bigguysmama

• Rated 5 stars

“This is probably one of my favorite non-fiction books ever. I am NOT a fan of non-fiction. This book, though, had such an impact as I was reading that I started underlining throughout the entire thing. I don't like writing in books, for any reason, so this is a huge step for me! ;)

Each chapter is power packed with Spiritual truths that can battle any fear. Max uses personal experiences to give examples of how we can live in fear. There isn't a single person that can claim they aren't fearful of something. Because of that, each story is applicable to our individual lives.

Max covers topics from our fears as parents, fear of financial situations, fear of life's final moments, to our fear of global calamity. Is there one of these topics that we aren't constantly seeing in the news? Fear seems to rule the world. Max Lucado gives us the tools, through the Bible to battle those fears.

Each chapter is short and to the point. There's no wading through the chapter trying to figure out what he might be talking about. He goes for the meat of the topic and hits it straight on. You can tell Max wants us to rely on God's strength to battle the enemy of fear and how fear can ruin our lives.

This is a book that belongs on everyone's permanent bookshelf, or to sit on the coffee table as a great conversation starter. Small groups will be helped with the discussion questions in the back.

Overall, this is a great book that we can each benefit from.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Sunday, September 20 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“The Seed of Seerling by Amy Kennedy is a wonderful, and heart-wrenching fantasy novel. We are introduced to Astril, the first-born daughter of Isilian, a woman on the way to becoming High Priestess of Seerling. Isilian's birth mother, Sallian is what we'd consider a believer. She prays over the protection of her granddaughter, Astril, who becomes known as the Seed. Isilian is trainied under her aunt to serve the Great Goddess.

Next we're introduced to Toran, a prince of the Harkonians. They are sworn enemies of the Seerlings who are known for their witchcraft. Toran and Astril are thrown together one day by what seems like happenstance. Toran is a boy of 10 and Astril is 12. She takes care of Toran and he doesn't understand why she does since Seerlings are known to take no prisoners.

Toran has trained in the intervening years under the Priest Augur. Astril has continually refused the training to become the High Priestess, while her sister, Gallian lives for the day when their mother will recognize the deep desire she has to please her and become the High Priestess. Astril and Toran are thrown together again and their lives of adventure and pain are truly started.

I really liked this story. The pain caused by Isilian's lack of recognition of Gallian and her continuous praise of Astril should be a great warning to any parents who find themselves in the same position. We can do deep harm to our children by favoring one over another. Through Toran, we learn by his example of putting our wants above God's. Astril is a beautiful example of putting others ahead of ourselves and forgiving those who hurt you the most.

I think Seed of Seerling is a great book for teenagers. It will appeal to adults, as well, but I believe teens would really get sucked into the storyline. I will be looking for more books by Amy in the future.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Thursday, July 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Third time's a charm for Julie Lessman and her book "A Passion Denied". Beth has grown up and is now going by Lizzie. Too bad John Brady hasn't discovered that Lizzie has grown up. This relationship reminds me of "Little House on the Prairie" and Almonzo and Beth. I don't think anyone but Almonzo called her Beth and I found it very endearing.

Brady isn't doing it to be endearing. He's doing it because he refuses to accept the fact that Lizzie is no longer a 13 yr old girl, but a young lady at nearly 18 yrs old. The truth of how just grown up she is becomes very clear as she abruptly lets him know how she feels about him. If you've read Julie's first 2 books in this series you know that when Lizzie's sister Charity gets involved things might not go as planned.

Poor Brady makes a mess of things over and over as his past continues to have power over his life. He is able to share the love of God with those around him, but has a hard time accepting forgiveness in the sin he's been carrying around with him. This in turn keeps him from having any relationships beyond friendship with women.

Then along comes a man from Brady's past and it could be his undoing, as well as Lizzie's. This man holds the key that may unlock Lizzie's heart and make Brady sit up and realize what he's lost out on.

