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.

Selfies by Craig Detweiler

In Selfies Craig Detweiler seeks to  examine the current obsession with selfies and what makes this trend appealing: psychologically, theologically, and culturally. 

Throughout the material I appreciated Detweiler's ability to weave in material from multiple sources and disciplines. While I anticipated the theological and cultural aspects that were drawn in as support, I was pleasantly surprised to see a strong historical foundation utilized from the fine arts and art history as Detweiler formed his argument's background and foundation. Although not his specialty, Detweiler adds a level of interest to art history (far more than I experienced in college) showing strong patterns of development and making good connections for readers to trace the history of the selfie and place it into a historical context over a recent fad.

One thing for readers to consider is that Detweiler's educational background really comes through in his presentation of material. The book felt like a text book and I could see it stepping into that role quite easily (for what would surely be an interesting class). That said, the material is definitely aimed at a higher education level, perhaps high school seniors,  for those wondering about homeschooling options.

4 out of 5 stars  

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

A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot (Cimarron Creek book 2)

Oh Cimarron Creek. It has been awhile.

When I left Cimarron Creek last year, I had some concerns that the story may fade into memory due to the strength of its main duo. So, I'm thrilled to report  that book 2 addressed almost all of my concerns providing satisfying characters, an intriguing plot, and more insight into the little Texas town.

For all my concerns about Lydia carrying a book,  Catherine steps into a lead role with ease. Cabot wastes no time establishing Catherine as a relatable lead. I appreciated the  depth of her struggles wrestling with both her future and her grief over the events in book 1, not to mention the wonderful connections this made between the book. Lydia flourishes in the role of best friend and I feel Cabot used Catherine's leading role to draw more depth out of her secondary characters giving the whole cast a deeper feel.

Catherine's wrestling to find healing from the emotional injuries of book 1 make for a wonderful plot line that is sure to draw readers in. Again, I appreciated  the continuity as it not only provides a strong plot but actually strengthens book 1 through its efforts. Cabot also manages to provide a nice balance of life growth elements through Catherine's journey, adventure through Austin Goddard's past, and emotional drama through the struggles of the children Seth and Hannah. There really was something for everyone. Personally, I was excited to see that the story of Joan (my favourite character Aunt Bertha's daughter) was, indeed, continued in a satisfying manner, showing that Cabot truly does have the ability to plan out a overarching plot and nail down her elements throughout the story. I'm excited to see where Joan's story leads in book 3 A Tender Hope at its release next year.

My only downside to the story was the use of dreams  to drive the plot along. Catherine, Grace, and Austin all had pivotal moments resolved by the content of someone's dreams. This element felt a bit too contrived (perhaps since it's not in my experience?) and tended to throw me out of the story momentarily due to incredulity. 

That said, A Borrowed Dream is a strong addition to the Cimarron Creek series  and provides the memorable punch to bring readers back.

4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the Revell Reads book tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp is a 60 day devotional that highlights Ann's unique style of  storied teaching underscored by timeless truth.

The format and delivery is familiar. 

I appreciated the hard cover and sewn in bookmark. This not only saves me from utilizing whatever's closest as a bookmark, but the hardcover definitely adds a sturdiness and longevity to the book (which is lovely if your toddler decides the book needs to play with him). 

The delivery itself was standard for a multiweek devotional.  The sixty days were divided into 6 subsections with each daily reading consisting of: a main verse, 3-4 pages of teaching, and a section of reflective questions.

For readers familiar with Voskamp's work, The Way of Abundance will be familiar territory with familiar topics. For those unfamiliar, Voskamp's method of teaching through story may take some adjusting. While I love Voskamp's skill at weaving a story with gospel truth at the center, like a modern day parable, my husband's analytic mind prefers a more straightforward approach. Ann's work cannot simply be skimmed, you miss the essence of the message. In my opinion, this is part of the strength of the message, topics such as brokenness, sorrow, struggle, community, sacrifice,  love these need to be sat with, thought through, and processed. 

As I read more of Voskamp's work I am always struck by her heart and her willingness to lay her passion and vulnerability out on her pages. She doesn't shy away from pain but  instead gently urges the church through her stories into discussion which should be happening in our homes and congregations.  

4.5 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. 

