Book Review: Unfinished by Richard Stearns

Unfinished: Believing is Only the Beginning by Richard Stearns * Thomas Nelson * 9780849948510 * $24.99 HC * The leader of World Vision has penned an inspiring call to action for God’s Kingdom. His premise: Why did Jesus overcome death, remain with us here on earth for 40 days, but then leave us? His answer is well worth reading, and as my life and responsibilities pulled me away from the pages, I eagerly returned again and again. If you’re feeling like you don’t know your life’s purpose or have lost your way, read this book and be reignited in your passion for God’s work. Lord, how can I serve your Kingdom today, here in this place? Thank you Mr. Stearns, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley!

Book Review: Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist

Bread & Wine: Finding Community and Life Around the Table * Shauna Niequist * 9780310328179 * $18.99 HC ** Zondervan *** I was so bummed when I finished this book! Pun intended, I completely devoured every word, every chapter, every recipe. And in fact, within two hours of finishing it I had already made two of her recipes and ordered three copies of the hardcover book—two for gifts and one for me. My husband will not know about this purchase . . . I am already in trouble for having more books than I could read in a lifetime, and more keep arriving. Hazard of my job, I tell him. Anyway, back to Bread & Wine—this book paints a picture of the life I imagine and sometimes get to enjoy—family and friends around the table, creating and sharing beautiful and delicious food in every circumstance. Every vignette tells a story of real life--longing for a pregnancy to no avail while everyone around you seems to be pregnant, using food as comfort to an extreme, learning to cook, creating wonderful friendships around milestones. There is a recipe for each chapter, and they are written lovingly and with all sorts of encouragement; I even feel empowered to bake bread, which I have tried many, many times, with very little success! I had to have this book in my collection so that I can come back to the recipes time and again. Wonderful!! Thank you Ms. Niequist, Zondervan, and NetGalley!

Book Review: The Beauty of Broken by Elisa Morgan

The Beauty of Broken Elisa Morgan * September 9, 2013 * 9780849964886 * $15.99 pb *** In this soul-baring memoir, the president of the International MOPs organization (Mothers of Preschoolers) shares her story. From a broken family—her mother an alcoholic and a mostly absent father—to trying to build her own “perfect” family, she shines a light into the hidden corners of the human condition. We are all full of pride and striving to do the impossible, be perfect and have perfect children and perfect families. Through her experiences, she continues to learn that we’re all broken, and in this brokenness is where we seek and find God. In forgiving others, we ourselves are forgiven and can be fully loved. Elisa’s story is profoundly real, and I found myself wishing for more after it had ended. Now, having children myself and constantly battling my fears for their future, it was comforting to learn of her tragedies and struggles—that others have gone through terrible times, yet have recovered, gone on, and come closer to God and his goodness in all things. Thank you Ms. Morgan, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley!