Review of the devotional journal How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Flanders

How Do I Love Thee?: A Devotional Journal for Wives

by Jennifer Flanders 

  I always enjoy reading and reviewing Jennifer Flander's books. I am delighted by her newest line of devotional journals which are always beautiful and geared towards a specific audience. This one is for wives and I can promise you that all wives who are interested in devotions and/or journals will love it. Each page features a lovely illustration- highlighting especially the Victorian era and the 1940's/1950's. I loved looking through the pages of this journal and enjoying every vignette and every saying. There are many quotes, sayings as well as well-chosen Bible verses. There are a variety of topics to fill in, making this book a wonderful keepsake for couples to read years later. 

This journal is paperback with a matte finish binding and has 218 pages. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of chance as it is a matter of choice. Choosing to be happy means choosing to think on things that are good and noble and right and lovely and pure-including your spouse's most positive, admirable, and endearing qualities. Our marriages can't help but benefit when we discipline ourselves to do this. That's the purpose of this journal in a nutshell. Whether you're writing, drawing, pasting, or coloring in it, each page, prompt, and verse is designed to help you recall and record the things you love most about your husband, to reflect on your most cherished memories, and to recognize God's hand at work in your relationship. I pray you will be richly blessed as you meditate on God's Word and allow it to shape your life and marriage.

When there are no easy answers by John S Feinberg

Yet again, I am blessed to read and review a wonderful book on suffering and triumph through faith in Jesus! When There Are No Easy Answers is a book by a man who had to learn to see God's love and mercy through trial and suffering. In 1987 his beloved wife was diagnosed with an incurable, genetically transmitted disease. They were immediately challenged in their faith and their approach to God's goodness in the face of the evil of suffering. 

In the months and years following the initial discovery of Mrs. Feignberg's chronic illness, the couple  discovered just how little their Christian community understood about how to support people in crisis. One of the goals in this paperback is to open the eyes of Christians as to the importance of having the right perspective on suffering and the heart to help others through their times of trial.

I recommend this book for those who are going through suffering, have experienced it in the past and perhaps especially for those who, like me have never gone through anything major. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

How can a God of love allow terrible things to happen in our lives?Christians often assume they're equipped to deal with tragedy if it enters their lives, but like most people, think it never really will. What happens, then, when we follow God's will to the best of our abilities and heartbreak strikes? Do we mean it when we implore "Have Thine own way, Lord" or does that only apply in times of blessings or small, manageable hurts?

When There Are No Easy Answers considers the problem of grief from every angle, just as the Feinbergs walked through it in their journey. It confronts the question of justice, examines the nature of God, and argues for the reality of grace. Feinberg explores the biblical reasons against the use of traditional cliches and platitudes, especially by those in ministry, and lays out alternatives that can actually comfort and encourage the person who is struggling or grieving.

My review of the book If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy: And Other Myths Wives Believe by Rhonda Stoppe

If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy: And Other Myths Wives Believe

by Rhonda Stoppe

Again, I must begin my review with humbly confessing that I cannot be the best judge of this book since I am single. However, I am 25 and have observed marriages all around me for several years. I also happen to be a woman and can (sort of) imagine what it would be like to have a husband. Lastly, I have brothers and can see the way I fail to respect them as foreshadows of how I would probably fail to respect my husband someday. Thus, in short, I was able to understand and glean from this book. In fact I found it immensely helpful. If I should someday marry, this book will be a repeated read for me! I have ready a few books directed to wives and this ones ranks high amidst my couple favourites in that category. I highly, highly recommend this new book! 
I love how the author, Rhonda Stoppe is a woman who obviously has character but has learned how to respect and serve and love her husband. This makes this book all the more applicable and relateable to a variety of personalities. 
Also,I think it's very important for women to realize why we think and grab ahold of certain myths which are potential marriage-breakers. We need to see these weaknesses/problems/sins and remedy them. This book will help because it is incredibly practical and convicting. It makes a major point of the need for salvation and a trust in Jesus. It explains idolatry and the results really well, which is also a necessary point in a book on marriage!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you! 

