Spouse In The House by Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

When I first learned about Spouse in the House, I was a little worried it could be too much of a self-help book but the humor the two authors and those that they reached out to share in the story makes it a light-hearted way to read about a serious challenge and think about things differently. Some of the topics are more about sharing a home but most are about the shift when suddenly you find yourself with a SITH (spouse in the house) - love that term by the way. They provide many practical tips to help you cope with changes in your own life. They refer to their husbands (who share a first name) by nicknames throughout the book. This adds a bit of humor to their stories but I especially enjoyed when they also shared their husbands thoughts on the topics, helping give a fuller view to the story.

This book was very timely with the current situation where many people are finding themselves at home with their spouse (and their kids in some cases too) close to twenty-four hours a day. This book is a great read for not only those that are facing the reality of having a spouse home all day due to retirement but has applicability to those that find both spouses at home because they now have the opportunity to work from home or can take college courses online. It's a good read for those that are newlyweds (or about to weds) that haven't had to share a home with a spouse before. It really examines the realities of being home together, especially when you haven't been used to it.

One thing that was particularly interesting to me as I read was the point of view because in my household, I am the one that suddenly found myself at home all the time about 2 years ago. I had worked outside the home for the prior 23 years (and other than a brief underemploymnet period about 18 years earlier) while my husband had worked from the house first in sales and then in computers. When my company eliminated my role, I was suddenly at home all the time and then, when I found a job, it was fully remote. So, now we are both working from home. We definitely operate on different schedules which can be both good and bad. For a while, I tried to adjust to eat lunch with him but decided that although it was nice to take a break together, it really was easier to stick to our own schedules most of the time. Now, we take time for lunch together only occassionally. We each have our own time where we fit in exercise, although on occassion we will walk together. He has his space in the home office and I am primarily based in the kitchen and will use the game table or the office for calls, depending on whether he is using the office or not. We have found the way to coexist during the work day. We balance household things while making sure that we each are able to get our work done.

The stories, humor and practical tips flow easily with the conversational style of the book. So much of what they share and the stories they tell are very relatable and you feel like you get to know quite a bit about the authors and their husbands. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a SITH and is looking for insight on how to best coexist.

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About the Book

A frank and funny look at what to do when together is too close

Two’s company, especially for those who love each other. So what happens when—due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together—spouses find that being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other?

Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby know all too well how adjusting to a new, all-the-time closeness can cause the bliss of marriage to form blisters. Drawing from their experiences, and from men and women across the country in the same situation, the authors take a deep breath and dive into the root causes. They dig into what God’s Word has to say, and they offer practical tips for learning the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical steps that can help readers replace irritation with peace.

For any couple who wants their home to be a refuge of peace and serenity for all—not just themselves—and who wants to know they aren't alone in the mental and physical claustrophobia of too much togetherness, Spouse in the House is a vulnerable, charming, and pragmatic breath of hope.

Click here to read an excerpt from Spouse in the House.

About the Authors

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events, retreats, writers’ conferences, and workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.”

Ruchti’s more than thirty books have garnered reader, retailer, reviewer, and other industry awards. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a founding board member of the Deliver Hope ministry and is part of the worship team at her church. She’s also a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management.

Ruchti and her husband, Bill, live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and six grandchildren.

Learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and her writing at cynthiaruchti.com or by following her on Facebook (@CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage), Instagram (@cynthiaruchtiauthor), and Twitter (@cynthiaruchti).

Becky Melby has authored more than twenty novels and novellas. Spouse in the House is her first non-fiction book release.

The Melbys have four sons and fifteen grandchildren and make their home in southeastern Wisconsin. When not writing or spoiling grandchildren, she may be found touring the country with Bill in their camper or on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.

Find out more about Becky Melby’s books at beckymelby.com or follow her on Facebook (becky.melby.9) and Instagram (@beckymelbybooks). She also shares short blog posts each Friday on the Fill My Cup, Lord page on Facebook.

The Giveaways are not hosted by A Busy Mom of Two but are part of the book tour, please see giveaway for official rules and guidelines. No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue

A complimentary copy of the book was provided to enable this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. 

When I first heard of the new book from Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue called The Plans We Made, this quote came to mind:

 

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." -- Robert Burns

I was immediately intrigued by the title and wondered what type of an adventure we might be in for. I decided it was a book that I must read.

