Book Review: Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron

Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

Chasing Francis is a story about a pastor who loses his faith. Not only does he lose his faith but he loses it right in front of his whole congregation. For fear of losing the church and his mind he goes to Italy to study the life of Francis of Assisi and try to reclaim his faith. There he meets up with his Uncle Kenny, a Franciscan priest and a group of friars. While he is in Italy he follows the path of Francis of Assisi. His journey takes him many places around Italy both physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

I really enjoyed this book. It seems more and more the church is how Chase, the pastor, sees it at the beginning of this book. Religion has become so commercial and fake. I was really happy to read that he was honest with his congregation. He lost his faith and he didn't know what to do.. instead of backing him up however. I was a little disappointed the elders of the church would send him away... but if they hadn't he might not have taken the trip to Italy and learned what he did. I haven't read much about Francis, but I have heard of him. This book really piqued my interest in him, as a saint. I would recommend this book to anyone, it's a very interesting read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: What's your Mark? Every Moment Counts (Curation & Photography by Jeremy Cowart)

What's your Mark? Every Moment Counts 

(Curation & Photography byJeremy Cowart)

When I picked this book to review I didn't actually look to see what the book was about first. You could say I blindly pick this book to read. I am really glad that I did. What's your Mark is a small book about people who have made a difference in the world. Not all made huge differences but they were making 'A' difference. It was basically a book pointing out, I felt, how easy it is to change someone's life with your own. I was truly inspired to get off my duff and do something to make my own mark. I really like how the people telling their stories were so diverse. From young to old and rich to poor, it was nice to read about people who are just like me, making a difference.

My boyfriend has always wanted to make a difference in the world, be remembered and he feels that the little things that he does just aren't enough. I had him look at this book and told him that even the smallest "mark" in life is important. He read it cover to cover.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: UNGLUED Devotional by Lysa Terkerurst

UNGLUED Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst
60 Days of Imperfect Progress

This book is 60 days of devotionals from a woman's point of view. It deals with the common struggles and emotions women go through in life. It includes how to be a more positive role matter for yourself, your family, and your co-workers. It also touches on being confident in how to resolved conflict in your closest relationships and living in the grace of making imperfect progress. For each of the 60 entries there is an opening Scripture, thought of the day, devotion, and closing prayer.

I loved this book. Craig, my boyfriend,  and I read one each night before we went to bed. Lysa's writing style is that of one person talking to another. It was literally like reading someone's journal to you about their life. I found these very inspirational and it always sparked a great conversation with Craig and I. The conversation either lead to me and how I handle myself, or to Craig and how he handles himself. It also lead to great conversations about our life together and the struggles we have as a couple. I know this book is geared towards women and the struggles and emotions we go through in life but it really was a great conversation starter for Craig and I. My favorite part of the book is the "Thought of the Day". My favorite one was, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it's still a pretty good day." That's so true with all conflict during the day.  I really enjoyed this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: Stand by Me by Neta Jackson

Stand by Me by Neta Jackson

I was a little caught off guard with this book. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy the characters as much as I did. I've read a lot of reviews about Neta Jackson and her Yada Yada Prayer Group series. I haven't read any of those but after reading this and the way she is so detailed with her characters and their interaction with each other, I'm going to look into that series.

Kathryn is a white woman who after finding herself with many problems left med school and found religion by going to a Christian school. She meets a very successful black woman by the name of Avis who judges Kathryn without knowing her first, as I'm sure we all can relate to.. I know I can. Throughout the book you read about the struggles these women go through in life and family and how their paths cross and how they deal with these things to become better women, better people.

 It really makes you think about yourself as a person and what you can do to improve yourself as not only a woman, in my case, but also as human being.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.