Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers....
"Voice in the Wind" is the first book in the Mark of the Lion series. I heard so many people talk about this series that I decided I finally had to see what all the hype was about. I'll give this a 4-/5. It is better than most Christian fiction on the market. The writing style is not my favorite, and I would have given the book a lower rating, but I found myself thinking about the book and the characters throughout my day. If a book holds your attention when you are not reading, then clearly the author is accomplishing something. Most of the book is set in Rome and Ephesus soon after the death of Christ. It is a story of faith, love, lust, sin, gladiators, religion, and Roman law and social classes. There are two more books in the series so the ending leaves you hanging.
Still Life With Rice by Helie Lee......This was an excellent read. I give it a 4+/5. I saw it recommended on a few blogs and shelfari pages (although I can't remember where so sorry I can't give you credit). I needed to spend a few more $ to get free shipping on Amazon...so why not? Helie Lee was raised in America. She seeks to understand her heritage and the social expectations placed on her as a result of generations raised in Korea. She writes a memoir of her grandmother's life and the sacrifices she made to bring her family from Korea to America. Her grandmother shows courage and creative ingenuity to survive war and oppression. This is a captivating story that I would recommend to anyone, but is a MUST read for my reading friends in Korea who will now have an even deeper appreciation for the culture and history of this land.
Don't Make Me Count to Three! by Ginger Plowman...I give this a 4/5. This is a great book about getting to the heart of your children's sin instead of just making them obey for obedience sake. It is about training up your children according to scripture. The author gives a lot of great, practical examples. It focuses a little too much on the NEED to spank your children, but overall a good read. You can also buy a chart as a companion to this book that I think is fabulous. It is called Wise Words for Moms. It opens like a calendar and has columns for your child's behavior (complaining, bragging, disobeying, lying, tattling, etc), heart probing questions, reproof (Scriptures with what to "put off"), encouragement (Scriptures with what to "put on"), and additional verses. I am sure I will be using this chart in the future.
8 comments:
That's so funny that you read the Ginger Plowman book. I heard her speak at a Hearts at Home conference last fall and *loved* what she had to say. Some of the things still impact how I handle the girls (especially because I used to count to three until I went to that seminar).
Still Life with Rice sounds very interesting - maybe I'll look for it after the 3 other books I need to read!
Oh and I totally loved the Mark of the Lion series, but know others who didn't like it as well. The second book is my favorite b/c it's the conclusion of Hadassah's story and the ending always makes me bawl like a baby.
OK, I'll stop now. But that's awesome that you were able to finish 3 books on your trip. Sounds like heaven - warm weather, scenic spots, and reading! Yes, I am a nerd. :)
I loved looking at your pictures. That's definitely a part of the world I want to see someday. (Do you think they do marriage seminars there? ;) ) Adeline is so sweet and dear. I love this age.
WOW - you got a lot of reading done. Good for you -and I am a little jealous (in a good way)
I will have to check out that Ginger Plowman book - it sounds interesting.
I read the Mark of the Lion series and loved it. It took me 4 times to get through Voice in the Wind. I FINALLY made myself stick with it because I had heard so much about it. I agree with Jenni - I loved the second book. I read it in one day and cried like a baby as well!
I love that last book you referenced. I refer to it all of the time!
A good follow up when Adeline is older is: Shepherding a Child's Heart. It is awesome too. On the same lines as the one you read. Seemed more for "older" kids to me. Ginger Plowman really broke it down.
YES! I needed some ideas on what to read next.
I have enjoyed every Francine Rivers book I've read. I really liked the Mark of the Lion series.
I have to laugh at the counting to 3 thing. I did that with my kids and they were just talking about it the other day. Of course they remember waiting to 3 to do what I was telling them to do. I should have read the book!
I will have to read "Still Life With Rice" since I *am* here in Korea. Thanks for the suggestions!
I liked reading your book rec's! I am actually looking for a good read for a cruise that Brian and I are going on in May for our 10 year anniv. Havent found one yet...so keep giving those reviews and ratings!
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