An Encouraging and Enjoyable Read
927545
Parenthood is terrifically challenging!
It doesn't matter how much you think you might know about parenting going into it. Nothing can prepare you for the trial by fire that is being a new father. In that space of being a new father, understanding that you are not the only one struggling with the challenging newness of it all is very encouraging. The numerous personal stories did a wonderful job to that end.
Our life experiences, and parenthood in particular, present us with so many opportunities to be shown by God our unbelief and/or wrong thinking. He does this not that we may despair, but that we might turn to Him and His truth. The author demonstrated that well in each of the examples.
Also, the author's sense of humor came through not only in the stories themselves but also in the titles. This added an extra layer of joy to the experience of reading the book.
3398292
Be the Blessing is an enjoyable, easy read with a clear message to trust God and allow Him to use you to bless others. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down as it was truly moving and helpful. Thank you, Paula, for such an encouraging and challenging book.
2573874
Reading this book has been much more than simply "reading a book" to me.  The inspiration and encouragement I have received through the  example of the fictional character's reliance on God's sovereignty far outweighs the enjoyment of the story itself, though that enjoyment was very great indeed!  The main character displays what it means to live with Jesus as one's Lord; submitting to His will in spite of her fears and own personal desires. She continuously was falling back on scripture to guide her into subjection to God's will at every turn where she could have easily allowed herself to succumb to fear instead.  In that way, it has also been an encouragement to me to memorize more scripture! Read this captivating story to be inspired, motivated and encouraged to remember that God is Lord of all, and nothing is outside of his control; his love is ultimate and He is above all to be trusted and submitted to.
390090
This is an encouraging book presented on an easy to read format.
2327830
I found Wendy's reflections in the book very encouraging. What struck me most while reading was how she is able to give perspective on the seasons of life. There are stories from her childhood, from being a mom of young kids, a mom of teenagers and now a grandmother. I'm a mom with three young children, and on many days it is easy to loose a right attitude of how precious this phase of life is, and how easy it would be to miss the "good stuff" God can teach us through it. As the stories unfolded I was reminded again that these years are short AND important, both as a mother and as a wife. I'm so glad I read this!
4725404
This book focuses the reader on viewing life's circumstances through the lens of optimism and the truth of the Gospel rather than despair and fear. Practical applications, encouraging reminders and helpful Scripture references made this a compelling and quick read.
4134553
I enjoyed reading this book as it flowed well and the characters were well-developed and pleasant.  As a Christian,  I found the writing uplifting without being preachy or judgemental.  As a birth mother, I was interested in Amber's spiritual awakening.  Although not weighty, it was well-written, thought provoking and worthwhile.
1953735
I found this book to be encouraging and touching.  I could relate to much of it having grieved for the loss of my father.  The author shares intimate details of her grief journey all while pointing the reader back to the source of her strength, the Lord and His Word.  Highly recommend.
3908125
This is the most encouraging and thought provoking book I have read in along time.
4777872
Bekah Jane Pogue's writing style is warm and welcoming, almost conversational. She is very candid and real with her struggles, and though I did get a little bogged down in the middle, I picked up speed once again and found some great nuggets of wisdom here. My favorite chapters were those that dealt with comparison and how destructive it can be, as well as how to find joy in the mundane, as right now there are times that I feel like everyone else is out having a good time, while my life is consumed by work and school. Even though her situation was one of being a young mother at home with young children, I still related to how she feels like she is missing out on something. I can so relate to that right now, so that message was a needed one for me, and I'm sure for many others.

(spoiler alert: you're not missing anything - you're right where you need to be).

Overall, Choosing Real is an encouraging, inviting read that discusses timely spiritual truths, no matter what phase of life you're experiencing. Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads and chose to review it. The opinions expressed here are my own.
2148812
I found this book to be a refreshing and enlightening read, and an encouragement for my life as a Christ follower.  The plot is based on the eternal battle of good and evil.  In this case, one man tries to convince the world that hope is dead.  In its place reigns the world of ghouls and goblins the likes of which we haven't seen yet.  This plan must be stopped and God has a group of people whom He calls to gather together and defeat this enemy.  It was indeed a page turner, but not a difficult read.  I borrowed the copy which I just finished from the local library but think I need to add it to my personal collection.
1822278
An encouraging book to help woman find their fierceness and live bravely in it. An anecdote begins each chapter where Ms. Gerth tells a personal story about how she's struggled to believe in her worth, purpose, and sometimes just the simple day-to-day struggles of being a daughter, wife, mom, and friend. The chapters are small, making this a quick book to read or one that can be a chapter a day read. Ms. Gerth uses a handful of Bible Scripture but less than I expected. However, Ms. Gerth consistently reminds readers that God created them with a fire inside to live boldly, freely, and without fear. There's also Discussion Questions at the back, which would make this a great book to offer in a book club.

No matter what season in life a reader finds themselves in, this book offers sweet encouragement through funny, poignant, and personal stories shared to inspire readers to embrace the Fierce Hearted woman inside them.

***I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
2964563
Annie Downs is a speaker and blogger who writes with a cheery, conversational style that makes each chapter a series of pep talks for the timid soul. She shares her struggles with singlehood, with changing jobs, changing locations, and living a life where she has to step out in faith.

I'll admit I was put off by her writing style at first--a little too much girlfriend-to-girlfriend; but I warmed to it as I read along. She's very open about her struggles and fears and honest about how scary it is to step out in faith and move out of her comfort zone.  She finds grace and humor in most situations and her joy comes through as she shares her stories.

I found this book to be inspiring. The target reader is probably in her 20's or 30's. It's not heavy with Scripture, but her faith is evident in every chapter and the Scripture verses flow naturally in the conversation. You'll certainly be inspired, if not a bit braver, after reading this.
1397235
This open and honest account of the author's journey to know Jesus is an encouragement. It is a very helpful description into the hearts of people raised in Islam whose hearts are sincerely searching to know God. I am grateful to have read it and hope many will do so as well.
1616359
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It so spoke to my heart and encouraged me to remain steadfast in my calling. Thank you!
1748375
A very encouraging book, written with honesty from lived experience.
3610876
This book is a thoroughly enjoyable and easy to read true story that will leave you feeling spiritually fulfilled and hopeful. David Lewis takes you on a pleasant journey through his early years being raised on an Ohio farm in a wonderfully close knit family and Christian community who patiently and lovingly nudge David's father, an agnostic, towards embracing God. His style is very down to earth and heartfelt, no lofty or damning religiosity. You can't help but love each of his family members and friends, even in their moments of failure. In the end, David's father is "born again" through a series of miraculous events that only our loving God could have bestowed, to bring David's father "home".