Review: Secrets

Secrets
By Jonathan Daugherty
New Growth Press, 2017


Summary

Everyone has a secret or two, a part of their life they would rather not share with the rest of the world.

But for Jonathan Daugherty, his secret was so life-altering and relationship-ending that he fought to keep it hidden at all costs. And it did cost him. His secret kept him from contentment, peace, and the possibility of being known and loved for who he truly is. That's what any secret addiction can do-but in particular a sex addiction.

After his wife finally discovered his secret, their marriage appeared to be over. In Secrets, Jonathan honestly and courageously shares his story of addiction to pornography and how he lost everything to it.

But that's not how the story ends. While Jonathan struggled, someone else was at work-his heavenly Father. At the lowest possible moment of his life, God stepped in and brought him hope and healing. This is a story of both loss and redemption that gives hope to anyone who has ever experienced the power and struggle of addiction and its life-destroying effects.

Addiction doesn't have the final say over Jonathan's life or in his marriage. The God who finds the lost, heals the sick, and brings life from death has the last, victorious word.

- A courageous, honest and open account of life as a sex addict and how sex addiction destroys marriages.
- A life-affirming and personal story of recovery and redemption that will inspire readers.
- Offers hope to all who struggle with pornography and sex addiction.
- Each chapter includes a "Living in the Light" section designed to equip and help readers find freedom from addiction.
- Suitable as a study for support groups of addicts and those who care about them.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

In Secrets, Jonathan Daugherty recounts a story of his sexual addiction, beginning with his first exposure to pornography as a young teen, in a story this really speaks to all of us. This can’t have been an easy story to share. Daugherty writes on his blog: “God called me into full time ministry to sexually broken people with only three words: Tell your story.” And in Secrets, he does just that.

_________________________

I have come to realize that grace is available to anyone,

even the stray child of God who spent years seeking

to serve himself at the expense of everyone he loves ...

It was just that grace that changed me, and it is that

same grace that keeps changing me.

- Jonathan Daugherty

_________________________

The narrative is well written in an honest, open, and straightforward way. There’s nothing explicit or graphic; rather, a sharing of feelings and coping mechanisms in relationships through the years, cultivating in the moment when he confessed his brokenness. Secrets is ultimately redemptive and I was glad to read about the Be Broken Ministries that he founded. This men’s ministry is having a huge impact and I have already told my pastor about it.

Daugherty talks about keeping secrets, compartmentalizing, hiding his real self from others – and contrasts all this with the truth that sets us free. It’s the reflective and devotional section at the end of each chapter that I think will speak to everyone, because who among us doesn’t have something in our lives that we’ve buried, not sharing in close relationships and maybe even with God?

Secrets has left me with much to think about. For one thing, although addiction comes in all shapes and sizes, certain things are held in common. Daugherty writes: “A trip to the bottom is often a slow one, marked by winding trails of clever temptations that bear no obvious, or immediate, threat to a person’s life.” How true that is! And Daugherty’s insight about confession, learned through personal experience, spoke to me in a special way: “Confession alone changes nothing, unless it is combined with brokenness and repentance.”

I’m so thankful that God uses broken vessels and that Jonathan Daugherty is willing to share his story.

Recommended for personal reading and especially men’s ministries.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JDaugherty

_________________________

Jonathan Daugherty is the founder of Be Broken Ministries, and founder of Gateway to Freedom workshop for men. He also hosts the weekly radio broadcast, Pure Sex Radio, and is in demand nationally as a speaker on sexual purity and men s issues.

He has appeared on multiple radio and television media, both local and national. He has authored "Grace-Based Recovery," "The 4 Pillars of Purity," and other works. Jonathan lives with his wife and three children in San Antonio, Texas.

Find out more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathandaugherty.com.

Review: Hiding from the Kinds in My Prayer Closet

Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet
By Jessica Kastner
David C. Cook, 2017


Summary

Finding grace and laughter when motherhood gets real

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend's Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.

