Road Trip Part Two

I admit it. I had to see this place simply because of the show Nashville. They film here a lot and many famous musicians have gone to the Bluebird.

 This is the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville.

These are all from Nashville, we did not do the typical tourist thing in Nashville and see all the stars but still had fun!

Bread and Wine Book Review

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Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist is a delightful read that is not just any old recipe book. 

Bread and Wine; this book is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. Written by well-loved writer and blogger, Shauna Niequist, this mix of Girl Meets God and the Food Network is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread and Wine is a celebration of food shared and life around the table, and it reminds us of the joy we find in connection and relationship. It's about the ways that God teaches and nourishes us as we nourish the people around us. It's about hunger, both physical and otherwise, and the connections between the two. Recipes are included for the dishes you can almost taste as you read about them. From Butternut Squash Risotto to Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and Salted Caramel Sauce, you will be able to recreate the comforting and satisfying meals that come to life in Bread and Wine. (Goodreads)

Shauna has a great sense of humor that is evident throughout her writing. This book does have wonderful recipes but a story to go along with each dish. She is real and honest about her life and what she enjoys. Each chapter does not have a recipe, and there is a lot more writing than I was expecting about Shauna's personal life stories. But the recipes that are included are yummy! The author specifically asks that readers use this book for what it is-to cook with! She wants wine and food splattered all over it so that readers get the full experience.

I highly recommend if one likes the talk of food and wine and funny life stories.

I can't wait to read her previous books!

Check out Shauna's website to learn more about her.


"I recieved this book for free from Handlebar in exchange for an honest review".

The White Umbrella Book Review

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 The White Umbrella by Mary Frances Bowley is a remarkable book that tells the stories of girls who have been forced into the world of sex trafficking.

Sex trafficking.We hear about it on the news and in special interest stories from around the world, but it occurs daily in communities all around us. Thousands of young women are forced into sexual exploitation annually. "The White Umbrella" tells stories of survivors and of the ones who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the "white umbrella" of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration.This book offers guidance to anyone with a heart for these hurting young women and a desire to help. It is an ideal resource for individuals or organizations seeking to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again. (Goodreads)

Wow. Incredible book and a must read. Mary does not sugar coat these girls lives and what they have gone through. This is not fiction, 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before they are 18!! These girls are not only in some far off country, sex trafficking and abuse is happening closer than you realize. 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before they are 18!

The title for the book is also the name of a campaign The White Umbrella Campaign. 

White: Free from spot or blemish: as 1. free from moral impurity: innocent 2. marked by the wearing of white by the woman as a symbol of purity.

 Umbrella: 1. A device for protection from the weather consisting of a collapsible, usually circular canopy mounted on a central rod. 2. Something that covers or protects.

These stories will break your heart and make you want to take action. I look back at my own life and I am so thankful that I was never in this situation, but that is not the case for many people. This book is written by the founder of Wellspring Living, (based out of Georgia)  a woman who decided to make a difference and has impacted multiple people. Read the book, check out these links, it is something that everyone should be aware of and if possible donate to the cause, even if it's prayer. 

"I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review".

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Road Trip Part One

 This was at a rest stop on the way from Illinois to Nashville.

 This is an old fort that we had to stop and check out. It was for the French and Indian War.

The first day was long as we drove from home, all the way across Kansas and Missouri and into Illinois. I did not take many pictures as we were in the car and nothing caught my eye. From Illinois we drove south into Kentucky and Tennessee where we ended the day in Nashville. My husband is so silly but we have  great time together.

When Jesus Wept Book Review

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When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene is an interesting and unique look into the life of Lazarus.

LAZARUS---the man Jesus raised from the dead in one of the most extraordinary encounters with The Living Savior in all of Scripture. But the life of Lazarus holds interest well beyond this miraculous event. Living in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus witnessed many of the most important events of Jesus's life and ministry. Lazarus owned a vineyard and devoted his life to caring for its vines and fruit. But he encountered another man---Jesus---whose vineyard was the world, its fruit the eternal souls of men. When Lazarus's story and the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection touch in When Jesus Wept, we are offered a unique vision into the power and comfort of Christ's love. Brock and Bodie Thoene's most powerful and climactic writing project to date, When Jesus Wept, captures the power and the passion of the men and women who lived through the most important days in the history of the world. (Goodreads)

I have read other books about Lazarus but not quite like this one. This takes an in depth look into Lazarus' personal life, before he dies, during the death, and after he is raised from the dead. The most fascinating part of the book that I enjoyed is right before his death when he spends time with Jesus and his death. I had never thought about what it would actually be like dying and coming back to life. Jesus weeping and then raising you from the dead, after you had seen loved ones in heaven. What would that be like? How would you live after that? This book just brought a lot of questions to mind.

Truly a uniquely written account of the life of Lazarus.

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

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Angelguard Book Review

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Angelguard by Ian Acheson is a supernatural thriller and it is also Ian's first novel.

