For Mom – Page 5

Among the Fair Magnolias: A BookLook Blogger Review

August 19, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

I’m always excited when I have the opportunity to review fiction titles! I read a lot throughout the day with the girls so I don’t always take the time to read just for pleasure.

Among the Fair Magnolias is a set of novels from four different authors set in the south. One of the four is set in the pre-Civil war years and the remaining three take place after the war. Each centers on very different characters in different life situations. It was fun to have the various viewpoints of so many individuals.

I’m typically not a fan of these types of books because the stories feel too short. I still wouldn’t say this is my favorite style, but I did enjoy it more than I expected at first. Each story had its own unique style which showed each author’s personality.

The characters in each story were quite believable, but I felt the romances were often too quick or forced in some ways. I love believable relationships and those that seem unrealistic leave me feeling a little blah at the end. I think this is all too often the nature of shorter novels. I am sure it must be a struggle for the authors to condense their stories in order for it to fit. This is why I typically prefer very long novels or series of books.

My favorite of the novels was An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray. I’m already a big fan of Shelley Gray’s other novels so I wasn’t surprised this one stole my heart. I really liked that the central character was a man and that the relationship had a past prior to their introduction to the reader. It definitely left a more believable feel to the story. I also really liked the journey the characters made spiritually and emotionally. This is very hard to convey in a shorter novel, but Ms. Gray did an excellent job.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Maggie Bright: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

July 3, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

The shatterer has come up against you. Man the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your strength.

Nahum 2:1

There are times when a novel is entertaining and pleasurable. It allows an escape from reality into a world of happy endings. Other times a novel moves you deeply, speaks into your soul, and drives you. Maggie Bright is the latter. This novel of the evacuation of troops at Dunkirk is more than just historical fiction. It is a deeply moving encounter with characters endearing. I can’t remember the last time a story moved me to tears the way this one did.

Tracy Groot is a new author to me and I am very excited to read more from her. The setting is 1940, England. Hitler’s campaign to control all of Europe is in full swing and the English troops are in trouble, attempting to evacuate back to England. Back on the homefront rumors of retreat and disaster circulate although no formal announcement has been made. As these larger picture events unfold, a young woman is suddenly caught in the middle of a spy mission aimed at revealing the true horrors Hitler and his Nazi regime are spreading with the growth of their evil empire. America has yet to enter the war and hope is beginning to fade. If only the horrible truth can reach the shores of the United States there is hope that England will not be left alone as one-by-one the countries of Europe fall.

This beautifully written story of Dunkirk pulled me in with the first chapter. The dual story-line showing the embattled front-line action and the home-front of England gives a very unique picture of the all encompassing nature of World War II. This war was more than just the soldiers going away to a foreign land to keep them at bay from their own country. All of England was affected as Hitler’s troops edged closer and closer to the United Kingdom.

It did take some time for me to sort out who all the characters were within the first few chapters, but it was worth it. Each one progressed the story along in a different way. I love the 3rd Person point of view which allows us insights into a variety of characters’ thoughts. While spiritual themes run throughout this book, it never feels preachy and explores the way those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ react to God at times of crisis. Many of the characters began to seek God for the first time and I appreciated that this was not a fast journey, but genuine and realistic seeking.

Although I was left wanting to know more at the end, I was also left with an urgency towards prayer. Running throughout the book is the theme of searching to understand what prayer is, how prayer works, and why we do it. I loved the way this was handled as several characters sought to express their perspective on prayer. God’s answer to a nation who stopped to pray corporately is seen in the success of the Dunkirk evacuation. Though many lives were lost, thousands upon thousands more than were expected were saved. Many civilians showed unprecedented courage as they sought to bring their soldiers home. The verse quoted above expresses how those in England viewed this time during the war. They sought God and realized they needed divine intervention in order to overcome the evil one who sought to destroy.

