A Lighthearted Take on Friendship Advice | Review of Better Together

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

Being a mom is hard, but it doesn't have to be lonely. 

Are you trying to do this mothering thing alone?
So focused on the kids that you're hungry for friendships of your own?
Have good friendships, but you want to enjoy them more?

Jill Savage, mother of five, knows those challenges well, and she's here to help. Presenting a compelling vision of motherhood as a group effort, Better Together shows how you can:

• Combat isolation and enjoy a supportive mothering community 
• Increase your social confidence and stop the comparison game 
• Deepen your friendships as you share life with others 
• Strengthen trust and build friendships without fear 
• Increase your joy and thrive as a mom 

All these things are possible. Dive into this storehouse of creative ideas for how to make mothering easier, richer, and more fun than you ever thought it could be.

Available Now!

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My Review 

Better Together is a fairly light read that covers the basics of being a good friend. It provides ideas for reaching out, getting together, being there, showing grace in the difficult seasons, and blessing others (and being blessed). I appreciate the scope of the book, and it was fun to take the personality tests included in the back, which correspond with a particular chapter. :)

I confess the tone felt a little too young for me, given the audience is supposed to be adult women. I realize it's probably meant to be fun and and provide mothering cheerleading, but there were a lot of exclamation points, along with labeling categories of friends and reference to putting on "big-girl panties"—that sort of thing. Some readers might appreciate the lighthearted nature of the book, but it was a bit much for me.

Some of the ideas also felt a bit much for me in other ways, like the co-op suggestions for cooking lots of meals at once, trading babysitting, etc. But that's probably more a personal issue! Some of those projects sound overwhelming, with a lot of work and prep involved that could be fun when tag-teamed but could also be stressful and difficult to plan.

I did appreciate chapters like "Helping Together" and "Caring Together"; I love how the authors encourage community and thoughtfulness and ways to be there for someone who is going through a painful time or simply could use a helping hand. It's a good reminder to be on the lookout for ways to love others better.

On a note that's unrelated to the content, I really like the look and feel of the book! The cover is pretty and the size of the book is great for a paperback. While the tone and some of the ideas in Better Together weren't completely up my alley, this book does have thought-provoking tips and relationship reminders.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

A Thought-Stirring Little Read on Hospitality | Review of The Simplest Way to Change the World

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

How to make disciples using hospitality

Deep down, every Christian wants to make a difference. But for many of us, the years come and go and we never do. The good news is: change can be as simple as opening your front door.

The Simplest Way to Change the World is about biblical hospitality and its power for the gospel. Since people will sooner enter a living room than a church, hospitality is a natural and effective way to build relationships for Christ. You'll learn:

• How the home can be a hub for community 

• How hospitality leads to joy, purpose, and belonging 

• How it grows families to love the things of God 

• How it's not about being the perfect host 

• How to be hospitable regardless of your living space 

Hospitality is a beautiful legacy of the church, and a great way to make disciples. As you open your life up to others, you share in the very character of God and experience His joy. And you get to witness lives change—including your own.

Includes 20+ creative ideas for hospitality, plus questions for small groups

Available Now!

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My Review

This is an easy-to-read, engaging book that helps you better understand why hospitality matters and how you can embrace it in all seasons and stages of life. Granted, some of the ideas feel more scary to implement than others, but I appreciate that this book challenges the reader in a fun, encouraging way.

The Simplest Way to Change the World is a fairly quick read, and both authors jump back and forth in sharing their own experiences (or their friends'). While I'd say this book is geared more toward couples (especially ones with kids), the authors do address singles and college students, and a lot of the ideas are general enough to apply to anyone with a space for hosting.

The "Practical Rhythms of Hospitality" chapter is really neat, offering a variety of ideas for being intentional about inviting others into your life on a weekly, monthly, and/or yearly basis. A lot of the ideas provide a fun, foot-in-the-door sort of approach that can help you start building relationships. One of the weekly ideas involves inviting people over to watch a TV show, and I know that I've been blessed by others who did just that!

And besides the creative ideas, I appreciate that this book includes chapters like "How Do You Meet Your Neighbors?" and "How Do You Get to the Gospel?" Because, well, we don't want to be creepy or annoying or uncaring! So these chapters provide helpful perspective on being available, reaching out, and truly loving others without shying away from talk of Jesus.

