Clutter has been an ongoing challenge for me for many years.  I go from organized and cleansed back to clutter.  I am always looking for new ideas and help in digging out when I slip back into my old ways.  There have been a lot of books written on this subject and believe me I have read a lot of them.  So I was a bit skeptical but still hopeful this one might have some ways to help me approach the job that lay before me.  I was pleasantly surprised!

I liked that the author was a Christian.  As a believer myself and always want to approach every part of my life through the Bible. This is the first decluttering book I have seen that includes God in putting your home in order. To me that’s perfect as He is to be the center of our homes in every way.

Clutter is complicated because much of it has an emotional basis.  I love the way she makes her instructions so simple and clear.  It was like having her there beside me discussing many aspects involved in this huge task that I would have never thought of!  She covers every angle.  I learned so many new ideas and techniques I can apply to weeding out my belongings.  Instead of being overwhelmed I felt it was a task I could succeed at! Once you are done she has even more suggestions to keep your house from going backwards again. A very helpful book!

I received this book from Bethany House Nonfiction/Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions I have stated are my own.

I am sure toxic thoughts are nothing new, but the world and media seem to give us a lot more material for them now!  It seems anxiety and fear generated by these harmful ruminations has reached epidemic proportions. 

I have my fair share of struggles with this too.  The Bible emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds and not accepting everything that pops into our heads.  It is truly our guideline to true peace and a healthy mind.  Yet sometimes in the midst of our suffering we find it hard to apply this wisdom. 

Through his own personal challenges in this area and sharing his private experiences, he helps the reader not only navigate their complicated thought life, but also apply what scripture teaches. The book was very thorough in addressing such a difficult problem.   I like that he had so many biblical references to guide me.  What impressed me the most about the book was how the author directed the reader achievable and concrete solutions to change their thinking.  This book was definitely written by someone who understands how hard conquering toxic thoughts is but has found victory over them!

I received this book from Bethany House Nonfiction/Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions I have stated are my own.

Melody Carlson’s Christmas books have become a yearly tradition with me.  The holiday is not complete without reading her latest one.

Christmas is going to be hard for elderly Vera Swanson in more ways than one. She sold her family home with all the sweet memories and moved across the state of Oregon to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Shortly after her move, the family had to relocate to California. While her new condo was nice it didn’t hold a candle to her large home she had sold. The holiday there included lots of family, friends, Christmas baking and over the top Christmas decorations.  To add to her sadness, she didn’t know anyone nor could any of her family could make it home to celebrate.

Purposing to make the bests of things she decorated as best she could. While she was pondering over her dilemma, there was a knock at the door.  Her neighbor’s daughter was standing there frantic.  Her mother was sick and she needed help. Rushing over she finds the mother seriously ill.  Vera takes over and drives her to the hospital. 

This leaves her to care for 4 year old Fiona and her siblings when they return from school. The father is working out of state and cannot come home.   Fascinated by all the decorations the little girl explores condo.  She spots a handmade quilt is in awe.  She exclaims that it is exactly what her mother would want for Christmas.   She asks if Vera can make one for her and no amount of explaining the logistics of time and labor deters her.

Vera concedes and decides to advertise for other ladies to help.  The group that responds not only has never quilted but was as diverse in background and personality as you could ever imagine.   Suddenly her quite life is filled to the brim; teaching, quilting, and caring for 3 young children.

The story expresses the true spirit of Christmas in such a warm and loving way.  All the character’s involved moved past their heartaches and problems to truly give and care about others in need.  Vera gave not only gave of her time but of herself and in the process influenced others by her actions to do the same. The ripple effect she had on the other lives made me smile. We may all picture what our perfect Christmas looks like and we know it seldom is a reality.  Ms. Carlson shows that no matter how flawed our holiday appears, opening our hearts can make it better than we ever imagined.  After all Christmas is about giving.   A beautiful story.

I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

Mollie Sheehan was totally committed to caring for her father after her mother’s death.  She was only six years old in 1858 when her mother passed.  His freight wagon business kept him gone for long periods and left her in the care of others.    Mollie wanted to keep the biblical statute to honor her father in spite of his many times, unreasonable ultimatums.   When he remarried her new stepmother, Anne, more and more responsibilities were piled upon her and he always quoted the scripture when she tried to disagree.  While life was difficult and often miserable she persevered to keep her duty to “honor her father”.  That was until she fell in love with his best friend Peter Ronan who was 13 years older than her.  After this she truly understood that honoring her father did not mean never having a life of her own.

Peter became Superintendent of the Confederated Tribes on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana.  It was a daunting job, one that he excelled at and made his own history. Here they began their family. 

