Book Review: Sweet Sanctuary

When I picked this book I thought it would be an emotional story. I was a little disappointed in that I couldn't really relate to the characters. I'm not sure why though, they were well developed and personable but they just didn't speak to me!

Here's the synopsis:

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Out of the clear blue, Wren's Grandma Ruth arrives on her doorstep, dreaming of a grand party to celebrate her 95th birthday. Wren and her young son Charlie love the idea, but it quickly gets complicated: Ruth wants Wren's estranged siblings to attend and she wants Wren to sing her all-time favorite song: "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." It's the very song Wren sang one fateful day during her childhood . . . and Wren hasn't sung a note since.

Though she's glad to have Grandma back in her life, Wren's sleeping on the couch in her own house now . . . and worried about the expenses piling up. After all, her job at the community library is in jeopardy after budget cuts, and the fancy music program she wants for her son is getting farther and farther out of reach. What's more, Paul-the guy she's drawn to yet avoids-ends up being a major part of an important library project.

With family arriving and old wounds resurfacing, Wren's about to fly when she discovers something special-a gift of grace beyond her wildest dreams.


My Review:

Wren passed through life carrying a lot of guilt. While a sweet God-loving woman, she could not let go of her past hurts enough to forgive herself, her family or her ex-husband. She tends to put a shell around herself and her son to protect them from further hurt. As the story goes on and other characters are introduced, Grandma Ruth, Wren's sister Barb and brother Jack, Paul, the author does a good job of intertwining them and building the history. I'm not sure what was missing but this just didn't have the WOW factor for me. It was predictable throughout and maybe that was the issue. There's a little bit of anguish, romance, mystery of sorts so it was a pleasant read, just a little disappointing!


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook for the purpose of review as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret



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Book Review: The Canary List

The Canary List: A Novel by Sigmund Brouwer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Description from the paperback edition:

Protected by the dark of night, Jaimie Piper runs. But is anywhere safe when Evil is hunting you?


She’s just a twelve year-old girl, bumped around between foster homes and relegated to school classes for challenged kids, those lagging in their test scores or with behavioral issues. But her real problem is that she can sense something the other kids can’t—something dark. Something compelling her to run for her life.

All Crockett Grey wants is to mark the anniversary of his daughter’s death alone.

But when his student Jaimie comes to him, terrified, her need for protection collides with his grief, and a tangled web of bizarre events sends them both spiraling toward destruction.

Crockett’s one hope of getting his life back is to uncover the mysterious secrets of Jaimie’s past and her strange gift. It isn’t long before his discoveries lead him to a darker conspiracy, secrets guarded by the highest seat of power in the world—the Vatican.

My Review:

I'll start off by saying I liked this book. I was worried that I wouldn't because I thought it was just another book about corruption in the Catholic church. It was not that at all! It was interesting and had an excellent plot, which I didn't find predictable. While there were a few parts that I think were dragged out, once you got past them the story picked up. There were some occult references that made me uncomfortable but they were necessary for this story to work. While this is comes from a Christian publisher, I didn't find it to be preachy at all, just a good thriller. I would definitely recommend this book if you like mysteries and thrillers!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook for the purpose of review. You can rate my reviews at
Love and Blessings!
Margaret



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Book Review: A Critical Loss of Balance

A Critical Loss of Balance by Mark Shaver

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


From the bookjacket:  Cliff Elliott thought he had endured the worst thing a parent could endure when his nine year old daughter was kidnapped, but he was wrong. The circumstances that led to her return were far worse than anything he could have imagined...



Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for the purpose of review. All opinions are expressed are 100% my own!

The storyline for this book was great and the characters were well developed. A family faces the unthinkable when their daughter was kidnapped. Although she was returned, there is so much more to the story than a safe return. The way Cliff executes a father's vengeance, it's gripping and keeps you interested. The supporting characters while bumbling at times, still are well thought out and likeable (or not).

This book had several spelling errors, which is a pet peeve of mine. One doesn't bother me so much but when you get up to 5 or 6, it's carelessness. But even more important than that, an important part of the story was inconsistent. One character found something and later in the book it was attributed to another character. That really ruined the book for me. Also, towards the end the writing got choppy and sloppy. I love to read and I really love to give the author the benefit of the doubt, but in this case I really think the book should have been edited a lot better!

I did finish the book and I did like it. However, the spelling errors and the inconsistent story cast a negative light.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret



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Book Review: How to Reach Your Full Potential for God

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God by Charles F. Stanley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In How to Reach Your Full Potential for God, acclaimed pastor and speaker Charles Stanley connects readers with the plan and purpose God envisioned when He created them.
"Things are never going to change" or "This is just the way I am--I'm never going to get better" are just a few of the damaging lies Christians believe about themselves, their situations, and their walk. But Dr. Stanley shares the real truth as God sees it.  In this powerful and inspiring message, readers reconnect with the grand vision God had when He uniquely created them. They learn that regardless of setbacks, failures, and frustrations, there is a better path based in His Word, one that's full of freedom and purpose. This book takes them to their specifically designed path to become exactly who the Father made them to be and achieve exactly what He designed them for.


Charles Stanley has always been one of the foremost Christian teachers and this book is no exception.  He breaks down the steps in the simplest forms and uses stories to reinforce.  I find that I'm most receptive to this type of "self help" books.  I found this book easy to read and follow.  It took me a LONG time to read this because I would read a chapter, let it sink in, read it again while changing my thoughts and actions to reflect the teaching.  If you are looking to take your walk with God a step further I highly recommend this book! 


I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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I'm going!!!! Are YOU? #wofimage

I'm SO excited!!  BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson Books) invited ME to go to the Women of Faith IMAGINE! conference in Philadelphia, PA.  I've always wanted to attend a Women of Faith Conference but could never manage it.  Now I'm going and I can wait.  If you want to see who will be there, you can check here:

Women of Faith

Has anyone been to one of these conferences?  What was your experience like?

Love and Blessings!
Margaret