July Book Review
It’s been a while since we have done this…
Today I have two reviews and I am happy to report they are both awesome! One is a doozy and the other is….well, honestly the other is too! Both of them have catty gals who you just want to choke out and wonder if people really act like this….sadly I think there really might be people like this in the world….So we learn from our characters here how not to be and how to handle these nasty people.
First up…If you are looking for an easy, quick, brain-less read, that will leave you laughing and cringing. I have the book!
Wolves in Chic Clothing by Carrie Karasyov
Yall, this book was shallow, funny, entertaining, and honestly had me thinking….hmmm…I wonder if this is reality in the upper class. Because sister, if it is….WOWZA!
There were tons of shallow remarks like, “Rule number one: tight lips, tight hips, tight ships.”
What does that even mean?
I think the theme of the book is exactly what it means:
This story takes place in a high end department store owned by a very wealthy family. The daughter is part of the “golden ovary club” and literally runs the marketing and philanthropy for the company. She lives by the motto, “Rule number one: tight lips, tight hips, tight ships.” with her teammates AND her close knit friend group.
Tight lips-no gossiping
Tight hips-no overweight or big hips (wait until you have children honey!)
Tight ships-everyone works well together
But the tight lips…ya, that does not really happen and honestly reading this book showed me how shallow women who gossip are. And YOURS TRULY here is guilty. But, after reading this book, I am going to lock that nonsense up. It is not appealing and it only leads to hurt hearts and friendships. But, it is funny to read it and watch the train wreck as it unfolds. And that is exactly what happens in this book.
This train starts out slow and speeds up quickly. Before you know it, well it is headed for disaster!
But in true form, this author does an incredible job of showing how we all make mistakes. It is what you do with the mistake afterwards that matters. If you learn from it and grow, bravo, if you do not….well…that is on you and you may find yourself on a train to nowhere.
In a nutshell this book is quick, easy, cute, funny, and entertaining. So if you find yourself going on a little weekend, get away or heading to the beach, grab it. It will have you laughing and cringing, but cringing because wow, the elite may have a lot of money, but it shows money ain’t everything kid!
Grab your copy here and tell me what you think!
Next up Is Kristan Higgins Out of the Clear Blue Sky….Great read that has a great story line, but if I am being honest my heart hurts for our main character Lillie, but only for a bit! Good overcomes in the end!
The story starts out with what seems like a typical family of three. Life is tooling along and everything seems to be going great and out of the clear blue sky something or someone throws a wrench at this sweet family.
Before you know it, Lillie finds her picture perfect life upside down and she is having to hold it all in and together for her kiddo. I am not sure I agree with how Lillie and Bradzilla (her awful husband) handled the situation with their kid, but in true form, everything works out, it just is sticky for a while.
Along the journey, Lillie discovers who she is and that she is a lot stronger than she thinks. The really cool thing is, once Lillie rediscovers who she is….Out of the clear blue sky something wonderful happens!
Super fun, easy to read, lots of laughter, with a cute little Cape Cod setting…the perfect recipe for a summer book read!
Grab Yours Here!
Until Next Time,
XO,
Worthy
Still You
Long time no Read! Not really….actually, long time no review. I have been reading but not reviewing and the book I just completed deserves a review. My prayer today is that, after reading this review, you will consider picking this book up at your local library or bookstore and reading it as well.
Why, you ask? Well, this is a subject very near and dear to me. You see I have a gay son. My beautiful JP is gay. Does this define JP? Nope! Does being heterosexual define you? No! JP is still JP no matter who JP is in love with ,drawn to, or desires. Nothing changes. Unless, of course, you think you are God, and here is the hard truth….nothing changes for God.
He made JP as JP is. The beautiful, talented, caring, young man, who is a light in this world. And if you are gay, trans, bi, heterosexual, pan, lesbian…heck, I have to be honest I don’t know all the labels because they don’t matter…what matters is who you are as a human. Bottom line, what REALLY matters is, God made these humans with all these labels as they are and loves them as much as he loves the beautiful blonde drawn to the fat bald man….we don’t decide who is drawn to who.
Today’s blog is not primarily about JP and his story. However, now that JP is over 18 you will see more talk of this, simply so we can be a source of hope for anyone who feels alone, different, full of shame, full of questions, and not loved.
Rather, today’s blog will dive into the book Still Stace by Stacey Chomiak. What a book! So beautifully written. So much so that I found myself crying and praying JP never had these feelings she so poignantly described.
Feelings of, “Why me God?” Feelings of, “Can I pray this gay away, and when I do continue to pray, and the gay doesn’t stray, why?….what does that mean?” Was my JP thinking, “Does God hear me? Does God see me? Does God care? Why am I different?” So many unanswered and weighty questions.
Have you ever thought, “Why me God? Why did you put this on me?” Can you imagine being a kid realizing raised in a Christian home, where it is taught that God is a God of love, yet because you are attracted to the same sex you fear you are considered a disappointment to God? Your attraction is an expression of love, so can you imagine how confusing that must be? Why is it not ok to love someone of the same sex but it is ok to love a drunk, a prostitute, a gambler, a broke, uneducated fisherman, a leper, a tax collector….sound familiar….this is who Jesus loved. Don’t you think he would extend the same love to all! I do. I believe it with all my heart and soul.
It breaks my heart that kids are bullied by their peers, by adults, even by those they love, because of who they love. If it breaks your heart too, grab this book! This book will show you things you probably have not taken the time to think about. I know it did for me. It will show you how people who are attracted to the same sex really struggle with the fear of being alone or isolated. It will show you how they are not harmful they just want to love like you and I do. This book will show you the true heartache that comes with growing up gay and being gay in a world of self-righteous people who THINK they know what God would do. God created the gay, the drunk, the prostitute, me, JP, you, Stacey, and all of us. God sees each of us and loves us right where we are no matter who we are attracted to.
So this book, this book is GREAT book for you to read if anyone in your life is gay. This book is a great book for you to read if you have a friend who is gay. This book is great for you to read if YOU are gay. This book is great book for you to read if you have a friend with a child or a loved one who is gay. Everyone should read Still Stace so maybe we can, collectively, find a way of discipleship and love for all.
This book opens your eyes to the many emotions one struggles with when being gay, such as confusion and loneliness. While you will never walk in their shoes, I firmly believe this book will give you a taste of how isolating it can be when you think the loved ones, friends, and worst of all God does not see you for who you really are, and if they did they would be disgusted, ashamed, and appalled. There can be an absolute fear of them not loving you, truly loving you.
Can you imagine what it is like to go through life being something you are not just to please those who are suppose to love you unconditionally? I, for one, cannot and my heart hurts for those who are out there living like this.
I want to challenge you to go and get this book. Read it. Pray on it. And what you will find is while you may never agree on the gay Christian issue, there is a way to still love one another and do life together the best you can. As Stacey so beautiful said, “Some relationships are worth holding the tension and learning what it means to love each other while strongly holding different beliefs.” That right there is a good dose of medicine I think our entire world needs…
So Stacey, thank you for this heartfelt, vulnerable, story. One that opened up even more conversations for me with my beautiful JP and one that has me even more ready to love harder. Thank you for this gift!
To all who read this, I will put a link to the book here and my prayer is you get yourself a copy and anyone in your life who you think could benefit. I bet there are more than you know…..
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
Link to the book here: Still Stace and if you want to get to know the Author you can follow her on instagram She has been so amazing and kind to me! So much so, that, I think we might even do some lives here in the very near future! So go give her a follow and show her some love!
October/November Book Review
With all the broken necks and weird super bugs that hit our household these past two months I got behind on my book review. But, never fear, it is here.
These past two months I read a couple of memoirs, some interesting books that really had me thinking, and one chick lit that I LOVED!!!!! I think I need to do more chic lit in December to keep things light with the holidays, so if anyone has any suggestions PLEASE help a sister out!!!! I need to chillax on the serious stuff I think!
So I took a tiny Enneagram workshop at my church in February and it really had me intrigued. I decided to pick up the book they spoke about and go deeper. I got The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Con and Suzanne Stable. I was so fascinated by this book that I subscribed to their podcast and I am working my way through it now. The book is pretty easy to grasp, but if you are like me and really want to understand people, well, I highly suggest getting the book and listening to the podcast. Basically in a nutshell this is a personality typing if you will. What I LOVE about it though, is it does not box you in to any personality and it really helped me understand how my weakness can become strengths and honestly visa versa. Raising teens in this day and age is hard and this book has helped me understand and RESPECT my teens and what makes them tic. That alone makes this book worth its weight in gold as far as I am concerned. Do I recommend this book for everyone? Only if you are ready to level up and respect people for all of their gifts….the good, the bad, and the ugly…..when we all do this, the world will be a little bit brighter. Unfortunately some people do not want or desire to do this….and that is why we are human. BUT if you want to be more like Jesus, RUN, do NOT pass GO, and get this book!!!!!
