Crazy Dangerous Review

Crazy Dangerous

By: Andrew Klaven

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klaven was quite interesting. I was immediately drawn into the book by the opening chapter, however, I had a hard time focusing on what was happening, even though the plot was fairly simple. The two main characters, Sam and Jennifer were well developed while the supporting characters were just that, supporting. I felt at times that the supporting characters “died off” without being mentioned much.

That being said, the plot was very interesting and made me want to read to the end to see what was going to happen. This would be a great novel for older teens to read. They would definitely be transfixed by the story. It had a few biblical references, but I felt that this story could have been written with more of a Christian perspective for readers who get caught in similar situations and need something to grasp and hold onto in their lives.

All in all, it was a fun read, definitely one I had to finish to see what would happen!

I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze for my honest thoughts. 

Arms of Love

Arms of Love

By: Kelly Long

Arms of Love by Kelly Long is not your typical Amish Story. It dealt with a lot of hardship and trials that were unexpected from traditional Amish stories you read. This made it more enjoyable, because sometimes I find that I read an Amish story and it is written the same way every time even when the author is different. However, this was not the case.

The story begins with Lena, who is taking care of her mom who is pregnant, her younger brother and younger sister. Her father is in prison for not being willing to join the army, as this is not the Amish way of life. Her mother gives birth and passes away shortly after. Her friend, and “soon-to-be-betrothed”, Adam, tries to help in whatever way he can, but Lena’s mom made him promise to leave Lena alone until he finds freedom. This truly did not make sense to me. It only added more hardship and frustration as I was reading. Adam also helped to bring a wet nurse for the new babe and he helped to bring Lena’s father back. Adam has his own inner struggles that we do not find out about until the end of the book.

For the most part this was an enjoyable read, however, I had a difficult time really getting into the book. I did “enjoy” reading about the struggles, because it seemed like one thing after another and I was able to relate to this in my own life. I feel I have had one struggle after another. So it is nice to be able to read a book that you can relate to.

I received a copy of Arms of Love from Booksneeze for my thoughts.

Great Read

Finding Our Way Home

By: Charlene Baumbich

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Baumbich was a different kind of story of love, perseverance, friendship, and overcoming the obstacles that the Lord places in our lives.

Sasha Davis was a dancer, but not just any dancer, she was a ballet dancer, a principle dancer in one of the most prestigious academy’s in Boston. She is living in Wanoninshaw, WI now, using a wheel chair, and cooped up in a house full of sorrows. For you see, Sasha Davis took a fall at one of her performances and injured herself to the point where she is unable to dance. Therefore, because it was all she knew and because she still had many years of dance before she had to retire she is living in her mother’s old house, feeling sorrowful and alone.

Evelyn Burt, is a 20 year old who has chosen to stick around her hometown with her fiancé and do odd jobs for people as she finds her purpose in life, rather than go to college. Evelyn interviews with Ms. Davis for the job of in-home care worker and is chosen. Evelyn is extremely head strong and usually speaks what is on her mind, until it gets her in a few binds with Sasha Davis.

These two eventually become friends and have a relationship that is different than any other normal friendship or boss-employee relationship. They come to rely on each other in a way that shows God’s hand is behind it all.

I enjoyed reading this story. This was the first I have read by Carlene Baumbich and look forward to reading more as it was written very well, with great descriptions.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program. 

Forgiveness

The Truth About Forgiveness

By: John MacArthur

John MacArthur’s Truth About Forgiveness lays out the fundamental importance of God’s forgiveness for the believer and the non-believer. MacArthur addresses several important issues in his seven simple chapters. What I found to be most fundamental and important was the emphasis MacArthur placed on the story of the Prodigal Son. MacArthur went into much detail how God’s forgiveness is undeserved and how God truly wants to forgive, just like in the story of the Prodigal Son.  MacArthur writes about God’s forgiveness simply yet exactly.

The other chapter I found crucial was the last chapter that addressed the need to forgive others. I have struggled with this in my closest relationships, the need to forgive as Jesus has forgiven. I know that the Lord will give me the strength I need to forgive and to be forgiven by Him.

I have enjoyed reading The Truth About Forgiveness and The Truth About Grace by John MacArthur. His way of writing is quick and easy to read and understandable.

Thank you Booksneeze for the opportunity to read this book. 

The Truth About Grace

The Truth About Grace
By: John MacArthur

The Truth About Grace by John MacArthur is a wonderful, easy read. John MacArthur uses scripture to state the truth about God’s grace in a way that is focused for even the “rookie” Christian. Each page is saturated with scripture that you want to look up as you are reading to get the full context. You can use this book as an easy devotional or simply read it straight through.


MacArthur helps us to gain focus on God’s grace by asking specific questions and allowing us to see Grace for what it is…undeserved. From The Truth About Grace: “Just thinking about the fact that God, by His own sovereign plan, decided to be gracious to me is overwhelming. There is nothing greater than receiving grace upon grace." Isn’t this the truth? God’s grace is forever ascending upon us even though we are sinners and it is undeserved by all of us. Thank the Lord for his never-ending grace!

Thank you Booksneeze for the opportunity to read this wonderful book, The Truth About Grace.

Wildflowers from Winter

Wildflowers from Winter

By: Katie Ganshert

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert was a very enjoyable book to read! I love reading stories where there are characters that have a firm faith in the Lord and by their actions they lead others to the Lord. This is such a great model for me and something I need to strive to work harder at, especially when I am very shy about sharing my faith.

Anyway, the book begins with Bethany, an architect, who lives in Chicago. She has a great job which she loves. She moved away from Peaks, Minnesota to get away from the life that she lived there. When she did this, she left her mother, grandfather, and a best friend behind. When her best friend’s husband gets sent to the hospital, she decides to go back, even though she hasn’t spoken to Robin in about 10 years. She goes and stays with her grandfather on the farm and meets his hired hand, Evan. She has nothing in common with Evan, but as all fiction stories seem to go, you know they are going to find their way to each other.

Through a series of events, she loses her job in Chicago, and moves back to Peaks for a short time. She has no desire to stay in Peaks for long, but the Lord had other plans in mind. Doesn’t He always!?!

As I said, I really enjoyed reading this book. Katie Ganshert has also written a novel focusing on the best friend, Robin, which I am looking forward to reading when it becomes available.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me an advanced reading copy of this book.

Wasting Time...

So tonight, I have done NOTHING....actually that is not true. I have been reading online articles from Money Saving Mom about how to be more frugal! I am looking to lower my budget so that I NEVER have to teach again! hahah Unless it is an exercise class! :)

So, if you have tips and tricks that will save me time let me know...SHARE! Let's be frugal together! :)

PapaMoose would be so proud...haha...He always enjoyed hearing my coupon savings! :)