readers, Lisa, has already, bought, read, and finished the book - so my review was actually taken seriously, which I always like. Lisa wrote on my facebook last night:

If that wasn't good news enough, I may have mentioned previously my excitement at being found (via the blog) and asked my this particular company to review the book. It was my first time working with them and obviously, it was my desire to review the book with excellence and please them with my work.

I wrote my contact to give her the links to my blog review as well as a consumer review (on amazon) and received a positive response from her last night as well. She wrote that not only had she enjoyed the review but had pasted it on the Heather's editor who was equally pleased. She also wrote that she would be happy to work with me again and would send me other books for review if I am interested. This was great news.

Well, I best be getting moving if I'm going to have time to stop for a diet dr. pepper on my way to work.

Love,
B

Book Review: You Don't Look like Anyone I Know.

Imagine going to the grocery store, splitting up with your husband to get the job done faster. Then a man you don't recognize approaches you, touches you, acting as though he's your husband. You're frightened. You're overwhelmed. Then you realize, he is your husband - you just can't recognize his face. For Heather Sellers this is life. With prosopagnosia, a rare neurological disorder you don't have the ability to remember or recognize faces, even of those you love.

Before reading Heather's touching, heart-breaking, and fascinating story, I had never heard of 'face blindness'. I read the story of her tumultuous childhood, one in which she didn't have a name for this strange inability to store faces within her memory and both her parents suffered severely with mental illness, untreated. You hurt for her as you read that she felt like the crazy one and was often times the adult, even at a young age. Children should be allowed to be just that, kids. For Heather her childhood was chaotic and confusing.


The truth is her stories is heart-breaking. A broken home. A troubled childhood. So few answers. But Sellers pain-staking honesty is what makes 'You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know' a worthwhile read. Raw honesty, unmerited hope, and a strong belief in the power of love hold true throughout the text.


You'll grow to love Heather as you see her find the truth about herself as well as her parents. It will warm your heart as you see her find love with a new family of her own. You'll rejoice with her as new perspective frees her and she rises above her circumstances. Hardship remains a theme to the end, but Seller's ability to persevere will inspire you.


A window into the lives of households riddled with mental illness fascinated me, even as it hurt my heart for Heather. Similar to 'The Glass Castle' it was a poignant memoir of a broken childhood and the struggle to piece life together afterwards. You won't be able to put it down.


Note: This book was given for review by Riverhead Books.

Book Review: Last Night at Chateau Marmont.

Enter: Brooke Alter. A young spunky redhead working 2 jobs as a nutritionist to support to her talented but so far undiscovered musician husband. She's head over heels in love with her cute, charming, attentive husband. The teacher's pet of her hospital job, the one that she hopes will pave the way for the private practice she plans to open a few short years later. The overly caring and concerned nutritional advisor at an all girl's private school who treats each girl as if they were her baby sister. In short, she's living on love and surviving just fine. Until...

After 5 years of marriage Brooke Alter is thrown into a whirlwind by her husband’s sudden, overnight fame. When Brooke’s husband Julian gets discovered and his debut album starts off at number 4 on the billboard charts, her life is turned upside down. From paparazzi to reading about the demise of their marriage in tabloids across the country, to Julian-hungry-crazy-fans nothing in Brooke’s life will be the same again. The question is, can she adjust?

If fame is the test of a person’s true character then Julian’s may be in question. His ego grows faster than Pinocchio’s nose. While he travels the world promoting, well, himself – he seems to forget the sacrifices his wife made to get him there. Asking her to quit her jobs to be at his beckon call and constantly belittling her role as a nutritionist at an all girls school, the same job that paid the bills while he was a starving artist a mere month before. Their relationship is certainly on the rocks.

The tests of true friendship, what really matters in life, and how your relationship can survive sudden success will keep you interested throughout Lauren Weisberger’s latest novel, Last Night at Chateau Marmont. It’s a funny, easy chic-lit read and as always, I enjoy Weisberger's style of writing. I found myself taking Brooke’s side and wanting Julian to realize what he was putting her through. Her way of showing the rumor hungry reporters was an added bonus, as I’ve witnessed some of that myself over the years. A good reminder we should be slow to believe anything we read....people love a good story.

