Review: Until You Find Strength by Jason F. Wright

Until You Find Strength:

A Message of Comfort for When Your Grief Feels Too Heavy

by Jason F. Wright

Book Description: 

Everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, but author Jason F. Wright has learned from his own life some key principles to regaining your footing and finding tranquility after a devastating loss. 

This beautifully illustrated book helps remind those who are grieving that they are never alone in their pain and heartache. 

Review:

I reviewed an electronic version from the publisher, so I’m not totally certain how the final product ended up. But, with what I saw this is a sweet book and seems like it would be a good gift for someone who lost a loved one. I was thinking of a few people while I read it and wondered how they’re getting along now that it’s been awhile since their loved one passed. I liked the advice the author gave at the end for things that can help you get through your grief. This is definitely a book I’d consider buying for someone who lost a loved one.

About the Author:

Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of seventeen books. He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. 

Book Review: Catastophes and Heroes by Jerry Borrowman

Catastophes and Heroes by Jerry Borrowman

Book Description:

A century of the industrial age saw unprecedented leaps in technology and engineering, from the first flight of an airplane to the first flight of humans to the moon. But alongside these awe-inspiring achievements were horrible disasters caused by faulty engineering or careless judgement. Catastrophes and Heroes explores eight such disasters and recognizes the unheralded heroes who stepped up to save others in times of great danger.

Included in this collection are the stories of female phone operators who, despite being in the path of destruction after the Los Angeles St. Francis Dam collapsed in 1928, stayed on the job to warn others to evacuate, Ernest Hemingway, who assisted survivors in his own boat after a hurricane destroyed the Florida East Coast Railway in 1935, and Ernest Betts who, though knowing little first aid, saved thirty people after the streamliner train The City of San Francisco crashed in the Nevada mountains in 1939.

Filled with little-known stories and historical insights, this book explores the rich history of the marvels of engineering and technological advances in the span of a century and reveals how the perils, though disastrous, gave rise to heroism and compassion at a time when machines were supposed to do it all.

Rorie's Review:

I have to be in the right mood to read non-fiction, so I was a little hesitant to start this book, but I only got a few pages into it before I was hooked. I find history fascinating, especially when it's told in an entertaining way. Don't get me wrong, this book is not light reading material. The subject matter is pretty dark and depressing, honestly, but the author does a really good job of bringing the reader right into the situation.There were a few times when the technical terminology made it so I had a hard time picturing what was happening (mostly with the first bridge story) but overall, it was a quick and easy read.

I found myself heading to my tablet in-between stories to look up pictures and more information about some of the catastrophes, which I think is the perfect sign that it's a good story. I definitely recommend this book to all history buffs, or really, anyone who enjoys well-written non-fiction.

Andrea's Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting this book was. I don't typically seek out non-fiction, but I was immediately drawn in by the first story about the Steamship Sultana. It blew me away that the overcrowding was to such an extreme. The greed that lead to that awful choice, along with not getting the boiler fixed properly was inexcusable. So many people lost their lives, and it could have been preventable. It was even more sad in that most of the passengers had just been released as prisoners of war. As if they hadn't already been through enough.

I wasn't as drawn to the third story as the others, but on the whole the stories were very eye opening and interesting. I don't recall having learned about any of these stories before, and that surprised me with many of them being such large tragedies.

The bulk of the time in the book seemed to be spent on backstory to the catastrophes. That mostly held by attention, but I wouldn't have minded a little less of that in some of the stories, and more focus on the heroes. They played such an important role and didn't get as much time as I anticipated there would be given that "heroes" is part of the title. 

It was very nice to read that even though these horrible things happened that lessons were learned and many safety measures have been implemented so things like these don't happen again.

Tarah's Review:

History lovers, are you ready for this? This collection of 8 stories of tragedies that were catastrophic, but yet resulted in change for the better and for regular people to become hero's. I hadn't heard of any of these, but with how the book was written it does definitely make me curious enough to go look up more about some of them. 

With any book like this, I think it's typical that I found some of the stories more interesting than others. I also would have appreciated some pictures of each thing so I could better picture it. I did appreciate that the author included where I could find things like YouTube links and such.

I liked that the author told the backstory, and he also told what we learned about it and related it to nowadays. In the Tacoma Narrows Bridge story I found it fascinating that if they would have built the original bridge it would still be there today (they used modern technology to figure this out). 

This book was basically like watching a mini-series on the History Channel. I found that a chapter at a time was the best way for me to enjoy this book. If you are already thinking about Father's Day, I will just tell you that my father-in-law randomly picked this up and read what he could until I got back and had to leave. So there you go...perfect gift idea.

Title: Catastrophes and Heroes

Author: Jerry Borrowman

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: May 2020

ISBN: 1629727393

Source: Review copy from publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Review: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil L. Andersen

The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil L. Andersen

Book Description:

"As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow," Elder Neil L. Andersen promises, "the Savior's divine gifts of repentance and of forgiveness, offered in the beauty of His encompassing love, are certain for those who come unto Him with full purpose of heart."

