Book #4

"Mystery is the food of the creature's mind.  Your people love to read their mysteries, but most of them do not devote their attention to the grand mysteries of the universe, the mysteries rooted in the Creator himself." p.78

Oh, how this resonated with me when I read it!  I love to read a good mystery - hours of reading to find out "who dunnit"...missing so much detail in the process...

Mr. Alcorn's mystery was a totally different journey for me.  I, of course, was interested in the quest of the main character to solve the mystery involving the death of his two friends...but the story was in the details.  I was completely taken by surprise.

You see, it wasn't that long ago that I would have completely overlooked this book.  A Christian mystery novel?  Huh?

Truth be told, the mystery was the least interesting part for me.  It was the connection I felt with Jake, caught between his worldly friend, Doc; wrapped up in himself, women (other than his wife,) money and getting ahead - all while doing morally questionable things to achieve his goals - and his friend Finney, saved and dedicated to being an example - trying desperately to ensure that his lifelong friends were saved as well.  Jake was afraid of the life Doc lead, but was equally afraid of living the life Finney had chosen - afraid of making promises he couldn't keep and believing in something he didn't understand. Life was just easier with blinders on.

There's obviously so much more to this book - here's where you can find the official breakdown. I've never been one to re-write something the publisher can tell you much better than I can.)

I absolutely love this author's discussion of one of the character's experience of Heaven too.  Though Randy Alcorn admits that his rendition is totally fictional, based soley on his interpretation of Biblical truth...I found myself hoping he was right...and I will never look at a pregnant woman the same again! (Yeah, you'll have to read it to see what I mean.)

In the end, I guessed totally wrong on the mystery part - which I thought was way cool.  There's nothing worse than having it figured out half-way through.  And there was no racing through this time - I fully enjoyed the whole book.

Will definitely be looking into other Alcorn books!

*Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book # 3

What drew me to this book initially was the destination and purpose behind the main character’s mission. Though Sophia is “dismayed” at its seemingly dismal prospects, the idea of traveling to the Dakotas to work with Native American children seems dreamlike to me.  But, of course, one must think of the times…and the circumstances.  (You can read more about those circumstances here.)

What kept me reading this book was Sophia’s realistic vulnerability and voice, coupled with the strength she found to overcome the many, sometimes very dangerous, obstacles that life in the Territories afforded – often times against the very people and agencies established to help missions like hers.  (That and the fact that this strength came from the right source, in my eyes – His word and promises – not just the dumb luck that authors for some reason often choose to resolve conflict in their stories.)

The love story enveloped in beautifully barren scenery between believable characters never seemed sappy, but often kept me wondering if it would ever blossom to fulfillment…but the answer is something you will have to discover for yourself!

Great, easy, but page-turning read!

*Thank you to Booksneeze for providing a free e-copy for me to read in exchange for an honest opinion.

Book #2

"The truth is, as long as we try to control everything around us, we will feel out of control and overwhelmed." p.2

So, that's where I was when I picked out this book. 

Tired.

Overweight.

Overwhelmed...

...and hungry, as usual.

I was extremely intrigued by Ms. Shepard's suggestions to overcome these emotions and, in the meanwhile substitute some of the comfort foods I'd come to depend on to get me through "those days".

But, not only were there recipes for the body, but recipes for the soul to go along with them...and they were wonderful.

1.Exercise not just your body but your spirit.
2.Hydrate your body and soul.
3.Eliminate excess in life.

I tried her recipe "Hummus with Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato" and fell in love...and found a great dip to bring to EVERY potluck I go to...ever.

Between the great food and the fellowship, this book has all the "fixings" (yes, pun intended) to coach you to that new attitude - both about life and food.

For me though, personally, on the more desperate end of "deprived and depressed" - I found this book to be sweet, but...in all honesty, I read it while downing an entire bag of Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles.

So, I guess I need to keep reading...

Onward and Forward!

* Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for providing me a copy of this book for free in exchange for my own, honest review...which I gave freely and in my own words.