Chasing God Book Review and Giveaway!

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 About the Book

Maybe you’ve never asked the question out loud, but you’ve wondered. You do the things that look good on paper: read your Bible, pray, attend study groups and go to church on Sundays.

But you aren’t convinced you really know Him.

Angie Smith understands, because she had run circles around the same paths searching for Him, frustrated at her lack of progress. And she probably would have continued to do so had it not been for one realization that changed everything.

She wasn’t following God; she was trying to catch up with Him.

And without realizing it, you may be as well.

It’s a distinction that affects every aspect of our lives with Christ, and it begins with learning where we’ve relied more on man’s explanation of God than God Himself.

So many requirements, so many rules, and so much guilt where there is supposed to be freedom. It’s the reason you wonder if you’ve measured up, and the nagging voice that tells you you’re a failure as a Christian.

Three simple words changed everything for Angie, and she believes they can do the same for you.(Goodreads)

My Review

Angie Smith is a great writer and I was so excited to read this book. Wow, she has some great ideas and opinions! First of all she is real and it shows through her writing. 

Here is an example of what she is saying in Chasing God:

"We pick and choose and print them (Bible verses) on our children's bedroom walls, but we can't say we've ever read that particular book of the Bible". 

 She is talking about how we always take things out of context to make it what we want it to say.

 Stop looking for God, Look at Him. (Chasing God)

I really enjoyed the first few chapters of this book but it moved a bit slow near the end. I do agree with what Angie says and I think as a Christian, I get stuck in ruts like she talks about. 

 I recommend this book for those who are willing to learn more about what God wants for and from us. 

Learn more about Angie.

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

The publisher has offered for me to host a giveaway for a paperback copy of Chasing God!

Enter with the rafflecopter below.
USA only please.
Giveaway ends February 22. 

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Smitten Book Club Litfuse Book Tour

 About the Book

"Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you’ve just begun to read.” —A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont, resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love—often in spite of the historic book’s advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.(Goodreads)

My Review

What a fun read! I have read the previous two books and this one I think could be the best. I like the idea of book clubs and it made this story fun. Not only do the girls meet but they also cook food to go along with their books! So this book, like the two previous is set up as four "stories" yet all of them going together. There is also an ongoing "mystery" that flows throughout the book. My favorite stories were about Abby by Kristin Billerbeck and Molly by Denise Hunter, though all of them are good. Each author has their own wit and personality and I like how that comes across in this book. I also really like the cover on this book, it's a cozy feeling.

The setting is still the lovely Smitten, Vermont which if it was real, I would love to visit. 

If you have read the previous books you will love this one, if Smitten is new to you this is a great read! They don't have to be read in order but it does help the story flow better. 

I recommend to those who want a light fun read.

Stop by the Smitten Website to learn more about the background.

Smitten Book Club


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

The Smitten gals are back with their newest release, Smitten Book Club! Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Denise Hunter are celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway, a Facebook party on February 20, and a nationwide book-club brunch on March 22.

 
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Smitten books (Smitten, Secretly Smitten, Smitten Book Club)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 20th. Winner will be announced at the Smitten Book Club Facebook Author Chat Party on February 20th. Connect with Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! The Smitten gals will also be taking questions from the audience, giving away books and gift certificates, and sharing news about their upcoming nationwide Smitten Book Club brunch on March 22nd. (Sign up to host today!)

So grab your copy of Smitten Book Club and join Colleen, Denise, Kristin, and friends on the evening of February 20th for a chance to connect 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 20th!

Sign up to host a Smitten Book Club Brunch on March 22nd!

Friend Me Book Review

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About the Book

“She isn’t real. . . right?”

A lonely wife and a frustrated husband create virtual online friends, trying to deal with the pressures of a marriage gone flat, and a high-pressure job.

Torn between his love for his wife, and the perfection of his virtual girlfriend, he becomes unfaithful.

Neither dream that behind the screen is a single real woman, masquerading both as friend and lover. She is determined to have the man for herself, so his wife must die.

Christian suspense at its best. (Goodreads)

My Review

 I got this book because I needed something different to read. I knew it could go either way: good or terrible. I went into it with an open mind, as the computer relationship has become a big thing that seems to cause problems in real life. While I definitely disagree that a relationship with a fake person on the computer I can see how it really would effect people. 

Sadly, this book was really not very good. Basically this company has made is possible for people to create people online. So people who have died they can recreate them so it feels like they are still around. This takes hold in the lives of married couple Rachel and Scott as they start online relationships. Now the person on the other side of the computer really does fall in love with Scott and causes many problems. 

The story twists and the couple figure out what is going on. Needless to say the ending is rather odd to me and not what I was expecting. The entire story line did not hold my attention, neither did the characters. I wish that wasn't the case but I really can't recommend this book.

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

Code: John Faubion is celebrating his debut novel, Friend Me, with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Friend Me by John Faubion

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 22nd. Winner will be announced February 24th on John Faubion's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by John's blog on the 24th to see if you won.

