From time to time I will review books, curriculum and other fun stuff! If you have an item you would like me to review let me know!
Book Review: Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson
The life of 71 year old Kentucky farmer, Claudius Borne, changes forever when his path crosses one day with recent college grad May Seymour. After telling God that he will “take whatever you give me”,he finds May crawling along the road one day after a wild night of partying. He takes her back to his simple farm to sleep it off and tend to her injuries. There, the wordly, aspiring journalist strikes up a friendship and tells Claudius about her upcoming mission trip to Rwanda. She doesn’t see herself called by God, she is simply going to help out a friend.
Unrest in Rwanda turns extremely violent. May is given a chance to escape, but chooses to stay with those who have impacted her. Everyone around her is murdered, while she is violently tortured and left for dead herself. Miraculously, she survives and makes it back to Kentucky. Once again she finds herself in the solace of Claudius' simple life surrounded by a riveting cast of characters.
The scars of her ordeal run deep both physically and emotionally. She becomes a recluse on the farm but learns so much about herself and others. She deals with loss many times, but each loss moves her along a little bit further in her spiritual and emotional journey.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Samson brought her characters to life in a way that makes the reader feel emotions right along with them. Some sections are difficult to read because the pain and agony experienced is so vividly written. I laughed, I cried, I worried, I cheered. Each character was designed with many layers that were peeled back and exposed as the chapters progressed. This is a story that will have you examining your own life too. After reading the book, it’s easy to long for a simpler life, one where distractions are at a minimum and dependence on nature a necessity. Overall this novel was a good read with a lot of depth.
Book Review: The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality by Sandy Coughlin
I was sent this book to review and from the minute I looked at it, I was excited to jump in and read it! The book itself is a slim, hardcover, beautifully illustrated book. I immediately thought this book would make an awesome gift.
Sandy chronicles her own evolution from reluctant, hesitant hostess to the willing and able hostess with the mostest she is today. Her personal stories grab the reader and by the end of the book you feel like an old girlfriend. The recipes are simple and sound amazing! I can't wait to try every last one of them.
As a homeschooling mom of two young children, I find myself being a very reluctant entertainer. I would love to have the social interaction with others, yet my house never seems clean enough and there never seems to be enough time to pull a dinner party together. Through the words of the Bible, Sandy made me realize that God wants me to be hospitable. He wants me to open my heart and my home to share his goodness. More than likely, my guests wouldn't notice the dust on the ceiling fans or the smudges on the windows. Instead, they would be flattered that someone wants to spend time socializing with them instead of doing other "more important" tasks. Thanks, Sandy for the different perspective on hospitality!
