This book had more action and a little more intensity than the first one, but still very enjoyable. Ending seemed a bit abrupt but I know it had to seThis book had more action and a little more intensity than the first one, but still very enjoyable. Ending seemed a bit abrupt but I know it had to setup for the next book. Again an excellent clean read that my boys will enjoy in a few years! ...more
I needed a light, fluffy read for this time of craziness everywhere and I can’t seem to handle too heavy or deep topics right now in my pregnancy (6 mI needed a light, fluffy read for this time of craziness everywhere and I can’t seem to handle too heavy or deep topics right now in my pregnancy (6 months). ...more
Much of this book shares her testimony which is pretty amazing and gives her the perspective that she has. I believe everyone should practice hospitalMuch of this book shares her testimony which is pretty amazing and gives her the perspective that she has. I believe everyone should practice hospitality and that’s going to look different for everyone. She doesn’t really give that caveat-rather you should have your neighborhood in your house sometime in your life or you’re not practicing the gospel. Much food for thought and great content although I wouldn’t agree with all her practices. ...more
What a fun story to be enjoyed by early teens and adults. Very clean and appropriate for young readers. Excellent medieval setting with some fun plot What a fun story to be enjoyed by early teens and adults. Very clean and appropriate for young readers. Excellent medieval setting with some fun plot twists. Looking forward to this series!!...more
This author has a very unique perspective on this topic having a mom and dad both becoming gay and being a pastor himself. The miracle of him becomingThis author has a very unique perspective on this topic having a mom and dad both becoming gay and being a pastor himself. The miracle of him becoming a Christian is amazing in itself despite his upbringing and originally formed view of Christians. He is right down the line in interpreting what the Bible says on the LGBT topic and expresses that very clearly. How you apply that in every day living and church matters was a little fuzzy as I felt like he just raised a lot of questions and left the answer up to the reader to decide how to handle it. I do believe truth and grace have to be present in dealing with any sinful situation which is difficult because we are not perfect. But I don’t believe it’s impossible; balance is attainable. Certain people take MANY years to win to Christ, yet “Christians” who are wrapped up in this are not to be treated as if nothing is wrong. I appreciated his story and his zeal for grace and truth, although I may not agree with all of his conclusions. ...more
I don’t Agree with everything in this book or where Beth Moore draws all her lines. But I really enjoyed the study of vines and vineyards in the BibleI don’t Agree with everything in this book or where Beth Moore draws all her lines. But I really enjoyed the study of vines and vineyards in the Bible and all the many references to the agricultural aspects of them and the how they apply to my life. Vines are planted sometimes transplanted and grow best in hard weather conditions. I was encouraged and challenged in the fruit I am bearing, that pruning is for those who will grow the most fruit and to remember that God is still working in my winter vines when things seem so bleak. ...more
This was actually my first Jane Austen novel! I’ve always avoided them thinking I would have to wade through too many words to get to the crux of the This was actually my first Jane Austen novel! I’ve always avoided them thinking I would have to wade through too many words to get to the crux of the story. But listening to this made me realize that wasn’t really true, and I’d like to read a hard copy next time. Sometimes the language does get flowery, yet there is much depth and beauty added to the characters and story. The different movies do a good job telling the story, but the end is not so quick in how they all get together. It’s more complicated in the book and in real life!...more
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book the most- people with blue skin really lived and pack mules with books traveled the mountainside and hilI enjoyed the historical aspects of this book the most- people with blue skin really lived and pack mules with books traveled the mountainside and hills of early America bringing a traveling library to backwoods areas. The time period reminded me of Christy teaching the mountain children. The storyline is not fast-paced, but you really get a feel for the thoughts and struggles Kussy faced. There is some language and brief abuse. Racism is openly felt as she was an outcast to many for being blue. Her love for books was fun to experience with her and to realize how little this time period had access to was amazing. Having blue skin was a rare gene that doctors eventually could fix by giving patients certain enzymes. I enjoyed how the author incorporated this material, and I would like to read more on that topic!...more
I enjoyed this book on many levels. Stories from real people are my favorites, and those having endured a tragic past hold such mystery and inspiratioI enjoyed this book on many levels. Stories from real people are my favorites, and those having endured a tragic past hold such mystery and inspiration to me. Not all these stories are sad as some adoptees came into wonderful families and had very successful lives. It was neat to hear that some of them were born-again Christians. These stories come to a beautiful conclusion with families being reunited and forgiveness being found. I believe it’s important to find healing from a troubled past....more
A very needy group is brought to light in this book. A brief history and how we got to this point as a society Is given and then the author shares staA very needy group is brought to light in this book. A brief history and how we got to this point as a society Is given and then the author shares statistics and effects of this. I have seen personally how a child/teen without a father, or with an absent father, an unspiritual, or an abusive father can have devastating effects on one’s life. They struggle so much more and carry sometimes unknown baggage into their adult life. Thankful for a resource that opens our eyes to their needs and how we can help them. ...more
This book was heavy, fascinating, hard to read, and hard to put down all at the same time. I feel like I understand so much more what goes through a pThis book was heavy, fascinating, hard to read, and hard to put down all at the same time. I feel like I understand so much more what goes through a person’s mind when they are abused and how they can feel powerless to speak up or think they are the problem. And some do speak up but they are silenced or not believed. I appreciated how Rachael gives the clear Gospel, yet shares her struggles and frustration with the justice of God and their church community. This scandal was so outrageous because of how long it went on and how many people it affected. Christians can shy away from scandal and confrontation, not wanting to “take sides.” Yet I believe it is our duty to stand up for what’s right and support those who have been hurt. I could identify with her feelings of living in fear and being unheard and misunderstood though not at this level. I was very moved by Rachael’s story and did more research on other victims and the trial. I will process this book for quite some time yet and I am determined to listen and do what I can to protect girls and women from this type of abuse and pain....more
I enjoyed the spy aspects and character development of this story. Yet so many things just made me sad about this book. Too Very honest thoughts here.