Within a period of weeks, three horrific bomb blasts devastate areas of London, Los Angeles, and Sydney. No explanation is offered, no victory claimed for these acts of terror. Yet behind the scenes a Machiavellian European businessman, aided by the dark forces to whom he has sold his soul, is planning to bring the richest nations to their knees for his own evil purposes. Jack Haines, an Australian academic, is grieving the loss of wife and children in the Sydney blast. Against his will, he finds himself thrown into a war that transcends the physical world, a conflict in which angelic guards have a special mission for him. But how will Jack respond when angels turn out to be more than precious porcelain statues? And will he accept that he has been chosen to fight for the future of mankind?

This fast-paced supernatural thriller by debut novelist Ian Acheson mixes faith and nonstop action to spin an unforgettable tale. (Goodreads)

I enjoyed this book, it deals with demons and angels in a way that I hadn't thought about before. The story weaves in between many characters. You get to read from each side, the demons, the angels, and humans on earth. The demons and angels are often hovering around the humans or fighting each other. This book made me think a lot about life and what could happen in my own life.  It is quite a unique book that reminds me of Ted Dekker's writing. Ian Acheson is a very talented author and I can't wait to read more from him!

I highly recommend to those who love supernatural thrillers and fans of Ted Dekker and Frank Paretti. 

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

Stop by Ian's website to learn more! 

Freefall to Fly Book Review

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Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons is a unique book that delves into the lives of women today.

Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we've lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we've missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God's call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly. (Goodreads) 

Rebekah created an interesting read with her life and her personal struggles. After living in a close community, Rebekah and her family move to New York City where a series of depression and panic attacks ensue with the new atmosphere. While raising her children and exploring a new city, she discovers that "getting over" depression and change is not as easy as it may seem. Eventually she surrenders to God and slowly starts her renewing journey. 

Honestly this was a difficult book for me to read. I completely understand life from the depression/anxiety point of view and this story was not something that would make me want to see life any differently if I was feeling that way. I think that the author has a great story to tell but it's nothing I haven't read before. That being said, I'm sure this book will help many people through their own struggles. 


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

Invisible Book Review

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Invisible by Ginny Yttrup is a novel with characters that many could relate with.

Ellyn DeMoss -- chef, café owner, and lover of butter -- is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him. Sabina Jackson -- tall, slender, and exotic -- left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. What’s she hiding from? Is it God? Twila Boaz has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival. But will she succeed? As these women’s lives intertwine, their eyes open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God’s image. (Goodreads)

Ginny Yttrup is a talented author whom I have never read before and I am delighted to discover! This book is written from the heart, it is obvious in the writing that the author understand the difficulties she writes about. This book has four main characters and you the read the book from each point of view in order to really see the personal struggles and pain that isn't spoken. Because of the going back and forth between people I had to pay better attention to what I was reading and what point of view I was reading. 

This book and the life struggles were so realistic to me I felt like the author was reading my mind. Ellyn struggles with her weight, dieting, and seeing herself as beautiful. Sabina has it all but depression is overcoming her life. Twila's parents split up and her life took a downward spiral as an eating disorder took over. Dr. Miles has lost someone special and is healing from that wound while trying to see what God has in store for him. All of these people and their lives blend together in this California town that creates the story Invisible. 

This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend to anyone. It's worth the read, I couldn't put it down. 

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

Head over to Ginny's website!

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The Gospel Centered Woman Book Review

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The Gospel Centered Woman: Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel by Wendy Alsup is full of a lot of wisdom.

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

I started this book with high hopes, and I did enjoy some of the wisdom that Wendy writes about. Everything has been researched and multiple verses accompany each thought. I read this book as more of a daily devotional, she includes a lined page to write notes at the end of every chapter. Honestly, this was not my favorite book, I didn't get a lot out of it for me personally. BUT that does not mean it is not worthwhile and I will read more by this author.

"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review".

Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of “Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives” and “By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman’s Identity”. Learn more at www.theologyforwomen.org.
Find out more about Wendy at http://www.theologyforwomen.org/.

The Guardian Book Review

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The Guardian by Beverly Lewis is the third book to the Home to Hickory Hollow series. 

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there? (Goodreads)

I have read the back story of the Hickory Hollow series so it is helpful to read the previous two books but not necessary. I started this book and thought I had it all figured out, but I was very wrong. Before getting the book I figured it would be a journey about this little girl and how she finds her family again- not so. That part of the story is only the first couple of chapters before all is well and the story turns over to Jodi's life. I loved the first book in the series but this one was really hard for me to read and finish. I could not get into the story after the initial first chapters. There is a lot of information on how the Amish handle schoolteachers and Englisher people like Jodi. To see more behind the thoughts and process of the Amish was interesting. As the story continues we discover a new romance, and new way of life, and a new home for different characters. I also really appreciated the man in Jodi's life and how Beverly portrays him throughout the book.

While this wasn't my favorite, it is still a decent Amish book that I'm sure many will enjoy. 

Beverly Lewis is one of the most popular authors today and has written multiple books- check it out!

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Guardian Bethany House Publishers (March 26, 2013) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Guardian, go HERE.