Book Review: The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life by Erica & Jonathan Catherman

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Title: The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life

Author: Erica & Jonathan Catherman

Series: Standalone

Genre: Self-Help/Non-fiction

Audience: Young Teen/Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

There's a lot a girl needs to know as she grows up and makes her way in the world. Having a reference guide of practical how-to life skills and character traits can empower her to become a confident and capable woman. Coauthors Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer this collection of step-by-step instructions on 100 things girls need to succeed, including how to

- introduce yourself
- change a flat tire
- respectfully break up with a guy
- leave a tip
- apply for a job
- ask for a promotion
- behave during a police stop
- create a personal budget
- calculate square footage
- wash your face
- clear a clogged drain
- iron a shirt
- wear a scarf
- shoot a basketball
- sharpen kitchen knives
- and much more

In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident women. With great illustrations and sidebars of advice from world-class experts, this all-in-one reference tool for young women in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**2.5 stars**

I picked up The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life because I was curious. I wondered if it might have some helpful information and be something I could recommend to my younger sisters and other girls. Well, it did have some neat tips, but on a whole, I was disappointed.

How this book is laid out is kind of nice. From page to page, it has a new subject and how-to steps. So it makes for a pretty easy read. And would probably be easy to reference back to.

I'm not sure what age group it's geared toward ... ? The beginning felt really juvenile. Like young teens? Other parts felt like they were for older teens or even college-age girls. Some of the information was really, really basic while others were things I wouldn't think a teenage girl really needs to know. So it didn't feel as structured as I perhaps expected.

There were some great skills discussed. Cooking skills? Yes, ma'am. My mom cooks and bakes, and taught me from a young age, but a whole lot of girls haven't the slightest idea how to make a nice, homemade meal. So for the girls who's parents can't/don't teach them these things, this book would be pretty helpful!

The car maintenance was also cool. My parents maybe forgot that I didn't automatically know everything about cars and how to take care of them, so I rather struggled as a new drive! I got some helpful tidbits from this book, actually - such as, you should check the oil when the car is cooled as to get an accurate reading.

The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life's dating guide? I wasn't impressed. It felt like it was talking to young teens (um, why do they need to know dating tips?), and, worst, it basically bashed masculinity and femininity and God's natural design for the man to lead ... calling chivalry and such "outdated" or "ancient".

I was just getting too many vibes of feminism and "girl power" from this book. It had some good tips, but it also had ones that you don't actually really need to thrive.

And though it's from a Christian publisher, it talked about all surface-y stuff. There was nothing about having quiet time with God, guarding your heart, seeking wisdom, getting involved in your church, choosing your friends wisely, giving some serious thought to who you date/how you date, living gracefully and joyfully with your parents & siblings ... none of these things that would make up a great book about conquering life!

So it had some nice tips. And I might keep it just the find those if ever I need. But overall it wasn't the book for me.

I received a copy of The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

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Title: Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships

Author: Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living/Non-ficion

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

Published: May 1st, 2018 (Baker Books)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Our culture is obsessed with love and romance - so why are so few women experiencing satisfying, long-term love?

In this insightful and encouraging book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird help single women of all ages discover a radically better approach to navigating their love lives. Covering topics such as true love, romance, purposeful relationships, purity, boundaries, singleness, and glorifying God in every stage of our relationships, Love Defined unpacks God's original design for romance, showing modern women how to experience God's best for them in their relationships.

Full of biblical truths and step-by-step application of concepts discussed, the book also includes a chapter-by-chapter study guide to be used individually or in small groups, as well as four letters from godly women who have been married for 30, 40, and 50+ years, offering priceless, hard-won advice to single women.

~ My Review ~

**5 stars**

Love Defined is another incredible book from sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird. After reading and loving their first book, Girl Defined, I was beyond excited to read a book from them about love and relationships. And, oh, I was not disappointed. With honesty, humor, wisdom, and real-life examples, Kristen and Bethany present a Biblically-sound and beautiful Christian Living book on navigating the world of romance.

I so enjoyed reading this book - finished it in under a week. It had a lot of insight and great advice to impart. I loved that there were chapters on ways to respond and steps to take when a man expresses an interest in you, and also red flags to watch for in relationships! The things shared in these chapters were so incredibly helpful. I know so many Christian girls/women are going to benefit from reading Love Defined!

