Book Review: Love & Respect for the Family

I am a huge Love & Respect fan.  Dr. Emerson Eggerich's book for couples has helped me communicate with my husband and understand his point of view better.  It also even helped me to put into words what I needed.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see this concept of Love & Respect played out into the family dynamics of parenting.

The basic concept of Love & Respect was that women need to feel loved and men need to feel respected.  When a woman does not feel loved, she doesn't show respect, when a man doesn't feel respected, he does not show love- and then the crazy cycle begins in the spousal relationship.

For parenting, the roles are that the parents have the need to feel respected and the child has the need to feel loved.  When one of these becomes lacking, the same crazy cycle begins.  Most of the book is focused on how the parent can address their role in loving their children through the acronym GUIDES.  They are the adult in the relationship, so much of the responsibility lies within the parent to correct a crazy cycle situation.

What I liked:

My favorite chapters were the 'pink and blue glasses' of parenting towards the end and the discipline chapter.  I felt enlightened by how parenting can look so different between raising men and raising ladies.  While I currently only have daughters, I found the insight into a mother/son relationship very helpful even as I interact with my nephew.  I also loved getting ideas on how to encourage my husband to have a loving relationship with my daughters- and how he can help show them what a Godly man looks and acts like.  The discipline chapter was helpful in that it reminded me of so many great foundations in parenting.  Even though much of the information was not revolutionary or new, it is a great reminder as you are in the trenches of parenting young children to be very intentional about the WHY of discipline so that the how becomes more natural- especially as the children grow.  There were many great real life examples from the authors life and other families that I found most helpful and encouraging.

What I didn't care for:

Overall the book was quite repetitive, which made it longer than needed.  I would have loved a shorter version with more succinct examples and ideas.

What frustrated me the most was that the first few chapters (the G, U, and I chapters from the GUIDES acronym) were consistently referring to a future chapter- the D for discipline chapter.  While the acronym was cute, I felt as though the D should have come sooner in the book so one was not constantly being referred to something that hadn't been read yet.  It would have made for better flow of the book even though it would have 'disrupted' the acronym set up.

I would recommend this book to other parents simply because I trust the author and his integrity.  He has proven himself with his previous Love&Respect book and so I respect his opinions and thoughts. Tread carefully though as one man's thoughts on parenting will not work with every child or every home set up.  Test against scripture (which is often used as 'proof' in the book) and listen to the Holy Spirit as you parent your children.

Happy reading!

*I received a copy of the book free of charge from book sneeze but my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Total Money Makeover

I have been a huge fan of Dave Ramsey for many years.  His concepts are Biblically based, right on target, smart, and he's not afraid to tell you like it is.  Its not often you find someone who is honest and doesn't skirt issues.

My husband and I have worked very hard to follow a lot of Ramsey's concepts.  From the start of our marriage we've stayed out of debt and have kept a budget to help us live like no one else so we can give like no one else.

I was excited to read through Ramsey's Total Money Makeover:  Classic Edition.  It was neat to read all of the concepts I hear him discuss on a regular basis on the radio.  He goes through all of his 'baby steps' towards financial freedom including the emergency fund, debt snowball, and investing in the future.

I loved hearing success stories from other families throughout the book.  It was like celebrating the freedom they are feeling right along with them as I read it.  My only complaint is that sometimes their layout was right in the middle of a paragraph or thought in the chapter.  It was a little awkward to read around.

Whether you have been a fan for years or are tired of leading a life of debt and financial stability- this book is sure to be a good one to read and share.  This isn't get rich quick or even a fix all.  It is the kick in the pants and the steps laid out you need to make the right decisions for yourself.  This book gives you the chance to take responsibility and change your life forever.

*I received a copy of the book in return for my unbiased review from BookSneeze

Book Review: The Secret Keeper

I'll admit I'm a sucker for Amish Fiction.  While the storylines do sometimes get repetitive, I time and again find myself entranced in the story's of Old World Amish, the characters, and the constant search for freedom in Christ.  Beverly Lewis is the original author of this genre and can tell a tale of these people like no other.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read her latest The Secret Keeper which is actually a continuation of her stories of Hickory Hollow and the Lapp family.

