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."

Crossfire Review

 

 

About the Book

 FBI special agent Julianna James is a top-notch negotiator who has never lost a hostage. Surely, she can manage to take care of her much younger sister, Dottie, who showed up unannounced to live with Julianna while she finished her senior year of high school.

A former sniper with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Clay Snyder left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Now he's working as a high school resource officer until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

Their paths cross when Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister. Impressed and a bit intimidated by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, Clay invites her to speak at his school. Dottie's school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Julianna just might be one of them.

This intense story of revenge and redemption from bestselling author and master of suspense Lynette Eason will have you up all night as you race toward the explosive finish. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

This book was unputdownable. I was really invested in trying to figure out what was going on and who was behind all of the madness that ensues. I really enjoyed the perspective of Julianna as a negotiator. I loved all of the secondary characters and enjoyed the extra added twist at the end. Eason did a great job writing the hostage situations. I have never considered the life of those that deal with these things on regular basis so this book made me think. Eason’s writing has gotten more creative and in depth and I just enjoy what she writes. If you enjoy suspense I recommend picking up one of her books.

 

Five Stars.

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

By Way of the Moonlight Review

About the Book

 Two courageous young women, tied together by blood and shared passion, will risk everything to save what they love most.

For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents’ ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy—a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother’s will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer.

Decades earlier, headstrong Dale Butler’s driving passion is to bring home the prized filly her family lost to the Great Depression, but with World War II looming, she’s called upon in ways she never could have imagined. And while her world expands to include new friends and new love, tragedy strikes close to home one fateful night during the Battle of the Atlantic, changing her life forever.

As Nana Dale’s past comes to light in Allie’s search for answers, Dale’s courage and persistence may be just what Allie needs to carry on her grandmother’s legacy and keep her own dreams alive. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really had no idea what to expect with this novel as I haven't read much by Elizabeth Musser. I was pleasantly surprised when this book managed to keep me up until the wee hours of the morning. I simply could not put it down. I LOVED the dual time line and how everything intertwined together. I learned something from history I didn't know from WWII which was fascinating! Dale Butler is a character all her very own and the author did a fantastic job writing her. There are so many things I enjoyed in this story and it will be one that sticks with me for awhile. Fantastic characters and terrific writing make this book one to remember! 

Five stars. 

 

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

 

The Deadly Shallows Review

 

 

 About the Book

 A DEADLY ATTACK.
A STOLEN WEAPON CAPABLE OF IMMENSE DESTRUCTION.
A PAINFUL SECRET THAT THREATENS TO TEAR TWO HEARTS APART.


CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.


As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.


Bestselling author Dani Pettrey again delivers a fast-paced story in an acclaimed style readers have come to love: full of snappy dialogue, thrilling adventure romance, and unexpected plot twists. (Goodreads)

 

 

BUY HERE 

 

 

My Thoughts

I have been a long time Dani Pettrey fan ever since her first book came out. I love the cover on this book, Bethany House did an outstanding job! This series takes us into the lives of those in the Coast Guard. I think this book is my favorite in this series so far. I like Noah's character a lot and I thought the overall plot for this book was more intriguing. There is a bit of romance in a couple story lines but my main interest was trying to figure out the mystery of what was happening. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, I didn't find it too suspenseful, but I did want to know what would happen. Fans of Pettrey will be eager to read this new story. You could read these books as stand alone stories pretty easily though I always recommend starting with book one.  

 

Four Stars.
 

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

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip Book Review

 

 

 

About the Book

 Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care. But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her—but she’s going to have to work for it. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story but I was intrigued by the title. I have always liked reading books that have a perspective of an elderly person. So many books that are published the main characters are younger folks. I loved Mrs. Kip and her story and she was easily the best part of this book. I appreciated her point of view of being put in a care home and living her final days. She knew what was to come and yet her faith really got her through. I also loved how fervently she was willing to share the Lord with others. It was very convicting because she just shared with people no matter what even when she knew the reaction wouldn't be friendly. 

The other part of this story is about Aidyn Kelley and her writing what she thinks is an obituary for Mrs. Kip. To fully understand this you just need to read the book. I thought this was a very unique take in story telling. This author was thinking out of the box and it was well done. At times this story did drag on just a bit for me but overall this was an enjoyable read. I look forward to more from Sara Brunsvold.

Four Stars.

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

The Case for Heaven Movie based on Lee Strobel's Book---My Thoughts

 

 

 

About the Movie

We all want to know what happens after we die. In THE CASE FOR
HEAVEN, best-selling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel explores the
evidence for the afterlife in order to address man’s biggest fear: death. Inspired by
his own brush with death, Strobel searches for answers to the most profound
questions we all have, about heaven, hell, and Near-Death Experiences. Featuring
interviews with experts and skeptics, THE CASE FOR HEAVEN will challenge,
encourage and inspire as Strobel dares to probe the most important question. If
there is a heaven, can we prove it?

