Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot is a common name amongst Christians when they talk about sacrifice and inspiration. Her story of sacrifice is so well-known by many that it is interesting to read about her first year on the field before she was married. Her way of communicating her feelings, and even the events of this time in her life are very real. I appreciate the honesty she writes with, in being unsure of what exactly she was supposed to be doing, but knowing that God is in control and has a purpose.

I would say this book is definitely suited for a person who already has an interest in her life, as there isn't much shared after the events of the first year to 'tie up loose ends'. But anyone who wants to be challenged in their walk with the Lord will also benefit from her working out her faith, and her beautiful way of communicating the things the Lord showed her through various difficult circumstances she faced.

Certainly living in the jungle back in that time period is much different than a lot of missionaries face today. I have been on the field since 2007, and we have a lot of technology available to us that makes it somewhat easier to be away from home and those we love. Not so back then. It was a major sacrifice to give up everything and move into a place where the people were not interested in what Elisabeth and the others had to offer.

The book was written a long time ago, and is a re-release of a previous work. Some may take issue with her stance on women's roles in the ministry, and the way they approached the people. But if you read it with an open heart, I am sure you find some really good and encouraging things that will stay with you long after you close the cover.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

Book Review: Wait For Me by Susan May Warren

I hadn't read the previous books in the series, and didn't realize this was part of a series before requesting it. There are a LOT of characters involved in this book, and a few females with two names because they are trying to start new lives. This became confusing very quickly, as there are also two places with 'M' names involved in most of the action. I hate when authors do that. 

The beginning of the book had me skimming things because it was cringe-worthy to read. I had no idea what was actually going on, as there was no introduction to people. We are just thrown into the scenario of a rescue mission. And then there was a different scene with a guy who hurt his knee but they weren't the same people from earlier. I was totally confused. 

There was also a LOT of physical stuff in this book. No sex, but people pressing themselves against one another, a man who continually remembers the sounds his ex-girlfriend made when they kissed, and things that turned him on, him wanting to not be lonely but the only reason he didn't sleep with a girl was because he didn't want to hurt his old girlfriend. This was bothersome to me, as I like my Christian fiction to be totally G-rated. I don't mind mentioning struggles and sins from the past (we all have them!) but to describe what he likes so much was too much for me. We see that Pete says he wants to not be the old Pete, but there isn't a reason given for why he has changed, or wanted to change. Had he found the Lord? He never says. 

There was absolutely no mention of God until much later in the book, and then it seemed to be only token things brought forward from previous books in the series. I really went back through the intro pages etc and found that there was no quoted scripture in the book at all, and I thought perhaps I had requested a non-Christian book by mistake. I read this type of fiction so I can be encouraged in my walk with the Lord, not just for 'escapism' fiction. That part was disappointing to me. 

I skimmed the entire middle of the book looking for mentions of spiritual things, and ended up near the end when the climax of the action happens. That part was actually well written, and I enjoyed the mystery and action. And sad to say, I don't feel like I missed anything at all by skipping so much of the book. This section was even bogged down by page after page of dialog of people arguing about misunderstandings, and things that happened in the past, that for whatever reason all had to be resolved at the same time. And more of the physical issues for Pete that Jess just didn't seem to understand. Almost like she was provoking him.

So I will not be checking out any previous books in this series, nor will I look for more books by this author. I was disappointed overall for the reasons mentioned above.

I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for an honest review. 

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

I liked this book! Tressa is an excellent female protagonist, and she certainly grows and matures throughout the book. The book starts off with her and her mother in dire straits, unsure of just what news awaits them as they are summoned home. The idea of a treasure hunt is always intriguing, and though this book focused more on the development of the characters (can't complain about that!) than the actual treasure hunt, it was still a very interesting read. 

Tressa is faced with her own failings in judging people and circumstances before she has all the information. She takes many things at face value without looking for deeper or hidden intent. It made me think of situations in my own life where I have done the same, and regretted it. 

Donegan is a very welcome addition to the story, and he helps Tressa in her growth as a person. There are a lot of twists in the story. Things get a little crazy when family members and exes begin showing up to look for the treasure. The side characters do get a bit annoying at times, and I wish Tressa or her mother would have kicked them out shortly after they arrived! But they help the plot move along, and contribute to the growth of other characters, so they do serve a purpose.

I wasn't convinced of the father's feelings for Tressa as a daughter, as he seemed very stand-offish, and even from her own memories he wasn't an involved and caring father. It was interesting to see them grow in their memories of each other, and become heartfelt as the book went on.  

I would definitely read more books by this author, and more in this series as well. She has a wonderful way of conveying truth within a character's story arc, and not sounding preachy.

I was given a copy of this book by Revell in exchange for an honest review.