"I Wish He Had Come with Instructions" Book Review

And the rest of the title is "The Woman's Guide to a Man's Brain"...

In all honesty, I was surprised at the 213-page length of this book! As a female married to a male for 16 years, I can tell you that men don't really seem all that complicated. I mean, its like the comedian Jeff Foxworthy says, men are easy to figure out, they want a beer and to see something naked. So, when I saw the title of this book and knowing Jeff's concise summation of the male persona and psyche...well, I just had to see what this book was all about--and how it was only more than 2 ages!!

This is the second book I've read by Mike Bechtle. Just as in "You Can't Text a Tough Conversation", Mike has clearly done his homework again. There are several instances where Mike quotes or sites findings to support his statements.

The chapters are broken down like subtopics to 5 main parts that Mike wants to discuss, Chapters and inner-chapter sections are easy to read with good examples and multiple examples.

I found myself dog-earing several pages because I want to go back and share what I read with my hubby!

This book did enlighten me to some of the how and why behind some of the things my husband does. It also does well at delineating the how and why behind the differences between men an women so that we as women can achieve the "a ha". It's not strictly all about men. Instead it does break down the difference between the sexes so we as females can relate to our own sex and then understand why we relate to men in certain ways--or not. And that is why it was 213 pages!

Overall, a very informative read in a enjoyable format. I give it 5 stars!

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Honor Redeemed" Book Review

With her mother and father now gone, no money, and little family, Prosperity Jones is anything but the image of prosperity. Her one hope is her fiance, David, stationed in Key West. Will Prosperity find prosperity in Key West with David? Or only find more heartache...

Set in the tropical venue of Key West, this second installment of the Keys of Promise series delivered another page-turning plot. Christine Johnson introduces us to two new characters: Prosperity Jones and Lt. David Latham.

Prosperity is a woman of strong values and principles. David as similar characteristics as well, which in the end cause much of the turmoil throughout the novel. There is the ever-present struggle to do whats right and to be Christlike, even to the point of discomfort or unhappiness.

The novel has strong secondary characters in Dr. Goodenow and Elizabeth.

The plot, as I mentioned, was a page turner! Ms. Johnson does a wonderful job peppering in the right amount of intrigue and twists to keep you wanting more.

Compared to her first installment of "Love's Rescue", I preferred this story line better. I will say what I said in the review for "Love's Rescue" that I map or something of the town would be helpful. Like where the hospital was in conjunction to the fort.

Overall an enjoyable book. 4.5 stars out of 5

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Sea Rose Lane" Book Review

In an effort to escape hurt, BJ Stevens left her life in the big city and career as an architect to make a new home with new direction in Hope Harbor, Oregon.

Partner-track attorney Eric Nash is heading back home to Hope Harbor.

When Eric and BJ's worlds collide--literally--can BJ see past Eric's big-city persona and livelihood and can Eric alter his life plan for love?

This is the second book I've read by Irene Hannon and the second in the Hope Harbor series. In this installment, we get to revisit Charley, the town taco maker and artist, the bantering between Father Kevin and Reverend Baker, Floyd and Gladys, the resident seagulls, and Tracey and Michael, whom we met in "Hope Harbor".

BJ and Eric's story line is supported with another story line about Eleanor and Luis. Eleanor and Luis both deal with the struggles of being alone, being useful, and having purpose. However, each story is vastly different in how alone, useful, and purpose are played out.

All main characters have a complexity to them and the book moves at a steady pace in revealing the layers to each character.

Overall, I preferred this installment better than "Hope Harbor". Mainly because the circumstances that brought the main characters didn't involve a death and the pace was a little faster. My only complaint is that it ended to abruptly. I would have liked to see Eric's struggle and decision play out a little more.

I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

(This book was given to my by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Brazen" Book Review

Leeana Tankersley takes us on a journey to unleash the BRAZEN in all of us!

Early on she makes it clear to not associate brazen in a negative way, but in an empowering and freedom-grabbing way.

The book is broken down into 3 parts that break down: how to receive your identity, reclaim your voice, and recover your soul. In each section, Leeana gives sub points in chapter format with anecdotes and stories that make the point in how to achieve what she is describing. At the end of each chapter are two small sections for the reader to perform an exercise: one in reflection or expression and one in activity.

