Book Reviews

Hope for a Widow's Heart: Encouraging Reflections for Your Journey
by Quin Sherrer

Published April 9th 2013 by Authentic Publishers


Quin Sherrer’s Hope for a Widow’s Heart is a warm, compassionate, gentle book that delivers its message of hope and comfort at many levels.

It can be read as a daily devotional, as a book that can be dipped in and out of or as a guide or study in a bereavement support group.

It is written in short, easy chapters covering topics that correspond to the many varied emotions, feelings, anxieties and concerns that are possibly present in the grieving process.

It is a message that Quin writes from the heart as she shares her own, and others, walk through grief. It is a comfort to know that we are not alone in our experiences. I found the stories and experiences of others helpful and comforting. It is often that by normalizing our own experiences through shared understanding that we recognise and can work through particular issues before they become more complicated and we get stuck and have to seek outside help.

This is a book that touched my heart and one that I will recommend to loved ones, friends and clients.



Disclaimer: I got a free galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.










Keeper of Reign by Emma Right.




I loved the cover artwork for this novel as it promised much, as did the first line, ‘Sire, you’re running out of blood.’

The opening pages set the scene with explanations of Jules’s quest for truth but I couldn’t quite understand who or what he was searching for. Was it his Mother, his Father, his grandparents, neighbours, the keeper’s book and who’s copy? Lots of questions, lots of possibilities but I never discovered the answers.

The plot was admittedly fast paced and full of action with lots of chasing and little escapades. Sadly for ,though, this was a novel that never quite lived up to its expectations. I wanted to get to know the characters more fully. I found it difficult to understand who was speaking unless it was clearly stated and I found myself backtracking to fill in the gaps.

Emma Right’s vision for the Kingdom is vast and elaborate and it has great potential, but for me, this particular novel lacked substance and depth.

Disclaimer: I got a free galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.







The 30 Day Praise Challenge by Becky Harling.

As so often happens when we think we need something, God has a different way of approaching it. Becky Harling was praying for healing, God wanted her Worship.

This is a wonderful project for anyone who loves the Lord. For me it is a ‘not now’ book……but one I can’t wait to explore. I want to set aside a month this winter and spend quality time with Father God. I want to be intentional with my time and my praise…and I can’t wait until the next few months of my busy schedule quietens and I can dig deep with Becky guiding me.

This is a study in praise with sound biblical teaching underscored with the Word of God and it made my heart sing.

I recommend it both for the young believer who wants to secure their foundations with God and for those who want to seek a deeper and closer relationship with God.

What starts out as an intentional way of praising becomes a way of life and we discover an aspect of our faith that has been sadly missing in our hectic life styles.

For so many their soul yearns for a way to spend time worshipping and praising God but lack the guidance and starting point, this study is perfect for ushering a believer into that special place with Father God.

Lives and relationship with God can and will be changed. Praise the Lord!
Disclaimer: I got a free galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.








Ripples along the Shore by Mona Hodgson

The Quilted Heart
Novella Three.




This is the third novella in the Quilted Hearts series leading up to the full length novel, Hearts Seeking Home.

It is the first novella I have read in the series and it took a few chapters to establish the relationships and friendships but, unlike some other series, this did not detract from the overall story or enjoyment.

This novella is about transition. The story of the recently widowed Caroline and her struggle to establish her new identity as a single woman and the adjustments she has to make combined with the anxieties and necessary preparations as she contemplates joining the wagon train led by the intriguing Garrett Cowlishaw.

The authour leads us into the full novel that will complete this story and I loved her adept word usage and descriptions as she ushered us into a bygone age.

As a novella it served its purpose and I was left wanting more and look forward to joining Caroline and Garrett as they explore the possibility of an awakening romance. I also look forward to watching Caroline as she trusts in the Lord as He determines the path she will follow despite the sadness and grief she has recently experienced.


Disclaimer : I got a free galley from the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for a free and honest review. Thank you.





Home Run by Travis Thrasher.


As Home Run suggests this is a novel centered around Base Ball, but don't be put off as it is a lovely, comforting tale of God's redemptive power in hard, long lived, desperate situations.

Cory is an alcoholic, out of control, base ball player who is fighting his own demons as he struggles to make sense of the memories of his father's menacing behaviour which was fueled by alcohol and is now being played out in his own life.

'Good old Dad stood there looking at him in horror, his drunken eyes suddenly sobering up and realizing. Then he spoke Cory's name but it was all done.'

The sadness and despair as Cory tries to block out any feelings for his father are captured so well by the author as he describes how Cory repeats the same behaviour like a loop constantly repeated as he plunges into a drunken haze day after day.

This isn't about a sudden light bulb moment as Cory realizes his need for Jesus but cleverly introduces a very successful recovery programme...
Celebrate Recovery.

I found the details of this 12 step programme intriguing and anything that can help other tortured souls overcome addictions, obsessions and disorders has to be looked into and I intend to find out more.

This was an easy read, no surprises or catching of the breath moments but its simplicity and gentle approach was a gentle balm in the hectic, frenetic world we live in.


Disclaimer: I got a free galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.


This Review first featured in my Blog: Refreshed, Restored & Redeemed.