I like that there's a small-group guide for those who want to study the book and its topics together. This book doesn't impart boldness to you or magically make your schedule more open, but it is a thought-stirring little read that speaks to the importance of hospitality and the need for any and every Christian to have a hospitable heart.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

Left with Much to Ponder | Review of Your Future Self Will Thank You

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

Why can't I control my anger? Or stop overeating? Or wasting time online? 

Why can't I seem to finish my projects? Or make progress in my spiritual life? 

Why do I fall for the same stupid temptations over and over again?

When we fail, its easy to make excuses or blame our circumstances. But let's face it: the biggest enemy is usually the one staring back at us from the mirror every morning.

We lack self-control.

Self-control isn't very popular these days. We tend to think of it as boring, confining, the cop that shows up and shuts down the party. But the truth is that people who cultivate this vital virtue lead freer, happier, and more meaningful lives. After all, our bad habits—from the slight to the serious—bring a host of painful consequences. Ultimately, they keep us from becoming the people God created us to be.

Your Future Self Will Thank You is a compassionate and humorous guide to breaking bad habits and growing your willpower. It explores Scripture's teachings on how to live a disciplined life while offering practical strategies for growth based on the science of self-control. Whether you want to deepen your spiritual life, conquer an addiction, or kick your nail-biting habit, this book will help you get motivated, stay on track, and achieve your goals.

Sure, self-control is hard, but it doesn't have to be that hard. Get the help you need to be freer, happier, and more productive. Your future self will thank you!

Available Now!

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My Review

This book has given me a lot to think about: strategies I want to implement, truths I want to remember, attitudes I want to change. It's a lot to take in, and the trick is to figure out how to apply the information in a way that will stick. Because, as this book makes perfectly clear, we are weak and prone to stay in our ruts, taking the easy way with the habits we've already established. That's definitely true for me!

I greatly appreciate both the practical guidance and the biblical perspective in Your Future Self Will Thank You. In chapter 7, there's a really great discussion about why self-control matters since we're saved by God's grace and sustained by His power. In chapter 3, the author provides some helpful insight on the temptations Satan presented to Jesus and Jesus's response. And chapter 8 sadly resonates with me as it addresses the very real issue of technology (especially social media) and its affects on our time and self-control.

The meat of this book has to do with willpower and habits and approaching those things with right reasons and a view of our need for God's strength. It's eye opening to realize just how much our habits determine our days...and to face what might be feeding those habits we wish we didn't have.

I like that these pages don't promise an easy way forward. Change is hard, and good habits aren't easy to establish (nor are bad habits easy to break). Finishing this book won't automatically change your life or make you feel like you've won the battle. But it's a great tool in that it makes you want to examine your own routines and consider what you need to change (and how you might begin doing so) in light of God's goodness and power.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

Helpful Support and Suggestions | Review of Homeschool Bravely

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

Quiet the voices of "not good enough" and step courageously into guilt-free homeschooling

Many homeschool parents have a long-term relationship with self-doubt. "Did I make the right decision?" "Could someone else do this better?" "Am I robbing my kids of something by not sending them to 'regular school'?"

What if there's a better way? 

Not a 3-step technique or a shiny, new curriculum, but a change in perspective that transforms the way you plan, teach, and homeschool?

Homeschool Bravely teaches you to see homeschooling as a calling, helps you overthrow the tyranny of impossible expectations, and guides you through the common bumps in the road, including how to:

• juggle school and parenting with toddlers at home 
• teach a struggling learner 
• plan with the end in mind 
• accept your own limitations without feeling guilty 
• stay the course even in the face of criticism 

Reclaim your hope, renew your purpose, and transform your homeschool. Because the truth is: God will use every part of your homeschool, even your fears, faults, and failures, to weave good plans for your kids.

Available Now!

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My Review

I'm personally not in the trenches of homeschooling right now, but I could see how this book would be like a big sigh of relief for those who are! It's full of encouragement and good reminders about keeping the journey in a far-reaching, even eternal perspective.

I was never homeschooled myself, but it's something we're considering as an option for any children we may have someday—hence my interest in this book. :) I like that Homeschool Bravely celebrates freedom: the freedom found in trusting God's sovereignty over our children's lives, the freedom to pursue education in a way that works for each family, and the freedom to let kids explore their interests and cultivate a love of learning in unique ways.