Leeana's way of writing makes you feel like you are in a comfortable chair at a women's retreat as she relates life and its pitfalls in a real, deep, descriptive, colorful, and humorous way. As I read through each chapter, I found myself, usually with a small smile on my face; either from a "wow, that was really deep" feeling, or "that was funny" feeling. Page 210 made me laugh out loud...

The only thing I couldn't wrap my head around was the section on her describing her 20 minutes of "soul time". I wasn't really sure if this time was prayer time in writing or a free-write time or what...If she could have given and example of what the actual writing looked like would have helped me out there a lot to actually know what we are to be getting out and getting in touch with.

My absolute favorite thing about the book was the "For Your Brazen Board" at the end of each chapter. It was usually something easy that the reader could attach to a memory board or bulletin board that builds a visual reminder for us to be BRAZEN. And the cool thing about that, it is unique to each of us.

Overall, I found the book interesting, reflective and real. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

(I received this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"A Sweet Misfortune" Book Reveiw

Rachel Matthews is a gal with guts and spunk and will do anything to save her family's ranch--even if it means working at a job that could label her a "soiled dove". But, she remains undeterred even rafter she is whisked away to the McIntyre ranch.

John McIntyre finds Rachel Matthews to be a determined woman. And John's grandmother Estelle, sees those qualities and a bit more in Rachel too.

Can John and Rachel find a common ground? Will the dreams Rachel have of saving the family ranch come true?

"A Sweet Misfortune" is  the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series by Maggie Brendan. I have not yet read the first book in the series.

The book starts out moving well out of the gate! The pace is fairly fast, which is good, but I felt that there wasn't a lot of development to the characters. So, I feel that this book was overall a "light read". Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a little more layers to my characters. That's purely my preference. Ms. Brendan's book was fun to read, so don't get me wrong.

The secondary characters of Estelle and Molly and Annabelle were a good source of dialogue. Of course there was the characters you cringe about in Vera and Beatrice.

The christian theme isn't overly heavy or preachy, but a nice clean romance. The lesson of not judging a book by its cover and perfection are good reminders.

4 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"On Lone Star Trail" Book Review

Former professional pianist Gillian Hodge comes to Dupree, Texas to get some R&R and to regroup after an accident rendered her right hand too injured for the concert stage. While en route to Rainbow's End resort, Gillian encounters a man and his motorcycle and the emotional wounds that had been healing were reopened.

TJ Benjamin is a man grieving his past and lost in hope for a future. A broken motorcycle land him at Rainbow's End, thanks to an insistent woman.

Gillian and TJ find that they both are searching to gain footing and direction in life and their future. With timing that can be none other than God-directed, Gillian and TJ find themselves in situations that leave them questioning and learning to trust themselves and God. But will a rival for Gillian's affection, unexpected career opportunities, and a wayward teen strengthen Gillian and TJ or weaken their fragile faith?

This is the final book in the Texas Crossroads trilogy by Amanda Cabot. I read the second installment of "In Firefly Valley" previously. "On Lone Star Trail" picks up where "In Firefly Valley" left off. The characters of Kate and Greg are wonderful secondary characters that were introduced previously, as well as The Matchers, Sally, Marisa, Eric, etc. However, more characters are added with the addition of a subplot with the RV residents in Firefly Valley.

The characters of Gillian and TJ are developed. Though different in there psychology, the underlying theme of uncertainty is a common thread for both. How they navigate through the uncertainty is unique and encouraging in both lights.

The subplot of the senior center and the nightly campfires are a good twist. Add to those some teenage angst, meddling friends, love interests and you get a sense of real life struggles--something we can all relate to.

The pace is a little slow and frustrating at times, but to speed Gillian and TJ's story line wouldn't have done them justice in the long run. So, the wait is worth it!

My only real complaint is the same with the last book, and its probably just a matter of writing style. But I don't like the use of the double helping verbs, like "had had". I see it several times throughout the book. Surely, there is a less redundant way to express the thought.

Overall, the book was enjoyable and well-thought out. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Roots & Sky" Book Review

Christie Purifoy takes you on a literary journey of deeply-rich images depicting a year in her life at her home at Maplehurst.

