When God Says "Wait": Navigating life's detours without losing your faith, your friends, or your mind by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

When God Says "Wait": navigating life’s detours and delays without losing your faith, your friends, or your mind by Elizabeth Laing Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's not often that I read a non-fiction book, simply because I find that I enjoy a lot of fiction books. However, this one came across as one that I could really use and it was. This devotional book was written from a female perspective for females mainly. I can see where it would benefit male readers as well.

Utilizing popular Bible stories, Elizabeth Laing Thompson uses Miriam, Sarah, Hannah, Naomi, David, Jacob, Ruth, Mary, Gideon, Joseph, Martha, and Abraham to explain how sometimes in our lives, God does say, "Wait". Each of these Biblical people faced uncertain dilemmas in life and had to wait for the right time before receiving answers they were searching for.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

"When battles change us, even wound us, we can use our scars for good: They are reminders of God's power in our weakness."

"...build a life where he is in that moment."

"The ability to comfort others who are going through a similar trial. The ability to sympathize--and strongly."

"Never forget this: Our suffering becomes our story. God's nos are a much a part of our testimony as His yeses."

There is also great advice given in this book. Something I often struggle with is remaining positive, especially when it feels like the world is crumbling down around you. The author suggests to write down three things that happened in a positive way or three ways you saw God at work. Do this daily before going to bed each night. Focus on these things and keep your mind from wandering to the negative, especially before bedtime, but also to help you wake up refreshed and more positive for the coming day.

I appreciate how the author used these situations we read of in the Bible to remind me that, first of all, I'm not alone. Waiting can be so hard, no matter what it is you may be waiting on. Secondly, this book helped me to refocus my thoughts on Biblical matters and I found a deeper connection with these people by re-reading their stories and struggles. Third, I found this book to be very encouraging. Not only will it have you spending more time in the Word, but also reflecting on different situations you and your loved ones may be facing. Be encouraged to know that whatever it is you are going through, you are not alone in the wait. It can seem like it at times but remaining faithful and true to the Lord will reap bountiful rewards in the end.

I do hope that you will find encouragement in this post! I would recommend this to anyone hurting from the wait of your answer. I encourage you to have your Bible handy and read these accounts from the Bible, then read the devotional and commentary on each situation and apply it to your life. Be prayerful while reading this as well....I found myself having an even more active prayer life during the reading of this book and even since then. Finally, reach out to someone to pray for you, encourage you, whatever you need...you're not in this alone!!

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and the author for a complimentary review copy made available to me on NetGalley.com. What you have read are my honest thoughts and opinions on this book.

View all my reviews

Upcoming Release from Ronie Kendig

About a month ago, I posted a review of Ronie Kendig's upcoming Trinity: A War Dog. If you weren't enticed enough to pre-order your book based on the review I wrote, please stop what you are doing now and watch this trailer!




If you're ready now, what's stopping you from ordering??? I'm excited to get mine that I pre-ordered several months ago! Yes, I read a galley but I want the REAL thing too! :)

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

Surrender the Heart by M.L. Tyndall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm a first time reader of M.L. Tyndall. This won't be my last book by her! I could not put this book down!! Poor Marianne grabbed my heart right from the start. Who wouldn't feel sorry for a young girl who's whole life (and the lives of her mother and sister) depend on her marrying a wealthy sea merchant? Especially one who she doesn't love and he doesn't love her in return. Noah is one of those men who is going to have it his way and nothing will stop that. He leaves the engagement party to board his ship. What a man, eh?



M.L. Tyndall has written a book that doesn't give a "perfect world view" of the main characters. Marianne is described as rather plain and Noah doesn't sound all that attractive to me. Marianne is also a bit conniving and spunky too! However, I became more enamored with Lieutenant Reed and Luke. Even more than him, Mr. Weller absolutely stole my heart! The characters were so well developed that you feel like you know then as you read this tale of swashbuckling adventure!



I am definitely a fan now of M.L. Tyndall and I look forward to the next book in this series.



Many thanks to Barbour books for providing a copy of this book for review.



View all my reviews

The Reluctant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler

The Reluctant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful story about love, lost loves, and relationships with those who truly matter. Crystal has lost her sister, Jeremy has lost his daughter, and they have both seemed to have lost a sense of themselves in the process.

This amazing book is jam packed with drama, love, mystery and suspense, and humbling thoughts of a lost sheep coming back to the fold. I found myself tearing up multiple times while reading this book. I strongly identified with Crystal and some of the struggles that she was facing. She had a dream (but was it really her's?!?) to live out and was sidetracked into greater things along the way. That seems to be the story of my life but so far it's all turned out better than I could have anticipated.

This book is not for those who have a tendency to cry at the drop of the hat, however, I recommend that everyone read this! I had a hard time putting it down and enjoyed it cover to cover. I did get a little feared that the ending may not have been how I wanted it, but you'll just have to read the book to find out what does happen.

Highly recommended read! :)

View all my reviews >>

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!!

Sara made a mixture from the herbs Ahaz had given her and added it to a bowl of water. After mixing it together, she then tried to spoon some into Diana's mouth.

Taken from Brides of the Empire by Darlene Mindrup