Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul by Mark Gregory Karris

Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul

by Mark Gregory Karris

     This was a very interesting book since it is written by a neuroscientist who has been able to examine the brain's reaction during emotional stress and trauma. He fills the chapters of this book with facts which have been learned concerning what happens to the brain when under stress emotionally. When I ordered this book to review, I did not have a full understanding of the topic. I thought it was a book to help people going through any type of relational failure, such as I have experienced in the past. However, it is specifically for actual breakups as in boyfriend-girlfriend, or husband and wife. Thus I wasn't as interested in the book but here is my honest review for any interested reader:

Much of this book was interesting but it was not well organized or well-written. Also, I was confused by the Christian stance taken by the author. One of his recommendations for a person going through a breakup is to repeat the name of Jesus or other Biblical good things over and over for 20 minutes. I think Scripture meditation a must, and relaxation wonderful. I also think ''holy yoga'' beneficial if worship music is playing or Scripture being read. But the repetition gets a little strange as that is not in any of the Bible. Look at the Psalms- the best example of praising and meditating on God- for one thing.

I believe the main problem with this book is that it is very technical and factual which is not what will necessarily always help someone dealing with deep emotional trials. I recommend this book for counselors and psychologists and therapists.

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

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.

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.

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. 

Married And Still Loving It by Gary Chapman, Harold Myra

Married And Still Loving It: The Joys and Challenges of the Second Half

by Gary Chapman, Harold Myra

First, I am not married...but as an adult, I like to think that reading Biblically-sound books on the topic will prepare me for marriage if it is in my future! I also like to study up on the topic so that I don't have a false view of marriage because as we all know, the longer we are single, the harder it will be to share our organized life with another. ;P

I have enjoyed books by Gary Chapman in the past, so looked forward to reading this book. Also, I think the cover is very pleasing. I found this paperback to be written in a similar style to Mr. Chapman's other books. It is very practical, which will please many readers! It is also easily applicable to both Christians as well as nonbelievers. The goal of the authors is to present tips and wisdom to help couples keep their marriage strong. Of course Christians will especially benefit from the reading and studying of this book. Included are fun study guide tips and the usual personality questions to help the readers better benefit from the book. 

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

Long marriages are a gift… but they aren’t always easy

You know yourselves better. You’ve learned to cherish the small things. You’re past keeping up with the Joneses.

And yet, anxieties over grown children, worries about money and health, and feelings of disappointment can challenge even the best marriages.

In Married and Still Loving It, renowned relationship expert Gary Chapman and Harold Myra, longtime CEO of Christianity Today International, offer wise counsel and practical insight on making your marriage thrive during these years. Real couples share honestly about their joys and struggles, including Jerry and Dianna Jenkins and Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada, who talk movingly about their marital journeys.

Married and Still Loving It feels like a gathering of kindred spirits. It will inspire and equip you to embrace the adventures yet ahead, hand in hand with the one you love

Book review of: 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves by Kelli & Peter Worrall

20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves

byPeter  and Kelli Worrall

When I saw the title of this book, I just knew I had to read it! For one thing, I totally qualify because I am personally ''twenty-something''! It was refreshing and interesting to read a book directed specifically towards me and my peers! I want to begin with a large ''thank you'' to the authors for thinking of us and this crucial time in our lives. 

I absolutely loved reading this book; it was the kind that you enjoy reading every week and really pondering each chapter. Some books I find a bore, and many I just whiz through but this one I really enjoyed taking my time over. Each chapter was different and full of important lessons and thoughts. I really hope to even go back and do a an even deeper study of the book, using the questions and discussion points at the end of each chapter as guidelines! 

I was really able to relate to the authors, understanding their struggles and hopes and dreams. And I loved how they were open and humble and shared what God had done in each of their lives before and during marriage! 

I was also pleased that although I might not agree doctrinally with everything this couple may believe in real life, in their book no specific doctrinal issues came up. The book was deep without being controversial. In short, this is a book for all 'twenty-something'' Christians no matter your denomination. Read it and be strengthened and encouraged! 