While listening to The Road Back to You Podcast I heard an interview with Sarah Thebarge who wrote The Invisible Girls: A Memoir. Well, I fell in love with her during the interview and I had to get her book as I was so touched by her heart and her strength. Sarah is a survivor of breast cancer and a lot of her story is how she coped with that while finding her way back to God. I resonated with this part of her story simply because I found myself wondering if God was really God a time or two in my life and I too have learned that by helping others we tend to let go and let God if you will. Great read. Easy read because the chapters are short which always leaves me thinking…..”Oh just one more, they are short chapters.” And the next thing you know it is midnight thirty and I have to get up at 5:45 am!!!!! That is always a sign of a good book for me!
Next I went with a book my brother in law Tom suggested on his Facebook page. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. This is my first Gladwell book and I have to say he is a fascinating dude! I think his point that we are terrible at talking to strangers is well driven home, but I will say he falls short on giving us any kind of advice on how to. What I do know is that I was fascinated by his view points. I think anyone who has to make quick judgments of others character and behavior should read this. He makes some interesting and thought provoking points. He really had me pondering a lot. So much so it took me forever to read this book because he does have you really pondering on how we see strangers. Let’s just say this book left me thinking and at a loss for words…..and that never happens! Should you read it? I say yes. If you don’t like it just return it! But, I do say yes!
After reading that heavy stuff I decided on a book my girlfriend Ashley recommended. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. I found this book fascinating yet heavy! In a nutshell it is about a girls account of being raised in a fundamentalist Mormon family, however, she makes it very clear that this book is not about Mormons, but about a very unhealthy and dysfunctional family. One that she survived and lived to tell about. Which in and of itself is a miracle because her father puts their family at risk a number of times. Why? I think it is because he is bi polar and not medicated. Bi polar disease when left untreated can be a nightmare and extremely dangerous for the patient and for the family members caring for the patient. What is worse, in this story, most of the family members are under the fathers spell and cannot see he is sick. This book had me wondering if many a cult leaders in the past were bi polar? It would make sense to me if that was the case and maybe then I could have a little more compassion, seeing that it is a disease controlling their mind. Maybe????? Bottom line that is what Tara has done. She survived her childhood, still loves her parents and family, but has chosen with zero bitterness to separate herself from them as a boundary for her own sanity. Now that is compassion! Great book about survival and one that goes to show we can overcome our circumstances if we choose to! Bravo Tara on your choices!!!!!
Holy Heavy! After all that I needed a break and I chose A Christmas Bliss: A Novel by Mary Kay Andrews! Can I just say this book was just what the doctor ordered!!!!! Thank you Mary Kay Andrews for bringing some love and fluff into this world!!!!! And perfect timing with Christmas right around the corner! This book is an easy read, with lovable characters, and just enough twist and turns to make for a happy ending. So if you are looking for an easy, light, chic lit read to get you through the stress of the holidays, well this is your book!!!!!
So there you have it! That is what I have been reading, what have you been reading? I would love to know!
Until January!
XO,
Amy
It's Here! September Book Review!
Never fear! It is here! My September book review! I actually had a few of you message me and ask me if I did not read in September! The truth is I did, but there was a book I wanted to finish before I wrote this and I did!!!! So here we go!
The first book I read was The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. I got the idea to order this book from a gal I respect and follow on Instagram. I am not going to lie….For me personally I got bored after a while with it and it took me FOREVER to finish, hence the late review. Why? Well, I felt like it was kind of long for the message. The message is simple. Do a little bit everyday whether it is in business, exercise, eating right, cleaning out, or just making a plan on improving yourself, and watch the compound effect happen. But, don’t let this review stop you from getting the book. This might be just the book you need to get started and grasp the concept of a little bit of positive everyday for whatever it is will eventually compound into a huge bit of positive. Think of it like a snowball at the top of a mountain. Push that ball down the hill and slowly but surely it builds in size and momentum…..so technically you could apply this positively or negatively! I see a blog post in the making right there people! But back to the book….If you are someone who is interested in personal development and improvement you cannot go wrong with this book and I am happy to have it on my bookshelf to reference when needed.
Next up I chose a little chic lit. I chose Nancy Thayer’s Island Girls. This book honestly is not what I expected but it was great for chic lit. I was expecting a juicy summer love story and this story is not that at all! This story is about three sisters on the island of Nantucket being forced to confront their past! Not what I was thinking and full disclosure I did not read the back of the book, I simply saw the title and thought, “chicks on a beach this should be good!” Well, it was good, but not how I thought! Their father passed away and the twist….they all have a different mom! Ya it was good and juicy, but not with a love story, but with family drama! It was so fun learning each gal’s personality and what made them tick and knowing they had the same dad but different moms….well…one is not biological, but you will just have to read the book to figure that out! It was a great read. Easy to read. Fun to read and if you are like me and love to escape into a good book this is it! The setting is beautiful, the story is fun and exciting with a bit of drama, which makes it so easy to be caught up in the lives of the sisters that Nancy Thayer writes about. Great book! Especially if you are on vacation or have a weekend on the couch to curl up and get lost in it!
This next book will not be for all, but I have to say it was HILARIOUS and insightful if you can get past the crewdness. I would also suggest you get it on Audible as the author is who reads it. You will understand why when I tell you what and who it is, but full disclosure: THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR JUST ANYONE! What is it? It is….I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart. This book was OVER THE TOP in so many ways and sometimes I found myself questioning if I should even admit to my followers I subjected myself to it. But I have always vowed to be honest with you and YES! I subjected myself to it. Bob Foley would be appalled, but I figure what he does not know will not hurt him! Because the truth is I learned a lot from this book. Would I recommend this to anyone and everyone? Um not just no, but HELL NO! I knew this book would be funny because of who wrote it, but I had ZERO clue how profound this book would be. This crass book actually inspired me! If you can get passed the crewd language and imagery this book has tons of life lessons on hard work, persistence, not being a victim, forgiveness, and how no matter what your beginning was or where you are now, your journey, and your story can be great! If YOU want it to be and if YOU believe in YOU! Do I recommend it…..yes, but know it is crass and vulgar but full of inspiration….I swear it is! So you decide for you, but don’t get mad at me if you get it and can’t handle it! Just sayin……
And last up for September was The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. This book is for sure in my top three books of 2019! This book was AMAZING!!!!! I was laughing, crying, angry, and rejoicing every time I picked it up! So many emotions! I highly recommend this book!!!!! To EVERYONE! I fell in love with sweet Sam with the red. He resonated with me maybe because he was teased so much as a child and my sweet Graeme has been going through this since last year with his weight and build. It hurts as a mama to know your child is being teased when they are away from you and it hurts even more when you find out they are holding it in and not telling you to protect you. Sam and my Graeme both do this. Why? Because they are extraordinary! That is why! This book touched me on so many levels, but it also provided me with so much hope. Hope for Graeme’s future and for any child being teased. This book is extraordinary like Sam and like Graeme and I highly recommend it for everyone and anyone!
So that wraps up my September reads! What have you been reading? I would love to know!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
August Book Review
What does a new month mean? Well, it means alot, but what it means for Worthy Heart is it is time for my book review! I just love this post because it takes me back to the delicious stories, the positive mental thinking, and the sad and tragic stories that have so much hope coming from them. If you are a reader and you are like me and love to escape in a good book then I would love to see you at the first of every month as well as I would love to hear what you are reading! I can always use another book on the night stand!
This month I did mainly self improvement with a little bit of chic lit. Not really sure why, maybe because it was the end of the summer and I just really wanted to pretend I was in the Hamptons and Rich and that I could afford the Hamptons!!!! :) Or maybe it is because I want to grow my business and while I do that I want to escape into romance…..who knows! Funny thing is the one fluff book I got had little to no romance, but it was a great book about old friends, new friends, breaking bad habits and relationships, and believing in yourself and your dreams. Great book! It was Lighthouse Beach by Shelley Noble. The basic premise is a young girl who is about to embark on her new life with her new husband and realizes before the “I do’s”, this is the worst possible decision she could ever make. From there the story unfolds to a tale of 4 girls, their history, their current situations, and their potential future, which if I had one complaint it is that it kind of leaves you hanging there. Maybe the author has hopes for a sequel, which I would love as I personally fell in love with three of the girls. One gal I could do without, but I think that is because her story was not told much. All I really knew was she had lost her husband, has a child, lives and works with the in laws, and ya, that was pretty much it. But, again, maybe the author has something up her sleeve, which I would be so down with! Over all it was a great read that did what I like and took me to another world and on an beautiful adventure. Easy, fun read with some twist and turns, but not a lot of juicy love, but I was ok with that as the friendships that were forming and the different personalities that were coming out were very intriguing. Bottom line, if you like stories about friendship, change, and hope, get this book!
