Monday, October 31, 2016

31 Verses to Write On Your Heart Book Thoughts



 29358392

 About the Book

Here are the words of hope you re looking for when your faith needs a boost or a friend needs encouragement. Chosen by more than a thousand women as their favorite verses in the Bible, each one is worth learning, worth sharing, worth remembering,
You ll find verses you already know and love: I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Others may be less familiar but are no less powerful: Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Proverbs 29:25). All of them capture the truth of God s goodness, mercy, and love for His own.
Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs invites you to experience
A deeper, richer understanding of thirty-one treasured verses.
A fresh look at how these timeless truths can impact your life.
A new passion for memorizing Scripture, verse by verse.
Thirty-one creative ways to keep them in your heart forever.
With a Study Guide included, 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart is a daily devotional and a small group Bible study, wrapped in a lovely gift book overflowing with joy!" (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

I really have enjoyed most everything that Liz Curtis Higgs has written. This book is wonderful! It is simple, to the point, and well organized. She states a verse, talks about it, then gives you a tip to memorize and a way for you to copy down the verse. I love this because while it sound so easy sometimes it is hard to figure out a verse to memorize. This book gives you great ideas and will keep you motivated. This would be a great book to add to a Bible study, or personal study every week. I am looking forward to using it as a personal goal. 
Highly recommend! 

"Thanks to Blogging for Books for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own. "











Humble Roots Review



28592793


 About the Book

Find abundance in a humble life.

A lot of books these days are trying to diagnose our discontentment—too busy, too distracted, too hard on ourselves, too (fill-in-the-blank).

While many of us could do to simplify, peace is not about productivity, saying no, or any other external. It’s about saying yes to our dependence on God. This is what Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul is all about.

Exploring Jesus’ “Come unto me” invitation, Philippians 2, and various texts from the Gospels, Hannah Anderson reveals:


The cause, nature, and dangers of busyness and self-dependence
The myriad benefits of humility
What humility is (and isn’t), and why it’s essential to our identity
How Christ modeled humility through His incarnation
How humility plays out in our salvation and sanctification
How to learn humility and walk in dependence on God
The reason many of us feel so unsettled is that we are attempting to be something we were never intended to be—it’s an internal issue. We need to recover a theology of creaturehood that leads to true abundance, and Humble Roots is the perfect place to start. (Goodreads)




My Thoughts 

I really enjoyed this book. The first first part of the book (part one) really spoke to me and I found myself nodding in agreement with many of the things she writes about. Also, there is some real life humor that I really enjoyed. Everything from anxiety to stewed tomatoes is discussed and for a non-fiction Christian Living book, this is very good. I know many people don't read non-fiction but if you need a fresh perspective on real life this is a pretty good read. 

Five stars. 

"I received this book from MP Newsroom for free. All opinions are my own."











 

Friday, October 28, 2016

Your Money Map Review



23591040

 About the Book

This book will transform your finances . . . and your life.When you learn what the God of the universe says about handling money—and apply it—everything changes. Your Money Map shows you how.

This biblical and practical guide is for everyone—single or married, young or old, whether you earn a little or a lot. It helps you:


Frame your finances within God’s big picture
Determine and change the trajectory of your financial situation
Establish and follow 7 steps for wise stewardship.
Follow the principles in Your Money Map
toward financial freedom and you will know a joy, peace, and confidence about your finances that few ever do.

Includes discussion questions, tools, and resources to help you put the book into practice. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

I am always interested in reading books about money. Everyone usually has the same idea but does things a tad different. I really like the layout of this book. Easy to read and understand. I like the map idea because I am a visual person and I like to see where I am headed. I do wish that there had been more examples with different charts. Most things are just told and not shown which is a bummer for me. Otherwise I would say this is one of the better money books I have read in awhile. 
"Thanks to MP Newsroom for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own. "















Thursday, October 27, 2016

Devotions for a Deeper Life Review


 29491879
 About the Book

Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, remains one of the best-loved and most deeply respected theologians and writers in church history. Few authors inspire and encourage as he does, and never is this more apparent than in Devotions for a Deeper Life.





Devotions for a Deeper Life, excerpted from lesser known essays Chambers wrote in the early twentieth century, will instruct and encourage you with its accuracy and poignant reflections on the Christian life. This daily devotional dives into what it means to live out your faith in dynamic and compelling ways. More than 75 years have passed since the original publication, but the content remains relevant and deeply inspiring.





