The Girl Who...

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo had been recommended to me by a few people, so I had to find out for myself whether this was a great book/series or just the latest fad.  I have to say that I really enjoyed it.  It was exciting, engaging, and more than a little disturbing.  It left me wanting more.  Lucky for me, there just happened to be two more books in the series.  However, the second book, The Girl Who Played with Fire, was not at all what I hoped it would be.  It was much less exciting, in my opinion, than the first book.  More than once I considered quitting, but I stuck with it.  I'm glad I did, but only because the third book, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, is absolutely phenomenal.  I have been reading until my eyes won't stay open for the last few nights because the action and intrigue are so consistent in this book.  I have not finished this one yet, but I'm going to go out on a limb and give it a great review.  Unless there are some drastic drops in action, a complete change of pace, or a boring portion that comes in soon, I think I'm safe.  This final book makes me not regret trudging through the second book. 

Women of Faith

I was blessed to receive two tickets to the Women of Faith Over the Top event in Kansas City on November 4-5.  I took my sister with me, and we had a fantastic time.  We were unable to attend Friday, but if it was anything like Saturday, it was wonderful.  I was so impressed by the down to earth group of women involved in this event.  The music was unbelievable, especially the concert by Amy Grant.  We laughed (continually, while being entertained by Sandi Patty), we cried (during Brenda Warner's amazing story of her life), and we enjoyed every moment in between.  We're already planning to go again next year and take more friends with us. 

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

I have to admit, prior to being selected to attend the Women of Faith Conference in November, I had never heard of Patsy Clairmont.  I was thrilled to see her book as one of those offered by BookSneeze for review.  I had no expectations, so I began this book with a completely open mind.  This is a book filled with stories from Patsy's life that somehow all seem familiar in my own life.  The premise is that we are all broken, but in that brokenness we can become beautiful.  One particular element of this book that I absolutely loved was the suggested art, music, scripture, poetry, etc. that was included at the end of every chapter.  In the course of reading this book, I was in tears more than once, but only because I identified with her emotions so completely.  The chapter that I enjoyed the most was about poetry, in which I am not typically interested.  She included a vast array of quotes from poets as well as poems that touched my heart.  This is a nonfiction book that I would definitely recommend to many, if not all, of the women I know.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Taking Care of the Me in Mommy

In preparation for my big Women of Faith weekend in November, I am checking out a few books from some of the speakers.  Currently on the nightstand is Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Whelchel.  Yes, she was Blair on The Facts of Life.  That might be part of the reason I'm drawn to her.  I loved that show.  But I digress... I'm just beginning this book but am already intrigued and excited to dive in deeper.  Really, she suggests reading the first chapter while taking a bubble bath complete with candles and music.  She's quickly becoming one of my favorite people!  :)  I'll review it when I finish but am going to soak it all up, bath and all, before I do. 

Women of Faith, Here I Come!

I just got the email from Booksneeze.com this morning telling me I get to attend the Kansas City Women of Faith event on November 4-5, 2011.  I am being given two complimentary registrations, and I, in turn, will blog about this event.  To say I'm excited would be ridiculously understating it!  I called my sister immediately upon reading the email, so we will be having a fabulous weekend of worship before we celebrate the girls' birthday on November 6.  Here's a preview of what I'll get to see and tell you all about:

The speakers featured are Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Lisa Whelchel, Sandi Patty and Brenda Warner.  Musical guests include Mandisa and Amy Grant.  Andy Andrews is listed as a special guest.  I am so excited to share this event with you and am looking forward to the opportunity to soak up the experience completely.  I see a very fun weekend in my future!

"Max on Life" by Max Lucado

Another Max Lucado book, another favorite.  It's almost that easy for me.  If Max writes it, I love it.  This book is just another shining example of that.  I received this ebook via Booksneeze.com during a very difficult time.  I was comforted by so many of the insights he gave.  This particular book addresses many of the basic questions that every Christian has in the typical easy-to-understand Max Lucado fashion.  Some questions are relatively basic, but some of them are the deep, thought-provoking ones that require an in-depth answer.  He discusses the purpose of prayer, pain and church.  He discusses relationships.  This is not necessarily a book that I want to sit down and read in page order.  This is a book to consult when I'm enduring a particular heartache or questioning the little things.  I would recommend this book in a heartbeat, so much so, in fact, that I bought it for my newly graduated nephew. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Unto the Hills by Billy Graham

Unto the Hills is a daily devotional book written by Billy Graham.  It is the second edition of this book, and its message is definitely timeless.  Each day begins with a short scripture then offers a short devotion, and ends in a prayer.  This book is what I have looked for since I began searching for the ideal daily devotional book.  I have wanted a devotional that was short but thorough, and that has been difficult to find...until now.  Billy Graham demonstrates, in this book, why he is indeed America's most beloved spiritual leader.   I foresee many years of using this particular daily devotional and would recommend it (and probably give it as a gift) to everyone I know.  It is a classic and will be on my bookshelf for many years to come. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”