Book Club: Book Review of What Happens Next

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I share often about extremely good books. Books that I can't put down because they are page-turners. I recently had this same experience with What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson. I received the book in the late afternoon and started reading it that night. By the next day, I had finished the book. Such a great novel!

"Everyone has a story, and maybe everyone needs a little help toward healing." 

What Happens Next tells the story of a popular podcaster, Faith Byrne, who is suffering. She may feature individuals on her podcast who have overcome tragedies, but she is facing a number of difficulties herself and struggling with how to overcome them. She is facing a summer without her daughters as they are going to Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife. She is also facing tragic news. She learns of the disappearance of Heather Crane. During the summer of 1987, Faith and her family stayed in Deep Valley. She was befriended by Heather during the summer. They were inseparable until Faith and her family moved before the start of the new school year. It was shortly after that move that Heather disappeared. And Faith was never told of her friend's disappearance. Sadly, she thought Heather refused to answer any of her letters. 

Faith is approached by Heather's older sister, Brooke, to assist in putting closure on the disappearance. Dora Crane, the girls' mother, did not handle the disappearance of her daughter well. In fact, it tore the family apart. By the present day of the book, we learn that Heather's brother, Greg, has moved away and not returned home. Heather's father, Paul, has left Dora. While Dora keeps Heather's room as it was the day she disappeared, the rest of the family is trying to move on with their lives while still being respectful of their lost family member.

We learn about Faith and Heather's friendship through flashbacks shared from Heather's point of view, as well as Faith's own memories shared with the other characters. The details are also filled in by Dora, Nathan (who had been a friend of Faith and Heather during that summer), the original detective on the case, and Faith's grandmother.

The novel is written from three different perspectives. The chapters of What Happens Next change from Faith, Dora, and Heather as we learn more and more details about the night Heather disappeared. This is done in an easy-to-follow manner as the title of the character is featured at the end of each chapter. 

What Did I Think? 

This was another book I picked based on the cover. It looks like an ideal summer day. A purple child's bicycle is tossed in the path. Perhaps its owner is enjoying a hike through the woods or a swim in the nearby stream. As a reader, you don't know that the bike belongs to Heather until many chapters into What Happens Next.

I felt that Christina Suzann Nelson provided a wonderful sense of suspense as I read from chapter to chapter. I wanted to know what happened to Heather. I felt her come to life in the book. I was eager to know if she had come to harm or had merely gone off on her own. The title of the novel is very appropriately named! 

The characters were all very believable. I felt the sorrow and agony of Dora, the hurt and pain of Paul, as well as the hope of Faith. The hope was that she would be able to help the Crane family. They made her welcome during that summer. She wanted to return the favor to them by providing closure. 

I would recommend What Happens Next to those who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. While the characters' relationship with God was not central to the story, we can see how each reached out to God to find their way. This would make a great gift for those who enjoy mystery and suspense Christian novels. 

Read my review of More Than We Remember here: Book Review. 

Book Club: Book Review of See the Good

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

One of my more considerable challenges has been moving from being overly pessimistic to being optimistic. I have spent time working on gratitude journals and found those to be helpful in seeing the good in each day. Because of this challenge, I thought reading and reviewing See the Good: Find Grace, Gratitude, and Optimism in Every Day by Zach Windahl would be useful for my own personal journey. I was looking forward to reading See the Good because I do believe "perspective changes everything," as the back of the book reads. In the end, I do not think this book was the right fit for me, though.

About See the Good 

"After almost losing his mother to cancer and wrestling with his own faith, Zach Windahl learned to take whatever life threw at him and chose to be joyful." 

This inspirational paperback book is 234 pages long with twelve chapters and an appendix of 52 gratitude journal prompts. Windahl addresses his ideas in two parts: changing the way we see and how to live it out. In the first part, he discusses changes in technology, our roles on Earth, the differences between creation stories, celebrations, and what Jesus was really like (according to the author). In the second part, he offers several concrete examples through his own anecdotes. He shares several lighthearted stories in his quest to help you make changes in your personal life. 

While See the Good offers a few specific and direct quotes from the Bible, the author often just shares stories without direct quotes. One example he gives about how we can change our perspective is from the Old Testament. In this example, he demonstrates that the worth of God's people changed as He brought them out of Egypt. 

My Thoughts 

I shared earlier that I feel that this book was not right for me. I went into reading and reviewing See the Good with an open mind, but after a few pages, I found myself writing down things I did not like or I did not agree with. But first, let me share what I did like about See the Good: 

• The font choice and size made it very easy to read. 
• As someone with limited time, I found the layout of the book (chapters, subheadings, etc.) made it easy to pick and read. 
• Zach Windahl shares personal stories with no hesitation. By the end of the book, even if I didn't agree with him, I felt that I knew him and could speak with him in person. 
• If you are looking for a way to think about your perspective of the world, See the Good asks a lot of questions which get you thinking. 
• There are some clear, specific ways listed to help you change your perspective. 