There were some great suggestions in these pages for teaching and working with kids of various ages and levels, especially when some kids are old enough for school and others aren't quite there yet. And there are some great words of advice about keeping homeschool plans focused, simplified, and meaningful.

Certainly not surprising, based on the title and topic, this book centers around homeschooling and defending its value. So while it does talk abut how defensiveness isn't needed and fighting about educational choices isn't productive, this book is definitely for those who believe homeschooling is the best choice for their family. If you're a homeschooling mom or definitely plan to be one, you'll find lots of support in these pages. If you're on the fence, you might not get a super balanced view between the various options, but I realize that's not the purpose of this book. :)

One of the appendices is titled "Questions to Ask Before You Start Homeschooling," and I confess I had hoped it would provide some sort of questionnaire for self-assessment; whereas, it's actually a list of questions to ask other people about their homeschooling experiences before you take the leap yourself. Which can still be quite helpful, for sure! Just not exactly what I had personally hoped to find.

All in all, though, Homeschool Bravely is a nice resource, especially for those who have already started on the homeschooling journey or are planning to begin soon. There are some neat tips to ponder and a lot of encouraging words about keeping the focus on God and His sovereign work in the life of your family.

P.S. The cover is really cute, and the design of the pages within is visually appealing!

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

An Insightful Study on the Vital Truths of Colossians | Review of He Is Enough

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

Discover the Secret to a Full Life

We live in a world of scarcity. We say, “I don't have enough time… maybe when we have more money… if only I had a little more help…” But Scripture says if we have Jesus, we have enough.

In this 6-week study of Colossians, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers to discover the life-altering importance of Jesus' sufficiency and sovereignty. And you don't need hours a day to enjoy this Bible Study. Each day's study contains two paths:

• Snack on the Go: a bite-size morsel of truth to chew on throughout your busy day 

• FEAST: a dig-deep guide to maximizing the “meat” you're getting out of your Bible study 

• PLUS! a supplemental "Serving and Leading" section that includes service challenges for making theory a reality 

You can enjoy this study in whatever way works best for you. Discover the joy and freedom that abounds when we know deep in our hearts that Jesus truly is enough.

Available Now!

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My Review

He Is Enough provides an insightful and encouraging study on the book of Colossians. The format offers two options for each day: a quick and simple route, and a more in-depth study. There is a lot to love about this book, and I hope that fact will shine through by the end of my review!

I'll admit, I struggled. As in, I received the Bible study in June 2018, did some of it that summer, and then didn't finish until the first month of 2019. I think there might be a few reasons for that, one being that, as a reviewer, it feels like there might be a bit more pressure in approaching the study and being thorough about it.

The truth is, I wasn't as thorough as I probably should have been. I started out trying to answer most of the questions, but I quickly (sadly) ditched that route. I figured if I wanted to actually make it through the Bible study in order to review it, I "needed" to be willing to skip questions (read them, but not answer them all).

Honestly, the book provides that sort of grace already in its format, by giving you a choice each day on how in-depth you'll go. I just chose a different route, of sorts, by reading through the longer sections and choosing which questions to answer. It's not that I recommend this path; I just want to be up-front in my review. If I had put more time into answering questions than the weekly coloring, that might have been an even better choice. (Although I did appreciate the lovely coloring pages!)

All that to say, if you go the long ("FEAST") route each day and answer every question (or even go through the leaders' guide in the back along with the study), it's going to take time and energy. It's going to take a big commitment. But in the end, you're likely to get a lot more out of the experience and have an even richer understanding of Colossians.

Now, did I still find it worthwhile to go through even some of the study? Absolutely!

I'm truly grateful for God's gracious timing, because there was a day in Week 3 of the study (which I didn't get to until this month) that touched me deeply. I ended up journaling about it and was so blessed by the way God's Word lovingly spoke to my struggles and wrong attitudes. And I'm grateful this Bible study pointed me to those verses and helped me in pondering them afresh.

And it's not just that day's lesson that was meaningful to me. There's plenty more to gain in studying Colossians and having a better understanding of particular passages and the main message. This study is great about helping you really observe the biblical text, and it also gives an awesome and useful tip for memorizing verses, so we can better hide God's Word in our hearts (see Psalm 119:11).

