THE PEACEFUL WIFE by APRIL CASSIDY

I wonder  where this book was when I got married thirty-two years ago? Would I have actually read it and applied it to my marriage? Could I have given up my strong-willed I am in charge attitude? I know the answers to these questions and I'm thankful that I have a husband who is patient and loves me unconditionally . I was so focused on being in charge and pointing out things my husband was doing wrong, I forgot to focus on what God had designed a wife to be.

As I read this book, I kept thinking that this book is all about me once upon a time. We can sometimes get so focused on what our spouse is or is not doing, that we become the leader in the marriage and soon that causes big problems. We are to helpmates; not take on the man's role. God has specific roles for each of us, but when we step out of our roles, strife and a struggle for control  ensues.

I loved the honesty and transparency the author wrote about her struggles and how she overcame them. We all sin, but the good news is that God forgives us. He wants and desires for us to have a Godly marriage. She talks about some of the causes of MARITAL POWER STRUGGLE . I could relate to each one and know I still need work in some of the areas . I was encouraged as I read the book and know that I will continue to go back through the book to reflect on His wisdom and unconditional love. "My level of respect and biblical submission toward my husband is a direct indication of my level of reverence for and submission to Jesus Christ." When I read that sentence, I stopped for a minute   to really let that soak in. It is nothing to do with our husband, but rather what our character is.

"You will get the most out of this book if you can chew in it slowly and think deeply about yourself and what God is speaking to your heart , allowing Him time and freedom to highlight certain areas for you." Thank you for a book that encourages us and helps us become the wife God designed us to be. "My goal is not ultimately to please my husband ..... My goal is to bring great joy to my Lord Jesus."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

EYES OF ELISHA by BRANDILYN COLLINS

This first installment of the  Chelsea Adams series  is a fast paced intriguing read. What would you do if you could see things Athat others couldn't ?  Could you stop something from happening if the vision was a warning of something tragic?  Chelsea is a mother and housewife who suddenly seems to start having visions. She can't explain them, but knows they are from God.

One disturbing vision is so unsettling that she goes to the police to tell them about what she has seen . I can't imagine having visions like she does  without being terrified myself.  Her latest vision is one of a young girl that has been murdered. She can see vividly where the body is and even who the suspect could be. The story reminds me a lot of the show called The Medium. I loved the intrigue in the story and the characters that jumped off the pages. Sometimes we can't explain why something happens, but we have to learn to trust God and believe He is watching over us. One of the characters struggles with their faith and at times is not sure if he is bold enough to share his Christianity.  Are we bold enough to share our faith?

Will anyone stand with Chelsea and believe that her visions are from God?  The book is riveting and is intense which keeps the readers glued to the book. After reading this book, I wondered how much I really trusted God. Would I accept His gifts without question? Could I be bold in my faith and stand up for others? Don't miss this electrifying book that grabs you from the beginning and never lets go till the final word is read.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

BRONTE PLOT by KATHERINE REAY

I do enjoy reading this author and I was anxious to get my hands on her latest. Lucy Alling works at a prestigious antique shop with the owner and her mentor Sid. She likes  her job, but on a special day called Bookday, she gets to take care of all the special edition , rare books. What  a job I would love to have. I could get lost for hours, just going through each book very carefully and discovering great stories long forgotten that had been collecting dust on a shelf.

She soon discovers that a young gentleman named James has a liking for these special books. He is an attorney and buys the books as gifts. They  seem to hit it off and begin dating. One day unexpectantly  James abruptly ends their relationship. What does he find Lucy doing that has him so upset?

James' grandmother , Helen, hires Lucy as an antique consultant for a trip she is planning for England. Her family is not thrilled because they think Helen's health is declining. Why is this trip so important for Helen? For Lucy this trip will bring make some unpleasant memories. Her father was last known  to reside in England. Will she find him there? With all the hurt and feelings of abandonment , can she forgive her father?

The story is intriguing and the characters are well versed in classic literature which adds depth to the storyline. The characters will face forgiveness, redemption and a past that each will need to come to terms with. It is a great story for readers of all genres who appreciate a well written story that captures your attention quickly and holds it till the end.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.

THE WEDDING CHAPEL by RACHEL HAUCK

What a beautiful story THE WEDDING CHAPEL is. It is about two generations  as story flows like delicate flowers nestled in a vase. The story starts during post-World War and continues to the present day. The author takes readers on a journey where families will make tough decisions and the hope of finding love that will last forever. I loved how the characters were portrayed and the realism the author wrote as they experience secrets , betrayals and a misunderstanding that could stand in the way of love.

Jack and Taylor are as different as night and day, but they eloped one day because of love. I loved when he said he, "Wanted  to be her hero." He wanted her not to regret taking a leap with him." As many couples do, they have disagreements. But when Jack tells Taylor he has a photography job for her you say see her face lightup. Will this job be a stepping stone in her career? What mystery will the building she is photographing unveil?

Collette is in town for a cast picture for the show "Always Tomorrow." She has been the matriarch of the show for six decades and the era has  come to an  end. I loved reading about Collette. She reminds me of several actors from soap operas that have recently gone off the air.   The grace and elegance Collette presents on screen will be missed by her many fans. The photographer for the shoot is Taylor, Collette's niece which I was excited to read. I could see the story start to entertwine and the drama that was about to unfold.

There is one more person to add to the mix and his name is Jimmy. Now Jimmy , also known as Coach has just been notified that "Architecuture Quarterly" wanted to send a photographer to take a picture of The Wedding CHAPEL  on his property. The chapel is a very private and enduring but sad  memory for him. Why did he build it? What long forgotten love will it expose?

The author does a great job of going back and forth between eras while telling a beautiful story of long lost love, new love and a love that spans a lifetime. It's intricate details make the story special and cast a picture of a beautiful chapel nestled away just waiting to be discovered. It's time to join the characters and explore a story that will have you  shedding tears, laughing and discovering long forgotten dreams. THE WEDDING CHAPEL is a master piece of words that paint a priceless picture of love.

I received a copy of THE WEDDING CHAPEL from the Fiction Guild for an honest review.