Next I picked up a book per the suggestion of the number 7 earner in my company. Go Pro: 7 Steps to Becoming a Network Marketing Professional, by Eric Worre. This a great book chalk full of information if you are in a MLM or in sales of any kind really. It will help you understand relationship building and the importance of follow up. The author has some very insightful thoughts about the way of the future from college to corporate america that were eye opening to me as well as thoughts about coporate america in general. If you are stuck in corportate amercia and want more, grab this book and let’s talk. I think the book is a bit outdated with the dawning of social media, but in all reality people need people and not just a computer so it is still full of great information, ideas, tips and techniques. Again, I will stress if you are wanting a side hustle or are feeling stuck in corporate america I highly suggest this book and suggest you getting with me. I have begun an incredible journey with a new company that I am loving the products, the money I am making, the friends I am making, and the overall growth I am having and I would love to have you on my team and together we can hustle and grow!
Along the lines of growth I chose another book for my business and self improvement mainly because the author does a training with our company twice a month on Zoom Calls and I find her fascinating, sharp, whitty, real, and someone I can relate to. Her book was no different. Grow Rich Thinking: Mindset + Action= Outrageous Achievement, by Leslie Zann. You guys this book is a simple, short, quick read, FULL of good stuff! Good food for the soul and for the mind. This book is for anyone wanting more! You do not have to be in an MLM or sales for this book. The only requirement is hunger! That is it! If you want to experience a breakthrough in life or in business this book is for you! GET IT!
That pretty much wraps up August and I know it was heavy on the self improvement, but hey, I am in a growth spurt! That is a good thing right?
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
My July Book Review
Again! Better late than never!!!!! I mean who made the rule that I had to tell you what I read each month and post it by the first of the next month! ME!!!!! Geez!!!! Well, at least I am getting it to you before the double digits! Maybe once the kids are back in school I will flow a little better, but I cannot apologize for taking time with them. I really have enjoyed my family this summer and hey that is pretty important in my book!
Speaking of books, I read some great stuff in July! I think you will like most if not all of them! Especially the first one I read. I think I read this little bad boy in 2 days it was so good! Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate. You guys this book was amazing. It was so good that I could not put it down. After reading it I realized that it was based on true events which oh man that rocked my world even more because while I was reading it I kept thinking this is so “real” the way it is written. It was that good. Not to give too much a way, but to give you an idea of what the book is about, the book is based on true stories of children being stolen from their famililes and families being lied to that their children were dead. The children then were sold off to very wealthy families and their biological families never found them. This story is a story about one family’s fight to stay together. Heart wrenching story that will have you talking and thinking about it long after you finish.
Next I decided to read Hum If You Don’t Know the Words by, Bianca Marias. Now I honestly would not have picked this book, but it was given to me by my dear friend Lyndsy. Come to think of it so was Before We Were Yours, but honestly this is not a book I would have picked for myself, however, I am SO glad Lyndsy did! You guys this book was just as moving and just as deep! I am not sure it was based on true events like Before We Were Yours, but it would not surprise me if it was. It is based out of South Africa in the 70’s during the Apartheid regime. It is a story of two characters. One is white, one is black. One is a mom and one is a little girl who lost her mom. This might be my second favorite book and really it is a toss up between this and Before We Were Yours to be the best. I mean as I sit here and type all I want to say is go get this book and take a journey with Beauty and Robin. It is a beautiful journey, one of making the most out of life and your circumstances no matter what they are. And while you are doing that, Hum……because you will never know all the words to in this world….only the ones in your world.
After reading those two I needed a bit of a break from the heavy stuff and decided to change it up a bit and grab a book for self improvement. I grabbed a little book I have been hearing about and yall this book is short, but mighty!!!! It is so good and so easy to read and FULL of good stuff! It is You2: A High Velocity Formula for Multiplying Your Personal Effectiveness in Quantum Leaps, by Price Pritchett. You guys you can literally read this sucker in 30 minutes, but if you are like me you will read and re read it a dozen times!!! If you have dreams and you need some motivation along the way this book is for you! It is short and to the point. You could literally read this book everyday and get something new from it. Now some might argue this book is just an agenda for this guy to get you to sign up for his course, and maybe it is, which honestly is brilliant, but I am not signing up for the course and I am still getting good stuff! So if you like your motivation to be short, direct, thought provoking, and to the point….get this book! It will do you good!
Now for our cruise I need fluff and I chose the perfect book! It was an easy light read that had some twist, some turns, some curves, and even a loopty loop! The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews is in my opinon the perfect vacation or weekend read. If you have teens or pre teens, you might relate to this book even more, because let me tell you the little teenage brat in this book has attitude. But, hey, they all do right? The story in general is about an upper class family and their relationships and their life. Their struggles and how just when you think you know someone, even a family member, well….think again….Great read, especially if you are going on vacation and all you want to do is take your mind off your life and enjoy your time away. Why not get into someone else’s drama with this book? Easy, fun read. Go get it!
So that wraps up July can’t wait to see what August brings….it has already started off good I have to say!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
June Book Review
Better late than never I guess! This summer I have decided to slow down and boy have I! I am realizing my kids are growing up and will be gone before I know it so I have taken some time to enjoy them, or if I am being honest my little guy as my teens really don’t want to hang with me! I get it, but if I get a chance the phone goes down and the computer goes off so the blog has slown down tremendously and so has the reading. For a good cause though!
I did get two books read this June and I have to say they were both awesome! Probably not a beach or pool read, but awesome!
The first book I chose was my monthly personal development pick. Intentional Living (Choosing a Life That Matters) by John C. Maxwell. I LOVED this book! What I loved most about reading this book was it felt as if my father was speaking to me! It was almost everything my dad taught me growing up as a kid and it was AMAZING! This guy and my father think so much alike and it really gave me comfort. Having a dad with memory issues is hard sometimes. There are times when the man I am talking to in my father, but most of the time the spark and fire that I remember my father having is missing so reading this book not only grew me as an individual it truly brought me comfort. I would imagine my father’s voice reading it to me and every once in awhile there would be a line my dad use to say and I would get chills! If you are wanting to make a difference in this world, I know most of us are, then this book is for you! Grab it! Grab a pen and take some notes and together we can all make this world a better place!
For my “light” read I chose Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottlieb. This book was so interesting to me! It is basically about a therapist, her therapist, and life. While I think it is fiction there is alot of real life talk in here and it really had me thinking, but at the same time cracking up! So it was not the light read I thought it would be. It was light and fluffy at times and deep and thought provoking at others. Really quite interesting! I am a firm believer in therapy! If you are you will love this book. IF you are on the fence about therapy I think you will love this book. If you think therapy is a load of crap, well this book will have you laughing! So yes I think this book is a great read for anyone…..just maybe not for the beach as I kept expecting a love story and that just never came! Ah well! Such is life!!!!! Get it though! Great read that will have you looking at yourself in a different light! One that is realizing not to take life too seriously and to just enjoy it! Enjoy the ups and the downs, the twists, the turns, the beginnings, and the endings! Great Read!!!!!
So thanks to these two books this gal is slowing down and living life intentionally and fully this summer! Who’s with me?
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
May Book Review
It is one of my favorite post! My book review! Man how I love to get lost in a good book and this month did not disappoint! I only read three, but they were all amazing! The last one I tear up still thinking about it! WOW!!!!! So I just want to jump in because they were all so amazing!!!!!
My first read this month was Blackout: Remembering The Things I Drank To Forget by Sarah Hepola. This book was fascinating to me! Why? Well, first because it is a true story. A scary story, but a very courageous story that ends with hope. I chose this book because I was asked to attend a fundraiser/banquet at which Sarah would be speaking. So in true Amy form, I googled her and found out she wrote a book and decided I wanted to read it to get to know her. Man am I glad I did. To see and hear Sarah speak after reading her story was truly a blessing and one that I will always be thankful for. Sarah’s story is literally a story of her coming undone at the seams from the horrible disease of alcohol and finding strength, peace, love, and life in a sober life…..a life she faught against and one she did not want, but she has now and she is alive and she is amazing! Everyone who has been effected by this disease, whether personally, or through a friend or family member should get this book if nothing else, but to understand the hold this disease can have on a loved one, the lies this disease feeds a loved one, and the hope that a loved one can beat it.
After reading such a heavy story I decided I needed a light chic lit, love story, adventure. I chose My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan. Great book! Easy read and fun read! Especially if you are like me and dream of adventures in Europe. This is the kind of book that you want to just curl up on the couch with a blanket and get lost in it. You do not want the story to end. It is fun, it is exciting, it is romantic, and at times it is sad. It is an adventure with all kinds of take away lessons if you look for them. My biggest lesson was that life does not always take you where you think you want to be or should be. Sometimes life has bigger and better plans for you. Plans you could never imagine. Great read! Especially for a summer vacation!
The last book I chose this month was INCREDIBLE! Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. EVERYONE should get this book! I am actually tearing up writing about it and remembering the main character Kya. Kya means Diamond in the Sky and let me tell you, this Kya in this story is a diamond in the rough, not in the sky. A true gem. One who is indestructible like a diamond. A powerful force and one not to be messed with. There were so many things about Kya that I did not indentified with, but Kya was a survivor and her will to survive really reasonated with me. I felt her on every page and I felt for her. This book was truly amazing and it is a story I will treasure always and one I am so grateful to have read. Everyone should pick this one up too. Not necessarily a light fluffy read for the beach, but a must read for sure!!!!!
