Never Let You Go

Never Let You Go by Erin Healy tells the story of Lexi and the turns in her life that brought her to where she is today. Her sister was brutally murdered. Her mother and husband abandoned her. Her father entered a mental hospital. She was left alone to deal with the wounds left by those around her. All at once, her past comes colliding into her present. Her husband returns, with the help of her mother. The man who murdered her sister is up for parole, and a polarizing figure from her past is threatening her.

Overall, I found this book different than anything else I have ever read. I had a very difficult time “getting into” the book at first since there were VERY MANY characters introduced in a short period of time and they all had back stories with Lexi that were not explained the first time we meet the characters. At the conclusion of the book, I enjoyed the overall themes contained within its’ pages: such as the message of the importance of Faith in your life.

Although I don’t know if I would choose to read a book along these lines again, I did enjoy reading about the types of struggles people may face in their life. It made me a little more aware of the devastating effects a life ruled by drugs may have on not only the individual themselves, but everyone involved in their lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Essentials for Life

Essentials for Life by Marcia Ford serves as a book which details fifty of the essentials for life. They range from essentials such as spreading the good news, studying the Bible, holding on to hope, setting aside time for worship, and accept who you are, just to name a few. Within each of these "chapters" or short devotionals, there are Bible verses which relate to the specific topic and a breakdown of the two essential things you should DO and those two things which you must not be afraid to do or mistakes you must not make; they are broken down into the DON'T category.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think I will read through it again in the futre as a devotional, by reading one chapter at a time, rather than the book in its entirety. I also enjoyed the breakouts on the sides of the book which listed quotes that relate to the specific topic, interesting notes, and Bible verses that address the topic. The book was very easy to read and understand, and there were topics that related to everyday life. It also makes you think about topics which all people grapple with such as tithing, integrity, hope, forgiveness, and grace. It serves as a reminder as to how to deal with the essential topics in life.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.