Whether this study takes you six weeks or six months, and even if you find yourself "snacking" more often than "FEAST-ing," there's a lot to learn from it. Colossians is most definitely worth diving into, and the truth of Jesus's sufficiency is vital to dwell on and remember. In He Is Enough, you'll find lots of great info, food for thought, important questions to address, and various extras to help you get into God's Word.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

Reviews of Other Asheritah Cicuciu Books

• Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction
• Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional

Helpful Perspective for Life's Journey | Review of Born to Wander

About the Book (from Moody Publishers)

Why are we so restless? 

All of us have a little wanderlust—a desire for that next thing, that new place, but this competes with our longings for security, control, and safety. We don't like how it feels to be unsettled and uprooted. Whether we're navigating a season of transition, dealing with the fallout of broken relationships, or wrestling with a deep sense of restlessness, we are all experiencing some form of exile. And most of us do whatever we can to numb the feelings of unbelonging, powerlessness, and unsettledness that come with it. But the truth is that exile has a profound purpose if we can just learn to lean in.

Over and over again Scripture tells us that the people of God are exiles and wanderers. And this is good news because exile is what transforms us into pilgrims. In Christ, we are no longer directionless wanderers, but pilgrim followers who have a clear purpose and a secure identity. In Born to Wander, Michelle Van Loon weaves together personal stories and keen insights on the biblical themes of pilgrimage and exile. She will help you embrace your own pilgrim identity and reorient your heart toward the God who leads you home. Engaging and thoughtful, enhanced with practical suggestions, prayers, and questions, Born to Wander will teach how to trust God even when you don't understand what's happening around you and follow Him even when it hurts.

If you keep chasing security, you'll never find it. Embrace the purpose behind the wandering and discover the freedom and safety of resting in God alone.

Learn More | Add to Goodreads

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

I love the idea of adventure, the concept of life being a journey. I also understand the restless longing that doesn't go away no matter where you move or how your life might change for the better. So the premise of this book captured my attention!

Born to Wander is an encouraging series of chapters on various steps of the "pilgrim" journey each Christian faces in this world. It's all very readable and approachable, speaking to modern challenges while discussing lessons and accounts from Scripture. I found the latter chapters (particularly "Divided," "Trekked," "Sojourned," and "Diverted") to be especially compelling and thought-provoking (although it might also be that I was more focused when I was reading much of those sections in one day).

I appreciated the insights the author provides; for example, the context and explanations she offers regarding the Psalms/Songs of Ascent in the book of Psalms (in the "Trekked" chapter). This is a great, fairly quick read to use as a launching point for contemplating the life you're called to live, your identity in this world, and your perspective along the way.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Raises Good Questions about Our Attitude toward Food | Review of Full

About the Book (from Moody Publishers)

Can the Bible help me with my food struggles?

Have you ever felt stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of overeating, yo-yo dieting, and obsessive thoughts about food? Whether you feel defeated by your lack of self-control or overwhelmed by thoughts and longings for food, the answer to our food fixation does not lie in the $500 billion global diet industry. This is not a diet book and it's not a healthy eating plan. Because at the core, our problem is not really what we eat. It's why we seek fullness in something that will never satisfy.

Join Asheritah Ciuciu as she shares honestly about her own battles with food and reveals the path to freedom. You'll discover the joy of living free from food fixation so you can experience deeper satisfaction in Christ, gain a renewed sense of purpose, and yes, even enjoy good food (without regret). A healthier relationship with food through a stronger relationship with Christ—that's the goal of Full.

Includes a quiz to help you find out if you have food fixation, plus practical strategies for overcoming it.

Available Now

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My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

This book about our attitude toward food covers some great topics and challenges the reader in a good way! I started the book and set it aside for a time, but when I picked it back up, I found myself engaged by the writing, the readable structure, and the important reminders.

I found chapters 10 and 11 ("Embrace the Grace of Community" and "Serve with Food") to be especially challenging and thought-provoking. How should food be treated in the church? How can we move the focus of our hearts from food to God during times of fellowship? How can we remember and care for the hungry? These are all good questions...and things I need to think about more.

