Reluctant Entertainer Review

Reluctant Entertainer, The: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality Author: Sandy Coughlin

Publisher's Synopsis: 
Real Entertaining for Real People

True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it's about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining--connecting deeply with others--she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love.

My Thoughts: 
The Reluctant Entertainer. That was me until I bought my first house. Then I chose to invite friends over almost weekly, well the reasons were primarily selfish. I'd rather have people at my house than go to a house where there may be a potential allergy problem with their cats or dogs and it was cheaper than going to a restaurant. I'd always warn this group of people I called friends, my house isn't "clean" sure it was "tidy" but not clean. I usually had people over the day before I planned to clean that week. When they arrived, they asked me really? "This is what you call dirty?" I still felt the need to express a reason for the condition of the house upon their arrival. I suppose I didn't want them to see "how I really lived" though it was nothing to be ashamed of. The Reluctant Entertainer reminded me that "true hospitality is not about being perfect" but rather about "an open door and an open heart." The people, the relationships, the conversations, the times shared were far more important than perfectionism. Included in The Reluctant Entertainer, are some recipes that I can't wait to try (as soon as I gain the courage to cook for others - it may just be this weekend I give it a try). The Strawberry Bread sounds like a yummy summer treat. Need some entertaining inspiration or courage, check out The Reluctant Entertainer full of ideas, thrifty tips, heartwarming encouragement and some great recipes.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communication Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Outlive Your Life Review - Book by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life : You Were Made to Make A Difference
By Max Lucado

Publisher's Synopsis:

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My Thoughts:
I love the fact that for the past two years, I've taken the opportunity to read one of Max Lucado's books. Last year he released "Fearless" a great read. This year it was his upcoming release "Outlive Your Life"



As you read this book, Max Lucado walks you through the first 12 Chapters of the Book of Acts.  Each chapter begins with a scripture verse and ends with a prayer. A prayer which I'm sure is an attempt to motivate each of us to action to apply what we just read about. Having finished the book, I'm still reminded of the person introduced to us who's story was featured in chapter 10, Dadhi. The statement Max made regarding how it takes "Dadhi an entire year to earn what he may spend on a sports coat," stayed with me through the entire book. I figured out my weekday coffee is most likely more than many in developing nations earn annually, a little scary. The Discussion and Action Guide included at the end of this book make it a great candidate for a small group study. Overall I really enjoyed this book.


Still not sure if this book if for you? Consider that 100% of all author royalties from the sale of all the Outlive Your Life products will be donated to two charities: World Vision & the James 1:27 Foundation - to benefit children and single mothers. Go ahead help pick up a copy the proceeds are going to good causes and you'll get to read a great book.



Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available September 2010 at your favourite bookseller.


My Outlive Your Life Story
After reading Max Lucado's book, "Outlive Your Life", it challenged me to think about what my story would be. What's my contribution that would outlive my life? It reminded me of many stories of how other people have impacted my life, but it felt hard to determine of what my story would be. Although I knew my story didn't have to be that big event or huge thing, but that something little could be of great impact. Well, my story began with reading about Dadhi in Chapter 10. I've mentioned this person in my review as his story really made me think. It prompted me to write my outlive your life story. Since reading about his story I'd committed to taking the money I'd spend on a morning cup of coffee and contributing it to a local charity. So each day, my $1.52 goes into a little piggy bank soon to be given away. I know it sounds silly, I know many have done something like this before, but it is something that I can do each day that will make an unknown difference in someones life.  I'm sure there are many more stories I could write here, but I was wondering, what's your story?

Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way Review

Book by: Lisa Whelchel 

Publisher's Synopsis:

Former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel shares her experiences of growing up without true friends and how she learned to find and develop them as an adult through God's grace.


Not many people can say they lived their most crucial developmental years on the sound stage of a wildly popular TV show. But that's exactly what happened in Lisa Whelchel's life. As a child, she learned to guard her heart so tightly to avoid true hurt that she found herself unable to form lasting friendships as an adult.
Friendship for Grown-Ups details her experiences of learning to come out of her shell, to trust, risk, and become vulnerable by God's grace and find meaningful friendships. Readers encounter her captivating story and refreshing perspective on life's most precious gift—and they find practical tips for their own friendships along the way. 

My Thoughts:

I remember watching the Facts of Life as a kid, having recently moved to a new city where I knew no one, I thought this book would be interesting. While reading this book, I was looking for advice/reminders on how to make friends (again). It's not as easy make friends as an adult as it was as a child. While making acquaintances was quick, making friends - good friends whom you know will be there for you involves more time and effort. In our fast paced society, we want things now. Where is the drive thru window for a Friend? -- If you find it, let me know.

I found it interesting to read about a TV Star from my childhood. While some of the situations she faced seemed disconnected from my "normal" childhood. I was able to find a number of helpful advice/tidbits to learn from her. Sections of this book challenged me to open up to those in my life.  I appreciated the discussion guide, a “Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships” guide, and conversation prompts included at the end of the book. Beyond how was your day, what do you do for work/school, my small talk was limited. The conversation prompts have helped further build a few relationships with friends.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson who provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions of this book.

The Bishop by Steven James - a Review

Publishers synopsis

This time, a congressman’s daughter is found dead—as her killers launch a spree of perfect murders in the Washington DC metro area. With nothing to link the crimes together, FBI special agent Patrick Bowers’ skills are pushed to the limit. Using his impeccable logic and innovative investigation techniques, Bowers is in a race against time to find the killers before they strike again, even as his personal life becomes more complicated than ever.

Although this is book 4 in The Bowers Files series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. Steven James’ masterful writing and mind-bending twists will have you on the edge of your seat!

My thoughts:
I knew what I was getting into when I picked up this book. Last summer, a friend had the first book in the series with her on a camping trip. She shared a portion of the book with us, due to the graphic nature, we begged her to stop. While this book is very graphic, the suspenseful nature grabs you and holds your attention to the point where you dont want to put it down. It definitely is not a book for those with a weak stomach. It's strong characters lend to an entertaining and enticing read. I can't wait to hit the bookstore to check out the previous 3 books in the series, and I am anticipating the release of The Queen next summer.

A definite recommended read if you like suspense, thriller type books.

Thank you Revell for providing this book complimentary to me in return for my honest review.

The Bishop by Steven James Review coming soon...

The Bishop by Steven James Review coming soon...
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