Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

This book is a light fictional story about a family who agrees to go on a reality TV show where they will experience the Amish way of life.  Two sister-in-laws and their children embark on this journey, each searching for different things.  Julie is tired of life being so busy and juggling her over-committed schedule.  Susan is hoping to use the show to launch her career.  While the Amish life is not "easy", the simplicity ended up teaching both women about themselves and how to better set their priorities.

I enjoyed this story, but didn't find myself very involved in it emotionally.  I tend to prefer books with more drama and depth.  However, I did like the main lesson the book had to teach.  We all have gifts...things that we are good at.  As women we tend to compare ourselves with one another, envying the gifts we see in others rather than recognizing and appreciating what we do well.  Or we can become prideful over our strengths and become frustrated with others who don't adhere to our standards.  I think in some way we can all relate to the struggles these characters faced.

I have always wondered what it would really to be like to be on a reality TV show.  Since this is fiction, I don't know if the way the show was depicted is representative of how these shows really work, but it was interesting to think about.  I don't think I could endure that invasion into my privacy :)

Overall, if you're looking for a light, entertaining read then this is a good book to check out!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Choice by Robert Whitlow

Teenage pregnancies are on the rise.  This fictional story is about the choice that each of these young girls must make...what to do with the life growing inside of them. 

The main character is Sandy who gets pregnant while in high school.  We follow her as she examines all possibilities and decides what to do with her baby.  Part way through, the story jumps ahead 30 years and Sandy has the opportunity to help another girl in a similar situation.  I love this...it shows how we can use our experiences and heartaches to speak into the life of someone else and encourage them. 

There is plenty of suspense mixed into this story to keep the pages turning quickly.  While a bit unrealistic at times, I enjoyed the plot.  My only complaint is that I would have liked a few additional chapters added.  I felt it ended a bit abruptly.

I don't want to give away much of the story, but adoption is a major theme.  The author says that his "ultimate hope is that readers of this story...will be encouraged to make unselfish, sacrificial choices." Thank you, Robert Whitlow, for writing a story to honor mothers that entertains us as well :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Be the Mom by Tracey Eyster

Since I am a mom, a book about overcoming attitude traps and enjoying my kids seemed like a good one to read.  I could relate to each of the 7 "traps" mentioned because they are attitudes that I have struggled with as well at some point during my parenting journey.  While this book would have been more beneficial to read shortly after becoming a mom when I was going through the transition, I still found the author's insights to be good reminders.  The key to overcoming these traps is to recognize them and to align our thoughts with the truth.

My kids are now to the age that they can begin helping with chores.  I still haven't figured out the best way to tackle this.  I tend to do things myself, but I know I need to teach them to share in the responsibility.  I found a neat idea in this book to help make family chores fun!  Tracey suggests writing down each weekly chore on a slip of paper and placing them in a jar.  Each family member would draw out a chore and do it.  There are also slips that say "Mom's Choice", "Kid's Choice", or even "No Chore" to keep things interesting :) 

Another idea that stood out to me was a response to a kid's saying "Whatever".  She had her daughter memorize Philippians 4:8 "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Whenever her daughter said "Whatever" she was asked to recite the verse.

Be the Mom is simply advice from one experienced mom to another.  It is a book meant to enlighten, encourage, and remind us of the high calling of motherhood.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Thoughts About Motherhood

Another undefeated ball season...way to go boys!  This was Jacob's (on right) last year of coach pitch baseball.  This fall he starts a new school and a new sport...football.  I am not looking forward to the worry I will feel each time he gets tackled.  He says "Don't worry mom, I'll have pads on!"  If only it were that simple.

There are 2 questions that Jacob asks a lot that can drive me nuts.  The first is WHEN?  "When are we leaving?  How long will it take to get there?  Where are we going to stop (and in what order)?When does football conditioning start?    When are they coming over?  How long are they staying?  When is dinner?  What are we going to eat?  Where are we going for vacation in the year 2016?" (ok, maybe not that bad)  My point is that he likes to know the details.  He probably gets that from me :)  I want to tell him "Don't worry about it.  I'll get you where you need to go, when you need to get there.  Enjoy being a kid.  Live in the moment.  Let me take care of the details!"

The other questions is WHY? "Why do I have to go to bed NOW?  Why can't I stay up longer to read?  Why do I have to pick up my toys?  Why do I have to take a shower?"  To which I reply "Why can't you just do what you're asked to do without asking questions???"  Today we have a surprise planned for Jacob...his dad is taking him to Cedar Point for the first time.  We knew they would be leaving early and he needed his sleep.  Last night when I said it was time for bed I was met with a ton of complaining. "It's summer...why can't I stay up later?"  I gave him a brief explanation that he needed his sleep and was expected to do as he was told.  The whining got so bad I wanted to cancel the trip!  I knew he had a great surprise in store for him, but all he could see was his present circumstance.

