Book Review - The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work by Jake Weidmann

My Review

The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work is a book that helps creative people and entrepreneurs think in terms of making a living incorporating their personal passions.

I wanted to read this book because I was a Creative Writing major (and I still write daily).  I also have a small vintage business online.  The Heart of the Maker appealed to me in terms of both these personal passions.

There is a strong faith component to the book, as Jake Weidmann discusses how to balance personal faith and pursuing creative endeavors.  I found this approach unique and thought provoking. 

This is a beautiful book. Jake Weidmann is a Master Penman and the design of the book is very eye catching.  The book is divided into 16 chapters, with descriptive titles like The Sketch: Start Small and Flow:  Finding Your Productive Rhythm.  

I found the author's approach to creativity inspiring:  "Be as serious as you'd like about your business, but make work your play" (p. 119).  

He also offers practical suggestions, like:  "If you struggle from distractions, then I encourage you to either stay up late or get up early if the nature of your work allows that kind of thing. ... Find the hours of the day when your creativity peaks and lean into them" (p. 121).

This is a thoughtful, reflective book and I look forward to spending more time with it, perhaps journaling as I think about some of the ideas that spark my interest.

I recommend The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work for creative people or entrepreneurs who want to live a balanced life as they pursue their passions.

Book Synopsis

Unlock the transformation of your passion with the keys of purpose-driven work in The Heart of the Maker. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, writer, weekend warrior or looking for a way to activate your calling, this book serves as a blueprint for turning creativity into meaningful action.

With hard-won lessons and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of creativity, this maker’s guide equips you with the tools to face uncertainty and emerge confidently into your creative calling.

Jake Weidmann, renowned self-taught artist and the youngest Master Penman in the world, wants to show you how to:

• balance the sacred and the sellable in the business of soulful creation;
• embrace your gift in less-than-ideal times and spaces for your making;
• grow your skill while balancing the books, working with your spouse, dealing with stress, and fighting burnout;
• discover the importance of faith, family, and relationships as the foundation for great art and a meaningful life;
• grow closer to God by connecting with the spiritual roots of creativity;
• see your challenges as a way to stretch your ingenuity; and
• overcome self-doubt by trusting in God’s plan and stepping boldly into your unique creative purpose.

But this is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to leave behind the ordinary and make a lasting impact in their work and their life. With The Heart of the Maker, readers will learn how to view their creativity not just as a skill but as a gift, meant to be cultivated and shared to glorify God and bless others.

Author Bio

Jake Weidmann – Jake is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penmen in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. His journey into calligraphy has been the “special sauce” for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, and has spoken from countless stages including TEDx and Q, and was featured on the PBS series, A Craftsman’s Legacy.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and TLC Book Tours for a copy of this book.

Book Review - A Thousand Painted Hours by Barbara O'Neal

My Review

A Thousand Painted Hours is a historical novel told in two timelines -- early 1900's colonial India and London, 1940 during the Blitz.  Elsie Turner lives in India with her parents when she is a young girl.  She has a strong connection with a young prince her age, Tanveer Singh.  Friendship turns to love, but they are separated when the Turner family moves back to England.  They have other relationships but their bond remains strong over the decades ... still longing to be together.

I wanted to read A Thousand Painted Hours because I love historical fiction.  I am interested in both early 1900's India and the World War II time period, so this novel was particularly appealing.

Elsie and Tanveer are both compelling characters.  The connection between them is so strong and the scenes of them together as adults are electric.  They are separated most of their adult life and part of their story is told in letters.  This novel is so much about absence and not being with the person you love.  Elsie's friend remarks:  "Your prince is a fantasy, my dear.  It's easy to love someone at a distance" (p. 213).  Later when they are briefly reunited, Tanveer tells Elsie, "The world has color again" (p. 244).

This is my first read by Barbara O'Neal and I will certainly look for her other books.  The storytelling is beautiful - with both vivid descriptions and well drawn characters.  

