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".

Beautiful Battlefields Book Review



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"We rejoice in our suffereings, knowing that suffereing produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame." Romans 5:3-5

Bo Stern realizes life is full of fierce and unexpected battles. When her husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness, she knew she had found her Goliath. With winsome sincerity, Bo points to the battle plans available to us in Scripture and to our God who brings beauty from the struggles we face. (Goodreads)

Bonita Stern is an excellent story teller and this book is full of hope, even when she is going through her own battle. Her husband has been fighting ALS and a disease that is taking over his body. With the medical bills, the stress of a man not being able to live the way he once did, Bo writes with a strong faith in God. Every chapter is new and different along with a story and Biblical reference. Bo also adds questions at the end of each chapter for the reader to think on. I read this as more of a devotional or a couple chapters a day. I enjoyed her take on life and the common question on why do we suffer-just read Romans 5!

I enjoyed this book and for others who are going through their own battle this book is a good one to read.

Hop over to Litfuse for more info!

Stop by Bo's website.

You can buy the book here.

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

The Brushstroke Legacy Book Review



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Ragni Clauson’s work, relationships, and body all seem to be falling apart. And she isn’t convinced that spending her vacation fixing up her great-grandmother’s cabin and supervising her rebellious teenage niece, Erika, will offer any much-needed rejuvenation.

As Ragni and Erika clean, they begin to uncover the secret paintings and life of Nilda, Ragni’s ancestor who lived in the cabin in the early 1900s. Ragni doesn’t know how much she has in common with her great-grandmother, but it becomes clear Nilda faced her own struggles. Taking care of home and menfolk, fighting off locusts, raising her daughter, and finding time to paint in the midst of it all were not easy tasks. Will Nilda’s passion for enduring art re-ignite Ragni’s artistic soul a century later?

Weaving together the stories of three generations of women, The Brushstroke Legacy stirs us to believe that no matter the circumstances, we are called to use our gifts– never knowing when they might bring a stranger to a new place of hope. (Goodreads)

The Brushstroke Legacy by Lauraine Snelling  is a beautiful story about Ragni and her neice and how their life suddenly takes a turn from the typical.

Ragni is going on a relaxing vacation, that is until her mother tells her that their old family cabin in North Dakota needs fixed up. Ragni's vacation ends up  her dragging her teenage neice to the middle of nowhere in order to fix up a cabin that has defintely seen better days. As the story moves on the two women grow and they discover a family secret of an ancestor who lived in the cabin a long time ago. God is evident even with the trials that they face with cancer, alzheimer's, and stessful work situations. This story is so easy to relate to with our every day life and it combines a contemporary story with a historical romance.

I am reviewing this book simply for my blog.

Stop by Lauraine's Website!

If You Have A Craving, I Have A Cure Book Review



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If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure: Experience Food, Faith, and Fulfillment a Whole New Way by Sheri Rose Shepherd. I really enjoy anything that Sheri has to write and this book was no exception. I had no idea what this book was really about or how she would tie food in with faith. To my delight I discovered that this book is completely full of healthy recipes and quotes that Sheri writes to encourage readers on a daily basis. This is not a devotional, but it could defintely be used as one. Each chapter is about a different important part of our life, not necessarily about food but about God's part in our lives.

Sheri includes tips on how to be healthy as she has lost over 50 pounds and grown in her relationship with God. This book is easy to read and understand and I highly reccomend this book, even if you already eat healthy!

 

With her many recipe's I can't wait to try the corn chowder, spinach cream soup, or chamomile vanilla ice cream!!

 

"No food is as satisfying as the energy to enjoy life."

 

 

 

 

Here is a recipe from Sheri:

 

HONEY-BAKED ALMOND BRITTLE
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1/4 cup honey
1 cup almonds
Dash sea salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Heat honey in microwave for 30 seconds.
3. In a bowl, pour honey over almonds and mix evenly so every almond is coated.
4. Coat sheet with non-stick spray, spreads almonds on cookie sheet, and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or to desired taste. Let cool, and enjoy!

 

 

 

I love the seasons of love and laughter, but I have discovered that it is the seasons of loneliness and pain when I experience real faith. The best way to taste faith again is to become salt in someone else's life when you feel lifeless. What I mean is, take that very thing that you are craving in your life, and turn it into a gift to give into someone else's life.

New Life Recipes
1. Try a New Flavor
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Psalm 34:8

If you are craving more flavor in your faith walk, pick up a new Christian book to read or find a new Christian friend to hang out with. If your church does not help you grow closer to God, don't be afraid to try a new church.

The great thing about all the different ways and styles of Christian churches is that you and I have the freedom to look for the one that stimulates our faith and works best with our gifts and personality.

2. Sing a New Song
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Psalm 96:1

Worship should bring joy and flavor to our faith. Find some new worship songs that fit the style of music you love to listen to. If you're craving closeness with God, sing a new song or better yet sit down and write a song to the Lord, putting it to your own melody.

3. Purify Yourself
Then he went out to the spring that supplied the town with water and threw the salt into it. And he said, "This is what the Lord says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility."
2 Kings 2:21

Many times we can't taste God's goodness because we feed our soul salt substitutes instead of real faith. In other words, we watch, read, and listen to things that go against everything we want to become in Christ. We lose our craving for the Word and attempt to satisfy our soul with unhealthy, man-made forms of entertainment. Just like a whole food diet makes you crave healthier foods, a pure soul food cleanse will get rid of the junk in our spirit so we can taste God's goodness again.

