Unseen by Sara Hagerty

In a culture that applauds what can be produced and noticed, it’s hard to spend time hidden from others—the long afternoons with a toddler, the fourth-floor cubicle, the laundry room. Aren’t those wasted hours? Wasted gifts?

In Unseen, Sara Hagerty suggests that God created every heart to be seen—and it’s the unseen moments that draw hearts closest to the One who sees them best.

Through an eloquent exploration of both personal and biblical story, Hagerty calls readers to offer every unseen, “wasted” minute to God so that they might find new intimacy with Him. She looks in particular at the story of Mary, who wasted perfume at Jesus’s feet. Mary had such love for Jesus that she was able to pour herself out for Him, though no one applauded. In doing so, with nothing tangible to show for her actions, she changed the world.

God is in the secret place. The beautiful news is that He doesn’t relegate His children to those hidden seasons, those unseen hours. He invites them.

(book description)

I have  been a fan of Sara Hagerty's blog for as long as I can remember. Her writing style, so full of honesty, story, and truth often appeared on my computer screen at opportune times with messages I couldn't help but ponder in subsequent days. When I heard Sara had released a new full length book I was curious to see if the beauty and truth  of  her  messages on line would convey adequately in a different, more drawn out setting.

They did.

I love Sara's honesty because she allows herself to be vulnerable with her readers and go to topics  that aren't often discussed with the perspective Sara brings.
For years I've listened to my generation asking how does one live their faith during the mundane times,the common days when life simply goes on. Sara re-frames  this mundane, unseen reality into a  gift of  being hidden that is  sure  to bring about discussion and reflection for those who read  the book. I  couldn't get over how many times while reading  I considered the practicality of these chapters as a devotional aid or group study,  the message really is that important and potentially transformational. Sara has a way of bringing thoughts and ideas forward that  makes me long for  a group of women  to discuss this with.

I really believe Sara Hagerty has provided  a timely message content wise as well. Sara brings such a wisdom and uniqueness  to her approach. Let's  face it there are hundreds of books out there on self-help or life growth devotionals or how to grow your faith. Sara, however, has  the most clear and concise message  I've read yet, keep turning your focus back to God. I love those simple to understand  yet fundamentally changing to implement lessons.
By focusing in on the story of Mary pouring out the perfumed oil, Hagerty locks readers  into a story that ties her message together with  a strong anchor point. Her provision of further reading at the end  of each chapter allows readers to take  the book further and see just how widespread the message of spending that intimate, hidden time  with God  is spread throughout scripture. Sara really sets up readers to see the contrast between our social media driven society and it's quest for superficial recognition with the desire to know and be known by the creator.

5 out of 5 stars 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.

First off, I love the versatility of this book and if my thoughts  are somewhat disjointed I apologize sometimes information takes more time to come out fluently  than time allows  :)

(Re)Union at it's heart has a simple message, easily condensed into 30 words or less and yet has  the ability to touch hearts and shift the worlds of its readers be they   "seekers, saints, and sinners."This is because Cavey presents not just  a book about the church,  or evangelism, or religion  instead he presents  a book about Jesus and how everything about faith points back to God in all his wholeness not just aspects and facets.

I was struck  by the versatility with which Cavey opens up his message. Filled with easily relatable cultural references alongside solid Biblical and theological understanding, Cavey doesn't insult his readers intelligence but simply introduces them to Jesus in ever increasing measures  (for example the one, three, and thirty words sections exploring the good news). This result in a book that is truly reader friendly in layout and material (although application and reception may be harder), and  is easily accessible to anyone willing to take a look, which,in my option, is how the gospel should be given.

For some more conservative or traditional evangelicals, the message of( Re)Union may come across as shocking. Though acknowledging many traditional ways of presenting the gospel (Romans Road, 4 laws) he also acknowledges the  sense of incompleteness the bring to the gospel and the need to broaden the picture. For some, it may be difficult to adjust to this new presentation of a Jesus-centered gospel rather than an Easter-centered one. For those who are patient enough to get through any reservations they will find Cavey presents a well-thought out and obviously well researched message of hope and  maybe even healing.

