Miriam Bible Study: True Girl Bible Studies Review

About the Book

Miriam wasn’t perfect . . . but with God’s power, her courage changed the world.

Miriam was given one of the world’s hardest babysitting jobs: to hide her infant brother in the Nile River while danger lurked. Her quick thinking protected little Moses and helped him rise to greatness in Egypt. Then Miriam played a supporting role while Moses led God’s people out of slavery to freedom. That all seemed to go pretty well . . . until it made her jealous. (Can you say sibling rivalry?) Miriam’s life reminds us that a True Girl practices courageous leadership right now because a leader is what she’s becoming. And though the best leaders are often imperfect, God offers us a second chance to get things right.

True Girl Bible Studies feature important women from the Bible so that from their examples, we can learn what it looks like to be a True Girl. Each study is designed to help moms lead their daughters deeply into the Word of God so they can develop a steady love for Scripture. Together, moms and daughters can discover what it means to be a True Girl after God’s own heart. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was delighted to discover a Bible study for young girls. If I had these when I was younger I would have been thrilled! I am surprised at how detailed this study book actually is for this age. Many studies seem to be just "fluff" books on feelings etc. This one is not that. It is very interactive so girls can read their Bible and then break down what it means. Each section is different with fill in the blanks, space for notes, word puzzles (pertaining to the topic), etc. At the start of the book it gives a great overview on how to study your Bible which I think is well written and explained clearly. The Bible is our foundation and this book makes you really dig in and study what it says. I think this is a great study to get for the preteens in your life! 

Five Stars. 

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

Wise Women Managing Money Review

About the Book

 A book by women, for women, about money management.

More women than ever have control of capital and are making financial decisions. Yet not every woman has command of the lingo, the underlying principles, or the big-picture perspective of money management. If that describes you, Wise Women Managing Money is here to help.

Written by a mother-daughter team, this book is uniquely positioned to come alongside you and provide the financial overview you need. Miriam, the mother in the duo, has enough real-world experience to give her a vintage outlook on life. As a long-time counselor, she understands human needs. And as a widow, she knows what it means to be thrust unexpectedly into money matters. Valerie, the daughter, is an attorney, certified financial planner, and an expert in Christian philanthropy. Together, Miriam and Valerie combine their skill sets to answer your pressing questions about things like:


Credit cards
Managing debt
Insurance
Loans and contracts
Budget busters
Avoiding fraud
Picking a financial advisor
IRA’s, annuities, & Roths
Kingdom giving
And much more!
Whether you’re newly involved in money management due to a career or life transition, or you just want to be more knowledgeable about this important part of life, Wise Women Managing Money will teach you the ropes in language anyone can understand. Don’t let all the business jargon or technical terms intimidate you. Take control of your financial future and start managing your money in ways that honor God and allow you to do good with the resources He provides. (Goodreads)

 

 

My Thoughts

I am often interested in financial books because I work in that industry. I find it interesting to learn more on the different ways to handle my own money.

This book actually surprised me in a good way! It is laid out in a very easy to read and understand format. It wasn’t super complicated and the two authors break down the information so it isn’t so overwhelming.

It is very clear that this is a financial book that includes the perspective of all that we have is God’s. Plain and simple. Also, that since it is all His, we need to be responsible for what He has given us. So I really appreciated that aspect. There are a couple things I didn’t fully agree with but for the most part I found the authors to be very wise. Some of the verses put in the book I felt like were a bit of a stretch to relate to the topic being discussed.  I am sure not all readers will agree but from my perspective, I thought many of their points were spot on, specifically the topics on credit cards, credit, and fraud.

The only thing I thought could have been added to a bit more is the giving aspect of the budget. This SHOULD be something as Christians we really consider. Not as a line item on our budget but that we want to help support our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

This is a great overview book from everything from credit to investments. I recommend if this is something you want to dig into a bit more!

 

Five Stars.

“ I received this book from Moody Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.”

Summoned-A Study of Esther

 

 About the Study Book

Encounter the fullness of God’s grace, the power of His promises, and the beauty of His faithfulness—all through the life of one woman: Esther.

In a time when the world around her seemed to crumble, a young Hebrew girl found herself in a unique position to help save her people—and to encounter the greatness of our ever-faithful God. In Summoned, you’ll enter the story of Esther—her calling, pain, and role in God’s ultimate plan for salvation—and see how God is always working in the lives of His people, even when He seems distant. Through this 8-week, interactive study, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for God’s Word and begin to see that stepping out in faith for His glory is often the first step to encountering His redeeming love. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

 My Thoughts

In a funny coincidence, this study happened to come out right when I was searching for any type of book on Esther. If you haven't looked, there really isn't a lot out there on Esther. Perhaps a snippet here and there or a few pages in a book full of other characters. A full in depth study on Esther is few and far between. So I was thrilled when I got this book. I wanted to teach my small group about Esther but I had to do a lot of studying on my own first. This book really has a lot of great information and has been so helpful in my study of Esther. There are so many things I didn't realize even after reading Esther many times. I like this particular study because it is literally straight out of scripture. You read the verses, there are some questions, and some thought provoking ideas that are Biblical based. I have looked up a few things to verify the accuracy and it has been spot on. There isn't a lot of "fluff" and many women's studies these days are all "fluff". This book just breaks down the story and explains what was going on historically at the time. I think this is a great personal study and a good addition if reading Esther for a small group. 

Five Stars. 

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

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Discipleship Review

 

 About the Book

“Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” — 1 Tim. 4:7, J. B. Phillips Translation

As J. Oswald Sanders points out, true discipleship is more than intellectual assent to a belief in Christ; it involves the whole person and lifestyle.

True disciples pursue their Master. They know that God is watching over their faith, but they also take Scripture’s command seriously: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.” They take pains, by His power, to look more and more like Jesus.

This book will help you to be such a disciple. It examines Jesus’ teaching on what it means to follow Him, helping you become the kind of Christian Jesus wants you to be—not one devised by man or even other Christians. You’ll learn:


The profile of an ideal disciple
Conditions for discipleship
The tests that disciples endure
How disciples pray and grow
The posture and practices of a disciple
And more

For anyone who wants to be not just a believer in Christ, but an imitator of Him, this book is a treasured resource.

Includes questions for reflection, ideal for both individual and group study. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This book takes a lot of thinking and is not a fast read. Books like this shouldn't be read fast and should be read with your Bible near by. I feel like I need to at some point be taught a discipleship class. There are so many things to learn that reading a few books doesn't always seem to help me grasp it. I think books like this are perhaps better read if you and a friend/spouse read it together in order to have conversation. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Moody Publishers. All opinions are my own."

Mornings With Tozer Review

 About the Book

Grab your coffee, find your favorite chair, and begin your day with guidance from A. W. Tozer.

Many of these 365 devotional readings come from sermons Tozer preached close to his death in 1963, marking them with a deep concern for spiritual intimacy and true worship. He urges you to pursue God, confess sin, pray fervently, and seek the Spirit. Let this book be a garnish in your feast of God’s Word.

As you welcome the morning light and all the sights and sounds of the new day, let Mornings with Tozer awaken your heart.( Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

I had no idea that this book would be so well organized by date or so good for me to read. I haven’t read much Tozer though many people have talked about his writing. This book is a compacted daily devotional that lists each date, a verse, a short story, and a printed prayer. Many times I don’t always like the little prayers at the end, they seem too scripted in a conversation with the Lord. But it does give you a good idea on what you could be praying about.
Otherwise I love this book and was giddy to start reading it!! I like have a devotional book to go along with my regular Bible reading. This gives you applicable stories and a good Biblical background.

Highly recommend.

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

The Better Life Review

 About the Book

From the can-do entrepreneur Claire Diaz-Ortiz comes The Better Life, a motivational memoir about how little changes make all the difference.

In winsome style, Claire coaches readers with vignettes from her uncommon life. A top-level Twitter employee, world traveler, author, non-profit founder, and mom, Claire tries to make the most of every moment. In The Better Life, she shares action steps and reflections on balance, productivity, self-care, and other essentials for rocking it at life every day.

Take some advice from Claire: Say yes. Say no. Quit something. Take your mornings seriously. Make your weekends count. Write more. Worry less. Travel. Pray. Pause. Rest. Know your limits. Do Hatchi Patchi. Don’t beat yourself up. Be still. Be thankful. Be you, but your best.

Read this book, and start living the better life you’ve been meaning to. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a small book that Claire Diaz-Ortiz has put together on her opinions of a better life. I am always up to read encouraging tips or advice on ways to enjoy life more or new things to do. Most everything in this book is stuff I have read before, my favorite chapter was on how to say no. I think she wrote that chapter especially well. But the rest of the book was a bit of a let down and I felt like it was almost selfishly written or perhaps more of a brag book. I think it is so great that she has seen and done so much, and I usually don’t mind reading books where people talk about their travels. But this book just made it sound like she was bragging at times and that bugged me a bit. That is just my perspective. She does have good things to say and I agree with most of her ideas but I find there are better books written on the subject.

Three Stars.
“I received this book from Moody Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.”

Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design

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 About the Book

May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace." Psalm 144:12

Boys and girls, from 5 to 8 years of age, will love the fun world of Cassie and Caleb, two energetic and inquisitive children discovering the beauty of God's wonderful design. Through twenty beautifully illustrated short stories, followed by an interactive time between parent and child, your children will learn:


The creational principle that "God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27) is extraordinary!
That Jesus is in all of Scripture. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories; it is the one big story of the Triune God redeeming His people.
God's Word is our authority and His Glory is our purpose.
That when we belong to Jesus we belong to His covenant family, the Church.
A Biblical framework for living and thinking.
The authors do not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of a child. This book intentionally uses the rich language of faith, and then builds meaning around the words and concepts as the stories proceed, providing children the words of life.(Goodreads)

My Review

  

I really enjoy book that teach young children about the Bible and create a good example. I really loved everything about this book. It starts with the main verse:

 
May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace." Psalm 144:12

 This verse is thought about until the last chapter as Cassie and Caleb think about what it means. This book also covers other verses and topics such as: Why God created men and women differently, honoring God with everything you do (don't sloppily do your chores), helping others, and making the right choices when faced with a decision. These are just a few of the topics, backed with Bible verses and an understandable approach for 5-8 year old children. Personally I got something about of these book mainly about the discussion on Psalm 144:12 and what it means to be a pillar. 

At the end of each chapter is a Lets Talk area for questions, Bible reading, and praying. This would be a great book to read with your kids daily, it's 20 chapters. 

I loved it, I agreed with the Biblical truth and I'm excited for my nephews to read it!

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

When Others Shuddered Book Review

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About the Book

When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up is the story of eight women called to serve God and who, in doing so, changed the world. They lived at the turn-of-the-century, rubbing shoulders with the well-known men of their time like John Rockefeller, Marshall Field, and Dwight Lyman Moody.

 Each of these women was unique. They were single and married, black and white, wealthy and poor, beautiful and plain, mothers and childless. Yet, each felt called to make a difference and to do something - to meet a pressing need in her world.

These women wanted to live lives less ordinary. Their stories inspire us to follow God's calling in our own lives. They teach us that each individual person can make a difference. These eight women will show you how God can use your life to change the world. (Goodreads)

My Review

 I was really excited about this book because the cover is one of my favorites and who doesn't want to read about strong women? This book is about eight women who did what they thought was right even if others thought differently. Fanny Crosby, Emeline Dryer, Nancy McCormick, Sarah Clarke, Amanda Smith, Virginia Asher, Evangeline Booth, and Mary Bethune are the women whose stories have gone unnoticed by many. I love history so I did enjoy this book. The only thing is they are all mostly from Chicago and about Dwight L. Moody or somehow related back to him. He was in every person's story, which is neat but I had been hoping for a bit more diversity. In any case my favorite person to read about was Virginia Asher who was one of the women who was at the Chicago World's Fair to talk to others about Christ. What I loved is how she didn't limit herself to who she talked with and was a favorite among prostitutes because she was kind and helpful. 