I love sweeping historical sagas that move through the decades, and enjoyed that aspect of this novel.  It is a long book but I found it a fast read.

I recommend A Thousand Painted Hours for fans of historical fiction, and especially anyone interested in India or England in the first half of the 1900's.

Book Synopsis

An epic, emotionally charged novel about love, art, and survival spanning 1900s colonial India to Blitz-era London by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

In the shadow of the London Blitz, artist Elsie Turner clings fiercely to her canvases, refusing to let war dim the colors that define her. The bombs test her nerve, but the struggle also stirs memories of her golden youth in India and of the long-lost love of her life.

The daughter of a British civil servant in the Himalayan station of Nainital, Elsie crosses cultural divides to forge an unlikely bond with Tanveer Singh, a Sikh prince with hopes, dreams, and far-reaching ideas. What begins as shared sketchbooks and stargazing becomes first love and a secret correspondence. When Elsie’s father is summoned to England, Elsie is severed from the world she knows—and is determined to preserve it through both her art and a connection with Tanveer that endures through the most tumultuous years of their lives.

Across four decades and two continents, Elsie navigates a journey from lush colonial India to war-torn London, amid landscapes of beauty, protest, and peril. As past and present collide, the most impossible choices and sacrifices are yet to be made in the name of love, war, and survival.

Author Bio

Barbara O’Neal is the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of twenty novels of women’s fiction, including the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller When We Believed in Mermaids, as well as The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth, Memories of the Lost, This Place of Wonder, and The Starfish Sisters. Her award-winning books have been published in more than two dozen countries. She lives on the wild Oregon Coast with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent. For more information, visit www.barbaraoneal.com.

Book Review - Heaven Meets Earth by Josh Nadeau

My Review

Heaven Meets Earth: A 40 Day Journey of Transformation Through the Nicene Creed is a unique devotional book.  It begins with the text of the Nicene Creed.  There are several short chapters about the history of this book, the Nicene Creed, and the role of art in devotional reading.  The author emphasizes the Lectio Divina and Visio Divina.  

There are 40 days of devotions in this book.  Each has a beautiful illustration inspired by the Nicene Creed, a short devotional message, and a Reflect and Meditate section.

I especially love the illustrations - which are exceptionally lovely! - and the Reflect and Meditate messages in this book.  For instance:

"Reflection upon how this confession unites you with brothers and sisters across time, how we might be a living echo of God's unity" (p. 03).

and

"Consider His joy, and ponder what it might take to become as a child and enjoy His beauty" (p. 11).

This is such a thoughtful, substantive devotional book.  I find it truly exceptional and unique!  I recommend it highly to other readers who are looking for a beautiful, thought provoking contemplative journey for 40 days.

Book Synopsis

Discover deeper faith as you explore the richness of Christian belief and tradition with a visually inspired journey through the Nicene Creed.

“We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth….”

And so the Nicene Creed begins with these powerful words of declaration and belief, words handed down through history for Christians across the centuries to affirm and to hold, to repeat and to remind. The Creed has bolstered the faith of many and still speaks to us today. When our footing fails or our faith needs a refresh, these ancient words can tether us to foundational truths.

In Heaven Meets Earth, philosopher-artist Josh Nadeau, creator of Sword and Pencil, invites you to explore the Nicene Creed in this 40-day devotional journey of transformation for everyday saints. With his iconographic-style art and his insightful words, Josh brings the traditional to the present day in this visually inspired exploration of the faith.

Each daily entry of this spiritual journey includes:

• A short phrase from the Creed to meditate on
• Thoughtful reflections on what the words still mean today
• A beautiful piece of full-color art inspired by the Creed
• A dedicated prayer to bring your thoughts to God

Whether during the Lent season or any time of the year, step into an ancient, living faith with Heaven Meets Earth, and embrace the beauty of belief with Josh’s stunning visual art alongside this historic Christian confession of faith. Prepare your heart and your mind for transformation as you follow in the footsteps of the faithful multitude who have gone before.

