Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path To Joy

Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path to Joy
By Larry Crabb

I believe the intention in writing this book was a good one. Life sometimes throws curves our way and how we handle these curves can make or break our emotional well being and commitment to God. I agree with the author in that we want to proceed with paths or things that make us happy in life, and if we find this happiness we tend to neglect God; we can manage on our own. Sometimes God then has to close a door in our life to bring us closer to Him. Perhaps a shattered dream is what it takes to steer us in the right direction that brings us back to God, that may open another unexpected door for us, and that may lead us to the simple joy that we crave for in life. I like the idea that behind every failure, heartache, and shattered dream, there is a divine presence waiting to be discovered. This book is thought provoking and is enlightening and has much real truth in coping with shattered dreams and leaning on God. Unfortunately, while I found the insights helpful, I found the book to be dry in its presentation and I struggled to get through it.
I thank the publisher for providing this free copy to me through Library Thing Early Reviewers.

An Amish Love - by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long

The best way to describe these three warmly written stories about Amish love is: faith, commitment, compassion, and real life.  These are not stories about the Amish way of life, but a portrayal of Amish love, as the title says. While reading this book, one can feel the strong commitment and caring for others that just leaps off the pages, which is a lesson in itself. 

These stories are clearly written. While the point of the book is not so much how the Amish live, but rather love stories, it is obvious that the authors were well versed in the Amish way of life.  The Amish faith came through strongly in this book and whether the reader is a Believer or not, you will enjoy this book. The lessons of love are well received and I personally was able to relate to one of them as I am going through the same experience.  I felt like the one particular story was timely written for me and I was meant to read this book.  

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting to read stories that are: insightful, enjoyable, warm, loving, and leaving one with a sense of gladness and hope. My thanks and gratefulness goes to the Publisher who has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Booksneeze.