Lead Your Family Like Jesus Book Review

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Lead Your Family Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard, Tricia Goyer, and Phil Hodges is a great book that gives perspective on parenting and the family as a whole. 

Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of "The One Minute Manager" and "Lead Like Jesus," points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light--as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference. (Goodreads)

This book actually surprised me and I really enjoyed reading it. I do not have children but the advice that these three people give made me think back to my own childhood and what I would want with my own kids. In one chapter Tricia was talking about her attitude with her kids. She states that she was always busy running them around to do so many things but being so stressed it made her grumpy. Would her kids remember the piano lessons or her attitude and anger later on down the road? Think about it. What do you remember from your childhood? The exciting pool party or the fight going on between parents on the way to and from the party? Ken, Tricia, and Phil all include personal side stories for examples on how to create a better family atmosphere and often they list things that are important with bullet points.

This is a great book and I highly recommend to anyone who has kids or who is planning to have some!

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

 




Celebrate the release of Lead Your Family Like Jesus with Tricia by entering her iPad Mini Giveaway and RSVPing for the Lead, Momma Lead LIVE Webcast Event (with MomLife Today's Tracey Eyster) on April 16th.

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Tricia Goyer library 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 15th. Winner will be announced at the "Lead, Momma Lead" Live Webcast Event on April 16th. Connect with authors and everyday moms, Tricia Goyer and Tracey Eyster, for an evening of sharing and perspective-changing encouragement for leading your family. Tricia and Tracey will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus and join Tricia and Tracey on the evening of April 16th 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 16th!

The Heiress of Winterwood Book Review



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The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd is a delightful romance set in England.

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an ancestral estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s infant baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father, Lucas, a sea captain she’s never met.

Tragedy strikes when the child vanishes with little more than a sketchy ransom note hinting to her whereabouts. Fear for the child’s safety drives Amelia and Lucas to test the boundaries of their love for this infant.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she examines her soul and must face her one weakness: pride.

Lucas’ strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline.

Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them. (Goodreads)

This was a fun story to read, though rather predictable. There is a sweet love story between the Captain and Miss Amelia. I loved all of the characters and the setting was beautiful in my mind! When baby Lucy is kidnapped Amelia and the Captain must depend on each other to find her. One of my favorite aspects to this story is how the author tied in Amelia's strong belief in Christ as her comfort. Her entire family turns against her and she is constantly praying and turning to Him which was great to read! Have you seen the cover to this book? It is one of my favorites! Highly recommend for a quick easy read. 

"I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review".

Home Run Book Review and GIVEAWAY!



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Home Run by Travis Thrasher is an uplifting story about addiction and forgiveness.

Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past. Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape ... and the love he left behind. Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God.
 A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us. (Goodreads)

I have not seen this movie (as it comes out later in April) but was excited to read the book which is based off the movie. I am not a huge baseball fan but you don't need to be in order to enjoy this story. Cory's life has not been easy, at least his younger years. He might be famous and wealthy but on the inside he is a twisted mess with memories from his past. Each day he tries to forget how mean his father was when he was drunk.

On the fast track to fame Cory took to drinking and women, and rarely remembers his evenings. Until one game his anger comes out and he ends up hurting a young boy. With the entire world watching, he finds himself coaching his hometown baseball team.

I loved seeing Cory grow and change. He has a lot of pain and has been dealing with it the same way his father did. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the sweet love story. I am going to have to watch the movie. Great read!

Check out Home Run the movie which hits theaters April 19, 2013.

Take Note: This movie is rated PG-13. 

Learn more about Travis and his books at his website.


"I received this book for free from David C. Cook Publishers in exchange for an honest review".




I would also like to give one copy of this book away! Please enter through the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. U.S. entries only please.This giveaway gives readers a bit longer time to enter, as I will be out of town for a week.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Michelle

UPDATE: The winner chosen is Callie from http://www.throughcloudedglass.com/! Thanks for entering!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love in the Balance Book Review

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Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings is a historical romance novel set in Texas 1879-1880.

