Friday, August 31, 2012

Be the Mom by Tracey Lanter Eyster

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers.  Tracey Ester shares many traps that we can fall into as mothers, and gives us suggestions on how to avoid, or overcome these traps.  She talks about: Just-a-Mom trap, Me Mom Trap, Martyr Mom Trap, Busy Mom Trap, Mirror Mom Trap, Tomorrow Mom Trap, and They Say Mom Trap.  Through out the book we are reminded of why we are doing this.  That we have been privileged to be blessed with these children, and that we are never doing this alone.  Some of the traps were things that I definitely see myself falling into.  Most of the tips were things that I had heard before, but it was a good reminder of what I should be doing.  I felt like the book was a good way of bringing all of the information together.  I like how each trap was discussed, and how they were shown to interrelate.  Overall I enjoyed the book.  I felt like there was good information, and encouragement for all moms.  No matter what trap we happen to be in, there is always hope for improvement.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.  Kate Donovan has come to Redbud in need of a break.  She is burned out at work and tired of trying to find a husband.  Immediately upon her arrival, she meets Matt Jarreau.  Former NHL star turned contractor with a sad past.  Kate decides to be his friend and is determined to bring him out of his shell.  Little does she know that he will become so much more than a friend.

I really enjoyed the character of Kate.  She seemed like a very down to earth girl, trying to make the best of her life.  We don't learn much about Matt, other than that he is very "hot".  Matt's personality is not really developed.  There were parts of the book that I felt like the author wanted to be funny, but I did not find them funny.  The side characters were fun and quirky.  I enjoyed the old people and the path the Velma and Morty take in their romance.  A lot of the book was spent with both characters thinking that there was no way that the other person could possibly like them, when they obviously did.  The religious aspect of this novel felt like an afterthought.  Also, when Kate didn't get what she wanted, she quit going to church.  If she was a religious as was implied, I don't think that that would have happened.  It was a fun read, but it was rather shallow.  I would give it 3/5 stars.