The Ambition by Lee Strobel

Our book club book of the month was The Ambition, Lee Strobel's first major piece of fiction work.  I really enjoyed the book.  Since I am not able to sit down and do most of my reading in one or two sittings (things like that happen after two kids) I had to keep looking back to get my characters straight at first but once the story picked up I had them all squared away.  Strobel draws on his past experiences and comes up with an interesting story ... your not sure how he will work it all out but he does.  I enjoyed the book and look forward to Lee's next follow-up! 

Something Beyond the Sky by Siri L. Mitchell

Something Beyond the Sky is about 4 different women, very different in many ways and their friendship that is formed through being military wives serving on a committee together.  Through the book, (which is a little slow going at first as Mitchell has to establish four different main characters but then picks up quiet nicely once they come together) you will see these women in their different struggles and how things have shaped who they are or maybe who they think they are suppose to be... but all that could change. 

There is a lot in here about expectations... those we put on ourselves or others (religion, community, jobs, spouses, parents, you name it) put on us.  Are we living in freedom?  Are we truly being who God created us to be?  What is our motivation? What is it that makes us who we are?  Do we try to fit in and be someone we are not at the sacrifice to ourselves, our souls, our peace, joy ...?  Is life really about what others think or pleasing them or is it about something far greater?  Pleasing God?!  There is so much freedom in Christ, I mean He came to set us free!  He loosened our chains and opened the doors and yet many times we sit there and act as if we are still bound!  It isn't about works remember it is all about what Christ came & did... it's about Him! Grace! Mercy!  Because we can never measure up to a Holy God and thankfully in Christ when God sees us He sees a beautiful, redeemed, saved, spirit filled child!  Praise Him!

Walk in freedom... freedom that let's you be more than you could imagine! 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Our book club book of the month was The Help ... We finished it in time to see the movie together this week and then have discussion. I am writing this prior to seeing the movie and discussion... so I may post more on this later!

Where to even begin... Gripped. Didn't want to put it down! Characters come alive! A book to read! Just a few short descriptions that popped into my head.  On to the more lengthy stuff ... Once you begin this book you will become captivated, both by the characters and the story.  You will have a desire to see it all work out well for these ladies and you will be hoping that they make the right choices and cheering them on along the way.  And you will not want to say goodbye at the end.  I have to say this is a triumphant & wonderful book for first time novelist, K. Stockeet. 

I will add that there is some language in here that I would have rather was left out - just so you know. That would be the discerning part of the reader in me.

A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

Mitchell writes a fascinating story that takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.  In the court falsity reigns rampant, no one is sure who they can really trust and love is an unknown thing.... for most.  This is a different kind of tale from what you might expect of Mitchell if you have been following my blog... However, if you read the first book of hers that I did (another historical) it is in that same tone. 

Open a Constant Heart and find that you will get caught up in a story where image, position, money and "worldly" stuff are what drives most.  Those at court strive to keep up appearances and to fit in no matter the cost to themselves, their health, marriage, family or their soul.  I will say that I learned something very interesting about this time period and was something to think deeper on. 

Marget who is our main character will have to make some choices ... will she head down the wrong path and if so will she change her course before it is too late? And what of the unpardonable sin of true love at court... will she risk her heart or let pride be her fall?

As always happy and reflective reading!

Moon Over Tokyo by Siri L. Mitchell

AND IT'S another home run hit with this one! Mitchell just knows how to write engaging, witty stories that I love to read!  As always her characters are so memorable and real you feel as if you know them and you really do not want the story to end and say goodbye. 
I love getting wrapped up in one of her books and carried away to another place, the unfolding of friendship and romance, self discovery, growth and more... She has a gift for showing the uniqueness God has created in each of us and how to love differences as well as the things we have in common. 

Another read you don't want to miss!