"A Passion Denied" doesn't just cover Lizzie's life but we see Charity and Mitch's relationship as it continues as well as Faith and Collin. Julie includes them as well as Patrick and Marcy's marriages in a wonderful way. The reader still feels completely connected to the entire family as we read about Lizzie's life.

And I must say, that Julie is fantastic about bringing the passion of the marriages into a wonderful and positive light. You see their struggles as well as their intense love for each other. I love that she portrays marriages as being passionate as opposed to being dull and tired out. As readers, we need more of this kind of example.

Of course, Lizzie has passion as she's searching for the man of her dreams. What one of us who has loved a man hasn't felt passionately toward them before we were married. I'm thankful that Julie never crosses the boundries of propriety and leaves us in a postive place about the power of loving another person.

I can NOT wait to read Katie's story. She is such a little spit fire in this story with Chuny. Julie will not be able to write fast enough for my patience. Her characters keep me coming back for more!”

bigguysmama wrote this review Sunday, June 7 2009. ( reply | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 2 stars

“The "romantic" detail in this book crosses the line for me. I understand the author is trying to bring in non Christian readers, so she isn't for me. I can't say much more than that.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, May 5 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“Not my kind of "Christian" romance.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, May 5 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Julie has outdone herself in her sophomore novel! We are introduced to Lilly who helps out in her father's apothecary shop. She is hoping her life doesn't end in her home town. She wants to see more of the world.

Lilly is given the opportunity to spend a couple seasons in London with her aunt & uncle. She leaves her father and brother to be introduced to high society.

Throughout the story, we are introduced to several men, one of whom could be the man Lilly spends the rest of her life with. She sees these men and knows that there's an attraction to each one.

Julie Klassen writes a story that draws the reader in with her first sentence. The relationships she creates with the characters are deep and loving. As a reader, I was drawn in different ways to each of the characters Julie writes about. I couldn't decide who I wanted Lilly to share her life with. Each of them men has a quality you could see that complimented Lilly.

Julie's knowledge of apothecary lingo and the British language is fantastic. I felt like I was brought to England 1800's!

I read Julie's first book "Lady of Milkweed Manor" and really enjoyed that book as well. "The Apothecary's Daughter" is a stand alone novel, one that you will enjoy.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Monday, March 23 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I've been enjoying Regency Inspirational Romance and this book is at the top of my list! Linore Rose Burkard has captured my attention. Her writing of 1813 is fun and detailed. I feel as if I've traveled back in time with the language and atmosphere she created.

Ariana and Mr. Mornay are definitely a contrast if you look at them on the surface. Getting to know the characters throughout the story we find they are very strong in spirit and opinion. It's fun to watch the banter between these two. Ariana is sent to London for the Season to live with her rich, old Aunt Bentley. Ariana is bedecked with clothing she never dreamed of. She goes to balls and meets people who are above her in status.

One of the people she meets early on is Philip Mornay, a confirmed bachelor who is set upon every Season by some "gel" who is coming out. His MO is to completely disregard the woman, which throws them into a downfall. Ariana is different, because she has been warned about him. She has no immediate interest in him and treats him as she would anyone else. This Mornay finds Ariana delightful, since many people, especially women don't typically take him on.

This story is also a story of faith, which Ariana holds true to. I am thankful that Linore Rose Burkard doesn't change who Ariana is simply because she has feelings for Mornay. She follows what God has set before her and stays true to him, while following her feelings for the Lord.

I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out next year in April to continue the story. I'm so glad it didn't just end quickly because she was close to the end of the novel. Some stories, such as this one, require a longer conclusion!”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, December 23 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“the first escape was a very different book for me. I want to clarify that this is youth fiction. I have read quite a bit in that genre and have liked most of what I read. I like that Christian authors are stretching the industry's imagination. They're thinking outside the box!

So, to begin with I really liked how G.P. Taylor incorporated the graphics with the story. I also thought the different fonts used throughout the story helped with it's creepiness. I really think adolescent kids will really get into this story because the graphics add a whole new dimention.