Oswald Chambers created one of the most classic and influential books in church history when he penned My Utmost for His Highest. His insights and understanding of the nature of God challenge readers to examine their faith and grow in depth and maturity. Devotions for a Deeper Life brings this message to an entirely new generation of believers and will show, once again, the timeless beauty found in the truth of Scripture. (Goodreads)



 My Thoughts

I have enjoyed reading Oswald Chambers for quite a while now. This is a great devotional that I hadn't read until now (this is an updated version). I like the size, the simplicity, and the daily readings. The best part about this little book is he does a short daily devotional and then gives recommended reading from the Bible. This is perfect for those mornings when you feel rushed or perhaps can be done as a couple/family.

"I received this book from BookLook bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."









 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Aboard Providence Celebrate Lit Book Tour

My Thoughts

I will be honest in saying I didn't love this book. I liked the setting and the overall idea but it was difficult for me to get into the characters. The overall writing of the book is good just was not the story for me. 


Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publishers for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own. 

To purchase your copy, click Here.

About the Book



Aboard Providence - Cover
Click picture to purchase

In November 1860, Jonah Ashton boarded the Providence with a plan to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return to medical school in Pennsylvania before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. What he didn’t count on was getting lost at sea and falling in love. When they finally reach land, Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?

About the Author

Keely Brooke KeithKeely Brooke Keith is the author of the Uncharted series (Edenbrooke Press) andAboard Providence (CrossRiver Media). Her novels are known for blending genres in unconventional ways. When she isn’t writing stories, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely resides with her husband and their daughter on a hilltop south of Nashville where she dreams up stories, hoping to encourage, comfort, and inspire readers. She is a member of ACFW.

Guest Post from Keely Brooke Keith

The Uncharted series has a past…
The Uncharted storyline begins in the 21st Century in a hidden land that was settled in the 1860s by Americans. Throughout the Uncharted books, the characters refer to their founders’ history. Soon after the release of The Land Uncharted, readers expressed their desire for more. Why did the founders leave America in 1860? How did they plan the group migration? Where did they believe they were going? How did they establish what is now a fascinating culture?
I too was drawn by the founders’ story. When I set out to write it, I enjoyed fleshing out the mystery of how the founders arrived in the Land and what it was like for them, not only for the characters who wanted that adventure, but also those who didn’t. I became swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God’s unfailing provision.
The result is Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media, 2016).
Join the founders as they embark on their voyage to an uncharted land.

Blog stops

October 21: 1994
October 22: A Greater Yes
October 23: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
October 24: cherylbbookblog
October 26: I Hope You Dance
October 26: Mary Hake
October 27: Genesis 5020
October 28: A Readers Brain
October 29: Bigreadersite
October 31: Bibliophile Reviews
November 1: Pause for Tales
November 1: Karen’s Krayons
November 2: Proverbial Reads

Giveaway

86b2d8ea-fb73-4498-93bc-e34282f145ba
In honor of her tour, Keely is giving away The Uncharted Series ebooks! Click the link below to enter; be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway!https://promosimple.com/ps/a60d

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Where Two Hearts Meet Review

28637700


 About the Book

In her kitchen at the Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.
Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.
When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.
Readers will discover hope for the hurting, joy for the broken, and romance for the lonely at the enchanting Red Door Inn. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

I am loving this series by Liz Johnson! I have always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island and this book takes you right into the heart of it. I love the inn setting and I really enjoyed Caden's personality. I thought it was fun and also realistic to life. There is some humor that is a great addition and really the characters are what make this story. Great writing I can't wait until the next book!
Five stars. 

"Thanks to Revell for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own."















Friday, October 21, 2016

October Clash of the Titles. Vote Now!



Autumn leaves are falling from the trees, and we've raked in some great books for this month's Clash of the Titles!
Vote for your Fave!


Scroll through these releases and cast your vote for your fave.
It's a tough choice, but it's up to you to determine our Clash Champion!

https://www.amazon.com/Loves-Faithful-Promise-Courage-Dream/dp/0764217267/ref=sr_1_1

Love's Faithful Promise  by Susan Anne Mason
Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O’Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he has no idea how his life is about to change.
~~~~~~

https://www.amazon.com/Feta-Freeways-Susan-M-Baganz/dp/1537366041/ref=sr_1_1


Feta and Freeways by Susan M. Baganz


Nikolos Action is the lead singer of the band and doesn't realize love is right in front of him until their manager, Tia, is almost killed trying to save his life. After years of ignoring her is it too late to earn her trust...and her love?
~~~~~~ 

https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Alternative-Kelli-Hughett-ebook/dp/B01LGF1IYE/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1

