Cordially Barbara

book recommendation

Book Recommendation: Move Toward The Mess

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[Book received from Blog About for a review. Opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.]

Move Toward The Mess jumped out at me from the e-newsletter. When I saw the title, my thoughts went like this: “Oh, I’m a mess. I should read that because I need to figure out how to lean into my own messy existence and be okay with my mess.” (Also, I love Andy Stanley, and he wrote the foreword)

And so, I requested to read and review.

Book Recommendation: Move Toward The Mess

Book Recommendation:

Move Toward The Mess by John Hambrick

Read it. Enter the contest to win your own copy. Buy your own copy. Borrow it from the library. But seriously, I think everyone should take a stab at this book.

The point is so clear…that you can’t mess it up. And if you do, well,…you did it right. Probably.

About Move Toward The Mess

Are you bored with your Christian life? The game of trying to keep everything ordered and pristine…keeping the mess out? Your eyes are glazing over every church sermon, and when other Christians talk about this or that.

What can you do to get out of the boring? John Hambrick shows a packrat’s treasure trove of discombobulated living to keep you busy and entertained for maybe a lifetime.

But the idea is simple. Move toward the mess.

Book Recommendation: Move Toward The Mess

Book Recommendation: Move Toward The Mess

Move Toward The Mess STRUGGLES

Move Toward The Mess surprised me with its simple ideas for living life. I liked that John Hambrick shared ministries that he has a heart for. The examples were interesting, but after a while, I tired of hearing about the same ministries again and again. I wanted to hear about other ministries and see a wider variation.

Yet, you can see the author’s heart for these organizations. And that is priceless.

Move Toward The Mess LOVES

But, I absolutely LOVED this book. John Hambrick analyzed what motivates Christians (or really, all people) into serving others. How you are motivated decides how long you’ll serve in an organization. Moreover, Hambrick talked boundaries.

A few points that I’ll carry with me from Move Toward The Mess.

  1. Don’t allow guilt to obligate you to service.
  2. Set boundaries for yourself, allowing free time for self-recovery.
  3. Move toward the mess.

Move Toward The Mess offers more detail into how live an un-boring life with very do-able mindsets. Please put Move Toward The Mess on your 2017 reading list.

Book Recommendation: Move Toward The Mess

Quick Review: Move Toward The Mess 

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Move Toward The Mess by John Hambrick is a strong cup of coffee. This book adrenalizes (not a word, I know) life.

John Hambrick unpacks the standard Christian life, and how boring doesn’t need to be a part of it. After all, Jesus was anything but boring. He caused scandal in all of the civilized parts of society. He moved toward the mess.

This book analyzes heart passions, guilt, boundaries, and serving. I think if you’ve ever struggled with boring or burnout…Move Toward The Mess is for you.

I picked up this book because I thought I was the mess, but instead, I’ve realized that I can move this mess of mine towards others. We need each other.

What Mess Should You Be Moving Towards?

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie Kendig

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[I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for a review. This review is my own opinion. Affiliate links used.]

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie Kendig

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig is a book outside of my preferred genres, but I love reading outside those genres. No matter what type of book you gravitate to, you can ALWAYS recognize excellent storytelling. Truly, I believe this.

Book Recommendation:

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

Where do I even begin with this book? The weaving of Biblical history, medieval history, and present day blew my mind, especially how all those separate pieces truly drove the story! Although the characters absolutely had issues of their own to work on, the problems they faced were SO much bigger.

This story is not relationship driven (although I have a soft spot for those stories). Explosions and shiny, terrifying arrows are killing people. Events are happening so quickly that you can hardly catch your breath.

Although I had to put the book down to do the necessary things (like be nice to people), I didn’t want to.

About Conspiracy of Silence in Barbara’s Words

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie KendigCole Russell (Tox) kind of, sort of, not really died three years ago, only to be resurrected by a kidnapping ruse to draw him out of hiding.

Kasey Cortez still needs to prove herself as an FBI deception detector. And Tox’s return to undercover work is the perfect opportunity because no one knows if he truly can be trusted.

Tox has been summoned to take care of a problem that no one else has the skills for. When he and his team poke the beast, the already big problem unravels into a much bigger problem. Will his skills be enough to save the world and himself?

Conspiracy of Silence Struggles

So here’s a thing. I didn’t realize that Ronie Kendig is a girl until about halfway through the book when for a slight moment, the focus shifted from explosions to a flash of romance. And the romance was so good, I had to stop and check if the author was female or male. Yes, I know men can write good romance.

I list this in the struggle section because I wasn’t sure how I felt about romance in this story. Did it move the plot forward? Did it inspire character growth? What was the general purpose?

But really, in the vast measure of this book and others, it’s a VERY tiny struggle. 😉

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie Kendig
FAVORITE LINE: “Regret was Tox’s first, middle, and last name.”

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie Kendig

Conspiracy of Silence LOVE

Shoo. Not sure where to begin!

LOVED the history with Biblical and medieval.

LOVED the combinations of different character perspectives

LOVED the characters. Each seemed strong and unique and developed.

LOVED the action and the plot.