Author Bio

Josh Nadeau is an artist and author from the West Coast of Canada. Beauty is his apologetic and his work seeks to translate ancient ideas of embodying the Transcendent for a modern time. His art and writing are invitations to reimagine the holy ordinary of every day life under the Beauty of Jesus.

He has appeared on numerous podcasts, written articles for magazines and websites, and has created art for Jordan Peterson’s History of Western Civilization, as well as churches, musicians, and other organizations, like The Chosen, Searock, Vuvivo, and the Daily Wire.

He has his Undergrad in Physics, a Master’s in Theological Studies, and a doctorate from the School of Hard Knocks. He is a husband to Aislinn and a father to Ransom. He spends his days reading, writing, bouldering, and trying to enjoy every good and perfect Gift. Josh is the founder of Sword and Pencil and Every Day Saints.

Book Review - Uncomplicate It by Hosanna Wong

My Review

Uncomplicate It is a book about breaking down barriers that keep believers from growing close to God.  I love the line in the book synopsis:  "A real relationship with God is not one-size-fits-all."  Yes!  That is a perfect tagline for this book.

I wanted to read this book because it sounded so inspiring.  I had never read Hosanna Wong before and was interested in her writing.

Uncomplicate It is divided into four parts:

1. This Is Your Permission Slip
2. Roadblocks
3. Shortcuts
4. The Great Uncomplicating

I love how down to earth Hosanna Wong's writing is, with stories and examples involving real people.  For example:

"I had no idea how important beauty could be to some people's walks with God until I heard from one specific group of friends - painters, writers, photographers - all bonded by their love for art. ... My new friend who is a watercolor artist talked about the beauty of a specific flower.  A friend who is a graphic designer talked about the beauty of certain paintings he'd seen that week.  And a jewelry maker shared some of the most poetic prose about a small pond surrounded by flowers that she's passed - how it reminded her of certain scriptures and pointed her toward God" (p. 138).

This is a great book to read, to re-read, and to share.  I intend to recommend it to several friends!

Book Synopsis

What if enjoying life with God is simpler than you’ve heard? What if your personality, the way you learn, the things you enjoy, your season of life, and your many roles aren’t roadblocks to overcome but instead shortcuts to real connection with your Creator? International speaker Hosanna Wong offers you a permission slip to uncomplicate your relationship with God and enjoy Him in your own unique way.

She will help you:

• break free from unrealistic expectations that do not come from God;
• overcome 6 roadblocks that keep you from enjoying your life and relationship with God;
• unlock 6 shortcuts to enjoying God in your current season;
• learn from interviews with over one thousand believers about their unique ways of encountering God; and
• drop the guilt, shame, and comparison that comes from the lie that your relationship with Jesus must look one certain way, or else.

A real relationship with God is not one-size-fits all. Your relationship with God does not have to look like anyone else’s. And it doesn’t have to look the same way it did years ago. You can uncomplicate it. This is your permission slip to embrace the unique way God has made you, in this specific stage of life you’re in, so that you can fully receive all the good that God has for you right now.

Author Bio

Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, bestselling author, and spoken-word artist helping everyday people experience God for real. Widely known for her spoken word piece, “I Have a New Name,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures.

Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken-word poetry. During those years without a permanent home, she began speaking and creating resources to serve the local and global church.

Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round and serves on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people to experience and share God’s love in their real lives.

Hosanna is the bestselling author of How (Not) to Save the World and You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.

Book Review - 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter

My Review

100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides details 100 amazing train rides, with many photos illustrating the trips.

I wanted to read this book because I have a lifelong fascination with trains and railway travel.

I always love National Geographic books because they are so beautifully done, with wonderful photos throughout.  This book is certainly no exception!

The book is divided into six parts:

Europe

Africa & The Middle East

North America

South America

Asia

Oceania

I was particularly taken with the European and North American railway adventures.  The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express is a train journey I have always dreamed of!  I loved the pictures in this section, including the historic cabins that convert from comfortable daytime seating to beds at night.  Traveling on this train would certainly fulfill my Agatha Christie imaginings!   I would want to reread Murder on the Orient Express and rewatch the different film adaptations before traveling.