Bruxy Cavey is a talented writer who presents engaging stories, a sincere heart for people and faith, and a solid gospel message that it accessible to all. I cannot wait to see how the study version unfolds  during it's  release next year.

5 out of 5 stars

"An Advanced Reader Copy was provided courtesy of Menno Media and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

A Mile Wide Trading A Shallow Religion For A Deeper Faith By Brandon Hatmaker

As a host and guest judge for HGTV and DIY Network (My Big Family Renovation, Brother v.s. Brother, Tiny House Arrest), Brandon Hatmaker understands what it takes to rehab a home. But after twenty-plus years of working with the local church (and as husband to bestselling author Jen Hatmaker), he has an even greater understanding of what it takes to rehab an everyday faith. In A Mile Wide, he helps readers see more clearly how the gospel works in us and eventually through us to transform an anemic spiritual life into a deeper, fuller, and more effective faith.

Offering fresh perspective on eight essentials of Christianity—the gospel, identity, scripture, discipleship, kingdom, mission, community, and justice—Hatmaker provides biblical insight and practical applications that tap into the richer life Christ promised his people, individually and as a community. God wants more than simply to save us; he’s also determined to transform us, restore us, and use us to reveal the coming of his kingdom right here, right now.

(excerpt from back of book)

Confession time! I totally and completely only noticed this book due to the HGTV  in the title. However, even though my motives for choosing this book were a little hazy and magpieish, Brandon Hatmaker's A Mile Wide stands to be one of the most impacting and powerful books of 2016 for this reader.

Brandon's style is honest, straightforward, and backed with scripture first then practical experience. His story-telling style with the openness he so easily displays when talking  about his love of people digging in deep to community, and areas he's personally wrestled with  on his own journey make this book engaging. I love how this book takes readers through new perspectives and, I think, that's something important to Brandon. Throughout the book assumptions are being challenged, mainly through stories be they of soccer skills, homeless encounters, or his children's reactions to television. Each story has a purpose and a lesson to share. 

Brandon openly acknowledges some readers may have issue with his views due to the tension that exists in some congregations regarding social justice vs. evangelism. I loved how Brandon built a solid foundation regarding faith in general before launching into this particularly outworking allowing it to become a natural next step and one that was defined by scripture rather than just defended.  

I would highly recommend this book 5 out 5 stars.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.

Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst

My first week of college I had a professor during orientation who declared his wish to hold a class for overcoming loneliness. He then went on to declare he'd tell all the attendees to simply talk to each other.

It was a simplistic formula but showed a lot of wisdom.

 In that first week we were all lonely and for the vast majority of us it was a fear of rejection that stopped us from reaching out to one another.

Loneliness is a growing problem in our over-connected, media driven world and one with which I'm intimately familiar. So, I was curious if Lysa Terkeurst's new book Uninvited  had anything valuable to bring to the table on this timely topic. 

The enemy wants us to feel rejected . . . left out, lonely, and less than. When we allow him to speak lies through our rejection, he pickpockets our purpose. Cripples our courage. Dismantles our dreams. And blinds us to the beauty of Christ’s powerful love.

In Uninvited, Lysa shares her own deeply personal experiences with rejection—from the incredibly painful childhood abandonment by her father to the perceived judgment of the perfectly toned woman one elliptical over.

With biblical depth, gut-honest vulnerability, and refreshing wit, Lysa helps readers: • Release the desire to fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process their hurt. • Know exactly what to pray for the next ten days to steady their soul and restore their confidence. • Overcome the two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging. • Stop feeling left out and start believing that "set apart" does not mean "set aside." • End the cycle of perceived rejection by refusing to turn a small incident into a full blown issue.

(description provided)

Although I found myself pushing back on a few of Lysa's points, overall Uninvited provides a solid insight into loneliness and the aspects we can control - our beliefs and our reactions- inside the complex, craziness of life in relationship.

