PASSION Salvation's Tide Is Rising CD Review and Giveaway!

About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:

This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill.  It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.  Release Date is January 29, 2016.  

Track List:

1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder

3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone

4.  God & God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman

7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder

9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill 

GIVEWAY 

I have the opportunity to give away one physical copy of this CD to one of my readers!! Just enter through the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. US only please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

About Passion albums:

Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City".  Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5. 

About The Passion Movement:

The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God.  From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others.  Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.

My Thoughts

I haven't listened to much from Passion but I will say this album is great! I am always searching for new worship music and this CD has it's own unique sound and I highly recommend to those who need worship music!

Thanks to Flyby Promotions for offering me a free copy of this album to review. 

Thin Ice Book Review

About the Book

 

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Irene Hannon is a terrific author and I was so excited to read this book. I love the ice skating background of Christy and I really liked her character. The first part of the book moves quickly and the reader tries to figure out what is going on. As typical suspense the bad guy weaves in and out of the story line. About the middle of the book things got a little slow for me to be honest. I felt like I already knew what was going to happen and the romance predictable. I did enjoy the characters but the story line dropped off for me and it ended up not being my favorite. Hannon is still a great author and if you want a lighter suspense read you will enjoy this book. 

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

 

Undaunted Hope Review

 About the Book

Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund and have been anxiously awaiting for this book to come out! I love the cover, it's one of my favorites. But there were a few things that just didn't click with me and I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. First of all it is very similar to When Calls the Heart. Tessa is a new teacher in a new town and the main livelihood is mining. There is also a mean guy who thinks he runs the place (which he sort of does) but with all those things I felt like I was reading or watching When Calls the Heart. The only difference is that Alex works for the lighthouse which is a good I just felt like I had read this story before. Now if you haven't seen or heard of When Calls the Heart then you won't notice and will enjoy this book, as it is well written. The only other thing that started to annoy me was the dialogue. I know a lot of readers like it but it was far too sarcastic and flirty ALL the time. I understand friendly banter between characters but it seemed like they never had a serious conversation and the back and forth silly remarks just were a bit too cheesy for me.  

That being said, I know so many people will enjoy this book and I am still a fan of Jody Hedlund as she really is a talented writer. 

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

Salsas and Moles Cookbook Review

 

America has a new favorite condiment: salsaAnd with good reason—a great salsa makes a big impression with just a little bite. In Salsas and Moles, award-winning chef Deborah Schneider explores a wide variety of favorites, from classic table salsas to mole and enchilada sauces, plus chunky salsas and snacks. While some people think salsa is all about heat, Schneider teases out fresh flavors from chiles, fruits, and herbs, creating authentic recipes that showcase the unique flavors of Mexico.

With serving suggestions for each salsa, and recipes for popular sauces such as Salsa Verde, Enchilada Sauce, and Mango-Habanero Salsa, any salsa lover will be able to find their perfect match. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

 Yum!!!! This book has been way better than expected! Most books like this are huge and rather heavy but this one is more compact and easier to put on the counter when cooking. Simple and delicious recipes for any type of salsa! Everything from green salsa, mole, mango salsa, black bean salsa, or pico de gallo. The first part of the book is neat as it talks about different spices and peppers along with how to prepare them. 

This would be a wonderful gift for someone or for people like me who enjoy making their own salsa! 

Five stars!

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

 

Buford

Here is our new addition to the family. Buford. Chance picked the name after a guy in the Civil War and I think it rather suits him. : ) He loves his grain and hay and doesn't like to share.We had four cows in with him for a bit and he just didn't understand why they were there and it made for my entertainment. He knows that I am the one who gives him grain so we get along pretty good. He waits for me very impatiently every morning and it is fun to watch him every day.  

Also, I thought I would include this picture (below), it wasn't quite sunset but it was so beautiful. 

