Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Unshakable Moxie Bible Study Review

 


 Unshakable Moxie is an episodic video series that invites you to discover what it means to live a life of resilient faith. 

LEARN MORE  

Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries that explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more. 

 

 GIVEAWAY


 ORDER HERE



  #UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #god-
hearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 

My Thoughts 

I have led women's Bible study for the past few years so I am always on the lookout for something that we can do next. I was excited to look into this study because I saw that Joni Eareckson Tada was a part of it and her story is amazing. I had never heard of this author before reading this study.

The Bible study itself is a small book size which I love. The layout is really nice as it breaks everything down in an organized way and isn't too much information overload. There are questions, you watch the video, and then more questions and deeper study. There are multiple Bible references that you have to look up and that is wonderful! The only thing is that I can not fully back the people being interviewed and promoted in the videos. I recommend that you do your own research but I didn't realize who all was included as Biblical examples/testimonies. There is also a section on scripture meditation, which is fine, obviously we need to meditate on scripture daily. But many of the questions are in regards to our feelings which I don't think is helpful or necessary especially in a group setting. 

I recommend that you do your own research on this study and those involved before picking it up for yourself. I won't be using it for our group study. 

The prayer journal is a nice addition and it is like a hardback binder type journal that is a bit unique and not like a typical journal. The encouragement cards seem to be a popular thing these days. The ones in the kit are nice quality and have great verses on them. I don't really use the cards but I am sure many people will love them!


Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for
this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.



Tuesday, July 2, 2024

A Kingdom to Claim Review




About the Book


Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.


Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior. (Goodreads)







My Thoughts

Oh how I enjoyed this book! The history and the setting and the characters just jump off the page into your imagination. I love how much of this book is historical fact, most of which I had never knew until reading this. Aisley is a strong character and Brecc is a great hero. As the Vikings tear apart their world these two remain strong and remember the past. I really loved the tidbits about King Alfred the Great and the real history of his strong faith in Christianity and the Lord. I thought this book did a great job in showing that and I found it fascinating. There is sweet romance that is simple and true. There is great adventure in battling against the Vikings and protecting the fellow countrymen. I really couldn't put this book down and I highly recommend if you enjoy history and specifically this time period. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
















Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Born of Gilded Mountains




About the Book


 When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.


But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed. (Goodreads)







My Thoughts



This author has such a way with words and creating a world where there is beauty and grand imagination. The cover of this book is also stunning and captures the setting beautifully. I will be honest in saying this story moved incredibly slow for me and I struggled at times to be fully engaged in what was happening. But I love the friendship that is written on the pages and it truly is what makes this book worth reading. Both Mercy and Rusty are very unique characters that are not at all what you might expect. There is also a mystery that flows through the chapters and takes the reader on a bit of a treasure hunt. This is not my favorite book by this author but it is still a worthwhile read. Be prepared for a much slower read but with a beautiful setting and characters that just might surprise you. 

Three and a half stars. 


"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

























Wednesday, June 12, 2024

The Girl From the Hidden Forest Review

 


About the Book

Book: Girl from the Hidden Forest

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release date: May, 2024

The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York TimesUSA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

Everyone has been asking me for years: “Can you see yourself in any of your characters?” I guess I’m in everything, interwoven in all of the sentences. Pieces of me are scattered in the settings. Traits and quirks and secret thoughts are dispersed into the minds and souls of my characters.But I always felt the need to say no. I don’t see myself in my characters.

Perhaps because, in the past, so many of my heroines have been so different than me. Ella Pemberton (Beneath His Silence)—outlandish and stubborn and daring, apt to speak her mind, bold in her manner and flawless in her dance. Nan Duncan (When Tomorrow Came)—injured and worrisome, voice like an angel, childishly sweet, yet too eager to please. Isabella Gresham (Garden of the Midnights)—spoiled and excitable, with raven black hair and an art for entering social circles with impeccable grace and exquisiteness.

I love them, sweet characters of mine.

But I don’t understand them. We’re too different. Like sand and sea, we meet, we touch, we sweep back and forth together but we’re of different substance.

But Eliza Ellis—rather, Eliza Gillingham—is the first character I truly resonate with. Not on purpose. In no wise did I pen her with conscious hints back to myself. But as the story progressed, I found my heart reaching out to her, settling into her.

Because she was the same.

The way she thought, the things she imagined, her forest and her pet and her stories. I comprehended what made her hurt. I understood the dream world she lived in, because I live in a dream world too.

So, if anyone asks me, “Do you see yourself in any of your characters?”, I’ll pull The Girl from the Hidden Forest from the bookshelf and hand it to them. I’ll tell them Eliza and I are like kindred spirits, that we’ve bridged a friendship between reality and fiction.