So there you have it! Three great books to bring you into summer! Happy reading!
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
April Book Review
So I missed March! But with very good reason…..I was on a mission trip and I got pneumonia and I just could not keep my eyes open. I hope I never get that mess again! It was VERY bad! But, as the saying goes, “I’m back and I am better than ever babe!”
With one exception….Most of the books I read this month were great, but one, well I just can’t lie. It was hard. It was deep. It was an entire experience and one that I have yet to complete, but I am just worn out from trying to understand. I am sure it is an exceptional book, but I think it was a little deep for me. With that being said I will leave it to you guys to decide!
The book is A Tree Full of Angels: Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary, by Macrina Wiederkehr. I really want to like this book! I can tell I would love the author! And I know this sounds weird, but I got some good advice from it. I actually shared it in my letter to God so I am not sure why I am having such a hard time grasping alot of it. Maybe that is all my heart can take right now. Who knows. All I know is I will finish this book someday and I think everyone who is really searching for a spiritual path, well, maybe this book is right for you. Maybe you and I could discuss it. I really do believe in my heart of hearts when I pick it up again I will get another little nugget of inspiration like I did this time. I know this all sounds weird, but just trust me and get it and see if you can feel what I am talking about.
I decided to then pick up my gal pal, Rachel Hollis’s book, Girl Stop Apologizing. So here is my honest feedback. 1. I LOVE RACHEL! 2. I LOVE HER STORY! 3. I follow her on social media. 4. I went to the movie premier of Made for More. And 5. This book was a repeat of all of that. So for me, well I have heard it all. For you, if you are new to Rachel, then you might enjoy it. I did take alot of notes, but it was stuff I had heard before. So in a nutshell. If you are like me and love Rachel and you feel like she is your bestfriend, then get the book to support her. If you follow her, but could care less about her story, well you have heard the material. If you do not follow her, get the book and start. Am I glad I got it? Heck yes! Did I love it? Yes, but simply because I love her. Will I read it again? Probably not seeing that I stock her on social media!
After reading two books on improving myself, whether it be spiritually or emotionally, I decided to turn to chic lit and take a moment. So I picked up Hissy Fit, by Mary Kay Andrews. This book was just what I needed! It starts out with the main character catching her fiance having sex with her best friend minutes before the wedding! Yep! That was all I needed to be hooked! It was a light read about crushed dreams, relearning yourself, and new beginings, but not without a little bit of fun here and there, and a huge plot twist that I never saw coming. Would I recommend this book? Absolutley! Especially if you just need a break from reality and you want to get wrapped up in someone else’s drama!
I guess I was thinking that Hissy Fit was enough of a break from heavy material and I decided to read The Tattooist of Aushchwitz, by Heather Morris. What was I thinking? This book was so good, but so heavy! I literally had to make sure not to read before I was going anywhere around people because it would bring me down. Like really down. I will say it is a great story about perseverance in the midst of hell and how the human spirit really is amazingly strong, especially when love is involved. If you are a sucker for a beautiful love story and if you like stories about the true strength of humans, then this book is for you.
So I found myself needing a break from heavy again and I decided to go to my favorite author who never lets me down when it comes to an easy story, with a little bit of drama, little bit of love, and always a beautiful setting. Elin Hidlerbrand! I just love her! I always know I can count on her books and this one was no exception. Winter in Paradise was such a fun read. Although it did include a plane crash and anyone who knows me knows I am terrified of flying so I hate seeing movies with plane crashes or reading books with plane crashes. The good news is this book did not really focus on the crash in detail so I was super excited about that. In true Elin form though there were a few plot twists that kept me so interested. Basically the husband of the main character was in the plane crash with his mistress in the middle of the BVI’s. That is all the information I want to give you as I promise you will love reading this book. It has a sequel and I can’t wait to dive in!!!!
Last book I got, I actually got on audible per the recommendation of the person who told me about it. Not sure if yall remember I had a little dental emergency after I was coming out of my pnemonia fog. It was a Friday afternoon and my cap fell off. My dentist could not see me, but she referred me to a guy in Plano who generously waited for me and fixed my tooth. We got to talking about life and he suggested I get the book, God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours, by Regina Brett. Not only did he suggest this book, but he told me to get it on audible. BEST ADVICE EVER! Hearing Mrs. Brett read her own book was amazing! And the book is basically what the title says. Life is too short, don’t sweat the small stuff, stay present, and know God has you and will not blink. This book will be a gift I give always! I can’t begin to tell you how special this book is! I highly suggest you getting it on audible like I did and then getting to have by your bedside to refer to often! I did! I am not kidding…..go to this link now and buy it now! Dont’ think about it! Just do it!!!!! You will not regret it!
So that’s March/April!
I would love to hear if you have read any of my suggestions and if you have send me a picture and your thoughts and I will post it on instagram as a re-gram! Would love also to know what you are reading! I am always looking for a new book!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
February Book Review
It’s one of my favorite post of the month and I am a tidbit behind, but hey…progress not perfection….that is my motto.
What do you like to read at the beach?
February is always a tricky month because the boys activities ramp up with soccer, other sports, and JP always travels with acting so I get a bit behind. Hence the reason I only got three books in due to the chaos, but I have to say all three were amazing! I think you will LOVE them all too! So if you are looking for a good read for spring break, check out my February reads and get yourself a good book. Fair warning, two are fiction, super easy, and fun to read, and one is a book about embracing who you are. I like to think of it as a self improvement book, not self help because hey….nobody is perfect and we could all use a little bit of improvement especially when it comes to our heart and feeling worthy! Hence the reason behind Worthy Heart. Point is, my last book might not be the best beach read unless you are a spiritual, self improvement junkie like myself.
So lets get down to business! First up I read Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge. Oh. My. Lord. This book was so good! It is all about love, loss, and pure survival. I was so fascinated by the survival instincts that truly kick in when we need them most. From surviving a plane crash, being on a deserted island, illness, to losing the love of your life and more. This book was fascinating and so well written. It is suspenseful, emotional, funny, and thought provoking all in one. Basically it is about two strangers who survive a plane crash and you watch their stories unfold as they hold on to the hope of being rescued. I cannot tell you how much I did not want this book to end. I was so sad when it did. I fell in love with it and I know you will too! As my friend Paige says, “I love it so bad!” Get it! You won’t be sorry!
Another great book I read this month was How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. You guys, this book was so spooky for me because I really identified with the main character Margaret. When you start to read it you might be asking yourself why and I will tell you and try not to give to much away.
Margaret is terrified of flying! Me too!
Margaret is in love with a pilot. Met too!
Margaret wants to have a camp for kids with disabilities….for those of you who did not know me before marriage and kids, this was a dream of mine…who knows….maybe that dream will still come true.
Margaret is the kind of person who can find joy even in the darkest of moments. I like to think I have that ability too!
I just really identified with Margaret is the point so this book resonated with me on so many levels and it was so good! Let’s just say my take away was, “When you don’t know what to do for yourself, do something for somebody else.” Not a bad a take away from a book that is fiction! If you want a book that is fun and can be deep if you look for it, this is the book. It is a great story with so many lessons and meanings behind it. Pretty cool actually! It’s premise is that life can change in a moment, or in the blink of an eye and how you deal with that change will determine your fate. Great book! I think you will like it a lot! I know I did!
My last book was very good as well, but a different kind of good. My final read in February was The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. Can I just tell you this book is amazing and will change your life and your perspective on life and on yourself. Everyone should read this book. Everyone. Maybe not at the beach on spring break as it is not light, but if you find yourself asking the question, “Am I enough?” This book is for you! But I would like to encourage you in the simple fact that you are! You are enough! If you are looking for advice, encouragement, wisdom, compassion, and love from a friend, well let that friend be Brene and bring her into your home through this book and watch your life become fuller. Get this book! Please get this book. You are worthy of this book!
So that wraps up my February reads….what are you reading? I would love to know.
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
January Book Review
It has been a while since I did a book review. A LONG WHILE! Four months to be exact! Life kind of got a hold of me and that is ok! It was a quick season of little to no reading, but I am back and I am better than ever babe! Ha! I use to say that all the time! Feels good when you need to give yourself a little pep talk! You should try it sometime.
When I picked up my first book in January, I actually had already read it twice. Yep twice. I was advised to read this particular book seven times. Repetition is king I am being told and I have to say I believe it. Every time I read this book I learn more. The book is short, but I would not call it simple. That is if you are really paying attention. I am sure it is a quick read if you are just powering through, but if you really want the power from it I suggest digging in. I am digging in and I will continue to dig in! I am so on fire about this book that I want you all to consider it too. And not just consider it, I want you to get it and join me on my journey of reading it 7 times! That is how much I believe in it! The book is, The Psychology of Winning by Dr. Denis Waitley. Want to talk about life changing! This book is. Funny thing is it is an old book. 1979 to be EXACT! So an old one that has stuck around which should tell you something. It is full of knowledge. Knowledge that can help anyone who is in the market of attaining a “Winner’s Attitude” not only attain it, but fly with it. Who doesn’t want that? So if you find yourself in a rut, if you find yourself in a season of change, if you find yourself wanting more, than this book is for you! And I will tell you just like I told everyone I gave this book to for Christmas, read it 7 times! Let it sink in and watch your world change before your eyes. Watch your world become full of win-win possibilities!