Like most brides on their wedding day, you no doubt were filled with love for your husband and the hope of a happy life together. But perhaps today, as the realities of life together have settled in, those happy expectations are going unfulfilled. And it's tempting to think, "If only my husband would change, I'd be happy."

That myth is but one of many that Rhonda Stoppe dispels in her easy-to-read exploration of what it takes to experience a truly happy marriage. In the process, she addresses such important topics asunderstanding your husband's need for your unconditional respectrekindling the love that drew you to your husband in the first placerefusing to believe the lie that you'd be happier married to someone elselearning to be content in the midst of financial strugglesthinking about sex from a biblical worldview

If you desire to rekindle the love and hope you felt on your wedding day, this book will go a long way toward making that dream come true.

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.

Modern Potluck: Beautiful Food to Share by Kristin Donnelly

This hardcover cookbook appealed to me since I love to cook but cannot always think of meals to bring to events or even to serve guests in my home. The recipes are tasty and will please a variety of guests and crowds. This cookbook's goal is to give hosts and hotesses ideas for foods and meals to make and serve to guests. As the title suggests, of course it is also for those bringing meals to events. One of my favourite aspects of this book is the time the author took to include packaging and serving instructions for the busy cook. This will save considerable time and thought and allow the cook to get out the door to the event much more efficiently! 

I do want to clarify that the 100 recipes in here look very healthy and often are so. However, the desserts and baked goods although looking rather rustic and healthy are made with all purpose flour, regular sugar etc. Honey is often included but as an addition rather than a substitute to sugar. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Don't Go to Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight by Deb DeArmond and Ronald G DeArmond

Don't Go to Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight

by Deb DeArmond and Ronald G DeArmond

I have read several books on marriage, and observed as much as I can while living as a single adult. I have come across some excellent books which are obviously life-changing in the realm of marriage. Since I am single, I judge marriage books on God's word and basic Biblical wisdom as well as my parents' marriage. I try to imagine them, or myself in the future, using the book and its wisdom. This particular book didn't impress or excite me. The title sure gets the reader's attention. And I do agree that couples need to talk through their conflicts. That was a major point of the book I totally agreed with. I agree that marriages can crumble if either the husband or wife- or both- will not discuss hurts and problems. But some of the advice in the book included to much arguing which I didn't agree with. I understood where the authors were coming from because their personality types lead to argument. But more peaceable and loving people shouldn't get the impression that they need more arguing to make their marriage work! In short, this book has a lot of good and will probably help many couples who need more vocalization in their marriage.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

In every marriage, there is conflict. And with every conflict, there is a choice for resolution. Will you ignore the issue until it seemingly goes away? Or will you work together to find peace? 
In Don't Go to Bed Angry, Deb and Ron DeArmond give you permission to fight. Conflict isn't the problem, after all; the real issue is how we deal with the conflict. Deb and Ron demonstrate how communication through conflict can safeguard--and even strengthen--your relationship. Immensely practical features including worksheets and discussion questions make this a definitive go-to resource to help you start fighting--together--for your marriage. 

The Color Code Bible NKJV published by Thomas Nelson

The Color Code Bible (NKJV)

Published by Thomas Nelson

    Over 1600 passages are color-coded on important faith themes. The first New King James Version for Kids highlighted in full-color, this Bible will be simple for kids to read and understand. 

   With topics arranged by color, you will learn about salvation and how to put God’s word into your daily faith walk. The topics/colors are:
Gold: God
Navy: Sin, evil,
Red: Jesus
Orange: washed clean from sin, new life
Green: growth in your new life as a Christian and Faith Walk
Blue: Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving
Purple: Heaven
    A vibrant 64 pages in the beginning of the Bible will explain the color system as well as offer expanded study help features especially for a child’s creative and imaginative mind!
   The large, readable type, bold in-text subject headings, individual Bible book introductions, and color-highlighted verses all make this Bible a fantastic purchase for any child!
   Full of bright colors, memorization aids, and the never-ending truth of God’s Good News, the Color Code Bible is an exciting new way to study God’s Word for everybody.

