Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

Book Description


"Without the storm, how would we know the sweetness of shelter?" -Ruth

Out of the clear blue, Wren’s Grandma Ruth arrives on her doorstep, dreaming of a grand party to celebrate her 95th birthday. Wren and her young son Charlie love the idea, but it quickly gets complicated: Ruth wants Wren’s estranged siblings to attend and she wants Wren to sing her all-time favorite song: “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” It’s the very song Wren sang one fateful day during her childhood . . . and Wren hasn’t sung a note since.

Though she’s glad to have Grandma back in her life, Wren’s sleeping on the couch in her own house now . . . and worried about the expenses piling up. After all, her job at the community library is in jeopardy after budget cuts, and the fancy music program she wants for her son is getting farther and farther out of reach. What’s more, Paul—the guy she's drawn to yet avoids—ends up being a major part of an important library project.

With family arriving and old wounds resurfacing, Wren’s about to fly when she discovers something special—a gift of grace beyond her wildest dreams.


My Review


When I first saw the cover and Sheila Walsh's name... I couldn't get this book fast enough! I absolutely love books that are set on the coast and I pretty much love anything written by Sheila Walsh. So put the two together and I have to read it!

Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen-Coloma did a wonderful job of making the story realistic. I was drawn when I first read what the story was about. As a single mother myself for 12 years, I could easily relate to the struggles of being a single parent. Trying to make ends meet, wanting the very best for your child,  divorce.... all things we may all be familiar with. Throw in a good mix of  family members...  a Grandmother and estranged siblings... and I can easily connect with Wren.

Sweet Sanctuary is a great story of healing from your past and learning to lean on God. A very enjoyable read! Check it out! :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)


Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

How To Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How To Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh is a wonderful children's book for young girls ages 9-12. Although, my daughter is only 7, and she just loves it. The message of the book is to teach girls how to be God's Little Princess in their everyday lives.

What I really like about this book, is the fact that it teaches manners and etiquette. Young girls are taught how to become young ladies. Things like, how to have a good attitude, how to be a good friend, how to be polite, how to dress, along with good hygiene, are all addressed from a Biblical view. Inner beauty is stressed in these lessons along with self control and modesty, while having fun with 'how to wear a tiara'... which is a lesson that teaches the basics of how to wear clothes that are right for your body and shape.

Some lessons may seem trivial, but these are the issues that these young girls will face as they become young women. Every women, no matter her age, struggles one time or another with 'would should I wear', 'how should I dress'... and many other issues dealing with inner beauty. I much prefer my daughter be taught about these things from a Biblical perspective rather than from the world. And the princess theme makes it enjoyable and fun learn.

I think this is a great book and teaches girls the lessons they need to become Godly women. I would recommend this book! Your daughter will love it!

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Who Is My Shelter? by Neta Jackson

Who Is My Shelter? by Neta Jackson is the story of Gabby Fairbanks. A middle-aged woman going through a difficult separation from her husband Phillip, after being thrown out of her own home. Gabby is making a new life for herself, raising her two teenage boys, and working at a job that gives her life meaning... running the House of Hope for homeless single moms and their kids. Gabby is a christian who let the promise of romance and a better future distract her from God. But the trials in her life prove to be the very thing that leads her back to Him. And He shows her that He is the only Rock she can lean on.

I absolutely loved this book. It was so much like real-life, I didn't have to imagine that this could happen. I felt as if it was happening and I was just an on-looker. The characters are wonderful and very easy to follow. I admit that at the very beginning of the book, I thought I had figured out the ending. I was disappointed. And while I was somewhat right... the story really took me by surprise. It never got too complicated, but it never failed to keep me interested. I was sad to be done with it. I wanted to read more...

I enjoyed this book so much that I have already bought several books in this series and the one that precedes it. The author began with a series called "The Yada Yada Prayer Group", and in it begins the story of some of the wonderful characters that carry over to the "House Of Hope" series. Neta Jackson's husband, Dave Jackson, also wrote a parallel series to this one that looks amazing. Check it out.