Next, I read a book that was given to me at Christmas by my dear friend Lyndsy, aka Blizzard, who knows my fascination and honestly my admiration for the Bush Family. Sisters First, by Jenna Bush Hager, Barbara Pierce Bush and Laura Bush. I have to say after reading this book, I understand a little more about this amazing family. They are a family full of love and full of respect! The respect they give each other is something we can all learn from especially in this time of division. I am serious! I am in awe of how these girls were raised! In my opinion they were raised by three simple principles that fell under the umbrella of love: safety first, respect, then let go. They always knew they were loved. Their parents made sure as best they could they were safe. They all had respect for each others opinions, even if the opinion was against your father who was the President of the United States, and Mr. and Mrs. Bush knew when it was time to let go and let live even if it meant making mistakes. They would turn those mistakes into beautiful teaching and growing experiences. I am telling you, if the first family interests you at all this book is amazing. If you are a parent, believe it or not there are lessons in here we can all use as parents, and if you are a history buff there are amazing snip its of history. I highly suggest this book for anyone and everyone! Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Red, Blue, whatever and whoever you are, you might be surprised how there is someone in the first family who thinks like you do! True story people, just because your dad is president doesn’t mean there is a pill they give you and you automatically believe like him AND believe it or not he is WAY OK with that! Great book!
My next review don’t let the title turn you off. One Day in December, by Josie Silver. Yes we are in February and the title speaks of Christmas, but this book is so NOT CHRISTMAS! It’s a love story. A love story that takes 10 years to unfold, which I kind of like as Trey and I took almost that long! The story takes place in London and kind of has a Bridget Jones Diary feel. If you love Bridget Jones like I do, then you will love this tale. The main gal is a bit quirky like Bridget Jones and funny as all get out. Honestly, I find the humor of most Europeans quick and witty so I really found myself laughing with all the characters. If you are looking for a love story this February this is just the tale for you. The ending was quite abrupt I will say, but overall the book was such a delightful, fun read. One that is sure to keep you laughing and smiling and over all feeling good.
My last book for this month was interesting and honestly I found myself writing down a lot of things to think about which kind of struck me as it is a non fiction book. It has a strange premise and in the beginning I found myself working to figure it out mentally, but I did not want to put it down. The book is The Dinner List, by Rebecca Serle. I can honestly say Ms. Serle has my mind ticking. I have put extreme thought into my dinner list and I will tell y’all one person on it is Barbara Bush! Yes, you get to invite ANYONE according to this book! You know the drill, “If you could invite anyone to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be?” That is THIS book! But what was hard for me at first was the book opens at dinner with the main characters “GUEST” and the next chapter was present day. So it took my ADD brain a minute to catch on, but once I did I was hooked and honestly, in the past if I had to work this hard I would just put the book down. Not this one! It is so good. This book will have you thinking and not just thinking about the book, but about your own “list” and why or how you would pick each individual. You might pick one individual who is dead and then realize as the story unfolds you might want to pick a person who is alive so they can see each other. For example, my sweet Mom, there is so much I would love to say to her now and she is gone, but if I picked her I would have to pick my father who is very much alive because I would want them to see each other one more time! Honestly this is a bad example because my dad is so wise of course I would want him there, but you get the picture! This book stirs you and really has you on your toes. I have to say this book is amazing and it is written so brilliantly I want to scream, “CLICK THE LINK AND GET THE BOOK!” That good y’all! That good!
That wraps up my January book review and I have to say I honestly hit a home run on all of them! February has a lot to live up too! Not kidding!
Until Next Time…..
XO,
Amy,
Amy's September Book Review
Looking for a great read? Look no further!
Nothing like a rainy day and a good love story to get lost in!
This might be one of my favorite post each month. One because it is so EASY to write, ESPECIALLY when the books I am reviewing are awesome-which this month they are- so BONUS! And two because sometimes you guys give me suggestions and I ALWAYS love that and I promise I take you seriously! So if you have a book you think I should read, please tell me and I will try and make that happen-especially if it is fun chic lit! Wink! Wink!
This month I started off with a book actually suggested to me by one of you. I got it reluctantly, but I did and I am so glad I did! Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Beck Albertalli. This book is so entertaining and so fun and so what I would call normal for what is going on in a teens world! Which is why it was so perfect for me raising teens. Especially if your teens are normal, yet weird at times! I mean aren’t all teens like this? And Simon is so this! And to be able to be in his head really helped me to remember how it was to be a teen and how we thought as teenagers, which quite honestly is scary, hilarious, refreshing, sad, fun, exciting, and down right confusing! Now the main theme is how Simon is dealing with his sexuality and coming out and refreshingly his family and friends are a huge support for him. So it is not heavy and in all honestly I was very happy after reading it because it is a story of love, friendship, acceptance, and hope. Which as you all know is what I really want the world to have-hope and to know they are worthy! Simon in my book is worthy and he is loved and he is a child of God! So if you have a teen in your life, click the link and get this book! If you don’t still go get it! I promise this is a great book that leaves you happy and filled with hope!
Next up, I grabbed The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin. You guys what a quaint, fun read that literally made me want to move to Paris for a year! If you love Paris, books, Christmas, and love stories click the link and get this book! Basically the main character Sarah Smith, who owns a quaint little bookstore in America, has been given an opportunity of a lifetime to trade places with a bookstore owner in Paris she has been friends with and she jumps at it and takes you the reader along with her! It was so fun and exciting that I really mean it when I say I want to go to Paris for year! What an experience! If you are looking for a fun, quick, light read, this book is for you! Loved every minute of it!
My final pick for this month was another amazing read! I was so pleased as I kept thinking will I really get three for three and by golly yes I did! In a nutshell, this is a story about family, love, loss, and how sometimes people are just not who you thought they were, but in the end everything and every situation always turns out how it should. The book is heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one. I found myself crying within the first chapter when Kate’s new husband died suddenly in a freak accident and I was hooked! You will be too! Especially as the story evolves and you learn about Kate’s half sister Ainsley and you watch the bond of sisterhood grow. Great story! I highly suggest you snagging this one too!
So there you have it! Three great reads for you to get lost in! What have you been reading that I might enjoy? I am always looking for a new book to take me away!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Amy's August Book Review
Have you ever found a person you just really connect with? Someone who speaks to you? I did! Funny thing is she has zero clue I exist! Read on and see how I got to know this amazing Sister!
This has always been my favorite post of the month as I always love sharing what I have read. However, it has been a while since I have posted a book review because I went through a season if you will. A season of "Self Help" books and while I love amazing self help books, I tend to read slower and really dive in to what the book is about and it slows me WAY down! It is not a bad thing by any means, it is actually a good thing, but it does mean less time for fluffy reading, which is what I REALLY dig!
On our cruise at the beginning of this month, I met a lady who turned me on to a beautiful thing! Now, don't make fun of me when I tell you because it has been around forever, but I discovered the world of audible books! Holy Smokes! Now I am getting the best of both worlds! When I am reading my self help in bed or on the couch I can take notes, when I am driving in the car or on a walk I can listen to fluff! You guys! I am in love! Some might say this is cheating, but the way I look at it, it is better than listening to trash on the radio or watching trash on the T.V. I listen to fluff and I LOVE it! I still read fluff as I personally think there is nothing like curling up in a nook or a in a cozy bed and escaping into the world my mind imagines in a book I am reading! Can I get an Amen?!
So for August I did something different. My self help book was by a gal that has literally become one of my girl crushes! I stumbled across this author while browsing blogs and I fell in love with her and her husband! They are amazing and when I grow up I want to be just like them! If you don't read, you have to at least tune into her podcast and if you are married do yourself a huge favor and tune into their couples podcast! Who am I referring to you might be asking yourself right about now? Well, I am referring to the amazing Rachel Hollis! I know some of you know her and those of you who do not, get to know her! I promise she is amazing!
Full disclosure-I picked up Girl Wash Your Face at the beginning of the summer. This was where I started after finding Rachel's blog. Great book! Like really good book! It is almost as if she was writing the book for me! No lie! I took TONS of notes, pulled out my journal and dug in more, and read and re read it. No lie. What I really liked is I personally feel like Rachel writes like she talks and I have been told I do the same and their is no hope for me. Well, friends, after reading this book I know that is a lie! And I will not listen to it or let that lie feed me or drive me. If you have read the book you know what I am talking about, if you have not run to the store or click this link and get it NOW! I promise it will be the beginning of a beautiful journey! One in which you get up and wash your face everyday!
