The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner

 

Susie Finkbeiner has such a gift. She takes a story about baseball, one of my loves, and weaves a story about life. I related to the main character, in as much as I have loved baseball most of my life. The difference is she has a dream of becoming a member of the Sweet Peas, a women's baseball team. Her sister does not like baseball, at all. 

The story that Finkbeiner wrote from this foundation is extraordinary. It will be a book that I will want to read again, and again. 

I received this book from NetGalley and Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis

 I am so glad that Beverly Lewis shares her gift with all of us. This book is about a young woman who wishes for adventures. The difficulty is finding these adventures in her Amish world. 

I highly recommends this book.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Spellbinder: The Not-So Chosen One

  

This book had me at the first page. That, to me, is a good, GOOD read. The entire time I am reading it I am thinking my grandkids would love this book. The author has such a wonderful grasp of voices and characters. Even the ones that are seen as the enemy have been created in such a way that kids want to see what will happen to them without being afraid. The imagination in the scenes is great also. 

This book will captivate many middle grade readers. I recommend this one highly.

Meeting Jesus at the Table - A Lenten Study

I found this book to be a refreshing devotional to share at our table. The reflections that the author provide are jumping off points for discussion and good conversation. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Food Triggers

This book has come into my life at the perfect time. I am sure God placed this in my sight knowing what I am going through. I was on a sleeping aid for years which made me sleep-eat. I got off of this aid but the damage has been done. I like this book because she has gone through a weight issue and she combine advice, and stories with Bible verses. This is a very encouraging book. 

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away by Ben Utecht

Such a good story. I will admit I have put off reading this book because I was afraid it would bring up too many sad memories of my own. However, even if it is emotional, it is an excellent book.

Ben Utecht was a football player for most of his life. He started out throwing the football in the backyard with his dad and then went on to have a career in the NFL. During this time he suffered several serious concussions. This books talks about the decisions he made, with the team staff, after each injury. These concussions have left him with traumatic brain injury and he is losing memories. 

This book was written as a love letter to his family. I would say he shared his memories but most of the memories had to be told to him by family and friends. He talked about the difference in addressing concussions as to when a person injured his knee, at least in the past. With the knee the can take MRIs or Xrays to see how the person is progress but for head injuries. All the prayers are put under great pressure to play through concussions or risk losing their position on the team. Players relied on pain medication to get through many of the games. All this did was mask the pain while the players made the injuries worse by competing. 

I love how Utecht would rely on his faith each day to help him make decisions and to guide him along his path. When he wrote and recorded a video of his song to his girls God told him to wait to publish it. When he did it was presented to a welcoming world where they could see another side of what he is facing.

I cannot begin to talk enough about this book. It is inspirational. I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

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Jun 22, 2016Doreen rated it it was amazing

Utecht’s faith shines in this book. He is very honest and humble in retelling his story. He includes his shortcomings. His mom reminds him often that if he trusts God he won’t have anything to worry about. That is the crucial issue for Ben and for us. Will we trust God when things are bleak? When He doesn’t heal? When we don’t get the job or position we’re hoping for? Knowing that He is in control, especially when times are hard, can give so much hope and peace if we will trust Him.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a poignant memoir as well as a warning gong about the dangers of concussions and brain injuries. Thank you to Howard Books and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not required to make it positive. All opinions are my own.

In the Shadow of His Wings

 

I am always looking for a devotional book that includes insights in nature. This book meets my expectations and then some. Roslynn Long combined photographs of a variety of birds and then placed her beautiful and uplifting words to make a complete devotion. Each picture was taken with such care to show each bird in their beauty. All in all this is a book that can help each of us to look at the creations of God in a glorious new way.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.