Bound Together

"Bound Together: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices" by Chris Brauns is a book that is based on the "principle of the rope", which explains and expounds on how the actions of one affect the many. Chris Brauns uses tons of Biblical examples of how this particular principle applies, not only to those immediate family members or close friends, but can extend beyond that small circle of people to affect others. For example, he traces the original sin of Adam and Eve all the way through to modern times. 

While it partly seems to be common sense that our actions affect the people in our lives, it's an interesting thought to consider that our actions can have an effect on people outside of close friends and family members, like a domino effect. 

What I liked about this book was the basic premise, and the simplicity that Chris Brauns used in explaining this principle, and backing it up with Biblical references to illustrate the point. 

Brauns explains both the good side and the bad side of the "principle of the rope"in a way that is simple, easy to understand, and backed by the truth of the Bible. 

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com's blogger program in exchange for an honest review. 

The Blessed Woman

"The Blessed Woman" by Debbie Morris is an awesome book, filled with girl power from a Biblical viewpoint. This book profiles some of the most influential women of the Bible, providing inspiration and empowering women from a Biblical perspective. I have to admit, I absolutely loved this book. I think that the Bible features so many strong, brave manly characters that at times it is hard for a woman to find Bible characters she can relate to. This book offers up strong, brave female characters of the Bible as role models for the modern woman.

Each chapter of this book is devoted to profiling one particular woman of the Bible, telling her story in detail, as well as explaining her own challenges, spiritually and physically. Using characters like Jael, Esther, Hannah, Hagar, and Eve, Debbie Morris offers a sense of a legacy that we should carry on. These stories showcase the struggles of these particular women, and highlights how their relationship with God carried them through their struggle, and made them a force to be reckoned with in their time.

I would highly recommend this book to any women who would like to connect with these female characters of the Bible in a more personal way. This would also make a wonderful book for young women and teenagers who could use these women as role models. I thought this book was amazing, and would give it a 5/5 - definitely worth reading multiple times!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Second Chances

Max Lucado's book, "Second Chances : More Stories of Grace" is a wonderful book that zeroes in on God's grace through scripture, as well as personal stories and anecdotes.

The book itself is broken up into six sections with each section being aimed at a particular personality type for which God gives second chances. The sections offer inspiration to the rebellious, regretful, prideful, mistake-makers, those with faltering faith, and for those that hurt us.

Each section is the broken down into between four and six chapters that offer hope and inspiration based on Biblical examples and God's grace, and personal stories.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Max Lucado's writing is thoughtfully crafted and the final product is inspirational and creates hope for those who truly read it with an open heart.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their blogger program in exchange for an honest review.

Mommy Time

"Mommy Time" by Sarah Arthur is a collection of 90 devotions written for new moms. I thought that these devotions were absolutely wonderful. First, each one starts off with a Bible verse, relevant to the short reading the follows. Some of the devotions are humorous, some are serious, and some are just thought-provoking. Sarah Arthur uses the viewpoint of being a new mother, as well as her own personal stories to weave together thoughtful, interesting, and well-written devotions. 

One of the things that I really liked about these devotions is that they are the perfect length. Not too long that they become hard to read through but just long enough to get to the heart of the matter, and give you some food for thought. As a mother of a newborn, myself, I found that these were easy to read - the perfect thing to pick up while nursing or during baby's naptime. A great pick me up with each devotion themed around motherhood makes it a great way to recharge your spirit during a busy day with a baby.

I would highly recommend this devotional to any mother to be - I think this would make an awesome baby shower gift. I would give this book a 5/5 - Sarah Arthur did a wonderful job speaking to a mother's heart. Love it!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.