I enjoyed the spy aspects and character development of this story. Yet so many things just made me sad about this book. Too much language, blasphemy, and scenes to skip for starters. -Sad (Would probably be easier to read hard copy than listen to like I did.) I don’t know all that lady spies went through in both wars but this book makes it seem like they all slept with whomever to get information and that was just part of the job. -Sad The abuse made these women hateful, revengeful, cranky old women- yet they were portrayed as “strong” ?? -Sad Throw yourself at the man around because you need distraction or a moment of security. -Sad After she gets her revenge she just wants to kill herself. -Sad The ending is suspenseful and the storyline has a good conclusion. (One redeeming quality)
Strength comes in dignity, overcoming, and hope- none of which is portrayed in this story. -Sad...more
I had heard such rave reviews about this so I was excited to read it. But I wasn’t ready for the heavy and sad book it was so it wasn’t as enjoyable aI had heard such rave reviews about this so I was excited to read it. But I wasn’t ready for the heavy and sad book it was so it wasn’t as enjoyable as I was expecting. This lawyer is a remarkable person for wanting to help those who have been wrongly convicted. I was challenged to think deeper about some hard topics like should a teen ever be tried as an adult for certain crimes, etc. I wouldn’t agree with every statement he makes, but I am thankful for those fighting for justice on every level. 3.5 ⭐️ for enjoyment 4 ⭐️ for content ...more
This book tells their love story along with nuggets of advice and wisdom for relationships and marriage. I enjoyed their story and they are very creatThis book tells their love story along with nuggets of advice and wisdom for relationships and marriage. I enjoyed their story and they are very creative so they have a lot of nuances they’ve created together. Not necessarily a book for struggling marriages but more for those dating and newly married. Although you can review marriage principles anytime! My favorite quote at the end: “Wherever you are in your love story, protect it. Be intentional, get creative, and stay faithful.”...more
Such a fun, loving memoir of some unusual lives that have been lived! This book is not political even though they have such a political heritage. I loSuch a fun, loving memoir of some unusual lives that have been lived! This book is not political even though they have such a political heritage. I loved hearing their stories of growing up in the governor’s mansion, living in the White House, and how they came to be their own person. My favorite was Jenna’s dating stories- the car running out of gas going uphill, rolling backwards into the secret service car following them! ...more
A great book on a sensitive topic that needs to be more openly addressed. I enjoyed hearing Jackie’s story and how her thought processes progressed thA great book on a sensitive topic that needs to be more openly addressed. I enjoyed hearing Jackie’s story and how her thought processes progressed through her salvation and sanctification journey. Factors that stuck out to me: •She was abused as a child which can be common in those who struggle with same-sex attraction. •When she got saved she was intensely mentored and immersed in God’s Word which ultimately changed her thinking. •She didn’t want to change how she dressed but she knew it was right so she started the process even though it was hard because it was her love for God that compelled her. •She learned there were other sins in her life, (pride, anger) that she realized God wanted her to change not just her sexuality. •Knowing God, loving Him, is the ultimate goal of the Christian not marriage or being “straight” (But those things will fall into place as a person seeks God) •There’s an excellent section at the end of ways to help those who struggle with this and a ton of verses that just made me rejoice in my God and who He is as I listened to them. God’s Word = power and we need to use it!...more
This is basically the author’s testimony in how she lived a very immoral life for many years before getting serious about her Christianity. She has a This is basically the author’s testimony in how she lived a very immoral life for many years before getting serious about her Christianity. She has a different perspective on shame, guilt, and God’s forgiveness because of all that. She is now a pastor’s wife which is pretty amazing. This book would be good for anyone with a heavy past or struggling with being free from the scars of sin. I liked how this book made me think and analyze how I’m relating to others and I loved her chapter on Jesus is better. He IS better than ANYTHING!❤️...more
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