Derailed by Neta and Dave Jackson

Dave and Neta Jackson will always hold a special place in my heart.  I read my first Yada Yada book in college and it encouraged my prayer life so much.  Since then, I've anxiously awaited more books by them.  I always feel both challenged and encouraged by them.  This book is no exception.

I grew to like the characters in the first book of this series and am so glad to see that Harry Bentley is back!  I love how you can start any of these series and feel complete without reading all of her other books.  But I love that she ties in some familiar characters for those of her readers who have been walking with her through it all!  A familiar face is always nice! 

I love Estelle.  I was so glad to read more about her life and what they had been doing.  The only thing that was a little different for me was that it didn't pick up where the first book left off.  I was really expecting, and probably kind of hoping, that it would.  It parallels the time of the first book.  It was good and didn't take away from the book itself, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.  

I can't wait until 2014 when the next two books in this series will be released.  These are books that stay on my shelf and get loaned out but never given up!

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 

As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.

Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.

We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

ABOUT THE BOOK Forced to give up his hard-earned retirement, Harry Bentley goes back to work as a detective. Receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train. Things suddenly go awry when it appears one of his new neighbors may be part of a smuggling ring and suspicion rises about his own son’s involvement in a major drug cartel. The second in the Windy City Neighbors series, Derailed is a contemporary, and often humorous, tale in an urban setting, featuring ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Intersecting with Grounded (book one), the Jacksons employ their innovative storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Derailed transports you to Beecham Street—a typical, isolated American neighborhood . . . until hope moves in. 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Derailed, go HERE. 
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I received this book free from CFBA and Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond

Dr. John Rosemond has always been one author that I know I will always enjoy when it comes to his parenting books.  I own man of them and refer to them often.  I was excited about this book, thinking it would give me some more tips on how I can be a better parent.  It did do that, but it mostly reminded me of how I grew up.

I have tried to raise my children in a biblical way so far and refer often to the Scriptures to know how God deals with His children and have used that as an example for my parenting.  With that said, I felt like I had already done all of these things in this book.  I try not to make my children the center of my world and fight against it everyday.  I know that idea isn't as accepted in today's world where the world revolves around the children every moment of every day.  I don't want my children to be raised entitled to things, but it's an intentional fight we face every day. 

I liked all the reminders through the book of the things that matter and how it all starts with the heart and their character.  Rosemond writes in way that's easy to read and has lots of personal stories that he shares.  I appreciate that he reminds his readers to be the parent and not their friend while they are still raising their children.

Overall, this book is for those who have tried the modern way of parenting and are finding themselves stuck because nothing seems to be working.  It's not a revolutionary parenting book, but it is one that is informative.  If you're wondering what the Bible has to say on parenting and perhaps a more biblical way on parenting, then this book is for you.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung

This is one book that was perfectly timed for me.  I had already recognized the problem in my life, confessed it, and have been seeking Biblical wisdom as to how to handle some of these issues in my own life.  I respect Kevin DeYoung and am so thankful that God had prepped me to hear from him.

Crazy Busy doesn't give you a 5-point plan on  how to get out of the business of life.  It doesn't tell you how to manage your time better.  It does tell you 7 pitfalls to watch for as you go about your busy life.  It reminds you of the things that really aren't important but that we think are important.  It reminds us that if we are too busy to sit at the feet of Jesus every day, then we're never going to get through the craziness of life.  It reminds us how important rest and sleep are, both of which we seem to diminish the importance of at different times of our lives. 

I personally found the part about the parent report card among kids very convicting, because I have recognized for a while that when I am tired and stressed I tend to take out my anger and frustration on my children.  I loved how he reminded me that my kids will remember my character more than anything else about me. 

I appreciated the honesty in this book.  It's written from a personal perspective and I loved the section with Mary and Martha. I have struggled with the same thoughts over Martha because I am wired more like her.  It made me feel so much better to know that I'm not alone in my thoughts over how I would have responded if I were Martha.  But I loved the reminder about Mary.  That has stuck with me.

This book is going on my shelf and will be pulled out many times.  It's already been recommended to many that I know who are struggling with busyness. I appreciate how the focus is on Christ and not our abilities, because we will never have the ability to control the busyness.  I love how he always pointed to Jesus as the example and not some man.  The biblical examples were perfect and not taken out of context.  I'll ever be grateful that this book was written and came at a time where God had prepped me to action and has since given me the peace I had been searching for after wrestling with Him over decisions.  Thank you, Kevin DeYoung!

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I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum

This series has been so much fun to read.  It had me laughing and I felt like I was right in the middle of the situations with Paige.  I certainly felt I could relate to some of her craziness, just in a different way than what she is experiencing.  Paige is a very real character that reflects so many people in real life.

