Friday, January 21, 2011

Too much Lioness...not enough Lion

I know this book is for women and is about women but I have read other Christian books for women too. My spirit was troubled during the reading of this book. The focus did not seem to me to be on anything really...only on making women feel powerful and strong and beautiful. THere are many books out there in the world today that do this same thing...many with the goddess theme. It was almost as though this book was reworking that theme but throwing in references to God and Jesus and Scriptures to sort of support what the author wanted to get across. It was a bit more feministic in nature than I like. I am sure the author is quite entertaining as a speaker. There were many good stories of her life and her dreams and her insights but I just did not get the whole book.
At one point she writes that she wants the book to awaken the readers not just be a how-to book. But to awaken someone would need more than is in this book.
I did learn a lot about lions which was interesting. I just felt like the focus should have or could have been more glorifying to the Lord and less focusing on us as women or the author and her visions.

I received this book free to review from Waterbrook Press and have not been obligated to provide a positive review.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, January 14, 2011

Goodbye Bad Dreams

The Dream Quilt is not only a favorite of my children's but is one of my favorites as well. We all have bad dreams sometimes and I remember well as a child waking up crying and leaving the lights on and sleeping uneasily the rest of the night. If this book had been around when I was a child, I think my bad creams would have vanished!
The writer shares a loving story of a little boy troubled by bad dreams until his mother brings out the Dream Quilt her mother gave her. She tells him the story behind the quilt and each night tucks him under the quilt, seals him with a kiss and sends him off to Dreamland.
When the quilt needs some repairs, the little boy is worried that the bad dreams might come back. But his mother explains to him that it isn't the quilt that keeps him safe and gives him security...it is God. What a wonderful lesson to share with our children...how God can help when life is scary to us.
Not only is the story well written and loving, but the illustrations are superb! We read this one over and over again, and I plan on purchasing more (if I can find them!) to give as gifts at baby showers!
You can purchase this book used [here][1] . I believe there are a few new copies too but at very expensive costs.
What really needs to happen is a re-release of this book! I know it would sell many, many copies!

[1]: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Quilt-Celeste-Ryan/dp/1578562236/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295018145&sr=1-1/"The Dream Quilt"

Monday, January 3, 2011

Animal Lovers...this book is for you!

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is a story about an unwanted dog and the woman who rescued her and how that woman was rescued by this dog.
The author runs a horse rescue center in Oregon called Crystal Peaks Youth Center and works with disadvantaged youth as well, ministering to the spirits of the young people while caring for the horses. Laurie is one of the team leaders at the Center and this book is the telling of her true story. The friendship between the two women is evident throughout the book and adds a cozy quality to the story. I felt as if I was a third person listening in on the many conversations.
Laurie shares her story of how she decided to rescue a dog (she didn't have room for a horse) and how that dog was not anything at all like what she had imagined. But because of a committment she continued with her project of caring for this dog, Mia, and learned that love comes in strange packages. Mia has many health problems from coming from the home she was rescued from and one of those leads to blindness. This struggle for Laurie in trying to live with a blind dog and decide how to determine if her quality of life was good enough to keep her alive is one that many pet owners can relate to.
The writing of this is almost journal like. We read of how Mia ends up being the one who is the rescuer of Laurie by teaching her of love and life lessons.
I thought this was one of the few feel good true stories out there and I enjoyed reading it. It comes with a range of emotions and several surprises! If you are someone who loves animals or know someone who does, this book is sure to be a hit with you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”