First off, I loved the format of this book. Appendices are brilliant and I've never seen a book utilize them quite so well. In addition to some self reflective checklist, the appendices provide a complete list of every verse and key phrase in the book. For those of us raised not to mark up a book (oh college was hard on this book lover) it almost made me giddy to see these relisted for easy reference as there were many instances that Lysa brings up worthy of deeper reflection.

I also enjoyed how Lysa's thinking breathed new and helpful life into areas that had previously felt hopelessly beaten to death. Her insights into the  story of David, Nabal, and Abigail still have me pondering. Her chapter where Hannah makes an appearance had  me scanning the room to see if she  had, somehow, gained access to my life. 

Lysa takes these topics and allows vulnerability to enter into them while steadily pointing readers back to God. Her Biblical foundation reads solidly while her compassion enters the picture as both recognizing the pain of the situation while still cheering readers on into a better space, a delicate place to stand and one she does with grace. 

As I said, there were a few points I wish I could sit down with a  cup of tea and push back with her face to face, see which elements of the argument space did not allow for - most notably her views on forgiveness (which I expanded upon in a different review, I think what she lays out is important but not necessarily forgiveness and reconciliation- Thanks Dr. Guretzki) as  well as those situations where they are truly out of one's hands.

I think that conversation would be interested for both of us :)

I really feel Uninvited is the book so many of us have sought out and yet if one truly chooses to open themselves to what Lysa's shared it won't be an easy read. Sometimes  it's the difficult reads that stay with us and are the most valuable.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.

Beloved Mess by Kimm Crandall

Life is messy. Yet the pressure to appear to others as though you’ve got it all together is a powerful force. We strive to act morally, look good, and set a positive example. After all, as others may tell us, we’re the only Jesus some people see–so we better make him look good. That’s a heavy burden.

But the Christian life is not about being less of a mess. It’s about admitting that we need to be saved from trying to clean ourselves up. In Beloved Mess, Kimm Crandall frees you to live with the assurance that God loves you right here, right now. He’s not waiting for you to clean up your act before you’re worthy to come to him. In fact, he wants you to stop trying to fix the mess and allow him to wash it away.

(excerpt from back of book)

Have you ever read "one of those books". 

The type of book that pops up in your head repeatedly even though you finished it ages ago. 

The type of book that you're out with a friend and can't resist sliding it into the conversation. 

The type of book you put on your "must read" shelf.

For my summer, that book was Beloved Mess by Kimm Crandall.

In my opinion, Kimm's book  revolves around the premise that we've shifted the law and made it gospel thereby squeezing grace and Christ out of their rightful place. Over the course of the book readers are invited to explore the far reaching ramifications of that shift in both personal and communal faith.

Kimm's book really resonated with a lot of issues I've been struggling with. I loved her chapter on doubt and the honesty which resonated out of each page. The use of scripture was well placed throughout the book and Kimm's own commentary really helped bring passages to light in a new way, especially regarding the concept of the "light burden" which so often comes across as an exhausting effort these days. I loved that her book helped find peace between law and grace once their proper order was re-established and that each page held the law in its place while pointing firmly back to Christ.

I also appreciated the format Kimm chose to present her book. It's one of those easy to read, harder to apply books that is written in accessible language without sacrificing the heart of the message. I love when I find a book that I'd feel comfortable suggesting to an audience with a wide variety of backgrounds and Beloved Mess  is one of those books that has the added benefit of being extremely re-readable.

5 out of 5 stars.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

You're Already Amazing Life Growth Guide by Holley Gerth

Alright, time for a fair warning.

Due to some unique circumstances, I'm reviewing Holley Gerth's LifeGrowth Guide without having actually read her accompanying book You're Already Amazing.

Normally, I would wait until I had tracked down the original, especially since a guide book uses so many references to it's predecessor.

Actually, due to those above circumstances I had decided prior to starting that this was going to be solely a fun read and didn't even bother getting into the head space to review .  . . then I started reading.

