Book Club

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Grit and Grace Review

Reading has been something that has been very difficult for me lately, however when this book review came to me, I knew I needed the challenge.

I received this devotional for my honest review.

Grit and Grace

This book is a 90-day devotional geared towards mothers. I knew I was going to like this devotional after the first page. One of the authors went into a story about being late to church and the frazzled feeling when you take your kids anywhere. She is my people.

There are a couple things to note from this book that I really like:

  • The two authors are at different stages of motherhood. One has young kids (like myself) and one has older children and is able to provide perspective from the other side of being in the weeds of toddlerhood.
  • With that being said, it does seem that this book is geared more towards mothers who are in the younger kid stages. I don’t mind it, and I think there is still much to glean from it. However, many of the stories are from this time.
  • The book is separated into daily devotionals, and let me tell you they are easily digestible. First they are fairly short, so each day could be read in 5 minutes. For someone who falls asleep within a matter of a few pages of any book,  this is a must. I also loved that they included the full text of the scripture in each chapter as well as a short prayer. This easy access is great for me to connect with God and have a little guidance that gets me started with the word and prayer. I am all about some given structure in my chaos of days.

All that is great, however, what I loved most about it was how relatable it was. It is so easy to feel like you are alone and feel like you aren’t doing things right. Just this morning I mumbled under my breath that I do not have the patience to be a mom as both kids were crying at me for reasons that are still unknown. The stories that were shared were experiences that I have had. They shared thoughts that have gone through my head. They spoke insecurities that are deep in my soul. They are me. It is devotionals like these who talk about the mess and the realities of the imperfection that help me to connection with God. In these stories we can embrace grace through the love that is given, and I so appreciated the words that were spoken through this book.

I do not think this will be a book that I just read once. It might be one of those that I read yearly just to remind myself how wonderfully and fearfully we were made for motherhood. God made all this possible, even if sometimes it is a little messy.

He also provided us with a little Grit and Grace.

You can find the book here.

 

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‘My Daughter’s Legacy’ Book Review and Giveaway

Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould’s new book, My Daughter’s Legacy. Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot’s life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family’s legacy, she must risk all that she’s gained-her fresh start, her family’s trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Y’all this book was awesome. I am giving it a 4.5/5. You know how I love a good historical fiction, and this one is set in one of my favorite eras.

What I enjoyed about this book was the mystery that connected these two relatives from different times. It was fun to pick out pieces of the story as the author went back and forth between the two women. She did a great job giving you just enough to want to keep reading, but not too much that it was completely predictable.

I also liked that it was about women and the inner struggles we face to prove ourselves and let go of inner demons. I am all for stories about strong women.

The only pitfalls to me where that I felt that there was one of the women’s story that was stronger than the other. I wanted to read more about her life and found myself upset when the other woman took up too many pages. But I guess that is a sign that I really resonated with that character or enjoyed her story more.

The other minor thing was that I felt that the ending was flat. It was such a page turner for me, that the ending didn’t really fit for me.

But other than those two things, I really loved it. This is also a book in a series, but it can definitely stand alone. The other books just follow other women in the same family so you get different perspectives. I have added them to my reading list because I loved this one so much!

Celebrate the release of this book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • One copy of My Daughter’s Legacy
  • One $75 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter’s Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

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Bachelorette Rachel Week 9

 

Flush the format. She is changing things up and having the men meet the family earlier than normal.

  • Peter is up first.
  • I think he is the most realistic about a real relationship.
  • I love how he is getting into picking out these baby gifts.
  • So Peter got serious about his feelings now. Whew glad he got that out. And she is not shy about saying she is falling in love back.
  • Huh, Peter’s parents got married after a short time. I wonder why he is so reserved about this process.
  • Peter is just so chill about how he is explaining his feelings to her family.
  • I heard on the radio that her dad was actually there in the wings the whole time. Apparently there is something about him being a federal judge that he did not feel comfortable being on TV. So he did meet all the guys.
  • Rachel’s nephew is ADORBALE!
  • Ok so Eric and Bryan are talking about how Peter isn’t sure he would propose just yet. Why is Eric getting all up in arms about it when he doesn’t even know what love feels like. You are telling me that he is sure he is going to propose to her when he doesn’t know what love is? Huh.
  • Eric seems to be just spitting out buzzwords to her family. I don’t really feel like he knows what he wants.
  • Rachel’s mom is such a strong woman.
  • These guys are trash talking each other.
  • I think it says a lot that she is having Bryan meet her friends in addition to her friends. I think it means that she wants them to grill him.
  • I think that Rachel’s initial radar was correct with Bryan. I think he is a douchebag.
  • Rachel’s family is putting on the heat for Bryan.
  • Get it Mrs. Lindsay.
  • I do think they may have produced this and made some edit with how they are filming it to make it more uncomfortable to watch.
  • I am right there with Constance to be hesitant to trust Bryan.
  • I think Rachel’s mom appreciated that Peter wanted to slow it down.
  • Ugh yes! The fact that Bryan is trying to be so perfect with all the right answers…it raises red flags.
  • And now we are in Spain.
  • Eric keeps saying “You embody everything I would want.” The would part bothers me.
  • She doesn’t seem to react to Eric saying I love you. There was no glimmer in her eye. I know when Tom said I love you, I could hardly contain my excitement.
  • Oh this is fantasy date week!
  • The date with Eric was anti-climatic.
  • That little girl walking up to Rachel was a little awkward right?
  • Ugh gross. Grape stomping is disgusting guys.
  • I don’t understand why Rachel is so upset with what Peter is saying.
  • Y’all want the same thing, you are just saying it differently.