The theme of this book is about radiantly glorifying God in how we respond to love and romance. Glorifying Him in our relationships. In our singleness. In our marriages. I've been gaining an understanding of how romantic love and marriage are so deeply entwined in pointing to God - His covenant love for us and Jesus Christ's relationship with the Church, His Bride. My future marriage (if that's in God's plan for my life) is going to be an exciting and amazing chance for me to illuminate my God and His love. Wow, this is powerful! And Love Defined just grew me in understanding this intriguing concept even better. Whether single or married, reading this book greatly encouraged me to get excited about making much of God's name wherever I am and in whatever I do.

A lovely thing about Love Defined is that it's written by a married woman and a single woman (they finished the book before Bethany entered her current relationship). It's great to get both perspectives - a peek into Kristen's marriage and awesome insight from Bethany's season of singleness. While writing this book, she was in her late twenties (twenty-nine?) with no idea if she'd ever marry. I'd say she knows a thing or two about singleness! It was so encouraging to hear from her on this topic. Finding satisfaction and joy in Christ alone is an amazing thing and I loved reading Bethany's story of finding that.

Truly, this is a book worth your time. I only wished I could have read it even before this! I really believe that God is going to use it to change women's perspectives on romance and marriage, and help girls who have the right heart - but are uncertain how to put this into practice - to figure out how to navigate these areas of life in a way that honors God, as they desire to!

Covering topics such as infatuation, romance, boundaries, warning signs in relationships, practical tips for approaching dating, friendship, singleness, being intentional, advice for marriage, sexual purity, and so on, it is packed with great content. I'm wanting to do a girl's Bible study with Love Defined now! Such a needed message! Definitely going to share with my seventeen-year-old sister.

I highly recommend to women! Love Defined is a must-read. I can hardly wait to read Kristen and Bethany's next book!

I received a copy of Love Defined from the authors and/or Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.

***

• Girl Defined Website/Blog
• Girl Defined Youtube Channel
• Girl Defined Facebook Page
• Girl Defined on Twitter
• Girl Defined on Pinterest

Book Review: Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough

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Title: Breaking the Fear Cycle: How to Find Peace for Your Anxious Heart

Author: Maria Furlough

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living/Non-fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

It seems there is more to fear now than ever, but fear and anxiety are nothing new to human beings - or to God. The Bible calls us to not be afraid on many occasions, and of course we all want to live without fear. But just how is that accomplished when every news item seems designed to get us wringing our hands?

Using her own story as a catalyst, Maria Furlough shows readers how to overcome fear for good. She calls readers to make a list of their fears, to choose to bring those fears to God rather than acting on them, and to trust God with the future. She shows how when we give God full control over our lives, choosing his sovereignty over our own ability, we can break the cycle of fear, grow through suffering, and trust God to fulfill his promises of protection and peace.

Anyone who is filled with anxiety over their personal circumstances, the state of the world today, or even their fear-clogged social media feeds will welcome this hands-on journey from fear to freedom.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I really like Christian Living books. When I saw the beautiful cover and realized the book was addressing fear and anxiety, I knew I had to request Breaking the Fear Cycle to review. I'm so thankful I did! This book is absolutely worth the read.

Breaking the Fear Cycle: How to Find Peace for Your Anxious Heart by Maria Furlough is one of the best - if not the best - books on this topic that I've read. It dug so deep! So authentic, radical, and soul-changing. It met me right where I was in my own journey of struggling with fear and truly touched my heart. I'm in awe of how, I believe, God used Maria's life, fears, and experiences to impact my own life! Breaking the Fear Cycle was a book I needed. It encouraged me to lean hard on God, and stop running and face my fears. It fed the hope that I don't have to live under the tyrannical rule of anxiety. I know many women who would benefit greatly from reading this book. I'm excited to share it with them!

Breaking the Fear Cycle is done in Bible study format, so you can easily buy copies of the book and go through it for your next study!

Maria Furlough gets to the hard and gritty when talking about fear and suffering. She shares her personal story of losing a child. She talks about what thoughts she had and fears she faced. She also shares a lot of Scripture in this book, and is constantly pointing back to Christ and eternity. Though addressing heavy topics, she adds some humor, and her writing style is lovely.

One of the most powerful quotes of this book, to me, was: "If I didn't kill the fear, the fear was going to kill me." (pg. 17) Dear friends, if you're struggling but know you need to kill your fear, Breaking the Fear Cycle is definitely an amazing tool to take with you on the journey.

I look forward to reading this book again someday. And hopefully other books by Maria Furlough!

I received a copy of Breaking the Fear Cycle from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: I Will Not Fear: My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire by Melba Pattillo Beals

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Title: I Will Not Fear: My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire

Author: Melba Pattillo Beals

Series: Standalone

Genre: Non-fiction/Memoir

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But her story of overcoming didn't start - or end - there. While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes readers on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith needed to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world. Encouraging and inspiring, Beals's story offers readers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**unrated**

My thoughts are uncertain when it comes to this book. It had some really thought-provoking and poignant content, but also some things I had questions about.

