Words of Grace by Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand

Colouring books have recently experienced a resurgence of popularity. Honestly it makes sense. Colouring is relaxing, engages our creative side, and allows us some positive indulgence in nostalgia. 

Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand have combined this rediscovery of colouring with a simple devotional for a unique experience all of it's own.

Words of Grace  follows a simple format. Comprised of 4 weeks worth of devotionals each daily entry is made up of a simple, one page reading as well as a one page picture/doodle built around the day's verse. At the end of a week the authors provide some additional question meant to reflect  upon the week.

Overall, I found the devotionals to be simple and straight forward. This allows the material to be used by a variety of denominational backgrounds without really stepping on any theological toes. While this allows for a broader audience the readings did somewhat shallow at times but that may be more a limitation of the genre.

In fact, the real strength of this genre is the doodle. I found that the simple yet at times intricate designs provided ample time to reflect on the reading and the verse of the day. Given that the verse was embedded in the picture it made reflecting a natural extension of the process and would probably give way to easier memorization for those inclined to try.

If you're looking for an in-depth devotional colouring book based ones are probably not your thing and that's fine. If you're looking for a way to start incorporating a more artistic side into your devotionals, looking for assistance in meditating or memorizing scripture, or if you're a youth pastor/camp director searching for new ways to help connect your kids to the Bible Words of Grace could be just what you're looking for.

4 out of 5 stars

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

Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

When reading Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman a few  things become abundantly clear.

1.  He loves deeply whether it is his God, his family, or his music.

2. Chapman has a tendency to ramble when he isn't reined.

3. He believes he has been given a message to share and the gifts and space to convey that message.

I firmly believe all three of those points.

While Between Heaven & the Real World can ramble at times, this book overflows with the open, honest testimony of a man in his highest moments and most broken hours and the God who was faithfully walking with him every step of the way. The result, even in an advanced reader copy, was captivating.

The book itself has an easy, natural flow throughout its pages, hearkening to Chapman's gift at storytelling which comes out in full force. Despite being easy to read, this is by no means an easy read. Chapman openly talks about everything from childhood hurts and career uncertainties to challenges in adoption, health (mental and physical),and the death of a child. While some of these stories may not be unfamiliar to those familiar with Chapman as a musician or advocate, the frankness and faith with which he discusses his life and family opens up conversations that are often overlooked within the church.

For fans of Chapman's music there is plenty of background information shared throughout. Everything from his introduction to music, to the beginning of his career, to inspiration for some well known songs. Although I've been listening to Chapman since high school I was surprised to see what an up-and-down road he's traveled in his career and find his music more meaningful and accessible (to my surprise) seeing the story behind the song.

For those familiar with his work in advocacy and orphan care, a solid portion of the book covers his family life including the journey to bring home the three youngest Chapman girls and the process of grief and healing the Chapman's underwent as a family with  the sudden, tragic loss of Maria. I  don't cry often in books but this is definitely one to have the kleenex nearby as you read through Maria's incredible journey to becoming a Chapman, her sudden loss, and the honest grief, confusion, and eventually hope that came out of the family's vulnerability and faith centered grieving. 

This is not an easy book to classify. It runs the gambit of emotions, highs and lows, victories and successes, but always clearly and boldly points back to the faith and God that has carried Steven Curtis Chapman through it all.

5 out of 5 stars

To get your own copy check out http://stevencurtischapman.com/ or Amazon.

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

Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Lately, I've become more aware of the importance of other women in my life. Regardless of age, we all have things to teach, encourage, and support one another in, their can be a strength and beauty in these female friendships and mentorships. As a result, I was intrigued to read Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter how excited you are about a book, the actual text falls short of expectations.

In the book, Wolgemuth takes readers step by step through Titus 2 as it applies to women. A beautiful passage filled with instruction on women, both older and younger, and how they should and can interact. While there were parts (mainly surrounding her direct look at the passage) where I found helpful nuggets. Theological and culturally differences made this book a difficult and unhappy read.

First, theological. If I had to guess, most of this book led  me to assume that Wolgemuth is a conservative, traditionalist, not a strain of theology I've found very welcoming with my background. Wolgemuth's views on women in the home, a women's role in the family all seemed to stem out of an idealized view of this that seemed discouraging and, at times, unrealistic.

I also had cultural reservations. While there was a chapter on the foundational nature of a sound mind there was no inclusion for the presence of mental illness which has risen noticeably both inside and out of the church in recent years. While there was a chapter on the danger of slander, a few chapters later the author tells a story regarding a child on a tablet that reads as disparaging towards the mother. There seems to be an idealized notion of mothering in the home with no regard for how many mothers work tirelessly to keep food on the table and heat in the house outside of the home. Everything just read as too neat and people as too easily classified and categorized when the truth is the human race is far more messy and diverse than the narrow audience who would identify with this book.

2.5 out of 5 stars


I received this book from Moody publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Jesus Storybook Bible Gift Edition By Sally Lloyd-Jones

As hard as it is to admit, babies grow up. In our house, we're always on the hunt for books that will educate, entertain, and challenge our little ones as they grow. While we love our  Words to Dream On by Diane Stortz, our oldest kiddo has reached the point where he's ready to listen to longer and more complex stories. 

This is where  The Jesus Storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones come in. Now, I confess, I'm not sure what the regular edition features but I'll be focusing on the 10th anniversary one as that's what we have (and are loving).