The Secret Keeper picks up 6 years after the last Lapp family book left off.  Katie Lapp has been under the strict Baan with her husband for 6 years.  Her and Daniel settle into a mennonite lifestyle in a neighboring village while her parents struggle with the loss of their daughter and now the realization they have also lost the grandchildren from that union.  Rebecca Lapp faces daily reminders of her daughter and all that could have been while her husband quietly soldiers on.  The story in this novel focuses on an Englisher coming to attempt to become Amish.  Jenny's heart seeks answers and simplicity.  Taken in by the Lapps and with their help she hopes to prove herself worthy of becoming an Old Order Amish member.

What I loved about this book is that it wasn't merely the typical Fancy vs. Amish world or toil between having to chose which life to lead, but it brought about the spiritual decision that it would bring.  While the Old Order Amish are very religious, they do hold their bishops at almost a higher place than Christ. They serve rules over forgiveness.  They also discourage self study of the scriptures.  The Secret Keeper brings about the desires of Amish youth to find out their faith for themselves and the decision could cost them everything.  I really enjoyed learning about more of the Lapp family history and characters.  While traditional Lewis writing, it was surprisingly fresh in its approach.

If you love Beverly Lewis, you will not be disappointed in this classic Lewis storytelling.

*In exchange for my honest review I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers.

Book Review: Rebellious Heart

I had the privilege of receiving a copy of Jody Hedlund's latest novel Rebellious Heart from Bethany House publishers.  I have loved the previous novel's of my fellow Michigander author. She is a breath of fresh air in a sometimes stagnant pool of Christian fiction.  Her latest novel is no exception.  Rebellious Heart is a wonderful novel with exceptional storytelling.

Set in pre-revolutionary America, a close knit harbor town close to Boston has its feet firmly planted in its traditions, loyalties to the crown, and beliefs.  With stirrings of rebellion towards British taxes and laws, the town is rocked by increased military presence and friendships and potential marriages heading towards the dividing point of freedom vs loyalty.  To make matters worse, a young woman is found brutally murdered.  While a suspect was found guilty, his forward thinking lawyer has set out to prove the man's innocence.  Ben Ross is working his way from being an impoverished son of a farmer to big time lawyer.  His heart is set on justice, mercy, truth, and freedom both in the courthouse and in his political leanings.  When his heart begins to fall for Susana, a girl with history and wealth and established ties, he finds an unexpected gift of her intelligence, love of books, and savvy.

In a twist of events, Ben and Susana are drawn to each other to help another, but finding their own feelings towards each other being ripped away.  With political and status symbols at stake, dowry's to protect, justice to be served, and the innocent to be protected, Ben and Susana have more than 1 dangerous encounter with the redcoats.

While the first 5-7 chapters were a little slow at getting my attention, I was eventually entranced into the world Hedlund created.  I was enamored with her storytelling and found myself surprised at plot twists-  something often lacking in today's Christian fiction.  By the last few chapters, I couldn't put it down and forced my tired eyes open to find out how the story would conclude.  It was an absolute joy to read and in many ways hope to find Hedlund explore more storylines with these characters.

5 out of 5 stars in my book!

Book Review: Biff and Becka's Stupendous Vacation

As a trained elementary school teacher, homeschool mom, and mother to an avid reader who is just entering the world of chapter books; I was eager to review a faith based youth fiction book from WestBow press through booksneeze.com.  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Biff and Becka are brother and sister rabbits who have a loving family rooted in their faith in God.  This book follows the family as the father receives a pay cut and the yearly family vacation to the beach was changed to a 'stay-cation' adventure at home.  The stories follow challenges and adventures with faith at the center of the learning and resolutions.

