Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Jennifer Flanders

A book full of chapters and ideas to support the Christian woman in her role as wife, Flanders discusses in depth the requirements based in the bible and the Christian Faith that women should follow in order to truly love and honor their husbands, creating a strong marriage based on faith and love.

While I found the information and ideas to be encouraging and helpful, I had a hard time getting through this book as I found it wordy and the chapters long and difficult to wade through.  Sadly, I cannot give it more than 2.5 stars because it was a challenge for me not to put the book down and walk away from it permanently.  For it to be effective for me, I need to be engaged, which I was not.

Still, I do recommend it on the basis of the information contained.  While definitely written for the more traditional woman who stays home and is devoted to the house and family without other work requirements, all women can glean some bit of information that will help them love their husbands more fully and create a safe and loving marriage environment that is strong and faith based.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  I was in no way compensated for this review.

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger
by David Gregory

When faced with an invitation to have dinner with Jesus, a doubting and struggling man gives in assuming it to be a big joke.  What he finds is nothing short of a miracle, forcing him to face questions, thoughts and challenging ideas that had followed him his whole life. 

What a refreshing and intriguing book!  I was hooked immediately and curious, engaged up until the end and left wishing for more.  Short yet packed with thought provoking ideas and concepts, this book is an instant favorite for me.  Chapters are quick and easy reads, yet enough food for thought to keep ones mind going for hours and days after reading.

An excellent book to share with an un-believing or on the fence friend or family member, the book presents many of the argued points in regards to Jesus, Christianity and religion in general in a non-confrontational or preachy manner that still gets across the main points while painting Jesus Christ in an accepting, loving and down to earth manner.  Easy to understand even for those un-exposed to the Christian faith, the book opens the door for more conversation as well as explains the foundations of the Christian faith and salvation.  A book I would highly recommend everyone read, believer or not, as it introduces a new way to look at presenting Christ as well as plenty of opportunity for self searching and growth.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Canary List

The Canary List
by Sigmund Brouwer

A mystery/thriller that is sure to keep readers on their toes the entire time!  The Canary List is an intriguing book full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing with surprise plot turns that ensure the reader will be fully engaged throughout the entire book.

When teacher Crocket Grey is drawn into a web of mystery, false accusations and confusion that lead to a troubling outcome all because of one student, he is forced to face personal demons all while fighting to help the student and keep himself out of trouble.  The paths he is led down are a surprising as the ending.  Readers will find themselves eager to turn the next page.  A book that is difficult to put down and grows increasingly addictive with each chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  Unsure of what I was getting, I am so glad I opted to review this copy.  I am eager to read more by the same author ans Brouwer spins an engaging tale that soon entangles his readers into a world of mystery and intrigue.  Well worth the time to read it!!!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Out Of A Far Country

Out Of A Far Country
by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan

A topic surrounded with debate among the Christian community and the world at large, homosexuality is often a topic of heated discussion and raw feelings and emotions.  Being a part of a family where this issue is faced, I was intrigued by the topic of this book and drawn to read it out of curiosity.  I am so glad I did!

Out Of A Far Country tells the story of a journey for mother and son from the time Chris Yuan "came out" about being a homosexual up to the present day.  This story is thick with deep emotion, turmoil, intriguing story line and honesty like few other books.  Through the course of the past years, Yuan shares about the man he became, the struggles and ideas he embraced, the results of the chosen paths and the surprise and encouraging ending that leaves the reader thinking deeply about the world around them.  Every other chapter is either by mother or son, following the life of Chris from different perspectives and giving insight to living with a homosexual family member as well as finding love and peace for all members involved. 

A definite must read for any Christian family facing the idea of a member who is homosexual, this book does not encourage full acceptance of the lifestyle, but instead shows how one family, with God, overcame great turmoil and came to find peace and love amid the misunderstanding.  I was thoroughly encouraged and came away with a new understanding and greater love for my family member.  On the top of my list of recommended books for it's complete honesty and personal growth inducing thought.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts

by Ian Cron

An engaging memoir that keeps readers interest through the pages, memories, stories and lessons.  So much more than just a memoir, this book offers a look into the life of a man who straight forwardly shares the hurts, fears, struggles and battles of a life lived with an alcoholic mysterious father, bouncing from well being to near poverty and back.  Brutal honesty draws readers to Cron's side as cheer leaders through the book.

Prior to reading this book, I was unsure what I would be finding.  Not familiar with Cron's story, I was intrigued by the title.  I am so glad I stepped into the adventure his book offers.  With a spiritual force backing his story, he leads readers through more darkness than is imaginable, spun with laughter and humor, complete with a faith that finds readers identifying and searching their lives for that faith as well.  A good read, quick and light yet deep and fully engaging.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

The One Day Way

The One Day Way
by Chantel Hobbs

I chose to read this book as one who does not necessarily need to diet, looking instead at the book as a whole on it's intended audience and effectiveness in approach and reading style as I have friends I would be able to recommend the book to should it pass my test.

Chantel Hobbs approaches the idea of dieting one day at at time, breaking down the often insurmountable task into little pieces.  By setting oneself up for daily success, focusing only on the day at hand, not weeks ahead or behind, the dieter can begin to break down old habits and form new, healthier habits to replace them.  Spinning in her ten commandments of dieting, Hobbs puts a spiritual spin on the idea of losing weight.  She approaches the topic in a serious yet easy to read and non-judgmental way that invites readers to consider this approach and give it a try.

Like most diet books, this book does of course push the ideas of exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle change.  It is not a quick fix plan nor is it a guarantee... it is up to the inidividual to make the plan successful for them.  After having read the book, I am comfortable in passing it on to friends who are looking for ways to help with their weight struggle.  I appreicate the spiritual aspect to this book and feel it an appropriate, well written approach to helping those who wish to change their weight by doing so one day at a time and trusting in God to help.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble review: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1679932

Daddy Dates



Daddy Dates
Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter
by Greg Wright

This is a very fun and engaging book written by the father of four girls, full of funny stories and interest.  Through his attempts to connect with his girls and set a Godly example for them, he shares his experiences and encourages other fathers to make similar commitments to do the same with their children.  A well written book full of honesty and humor, down to earth, encouraging and challenging for fathers.  Full of practical advice and stories easily followed and put into practice.

Setting out to raise confident and successful women-to-be, Wright walks through each stage of life a girl faces, from grade school to pre-teen, puberty, dating, college, etc. In seeking to show his daughters what is is like to be treated with true love and respect by a man who truly loved them, he shares some of the ways he made sure he met his girls at their level and really got to know them.  Through his "dating" his daughters, he shares some of the stories and offers suggestions for other dads to step up and do the same.  Full of practical "take action" type writing, it is easy to follow and implement.

Geared toward men, this book is easy to read through, engaging and entertaining to read.  Women can get their share of information from the chapters as well.  My husband absolutely loved the book and has already set out to begin "dating" our infant daughter, implementing ideas and adapting them to fit the lifestyles of a baby, seeking to make this a lifelong venture in which he can invest many positive hours and build a foundation for our daughter.  A wonderful Father's Day book or for that new daddy in your life.  Very highly recommended!  A tool every dad should have!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”