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

Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage by Rob Green

Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage

by Rob Green


This book was easy to read yet deep and full of excellent Biblical advice!
I have read several books of this nature so didn't know how much I would benefit from this book. This one has basic essentials as well as fresh wisdom which will help any young- or older- person before marriage.
As an unmarried person, I loved reading this book and hope it will help me if I ever marry. As and after reading this book I was inspired to have a better idea and Biblical understanding of the reason and joy of marriage. I do recommend this book for dating/courting, and/or engaged couples. Go through this book carefully and prayerfully, discussing every chapter and you will definitely benefit from it!




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

Book review The Peaceful Wife by April Cassidy

There may be many books on marriage, many books on wifehood, many books on love. But I am always on the lookout for new and convicting views on the topic. The Peaceful Wife was another refreshing yet convicting book on the topic! One of the best aspects of this book is that the author herself is an independent, strong, feisty woman who shares her stories and the lessons she has learned with the reader! This makes it easier for the reader, especially equally strong-willed woman to relate and learn from this book. I know I benefited greatly from it.
Now, I must admit I am not even married! Yet, I do not feel like reading this book was a waste of my time! I am storing up the knowledge and wisdom for the future. And needless to say, there are many relationships in my life which will benefit from a more peaceful approach!

This book is extremely balanced and Biblically-sound! The author has a great view on marriage and the differences between husband and wife. Although she believes wives should be helpmeets and serve their husbands, she isn't promoting over-submission or anything strange. This book is a key to a wonderful cohesion and friendship and mutual understanding between husband and wife.

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


In today's world, women are often rewarded for having type A personalities. Driven, demanding women achieve higher positions, better salaries, and praise for their ambition. They learn to be confident, take-charge leaders who can handle anything on their own. Yet when it comes to their marriages, those same traits can backfire. After all, no one goes into marriage hoping for a promotion. What is a wife to do?

April Cassidy knows this struggle firsthand. She thought she was a great Christian wife and begged God to make her passive husband into a more loving, involved, godly leader. Instead, God opened her eyes to changes that she needed to make, such as laying down her desire for control and offering genuine, unconditional respect--not just love--to her husband. The Peaceful Wife focuses on Cassidy's experience and its life-changing properties, providing a template for others to follow.

Cassidy's conclusions may be as shocking to readers as they were to her, but she backs up her own tale with stories from her blog readers, and also includes recommendations for further study. She walks through baby steps on how to change, addressing questions such as:

- What is respect?
- How can you show respect?
- How is being respectful different from being loving?

In the end, The Peaceful Wife is a powerful path to God's design for women to live in full submission to Christ as Lord.

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriageby Erin Smalley, Greg Smalley

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance

by Erin Smalley, Greg Smalley, Focus on the Family (Producer)

  Another book from Focus on the Family and authors Greg and Erin Smalley, Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage is just what you need for your marriage! 

 I recommend this book for newly-married couples since this book is full of basic and practical advice. I loved how the authors told stories and examples from their own marriage to help explain their Biblical points. This was quite an easy and interesting read. Personally and rather surprisingly, I didn't learn as much from it as the authors' previous book Ready To Wed! Also, I am not even married yet but found the information within this new book a little too basic! That is why I recommend it for newly married (especially young) couples. I must say that the book is well organized and easy to read and study alone or with others. One also can't help but learn from the Biblical truths presented. But I would hope that the reader would go on to read other, more profound books on marriage. 

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

More about the book: 

Every couple who wants a happy marriage will appreciate the revitalizing secrets in "Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage." In it, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley explore the traits of a healthy and thriving marriage.Based on research of thousands of strong couples across the country, the twelve essential elements outlined are not only biblically based; they also chart a course for a romantic adventure that will last a lifetime.With practical advice and stories from their own marriage and counseling experiences, Greg and Erin guide couples to find ways to work around roadblocks in their current relationship and to intentionally create communication patterns that will take them to emotionally safe places.Yes, marriage can have its twists and turns. But the detours don't necessarily have to lead couples off course. Greg and Erin help couples map out a journey for their marriages so that they can enjoy the passionate and intimate relationship that God has promised.

The 5 Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman January 2015 edition!

The 5 Love Languages  

 I love practical books like this; I read it in just a couple afternoons. 
I will begin by saying that although I had heard glowing reports of ''the 5 love languages'', I hadn't really thought much on the subject and I certainly had never read any of Mr. Chapman's books prior to this year! This is my second book from Gary Chapman and I am so impressed and excited. 
Simple Ideas, Lasting Love

Between busy schedules and long days, expressing love can fall by the wayside. We forget to compliment, to give gifts "just because," to linger in our embrace. The things that say "I love you" seem to either not get said or not get through. This is a book about saying it-and hearing it-clearly. No gimmicks. No psychoanalyzing. Just learning to express love in your spouse's language. 