So I fell in love with Rachel and decided to keep on reading her books. I mean if it ain't broke don't fix it right!? So the next book I got was book book one of her Party Girl Series. It is literally called Party Girl and I will tell you I was wondering if I would like it because Girl Wash Your Face is obviously self help or improvement and Party Girl is non fiction. Can I just tell you she nailed it! Rachel has talent and can write both! I was so amazed and impressed and I could not put the book down or take the ear plugs out if you want me to be technical here! Speaking of Rachel, the author, does the narrating of her own books. I know some might not like that, but I personally loved it and it made it easy for me to get through the entire series this month. If you are looking for a fun, fluffy book, this book is for you! You get lost in the world of a young blue eyed Texas girl, Landon, who finds herself in Los Angeles and starting out her life in the dog eat dog world of Party Planning for the stars! You guys, it is funny, stressful, and downright good! You really should get this book if you need a break from reality and you want to laugh and get lost in someone else's world for a little break in life. Click the link and get it this week!
Once I started the series I could not stop! That would just not be right! So next up is Sweet Girl. In Sweet Girl we get to know one of Landon's friends, Max, on a deeper level. As I was listening to the book I could not help but wonder is Max like Rachel Hollis or is Landon? Or maybe she is a combination of both! Yall, I am serious when I say I am mesmerized by Rachel! As I kept listening I realized I was more like Max and literally thought to myself, "That's it! Landon is Rachel and if you are like Max, then you and Rachel could be friends in real life!" Who does that! I do! Point being, yet another great book you get lost in and when you finally look up the book is over! I did not want it to end! I LOVED Max so much! Get the book below and figure out why! She is so strong and she is a fighter and I love this about her!
The last book in the series which makes me so sad is Smart Girl. And not sad because of tragedy, sad because it ends! I personally think they could make a movie out of this series, but hey nobody asked me. So in Smart Girl we get to know Landon's other best friend Miko and Miko is one of a kind. I would call Miko a horseshoe maker. If you don't know what I am referring to check out my letter to Graeme . When Landon first moved to L.A. Miko was definitely a horseshoe maker and that is where the friendship started for these two and flourished. As I read Smart Girl I started to realize maybe I have a little bit of all three of these girls in me because I related to Miko on a certain level. I could not help but wonder if all three of them make up Rachel! I mean she is Smart, sweet, and party girl-well not sure she is a hard core party girl, but I do know she loves her music and loves to dance! Watch her on her insta page in the morning. She kind of wears me out in a good way! Back to the point-Smart Girl basically is the end of the series of a story about friendship, love, forgiveness, and life! Really great read! I feel like I have said that a lot! But it is! So click the link below and grab this one too! You will be glad you did!
So that pretty much wraps up August and after writing this review I think I will dedicate my August book Review to Rachel Hollis! If you have not checked her out you really should! You will be so glad you did!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
March Book Review
Looking for a good book to read? Look no further! March was a great month of reading!
I have to admit this month I was all over the place with my reading. Maybe that is because I had an entire week where I read nothing!!!! Zero, nada, goose egg! Why? Because I was roofing in San Antonio and if you missed that post, you can catch it here at: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/3/17/what-is-in-your-kids-snowball
Even with that one week out, I managed to sneak in four books and I have to say they were all really good! Take a look and if you see something that interests you I highly suggest you get it because I give all four books two thumbs up this month!
I started the month with a little love story about second chances and I fell in love immediately! Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner was such a brilliantly written love story that I could not put it down. If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be FATE! Who does not love a book about destiny? As fate would have it, the two main characters in this book meet at the ripe young age of 8 and have no idea that the stars are lining up for them. Rachel and Andy are from two different backgrounds and meet one night in the ER of a hospital. Rachel has snuck out of her room and sees Andy in the waiting room. Rachel is very intrigued as they are both kids, eight to be exact, why would any parent let their child go to the ER with a broken arm alone? The ER waiting room is the last time Rachel will see Andy, so she thinks. The two will meet up again, but when? When they do will they connect? Do they remember each other? Yes, but I don't want to ruin it for you! You have to get this sweet book that has twists and turns, ups and downs, but is a wonderful story about love and fate and my favorite, happy endings! This is a story that will touch your heart and bring you hope. One I will never forget!
I had several people tell me to read You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living and Awesome Life. Let me just tell you, this book is BADASS just like its title! I should have picked this book up sooner, but I did not, so guess what, I am still a badass! That is what this book is about! Stop doubting and start doing! It is not that this book is chalk full of advice and encouragement I have not already heard, but it is the way the writer delivers it! It is humorous, real, and raw. IF you are sitting at a point in your life where you are starting something new, ready to make a change, needing to get out of a self sabotaging rut, or just needing to love yourself again, this book is for you! By the end of this book, if you are as lucky as I am, you might learn there are things about yourself you just need to embrace and love. Things you can't change and things you can. How to relate to people and how to go about life feeling confident and secure in who you are and who you are evolving into. Great book and one that you want a highlighter and pen with you while you read, because trust me, there is some serious sage advice! Click on the link and get it today and start living the life you were intended to live and love yourself and watch the world love you!
When I started 23 Minutes in Hell: One Man's Story About What He Saw, Heard, and Felt in That Place of Torment, by Bill Wiese, I was expecting one thing. I was expecting to hear about a near death experience and how Mr. Wiese went to hell. That did happen, but not through a near death experience. I can honestly say the book scared me and left me unsettled. I understand there is a hell and I understand Mr. Wiese's message and how it needs to be heard, but it is a scary one and yes one that all we can do is hope to plant the seed and hope like heck the seed plants enough fear about hell that our non believing friends will want to explore God and the Truth. This book is not an easy, light read. It is dark, heavy, and downright scary. But isn't that what Hell is all about? Will I use this as a tool to share the Gospel? Probably not if I am being honest, but I am glad I read it and if anyone is questioning their faith and brings up the topic of hell, I will absolutely make this book one of my recommendations for those questioning the idea of Heaven and Hell.
After reading 23 Minutes in Hell I desperately needed a light and fluffy read! First Comes Love by Emily Griffin was just what the doctor ordered, however, it hit close to home on a number of levels. It is about a pair of sisters who have to deal with some family situations and loss together. Sometimes that is tricky and can drive a sword between relationships if you let it. The beautiful thing about this story is that both sisters realize how much they need each other and love always comes first. This really touched my heart as I have walked a similar path with my own sister and love always comes first. If you are looking for a sweet book about family, friendship, and following your heart where ever it might lead you, then this book is for you. Great read all the way to the unexpected ending, which I always love!
So there you have it! Amy's March Book Review. What is on your bookshelves as of late? I would love a recommendation or two.
xo,
Amy
February Book Review!
I have to start off with a confession. I really meant for this months books to be all about love. The mushy, gushy, easy read kind of love and chick lit. We were in February! Well folks, that did not happen.
I have to start off with a confession. I really meant for this months books to be all about love. The mushy, gushy, easy read kind of love and chick lit. We were in February! Well folks, that did not happen. My first book I have to say was really dark and there was definitely no love story. But it was written so well, that I said, "To hell with love, I have got to finish this!" Now that I have that confession off my chest, let's get down to business!
Holy Moly! Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands, by Chris Bohjalian. I just don't know where or how to start! This is my first time to read a book by this guy, so I am not sure if all of his books are this dark, but this book was dark. With that being said, it was so well written I could not put it down. His writing is amazing, but this book will break your heart. It is a story about a teen in crisis and it is a story about the sheer will of human survival. I found myself so emotionally attached to the main character, Emily, that I did not want to put the book down. I actually felt like I was abandoning her if I did! I mean literally you guys! This book was written that well! So if you are looking for a page turner that is deep and really will tug at your heart strings, then this book is for you. If you are looking for light and airy chic lit, do not be fooled by the title. This book is not for you. But my next book is!
Hello, World!
I See London, I See France by Sarah Mlynowski was such a fun book! And boy did I need this after my last choice! I loved it so much I ordered another book by the same author! It was light, airy, and fun! I actually felt as if I was backpacking through Europe! It was written so well I breezed through it in no time and I fell in love with every character in this book! The premise of the book is basically nineteen year old Sydney is backpacking through Europe with her best friend. Things change a little when her best friends ex shows up on the same trip! But that does not stop Sydney and the next four weeks as she makes her way through Europe with one adventure after another! If you are looking for a fun, quick, light read....this is the book for you! I promise you will not want to put it down! You may even find yourself booking a trip to Europe when you are done! Trust me, I tried to, but Trey shot that down! So grab your copy here and sit back and enjoy the ride!
Hello, World!
Speaking of February and the month of love, my last book this month is all about love! One True Loves, by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a true love story and not just your ordinary love story! It is all about love with some twists and turns! Basically the main character's husband dies in a helicopter crash on their one year anniversary. You walk through her grief with her and learn how to love again and would you believe, boom! Her husband re emerges ALIVE in the story! Talk about a twist! Now she is engaged to one man and married to another! What will she do? Well, my friends, you have to get the book to see. I promise you will be so glad you do and you might agree that there is no such thing as one true love. Every person you fall in love with brings you along in life and you grow and sometimes you grow together, but sometimes you grow apart. But you grow! Beautiful story! One I highly suggest!