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Bachelorette Rachel Week 7

I felt a little lost on my Monday night last week!

Here are my thoughts on the week before hometowns.

  • They are getting way too much into their heads. They are all freaking out about Bryan getting a one on one when they don’t even know if they have one later on in the week.
  • She is smitten with Bryan, but is it just physical?
  • Come on Dean.
  • Ok so what is this family dynamic that Dean is withholding?
  • Do you believe in the toothfairy? Dean, she is putting on the pressure. Cut out the wisecracks.
  • I feel like Rachel is in an adult role right now, and Dean is a 5 year old asking the most random questions about nonsense.
  • I think the one on ones were obvious picks.
  • Yes Dean! Thank you for opening up. I thought it was a lot worse than that. I am a little nervous about he reacted with what is your favorite dinosaur.
  • I think Peter is one of the final two.
  • There is so much pressure on the group date.
  • I don’t understand why she is kissing Matt as she is sending him home. This goodbye makes no sense. I am so confused by her emotions.
  • I don’t really have much to say on tonight’s episode.
  • I am not surprised by Adam. I don’t think he or Matt really stood out until this episode.

Favorites:  Dean and Peter

Here are some great breakdown videos.

With the first one, I actually really like Ashley I.’s commentary.

Are you watching? Who do like for the final two? What are your thoughts?

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Bachelorette Rachel Week 5

The showdown continues. Two nights this week-so much drama to analyze.

  • Lee is acting like he doesn’t know why Kenny is confronting him. No one is buying your crap.
  • I cannot watch Bryan and Rachel kiss. It’s gross. I like him, but how they kiss is just too much.
  • Lee is trying to provoke Kenny. He is so slimy. You can tell he is just trying to aggravate him.
  • I wonder if the transitions are as awkward in real life as they make it out with what the produce.
  • Lee is admitted that he is just there to mess with everybody.
  • Jack Stone..Jack Stone. He just seems silly awkward.
  • Oh Shagging! One of my regrets from grad school is not taking Shag lessons.
  • She is going to dump Jack. And he doesn’t have a clue…
  • Lee is really ignorant. He is playing a game, and it is sickening.
  • Jack seems like a guy who is living in rainbows and sunshine, who is always happy and doesn’t see the bad side of life. Which I find interesting since he is a lawyer.
  • Holy Moly that black dress is stunning on her. I just can’t get over how beautiful she is.
  • They didn’t show the men’s reaction to Jack leaving like they normally do when someone leaves on a date. That means that he was not really entwined in the house dynamics.
  • Lee, you don’t like conflict? You are stirring the pot and making comments about you being there to mess with people. How is playing this game not conflict?
  • Sparks are going to fly on this date with Bryan.
  • I wonder if people notice them when they are in other countries. I mean there are cameras, but are they celebrities like they are here in the states?
  • They are obviously going to grow closer doing this repelling thing.
  • She is going to scare herself out of liking Bryan.
  • Anthony is very insightful with his conversation with Eric. It is about the trust.
  • Wow Bryan is throwing the L word out there. They have been there for only a month and spent maybe an hour together? Super fast!
  • Why is Dean wearing a cup on the outside of his outfit? And why are they in wrestler uniforms when the professional hand-ballers were in short sleeve shirts?
  • So do they allow the parents to talk to their kids? I don’t feel like we have seen that before that much. I thought they couldn’t have phones.
  • Lee is a douche. Lifting weights and writing toasts? Toasts for what? I don’t imagine you are invited to very many parties.
  • Josiah seems like another smooth talker. He doesn’t even let her finish a sentence before butter is coming out of his mouth.
  • How is her hair perfect after being in the hot tub with Peter. I would look like a frizzball!
  • Peter don’t worry and get in your head! Group date roses generally go to poeple who need validation. She was just making out with you in the hot tub, and after your conversation obviously she is into you.
  • What is Lee talking about? Unless there is a lot that the show is withholding, he is making up stories about Kenny’s dark side. Why doesn’t Rachel just ask the producers what happened?
  • Josiah-“No one in this house saw me leaving.” Rachel-“I did.”
  • NOOOO! I liked Anthony!
  • I like that Eric asked real questions. They don’t show that enough that they are actually talking about real life. He is super nerdy though, trying to act all cool. I don’t feel like he really went in depth about his past. It all seemed buszzwordy and surface level.
  • Tom and Morton. I love them.
  • I feel like a lot of these guys are just saying what they think she wants to hear.
  • I think Matt is in the friendzone.
  • Kenny needed to go home. Bye boo.
  • Why are the leads always surprised how emotional this process is?
  • Oh Will…this date is painfully awkward.
  • If you can’t be romantic at a castle, where can you?
  • I am sad to see Will go, but you could tell there was nothing happening between them.
  • Either Matt or Adam are going home at the end of the rose ceremony.
  • Huh. I did not think that Alex was in jeopardy at all.
  • On to another week!

My favorites: Peter and Dean.

And for those of you who follow the Bach in Paradise story: