• Book Review Defiant Joy— Those of us with chronic illnesses and pain will find an empathetic soul in Stasi Eldredge in her book Defiant Joy, which explores the beauty and difficulty of finding joy, from a Christian perspective. There is so much brokenness and sorrow in the world, it almost seems like joy isn’t possible. But the good news is—it is! This book revels in just how much joy there is available for us in Christ. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Faith

    Book Review: Defiant Joy

    Today I’m reviewing a book I knew I was going to love even before I picked it up. Stasi Eldredge’s book Defiant Joy has the subtitle: Taking Joy of Hope, Beauty, and Life in a Hurting World. And I think that message is so timely and needed. There is so much brokenness and sorrow in the world, it almost seems like joy isn’t possible. But the good news is—it is! This book revels in just how much joy there is available for us in Christ.

    I was fortunate enough to see a Facebook post inviting people to receive an advance reader’s copy of the book from the publisher and help spread the word about the book as part of the launch team.

    What can I say, I see the words “free book” and “Stasi Eldredge” and I click!

    I got my book a few weeks ago and felt like a bit of a time traveler because I got to read it early (the book came out earlier this week). Please note that I received no compensation for this review, and all opinions are my own.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small portion of sales, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog through your purchase!  

    I’m a huge fan of the Eldredge’s books (Captivating and The Sacred Romance among my favorites) as they have really helped me to grow and experience my relationship with God in new and deeper ways, so you bet I was eager to read this latest book.

    I had discovered Stasi’s blog post titled Defiant Joy in 2016 and

  • 2017 NONFICTION Book Picks - cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Etc

    My Favorite NONFICTION Books From 2017

    As you probably figured out from my earlier post about my favorite fiction books from last year, fantasy is my favorite genre. I’ve been trying to read more nonfiction books recently, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed them.

    For me, it’s vital that nonfiction books let me get caught up in the story or provide information that is applicable to my life. Here are the nonfiction books that captured my attention last year.

  • 2017 FICTION Book Picks - cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Etc

    My Favorite FICTION Books From 2017

    I can’t believe it was way back in 2007 that I started keeping my journal of the books I’ve read. There is something so satisfying about noting when I finish reading a book. Sometimes I jot a few notes about what I liked best, and sometimes, I go off and write a scathing paragraph outlining the book’s faults. I think I enjoy both equally!

    At the end of each year, I look back and tally up how many books I read (58 last year—a new record for me!) and note which were my favorites. I wanted to share those favorites with you all.