Suffice to say, I was quickly drawn in to the story and as is often the case, found myself wanting to read just a little more before putting it down. It translated to a couple of later nights and a few lunch hours where I was reluctant to get back to work.

I enjoyed getting to know the two (although not called out I think there were actually three) main characters. I was so disappointed in Caroline's fiance and his assumption that she would simply follow him wherever he went regardless of her own dreams and desires and when this perspective didn't change even after a broken engagement, I was not only mad at him but frustrated with her willingness to consider accepting less than what she deserved. It was good though to witness the growth that she had and watch as Caroline came to learn more about herself and her value. Linda was a strong character who recognized that she had to be stronger and vulnerable to do the right things and open up about the secrets that she had kept from absolutely everyone. What a tough spot, the relief she could finally feel by sharing something that no one else has known about her was well offset by the ripples that revealing it caused in her family and community. Chris was the third main character in the story. I loved the foil that he provided to Caroline. They simply were fun together, even though they were on opposite sides with their respecitve employers in the battle for a historic home, there was a nice balance in how they each pushed the other to be better and to be courageous in taking the next steps that each faced as they grew and put their faith in God.

Despite things not turning out the way you might expect, it is refreshing to know that things can still turn out in a way that works.

 

Many plans are in a man's mind, But it is the LORD'S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). -- Proverbs 19:21

If you are looking for a story that brings together love, loss and growth with a warm and endearing group of individuals, this is one book that is definitely worth checking out.

About the Book
When past secrets hold the only key to hope for the future… Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations.

Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect - a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart.

Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that life doesn’t always go according to The Plans We Made.

About the Authors
Kathryn Cushman graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Samford University. After hanging up her lab coat, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her previous works have received multiple nominations for both the Carol Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. The Plans We Made is her tenth published novel. Learn more at kathryncushman.com. Follow Kathryn on Facebook (@authorkathryncushman) and Instagram (katiecushman1).

Lauren Beccue graduated from Holy Cross with a BA in English and now lives with her family in Santa Barbara. She writes about faith and family, with an emphasis on agricultural passages of the Bible. This is her first novel. Learn more at laurenbeccue.com. Follow Lauren on Facebook (@beccue.lauren) and Instagram (@lauren_beccue).

You can check out the trailer for the book here: Enter to win your own copy of the book here:a Rafflecopter giveaway If you pick up a copy on your own online or your local book store, be sure to participate in the author's giveaway:

MAKE YOUR PLANS IN PENCIL! Now, go buy your copy of The Plans We Made online or at a local bookstore, then be sure to head to Lauren’s website to claim your bonus freebie! THREE CUSTOM PENCILS: Make Your Plans in Pencil The Plans We Made Proverbs 19:21 Just contact Lauren with your name, address, and where you purchased the book, and she’ll send you a set. That's it! (US only and get 'em while they last.)

A complimentary copy of the book was provided to enable this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. 

A Chance At Forever by Melissa Jagears

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Summer sports are in full swing at my house, but I have still found some time to read. I recently finished reading A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears. The book is part of her Teaville Moral Society series, but it reads well as an individual book.

Set in Kansas in 1909, the book follows the story of Mercy, who helps run the local orphanage with her brother and sister-in-law and serves as a member of the local school board, and Aaron who has recently returned to Teaville to try to set things right with those he wronged as a bully when he was child. He has changed since he left Teaville and we meet him as he is applying for a teaching position at the local school. Mercy, one of the victims of his bullying, does not believe he has changed and does not want someone of his like to be allowed to teach.

As fate would have it, while he is waiting on the decision of the school board, he finds a summer job that puts him at the orphanage as the gardener. He sees this as an opportunity to help show Mercy that he is a change man and hopefully, gain her forgiveness for the way he treated her as a child.

The plot was engaging and made the book difficult to put down. The characters were easy to relate to and the type that you wanted only the best for. The story was a touching read that was well written with underlying messages of faith and forgiveness. It included a nice touch of romance and mystery, which were enjoyable and added to the appeal of the story. It was nice to watch how through self-discovery and awareness, Mercy was able to come to realize that she might be wrong that no man could ever love her or choose her as his. As the characters grew through the story, they gained new perspectives about others around them and helped show that it's never too late to turn to God and that through faith and conviction great things are possible.

If you enjoy historical fiction or a simple love story, then this book is for you.

