Devotedly, A Love Story & Love Letters

I had the opportunity to read Devotedly, The Personal Letter and Love Story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot by their daughter Valerie Elliot Shepard.

This book features never before published letters between Jim and Betty. The letters start when they first meet at Wheaton College and continue to their wedding. They feature their time before dating though to their marriage, with an epilogue after Valerie is born.

These letters are a gift from the past and insight into the complex lives of Jim and Elisabeth. You will find many spiritual insights. It can also be a little hard to read, as the letters are from 1948-1953. You will enjoy the photographs and never before seen letters (some of which are actually published as it - not typed in the text).

I did appreciate Valerie's commentary and first hand insight. Sometimes she shared what her mother had told her about her relationship with Jim. Other times, Valerie infers what her father may have been thinking.

It would be helpful to have some background into Jim and Elisabeth's life, as it is not retold in detail in this book. In fact, Valerie alludes to her parent's books and does tell the reader she is not retelling their story from what was previously published.

You will enjoy this treasure from the past, especially if you have read some of  Jim or Elisabeth's previous books.

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

Run my friends, Run to get this book and settle down for cozy winter reading, spring reading, summer beach reading, or fall reading! In other words, I loved this book! I had the chance to read Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard. This was my first book I've ever read by Elizabeth.

I loved the genre and the plot. First, Willow has just lost her grandfather. Then she must decide if she will carry on with his last case....his only open case in his forensic genealogy firm.  However, Willow's house is burned to the ground. All she has left of her grandfather is gone.  Next someone tries to kill Willow and destroy all the files from her grandfather's firm.  Enter an old flame and you've got the start of one fascinating story that will have you hooked!

The plot thickens as Willow continues to try to solve the mystery and fight for her life.

My only disappointment....this is book one, and book two isn't out yet! I loved this book! I was given a free copy of Never Let Go from the publisher for my honest review. And I really enjoyed this book.  I will be sure to look for more books by Elizabeth Goddard.  {Not responsible if you get hooked on this book and can't put it down!}

American Omens! by Travis Thrasher

I had the opportunity to read American Omens by Travis Thrasher.  This thrilling novel is listed as both Christian Science Fiction and Christian Prophecy.  I will admit it's not a genre I can read quickly.

I did enjoy American Omens, but had to keep telling myself "it's fiction"! You can easily see how the United States of America could end up as the author suggests.

I was fortunate to be given two copies of the book for my review and my mother-in-law shared her thoughts:
"This book is an exciting story about the world, showing the state of the United States now and the way it may develop and how God uses us to change the future development of the United States.
It tells the story of three groups of people and how their lives eventually intersect. It also uses scripture verses to change their lives.  It is a study of God and evil's influence in the way we live our lives. I am eager to read a sequel should there be one!"

I know my mother-in-law really enjoyed the genre and the plot. For me, it was a slower go and harder to keep straight! But I would recommend this book! It does make you think!

I was given a free copy of American Omens in exchange for my honest review.

Another College Visit Tip!

I've written some on college visits. See here and here!

Recently while listening to a Moms in Prayer Podcast with Julie Loos, I learned a NEW great tip!  While you are on a college visit, try to set up a time to meet with some of the campus ministries! Maybe even check out their meeting if you are on campus at the right time! What a gift!

Look for a church in the area. Ask around to see which churches support the college campus! Connecting to a local church AND campus ministry is vital!

Another resource is the Every Campus Movement!

And finally don't forget the  Collegiate Day of Prayer!

Finally pray, pray, pray. Find a Moms in Prayer group to pray for your student!!!

~A~LIFE~OF~LOVELY~

I had the opportunity to review A Life Of Lovely by Annie F. Downs. This was the first book I had read of Annie’s and was excited to read a book that was the “Young Women’s Guide to Collecting Moments that Matter”. Honestly, as I started to read, I thought this book was written for tween and teen girls. However as I continued to read, I realized that this book is really intended for college age gal. This shifted my thinking and I was able to appreciate it more once I realized that!

In A Life of Lovely, Annie shares moments that she has collected over the years that helped contribute to a life of lovely! She shares open and honest experiences from her years,  including a highlight of mentoring a group of college women. Annie shares personal hurts and raw emotions. As I said this is clearly written for an older teen/college age type gal. 

I appreciated Annie’s insight and would recommend this book. Annie writes in a real way ~ sorta like you’re taking to a friend. I was given a free copy for my honest review.  

Surprised by Depth! Book Review ~ Whispers and Wildflowers

I had the opportunity to read Whispers and Wildflowers by Sarah Beth Marr.  I must  say I was surprised by the depth of this book! At first glance of a "30 Day Devotional" you think {assume} it's going to be a regular devotional. In fact, I thought I might be able to skim through it for a review! However, it is indeed "30 Days to Slow Your Pace, Savor Scripture, & Draw Closer to God."

I found myself absolutely enjoying {and being challenged by} the content! I love how it uses various translations of scripture to focus deeper on God's Word!

Whispers and Wildflowers will take you deeper on a 30 day spiritual retreat!  This is not to be taken lightly, but rather to be processed.

I love the space for journaling and thought proving questions!

I must add that Sarah Beth Marr is a former ballerina and her writing does reflect that. Unfortunately I can't relate to that but enjoyed the association to the ballet and dance as best I could.

I was given a free copy of  Whispers and Wildflowers for my honest review and did enjoy this book!

Book Review ~ Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I had the opportunity to read the NEW book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, called Mending Fences!  This is a fun story of redemption and forgiveness in an Amish setting!

What has Luke done that is so bad? How on earth did he end up in rehab? What will it take for the Amish community to forgive him? Will they? What is Izzys's story? Will you ever find out about her past?

Set in a location that I know very well, please know that the book is fiction. Places clearly aren't real, and even some of the Amish traditions aren't based on reality, but this book is fun read.

And...you will be hooked on the series! After enjoying the story, I can't wait to find out what happens next!

It's also important to note that while Mending Fences does include characters from Suzanne's other books (as outlined in the beginning), you can easily pick up this book without reading the previous ones!

I was given a free copy of Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher for my honest review.