The Ultimate Exodus Finding Freedom from What Enslaves You by Danielle Strickland

God didn’t just say to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” He also said to the Israelites—and He says to us—“Let go of what enslaves you, and follow me to freedom.” The Ultimate Exodus opens our eyes to the things that enslave us, and it sets us on the path of our own exodus. Danielle Strickland revisits the story of the Exodus to see what we can learn from a people who were slaves and who learned from God what it means to be free. We discover as we go that deliverance goes much deeper than our circumstances. God uproots us from the things we have become slaves to, and He takes us on a long walk to the freedom He created us to enjoy.

(press description)

Danielle Strickland provides a text with a timely subject. Utilizing her experience as an ambassador for Compassion International and Stop the Traffik as well as her personal research Strickland lays out a stark picture concerning the realities of modern day slavery. Strickland's passion is  unquestionable as she lays out her information regarding passive and active participation in the modern slave trade providing valuable facts and realistic conversation starters to bring readers actively into the  issue. 

I appreciate the clear delivery method Strickland favourites as well as her ability to weave facts back to historical  anchors  (both secular and Biblical). This anchoring become more noticeable as a literary technique through the usage of Moses and the Exodus as the book's  overarching Biblical theme. It gave great structure and a sense of time to the books's argument.

That said, I don't think this book is for everyone. Strickland is sure of her argument, viewpoint, and methods throughout the book even using personal stories to highlight how a point has been tested in her own life. I found this gave the book a very "black or white" tone on how to approach problems when I could easily see alternates or shades of grey. I also found Strickland to come across very "top-down" in her teaching. For  those already struggling this could come across as accusatory and isolating rather than inviting someone into the church's solution.

3.5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of NavPress and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

I Will Not Fear by Melba Pattillo Beals

I will not Fear by Melba Beals recounts the author's experiences as one of the Little Rock nine, a single mother, and as a ground breaking journalist. 

The narrative is open, honest, and heart wrenching as Beals invites readers into the life and realities of the girl behind the news reports. At heart,  Beals is a storyteller who infuses humanity back into the headlines. I was already familiar with the nine students in Little Rock who were chosen to desegregate the student population but the wisdom and care Beals takes to tell her story and highlight the memories she's chosen to share takes the events  and places them back into their human context with all the emotion, doubt, and reality that was facing the students  and families  that lived through that time.

As a reader, I also appreciated Beals way of summarizing each story, each lesson, into a truth she learned about faith and/or God at the end of each chapter. The statement served to  add another layer to the  previous story and allows readers to assume the viewpoint the author held  when conveying her message. 

This is definitely a book I could see being worked into a homeschooling curriculum as Beals story covers such a wide array of topics from the historical events at Little Rock and the fallout of that first year to  her career in journalism, to the lessons of faith she has developed over a lifetime, to the experiences of racism both overt and subtle she has faced with grace over the years.

While at times the material may feel repetitive, I felt that adds credibility as the story feels like someone sharing and processing their memories,  a process that is rarely clean and straightforward.

4 out of 5 stars 

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

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else  by Jill Briscoe has been re-released for new audiences. Although I was familiar with Mrs. Briscoe's daughter-in-law (a gifted speaker in her own right), I hadn't yet become acquainted with Mrs,  Briscoe herself.

Overall, the book is based on a solid premise. Briscoe anchors her book within the story of Moses while branching  out to speak  on different spiritual truths and elements she finds necessary for people to move forward in their faith. I highly appreciated Mrs. Briscoe's use of scripture and the way she  continually anchors her work back within Moses' life. It's obvious this is where her passion lies and an area with which she has well  studied. 

For those who also love studying, Briscoe provides a study section at the end of every section. Consisting of reflection, questions,  prayer guides, additional reading, etc. . . Each chapter offers a strong option of taking the material  further while tying in the chapter focus to scriptural references outside of the Moses' narrative.

Topically, however, I had mixed feelings on Briscoe's work. The variety was wonderful. Between spiritual gifts, prayer, overcoming trials, and so on there was wide breadth of knowledge being shared increasing the likelihood that a reader will find helpful material. The tone at times was frustrating though. 

I found, in the reading, that Briscoe tended towards a one-size-fits all faith. There wasn't a lot of room for grace for those going through hard seasons just an unrelenting call to measure up. As a result, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this book to some of my friends who are newer to faith and still working out the basics.

3.5 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.