Review: Christianish: What If We're Not Really Following Jesus at All?

Christianish: What If We're Not Really Following Jesus at All? by Mark Steele
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christianish: What If We're Not Really Following Jesus at All?

From the Cover

It may feel like authentic faith. It may even look like the real deal. Yet it's often easy to settle for the souvenir t-shirt—the appearance of a transformed heart—instead of taking the actual trip through true life-change. We find ourselves settling for a personal faith that's been polluted by culture, and diluted by other people's take on spirituality.

Christianish tells the story of one man's journey to move from the in-between to a life that's centered on Christ. To move forward, author Mark Steele goes back to the beginning, to examine Christ's life and words. Through stories and insights that are sometimes profound, often hilarious, and always honest, Mark delivers a compelling look at what our faith is all about.

My Review
This was a great book to read. Jesus tells us he will spit lukewarm Christians from his mouth (Rev. 3:16). This author challenged himself to step out of that lukewarm mode to become boiling hot! Throughout the book he uses examples and stories to engage the reader. At the end of each chapter, he provides a diagram and questions to help readers stretch to that boiling point. I appreciated that this was not hit you over the head preaching but subtle urging to give our all to Him. It took me longer to read this book because I had to "stew" on each chapter days to absorb it. I definitely recommend this book for those who are looking to reach beyond the stretch.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees

Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees by Grace Mattioli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees

Book Description
Silvia Greco's family is anything but peaceful and hasn't been together in over six years. But when her brother graduates high school, Silvia is drafted into helping her mother organize a family gathering and welcomes the challenge. In her journey to make peace in her quirky, feuding family, she learns that peace isn't something that's freely existing but something that needs to be cultivated. In other words, she learns that olive branches don't grow on trees.

My Review
I really tried to like this book but unfortunately it really didn't do much for me. It was written well (as far as grammar and such), the characters were defined well and the settings were described well. It reminded me of someone's memoir or biography.  But it was boring, I didn't find much story. It was more like sitting with an acquaintance and listening to her telling me everything that had happened in her life since the last time we met. At times the story just rambled on and I was trying to understand the point. Silvia, the main character, was trying to find herself and understand herself. I got that much out of it. But it was so convoluted and there didn't really seem to be a conclusion to the story. It just ended with the family dinner. I'm sure I missed some deeper meaning but for me, it wasn't worth searching for in this book.

From a Christian Perspective
I have to admit, this book was somewhat disappointing.  I should have known from the description!! I don't agree that peace is cultivated.  I believe peach comes from the Lord which allows you to see the good in others even when you are upset or angry with them.  Silvia was trying to fix things under her own strength which wasn't really working. If only she had turned to Jesus!  Jesus can fix anything.  I also was sad about the lack of hope that run throughout the book.  I think an element of faith and prayer would have mad a huge difference in this book! 

This was a book from my personal Kindle collection.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Saving Hope by Margaret Daley

Saving Hope by Margaret Daley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Saving Hope

Book Description
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

My Review
This is the first book in the Men of the Texas Rangers series and I thought it was fantastic! This thriller had just the right amount of suspense and danger to make it interesting. Kate runs a refuge for girls who had been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. She helps the girls overcome their past by giving them a safe house and a way to reestablish their future. When one of the girls goes missing and is found dead, it seems like Beacon of Hope is under attack. The Texas Rangers become involved and that's when Kate meets Wyatt. While the focus is on recovering the missing girls, there's no question that sparks are flying between the two. When Wyatt's daughter is targeted, then it becomes more critical to find who is behind this sex trafficking ring. As the stories climaxes, it was hard to wait to read the next page!! Definitely recommending this as a great read!

One thing I thought was very important was the need to make sure our young girls know, everyone the meet is not always who they appear to be. Your guard must always be up and you must trust the instincts that God gave you! While this was fiction, the situation was very real and we hear about young girls going missing every day. I think it was smart of the author to weave that into the story. I would have loved to see information for young girls to reach out if they are in a dangerous situation.

From a Christian Perspective
This book was classified as a thriller, but there was a strong Christian theme running throughout.  Kate was obviously a Christian and through her home, she taught the girls the principles of faith.  It was encouraging to see that even in doubt, Rose knew to call out to the Lord (Psalm 116:4)!!  In one passage there was the reminder that the Lord is always with you "When the Lord is with you every step, you can do what you have to do." This is clearly gave Rose the strength she needed to face challenges.  I appreciate that the author was able to keep the thriller element while adding faith in there as well.  Even Wyatt, his daughter and mother were not unaffected by the demonstration of faith.  To me this made the read even more worth it!

This is a book from my private Kindle collection.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret



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Review: Christmas in Magnolia Cove

Christmas in Magnolia Cove by Rachel Hanna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Christmas in Magnolia Cove

Book Description
Madison Carter's life is perfect, or so she thinks. As the top interior designer in Atlanta, clients are clamoring to work with her. She has the town's most eligible and handsome bachelor, Connor Strickland, all wrapped up and ready to marry her. Best of all, she's left her tormented past back in Magnolia Cove.

When she uncovers a secret about her fiance, she flees back to her family in Magnolia Cove - to a mother who loves her, a sister who despises her and a past full of the bullies who made her life miserable in high school.

Can Christmas bring about new opportunities for love, business and forgiveness?

My Review
I love to read Christmas stories so I was looking forward to reading this book. However, it was not quite what I expected. Madison discovers her boyfriend cheating and decides to head back to Magnolia Cove to get away for a while. Once there, she finds herself getting sucked back in to that life and meets up with an old boyfriend when she needs a contractor for a home she purchased. Of course, the romance is rekindled but not without some rockiness. I found this to be a typical romance and nothing really exciting. Nice if you want a quick read.