I’m fascinated by this era in history as my own grandfather served in the army during World War II. I knew very little of what was happening prior to the entrance of the United States into the war and I am intrigued to study more about this now.

I highly recommend this book and I will personally am anxious to read more novels by Tracy Groot.

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Maggie Bright from Tyndale Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation.

Fairy Tale Romance Collection by Melanie Dickerson: A BookLook Blogger Review

April 4, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Like most girls, I love a good princess story. Some of my favorite stories growing up were fairy tale stories. Good versus evil, conflict, good wins…it doesn’t get much better than that! At least I thought it didn’t.

Melanie Dickerson is an author I only recently discovered. I had the chance to review The Princess Spy. At the time I had no idea this was part of a series of princess novels written by her! I was delighted to have the chance to review the entire collection. This collection includes all of the previously published titles in the Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, and The Princess Spy.

Only after I began reading more from this series did I realize that these are actually loosely based on well-known fairy tales. This made them that much more fun for me! I’ve always loved the classic fairy tales and reading these updated versions have been simply delightful. I’m so glad I had a few days without a lot to do so I could read to my hearts content. Whether you fancy Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, the Princess and the Frog or Sleeping Beauty or perhaps even Snow White, you will find a heroine in one of these brilliantly crafted novels.

The best part of this series is that woven throughout these classics are stories of faith. I’ve never before read fairy tale stories which made me feel closer to God. The journey the characters take with their faith is never forced or tossed in as an after thought. I love how even in the fairy tale setting I can relate to the struggles the heroines and heroes face. These stories were excellent reminders that God sees us all as individuals, no matter our status, and pursues us relentlessly.

While these are classified as young adult novels, which I definitely no longer am, I thoroughly enjoyed each story. My daughters are still too young for young adult literature, but in the not to distant future I’m going to very much enjoy sharing this collection with them.

Deception on Sable Hill: A Booklook Blogger Review

April 1, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Last year I read one of the best fiction books I’ve come across in a very long time. Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray was one of those novels you lose sleep over as you convince yourself that just one more chapter won’t hurt your sleep any. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and my delight was doubled when I discovered the second book in the Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series!

As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think this second one may be even better! I love a good historical novel, especially when the history is intertwined seamlessly as it is in Shelley Gray’s novels. I never feel like I’m reading a textbook as I do with some author’s and I’m always drawn to learn more about the time period presented.

The story opens where Secrets of Sloane House left off. The main characters were introduced towards the end of the previous novel and I was excited to see them more fully developed. Eloisa is a socialite, the woman every man desires to have on his arm, and the victim of rape. This secret which she guards very closely threatens to tear her apart as news begins to increase of the Society Slasher who is attacking women of her social standing all over the city.

In the midst of the turmoil Eloisa is drawn to an unlikely man for comfort and refuge. Sean Ryan, an Irish policeman from a very poor background, becomes the one person with whom she feels safe. Their social differences are enough, however, to give pause to even a friendship. As their relationship grows, so does the fear and danger gripping Chicago’s elite.

Intrigue, romance, and faith are woven together into a beautiful novel. I had to force myself to set this aside and not simply read it in one setting. Although I love to read, there have been few books in recent memory which have captivated me as Shelly Gray’s have. I hope there are more novels to come in this excellent series!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Beneath the Forsaken City: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

March 8, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Beneath the Forsaken City by C. E. Laureno is a young adult fiction novel, set in an ancient time with magic and intrigue. This Celtic fantasy is like no other book I’ve read and it has been an interesting trip away from my usual choice in fiction.

C. E. Laureno is an award winning author with an unending imagination. The world she has created in her series The Song of Seare is beautiful and inspiring. I struggled to really get into the book from the beginning, and so I did a little research. What I discovered is this is the second book in a trilogy. My main reason for having a hard time fully understanding what was going on was I have not yet read the first book in the series.