I have certainly found another favorite author... she has me hooked! I'm ready to read every book in the series, and the ones by her husband. Neta Jackson is a great writer and her books are very well written. Easy to read and keeps you coming back for more. I recommend this series highly. It's great fun!

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

A Time To Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

This is the first book I've read by Karen Kingsbury... and it will be the first of many. I think I just found a new favorite author!

A Time To Embrace is the story of John and Abby. A couple who have survived the road to divorce, only to recover and find a love greater than before. The story takes you through the ups and downs of learning to trust again. Not only trust in your spouse... but trust in God.

The story was written with great detail. John's struggle with his coaching career; parents wanting him fired, kids losing respect for him, and his lifelong love of football. And there's Abby with her willingness to trust and forgive to restore her marriage, yet having the doubts that come in at a moments notice. Then we have Jake. A student of John's who learns a great lesson in forgiveness and restoration through one life altering decision. It moves on to their children. Mainly their older daughter and her marriage... dealing with her own doubt and lack of faith in hard times.

This was the second in a series but I didn't feel at all lost. The details of the past are brought to life in conversations with the main characters, as well as in flashbacks. I could easily imagine John and Abby's house on the lake and their 'dance' on the pier. Beautiful. I also enjoyed the supporting characters. A pleasant mix that made the story even more believable and enjoyable.

It was inspiring to read a story of renewed romantic love. A saved marriage in the midst of life and the trials that come with it. The faith of the John and Abby was refreshing and motivating. It reminded me of why I love Christian fiction. To be encouraged in my daily walk. This is a book I will be sure to pass along. :)


Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb

As a history lover, I was excited to review "The American Patriot's Almanac" by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I am happy to say it was more than I expected. It's actually set up in a 'devotional style' format, giving bits of American history for each day of the year. Just look up the current date and find out what happened 'on this day in history'. But it's so much more than that.

It's a fairly good sized book, very sturdy, and one that would be great for keeping on your coffee table. It has a lot of information yet it's easy to read and not too much to take in all at once. It is definately something my 11-year-old son would not hesitate to pick up. I think the daily format makes it more appealing to young readers. They can learn some interesting history in a short time. I think they will return to it often.

It has a lot of useful information included in sections, such as; Flags of the Revolutionary War, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, State Flags, Facts, and Symbols, and much more. It's really a great tool. And while it's set up in a daily format, you may just want to read it through like any other book, or even refer back to it often as a reference. Either way, I think you'll enjoy it.

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

"Illegals" by Darrell Ankarlo

Illegals by Darrell Ankarlo takes an in-depth look at the cost of not controlling our American borders. Not only the cost to us, but to the illegals and their families as well. Darrell Ankarlo, a radio talk show host, goes inside the Mexican border to discover the true story behind the millions who would risk their very lives for a chance to live in America.

This book was very well written and informative. In the past I have only seen the burden that the illegals place on Americans, which is reason enough to enforce our laws already in place. But after reading this book and now knowing what goes on on the other side of the border... I can hardly imagine why anyone would support the coming of illegals into America.

Ankarlo gives true accounts of people who give money in return for a promise of freedom and prosperity... only to be left to die in the desert. Or those who were promised protection on their journey to the border only to be kidnapped and ransomed for an even greater amount of money. Unimaginable to me is the fact that this is allowed to happen. Allowed by our own government because they won't protect our borders, and allowed by their government because it is such a huge money-making industry.

If you really want to be educated, read this book. Not that it will be the last book you read on the subject... but if you want to know the facts on both sides of the border, start here. It is a well written, well researched, and easy to read. Lending your support to anyone coming to this country illegally may not be in their best interest... or ours.

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

"Seeds Of Turmoil" by Bryant Wright

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright is an excellent resource on the Biblical roots of the Middle East conflict.  The author takes you through the genealogy of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the promises of God for their future generations. He also teaches about Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael, Rebeka, Jacob and Esau... their faith and lack of it, their waiting on God and their impatience that led to 'helping God out' to fulfill His promises to them. And how all of their decisions led to the crisis that is still going on in the Middle East today.