In this book, Elder Andersen writes especially to those who are "awakening" unto God—those who are just beginning to discover or who seek the divine gifts and power of repentance and forgiveness in their lives. The Divine Gift of Forgiveness is organized in such a way that readers can choose the section or chapter that applies most to them and study it without having to have read from cover to cover. Leaders can similarly recommend specific chapters to those with whom they work. Filled with powerful doctrine along with stories and experiences, this book will help all readers become more devoted disciples of the Savior.

Review:

I spend most of my reading time immersed in fiction, but when the opportunity came to read The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Elder Neil L. Andersen (a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) it struck me as something that would be good for me to read.

I took this book in a bit at a time. It's obviously a deeper sort of read than the page turners I typically seek out. I was particularly touched by the examples Elder Andersen shared of those who had repented of various sins and felt our Heavenly Father's forgiveness. Their heartfelt stories were touching and can help a reader feel not only the importance of repenting, but the blessing and peace that comes from it.

This was a great book to read during this Easter month. Sometimes it's easy to let the holiday go by with only passing thoughts of the Savior, but taking the time to really focus on what the Savoir did for us in the Garden of Gethsemane is so important. Not only that, but it was a good reminder that we have an invitation to not let the sacrifice only go that far. He sacrificed for all of our sins, and it's up to us to then take the daily steps to repent so His sacrifice for us isn't in vain.

Title: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness
Author: Neil L. Andersen
Publisher: Deseret Book
Published: December 2019
ISBN: 1629727415
Source: Review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Review: Bouncing Back by Brandon Carter

Bouncing Back by Brandon Carter

Book Description:

Ever feel like life is kicking you while you're down? That there is no light at the end of the tunnel or want to give up on hoping?

Brandon Carter's book is called "Bouncing Back." It's about his life before and after having brain surgery about 10 years ago. Brandon went from having a successful life as a semi-pro baseball player, to having to learn to walk and talk again post-surgery. He would not accept "no" or "you can't" as an answer, and he fought hard to become who he is today. He overcame the odds to become a youth leader and coach in his church, get a 4.0 GPA in college, and become a scoutmaster. It was during this process that he learned to lean on Christ for his strength, and he has a very strong testimony today because of it.

This story is one of hope and proves that you can do anything no matter who may tell you that you can’t!

Review:

I don't read many memoirs (or much non-fiction for that matter), but an old friend of mine was very touched by Brandon's story and sent me a copy of his book to read.

There's no denying that Brandon's story is inspirational. Coming back after being knocked down in the prime of your life by surgery and many life altering aftereffects due to a brain tumor isn't something that everyone has the willpower to do. Brandon's doctor told him he would never walk again, but he refused to believe that. He worked hard to regain his physical abilities, and he didn't stop there. He came back to the church of his youth after being estranged from it for years and found happiness and fulfillment in his callings and associations. He wanted to improve himself, so he went back to school and did very well.

Brandon shares that his speech was affected, but I didn't truly understand what he meant until I watched one of his videos online. Having watched that I think his accomplishments are even more impressive in this harsh world.

The support he received at the time of his diagnosis and through the surgery and years of recovery was very touching.

The story is told in a bit of an unorthodox manner, jumping back and forth throughout his life. He acknowledges that it might be confusing, and includes a timeline of events in one of the later chapters. While you don't get the polish out of this book that you would with a traditionally published story, it has a wonderful message and is worth the read.

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Title: Bouncing Back
Author: Brandon Carter
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: August 2018
ISBN: 1717972241
Source: eCopy from a friend. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon

Blog Tour: A Different Kind of Strong by Daniel L. Trotter

A Different Kind of Strong by Daniel L. Trotter

Book Synopsis:  

On October 14, 2011, Daniel Trotter began a forty-day fast. He was consumed by the question and desperate to know, what do I do? After thirty days in the wilderness, God sent him home with an answer. It was, “Come back to Me.”

For decades, Daniel was held in thrall to alcohol, drugs, porn, and depression. He had friends, but life had lost all meaning.

During a radical thirty-day fast, Daniel encountered God – and great temptation. Afterward, he lost his wife, and his home, but he gained a new perspective – God’s. He went back to school and graduated with honors. God blessed him with a remarriage to someone who understands his heart and shares his faith. He has found peace and purpose.

Daniel found freedom in God’s love and in following God and living according to his precepts. Daniel’s memoir will show you how God can heal every physical, mental and emotional hurt and help you to become whole.

Review:

I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but found A Different Kind of Strong to be a worthwhile and eye-opening read. One of the best things about the book is that we should never give up hope on someone who has lost their way. Many people probably thought that Daniel wasn't ever going to get clean-that he was a "lost cause", but against the odds he came to realize that he needed to change. And I loved that he had a few people in his life that he could always call on that loved him and were a positive influence-no matter what he'd done. I hope that I can be that kind of person for someone.

Daniel tells his story by going back and forth between the past and the present. Some of his history is quite shocking-maybe even surprising that someone would be willing to share those dark parts of their past with the world. But, we wouldn't truly be able to understand his transformation if he'd held back. You don't often hear about people doing a complete 180 with their lives, and Daniel's story is inspiring.

Never starting with things like drugs, alcohol, and pornography can save you from so much self destruction and hurt. Also, the company you keep makes such a huge difference in your life. We all know these things, but Daniel's story shows really drives it home.

