Ordering Your Private World by Gordan MacDonald

I have never read any books by Gordan MacDonald until I was given the chance to review Ordering Your Private World.  I am embarrassed to say I kept putting off reading this book because I was so busy.  I am tired when I get home from work and want to shut my mind off.  When I did start reading the book, it definitely struck a chord with me.  I find myself getting so tied up in the busy-ness of life that I let things that should be priorities slip by. 

The book will make you look at yourself and your priorities.  I especially like the study guide included.  It will help you put things in focus and in practice.  This is really a great book for everyone.  I do not know anyone who does not wish they had more time or just plain busy. 

For full disclosure, I received a free copy of Ordering Your Private World from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  

The Awakening of HK Derryberry

The Awakening of HK Derryberry is one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read.  I found myself staying up way later than I should reading it to see what kind of adventures Jim and HK were going on next. 

HK is truly a remarkable person.  He never let his disabilities get him down.  That really challenged me when I am complaining.  I feel like I know him personally from the wonderful way Jim wrote the book.  It is very conversational and that made it very easy to read. 

I loved reading the evolution of Jim and HK’s unlikely friendship.  From the Saturday mornings at Mrs. Winner’s to going on trips together.   I imagine Jim had no idea of the direction his life would take after that coffee stop at Mrs. Winner’s. 

Definitely pick up this book if you want to be uplifted, and challenge yourself to see the world as HK does.

I received this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore

I worked for a church for twelve years and been involved in ministry many more than that.  Surprisingly, I have never read a Beth Moore book.  I have been exposed to her studies on numerous occasions, but again, never read anything.  I recently was given the opportunity to review Get Out of That Pit.  I regret not reading any of Beth's books sooner.

I really like Beth's writing style.  It feels so conversational and like you are talking to an honest friend.  What really stuck with me from the book was how often we keep ourselves in the pit.  We get comfortable there and change is hard.  It really made me examine myself on times when I have felt stuck but did not want to put forth the effort to get out of the pit.

The steps to get out of the pit are really valuable.  At this point in my life, I do not feel like I am stuck.  I have been there many times though and will always refer back to this book when I feel stuck.  The questions and reflection are a great tool also.  I recommend this book to anyone, whether they are in the pit now or not.  One day you'll be there and this book with give you great guidance.

For full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

I have always been interested in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  I grew up in a Baptist household, so the only thing I really knew about him was that he was the Patron Saint of animals.  I later learned about the stigmata.  I had read another biography on Saint Francis.  But when I had the chance to review My God and My All by Elizabeth Goudge, I was glad to have another opportunity to learn more about him. 

First of all, the book is beautifully written. For a biography, it was easy to read. The author's background as a novelist definitely shines through. I enjoyed this as it made his story even more compelling. It was really amazing to me to learn so much more about St. Francis' life and just how much he did. You can really see the passion he had for Christ through Goudge's writings and how much of a humble man he was.

I would encourage anyone wanting to know more about Saint Francis of Assisi to pick up this book. As someone who did not know much, this book was an easy and engaging read for me.

I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis

Everyone know C.S. Lewis, at least from The Chronicles of Narnia. That was me. I have read some of the Chronicles of Narnia and also The Screwtape Letters. I was only familiar with C.S. Lewis on that level. When I had the chance to read The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis, I was very much enlightened to the creative and imaginary individual he was.

This book is by no means an easy read. It is very challenging, and I read just a little at a time. The authors really take you deep into the imagination of C.S. Lewis by looking at several of his works and the types of imagination used in creating the characters and worlds you enter. I found myself being challenged on what types of imagination I use in my everyday life.

I have to commend Jerry Root and Mark Neal for the amount of research done to write this book. It is very well written and detailed. I look forward to reading other C.S. Lewis books and seeing them through a different light.

Disclosure – I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover

Let me preface my review by saying I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan.  If you know me well, you know I’m all about numbers, budgeting, saving, etc.  I have listened to his radio show for years.  Love Dave Ramsey’s plan!  I have already read The Total Money Makeover, but when I saw it up for review, it was a good time for a refresher.  Dave’s plan is really idiot proof.  If you don’t know anything about budgeting and need a place to start, get this book.  Follow his plan.  You will see results.  It’s a slow process, but stick with it.  There have been times when I have tried to do things out of order of the baby steps, and boy, I have seen the repercussions.   I have an accounting degree, but Dave makes this so simple anyone can do it.  It is the book I probably recommend most to people.  I have given people copies of it.  I just cannot say enough good things about this book.  I think my favorite quote of his is “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”  My husband questions me sometimes when I throw a big snowball at our debt, and we are not out enjoying something frivolous.  But I just reply, you’ll thank me later.  

I received a free copy of the ebook for review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Snow on the Tulips - A Must Read!

I have read very few historical novels.  When I saw Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, I was intrigued by the setting and time period.  The book takes place in WWII Netherlands.  The novel was so well written and developed.  I loved the strength of the main character Cornelia.  She risks everything to save Gerrit but never expects to develop such a special relationship with him.  The emotional battle she experiences throughout the book makes her so easy to love.  Her brother Johan is a young man eager to fight for what’s right. I loved Gerrit’s faith shown and tested time and time again.  Each character is developed so well, and you really feel like you know them on a deep level.

This book is such a great combination of history, suspense, and romance.   Liz Tolsma does such a great job of painting the scene of WWII Netherlands.  It really takes you to a different time and place.  She definitely put a lot of work into studying the time period.   It is such an easy read where you get caught up in “what’s going to happen next!”  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and cannot wait to see what Ms. Tolsma has out next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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."