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town--and her life--and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance? (Goodreads)

The book started off good and I was interested in where Molly's decisions would take her. As the story continued it became a crazy soap opera. I love Bailey's character, he is a great gentleman and I wish more men were like him. But Molly's character I really didn't like. She couldn't make her own decisions in life, granted her parents taught her that but still she acted like she was helpless. During that time, well-to-do families expected a lot of their daughter's marriage. Molly felt trapped into marrying someone wealthy but she treated Bailey poorly because he didn't have any money. It seemed as if she contradicted herself too often. Multiple men end up occupying her mind until Mr. Edward Pierrepont shows up in town. Edward is who she thinks she likes and would marry but just can't make up her mind between all of the men. Molly is very full of herself, which changes at the end, but makes her an unlikeable character for most of the book. Throughout the story the author did accomplish the lesson that God knows what he is doing, sometimes you just have to be patient. I really wanted to love this book but I sadly did not. That being said, I will read more from Regina and have yet to read the popular Sixty Acres and a Bride.

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















Regina Jennings is celebrating the release of Love in the Balance with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on 4/4!

One "lovely" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire 
• A copy of Regina's Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Love in the Balance" Author Chat Party on April 4th. Connect with Regina, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love in the Balance and join Regina on the evening of April 4th 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 4th!

North of Hope Book Review

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North of Hope by Shannon Polson is a very well written account of her life as things took a turn when her parents are killed by a grizzly. 

After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart's Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska's remote Arctic and of her heart.

This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Polson's deep appreciation for the untamed and remote wilderness of the Alaskan Arctic moves her story effortlessly between adventure, natural history, and sacred pilgrimage, as much an internal journey as a literal one. Readers who appreciate music or adventure narratives and the natural world or who are looking for new ways to understand loss will find guidance, solace, and a companionable voice in this extraordinary debut. (Goodreads)

I was really excited about reading this book because of the adventure that Shannon has going to the Arctic! I also found the history and wildlife information fascinating. That being said, this book jumps back and forth between the present and past and the inter workings of the author's mind. I loved this book, but others might not enjoy reading because it can get a bit boring and confusing when going from one thing to the next. I know many readers enjoy fiction and this is not fiction. This is straight up real life, and it is not pretty to read the many details about her parents death, which she does include. The author did a ton of research prior to her trip and I would highly recommend this book!! 

There is not really a book to compare to this one but it reminds me of Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.

North of Hope hits stores April 9, 2013!!

Stop by Shannon's website to learn more about her!

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

My Husband's Birthday

 He wanted brownies instead of cake. Yum!!

 His little face is just so cute.

 This one just makes me smile.

 This is my husband, being silly as usual, we are singing in the background.

 We had to break out the band aids for a finger cut that wouldn't stop bleeding. No emergency room this time though. 

 He then decided to go to the liquor store.

 He just makes me smile. Even when I get so mad, he will give me a stupid look like this and I just can't be mad anymore.

We ended the day watching John Wayne in Hatari! 

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-Michelle

A Matter of Trust Book Review



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A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl is a thriller murder mystery that I could not put down.

One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor's office. The next minute there's a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.

Mia's a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less--and working Colleen's case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen's death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold--even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.

Lis Wiehl's signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series. (Goodreads)

The life of Mia has not been easy since her husband died leaving her with two kids and a very busy investigating job. When her friend dies everything seems to spin out of control. We follow Mia in this adventurous novel as she tries to find out what happened with two different murders. I enjoyed reading this book, I read it in one day because I had to know what happened. The ending sort of came out of nowhere and I had to go back and read a couple of things. This is the first time I have read this author, and I will definitely be reading more in the future! Highly recommend.

"I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review".

Swept Away Book Review

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Swept Away by Mary Connealy is the first book in the Trouble in Texas Series. 