Several North American trips are intriguing to me.  The California Zephyr is a train trip I would enjoy.  It travels from Chicago to San Francisco -- two cities I would enjoy visiting, as well as enjoying the train travel.

The Crescent is another train journey I have always been curious about.  It travels from Manhattan to New Orleans - both cities that I enjoy and find fun to explore!  It is a 30 hour trip.  

Another train trip that includes New Orleans is the City of New Orleans (inspiration for the Steve Goodman song).  It travels from Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  This train trip has swivel seats so you can watch the landscape through big windows.

100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides is a lovely, big coffeetable book.  It would be a wonderful gift for a railroad enthusiast ... or a fun book for any armchair traveler.  Highly recommended!

Book Synopsis

Climb aboard the world’s 100 greatest railway adventures with this beautifully curated travel guide from National Geographic.

Filled with unforgettable journeys, including a weeklong excursion through Italy’s wine country and a four-hour sojourn in the Swiss countryside, this illustrated collection will add to your train trip bucket list.

Experience 100 of the most sought-after train rides around the world, from a luxurious trip through the Rocky Mountains to bullet trains that whizz you across Japan.  

This is the ultimate collection for railfans, featuring centuries-old railways, modern and speedy engineering marvels, and trips that take you through bustling cities like Chicago or ancient wonders like Machu Picchu.

Along with where and when to go, 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime includes inside info on passenger cars (like the best cabins to book or the tastiest meals en route), sidebars on historic stations and jet-setting train trips, and top excursions to take while off the rails.
Throughout, National Geographic highlights the top 100 lines that offer a window to the beauty of our world, including:

• Italy’s Espresso Cadore, a retro sleeper train that whisks you from the ruins of Rome to the ski resort of Cortina in the Dolomites.  
• Norway’s Nordlandsbanen railway, the only train line in the country that takes you to the Arctic Circle for a chance to spot the Northern Lights.  
• South Africa’s Blue Train, which travels 950 miles between Johannesburg and Cape Town.  
• The Ethan Allen Express, a revived route from Manhattan to Burlington, Vermont, along the shores of Lake Champlain. 
• Belmond’s Royal Scotsman, an intimate 40-passenger train (including a spa carriage) that takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
• The Grand Canyon Railway, with views of the national park you won’t find anywhere else. 
• The Hiram Bingham Orient-Express, a four-hour ride in a 1920s-style locomotive from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the Inca Citadel. 
• India’s Palace on Wheels, a week-long sojourn from New Delhi to Jodhpur, Udaipur to Agra.

And so much more!

Book Review - The Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson

My Review

Juliet Montgomery works as a couples counselor in Blossom Glen, Indiana. She is excited about her work, but clients are put off by her own personal track record - which includes three (or two point five, according to Juliet!) messy public break ups.  When Juliet goes to appeal a parking ticket, she gets pulled in to help settle a dispute over a tree.  This all happens at Mayor Jack Monroe's office.  He offers Juliet a part-time job settling conflicts for the Mayor's office.  Juliet and Jack are as different as night and day, but sparks fly every time they are together.

I wanted to read this novel because I love small town settings, and this sounded like a cozy, enjoyable read.  I had not read Miranda Liasson before (my mistake -- now I have to catch up with her books!).  This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series but it reads as a standalone.  I have not read the first book and had no problem jumping in and enjoying this book.

Juliet is a great book protagonist - smart, sassy, and good hearted. She wants so much to overcome her past romantic foibles in the town's eyes.  Jack is an appealing book boyfriend, and the book comes alive every time they are in a scene together.

This was such an fun book. It is well written, with lively characters and a charming small town that is almost another character in the book.  I can easily see this novel as a Hallmark movie.  It would be perfect!

