Beyond Ordinary is an excellent "marriage book". The authors share the story of their marriage journey through ministry and adultery to an extraordinary relationship. I actually found myself reading to find out what happens in their story and had to remind myself to think of personal application. I liked that each chapter shared more of their story, as well as a Biblical story and insights into how to move into an extraordinary covenant relationship. Obviously this would be an excellent book for a couple struggling in the aftermath of adultery or a similar betrayal, but it is also great for anyone at any level. As the authors say, we often settle for ordinary, not realizing we could have so much more. Since the authors take turns writing individually as well as together, one gets insight into how the opposite sex thinks and much of their story struck a chord with me. I appreciated as well how the authors are clear that one's personal relationship with Christ must be first and foremost in importance. I recommend this book for any couple or even an engaged couple to read and discuss how to implement these ideas from the start.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

great ending to the series, probably my favorite. Love how Artemis changes throughout the series!

This book was such an excellent book and just what I needed to read right now! The book is authored by Sarah Mae, a blogger and speaker with young children, and Sally Clarkson, speaker, author, co-founder of Whole Heart Ministries which is focused on developing strong families. This combination is excellent as both women have wonderful insights born of their separate experiences. Sarah Mae is still in the throes with young children, while Sally's children are almost grown which makes for an amazing "conversation" throughout the book. The women stress the importance of getting together with other moms for support and finding an older woman as a mentor.

The book really spoke to me as the women are so honest about their struggles with raising their children, with the frustration, fear of failure, selfishness we struggle with every day. It is so motivating to realize one is not the only one with these struggles, and their insights motivate me to be a better mom. One of my favorite quotes in the book is the following by Sally:

"Satan knows that the righteousness and faith of the next generation are in the hands of parents, and particularly the moms, who interact with their children every hour of the day. Satan would just love for us to think our labor is in vain and ineffective, and that we are not adequate for the task."

Wow. How motivating for me to remember that this is a spiritual battle and that my main job right now is to train and prepare my kids for the future. That everything that happens in this house is training them. There is much more on this topic, as well as how to care for oneself, and even a bit on housework!

I strongly recommend this book to any Christian mom, no matter how you feel about how your journey with your kids is going. But especially if you feel overwhelmed, tired, and "desperate". This one will be staying handy as one I frequently re-read to keep my mind and heart on track as to my purpose!


I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

meh. good story, terrible ending.

This is what I'm guessing is the final book in the series. I was teary through probably 75% of the book. The author makes the characters and their struggles very real, and I like that he lets you peek into so many of the characters, not just 1 or 2 main characters. He shows a lot from the daughters' point of view, but their father's experience and struggles are a big part of the story as well. I don't read a lot of Amish fiction, but this does have quite a different spin on it as the Amish families have settled in Mexico. It's very interested how they deal with different aspects of the culture and difficulties they have there. And frustrating as well in certain situations- even having grown up as a Pacifist Mennonite, I was so frustrated as they punished a young man for protecting a young Amish woman from what would have surely been a beating and rape at the least. I enjoyed all three of this series and would recommend them to lovers of Amish fiction and newbies alike.


I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.