I also appreciate that a chapter is dedicated to fasting, something noted in the Bible but not overly discussed in modern times. It feels like more of a radical or foreign concept, but I don't think it's supposed to be. There's so much I have to learn about fasting, and it's helpful to have some guidance in this book.

When read too quickly, I could see Full being a bit overwhelming...there's a lot to "digest" in the area of eating! But I appreciate that the intent of this book is to direct readers to Jesus and how we can honor Him in this part of our lives that tends to "consume" a lot of our time and thinking. (Pardon the puns!)

Full is an encouraging read that tackles a touchy topic with grace.

Read my review of Asheritah's Advent devotional: 
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

How Will You Celebrate Advent Next Year? | Review of Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

About the Book

Most Christians agree that Christmas is all about Jesus, yet most of us spend little time preparing our hearts to celebrate Him. Why is this? Partly because we don't know how.

In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week:

• Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together
• Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week's name of Jesus
• Includes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects

This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is.

By focusing on the person and character of Jesus throughout the Advent season, readers will prepare their hearts so that when they admire the live nativity, sit in the candlelight service, or wake up on Christian morning, they can join the faithful who sing from the bottom of their hearts, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

Be Prepared for Next Christmas!

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My Rating

Spring

My Review

I enjoyed having a new Advent devotional to go through with my husband this year! The size, feel, and look of this book are lovely, perfect for keeping out in plain view throughout the holiday season. And I think it's a great concept, to daily go through the names of Jesus in preparation for celebrating His birth and who He is as our King and Savior.

As for the content, there are some good thoughts to ponder and creative (and fun!) ideas for families to act on what they've been learning together. I don't recall a whole lot of moments where something struck me in a powerful way...although the reading on "Jesus Is the Truth" has some really neat perspective to offer.

It's possible that reading the book aloud to someone else kept me from focusing and thinking as deeply as I ought to have done. Perhaps I would feel more impacted by the devotions if I read them on my own, or if I took more time to dwell amid the pages, look up all the suggested verses, and respond to the challenges. Still, there are important reminders in here, and this book does encourage daily thoughts of who God is.

The structure isn't my favorite... You have to be thinking and counting ahead to make sure you start the book on time to finish by Christmas. And while there are readings for each weekday, there aren't any for the weekends. However, if you choose to do the interactive candle lighting sections with your family, those can take place on Sundays, and the weekly activities can be done on Saturdays (or anytime during the week), as the author suggests in the introduction.

I have another Advent devotional that has daily readings for the whole month of December, and I believe I prefer that layout, especially if you're using the devotional on your own. But I think the layout for Unwrapping the Names of Jesus could be really fun for a family who's interacting with all the different components of the book.

All in all, this is a unique and meaningful take on Advent, and I appreciate that it points to the greatness and love of Jesus. The devotional is especially geared toward families and encourages participation. It's a book that will be nice to have on hand and perhaps read through again some future Christmas season!

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book.*

My Review of Sync or Swim

Here's a description of the book from Moody Publishers:

"The workplace is stressful these days. When people are stressed, they have a harder time learning and applying helpful information. Fortunately, stories are one of the most powerful ways to communicate truths effectively.

Fables cut through complexity to reveal simple, crucial wisdom.  

Sync or Swim is a refreshing, illustrated story of a sheepdog and a puffin, that helps us to solve a frustrating mystery: Why do morale-building programs often hurt morale . . . and why does communicating appreciation too often result in cynical reactions? In Sync or Swim, you'll follow an organizational manager and the challenges he has to overcome:

• A threatening storm rapidly approaching the island
• The expectation to do more with less
• Complaining, negative team members
• Morale of loyal employees who feel undervalued
• Long history of mismanagement

It's a small tale with great wisdom, a classic insight into the ways expressing authentic appreciation can change everything-and help us survive the storms that threaten us in work and life."

My Review

Sync or Swim is a quick and interesting read - a sort of "children's book" that addresses adult issues directly related to the workplace. Certain things I thought were really good - others weren't quite as fresh or directly related to my situation.

On the plus side: No matter what your position in a business, there's some great wisdom in here. Learning how to show genuine appreciation for others' work, taking the time to truly listen, and celebrating achievements - those are all things everyone should take to heart. There are some pithy, highlighter-worthy lines here. And the illustrations are unique and a lot of fun!