In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an "unmom"-a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

This book captured my attention when I saw the word “unmom” in the description, maybe because that term hits a little too close to home when it comes to me? And maybe I saw myself a few times within its pages … okay, more than a few. I found it to be funny, hilarious at times, but a book that would benefit young moms everywhere. My children are grown, but I wish Jessica Kastner had written this book 40 years ago … and that’s all I’ll say about that!

I’m an only child who never babysat as a teenager, so my son was literally the first baby I had ever held or been around. Moms all around me seemed to have their act together quite nicely, and while I kept up a brave front, I was quaking inside. Just like Ms. Kastner, I loved him with everything in me, yet didn’t quite know what to do.

I think that’s where this book shines. We’re all wired in different ways and there’s no one “proper” way to be a successful mom. And that’s okay. I love Kastner’s irreverence when it comes to tradition and society’s expectations. While thoroughly entertaining and keeping you laughing, she hits home with relevant spiritual truths. Will readers relate to all that she says? Probably not, but that’s true of any book. Bottom line: Kastner shares a lot of wisdom gained from experience and walking with God, while allaying your fears and helping you laugh at yourself.

I could go on and on with quotes, but here's a few that I loved …

Regarding grandparents: “There is a seldom-discussed phenomenon that occurs when your parents become grandparents, and it’s mind-boggling. They’re twice as protective and concerned about things that wouldn’t have caused an eye to bat during your own childhood.”

On joining a Mom’s Club: “When I was a new Christian, I kind of assumed the fact that we’d all been saved from hell and granted eternal life would be enough to bond us, and make us relatable. Anyone saved for more than a year knows this just ain’t the truth.”

Teens: “Having a teen is God’s way of forcing us to trust him in ways we never thought possible.”

This is a great book to share with young moms, especially new or expecting moms … and it would make a wonderful baby shower gift.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JKastner

Jessica Kastner is an award-winning journalist and a contributor for the Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN.com, Beliefnet.com, and the Huffington Post's Christianity blog. As Connecticut's coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, she shares God's message of hope by leading Bible studies in juvenile detention centers. When she's not on the trampoline with her three boys in Connecticut, Jessica shares her unapologetically "real" commentary on the Christian life at JessicaKastner.com.

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Review: The Cover Story

The Cover Story
By Deb Richardson-Moore
A Branigan Powers Mystery #2
Lion Hudson/Kregel, 2017


Summary

A bizarre hit-and-run brings Branigan Powers back to the crime-solving beat

A fatal crash involving two college students heading home for the holidays seems like an unfortunate accident. But when the surviving girl wakens, she tells a curious story of the vehicle that forced them off the road--an old-fashioned, 1950s-style hearse.

Reporter Branigan Powers delves into the mystery that takes her to the college campus and leads her into dangerous fraternity and sorority pledge parties.

Reunited with the homeless Malachi Martin, who is so adept at seeing what isn't there rather than what is, Branigan must uncover what is really going on at the college before other students are put in danger.

This second installment in the author's cozy mystery series delves into the world of newspapers and life on the streets--both of which the author knows well.


My thoughts

In the world of cozy mysteries, Deb Richardson-Moore’s Branigan Powers series is compelling and exceptional. Essential cozy elements are there – amateur investigator, small-town setting – but there’s a depth and complexity that makes it feel like a blend of the cozy and traditional mystery. I would also describe it as fiction with a biblical worldview rather than what we think of as Christian fiction. Although second in series, The Cover Story stands alone.

With each book, I’m immediately pulled into the vividly-conveyed setting, which just happens to be in my home state, and I easily identify with the fictional north Georgia college town of Grambling. Key players in this story are an investigative journalist, police detective, and a homeless man – with a lot of the action focusing on college sororities. The college I attended didn’t have sororities, and after reading The Cover Story, I very glad it didn’t.

Suspects abound as the investigation evolves, often taking off in different directions. I gave up trying to solve the murder and just enjoyed the ride. Branigan, along with her family and friends, are appealing and easy to connect with. There’s even a delightful hint of romance between Branigan and the police detective.

