Book Review - "The Tallest of Smalls"

"The Tallest of Smalls" is Max Lucado's latest children's book that is coming out after the release of his book, "Fearless."  Written in a style quite similar to Dr. Seuss, this book is a delight to read and share with children young and old.  The message that is portrayed through the rhyme of the story is something that everyone needs to be reminded of, that God has created each of us and each of us is special and important to him.  Maria Monescillo is the illustrator for this book and has done an amazing job!  the pictures go along perfectly with the words and draw the reader into the book!  

Book Review - "Seaside Letters"

If you are a Denise Hunter fan you will not be disappointed with her latest (3rd) book in the Nantucket Love series, "Seaside Letters."  Sabrina is serving coffee to the man of her dreams every morning, Tucker, however unbeknown to her, she is the woman of his dreams as well.  Sabrina and Tucker are communicating via e-mail, however neither are willing to admit this to each other.  As they become closer and learn more about each other, Sabrina becomes more determined that Tucker cannot find out that she is "Sweetpea."  Working to help Tucker discover the identity of "Sweetpea," it becomes more and more difficult to hide her identify, however her secrets and past actions are holding her back.  Throw in secrets, hurts, lost love, cousins and matchmaking and the story keeps getting better and better!  This book is hard to put down once it is started!  

Book Review - "Lonestar Secrets"

I have just ready Colleen Coble's book "Lonestar Secrets."  This is the first book by Coble that I have read and it will not be the last!  Coble ties together relationships, mystery of lost treasure and past incidents that have not been resolved and descriptions that make you feel as if you are part of the story.  Single mom Shannon returns home to where she grew up and was the laugh of the town in order to give her daughter a better life and take on a new job.  Running onto a guy from her past who caused much pain in her life led to Shannon discovering that her daughter's twin really did not die at birth, but is very much alive and living with her widowed father, the same man who caused Shannon pain in high school.  Seeing no other way out the two single parents marry in order to keep the children together.  Shannon has difficulty sharing her secrets with her new husband, causing problems between them and also putting herself into danger. However, Shannon is not the only one holding onto secrets as she discovers that her friend from her "old life" has placed a tracking chip in her arm and her new father-in-law has secrets of his own.  The novel is filled with suspense, romance and unexpected twists.  This is the second book in a series as it follows "Lonestar Sanctuary."  You do not have to read them in order, however I have begun to "Lonestar Sanctuary" as I enjoyed this book so much and would like to read about Rick and Allie's story, Shannon's new friends.  I highly recommend this novel!

book review: "Fearless: imagine your life without fear"

Max Lucado’s latest book “Fearless: imagine your life without fear” is a pertinent title for today due to the economic uncertainties, conflicts in areas of the world, and fear of changes and just the unknowns in life. Lucado writes in a conversational style, making this book an easy read; however what is written is thought provoking, so it is not a book you can fly right through while reading. Lucado ties together personal anecdotes, others’ stories, how own insight, and verses from the Bible to portray the message that he hopes the reader will gain from reading this book. As is stated on the back cover, “Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons fro fear…Organized and rude, fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?” This work will encourage you to think about fear, what causes you to fear and how this fear can be lessened by faith and trusting God.

Book Review - "Beautiful Mess"

“Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio” written by Diamond Rio with Tom Roland is an account of the life of the country singing group Diamond Rio and also an account of each of the individual lives making up this group. This is a nice hardcover book published by NelsonFree that includes pictures of the group, lists the awards and honors they have received and also lists their top twenty songs (25 of Diamond Rio’s songs have been a top 20 hit!).

The book begins with an incident that took place during a 4th of July celebration. Diamond Rio was performing a concert and they were not sounding “right” to the listeners. It really was a “beautiful mess” taking place this day. Performing in Nashville several friends and families of the group were present and up until this point, the group was able to keep secrets amongst their members. The book pulls the reader into the book in this first section. After the group is discussed as a whole, there is a chapter devoted to each of the group members, Marty, Dan, Jimmy, Brian, Gene and Dana.

Any Diamond Rio fan, country music fan or anyone who enjoys reading biographies/autobiographies and person accounts will enjoy this book. It is written in a personal and easy style that pulls the reader in and leaves you will a good feeling at the end.

Book Review - "A Man of His Word"

Kathleen Fuller’s Amish novel, “A Man of His Word” is the first title in a new series set in Middlefield, Ohio. Fuller portrays the customs of the Amish living in this specific area. This novel has family relationships, marital issues, and general day to day living in the Amish society along with the “English” tied together creating a wonderful story.
The book moves at an enjoyable pace as it moves along the course of various relationships and trials that are faced by the main characters. The focus of the story is on Moriah, a newlywed, looking forward to a life filled with happiness and love and growing old along side her husband. However, suddenly Moriah finds herself without her husband beside her and also discovers that she is carrying their unborn child. Moriah learns some truths about love and hope throughout the trials she faces.
I have read several Amish novels, and enjoyed them. I enjoyed reading this novel and am looking forward to the next title in the series that is to be released in the spring.

Book Review - "Love & Respect"

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ book, “Love & Respect: the love she desperately desires, the respect he desperately needs,” is the latest in Christian marriage “Self-help” books. Eggerich writes in a conversational tone and fills the book with personal anecdotes drawing the reader into his life and identifying with his own marriage.
This book is split into different sections focusing on cycles that take place in a marriage. For example, the first section is labeled as “The Crazy Cycle” highlighting areas that can interfere with the relationship between man and wife. The book begins with the statement, “How can I get my husband to love me as much as I love him?” as the author shares that this is a statement he has heard over and over again. He can relate as he grew up in an unhappy home with parents who separated while he was at a young age.
The second section is “The Energizing Cycle” and this gets into the details of building a closer relationship filled with both love and respect. Closeness, openness, loyalty and understanding are all keys to building a cycle that will be one of love and respect. The book concludes with the third section, “The Rewarded Cycle” offering hope and also how a marriage can truly be with these components.
The book is definitely worth reading for anyone in a marriage and could be an option to read together as a small group.