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Clutterwise
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Although Patty Kirk grew up going to Catholic church, she fell away from her early faith and became an atheist for over a decade. Two tragic events occurred in her personal life that cut to the very core of her being, and she didn’t see how God could let these things happen. She became a drifter, wandering from country to country overseas, longing for what she lost, yet not knowing how to get back home. She rediscovered her faith in her 30s through the witness of her husband, who prays daily in his walk-in closet. Now a professor at a Christian college, Kirk’s lyrical essays are fresh and edgy, offering a peek into her current role as mother, wife, and amateur believer. Fans of C.S. Lewis’ nonfiction will find delight in Kirk’s writing. Amateur Believer
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Even the most faithful, deeply-rooted believers can encounter periods of depression. Piper’s book, which is an expansion of a chapter in When I Don't Desire God, offers comfort and guidance to those experiencing spiritual darkness. The six chapters explore topics such as the physical causes for melancholy, waiting in darkness, fighting for joy, how confession of sin leads to freedom, and how to break loose from the bonds of self-absorption. This book is helpful for anyone who has suffered from depression – and it’s a good resource to have on hand to offer those needing encouragement. You can read this entire book in a pdf format from Piper’s ministry website, Desiring God.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Here’s a novel that will stick with you, long after you put it down. Single dad, Joel Carpenter, works in a beauty shop and still cuts his ex-wife’s hair. The two share joint custody of their only son, Colton. In a haunting first-person narrative, Joel tells what tragic mistake he made that led to his shattered marriage. Though surrounded by the support of friends who also play the single dad role, his greatest trial lies ahead. I was mesmerized by this story that took me right into Joel’s mind and allowed me to see how powerful my witness is to everyone I meet. After I finished the book, I gave my hairstylist a big tip. Read it, and you’ll know why I did. Annette Smith Books
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Here’s a book I could not put down. Stay-home moms and working moms alike will adore Kimberly Stuart’s breakout novel, Balancing Act. Don’t we all know how hard it is to balance love, marriage, friendship, and career? But oh, how the challenges mount when baby makes three. Heidi Elliot has it all – an award-winning career as a Spanish teacher, a cute home in a historical part of town, and a handsome hubby who loves the Lord. Six-month baby Nora sparkles with laughter and joy. (Insert Jaws music here.) Then along comes a gorgeous, wealthy client who pays a little too much attention to Heidi’s husband, Jake. And surprise! Heidi’s old flame moves down the street, working as a freelance photographer for his big-shot New York editors. Meanwhile, Heidi’s breast-pump stays in action as she’s gone back to work early to solve a crisis. How will she cope? Stuart’s plot is full of pizzazz, giving tribute to every woman’s need for the bonds of sisterhood.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Whether you’re a fan of Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind series or not, this author knows the Christian publishing industry. With over 63 million copies sold, his best-selling fiction series (along with co-author Tim LaHaye) forever changed the world of Biblical fiction. In this book, Jenkins shares his journey as a writer, and it’s a must-read for every Christian writer with dreams of changing the world through story. Jenkins began his career modestly, as a sports stringer for his high school newspaper. With nothing more than a love of words, he experienced a divine calling of the Holy Spirit while at youth camp in his teens. He devoted his life to always write for God’s glory, never knowing where this would lead him. With a foreword by Francine Rivers, this is the perfect book to start out the year by renewing your passion to write always for the Kingdom. You can also jumpstart your Christian publishing dreams through the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild. http://www.jerryjenkins.com
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Are you looking for a fresh way to dig into God’s word with a small group of women? This six-week study is designed as a journey through Paul’s book of freedom. Author Sarah Howell has a heart for modern teens and women through writing studies infused with pop culture and music. Each week highlights lyrics from a different secular artist, including Kelly Clarkson, U2, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, and Tim McGraw. The author instructs readers to download certain songs from their iPods for a true multi-media interactive experience. For women longing to be set free from the world’s way of thinking, Howell’s study will help set them free by the love of Christ.