Beneath the Forsaken City begins with a newlywed couple escaping danger created by the evil Druids who rule Seare. The groom, Conor, leaves knowing that he will have to return in order to free Seare from the reign of the Druids. Just when the couple feel a small breath of safety the tragedy of a storm at sea separates them, neither knowing if the other is alive. Aine, the bride, is washed ashore in one place and Conor in another, resulting in the fight to survive and find one another.

Throughout the novel both Conor and Aine must learn to follow the leading of Comdiu, the One we would call the God of heaven. Each takes a different path and must struggle to lean on Comdiu alone, a journey they struggle through.

As I said before, this is a great departure from the genre of literature I usually gravitate towards. While the story-line itself was engaging, I found myself bogged down by the unfamiliar names of people and places, having a hard time keeping it all straight. I think this may have been a bit easier had I read the first novel in this the trilogy. The other struggle I had as I read was the amount of description for the violence. I know I am personally more affected by both reading and watching violent things, even when they aren’t very graphic. I have to say as far as that is concerned, the author did a good job keeping the amount of blood minimal compared to most popular novels, but it was still too much for me to comfortably read.

If you have an interest in reading Celtic fantasy, this is an excellent read for you. While it isn’t one which particularly delighted me, the story is well written and in my opinion would be incredibly engaging for anyone who loves this genre. I have a strong feeling my oldest daughter will particularly enjoy this book when she is a bit older.

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Beneath the Forsaken City from Tyndale Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation.

Lila Rose Review

February 28, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

*This post contains consultant links*

Ever hear the jokes about at-home-mamas and how they stay in their pjs all day?Ladies, somehow we’ve gotten the bad wrap that if we’re going to be home, we’re not going to make ourselves look nice. Now, I’ll admit, I want to be comfortable when I’m home. I often wear sweatshirts and comfy pants. At the same time, I’ve been trying to make more of an effort to look nice, especially for my husband. Whether you agree with me or not, I think it is important to make an effort for him. One of the easiest ways to dress up my typically very casual style is by accessorizing with Lila Rose!

My blogging friend Jennifer, over at A Glimpse of Our Life, introduced me to Lilia Rose. I was ecstatic when she offered me a chance to review some of the accessories! She sent me several sizes and styles of Flexi Clips and hair sticks. The Flexi Clip is their signature item and there are so many amazing styles and themes to choose from! This is just a tiny sample of some styles they have to offer, and it’s only the beginning!

This is how my daughter worse her hair for our piano recital using the medium size Flexi Clip at Christmas. She has very fine, naturally wavy hair and almost everything slips out of it. The Flexi Clip stayed securely and she was pleased to have many sweet compliments on this unique accessory.

No matter how thick or long you hair is there is a clip which can work for you! Rose, Grace, and I have very fine hair so we tend to gravitate towards the smaller sizes. My Beth has thicker hair and can manage some bigger clips. My personal favorite size is the mini. It has just enough splash of color and style to dress up any outfit and I usually pull back just a small section of my hair. When I’m wanting to wear my hair up, I vary between the small, medium, and large sizes. I too have naturally wavy hair, so it all depends upon how long it is and what the weather is doing to it. This is an excellent place to start if you are trying to decide what size is best for you.

There are numerous ways to wear these clips as well! Beth prefers to have a low-down hair style. This is a simple flipped pony tail with the clip added in.

As much as my girls love the Flexi Clips, my favorite item from Lila Rose are actually the Hair Sticks. When I was in high school I would sometimes use pencils to put my hair up. This is a much cuter alternative! Hair Sticks take a little time to get used to, but I have a few tips to get you started.

First, start learning to use these with your hair in a pony tail. This was the easiest way for me to figure how the sticks work best with my hair while not having to deal with all the hair slipping through my fingers. Eventually you won’t need the pony tail holder, but I think it’s a great way to start.

I think one of the easiest ways to learn to use them is using a bun. Here are the basic steps.

1. Wrap your hair in a barely loose bun in the middle or nape of your neck.

(use a pony tail holder if you need to!)

