And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering by Kate Merrick

And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering

by Kate Merrick

    From a mother who lost her eight-year old daughter after a three-year battle with cancer, this book is a testimony to God's faithfulness. The author writes with strength and meaning and fulfills the purpose of the book; to show that through Christ, a person can survive the greatest tragedies and still live a life of joy. It goes without saying that I felt deeply for this mother, for this family and I learned from their strength in the Lord. I hope to someday be as unshakable as this mother learned to be. It wasn't always easy for her, but here in her own words is her journey. It is such a testimony to see how this bereaved mother still has joy and laughter. I recommend this book! I don't agree with all doctrinal statements expressed by the author but there is still much to be gained through reading such a book. I also don't always like the choice of words or humour in this book.

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

Kate Merrick faced the crippling grief that life can bring when her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Three and a half years of suffering followed, accompanied by fervent prayer, hospital stays, emotional agony, and teeth-grinding fear. And in the end, her baby girl was gone.


How was Kate to believe again, to hope again? To find out, she turned to stories in the Bible of real women who dealt with pain and survived. How did Sarah, after twenty-five years of achingly empty arms, learn in the end to laugh without bitterness? How did Bathsheba, defiled by the king who then had her husband killed, come to walk in strength and dignity, to smile without fear of the future?


In And Still She Laughs, Merrick writes poignantly and transparently about finding joy in sorrow and shows how we—just like the ordinary women seen in the Bible—can rise above unbearable circumstances and live fully. In the middle of whatever hardships we face, we can smile, cry, and come away full—laughing without fear and eagerly looking for what is to come.

Review of Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America by Jack Barsky

Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America

by Jack Barsky

  This is the story of Jack Barsky, the autiobiography of a KGB agent living in America under an entirely false name and background. Whether you already heard about this man from the CBS 60 Minutes special in 2015 or, like me, became aware of this remarkable story after seeing the book Deep Undercover, you will be thrilled by this story. From the first chapter, I was an eager audience to this unique life story. My desires to finish reading the book in order to see how the tale culminated battled with my wish for the book to never end. I truly, truly enjoyed reading this lengthy autobiography. Not once was I bored, and I can say that in all honesty! I am sure most readers will agree with me. Who isn't intrigued by the subject: a KGB agent living in the United States under a false identity....? I promise you will not be disappointed by the story. Of course I absolutely loved how the importance and victory of salvation is emphasized near the end of the book. A honest witness of what salvation does to an individual was presented in this autobiography. On that topic, I didn't agree with every Christian view in this book but it is up to the reader to discern for himself. One thing which should bother Christians is the statement made by Jack Barsky's spiritual mentor (and later something more important) Shawna before he became a Christian. She told him, after observing how other-centered he was that he was ''already a Christian and just didn't know it''. According to Scripture that is wrong. John 14:6 states ''Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'' Jack Barsky didn't have anything to do with Jesus at that point so there is no way he was a Christian.  However, what is true is that although Jack wasn't a Christian at that moment as Shawna said, he WAS chosen by God, elect; so I think maybe that is what Shawna meant. What was encouraging was Jack's story of conversion. He read and listened to the Bible, attended church, showed interest and accepted the prayers of the pastors...and later one day by himself out on the golf field God revealed Himself to Jack! That sounds like a very true and Biblical conversion. I loved the obvious change between Jack Barsky as a non-believer and him now as a child of God. For example, although an extremely good spy, the man had a history of failed relationships/marriages with women besides having the beliefs and mindset which were ingrained in him as a youth growing up in communist and anti-Christian East Germany! Compare that to the redeemed Jack Barsky who sought to establish relationships with his scattered children and who was honest about his past... I was pleased with how the comparison was emphasized. This book is great for both men and women as well teenagers both girls and boys!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Open When: Letters to Lift Your Spirits by Karen Salmansohn

Open When: Letters to Lift Your Spirits

by Karen Salmansohn

This is a darling book sure to please any woman or girl. I was an avid letter-writer when I was a girl and the sight of an envelope still thrills me. The addition of something to read within an envelope is even more wonderful. This little book captures all the delight of handwritten, personalized letters and pairs it with inspirational topics to boost the spirit. The illustrations are unique and charming. The words are generally witty and uplifting. However, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in this book. One cannot be truly encouraged with a mere phrase or mantra. I know many, many people won't agree with me but I think Bible verses are what was lacking in this book. Scripture really gives hope and joy and comfort and future. At the same time, don't get me wrong. I also appreciate a variety of inspirational quotes and witty sayings that aren't Scripture. I simply found these ''letters to lift your spirits'' lacking in depth and quality.

I do know that many women will find this a fun and thoughtful gift however, and be happy to receive it in a gift basket or any form of gift.

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

Happiness expert Karen Salmansohn presents a unique interactive book that invites readers to literally open letters of encouragement, wit, and wisdom whenever they need a boost.
Inspired by the trend of "open when" letters sweeping the nation, Instant Happy author Karen Salmansohn has created a bound collection of 12 notes for readers to flip open whenever they need a pep talk. With categories like "Open when you need a laugh," "Open when you're feeling stressed out," and "Open when you need courage," these little happiness-boosters are based on Salmansohn's viral posters that combine witty sayings with colorful graphics

My review of book Life in Community by Dustin Willis

Life in Community: Joining Together to Display the Gospel

by Dustin Willis

The excellent cover design, coupled with the title and purpose of this book drew my attention initially. Who doesn't long for better community? As the subtitle- joining together to display the gospel- suggests, this paperback offers Biblical advice on how to grow closer for the glory of God. I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this book. I know there are many out there and although this may not be the absolute best of the books on community, it is definitely worth reading. I am grateful that I got the chance to read it and review it. I think it would be even more beneficial to follow through with the included 6-week discussion questions. In this ''instant'' age full of distant  and ofttimes unsocial social media, people need to learn and implement a real sense of love , friendship and community.

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

WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY EXTRAORDINARY?

When people live in community moved by the gospel and marked by the Spirit, great things happen.

They commit to one another. They grieve together, sing together, eat, pray, and play together. They love, serve, honor, encourage, and provide for each other gladly. And they live on mission together.

Hearts are healed, walls come down, and outsiders come in. No competition. No pretense. No vain conceit. Just full hearts breaking bread and giving freely.

It is nothing short of amazing.

Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded. Read it, live it, and join the movement: Help unleash the power of extraordinary community.



6-Week group study included.

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters by Lisa Pennington my book review

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters: Finding Balance in the Ups and Downs of Life

by Lisa Pennington

   If the cover and title of this book doesn't interest you, the first chapter is sure to! This book is written in such an engaging and entertaining style you will not want to put it down. I found myself interested throughout every chapter of this paperback book. It is easy to learn from an author who is humble and honest about her own failures and weaknesses. Mothers will appreciate Lisa Pennington's insight and experience from raising  and homeschooling nine children. All readers will love the author's humor which will cause them (if they are anything like me) to laugh aloud! This is just a well-balanced reminder to view life through an eternal perspective and to glorify God with every day!

I recommend this book for mothers and even girls interested in learning more about the heart of wifehood/motherhood.

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

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.