Mollie loved her husband and stepped into her difficult and often frightening role as his helpmeet.  The area was remote and many necessities were not available.  There wasn’t even a doctor at first!   Supplies could be scarce, plus the unpredictability of Indian attacks.

At any moment she could be called upon to host a meal for any number of people.  They might be Indians or someone famous.  A feast was pulled together with whatever was on hand and done so graciously.  Mollie’s love and respect of all people, no matter what their station in life, was beautiful.  Her love ran deep to help others and she would make whatever sacrifices were needed.

The open door policy with the Indians where they could walk into their home anytime day or night (and they did) had to be difficult, but Mollie took it all in stride.   In addition to the constant company and erratic life, she was giving birth to her children in quick succession.   She was an amazing woman. 

It might seem odd but one of the things that fascinated me about her was the description of her thick, massive hair that hung well past her hips.    (I searched pictures of her on the internet and it was remarkable!) I cannot imagine how hot and uncomfortable it was in the summer, but the sheer effort it took to wash, comb and dry it without modern conveniences is beyond my imagination.

Ms. Kirkpatrick once again has written a great book. 

I received this book from LibraryThing and Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

Eli is forced to return home after leaving in anger 11 years ago in an argument with his brother.  His budding NHL career is in shambles and shame.  He has nowhere else to go. There is more to his story than is being told. Violet has become a very loved and important part of the family.  She has untold secrets too.  She is very suspicious of him, his motives and possibly breaking his mother’s heart again. Neither believes they can be loved and forgiven because of their failures.

His big return home coincides with his mother’s and Violets beloved pottery business being destroyed by fire.   As he steps in to help his family (who other than his mother or not very happy to see him) his and Violet’s relationship begins to grow. 

This is such a beautiful story of forgiveness and healing, not only between family members but also with God. It isn’t an easy path the character’s move along but you can clearly see the Lord working in what they see as impossible situations to bring about His will.

I loved Eli’s personality, so fun loving, cheerful and compassionate; totally the opposite of Violet’s in the beginning.  The story shows that no failure is so great that God cannot bring good and blessings out of it.  That many times by caring the burden alone we keep the Lord from helping us and make our pain greater.  

I love Ms. Johnson’s books and romance always is done in good taste.  It is this time also but I found some the romantic moments and bit long and rather extreme in passion for my taste. I found myself skimming through those parts.   All in all another great book from the author! 

I received this book from LibraryThing and Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

I was so happy to see a book about much older women!   I love the ones about youth but how refreshing to one about ladies my age and their experiences and perspectives!

I have not been to a high school reunion since I graduated 40 years ago.  My classmates are frozen in my mind from that time.  I still picture them as 17 and 18.  For four decades they have lived, changed and have an entire different life I know nothing about. 

Suzanne, Marla and Rachel are 3 high school friends that reunite for their 40^th reunion for the first time since graduation.  Their lives have taken them on vastly diverse paths.  The old bonds are still there but they are very different women.

Susanne has lost her career of 19 years.  Rachel who has spent her life being a homemaker has suddenly lost her husband. (I related most to Rachel). Marla a highly successful, famous, professional has just sold her multi-million dollar business.  Each of these women facing loss, albeit unalike, still they must make many choices to refine their futures and new identities.  This was one of their many challenges I could relate now and as I neared my senior years.

Not only was it interesting for me to catch up on their pasts, but to have the full picture of how their lives had changed and been impacted since their teens.  Each woman was at a different level in her faith walk with God.  I loved watching them mature in the Lord with the challenges they were dealt.  Marla’s generosity and gifts to her friends was such fun to be a part of, like a fairy tale especially Rachel.  No matter what their level of success or how their lives had unfolded, each one had something special to offer each other and their community.  I look forward to reading book 2 of the series!! 

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions I have stated are my own.

I am very picky about study guides that go with the books I read, and for a good reason.  I need them to be user friendly and help me study what I have learned. Some have too much in them to the point I struggle to work through them.  Others have just “fluff” lots of questions but no real meat to grasp and apply.  This one is just right! Ms. Brown has done a fantastic job!

The first plus I saw was that there is lots of room to write your thoughts, and answers.  When I study I like to record not only what I learn but also those special insights from the Lord.  Two or three blank lines are not enough for me.

Secondly there are numerous scripture references for each of the 10 lessons.  This is a must on my list.  How can I apply what I learn and seek the Lord without His Word?

Third, her questions are very thought provoking and prompt personal self-examination.  I dislike study guides that ask a lot of obvious questions. It makes me feel like I am doing busy work instead of learning.   This workbook is a guide for the reader to go even deeper looking into where their trust in God truly stands.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions I have stated are my own.