With over 10 million copies sold, The 5 Love Languages® has transformed countless relationships. Its ideas are simple and conveyed with clarity and humor, making this book as practical as it is personable. You'll be inspired by real-life stories and Dr. Gary Chapman's commonsense yet perceptive insights on relationships. Reading this book feels like taking a walk with a wise friend. Applying it will change your relationship forever-starting today.

   So popular is the ''love languages'' theory and original book by Gary D. Chapman that the publisher has presented yet another edition of the same helpful and wise text! Absolutely everyone can benefit from the advice in this book. Of course this version is specifically targeted towards married couples. However, as with many books this one can be beneficial for anyone, married or unmarried. If we desire actual working relationships with people, we must know how to love them. I appreciated how this book would be appropriate not only for Christians, but for non-believers as well. I know that the foundational importance is salvation and the state of the soul. But I love how practical the author is in explaining how to understand how to love each human being around us. Although it would be best if the reader is saved, the practical information contained in the chapters of this book should benefit every living being created in the image of God!
Such a variety of relationships is covered in this paperback book. I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone. 
The author is considerate in including a variety of characters and personalities in this book. It also covers the ''invention'' of the 5 love languages and plenty of real-life examples of couples who worked through their problems using this technique.

It's hard to write a review about a book which is full of good and helpful truths! All I can say is, read it and let it change your relationships! As an addition to seeking Christ and dwelling in His word of course, this method, combined with the wonderful book Equipped to Love by Norm Wakefield and the useful brain typing method can change lives, save marriages and salvage many relationships!

Ready to Wed edited by Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley

Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You'll Love

by Greg Smalley (Editor), Erin Smalley (Editor)

   You’re engaged, and the checklist for the day of your dreams is a mile long. In the who, what, where, and how of planning, the why can be forgotten.

Ready to Wed provides chapter after chapter of wisdom and insight to provide a solid, Biblical base for marriages! Whether you are engaged, courting, dating, thinking about starting a relationship, or even single with no prospects in sight (such as myself), you will benefit greatly from the sound wisdom in this book! Likewise, married couples would do well to read this book together and analyze their marriage! With a compilation of thoughts from various Christian couples or individuals, Ready to Wed is truly a relationship-changing and thus life-changing book! Each chapter closes with discussion questions which will help you think through the lessons learned in each portion of the book. 
I whizzed through this book; it was so practical (even though I am not in a relationship!) and understandable. I highly recommend this book. Of course there are doctrinal differences which I noticed as I read it but can't recall now. And I didn't agree with all views the authors presented but for the most part this book was very helpful and I am looking forward to someday reading it with my own man!

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

Learn to: Define a vision statement unique to your marriage. Positively engage conflict to build a foundation of trust and forgiveness. “Leave and cleave,” even if you are a child of divorce. Manage expectations—and your in-laws! Navigate hot-button issues including, sex and the chore wars. Cope with change, stress, and crisis—especially in your first year. Build a community of support and find mentors. Assess your progress using the Couple Checkup. Loaded with advice, tips, and instructions, this valuable resource is ideal for soon-to-be-newlyweds and those who support them!

The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman
published 2014

2015 has barely begun, and I've already discovered number 2 of my top 15 reads of 2015! The first I will mention later, and needless to say, this book by Gary Chapman is the second! I love practical books like this; I read it in one afternoon. As in yesterday afternoon. :)
I will begin by saying that although I had heard glowing reports of ''the 5 love languages'', I hadn't really thought much on the subject and I certainly had never read any of Mr. Chapman's books. This is my introduction into the love languages and I am very interested!

