Colliding wtih Destiny

Colliding with Destiny

Finding Hope in the Legacy of Ruth

Sarah Jakes

Ruth is an awe inspiring story of a flawed, but courageous and loyal woman. Ruth was faithful and was rewarded in several ways for her faithfulness and courage. The author has taken apart the story of Ruth and written a book on how we can emulate the faith of Ruth.

Each chapter begins with a thought and Bible verse that sets the tone for the chapter. Drawing from her personal experiences and the stories of others, the author shows how Ruth can be relevant to women today. The thought in each chapter ends with a section called Journal. This has a small thought to end the chapter and then some questions for further pondering. Each chapter ends with a small prayer. This book could be used for personal study or would work well in a study group. Each chapter draws something from the story of Ruth that the reader can apply to their lives. My only complaint would be that I felt the book leaned more towards the issues the author was dealing with and less of the actual story of Ruth. But I enjoyed writing style and took away quite a few thoughts for spiritual growth.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Before I Go

Before I Go

Colleen Oakley

Daisy has been given months to live. But at twenty-seven she still has so much left to do. One of those things is to make sure that her husband, an absent minded professor, will be taken care of after she dies. So with the help of her best friend, Daisy sets out to find him the perfect 2nd wife. But as time goes by, she realizes that this might not be what she ultimately wants. Can she halt the process her actions have set in motion?

This is one of those magical stories that stays with the reader long after the last chapter has been read. I'm not normally the type to read a story that will make me cry. But this was definitely worth the tears. The author has the gift of drawing emotions out of the reader they didn't expect. The story touched my heart and my mind. While it definitely has comedic moments, it also leads the reader on an introspective journey into what life means and how to grasp each moment as if it might be your last. The author paints a realistic picture of a flawed, but beautiful marriage. It was refreshing to see this type of marriage portrayed in a book. This is the type of book that will grab your heart if you allow it to. I was so swept up into the story that I might have missed some writing mistakes. But to me, this is the sign of a good writer. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and will be adding this copy to my library.

I received this book free of charge from Gallery Book in exchange for my honest review.

10 Steps to Your F.I.T.

10 Steps to Your F.I.T.

Faith Inspired Transformation

Healthy, Happy, & Fit God's Way

Kim Dolan Leto

There are tons of diet books out there, but this one is different. The author takes a multifaceted approach to fitness and health that includes every aspect of life. To truly lose weight and stay healthy a person needs to make sure they are following a Christ centered lifestyle that will help them not only make the changes necessary, but turn them into healthy habits. Each chapter contains a lot of scripture, encouraging stories and thoughts, and positive bulletin points. The chapters end with a discussion guide of sorts that has reflection questions and strategy tips to incorporate the information learned in the chapter. Bright colors and glossy pages help enhance the visual aspect of the book.

I've read a ton of diet books and reviewed several as well. But this one is by far the best. It's laid out well, inspiring and encouraging, and actually feels like something I want to do. It's not a huge book, but each chapter is in-depth and well thought out. The author clearly knows her information and believes in it enough to share. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to lose weight, create good fitness habits, and become a healthier person.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Love Without Limits

Love Without Limits

A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All

Nick Vujicic with Kanae Vujicic

 Nick was born without arms and legs. He hoped he would find the woman of his dreams. But he never dreamed that she would be so amazing. Nick and Kanae come together in this sweet book to tell the story of their courtship and marriage. The book is part story, part advice. Each of them tell the story from their point of view. The book includes color photographs of the couple and their young son.

This was a sweet book. Their two voices give the story dimension and different perspectives. I enjoyed hearing about how they met and their thoughts on marriage. The authors were able to weave faith and God into the story in a non-preaching way that was inspiring and beautiful. A lot of the advice didn't apply to me since I've been married for quite some time and am no longer a new mom. But I think the advice would be great for someone dating or getting ready to have a baby.

I received this book free of charge from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Like No Other

Like No Other: The Life of Christ

Bible Studies for Life Series

Tony Evans

Christ lived a life like no other person has ever done. The author takes eight lessons to pull out different aspects on the life of Christ and gives the reader or study group an in-depth study for each chapter. The accompanying dvd ties into the lesson and helps the reader have a greater feel for the concepts the author is trying to convey. Each chapter begins with a small story or thought that ties into the chapter. Next are the scripture that the chapter is based on. Sprinkled throughout the lesson study are questions the group leader or reader can use to help make the lesson relevant. The lesson ends with a section on how to make the concepts applicable and a section for group prayer requests. There is also a link for further study online if more is desired.

I used this study for my small group at church. Each segment on the dvd is short and the speaker/author is clear and concise. He brings up concepts from a different angle than I might have looked at, so this has led to some good discussions. The lessons are okay. I've found more than half of them to be shallow and lacking depth for the idea being presented. The questions are also leaning towards the superficial side so do not work well for good discussions. I do like the extra material provided in the back, but it's not enough to make up for the lack of depth in the study. But I added my own thoughts and questions and used this more as a base for building more. The class enjoyed the study, but probably won't pick anything from this series again.

The Farmer's Daughter

The Farmer's Daughter Romance Collection

Five Historical Romances Homegrown in the American Heartland

Tracie Peterson, Mary Davis, Kelly Eileen Hake, Jill Stengl, Susan May Warren

Marty's Ride

Marty is in for the ride and experience of her life when she rushes to save her two nieces that were kidnapped from their home. She expects hardships and difficulties. What she doesn't expect to find is God, love, and friendships.

A Time to Keep

Rosalind doesn't want to marry the man her mother is pushing her towards. So when the railroad men come into town she comes up with a plan to open a diner in an attempt to spend time with a man who interests her.

Beyond Today

Amy has always lived in the shadow of her vivacious twin sister. But when a man comes to town that peaks her interest she learns to plan ahead for her future.

Myles from Anywhere

Myles left home when he was a teenage, running from a stifling home situation. But now he's a grown man and has made the mistake of falling in love with his boss's girlfriend. Myles must learn to forgive and heal before he can have the girl of his dreams.

Letters from the Enemy

Lilly has promised to marry Reggie. But he's overseas fighting the Germans. So she writes him letters while waiting at home for his return. But when she runs into a man that is clearly German her heart beats like it never has with Reggie. Lilly is torn between a promise and her heart's desire.

Each of these stories are sweet and romantic. I enjoyed each one of them, but Beyond Today and Letters from the Enemy were my favorites. Each story is a stand alone and is tied together by the theme. Each story brings out an element of faith that makes the story clean, refreshing, uplifting, and romantic.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Beauty of Grace

The Beauty of Grace

Stories of God's Love from Today's Most Popular Writers

Dawn Camp ~ Editor & Photographer

Our lives are so busy and hectic. We often get so caught up in the busyness of life that we forget to make God a part of that life. We forget that He's there patiently waiting for us. Each story is written by a popular writer. Each writer offers a glimpse into the beauty of grace that our Savior desires for us to experience.

Each story brings out a different thought, but all of them will touch your heart. I loved the variety and different "voices" that each chapter brought. Each story touched my heart in some way or another. The cover is beautiful and gives off the feeling of comfort and peace even before the book is opened. I'll be keeping this book to re-read and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a calm during the midst of their storm. It would also make a wonderful gift.

I received this book free of charge Revel Reads from in exchange for my honest review.