book review: The House that Love Built, by Beth Wiseman

“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.”

I loved The House that Love Built. At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. The writing was so much like other novels I’ve read, that I thought it would be too predictable. Yes, the story of the romance of the two main characters was a little predictable, but the other characters in the book that end up making the “unconventional family” really added to the story. I loved how everyone in the book learned that blood relationships aren’t as important as love, and that anyone can love someone and they can become family. It doesn’t matter if it’s biological or even a legally binding relationship, as long as they are committed to care for one another.

The mystery aspect of the story was also a great addition, giving the whole story a little suspense and the surprise relationship at the end warmed my heart. I have to say this book actually made me cry a little, and I don’t usually cry from reading novels.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming, clean romance with a few little twists and turns along the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Pursuing Justice, by Ken Wytsma

“If God designed us to experience true happiness and abundant life, why do so many Christians feel dissatisfied and purposeless? We try to make our lives better by chasing our own dreams, but that only makes the problem worse. Instead, the path to a just life that’s satisfying and permeated with meaning leads us alongside the orphan, the widow, and the powerless. Using clear evangelical theology and compelling narratives drawn from two decades of global ministry and travel, Ken Wytsma, the founder of The Justice Conference, shows God’s unchanging love for all His children. On the way, the author calls us back to a proper understanding of biblical justice, a redeeming glimpse into the true meaning of righteousness and the remarkable connection between our own joy, the joy of others, and the wondrous Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pursuing Justice shows that God isn’t primarily concerned with personal piety but about empowering His children to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their creator. The message is as hopeful as it is fresh: when you discover anew the meaning of the Gospel and give your life away, you will find it…and it will be the best life you can imagine.”

I found Pursuing Justice a difficult book to get in to. It was not a very easy read and I didn’t sit down and read it through like I do most books, even dry ones.  I’m sure it’s a decent book with good ideas in it, but with my busy life style, I like reading more entertaining books. There were illustrations and diagrams to back up the points made in each chapter. With quotes and stories to try to make it easier to read, the author did try to make up for the lack of entertainment in the meat of the book. It felt like he was just trying to make it longer, though.

I will keep this book on my shelf, but am glad I didn’t have to pay for it.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.