One of my biggest pet peeves these days is all the general format that features in personal growth books currently flooding the market.
Even though we're in a state of information overload, the unifying feature I've found is that the vast majority of these books tell readers what to do without giving real, visceral steps as to how.
 Even with books I love there is often an undercurrent of discouragement for readers because the ideals being shared seem so unrealistic when I survey my own little mountain range of dishes, laundry, and toys while my children echo through the halls.
Books can seem a little too out of touch in the busyness of life.

Which is why my heart kept leaping with each chapter of Holley's guide. I'm going to take a stab that the first book (which I don't have) consists of those what's and why's but You're Already Amazing Lifegrowth Guide is full of how's and to-do's.

Don't get me wrong there are no perfect 10 steps to wholeness or 6 weeks to being the best person that works for everyone but in her guide Holley provides a toolbox filled with activities and practices to help readers connect to the lessons she's already shared. Based on solid scriptural messages as well as counselling techniques (oh the flashbacks to my years in college), Holley provides an easily accessible book that would open seamlessly into group or private study.

I loved how the guide could easily be tailored depending on group size and the unique personalities and gifts present during the study. Even the questions seemed easily alternated between quiet introspection and reflective talk around a table.

The outline itself for group sessions was thoughtfully constructed so that groups could be led with little experience and in fact could be used to help leaders grow in their ability to facilitate future gatherings. I really do love when a group study allows and expect equal participation and willingness to grow from all members including those in leadership.

If you're considering leading a book study, reading group, or life growth group for women in your area or are just looking for a little personal direction I would highly recommend this book.

4 out of 5 stars (until I can get my hands on the accompanying book)

Wild and Free by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan

I'm a sit down and devour a book in a day or two kind of gal. I love to read and I love books. In fact, there are only two types of books that I find myself slowing down for: books that fill page after page with meaningless nonsense and books that are so full of life and wonder that the pages are about to burst from what they contain. Wild and Free is definitely the latter and so worth the time it asks of its readers.

Exploring the fears of being "too much" and "not enough" there are few women who would be unable to find points of connection in Jess and Hayley's words. These friends and co-authors draw heavily upon Scriptural truth and life experience to call women forward to "shake off the lies of insecurity in your life, and step forward to maximize your God-given influence for his glory and the world’s good." (text from back of book)

Although the contrasting experiences and personalities of the authors are sure to help readers find connection with the book (cause let's face it there are always some personalities different people are drawn to first) it was the open honesty and humanness of the authors that drew me in. Through these pages it was easy to picture myself sitting down over coffee with a friend and exploring life intricacies (which sounds like a great way to spend a few afternoons in my opinion).
Like all good discussions I didn't agree with the authors on everything. My personality/time working on my MA make me sensitive to those who try to rush through pain or oversimplify but sometimes it's in those differences that good thought and discussion can happen to allow for growth.

For those looking for a great book for a ladies book club this book is perfect (need a pick me up for summer, fresh start with school in the fall, new you with the new year this is a great option).
You see, the only downside with this book was bot having other women to cheer on and be cheered on by. I really feel that the ability to do life with a group of gals while going through and working through these chapters would make the book that much more impacting.

This is definitely a book going on my "reread later" shelf. 5 out of 5 stars.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.

When I was in high school the new "in" song was Blessed be your name. 

It was for good reason.

Because now, over a decade later, and with a lot more education (specifically focusing in areas such as counselling, crisis, and music - my course selection was hilarious) I can see the lack of venues for expression during times of trial that still exist in the church. I remember walking into counselling classes where large percentages of the class had never heard of lament - let alone understood its purpose and I've yet to see percentages for those outside of higher education.

Blessed be your name was unique for its time as a modern worship song that acknowledged the time of pain, suffering, and messy unclear situations without answers while still being fully worship.

Honestly, I still love that song.

One other thing I learned in college was that it is infinitely easier to run on for pages than to confine oneself to a small word count when the topic is important. Given my love of Matt Redman's lyrics I was curious to see how he would address the same themes evident in the popular song when given the space to roam free.

Finding God in Hard Times is the book I wish had been assigned while I was a counselling student. This is not a deep theological debate, it's not a how to/ 10 step/ here's your answers book either. It is a beautiful journey though -either self-contained or as the start of deeper study.

