BOOK REVIEW: Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock

I enjoy books by author Terri Blackstock, so I jumped at the chance to get a free copy through the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review. Originally published in 2002 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, it has been re-released in 2012. I chose the Kindle format. It is the story of billionaire heiress twins, Lizzie and Kara, told in first person by Kara. It's a tale of love, loss, greed, and more loss. At the age of three, the twins are suddenly ripped from the loving arms of their step-mother and thrust into the greedy arms of their maternal grandparents. These same grandparents showed no interest in the twins until their father died leaving them a huge fortune. Amanda, their step-mother is devastated and vows to get them back. She runs the family company for them until such a time as she can give it back to them. Despite being given a generous support check from their estate, the girls suffer neglect and poverty at the hands of their grandparents.
Covenant Child illustrates some great Biblical principles, such as love, sacrifice, and forgiveness, but there are problems with the storyline. With all the publicity the girls receive it is inconceivable that social workers, school personnel, or neighbors would not see how the girls were being treated and not intervened. Being an educator, I had trouble getting pass this and consequently spent a lot of time being annoyed. Without giving a way the ending, I will say it was satisfying, but the storyline still annoyed me.
My rating: 3 stars, because I do like Terri Blackstock, and the story was mildly thought-provoking.

Book Review: God's Promises Devotional Journal

I waited for two and a half months for this devotional to arrive from Thomas Nelson. After all, I am on the other side of the world, and up in the mountains. They sent it to me for free as a part of the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Well, that's a relief, because frankly, I was a bit disappointed. Not in the beautiful, raised leaf design hard cover book. Not in the impressive list of contributors including Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Patsy Clairmont, Elisabeth Elliot, and David Jeremiah. Not in the selection of Bible verses used, one for each day of the year. Not in the amount of space provided to journal in reflection of each entry, nor in the very brief length of the devotion. I think it is good to focus on a small morsel of scripture, and reflect on what God is saying to me. If I want a lengthy exposition of the scripture, I would go to a different type of volume. What is disappointing is the organization of the devotional journal. Each month begins with a quote from one of the contributing authors on a beautifully designed page which continues the green leaf theme of the cover. I expected the following devotions to be linked thematically, either by major thought expressed in the quote, or related scripture verses. I couldn't find such a link. If it's there, it eluded me. Yes, they are all (at times) loosely related to God's promises, but no other apparent connection within the month. My thinking is random enough. Speaking of random, there seems to be no organization of the scriptures used, no index to help me find some thoughts on a particular scripture, which is my second disappointment.
In conclusion, God's Promises Devotional Journal is a beautifully presented volume with an impressive list of contributors and adequate space to reflect on their brief thoughts on the day's scripture. It's make a lovely gift to a new believer needing some help in getting into the habit of a daily quiet time and journaling.

Book Review: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck, Thomas Nelson, publisher

If you enjoy cooking shows, clean romances, and southern settings, Dining with Joy is a good choice. Joy Ballard is the comedic host of a local cooking show, which the producer convinced her to take over after her father's death. One major problem, despite the fact that Joy grew up watching her father cook and develop recipes, she was NOT a true foodie. Joy's kitchen cabinet containing Pop Tarts and Spaghettios is reflective of her talent for cooking. After three years, the producer retires and Wild Woman productions takes over -not knowing Joy's secret. Hunk Luke Redmond moves south after having to close his restaurant up north, and joins the newly syndicated show as co-host. Jealous host of a cook-off show, Wenda Devine, seeks to trap Joy into revealing the truth. In the process, Joy learns Truth about God's love and goodness.
At first I was extremely skeptical about the premise that someone who grew up watching her father cook could not actually follow a recipe. Then I remember times I forgot a boiling egg and it redecorated my kitchen, or mixed up corn syrup and corn oil and had disintegrating frosting (okay, I was 12), and I opened my mind a bit more. Would Luke be able to save Joy? Would he get his restaurant back? I found myself rapidly reading this light romantic fare to discover the answer, and ended up enjoying the book.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of review. The opinions are my own.