Runaway Saint Book Review

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About the Book

When her aunt shows up homeless on her doorstep, Sara suspects anything but a miracle. Sara's an artist with a supportive husband and a house that folks on her block admire outright. But she's restless and bored with life. Then her legendary Aunt Bel shows up, wearing a smile after years without a word. Twenty years ago, fresh out of college, Bel left for a summer missions trip and never returned. Now she's on Sara's doorstep, looking for a place to crash. Sara can't say no to family, even if she hasn't seen Bel since she was a nine-year-old girl. But saying yes to Bel turns Sara's whole precariously-balanced life upside down. The enigmatic Bel gives Sara's family and their community a jolt of fresh thinking and clarity. But Bel is hiding something. Though she won't talk about it, Sara soon learns that Bel has been through a hellish ordeal. And she has the burn marks to prove it. 

My Review

 I was so very excited to read this book, and I admit, mostly because I love the cover. This is the first book by Lisa that I have read so her writing is new to me. The story line is not at all what I was expecting, and I think that is a good thing. I really enjoyed all of the characters and their quirks. The marriage between Sara and her husband is realistic and I enjoyed how it flowed with the story line. The mysterious Aunt Bel was one part that slightly disappointed. As the reader you don't find out Aunt Bel's past until pretty far into the book. This keeps the reader intrigued, but the acutal discovery was not as shocking as it is made out. I almost asked myself, "Is that it?". But truly this book has so many angles I couldn't help but enjoy the story for what it is. I would say to have an open mind while reading this book. I rate it 4 1/2 stars. I would like to read more from this author because I think her writing is unique.

Look for this book in stores February 18, 2014!



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

Once Upon a Winter's Heart Book Review

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About the Book

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

Just as Emma's heart begins to lift, however, she learns her sister has already staked a claim on Lane. Emma's mother and sister insist Lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but she can't help wondering if it could be something more. (Goodreads)

My Review

I am a fan of Melody Carlson she has written some great books and I just enjoy her writing. This book is smaller than I thought meaning it's only 160 pages. The overall story line is a love story leading up to Valentine's Day which you can pretty much figure out by looking at the cover. While many of the scenes are sweet they didn't really seem realistic but books aren't always suppose to be that way. If you are looking for love and despise Valentine's Day this is not the book for you. If you want a sweet gushy love story you will enjoy this book. I will say that I enjoyed the humor that weaves throughout the pages.

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Winter's Heart Center Street (January 7, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.

Love's Sweet Beginning Book Review

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About the Book

 It wasn't Cassie Haddon's fault that she had managed to reach the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the war, she had always had servants to wait on her. Since then, she and her widowed mother had moved from place to place, relying on family to care for them. Now she's forced to find work to support them both. What isn't in her plans is falling for Jacob West, a local restaurateur and grocer. She needs a job and he needs help. But what they both need is love.(Goodreads)

 My Review

This is the third book in the Sister's at Heart series. I found that this book can be read by itself as it is about Cassie's life. I really enjoyed the overall storyline with this book. Cassie has been brought up and raised without having to really do anything until suddenly her and her mother lose everything that have. I liked Cassie's character because even though she had never cooked or cleaned she was willing to work hard to provide for herself and her mother. After moving and with little money she starts working as a waitress and meets the handsome store owner. While predictable, I enjoyed the characters, even though her mother can be rather annoying. As a side note, I personally do not think that the cover does this book justice. So to those who do judge books by their cover, the book is better than the cover relates. I want to go back and read the first two books in this series and I look forward to reading more from this author. 

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

How to Ruin Your Life By 30 Book Review

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About the Book

We all have an internal alarm clock that goes off when we're about to make a bad decision... Some of us spend our 20's hitting the snooze button. By taking a look at 9 common, everyday mistakes, which most of us have an opportunity to make on a regular basis, Steve Farrar speaks with wisdom and wit in this short book that serves as a wake up call we should all take.From starting our 20's on the wrong foot to neglecting our own gifts and strengths, and from isolating ourselves from real community to ignoring God's purpose for our lives, How to Ruin Your Life by 30 will help navigate these treacherous waters we call adulthood.No matter where you are at: preparing for, recovering from, or in the midst of your 20's... this short book will help. (Goodreads)

My Review

I picked this book because with a title like How to Ruin Your Life By 30, how can you not pick it up? Since I am in my twenties I thought this book would apply to me and I really enjoyed this short read. Only 135 pages this book is straight up advice on how not to ruin your life. Most of it is the obvious, don't make stupid decisions because they effect your life. Here are a few of the chapter's: Get off to a bad start, Ignore God's purpose for your life, Disregard what the Bible says about sex and marriage (and yes he does talk openly about this) among a few other things. These are all what not to do, because if this is how you live, it won't look good by the time you are thirty. I love how the author, Steve, implements what God wants in our lives with each chapter. Also, he does not condemn those who have done these things already. This book is directed to both men and women. The topic on marriage I thought was right on with finding a spouse and God's timing. While this book is not earth shattering information, I know all of these things, but it's a good reminder. This book started with Steve speaking to a graduating class and I think this is a great book for a new graduate or anyone in their twenties. 