I recommend The Sweetheart Fix for fans of women's fiction, small town romance, and comforting, upbeat books -- perfect for a weekend read!

Book Synopsis

Juliet Montgomery absolutely loves her small town of Blossom Glen, Indiana, and everyone loves her. Except for the fact that she’s a couples counselor who suffered a very public breakup that no one can forget. And now her boss asks her to take a step back…which is exactly when the town’s good-lookin’ and unusually gruff mayor offers her an unexpected job.

Jack Monroe absolutely loves being the mayor of his small town. Except when he actually has to talk to people. Can’t he just fix the community problems in peace? Like right now, he’s mediating the silliest dispute two neighbors could possibly have. When the town sweetheart steps up and solves everyone’s problems in five minutes flat, Jack realizes what this town really needs…is a therapist.

Juliet is able to soothe anyone–other than the surly mayor, it seems. But there’s a reason they say opposites attract, because all of their verbal sparring leads to some serious attraction. Only, just like with fireworks, the view might appear beautiful–but she’s already had one public explosion that’s nearly ruined everything…how can she risk her heart again?

Each book in the Blossom Glen series is STANDALONE:
* The Sweetheart Deal
* The Sweetheart Fix

Author Bio

Miranda Liasson is a RWA Golden Heart winner and an Amazon bestselling author whose heartwarming and humorous small-town romances have won accolades such as the National Readers’ Choice Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and have been Harlequin Junkie and Night Owl Reviews Top Picks. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids in a charming old neighborhood which is the inspiration for many of the homes in her books. mirandaliasson.com

Book Review - Rebuilding Beautiful by Kayla Stoecklein

My Review

Rebuilding Beautiful: Welcome What Is, Dare to Dream Again, and Step Bravely Into What Could Be is Kayla Stoecklein's story of how she rebuilt her life after her husband's suicide. There are elements of the memoir here but this book is also an inspirational guide to moving forward after loss.

I wanted to read this book because I have had a difficult personal loss this past year and Rebuilding Beautiful looked like an inspiring read. It is.

I really like the way the author organized the book in short themed chapters like Cultivating Community, A New Narrative, I'm So Proud of You for Trying, Habits of Self-Compassion, and Defiant Joy.

The writing is fresh and real.  The author illustrates each chapter with stories from her own life. She also gives practical suggestions (i.e. in the Cultivating Community chapter) and sometimes addresses the reader directly for truths.

I recommend Rebuilding Beautiful for anyone who is rebuilding their life after a loss of any type. I found it reassuring, comforting, and thought provoking. I think you will too.

Book Synopsis

Speaker and author Kayla Stoecklein delivers an inspiring message of how she came face-to-face with crushing personal loss and discovered how to rebuild a beautiful life. 

Kayla Stoecklein became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships. Rebuilding Beautiful shows people that they not only have a purpose, but that they can build a beautiful life once again.

In Rebuilding Beautiful,Kayla shares the life experiences that have turned into lessons, including

• acknowledging the pain;
• making the choice to start healing;
• finding courage in uncertainty;
• embracing God’s constant presence; and
• exploring a new path and falling in love with life all over again.

Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who’s on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.

Author Bio

Speaker and author Kayla Stoecklein delivers an inspiring message of how she came face-to-face with crushing personal loss and discovered how to rebuild a beautiful life. 

Kayla Stoecklein became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships. Rebuilding Beautiful shows people that they not only have a purpose, but that they can build a beautiful life once again.

In Rebuilding Beautiful, Kayla shares the life experiences that have turned into lessons, including

• acknowledging the pain;
• making the choice to start healing;
• finding courage in uncertainty;
• embracing God’s constant presence; and
• exploring a new path and falling in love with life all over again.

Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who’s on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.

 

 

 

Book Review - A Lot Like Forever by Jennifer Snow

My Review

Whitney Carlisle is a workaholic living in the small town of Blue Moon Bay, California.  She is a real type A personality and very driven -- so much so that she can't focus also on her wedding plans to Trent Connolly.  (As in, can't even get started making plans!)  Whitney is also hiding a health secret -- while Trent has a secret of his own.