Dangerous Alternative by Kelli Hughett


Hollywood grip, Levi Boulter unknowingly puts himself in the crosshairs of a murder plot. Now, he'll do anything to keep the woman he loves safe, even if it means losing her forever.
~~~~~~ 

https://www.amazon.com/Inconceived-Spinstered-Book-Sharyn-Kopf-ebook/dp/B01LZ4ON59/ref=sr_1_2

Inconceived by Sharyn Kopf

Realizing you’re a spinster is one thing; understanding what that means and how to handle it is another. And, it would seem, Jolene, Uli and Catie still have a ways to go before they truly comprehend what God is trying to show them not only in their desire to marry but in their longing to have children of their own.
~~~~~~ 

https://www.amazon.com/Child-Dust-Romance-Contemporary-Christian-ebook/dp/B01LVW167W/ref=sr_1_1

Child of Dust by Shoba Sadler

After the sudden death of her parents, Vietnamese socialite Cao Kim Lye steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi when she goes to live with her Amerasian chauffeur and his adoptive family at a shop cum living quarters.

VOTE HERE!

If you have trouble viewing the entire survey, CLICK HERE to load a dedicated page to the survey.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

The Sound of Silver Birthday Blog Tour~And Giveaway










Hello and welcome to The Sound of Silver birthday blog tour! I’m posting today about Rachelle Rea Cobb’s second installment in the Steadfast Love series, an inspirational historical romance set during the 16th century!

Rachelle is also the author of The Sound of Diamonds, the first book in the series, and a newlywed! This summer, she married a man with the same first name as the hero of the series! I’m joining in this blog tour to tell you a little more about Silver and spread the news about the rocking giveaway Rachelle is hosting—make sure you enter using the Rafflecopter form to win the lovely necklace pictured and your choice of any of the Steadfast Love titles!


Enter using the Rafflecopter form below to win a beautiful necklace created by Baubles, Beads, and Stuff and your choice of any one of Rachelle’s three books (the series begins in Book One, of course, but in case you have one or two of her books already, Rachelle will gladly send you the next one to read!).

International friends, the paperback & necklace giveaway is open to continental U.S. addresses only (sorry!). But do still enter, because one international winner will also be chosen to receive an e-book.





ABOUT The Steadfast Love SERIES

In 16th-century Europe, the Reformation rages between Protestants and Catholics. Gwyneth, half-Dutch, flees from England to Holland to escape the man who murdered her parents. When he follows her there and insists he came to rescue her, will she trust this man called Dirk? When tragedy strikes, will their steadfast love erode?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago--her passions include the Reformation, Revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots her novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South.

AUTHOR LINKS

Instagram: @RachelleReaCobb


ABOUT The Sound of Silver

The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One fights for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

Find The Sound of Silver on…
Amazon Paperback: http://is.gd/1HwJoi
Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/qhoCTc
Books a Million: http://is.gd/M2y5P2

>> And if you want to learn more ABOUT BOOK ONE, The Sound of Diamonds

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her, but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.

Find The Sound of Diamonds on…
Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/qhoCTc
Books a Million: http://is.gd/M2y5P2
Goodreads: http://is.gd/F7HILk

Wild Montana Skies Review

 28637713



 About the Book
Bestselling Author's New Series Delivers Romance and Adventure as an SAR Team Searches for Others--and Finds Themselves
Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.
Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.
With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future? (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors, and I have been impatiently waiting for this book to release! I LOVE the setting, I so wish to visit Montana one day. I love the characters and the slight mystery that is woven throughout the book. Don't worry, there is a slight cliff hanger in which we must wait once again. While this isn't my favorite book written by Warren it certainly kept me up reading all night. I also love how the secondary characters don't seem so secondary and I was wrapped up in their saga throughout. 
Great writing and exciting new series! 
Five stars. 

Thanks to Revell for a free copy. All opinions are my own.  


















Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Devotions for Christmas Review



29491953

About the Book
 
In the swirling busyness of December, take a moment to relax and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas


We all know that Christmas is a time to celebrate Christ the King born to us, to enjoy our family and friends, and to indulge in those annual traditions we look forward to every year. But even though we may understand the true reason for the season, far too few of us know how to celebrate Christmas as the time of peace that it is meant to be.