There are pictures also in the book that I liked because it helped me visualize the women. 

If you like history and enjoy reading about strong women who honored the Lord you will enjoy this book. 

"I received this book from MP Newsroom 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."

Inciting Incidents Book Review

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 About the Book

 We believe there is tremendous power in each person's story.

Inciting Incidents combines the unique stories from eight creatives (artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, and leaders) managing the tensions between their faith, their place in life, and their work as artists. It is a collective call to face life's imperfections and difficulties while attempting to do the great things we all want to do. By capturing this next generation's battle between idealism and reality-which is where so many of us find ourselves existing each day-these storytellers pave the way for a better understanding of those moments that truly shape us.

The reader will be challenged to use their own art and their own life stories to find their way in God's Kingdom. The end result is that God has created each of us, uniquely, and we each have a unique, growing part to play in His Story.

The STORY Conference's Sarah Cunningham is curating stories from Jeff Goins, David Hickman, Blaine Hogan, Tracee Persiko, Alece Ronzino, Tim Schraeder, Mandy Thompson, and David V. Wenzel for this one-of-a-kind collaborative piece of art.

Dealing with topics like anxiety, leadership, creativity, and perfectionism-every creative has much to glean and commiserate within these pages. Find Courage in our Collective Story. (Goodreads)

My Review

After reading the reviews on this book I thought it was not going to be a good book at all.Much to my surprise this turned out to be a great book and exactly what I had expected. This is a book full of people's stories and their pivotal moments in their life. The first is about a man who discovered his compassion to the people on the streets. Each story is completely different and discusses a struggle. There are six stories so it's a pretty small book but I really enjoyed reading how others lives have changed because of God.

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

Fierce Women Book Review

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 About the Book

Do you ever get the idea that being a godly wife means you need to be a mousy doormat? Be as unnoticeable as a doorknob? Or have a personality transplant?

Fierce Women: The Power of a Soft Warrior, smashes that idea. No matter whether you're an extrovert or more introverted-Kimberly Wagner believes women are created to be a compelling force.



You may not see yourself as beautifully fierce or even slightly strong, but what if God has placed a powerful fierceness within you, within every woman? Kim admits her fierceness became a source of conflict in her marriage, but the relationship dynamic totally changed when she discovered her fierce strengths could be used to encourage and inspire her husband. She invites you to come alongside as she takes an honest look at a destructive relationship dynamic and casts a vision for the transformation God can bring to troubled marriages. (Goodreads)

My Review

What a book! There is a ton of stuff packed into this book. This is one of those books you read multiple times to glean all of the little things from the pages. Kimberly Wagner goes straight to the heart of issues, with being a women, being married, sexual issues, and many other life topics. 

I think the thing that caught my attention the most with this book is the controversy in the wife's role in the marriage. This has always been an interest topic for me to read about and from personal experience. It has been very difficult for both of us to let go of our control and realize we are in this together. I love how the author tells her own story in the pages about her marriage. It's the little things that add up and start to destroy trust and a marriage. 

She writes something pertaining to each letter in the word APPRECIATION about your husband.

A-admire and affirm

P-put yourself in his skin

P-pray like you mean it

R-release your prisoner

E-encourage his leadership

C-contentment

I-invest in him

A- accept him

T- treat him like a man

I-intimate connections

O-only a word

N-never give up.

At the end of the book she also talks about the important of marriage especially about how it effects the culture today. Everyone says, "Why get married it's just a piece of paper?" Sadly I used to say the same thing until I learned otherwise. 

Young women, married and single need to hear stories like this, read books like this, and understand that there is more to life then the current moment. 