There were a few things that I would have liked more details on (i.e. his fast), but that didn't detract from the messages in the book.


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Tour Giveaway:

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Title: A Different Kind of Strong (Second Edition)
Author: Daniel L. Trotter
Publisher: Open Door
Published: August 2019
ISBN: 1733149503
Source: Review copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon

Spotlight: Invisible Heroes of World War II by Jerry Borrowman

Invisible Heroes of World War II: Extraordinary Wartime Stories of Ordinary People

by Jerry Borrowman

Book Description:

Invisible Heroes of World War II, documents ten fascinating true stories of a diverse group of soldiers and noncombatants from all over the world, including African Americans, women, and Native Americans who worked and fought to keep the world safe from tyranny and oppression. Some were frontline soldiers and spies, while others were engineers, industry workers, or war correspondents and photographers. Without much fanfare, these heroes made noteworthy contributions to the war effort. Some even gave their lives for freedom and liberty. All served with valor and distinction, and their names should never be forgotten.

CONTENTS

• Pat Patton: Abandoned at Bataan
• Nancy Wake: The White Mouse of the French Resistance
• Joseph Hyalmar Anderson: Missing in Action
• Joseph Medicine Crow: The Last War Chief
• Dickey Chapelle: American Journalist
• Navajo Code Talkers: Heroes of the Pacific War
• The Purple Heart Battalion: Rescuing the Texas 1st
• Combat Engineers: Builders and Soldiers
• African Americans at War: Heroes Despite Prejudice
• Rosie the Riveter: Women in the War Industries

About the Author:

Jerry is the author of 18 published books, including five World War I and World War II biography and non-fiction. He also has five historical fiction books from the period. An experienced researcher, he has studied Operation Overlord (the Normandy landings) in detail and has led two World War II Battlefields tours that followed the path of Allied Expeditionary Force as they fought to liberate Europe, with ops in England, France, Belgium, and Germany.

Title: Invisible Heroes of World War II: Extraordinary Wartime Stories of Ordinary People
Author: Jerry Borrowman
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: May 2019
ISBN: 1629724173

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Blog Tour: Living the Parables by Hank Smith with Kathryn Jenkins

Reviews * Giveaway

Living the Parables: Applying Christ's Teachings to Our Lives

by Hank Smith with Kathryn Jenkins

Book Description:

As the world’s greatest teacher, Jesus Christ used His skills as a storyteller to teach and inspire His followers. The parables of Christ contain a wealth of guidance, but the deeper meaning of His words can sometimes be difficult to decipher. Now, best-selling authors Hank Smith and Kathryn Jenkins—known and loved for their ability to approach gospel topics in a clear, light, and understandable way—take a careful look at the finer points of the Savior’s stories. They uncover the profound spiritual lessons hidden within and illustrate practical and accessible application for our day. In Living the Parables: Applying Christ’s Teachings to Our Lives, readers are presented with commentary from generations of Church leaders and religious scholars, as well as modern-day interpretations of the underlying significance of each account. This volume will inspire followers of Christ to draw on the power of His Atonement by embracing a deeper understanding of His parables.

Andrea's Review:

I found the Living the Parables to be such a timely read as it went along with my study of the New Testament. It is definitely a book to keep on hand and to refer back to. I appreciated the side explanations about things like why foot washing was so important in Jesus' day and the information about the writers of the Four Gospels. There were some jokes and humor (which I think Hank Smith is known for) that at times was a bit much for me, but on the whole I enjoyed the presentation. I liked the inclusion of historical and modern tidbits, along with quotes from prophets and apostles that helped me understand the why of many of the parables. 

Rorie's Review:

I have never had the pleasure of hearing Hank Smith speak, but my oldest son has, and he really enjoyed the fireside. I was hesitant to read this book at first, mostly because I have to be in the right mood to read nonfiction. I'm glad I chose to read it though.

With the new Come, Follow Me program this year, I've been making more of an effort to study the New Testament than I ever have. This book is a great resource to use alongside my studies. The author does a really good job at explaining the meanings of the parables, as well as giving the reader several valuable insights.

I'm hoping that I can get my oldest to read this book too, I really think he'd get a lot out of it as well.

Tarah's Review:

What a great book to have this year while studying the New Testament. Especially if you have a family with kids that like Hank Smith. I love how this book is broken down. It is really useful and easy to find a specific parable if that is what you are studying. I enjoy how this book is written in more of a someone talking to me style. Smith makes it not only enjoyable, but easy to understand. More importantly, he makes it applicable to every day use.

A lot of the parables were not easy for me to understand, but the culture and the setting is explained in a way that makes the parables really come alive. In fact, while reading one of the chapters I felt like it was something I really wanted my kids to hear. I have five kids ranging in age from 6-13. My three older kids really sat down and listened to me read an entire chapter. They even requested I read the next one. Is that going to happen every time and with every family? No. However, when they do have questions it's nice that this book explains the parables in a way that is interesting for me and entertaining for them.

I will be using this book often and I will definitely keep it and use during this years study of the New Testament.

