Brave Is the New Beautiful by Lee Wolfe Blum

Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You
by Lee Wolfe Blum

 Women of all ages need to read books such as this one. Brave is the new beautiful is eye-opening, inspiring, and encouraging. With all the stories of women who have fought through trials and tragedy, it is also convicting. It puts our personal disappointments in perspective when compared to women's stories of losing a child, health, etc. I love how the author, Lee Wolfe Blum masterfully blended all her thoughts and convictions into a sensible and rock-solid book for women. I appreciated how the author was open with her own story and thoughts. I was humbled and encouraged as I read this book! Basically, it gently tells women to look beyond the surface and the image the media tries so hard to ingrain in us as ''the right image''. We need to realize there is more to ourselves than our outward appearance. Because truly, brave is the new beautiful!

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

Our culture bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection. 

Women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are?

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives-and found true beauty in the process. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who

Return to Joy: Finding Healing in the Arms of Your Savior by Bev DeSalvo, Linda Dillow

Return to Joy: Finding Healing in the Arms of Your Savior

by Bev DeSalvo, Linda Dillow

Bev DeSalvo draws from her personal experience with abuse and difficult relationships during childhood to bring hope to those who are hurting. She clearly defines the freedom and hopeful future which can be found in the love of Jesus. I loved the optimism and ,well...joy! which radiated throughout this book. It was easy to read; I began and finished it one Sunday afternoon. However, I recommend reading this book more slowly with time to ponder the stories and truths within. Also, I think it would be good to give some thought towards the discussion questions. 

Although my review is positive, I can't give this book 5 stars because it wasn't as life-changing as other similar books I have read within the past few years. It was good though and I have no negative comments. 

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

In Return to Joy, Bev DeSalvo shares her own story of healing from past pain to draw other women along a journey toward intimacy with their Savior. The road to healing is arduous and long. But when we bow our pain in worship, this broken road leads to the heart of God, where all masks are removed and divine comfort can be experienced.

On this journey, understanding the true nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit brings healing and restoration to all father, relational, and mother wounds. Learning to aggressively fight against Satan, who is devious but not creative, replaces his evil lies with the truth of God so that they no longer define the person. Recognizing that God is always “with me” leads to a place of rest where there is no fear of being rejected or abandoned. As a result of these new insights, the reader can finally return to joy and experience emotional and spiritual balance. Out of the overflow of intimate worship, God becomes their refuge, provider, and protector, enabling them to move toward others in forgiveness and true community.

Includes a ten-week Bible study.

Book review: Soaring Above the Circumstances by Dean Kilmer

Soaring Above the Circumstances 
by Dean Kilmer

This is really a wonderful little book! I was able to read it in one evening and benefited greatly from it. The author captures the reader's attention from the first page, bringing them into the story and making them open their heart to other sufferers! Whether you are going through great trials or minor (such as myself), this book will help you and uplift your heart. The goal of this book is to bring the reader's eyes towards Jesus, and it certainly does just that. After reading the chapters contained within this little book, I couldn't stop seeing my blessings and praising God for them! I also felt miserable about all the times I complain although my trials are really nothing in comparison to other's!

My only regret with this little paperback is that it was too short! Also, I wish it had more discussion and study questions or a study guide to go with it! However, I am not suffering terribly and therefore have time and power to do studies. Not all readers will have the means for further study. 

With its small size and easy-to-read length, this book would make a perfect gift for someone suffering from an illness or going through any kind of trial. Man or woman, young or old, cared for or neglected, this book will reach and comfort a variety of individuals. Also, I will note that although this book is convicting it is very uplifting and even the most grumpy and unthankful suffererer won't be offended if you give them this book yet will probably- if it is the Lord's will- be changed by this book! 

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

Tattered and Mended by Cynthia Ruchti book review

Tattered and Mended: The Art of Healing the Wounded Soul

by Cynthia Ruchti

(Abingdon, July 2015)

A crumbling statue. A torn tapestry. A discolored painting. 

Artisans can reclaim exquisite beauty from the broken, frayed, and hopefully shattered---perhaps once thought beyond repair. But what about us? What of the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live?

In Tattered and Mended, readers walk through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia Ruchti shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope. 

   I thought the idea for this book was very good; everyone needs comforting in some area of their lives whether they admit it or not. The author, with much wisdom and understanding, draws from experiences she has been related by other people and weaves a comforting book.

The author carefully relates stories and accounts from a variety of people who have confided in her. The stories serve to comfort the reader and assure him or her that there is hope beyond their pain or sorrow. To my disappointment, the author didn't go very far with answers to struggles one may have in life. I was left feeling that the book didn't end or culminate very well. Yet the author, in the foreword or first chapter (I forget which) did warn the reader not to expect such remedies. I suppose she hopes that you, the reader will rely on God and His word to help you through your troubles. This book was a beautiful picture of hope in the dark times and although not a spectacular read it wasn't bad at all! 

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

Effortless Healing Dr. Joseph Mercola; Foreword by David Perlmutter, M.D.