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.
His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love. (Goodreads)

I loved this book. I got right into the story as the first few chapters were packed with adventure! The rest of the book seemed non-stop, so many things were happening throughout the book that it kept my interest peaked. I love the characters and the setting and the sweet romance, though that was not the main story line. Ruthy is a delight and her banters with Luke are amusing to read. There are bad guys and good guys and a lot of plotting on how to take the bad guys down. Honestly, I rather liked the secondary characters almost more than the main ones, Glynna and her children have quite a life to write about. I discovered that Glynna is the main character in the second book so I eagerly await it's arrival in the fall!

Highly recommend this book, I give it five stars for sure.

 Stop by Mary's Website to learn more about her and all of her books.

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

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th 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 28th!

Unbreakable Book Review

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Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl is the second book in the Road the Kingdom Series.

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.
When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece. (Goodreads)

I have not read the first book in this series, but Unbreakable can easily be read alone as it's own story. I enjoyed getting to know the character of Hope as awful things happen to her town and community. The romance in this suspenseful book is not what you would typically read and the ending took me slightly by surprise. As a stranger comes to town, a murder, and two places are attacked and burned- there is a lot going on in this story. I have read multiple Mennonite books but this one was frustrating to read at times because of rules that are followed by the people, even when in danger. Mennonite's don't believe in anything violent, so when the idea to carry guns comes up there is quite the debate. Nancy writes about the difficult subject and debate of violence with the Mennonite's wonderfully. I give this book four stars.

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

Stop by Nancy's website to see what else she has written.

Grave Consequences Book Review



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Grave Consequences by Lisa Tawn Bergren is the second book to the Grand Tour Series.

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger. And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences. (Goodreads)

The story from Glamorous Illusions continues with the life of the newly wealthy Cora Kensington. She is on the Grand Tour with her newly discovered siblings and experiences the trials of the wealthy. I ordered the first book in this series because I wanted to start at the beginning. I do not recommend that Grave Consequences be read alone, you really should read book one to understand the story. While I enjoyed the first book for the setting up of the story, both have been extremely disappointing. I love this author and I was so excited about this book, but its a book I didn't really want to finish. Yes, there are exciting scenes and funny moments, but the love triangle is completely ridiculous and I don't see that Cora has grown up at all. It's a long drawn out soap opera that is in a perfect setting but the characters and story line did not draw me in. I love the history and beautiful places that the writer includes but the romance could have been left out.

That being said, I do love this author and look forward to other books that she writes in the future.

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

Meet Lisa:  

  

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. 

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

All in Good Time Book Review

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All in Good Time by Maureen Lang is a historical novel set in Denver, Colorado.

Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.

Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.

Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love. (Goodreads)

Dessa Caldwell has a passion and drive about helping women and girls in need, prostitutes included. After attempting to acquire a loan from Mr. Henry Hawkins she discovers that starting her Pierson House is not as easy as she thought. Henry has a secret past that he wants no one to know about, and hiding the secret has made him a very stubborn and lonely man. Dessa starts meeting women and discovers more about their life in Denver and the people who "run the town". 

I was interested in this book from the start simply because it is set in Denver and Leadville, which are both places I know well and group up near. I also love Dessa's passion to help the women in the city, she is a very relate-able character to me. The characters, the setting, and the main plot add up to be a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also loved Henry's story in this book and how cold hearted he starts out to be and how God is present in his life. 

Though this is part of the Gilded Legacy Novels, this can be read alone as it's own story. I read the first Gilded Legacy book and this one is absolutely my favorite.  I highly recommend!

Maureen's Website has a lot of great info!

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

Captive Trail Book Review



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The Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis is the second book in the Texas Trails series. I have read other books in this series and this is my favorite by far.

