A Sandy Path Book Reviews

Lovely and heart touching

2011-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled with a chance to review a copy of Delvier Me and started reading it the day I got the book. I wasn't disappointed. Even though I was able to connect to a lot of the people sharing because I was a teen mom (unplanned) myself, I also found myself relating to the women helping these girls. I have had a desire to reach out myself and this book really fed that down the road dream.

The book is a compilation of true stories and I actually enjoyed reading them as they were submitted because it showed things in a real way. Sometimes, we can "fix" or "gloss" things up with editing and a sense of the way things were can be lost.
Deliver Me shared story after story (along with interesting statistics) of stories starting in desperation and ending in peace.

I do believe this book would be a valuable read for someone facing an unplanned pregnancy and for anyone working with women in such positions.

This review is also shared at www.amazon.com and might be shared on some other sites.

The book was sent to me at no charge for me to review in return. I was so glad to have been given this chance!

iShine Bible for Tweens

2011-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

iShine Bible for Tweens Review

This was a real hit with my 10 year old niece. I know she was a bit young but she was going through a rough time and needed real hope. This Bible was a great gift!

It is filled with helpful highlights to draw the reader in and guide her through the Word in an easy to read in a really pretty format.

One of my favorite features was a VIP style of sharing truth for a girl's Value, Identity and Purpose. The few I read through sounded very appealing for girls from around 10 to 12 and maybe a year or two older. There were topics to look up on things of interest and of concern for a girl of these ages and much more. I was very impressed with this from the time I opened it and with every page and detail I flipped to before wrapping it up for my niece. She LOVED it!

I think it would be a lovely gift to give any girl of the intended age group!

This Bible was sent to me by Tyndale House publishing at no charge for a review and I am so glad they did!

A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

2011-05-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Lauraine Snellings since someone gave me a copy of Sophie's Dilemma some time ago. I ended up starting from the beginning and have now read a total of eight of the same author's books!
I read the Red River set and the above mentioned book and the latest is the present review.

This book did not disappoint and I found myself wanting to read more and I hope to eventually read every one I can.

A Measure of Mercy starts out on the growing community called Blessing set in North Dakota in 1903. The characters from past books are blended in but one can read this book easily even if it is a first read in any of the series.

Astrid Bjorklund is eighteen and studying to be a doctor and faces many life forming decisions. The book chronicles her thinking process as well as her medical practice and perspectives and plots from many other characters keeps the reader busy.

My favorite part is reading about the many meals prepared, work done each day and relationships lived out. The best part though is the biblical truths penned so smoothly in and not preached or lectured on.

Great book!

Bethany House publishers sent me this book at my request and at no charge and I agreed to review it after reading.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

2011-01-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

I am learning to love books written around Christmas time. There is something so welcoming when one reads of snow drifts, crackling fires and warm receptions, I guess.

This book was a lovely gift from the first view. The cover invited me in from the start and I felt whisked away into the plot immediately.

It was like reading a happy Christmas movie instead of watching it and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There is a sparkling ribbon of romance flowing through the pages. Glimpses of various characters offered a sense of community and sparked a desire to reach more closely into my own.
I might tie a pretty bow around it and offer as a present to someone needing to read through a place where not everything has to be commonplace.

I was given this book by WATER BROOK publishing company to review at no cost to me.

Somewhere to Belong

2010-12-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

This is my first Judith Miller book and it reminded me (in a small way) to one of all time favorite authors, Lauraine Snelling.

The story focuses mainly on two teen girls around the same age who have led very different lives before they meet. Berta comes from a bigger city life of luxury to Johanna's world of hard work and secluded simplicity.
The first comes to a religious village thinking of it as a lovely vacation spot and the latter has lived her entire life there.

I enjoyed this book and liked reading of the hard work done on with a steady routine each and every day. It was delicious to read of the foods made in the big kitchen and served restaurant style for three scheduled meals a day.

It was nice to imagine being there and pretending to be among the characters ... seeing what they were seeing and processing their emotions. When I finished this book, I felt comforted and happy and that was just what I needed!

Bethany House Publishers sent this book free of charge with the request for an honest review posted of the book. I love this company!

Leaving Yesterday

2010-12-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Review: Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman

A novel about a mother who has experienced grief, loss, and heartache for her two sons.
This mother suffers the loss of one son and finds out her other son is a possible murder suspect after he has spent considerable time away from family and home. Paths were separated due to the son's severe drug addiction.

The effects are shown on the whole family (there are other contributing factors, of course) and the main character here reveals what can happen when she pretends all is well when it simply isn't. Many Christian women, including this writer --- can relate to presenting things the way they should be instead of how they actually are.
The path seems safer that way ... but is it?
This story shows how it can look on the other side of the truth and makes you ask... "What would I do?"

