Unglued (book review)

Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued, was written specifically for me. Okay, maybe not, but it sure felt like it as I worked through it! Why is it that when I'm at church or out with casual friends, I can be Mrs. Calm, Cool, and Collected, but just let one of my kids leave dirty socks in the back of my car (oh yes!), and I become completely unglued in the mouth? I'd love to say I'm not a freak-out kind of person, but I'd be totally lying. I usually try to stuff it all in, but when that fails, watch out!

Lysa honestly, lovingly, and clearly unpacks the glue to help us put ourselves back together. She gives us permission to make imperfect progress, thank goodness. She backs up and applies her practical wisdom with God's ultimate wisdom.

I give Unglued two enthusiastic thumbs up. Gather a group of girlfriends and start letting God glue yourself back together. Go buy it & the participant's guide over on Amazon (not an affiliate link).

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with an ARC copy of Unglued in order to preview and review it, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Guest Book (book review)

Looking for a great summer read? Look no further than Marybeth Whalen's latest novel, The Guest Book. Set at one of my favorite places--a North Carolina beach--reading The Guest Book almost makes my toes feel like they're sunk in the sand. I've signed lots of guest books in bed and breakfast inns, but I've never drawn pictures, as Macy Dillon has. She drew her first guest book picture when she was just five, and she was delighted when her family returned to the inn the following year to discover that a little boy had drawn her a picture in reply. This pattern continued for over ten years, until Macy's family decided they couldn't bear to return because of the painful memories of her recently deceased father that the beach brought.

Fast forward another ten years, and Macy is once more returning to Sunset Beach with her family, including her own five-year-old daughter. Macy hopes to finally discover the identity of the boy who once captured her heart with his drawings, but when three possibilities present themselves, the search becomes harder instead of easier.

The ending actually surprised me! I stayed up late two nights in a row to finish the book; it was a page turner for sure.

*Disclaimer: Zondervan gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Longing (book review)

Bailey is longing for a romantic relationship. Leaving ends with a long silence from Cody. When Brandon Paul, the handsome movie star, pursues Bailey, she thinks she's found what she's looking for in a future mate. Considering the huge romantic gestures he makes and the amount of attention he lavishes, I can't say I blame her. But, Cody hasn't disappeared from Bailey's life forever. Who else would he call when he need encouragement? Why would Bailey's heart respond as it does if she's completely over Cody?

I think Karen persuaded me to switch from team Cody to team Brandon in this book! No one but Karen Kingsbury elicits such heart-involvement with characters. Karen writes for today's readers--not last decade's readers. I'm waiting with baited breath for the Bailey Flannigan finale, Loving, due out this March.

Disclaimer: Zondervan provided me with a free e-copy of this book through Net Galley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Busy Mom's Bible (review)

Are you a mom? Are you busy? Oh wait, if the answer to the first question is yes, the answer to the second question is yes, too! If taking care of your spiritual life often falls to the bottom of your endless to do list, Zondervan has the answer: the brand-new Busy Mom’s Bible. It combines the complete NIV text with 52 (1 a week) 1-minute Thought-Starters for a quick dose of spiritual refreshment. If you find yourself with 5 minutes, move on to the Reflect & Pray section. There’s even a Study section for those rare days when you actually have 10 minutes.

Bonuses include a concordance, additional topics for 5-Minute Reflect & Pray moments and 5-minute reading plans about Jesus and Women of the Bible. Plus, it comes in a variety of adorable, trendy covers. The 10-minute Studies are my favorite feature. They talk about real-life issues that today’s moms face: your marriage, raising kids, relationships, your identity in Christ, your emotions, and more. Need just a special word to take with you for the day? Covered. If you feel you only have a few minutes a day to nourish your spirit, Busy Mom’s Bible is for you.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”