Hello, World!
That pretty much wraps up February. Not a lot of reading, but what I did read I think you will enjoy! Let me know what you are reading these days! I would love to know!
xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
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January Book Review
It's here! My January book review! I have to say not one book disappointed me this month! Take a look! I know you will find something!
It's here! My first book review of 2018! Well kinda, seeing that I actually did an entire post on two of the books I read this month! But that is because they were so good! It also helped that I actually knew the authors and it was so cool to read my friends books! I will recap both those books here as well, but if you did not get a chance to see those post you should check them out. My friends are amazing and their stories are even more amazing! So grab a cup of joe and sit back and read. I have read FIVE books this month and not one of them disappoints!
My first book to pick up this month was Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan and I loved, loved, loved, this book! Now I will not lie, when I bought it, I was quite uncomfortable carrying it to the counter to check out. I mean look at the title! But then the nice lady checking me out told me not to worry that the man who wrote it is Asian and that solved that! This book will grab your attention immediately and have you rolling in your chair! It is hysterical and just like the title the book is about crazy rich asians! It opens with a cute little asian couple dating in New York City and they are going back to Singapore to meet the boyfriends family. She has no clue what she is walking into and let's just say it is what I imagine The Housewives of Singapore on steroids would look like. I kept asking my friend Shirley, who is asian, is this stuff for real over there? Apparently it is which has me even more intrigued. Now I kind of want to put Singapore on the bucket list! I mean that good yall! This book is light and funny, but I think anyone who picks it up will get a kick out of it! I highly suggest this book to any and all readers!
For Christmas, my amazing friend Lyndsy got me the best gift you could ever give a friend who loves to read! Four books and a candle! Thank you Blizzard! The first one I opened I could not put down! It was so cute and charming and had my attention from the get go! It is The Wedding Bees: A Novel of Honey, Love, and Manners by Sarah-Kate Lynch. This is a sweet story of love, manners, a difficult mom, and friendships that you cultivate over time. It really teaches the idea of you really don't know someones story until you take time with them and just love them where they are. I love that! And I love the main character in this book, Sugar. Sugar is a bee keeper who let's her bees dictate where she will live and low and behold because of her bees she finds love and beautiful quirky friends in an apartment in New York City. She learns to forgive herself and her past and she teaches people how to truly love themselves all the while they are teaching her how to let others love her. This book is a great book to pick up on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, cuddled up on the couch, and just let yourself go! I loved this book and I know you will too!
My next book to complete this month I actually started a while back and started as a study by myself. It is Let God be God: Life-Changing Truths from the Book of Job by Ray C. Stedman. Let me say this book was life changing for me. I actually started it because I was struggling with the question of, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" When I googled, (yes that is how I found this book) that particular question, this book popped up and I thought what the heck! And boy am I glad I listened to myself and ordered it. Yall, I dove into this book every morning and I mean dove! It was talking to me on so many levels! Levels of pain and fear I did not even know were in there and then something else happened that was nothing short of miraculous, I began to change and I mean really change. I could feel the Holy Spirit and I could feel myself being drawn to Him. This is a wonderful feeling when you have been wallowing in your sorrow or whatever it is. I was actually finding joy in my pain and I was actually thankful for it! No this does not happen every time something goes wrong, but you can bet your bottom dollar this book stays by bed as a constant reminder to let God be God both in times of pain and in times of joy. If you are looking to grow in your relationship with Christ or if you are looking for answers to why is this happening to me or to my loved one, then this book is for you! Let Job be your example like he is for me as to Why Bad Things Happen to Good People. Get this book, dive into it daily, and I mean deep, and watch the Holy Spirit take over and the miracle of peace overcome you. What do you have to lose?
My next two books I actually blogged about this past month so I will just do a quick recap and link you back to the original post. I will not lie, both books are tough true stories, but both books have beautiful outcomes, and both books might inspire you to be more than you ever thought you could be.
First one is Same Kind of Different as Me: a modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together written by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. In a nutshell this story is about forgiveness and redemption and seeing and loving people for who they are. No matter who that is. Whether they are an adulterer, murder, poor, rich, you name it. It is about love and it is about giving back. It is a story that will move you to tears and teach you that even the unlovable is lovable. It is a story that will change how you see the world. I highly recommend reading the book and if you can seeing the movie. It is truly amazing. If you missed my post on it and would like to read it click here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/1/8/same-kind-of-different-as-me
www.tovasido.com
For my last book this month I read Borrowed Courage by Tova Sido. Want to talk about a story that will move you. My friend Tova is one of the most courageous, beautiful, kind, and loving individuals I know and boy does she have a story! I have learned so much about faith, courage, and strength from her story and I know you will too. If you missed my post on it this month you can read that here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/1/24/1xolteatcmaifb165qpkcdjzxft6q2
So as you can see I read a lot this month, but every book I read was amazing. Not one disappointed me and all of them were page turners. Some made me cry for sure, but they all made me laugh at times. I think you guys will enjoy them all!
Would love to know what is in your line up of books. Thinking for the month of February I might do all LOVE stories, but the one I am reading now is pretty dark...did not mean for that to happen, just did, so give me some ideas please! Always love to hear your suggestions! Happy reading my friends!
xo,
Amy
Top Three
What were your favorite books in 2017? Here are mine! If you have not read them I highly suggest you do! They are soooooooooooo good!
Hello, World!
It has been a while since I wrote a book review and there are a number of reasons why, but first and foremost is life. It just happens sometimes and I just don't get to read as much as I like. Bum Deal! I know those of you who love a good book just as much as I do get this. It can be tragic actually. A good book to me is ALMOST as good for the soul as dancing is.....ALMOST. I just love to get lost in another world and a world I get to dream and imagine! So after a few friends approached me asking me where is my next book review, I thought I would recap my TOP THREE favorite books of 2017. One of them I STILL keep trying to imagine what is happening next! For real it was that good! I think you will LOVE it too! So here we go!
Third Place: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
People! Do you want a book that will make you think? Do you want a book that will make you angry? Want a book that will make you cry? Want a book that will make you smile? Want a book that will show you people can and do change?
Then this book is for you!
I mean seriously, some nights I found myself wanting to jump into the book and shake the daylights out of some of the characters and then other nights I sat up and really thought about some serious topics that are VERY real in today's world. This book had a profound effect on me and in a very good way...maybe it will on you too.
Second Place: Class Mom by Laurie Gelman
This book was down right knock your socks off funny! The book was actually PERFECT for me! I too, like the main character, have a kindergartner and two in high school so I could really relate to her and her thoughts.
This book is an easy read about a mom who has taken on the task of room mom. This is not her first rodeo either as she has two in College and little Max in Kinder. She makes no bones about what she expects from her classroom moms and dads and she is downright funny about it! GREAT book to read! ESPECIALLY if you have a desire to be a room mom, have been a room mom, are a teacher, a principal, or just want to laugh! I mean OUT LOUD laugh! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!
First Place: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
This book was AMAZING! Remember the one I mentioned above...the one where I am still dreaming stuff up....This is it!!!! Oh my, I was in tears at the end and honestly I could NOT put this book down.
If you like a good love story, you will like this one. It's just you find that sometimes Love comes with a price. Oh my, I did not want this book to end.
I am so proud of Lily the main character, and I know you will be too. Do yourself a favor an order the book. I promise it will not let you down!
So there you have it! My top three books for 2017! What were some of your favorites? I would love to know! Please share and comment and maybe I will read your favorite book of 2017 in 2018!
xo,
Amy
Forgiveness, Love, Acts of Kindness, Loving the Unloveable....Good Stuff!
The season of giving has ended, but the need still remains....Let us not stop giving. Let us keep the Wins coming in 2018! And let us remember, everybody is worthy of love!
In keeping with my Theme of "Winning in 2018" I wanted to talk to you all about a movie I watched in 2017 that really touched me. Some of you may have read the book, some of you may have seen the movie, and others might be like me and you like to read a book before you see the movie. I can tell you I did both. Both the movie and the book were incredible. My FIRST recommendation before I go any further is you get the book NOW and you read it and you go to see the movie. It will stir something in you. Something that is tremendous and maybe life changing.
The Book and Movie I am referring to is, Same Kind of Different as Me. It is a true story based on two men from two entirely different backgrounds. One is Rich and One is Poor. One is married, lives in a mansion in Ft. Worth, and one is alone living in the streets of Ft. Worth. One is an art dealer and one is jobless. One is an adulterer and one is an ex-felon and murderer. Both are bound together by one spectacular lady. A lady you or I will never meet, because her life was taken too soon by cancer. However, I promise you if you read this book and watch this movie you will wish you had known her and you will learn so much about love, forgiveness, acts of kindness, loving the unloveable, patience, and the list goes on an on by what we can learn from her.