From a Christian Perspective
It's hard for me to find the Christian Perspective when the book is not written in the Christian genre.  The book did contain situations that were a bit uncomfortable for the Christian reader.  Even so, I think it's important to review ALL types of books so I will continue to do this.  

For this book in particular, there was a lot of focus on romantic love which wasn't necessarily unconditional.  Jesus is very clear when he tells us that we must show unconditional love.   As the story when on, I did find examples of 1 Corinthian 13:4 "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."  Wyatt knew that he had been treated unfairly by Madison in the past.  However he chose kindness over revenge.  Through this he was able to develop a different kind of relationship.  Love is redeeming in this case. 

This book was from my personal Kindle Collection. You can find this book and more on Amazon, Christmas in Magnolia Cove

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: The Shadow on the Quilt

The Shadow on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The Shadow on the Quilt

Book Description
Juliana Sutton’s life looks perfect—from the outside. Until her husband’s untimely death reveals a devastating truth. . . . Cass Gregory is carrying his own dark secrets and feels unworthy to offer comfort to a woman of Juliana’s standing. When circumstances force them together, both Juliana and Cass are wounded and afraid to trust. Will the shadow of her dead husband’s name stand between Juliana and Cass, or will Juliana choose a love she never thought possible?

My Review
This story was much deeper than it initially appeared. In the face of an embarrassing betrayal, Juliana is faced with many choices on how to deal with her husband's death. Not only is she stuck with a behomoth of a house, she is also charged with the care of his elderly aunts. It was quite a pleasure to read through this tale of faith and fortitude. While Juliana went through many different feelings, she grew in her faith and was able to find forgiveness for her husband and others. The Shadow on the Quilt was not what I expected but brought tears to my eyes when it was revealed. Definitely a wonderful read.

From A Christian Perspective
This was a delightful Christian read! Throughout the bible we are taught that forgiveness is important, even for those things we feel should not be forgiven. Matthew 6:14 tells us "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  Juliana was faced with a very difficult choice, to forgive the husband that betrayed her, to reject the woman he betrayed her with and to leave a helpless child alone.   While she struggled, Juliana chose to be obedient to the word of God.  Through this obedience, she was able to draw strength from the Lord and make choices that would reflect His glory in her life.  I think the shadow of the signature left on the quilt was a good reminder of how we can let unforgiveness create a shadow over our lives.  When the signature was added back to the quilt, it represented freedom!

This was a book I received from NetGalley for the purpose of review.  I was not compensated or encouraged to provide a positive review.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: A Moment of Weakness By Karen Kingsbury

A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

A Moment of Weakness

Book Description
Had they found each other again after all these years, only to lose everything that matters most?"
"As children, Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman were best friends--until scandal drove them apart. Then, one golden summer, they find each other again. Through endless days they share their hearts and souls and dreams of forever. Then, in a moment of weakness, they make a decision that will tear them apart for nearly a decade.

In their own separate corners of the country, Jade and Tanner have become fighters for religious freedom. Now Jade's unfaithful husband is determined to destroy her in a custody battle that will rock the nation and shake people's understanding of faith and freedom. Could Jade lose her only child because of her faith? Only one man can help her in her darkest hour. And only one old woman knows the secret about that summer and the truth that can set them all free."

My Review
Once again Karen Kingsbury touches the heart by addressing an issue facing the nation today. Religious freedom is becoming more and more convoluted, especially if you are a Christian. In her novel, Kingsbury tackles this issue dead on. Jade is in danger of losing her son because of her faith and her beliefs. During this difficult time, she has to reach out to Tanner Eastman, the man who she feels betrayed her many years ago. Throughout the story, she has to overcome her bitterness and face people who did everything they could to destroy her relationship with Tanner back then. When she finds the truth, her world is rocked to the core. Tanner helps her to overcome her challenges in regaining custody of her son as well as resolve the issues that tore them apart. Kingsbury weaves a tale like no other! Her attention to detail is amazing and always makes for a great read.

From A Christian Perspection
Being a Christian author, Kingsbury is careful to make God an integral part of the story. It's clear throughout the story that while we are yet sinners, redemption is still available to us. The threads of forgiveness for the unforgivable, faith when everything is against you and strength when you felt you had none, all combine to make this a very powerful story. My recommendation is that you read this book, but keep the tissues nearby!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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Review: Oceans Apart

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Summary from Goodreads

A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness. Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna’s will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he’s never met, the father who doesn’t know he exists: Connor Evans. Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor’s family ? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy?

My Review

Karen Kingsbury always has a way of taking relevant issues and building stories that make you think. This book, Oceans Apart was no exception. From the moment I opened this book, I knew it was going to be a special story. I was right! To take such an issue as infidelity and it's consequences, and weave a story of redemption and grace, just wow!!!

The main character's Connor and Max, had no idea of the existence of each other. Connor's marriage was the picture of perfection, until tragic circumstances caused his world to collide with Max's. The heartbreak of infidelity combined with the very visible consequences in the form of a child, brought Connor to his knees. Not only that, his wife had to examine herself and make some difficult choices regarding the future. In the end, God's grace and mercy allowed the entire family to work through the difficulty and come out on the other side whole and restored.

From a Christian Perspective

There's not much more that I can say other than what the author portrays in the book. We will face many difficult situations in life. We have a choice to face them with God's grace or try to solve them through our own understanding. A verse that is repeated throughout the book is Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." This pretty much sums it up. Either we are going to trust His ways or we are going to fail using our ways.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

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