My problems with See the Good revolve around references to individuals, sources, and popular topics in the news and world. I do not necessarily agree with the perspective offered by the author on each subject, and I find some of the sources are not credible. These are my personal opinions, so others may not have the same issues as I did.

There was also one instance where I was amazed at a word choice. From the book: "You can quote Bible verses all day, but if you have a crap creative story, it doesn't matter" (95). While I understand that 'crap' is not the worst word ever written or spoken, I was taken aback by its use in a Christian book. As I wouldn't want my children using it, I don't want it in a Christian book I am reading, either. 

Another point of difference is in regards to the author's perspective on pranks. He shares two pranks that he and his friends did when they were teenagers. I don't think pranks are very funny. They don't really fit into my sense of humor. The pranks mentioned were not really harmful, but I still don't think that Jesus would be laughing along with them, as the author suggested. Again, this all comes down to perspective.

In the end, did I find the book interesting and useful? Yes, See the Good made some good points. I think it would be helpful for other Christians who, while they need to look for more optimism, have a different outlook than me. I do believe that Windahl really wants his readers to change their perspective. As the back of the book states: "But choosing to put our focus on the good leads to profound benefits that come from seeing life as an amazing gift from the One who loves us best." Through the whole book, he directs us back to God and Jesus, and that is very important in any Christian inspirational book.

Book Club: Book Review of Where the Blue Sky Begins

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I've been steering myself away from fiction – other than children's fiction – for a while now, except for historical fiction. Why? After my mom's death, I found that most modern-day fiction was too close for comfort. I decided to give Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner a chance, mostly based on the cover (which is quite lovely). Maybe I should have read the book description. This one definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

About The Book 

Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town, Tukston, by his uncle to work in his uncle's financial company. This is supposed to be the stepping stone for Eric's advancement within the company. Eric thinks he will work there during the summer and then be recalled to Seattle and the larger branch of the company. Of course, everything does not work out the way the confident and handsome Eric thought it would. Things move beyond his control after an accident. 

The second main character of Where the Blue Sky Begins is Eunice Parker. At forty-six years old, Eunice has given up on her dreams of becoming a veterinarian or animal rescuer as she comes to terms with a terminal illness. One of the things she has determined God wants her to do before she dies is to seek the forgiveness of several people. She created a bucket list of names and sought to meet with each of them.

Before Eunice can meet with those she wishes to, she is run off the road by Eric on her scooter. Through some good fortune and fast-talking, Eunice convinces Eric to drive her to her destination. These trips – both long and short – help a bond between the two form. As a native of Tukston, Eunice knows everyone in town, whereas Eric is a likable stranger.

Everything does always work out for Eunice as she seeks forgiveness, but through her attempts, Eric learns more about faith and God. He begins to change his outlook on his own goals with his uncle's financial company. Things change for both Eunice and Eric and those around them. 

My Thoughts 

The very first chapter of Where the Blue Sky Begins pulled me into the story. I wanted to know more about why Uncle Jack wanted his nephew Eric to see the town of Tukston. What was so intriguing about this small rural town? Who would Eric meet in the town? How would they change each other's lives? 

From Eunice's first appearance on her scooter, I didn't really think she would play much of an integral role. (I really need to start reading the book jackets.)  I am very glad that Eunice turned out to be Eric's next-door neighbor, and that she had the courage to ask him to help her accomplish the tasks on her bucket list. The friendship that developed between the two of them was a delight to read about – even with all its bumps.

The declining health of Eunice was difficult for me, as most illnesses and deaths have become over the months since my own mom died. I also find I get really attached to well-written characters, so I did not want to see Eunice's failing health or Eric having to cope with it. The author, Powner, did a fine job of handling these difficulties. 

One thing I realized after I started to write this review is that this book did not mention or incorporate the events of 2020. For that, I am very grateful. So many fiction books (and non-fiction books) that I have read published since 2020 have had to make mention of or incorporate the events into their book. It was so nice to read a book that didn't discuss masks, lockdowns, etc.

I really enjoyed Where the Blue Sky Begins. I would recommend the book to those who wish to read a good story that revolves around relationships strengthening and those who find themselves. We also see characters grow and develop into better people. Personally, I would love to see what happens to Eric. Does he stay in Tukston? And what about some of the other minor characters in the novel? How do they change after the end of the novel? 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Discussion Guide

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing several books by Tara-Leigh Cobble here at A Mom's Quest to Teach over the past several years. And I've enjoyed using the Bible reading plan that goes along with The Bible Recap for a couple of years now. So I was very excited to see a new book to help me dig deeper into the Bible and read God's Word. I've added The Bible Recap Discussion Guide to my new daily reading regime. 

