Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story

I have admired Joni Eareckson from the first time I read her autobiography "Joni", which tells of her accident and how she now lives in a wheelchair. I have listened to her radio broadcast, Joni and Friends, and always watched the Billy Graham Crusades on TV especially when I knew Joni would be speaking and singing. I was surprised to hear when she got married to Ken Tada but also very happy for her. Life got busy and I wasn't able to listen to Joni's program and when I heard she had breast cancer, I was deeply concerned since I had a family member going through the same type of cancer. When I heard about the book, Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story, I wanted to read it as soon as I could get my hands on it. I definitely wanted to read about their love story, how they met, and how they got married. And just how their married life adjusted to Joni's disability and challenges. This was a different read since it wasn't written by Joni herself. I was glad to see honesty of their life situations being written in authentic "this is how it happened" language. More important of all, I will always admire how they give Jesus the credit for strength in all their struggles, and giving them the love for one another amidst huge physical complications that many of us know nothing about. I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review or compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own.

Unglued Devotional by Lysa TerKuerst

Unglued Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst is a devotional that is a companion to the author's bestselling book "Unglued." It can be used with the book or alone. It is a daily devotional for 60 days about struggles that a woman or anyone can have in life. I have both books and one can definitely use the Unglued Devotional by itself. The devotional book is more personal where Lysa shares more of her intimate moments and struggles that she has. I don't know of a woman that can't identify with the situations that Lysa encounters. I love a woman who tells it like it is and adds how the Lord helped her and/or reminded her of verses for the frustration she was feeling. So many of us feel like failures but don't want to own up to it, let alone publish it. I admire Lysa TerKeurst for doing just that. She talks about feeling guilty, lack of self-control, disappointment, condemnation vs. conviciotn. Anybody relate?? She also has chapters on manuals for remembering who you are and an attitude of gratitude. This book will definitely stay in my devotional library as a book I will come back to. I recommend it to anyone who is living a bumpy road and needs spiritual direction that God loves you and will not leave you. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for an advance reading as part of their Booksneeze bloggers program . I was not required to write a positive review and therefore, the book review is 100% my own opinion.

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

I love Liz Curtis Higgs and couldn't wait to get my hands on this Christmas novel. Let's just say that a Victorian setting and tea with milk and sugar bring me back to having afternoon lunch with my grandparents, a wonderful memory indeed. Add to that a Scottish setting in the 1800's and I am settled down to a wonderful read in front of my fireplace. Others have summarized the story. I just want to add that this story of forgiveness is a wonderful reminder during the Christmas time or any season. I received this book free from Waterbrook Multinomah for an advance reading as part of their blogging for books program . I was not required to write a positive review and therefore, the book review is 100% my own opinion.

Rudy: My Story

Rudy became the inspiration for millions when a Hollywood film depicting his journey as a Notre Dame football player became one of the most influential sports movies ever made. In Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's only autobiography we see the entire story through Rudy's own eyes, and learn about his childhood, his family, and the events surrounding the making of this famous movie. I was very intrigued from the beginning of the book till about the middle of the book. Rudy's childhood and how he was raised was interesting and definitely gave a background to his dream of going to Notre Dame and playing football for them. But I have to say that at about the middle of the book or maybe after he achieved his dream of playing football for Notre Dame, I was reading alot of "I did this" and "I did that" and how he wouldn't take "no" for an answer. I was starting to get the impression that he was going to get this movie made if it was the last thing he ever did. The fact that he told everyone about his dream and about his life kind of turned me off. And forgive me if Rudy didn't mean to give that impression but that is kind of what I gathered. It almost turned into an egotistical book instead of the movie that was made. All of that aside, I do not want to take away from the movie or the good that Rudy has done for others. I am definitely glad that viewers are inspired by the movie. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for an advance reading as part of their Booksneeze bloggers program . I was not required to write a positive review and therefore, the book review is 100% my own opinion.