Now, I would say that the overall message of the book is more specific than I would prefer. But then, I think if the book finds its way into the hands of the exact target audience...well, there you go! Basically, the book is more for those in leadership roles, helping them to understand the employees they're managing and how to bring everyone in different departments together during turbulent times. And if you're at all familiar with Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages, then you'll recognize the heavy emphasis. My impression is that it's sort of like The Five Love Languages for employers/managers, but told in a fable format with animal characters.

Don't get me wrong! Helping managers to effectively communicate their appreciation for those working under them is a huge thing, and applying the five "love languages" to the workplace is a significant and worthy goal. And the story's approach is creative, if a little odd in the sense of animals working in human institutions.

If you're looking for some good advice for maintaining positive relationships with your coworkers, Sync or Swim does include that in a roundabout sort of way. It's an encouraging little read - probably most helpful for business leaders, but still including some good food for thought for others.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Note: Sync or Swim releases November 1, 2014.

My Review of Still Life in Shadows (CFBA Tour)

Click HERE to read the book description and learn more about the author!

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

With this book, Wisler has a new publisher, a new genre, a new story, a new point-of-view...but the same gentle writing style that slowly engages while constantly offering powerful emotional insights.

Due to the popularity of Amish novels and their celebration of the "simple" Amish culture, a book like this - where the hero is a man who helps others leave their Amish roots and embrace the Englisher lifestyle - is bound to intrigue. But Still Life in Shadows is more the story of one man trying to figure out how to reconcile his past and his present (and one girl whose daily struggles alternately annoy him and inspire him) than it is a story out to bash the Amish. While it certainly raises some questions about the rigidity of the Ordnung and the possibly unyielding ways of some of the Amish people, Wisler's story pretty well avoids generalizing and instead boils everything down to the personal - the grief and difficulties the characters struggle with in their own unique situations.

So if you're looking for a fast-paced, anti-Amish book, this probably isn't the one for you. And if you're a fan of Wisler's romance novels, be aware that, while there is some sweet romance tucked away in these pages, the focus is on the two people whose thoughts we are privy to: Gideon, and an autistic girl named Kiki. This book isn't really about the exciting plot twists, but rather about the journeys of Gideon and Kiki and the people that love them.

Still Life in Shadows offers a tender - but not sugar-coated - look at the sorrows of life, the choices that we make, and the hope and growth that can be found in unexpected places, at unexpected times, and in unexpected ways. Love-affirming and life-affirming!

*With thanks to the publisher through CFBA for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of Harvest of Rubies

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, and solve perplexing mysteries—and she’s a woman! When Sarah’s forced to marry the queen’s nephew, her career disappears but not her skills. After discovering irregularities in Darius’s books, she finds herself in grave danger—and learns that she has more to offer than her talents."

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Tessa Afshar builds a story full of tension and learning experiences and - eventually - romance on an interesting premise. When bright and studious Sarah is given the opportunity to work as the Senior Scribe to the queen, she embraces her life as a female anomaly in her culture. Neglecting her appearance and her social life, she elects instead to spend almost all of her time working. But when danger turns up and she is the one who averts a crisis, she is forced to accept a new opportunity that takes her away from all that is familiar and all that she achieved. Instead of being the end of her problems, as well as her future, this new turn of events might just prove to be the beginning of an exciting and meaningful new life...if she'll let it.

Certainly an intriguing set-up for a story! Harvest of Rubies has some great plot twists and some wonderful faith lessons interwoven throughout the pages. And romance-lovers, if you persevere through the set-up events, there really is some sweet romance in here - although it comes with a lot of drama, too!

One thing to note is the use of first-person point of view. For some, it might make the story that much more personal. This is undoubtedly Sarah's story to tell, so I don't begrudge such a technique, and I think it worked well in certain ways. But in other ways, I do think third-person point of view might have made the story more dynamic, while avoiding some of the pitfalls of too much introspection and explanation of themes and messages. I can understand the desire to make sure the reader understands what you're trying to convey as an author, but as a reader I also want to be able to discover some of the depth to the story myself.

Overall, though, if you're looking for biblical fiction that is both unique and full of timeless truths, Harvest of Rubies is a great read.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*