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Living the Parables

Author: Hank Smith with Kathryn Jenkins
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: May 2019
ISBN: 1524410357
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Slave Stealers by Timothy Ballard

Slave Stealers by Timothy Ballard

Book Description:

Follow two abolitionists who fought one of the most shockingly persistent evils of the world:  human trafficking and sexual exploitation of slaves. Told in alternating chapters from perspectives spanning more than a century apart, read the riveting 19th century first-hand account of Harriet Jacobs and the modern-day eyewitness account of Timothy Ballard.

Harriet Jacobs was an African-American, born into slavery in North Carolina in 1813. She thwarted the sexual advances of her master for years until she escaped and hid in the attic crawl space of her grandmother’s house for seven years before escaping north to freedom. She published an autobiography of her life, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, which was one of the first open discussions about sexual abuse endured by slave women. She was an active abolitionist, associated with Frederick Douglass, and, during the Civil War, used her celebrity to raise money for black refugees. After the war, she worked to improve the conditions of newly-freed slaves.

As a former Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security who has seen the horrors and carnage of war, Timothy Ballard founded a modern-day “underground railroad” which has rescued hundreds of children from being fully enslaved, abused, or trafficked in third-world countries. His story includes the rescue and his eventual adoption of two young siblings—Mia and Marky, who were born in Haiti.

Section 2 features the lives of five abolitionists, a mix of heroes from past to present, who call us to action and teach us life lessons based on their own experiences: Harriet Tubman—The “Conductor”; Abraham Lincoln—the “Great Emancipator”; Little Mia—the sister who saved her little brother; Guesno Mardy—the Haitian father who lost his son to slave traders; and Harriet Jacobs—a teacher for us all.

Andrea's Review:

I learned about Operation Underground Railroad a few years ago when I heard Timothy Ballard speak at a women's conference. I didn't realize that modern day slavery was going on, and my eyes were definitely opened. It's shocking and heartbreaking!

Since then I've tried to be educated and do what I can to help. When I heard about Slave Stealers I couldn't resist agreeing to review it. Non-fiction isn't my genre of choice, but this is such an important topic.

Not being a football fan, I'd never heard of Mike Tomlin, the writer of the forward, but I was immediately impressed by him. His passion for good and his faith really drew me to him. It was a great way to start this book.

The format of alternating chapters between past and present-day slave accounts was engaging. It was difficult content, but I learned so much. I'm not sure why certain aspects of our history have been largely left in the past, but I think it's so important for books like these to bring them to light. Change is very difficult without learning from our past. I really admire Timothy Ballard and his organization for all of the good they are doing around the world rescuing so many children enslaved in sex trafficking.

I highly recommend Slave Stealers. It deals with a very difficult subject, but is such a worthwhile read.

Rorie's Review:

It's not often that a non-fiction book hits me as hard as this one did. I've heard a little bit here and there about Timothy Ballard and his organization, and have always thought he was pretty amazing to do what he does, but this book is just...wow...I don't often post on my personal social media pages about books I read, but this is one that I will recommend that everyone reads.

Having recently read "Women of the Blue and Gray," I was a bit familiar with Harriet Jacobs' story, but Timothy goes more in depth into her story in this book. The book focuses on her story (and other key players in the fight against slavery back in the 1800's) for one chapter and then the next chapter focuses on a modern-day slave rescue story.

Harriet was an amazing woman, and did so much for so many people, even though she went through so much horror in her life. The modern-day stories that are shared in this book are also heartbreaking and hit closer to home, because these things are still happening today, right under our noses. As I was reading, I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it would be for these undercover operatives to have to pretend to be such sick, twisted, degraded human beings. But I'm so glad that they do it, because they get the blessings of rescuing some of these people who have been forced into such an awful lifestyle.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to read Slave Stealers and look forward to sharing this book and Operation Underground Railroad with anyone who will listen to me talk about it.





Title: Slave Stealers
Author: Timothy Ballard
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2018
ISBN: 162972484X
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: Women of the Blue & Gray by Marianne Monson

Women of the Blue & Gray by Marianne Monson

Book Description:

Hidden amongst the photographs, uniforms, revolvers, and war medals of the Civil War are the remarkable stories of some of the most unlikely heroes—women.

North, South, black, white, Native American, immigrant—the women in these micro-drama biographies are wives, mothers, sisters, and friends whose purposes ranged from supporting husbands and sons during wartime to counseling President Lincoln on strategy, from tending to the wounded on the battlefield to spiriting away slaves through the Underground Railroad, from donning a uniform and fighting unrecognized alongside the men to working as spies for either side.

This book brings to light the incredible stories of women from the Civil War that remain relevant to our nation today. Each woman's experience helps us see a truer, fuller, richer version of what really happened in this country during this time period.

Rorie's Review:

This book was equally fascinating and heartbreaking, spellbinding and hard to read. I'm no history buff, but I have always found stories of our history fascinating. Upon choosing to read this book, I was hopeful that it would be less dry, history bookish and more historical storyish. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. This is definitely a book that you read a chapter or two at a time, taking time to digest what you've just read. War is horrifying, no matter how necessary it is, and even after reading so many of those details in this book, I can't even begin to imagine just how awful it was to live through for all of the people affected by it. It definitely reinforces my desire to raise my children to be good, morally-strong people. Also to help them learn of our nation's history - without whitewashing it - so they can hopefully help prevent atrocities like this from happening again.

