Eye of the Storm: Experiencing God When You Can't See Him -- Ryan Stevenson

Before reading "Eye of the Storm' I hadn't listened to a lot of Ryan Stevenson's music, but certainly knew the big song that the book was named for. Having studied radio, worked in Christian radio, and as a collector of albums - I have a great interest in the story of the artist as well as the story behind the song. This book was a winner on both accounts. As an alumnus of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA -- where DC Talk met and formed -- I couldn't help thinking that 'had it not been for...'... this story might have been totally different. Without giving any spoilers away, Toby Mac of DC Talk was a great influence on Ryan and part of his success story. I was also very encouraged by seeing how God was always at work in bringing Ryan to fulfillment of the passions of his heart - and how he used others, even people very unlike Ryan, to make it happen. Again, no spoilers here but there are some real God-moments in the story. Ryan's story allows us to also meet his wife and mother and is one that I'm glad he told in greater detail here than we'd be able to get through an interview or listening to one of his records. The key take-away if to remember that whatever your storm may be, God is in the eye of it, and He is always working things for your good.

I appreciate Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for making an advance copy of the book available before it's July 7, 2020 release - in exchange for feedback.

More Than Love An Intimate Portrait of My Mother, Natalie Wood by Natasha Gregson Wagner

I've always been intrigued by the story of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner. I grew up watching Robert on Hart to Hart and I guess I imagined that he and Natalie in real life were as destined to be together as he and Stefanie Powers on the show. So when I requested an advance copy of this book

, I really thought I'd learn more about Natalie's tragic death. Instead, what her daughter has given us is a picture of who her mother was, their tender relationship during the few short years she had with her. There were tough times two - evident by Natalie's first and second marriage to Robert with one in-between. Natasha, who was named after her grandmother, actually felt like she had two dads. The death of her mother shaped who she would become in the years thereafter. It is an emotional and tender book, and any fan of Natalie, or Robert should read it. Maybe its time to stop thinking Natalie was murdered and we know by who and why and instead remember her for who she was - even go back and watch some of her main work and enjoy the life she was given to share with us, though it ended so tragically young. This copy was advanced via Netgalley in exchange for a review of the work.