I Will Not Fear: My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire was definitely a compelling read. The beginning caught me up in the story of Melba's life, and moved me to tears - both of anguish and sweet joy that God loves His children so protectively and beautifully.

"Grandmother always quieted my fretting - explaining that it was proof of how special I was in God's eyes because He had saved my life against all odds. 'God has been kind to give you beautiful hair like shiny black satin to cover your scar. No one will know,' she said. 'God has rescued you from death because He has special assignments for you.'" (pg. 25)

I do feel that God was calling Melba to stand up against prejudice and separation, and embolden those who are persecuted or made to feel "less-than".

However, the story of her divorce was very sad. I just can't believe that that was really God's heart for her, her husband, and their daughter. Her husband definitely should have responded differently, but it also came across that Melba didn't esteem the position of being a wife and mother.

That being said, I do think I understand why someone would say: "Being a wife and mother is not enough". Because, although I believe wife & mother is a super high, honorable, and God-given role, if I was married with children but not following God passionately, it would not feel "enough" for me, either. An authentic, active relationship with God gives true purpose ... and that is perhaps what Melba was searching for. (This is why I don't want to marry unless I firmly believe God has brought along the man and written out the love story. My deepest desire is to love and serve God! And then be a wife and mother. Blogger. Author. Etc.)

So, I suppose I say that because that part of Melba Pattillo Beal's story was very heartrending. Marriage is supposed to be, as God ordained, until death parts you. Not temporary, as Melba's mother, Lois, said. But, I don't know all that was in Melba's heart and that of her husband. Seeing glimpses of her motherhood later in life was beautiful, in any case! ^_^

This book was not a light read. It is an account of some horrific things that happened to Melba. It was eye-opening and sobering. Hateful, prejudice thoughts and actions are such ugly, evil things. It is truly horrifying and sorrowful that people acted in such wicked ways toward people of just a different culture. Hopefully I Will Not Fear will inspire us all to take a firm stand if ever we see people acting in hateful or demeaning ways just because someone looks different or has a different culture than them.

Further into the book, there was also a very disturbing, gruesome story briefly told from Melba's news reporter days.

I didn't like everything about this book, but it is definitely an informational read, and inspiring to see the ways God shielded and carried Melba in His mighty hands. My favorite chapters were Chapter Seven: God is Everywhere, Especially in California  (pgs. 79-88) and Chapter Seventeen: God is as Close to You as Your Skin (pgs. 161-165). So beautiful - loved them!

Melba Pattillo Beals definitely defied expectations! One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "Life's lessons come from unexpected places. We cannot afford to allow prejudices to shut out God's blessings. Being equal is based on seeing equal. It is seated in each individual's willingness to claim their own equality despite all evidence to the contrary and all talk by others who dare to question their value."

I received a copy of I Will Not Fear from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love by Rhonda Stoppe

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Title: Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love

Author: Rhonda Stoppe

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living/Non-Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Do You Believe in True Love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache—that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn't worth the risk.

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us ... we just have to look for it!

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to

rekindle the romance in your love story
trust in God's providence and timing
faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after
celebrate true romance
believe in life-long love

Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Quite a thoughtful, fun, and inspiring read! There were a couple things I wasn't sure what to think about, so that's why this book didn't quite reach five stars. But overall, Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe is an amazing, lovely book that I hope to share with others!

"And you'll discover how God's plan is for couples to love each other so deeply with His love that their marriages become a light He can use to draw others to know Him." (Real-Life Romance pg. 9)

So basically, this book is a collaboration of twenty-five unique love stories. Each story is a little different, which is so neat to see. Real-Life Romance is about sweet romances as well as faith, friendship, redemption, loss, secret sin, and forgiveness. It was so awesome to see how God worked in these couple's lives! It was also fun hearing about the author's own love story, and those of her children! Breaking the Bro Code: Estevan & Kayla (pgs. 177-188) was especially heartfelt. I was deeply touched by how they used personal loss to keep an eternal perspective and press closer to Jesus Christ.

Some of my very favorite stories were Waiting on God's Timing: Keven & Suzanne (pgs. 33-38); The Heart's True Desire: Jason & Noelle (pgs. 39-45); Addicted to Each Other: Jeff & Jennifer (pgs. 105-113); and Connected at the Heart: Bill & Pam (pgs. 131-139). These four were particularly beautiful and powerful to me. I so loved them!

