Regret-Free Living: A Review

Regret-Free Living, a new book by Stephen Arterburn, discusses the issue of living under the pain of regret. But more than that, it shows you how to get out of that pattern of defeatism. When I picked up Arterburn's book, I thought it would be about not feeling guilty about the little everyday decisions that we make with ourselves in mind. You know, not feeling guilty about declining invitations to be the chairman of the board of volunteers, etc. It wasn't at all about that kind of regret or guilt. The book centered much more on relationships and healthy living in a relationship rather than guilt or regret specifically. While I enjoyed the book, this twist made me feel a little like I had been sold a bill of goods that I didn't really bargain for.

I think that this book could have been better titled and marketed in order to really reach the niche audience they are writing for. The book was interesting, well-written and insightful, but didn't speak to my personal situation right now. Perhaps it is my fault for not reading any reviews on the book before selecting it. However, I try to remain as unbiased as possible in order to write a truthful personal review. Bottom line: it just wasn't my favorite book. I don't think I'll keep it on my shelf. I can, however, see it being the perfect book for someone who is going through a difficult time a relationship. Overall I give it three out of five stars.

Note for Full Disclosure: While I do not receive any monetary compensation for my book reviews, I am provided with free complimentary copies of each book. That being said, this review is completely my own, and free from the influence of Bethany House Publishers.

The Rose Legacy: A Review

In the first book of her Diamond of the Rockies series, author Kristen Heitzmann introduces readers to the charming Carina Maria DiGratia. Carina is a proud but wounded young Italian woman from California who flees from her past. Little does she know that her idyllic-sounding new hometown of Crystal, Colorado is anything but safe and peaceful. In fact, it is a mining town full of opportunists and unsavory characters.

When Carina finally arrives to her new home, after several mishaps on the road, she is further disappointed to find that the lovely home she purchased is neither lovely nor hers. In fact, squatters have taken up residence in her abode, forcing Carina into the hands of a local attorney and playboy, Berkley Beck. Beck offers Carina employment as his secretary and lodging at a local hotel, promising to help her win back her house.

Just as Carina begins to trust Beck, Quillan Shepherd, a merchant freighter who did not make a good impression on Carina, starts to put Beck's actions into question. All of this while Beck is putting Shepherd's actions in question. Who can Carina trust?

I don't want to give away any more of the story, so I will get to the "guts" of my review.

This was an amazing book. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. Heitzmann's characters are engaging and her plot has unexpected and welcome twists and turns. If you like romantic Christian novels with more novel than romance, then this book is for you. I loved that Heitzmann didn't "dumb down" her story line to "get to the good parts." Overall, I give it five starts (out of five).

If this story line sounded familiar to you, it might be. Heitzmann originally had the book published in 2000. But it was republished by Bethany House in 2009 with a new design and cover.

I liked this story so much that I went on a search for the second book in the series, but I couldn't find it anywhere but online. My only complaint about this novel is that Bethany House didn't republish all three Diamond of the Rockies books at once - I can't wait to read the next one!

Note for Full Disclosure: While I do not receive any monetary compensation for my book reviews, I am provided with free complimentary copies of each book. That being said, this review is completely my own, and free from the influence of Bethany House Publishers.

A Measure of Mercy: A Review

The novel, A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling follows Astrid Bjorklund, a studious, serious young woman studying medicine in the small town of Blessing, North Dakota. Under the tutelage of her sister-in-law, a medical doctor, Astrid is learning the art of medicine, and specifically, surgery. Her sister-in-law sees Astrid's potential and encourages her to peruse a medical career by getting formal education at a medical school in Chicago. Although Astrid is excited to begin a career, she is hesitant to leave her tight-knit community.

When a former Blessing landowner comes to, once again, set down roots in town, Astrid's world gets even more complicated. Joshua Landsverk is a young and handsome man who wants to settle down in the town he has always known was his home. With his return to town come a return of his feelings for Astrid and Joshua seeks to court her to win her love.

But when a missionary comes to town and preaches at the local church, everything is turned upside-down for Astrid. Is she called to missions in Africa? Should she go to medical school to become a missionary doctor or come back to Blessing to join her sister-in-law in her medical practice (and Joshua)?

While Astrid is away at medical school she and Joshua agree to correspond, but Astrid's correspondence seems to be one-way, she only receives one letter from him. The lack of response from Joshua leads Astrid to believe he doesn't care. This precipitates her difficult decision to not return to Blessing, but rather go to Georgia and begin missionary schooling before a two-year term in Africa.

The novel concludes as Astrid boards a train bound for Georgia.

I truly enjoyed this story. It was well written and engaging and had "oomph" that is sometimes lacking in Christian romance novels. There was a depth of character development that is often overlooked by other writers. I also appreciated the addition of a family tree to the beginning of the book - this really helps with understanding the family, although with Snelling's clear writing you do not need it.

If you are a fan of Lauraine Snelling or other authors of Christian historical fiction, I highly recommend picking up a copy of A Measure of Mercy. It is the first in the Home to Blessing series.

Note for Full Disclosure: While I do not receive any monetary compensation for my book reviews, I am provided with free complimentary copies of each book. That being said, this review is completely my own, and free from the influence of Bethany House Publishers.

Inspiration

I may not have a house, but a girl can dream, right? I love this guest bathroom (photo from Country Living). The window, the gray walls, the sloped ceiling, the claw foot tub, the pedestal sink...the only thing I would change would be the flooring (I would LOVE reclaimed hardwood).


So once Marc starts making the big bucks as a pastor I'll make sure to put this bathroom makeover on my to-do list. Ha ha!

Do You Qualify?

Yesterday, an advertisement on Facebook caught my eye.



That is one interesting looking mom, huh?

Let It Snow!

Dear Blog Readers,

The forecast today gives us a 50/50 shot at snow! I don't remember EVER being so excited at the possibility of snow.



Praying for a Christmas miracle,

Carrie