My honest regard for this book is that I didn't really enjoy it. I had a hard time getting into it and an even harder time connecting with the characters ... especially the main one. Even though I am one who feels I must finish any book I start, I had to push myself hard to finish this one and I only did so because I got it to read and review.

Almost the entire book is a record of the main character's endless thoughts and her constant dragging through of assuming the worst seemed endless.

She came across as self focused --- constantly worrying about what others would think. The thing is, she never showed much care for any of them unless they were doing something concerning herself.
I am glad to be done with this book.
Everything was just too?
Perfect, perhaps?
I know the thought was to present someone who seemed perfect in every way who did less than perfect things when faced with hardship. I guess she really was too perfect for me to relate with. She was excellent at her job, at speaking, at writing, at motherhood, in appearance, with a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.
In all of that, though --- she did nothing for anyone even once that I recall other than for her own family and visiting a neighbor who did more for her anyway.

Maybe this would go over better with someone more like the main character who I cannot even recall the name of. I am usually not so harsh with my book reviews but I will end this with one of the strong points being the point that "dirty" and bad things can go on in the best looking families. It also leaves me with the hope that I will have compassion on the woman I see who seems to have it all ... knowing the battle she might be having in keeping that pretense up for everyone in her life.

Bethany House sent this book to me at no charge so I could read and review it. Love this publishing company!

Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish

2010-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

This book was about a marriage, learning and living through relationships and touches on small town community.

Benjamin takes a job as a deputy after returning from serving time in Afghanistan and his wife, Abbi, is a stay at home wife. The two are very, very different in belief and lifestyle and struggle for their strengths and weaknesses to compliment each other instead of tearing into their bond as husband and wife.

They take in a newborn baby after Ben rescues the abandoned infant and she becomes a huge part in their attempt at healing.

Matthew is a character I tried to hurry through at first so I could get back to the marriage story but that totally changed by the end of the book. I felt he was one of the main characters by the end of the book and I loved him.

Sometimes, I felt I had to force myself through some of this book. I did have a lot going on making me stop and start more than I would have liked. Over all, it was not page turning great but definitely chapter turning good.

I loved the one interaction shared between the Mother in Law and Abbi and felt it was a very "real" scene. Some other places in the book gripped me ---like the interaction between Abbi and her friend, Lauren and the one between Ben and his best friend's parents.

I also cried when I read about that best friend, Stephen. My son served in Afghanistan and came home to a wife and a lot of this book is very similar to how things have gone with them. It hit very close to home . . .

Voices of the Faithful Book 2

2010-03-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore

This book is a visually beautiful compilation of daily devotions by and from missionaries from around the world. The truths shared aren’t for those in full time ministry only and can inspire anyone to live a life of sharing Jesus.

Something in the introduction highlights this point: “Lastly, I hope you’ll be motivated to cross your own river of fear and do the thing God has called you to do.”

Some of the devotions in this book created a great deal of gratitude. Gratefulness in being free to transport, openly read and publically share the Word of God.

So many of us spend our days just trying to keep up and reaching others with the gospel is something we know we should do. Actually doing it tends to rarely make it on our To-Do list.

This book does inspire you to do more of that when you read testimony after testimony of living out each day focusing on serving others.

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 would make a nice gift but for me, it hasn’t become one of my dog eared, beloved treasures as others have.

I had a hard time “connecting” with this book in a way and felt it was prettier than it was substantial. I’m not really sure why because it was okay … just not on my favorite and can’t wait to share list.

I am still reading each day’s devotions and I do enjoy seeing things from perspectives of those in the front lines in missions. All in all, it is probably about what someone buying the book would expect to get.

It is one I will probably tie a ribbon around and give out as a gift when I finish reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Reviews

2010-03-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

A Slow Burn Book Review

2009-10-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

A Slow Burn Book Two
Mary DeMuth
Zondervan
Copyright © by Mary E. DeMuth

This is the second in a trilogy about 13 - year old Daisy, who was murdered in the first book, Daisy Chain.
This book takes you through angry, un-swept, tear wet pathways of redemption.
Forgiveness and life change are definite themes throughout the book.

Emory, Daisy’s mother is the main focus and a much greater understanding of who she is gets explained. For me, she went from a distant neighbor to more of a woman needing a friend stronger than her sins.
She battles drug addiction, guilt and her fair share of anger and she also relives a lot of memories of growing up.
Hixon, a favorite of mine from the start really shines in this book. The way he loves, his devotion to God even when no one was looking and the fruit of the Lord’s Spirit in his life was wonderful.
Many others are seen more clearly this time around and Jed Pepper’s mother Ouisie shows more power than the first time around. Speaking of Jed, I welcomed him with “open arms” when he shows up.

One thing I noticed in all of those who made up this story is how not one of them are all good guys or all bad guys. They all do good and bad . . . just like those of us who walk outside the pages of a book.