Oh, and the brief bit about Apostle Peter and his wife. Ah! Incredibly tender and soul-stirring. I'm so glad Rhonda Stoppe included that account in Real-Life Romance! It was a perfect way to conclude the book.

I have strong, personal convictions about dating and marriage, so some of the stories didn't resound with me as much as others. Particularly when couples seemed to rush ahead instead of seeking the Lord and waiting for His leading. One story it appeared that a man was a Christian when he married a woman who was an unbeliever. (She came to know the Lord and has a beautiful testimony, but I question whether his decision was Biblical. {2 Corinthians 6:14-18}) Also, there were at least four stories about divorce and remarriage. From reading the Bible, I firmly believe that God is against divorce and it's not His heart for His people! (Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12; 1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2-3; Malachi 2:16; 1 Corinthians 7:11-13; Hebrews 13:4). So I'm always a little at loss of what to think when reading about divorce and remarriage. I don't know the whole stories - background and reason for divorce. And some (all?) of the stories were about people who married/divorced before they had become believers. Anyway, I just thought I would give a cautionary mention about that.

Even when one of the stories didn't settle with me as much, I felt Rhonda Stoppe herself was pretty spot-on throughout the whole book! After each story, she has sections called Ponder This and Ask Yourself, and I felt she spoke a lot of Biblical truths and raised important questions through those! Even with the concerns I mentioned above, I believe Rhonda Stoppe and I have quite similar thoughts, convictions, ideas, and cautions.

"How might you adjust your life to take your focus off looking for a husband and learn to find contentment in loving and serving Jesus?" (Real-Life Romance pg. 38)

All in all, I think the themes of Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love were of finding your hope and joy in the Lord and believing that He does and will write beautiful love stories and strengthen marriages to be a light and a testimony! I was encouraged. ^_^ Besides a few things that raised questions for me, I recommend this book. Planning to have my mom and sister read at least my favorite stories! *smiles*

"When looking for a mate, it's tempting to take your eyes off the prize of Christ and focus on who might be 'the one'. But let's follow the example of the woman in Tony's unit. If you run this race of life with your focus on the One who calls you to run, and one day you look over and see a man whose eyes are fixed on Jesus and he places his hand in the small of your back to help you run your race - marry him!" (Real-Life Romance pg. 226)

I received a copy of Real-Life Romance from Litfuse Publicity Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors

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Title: Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful

Author: Katie Davis Majors

Series: Standalone

Genre: Non-fiction/Memoir

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

How do you hold on to hope
when you don't get the ending
you asked for?

When Katie Davis Majors moved to Uganda, accidentally founded a booming organization, and later became the mother of thirteen girls through the miracle of adoption, she determined to weave her life together with the people she desired to serve. But joy often gave way to sorrow as she invested her heart fully in walking alongside people in the grip of poverty, addiction, desperation, and disease.

After unexpected tragedy shook her family, for the first time Katie began to wonder, Is God really good? Does He really love us? When she turned to Him with her questions, God spoke truth to her heart and drew her even deeper into relationship with Him.

Daring to Hope is an invitation to cling to the God of the impossible - the God who whispers His love to us in the quiet, in the mundane, when our prayers are not answered the way we want or the miracle doesn't come. It's about a mother discovering the extraordinary strength it takes to be ordinary. It's about choosing faith no matter the circumstance and about encountering God's goodness in the least expected places.

Though your heartaches and dreams may take a different shape, you will find your own questions echoed in these pages. You'll be reminded of the gifts of joy in the midst of sorrow. And you'll hear God's whisper: Hold on to hope. I will meet you here.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

This book reached deep and touched my soul. I'm telling you, it was powerful. The concept of finding God's goodness in the broken and beautiful is a very raw and heartrending and hopeful and absolutely amazing thing to explore and see in the life of Katie Davis (Majors).

I loved reading of Katie's life again, after reading Kisses From Katie years ago. I feel she's grown and matured so much. And her sharing bits of her heart and soul, her relationship with Jesus Christ, and life and lessons she's learned is the most awesome thing. I cried. I smiled. I hoped with her. Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful infused my soul with hope, courage, and new life! It filled my heart with renewed passion and trust! God is so good! Oh, what a beautiful thing to surrender our lives and hopes and our loved ones into His hand and just follow Him with all that we are.

The pictures in this book are beautiful. The stories even more so. It was delightful hearing more about Katie's children, and how she met and married her husband! It was even more amazing to glimpse her real and deep relationship with God.

This woman and her stories, thoughts, and experiences continue to inspire me. I hope she keeps writing books! Daring to Hope seriously is one of the most powerful true stories I've had the privilege of reading!

I very highly recommend this book to all!