2. Push one stick up through the center with the point of the stick facing up towards the ceiling.

3. After the stick is in the bun, flip the stick around so it is point more towards the floor.

4. Push the stick down.

At this point, your hair should be fairly secured. It may be a little loose, but you should be able to take your hands away and it stay up. If it doesn’t, try steps 1-4 again.

And now for the second stick…

5. Push the second stick up through the bun just as you did the first. It can be in the same area or on the opposite side so you make an “x”. I’ve done it both ways and the “x” seems to keep my hair more secure.

6. Push it up so the stick is point towards the ceiling, then flip the stick downwards towards the floor.

7. Push the stick through to secure.

The point of the second stick is to hold the style in place more securely. At this point you should be able to shake your head a bit and nothing come loose.

Sometimes it takes a little time to get the feel just right. I don’t like it to be too tight, but if it is too loose, it will fall down. Also, the length of your hair will determine the way you wear your hair sticks. There are three basic ways I wear the sticks depending on the length of my hair. When it is shorter, I do a simple twist using the sticks. At medium length I use the bun technique. When it has grown out longer I wrap the hair on one stick and use the second to secure it. This last technique was the hardest for me to master. This is one of my favorite hair styles right now and because Lila Rose has such a wide range of styles you can find something to fit your personality in a flash.

So what about those of you with much shorter hair? Don’t worry! There is something for everyone at Lila Rose!

My second favorite item from Lila Rose are the adjustable head bands. I’ve always loved the look of headbands, but because I wear glasses they have never been comfortable. Lila Rose has changed all of this for me! They have a beautiful selection of adjustable headbands which means my girls and I can share them. They look so fancy and I can wear the all day comfortably.

Beth wears hairbands without complaint, but my other two daughters usually shy away from them. They were hesitant to try out the ones from Lila Rose, but I asked them to just give them a try for a little while. Several hours later I asked them how they felt. Rose (my oldest) said, “What hairband are you talking about?” She had completely forgotten she was wearing it!

Some other products include Bobby Pins, Flexi Oh!, You-Pins, and Badge Clips. I haven’t used these as much, but all are beautiful and an easy way to dress up your style without a lot of effort.

Disclaimer: I received 3 Flexi Clips and a set of Hair Sticks in exchange for my honest review of the products. I was not compensated in any other way and was not required to give a positive review.

The Princess Spy: A BookLook Blogger Review

December 18, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Who doesn’t love a spy novel? How about a princess story? In my mind, those two do not really go together, which is what intrigued me about this novel. Neither genre are typically one which pulls at me, but I thought I should give this a try and boy am I glad I did!

The background for this story is a princess who is struggling to find her match for marriage. While her father and mother have done their best to find the perfect mate, but Margaretha does not fit well with any of the men she has been paired with. Her outgoing and talkative personality turn many men away or force her to tell her parent’s she’s not interested.

While her latest beau shows some promise, she is still not drawn to him in the way she wishes. Still, she tries her best. At the same time a stranger has appeared on her father’s land and she is one of a few privy to his arrival. He speaks a language foreign to her German ears, yet he intrigues her.

This delightful mystery unveils with each turn of the page and I was quickly drawn into the intrigue. Unexpected twists and turns paired with romance create a beautifully woven tale which you will be unable to put it down!

This is the first novel I have read by Melanie Dickerson and I enjoyed it so very much I’m looking forward to reading more of her works soon. I’m sure you will love this as much as I did!

Secrets of Sloane House: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 16, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Shelley Gray takes her readers into the world of Chicago, 1893, through a mystery filled with suspense in Secrets of Sloane House: A Chicago World’s Fair Mystery. Both the social elite and those who served them play a role in the dramatic mystery. The opulence of the wealthy during this era is highlighted as Rosalind Perry searches for the truth about her missing sister. Her hunt takes her on an unexpected journey as she looks for answers to a fearful question.