The book is fiction but there is truth found nestled in places. Like a place where Hixon reflects on a time God gave him words for a troubled teen he took in and loved.

“He’s an orphan.
He is wounded. All he knows is self- protection. All he knows how to do is push back. He cannot trust on his own. Your love must come longer and stronger than his resistance.”

Dealing with hurting souls myself (haven't we all experienced hurt within?) and being connected with others who do the same makes counsel like this stand out. Shine through.

My favorite part of the book is when Ouisie comes over to help Emory clean. There was something comforting about the scrubbing, creating order and making the rented house more a home. It touched me to picture two women with their own burdens and breakings, working together.

I will be glad to finally have things revealed in the last book and look forward to reading it and finding out who the main characters will be!

Sandy W. www.asandypathbookreviews.com

I must be doing the link for amazon.com wrong. I have tried a few ways but it doesn't show up when I publish this post.
Hopefully, hand typing it in will work:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310278376/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

My actual first book review!

2009-08-27T06:07:00.001-07:00

Sorry. I thought the Daisy Chain review was my first review (and it is of that kind) but I did see this on amazon.com and realized I wrote it first. Just letting you know!

Wrapping It Up is on my top shelf of favorite cookbooks and has been since I got it several months ago.

The questions I had on making my own wraps were answered in the book from start to finish!
I read this entire book before picking up another and found it helpful in so many ways!

Just to name a few:

* Wrapper Ingredients shares the whats and whys of the easy to understand basics you'll need to start. There is more than a page of add in ideas and tips!

* Vital tips to wrap making are neatly bulleted and instructions for making them by hand and by mixer are included. This was important for me because I'm feeding anywhere from our family (easy to make up something by hand) all the way to 10 other families (definitely could use the mixing help) and both ways are easily explained.

* The information on what to do after the dough has been made is clear, easy to read, and easy to follow with book in hand. So much so, I'm using this book to teach my 13 year old daughter and both daughters-in-love how to make flour tortillas and/or other wraps themselves! It is only a couple of pages back and front but that is all it takes.

The ideas of ways to use the wraps you make sound so delcious ... you can't wait to try them. I have a goal to try EVER

Daisy Chain/My FIRST Review!

2009-08-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

First “Published” Book Review!

Daisy Chain (Defiance Texas Trilogy)

A Novel

By Mary E. Demuth

Publisher: Zondervan

The title: Daisy Chain spoke to me of childhood, innocence, and a chain of events. This carried through in many ways throughout the whole book.

The book is fiction but reading it, you could imagine many real life versions in some of the scenarios and relationships.

The story line is about a teenage boy who finds himself in a storm of guilt when his young friend, Daisy disappears. Truths about what goes on behind the “clean cut doors” of Jed’s home life come out and his hope to make things better is hard for him to hold onto.

An abusive father in full time ministry, a mother who writes loving notes on flower petals, a quiet, scared sister and an adoring dog make up his family.
There are characters:

The mother of the missing girl, a man who wants to walk like Jesus, and woman with a beautiful and time sensitive dream and more.

The search for the missing girl drags those who know her through a range of questions and in spite of the anger, fear, and fight of it . . . relationships are formed.

The flow of this book carries the reader through what hidden secrets can look like for the victims and takes one all the way to redemption. Intense emotions are provoked from the circumstances, issues, and appalling situations but they are written in such a connected way that you don’t get overwhelmed.

I found myself imagining being in the midst of some of the relationships and really wanting these characters to be real.

The author writes in a casual and small town style to fit the “back drop” of the book and it often plays like a movie while being read.

Community, families, and friendships paint their own mural in words and keep the disturbing realities from crushing all hope.

There are dark and raging sections and they urge us to anger because most know how horridly real they can be.

The generations of my family had dark secrets.
I have learned that we aren’t the only ones . . . most families have them somewhere.
A teenage girl recently revealed to me and some others of a secret life going on and it has been sad. People don’t always change just because they should. They don’t always snap out of one behavior and into another.
Daisy Chain shows some of that truth and shows a strength to carry on anyway.

This book has disturbing elements but forgiveness and healing are poured through and hearts are drawn together.

I didn’t like all of what took place as I read and a lot of it made me angry and frustrated . . . but I believe the readers are supposed to feel these things. It is a reality in ministry families as well as those outside of the church. We should be bothered and not stagnant. We should be moved.

I was.

I am waiting for the next book in the Defiance Texas Trilogy and can’t wait to read it!

Ready to Review!

2009-08-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

I created this blog specifically for reviewing books and I am very excited to get started!

The first book I got to review I have finished so I will post the review to that here and somewhere else. Maybe at amazon. I have waited a bit bec I wanted to find the review guidelines I had before our computer went bezerk.

SO... I will try my hand at something I have wanted to do for awhile and just haven't.

Until then... my first review will by Mary Demuth's, Daisy Chain.