About The Bible Recap Discussion Guide 

This lovely, green-covered paperback book is designed to help your Bible study group discuss the entire Bible with weekly questions. The fifty-two weeks of the year are spread out over 117 pages. Each week has eight to eleven questions for you and your group to discuss. Each week has specific questions for the Bible readings for those days, but there is one question repeated each week: "What is your favorite thing you read about God's character in your God Shots from this week?" 

While you could use many of the other resources that are part of The Bible Recap series, this discussion guide can be a stand-alone resource. The Journal and Study Guide would be helpful, but you can answer these questions verbally or in your own notebook. The only part where you would need something beyond this Discussion Guide is when you are asked about the "God Shot." As is explained at the beginning of the book, this term refers to the "snapshot" of God's character or attributes from that day's reading. It is explored further in The Bible Recap book and podcast. 

The table of contents lays out which books to read each day. You can read the entire Bible in one year, chronologically, using the table of contents or the other resources very easily. Or you and your group can pick a spot in the Old or New Testament to start and refer to the appropriate questions by referencing the table of contents. 

My Thoughts 

As I mentioned before, I have read and reviewed other works by Tara-Leigh Cobble. I have found the different books very helpful in more fully understanding the Bible. And I love that I can read the entire Bible in a year, chronologically. 

When I want to go further than my daily readings, I can pick up the Discussion Guide. These questions really help me focus on the different books of the Bible I am reading. For example, this week, I am reading Week 46, which contains the following readings: 

• Matthew 27; Mark 15
• Luke 23; John 18-19
• Matthew 28; Mark 16
• Luke 24; John 20-21
• Acts 1-3
• Acts 4-6
• Acts 7-8 

Some of the questions include: 

• Read Matthew 27:46 aloud. What do you think Jesus is communicating through this statement? 
• What new thing did you learn from the story of Jesus' resurrection in this week's reading, or what stood out the most to you? Why? 

I love questions that ask you think about what new thing you have learned. No matter how many times I have read through the entire Bible, I am always discovering something new. It is nice to have a reminder to stop and think about it frequently. 

I would recommend this book to those who wish to dig deeper into God's Word. It would be perfect for any Bible study group – large or small – or even just for a church leader to help direct them when asking their congregations questions.

Looking for more reviews of books by Tara-Leigh Cobble? Check out mine at A Mom's Quest to Teach. 

Book Club: Book Review of The God Shot by Tara-Leigh Cobble - "The God Shot is a high-quality, 216-page hardcover book with a ribbon for you to track your place."

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Journal - "The Bible Recap Journal is a 384-page paperback book where each day of the year has one page devoted to it." 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Study Guide - "The Study Guide is very easy to navigate and to use." 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap - "While The Bible Recap is less scholarly and provides more of an overview of the Bible, I think I am going to thoroughly enjoy using it this coming year to read through the Bible chronologically." 

 

Crafts: Praying for our Leaders

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Loving, Learning, Living, and Leading are all important things to teach our children in a Biblical Worldview. How can we do these things in our own lives? How can we be purposeful in the way we love as God taught us? How can we focus on learning about God and His world? How do we live our lives according to the Bible? And how can we lead others as God would want us to?  Over the course of four days, The Canadian Schoolhouse's Virtual Family Retreat: A Purposeful Life has touched upon these four areas. The whole family has a place in this virtual retreat. There are special speakers addressing both homeschooling moms and dads, crafts for your children, devotions, giveaways, and more. 

I want to start with several questions... Who are our leaders? Who has come before us in the Bible? Where can we look for leadership? How can we be leaders? 

We may not answer all these questions in this post, but I would encourage you to think about them as you create your craft, as you pray for our leaders, and as you read your Bible. 

Today's craft is inspired by a quote from Hebrews. 

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7

Remember those who serve as your leaders – those who lead your family, your church, your town, your province, and your nation. This verse in the New Testament helps us to remember the leaders of our church. And we can also remember the leaders of today.

Materials 

Today, we are going to make a simple craft that will help us to pray for our specific leaders. So, let's gather our materials! You will need two paper plates – the cheaper ones are perfect for this craft. You will need a pencil and markers (or you can use crayons or colored pencils). 

• Two paper plates
• Paper fastener 
• Pencil 
• Scissors
• Markers
• Notebook paper to list names 

Steps 

1. After you get your materials together, write down the names of the leaders who you want to include. Depending on where you live, you will be writing down the names of different people or even different titles. 

2. After you have your list of leaders, split your paper plate into three equal sections.

3. You will cut away one section for the top paper plate. Make sure when you cut away, you leave enough space around your paper fastener hole so it will not tear. 

4. Then, you will use your marker to make lines for each section. 

5. After the sections are divided, write the names of the leaders in the sections. You can add as much or as little decoration to your prayer plate as you want. Decorations can be complicated or just squiggly lines. 

6. Add on the top plate, "Today we pray for our church leaders and our ____________."

7. As you spin the prayer plate, you see the names you have written of your different leaders. Find a specific time during the day to pray for them.

What are the names of your leaders? Who can you pray for today?