I wanted to read this book because the small town romance sounded appealing.

This is the third book in the Blue Moon Bay series, but it also read well as a standalone.  

I liked the structure of the storytelling, with some parts "Now" and others "Then."  We are able to see how Whitney and Trent got together, what appealed to them both about each other and their relationship, and their individual backgrounds.

Whitney has a lot going on.  Her mother is struggling with Alzheimer's and Whitney also has a serious health issue that she is not addressing.  I sometimes felt a bit frustrated with her extreme drive to work and to tamp down her feelings (with Trent and with not spending as much time with her mother, who needs her).  The conflict Whitney and Trent have could have been resolved by better communication -- and not keeping secrets.

That said, I got really engrossed in this book and kept reading (late at night!) because I wanted to see how it would all resolve.  I kept pulling for Whitney and Trent to open up to each other.  The supporting characters in this book (especially Trent's family) were very appealing as well.

I recommend A Lot Like Forever for fans of small town romance.   Based on the author's storytelling and sensitivity telling this story, I think the entire series would be a good read.

Book Synopsis

Whitney Carlisle has everything under control–or at least that’s what she needs everyone in Blue Moon Bay to think. She has always faced the hard times in her life head-on and come out stronger for it. But this time, she isn’t so sure. Whitney knows she needs help, but how can she put that burden on Trent, her fiancé? How can she crush his dreams by telling him the plans they made for a future together have to change?

All Trent Connolly wants is to get married, have kids, and spend the rest of his life loving Whitney. Their relationship has had its share of ups and downs–like any other couple–and they’ve always managed to get through it unscathed. So when Whitney is clearly struggling with something, Trent is ready to help. His fiancée’s strong will is part of what draws him to her–but this time, it feels like it’s pushing him away.

Whatever Whitney is hiding from everyone has to be big. Possibly life-changing. She must believe that revealing her secret would do Trent more harm than good, even if it crushes her under the weight of it. The only thing he can do now is be there for her in whatever way she needs…until a secret of his own comes to light that threatens to steal their chance at forever.

Each book in the Blue Moon Bay series is STANDALONE:
* A Lot Like Love
* A Lot Like Christmas
* A Lot Like Forever

Author Bio

Jennifer Snow is an award-winning, contemporary romance author writing for Harlequin, Grand Central, and Berkley/NAL. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband and son. Find out more at jennifersnowauthor.com.

Book Review - The Weekly Gratitude Project by Zondervan

My Review

The subtitle for The Weekly Gratitude Project is "A Challenge to Journal, Reflect, and Grow a Grateful Heart." That is exactly what this book is about - mindful journaling to become more grateful.  

I found this book appealing because I love to journal, like devotional books, and found the idea of a weekly gratitude project appealing!  Years ago I wrote a gratitude list at the end of every day and it really changed my outlook. I realized that even on the worst days there were still blessings to be grateful for.

This is a beautifully designed book - a hardcover with sewn-in ribbon bookmark. The book is divided into themes and then weeks under each theme. The book's themes are: 

Purposeful

Motivations

Promises

Gifts

Applications

I love the format of each week.  It begins with a Bible verse, then a short paragraph about the week's theme, and then several journaling questions with room to write. The writing sections are lined, and the pages are illustrated with beautiful leaves and plants.

I am putting this book aside for the new year and look forward to going through and journaling in it. The Weekly Gratitude Project is a lovely book and it would be a great gift - or a purchase to prepare for a year of mindful journaling and gratitude!

Book Synopsis

Publisher: Zondervan; Illustrated edition (November 10, 2020)

Hardcover: 144 pages

It’s time to start a project that will grow a grateful heart. The Weekly Gratitude Project is a 52-week guided gratitude journal that offers a life-changing journey through reflection prompts and inviting questions to guide you into a deeper relationship with God. This yearly gratitude journal features beautifully illustrated journaling pages that will help you discover more intimacy and joy in your spiritual life.