Andrea's Review:

I don't spend many of my reading hours on non-fiction, but I was drawn to Women of the Blue & Gray. I think most of the draw was that women haven't really taken much of a role in what I've learned about the Civil War-or who I think about when I picture it. Of course, I've heard of Harriet Tubman and her work with the Underground Railroad and Harriet Beecher Stowe's book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the part it played in the Civil War, and Clara Barton, but I don't recall having ever been taught that quite a few women (both in the North and South) joined the ranks and fought side by side with the men (mostly in disguise). The stories shared about those women really surprised me.

It was eye opening to read about all of the different ways that women were involved with the Civil War. Not only were some women fighting, but many were nurses, and others were writers and activists. Many mothers were widowed and had so much on their plates while they tried to protect and nurture their children all while dealing with troops in their homes and scarce supplies.

It was so interesting to have view points from the North and the South. Women on both sides felt very strongly about their cause, and it was good to try to understand why they felt the way they did.

Women of the Blue & Gray was not a fast read for me. I read a few pages at a time, but I found it to be enlightening. I don't think I will be able to think about the Civil War from here on out without thinking of the many women who were involved.

Title: Women of the Blue & Gray
Author: Marianne Monson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: August 2018
ISBN: 1629724157
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Our Family Christmas by Christie Gardiner

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Our Family Christmas

Creating Meaningful and Memorable Christ-Centered Traditions

by Christie Gardiner

Book Description:

Draw closer to the Savior as you set aside a few minutes each day to celebrate the season with your family using this inspiring, fun-filled countdown to Christmas as your guide. From Christmas songs to holiday stories to activities for old and young alike, this compilation of Christ-centered ideas is designed with one goal in mind: to bring families closer together and closer to Christ this holiday season. Whether you're taking a quick moment to connect or are engaging in a longer opportunity to create memories, the stories, recipes, activities, and music on these pages are just the beginning of faith affirming togetherness for families of all ages and stages during the Christmas season.

Andrea's Review:

Our Family Christmas is a beautiful, hard-cover book, with wonderful pictures, tempting recipes, and classic Christmas hymns. The book has a chapter for December 1st through December 25, and "is an invitation to draw ourselves and our families closer to the Savior by taking a few minutes a day to celebrate, have fun, and connect." I really love that idea, and have been thinking about how my family would really be strengthened by focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and helping those in need.

I am saving most of the book for this Christmas season with my family, but I loved the first quote in the book. It is from Thomas S. Monson and it says, "Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christmas." That first chapter for December 1st really sets a good tone, and has made me very excited to start using this with my family.

The story for December 2nd made me cry. It is very touching, and I hope my family will be moved by it as much as I was. I'm excited to see what each new chapter brings.

If you are looking to make this Christmas Season more meaningful for your family, I'd recommend that you check out Our Family Christmas.


Tarah's Review:

You want to know what one of my favorite things about this book? I love that she has three options for you. For each day she has a 1 Hour Countdown, a 20 Minute Countdown and a 5 Minute Countdown. I would love for my holiday season to be Pinterest worthy every day, but let's face it. That's not my life. My life is full of chaos and craziness, and I love it, but it's...chaotic and crazy :) I love that you have the options. Somedays, maybe I could do the hour activity. Most days I'll be lucky if I get to the 5 minute one. And you know what? That's okay. It's all about creating memories with my family, and these memories don't all have to be grand.  Something simple can create just as good memories as the big stuff. She says in the book, "There is no guilt here. If all you can do is pull four activies from this book for some meaningful family nights, that is enough! You do what you can do, and don't pressure yourself above what you can handle." Which I know, but sometimes it's nice to get the permission to do it too.

I feel like there is something for everyone in this book. "Each chapter consists of six parts: 1) A quote or scripture. 2)A story, poem, or other insight. 3) Ideas for counting down. 4) A recipe you can make. . . or not. 5) A hymn or song. 6) A question to prompt your journaling. I don't plan on doing all 6 things. Some of the stories I liked more than others, and baking, much to my families chagrin, is not my calling in life, but it's all there for me. No matter what I choose to do, it's there and it's handy. Merry Christmas to me!

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 30^th: https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/, http://iamareader.com/
*Oct. 31^st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
*Nov. 1^st: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
*Nov. 2^nd: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
*Nov. 3^rd: http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Our Family Christmas: Creating Meaningful and Memorable Christ-Centered Traditions
Author: Christie Gardiner
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1524402516
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Seagull Book

Blog Tour: 100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament by Shauna Humphreys

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100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament by Shauna Humphreys

Book Description:

Studying—and truly understanding—the Old Testament can feel like an insurmountable task. But in this wonderful compilation of 100 of the most beloved Old Testament verses, author Shauna Humphreys reminds readers that this sacred book of scripture is brimming with treasures of wisdom for those prepared to seek them. Presented with complementary spiritual insights, vibrant explanations, and personal applications, each verse will motivate readers to delve into these sacred and powerful teachings as never before. Whether used in personal study or incorporated into family discussions or Church lessons, this inspiring volume is sure to enlighten the mind and stir the heart.