About

". . . heartwarming and sweet . . . compelling . . ."--RT Book Reviews on A Love So True

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

About the author:
Melissa Jagears

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a free prequel ebook novella. You can learn more about Melissa, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com.

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Getting Jesus Wrong by Matt Johnson

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

When I got the invite to review Getting Jesus Wrong by Matt Johnson, I was intrigued. I am more of a fiction reader, but faith is an important part of my life and I was intrigued by the idea behind the book - that in our faith and our needs we have created this perception of Jesus as a Life Coach, a Checklist provider, a Movement Leader, or a Cultural Visionary. In the past, I have taken several courses in college and been part of groups as an adult that have leveraged one book or another to fuel a conversation that allows us to challenge what our interpretations of the teachings of the Church and the Bible are. So, I thought this might be a good book to continue those opportunities to challenge my thinking.

The book is set up with the first section sharing some examples that in retrospective the author felt were examples of the wrong approach to consideration of Jesus and the second section some thoughts for moving forward. There were a few that spoke to me...whether I agree or not, they were things that got me thinking.

"The advice-oriented teaching I received in churches was meant to be helpful. Nobody was knowingly trying to deceive me or the congregation." He shares about having an uneasy feeling after listening to a sermon on marriage. He shares that the Sunday church service doesn't feel like the right place for this, but rather that time should be focused on sharing Jesus and his forgiveness of sins, sharing Scripture and partaking in communion. "I can get sound marriage advice down the at the local bookstore...on Sunday, I need to hear the message I'm not going to hear anywhere else."

The author at one point talked about how to make the stories of the Bible relate-able to current times and situations. I think that is a challenge that many churches are trying to address and one that when they can draw parallels and convey the story in 'modern' times, goes a long way in helping the community hear the message and live the message.

There were examples he shared about the focus of many churches being about growing membership and raising dollars for the church. This was one that was interesting to me, because my husband and I have talked about how we have no problem with giving to the church, but that the constant inclusion in the sermon to remind us that we are obligated to give and the act of collecting during the service can be frustrating - I recognize that some people need it to be right there to remember or be willing to contribute - but it still makes it feel like the focus of the service is not on the Gospel but on 'making' money.

The book was okay, but not great. It certainly got me to think about things like what sermons that speak the most to me, what do I look to get from my church experience, and how can I help give relevancy today to the stories in the Bible. In general, I expected it to be more about how people as individuals or part of groups get Jesus wrong, but it felt like it was all about the different churches approaches (that are wrong) and how people are drawn to those approaches and thus get it wrong. It might be an interesting book to use as part of a book club or a good conversation starter for a Bible Study group.

About the book:

Jesus is not a life coach, a movement leader, a cultural visionary, or a blessing dispenser-but you might not know that by listening to many Christians talk about their faith.

Feel-good slogans promote a caricatured Jesus made in our own image who cannot save us and leave us feeling guilty for not saving ourselves. Following the wrong Jesus disappoints us and produces anxiety, pride, and despair.
The first half of

Getting Jesus Wrong recounts pastor and author Matt Johnson's personal encounters with a string of false saviors-false saviors that many, especially young adults, will recognize. Johnson's humor and transparency in recounting his own painful experiences will appeal to those who have tried a "brand" of Christianity and found it lacking.

The truth is, we all want something from Jesus. Some are just hoping for a little help to get through life-a new direction, a purpose that will get us up in the morning, an exercise plan, a way to get organized. But that approach to Jesus doesn't result in real faith or love.

Whether we've followed a false Jesus or attempted to coopt the real Jesus,
Getting Jesus Wrong ultimately offers us hope because it helps us see Jesus as he is.
Getting Jesus Wrong shows that the message of the Bible is about Jesus coming to us as we are-which is good news for exhausted and disillusioned disciples. It shows us that getting Jesus right means a whole new way of thinking (the way up is down) and a whole new way of life (daily dependence on the one who knows the beginning from the end). Getting Jesus right gives us more than spiritual vitamins or a blueprint for living; it gives us a full, rich life spent exploring the depths of gospel love together.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
About the author:
Matt Johnson is a husband, father to two little girls, and is an armchair student of theology living in Seattle. He is also a freelance writer and editor. Until recently, Matt spent 7 years as an associate volunteer pastor in counseling and recovery ministry.
Find out more about Matt at https://www.therealmattjohnson.com.

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No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.