beckys_bookshelves's reviews
312 reviews

Excellent book. Loved!!

Love Letters from the Edge: Meditations for Those Struggling with Brokenness, Trauma, and the Pain of Life by Shelly Beach and Wanda Sanchez is a book consisting of 12 weeks of meditations for five days every week. Each devotion consists of letter to God, an answer from God, some journal options, and a prayer to say.
The book is designed for those who have been through PTSD. I would say anyone who has had something extremely upsetting in their lives would benefit. The book speaks to the deep places in your heart and gives you a glimpse of the incredible love of God as a caring Father. The authors of the book understand pain and are able to speak with authority on this topic.
The appendix is very helpful and consists of excellent resources like how to talk to your doctor, scripture affirmations for those hurting, helpful books & resources, and suggestions for spouses, the church, & friends. I was very impressed with all it covered.
I highly recommend "Love Letters from the Edge!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Book Fun's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Sons of God's Generals: Unlocking the Power of Godly Inheritance by Joshua Frost is a book about the children of high profile pastors, missionaries, and leaders in the church. Each of the sons and daughters have written a chapter in the book telling what it was like growing up in the household of their well known family. They answer the question, "What was it like growing up in this household, and how did it affect my relationship with God?"
I loved this book! I enjoyed learning about how each of sons and daughters made their relationship with Jesus their own. Some stayed close to Him throughout their childhood, and some rebelled against God, but in the end, fell in love with Jesus as their Savior.
As a parent, I enjoyed reading how each of the parents were willing to ask for forgiveness, humble themselves before the Lord, and reconcile with their children when they needed to. It inspired me to be a better parent, and gave me hope for my children.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary book from the Book Club Network at bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review

Take the journey into the American west alongside nine women who are chasing their dream
The Westward Christmas Brides Collection is a wonderful collection of nine novellas all rolled into one book. The books feature wonderful authors like Wanda Brunstetter, MaryLu Tyndall, Olivia Newport and many more. The stories are about fifty pages each and can be read in a short time. Each story stands alone, and does not connect to the other.
What is there not to love in a book where all nine stories center on Christmas and brides? What made this collection particularly interesting is the wonderful variety of stories and characters featured. You get to step into the world of pirates, westward wagons, mining towns, stagecoaches, trading posts, train rides, and small towns from the west. Each story was excellent and I would have a hard time choosing a favorite.
I love the look of this book. The sepia cover and the cut of the pages give it the feel of a book published long ago. I felt I was stepping back in time.
I highly recommend reading The Westward Christmas Brides Collection to put you in the Christmas spirit.
I was given this book by The Bookclub Network&Barbour Publishing for an honest review

This is a great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer. It is a story about how Lula Bowman moves home to help her sister during WWI. She takes a job as a music teacher at the local school and coaches the girls' basketball team. The only problem is that she knows nothing about basketball and there are no YouTube videos available to help her, only a small brochure to teach her the game. Math teacher and boys' basketball coach Chet Vaughn, offers to help her. The story alternates between the two characters point of view.
Playing by Heart is a sweet story with so many wonderful themes. It speaks to laying down your dreams to God and asking the Lord to give you new dreams, of the power of forgiveness and how unforgiveness leads to bitterness, and allowing the Lord to show you who you are in Him. The characters are developed nicely and Lula Bowman character speaks to your heart.
I give the book 5 stars and highly encourage you to read it!
I received this book through bookfun.org for my honest opinion.

The Long Road Home is a collection of four novellas. Each one is able to stand alone, but the first three have tie-ins to the others. It is like connecting with old friends throughout the book. The book itself is beautifully made and has a gorgeous cover. The pages have the look of a book from long ago, and it is enjoyable just to hold it while reading.
I just felt this was a gentle read where you walk through life with each character. The characters were well developed and I felt I could relate to each one. All of the stories have themes of redemption, trusting God, and being faithful. I found myself reflecting on my own faith as I read each story, and the book deepened my love of God.
I receive this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
I highly recommend The Long Road Home. I would give it 5 stars.