Saturday, March 29, 2008

Book Review: Let Me Fly by Elisa Mayo/4 Stars

About the book:

She wrestles with a decision that will set her feet onto a path from which there is no return. As she stands on the threshold of choosing her way, she faces the question every person wrestles with at some point in her life—which way is the right way? Let Me Fly takes the reader through the joys, heartaches, and victories of discovering God's chosen path. This memorable story is filled with unforgettable characters that mold Celia and support the budding woman as she learns the hard lesson of where the path of the world leads. Will Celia marry the dark, handsome Vince and travel the world with a man claiming a never-ending love? Or will she wait for a different kind of security? Will her dream of happiness be crushed by an adulterous affair?

You will share Celia's life as if it were your own, applauding her happiness and crying when life leaves her broken. And as the Lord resurrects Celia from the ashes of her own crushed spirit, you will remember a time when He did the same for you. Let Me Fly proves to be a refreshing story of love and life, with a back-drop amid the twinkling lights of the city and the refreshing change of pace of small town country living.

My thoughts:

As a teenager, Celia Martin yearns to be free to live a life not dictated by her surroundings. She's grown up in a small-town farm community, and knows that when she gets old enough, she's going to the big city. Fast forward a few years and you'll find a very successful businesswoman who knows that something big is missing in her life. She's also got a coworker that is very interested in her, but she struggles with decisions concerning him. Through all of this, God seems so very far away to her.

I have never read a book that explored so many different emotions in a person's life. There's love, hate, loss, hurt, and I was feeling all this right along with Celia. All the while, though, she knows that her Heavenly Father has not forgotten her just like He doesn't forget any of His children.

"Let Me Fly" is a definite must-read!

4 Stars

Southern?  I think so...???
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Book Review: Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher/5 Stars

About the book:

When Roxy Burke left home for Nashville, she swore she wouldn't come back until she was a star. But it's desperation that drives this prodigal back to her family, and no one is prepared for what happens next.

Roxy has crashed and burned. She's squandered an inheritance, lived a wild life, and wasted her talent. Desperate and ashamed, she now must return to her father and sister, neither of whom she's talked to in seven years.

Roxy's father welcomes his daughter with love and tenderness. But his easy acceptance is hard on Roxy's sister. After years of being the dutiful daughter, Elena feels resentment and anger toward her wayward sister.

Even more problematic is the reaction of Roxy's former boyfriend. Once a rebel, Wyatt has given his life to Christ and plans to enter the ministry. He and Elena are engaged, but Roxy's return raises questions that could mean the end of Elena's perfect future.

The Burke family faces the return of the prodigal and must reach out for healing. Will they each be able to accept God's grace?

My thoughts:

Roxy Burke has messed up bad. With almost no goodbyes, she leaves her whole life in Boise for a new life in Nashville hoping to become the next big country star. Now, seven years later, she's squandered everything, especially her inheritance, and she's no country music star. She's had no contact with her family in Boise, but returning there is really the only choice that she has. Because of the lack of contact, Roxy is completely surprised when she finds that her older sister, Elena, is now engaged to Roxy's old boyfriend, Wyatt, and a wedding is about to take place.

Now, shift to the other side of the story. Elena can't believe all the attention that Roxy's getting now that she's home. She's the modern day prodigal son. She's completely messed up her life, while Elena has worked hard for everything she's ever gotten. Elena feels like no one's giving her any credit, and she's everything short of being flat out rude to her sister. And then, of course, she questions Wyatt if any of his former feelings for Roxy have returned now that she's back home.

I saw myself relating to Elena's feelings throughout this entire book. While there were times that I wanted to beat her upside the head, I knew she had to go through the phases that she did to come to a point of forgiveness. Robin is one of my favorite authors, and every time I read something by her, that book seems to become my new favorite! This book is no exception. I hope she continues with the series (A Carol for Christmas was the first), and maybe delve into Elena's future.

5 Stars

Southern?  A little
Sass?  No



Thursday, March 27, 2008

Welcome to blogging...

Well, I can officially say I've joined the rest of the blog universe!! :o) I've been wanting to start my own blog for awhile now, and I've somehow managed to find the time to do it. Most of the stuff that I put on here will be about books since it seems like I've been reading more lately than ever before. But you will see the occasional musical recommendation or hopefully, something else interesting. ;o)

So, with that said, here's what's crossed my path lately.....

Just finished reading--The Ishbane Conspiracy by Randy Alcorn
Currently reading--The Briton by Catherine Palmer

Currently listening to--Talley Trio/Rise Above 

Simply Sara (Plain and Simple)