PS ~ Thank you Jacqueline for the comment!

a billion reasons why by kristin billerbeck

This is the first of Billerbeck's books I have read but I plan to read more!  I have to say that for a romance lover like me this one hits it home.  This book is cute, engaging, makes you smile, chuckle and leaves you with that nice warm fuzzy feeling.  You will obviously touch on love but also on forgiveness, redemption, grace and more.  Thank you Kristin for a pleasurable read!

The Heart of Memory by A. Strobel

Another intriguing and captivating book by Strobel!  I loved her insight into so many different areas of relationship and faith.  Once you get into this story you won't want to put it down and can't wait to see how she will work it all out!

I loved the realness and the authentic struggles you see the characters going through and seeing God in and as the bigger picture. Not the God so many make up in their own theology/minds but getting to the truth and what is real - the God of the Bible; the God of Love. Redeeming, healing, providing, saving and restoring paint the picture of our God.

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (Book 2)

Mine is the Night is the follow-up book to Here Burns my Candle, and it picks up where that one left off.  If you do not remember me posting on the previous book look it up but I will remind you it is loosely based off of the biblical story of Ruth and is set in Scotland.  Elisabeth & Marjory's journey continues with much growth and grace along the way.  An absolutely wonderful book!  I loved the setting, the characters and couldn't wait to see how Higgs would work this one all out.  This is a story on grace, love, forgiveness, mercy, redemption and more... Well done Higgs!

Reinventing Rachel by Alison Strobel

I have had this one in my stack to read for a while now and I am so glad to finally get to it!  Kudos to Alison, I love that she makes you think, go deeper and ask yourself questions that you might not have thought to ask yourself before. Also, she is unafraid to tackle what can be hard or touche subjects to write on. 

I can tell you as I heard Beth Moore once quote her daughter on the subject of watching some TV shows or such I do not "feel dumber" for ever having read one of her books!  If anything I come away having thought more, taken inventory and delving in with God on things I might not have thought about before or for a while... Growth!  Thanks Alison for another great read!

Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell

Another great read by Mitchell!  I got caught up in this story right away.  The characters are rich and so human, you feel as if you know them or they remind you of you in some way.  You will find both humor, romance and more as you travel with Claire to France and discover more about a long time friend, Adrien; an unexpected family inheritance and relative; and more about discovering who you really are... and what you really like are not set in stone. 

I would have given this 5 stars but the ending ... It ended too quickly!  I wanted a little more... You just get so caught up in the story & the characters that the ending just wasn't all I wanted it to be.... Yes, it is still a happy ending - no worries there.  This is just my opinion that maybe there should have been just a little more, another chapter or epilogue or something!  Or it is just so good there is no way for it to end and me be happy ... you read it and figure it out for yourself!

The Guy I'm Not Dating by Trish Perry

After reading a few of my otherwise noted humorous books this one was recommended to me... It is a pleasant read with some good humor in it.  Although I didn't love it, it was an enjoyable light read.

The story is all about a girl who has decided to stop dating for a while only to then meet the guy she would really love to date.  Throw in a road trip with some mixed matched people and some challenging people to love and you have a story.

Jonah by Priscilla Shirer

Recently I finished the study on Jonah by P. S. and although I did not love it as much as I did her book One in a Million, I did find it to be a good study.  It had some wonderful insights and lessons to be learned from studying the book of Jonah.  However, one of the main points she kept pushing is: what is God asking you to do that you are running from?  So if you are really seeking Him and in a place where you are walking in obedience it just doesn't speak as much to you at the current place/time you are in.  Not that you can't learn from it!  Overall it is good study to do.

The Cubicle Next Door

Wow, I loved this one!  In the beginning I wasn't gripped, but a little later into it I didn't want to put it down.  You get caught up in the characters, the story, and you want to see what will happen next.  There are stories I read and chuckle to myself at times over the humor in them but it isn't often I have one that has me laughing out loud, and not just once but several times.  I just couldn't hold the laughter in and it felt good... My husband kept looking at me like "what is so funny?"! 