Gray is a new author to me and I appreciated her attention to historical detail of this time period. I didn’t have trouble placing where we were historically and thoroughly enjoyed all that the novel provided by way of information about the Chicago World’s Fair. I knew a little about it, but not very much and this backdrop was a fun and interesting setting I’d never read about in this way.

I was taken by surprise with this novel and honestly didn’t know how it would end until the last chapter. I don’t typically gravitate towards mystery novels, but this one was a lot of fun for me. I shy away from anything too suspenseful because they typically affect my sleep. While there was suspense, it was not so much that I disliked the book.

I also liked that the main characters grew throughout the pages. My favorite novels are the ones in which a character or two grows and learns more about life, themselves, and God. This is an excellent example of spiritual and personal growth. I also liked that while God is evident throughout and the characters seek His guidance, it didn’t feel preachy at all.

Reading this novel has set me on a path to learn more about the World’s fair and I have been fascinated to see many pictures from it. I do hope another in this series is published soon because I will definitely pick it up to read!

Buttermilk Sky: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

October 16, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

One of my favorite past times which I unfortunately neglected after my kids were born was reading for me. I read a lot…a lot. It was typically about child-rearing or motherhood or something else which was incredibly beneficial, but not for my personal enjoyment. Blogging and reviewing has pushed me back to something I loved and the only downside is I have a hard time putting my most recent novels down!

The basic plot centers around Mazy Pelfry, a young, life-loving lady who is seeking to branch out on her own. Mazy decides to make a drastic change, leaving her Kentucky hill-life and swapping it for bustling Lexington as she attends secretarial school. While this is a huge change, Mazy does her best to fit in and play the part of a city girl. Along the way her integrity and loyalty are tested by several housemates as she navigates the balance of relationships and school.

Waiting back home is the young sheriff, Chanis Clay, who must himself grow into his own. He has big shoes to fill after his father’s death and wants nothing more than to be taken seriously and take care of his town. Chanis is also working hard to win the heart of Mazy whom he has always assumed would return to him.

Buttermilk Sky was a light read and enjoyable to pick up for a few minutes when I had time throughout the day. Sometimes I felt like there were missing pieces to background information which made sense once I found out this is part of a larger series, Troublesome Creek. I am intrigued to read the other books by Jan Watson as they are placed in Kentucky, which is where my mother’s family is from.

While there were moments when I felt a little distant from the characters, I did thoroughly enjoy my journey through this book. There were many people who popped into the story whom I would have loved to learn more about. Perhaps there will be follow-ups to this coming soon!

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Buttermilk Sky from Tyndale Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation.

Inseparable: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 10, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com

I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers.

When we are made new in Christ at our rebirth, we are a new creation, but what does that look like? I was raised in the church and we have a heritage of faith stretching back generations. I’m overwhelmingly blessed by this, but because of this I didn’t have an overwhelming and dramatic conversion testimony and recognized my need for a savior at a very young age. I also didn’t feel a struggle with my identity in Christ growing up. It wasn’t until I was married and had my girls that I really started to struggle with my identity. I’m sure this is a common emotion wives and mothers go through as we serve and meet needs throughout the weeks and years. Being on call as Mommy can really be tough sometimes!

As I struggled with my own identity I came to realize I had never really placed my identity in Christ and that was all I really needed. Inseperable takes us through Romans to discover what our new identity really is. No matter where you are in you walk with Christ this is a great place to begin. Romans is full of such great stuff and Ashely Linne’s easy writing style makes it simple and down-to earth.

I really like how the sections are broken down into three main areas: Our initial transformation, how our lives should be changing, and what to expect for the future. This clearly written study is like a road-map for what happens after we follow the Savior. I need to be reminded of these things to make sure I am following Christ as fully as I can. I also think it would make a great study for new believers as a discipleship class.

No matter where you are in your journey with the Lord this study will challenge and exhort you to draw close to the Savior and find contentment in your identity as His child.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.