This was a great book and I highly recommend. Probably to women eighteen and older simply because of the topic, younger women might not get into this book as much. 

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

Renovating Your Marriage Room By Room

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About the Book

When considering building a home, couples look for the right architect, right builder, and the right decorator to make their dream house a reality. They work with these people to sketch out plans for the structure of the house; determine what materials to use in building the house; and which decorations to use how to make the house warm and cozy. Accomplishing their goal and making sure they get exactly what they are paying for is in part due to everyone working off of the same set of blueprints and plan while they are exercising their unique talents and skills in getting the house completed. With the same care and even more, couples should invest in building their marital houses. Making sure they are working from the same plan, laying a solid foundation in the process and doing the work needed to keep their house intact and standing strong. In Renovating Your Marriage, Dr. Johnny Parker speaks to you and your spouse about building a house of togetherness brick by brick from the foundation up. He encourages you to consider the two possible foundations upon which marriages are built; then walks you through an inspection of your marital house, room by room. Is your marital house standing on a firm foundation or has it been shaken? Are you in need of a marriage renovation? Dr. Parker wants to help you answer these questions and make the changes necessary to give your love a new look. 

My Review

 I really enjoyed this book. Some marriage books are not helpful or interesting but this book is set up in a way that kept my interest and I think the author has has some great advice and insight from his personal experience. I enjoyed how he broke different topics down by house like, The Bathroom: The Shower of Forgiveness. I would call this a highlighter book because there is a ton of good stuff in here that I had to underline or highlight. 

Great marriage book, I highly recommend to couples!  

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

When A Woman Loves a Man Book Review

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 About the Book

"The woman was not taken from the man's head to be over him, nor from his feet to be walked on by him, but from his side to be his closest companion, from under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him"-an old Jewish saying.
Just like the rib cage protects the hearts vital organs, the woman was created by God to protect, encourage and love her husband, her God-given rib.
In When a Woman Loves a Man Pastor James Ford explains the significance of God taking the woman out of the man's side and placing her in a position to walk alongside of him as his helpmeet, lover and emotional protector.
This book is written for women-who are either engaged or married-who want to know how to Biblically and practically express her love to her man in the way God intended it to be.

 My Review

I was so looking forward to this book and I was greatly disappointed. It's a small book and it looks very good, I wanted to go into more depth about who a Godly woman is and how she should act with her loved one. 

While I do agree with many of the verses and topics discussed in this book a few things through me for a loop. 

One good example is when the author talks about seeking Christ first before a man and that God is number one. This is difficult to do especially when we get wrapped in our own little world. 

One thing I didn't not agree with entirely:

"I am convinced of this: when a woman loves a man in the way that God wants her to, she can make a bad man into a good man. Moreover, she can make a good man a great man, simply by taking every opportunity to build the man up." (When a Woman Loves a Man)

So an abusive husband will always be made into a good man if the wife always loves him like God wants her to? I understand that this is absolutely possible, people can change. But I don't agree with this statement, it's important to build a man up but he might not always end up being a good man.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. 

It has some good things to take away from and you can add your own opinions!

"I received this book from MP Newroom LEVB Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Marriage Carol Book Review

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On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm.   This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they're traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer's office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Jacob is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs-and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?(Goodreads)

I am a fan of Gary Chapman and hadn't heard of Chris Fabry until this book. The cover is inviting and the back of the cover made me want to read this book. I was surprised at how the story played out and how short of a story it is. I loved how the authors explained the marriage and it's complications, it was very easy to relate with. The setting made it a fun book with the snow and created a Christmas Carol by Dickens in marriage form. 

Not just a book for the holidays, this book has great meaning and is a good short read. 

I highly recommend for married folks!

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

 

David and Bathsheba Book Review

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 About the Book

David and Bathsheba is a spellbinding story of a gifted king and the woman he loved but could not have.  Told from Bathsheba's perspective, author Roberta Kells Dorr bring to life the passion that almost cost David his kingdom and tested a people's courage and faith in God.