Personally, I couldn't get into the story. It was a bit dark for me. When I thought about my 9 yr old reading it I wasn't sure if he'd be ready for it. I guess if he were a pre-teen I'd be more inclined to have him read it, but even then I'm not sure. I kept coming back to, "huh." when I was reading it.

Again, this is my opinion. From what some of the other reviewers said, they really liked it. I think this book is going to appeal to other people, as is evident by their reviews. I wish I could put my finger on what didn't click for me, I just can't. So, my suggestion, find some other reviewers such as: and see why they did like it since I wasn't captured by it.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Monday, November 24 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This prequel was a fantastic flash back of the 60's. Don Locke really captured what a summer was like back then. I'm sure many families had similar experiences that Davy's family had.

Davy idolizes his father, but seems to be naturally moving to a period of his life where his own ideas are starting to question who his dad is and what kind of man he is.

The Buford's move into the neighborhood, and the character of the people already living there is revealing.

I believe Don captures the era very well and it's a great read. I'm so curious to read his first book, which has Davy older.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Thursday, September 11 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I was so excited when I found the copy of A Passion Redeemed in my mailbox! The last thing I wanted to do was go to work. But, work I did. I've spent the last couple days finding whatever snippets of time to read this book. Today I was able to finish it. And I'm completely disappointed. Why you ask? Because I FINISHED the book! Ugh...I KNEW I'd have to wait, and wait, and wait for book number 3 so I thought paciing myself would be a good thing. HA! Trying to pace yourself at the Kentucky Derby would be easier than trying to do it while reading this book.

I felt like we jumped in right where A Passion Most Pure left off. The Queen of Seduction, Charity O'Connor has her eye set on Mitch. Oh, that poor man. He has no idea what's about to walk through the pub door while he's eating with his co-worker, Bridie. From the start of this sequel, until it ends, Mitch is done for! In so many ways throughout this book, I wasn't sure if I wanted to chuckle or sigh and shake my head with what he has to go through with Charity.

Oh, if you hated her in book 1 of The Daughter's of Boston, you'll continue to be driven crazy by her thoughout this book as well. Julie nails her to a "T". "She's a piece of work", "God broke the mold when he made her", and so on and so forth are my thoughts when it comes to describing Charity. She will do anything to get Mitch and it's glaringly obvious that God is simply a means to her end.

Julie creates and amazing amount of tension between Mitch and Charity and just when you think Charity is finally getting "it" (meaning God), she goes and acts like herself again. People around her try to help her wake up and smell the coffee, but she refuses. Since God won't just plop Dennehy into her lap, she'll take up the slack. Maybe I should say "let down the slack in her dress!"

Julie doesn't let us down when it comes to the rest of the family. Faith and Collin are in this 2nd book as well, in all their jitters getting ready for the wedding. We get to know Emma, Charity's friend, more and she is pivitol in helping Charity in so many ways. I hope we see Emma in book 3 (hint hint Julie). Patrick and Marcy, along with the rest of the O'Connor clan as well as Bridget and Mima are all included in the book. Julie really covers all the bases and makes sure we stay connected to the characters.

Is there "passion" in this book? Oh, you better believe it! Is there passion in the Bible? Oh, you better believe it. Crack it to the Song of Solomon if you don't believe me. I know there are people out there who don't want anything more than a slight peck on the cheek, but if you ask them what it was like before they married their spouse, I'm guessing there was more than hand holding going on. Of course, the bottom line is always God's precepts. No one should start a relationship out in sin, and Julie covers this very clearly in her novel. I appreciate that Julie understand Christians can and should be passionate, but within the confines of marriage. Too bad Patrick and Marcy never seemed to find that out with the kids visiting at bed time throughout the story! hahahahaha

On a side note, I've read that Julie would like to continue with another series which would include the other O'Connor children and I have to say that reading Katie's story will be so much fun. She's such a spitfire in this story, she comes up with some doozies! If someone doesn't contract Julie for the next series, they are out of their mind!”

bigguysmama wrote this review Saturday, September 6 2008. ( reply | permalink )