The Crimson Cord

The Crimson Cord, Rahab's story. by Jill Eilieen Smith. With the small amount of scripture we know about Rahab, the author delves into a story of heartbreak, abuse, spiritual and emotional death, but ends with grace and healing. Rahab marries who she thought was a good man who she would have a family with and live a good life. But after he came back from war, where he saved the prince's life, he's a changed man. He's taken to gambling their money away and digging them into a debt that can't be paid off. Rahab and her husband are sold to the highest bidder to repay their debt, where Rahab finds herself forced into the roll of a prostitute. Alienated from her family because of their shame of her new profession, she finds herself alone, hated, and with no real value. Then some Israelite spies come to her home to ask her some questions, they find that they were figured out and officials are there to arrest them. Rahab hides them until it is safe and then asks them to promise to spare her and her household when their God destroys the city.
      I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this story! I loved so many things about it! I love that the author combined the story of the man who was forgiven much, but went after a man who owed little into this story. It worked so perfectly! I love the story of redemption of some one who lived a horrific life! Of course we know that it isn't a biblical accurate portrayal of Rahab, since scripture doesn't give us much information on her, it is a story oozing with Grace and love! There are very few books I can say I really loved, but this is one of them! I was thrilled to be given the chance to read this book and it didn't disappoint! I found I couldn't put it down after I was done, so it only took about three days to get through! I can't wait to read more books in this series!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Trouble with Patience

The Trouble with Patience, by Maggie Brendan. Patience is new to town after inheriting her grandmothers boarding house. Needing to get away from an overly critical mother and seeing this as the perfect opportunity she moves in and starts fixing up the rickety house! Patience is accepted immediately into the community and comes with some Godly guidance and wisdom for the residence which she writes down into a devotional book she's been developing. Jedediah is the marshal in town and doesn't really seem to have much patience with Patience at first! Shortly though they find themselves caring from each other, but Jedediah has a gruesome past that might not let their romance survive.
     Personally I found the book a little hard to get into at first. The first few chapters seemed a little slow moving, but once I got past that then it did get much better. The story is cute, but a little obvious in places. I found by the end of the book I really did enjoy it, just found it a little harder to enter into the story. I have to say though that the author does a great job of giving you a picture in your head of what reality looked like at that time. You could imagine the dusty little town as she was describing it! Over all a good book, one you won't be disappointed that you read!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Beauty of Grace

The Beauty of Grace, stories of God's love from today's most popular writers. In this book we come across stories from popular writers such as: Ann Voskamp, Laura Parker, Holly Gerth, and more! Stories, or more so insights of ways God has spoken to them, taught them and confirmed his love for them. I don't think I could pick a favorite chapter in this book. after reading so many and thinking "I love this one best" they all held so much truth and peace! Its a great book that brings you back to a place of reflecting on God and seeking him for your needs, be it emotional, physical, etc. This book lavishes peace on you, love, acceptance, allowances to not always be ok, to make mistakes and to know above all God is there not in a place of condemnation, but rather looking on you with grace! I love books that come with a reminder of who God really is. I really did enjoy this book and I"m sure I'll be referring back to it often!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.