I loved the simplicity of Matt and Beth's text. Heavily reliant on both scripture and personal touches Finding God stood out to me in its refusal to deny God's unchanging faithfulness through trial while being equally unwilling to oversimplify and brush off the reality, painfulness, and tension of living in a broken world.

This is that rare book I would actually feel comfortable giving to a friend going through a rough patch or recommending for a small group (not just because of the handy guide provided by Matt and Beth at the end); Matt and Beth's writing is comfortable sitting with pain, sitting with confusion, and yet constantly, gently pointing readers back to God.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Brazen by Leeana Tankersley

It seems to be the pattern that the books I hesitate to read the most are the books in which I find myself finding the most truth.

I wasn't keen on Leeana Tankersley's new book at first. Hot pink has never been my colour and brazen was a word I didn't hear very often, certainly never in a positive context. Yet, here was this hot pink book staring up at me from my computer, unashamedly asking me "what do you have to loose?" While my inner voices screamed upteen dozen reasons why I shouldn't and couldn't read this book.

So I started reading.

According to the back cover

There are so many moments in life when we choose to silence our intuition, abandon our own voice, and play small, because of that accusing voice inside that whispers, "Who do you think you are, anyway?" 

Who you are is a human--loved, worthy, and becoming. Who you are is a woman created by God to be and to do something unique. Who you are, deep down, is brazen.

Brazen means "without shame."

Leeana would probably classify my inner reasons as soul bullies. I'm not sure she would be wrong in that.

In Brazen Leeana offers women a uniquely crafted call to living as they have been called, to be free in "the wild spaces." Equal parts unapologetic calling out and truth speaking is partnered with a grace for women and a heart for creativity and passion.

As far as the structure goes, the chapters are not overly long and could theoretically be read quickly. However, I found this was one of the slowest books I've read recently due to wanting space to reflect upon the material and attempt some of the homework given at the end of each chapter.

The layout with the short chapters and homework option would make Brazen a wonderful option for a women's group or book club and I think the community aspect could add an entirely new dimension if led well.

My only concern with Brazen is that some areas felt very "new age" to me. I'm not entirely sure whether it was unfamiliar practices (free and inhibited are not exactly the first choice people would use when asked to describe me :P ), cultural difference, or if it was borderline new age. Some more conservative readers may find this to be an issue.

Overall, I think Leeana has bravely and brazenly brought a new outlook on an issue that, while often written about, is still largely felt and requiring the new life she brings into the situation.

4.5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington

Life can be busy.

In fact, our culture prides itself on busyness, our ability to achieve, multitask, and finish items on our checklist.

I'm no exception. If I'm truly honest I read Alli Worthington's new book Breaking Busy while holding my sleeping baby, encouraging my older son in quiet play, and taking breaks to check on dinner in the oven/make my to-do list for when hubby got home and I had two hands again, not to mention a half a dozen other things.

Safe to say I'm probably well within Alli's target audience for this book.

Breaking Bad is a painful read.

Painful because it's real, honest, and more applicable than many readers would care to admit. Alli beautifully counters this painful honesty with warmth and humour through her own real life experiences (and as an entrepreneur, mom to 5 boys, wife, blogger, speaker, and executive director for Propel Women she has lots of experience being busy). While her chapters hit close to home for those of us stuck in the cycle and lies of  "busy" (and we're not talking seasons of life here) the care Alli holds for others and her desire to see others living better shines through these pages.

From the moment I encountered the ringing bra I realized that this was a book I'd enjoy reading because the author wasn't afraid to be relatable and boy did I relate.

I love the way Alli has broken down her chapters. Bearing clear titles and self-contained chapters (while still maintaining a well flowing book ) going back to find earlier points or refresh yourself on a problem area is a breeze (I know since I've already done this).

I also love how practical this book is. Alli doesn't pull any punches when it comes to addressing common time wasters such as people pleasing and living over capacity. Alli lays out so many issues our society holds within our core about the value of busyness and the pride we have at being too busy.  Her connections between these lies and the consequences such as burnout or losing time with our real priorities were eye-opening.

