Becky Wade is an amazing author whose stories sparkle with wit and whimsy, as well as characters who walk off the pages with their lifelikeness – from internal struggles to joyful triumphs and everything in between. Ms. Wade’s newest release from Bethany House is entitled “Falling for You”, and is the second full-length novel in the “Bradford Sisters Romance” series. Continue reading
If you are a Christian girl who: is hoping to be married one day; is already in a relationship and would like to honor God through the process; or is engaged and desiring to use this time as a foundation for a Christ-centered marriage. . .Well, this is the guidebook you’ve been waiting for!
“Love Defined: Embracing God’s Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships” was written by Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird, two sisters who are also the founders of Girl Defined Ministries and the authors of “Girl Defined: God’s Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity” (a book I also highly recommend). Published in 2018 by Baker Books, “Love Defined” is a beautiful and wisdom-packed volume that will inspire young women and transform the relationships of all who embrace the ideals which are set forward by Kristen and Bethany, and based on God’s design for marriage.
Just a tiny sampling of the principles and features offered in “Love Defined” include:
In addition to all these features (and so many more), “Love Defined” is written in the conversational, warm, and older-sister-like voices of Kristen and Bethany. The desires of these two women – to honor God and to share from their hearts what they’ve learned in their own relationship journeys – is absolutely crystal-clear. While I wouldn’t recommend this book to readers younger than older-teen (and I would guess that twenty+ is actually the target age) I think moms of younger-teen daughters would benefit from picking up copies of this book, reading it themselves, and saving it for the perfect time a few years down the road.
In the end, I immensely enjoyed and benefited from “Love Defined”. It is a book that changed my thinking in numerous ways (for the better), and is also one that I will pick up again and again in future months and years, no question.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
“What label are you wearing?” While it may seem simple or even a bit strange, this question can bring up so many potentially life-changing ideas if we understand the context behind it. “Tailor Made: Discover the Secret to Who God Created You to Be” was written by Alex Seeley and published by Thomas Nelson. It is a wonderful guide to learning how to effectively ask this question, and so many others, in ways that help us really begin to understand who we were created to be, and how to be set free to live out that truth… (Hint: it is NOT who the Enemy says we are, which is often so ingrained into us that we consider his lies to be truth). Continue reading
I wanted to like this book; I really did. A secret heir and a rags-to-riches story set in England… Sounds great, right? “A Most Noble Heir” was written by Susan Anne Mason and published by Bethany House, but apart from a promising premise this story just had too many faults to be truly enjoyable. Continue reading
A question for readers: Isn’t it fun when you adore the first book in a new series, then you anticipate the next installment for months (hoping you won’t be disappointed) only to discover that book number two is even better than the first?! For me, Jody Hedlund’s “Orphan Train” series from Bethany House is the perfect example. “With You Always” was an excellent Christian Historical Novel, but “Together Forever” resonated with me even more… Perhaps because I could relate to the characters in big ways, and I loved the inclusion of the young orphans – in search of new families – who really added to the story with color, vivacity, and depth of emotion. Continue reading
If I were to create a list of absolute must-read books for anyone aged 20-35, Paul Angone’s newest release would definitely be near the top! “101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties (and let’s be honest, your thirties too)” is a fantastic resource from Moody Publishers that, if applied, will undoubtedly help young adults begin thinking and living with intention and purpose. I know it has helped me immensely. Continue reading
“Always we begin again.” This quote from St. Benedict is the inspiration for Revel author Leanna Tankersley’s newest release, “Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest”. Her last book, “Brazen”, became a very big inspiration in my life after it’s release in 2016. Now, only two years later, Leanna has written another book filled with inspiration and encouragement that I am positive will impact the lives of women of all ages. Continue reading
Sometimes it is hard to find the words to describe a non-fiction book that challenged you, inspired you, and made you think in new ways. . . You want to tell everyone why they should read the book too, but can’t exactly put into words how it affected you and why it will affect them. “Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions” is bestselling author Lisa Bevere’s new release from Revell, and is unquestionably a book that is destined to influence women of all ages, initiate lasting change, and inspire the quest for truth within our hearts. Continue reading
Have you ever read a book by an author who possesses the incredible ability to tell a story that crawls into your imagination and comes to life with the vivid clarity of a movie? Does that author also have the ability to plumb the depths of the heart and soul, bringing to light some of the questions we all have inside? For me, Charles Martin is just such an author. Although I’ve only read two of his books so far, both affected me deeply, and I don’t think I will ever forget the poignant tales that he shares or the quotes that are so filled with truth. Mr. Martin’s newest work is “Send Down the Rain”, and was published by Thomas Nelson in the spring of 2018. Continue reading
It is rare that I don’t have plenty to say about a Bethany House-published book, but unfortunately that is the case with Tracie Peterson’s new release, and the first story in the “Golden Gate Secrets” series. Continue reading
