Reading, Writing & Pondering

  I picked up my copy of The Bright Side of the Other Side by Sara McDaniel intending to peruse it before reviewing it. . . but it quickly drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. I was done in 24 hours. Sara’s story reads like a novel, complete with a difficult storyline, yet full of hope, and complete with a happy ending. There are a lot of people who have faced difficulties and have a story that offers hope, but not everyone can write that story in such a beautiful way. Sara’s written story flows so well. Her heartbreak and challenges are balanced by her hopeful outlook. I think this book could offer hope to other people facing hard things of various kinds. I felt hopeful after reading it and my hard things are different than Sara’s. Sara faced infertility, infidelity in a marriage, and an unwanted divorce. She also dealt with a big health challenge and faced a job lay-off. Unbeknownst to her, restoration was coming in several ways after facing these challenges.  She moved b...

Do you like fast-paced spy novels? Loose Arrows by Lynn Horton kept me turning pages quickly. I grew up watching James Bond movies. . .this book puts a different spin on that type of story. There is a middle-aged woman who is the lead spy that the story centers around. I love that! CIA Operative Nina Abrams is the daughter of an artist. She took time away from her job to spend it with her dying father. As he is on his deathbed, Nina's dad shares some shocking information. Along with that, Nina had someone shoot at her at his studio.  After her father passes, Nina then has to find some missing nuclear warheads as part of his dying wish.  She also hopes to find out what happened to her 4-year old daughter who was kidnapped years earlier. As she works to figure out what is going on, Nina befriends Alan Kelso. He investigated the shooting at her Dad's house and works with the sheriff's office. She needs an ally who will help her. Will he do it?  Loose Arrows is my first boo...

Do you have a special skill or talent that is unique to you? My Voice is a Beat by Kevin Olusola with Daniel Bernstrom is inspired by the author's true story of having an uncommon talent and using it in a special way. I love that My Voice is a Beat invites children to embrace their gifts and develop those gifts or talents as something that makes them special in a good way. The book shows that at first Kasey was teased for being himself with his unique skills. Then, when the kids see Kasey at a talent show, they cheer him on and his talent is showcased. This book might be a good gift for a young children who is struggling to be themselves with their own gifts from God. My Voice is a Beat is a large colorful picture book aimed at children ages four to eight. The book is 32 pages long and measures roughly 9 by 11 inches in size. At the back of the book, there is  an author's note from Kevin's heart about how he found the courage to be the perfect kind of different that God...

  I like to read financial books every now and then to brush up on my money skills to best help my family. The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women is a general money guidance book that could be helpful if you are looking to learn some basic money management skills.  The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women is a mix of personal stories, practical advice and tools, and encouragement that could help the reader make better financial choices if put into practice. This author is upbeat and encouraging. If you think you aren't any good with money, she is here to tell you that you can change. She offers advice for creating your own road map for financial health in a way that will work for you. While I think The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women would be most helpful to a younger person who can most benefit from making changes earlier in life, I also think there are things people of any age can learn from this book. The last two chapters were the two I personally f...

  Do you have a favorite season? I know Fall is a favorite of many people. I enjoy Fall but Spring is my favorite. 📖 Learn to Let Go by Meera Lee Patel is a beautifully illustrated guided journal. This beauty looks perfect for the start of the Fall season—or any time. It is a journal for exploring new beginnings and navigating change. It is perfect for the start of any new season in life. The author pairs inspiring quotes with encouraging prompts to help you face your current struggles and to navigate any difficult transitions. Changes happen throughout life—going back to school, starting a new job, making a new friend, or starting a new relationship—among others. This guided journal gives you prompts and space to process your feelings and gain clarity.  Learn to Let Go is a good size to carry along in your purse or book bag, besides using it at home. Thank you to @tarcher_books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.  #averytarcherinfluencers

    Over the past few years, I think many of us have faced some big challenges, between the pandemic and life afterwords. In the midst of all of this, I don't know about you, but my faith has changed. Some days I do struggle to feel God. Midnight Hallelujah by Ebie Hepworth is a helpful book for those going through difficulties that leave the reader feeling like God is no where to be found.  From the Publisher:   If you’re disappointed with your life, struggling with faith, and frustrated with a seemingly silent God, Midnight Hallelujah dares to speak hope into the silence. Ebie Hepworth invites you into her dark nights and imagined conversations with Sarah, the mother of Isaac, who kept her company through them as she bridges our modern struggles with timeless biblical truths. If you are navigating life’s deepest valleys this book will help you: feel less alone as Ebie confides her own stories of grief showing up when least expected; know what it means to str...

