• About

Pick Well

~ Just another WordPress.com site

Pick Well

Monthly Archives: May 2017

Lovely Summer Read!

28 Sunday May 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2017 Summer Reads, Celeste Fletcher McHale, Christian Fiction, fiction, Romance, The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories

Sweet Magnolias

After reading Celeste Fletcher McHale’s debut novel, The Secret to Hummingbird Cake,  I have been anxiously awaiting her next novel. If you have not read The Secret to Hummingbird Cake, you must! I recommended it to more friends last year than I can remember. This new novel by McHale is also a page turner and an excellent choice for summer reading.

I love the use and reference to the magnolia in this novel. The central character in this book, Jacey, is both strong and soft, much like the magnolia. Jacey suffered PTSD from an experience she had in the flood waters of the Mississippi.  She doesn’t want to remember the terrible day that her life was forever changed, but she also can’t forget.  Mostly, she can’t forget the man she spent three days with during the flood, Colin. They had an instant connection, but somehow in the turmoil of rescue, they lost one another. In this novel, Jacey and Colin try to find their way back to each other.

I enjoyed this book for its southern flair and interesting twists and turns.  Like any good book I read, I managed to finish in just a few late night binges. I didn’t love it quite as much as McHale’s first novel,  but I would definitely recommend it without hesitation. I would have loved a little more page time between Jacey and Colin. Other than that, this book is a must read! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers.  I was not required to give this book a positive. review. I have not been compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

 

Book Review: Sacred Privilege

07 Sunday May 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Kay Warren, Pastor Wife, Pastor Wife Resources, Revell Publishing, Sacred Privilege

Sacred Privilage

 

I knew I wanted to read this book the minute I saw the title and the author! Kay Warren is the wife of Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church.  I hold Rick and Kay Warren in high esteem because of the way they live out their lives and the way they have served the Lord in their years of ministry. Reading Sacred Privilege was like sitting with Kay Warren over coffee and asking her all of my burning questions about her life as a pastor’s wife. Fourteen years ago I married a pastor and I always appreciate wise counsel from a woman who has walked the road I am on and done so with grace.

This book is for wives of pastors of all distinctions. Kay Warren does not just write for the lead pastor’s wife, but to all pastor’s wives.  She has amazing wisdom to share! I enjoyed the entire book, but I had a few take aways that I will remember forever.

  • From Chapter 2: My husbands most valuable resource in ministry is me. Above everything else, I am vital to his work in ministry and visa versa.
  • From Chapter 6: I should not be afraid to use my own live as an example. My own struggles are meant to encourage others.
  • From Chapter 7: I need to nourish my own inner life. Warren uses an illustration from High Call, High Privilege by Gail MacDonald in this chapter.  He says, “Untended fires soon die and become a pile of ashes.” How true this is!  I cannot be of help to anyone if I have allowed my own fire to go out.
  • From Chapter 7:  I would also like a coffee mug that says Easy Like Sunday Morning. 
  • From Chapter 9: I should live the same in my private life as I do my public life. So good!

 

There is so much good stuff in this book! The five take aways I listed are the ones that really stood out to me. I honestly could have listed ten more. If there is a pastor’s wife in your life, consider getting this book for her. It would make a lovely mother’s day gift! I was given my copy by the publisher. I am passing it on to another pastor’s wife because I think it is that well written. Sacred Privilege is easily five stars! Kay Warren, thank you for barring your soul for all of us pastor’s wives. We so appreciate the encouragement, wisdom, advice, and love you put into every chapter.

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
  • National Parks and Historical Fiction
  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
  • Something New from Jocelyn Green

A Dog Named Dolly Parton Backyard Garden Books I LOVE Cleaning House Family Favorites Food Food for thought homeschool Out West Trip Recently Read Reviewed Books Saving Money Travel Uncategorized Virginia

Twitter Updates

  • RT @Alinea_Church: Tomorrow is our first Sunday of the new year! Make sure to get to church to start your year off right!! #murfreesboroch… 3 weeks ago
  • RT @Alinea_Church: New year. New challenges. New possibilities. SAME God! #ForGodSoLovedTheBoro #murfreesborochurch https://t.co/73DaIWBhZY 4 weeks ago
  • RT @MattSmethurst: This is a delightful insight that echoes the gospel. thebulwark.com/there-is-no-ma… 1 month ago
  • RT @BethMooreLPM: I’m telling you right now, Jesus is gonna be so faithful to you. Don’t fear what’s ahead. Face forward. Chin up. Put one… 4 months ago
  • RT @jpickwell: To #leadlikeashepherd you need to be familiar to the sheep. Can they recognize and trust your voice? It involves proximity a… 5 months ago
Follow @jenpickwell

Archives

  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • February 2012
  • January 2011
  • October 2010

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 111 other subscribers
Follow Pick Well on WordPress.com

Goodreads

NetGalley

Blogging for Books

NetGalley

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Pick Well
    • Join 111 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Pick Well
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...