For me, this was a very interesting book. At first I thought it repetitive, but after reading, I realized it helped me commit more to memory. I have read the Bible for years, read about all the people the author speaks of, and heard or read about the crisis in the Middle East. For the first time... I have a very CLEAR understanding of who these people are, their religions, the decisions they made and how those decisions affected the crisis in the Middle East and the fighting over Israel. This book helped to put it all together for me like never before.

Not only does it help in understanding Biblical history and genealogy, the Middle East and Israel... it has some valuable lessons to be learned as well. It teaches what can happen when we choose to go ahead of God or to 'help God out' as the author puts it. It teaches that our decisions can have an effect like we could never imagine. Maybe for generations to come. All in all.... I found some valuable information and great lessons to ponder. I would recommend this to anyone trying to understand Biblical history or the crisis in the Middle East.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

"The Jesus You Can't Ignore"

"The Jesus You Can't Ignore" by John MacArthur is a great resource if you want a clear picture of the Jesus of the Bible. He walks you through the Gospels to show how Jesus related to those He encountered. He points out how Jesus stood for truth, not trying to be politically correct, as some do in this day and age.

I'm not sure what I expected from this book. I admit it was a little difficult to get started and for some reason it could not hold my attention at first. But, as I continued on, I did find it very informative. It is a good reference book. MacArthur has shared his views clearly and points to the many scriptures that back it up. He has written a great book dealing with a subject that many Christians are concerned with today.

This is the book to read if you also struggle with the way Christ is being represented today. He is a God of love, this is true. He is gentle. But He is so much more. He spoke TRUTH and He was not worried about offending anyone. He wasn't concerned with tolerance. He was all about His Father's work.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to dig in and see what scripture really says about who Jesus is... and how He spoke the truth to those He came to save.

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

"Embracing Your Second Calling" by Dale Hanson Bourke

I have been reading "Embracing Your Second Calling" by Dale Hanson Bourke. It's a book about "finding the passion and purpose for the rest of your life." When the kids are grown, what is a woman to do? Does life as we know it end? Certainly not! This book will help you to stop living in the past, stop trying to be who you once were, and press on toward the future that God has waiting for you.

I found this book to be very inspiring. It really made me think about my future... not that I haven't been thinking about it anyway. The author shared from her own experiences along with using the Biblical example of the life of Naomi. It made it very personal for me. Not at all 'preachy'. More of a sharing between friends or acquaintances. Also includes some study tools in each chapter - which I initially thought were not useful - but as I read along, I found that I actually enjoyed reading them.

I did enjoy reading this book. I found it very helpful just to know that other women (and men) have some of the same experiences. I would recommend this book to other women (and men) who are faced with the question of "What now?".  God isn't finished with us!

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

"The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

I have been reading the book The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. As the President of World Vision, Richard has a heart for reaching out to the poorest of the poor, to put our Christian faith into action. This book is about how God used him, took him out of his comfort zone living the 'American Dream' as the CEO of Lennox, and sent him to places he could never have imagined.

I found his personal story very fascinating. He is very honest about his 'calling' by God, how he felt and reacted. He became very real and honest which I believe is refreshing. Not everyone answers God's call on their life with astounding joy. He does a great job in telling the events that led to his decision to join World Vision.

I did have a hard time reading parts of this book for a couple of reasons. First of all, I have to say I had an uneasy feeling about several areas. I do believe our faith should be evident in our deeds, our works. We should care for the poor as Christ commanded us, there is no doubt. But I had the sense that he, at times, was considering what we do for others' physical needs here on Earth more important than our seeking to save them for eternity. I'm not sure if that is what was meant to be implied... that is just how I felt. I believe they should go hand in hand. Jesus preached and met needs. I don't believe we can have one without the other.

It was also hard to read the horrible truth of the poverty stricken countries. He brings the people he has met close to home and makes them real for us. It is a picture of what we need to see. Regardless of where we are in life, there is always someone, somewhere that we could be helping. While I struggled with reading, falling into agreement/disagreement with the author, the one point I can not dismiss is that we should all do our part. Jesus commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. And he told us to love others as we love ourselves. If we love God, we will obey His Word. I thought this book was well worth reading and would recommend it if you would like to know how you can be more involved in meeting the needs of others.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)