  This Wasn't the Plan by Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham recently released from Thomas Nelson Publishing.  This wasn’t The Plan by Mac Bridges & Kenz Durham was written for women who felt their life hasn’t gone according to their plan. This book first helps you understand why you may be stuck. The second part of the book talks about different ways that you may be stuck in life. Maybe you can’t forgive someone? Maybe you don’t feel like you are living out your true calling? Or maybe it is something else. This book invites you to think and reflect so you can learn and grow.   From The Publisher:   Have you ever looked at your life and thought,  I thought my life would look better than this by now .  This book is for the woman who feels stuck—in her career, relationships, emotions, or calling. It’s a guidebook for the one who feels like she’s just enduring rather than embracing life to start moving toward the life you really want. If you’ve ever felt lo...

  Have  you found yourself in a time of struggle and uncertainty? Maybe you are facing your own dark night right now. What to do in a Valley: Trusting God to Breathe New Life into Your Dry Bones by Jabin Chavez is a book that may be helpful for you right now. All of us go through difficult times at one time or another. It is different for all of us--yours may be financial, relational, job-related, health-related or something else entirely. In any case, What to do in a Valley is a new release from Thomas Nelson. This book could serve as a guide to help you through your challenge(s). The author has faced his own challenges and writes from experience. He is easy to understand and relate to. From the publisher:  Take life’s valleys as not mere challenges but divine appointments designed to refine and strengthen your faith in this deep exploration of Psalm 23:4-6. You may be at your worst, but that’s when God can do his best work in your life. Take heart and use this opportun...

  Do you enjoy writing, coloring and drawing or other artsy things? Exploring Psalms and Proverbs: A Creative Coloring Journal from Jacqui Grace is a fun new creative journal that gives prompts and pages to do all of those things. I read through this Exploring Psalms and Proverbs creative journal completely but haven't yet had the time to start writing or creating in it. I received my copy while I was on a trip. I wish I had received it before I left. I think this would be fun to take along on a relaxing trip. Actually, I think it is fun to do any time. If you have some pens/pencils along, you could do this book almost anywhere. There are a couple of crafty project guidelines, like painting a rock, that you may need to do at home, but most of it is portable. This creative coloring journal is both relaxing and one that will cause you to think and reflect on God. I like that aspect. I like that it is divided between Psalms and Proverbs. There is so much to learn in both o those boo...

  Do you enjoy a good mystery? The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay is set during 1950 and highlights how the World War left lingering issues and doubts among people. I have read several books by this author and I enjoy the way she weaves history into the story too. The Undercover Bookshop is a mystery featuring amateur sleuth Gemma Brown as the main character. Gemma moved to a small Cotswold village of Great Rollright in England. She is a reader and loves a good mystery. However, she is not a good baker. After making some baking errors, Gemma spends time with Ursula Beurton, who is an award-winning baker in town. However, there is a lot more to her than baking. When  Gemma visits Ursula, things don't always add up. Soon Gemma is embroiled in a mystery for real--not just one she is reading in her detective novels. I enjoyed getting to know Gemma. I also enjoyed her boyfriend, Charlie, as well as the other characters in the novel. Ursula was also likeable for the mo...

  After the Fall by Deborah Clack is the second book in the Shelter and Sky series. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but like most series books, would be even better if you read Even After This  first. Penelope Reid is currently working as Harlan Holcombe's manager. However, Penelope grew up in the foster care system and she has skills she thinks would help the girls at the ranch and she wants to give back so she hopes to become the manager of Twelve Bluebells Ranch, which is a halfway house for women who have aged out of the foster care system.  Luke works security for the ranch and is there to investigate some vandalism before Harlan and Meredith Harper's wedding. Luke had his own tough upbringing and he, too, got attached to the halfway house ladies at the ranch as he hopes to keep everyone safe--even after the wedding. After the Fall had some light moments, but this book also dealt with some heavy topics. I could relate to Penelope's migraine headache stori...

  Faithfully Dissident Daughters by Chelsea Kim Long was an interesting read for me. There was much I could relate to with author. There was also much for me to think about. According to the author, "To be faithfully dissident means accepting each part of your story and trusting that authenticity is the way to abundant life." I like that thought and I think the older I get, the more that is true for me.  Faithfully Dissident Daughters is divided into 4 parts: Awakening, Breaking, Liberating, and Expanding. I also have gone through some changes in my faith over the past few years. I have not studied as deeply as this author so I can't verify all of her words. However, I can say that she backs them all up and speaks clearly in her work. I don't necessarily agree with everything but there is much that I do relate to.  I enjoyed reading this book. I don't read non-fiction quickly but I like to learn. I journal, use page markers to annotate and I reflect. I received ...

  I grew up watching Oprah Winfrey. I admire her for her success and for how she gives back to others. I took a couple of her classes when she featured Brene Brown on her show and they changed my life. This new book for children, Little People, Big Dreams could certainly inspire young people to dream big and become who they wish to be.  This book starts out be talking about Oprah's early days and some of the challenges within her family. It also talks about how important books were to Oprah as she grew up. I didn't realize she was the first black woman to read the evening news on Nashville' local TV station. I also wondered about her name and that was explained early in the book. Little People Big Dreams: Oprah Winfrey is a hardcover book that measures roughly 8 by 9 1/2 inches in size and is 32 pages long. It is aimed at children ages six to eight. I think it would be especially inspirational for young girls who need inspiration and hope to become who they want to become...