However, it wasn't just humor there were times this story had me tearing up too.  I couldn't wait to see how it would all work out and at the same time didn't want the story to end.

a lauren holbrook novel (series) by Erynn Mangum

After reading the book I previously posted on I was in the mood to continue on with a book that had a humorous touch to it.  Miss Match (Book 1 in this series) was recommended and I thought I would give it a try...  Again this one didn't grip me right off but as you read it and get to know the characters you get drawn in... The characters come to feel like good friends, there is some wonderful humor and insights... AND you want to see what will happen to your main character, Lauren Holbrook the self proclaimed matchmaker who has vowed to stay single forever.

Needless to say I got drawn in and ended up reading the whole series (book 2/Rematch & book3/Matchpoint).  It was hard to end the series because you feel like you are saying good by to a group of friends and all the fun you have had with them.  I was tempted to start her next series right off but think I will save it for another time when I am in the mood for a fun read.

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

Yes, I know this is my third post tonight but I just didn't feel like grouping them all together in one post, especially since the two previous post were on fiction and this one is not. 

I will confess that I read all of it except the last four chapters and that is only because those deal specifically with older children and teenagers which is not a stage we are at yet.  I plan on reading them as that time nears.  That said the rest of the book was very insightful and helpful.  Tripp gives solid foundational truths and parenting guides as well as examples. There of course will be some areas where parents will very strongly agree or disagree with him (all you have to do is read reviews on amazon or such to see).  Overall, I feel you can find some really good information in this book and it is worth your time to read it.

Recent Books

I am making my way slowly but surely through my stack of books to read... With the new addition to our family and some health issues I read these books below but haven't had a chance to post on them right after sooo that said it isn't fresh on the mind ... Sorry! But I can tell you I really enjoyed reading all of them!

Nightingale by Susan May Warren
A wonderful and intriguing read that keeps you turning the pages to see how it will all turn out!  4 Stars

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter
I loved this story and it's characters... I really didn't want the book to end.  4 1/2 Stars

Within My Heart (Timber Ridge Reflections Book 3) by Tamera Alexander
A story that makes you root for love and second chances... It was hard to put this one down.  4 1/2 Stars

I am also currently working my way through some other books one on parenting and one on prayer... more on them when I finish.  AND I am doing Priscilla Shirer's study on Jonah.  Sooo umm it may be a while before I get another post up but happy reading to all of you!

One in a million by Priscilla Shirer

I have been making my way through this one and it has been so good!  The LORD has been totally speaking to my spirit through it!  I will have to add it to my favorites list.

This book was so on target for where God has me and all He is doing in my life... journeying to my promise land, believing God and trusting Him, and so much more.  You will look at the lives of the Israelites as they leave Egypt and journey through the wilderness and on to the promise land... it is called one in a million because they believe there were probably around 2 million who left Egypt but out of that number only 2 of those made it into the promise land.... hence one in a million.  I don't want to get stuck wandering in the wilderness of this life, I don't want to camp in the area of complacency right outside the promise land... I want to journey through it - growing in my love, knowledge and experiencing God in amazing ways daily... I want to be a one in a million!  Don't you?!

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

It has been a while... with two kiddos now that will probably be the case for a while... reading on the fly!  (Smiles)... That said I got to recently read Julie Klassens newest book, The Girl in the Gatehouse and it was wonderful!!!  What a terrific read!

If you like Jane Austen you will love this book or if you like regency era tales... This story is wonderfully written, woven with tragedy, triumph, mystery and romance.  Mariah Aubrey is sent away from home and has to support herself and her faithful servant by writing in secret, in an era when that alone was scandalous enough.  Captain Matthew Bryant returns to land with something to prove... but is his pride worth the price? 

Scandal, forgiveness, trust, love... a great read!  You will love the characters, storyline and more.  Enjoy!