Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

In her book, Stained Glass Hearts, Patsy Clairmont compares people to stained glass windows.  She offers insights into how God restores and redeems what seems broken beyond repair.  Through the use of personal experience, art and music, she show beauty created through pain and brokenness.

I have always loved Patsy Clairmont, her wit and wisdom, her transparency and tranquility.  Her stories rock of God's desire and ability to restore and redeem.  While this book differed from others of hers, I liked it. At the end of each chapter is "The Art Gallery" which provides things to research at the library or online. I enjoyed that she took me out of the book and caused me to explore the worlds of art and music in order to bring a complete understanding of the point she was making. 

As I am one of many broken people in the process of being restored, I was able to connect with most of the insights she provides in this book.  While some of this is not new insight, it is presented in a way that I believe will connect to broken people, especially women.

This book is an easy read, which most times, broken people need.  I recommend it for those who are in the process of being restored as well as for those who need a starting place.  I am glad I have a Stained Glass Heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Single mom Wren is living in a cottage on her mom's property with her son Charlie.  Charlie is gifted and Wren fights hard to give Charlie stability and security while wrestling with getting him into a prestigious music academy which has expressed an interest in his talent. Throw into the mix, a visit from Grandma Ruth, who wants a birthday party, a handsome man who would like to be Wren's suitor and 2 estranged siblings and you have the makings of a story dealing with forgiveness and healing.

While I enjoyed the foundation of the story, I found the storyline a little meandering, which made the book a slow read. The suspenseful part was more predictable than suspenseful.

I did connect with the main character, Wren and could fully understand the relationship with her sister Barb.  Some of the characters seemed to be thrown into the book without just cause.  It is like they are in this chapter and gone the next so did they need to be in it at all?

The overall message was of forgiveness and healing and the book did accomplish addressing those issues.  Was I challenged in my faith or was I entertained?  Not really.

Should you buy the book?  Perhaps at a thrift store or garage sale.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com 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.”