All Groan Up by Paul Angone – A Tough Book to Review

Al Groan Up imageAre you a twenty-something who has life all planned out? Do you hold a detailed road map outlining each of your future goals, a summary of what your life is supposed to mean written in stone, and the keys to the career of your dreams? Well, if you do, you will definitely not relate to Paul Angone’s newest book, ‘All Groan Up’. But I’m pretty sure you are also in the minority of twenty-somethings – or else misrepresenting the truth!

“Told with raw honesty, humor, and hope, ‘All Groan Up’ is for a generation asking, “What now?!”” With the insight that can only come from a guy who has been there, done that, and holds the t-shirt to prove it, Paul shares his journey and struggles transitioning from graduation into responsible adulthood. It is messy and hilarious, but most of all truthful. Primarily, it reveals that you are not alone in the struggle that is your twenties. Continue reading

An Uncertain Choice review

An Uncertain Choice imageBe transported back in time to the days of knights and castles, chivalry and honor, as you open the pages of Jody Hedlund’s newest work of fiction… An Uncertain Choice. Published by Zondervan in March of 2015, the novel is Ms. Hedlund’s first story intended for a teen audience, and the first in a three-book series. Additionally, a short-story prequel to the novel is available in e-book format, and reveals the interesting backstory from four years prior. As expressed by the author, the purpose of An Uncertain Choice is to bring medieval romance and adventure to life while imparting wisdom for modern-day readers to incorporate into their own lives and relationships. As an added tool for mothers and other leaders of young women, a carefully designed study guide Continue reading

Rhythms of Grace review

Rhythms of Grace image“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30; NIV)

With this well-recognized portion of Scripture as the foundational theme, author Kerri Weems shares insight to walking harmoniously with God’s will in her new book – Rhythms of Grace: Discovering God’s Tempo for Your Life. Released from Zondervan in the fall of 2014, Rhythms of Grace is clearly written from the point of view of a woman who has been there, done that. With empathy and humility, Ms. Weems takes readers on a journey Continue reading

The Royal Wedding Series review – books 1 & 2

Once Upon a Prince imageOnce Upon a Prince

Are you looking for a story that will draw you in and sweep you away? Perhaps your imagination longs for the inspiration of a modern-day, realistic fairytale where ordinary girls can become princesses, and happily-ever-afters are everyday occurrences… Then open up the pages of Zondervan author Rachel Hauck’s first novel in the Royal Wedding Series – Once Upon a Prince – and your wishes will be granted!

Landscape architect Susanna Truitt never wanted to be a princess. But then again, she never expected the man she always planned to marry – her boyfriend of 12 years – to suddenly inform her that he had ‘found the right ring but not the right girl’. Who would, after all? But God has a few surprises in store for Susanna, if only she can trust Him with the story of her life…

The fairy-tale begins when she meets Brighton’s Crown Prince Nathaniel Henry Kenneth Mark Stratton beneath the fabled Lover’s Oak in her Georgian hometown. Except Susanna does not know he’s a prince-soon-to-be-king. And he changes her flat tire.  Continue reading

The Heart’s Pursuit review

The Heart's Pursuit imagePack your saddlebags, mount your trusty horse, and get ready for a westbound journey spanning hundreds of miles and a lifetime of emotions. In the new Christian Historical Fiction novel entitled ‘The Heart’s Pursuit’, author Robin Lee Hatcher takes readers on an old-fashioned adventure overflowing with uncertainty and danger, secrets and sacrifices, and maybe even love.

From the opening chapter, the story jumps into action when Jared Newman, a bounty hunter leading his current captive to justice, witnesses a young woman dressed in a satin wedding gown rushing from her own ceremony. Silvana ‘Silver’ Matlock was jilted at the altar, and not only did her fiancé skip town, but he took the savings and valuables of Silver’s father and stepmother with him. Without the money to pay back a debt, the Matlocks stand to lose their home, business, and way of life. In a moment of desperation and guilt, Silver resolves to bring justice to her family in anyway she can… Continue reading

Let’s All Be Brave review

Let's All Be Brave imageAre you brave? According to Annie F. Downs, the majority of people would answer in the negative – including me. But what if bravery doesn’t mean doing something earth shattering in its enormity… What if instead bravery consists of small, often insignificant choices we make every day? What if we are all braver than we think? These questions, among others, are the foundation for Annie Downs’ newly released book from Zondervan entitled Let’s All Be Brave: Living Life with Everything You Have.

Formatted as a series of essays, Let’s All Be Brave contains chapters that each feel like a separate, real-life conversation with Annie about various topics – all connected to the subject of bravery and courage. With bushels of humor, Continue reading