Not since reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp have I encountered literary depiction on the same scale by a contemporary author. Purifoy uses her skill of the written word to paint wonderful "word pictures" in your mind. Full of descriptions of emotions, sights, and smells she makes the ordinary rather extraordinary with well-chosen words and non-rambling sentences weaving biblical scripture in a long the way.

Being a farm wife, I could relate to a lot of her life. The wonder of almost spring, the hot summer days, winter that seems to never end...she captures the excitement of simple life!

My only complaint is that her chapters are broken down into small "thoughts". Which, isn't necessarily a bad thing. But I often felt like she was going to make a point, then didn't. Then in the next thought when you thought she was moving on to something else, she revisits the previous thought again. I got a little frustrated wanting her to hurry "the point" along. But in retrospect, I find that if you would try and do that, you would lose that sweetness of what she is trying to get across. In truth though, she does eventually reach her point.

You will probably find yourself dog-earring pages to remember the simple but well-said things that were touching. This is one of those books you need to re-read and you will no doubt find special gems each time. But, its not a book to be read in a hurry, I sort of had to to reach this review deadline, and by doing so I think I may have done myself and the book an injustice. Purifoy is what I consider to be a "word smith". Read this like you would admire a piece of art: thoroughly and thoughtfully.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"The Prophetess" Book Review

"The Prophetess" is an in-depth fictional depiction of chapters 4 and 5 from the book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Jill Eileen Smith had her work cut out for her to stretch these two chapters into a 300-plus page novel depicting the life and time of Deborah, a prophetess and judge of the Israelite people. There are characters that were actually real: Deborah, Lappidoth, Barak, Sisera, Jael. All mentioned in the story from Judges. However, Smith adds sons, daughters, daughter's in law, and friends to these real-life people to flesh them out even though they've been gone from us for centuries. True some "poetic license" occurs, but the main core to the biblical account is fairly solid.

The story line seemed a bit slow for me at first. But the middle half of the book moved well. I felt the ending was a bit slow as well.

Smith weaves suspense and some romance to the story line, which made me want to keep reading to see how things shook out between Talya and Barak. I already knew how the main story ended because of reading the biblical account. I guess part of me too wanted to see just how Smith was going to accomplish it all.

The names of some of the characters were a bit of a mouth full, but didn't detract from the overall story line.

I felt that Smith did her homework and definitely achieved making Deborah and her family and Israel's struggle real. If anything, I have a face in my mind's eye of who Deborah was. I don't think that what Smith accomplishes in this work was by any means easy. I applaud her efforts.

Overall, it wasn't my usual fare in books. Some of the wording felt a bit stilted and was sparse on description, but overall a good read. 4 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Where She Belongs" Book Review

After losing her husband, Shelby Kincaid makes plans to leave her Chicago home and return with her two young daughters to her roots in Ohio. Hanging on to memories of her grandparents' farm, Shelby hopes to revive the old farmhouse and make new memories for her and her daughters. However, for her plans to come to fruition, she needs to face her new "landlord", A.J. Sullivan.

As Shelby and A.J. begin their business relationship, they start to uncover that their family histories are quite involved. While these two start to unearth some family history and secrets can they learn to let go of family grudges and mistakes or will what they find make matters worse?

This is the first book I've read by Johnnie Alexander. "Where She Belongs" is the first in the Misty Willow series. I'm not sure how many books will be in the series, but I am disappointed that now I have to wait until Fall 2016 for the next one to come!

Alexander opens the book with good description. Not overly wordy, but paints wonderful word pictures and keeps this up throughout the rest of the book. The pace of the book moves really well and the narrative bounces back and forth between Shelby's view and A.J.'s view, which is a writing style that I like very much.

The setting is close to Columbus. I'm from northeastern Ohio, so that was refreshing to read about a location that I know. And the hero was a Buckeye's fan, my Alma Mater! O-H-I-O!!

Characterization was developed. The supporting cast wasn't excessive, so you could follow who was who and remember names easily. The spiritual struggles were real and could be identified with.

My only negative on the book was I felt the plot moved too quickly at the end. I would have liked to have seen more development there in the last chapters. It just felt like everything happened at once. However, to Alexander's credit, those things may be addressed in the next installment.

Overall, an enjoyable, well-thought-out read. 4.5 stars out of 5

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)