Beyond Bath Time by Erin Davis

In Beyond Bath Time, Erin Davis reveals the lies regarding motherhood that are perpetuated by both American culture and many churches. She then guides the reader on a journey of introspection that asks hard questions about surrendering our plans to God and examining if our actions are truly selfless. By clearing out previous perceptions and motives, Davis then builds on a clean foundation as she uses Scriptural examples to create a Biblical view of motherhood as a sacred role.  Beyond Bath Time concludes with an invitation for a mother to take thirty days to seek God's will about motherhood and to “mother with God-given confidence, joy, and eternal perspective (Davis 134).”

Reading Beyond Bath Time was enjoyable, challenging, practical, spiritual, and even convicting.  The author immediately grabbed my attention by telling the story of her first pregnancy in which the doctor told her the child probably would not survive.  The rest of the book was equally engrossing.  I'm happy to say the book didn't leave me wondering if there was anyway I could ever live up to unattainable standards. Rather, it is about “Spirit-led parenting, not some oversimplified, assembly line definition of a Biblical woman (130).”

Motherhood is a topic near and dear to me and this book reinforced what I already knew to be true in my heart – being a mommy is the most important thing I've ever done.   As far as I know, everything discussed in the book was in line with Scripture.  I give this book five stars for its engaging style and timely message. I wholeheartedly recommend it to Christian women, specifically mothers. (It's not written for men or to convert a mother to Christianity, though it does encourage mothers to teach their children about the Lord and indirectly another mother could be influenced.)


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Georgie Gail's position as a telephone switchboard operator is enviable. Her employer, SWT&T, provides an income and a simple cottage for her. Her pleasant life includes independence, community and a lovely garden designed to attract birds. She's less than thrilled when SWT&T sends Luke Palmer to be the local troubleman. Not only will he be selling telephone subscriptions and repairing equipment, but he'll also be looking over her shoulder. Luke, however, is more than he seems. He's a Texas Ranger undercover in search of the notorious and well-supported outlaw, Frank Comer. Between dealing with Luke, fulfilling her job and denouncing the use of birds in women's hats, Georgie has her hands full. As Luke pursues the outlaw and his group, danger grows and Georgie and Luke realize that more than their jobs are on the line.

Having read several of Deeanne Gist's prior books, I had some expectations when I picked up Love on the Line. As always, Gist showed that she knows how to tell a story with plenty of romance and adventure! Though set in the past, Georgie struggles with issues that women of today still deal with. I appreciated Georgie's character growth from a mindset of 'I can do anything a man can do.' to 'Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, but when put together with another, both are important and complement each other.' Die-hard feminists might not be too happy with this mindset, but I subscribe to the idea of working in partnership rather than competition. I was completely okay with this book being less edgy than other books by Gist. There are less sexual overtones and not quite as many deep, dark issues as in Gist's prior books.

Overall, Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist is an entertaining read for inspirational romance audiences.

Click here to read an excerpt from Love on the Line.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Life Ready Woman by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis

Burn-out. Lots of women know exactly what burn-out is. In today's culture, women have opportunities that the generations before them did not have. However, those opportunities have come with both the good and the bad. Women can dream, travel, and live like never before. Unfortunately, many women end up disillusioned and find that after spending thousands of dollars and years of their lives, they simply want to return to taking care of their home and family. So, how does one avoid burn-out and disillusionment? By living as a Life Ready Woman. A Life Ready Woman is a woman who knows who she is in God's eyes and follows his callings on her life, whether those callings include being a stay-at-home mom or a world-traveling, high-powered executive. Either way, the authors assert that there are three core callings a woman should fulfill. Purposely living out those callings enables a woman to be abundant and fruitful without the burn-out.

During the Introduction of this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. I am happy to say that reading The Life Ready Woman was a great experience. The authors expertly walk a fine line between encouraging women to take hold of opportunities and warning women that they can not do it all, at least not all at the same time. The myth that a woman can have it all and do it all, all at the same time was a lesson that I learned the hard way previous to reading this book. The book confirmed what I had already experienced. A woman can enjoy all that life has to offer, but there are appropriate stages of life in which she should make the choice to pursue those things.

I appreciated that the book had Biblically-based ideas, though some of them were quite new to me. The chapter on the Biblical definition of womanhood, marriage, and family was especially good. Too often women in the church are told that motherhood is their highest and only calling. To read this chapter was liberating for me as I am a firm believer that I exist for more than just reproduction. The concept of the three core callings for every Christian woman was also excellent. Using Scripture as their basis, the authors opened up a concept that was new and exciting to me. Every Christian woman should read this book.

Click here to enter my blog's giveaway of The Life Ready Woman by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis.

And, click here, for more details about the Weekend to Remember Giveaway sponsored by MomLife and Shaunti Feldhahn.

Or, click here, to visit the blog tour for The Life Ready Woman.

About Shaunti Feldhahn:

 

Shaunti Feldhahn is a former Wall Street analyst, best-selling author of the book For Women Only, national speaker, and regular commentator in the media. She has been featured on The Today Show, PBS, TNT and Fox News- to name a few. You can learn more about her many activities by visiting her website Shaunti.com or get some great mom advice from her at MomLifeToday.com. She and her husband live with their two young children in Atlanta , Georgia and enjoy every minute of living at warp speed.

 

About MomLife Today:

 

At MomLife Today you will enjoy community with real moms experiencing every age and every stage of MomLife—right alongside you.

 

Moms need friends we can walk through life with, but more importantly we need friends who will encourage us and equip us in our role as moms in an honest and transparent way … and that’s just what you’ll find by becoming part of our MomLife Today community! We believe that every MOMent counts!

We admit it, being a mom 24/7 is not easy. Rather than lament the role of motherhood, however, we choose to embrace that role and learn from each other how to make it through each day with the right attitude. Come share the joys, sorrows, insanity, and special moments of motherhood with us as we live it and candidly write about it…we’ll have lots of fun along the way! Join us, and do tell… What’s happening in your MomLife Today? www.momlifetoday.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."