Effortless Healing

9 Simple Ways to Sidestep Illness, Shed Excess Weight, and Help Your Body Fix Itself

Dr. Joseph Mercola; Foreword by David Perlmutter, M.D.

Being an advocate of healthy living, and having trusted Dr. Mercola for the past 10 years I was especially elated when I discovered this new book!

 Have you ever felt like it didn't make sense that everything healthy is hard to accomplish? Did you ever feel too discouraged to begin exercising because you couldn't do it like the pros? 

Well, Dr. Mercola explains through his website and now this marvelous book Effortless Healing that humans were wired to heal themselves! You don't have to devote hours a week working out just to get the body you want. You don't have to pay thousands of dollars to follow some other person's diet plan. Treat your body as it should be treated, and it will indeed heal itself. Drawing from centuries of healthy ancestors, Joseph Mercola explains in understandable ways how our bodies function. 

After reading this book, you will come away amazed at the intricate functions of your body and the power God has given it to heal. 

You will be inspired to put foods into your body which will help your organs work well. And you will be energized to actually lose weight or become stronger by implementing good habits and easy exercises rather than overwhelming exercise plans.

Does this lifestyle work? I have to say: yes! My family and I have been adhering to such a healthy lifestyle for the past several years, and I have seen drastic changes. I began as a teen, and I saw myself gain clearer skin, more flexible muscles, not to mention that I transformed from a chubby girl into a lean young woman! I am ever inspired when I read Mercola's writings..in fact spring is the perfect time to get back into the great healthy eating and living style he recommends! I don't know about you, but I'm going for it!

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

LET YOUR BODY DO THE WORK

Do you have to tell your leg to heal from a scrape? Your lungs to take in air? Your body that it’s hungry? No. Your body does these things automatically, effortlessly. Vibrant health is your birthright and within your grasp; you just have to step out of the way. In Effortless Healing, online health pioneer, natural medicine advocate, and bestselling author Dr. Joseph Mercola reveals the nine simple secrets to a healthier, thinner you. The results are amazing and the steps can be as easy to implement as:

·         Throwing ice cubes in your water to make it more “structured”
·         Skipping breakfast, as it could be making you fat
·         Eating up to 75 percent of your calories each day in fat for optimal health, reduction of heart disease, and cancer prevention
·         Avoiding certain meat and fish, but enjoying butter
·         Eating sauerkraut (and other fermented foods) to improve your immune system and your mood
·         Walking barefoot outside to decrease system-wide inflammation (and because it just feels great)
·         Enjoying a laugh: it’s as good for your blood vessels as fifteen minutes of exercise

Effortless Healing is the distillation of decades of Dr. Mercola’s experience and cutting-edge medical knowledge. With his wisdom and that of your body, you can optimize your health, your weight, and your life…effortlessly.

Book review: Mercy's Rain by Cindy Sproles

Mercy's Rain: An Appalachian Novel by Cindy K. Sproles

 This is author Cindy Sproles debut novel, and I must say...I am amazed by it!
Not many Christian novels makes me search my own heart. Not often does Christian fiction leave me in tears. Mercy's Rain is a different kind of Christian fiction. It is a life-changing, healing book. With unusual insight and feeling, the author of this book brings not only the heroine but the reader through a journey of healing and forgiveness.    By God's grace, this book will be a powerful tool to those who are grieving, broken and lost. From personal experience, I know it can also help break down a stony heart.
With a heart of thanks, I will mention that I have never been through a terribly abusive relationship. The girl in this story, Mercy Roller grew up in one of the most horrible situations imaginable. My heart grieved for her, and I struggled with her as throughout the book she attempts to reach a point of mercy and forgiveness. I loved how this story developed. From the depths of sin, to the plains of light, He lifted me. That is the hymn which comes to mind. This poor, physically and sexually abused girl who despises her name because it sounds like a joke in comparison with the world surrounding her slowly begins to learn what true mercy and grace and love is.
   This story of salvation is masterfully wrought, as are the characters. I think Cindy Sproles did an outstanding job with the man who helps bring Mercy to grace. Ironically and important to the story, this young man is also a preacher which initially causes Mercy much consternation given that her father was a false professor and a wolf in sheep's clothing. However, over time she has to admit that this preacher is entirely different. He has love, compassion and patience. A true gentleman with the love of Christ in his heart, this young preacher helps Mercy break through the walls of bitterness surrounding her battered heart.

   I especially recommend this book for women who have experienced abuse. Likewise, I would insert a warning to other readers, especially those who are soft-hearted...this book is graphic and cuts to the heart. It was good for me since I tend to be hard-hearted and selfish. But there are many abusive situations described in detail which caused even me to shed tears. This is truly a life-changing book.

Mercy Roller was raised by a twisted father who wore the collar of a Pastor and chose to be Jesus, judge, and jury by his own appointment. Abused, broken, and bitter Mercy lifts the hand that takes the Pastor’s life. In one swift action she becomes what she despises most about the Pastor. Now she seeks redemption. Can the unconditional love of a mountain preacher and his friends, guide Mercy to find peace?