The House That Love Built

I received a copy of The House That Love Built by Beth Wiseman from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

This is the first book I've read of Beth Wiseman's.   I really enjoyed all the characters she brings together in the book.  She does a wonderful job of showing how hard it is to forgive but also how much you’re life benefits from it.  Learning to move forward with your life is never an easy thing and with each other to lean on everyone was able to find out how easy it is to be ‘family’.

Intentional Parenting

I received a copy of Intentional Parenting by Sissy Goff, David Thomas and Melissa Trevathan from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

This is about you, not just your child.

Regardless of age, parenting requires a certain amount of uncertainty. But you can be certain that your children look to you to help them discover who they are. And you can only offer that to the degree that YOU know who you are.

Over the years, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan have helped countless families through their ministry known as Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. Due to the unique setup of Daystar, each is frequently counseling not only the child but the parent as well. Having both perspectives provides an opportunity to speak into some of the most common struggles that parents face in today's fast-paced society.

Intentional Parenting is built around 12 chapters that each dispel some of the most common parenting myths and reminds all parents of truths that can empower them to be not only the parents that their children need but that God has called them to be.

The book helps you discover first who you are and then takes that healthy person into a discovery of being more intentional, playful, consistent, merciful, and connected to your children.

Understanding your child. Understanding you.

This book covers topics for all ages of children and has great examples for each.  I haven't read a book that I can apply concepts immediately like this in a while.  If you have doubts as a parent this book is for you.  If you've reached a point that you've given up this book is for you.  Really this book is great for all parents no matter how old you or your children are.