Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Book Review: The Continuous Atonement for Teens by Brad Wilcox

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the new book, The Continuous Atonement for Teens by Brad Wilcox. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to my belief in the gospel and understanding how the atonement works in my life has made all the difference for me, especially over the past two years. I have went through some rough times and relied on the Lord to get me through. I’ve seen how putting my trust and faith in Him has made it possible for me to continue, keep moving forward, even when times are tough.

The reason I love The Continuous Atonement for teens is because Brad Wilcox explains the principles of the atonement and how it works in clear context. He gives excellent examples, inspiring stories, and so much hope for this gift that we’ve been given. I have marked several passages in my book and I’m so glad that I have this so that my own children can read it and understand how grace and works make the gospel what it is and how the atonement is for ALL of us ALL the time.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon–both works teach of Jesus Christ and the love our Heavenly Father has for all of us. I’m grateful that His grace is sufficient for me and that through His atonement I can continue to move forward and learn all that I need to while on this earthly sojourn.

I love these lines from the book:
“Saving requires an Atonement. Redeeming requires a continuous Atonement. Being born again requires an Atonement. Being reared to spiritual adulthood requires a continuous Atonement.”

I’m grateful for the Atonement and I think this book is an excellent teaching tool to understand and apply to life.
This book is the teen version of Brad’s book, The Continuous Atonement, which I’m looking forward to reading next.

Here’s more about the book:

Brad Wilcox’s The Continuous Atonement is a landmark work that helps to clarify what the Atonement is—and what it isn’t. It corrects misperceptions and offers hope to those who struggle again and again.

This teen adaptation will help teenagers better understand and apply the Atonement in their lives and help them teach the nuances of the Atonement to others, whether on a mission, at home, or with friends. As they better understand and apply the Atonement, its transforming power will have a lasting effect in their lives.

Each chapter opens with a teen-appropriate question and includes subheadings to clarify content, new stories relevant to teens, and a Prepare to Teach section to help readers internalize and share what they’re learning. This shorter edition will be printed in paperback, perfect for teens to carry with them through their busy days.

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Book Review: Practicing for Heaven by Brad Wilcox, Wendee Wilcox Rosborough, and Brian Call

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

This week is full of wonderful books for the Easter holiday and this special time to learn about and remember the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Today I’m reviewing Practicing for Heaven: The Parable of the Piano Lessons by Brad Wilcox, Wendee Wilcox Rosborough and illustrated by Brian Call.

My family loves picture books and the piano so this book was a perfect match for us. We read this book together for Family Night and helped our little kids understand the concept of the Atonement. I loved the parable in this book because it fit well with our family. We’ve had several complaints and frustrations with practicing the piano and so my children definitely related. I have come to understand the power of the Atonement on a deeper level over the past few years.

The illustrations are in fine detail and very lifelike and my kids loved the details the artist included, like the cat and dinosaurs in the pictures. The story was short and it was easy to keep the kids attention while teaching an important lesson.

This book would be excellent for a family Easter gift or for anytime of the year.

Here’s more about the book:

David hates practicing piano. He is frustrated by how hard it is and all the mistakes he makes. With the help of his mother, he comes to understand how that’s all part of the learning process. She also uses the moment to help David comprehend more about the Atonement: Christ has paid the price so that we can learn and improve. We are not earning our way to heaven we are practicing for it, and Christ is willing to help us every step of the way.

Practicing for Heaven also includes teachings tips for parents who wish to teach children of all ages about the Savior’s Atonement and grace.

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Book Review: The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

This was another great romance with a kick by Lucy McConnell. I enjoyed the idea of the butterfly flu and the world pandemic it caused and how it affected the characters. This story was a delight to read because the romance had some great twists in it. The setting of Santa Barbara was fun and unique with the house boats. I laughed in several places, loved the dialog, and the fun connection the characters had with animals. I felt like the ending was somewhat abrupt, which means that I was just enjoying the book too much and didn’t want it to end.

Here’s more about the book

Lucas Scott, a world-renowned microbiologist, is desperate to find a cure for the butterfly flu before it spreads. Hounded by the media, he escapes to his houseboat in Santa Barbara where he meets a vivacious veterinarian with a penchant for taking in strays. While he searches for the key to unlocking the butterfly flu, Becca somehow unlocks his analytical heart.

Becca Lee isn’t impressed with her new neighbor. His clothes are constantly wrinkled and he’s grumpier than a cat with digestive problems. However, Luke isn’t easy to brush off. He’s always around, has a magnificent mind, and is full of surprises. But, what she can’t figure out is why her

instincts tell her to trust this rouge billionaire. It doesn’t take long to realize he is the only one alive who can save the world and Becca has to make a choice– open her heart or watch Luke sail off into the sunset.

