“Show me the books she loves and I shall know the woman…“
Jane Austen Ruined My Life
Beth Pattillo
Drawing on the recent popularity of all-things Jane Austen, award-winning novelist Beth Patillo crafts a fiction title with cross-over potential that offers equal parts humor, intrigue, and romance in a lighthearted chick-lit style dealing with themes of overcoming betrayal and learning to love again.
English professor Emma Grant has always done everything just the way her minister father told her she should – a respectable marriage, a teaching job at a good college, and plans for the requisite two children. Life was prodigiously good, as her favorite author Jane Austen might say, until the day Emma is betrayed by her husband. Suddenly, all her romantic notions a la Austen are exposed for the foolish dreams they are.
In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people’s expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, Jane Austen Ruined My Life is the story of a woman betrayed who uncovers the deeper meaning of loyalty.
Reviewed by Janette:
I enjoyed this book, cover to cover. Emma, a PhD professor at a US University is considered an expert in the study of Jane Austen’s writings. After Emma finds her husband with another woman, they divorce, her ex-husband’s lover accuses Emma of plagiarism, and the University fires her. Just as her divorce is final, Emma receives an invitation from a stranger that claims to be in possession of lost letters written by Jane Austen. Broke and disheartened, she decides this discovery would make her reputation credible once more. She contacts her cousin that lives in England, and her cousin opens her home for Emma’s two week stay.
Using the house key her cousin provided, she opens the door and there is a man standing just inside, wearing only a towel. It is Adam, her former best friend that she last saw when she married Edward. Adam seems to be on a secret quest of his own.
Her first morning in England, Emma wastes no time finding the home of the old woman behind the invitation, to see the documents promised. But the letters are not available until Emma completes a series of tasks. As each task is finished, a new envelope is received with new instructions.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the sights and landmarks that Emma visited as part of her tasks, and the mystery that she needs to solve. As Emma works out her pain during the various tasks, she gains
a new inner strength.
The history around the time of Jane Austen’s life is interesting; many activities we take for granted are not allowed by a lady of Jane’s position. All in all, this was a page turner for me, beginning to end.
Review Opportunity Provided by Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner
“Show me the books she loves and I shall know the woman…“
Found Art
Leeana Tankersley
Found Art is a collection of spiritually enriching, uplifting stories from the author’s life. These stories are insightfully woven around the seasons found in Ecclesiastes 3 and include birthing and dying, planting and harvesting, speaking and remaining silent, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, war and peace.
Found Art is about seeing a certain beauty in an object, a beauty that isn’t inherently there on first glance. It requires vision, a look beyond what is to what could be.
Navigating a relationship with God in the midst of chaos, confusion, and disappointment can be disorienting. And though glimpses of God appear here and there, more often readers face the frustrating inability to find him in the midst of any of it.
But what if, like a found artist, God were busy creating something enduring from the scraps and the cast-offs? What if art is seen, not in spite of, but because of, the raw materials?
Through the lens of Ecclesiastes 3, Leeana Tankersley shows readers that sometimes they must let something die if they are ever going to be born again. Sometimes they must fight to keep their roots planted while life is trying desperately to uproot them. Sometimes they must mourn as grief is the only passage out of their pain. And sometimes they must go to war while in the very next moment they long for a day when peace is possible without it.
Any one of these scraps might be a discarded item, but collaged together, they become something entirely different. Art emerges from the carefully collaged odds and ends. God takes the unlikely moments of our lives and pieces them together into something of beauty and worth.
I had a mixed reaction to Found Art by Leeana Tankersley. On one hand I was drawn in by her beautiful and soulful descriptions of the “new” world around her. Her description of what Found Art is and why she could relate that to her ever changing life with her navy seal husband spoke volumes. The idea of Found Art…simply put…making something beautiful out of the things that have been discarded.
You could clearly see Leeana’s love for her husband and her Lord as she continued her journey of self discovery. Every description, interaction and thought let you deeper into her soul and relationship with God. It was almost as if you were sneaking a peak into her very heart and soul. In Found Art she was not only finding the beauty of God around her but in herself. It was as if you were reading the journal of a very personal friend.
But it was that aspect that also led me to a different reaction. If you ever read the journal of a friend you know that there are times in life that seem rather mundane. At times in Found Art…I found myself glazing over the words she had written. While her descriptions were beautiful and sincere they were at times a bit too much. I wanted her to get to the point of her experience and not just the scenery around it.
I think the true beuaty of this book would be wholly appreciated by other wives and mothers of militray men. I applaud Leeana for her truth and desire to grow closer to God but did not feel completely moved or taken in by Found Art.
Review Opportunity Provided by Zondervan
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner
Read my Review at Amazon.com
“Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man…“
Simple Compassion
Keri Wyatt Kent
This fifty-two-week devotional invites you to discover a life overflowing with creative compassion. Through poignant stories and fresh insights from the Bible, you’ll learn how small acts by ordinary women just like you can lead to meaningful change.
Along with a clear vision of God’s heart for the poor and marginalized, Simple Compassion provides manageable action steps to help you move beyond asking, “What difference can I make?” to actually doing something. In each week’s reading, you’ll find inspiring meditations from the Bible blended with suggestions for living out principles of justice and compassion right where you are.
Step into the adventure of following God’s heart, and discover the power of Simple Compassion.
There are a few things in a woman’s life that you have to search and search for to find just the “right” one. She will try dozens to find the perfect fit….and no two women will ever be the same.
Wonder what these things are?
In my life…they are a perfect fitting pair of jeans and a perfect fitting bra. You can now add to the mix…a perfect fitting devotional.
Devotionals are so very personal. They truly depend on where you are in your walk with God and in your faith. What works for me might not be what works for you.
I received Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent and found it to be very insightful. Keri speaks from a very basic human need of “needing” to be needed. The desire to make “change” in our world…one step at a time.
Each chapter in this book reads like an individual story and at the end of each chapter you will find a section described as the Compassion Step and Community Step. The Compassion Step is something you can do to change your life and your personal dynamics while the Community Step was created for group discussion and open to frank observations about ourselves and the world around us.
As I read through the Simple Compassion I felt as if I was reading more of a self-help or self-awareness book with a Christian bend rather then a devotional…but overall it worked. Because of Keri Wyatt Kent’s “different” approach to creating this devotional…I would probably use it as accompaniment to a more traditional devotional.
Simple Compassion definitely gives the reader good thoughts and ideas to ponder and chew upon. Practical ideas to implement in our daily lives. Using the bible and scripture as a barometer of where we should be in our daily desire to be more Christ-like creates an interesting and unique devotional.
Review Opportunity Provided by Zondervan Books
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner
“Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man…“
Spilt Milk
Linda Vujnov
Spilt Milk is a collection of brief, hilarious stories and meditations mixed with biblically based applications that encourage women in their spiritual journey. Written by a Gen-X mom, these stories remind busy mothers that God’s grace is always there in the messes and marvels of life, love, and being a mom.
Laughter lightens the heart and helps you discover grace in the moment In a mother’s land of milk and honey, the milk is often spilt and the honey is usually smeared all over the face of the baby in his high chair. Linda Vujnov has been there and knows exactly what it feels like. Between packing lunches, drying the dishes in the sink, returning emails, and making sure mascara is applied without smudges, Spilt Milk offers a delightful alternative for busy moms that will lighten your day and remind you that God’s grace is found in the most unlikely places. You’ll discover the ways God uses the everyday adventures of an imperfect woman to emphasize his grace.
Whenever I have done a devotional it has always been hit and miss with me. Either they were so intense that it was like doing a bible study or so light that I could have received as much inspiration if I had read the comics.
Finding the right balance between humor, insight, inspiration and God’s words is not as easy as it may appear.
Linda Vujnov did a fabulous job with Spilt Milk. As a mom of twin girls I can relate to many of her chapters and titles. Such as “My Last Drink”, “Wit’s End” and “Stupid Words”. She shares her highs and lows of being a mom with small children in a way that any mom can relate.
Within each of her daily devotions is the “moment” when God touches her heart to see life His way…when the ah-ha minute strikes. At the end she concludes it with a verse to ponder for the day.
Spilt Milk is the perfect devotional to carry in your purse or backpack for those times when you have a few minutes to dwell in God’s word….as a mom those moments need to be found because they don’t just fall in your lap.
Linda Vujnov realizes that moms are busy, harried and rushed most of the days…but she always reminds us that we have a heavenly Father that will helps to slow down, calm down and relax…if we only let Him be in charge.
Review posted at Amazon.com
Review Opportunity Provided by Zondervan Books
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner
“Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man…“
Halfway to Each Other
Susan Pohlman
The true story of a California couple on the brink of separation who unexpectedly find love again on the Italian Riviera.
Tired, empty, and disillusioned with married life, Susan Pohlman was ready to call it quits. As soon as she and her husband, Tim, wrap up a business trip in Italy, she planned to break the news that she wanted to end their eighteen-year marriage.
During their last day as they walked along the Italian Riviera, Tim fantasizes aloud that, perhaps, they could live there. Susan initially dismisses the notion as nonsense but is inexplicably overwhelmed with a desire to give the marriage another try. Defying all logic, the couple find a school for their children and sign a lease for an apartment. Maybe a life in such a charmed setting could help them find their way back to each other.
Together with their fourteen-year-old daughter Katie and their eleven-year-old son Matt, they trade in their breakneck Los Angeles pace for adventure and a slower, more intimate lifestyle slipping out of the constraints of the traditional American Dream into a dream of their own.
Instead of seeing each other for fleeting moments in the mornings and evenings, the family starts to spend their days together rediscovering the simple joys that bring texture and meaning to all our lives. Travel with them as they stumble upon new customs, explore medieval alleyways, browse street markets, befriend neighbors, learn to cook, and try a new language.
Halfway to Each Other is the remarkable story of an ordinary American family that inspires and offers hope that all of us who find the courage to listen to our hearts and follow our dreams can experience a new beginning.
Have you ever had a very close close friend? One that you could call at all hours of the night? Someone that you have been able to share your deepest hurts and victories with? Who has known you inside and out …since what seems like forever?
If so then you will instantly be drawn to Susan Pohlman. She reminds me of “that” friend. The one where you can share your deepest thoughts with but know they will be safe.
Only “In Halfway to Each Other” she is the one sharing her deepest thoughts and fears as her family tries to salvage what is left of life “together”.
As I read the book I was drawn toward Susan’s honest opinion of herself and life with her husband. Living in Southern California I could relate to the demands that she experienced living so close to the “Hollywood” lifestyle.
Halfway to Each Other is an inspirational memoir and Susan quotes various versus from the bible and faith filled insights that she learns throughout her journey in Italy. Quoting verses and speaking of her interaction with God made her journey even more real to me and one that I could relate to on multiple levels.
I was not sure what I would initially think of the book…as I am not usually a big fan of memoirs…but Halfway to Each Other was written delicately and expertly. It was not a high suspense novel but instead read as if you were reading a letter from a dear friend.
Laughing at their stumbles and wobbles at they learn about life in a new country, without friends, without the hustle and bustle of everyday life…left me longing for a more quite time with my family as well. Knowing that they were victorious toward their goal and allowing God to lead them on was inspirational.
Grab a cup of coffee, a warm blanket and snuggle into this book. It’s a journey you will long remember.
*See my review at Amazon.com
Review Opportunity Provided by Phenix & Phenix Literary Agents
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner
“God Is With Me Through the Night”
by Julie Cantrell
Children have so many little fears. Fears that we, as adults, take for granted. How quickly we forget the fear of being alone, or being in the dark. We forget how a long hallway seems so ominous to a little one during the night time regardless if they have walked that same hallway a hundred times during the day.
Have you ever taken the time to get down to your child’s level. I mean literally. Get on your knees and see the world from their perspective. Everything is bigger then you, larger then you and taller then you. Kind of scary.
Since they were tiny newborns…I have tried to share the love of God and the Faith I have in Him with my twins. Teaching them that He is always there for us. That He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). I want them to understand that Mommy and Daddy will never leave them or stop loving them either.
Julie Cantrell takes beautiful pictures, simple lines and statements that reinforce the idea that your little one is never, ever alone. This perfect is for the Toddler who can admire the photos to the older child who can read it alone.
The goal of both these books is that a child can reassure that they are loved and cared for by a Heavenly Father. What a wonderful gift to give this season.
I love receiving books for Christmas or anytime of the year. I just love books and love to read. What makes a book even more interesting is learning a bit about the author and what compelled he or she to create the book they did….with that in mind…my Holiday Shopping Tip…may I introduce you to Julie Cantrell!
Why did you write these picture books?
When my daughter was young, she had a hard time sleeping in her own bed. She was afraid of the dark, and she suffered from terrible nightmares. She loved to read, and she loved animals – so when she was five years old, the two of us worked together to create a bedtime story just for her.
We found stock photos of animals, and we wrote simple text to reassure her that even when I tucked her into her bed at night, she was not alone. I wanted her to feel secure that I would never leave her in a place that wasn’t safe, and that God was always with her—even in the dark.
How did the books become published?
I never intended to publish the book. I wrote it to help my own daughter overcome her fears while building her faith in God. When her friends would sleep over, they all enjoyed the book and wanted me to print copies for them. Then the neighborhood kids asked for copies. I was working in a preschool as a speech-language pathologist at the time, so I read the story to my students. They all reacted positively to the story, so some of the other teachers and parents asked for copies. Their reactions made me think seriously about sharing the story to children on a bigger scale.
I had been working as a freelance writer for many years, so I decided to look for an agent. Several publishers expressed serious interest in the books, and we ended up signing a contract with Zonderkidz (the children’s division of Zondervan).
I was thrilled when they asked for a partner book to help children cope with fears such as separation anxiety and shyness through the day. God is with Me through the Day and God is with Me through the Night were released simultaneously on March 1, 2009.
How have children reacted to the books?
It’s been amazing to see children’s reactions as I read to school groups and story time groups. They laugh at the funny photos. They say “awww” when there’s a sweet photo. And they show sad expressions when the animals express fear or loneliness. I encourage them to talk to the animals on the pages. “Tell the goat, ‘Don’t be scared. Go play with your friends.’” Or “Silly kitty. That’s just a shadow!” They really interact with the book and always ask me to read it again.
Through the use of realistic, natural photos, the children can understand that all of God’s creatures feel afraid at times. It helps them cope with their emotions so they feel confident to explore their world or sleep through the night.
One Lucky IE Mommy Reader will receive a Set of God is With Me…Books!
To Enter:
- Follow Julie Cantrel on Twitter and tweet “I follow because of @iemommy RT – Enter to WIN the God is With Me Giveaway http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/22/god/” @JulieCantrell” = One entry for each Tweet
- Tell me how you follow the IE Mommy – Twitter, Facebook, maling list *If you don’t follow…then join and tell me how you follow!= One Entry for each follow
- Subscribe to Julie’s Journal = One Entry
- Sign up for Julie’s Email Newsletter = One Entry
Contest Ends – November 29th!
*Product Received for Review and/or Giveaway from Julie Cantrell and Zondervan/Zonderkids.
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