Jan Parrish

• Rated 5 stars

“Every now and then a novel comes along that speaks to you long after it’s been read. Out of Her Hands is just such a book. That’s why I’m awarding it The Best of 2008. Megan DiMaria is such a gifted writer, as I began reading it, I actually wondered if she based it on my life.

Don’t let the cover fool you into thinking its fluff. Linda Revere deals with the tough midlife issues we all have to deal with like an unexpected pregnancy, a best friend moving away, problems with her adult children and her widowed father-in-law dating.

Megan’s realistic characters draw me in and her detailed descriptions make me feel like I’m visiting their home. Too cold to go out? Grab this book and go stay with the Revere’s for a while. You’ll be glad you did.
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Jan Parrish wrote this review Friday, December 19, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Essie Spreckelmeyer, the town’s spinster, has a reputation as a forward thinking woman; she’s president of the Velocipede Club, has appeared in the newspaper, runs her father’s oil company and has the audacity to wear bloomers. When Tony Morgan comes to town, he’s not overjoyed about having a woman boss, yet she intrigues him on a personal level. Essie refuses to have a relationship with one of her employees, but Tony eventually wins her over. Each has a secret that could destroy their relationship. When a murder and a lynch mop are interjected, anything can happen in the small town of Corsicana, Texas.”

Jan Parrish wrote this review Saturday, July 12, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This was a hard read for me because of the topic, vascular dementia. Catherine Palmer & Gary Chapman addressed this topic in a compelling, yet realistic way; the confusion, the terrible danger they can unknowingly put themselves in, the sorrow they feel when they recognize they’re not in their right mind. I would’ve liked to see this addressed from the adult children’s point of view as well.

Part three in a series, the other miscellaneous characters in the series got little focus as the issue of dementia was addressed. Unsatisfied with one heavy subject, they also touched on autism. In my opinion, they were too many hard topics for one novel and the book was somewhat depressing.

Charley, Esters spouse, goes through his own grieving process and struggles to maintain normalcy while Ester is clearly far from her usual self. The book has a sad but hopeful ending.”

Jan Parrish wrote this review Wednesday, July 9, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Dara bought a house in the desert to hide from the world. But her crazy neighbor, Jane, dances into her life and changes her perspective on everything. Journey with Dara as she reclaims her freedom and joy in this beautifully compelling story of transformation and forgiveness”

Jan Parrish wrote this review Thursday, June 26, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Is God talking to you through your dreams? Learn how to interpret them and understand what God is saying through them. One of my favorite dream books, I reference it often.”

Jan Parrish wrote this review Thursday, June 26, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“I loved every page of this book. It was so interesting, I even read this going into surgery and was able to enjoy it.”

Jan Parrish wrote this review Wednesday, June 25, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

““Moral bondage exists when human desires conflict with God’s nature, but moral freedom reigns when God’s desires become our desires.”

Character does matter. Frank Damazio outlines the key elements of character, the downward spiral to losing it and ways to maintain integrity.

Are you fulfilling or forfeiting your leadership? God’s plans require our cooperation. He’s given us free will. If we don’t answer the call, like Rueben, we’ll forfeit it (Gen 49:3,4).

Be advised that Damazio is off base with this statement: “To truly love our spouses and children, we must discipline them in love.” God’s job is to discipline our spouses; our job is to pray for them. In spite of our theological differences, I’ll continue to recommend it. If this line bothers you, cross out the offending words and keep reading.

While small (104 pgs), it’s packed full of meaty truth nuggets. Read it in one setting, with a highlighter, then go back later to mull over key points. Character All Leaders Must Have should be required reading for anyone in leadership. My husband and I’ve both read it and I’ve discussed it with several of my friends. In fact, we’re going to re-read it on an annual basis. It’s that good. Another good thing about CALMH is that you can digest it the first time around in a mater of hours.
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Jan Parrish wrote this review Thursday, April 17, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“There is no doubt in my mind that this is a powerful book. Will it change the way our generation sees God? I hope so. Our generation needs books like this to point us to the gentle loving God William Young portrays.

However, while this story is based on a true story, it is fiction and we need to remember that. Some churches are studying it in small groups. It’s a great discussion book for a book club, but I wouldn’t base a Bible study on it unless you are using scripture along with it. Perhaps Young will write a study guide at some point.

The topic and concept is excellent, but the writing tends to lag a bit when Mack dialogs with the trinity.

Is it as good as Pilgrims Progress? I don’t think that's a fair comparison. It’s like comparing Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice to Karen Kingsbury’s Ever After, both wonderful books, but very different. John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress is suitable for children. However, I wouldn’t read The Shack aloud to my children due to the brutal kidnapping and murder of a young girl.

An anointed book about the power of forgiveness and the merciful love our Heavenly Father. If you haven’t read it yet, you don’t know what you’re missing.
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Jan Parrish wrote this review Friday, March 28, 2008. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for spiritual freedom. Learn how to overcome negative thought patterns, irrational feelings, addictions and habitual sins. It’s just packed with great information.

This is not a book you can skim through, but if you only have a limited time, or you need to break some major bondage fast, read chapter 13.

If you want to help others break free of the bondage of sin, I recommend putting together a small group and using the study guide companion.

The Bondage Breaker is a book I’ll read many times and get something new out of it every time. I give it my highest recommendation.

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Jan Parrish wrote this review Thursday, March 27, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“What a breath of fresh air. Megan DiMaria has a pulse on the Boomer generation. I love that a woman my own age is the main character - not just somebody’s mom. Linda’s thoughts and feelings so closely mirrored my own; I had to take a break to reflect on some of them. What insight!

Linda becomes frustrated juggling her responsibilities and attempting to knock Jerry, her husband of nearly twenty-five years, out of “comfortable” into sizzling mode. Things are beginning to get spicy. However, constant interruptions from busted appliances, her kids and work are interfering with Linda and Jer’s romantic rendezvous.

My favorite part of the book is a remarkable reconciliation between Carol and Linda. I was literally sobbing. I won’t spoil it for you; you’ll have to read it for yourself.

I am amazed that this is Megan’s debut book. She turns a phrase with such a creative flare you would swear she was a multi-published author. Tyndale has a gem in Megan. I can hardly wait to read her next book. Thankfully, I won’t have to wait too long; it’s released early this fall.
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Jan Parrish wrote this review Monday, March 17, 2008. ( reply | permalink )