For a short humorous but realistic read, I highly recommend!!

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

The Marriage You've Always Wanted Book Review and Giveaway

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 About the Book

Respected marriage counselor Gary Chapman looks at the key issues that will help you build the marriage you've always wanted, answering such real-life questions as . . .


Why won't they change?
Why do we always fight about tasks and responsibilities?
Why should we have to work at sex?
In the warm, practical style that has endeared him to audiences worldwide, Dr. Chapman delivers advice on all the "big issues" of:


Money
Communication
Decision making
In-laws
and much more
Each chapter includes a "Your Turn" opportunity for reflection and interaction with bewteen spouses.
Discover the "joy potential" in your marriage and your "ministry potential" for God! (Goodreads)


My Review

Gary Chapman is a pretty well known author with his book the Five Love Languages. I had read the Love Languages before I married and agreed with his advice, while most of it was all things I had heard before. Anyway, I was curious to see what this book was all about. I discovered that this was another printing of the same book he wrote years ago. I liked how the book was set up. Each topic had a different subject about marriage and at the end a question/make it personal section. There were several things that I highlighted that I thought were good now that I have been married for a couple of years. The first chapter is good because it talks about the triangle God at the top and husband and wife on the two bottom points. The closer they both are to Christ, the closer they are to each other. I am a visual person so I like this picture of what marriage should be all about. A point that hit home with me was about the negative emotions or words used. While they might not be about each other, no one wants to live with a negative person. I really did enjoy this book and I like better than the Five Love Languages.

 I highly recommend this book to any married couple who seeks to to honor God with their marriage.

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

Use the rafflecopter below to enter for a free paperback copy of The Marriage You've Always Wanted! 

Giveaway ends February 13th. USA and Canada only please. Thanks for stopping by! 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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You're Going to Be Okay Book Review

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 About the Book

Sometimes it feels like life's falling apart at the seams. Sometimes you're completely worn out by stresses that never seem to end. For every woman who has been disappointed, who has watched a dream die, whose life isn't what she imagined it would be, bestselling author Holley Gerth has a heartfelt message of hope--you really "are" going to be okay. And it "is" possible to live with joy, resilience, and strength in both the good times and the bad. In fact, she says, that's what God desires for us.
With her trademark positive encouragement and probing questions for self-reflection, Holley encourages women to spend less of their lives regretting and more of their lives truly living. She shows them how to guard their hearts against despair and look to the future with confidence, remembering that they are part of a greater plan and "nothing "can stop God's purposes for them. (Goodreads)

My Review

I had no idea what to expect from this book. While some of it seemed a bit silly or obvious it was all truthful and realistic. I didn't get a life changing perspective but she does remind you to remain joyful throughout life an realize what is actually going on in your head. There are a lot of question and answer sections where the reader can fill in the blanks. I these parts are most effective because it helps get to the heart of whatever the problem is in your life. Holley also has a great sense of humor which I enjoyed throughout the book. 

I rate it four stars. 

Available February 4, 2014.

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

 

The Vicar's Wife Book Review

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About the Book

 Jane Hatton and her British husband Andrew relocate from New York City to a small village on the Cumbrian coast. Jane has been city-based and career-driven but when her fourteen year old daughter Natalie falls in with the wrong crowd at school in Manhattan, she and Andrew decide to try country living. However Jane has trouble getting used to the silence and solitude of a remote village. Natalie hates her new school, and eleven-year-old Ben struggles academically. Only seven-year-old Merrie enjoys country life. Has Jane made a horrible mistake? The Hattons have bought the old vicarage in the village. When Jane finds a scrap of shopping list, she grows curious about Alice, the vicar’s wife who lived there years before. As we follow the twin narratives of Jane, in the present, and Alice in the 1930s we discover that both are on a journey to discover their true selves, and to address their deepest fears.(Goodreads)

My Review

This book is pure delight!! I would say this is in the top ten books of the year for me. I loved everything about this book. The cover is beautiful and the characters very easy to relate with. The book is split between two women, one from the past and one in the present. Jane and her family move from New York City to a small village in England on the Cumbrian coast. They move into a very old vicarage where she finds an old shopping list that leads to the past of the last young woman(Alice) who lived there. I loved the story of Alice, and the author does a great job going from Jane to Alice and connecting the two stories. Both stories very realistic, it's not all fluff and romance, which I think is why I loved it all the more. I couldn't put it down, while it is not suspenseful, I was so wrapped up with the characters and the stunning setting! This book had the same type of feel as Letter's From Skye. I highly recommend!!

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

Shadows of the Past Book Review

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About the Book

Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.(Goodreads)

 My Review

I was really looking forward to a fast paced suspense read. This book seemed rather slow to me throughout the majority except the last part. I enjoyed the overall story line, the characters weren't my favorite but still good. I like the setting and there are suspenseful moments but the story seemed to drag on a bit. I do think this author has some great potential and I will be looking for more from her, this book just was not what I was expecting (which I'm sure is part of the problem). 

I rate it about three and a half stars. 

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