In the midst of my frustration I was struck with a thought....I wonder if this is how God feels about all my When's and Why's.  I want to know the plan and understand why things happen the way they do.  So maybe God wants to say to me, "Don't worry about it.  I'm in control.  Enjoy living in the present moment.  Let me take care of the details.  Trust me that I know what's best."  Maybe I should quit complaining because I could have a blessing waiting right around the corner that God is preparing me for and is anxious to give me.  Maybe God desires that same thing that I do as a parent...a thankful heart that is willing to trust and quick to obey.

Philippians 2:14-15 "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe"

That's Why I'm Here by Chris Spielman

Many football fans know the accomplishments of Chris Spielman on the field.  While this book does talk about his football career, it's mainly about his wife's battle with cancer and the legacy she has left behind.

What makes Stefanie Spielman's story so inspirational?  Her attitude.  Chris says, "You need to know that Stef never viewed cancer as an unfair or undeserved penalty that took something away from her.  She saw it instead as an opportunity to complete a mission that God had designed especially for her...It became our mission to make her diagnosis public in hopes of helping others.  We saw it as our calling, our divine purpose.  We wouldn't have chosen this path, but now that we had to walk it, we determined to use our experience and our lives as an opportunity to serve men and women who might need our help."  They were able to use Chris's celebrity status to increase awareness and raise lots of money for cancer research.  Stefanie was also able to use her struggles to comfort and encourage others in many different ways.  The Spielmans' credit their faith in God as the sustaining force in their family and share that faith in the course of the book in a non-pushy way.

Football fans will not be disappointed...there is about 60 pages of pure football memories from the time of Chris's youth up until the end of his career.  I found some of it to be interesting, but personally could have done with a shorter re-cap :)  It is neat to see Chris's growth from a man obsessed with football to a man focused on how God would have him help others.  He says "The first part of my life focused solely on winning, or trying to win.  If I didn't win, it made me more obsessed to win the next time.  Now I look at life differently.  It's not what you accomplish that's most important.  It's what you experience and overcome along the way.  Instead of always looking for the end result, I've learned to embrace the journey."

Whether you read this book for the football stories, or you read because you can relate to the battle with cancer, you will come away with something good...an outlook that we can't always choose what happens to us, but we can choose what to do with it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

This is a story that every teenage girl needs to hear, especially those who struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. 

When she was 17 years old, Kristen Anderson was overwhelmed by all of life's struggles and spontaneously decided to take her own life by laying down in front of an oncoming train.  God, however, had other plans for her.  Kristen's life was spared but her legs were severed.  In this book Kristen shares her past, the details of that life-changing day, and the hope that she eventually found in Jesus.  It is a short book, sharing the perfect amount of information to get her message across without citing unnecessary details.

Kristen writes in a way that is authentic and easy to relate to.  I could see many teens, and adults too, being able to identify with her feelings.  I liked how at the end of certain chapters Kristen wrote a personal message to her readers, speaking directly to those who are having suicidal thoughts, have been raped, or want to know how to begin a relationship with Jesus.  The gospel is clearly presented as she shares her own journey of faith.

The path has been messy, but God is using Kristen's story and her heart for helping others to make a huge impact.  She has started Reaching You Ministries as a way to help those struggling with depression and suicide.  She desires to share the hope that she has found and encourage others who are hurting.  Click here to read the first chapter!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The following is Kristen's interview on Oprah.  It alone has saved at least one life.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

While I don't read fiction very often, summer is a great time to get lost in a novel.  I enjoyed this one for several different reasons:

1.  The story was inspired by true events.  Taking place in 1876, the plot follows Sophia, a missionary who was assigned to be a teacher for the Ponca Indian tribe during an era when Indians were being "civilized".  It was a trip back through time, learning about the Ponca culture and history.   Sophia embarked on this journey with the wrong motives, but the change God brought about in her heart is similar to accounts I've read of other missionaries.  The characters were mostly fictional but the story was woven with truth.

2.  The book focused on a lesson..."ignore the rushing water".  Basically this means to ignore all the obstacles and worries that tend to consume us and focus on the here and now.  Today's troubles are enough for today.  It can be easy to get overwhelmed when there are so many people with so many needs.  This story teaches to do what you can with what you have, focusing on the need in front of you, and trusting the rest to God.

3. Yes, I must admit I liked the hint of romance as well.  What woman doesn't enjoy a good love story?  I do give the author credit for keeping the romance pure and tasteful. 

Overall, I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to a friend.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program in exchange for an honest review.