The Return by Lacey Sturm

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It’s a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us–to overcome darkness, to release our empty rituals, to shine with his light. Not so God will love us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven’s glory.

(Excerpt from back of book)

Although I listened to Sturm's band Flyleaf  in college this was my first introduction to Sturm as an author. Overall, I was pleased with the book but there were a few points of concern.

First the style, this is not your typical novel length book and I loved the eclectic and artistic format. Each chapter included Scripture verses, prayers, recipes, and song lyrics set up as though reading the author's journal, actual journal entries were published along side Strum's poetry, and exposition summing up the chapters theme wrapped up each section. 

The strength of this format allowed for increased interest as heavy chapters were broken up by artwork and poetry appealing to those who connect with different forms of written word. The material connected on different levels as concepts were discussed in traditional exposition and artistic venues, and the wide range of materials included helped bring the author and her heart forward in what felt like a more intimate and more vulnerable way.

I also appreciate the way the material covered the author's lifetime. Topics  ranged from mental health, motherhood, performing, marriage, etc.. . Readers "watch" the author grow in her journal entries and see how perceptions change and season pass which I think can be a helpful reminder in hard seasons. 

That said, there were times, that although the author commented how her decisions did not reflect on another person's choices, at times felt harsh and noninclusive of those who differed from her. There also  wasn't a lot of room for differing personalities. I know and love a lot of analytical people. I know a lot of  people who believe without having the overwhelming emotional connection the author does and at many points it felt as though the author felt that this lack of emotion meant their faith was lesser or not genuine. For that reason alone, I couldn't recommend this book to a large portion of my community.

3.5 stars out of 5 

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

A Memory A Day For Moms

Kids grow up quick. It seems like every day holds a collection of moments, big and small, that you wish you  could hold on to as they fly past.

This is why I love A Memory a Day for Moms. Each page is divided into 5 sections, one for each year, where moms can write down a memory based on a prompt listed at the top of the page. With  four lines allocated for each  year, it is simple enough to squeeze in five minutes to write down your memory and the idea of being able to compare each year  as  you go is already bringing on the  nostalgia for this Mama.

The book itself is a solid hardcover- perfect  for  the heavy usage ahead of it. The cover itself, however, is a beautiful blue embellished with shiny  gold leaves. I appreciate how design and durability are equally evident. For those of us who are a little scatterbrained, there is an attached bookmark allowing for quick navigation for the day's writing.

The only downfalls with this book are for those who  prefer a lot of control over  their  writing. As there are only 4 lines per date, there isn't a lot of space to go into details or to write details for multiple children (my  tiny cursive finally found a place to excel). Also, the daily  prompts may not always be relevant for a mom, breaking the day's theme for future entries.

Cons aside, this is a great option for Mama's looking to preserve glimpses into the ever  fleeting  years of  childhood. 

4 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.