First off, the construction. With longer stories this book is meant for slightly older kids (I'm guessing 4 would be a safe lower age) this book still has a solid cover to help protect it's softer paper pages when not being read. The built in bookmark is a wonderful feature as is the blue colouring to help this Mama figure out where  the book was moved last.

Second, the pictures  are perfect. The bright, action filled images are colourful and captivating meaning that although our younger son doesn't have the language skills to understand the story he is focused during story time, drawn in by the bright images he can process. I love book with awesome imagery having kids with speech delays and this one certainly delivers.

Third, the stories. Sally Lloyd Jones has done a wonderful job. The stories are 4-8 pages long making them a perfect length for helping young children stretch their listening skills. The added length also allows for more complexity in the stories. Lloyd Jones keeps each story with a definite "story book" feel but adding in more detail from original, formal translations letting parents ask more intentional questions and engage with their children on a different level than books aimed at the 2-5 age group. The stories cover a wide variety of both old and new testaments and I was  excited to see less covered stories (like the prophets) showing up between these covers.
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.”

The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements.

You know an author is invested in their topic  when the subject matter  doesn't just leap from the pages  but is embodied and nuanced through every word. Willis and Clements keep their book open, conversational, and up-front with  their topic of choice, always sticking closely to their chosen topic of hospitality.

Overall, I found the book to be a challenging read personally and an enjoyable read as far as books go. The idea that anyone can change the world through being hospitable and building community in their everyday lives was both simple and yet rang clear with truth. In today's disconnected, social media driven society Willis and Clements argument really touches a chord.

The  book itself was well laid out covering a Biblical understanding and mandate for being hospitable, practical ways to become more hospitable (even for introverts like me), and providing in-depth questions for reflections. The book even includes a section for group study which, for a book about getting  people together, just makes logical sense.

The author's writing style has a relatable honesty that made the book a joy to read. I loved the personal stories of both their successes and failures on their journey to learning hospitality. As someone who struggles to make initial contact it was so helpful to see how others have learned (and that others need to learn,  not everyone gets it from the start).

Willis and Clements have given a voice to an area I've seen struggling within the church but was unable to place firmly enough to bring to words. I highly recommend to anyone interested in the church, ministry, community, or just wanted to connect.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion, the views expressed are my own.

I love reading

I have a secret.

I love reading.

Okay, I'll confess, that may be the worst kept secret  of the  year. If you ever wandered into our  house you'd see books here and there and shelves that I swear groan under the weight of their load at times but reading is one of those things  that just energizes me and  passing along a love of the written word to our children is something my husband and I both hold dear.

As a college student I had a mind that wouldn't stop and a body that wouldn't start. Doctors eventually figured out that I possess a faulty gene or two resulting in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. As a result, my body often can't keep up physically with my mind. Books were a life saver to me as they provided friends when I was sick, adventures when I couldn't get out of bed, knowledge when I was bored, and expression when I tried to write my own. 

Although my health has (mostly)stabilized, books have remained a constant in my world.

Throughout  the day, I round up my boys for cuddles and stories while  they're still young enough to want to snuggle with their mom and it's exciting to see the excitement in their eyes as they scan their rooms for where they  last left their favourites while snuggling up for the last story time, 

At least a few nights a week I can be found  in the late hours of night (or wee hours of the morning because sometimes you just can't help reading just one more chapter  - or three) snuggled up with my  softest blankies and pillows and a big mug of tea, diving into new concepts  or new worlds  hidden between the pages of the latest book to cross my nightstand.

After all, as C.S. Lewis once said 

"You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me."

Wise words in my opinion😉  

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn’t be happier he is not the duke in the family. Free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, he has grand plans of someday wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he barely knows, his dream of a loving marriage like his parents’ seems lost forever

(excerpt from back of book)

No preamble, I adore Kristi Ann Hunter and her books with their beautiful characters, hilarious wit, and heart filled gospel oriented writing.  Her stories are the perfect pick-me-up for mid winter blues. I honestly have sore ribs from trying not to wake my husband up while I giggled at poor Trent's circumstances.

For fans of the Hawthorne House  series, book three sees our attentions turned towards the male members of the family for an interesting change of pace. I really appreciate the care Hunter takes to stay true to the world and characters she has previously established, making for a much richer narrative.

Compared to previous outings, I found An Uncommon Courtship to march to its own pace. While A Noble Masquerade  held its intrigue, and An Elegant Facade  held the dance of Georgina's season, I appreciated the fact that An Uncommon Courtship did not try to match or copy  the pace of its predecessors. With the focus of Adelaide and Trent both learning themselves as well as how to live as one, I found the slower pace added to the overall feelings this thrown together couple  must have felt allowing this reader to more easily enter into the story.

That isn't to say the book is without dimension. Adelaide and Trent's grief and pain over the situation were just as believable as the more humourous side  (Trent's reaction over their "first night" and subsequent talk with the guys had me lost in giggles,  sympathetic ones of course ;) )Because that's the strength of Hunter's writing, her characters leap off the page of their book with such life that they can't help but ebb and flow like real individuals.

For myself, An Uncommon Courtship provides the perfect book three of Hawthorne House  by giving readers a new aspect into the family and new explorations of matters of the heart, the nature of love, and the realities of marriage.

5 out of 5 stars

For those of you who are long standing or brand new fans of the Hawthorne House series, there's still good news to come. Griffith will be getting his own book to round out the Hawthorne House series, rumours place its release in fall of 2017! 

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