A worthwhile read that kept my attention and endeared me to the characters - even Brooke and Julian's dog, Walter Alter. The drama of their tale may just leaving you thankful for being off the radar and out of the limelight.

Love,
B

Book Review: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

By request, I’m posting my thoughts about Aimee Bender’s newest magical realm novel, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Bender, author of ‘Girl with the Flammable Skirt’ and ‘Willful Creatures’ is known for her ability to intertwine dark, sad themes with a light, airy blend of magic. Lemon Cake is no exception.

At the age of nine Rose discovers her ability to taste the preparer’s feeling in all food. Suddenly homemade meals are speaking to her and what they have to say is less than inviting. From the ability to taste anger, sadness, depression, and discontentment in first her mother’s home cooking and later in a variety of foods prepared in her cafeteria at school and in restaurants, Rose is overwhelmed by others emotions with every bite. At nine, she finds herself trying to carry the weight of others feelings as she fights against her strange ‘gift’.

This book is not for the grammar nazi – as there is not one single quotation mark in Bender’s novel. The format of her writing may be distracting to those who are ‘picky’ about writing rules. She breaks the rules and draws your attention only to the storyline. While not my format of choice I appreciate the desire to ‘just write’. She crafts her descriptions with eloquence and displays emotion on a wide scale with fluidity.

Dark and depressing but carefully crafted, the Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is a novel unlike any I’ve read this year. I find that even having finished the book I’m left with an unsettled feeling. What just happened? I neither loved nor hated it and hesitate to recommend it or caution against it as a result. While I don’t wish I hadn’t read it, I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed it either.

Love,
B

Note: I find that I am recently very turned off to the Oprah bookclub reads. This may be my last of hers for a while.

Review: Vanishing Act.

I 'met' Liz Johnson while she was working for the WaterBrook Multnomah 'Blogging for Books' program. She was my main contact and we e-mailed once or twice a month as she invited me to review books and I either confirmed or denied my desire to be involved in that particular book tour.

I was sad when she e-mailed to say she was moving on from the program but rejoiced with her when I later received an invite to review her second novel, Vanishing Act. As a future writer hopeful myself, I couldn't be more excited for Liz to be continuing a career as a writer and since I hadn't read any of her writing other than e-mails yet, I was thrilled to be chosen as one of the 40 bloggers to receive a signed review copy of her book.

I finished Vanishing Acts tonight, my 38th book of 2010! Liz's genre is one I've never read before, which is cleverly referred to as 'love inspired suspense'. Catchy.

The story of Danielle and Nate has a few of my favorite things. Love. Suspense. Drama. And even a little crime! Wonderfully written so that it captivated me without leaving me sleepless. There are twists and turns as the mystery unfolds, that kept my eyes moving quickly as I sought the happy ending. A sucker for a love story and of course a 'happily ever after' I was glad to see that there were rays of light in Vanishing Act.

Suspense is not a genre you often see taken on in Christian fiction but I was pleased to see Liz take it on with such grace. An easy read that packed a punch of a message about our fears and God's ability to handle anything for us, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It didn't read as though it were preaching, but regardless I took away a challenge to deal with fears within my own life and spiritual walk.

I hope to see more literature from Liz soon and certainly wish her the best. A talented writer with a great heart. I know God has big things in store for her and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I hope this review has sparked your interest and that you'll show Liz your support by reading Vanishing Act as well.

Love,

B

Review: The Glass Castle.

Ever complained to your parents that life just isn’t fair? Jeanette Walls story will make your childhood look like a walk in Central Park. From running from authorities, to bad parenting, to alcoholic parents, to constantly being uprooted her life is one nightmare after another. For a woman on Park Avenue who still sees her homeless parents digging through dumpsters as she drives through town – this story will grip you from page 1 to the end. You will laugh with her, cry with her, and ultimately will her into success by the end of this gripping novel.

Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as her story pulls at your heart strings and like me, may make you angry. Life may not be fair but it certainly isn’t supposed to be like her childhood. As a social worker by education, it bothered me on a professional level that no one got involved and took note and action to help these children seek a better life.

Walls story is a great example that you do not have to be content to be a product of your environment. She went on to receive and Ivy League education, and later became a successful writer. She and her siblings each found their way to New York and established lives in society there, even while their parents continued to choose homelessness.

A beautiful picture of the powerful bond between siblings and the love of a family, despite all odds. Inspiring, heart-breaking, and utterly fascinating you won't be able to tear yourself. A worthwhile read for all audiences. A life-altering view of the pursuit of the American dream from various angles.

As described on the back of the book it truly is ‘ a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption’. I highly recommend each of you read it as you have time. I will caution you that the language is rough at times but if you can see past it, the story is one that must be heard.

Love,

B

Book Review: All We Ever Wanted Was Everything

All We Ever Wanted Was Everything - Janelle Brown

I mentioned before that the title of this book grabbed my attention from the beginning. After discovering it on Oprah’s summer reading list I was intrigued by the concept that we do essentially want everything, though ‘everything’ is defined a bit differently per individual. I put myself on the waiting list for it at the library and picked it up a week later.

A dark look into the inner workings of the demise of a family structure. Slightly overdone with drama this novel deals with infidelity, divorce, post-nuptual agreements, teen pregnancy, credit card debt, and drug abuse. All of that in one book, within one family. Perhaps overdone but somehow still gripping. I found myself sympathize with each family member as they battled their own demons and wanting each to come out on top.

The bright spot in an otherwise dark novel was the way tragity and heartache brings a family together. Eventual honesty lead to the members eventually finding the love and support they needed to move forward with their lives. Who doesn’t love a happy-ish ending?

I found it a worthwhile read that kept been intrigued. Better than the average first novel frorm a new author. If she wrote another, I wouldn’t hesitate to read her writing again.

Love,
B

Book Review: The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

By popular request, a book review!

I came across this book a list of great summer reads. It's been years since I read Louisa May Alcott's Little Women but it has a special place in my heart as I associate it with some of the greatest years of my childhood. Exploring life with sisters, a fit theme for a girl who grew up in a house of girls.

McNees does an extraordinary job of telling an intimate story of Louisa herself, in her formidable years. One of the most believable 'historical fiction' novels I've come across. An intricate weave of love, tragedy, curiosity, headstrong youth, and failure. You can't help but think of your first time feeling 'in love', your first efforts at striking out on your own, and even the moments in your childhood where you realized your parents weren't perfect (sorry Mom & Dad).

Most famous fictionial stories such as Little Women make you wonder about their authors lives and Lousia May Alcott is no exception. It's no stretch to believe that Alcott spend a summer similar to the one McNees writes for us here, especially if Little Women was somewhat autobiographical - which it may in fact have been.

A cutesy summer read I'd recommend for a day at the beach.

Indivisible.

Christian literature meets 'Criminal Minds' in a story that begins with the police cheif of a small Colorado town finding 2 mutilated raccoons. Jonah Westfall delves into the mystery knowing this act threatens the peaceful nature of his country town. Torn between a toxic relationship with a childhood friend and his teetering sobriety he learns the danger of doing life alone.

Solid character development and storyline suspense will keep this book in your hands. Heitzmann forges uncharted territory in Christian fiction combining suspense and drama with a clear picture of the inner-workings of relationships and struggle.

To hear more from the author enjoy this audio interview here.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

Love,

B

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream - David Platt

Radical: favoring drastic political, economic, or social reforms.

In David Platt’s new book Radical challenges Christians to see life in a new and challenging way. From a man once titled the youngest mega church pastor, read as David wonders and struggles through how we went from Jesus (our role model) who had 12 disciplines to mega churches of thousands. Are we missing the intended simplicity of disciplineship? I find David’s perspective refreshing, challenging, and founded in biblical principles and truth. I appreciate his heart to follow in the footsteps of his Lord with the right heart and conviction for teaching and leading. Are you ready to start thinking radically and to be challenged in some of your ideals and habits? If so, please take this journey alongside David.