The Weekly Gratitude Project is:

• Perfect for a beginner in faith and practicing gratitude, but strong and thought provoking enough for someone who already has a solid foundation
• An easy-to-use journaling format designed to help you focus on adding more gratefulness into your day
• A helpful companion for individual worship, Bible studies, and small groups

Each week includes:

• A biblical theme to focus on
• A short but impactful Bible verse to help you reflect and meditate
• Inspirational insight to guide your thoughts and jumpstart your gratitude project
• Journaling prompts and lines to help you reflect and grow a grateful heart

This 12-month journal:

• Showcases beautiful photography and calming colors
• Has a pretty ribbon marker, so you never lose your place
• Provides a ton of journaling space, but easily fits on your nightstand, tote bag, or a gift basket
• Is perfect for a self-purchase, Mother’s Day, National Best Friend Day, a welcoming gift for Bible study groups, birthdays, and holidays

Check out the rest of the series, The Weekly Prayer Project and The Weekly Faith Project.

Book Review - The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton

My Review

The Summer House is the story of Lily Bishop, who wakes up one morning to find her husband Worth has left her a goodbye letter and divorce papers - right after they relocated to Alabama's Gulf Coast for his job. Stuck in a new place with no family, Lily scrambles to find a job. She finds work as a hairdresser at a senior apartment community, where she can live above her shop. At Safe Harbor, she becomes friends with Rose, a divorced woman in her 60's who owns the community. She also slowly becomes friends - with some romantic interest - with Rose's nephew, Rawlins, who is a single father. Over the summer Lily finds a way to reinvent her life, with a little help from her friends.

I wanted to read this book because I have read all of Lauren K. Denton's books and loved every single one of them. The Summer House sounded like a perfect beach read!

This is my favorite Lauren K. Denton book yet!  I absolutely loved everything about it.  Lily is such a sweet, likable protagonist.  She is a kind, gentle soul who longs for a happy life like her childhood in North Georgia.  Her husband, Worth, was a poor match for her -- he is very driven, from an Atlanta society family, and he doesn't share Lily's love of the simple things in life.

I loved the slow building friendship/romance between Lily and Rawlins.  Rawlins is so sweet with his young daughter Hazel.  He is devoted to his Aunt Rose (who is also Lily's boss) and works hard as a shrimper.

Rose is also an interesting character.  She is cool and reserved, but she has been hurt in the past too, and is just cautious with her heart.  As she spends takes care of Hazel for Rawlins, befriends Lily, and has an unlikely romantic interest of her own, she blossoms. At one point Hazel remarks:  "'Aunt Rosie is named after a flower too,' Hazel said. “Rose and Lily.” (Kindle position 1638).


The descriptions of small town southern life on the Alabama Gulf Coast are just lovely.  They made me want to pack my bags and spend some time there!  For instance:

"The weathered cedar house was up on stilts, with a screened porch up a set of stairs. Twinkle lights were strung all along the ceiling of the porch. Down below the house, two hammocks and a wooden swing hung from the rafters. On the other side of the patio, grass stretched all the way to the water and a short dock. As she watched, a brown pelican glided to a stop and perched on top of one of the posts. She laughed. 'It doesn’t get more picturesque than this.'" (Kindle position 2939).

Safe Harbor is also a charming place, full of quirky active seniors.  The chapters are punctuated by little daily newsletters about life at Safe Harbor.  They are fun to read and sometimes have some humor too!

I highly recommend The Summer House as a perfect summer read.  It is such a lovely, relaxing book getaway!

Book Synopsis

Sometimes it takes losing everything to find yourself again.

Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter. Having moved to Alabama for his job only weeks before, Lily is devastated, but a flyer at the grocery store for a hair stylist position in a local retirement community provides a refuge while she contemplates her next steps.