4. Power Up with Prayer
Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16

Dear God,
I pray you will increase our craving for You and fill us up so full that salt and goodness spill out onto those we love. Show us the artificial things in our lives that are keeping us from tasting and becoming your salt to this world, Amen.

Taste of Truth
Life will lose its flavor if it is not seasoned with faith, hope, and love.

Watch today's message and laugh a lot and fall in love with your Lord all over again! View the first week of my Bible Study at http://biblelifecoaching.com/2013/01/day5/ and enjoy the recipe below! (From Sheri Shepherd)

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

 

 

Unglued Devotional Book Review

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Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst is set up as a sixty day short read devotional.

Lysa writes on many topics such as marriage, deary days, kids, family, disappointments, and self control. I do not have kids yet, so some of the topics I couldn't relate to. Lysa includes different verses for each topic as well.

My personal favorite devotional was the one on husbands. The title is Advice to Unglued Wives: Stop Praying which is followed by the "thought for the day" God isn't looking for me to be a "fix-him" wife. God is looking for me to be a "love-him" wife. At the end of her devotionals she often asks questions. This question is a good for any wife to remind herself: Am I praying about my husband or for my husband? 

How do I pray for my husband? Do I pray for him or ask things to be different in some way? Even with praying you have to understand what you are really praying about.  

I have not read any other books by Lysa Terkeurst but have found that she has written multiple other books. She also a part of Women of Faith. Along with this devotional she has also created a DVD and an entire Unglued package.

I enjoyed this devotional, it was easy to read and understand, short, meaningful, and to the point.

 "I received this book for free from Zondervan through the Booksneeze program. This is my honest opinion of the book." 

Puffed Up Chickadees

These are little puffed up Chickadees. It was a tad chilly and they are so cute when they are all puffed up.

Jaydon One Year

 Jaydon's First Birthday!

 We attempted to make chocolate cake...and it was an epic failure. We have no idea why but we just poured icing on top and enjoyed it anyway!

Wishing On Willows Book Review

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert is a good read that deals with many issues that people can easily relate.

A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
                                     
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances. (Goodreads Description)

I have not read anything by Katie before though I know her book Wildflowers From Winter was a big hit. Honestly this book was really difficult for me to get into and I had to push myself to finish it. I did like the fact that it discussed real life issues such as infertility and the life of a single mom. I also liked the characters and the small details that Katie added into the story. This was not my favorite book but still a decent read.

Wishing on Willows will be available March 19, 2013.

Learn more about Katie here.

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for a review."



The Tutor's Daughter Book Review



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The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen is a delightful read with a beautiful setting on the Cornwall Coast.

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems—and secrets—of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her....

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame, and which to trust with her heart?

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast—a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions—where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits. (Author's Description)

There has been a lot of outstanding reviews for Julie's new novel and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. I did enjoy this book, though it took me a little longer to get into. I must admit, I had just finished watching the most recent season of Downton Abbey and there were so many similar things between the book and show such as how they spoke and whatnot. After I got through chapter five I completely fell in love with the characters and the ongoing mystery of the story. The romance is sweet and Julie fit all aspects into the book perfectly. There is a lot of  humor in the book that I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. I give this book five stars and highly recommended!

Please stop by Julie's Website where you can watch a book trailer and read an excerpt from The Tutor's Daughter.


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

All for a Song Book Review



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All for a Song by Allison Pittman is set in the flapper era of the 1920s. The story goes between two time periods in Dorothy Lynn Dunbar's life. At the start of the book Dorothy is in a nursing home and over one hundred years old, having survived multiple strokes. The story then goes back to the time when she was 19 and her life took a different turn for a few weeks. Her life is set in place, she is engaged to the pastor and will settle down in the same town where she grew up. Dorothy visits her sister in St. Louis and discovers an entirely different world in the big city. Her talent with playing the guitar and writing music makes her stand out and she is offered an opportunity with evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Dorothy must decide between her life back home or evangelizing with her music.

I have read most of Pittman's books and some have made it to my favorite list-this was not one of them. I was extremely disappointed with this book and the story line. For the entire book Pittman writes as if Dorothy has a great secret and did drastic crazy things on her six week traveling spree. There is no mystery, no secrets, and nothing that you wouldn't expect. I understand that it is difficult to write a Christian story that is set in the '20s, but I have read other books set in this time and I was simply not impressed. I am disappointed with this novel but I look forward to what else Pittman has to offer in the future.

For more information about Allison head over to her website.

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



Skip Rock Shallows Book Review



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Skip Rock Shallows by Jan Watson has a great setting and good characters, for the most part. Set in the hills of Kentucky, Lilly is working as a doctor in the mining community. This being her first real doctoring job she wonders if she would much prefer to live in Boston with her fiance. Many characters fill her days with delightful mishaps. The odd and mysterious Tern or known as Jo seems to pop up whenever she is around. In the end there is a love story that is not what Lilly planned.
I love most everything about this book except for Lilly's relationships with her fiance and Tern. Her sudden love interest in Tern is so quickly thrown together and then the story ends. It was really difficult for me to get into this story, though I really wanted to.

I received this book through Tyndale Rewards! If you haven't heard about this program I would check it out. If you use the link I provided you will get extra points to start out with.

Also, hop over to Jan's Website to learn about all of her books.