The only thing I felt this book lacked, through no fault of it's own, was accountability. This is a great resource but having the ability to read this with others for a time and hold each other accountable in the decisions were making (because let's face it changing priorities/thought patterns/ and recognizing our values is hard) could mean the difference between reading a good book and making a great change. The conflict though being, such a group would be yet another commitment in our busy lives.

4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”

Every Little Thing - Deidra Riggs

Every once in awhile I come across a book that is hard to review. It's unique, it's necessary, and it really does take reading the book to discover how special it really is. As far as I'm concerned, Every Little Thing by Deidra Riggs is something special.

It's also hard to describe as a book. Some sections don't read like a book at all, they feel more like Mrs. Deidra Riggs has popped over and you've found yourself in the middle of a good conversation. Other sections are meant to be shared, read over and read aloud to get the full impact (something my husband will confirm though it may come with some mutterings about reading in bed at 11:30 pm, oops) Still other sections brought me back to my college days with the depth of the subjects Deidra dove into while still maintaining a beautiful simplicity this tired Mama could grasp at midnight.

The book opens with a quote about finding the extraordinary how it's here, how it's hidden in plain sight in the ordinary. Over the course of 9 chapters Riggs takes her readers through the ordinary, pointing out the pitfalls that can hinder us and the truths that can lift us into that extraordinary in the every day.

As a flipped through the pages (especially in sections 1 and 2 as the book is split into 3 sections) it was like having a conversation with Riggs. I'd sit and go "yes, that's nice but" and the next page would dive right into my unasked questions. Riggs honesty was refreshing and her humour delightful. Having started to come through the other side I alternated with giggles and knowing nods during her recounting of the first seven years in Nebraska (a definite highlight).

This book is timely and because of that, some people are not going to like it. For some, the combination of Riggs' honesty and the subject matter will be too painful. For others this book will be the breath of fresh air they've been looking for. Personally, I'm wondering how hard it would be to turn this into a book study. It's that good! Riggs writes from what she knows and that's part of the books appeal, her topics are the questions I hear over and over again: what to do with the lies, when we miss the mark, when we don't want to go, are we hearing right.
This is a book about life in all its moments.

5 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Nuts About Books  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Making it Home

Making it Home by Emily T. Wierenga is a memoir- a fact I didn't realize until I was well into the book, perhaps because it doesn't feel like one initially. Honestly, I'm still not sure  I'd classify it as such and true fans of the genre may not like that classification either.

Instead I'd rather liken Emily's writing to glimpses into the soul. Where some may read her words and cringe at the seeming passivity in her voice. I found myself drawn in by the honesty and vulnerability, the realness of someone seeking themselves through the lens of faith and life.

When I began reading Emily's book it was the tagline that drew me in "Finding my way peace, identity, and purpose". In fact, as I cuddled up to being reading I muttered to myself how much I'd love to find that because life with two under two is crazy and messy, and illness is tiring, and the last thing I wanted to read was something sad about cancer. Emily doesn't pull any punches though. She's honest about life with 4 littles, the struggles of old hurts that still seek to lure us back, the pain of loss and death. Everything I didn't want in a book.

But also everything I needed . .  because Emily is equally open about those little glimpses of God she finds in the middle of that chaos. She's opens the door for readers to meet with her in the midst of her pain and rawness because that's the path that is taken on her journey home and the journey is necessary - it breathes truth and leads to life.

As someone who hasn't always fit in I have a love/hate relationship with this type of book. I hate when books can touch so close to home because it hurts, it brings to light the struggles I read to escape. Yet I love the reassurance that there are kindred spirits out there, people who aren't afraid to struggle and be real and find life in the mess.

This is a book that probably won't be appreciated fully unless you are willing to be vulnerable, vulnerable enough to see life from another's eyes and appreciate the strength it takes to let others in while having the strength to use the book as a chance to reflect on your own journey.

4.5/5 stars

Disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Nuts About Books. The views expressed are my own.