To get your free copy for a limited time, click here.

 

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Book Review: Heaven Scent by Rebecca Cornish Talley

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle:

Heaven Scent—what a cool title. It meant so much more to me after I finished reading the book and realized just what a play on words the title is. I love the foreshadowing that Rebecca does in this book to build up to quite an amazing event and storyline. She has a great blend of a little romantic tension and plenty of physical and emotional action.

This is a great read and was a good reminder to me of how it must feel when people don’t know God. It’s hard to imagine not knowing how to pray because I pray every day and have known prayer all my life. I’m grateful for the personal relationship that I feel with my Heavenly Father, the knowledge that He really knows ME, and cares about me. Thanks Rebecca, for the great story and good reminder woven so artfully within the story.

Here’s more about the book:

She’d wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she’d wanted her family to be like it used to be. She hadn’t wanted everything to change so drastically that she may not even survive it. As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone – from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds – seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could Kyle’s religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her father to make amends? When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn’t know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!

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Book Review: I Can Forgive With God by Ganel-Lyn Condie

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

Today’s book is a little different than the usual light-hearted fiction, but it’s one that I was eager to read. I Can Forgive with God is a collection of stories of healing from Mormon Women compiled by Ganel-Lyn Condie.

I used to think I understood forgiveness–it’s something you give to a person when you do something wrong, right? Yes, it is, but it’s so much more than that. What about when you are the person who is innocent? The person who has done absolutely nothing wrong? According to the Bible, we are all required to forgive. In my personal life, I’ve never had trouble offering and accepting forgiveness when the offense was a two-way street, but I’ve learned so much about another side of forgiveness that for me, has been a huge challenge. I Can Forgive with God may be a book that can help you find peace if you’ve struggled to forgive someone in a situation where you were an innocent party. This book encompasses all kinds of scenarios and needs of forgiveness, but this is what spoke to me because it’s what I needed to hear right now. I needed to hear the reminder, that no matter what has happened to me, I Can Forgive with God.  Thank you, Ganel-Lyn Condie for producing a beautiful book that helps people draw closer to Christ and utilize the atonement and the amazing power of forgiveness.

Here’s more about the book:

Are unresolved feelings of anger, resentment, and guilt keeping you from living your best life? It’s time to let go of the pain and make the life-changing decision to forgive. A stirring new work from best-selling author Ganel-Lyn Condie, I Can Forgive with God features the personal accounts of an incredible group of women who have harnessed the power of forgiveness after enduring the furnace of affliction. From divorce and death to addiction and abuse, these sisters’ experiences are linked by one common truth: the power of absolution is available to all through hard work and faithful reliance on our loving Heavenly Father.
The women spotlighted in these stories have come face-to-face with devastating tragedies and trials, ultimately learning to forgive those who have hurt them—including themselves. With the help of this book, you too can find strength in the Lord—the giver of grace—to see your mistakes and others’ through the lens of forgiveness.
”I Can Forgive with God is a beautiful and inspirational book because we have all been there before, and we’re all looking for that grace for ourselves and others.”
—Richard Paul Evans
“In I Can Forgive with God, Ganel-Lyn Condie shares a treasure trove of stories on forgiveness that will help you learn how to forgive others. The lessons within these pages will transform your life.”
—Seth Adam Smith, blogger/author/featured in the
Sitting on the Bench Mormon Channel video
“This book will bring healing to many as they learn that forgiveness is really a gift we give ourselves.”
—Janice Kapp Perry

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Book Review: Forever and Forever by Josi S. Kilpack

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I’m so pleased to share a new book with you today by Josi Kilpack. I absolutely loved Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. This book was beautifully written and a pure delight to read. Have you ever fallen in love with the characters in a book and wished that they were real? Well, this book is based on the true love story of the famous poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the heiress Fanny Appleton.

The story of their courtship is amazing, so unpredictable and with a love so deep that it left me thinking about Henry and Fanny for several days after finishing the book. I loved the author’s research notes in the back of the book and how Josi included a timeline of actual events and what was straight fact and well as fiction.
Josi Kilpack has established herself as a wordsmith not to be ignored. Her novels are a gem and with Forever and Forever, she has drawn attention to the depth of her talent and writing skills. I can’t wait to read more from her in this new genre of a historical proper romance.

Here’s a more about this book:

It’s 1836, and nineteen-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits. Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Recently widowed, he is gathering research for a new publication that he hope will secure his professorship at Harvard College. Befriended by the Appleton family while visiting Switzerland, Henry is introduced to Fanny and sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is from a much lower social class and is older than she is. How could such a relationship ever thrive? Could a book of Henry’s poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?

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