I wanted to love this book, but I found myself struggling to enjoy it.  While I appreciate the loving family portrayed in the book and the way spiritual elements are woven in, I found that the book was simply too wordy and long.  The first couple of chapters would have pages of dialogue that in of themselves would be a stand alone story.  It took so long to get to the next part of the storyline that I lost passion for reading it.  It would read much better as a collection of short stories without the burden of cohesiveness.  I also found myself stumbling over character names and the fact that they were rabbits.  The names did not flow with the characters or story.  The idea of them being rabbits instead of people just made the book more cumbersome than necessary in my opinion and did not add value to the storyline.

I will hang onto the novel and do a read aloud with my oldest in the next year or so.  The book has potential, but it may heavily depend on the reader's interest and patience level.

Book Review: So Shines the Night

I was very intrigued by the concept of this Christian Novel.  The first church as described in Acts and the apostle Paul's writings is one of great fascination, awe, honor, and even curiosity.  I was excited about the idea of a novel that would place me in that time and place as it is not a common timeframe for fiction.

So Shines The Night is a story that involves rescue and redemption.  Two people- Daria and Lucas come from two very different places and yet their paths converge as they seek similar answers in life.  Daria seeks a place of acceptance and a way to justify her quest for knowledge with the seemingly unending path towards acceptance with the gods of her religion.  Lucas seeks revenge that will give him peace after his failures that money could not make go away.  All of these personal trials set in the bustling city of Ephesus in the shadow of the great Temple to Artemis. A spiritual and sometimes physical war is on the brink between the Jews, the followers of the many gods of Rome and Greece, the worshippers of Artemis, and the new group called the Way who follow the teachings of Jesus under the missionary Paul.  Lucas and Daria end up in the middle of this battle- a battle not only for their lives, but their souls.

Overall, the storyline and concept was fascinating and the town of Ephesus in the first century did come alive.  Higley's writing was descriptive, almost to the gory point with sorcery and dark magic scenes.  However, it was a cumbersome book to get through.  It was very long, and seemed like it didn't need to be.  Higley's writing is not concise as her use of adjectives and descriptive sentences is overbearing at times.  I would have enjoyed this book much more if it was more concise and focused on the subjects of the story.  It was just a hard read to get through which took a lot of the enjoyment that typically comes along with reading Christian fiction.

I wouldn't put this at the top of my recommendation list, but it is an intriguing read for those really interested in that time period.

*I was given a copy of So Shines the Night by book sneeze and the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: Intentional Parenting

I'm not one to underline in books.  I read them, enjoy them, and apply them without the need to go back and reread.  Rarely have I come across a book that is filled with so much tidbit wisdom that I long to share with my spouse and I am itching to implement.  I found myself oozing with ideas, wisdom, and courage after reading Intentional Parenting.  It has been marked up, highlighted, a to do list written in the back, and ideas sketched in the margins.  Intentional Parenting is perhaps one of the best parenting books I have ever read.  Written by three counselors from Daystar Counseling  (Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan), the book is segmented beautifully into different areas where parents can be intentional when raising their kids (patience, consistency, spiritual, merciful, and more).  The book has the perfect balance of psychology pedagogy, child development, and scripture verses all from the perspective of a Biblical worldview.  This book not about how to fix kids, it is about being transformed as a parent and growing spiritually as a man or woman of God through the raising of our children.  I appreciated the examples from their own lives and counseling experiences that mixed with practical applications that I can implement in my home.  This book touches on all stages and phases of raising children so you know what it can look like to be an encouraging or playful parent to your 3 year old, 8 year old, and 15 year old.  As a mom to 3 girls ages 6, 3, and 3 months I found myself armed with great ideas for now, and methods to keep in mind for the future.  The only downside of this book is that I longed for more!  I cannot wait to get my hands on some of the other resources they suggested and referred to in their book.  I plan on getting this book for any new mom or dad in my sphere of influence.  While new parents may not appreciate it at first, it will not take long for them to realize how powerful it can be.  This must be on your reading list!

"Whether he is a mystery or more familiar, our job is to become a student- to seek to understand the work that God began and is faithfully completing in the lives of our children.  Our job is to steward that, not change it."  p. 18

Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.