  This particular version is the 10th anniversary of the single's edition of this popular theory. The author published it after realizing that many of the readers of his original book ''The 5 Love Languages'', intended for couples, were actually singles! With the knowledge that not only married couples, but every young person desiring to be married needs advice on relationships, they author prepared this version for singles.
To go further, the author also knows that it is most certainly not just eligible singles who would benefit from this book! The fact is: every individual person on the face of this earth has relationships with people around him. If we desire actual working relationships with people, we must know how to love them. I appreciated how this book would be appropriate not only for Christians, but for non-believers as well. I know that the foundational importance is salvation and the state of the soul. But I love how practical the author is in explaining how to understand how to love each human being around us. Although it would be best if the reader is saved, the practical information contained in the chapters of this book should benefit every living being created in the image of God!
Such a variety of relationships is covered in this paperback book. I highly recommend it for singles and even for couples if this is the only available copy!
The author is considerate in including a variety of singles in this chapter book: young people (and their roles as children, and friends), older unmarried people, single parents, divorced adults, widowed adults/parents...Mr. Chapman is quite thorough and wise as he considers each group of people. A good portion of the book also concentrates on singles who are in a dating/courting relationship which I appreciated since the author doesn't assume that all singles will stay single. ;)

It's hard to write a review about a book which is full of good and helpful truths! All I can say is, read it and let it change your relationships! This method, combined with the wonderful book Equipped to Love by Norm Wakefield and the useful brain typing method can change lives, save marriages and salvage many relationships!

I received The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

The Song book review

The Song

by Chris Fabry (Goodreads Author), Richard L. Ramsey (Screenplay), Kyle Idleman (Foreword)

This is a novel based on the film by Richard Ramsey. Complete with photos from the film, this large paperback book puts on paper the heart-changing story of The Song. 
I have not yet viewed the film, so remember that this review is focusing on the content and quality of the book alone. Before reading this fictional book, I watched the movie trailer. I knew I was in for a hard read. A heart-changing experience. But I went for it and could not put the book down! I read it in one afternoon and upon closing the book, wept. I cried for all the sins mankind is capable of. I cried because as I read the book I felt the emotions, I understood the anger and frustration and temptations. Most of all I marvelled at the healing, at God's mercy. Indeed, His mercies are new every morning! 
   This film and consequently the book are about a young man who is confident that he will not fall into the sins of his father who yielded to temptations and lived with the regret for the rest of his life. Aren't we all so confident, before we actually have to face sin? 
This young man, Jedidiah King desires to follow in his father's legacy of musical talent. Seemingly overnight and definitely aided by his passionate love for Rose, Jed becomes famous. And ironically, the very song that Jed wrote inspired by his whole-hearted love for his bride and which makes him famous, begins to hinder their marriage as the musical career takes precedence in Jed's mind. 
Watch as Jed and Rose's family grows while Jed's musical life flourishes as well. Follow Jed as he encounters and eventually gives into more and more temptation. Feel the heartache and tragedy as Rose and Jed feel their marriage crumbling. 
This is by all means not my favourite topic of film or book, however I think it is crucial for couples to face the possible facts. Marriage is not without its problems. Mankind is not sinless. I think it important for all couples to talk about these things and pray together constantly that their marriage would stay pure. I appreciated how the book made the point that Rose was not entirely without fault herself. In allowing her motherhood to take over her life, she was not always the Rose Jed married. She let herself become consumed with being a good mommy and neglected being a doting wife. 
However, the majority of sin in this book/film is about Jed and it is a hard journey he travels. See what God can do in people's lives....read this book/watch the film!

  Before I close, I will add a few personal remarks. I don't love the literary quality of this book. It is like most books inspired by films- not incredibly well-written. That said, it is definitely an easy read which perhaps is good for husbands who are not accustomed to soaking up classics from the 1700s!
Secondly, this book is for adults! Do not let your children read this book or see the movie. I don't know how discreet the movie is since I have never seen it, but the book insinuates a lot. 
Thirdly. I think the author didn't do an exceptional job portraying the joy of God's forgiveness in the book. As I know, movies are very visual and emotional so I'm sure it is presented beautifully in there. But in the book, I think the author did a better job with the tragic moments than the joyful moment of forgiveness at the end. Also, I am slightly confused about when Jed King was saved. I wish the creator of this masterpiece had made the redemption more obvious. The release from the power of sin was evident, but not so much the moment of salvation. 

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




Jed King's life has been shaped by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Haunted by the scars inflicted by his broken family, Jed's dreams of a successful music career seem out of reach . . . until he meets Rose.As romance quickly blooms, Jed pens a new song and suddenly finds himself catapulted into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago.Set in the fertile mid-South, this quest for success leads Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with the pain of loss, failure, and the desire to be who God created them to be.Lyrical and deeply honest, "The Song" asks the hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men are fools in love, can true love persevere?