Sled Day

2015 Best Books

  

  

  

 

   

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

I started out with around the top 23 books of the year but decided to narrow it down a tad. So top fifteen favorite books for 2015! It was a good book year for me. : )

Design the Life You Love Review

 About the Book 

A joyful, inspirational guide to building the life you've always dreamed of, using the principles and creative process of an award-winning product designer.     Life, just like a design problem, is full of constraints--time, money, age, location, and circumstances. You cannot have everything, and if you want more out of it, you have to be creative about how to make what you need and what you want co-exist. This requires design thinking. Design the Life You Love uses a simple but proven creative thinking and design process to give ordinary people new tools to think about life differently, and also includes fascinating examples from the world of art and design that relate to each step of the process, plus guided creative exercises. Turn constraints into opportunities with optimism and holistic thinking using four simple steps: taking the whole apart, forming a new point of view, putting it back together, and giving it form. The striking design and Ayse Birsel's hand-drawn art and type set off her brilliant, life-changing design process, empowering and inspiring readers to create a better life. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect with this book but it reminded me a bit of the Wreck It Journal, this is just like a notebook type. The first part of the book is explaining the book, where the idea for the book came from, and what the author did by creating the book. This takes up a huge chunk of the book and was really not very interesting for me. The last part of the book is pages in which is examine your life in a certain way, you take it apart, analyze it, then basically think creatively to make your life wonderful. I think this is a good book if you want to look at your current life and need to put it down on paper. What your goals are and your focus. As for the creative process this is not the book for me. I didn't learn anything new and you could do this in a blank notebook. But if you want a guided step by step then this is the book for you.

Three stars. 

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

 

Snow and Pre-Christmas Events

Life has been pretty eventful since we moved. There has been a lot more things to do, firewood doesn't magically appear, and the sledding has been pretty great. I'm working on a great sled run and I have it slicked up pretty good.
Remi likes to hop in the sled with me and zoom down the hill as well, it's too funny. So as of right now we have a horse, Buford, five barn cats, and Minn and Remi our dogs. It's really been fun to be around the animals, they are so entertaining to watch. Chance asked me to go with him a couple times last week to help check cows. It was really fun, we live in such a beautiful place. As I write this it is snowing while the sun shines brightly. This is normal.

 Running sooo fast...

 My mom

 Me wearing the silly elf hat. I figured I would post it on here before someone else does...I think it was all recorded on someone's phone so now no one can black mail me. : )

 

My aunt was here a few days this past week so we had more grand adventures with her. Shoveling out people stuck in drifts, watching another person get stuck in the same obvious drift, setting up the Christmas tree, and remembering Christmas past. It's always fun to set up the grandparents' tree because they have all of the sentimental ornaments, like the really ugly homemade ones I made when I was five.
There was also an entertaining evening where I was gifted an elf hat that sings...yay me. It was actually quite funny. So the adventure continues in mountain living.
Happy week of Christmas!
 

Whatever Is Lovely Review

 

 About the Book

We live in such a busy, hectic world—but what waits for you inside this cover is a way to quiet the noise, express creativity, and spend some sweet time with God. Each page features an original design from one of a dozen different artists, beautifully illustrating a contemplative quote from an inspirational writer, a beloved hymn, or Scripture.

When we create, we echo the heart of our Creative God who designed everything and gave us the capacity to recognize beauty.

So go ahead! You have permission to pick up your colored pencil and be reminded of truth in a fresh way.

To help set the perfect mood for worship, contemplation, and creative expression, a link to the “Whatever Is Lovely” playlist is included. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

What a fun coloring book that while having beautiful pictures to color, it also has verses, quotes, and hymns. The adult coloring book craze has begun and it amazes me how popular these books have become. I think it is fun as something you can multitask with or for a way to be calm/be still. 

Out of all of the coloring books I have looked at or colored, this is my favorite because of the scripture and the pictures are really great. 

Highly recommend!

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

At Love's Bidding Review

About the Book

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I really enjoyed Regina's earlier books but lately they all seem to blend together. The silliness is a bit over the top for me and the romance with this particular book is not my favorite and didn't really capture my attention. There are some funny moments and a few great lines but overall this was a difficult book for me to get into and finish.
If you enjoy Jennings' books I'm sure you will like this one, it just wasn't for me.

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

After a cross-country trip to track down a sold painting that could ruin her family's business forever, Miranda Wimplegate forms an unlikely but charged partnership with livestock auctioneer Wyatt Ballentine in Regina Jennings' At Love's Bidding. Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt must try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

Join Regina in celebrating the release of At Love's Bidding by entering to win her Cozy Winter Night giveaway and RSVPing to her January 5th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive everything you need for a cozy winter night:

• One copy of At Love's Bidding
• A coloring book for adults
• A pie dish
• Gourmet hot chocolate
• A fuzzy throw blanket
• Warm slippers
• Wintery coasters

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 1/5. The winner will be announced at the At Love's Bidding Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Regina and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!