The worst thing about being homeless is

being looked right through.

- Malachi

There’s another side to the idyllic town of Grambling, and that’s the homeless community. The author’s passion for the homeless is contagious, and she helps us see them in a different light. Malachi Ezekiel Martin, a homeless war veteran “with deep wells of knowledge and intuition,” became a standout character when he was introduced in The Cantaloupe Thief, and is developed even more in this story. The mutual caring between Malachi, Branigan, and the family of Pastor Liam, who runs a shelter for the homeless, is a delight. But it is the premise that the homeless aren’t really seen that enables him to successfully investigate. Malachi is an intriguing character and I hope he continues to grow in future books.

The Cover Story is wonderful in every way, as is the series itself - and with an ending that shocked me. May we continue to see much more of Branigan Powers. Best of the best for me.

Highly recommended.

Please click on the title to see my review of book #1, The Cantaloupe Thief.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Kregel/Lion Hudson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

_________________________

Deb Richardson-Moore is a former journalist, an ordained Baptist minister, and current pastor of the Triune Mercy Center, a non-denominational mission church to the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina. She and her husband, Vince, have three children.

Review: My Daughter's Legacy

My Daughter’s Legacy
By Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould
Cousins of the Dove #3
Harvest House, 2017


Summary

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last

Virginia, 1864

Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love-whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day

Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

Kudos to the writing team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould for crafting an engrossing novel that speaks with one voice. In My Daughter’s Legacy you get war, romance, mystery and murder, literally a story in which to immerse yourself. The mystery theme has evolved through each of the previous two books, but sufficient background is given so that this one can stand alone. I’m a newcomer to the series, eager to read the previous stories, but thoroughly satisfied with this concluding novel.

Virginia 1864 and present day … The pacing of these dual timelines was perfect because several chapters are spent with each character’s story, and both stories were intriguing in their own way. Therese’s story was filled with conflict around slavery and contained interesting details of the final year of the war; Nicole’s was about a 22-year-old cold case and mental healing. The blend between historical and modern-day Talbot family was seamless, one of the best I’ve ever seen. I really don’t know how two authors crafted such a well-blended story.

With dual timelines, I’m usually more invested in one story over the other, but not so in this instance. There’s sweet romance, but it’s not the main focus – and that’s exactly how it should be. Therese and Nicole are connected by an invisible thread of convictions, courage, and faith … and of living by faith instead of being cowered by fear.

As the title indicates, legacy is a major theme. Thinking of Therese and Nicole as I turn the last page, I immediately recall the lyrics of a song made popular by Steve Green many years ago …

May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ClarkGould

_________________________

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.

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Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

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Review: A Letter from Lancaster County

A Letter from Lancaster County
By Kate Lloyd
Lancaster Discoveries #1
Harvest House, 2017


Summary

Two sisters get a second chance at life and love

Angela---Her mother's untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.

Rose--Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn't happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn't be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?

When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother's Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau.

Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

A Letter from Lancaster County gets high praise from me. I found it a fascinating character study, rich and introspective, one that I wanted to take my time with and savor each page. This is the first of Kate Lloyd’s books that I’ve read, so I don’t know how it compares to her others. If this is indicative of the quality of her writing, however, I will be reading more.

First of all, this isn’t typical Amish fiction … for while it’s set within an Amish/Mennonite community, the main characters are English. Secondly, this is a relationship drama in which deeper themes emerge beyond what appears on the surface. It’s not a fast-paced novel that you find hard to put down, although I did find it difficult to put down. In short, A Letter from Lancaster County is a meaty story, one that you can enjoy as you sink into its depths.

The story peels back the layers in the relationship of two sisters, Angela and Rose, slowly revealing a backstory that affects who they are today and helps us understand their constant bickering and complaining. Angela deals with insecurity in her marriage, while Rose can’t forget “that hideous night God deserted me.” I felt a sense of realism – and while I didn’t always like the behavior of Angela and Rose, I liked them.

