Book Review: THE LONGING IN ME by Sheila Walsh

(This new book by Sheila Walsh is also available as a Bible study.)

Sheila Walsh has been a "Christian celebrity" for many years. This is the first book of hers I've read - and I'm so glad I was accepted for the launch team. This book spoke to many different areas of my heart - one of the chapters had me repenting and apologizing to my husband for my lack of grace toward him at times.

There are 10 chapters in this book, each dealing with a certain longing that could possibly be carried in one's heart. As with any book, some spoke more to me personally than others. The book parallels David's life and heart with what we go through.

There are LAYERS of truth in this book. I really want to lead this Bible study, because there's so much there that *I* need, and I know my group would get great things from it. Between stories of Sheila's past that an ordinary observer would never know to David's lifelong struggle to seek God's heart, the book gives the reader space and direction to really look at her own heart. This isn't a book of Sheila's history or biography, so the reason for reading THE LONGING IN ME would really be to seek the truths of each chapter and how it applies to each reader's heart.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has some life experience. Unfortunately, living life usually means experiencing hurt, and this book will truly help look at that hurt and start healing.

Be blessed!

Book Review: LOOKING FOR LOVELY by Annie F. Downs

Good morning! Today's a big launch day in the book world - I'll have another review today for another book! :)

First, I appreciated that the publisher got the book into our hands early. Sometimes, we don't even GET the book - we're asked to recommend the product on past successes, and that's not too fun. But getting to read the book in one's own time, ask questions if necessary, and really understand the content - THAT'S why I read! :)

Second, let me tell you about the author. This is Annie F. Downs' fifth book, so she's been doing this for a little while. I had the chance to hear her speak Friday night; Annie's a "local", but she travels three weekends out of four to speak to girls and women across the country. I also got the privilege of getting to meet her afterward. Annie speaks just like a sister; she's caring, warm, funny, laughs at herself and her quirks, and her heart is to point to Jesus.

This book, LOOKING FOR LOVELY, does just that. From beginning to end, the book is a vulnerable sharing of Annie's own struggles and looking to find the lovely little things in everyday life that God puts there for us to find. (If you know me, you know that's one of the things I seek, too, so I spent a lot of time while reading it saying, "Exactly!" "Yes!" and "Oh, do I agree!!!" :D )

This is a relatively easy read - at least *I* thought so. Some of the girls have commented that it was hitting close to home, and that they were taking a lot of time to read each chapter. I also liked the way Annie had a suggestion, at the end of each chapter in Section Two, on a way to "Look For Lovely" that related to the chapter just read. They were easy tasks, but they help apply the ideas discussed to an individual's life.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It would make a great gift book, because it has life applications for any age and any level of maturity. And learning to collect "the moments that matter" is a life skill that it's never too early to start!

You can find LOOKING FOR LOVELY at major retailers or online!