Growing In Grace Online » Reviews

Book Review: Thicker than Blood

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:20:27 +0000

by Miss Alyssa

Summary: Christy Williams is a woman who has been running from her past and harboring secrets. May Williams is a woman who loves the Lord and co-owns a ranch that is about to foreclose. These sisters have not seen each other in fifteen years. As each struggles with their own trials, could an opportunity be opening for reconciliation? But what could possibly be strong enough to bring them together? What is…thicker than blood?

Thicker than Blood by C. J. Darlington won first place in the Operation First Novel contest. I can certainly see why! This is an outstanding novel which surpassed my expectations. The descriptions were wonderful-specific and concrete-yet never overdone or boring. One thing that struck me favorably was the realism of the entire book. The characters felt authentic and the story rang true.

This is a nice-sized book of just over 370 pages but I started it one afternoon and finished it before the end of the day! The story drew me in; it grabbed my interest and didn’t let go. Thicker than Blood is not your average novel. This is an awesome story coupled with quality writing. There’s drama, there’s action, and there’s heart.

The theme of redemption shone through beautifully. I also felt the value and sanctity of life burning brightly. The book clearly conveys that every human life is precious and God loves every person no matter how young or old, “good” or bad.

I definitely recommend this novel! Due to certain subject matter, it is more suited for mature readers, preferably thirteen and up. I have no complaints with this book so I’m going to do something I rarely do. I give Thicker than Blood five stars.

Miss Alyssa, a 16 year old homeschooler, is interested in writing and film-making for the glory of God and the furtherance of His Kingdom. She is passionate about reaching the unreached with the Gospel. She blogs at One Nation Under GOD.

Exfoliating Washcloth

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:00:10 +0000

by Sisterlisa

I have tried different types of loofahs and washcloths, but this one is my favorite so far. I works well with a cleansing bar or body wash. I make sure it’s wet then add the cleanser and rub together to get a good lather. The cloth exfoliates the skin very well and is gentle. It is a great item to use on the legs before shaving. However, I would not use it on the face or sensitive skin. I found this one at Walmart for just a few bucks. It’s easy to wash in the washing machine, but I would recommend drying it on the gentle cycle of your drier.

This review was voluntary and we received no compensation from BathSource or Walmart.

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.

Girlhood Home Companion

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:45:18 +0000

by Sisterlisa

It has been a pleasure getting to know Jill Novak of Remembrance Press. She’s a fellow homeschooling mom and sister in Christ, who had a vision with her gift of family writing. Her daughter, Claire, and son, Eric, have joined in her vision with their home based business. As a family they work together, as a team, to keep their business thriving. We had the pleasure of receiving a copy of December’s issue of The Girlhood Home Companion to review for this month’s issue of GGM.

When we checked the mail and saw that they sent us a few copies, we were thrilled to be able to give some to our friends for Christmas. When I opened the package and saw the beautiful colors and cover design, I was overwhelmed with awe. Each page kept me turning, looking for more. More beauty, page after page. Not only is their magazine filled with such an array of color, gorgeous photos within their layout, but The Girlhood Home Companion is also rich in beautiful girlhood heritage. The heritage of, what each contributor brings to the readers, a vintage style family magazine designed to enrich and enhance the girlhood that Jesus has given to young ladies.

Also, in the back of their December issue, is a free paper doll set from Emily and Breezy Brookshire of Noble Rose Press. The artwork and photography in The Girlhood Home Companion is breathtaking and first class. Each article inspires young ladies to dig deep into the heritage of girlhood that our Lord has bestowed upon us.

Remembrance Press is offering our readers a chance to win a 3 issue bundle of back issues; spring, summer, and fall/Christmas 2009.

Here are a few ways you can enter and for each avenue you participate in, your name will be entered again.

1. Blog about this giveaway.

2. Twitter:

a. Follow GGMagazine

b. Tweet about this giveaway using hashtag #girlhood

3. Facebook:

a. Join the Girlhood Home Companion fan page.

b. Go to the GGM fan page to enter this giveaway. (instructions posted there.)

You can also see more of what they have to offer at the Remembrance Press Bookstore.

Deadline to enter is January 15th.

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.