Whether you’re a reader or a writer, I hope you stumble upon a character one day that feels like you. It’s a strange and special feeling indeed.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, May 30

Inspired by Fiction, May 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31

Sylvan Musings, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

Mornings at Character Cafe, June 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

Blogging With Carol, June 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

For Him and My Family, June 5

Alena Mentink, June 6

Splashes of Joy, June 6

Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9

Cover Lover Book Review, June 9

Book Looks by Lisa, June 10

The Lofty Pages, June 10

Holly’s Book Corner, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Lily’s Corner, June 12

To Everything There Is A Season, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY



My Thoughts


I have read all of Hannah Linder's books and this one I enjoyed more than some. The plot holds a lot of twists and turns and I think the author did a great job at setting up a unique mystery thread. There is some darkness in this story but true to life and I think it added a lot. The characters are very believable thought I did struggle with Felton for a bit because I wasn't totally sure I trusted him. Eliza overcomes huge obstacles and I thought that growth was one of the best parts of the book. I do think the author could have gone even deeper and fleshed out her character even more. I also think the book could have used a few more chapters to add some depth but the ending was satisfying as a reader all the same. 

This is an enjoyable read for those that like historical fiction with a bit of mystery!


Four stars. 


"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Coal Black Lies Review




About the Book

 Believing the bitter lies you tell yourself leaves little room for the sweetness of truth

Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible--he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua's payment to the store.
Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua’s desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all.
His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself? (Goodreads)








My Thoughts


Every book by this author tackles subjects you least expect and this one is no exception. This story takes you right into the heart of Appalachia and the hard life of those that lived there in coal country. There is heartbreak and bitterness that comes with death right from the first page. The anger and jealousy and greed for money seeps through the pages as the bad guys try to destroy a family just trying to survive. A young girl who we would consider special needs today is one of the best characters in this book and the author did an excellent job in writing this plot line. There are so many wonderful things that make this book what it is but overall it shows the human condition and struggles and how hard it is to move on and forgive and cling to Jesus. I found it to be quite the page turner because there is a bit of mystery and trouble within the pages and the ending has a twist you might not see coming. 
The author doesn't shy away from the dark things but I would still consider it a "clean" read. 
I highly recommend! 

Five Stars. 



"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."


















To Love the Brooding Baron Review





About the Book


 Opposites attract and sparks fly when the vivacious Arabella falls for a baron who lives under the shadow of a scandalous family secret.


Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed “The Brooding Baron” by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.


Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman—let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella—because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family’s reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.


But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back? (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

In typical Regency fashion we have a story full of parties, scandals, dancing, and family drama. Henry is an excellent character who really struggles with his past which has led him to being troubled daily and feeling hopeless about his future. I thought his story arc to be well written and the best part of this book. Arabella is a joyful and fun part of the story though I didn't love her character as much. She does have some funny parts that added to the plot in a unique way. I REALLY enjoyed Bradbury who is Henry's good friend and I really think he needs his own book. He is hilarious and I so enjoyed the scenes he was in. The main part of the book has to do with mental health and a family member staying in the mental institution. As we all know these were not great places at this time in history so it delves into that a bit. 
All that to say this is a quick Regency read that holds some twists and turns that make it enjoyable. It is very predictable but sometimes that is just what a reader needs. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."












Saturday, June 1, 2024

Beneath a Crescent Shadow Review




About the Book


 After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and dangers much closer to their Balkan home.


The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin's father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana's betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana's abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression. (Goodreads)







My Thoughts


This book is very interesting in regards to the time period and history surrounding the characters and events. I don't know much about this time frame or area so I found it to be fascinating. The first half of the book really captured my attention. The characters are well developed and there is a lot of action and battles. I did think that the second half of the book went a bit slower and dragged on just a bit. There is an incredible story of forgiveness that is a side plot that is well written. There is a touch of romance that I thought was well done and it was an actual relationship that developed over the course of the entire book. This is a pretty action packed story that made for a nice escape. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."













Monday, May 27, 2024

Between the Sound and Sea Review


About the Book

Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.

As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.

When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet.

Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

This is a great read! The setting takes you right to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and on a journey you really don't expect. The characters in this book are wonderful and Wally, who is the older gentleman in this book, is one of my favorites! There are some flashbacks to a previous time period but not enough to make it a dual time novel. Finn is also a great character because he reminded me a bit of myself and wanting to control everything. There is a lot of growth that happens throughout the pages and that makes this book special in a typical Amanda Cox way. Her writing is unique and fresh and gives a new perspective. I loved the lighthouse and I think they are so neat. There is a little bit of WWII history added in the mix and also a smidgen of romance but in a quite soft way that ties threads together. 

This is an enjoyable read that takes you somewhere special for just a little while. 

 

Five Stars. 

 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."