There’s no better way to spend a chilly winter evening than to be whisked away to the sunny coast of California. Julie Carobini’s debut novel will warm you to your toes with quirky dialogue and characters you want for your new best friends. Married for 14 years to a handsome, rising-star attorney, Brianna begins to suspect that her flip-flops and microwaved cuisine are no longer capturing the heart of her husband. He’s starting to work longer hours and travel extensively, leaving Bri alone to raise their surfer-dude teenage son. Still deeply in love, Brianna sets out to reinvent herself. Readers who love extreme makeover TV will get a kick out of the interior design drama and Bri’s new wardrobe and glamorous hairstyle. But will it work? Encouraged by her longtime friend, Gaby, Bri learns to trust God with the details. The rich enjoyment of chocolate bonds their friendship throughout, making Carobini’s first book pure delight to read. Julie Carobini www.juliecarobini.com
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
This is a beautiful book, inside and out. For both novice and expert scrappers alike, Tasra Dawson’s collection of practical tips, real-life stories, and sisterly advice will inspire you to step forward with your dreams. “Open your eyes to a new way of seeing beauty in the ordinary,” she writes. “And you will experience a dramatic change in your daily perspective.” The author’s zeal for helping others transcends the realm of scrapbooking. Wearing the hat of a life coach, she shares how key page elements--focus, simplicity, balance, and boundaries, can also be applied to joy-filled, creative living. There’s even a chapter on how mistakes move us forward. Bloopers on a scrapbook page can be easily fixed with her helpful hints, as well as in life our mistakes draw us to God who can transform and enable us to be the best we can be. Lessons from the Scrapbook Page http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Georgia, Fairly, Mary-Margaret, and Clarissa--the lives of these four diverse characters are like threads, being woven into a tapestry of raw beauty: straight up. Although I’d experienced Samson’s prose years ago with The Living End, I was totally unprepared for the ride she took me on in this book. Her lyrical phrases are a joy to read: “Artists flowed through that place in a steady stream like warm butterscotch over ice cream.” Another: “Robert Darling lived alone… except for twenty-two tropical fish that tinseled up the tank, their colors shimmering under the fluorescent light overhead.” Georgia, a child protégé of jazz piano, squanders her potential on alcohol. Even when rescued by the people who love her most, Georgia must make a choice, and her decision becomes yours and mine as well. What will you decide? Samson’s novel allows us to experience this jagged-edged moment of truth from the safe distance of fiction. Author Intrusion http://www.lisasamson.typepad.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
If you’re a parent, do you long to create meaningful family time with your children? Parent coach Timothy Smith offers you the structure and ideas to build lasting bonds of loyalty through creating fun memories together--in only 20 minutes a week! Following up the success of his book, Connecting With Your Kids, Timothy Smith’s latest work will help you “draw closer to your kids as your kids draw closer to God.” Each of the 52 chapters is a stand-alone session that includes a list of materials, warm-up, scripture reading, discussion, and family activity. He also includes helpful tips for adapting the session for various age groups. The session ends with a wrap-up and prayer. There are plenty of activities to coincide with special occasions and holidays. If you find yourself needing to lead a Sunday school class or youth group, this book will save you the time and stress of having to come up with lessons and activities from scratch--leaving you with more time to enjoy your own family! Timothy Smith, Parent’s Coach http://parentscoach.org/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Calling all sports fans (especially those crazy about the game of football!) Here’s a book that would make a great Valentine’s gift for someone you love. Shaun Alexander, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, was named NFL's Most Valuable Player of 2005. Last year, he scored a record-breaking 28 touchdowns in a single season. Though he’s under 30 years old, this visionary athlete has a story worth telling. In a journal entry, Alexander once wrote, “My successes and values haven’t come from anguished trials. My success and values have come from God, and I must honor God--not the trial.” He shares that one of his purposes for writing the book is to be an inspiration to young people, to help them “realize that God is the key to success.” A quick, enjoyable read, I learned what an impact a mother’s strong values can have on a son--and the story of how he and his wife Valerie first kissed on their wedding day makes Alexander a worthy role model for today’s youth. Shaun Alexander Foundation www.shaunalexander.org
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
When an author has been married to the love of her life for over four decades, she’s earned the right to pen inspirational romance. Lena Nelson Dooley dedicates all of her novels to her husband, James. On the dedication page of A Daughter’s Quest, she writes to her husband, “You are always there for me. You love me, cherish me, protect me, and make me laugh. These last forty-two years have been an amazing ride. I never want to get off.” Aaawww…sweet! In Dooley’s latest novel, A Daughter’s Quest, Constance has been asked by her dying father to travel to Iowa to find his long-lost war comrade Jim. He worries that Jim doesn’t know God, and he can’t die in peace until he knows he tried to reach him. Constance promises to follow her father’s wishes, yet along the way, God has some intriguing plans for her, involving a handsome stranger with eyes of blue. :) Lena Nelson Dooley http://www.lenanelsondooley.com
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