This book came at a perfect time for me.  I am the queen of “what ifs” and my mind runs into crazy cycles of what catastrophic things could befall me or my loved ones.  Ms. Brown story humbled me and made me ashamed of my emotional “drama” I have been spinning over my minor health issues compared to her breast cancer diagnosis. 

With many Bible stories we become familiar with them through a lifetime of hearing and reading.  It becomes easy to miss the fact that these were real people who lived in that moment and the lessons God wants us to learn. So it was with me and Rahab’s story.  The author not only brought her to life for me but awakened me to all her possible emotions, doubts and fears she experienced.  Not at all different from my own.

This in turn led me to take a deeper look into my life when the future is unknown and frightening.  What stood out most is that I had not considered before was Rahab’s great faith and trust in God.  She staked her life and that of her family on a handful of men who promised to keep them safe when the city was invaded.  Yes she believed they would be true to their word, but foremost her trust was in God.  Did she worry; wonder if she made the right choice, struggle at following their commands?  I would say she did, just as I do when the future is filled with unknowns. 

At the end of each chapter are 2 sections: “Untying Old Habits” and “Living it Out”. The first is a prayer and focuses realizing the destructive patterns we fall into when confronted with problems.  The proverbial “old shoes” we slip into.  By identifying these we can begin to make God’s truths a part of our hearts and minds.  The second poses questions or suggestion on how we might personally apply the concepts we have learned.

I found this book very inspirational.  I feel it has helped me to not only recognize where I fall short in trusting God but also in changing my way of thinking and emotional choices.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

Dawn Dixon had the world by the tail.  She was a successful CPA with a big firm and looking forward to career changing promotion.  Everything was prepared and she was just 2 months away from marrying her childhood sweetheart and best friend.  Then it all came crashing down.  Kevin, her finance canceled the wedding.  As if things could not be worse she finds her mother, Marnie had breast cancer surgery and treatment without her knowledge! 

So what’s a girl to do?  Hurting for her Mom and herself she decides they both need a break and she invites her to go with her to her honeymoon destination in Cape Cod, since the reservations can’t be canceled.

She isn’t sure how this will work out as her and her mom are polar opposites.  She is OCD in her planning and a control freak.  Marnie on the other hand is a totally spontaneous free spirit with no boundaries!

Expecting the ocean and surroundings to be healing for both of them all is well, right?  What she isn’t prepared for is Marnie to buy a dilapidated ice cream shop in the historical part of town!  Dawn and her deceased father’s love of ice cream and pursuit of finding the perfect recipe was Marnie’s motivation.  A new start for both of them!  The problem was she didn’t’ tell Dawn until AFTER the purchase.  Stress does not even begin to describe Dawn’s feelings!  She stays on in hope of undoing the mistake she feels her mother has made, but there are more surprises ahead.

This was such a fun read!  The description of the ocean and the sea side community was a getaway for me!  I was caught up in Marnie’s enthusiasm and plans for the shop.  I could also feel Dawn’s stress and confusion at trying to be in control of everything.  I have succumbed to this attitude in the past when circumstances have overwhelmed me. Ice cream wise, I am a cookies and cream girl, but Dawn’s unusual flavor creations made me wish I could try them.  I loved seeing the spiritual transformation of both women. I could relate. Marnie had great faith in God but struggled to release it in other areas.  Dawn lacked faith in allow God be in control not only her life but those she loved.  Both found that through life’s greatest trials God bring the most beautiful blessings and changes!  I am so excited this is a series and cannot wait to read the next book!

I received this book from Revell in exchange for a positive review.  The ideas expressed are my own.

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Norah King has lost both her parents, has no living family, and is about to lose her land.  It isn’t just land per se; it is part of her childhood and a deep connection to her parents.  So strong is her bond to it that she is prepared to marry a man she barely knows.  He will save her, save her land, and they will grow to care about each other, right?

While walking around her precious farm she finds an injured man about to be lunch to the vultures.  Moved with compassion, she manages to get him back to her house, call a doctor and care for him until he recovers.  Quincy Barnes has had a less than respectable life, finding himself pretty much and the end of his rope before Nora found him. 

Something magical happens between the two.  Love blooms and she instills hope in him to start over.  Their relationship would jeopardize her plans to save her heritage, and Quincy has nothing to offer in the way of help.  With a heavy heart he leaves.  Two years later their paths cross again and he I able to help her. 

This is a beautiful romance but it is more than just that.   Two very different people face crushing setbacks, heart breaking circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds.  Yet they do not falter in seeking God’s guidance and encouragement.    

I loved the way they were both total opposites but their deep love moved them to put one another first.  They faced such severe circumstances but overcame each one, alone and together with grace and faith.  A heartwarming and touching story you will want to read!

I received this book from Revell Publishing through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. The opinions stated are my own.