This fun Bible will totally appeal to children! The bright colors will catch their attention and help them memorize where certain portions of the Scriptures are found. Needless to mention, adults will also enjoy reading this particular publication of the Bible. The text is the accurate New King James Version with nothing altered. The color highlighting will help adults find verses easily, aiding them in memorizing the Bible as well. Children will also learn to see the flow of topics throughout the Bible; with the help of the color codes they will see topics repeating from Old Testament through to the New Testament. There will be less confusion in children's minds as to what is growth, new life, praise/thanksgiving, etc. It will also help with studies on heaven. This fun Bible is sure to please! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Pure Delicious cookbook by Heather Christo

Pure Delicious: More Than 150 Delectable Allergen-Free Recipes Without Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Shellfish, or Cane Sugar

by Heather Christo

As a chef, former caterer, and much-loved food blogger, Heather Christo’s life revolves around food, so when she and her daughters were diagnosed with severe food allergies, she thought her life—and career—were over. With ingredients like gluten, dairy, nuts, and even cane sugar and black pepper permanently off the menu, Heather had to teach herself to cook all over again. Much to her surprise, however, she discovered that taking control of her family’s diet and wellness led to a new sense of empowerment, bringing her family closer together than ever before while permanently banishing the ill health that had been their “normal” for years.

This beautiful hardcover cookbook was a delight to review. The recipes are extremely appealing. There is now an abundance of health-focused cookbooks out there and some are not so inviting. Pure Delicious is full of delicious-looking recipes accented by true-to-life photos of the finished products. This cookbook highlights recipes which are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, tree and peanut-free. Gluten-free eaters will be overjoyed with this book. I personally don't avoid dairy but find this book very helpful. Besides- dairy and eggs are easy to substitute back into recipes if desired! One thing that disappointed me about this book was the inclusion of beet sugar instead of organic cane sugar. I am not certain why the author uses beet sugar as that is less healthy than cane sugar. She also doesn't use honey or stevia, something which I find disappointing but fixable as I attempt the sweet recipes in my own kitchen. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Failure: the Back Door to Success by Erwin W. Lutzer

Failure: the Back Door to Success

by Erwin W. Lutzer

Recently, I have discovered Erwin Lutzer's books and am grateful for his Biblically-sound words of wisdom. I have greatly enjoyed reading a few of his books and look forward to reading more. I finds his writing humble yet powerful, and relevant to a variety of ages and levels of understanding. As with the other books by this author that I have completed, Failure: the back door to success was clear and well-organized while being deep and meaningful. I was excited about this particular title because I need a better idea of failure. I  tend to become quite disappointed with myself and don't often know how to turn my failures into something good character-wise. I was blessed to read this book. Every chapter was interesting and helpful and I found it very easy to read this book. At the same time, as with Erwin Lutzer's other books, I hope to go back and slowly read the book, properly meditating on each chapter. I recommend this book to a variety of readers!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

More about the book;

Failure is a fact of life, one we’d rather forget. Fortunately it has a silver lining. Failure, the Back Door to Success shows us how God uses even our sins, shortcomings, and weaknesses in His perfect plan. It will inspire you to:

Learn from the past without being controlled by it Embrace your limitations Accept yourself as God accepts you Be more gracious toward others Redefine your idea of success

Easy to follow, illustrated with engaging stories, and deeply encouraging, Failure, the Back Door to Success speaks straight to the heart. It will make you feel free to try and unafraid of failing, knowing that God is the one at work in you, and that he’s not finished yet. And that’s the first step toward success, every time.