Category Archives: Book Review

Thief of Corinth

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Is there anything more delightful than a good book on a rainy day?  Or even a good book in any weather at any time.  I would say no.  I’ve had the pleasure of reading for review another of Tessa Afshar’s books and once again she hasn’t disappointed with the content.

Thief of Corinth is the story of Ariadne, her family, friends, and enemies comes to life in the ancient city of Corinth.  Early in life, she is moved to Athens when her mother divorces her father.  She is abused and unloved in that situation and determines to go back to Corinth as a young teen.  Traveling with her brother, she arrives in Corinth at the home of her father and the adventure begins.  Life decisions, good and bad, of all the characters, fill the pages.  Unrequited love, a woman competing in the Isthmian games, the lifestyle of the incredibly wealthy unfold before your eyes.  In the end, this is a story that is totally relatable.

This book is filled with quotes from the Ancient Philosophers.  Rather than being just more words they add a credibility to the story. Plato – “When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.”  My favorite quote from the book is not of the Philosophers but of the author – “The problem with wisdom is that it is devoid of comfort.”  (pg. 170)

Thank you, Tessa Afshar, for such a delightful way to spend a rainy day.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 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.”

Just Open The Door – Book Review

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Have you ever read something that resonates with every part of your being?  Something that you can so relate to that you’re surprised you didn’t think of it?

Just Open The Door by Jen Schmidt is that kind of book.  True hospitality is about serving others, whether we want to or not, and she definitely has all her ‘eggs’ in the right basket for it.

With our noses buried in cell phones and computers, we are missing some of the greatest experiences of life.  That of face to face conversations that help us know those around us, their needs, wants and desires.  The nuances that come with face-to-face conversations simply don’t show in techno-babble.

As Believers hospitality allows us to be purposeful in our walk with others.  We can encourage others, disciple others, and even bring others into the fold, simply by sharing a cup of coffee and sincerely listening and loving on them. Don’t worry about that spot on the carpet or children making to much noise or messy hair.  It is what it is!  All that really matters is God, His Word, and relationships.

Expecting nothing in return is a characteristic of the hospitable personality.  A bag of groceries, a box of diapers, $20 in an unopened envelope show the heart of Jesus to another person.

Adoption might be the ultimate act of hospitality.  Just as God adopts me into the Forever Family I am to ‘adopt’ others into my earthly family.

This book is jam-packed full of ideas for living out hospitality as God intended us to.  I highly recommend reading it over and over.

Here are my top 5 quotes from this book:

  • Your unique gift, your untold story, your broken and mended heart, your fierce love, your brave authenticity–all these intricate threads woven together create a tapestry He wants to use to unveil His love to someone who needs to experience it.  You are the one who can meet the need of another today if you just open the door. (pg. 77)
  • “For me, taking up my cross daily included terrible suffering.  For you, your suffering may be in the form of doing small duties that are distasteful to you.  It may be having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have.  That may be your cross today.”  (pg. 52)
  • We can’t let our circumstances keep us separated from the community we need. (pg. 131)
  • Taking tea together reminds us to mimic Jesus’ pace.  He was never too busy.  He was never in a hurry.  Frantic was not a part of His vocabulary.  He lingered. (pg. 154)
  • One of the purest forms of compassion is found in hurting when someone else hurts. (pg. 190).

Never underestimate the power of a cup of coffee and a listening ear.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Broadman Holman Publishers, Inc. 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.”

Before I Saw You – – Book Review

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Sometimes I read for the pure joy of immersing myself in a good story on a quiet afternoon.  At least, that’s what I thought I was going to do when I picked up Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells.  Guess what?  Not so!  The power of grace is so prevalent in these words that I was amazed at how easy it was to include it in a fiction story.

Life is hard!  God is good!  Life is about letting go and letting God.  Cliches? Yes (and no, they are not used in the book).

If anything, life is about choices.  Some easy. Some hard. Some based on what we know. Some based on what we don’t.  We always have a choice.  Throughout the book, the main character is reminded to trust God for the answers.

Life is about decisions that often affect more than the person making them.  It’s evident throughout the story here and about life in general, for everyone.

Now, I know I’m being quite vague in this review but, I’m trying to keep from spoiling this great read for you.

Relationships are really what life is about and this book is full of the twists and turns, good and bad, that all relationships take.  A drug-addicted mother, a woman-child who hasn’t had the benefit of a good life, a sickly baby, a bully boyfriend, an unplanned pregnancy, an unexpected turn of events, and choices, so many choices…

I highly recommend adding this to your summer reading list.  It’s definitely worth your time!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 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.”

The Full Armor of God – – Book Review

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Are you starting your day fully dressed or …?  Do you consider these verses in Ephesians 6 when you’re selecting from your wardrobe, or are they the furthest thing from your mind?  Christa Crawford, in The Full Armor of God, suggests we really need to be more mindful of these six parts of our wardrobe.  After all, satan is.  He watches and loves it when we are not conscious of what we’ve left out of our selections.  

Here are some truths I discovered while reading through this excellent book:

  • We are to wear the belt of Truth because the evil one constantly bombards us with lies.  “Satan can’t stand that God loves us.  He hates God and wants to hurt Him, so he attacks those He loves: you and me.” (Quote from page 27)
  • The breastplate of Righteousness is directly related to what we know about the sinless character of God.  It covers the most vulnerable and valuable part of our body and soul, the heart.  The more we know of who Jesus is and what He wants us to be the better protected we are.
  • The shoes of Peace are designed to keep moving us forward.  “We aren’t meant to perish in the storms (of life) but to learn dependence on His abilities to see us through.” (Quote from page 57)
  • Ms. Crawford’s words on the shield of Faith remind us that we are not alone or unprotected in this battle.  “If life’s hurts get to a point we can no longer hold up our own shield, we should ask those with faith to encircle us like the Roman soldiers and create a wall until our strength is restored.  Our Father didn’t leave us without protection.  He gave us His Son, and He gave us each other.”  Check out Ecclesiastes 4:19-12.  (Quote from page 68)
  • The helmet of Salvation is all about what Jesus did for us.  He is our Savior.  For Jesus, there was no half-way.  It was either all or nothing.  When we consciously put on the ‘hat’ that matches the outfit we’re saying look out evil, I’ve got this and you can’t take that away from me.
  • The sword of the Spirit is the only weapon we’ll ever need.  His weapon of choice?  A book.  Not just any book.  The one He’s breathed His words into.  Every answer we’ll ever need is there for us.  It’s so simple.  Just read it!!!

So let’s take action!  Make it a part of your daily dressing routine to put on the belt of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, the shoes of Peace, the shield of Faith, the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  I guarantee, it will change your day!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

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

Words of Grace – Book Review

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This is certainly not just another devotional.  It’s better than that.  It’s full of thoughtful, inspiring articles that drew me closer to my God.  It led me to a deeper level of thought on what the Word is trying to say.

Best of all, I can pick it up or put it down at any point.  Meaning, it’s not dated so I didn’t feel pressured to read a certain part on a certain day.  I can open it anywhere and read something important about my walk with Jesus any time I want.

It is thoughtfully divided into three categories.  Who God is, how He works in our lives, and how we are to respond to Him.

Here are a few quotes that really spoke to me:

  • “In the realm of morality and money, family and friends, work and play, God has a will and a way for us to live.”  (pg. 13)
  • “What is the message of Good News? God’s favor is on all mankind.” (pg. 25)
  • “We must know, feel, and acknowledge our sin before we will turn to Christ for salvation.  We must turn to Christ for salvation before we will have freedom from our sin.” (pg. 51)
  • Regarding the truth of Romans 8:1 – “You don’t have to justify yourself to others.  Imagine relating to others without being defensive.  You are not condemned, and no one can condemn you before God, so when you interact with others you can focus on truth, love, and edification.” (pg. 87)

I had only one drawback as I read through.  Scott Patty is a deep thinker and with that came sentence structure that was sometimes difficult to read.  But then, that forced me to think more deeply on God’s Word.

I’m sure I’ll be keeping this devotional in my book basket for months/years to come.

What a blessing!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Broadman and Holman Publishers.  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.”