David and Bathsheba is colored richly with details of Bible-era Israel - from the details of the everyday way of life to details of the Jewish religion.  Dorr brilliantly merges reality with folklore as she tells the story of two great characters of the biblical era. The book starts out with Bathsheba as a young girl and David as a strong willed rebellious military leader.  It details the way they meet and follows them all the way through their difficulties.(Goodreads)

My Review

I am not usually a fan of Biblical fiction. But having recently enjoyed the book Claudia  I thought I would give it another shot with David and Bathsheba. Roberta Kells Dorr is a new author to me so I had no idea what to expect. I like how the book is set up with the story line. The book stars with David's death then goes back in time to before Bathsheba and Uriah were married. I enjoyed the historical aspects and understand their importance but it was too much for this book. I felt like I was reading a very long drawn out history book. I didn't feel the emotion of the characters, or like I was really in the story. I did learn new things about that time and thought about what it would be like from Bathsheba's point of view. For Biblical fiction I can't recommend this book. As I have said before I'm sure many people will enjoy it, it just is not the book for me. 

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

Long Trail Home Book Review

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 Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough is the third book in Texas Trails Series.

About the Book

The Long Trail Home is third 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 on its own.When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancee again. But he soon learns that his parents are dead and the woman he loved is married. He takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it. When a greedy man tries to close the school, Riley and Annie band together to fight him and fall in love.But when Riley learns the truth about Annie, he packs and prepares to leave the school that has become his home and the woman who has thawed his heart. Will he change his mind and find the love he craves' Or will stubbornness deprive him from the woman he needs' Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.(Goodreads)

My Review

 I have almost read this entire series (out of order) but I enjoy reading about the Morgan family. This book is no exception and I think it is another winner! While Annie is pretending to be blind, Riley is healing from recent news since coming back from the war. Of course the author adds a twist and includes an enemy that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. I really liked the background story to Annie's character and how she changes throughout the book. God becomes an important person in her life even while she is in the middle of a lie that changes her life forever. The ending is not surprising but it is a fun western type of read.

I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who likes Old West family stories. 

Also, not all of the books are by the same author which makes this a unique set of books!

"I received this book from Moody Publishers 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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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".

Wedded to War Book Review



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Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green is the first in the new Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War Series.

Tending to the army's sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she's combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey's letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series "Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War," a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war. (Goodreads)

Jocelyn creates a lovely historically accurate story about young women nursing on the battle lines. Charlotte is sick of her entire purpose in life being about marriage and children, she is unmarried and ready for a change. This takes her on quite an adventure during the Civil War. She faces a lot of criticism and blood. To add a twist, her suitor is very full of himself and involves himself in shady dealings without her knowing. At the end of the book I discovered that everything had been researched to the smallest details and was loosely based off of Georgeanna Woolsey's life during that time.

This book is written a lot like Jane Kirkpatrick's books with tons of history and fun fictional additions.

I highly reccomend to those who don't mind reading about bloody battles and like historical facts.

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

Her Good Name Book Review

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Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell is set in 1882 Maine. The story unfolds about miss Espy who is trying to make a way for herself and because of her poorer class it seems to be more difficult. Warren is from a prominent family and went to grade school with Espy but seems to keep running into her everywhere he goes. As their relationship turns more towards friendship, something terrible happens that jeopardizes Espy's reputation. Because of her working class, she is made into a liar and judged as the entire town turns against her. Warren doesn't trust her anymore and Espy decides her life is going nowhere staying in such a town and gossips. She goes on a new adventure and discovers a whole new life with Christ at the center.

At the start of the book I did not like Espy character, she seemed too annoyingly flirtatious in the first couple of chapters. As I continued reading, I soon fell in love with her character and the overall storyline. I was pleasantly surprised when the storyline took a different turn and truly wove in God's love and how important He is in our lives. I truly enjoyed this book, it was a rather refreshing book to read.

 This is not an author I am familiar with but I will be finding more of her books. You can check out her website to see what else she has to offer.

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