The Road to Becoming - Jenny Simmons

Everyone has had a dream die.
Not everyone knows what to do when they do. We don't like talking about the lost dreams, the crashed and burned dreams, the abandoned dreams. We're told to work hard and persevere,taught to dream big and achieve. 
This means that when the inevitable happens, whether they were big dreams, life dreams, or everyday dreams we can feel lost because who wants to admit they've failed and if we don't talk about it how do we learn, grieve, and grow?

The Road to Becoming is one part lesson, one part memoir, and all excellent storytelling (which really is one of the best ways to learn).

When I started Jenny's book, I confess, I wondered what in the world I had started reading. College enforced my love of clear direction and thesis, much like the author I enjoy my books and movies neatly tied up in the end with a big red bow. So as I meandered through the first few chapters I almost put aside the book and moved on. 

I'm so glad I stuck with it though because once we moved through "The Dreaming and Destruction" this book packed a punch. Divided into "The burying," "The Lostness," "The Waiting," and "The Becoming" I found myself confronted by a woman who knew about the loss of dreams, the pain and confusion not only of that loss but of the emptiness that fills the dreams prior space and the journey back from that grief.

I was struck with Jenny's openness about her faith while she walked through her desert and her ability to highlight not only the sparseness in that environment but also the life that can slowly draw you back in if you're willing to learn to listen.

I would adore seeing this book used in a women's group. Honest, I think it would be painful and hard at times because who wants to talk about loss and grief when it involves the intangibles of dreams (as if their existence merely in thought lessens the loss) but Jenny's book provides enough humour, honesty, and faith to make this a wonderful vehicle for exploration of self and a topic often under acknowledged.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion through Nuts About Books. The opinions expressed are entirely my own

Women Are Scary

Women are Scary is supposed to get your attention, make you question, make you laugh but like most  of the relationships it's describing, at the core is something necessary that has a lot of heart.

I had intended to write this review before our second little arrived, instead I ended up remembering it's pages as we spent our week in the NICU waiting for our little one to gain enough strength to come home.

Women are Scary is a truth many moms can face with the so-called "mommy wars" and the general insecurities that can accompany gaining responsibility for the life of a helpless human being.
Since welcome our oldest two years ago I've found myself battling PPD alongside the general trying to unravel just how one does make friends with other mommies. I long ago admitted I am an introvert and while I can make small talk, insecurities about social interactions along with an inability to shut up about my passions (sci-fi, adoption, counselling issues and the church) tend to make friendships a hard won achievement.

Melanie Dale's book is brilliant in it's simplicity.
I'm guessing many moms reading this will probably not be overwhelmed by new knowledge (unless teething is currently underway at home in which case most information could be considered overwhelming). Most of this book is reiterating information most of us already know but we've forgotten or simply have decided it no longer applies now that we've moved into adulthood.

For me, the strength of Melanie's book is her presentation.
Here is a book about friendship that feels like sitting down with a friend over coffee (or tea if you'rea dreaded tea drinker like myself ;) ).
I recognize that not all readers will resonate with her humour, sci-fi references, etc. . . but it's just like in real life - some people are never meant to be more than first base acquaintances and that's okay (don't worry sports don't factor too heavily into this book, even I was able to follow all the references).
In today's social media driven culture, it is refreshing to hear someone stop and point out that not everyone is going to be invited into every area of one another's life - and that's okay! Between her three bases of relationship to her chapter on saying goodbye, these practical tips and insights read as a breath of fresh air to a society that feels driven to add their brother's best friend from third grade onto various social networks.

After reading Melanie's book I had the chance to put some of her advice into practice in the unique setting of the NICU. While not an obvious first choice for striking up a conversation there was a captive audience of moms in the same boat we were in - having a child needing help - who weren't able to go anywhere else. So I did as Melanie suggested - I started with a hello. Here's the amazing thing. I don't think I found life long friends but we did talk, for a few days we shared life, and in the end the other moms weren't so scary after all.

I would recommend this book for all practical, down to earth moms who are lonely and looking for some perspective.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”