betherin02's Reviews (1.43k)


Messed Up Men of the Bible is a great study that I will enjoy digging into again in the future. The authors explore characteristics from 12 different men of the Bible and encourage both men and women to "move beyond the mess." Reading through this study opened my eyes to areas in my own life that need correction and gave me new ideas in encouraging my husband. Wisely written from the perspective of both a man and a woman, the book is packed with scripture, personal testimony, and interesting illustrations. Study questions are also included for personal, couples, or group use.

I received this book from the publisher through the Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This book is an excellent choice for reading aloud, thanks to the colorful pictures and fun, sing-song rhythm. My kids (ages 3-9) loved all the animals and simple illustration style. There were even a few animals they hadn't heard of and we had the opportunity to learn something new by looking them up.

I received a digital copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Emma & Riley's story continues in this sweet, clean, coming of age story. Emma's insecurities creep back in to cause trouble while Riley is out of town launching his music career. She learns important lessons about courage and protecting her heart. I'll definitely be reading the third in the series, I have to find out what happens next!

Still Restless is a thought-provoking examination of the "restlessness" people experience when they don't have an intimate relationship with Jesus. The author gave both biblical and modern day examples (from his years of counseling) of people with hardened hearts and those who embrace the Savior. These different reactions will be easier to recognize in the future and understand where people might be coming from especially when sharing the Gospel with them.

I received this book through the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/now-youre-speaking-my-language-by-gary-chapman/
Gary Chapman explains the importance and intricacies of communication in healthy marriages. Now You're Speaking My Language is full of simple, yet profound advice useful to couples at every level of marital bliss. Whether you are struggling in your marriage or feel completely satisfied, this title is completely worth the time and energy to invest in your relationship.
Much like Chapman's "5 Love Languages," the concepts discussed in this book articulated situations and emotions I could relate to and simple solutions for a more open and intimate marriage relationship. So many couples enter into marriage without learning the importance of purposeful communication. I'm looking forward to reading this title with my husband but even if he never read a word of it, I know that our relationship will benefit from the improvements I can make in the way I communicate with him.

I requested this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to read it and offer an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/jesus-helps-me-by-callie-grant/
I am so impressed by this little board book, it really packs a scriptural punch! Jesus Helps Me is visually stimulating with bright, eye-catching colors, whimsical sketches, and high-quality photography. The content is top-notch, an illustration of John 12:44-47 is combined with fascinating facts about different birds. In addition, there are parent tips for baby, toddler, and child levels and online resources as well! I would love to collect this entire series and highly recommend it!

I received this book from the publisher through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/the-preachers-lady-by-lori-copeland/
The Preacher's Lady is a story of young love, redemption, and forgiveness. Elly waits years for Bo's return but he is delayed by the pull of life's temptations. Elly has tried to soothe her heartache by accepting the love of another but she still struggles with the hurt and anger of being left behind. After seven years, Bo finally returns home to help his family and seek the forgiveness of his loved ones.

The small town is filled with kids running free, busy bodies, quilting circles, and hard working people. Elly's story resonated with me because it can be hard to truly forgive as God requires. Lori Copeland highlights themes of God's grace and forgiveness as well as love and relationships.

I requested this book through NetGalley in order to read and offer an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/a-lady-in-defiance-by-heather-blanton/
What a great book! On one hand, A Lady in Defiance is a fun and entertaining historical western romance and on the other hand, it's a challenging and moving message of living out your faith and extending grace and forgiveness to others. Heather Blanton filled my senses with the rich backdrop of a rowdy, dirty, smelly, old west mining town. The characters were beautifully flawed and relatable. I am anxious to see what happens in the next book of the series!

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/a-season-to-love-by-nicole-deese/
Nicole Deese has such a rich and vibrant writing style. She didn't just draw me into the story, I was drawn into Willa Hart. Her emotions and experiences were so well described that I felt them too. By the time she enters her late twenties, Willa has experienced more than her fair share of sorrow and trials. While her daughter is ready to embrace adventure after her battle with cancer, Willa is stuck in worry mode and the anxiety is pressing in.
Dr. Patrick McCade is very nearly the opposite of Willa, an adventurous world traveler and outdoor enthusiast. Patrick and Willa's interactions range from humorous blunders and awkward exchanges to friendship, charged attraction, and everywhere in between. This book had me staying up late and getting up early, it's going on my list of all time favorites!

I requested this book through NetGalley in order to read it and offer an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/review/a-spys-devotion-by-melanie-dickerson/
As an orphan, Julia Grey is at the mercy of her guardian uncle. Her only hope for a future is as a wife or governess. Nathaniel Langdon is a second son and dutiful soldier. His circumstances have placed him in a position to investigate a possible threat to his superior, General Wellington.
Flirtations and secrets abound as Nathaniel and Julia's paths cross. I enjoyed the way the characters dance around the social rules of the time and search out the truth while wondering who is trustworthy. I found both Julia and Nathaniel to be compassionate and determined to do what is right. Melanie Dickerson does not disappoint in her first regency!

I requested a copy of this book through NetGalley with the intention of reading and providing my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.