After I read the first book in this series, I downloaded all of the other books by Erynn Mangum (much to my husband's dismay).  I really liked her writing and like to read it when I need something that's a bit more light-hearted.  I don't mean the topics are light-hearted, just the characters.  I consider these books a bit like "cleansing my palette."  I was hooked from the  beginning of this book.  I found myself wanting to flip a few pages ahead (I didn't!) to see what decisions Paige would end up making.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book, Paige Turned, that is set to come out in April of 2014.  Not much longer!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Rewritten NavPress (October 8, 2013) by Erynn Mangum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK
Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.

First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?

This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE

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I received this book free from NavPress Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

This book surprised me a lot.  I wasn't certain that I would like this book, but I like to keep an open mind and decided to give it a try.  I was wrapped up in this book from beginning to end.  I never felt like I knew exactly all of the twists that came in this book.  I really enjoyed the plot in this book.  Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley did an excellent job writing this book, in my opinion.  It flowed together beautifully and I think the cover is even a great reflection of the theme of this book.  Even the title is beautiful, as you truly see traces of God's mercy throughout this book in the way that He allows Mercy to heal from her injuries--both physical and emotional.

Mercy has amnesia and can remember nothing about herself...and that includes even her name.  She decides to call herself Mercy.  Mercy is trying to figure out new things about herself everyday.  No one is able to help her out in remembering anything.  The only thing that she has that might can jog her memory at all is a medallion.  That alone doesn't do the job, though.  It's by God's grace that she meets someone who knows her and her past and can help her get the answers she is so desperately seeking to find out about herself.

Mercy was very likable from the beginning. I could hear her pain of trying to remember and I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like.  It would have to be so frustrating!  I liked the man who she encounters in a funny situation.  I know it is quite embarrassing, but I could relate as I tend to meet people in humiliating circumstances at times.  I think that added to the "real" aspect of this book.

This is the first book in The Medallion Triology.  I can't wait to read the next one in this series.

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Traces of Mercy David C. Cook (October 1, 2013) by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.  

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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house. 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values. 

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life. 

Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance. 

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE. 

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I received this book free from CFBA and David C. Cook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan

This has been such a great series to read. I have grown to love these mail-ordered brides.  Anna is no exception.  I can't imagine being thrown into a relationship that is loveless at the start and you have to watch love grow.  I can totally understand the expectations each have going into marriage, but it'd be shocking to find that out after the wedding.

Anna and Edward both have things that they need to work on personally in order to make this relationship work.  Anna has to work on letting go of some of her independent, do-what-she-wants-when-she-wants-to spirit.  She would much rather be with animals outside than cooped up inside, but that's not necessarily the role that her husband expects her to play.  Edward has to work on his jealousy and I would dare say, some understanding and forgiveness and some grace.

Maggie Brendan has me wrapped up in the lives of these mail-order brides.  I'm excited to read more by Brendan and watch her continue to write excellent stories.  The covers on all three books in this series, the Blue Willow Brides, are beautiful and elegant.  I haven't been disappointed yet as the characters in these series each have to learn to compromise and adapt to their new life.....which makes them super easy to relate to.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury has been a long-time favorite of mine.  I've read all of her books and love every book by her.  I couldn't wait for this book to come out!  I always anticipate a new book by her and than am disappointed that I read it so fast and finish it far too soon.  Not that it's any fault of Karen Kingsbury....I just can't put the book down for long!

Fifteen Minutes is based on a singing contest, kind of like American Idol.  There are several different characters that have a role in this book, but Zach is the major one.  He can sing and has a chance to go all the way in this singing competition.  He joined it so that he could help save his father's farm and keep it in the family.  He has a beautiful girlfriend, Reese, that he'd love to marry one day soon.  Zach is certain he can take part in this show and still bring glory to God.  He never accounted for the many temptations and one girl who won't take "no" for an answer and seems to take the challenge that Zach has a girlfriend.  She wants desperately what she can't have and that would be Zach.

Then there's Chandra, who has been there done that and has the battle scars to prove it.  She has taken on Zach and has helped guide him and keep his focus on what really matters.  I love that she holds him accountable and gets involved.

I felt bad for Kelly Morgan as she navigated through her bad decisions and came to a place of reconciliation with her family and girls.  I was cheering her on as she was making some hard decisions.

Zoey drove me nuts!  I wanted to shake that girl and tell her to leave Zach alone.  I had instantly liked Reese and didn't want anyone to interfere with her and Zach.  When Zach makes a few not-so-smart decisions, I wanted to give him a good talking-to.  I was so mad at him in certain parts of the book!  I could just imagine what Reese would think when she saw all of these things replayed on television.  And those producers were horrid!

This book highlights the pressures of being "in the world and not of the world."  It reminds me of how diligently I need to be aware of Satan's tactics in my own life and just how compromising I can be if I let my relationship with God slip just a little.  I can't do anything in my own power, just as Zach found out.

I'm highly anticipating another book by Karen Kingsbury, hopefully soon!

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.