To request a free copy of David Platt’s ‘The Radical Question’ (a smaller text that works on a smaller scale with the same topic) please visit: www.WaterBrookMultnomah.com/RadicalQuestion

This book & ‘The Radical Question’ were both provided for my review by WaterBrook Multanomah.

Also, please visit the official site of the Radical book movement here: www.RadicalTheBook.com

Love,
B

The Bridegrooms.

Allison Pittman's novel The Bridgegrooms can only be described as predictable but pleasant. With each of the four Allenhouse girls searching for and finding love, in their own way. A touch of tragity, a bit of betrayal, and the errors of young love - this book touches a spot in the heart of Christian girls everywhere. Simultaneous love stories, all with happy endings. One for the shelves of any Christian romance lover.

I found myself enjoying the lives of Vada, Hazel, Lisette, and Althea. Set in Ohio in the times of horse drawn carriages and in the beginning days of baseball, this endearing set of love stories left me with a smile on my face. Not all stories need a shocking twists. Some happy endings are enough just as is.

Note: This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Forget Me Not.

Murder. Mystery. Political agendas. Romance. Christian fiction? Vicki Hinze boldly goes where few Christian authors have gone before in her novel, 'Forget Me Not'. Benjamin Brandt whose wife and son were brutally murdered, continues to keep his wife's crisis center open without setting foot inside himself. That is, until a woman, baring striking resemblance to his deceased wife and having lost her memory in a brutal beating, shows up claiming to be her. Ben finds himself sucked into the race to find out the mystery woman's past before her enemies catch up with her. Can he protect her from those who seek to kill her while still guarding his heart and remaining distant and disconnected?

Hinze weaves an intricate web of mystification. While keeping you guessing and drawing you forward in the story she also gracefully includes a romance in the midst of tragedy. This is one love story heavy on the drama. A good reminder that love never fails.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. You can pick up your own copy on the website and by all means, share with my your thoughts. Happy Reading!

Love,

B

Book Six: The 10th Circle

I wasn't feeling well leaving dinner with a friend last night, so I came home and spent the remainder of my Friday night in a bubble bath or in bed finishing up my 6th book of 2010.  Jodi Picoult as some of you may know is my absolute favorite author.  She never disappoints me, I've enjoyed every book I've read of hers.  Although, I guess I should admit I never finished the Pact.  I've still got 2 books of hers left to read and I'm hoping my Mom will buy me the newest one for my birthday this year.  She usually buys me the Jodi's as they come out.

The 10th Circle showed the love of a parent for a child and the struggle to help your child through unavoidable hurts.  It highlights the heartbreak of a child after their first love ends.  The story is full of twists, turns, lies, secrets, and heartbreak.  I warn you of the dark nature of any book written about the victim of sexual assault.  But as you would expect from a writer who received her training at Princeton and Harvard. Now, if only she'd show some of the Christian Fiction writers I'd read a thing for two.

If you're interested in checking out Jodi's work the are the one's I'd recommend:

- 19 Minutes

- Handle with Care

- My Sister's Keeper 

Coming in March, is House Rules.

Love,

B

Book Review: The Sweet By & By.

I just finished reading multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans, book The Sweet By & By. The book is coauthored by Rachel Hauck. A fictitious story of a girl named Jade with a lifetime of regret, secrets, and heartbreak, she captures your heart and your sympathy. As the date of her wedding to Max Benson is fast approaching she must face her past in order to move forward and have a chance at a future.

Twists and turns keep the story moving. This book will cause you to experience a multitude of emotions. A bit too predictable with your typical 'happy ending', the book has a certain 'feel good' element. Evans' attempt to put into words experiencing Christ for the first time has a bit of a fairy tale feel that's lacking believability. However, the grace, peace, and joy of redemption that Jade experienced from the freedom she finds in Christ is believable and relatable for those of us who have accepted grace for ourselves.

A good read for young, Christian girls and fans of Sara Evans alike. It was certainly worth the time and an easy read.

Love,

B

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