Book Review "A Life Creative" by Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart

 

 

This book is an amazing inspiration to those mothers who are modern and crafty that use Pinterest, and blogs to help inspire their creative side. I loved this book other that the fact that it is naturally assumed that being a mom has stifled your creative side, if anything being a mother and grandmother made my creative side perk up more than ever. Everywhere I looked and everything I saw I would get ideas of how I wanted to use everything or up cycle an item for a different use.

 

Mothers automatically take on creative roles when coming to ideas for Halloween costumes, ideas for birthday parties, decorating children's rooms in a creative colorful theme that will be the envy of all other littles. As my children have gotten older and now I have become a grandmother my creative side shines even more. I now sew boutique clothes (had boys now a grand daughter in the mix), make hairbows, and blog. "Life Creative" is an amazing book and every mother needs to read this book.

 

 

Book Review "A Beauty Refined" by Tracie Peterson

 

 

 

"A Beauty Refined" is a Christian historical romance novel written by Tracie Peterson. I absolutely love any book written by Tracie Peterson, this one was no exception. There is just enough mystery and romance to keep you turning the pages till there are no more. Definitely one that is hard to put down as I have come to expect from Peterson. Phoebe travels to America with her father from their German home to source sapphires for a client. Phoebe meets Ian and Ian realizes that Phoebe does not know the true nature of her father or the family secrets including the fact that her father has an abusive nature (has led Phoebe to believe that her mother is dead). Phoebe turns to Ian for advice and due to his troubled personal history he believes in complete honesty. What Phoebe wants is not what her father has planned for her This book is about discerning God's will, which becomes especially difficult by being brought up without a religious foundation, add to that the family secrets that have the potential to place Phoebe in danger. This is a must read, book 2 in the sapphire brides series, each book can be read as a standalone.

 

Disclosure I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for a true unbiased review of this book.

Book Review "The Inheritance" by Michael Phillips

If you are looking for a fast paced action filled book "The Inheritance" is not the book for you. If you are looking for a tale that slowly unwinds and focuses on what is happening beneath the surface of things then I imagine you will like "The Inheritance". Michael Phillips writes in a slow, classical style not unlike George MacDonald (Victorian Scottish author whose writings were foundational in leading C.S. Lewis from Atheism to Christianity). Phillips did not want MacDonald's novels being lost to history so he made it his goal to bring his name back to prominence he published updated and edited editions of his writings as well as in their original editions.  Fans already know and love his style, but people unfamiliar with his writing might want to consider what they are looking for in a story. 


"The Inheritance" is a historical fiction book that takes place a small Scottish island (this intrigued me because I am of Scottish, Irish descent). I am major ADD, so I had a hard time following the story as it jumps from places and people. This is the first book in "The Secrets of the Shetlands" series, not sure I will read anymore as I have to be more drawn in. Do not get me wrong Phillips is an excellent author this just was not the book for me.

Disclosure I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest unbiased review of this book.



Book Review "Fetching Sweetness" by Dana Mentink

"Fetching Sweetness" is a breath of fresh air, this book is just what I needed to get out of my fall funk. This is the 2nd book in Dana Mentink's series "Sit, Stay, Love. I did not read the first in his series, but if this book is any indication it will be top on my must read list. This was a heartwarming story with lots of animal feel goodliness, and trust me I am one for that all da long as I am an animal lover especially dogs. I love how Dana weaves her tales around a central pet that one just can’t help but want to meet.

Sweetness steals the show. Imagine an oversized dog with a penchant for spatulas and rescuing things (this is so my rescue dog Harley). His antics keep the two main characters on their toes and kept me smiling through the book.
Stephanie and Rhett are two characters both struggling in their walk with God. Their adventures through the Pacific Northwest basically brings them to their knees and to the point of seeking God’s will instead of their own.
If you love animals and Contemporary Christian fiction this is a great book to end your summer vacation on. You might find yourself heading off to the shelter to see if you can find a  your own Sweetness (or Harley).

Disclosure I received a complimentary copy of this book fro the publisher for an honest unbiased review of this book.