The Captive Trail is second in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read singularly. Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family's teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses. On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu is Billie Morgan. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe (Billie) and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations. (Goodreads)

The story starts out with a young nameless girl who has just been captured by Comanche. They call her Taabe and this is her new life. Fast forward years later, she is now a young woman on the run to find her white family. She is found injured by the hero of the story, Ned, and is taken care of by nuns at the mission. Taabe grows immensly during this story and I love all of the details, the characters, and the Indian history. I could not put this book down and the ending is excellent. While the other books about the Morgans have not been my favorite, this one is fantastic. Highly reccomend!

Stop by this site to learn more about the Texas Trails Series

Read more about Susan at her website.

You can read my reveiw for Cowgirl Trail which is another book to this series.

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

Dancing Upon Barren Land Book Review

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Dancing Upon Barren Land by Lesli Westfall is a book that talks about infertility and is written from the heart.

When experiencing infertility, the unexpected happens. Your feelings about yourself and your relationship with other and your belief in God are confused and complicated. Dancing Upon Barren Land-Prayer, Scripture Reflections, and Hope for Infertility is a helpful companion for those dark lonely days. 

This book is not a story but pure encouragement for the difficult days of infertility. It's full of verses, honest advice, understanding, and infertility "etiquette". It talks about how hurtful other people can be without them realizing it, which is something I had never thought much about from my standpoint.

Take Note: I received this book on accident, completely my fault because I knew this book was not something that I could personally relate with. I do not struggle with infertility but all the same, I wanted to review the book to let others know about it. Lesli has great things to say and I learned a lot about how I can act/say things differently in order to not be as hurtful for women who are struggling.

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

Dancing Upon Barren Land ~ Spiritual Nourishment for the Infertility Road

{More About Lesli A. Westfall}

Lesli is no stranger to infertility. She has experienced all the range of emotions, the prodding of doctors, and the stinging disappointments. Yet through it all she’s found significance offering hope and inspiration to the wounded heart of the barren soul. Through her own experience and those shared from others, an online ministry was created Dancing Upon Barren Land ~ Spiritual Nourishment for the Infertility Road. Now she speaks to women around the world through the website and leads locals support groups too, along with providing a resource through this book. Lesli enjoys life. She loves spending time with her husband, Larry, her man of faith and live-in comedian. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and traveling, especially road trips. Most of all, her passion is sharing God’s love and teaching the Bible to women, inspiring beleif there’s healing for the grief of infertility and sorrow from loss, and there is joy in the journey while we wait.

Firefly Island Book Review



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Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate is the third book in the Moses Lake series.

"At thirty-four, congressional staffer Mallory Hale is about to embark on an adventure completely off the map. After a whirlwind romance, she is hopelessly in love with two men--fortunately, they're related. Daniel Everson and his little boy, Nick, are a package deal, and Mallory suddenly can't imagine her future without them.
Mallory couldn't be more shocked when Daniel asks her to marry him, move to Texas, and form a family with him and motherless Nick. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying.
Mallory takes a leap of faith and begins a sweet, mishap-filled journey into ranch living, Moses Lake society, and a marriage that at times reminds her of the mail-order-bride stories. But despite the wild adventure of her new life, she discovers secrets and questions beneath her rosy new life. Can she find answers on Firefly Island, a little chunk of property just off the lake shore, where mysterious lights glisten at night?" From Goodreads.

I have not read any of the other books in this series and seemed to follow the story fine. The start of the book was interesting and drew me in as Mallory's life is drastically changed by marriage and motherhood.

As the book continued it became something I could relate to in a normal life. After this point, I lost interest on this book, it was slow moving, and seemed something I had read before. I love the setting in this book at Moses Lake but the plot seemed more like a re-write of Pioneer Woman's story.

Mallory starts a blog and calls herself The Frontier Woman.  She suddenly becomes very popular and is published in Women's Day magazine. It's a great idea, but this has already been written in the Pioneer Woman's life story and for a blog to take off that quickly didn't seem very realistic. The only twist to this book was the mystery surrounding Firefly Island and Jack West.

I was very disappointed with this book but I know others have loved it.

You can find out more about Lisa at her website.

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








Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).  

 
  One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th 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 19th!