Spiritual themes are subtle in this story, but ever present. We see contrasts … love/hate, forgiveness/unforgiveness, hardness of heart/grace. The ending is simply heartwarming. Kate Lloyd is an impressive, consummate writer and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/KLloyd

_________________________

Kate Lloyd is a bestselling novelist whose books include "A Portrait of Marguerite" and the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy. A native of Baltimore, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in rural Pennsylvania and is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

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Summer Bucket List

It’s always fun to compile a short book-related bucket list – with “short” being the operative word here, else I could go on and on. Here’s just a few books that I hope to read before summer’s end . . .

Roadside Assistance
By Amy Clipston

       Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily's world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can't pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine---in other words, just like Whitney, Emily's perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gearhead, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.
       But even working alongside Zander can't completely fix the hole in Emily's life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn't been able to pray, and no one---not even Zander---seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.

Note: I’ve greatly enjoyed Amy Clipston’s Amish fiction, and also wanted to read her YA fiction for some time now. Roadside Assistance is the first of three books, the others being Destination Unknown and Miles from Nowhere. Lindsey Zimpel, a passionate and honest reviewer who blogs at Books for Christian Girls, was gracious to share her thoughts and video with me …

“The Roadside Assistance trilogy is a top favorite of mine in the Young Adult fiction category! I hardly ever read a book twice, but I’ve read each of these books three times. I love seeing Emily, Whitney, Chelsea, and their stories come to life on these pages. I talk about this series so often on all my social media sites that I’m pretty sure the majority of my followers have picked them up or added them to their TBR! I’ve given away so many copies of the trilogy on my blog and also as birthday gifts to friends. How Miss Amy Clipston does it, I’m still not quite sure! Whenever I read her books they always have me exclaiming, sighing, or running around the room while hugging the book, all in a wonderful mood! I am always waiting for her next book—YA or Amish.”
~Lindsey Zimpel, Books for Christian Girls

My Daughter’s Legacy
By Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

Virginia, 1864 – Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of her family owning slaves. When her wealthy grandfather dies during the Civil War, leaving his slaves and estate to Therese's widowed mother, Therese flees to Richmond. There she works as a tutor by day and a nurse by night. But when trouble befalls her family, how can she reconcile her duty and beliefs? And where does James Talbot—a long-time family friend—fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day – After years of substance abuse, Nicole Talbot's life is back on track. She's found work at an equestrian therapy center and returned to college with the help of her wealthy grandmother—but that help comes at a price. Nicole must decide between honoring her bargain and doing what she knows is right, even if that could mean losing her new start, her family's trust, and a future with her handsome boss.

Note: It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Mindy Starns Clark, but she is an excellent writer and storyteller. My Daughter’s Legacy sounds like a wonderful relationship drama in the women’s fiction style that I love. Dual storylines also appeal to me when they are done well, and I expect nothing less from the Clark/Gould writing team.

The Return
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

       Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
       Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
       Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

Note: The Return is book #3 in Amish Beginnings series and I have enjoyed the previous two books. Suzanne Woods Fisher has a unique gift for rich characterization and bringing English characters into her stories, giving them a wide appeal. The adventure and spiritual themes of The Return make me eager to continue this series.

Sacred Privilege
By Kay Warren

       Life as a pastor's wife offers meaningful opportunities to play a significant part in God's work, to witness and participate in the beauty of changed lives. Yet it also carries the potential for deep wounds and great conflict that can drain the joy out of service. Is it worth it? Oh, yes, says Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren and cofounder of Saddleback Church. It is more than worth the risk--it's a sacred privilege.
       Drawing on more than forty years in ministry in every possible size church, Kay provides encouraging principles and life lessons, along with intimate personal stories, that will give readers the confidence needed to lead and live well.

Note: Whether through church planting, preaching, or The Purpose-Driven Life, I’ve long admired the ministry outreach of Rick Warren and am eager to read Kay Warren’s thoughts. No man could be this effective without strong support and working as a team with his wife. They have also dealt with personal tragedy in the public eye, so this promises to be an intriguing book.

What summer reading goals do you have?