The Voice by Sandi Patty

If you've ever heard Sandi Patty sing you'll never forget it.  Once you read Sandi Patty's words in this book you will never forget it either!  I anticipated that this book would be interesting but wondered if it would be a bit depressing as she expressed "hidden" parts of her life story.  It was anything but a downer.  I was so uplifted by this book I was in tears half the time.  As Sandi shares vulnerable, authentically and without excuses God's powerful love is the overwhelming theme over and over in this book.  The story is extremely well written - beautiful heart soul reaching language - and the depth of openness is amazing.  Each chapter tells a bit of her story from preschool Sandi to grandmother Sandi.  The detailed way God has led and loved her at each stage of her life can't help but inspire and bring the reader to her knees.  It gave me a sense of wanting to know God deeper and trust Him more fully for everything, absolutely everything in my life.  This book is a fascinating story but so much more.  It is a devotional book with journal type questions and a scripture at the end of each chapter.  It is can be a tool to helping someone find the professional help they need for emotional support or to overcome addictions.  It is a spiritual balm that reinforces the Biblical promise that God is for us and not against us, that God not only forgives but redeems and gives new life.  What a blessing that Sandi Patty was willing to share her story without reserve to help others see the God of love she discovered.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

This true military romance and spiritual restoration story is about Darren and Heather Turner.  Their story was embraced by film makers and made into a novel by author Travis Thrasher.  I liked how the story was presented.  The beginnings of the their love story and family and military career with strength and positive energy.  Then the harsh realities of deployment with a combat unit not just for Darren but for his family at home.  This is followed by the section on re-establishing their connection as husband and wife and with God when Darren returns stateside.  Finally the book ends with their testimony of what a mighty God they serve.  The narrative of the book is interspersed with emails between Darren and Heather and journal entries from Darren.  This makes the reading intriguing and gives a lot of emotional details that might otherwise be left out.  This is a brave story told in very real terms.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.