Becoming Myself - Stasi Eldredge

"Becoming Myself is for anyone who wonders if her life will ever change -- if she will ever change. Eldredge teaches readers that God wants them to participate in their transformation as he completes His good work in them. She invites women to look at their pasts, struggles, and wounds with honesty and mercy and to look toward their future with hope. An exploration of a women's true self, Becoming Myself will help women understand their identity and learn more about the God who beckons them to come closer." (Publisher's Description)

I have read books by Stasi Eldredge before and enjoyed them so when this book came up as a special book review offer I opted in.  Little did I know what I was getting myself into.  She is very open about the struggles in her life (weight loss, childhood issues) and how to use these to embrace all that God has for us.  I have and still struggle with many issues and found myself needing Kleenex and having to put the book down quiet often.  I am still working through the book, but I love this quote "Though our past has shaped us, we are not our past. Though our failures and sin have had an effect on who we are, we are not defined by our failures or sin."

"Book has been provided courtesy of David C. Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller.” 


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Parenting Your Powerful Child - Dr. Kevin Leman

" Don't let those cherublike faces fool you. Your smart kids have an agenda--and they're workin' ya.  Powerful kids don't just happen. They're created, and their power comes in different packages. Whether loud and temperamental, quiet and sensitive, or stubborn and manipulative, powerful children can make living with them a challenge. But it doesn't have to be that way.  In Parenting Your Powerful Child, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers a practical action plan to redirect your child's power surges into positive traits that will prepare your child for a successful, happy, and productive adult life. With these simple but effective techniques, you can transform your home from a daily battle zone to a safe and peaceful place. All it takes is a little determination--and some small changes on your part--to make a huge difference in your family life.  Ready for the power struggle to end?" (Publisher's Description)

Being a stay at home mom of three beautiful kids (two boys 8 & 6, and a girl 3) I definitely have some power struggles. I enjoy Dr. Leman and his use of real life stories.  It helps to remind you that you are not a freak and alone.  He provides great tips and never comes across as condescending.  I am still working through this book as I found that there is so much good stuff to take in that I don't want to miss anything.  I recommend this book to any parent whether there are issues or not. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

 

Trapped - Irene Hannon

"A runaway teen, a desperate sister, and an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth.
When Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help. Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways--just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.  But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . . "

I was so excited to see the second book in Irene Hannon's Private Justice series come up for review.  I loved the first book Vanished and couldn't wait to read more about the detectives at the Phoenix Agency.   Dev is intrigued by Laura when she walks into the agency.  She is unlike any of the typical girls he dates but being a client he tires to keep his heart untangled which proves to be rather difficult.  Laura is desperate to find her sister and that desperation causes her to make a dangerous choice.  Can Dev and his team solve the case in time to save them both?  I could hardly put this book down and my laundry room showed for it!  Another great read by Irene Hannon and I cannot wait to read the next one!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

 

 

Dangerous Passage - Lisa Harris

"She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world? When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts." (Publisher's description)

From the opening chapter, this book had me hooked.  With many twists and turns, this book kept me up late at night reading just one more chapter, again and again.  I thoroughly enjoyed Avery North and the tenacity she has for the case.  She pours her all into the Magnolia case and it comes with dangerous consequences.  Her budding relationship with Jackson is just what she needs but with the baggage she carries, she's unsure of whether to continue it or not.  I highly recommend this book for those who love procedural crime dramas.  I look forward to her next book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".