Andrea's Review:

My attention was grabbed when I read the part of the book description for 100 Favorite Verses from the Old Testament that said "truly understanding the Old Testament". I read the Old Testament years ago as part of a seminary class, and several years after that I attempted it on my own. However, I was so put off by what I couldn't understand that I soon gave up.

When 100 Favorite Verses from the Old Testament arrived in my mailbox I was very surprised to find a 200 page book. Although I wasn't anticipating two pages per verse (I'm not sure how else you'd understand the verses without some good explanations-I just hadn't thought that part through), I was very impressed with the look of the book. It is a lovely, stitched leather (faux?) hardcover with debossed titles and silver gilded pages. It will fit very well next to your scriptures.

This isn't a one sitting kind of book. It's a study guide of sorts, or maybe something you'd use for family nights or devotionals. My goal is to read a chapter a day (so one verse and explanation per day), and it has been an enjoyable experience so far. The author gives some great insights, and there is definitely food for thought.

Rorie's Review:

First off, this book! It is so nice looking - almost elegant, really. Second, while I haven't finished the whole book yet, I am very pleased with the presentation so far. I really struggle with scripture study, especially in the Bible, because I have such a hard time understanding what a lot of the scriptures even mean. As a result, I have purchased several styles of scripture help books. Many of them I've ended up reselling or donating, because they just didn't give me the additional help that I need to gain some great scriptural insights. I think this one will be a keeper though. I really like how the author focuses on one scripture at a time and then spends two pages talking about it, linking other scriptures to it, and giving some great insights.

This is not a book that is best read in one sitting. This is something that I have added to my daily scripture time, and I read/study one verse a day, along with my other reading that I'm doing. This is a small enough book that you can take it with you and pull it out to read when you're waiting for carpool pickup, in line at a store, or at the doctor's office. I'm very happy to add this book to my collection.

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 16^th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*Oct. 17^th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 18^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 19^th: http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 20^th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Title: 100 Favorite Verses From the Old Testament
Author: Shauna Humphreys
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1524403938
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Book Review: Even This by Emily Belle Freeman

 

Book Description:

Even This invites readers to make room for daily personal experiences with God. From the very first page readers will walk down a spiritual path meant to remind each of us that God will meet us in the unexpected, bringing His goodness, giving us cause to trust, reminding us of His capacity. Filled with deeply personal stories about holding onto belief, daring to trust, and longing for understanding, Even This chronicles one woman's quest to find God in the everyday moments-with one of the most powerful experiences taking place as she searches for sea shells while walking on the beach-and provides many opportunities for individual introspection. -Yes, God is good and He can be trusted, - Freeman concludes, -and it is the daily discovery of these truths that has the potential to become the greatest journey of a life and lead us closer to Him.-

Ultimately, the author hopes Even This will encourage and motivate readers to:

• Stop letting fear dictate the depth of your belief through simple daily reflections that will restore your confidence in God.
• Let go of your need to control by discovering what is holding you back from being completely vulnerable in your relationship with God.
• Diminish the power of doubt by coming to understand why the place of deepest asking is where the believing begins.
• Learn how to trust that God may have something entirely different in mind than you could ever anticipate--something better.

Rorie's Review:

With non-fiction books, it's a sign of how well I liked it by how many pages I have turned down by the time I finish. This book has a lot. :) This book isn't the typical "self-help" book that I've read in the past, where the author has a concrete beginning, middle and ending and you finish the book with the grand conclusion of how the author got to be in a better place (or how you as the reader should be in a better place if you've followed the steps outlined in the book.) This book was more like rambling thoughts of the author. There didn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to each chapter, and to be honest, some of them left me feeling kind of depressed.

But (and this is a big but) that's OK. Because life is not one happy package, tied up in a bow where if you do a, b and c, you will be totally happy and have no more trials or problems. No. Life is messy. You can do all in your power to do everything right, and you might continue to get trial after trial. Or, you might not. Instead of having big, noticeable trials, you might have smaller ones that aren't visible to anyone but you. But the wonderful thing about this book is that the author has been there, and she gets it. She understands how someone feels when horrible things happen and they start to wonder where God is in all of this. She understands how easy it is to try to dictate to God how you want your life to go, and then you get disappointed when His plan is so much different than yours is.

I love how the author points out that instead of giving God a to-do list, maybe we should ask Him what He would have us do. And then wait for the answers, and when you get them - do them. I also love how she points out that even though it may seem to us like nothing is happening, that doesn't mean that God isn't working for us. It may take days, weeks, months, even years for us to see His hand in certain situations, but that doesn't mean that He's abandoned us. Because He will never do that.

Like just about any non-fiction book I've read, this book is one that you take in small doses. You read a bit, ponder it for awhile, and then come and read some more. But this book, even though almost feeling hopeless in some places, is a very good read and offers the reader a lot of hope, if only they will completely turn their lives over to God.