Rose Carrigan built the small retirement village of Safe Harbor years ago—just before her husband ran off with his assistant. Now she runs a tight ship, making sure the residents follow her strict rules. Rose keeps everyone at arm’s length, including her own family. But when Lily shows up asking for a job and a place to live, Rose’s cold exterior begins to thaw.

Lily and Rose form an unlikely friendship, and Lily’s salon soon becomes the place where residents share town gossip, as well as a few secrets. Lily soon finds herself drawn to Rose’s nephew, Rawlins—a single dad and shrimper who’s had some practice at starting over—and one of the residents may be carrying a torch for Rose as well.

Neither Lily nor Rose is where she expected to be, but the summer makes them both wonder if there’s more to life and love than what they’ve experienced so far. The Summer House weaves Lauren K. Denton’s inviting Southern charm around a woman’s journey to find herself.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

 

Author Bio

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. On any given day, she’d rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books. Her debut novel, THE HIDEAWAY, was a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Charts bestseller. Her second novel, HURRICANE SEASON, released in spring of 2018, is a USA Today bestseller. GLORY ROAD will release in March, 2019.

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Book Review and Giveaway - A Spark of Romance by Jamie K. Schmidt

My Review
A Spark of Romance is a small town romance. Kayleigh Baker grew up in Mulberry and now serves as the town Fire Chief. She has a lifelong crush on the boy next door, police chief Liam MacAvoy.  They are friends who banter back and forth - although there clearly is a romantic spark.  This summer, though, there is an obstacle between them.  Kayleigh wants to host the town's annual 4th of July fireworks show in honor of her late mother.  Liam worries about the safety and cost.  As they work through this conflict, they also both want to get closer.

I wanted to read A Spark of Romance because I like small town stories and this looked like a fun, light summer read.

A Spark of Romance is a sweet, old fashioned love story.  The small town setting is very appealing.  There are some charming descriptions of the county fair, which is a big deal for this town -- pie judging, a chili cook-off, treats on the midway, and rides like the ferris wheel. 

There was also an overarching sense of neighbors helping neighbors and everyone knowing everyone else.  I found this comforting and very nice for a read this summer.

Kayleigh and Liam are so obviously perfect for each other -- and they have decades of friendship and chemistry.  They both make little missteps here and there that push the other person away.  I enjoyed the slow give and take of their courtship.

There is also some cute humor involving Kayleigh's neighbor and her very naughty husky dog.  At one point Kayleigh is cooking her first romantic dinner for Liam and the neighbor's husky, Quinn, actually climbs up on his roof!  Kayleigh has to engineer the rescue with some disastrous results (although the dog is completely safe and happy).

I recommend A Spark of Romance for fans of small town, clean romances.  It is a sweet, old fashioned story -- would make a great Hallmark movie!  It makes a fun weekend read.

Book Synopsis

Is she out of reach?

Fire Chief and former Army sergeant Kayleigh Baker is determined to save Mulberry’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display. She doesn’t want to disappoint the kids and the fireworks are a bittersweet memory of her mom’s last summer. As the town prepares for the summer parade and picnic, Kayleigh works to convince her former high school crush — now the straight-laced police chief — to help her cause.

Does he stack up?

Police Chief Liam MacAvoy doesn’t like the chaos the fireworks cause for his department and can’t hide his relief when they’re cancelled. But now he’s got the woman he’s been in love with for as long as he can remember asking for his help. How can he say no? What he’d really like is to show her that fireworks and town traditions are not the only things worth fighting for.

Can the boy next door and the town hero find the courage to finally seize their chance at love?

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Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt, writes contemporary love stories and paranormal romances. Her steamy, romantic comedy Life’s a Beach reached #65 on USA Today, #2 on Barnes & Noble and #9 on Amazon. Her Club Inferno series from Random House’s Loveswept line has hit both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble top one hundred lists and the first book in the series, Heat put her on the USA Today bestseller list. Her dragon paranormal romance series from Entangled Publishing, has been called “fun and quirky” and “endearing.” 

 

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Giveaway

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