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.