Andrea's Review:

I must preface my review by saying that I don't read very much non-fiction. I prefer a lovely escape when I read-usually mind candy. But something about Even This called to me when I was given the chance to review it. It took me awhile to get started though (as is my usual hesitation with non-fiction), but I was really drawn in by what the author had to say. That doesn't mean that I read it all non-stop. I'd read a bit here and there, but that worked well with how the book was put together. It is a bit jumbled, but her experiences were relatable (and somewhat heartbreaking).

In the first section there is a chapter called "Tethered" and I liked how when the author was talking about Moses that she repeated "But, one experience with God's goodness doesn't tie you to Him forever" several times. It's so true. You can have an amazing, miraculous experience, but then life happens and time passes and you can stumble. In that same section she also mentions that along with the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea that God also took care of "the mud, the sludge, the mess". I hadn't thought about that before-so eye opening. Then she talks about the manna and how God sent it every day for 40 years, and how the people came to hate it. I really hadn't thought about that. Am I taking the time to recognize the daily miracles and blessings I get from God? I know I can do much better at that!

Along with the scriptural insights, I was touched by the author's personal stories. She definitely had some hard times in her life where she doubted and struggled. It was touching to see how she made it through and past those experiences. I appreciate her being willing to share those things in order for all of us to see and appreciate God's hand in our lives. He is always there for us. We just need to look and accept his help.

Tarah's Review:

Even This is not my typical want-to-read book. However, when I read the description, I thought, "Yes, that is something that would be good for me." And you know, it really was.

I did struggle with her almost poetic way of telling a story, and how we never get ending details. But, the meat of what she was saying really got me thinking, and I found myself saying, "Yes, I agree with that" or "Wow, I've never thought of it that way before."

My favorite parts of this book are when she looks at scripture stories in just a little different way. She points to things that even though I have read them multiple times before, I've never seen it that way.

I will be recommending this book to my reader friends, and hopefully I'll have the courage to start on my own journey. 

 
Title: Even This
Author: Emily Belle Freeman
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: Sept 2017
ISBN:  162972338X
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: Compassionate Soldier by Jerry Borrowman

 Compassionate Soldier

Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield

by Jerry Borrowman

Book Description:

Compassionate Soldier illuminates some of the most fascinating and yet largely unknown stories of men and women whose humanity led them to perform courageous acts of mercy and compassion amid the chaos and carnage of war. Arranged by war from the American Revolution to the Iraq War and global in perspective, it features extraordinary stories of grace under fire from valiant soldiers and noncombatants who rose above the inhumanity of lethal conflict and chose compassion, even knowing their actions could put their lives and liberty at risk.

Included in this collection are the stories of Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War who disobeyed orders and brought blankets and water to the wounded from both North and South during the Battle of Fredericksburg; Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier during the American Revolution who had the chance to kill George Washington, but refused to shoot a man in the back; and Oswald Boelcke, a German WWI flying ace who was one of the most influential tacticians of early air combat, but was known for making sure the airmen he shot down made it to the ground alive.

These inspirational stories illustrate that even in the midst of unspeakable horrors of war, acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, and humanity can prevail and, in doing so, expand our conventional thinking of honor and battlefield glory.

Review:

This book is a wonderful collection of true stories that, for lack of a better phrase, gives you warm fuzzies, and renewed faith in humanity. I've never been able to really wrap my head around war-it seems like such a barbaric method to get what you want. But, it is, sadly, the way of our world, and it was refreshing to read about some unlikely heroes. 

Compassionate Soldier is perfect to read one of the 15 stories at a time, or several. It's not a long book, but if you have a short period of time it's nice to read one story and then come back to the book when you can. Historical information is given in the different sections, and also some information about other people who influenced the events at the time. 

One thing that stood out to me came in Chapter 3. Kaiser Wilhelm II is not looked at very favorably in history, but this chapter shared that during the war he granted a British officer, who was a prisoner of war, leave to visit his ailing mother. It was nice to read about compassion and trust.

I received an advanced reader's edition of this book, and sadly this version is missing the pictures that are at the beginning of each chapter. I'm sure they are a great addition.

Title: Compassionate Soldier
Author: Jerry Borrowman
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: May 2017
ISBN: 1629722928
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Book Review: An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker

An Unseen Angel

A Mother's Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing After Sandy Hook

By Alissa Parker

Andrea's Review:

I thought this would be a really hard book to read, and it was. I had to read in small bits (sometimes just a chapter at a time) because the tears/crying headache were too much. Sandy Hook was such a horrible event in our country. I cannot imagine sending my kids to school and getting a call that there's been a shooting, and then never seeing my child alive again. The act of the gunman is unthinkable. These little first graders were 100% innocent. It was truly a heartbreaking incident.

Time and time again as I read this book I thought about how good people are. Some of the acts of kindness (often by strangers) may have seemed like small things to the givers, but they all added up to huge actions that helped a family in a horrible time of crisis. The police officer washing and returning the clothing, the gifts of stuff animals and flowers from the airline employees, the police escorts, the co-workers donating their paid time off. So many things that just made me think about the goodness in this world.

It is inspiring to see that Alissa and her family were not destroyed by this tragedy. They suffered immensely, but they held strong to each other and their faith and lifted each other up in their worst moments. 

