Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Sweet Sanctuary centers around fictional character Wren; a single mom who suddenly finds her life turned upside down with the arrival of her elderly grandmother.  Wren is forced to face a very painful past, dysfunctional family relationships, and uncertainty in her future.  Through these trials, Wren explores what God's role is in her life and finds answers to some difficult questions.

The thing that I loved most about this book was its character development.  The authors really dig deep into the inner workings of the mind and human heart.  Throughout the book, as the main character Wren transforms we see the value of our thoughts, and how they affect our feelings and circumstances.  Sweet Sanctuary does not shy away from really portraying a believer's struggles, and the messiness of life.

This book has many universal truths and many of the circumstances are relevant to the body of Christ today.  Although I feel the book could of connected a little deeper with some of those truths, the authors did an amazing job melding together the message, the characters and the storyline.  The book flowed well, and it was difficult to put down!


I also really loved the ending, and although I won't give anything away, you can walk away from this book feeling uplifted and not taken from.  In general, I liked this book and am giving it a 4 stars out of 5.  

This book was provided to me free from Book Sneeze, pending an unbiased review.

It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

It's Not About Me-Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy is a book that shakes us out of self-centered living, and finds the beauty in walking with God through life, reflecting his glory. This book is an easy read, elegantly written, and thought provoking!

I personally love Max Lucado's style of writing and the content he so wonderfully inspires his readers with. Even though I struggle with some of his theology, I find it biblically sound. His illustrations and antidotes provide deeper insight into seemingly complicated concepts.

It's Not About Me is much more than a read that bangs you on the head with a legalistic talk down. It is actually quite the opposite. One of his basis points is that everything in life, successes, struggles, gifts and abilities, practically everything that encompasses life is for the Glory of God. By living a God centered life we are rescued from having to carry the world on our shoulders; having to be the best, the smartest, the richest. And, if we are those things, we are still just a small part in a masterpiece of a puzzle. What we do matters, and it is all to reflect others to the source, like the moon reflects the sun.

I think that most people reading this book already get the concept of "it's not all about me." I think the title is a little misleading, because although the basic premise of the book is about that, I found it expounded on many different topics directed toward just living a life with Jesus.

This book is simple and yet so complex at the same time. My explanations could never do it justice. If you want an uplifting, thought provoking read, try It's Not About Me.

I got this book for free from Book Sneeze, and this is my unbiased review.