With a rich, daily devotion for every day of December, Devotions for Christmas offers you a way to unplug and spend some time reconnecting with a childlike sense of wonder and joy at the mystery and blessings of Christmas. Settle in and enjoy peaceful and hope-inspired Devotions for Christmas. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts


I really love this book. It's smaller and shorter than I anticipated but in a hectic season it's okay for short and to the point. There are some great graphics that add to the feeling of the holidays and the first day is about how we need to slow down and really enjoy December. This would make a fun gift and it is nice to have a small devotional for the month of December. 
Five stars. 

Thanks to BookLook for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own. 














66 Ways God Loves You Review

 29492100


 About the Book

God’s Word is many things—instructive, historical, poetic. Yet to Jennifer Rothschild, the Bible is also an incredible love letter. In 66 Ways God Loves You, she walks you through each of the sixty-six books of the Bible and shows, in concise and thoughtful ways, how every book reflects God’s love for each of us, such as:



In Genesis God fashions me with His hands.
In Esther He Makes me royalty
In Acts God’s Spirit comes to live in me.
In I Peter God gives me victory over suffering.

Each chapter includes a succinct, meaningful reading on the message of that book in the Bible, along with a simple takeaway to help you bring the message to light in your own heart and life. (Goodreads)


 My Thoughts

This is such a cute little book of encouragement. I love how colorful this book is and how Jennifer reminds us how each book of the Bible has meaning for us. I would suggest this would make a good gift or even a type of devotional while reading through the Bible. 

Five stars. 

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the gift of this book. All opinions are my own.










 

Saturday, October 15, 2016

October Days..



 Oh, I saw these mountain goats on a hike near where we live. It was epic.






Well here we are in the middle of October. Winter has arrived in our part of the country (though some claim it fall still). It has snowed and continues to drop temperature so call it what you wish. We have been getting our supply of wood up (we have a wood stove as our heat) and getting our outside stuff taken care of for winter. Chance has been busy moving cattle from one place to the next and getting ready to ship calves off in the next couple of weeks. October has been a bit slower for me work wise (it comes and goes with tourists) so I have been re-organizing my house, making salsa (which I then freeze), and getting all the Christmas gifts bought. Yes, I am an overachiever when it comes to holiday shopping simply because I don't want to be stressed out once December is upon us. 

We managed to do a quick family photo shoot while the leaves were golden and still on the trees. I now need to figure out Christmas cards, these days there are too many options for cards! It is an honest dilemma each year as to what in the world I am going to do. I love the cute and popular photo cards, but I also love the beautiful mass produced cards. Have you seen Leanin' Tree's cards?! They thought it would be fun to send me a catalog of their wonderful Christmas cards, so my decision is now made more difficult. 
I turned a year older this month. I don't feel much different ; ) but I do wonder what all I have done with my life thus far. It is a good time of reflection on myself and the past wrapping into the present. 
Well that about wraps it up for now. Thanks for reading! 

-Michelle

Friday, October 14, 2016

The Angel of Forest Hill Review


 29358387

 About the Book

A time of anticipation. A season of miracles.
Because of Joel s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God s providence is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?

An amazing journey toward love and belonging, filled with the wonder of the season of Christ s birth.


When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Virginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.
As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?" (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

 This is a perfect Christmas book. The cover is stunning and folks, even if you don't really like Amish, you might like this story! The setting is great and while this is a fairly short story, though spanning years, it captured my attention. There are two hurting people who end up thrown together in unusual circumstances. What I loved about this is they didn't fall in love and live happily ever after right away. There is no gushy over the top unrealistic romance. This is an honest story of people who actually need time to heal. Very well written and perfect to cuddle up and read with this winter. 
Five stars. 

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. 










Thursday, October 13, 2016

The Cautious Maiden Book Review


27874379

About the Book
Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

While this is the fourth book in a series, I read it as a stand alone since I haven't read the others. I have to say the first few chapters moved very slowly for me and I was starting to be disappointed. And then I kept reading, and I was completely captivated. I LOVED this book and I so want to read the rest. The setting in Boston and the surrounding area is lovely but the characters really make this book what it is. Violet is a unique woman who has fallen into unexpected circumstances. Vance is really my favorite. After a wild past and pretty scandalous dealings, he has come to know the Lord. I loved this story because it was so real. Vance is a new believer and yet he still struggles, this is real folks! I loved seeing him actually trying to be a good man not just for himself but to honor God. I loved Violet's forgiveness and understanding. There is intrigue and romance and sweet simplicity in this book. I highly recommend. 

Five stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review."