One of the most important messages to me in this book is the message of forgiveness. I've never dealt with anything remotely close to this situation (and I hope I never have to), but I have been hurt and held onto bitter feelings. I can testify that when you let those bitter feeling go your life is so much better! Those feelings are truly a weight that holds us down. Forgiveness is an important part of the healing process. Alissa's ability to get to a point to recognize that Adam Lanza is also a child of God, loved by our Heavenly Father, helped her on her road to forgiveness. It was a major struggle, but over time she was not only able to forgive him, but to feel love and compassion for him.

Rorie's Review:

Have plenty of tissues nearby. And don't read this book when you're in a public place, like your son's piano lessons for example. I knew from the moment I chose to read this book that it would be difficult. Heartbreaking. And it was. But this book is not about the tragedy of losing her beautiful daughter. It is about how she was able to heal from that horrible tragedy. This book is full of sorrow and pain, but it is also full of hope, peace, forgiveness, and love. 

I have always thought that if I lost one of my children, the only way I'd be able to make it through it would be because of my faith. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and horror and heartache that the Parker family went through. I love that Alissa stated that she never thought to blame God for this tragedy, instead she immediately turned to Him to help her through the tragedy.

My heart warmed at reading just how many wonderful people stepped up and helped out after the shooting. It was so wonderful to see how much good there is, especially in the face of such horrible evil.

This is a tough book to read, especially if you have young children, but it is oh, so worth the tears and heartache, because it leaves you feeling uplifted and at peace. 

Title: An Unseen Angel
Author: Alissa Parker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: April 2017
ISBN: 1629722790
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Review: Christmas Greetings from the Presidents

 Christmas Greetings from the Presidents

Book Description:

Every Christmas since Calvin Coolidge in 1927, the President of the United States has delivered a holiday message to the American people. Gathered in this volume are selections from those messages along with a brief glimpse into the history unfolding at that time. For example, what FDR said during Christmas 1941 is made even more poignant knowing that the attack on Pearl Harbor had happened just weeks earlier. Likewise, one of President Reagan’s Christmas messages is even more impressive knowing that the Iron Curtain was about to come down.

These little-known messages are filled with the spirit of Christmas and remind us that patriotism has a place in our holiday celebrations.

Review:

Christmas Greetings from the Presidents is such an eye opening collection of not only the actual messages the Presidents made, but also the history surrounding each message. I haven't made any effort to read these messages until now, and I found it extremely enlightening. I was also very impressed by the references to Christ and us being Children of God many of the earlier Presidents included in their messages. The departure from that was sad (the historical notes spoke of legal action causing the star topping the tree changing to a snowflake and not being able to include a nativity in the ceremony), although there were still many references to love and peace. The photographs throughout the book were a great addition to this worthwhile read.

Title:  Christmas Greetings from the Presidents
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2016
ISBN: 1629722200
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Review: She Stood for Freedom by Loki Mulholland

She Stood for Freedom:

The Untold Story of a Cilvil Rights Hero, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland

by Loki Mulholland

Book Description:

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland grew up in Virginia in the 1950s and witnessed the injustice of segregation firsthand. As a teenager, she joined the Civil Rights Movement, attending demonstrations and sit-ins. Because of her passionate belief in the cause, she was involved in several important and historically significant events, including

• The Freedom Rides of 1961
• The Woolworth's lunch counter sit-ins in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963
• The March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963
• The Selma to Montgomery March in 1965

Joan says, "Anyone can make a difference. It doesn't matter how old or young you are. Find a problem, get some friends together, and go fix it. Remember, you don't have to change the world ... just change your world."

Filled with original photography, images of historical documents, and breathtaking artwork, She Stood for Freedom is a celebration of the effect a single life can have on the world.

Review:

When I heard about a civil rights book that was written for middle grade readers, I was intrigued on behalf of my children. I wasn't sure how well the points would come across being written for ages 8-12, but I thought it was well done. I don't recall having heard about Joan Trumpauer Mulholland before, but her story is very interesting.

I can't imagine taking a stand like Joan took (especially back then). Her life was in danger by fighting for civil rights. I would like to think that if I saw such an injustice that I'd do something about it, but I'm such a rule keeper that doing anything that could put me in jail is just hard to imagine.

My nine-year-old thought this was a good book and very interesting. He doesn't usually read this type of book, but thought he'd probably try to read more like this.

My almost thirteen-year-old thought it was a good story to talk about, although she thought it was written for a younger audience than what she usually reads. She liked the artwork (both the memorabilia and the illustrations).

About the Author:

Loki Mulholland is an award-winning filmmaker. His film, An Ordinary Hero, tells his mother's story and is featured at the National Civil Rights Museum and at www.anordinaryhero.com. He is the Execute Director of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation.

About the Artist:

CHARLOTTA JANSSEN was born in Maine to German parents. She studied art at the University of the Arts in Berlin, Germany. Her art has been showcased in more than forty gallery exhibitions worldwide, and she has been featured in American Art Collector magazine, The New Yorker, New York Daily News, The Tennessean, Oprah.com, and HipHopWired.com.

Title: She Stood for Freedom: The Untold Story of a Cilvil Rights Hero, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland

Author: Loki Mulholland
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: August 2016
ISBN: 1629721778
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book