Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Review of "Praying For Girls" by Teri Lynne Underwood

This. This is the BEST prayer for your kids type book I have ever read, seen, heard of - please for the love, GO GET YOURSELF A COPY OF THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. The author focuses not just the potential behaviors of the child, but as the tag line says, focuses on "asking God for the things they need most."

Covering your girl(s) in prayer for the following are highlighted: Prayers for Her Identity, Prayers for Her Heart, Prayers for Her Mind, Prayers for Her Relationships, and Prayers for Her Purpose. The "sample" prayers she includes in each chapter/topic are real, not fancy sounding. They are Scripturally based with supporting references, and are beautifully written. She includes real life stories, snippets Just for Moms, and for those doers out there, practical actionary items that support each section - they are broken out into little girls, middle girls, and older girls. This book is comprehensive and practical and well written and did I mention it's the best of this type of book I have ever seen? If you have girls, ever hope to have them, or even if you have a special niece/goddaughter/sweet pea in your life - you will want this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Freedom's Ring" by Heidi Chiavaroli

Set in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, runner Annie David is haunted by the guilt she feels over her niece Grace's injury from coming to cheer her on as she finished the marathon on that fateful day. In her grief after the tragedy, she abandons her sister's family - shutting them out completely - and buries her emotions. This goes on for several years. As the book opens, she is barely making inroads to reconnect, and the road is definitely rocky.

Liberty Caldwell is a bold and brave woman in the midst of the beginnings of the American Revolution. Her brother is killed in the Boston Massacre, and that day is a turning point for her in more ways than one. In the horrors that follow Liberty is faced with choices she never thought she'd have to make, and ultimately she must decide - will she trust God to care for her above all else?

This novel has such an interesting point of view! I know bouncing back and forth between time periods has been done before, but the author has woven the stories of Annie and Liberty together seamlessly. Both stories are compelling and interesting. Both heroines are seeking justice and have experienced unusual tragedy. The supporting characters (Annie's boyfriend, sister, and niece; Liberty's British love interest and faithful future spouse) are compelling. It is easy to recommend this book - make sure to check it out!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.