Thirsty For More ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When it comes to our connection with God, we dread "dry seasons," when we feel far from our life-sustaining Creator and redeemer. We want to dwell in lush valleys, not wander in trackless deserts. And yet, during the first three centuries of the church, many men and women purposefully moved into deserts to seek God. They understood something that we have missed: a desert is not a place of vast nothingness, but a place where we can truly experience God's provision, restoration, and intimacy.

Through Scripture and personal stories of her own times of waiting and struggle, Allison Allen offers a fresh perspective for women who dare to believe that God is doing something of eternal value in their dry seasons. She shows how God can use these times in our lives to reveal himself to us, to give us rest, to get our attention, to show us our strength, to experience his blessings, and more. Any woman who has been feeling spiritually sapped will welcome this refreshing message of hope.

MY THOUGHTS:

WOW! Can I just say this book is absolutely DIVINE TIMING!!! Years ago, I went through the desert with the Lord. In sharing about those times w/others, whether counseling or just sharing my story w/friends, one thing I always said was, I would give up any and everything to go through that time. Of course I would say that! Why? Because I was on the other side of the desert!! Going through the desert as Allison so eloquently tells us is very difficult and not one we would typically "choose". 

Allison Allen shares the time in the desert so beautifully. From those in history who "sought it out" to modern day people like us who resist it and sometimes flat out go kicking and screaming. Regardless of how we go through the desert when we do get to the other side (and we do get there) we are all humbled, thankful, grateful, and so many many more words like that! 

Whether you are going through your own desert or in a dry spell I would encourage you to read this and even if your not, please know that someday... you will. We all do. 

Heart of a Bookworm gives Thirst For More 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s

Thank you Revell for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Hope Your Heart Needs

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Understanding more of God's character and how he loves us changed bestselling author Holley Gerth's life in beautiful, powerful ways. She realized that she didn't have to settle for "I'm fine" when there was someone whispering to her in every moment, "You're mine." The hope, joy, peace, and purpose she longed for were already there, in the heart of God.

Now in 52 devotional readings, Holley shares with women the answer to the restlessness they feel in their hearts that keeps them hurrying, striving, pushing. She shows them that "the God who scattered stars like diamonds across the velvet of the universe, the keeper of every sparrow, the maker of us all, is inviting us to draw closer to him. He is the place where our hearts can go on the hard days and the happy ones, in the highs and lows, when we are sad or frustrated or downright giddy. He is what we've been searching for all along."

MY THOUGHTS:

Hope your heart needs is the first book I've read from Holley Gerth, but let me tell you... I will be on the hunt to read her others! She is a beautiful storyteller, and one who has such a beautiful heart for the Lord! I mean, how could she write such an amazing, beautiful book like this without having one!!?? 

There are 52 devotions which can be read however you would like... I found myself reading more than one and at a time because I just couldn't stop but then the next time I would just force myself to read just one a truly just savor and think on the bible verse and story she had written. At times Gods loves just overwhelms you as does HIS goodness !! It is a great way to start your day or if you choose to read a story each week, then by all means, start your week out reading this!!

Heart of a Bookworm gives Hope Your Heart Needs a 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s 

Thank you Revell for providing this book free in exchange for my honest review!!!

Second Chance Dogs ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Everyone loves an underdog, and nothing gives us warmer feelings than seeing someone get a second chance in life. A problem pup who flourishes under the right kind of training. The struggling veteran who finds unconditional love wiggling around at the end of a leash. The lonely child who finds comfort in the steady breathing of the warm, furry friend at her side. Each of us needs to be rescued from something--and each of us has the capacity to rescue someone, or something, else.

This collection of more than thirty contemporary, true, feel-good stories spotlights the beauty of being rescued--dogs rescued by people, people rescued by dogs, and even dogs who rescue other animals. It's the perfect companion--well, besides the four-legged, tail-wagging kind--for your morning cup of coffee or an evening curled up on the couch. Contributors include Susy Flory, Dusty Rainbolt, Lauraine Snelling, Melody Carlson, Wanda Dyson, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and many more.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh what a delight this book is!! When I saw this on my review options I jumped at the chance! I have had rescue dogs the past, as have soooo many of my friends, and every single one of us could tell you a story of how those pups have changes or should I say "rescued" us in one way or another!! 

These stories will make you laugh, and many will make you cry! But no matter what, you will love reading them! Having read some of the authors fiction books and knowing of them, it was so cool being able to read something about their personal life and these stories about their dogs was that much more special! 

Heart of a Bookworm gives it 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s!!! I think you too will love Second Chance Dogs! 

Thank you Revell for providing this book in exchange for my honest review!

When Your Kid is Hurting ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Children today live in an unpredictable, disruptive, and often violent world. Many of them live in two different homes with different sets of expectations. They face bullying at school and online. They hear news of school shootings, and racially or religiously motivated violence. They may have lost a friend or a loved one. 

As parents, the impulse to protect our children is strong, but that very protection can end up handicapping them for life. Rather than seek to save them from the hard things, parents must teach their kids how to cope with and rise above their problems. In one of his most important books to date, internationally known psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman shows parents how to

- be good listeners 
- tell the truth, even when it's difficult
- find balance between being protective and being overprotective
- approach hurt and injustice as a learning experience rather than fostering a victim mentality
- and much more

Whether your child is dealing with a difficult family situation, bullies, the loss of friends, the death of a loved one, discrimination, abuse, a teen pregnancy, or even just trying to make sense of what they see in the news, this compassionate and practical book will help parents equip them to process, learn from, and rise above their situation.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have to say I am quite surprised at this book. I have ALWAYS loved Dr. Lehman's books and the advice he has given. He is a Christian author. So, when looking at my review options, I was so excited to read this one and to be able to share the info. with my grand babies, and other young children that I'm in contact with, should any of the conversations arise. This book, Helping Your Child through the Tough Days, is not written as a "christian book". It is written to the secular audience. I get it, that allows for more books to be sold, but I expected more from Dr. Lehman. 

There is good advice and great conversations ideas on various topics. I know when my kids were little, school shootings was NEVER anything I had to discuss, nor was social media, and all that comes with that, but that didn't mean I wasn't a very present parent. In the end I do think that that is what Dr. Lehman would say is what is most important.... being there for your kids. 

For me, I know the most important thing I could do for my kids is .... Listening to them. Talking to them. Letting them know that no matter what the situation is, I am there for them and together with God, we can get through anything together!

Heart of a Bookworm gives "When your Kid is Hurting" 3 ♥ ♥ ♥'s