Who does she remind you of? She reminds me of Jesus. Not saying she is Jesus by any stretch of the means, but I am saying we can all learn a lot from her. Her name was Debbie Hall and she had a mission and after reading her book and seeing the movie I would like to help when and where I can to see to it that her dream continues.
I have the fortunate honor of knowing Beth Hall, who is now married to Ron Hall. Ron is the adulterer I spoke of above. You have to read this book and watch this movie to understand why it is okay to say this. You see, Ron made a mistake. We all make mistakes. Some bigger than others. It is what we do with our mistakes that determines who we are. This is what I like to think. What did Ron do? He asked for Forgiveness. He asked for Forgiveness from God and from Debbie and from his family. You might be saying is that all it takes? In God's eyes I believe yes, however, on this earth I do believe when we hurt someone, and we all have in some capacity or another, when you ask for forgiveness and you receive it, what you do next is very important.
Debbie accepted Ron's forgiveness, but for a price. Not money, not jewelry, not trips, not anything material. She asked Ron to come spend time with her in her "Happy Place" as I like to call it. The Union Gospel Mission in downtown Ft. Worth. She asked him to feed the homeless with her and try to look into their eyes and see them. It took some time, but God works in mysterious ways yall and it happened! And it happened probably with the scariest homeless man there! Denver. He is the ex-felon and murder I spoke of above. As the book and movie progress you see a beautiful thing happen. You see someone learn to love the unloveable and the unloveable learn to open up and be loved. You see forgiveness. You see the power of forgiveness and you see what forgiving someone who truly wants to be forgiven can do for everyone involved and people you never ever imagined would be involved. You see the world change. And it is a beautiful site to behold. This movie is powerful and this book is incredible.
Both Debbie and Denver have gone to be with Jesus, but Debbie's mission and dreams of restoring the homeless, hungry, abused, and hurting still lives. I highly suggest you check it out at https://www.samekindofdifferentasmefoundation.org
JP was so excited to attend the Premiere of Same Kind of Different As Me and then to meet Ron....well that was just pure icing on his cake! He is on cloud nine in this photo!
While you are ordering your book and checking out the movie you can also help out by attending or donating to Dallas Dance Fitness donation-only class benefitting Same Kind of Different As Me Foundation on MLK Day in honor of MLK Day.
So many members of DDF and their families were moved and inspired when we had the opportunity to see the movie and hear the author, Ron Hall, speak about his experiences. The associated foundation, run by Ron and his wife Beth, who is by the way a DDF member, I am proud to say, has a stretch fundraising goal for January. Their foundation provides emergency support for those experiencing homelessness and the agencies that serve them. Alana our fearless leader and all of our team hope our fundraiser class will help them meet their fundraising goal and allow them to continue their great work in our community and throughout the US. Please join us for this family-friendly dance fitness class on Monday, January 15 from 9:30-10:30AM at Dallas Powerhouse of Dance. If you cannot attend or would like to make your donation in advance please do so here at https;//www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/help-for-the-homeless9
My dance family and friends along with Ron and Beth at the Dallas Premiere of Same Kind of Different as Me. Excuse the swollen eyes! Trust me, the movie will pull at your heart and your tears.
Thank you in advance for your support of this wonderful organization! An organization that truly understands Everybody is Worthy of Love!
Let's keep Winning in 2018!
xo,
Amy
November Book Reviews
It's my November Book Review! Take a look and see what I have been reading and tell me what you are reading! I am always looking for a good book!
After finishing off October with Jodi Picoult's, The Story Teller, I needed something light, quick, and funny, with a little bit of romance. While I loved The Story Teller, it was just a heavy read and I needed a little breather. I chose The Barefoot Summer, by Carolyn Brown.
The premise of the book sounded hilarious! Three women at a funeral who knew NOTHING about each other and learned that day they were all widowed from the same guy! "OH YES! SIGN ME UP! THIS WILL BE JUICY AND FUNNY!" The first page was funny, but then I felt it got a little slow. I am not going to lie, there were some hilarious moments and moments I thought, "Oh the Magic is coming back," but then the magic would fade.
I finished the book simply because I found it so interesting to see how three people, with three entirely different backgrounds, likes, etc fell for the same con man and ended up living together. It was fascinating to see how they ended up becoming friends and how really you never know what tomorrow will bring or who tomorrow will bring. I was glad I finished it, but it did take me a while, but it was worth getting to the end. (side note about me, if I start something, USUALLY, no matter how bad I have to finish....curiosity gets me every time!)
Once I finished The Barefoot Summer, I chose the book Class Mom, by Laurie Gelman and let me just say, "NAILED IT!" This book was down right knock your socks off funny! The book was actually PERFECT for me! I too, like the main character, have a kindergartner and two in high school so I could really relate to her and her thoughts.
This book is an easy read about a mom who has taken on the task of room mom. This is not her first rodeo either as she has two in College and little Max in Kinder. She makes no bones about what she expects from her classroom moms and dads and she is downright funny about it! GREAT book to read! ESPECIALLY if you have a desire to be a room mom, have been a room mom, are a teacher, a principal, or just want to laugh! I mean OUT LOUD laugh! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!
Next up I chose Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn T. Dingman. I picked this book because it is Carolyn Dingman's Debut and seeing that I am just starting out with my blog I thought we had something in common. Weird reason I know seeing that she has written others now, but it is true, AND it is a story about two sisters who have lost their mother and one sister in particular is on a quest to figure out who her mother was. Another thing I had in common.
I will not lie, I wanted to give up on this book once or twice, but I am so glad I did not. The mystery of Olivia's mom kept me pushing on and I am so glad I did. Between the mystery and the budding romance between Olivia and Elliot, I found this book to end on a high note. It was just one of those books that until midway through I had to work at it, but once it kicked in.....well let's just say I stayed up until 1:15 am finishing it! And anyone who knows me, knows this is not normal! So I do recommend this book if you are looking for whimsy, humor, love and a little bit of mystery! It will not disappoint.
For my little readers this month I chose The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. What a sweet sweet book! And the perfect book for anyone who has a child who is apprehensive about going to school or anywhere really without you. Graeme and I really enjoy reading this book together and we even use the same gesture the Raccoons do now! Such a neat tradition!
What have you been reading? I would love to know!
xo,
Amy
My Latest Book Reviews: October Book Club
Stop in and see what books I read in October and tell me what you read. I am always looking for a good book to read!
I started October off with a book that I actually picked up in August to read on my cruise and boy am I glad I did not! The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware...This is a story about a young lady that takes a cruise for work and realizes the gal in the cabin next door has gone missing. From that moment on this book takes a lot of twist and turns. While I enjoyed reading this book, towards the end I did find it to be a little ridiculous. With that being said, I finished it and glad I did because the truth is I really enjoyed it until about 3/4 of the way through. Then I got a little bored because the story got a little wacky for me and unbelievable. I would still suggest this book because I did enjoy taking this eerie cruise with the main Character Lo out in the deep, blue, waters and you may too!
After being somewhat disappointed by my first choice, I decided to choose a book I thought would be a feel good easy read. Man did I pick it! The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand. If you have ever read and of Hilderbrand's book you will know that they all take place in Nantucket and for the most part she never disappoints. Sometimes her books get a little long for me, but this one was fantastic! I could not put it down! Every time I opened my book I found myself hungry for food and hungry for more of the story. The story takes place, like all of her books, in Nantucket, at the hottest restaurant in town. The main Character Adrienne has just moved there and finds herself working in the restaurant business for the first time in her life, but it was not a far stretch as she has been in hotel management most of her adult life. As the story unfolds you learn the restaurant is in it's final season and the mystery of why begins to unfold. Of course there is a little love story on the side with many other little side stories. This book is a must read if you are looking for an easy book with a beautiful story of love on many different levels.
I decided for my last book to go with The Story Teller by Jodi Picoult. This book was so good, but, of course all of her books are. I love how they all make you think and challenge you as a reader and this one did just that. It challenged me to learn more about the Holocaust as the story takes place in the present, but in the past as well during the Holocaust. The main character Sage has been asked by her new friend to help him die and the twist and turns that come from that one request alone are worth running out to get this book and diving in! At times this book was so hard for me to read because it would literally make my heart ache and my stomach hurt. I would have to put it down to take a moment because if you have ever read Jodi Picoult you know how beautifully she writes that your truly feel your characters. I will say it is hard to figure out at first and you really have to concentrate, but it is so worth it! If you like learning about the past with a amazing fictional story, this is the book for you! I highly recommend it.
Through this journey with my blog, I have discovered the joy of reading again and with that I have decided to read more to my littlest one. So each month I hope to share with you a children's book he and I are reading together and this month we chose The Dot by Peter Reynolds. It is a beautiful story about how we all have a creative spirit inside of us....and all it takes is one dot to bring it out. When I explained the story to Graeme he said to me, "kind of like your blog mommy." Out of the mouths of babes. If you have little ones at home this is a neat book and I know they will enjoy it and you will to!
xo,
Amy
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