While she’s gone, Liko responds to an invitation to further his Christian education at the Haggai Institute in Singapore. He discovers too late that a religious cult masterminded this scheme to kidnap the best and brightest pastors of China. Based on a true story, Flinchbaugh’s poignant portrayal of persecuted Christians opened my eyes to a new area of the world. As the daughter of a missionary to the Chinese, this author has a calling to enlighten the world about the Christian movement in China. I hope she’ll continue to do so through her novels. C. Hope Flinchbaugh http://www.seehope.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Fans of Gary Chapman’s perennial bestseller, The Five Love Languages, will appreciate this new fictional series, which offers readers an opportunity to see how Christ’s love can transform marriages. It Happens Every Spring is the first of four books, co-authored with award-winning romance novelist, Catherine Palmer. The cozy neighborhood of Deepwater Cove on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks offers the perfect setting for exploring the various seasons of marriage. Like the movie, Steel Magnolias, the hub of this quiet community is Patsy Pringle’s “Just As I Am” hair salon and tearoom. Here we meet our cast of characters: five women who form “The Tea Ladies Club” (TLC). Brenda Hanson has seen her last child off to college and faces her empty nest alone, while her husband of 25 years spends every minute on his new, fast-paced real estate job. Lonely, she resents his time away and wonders if their marriage will survive. A couple of dramatic events lead the TLC women to rally together, with plenty of laughter and tears along the way. Not only is the novel entertaining, I came away with new insight into what makes a beautiful, long-lasting marriage.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
“Do you ever feel stuck?” ask the authors of this new handbook aimed at 20-somethings. “Getting unstuck will only happen one way: by choosing to deliberately live your life – dreams and goals included – now.” Shannon and Michael Primicerio offer readers motivation and encouragement to learn from past mistakes and dream big. Their book is packed with real-life examples, showing how faith in God helped them overcome these ten obstacles, which include the approval of others, comforts of home, a normal and average life, a sense of control, knowledge of where to start, money to make it happen, motivation to do it, vision to follow through, and a knowledge of how your dream fits into God’s will for you. Each chapter ends with a discussion section containing questions for further thought, making this a useful guide for groups. There’s also an application point, encouraging readers to take one small step to “Do It NOW.” Even though I’m over the age of the intended audience, I found plenty of action points to apply to my own life. I’d highly recommend this book to college students or anyone needing a helpful push to get out the door … and into living the life of their dreams. Your Moment is Now http://www.yourmomentisnow.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
For those of us who’d love to spend ten days touring the Scottish countryside, Liz Curtis Higgs’ offer is irresistible: “Let’s go, shall we? Just the two of us,” she invites. The bestselling novelist who confesses to owning over 800 books on Scotland shows readers why her heart’s in the hills and glens of the Scottish Lowlands. I couldn’t read a sentence of this book without smiling and wiping away a tear or two – it was pure joy to read from page one. The detailed map in the beginning of the book allows readers to follow along while Higgs narrates our tour, complete with stops at her favorite pubs and tearooms. The text is embellished with gorgeous pen and ink sketches that showcase the beauty of Scotland, and each chapter begins with a carefully chosen quote from Robert Burns. I could hear the bagpipes as I turned the pages, taste the fresh scones and clotted cream, and smell the wildflowers. Readers can also visit the author’s website to see over 150 full-color photos and to learn how to win a nine-day trip for two to bonny Scotland! Liz Curtis Higgs http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Single mom Allie Richards’ life has not turned out according to plan. Widowed at a young age and forced to raise two daughters on her own, she never dreamed she’d celebrate her 35th birthday while living in a small rental home on her parents’ property. Her life spirals further downward when she loses her job and needs income -- fast. Although she’d like to start her own landscaping business, the bank loan officer slams that door. Surrounded by her Pinky Promise girlfriends, Allie learns about her town’s landscaping competition. The winner gets a new truck and city landscaping contract! Allie becomes a finalist and begins a daily regimen of landscaping the city’s park, while being filmed daily for a local reality show. The cameraman, Harley-driving Daniel Montgomery, can’t hide his romantic interests. Yet Allie longs for stability: a nice Christian businessman will do just fine, thank you. Her heart in a whirl, Allie learns to trust God with the big Plan. Mom-lit readers and green-thumbed fans of HGTV will be captivated by the stormy plot of Promise Me Always. Christine Lynxwiler http://www.christinelynxwiler.com/
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Today’s parents don’t want their kids to grow up to become aimless wanderers, restless and going nowhere. In his book, Raising Children on Purpose, author Wesley Fleming shares how parents can shape their children’s futures by following God’s plan in Proverbs 22:6 to “raise up a child in the way he should go…” In the first part of the book, Fleming helps parents discover their child’s unique gifting and spiritual passion – using the “DNA” survey tool (Divine Notion Awakening). The detailed analysis can be used for youth ages 7 to 18. The child’s unique “way” is the place where talent and passion intersect. The second part of the book equips parents to help develop their child’s calling. There are chapters on each of the seven emotional needs, as well as a section on praying with purpose and making home a place of spiritual growth. This book is jam-packed with charts, surveys, and other tools that would be wonderful for use in a group setting. Coming Home Ministries http://www.cominghomeministries.com
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Raising a teenage daughter in today’s culture is no easy task. The challenges of the roller coaster teen years can put on a strain on the mother/daughter relationship, leading to problems that last into adulthood. Susie Shellenberger, long-time editor of Brio magazine, knows what’s on the mind of today’s teen girls and has interviewed hundreds of them to find out what they really want from their moms. Teaming up with Kathy Gowler, mom of two, this book was created to help heal and restore tensions among moms and teen daughters. The focus of the book teaches moms and daughters about the sacred covenant relationship and how to make one between themselves and God. The Gospel is clearly explained to new believers who might pick up a copy, and I think this book would be great material for youth groups and women’s Bible studies. The authors also lead a national seminar called “Closer” for moms and daughters, and there’s an upcoming Mother-Daughter Cruise planned, as well as mission opportunities. As a mom with three daughters, I’m excited about this book! It’s a much-needed resource that can reach hearts for furthering the Gospel and changing lives.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
Do you smile through Darlene’s columns here every month at CWO? She has the knack for detail that makes us feel like we’re there with her, experiencing her most humorous and poignant moments. If you’d love to have a tangible way to hold the best of Darlene’s stories on your own bookshelf, The Mom Complex will make you feel like you’re sitting down for coffee with a friend. Each story is honest and rich in detail; I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. Growing up in a household of six sisters and now having four kids of her own, Darlene has plenty of hilarious writing material. Yet each story also contains a spiritual point to strengthen the reader’s faith journey . Each chapter closes with a scripture and three application questions, making this an interactive gift that celebrates the wonderful and quirky role of momhood.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
This beautiful, hardback gift book offers an eclectic mix of true-life stories, along with classic and contemporary poetry, quotations, and wisdom from God's Word. The pages are embellished with a delicate floral background, making the book an artistic delight sure to be cherished. It’s divided into six sections, including The Gift of a Child, The Gift of Love, The Gift of Wisdom, The Gift of Strength, The Gift of Peace When There are Trials, The Gift of Letting Go at the Right Time, and The Gift of a Grandchild. There’s also a dedication page that allows the book to be personalized by the giver. This would also make a nice church library addition to help anyone planning a women’s event.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
This sassy and hilarious chick-lit novel takes readers into the life of 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell, who invests in a pair of chic Valentino boots, hoping to impress her boss and move up the corporate ladder. Instead, she’s fired that day! With her life rapidly falling apart, she decides to move back to her hometown to encourage her recently divorced and depressed mother. Upon returning home, Cassie is shocked to discover her mom transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving career and social network. Cassie struggles to overcome envy and self-doubt as she embarks on a new journey into the unexplored territory of starting over again. Set against the backdrop of a ski resort, readers will enjoy seeing how Cassie grows spiritually. This is a REALLY funny novel that kept me turning the pages with laughter.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
When you think about your mother’s influence – even if she is no longer in your life – do you feel hurt, frustrated, or angry about your past? If you have unresolved issues concerning your relationship with your mom, it can impact every area of your life. This book, written by licensed marriage and family therapist H. Norman Wright and his daughter, offers godly wisdom and practical insights to help today’s women make peace with their moms. Co-author Sheryl Wright Macauley admits that rebellion in her 20s caused a rift between her and her mom, yet through God’s healing, their relationship has been restored. Using these experiences and God’s wisdom, she wants to reach out to women and offer them hope. Each chapter includes questions and space for journaling, making this a therapeutic experience for readers. Packed with real-life stories, I highly recommend this book for all moms and teen-up daughters to read.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
In our modern, hurry-up-and-go culture, eating family meals together is quickly evolving into a fast-food frenzy on wheels. Many moms have given up trying to create home-cooked dinners, further contributing to the breakdown of the family. Yet kids pay the highest price of all, since poor nutrition can lead to obesity, eating disorders, and dependence on peers for role modeling. Author Trish Berg has a solution for you: supper swapping! In this practical and fun book, she shares her story of how she connected with a local group of moms to simplify mealtime madness. With a dash of humor, Trish shows readers how to form a supper swapping group where you’ll only need to cook once a week! Then your family will receive stress-free dinners delivered to your front door the rest of the week. The book contains dozens of tried-and-true supper swapping recipes, which can be looked up easily using the index. Each chapter also includes scripture, prayer, and “potluck activities” for groups, making it a user-friendly hospitality guide for today’s busy moms.
Reviewed by Heater Ivester, for Christian Women Online
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CWO Cover
Bonnie Hooley
Straight Up 
52 Family Time Ideas 
Touchdown Alexander 