I loved it all so much that it’s already been shared with my dad to read (he was looking for something great to read, and I was like, “Here it is.” and handed him Conspiracy of Silence).

Book Recommendation: Conspiracy of Silence (The Tox Files) by Ronie Kendig

Keep Up With My Reviews!

On Instagram, GoodReads, and Amazon, I share quick reviews of the books that I read. My thing is to compare books to food. Here’s what I wrote for Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig.

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig was a baked Alaska. The flames burst forth and what you find is a cold shock.

Tox (Cole Russell) is dead. Well, not really, but everyone who ever knew him thought so because he made a deal: his life for the lives of his team. But that’s old history until the government lures him into an undercover operation because they need someone expendable who doesn’t exist.

Phew, the book…riveting. That’s the only way I can really describe it. With a mix of Biblical history, medieval history, and modern day, I couldn’t get enough. Oh, and yes, between all the fights, assassins, and unanswered questions, love seeps in.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action packed story, this one just might be for you!

Interview and Giveaway: The Thorn Healer by Pepper D. Basham

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Oh, friends, I am so thrilled to be able to be a part of the book blog tour announcing The Thorn Healer by Pepper D. Basham. Seriously, this is a proud moment for this little internet space.

I first found out about Pepper from my sister who transplanted to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a teaching position where she met Pepper. When my sister found out that Pepper was an author, my sister kind of sort of made internet introductions. Meanwhile, I read The Thorn Bearer (just to check what kind of author this Pepper person was). Her honest and tingle-inducing story captured me from the beginning.

When I met Pepper in person, all my weird came out. But you know what, she’s as nice in person as she is online! I think I gushed all over her…

Okay, okay. On with the show, but be sure you scroll to my lil interview of Pepper (we talk food, tears, and strength).

Also, sometimes we talk about The Thorn Healer as TTH. Don’t be surprised. 😉

Series: Penned in Time
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian
Publisher: Vinespire Publishing
Publication date: December 6, 2016
Number of pages: 327
Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian

Jessica Ross’ scars run much deeper than the wounds of war. Determined to escape the ghosts of her past and the German influence on her nightmares, she returns home to the sleepy Appalachian town of Hot Springs, NC, only to find the renowned Mountain Park Hotel has been converted into a ‘prison’ for displaced Germans. To Jessica’s dismay, her grandparents have befriended one of the treacherous internees.

August Reinhold has not only found kinship with Jessica’s grandparents, but as they share their granddaughter’s letters from the Front, he discovers a surprising bond drawing him toward the independent and beautiful woman. Displaced by a war and a painful history, he finds Hot Springs and the intriguing Jessica Ross a tempting place to start over. Determined to scale the heights of her bitterness and show her the power of love, August faces more than just Jessica’s resistance but a more devious design to harm the civilian sailors housed in Hot Springs.

Will August’s tender pursuit bring Jessica the healing and hope she needs, or will bitterness force her into the hands of a “true” enemy waiting to destroy much more than her heart?
 

Oh, you’d like to read my review of The Thorn Healer? The good news is that you CAN.

Read my review here! And you should follow @CordiallyBarbara on Instagram, too.

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW’s Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.
 

 Author Interview with Pepper D. Basham

 

1. What’s something you learned from one of your characters?

God’s surprises are ultimately the very best kind – even if we only recognize it in hindsight.

2. On a scale of cotton candy (sweet but unhealthy) to Brussels sprouts (bitter but healthy), what food would you compare TTH to?

HAHA! Hmm….I could totally answer this one for my April release, but for TTH…let me think? German Angel Cookies – otherwise known as Engles – Pltazchen – why? a SWEET German treat (for obvious reasons) with honey marzipan (for Jessica and her honeysuckle scent). These cookies are simple on the outside but flavorful on the inside. Both main characters have much more to them than they appear – and, in my mind, there is a simplistic beauty about their story.

(Barbara over here…swooning for these cookies.)

3. Was there any part of the book that had you tearing up?

Yes. Twice. Once had to do with a stained glass window, the other had to do with a talk with her cousin on the porch. One touched my heart with its powerful example of God’s love, the other gripped my spirit with the conviction of trusting in God’s Sovereignty.

4. Since you live near the Blue Mountains, what’s your favorite part of Appalachia culture?

The strength of the people…in love, life, will, and hardship. Now, this strength can be a friend or a foe, but the strength is definitely my favorite part. (and then there are the mountains….) 

5. What’s something I should have asked you about?

ha! Hmm… what’s your greatest struggle as a writer? (not related to externals like time, ideas, scheduling, marketing…etc) More of at my heart, what is your greatest struggle 🙂

(Barbara: danggit. I should have asked her to answer the question too!)

Drummmmm Rollllll. The Giveaway!

And if you want to learn more about The Thorn Healer by Pepper D. Basham, be sure to visit the tour schedule below for previous posts and the posts to come! Happy reading about reading!

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Many thanks to the Singing Librarian for allowing me to participate in this blog tour for The Thorn Healer by Pepper D. Basham. If this book isn’t on your to-read list, put it there NOW.