Picture Perfect

Janice Thompson offers a thorough and comedic look at love with the reluctant interruptions of the "luck of the Irish."

Vertical Reach = 3

The references to God are consistent though not very intimate

Message = 3

Love and everything works out in its own time.

Craft = 4

Janice Thompson and it shows in her work. 

Aesthetics = 4

Cover is modern, whimsical and matches the tone and message of the book. 

Dollars & Sense = 3.5

Thompson and Christian romance fiction fans will enjoy this sassy, funny look at love. 

This book was provided for review by the publisher Baker.

“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

A Year in Review Designed for Devotion

This picture is from the author Dianne Neal Matthews website. 

I received (without request) a book of 365 day devotions written by her. 

I think they wanted me to read it through then review it in time for the new year.

They apparently didn't read the email I sent to all of the publishing houses about my review format and schedule changes. 

This book since unsolicited was about to end up in the donate box. 

The Lord whispered to my heart, to keep it. 

So instead of the rush through read. 

I'm reading it as it was written. 

It offers itself as a tool to help deepen your walk with God. 

Each month I'll report back on if that has happened as a result of my reading the one page devotionals each day.

So far, I believe it will help new believers and believers who do better with structured devotional time. 

As someone who already loves studying scripture and journaling on a regular basis, so far I don't think it has had the impact the picture above states the author intended. 

We'll see what happens between now and when I report back next month. 

Marriage Carol Review

Vertical Reach = 1

There was a lot of talk about the need to go to church but not a lot about the Lord in this story. The characters and viewpoints were not very reflective or open about their relationships with God because they were virtually nonexistent. 

Ministry Message = 3

Forgiveness, stay married and the grass is not greener were the messages of this story. They were expressed in a metaphoric, wistful very cotton candy popcorn way. 

Craft = 5

The book and story itself are very well written. Despite a predictable storyline it was written with enough imagery and description and enjoyable dialogue for me to keep reading. The small size of the story also made it easy to finish despite it's predictability.

Aesthetics = 3

Beautiful imagery and fitting and appropriate for the title. 

Dollar$ & $ense = 3

While a bit boring the story is well written and may inspire someone frustrated in their marriage due to non life threatening or abusive issues. I wouldn't have ever picked this story up on my own because I'm not big on Christmas or squeaky clean Christian fiction. 

I received this book at ICRS from the publisher's booth for free.