  If you struggle with fear/anxiety, Christine Caine has a new release out from Thomas Nelson, Whom Shall I Fear? that is now available that may be a helpful book for you. Whom Shall I Fear? contains 100 devotions. It is divided into 4 parts: A Call to Rest, Fighting the Good Fight—with prayer, In Spirit and In Truth and His Joy, Our Strength. All the readings are 2 pages long with a Bible verse, a reading written by Christine Caine, and ends with a prayer. This may be a good gift for a friend facing challenges—and there is a gift inscription page in the front of the book.   From the Publisher:   Learn to live to the life you are called to with the courage and joyful endurance that come from fully trusting in the God who fights for you. What would you do if you woke up each day without fear? What  wouldn’t  you do?  Today is the day to stop giving power to fear and start living the life you are called to. Whom Shall I Fear?  by bestselling author ...

    I'll be honest, I am a middle-aged woman. You probably guessed that. However, I have loved Strawberry Shortcake since I was a child--and it still makes me happy to see her new books. Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival by Jennifer Moorman is a fun Strawberry Shortcake picture book complete with STICKERS in the back.  I especially love the theme of Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival. The story is about Strawberry Shortcake and her friends teaming up for a fundraiser for needy animals. I am also a huge fan of dogs, cats and helping shelters. This story also shows how we can help each other out when things go wrong. The story is fun to read and one that I think children will enjoy--especially fans of strawberry shortcake and her friends, as well as animal lovers. Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival is aimed at children ages four to eight. The book is 32 pages long and measures a little over nine inches square. The illustra...

    Does your prayer life feel stale? Like all you do is ask God for stuff? A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving by Wendy Speake is a 30-Day devotional and ask fast that just may rejuvenate your prayer life.  I know people who like to do a gratitude journal during the month of November to go along with Thanksgiving. This is a good devotional to go along with Thanksgiving too, although it can be done any time of the year. The book is based on Psalm 100. Each day there is a verse to focus on, a reading, and ends with a prayer and some journaling that you could do. From the publisher:  When life is bright and blessings abound, are you quick to feel grateful and lift a song of thanks to God? What about the seasons when heartache and hopelessness overwhelm, and deep soul-sadness threatens? When life feels awful, do you find it awfully hard to persevere in praise and rejoice in God’s goodness? Discover strength and renewal in times when praise feels more like a sacrific...

  Loneliness is widespread, even in a world where we’re constantly connected. Having lots of acquaintances or followers doesn’t necessarily mean having meaningful friends hips.   Make Friends With Anyone by Wayne Francis could be a helpful book for those who are wanting to make new friends in real life, not just on-line. Make Friends With Anyone starts out by explaining the foundations of friendship. The author is a pastor and he feels the Bible sets the foundation for friendships so the first part does have a lot of Scripture. This part felt rather abstract to me but I understand his point. Francis then expounds on the various depths of friendships. He uses visiting the ocean and beach as the basis for his depths of friendship. There are sunbathers, surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers, and submariners as his descriptors for types of friendships starting with the least in-depth to the most depth in relationships.  In the last section of the book, the author encourages the...

  The Good Farmer and The Worried Donkey by Hannah E. Harrison is a beautifully illustrated and written picture book aimed at children ages four to eight. This sweet book tells the worried donkey's story. Charlie the donkey goes from working for a miller who sometimes got angry at him because he wasn't strong enough and didn't always do things correctly. The miller then sold the donkey to a farmer. Charlie worried about disappointing the farmer. However, the farmer is patient and caring and helped the donkey along the way in his new role. I think The Good Farmer and The Worried Donkey is a sweet story to help children see that God loves them--no matter what. Through this story, children learn that God is always there to help, even when they doubt themselves. They also can learn that God is patient and caring in the process.   I love the sweet watercolor pictures of both the donkey and the farmer--as well as all the farm animals and fields. The last page in Good Farmer a...

  I like to support authors from my home state so I wanted to read This Side of the Sky as the author is from Iowa and lives near me. This Side of the Sky by Laura Wifler is a book of poetry mainly aimed at women.This book released on September 15 and is now available every where books are sold. This Side of the Sky includes 101 poems and Scriptures for women. The book is divided into 5 acts with an introduction, an intermission and a benediction. The book is printed on thick ivory paper and the poems are arranged in a lovely format. The author explains the book in the introduction and what each section represents. The poems are beautiful and many are relatable. She also explains that she didn't start out to write poetry and how her poems came to be. This book is aimed at Christian women and Scriptures are woven throughout so many women can likely relate no matter what stage of life they are in. This Side of the Sky includes  poems on motherhood, friendship, marriage, woman...