Surprised by Grace

"The Master ghostwriter steps from the shadows at last" Philip Yancey
In this lovely book, Elizabeth Sherrill writes about her own experiences writing for Guidepost magazine, along with her husband John. She shares memories from her childhood on up and how they formed her into a person who didn't believe in heaven or God. When she starts to work for Guidepost, neither her nor her husband thought that church was important. After battling depression, she and John decide to experiment going to church. I won't share all of the details, but I will say that this book is amazing! I feel in love with her writing, she truly is a master at it. A lot of bloggers turned authors could learn a lot from her.;) She weaves her story along with wonderful quotes and stories of those she has interviewed over the years. This is the best book I have read in a long time!

Girl at the End of the World

In Girl at the End of the World, blogger Elizabeth Esther opens up about growing up in the cult like group called The Assembly. Raised in the tight knit group, brainwashed from an early age, Elizabeth feels there has to be more to faith and life than what she has been taught.
My heart broke for the young Elizabeth, as she struggled with the religion that her family taught her. It is a shame that people set themselves up as the authority on God and ruin people on God's love and mercy. While I don't agree with all of her conclusions, I can see how she came to them due to her experiences. (I still like Christian authors like C.S. Lewis, even if he is a male author)
For anyone who has suffered in a cult, this would be a good resource. Or, for those who don't realize that this sort of group is out there.

A Promise in Pieces

"She's (Clara Barton) the reason I became a nurse. And went off to war when Daddy told me not to.", and so, Clara's story begins. From a young, idealistic nurse on the battlefield, to a grandmother taking a trip to deliver a quilt to the National World War Two museum in New Orleans. The quilt that was given to her by a war widow. A quilt that gave Clara a purpose and helped her to reach out to others who had been affected by the war. 

A Promise in Pieces is much like sitting down with your grandma and being told her life adventures. I had a hard time putting it down! It's a beautiful story of heartache, loss, and finding your way to the foot of the Cross.

Echoes of an Angel

At the age of two, Ben Underwood lost both of his eyes to a rare disease called bilateral retinoblastoma. Determined for him to live just like any other young man, and realizing that he has enough strikes against him as it is, his mother helps him to grow up as a normal child. Except that his way of dealing with blindness is anything but normal. Using a clicking sound to identify objects and the sizes of room, Ben is able to do, at times, more than people who have sight accomplish. By the time he hits his mid teens, Ben is motivating people around the world with his abilities.
I thought this was a powerful story of what people can do when God (and family) is on their side. The story of Ben Underwood is incredible!

Found

Most of us long for a purpose in life. Long to know that our life has meaning. Has worth. That the everyday and mundane isn't all there is to this life.
In Found, Micha Boyett shares her own journey of discovering meaning in the chaos of being a stay at home mother to her first child. When her family moves across the country, she goes on a spiritual journey to seek to apply St. Benedict's way off life to her own.
I could relate to Micha as she shared some of the struggles of being a new mom, since it totally changes your life! I think that this book, while interesting and not just for women in the same boat, would touch at home mom's the most.
I thought her journey was interesting, though I didn't agree with everything. I appreciated her openness and unique take on life and a relationship with the Lord.

Love Comes Calling

It's the early 1920's and Ellis Eton is thinking of leaving school and going off to Hollywood to make a name for herself in the new film industry. Before she can run off though, one of her childhood friends begs her to take her job as a "hello girl". Figuring that the job is just like acting, she Ellis attacks it with gusto. But, when she overhears a sinister sounding plot that involves her neighbor, Ellis tries to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
At first, I wasn't sure how I would like this story, since Ellis is a bit scattered, but her character grows on you! I like that the author explored what it would be like to have ADD back in the early 1900's. I also enjoyed all the historical facts woven into the story and that it talks about the prohibition and what was wrong with it. Two thumbs up!

Heart Wide Open

Popular blogger and Southern decorator, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson opens her own heart to readers in this excellent book about turning one's mundane faith into an exciting adventure. I love that Shellie talks a lot about her own journey and has it chocked full of scripture verses. There are a lot of fun personal stories too! I love her personal insight too, especially as she talks about the importance of opening your scriptures and diving in, rather than just relying on Bible studies.
This book is an excellent resource and fun read!