THE CASE FOR HEAVEN is based on the new book by best-selling author Lee
Strobel, who wrote The Case For Christ.

 

THE CASE FOR HEAVEN will be exclusively on Pure Flix starting July 15th.

 

GIVEAWAY

3-month subscription to Pure Flix

 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) 

 Pure Flix does have some good movies on it!

My Thoughts

 I have not read the book The Case for Heaven but I have read Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ, The Case for Easter, and The Case for Christmas. I was expecting The Case for Heaven to be backed by solid Biblical truths. I was expecting verses from the Bible where Heaven is actually discussed. Unfortunately that did not happen. This movie is completely based on emotions, feelings, popular opinions by well known individuals, and near death experiences. One of the first things Lee says while being interviewed is the Bible talks about Heaven "BUT". There is no "but". God gave us all we need to know about Heaven in His word. Interviewing famous people to see what they think the afterlife is like doesn't accomplish anything but add confusion to the entire idea of Heaven and Hell. I watched this entire movie and there was very little that was Biblical. There is discussion about Hell and a man who seemingly went to Hell but then while there called out to God and escaped during his near death experience. There is discussion with a well known musician who famously stated he no longer believes. He states how could you believe in a God like that? Clearly a non believer and yet there is no discussion after that to refute anything that he says! 

Clearly there is a fear of death in our world because of the uncertainty surrounding what happens when we die. People do want to be immortal like Lee states at the start of the film. BUT "investigating" near death experiences does not give people a peace or understanding. I have no doubt that people on their death bed or that medically "die and live" again probably do experience something no one can understand. But it is not up to us to try and figure out what Heaven is going to be like. We are told what we are to know this side of Heaven. There is a Heaven and a Hell and yes God is also a God of wrath, which this film also refutes. One interview in this film says that Hell isn't really that bad it is just the people there. I think if you considered what the Bible says about Hell, yes it is actually that bad. 

The first part of this film was the only part that I found myself agreeing with and understanding. Aside from that, I would be very cautious in watching this especially if you are a new believer. I think it is interesting to hear a different point of view. It is eye opening to hear what other people think. But this type of film has to be backed by scripture and it absolutely is not. 

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 #CaseForHeavenMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Paperback Book Giveaway!!

I have an extra copy of Sarah Eden's Lily of the Valley and also Bargaining the Barrister by Anneka R. Walker! Both are tremendous story tellers so these are books you will enjoy!

The winner will receive both paperback books. USA entries only please.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

The Soldier's Baby Promise Review

 

 About the Book

 

 He can’t change the past…
but he can choose his future

Resolved to keep his promise, Lieutenant Nate Marshall returns to Timber Falls to look after his first love—the widow of his best friend, who was killed in the line of duty. Grieving mom Adley Wilson is overwhelmed by her bee farm, her grandfather-in-law who lives with her and her new baby. But accepting Nate’s help may just be the lifeline she needs… (Goodreads)

 

 BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of Gabrielle Meyer so I am always excited to read her new stories. I admit that if I had seen this book and just went off the cover, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book. But since Gabrielle wrote it I knew it would be a good one!

While this isn't my favorite by Meyer, I did still enjoy this sweet story. Newly widowed mother Adley is a strong character and my favorite part of this book. I really liked her attitude and I thought her journey between the first and last pages added more depth than most Love Inspired books. This story holds a lot truths on forgiveness and grace.

Four Stars. 

 Be sure and check out all of Gabrielle Meyers books! You won't be disappointed!

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

 

 

 

 

 

The Orphan Keeper YA Review

 

 

 

About the Book

 Seven-year-old Chellamuthu’s life—and his destiny—is forever changed when he is kidnapped from his village in Southern India and sold to the Lincoln Home for Homeless Children. His family is desperate to find him, and Chellamuthu anxiously tells the Indian orphanage he is not an orphan, that he has a mother who loves him. But he is told not to worry as he will soon be adopted by a loving family in America.

Chellamuthu is suddenly surrounded by a foreign land and a foreign language. He can’t tell people that he already has a family and becomes consumed by a single, impossible question: How do I get home? But after more than a decade, home becomes a much more complicated idea as the Indian boy eventually sheds his past and receives a new name: Taj Khyber Rowland.

It isn’t until Taj meets an Indian family who helps him rediscover his culture and family history that he begins to discover the truth he has all but forgotten. Taj is determined to return to India and begin the quest to find his birth family. But is it too late? Is it possible that his birth mother is still looking for him? And which family does he belong to now?

The Orphan Keeper is a deeply moving and gripping journey about discovering one’s self and the unbreakable family bonds that connect us forever. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE. Available October 4, 2022

My Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect with this book but I was excited that it was the young adult version of this story. The Orphan Keeper is based on a true story and I was totally engrossed once I got three chapters into the book. I don't know what the other version is like but I really enjoyed this one. It is an amazing tale of a young boy who loses and also finds family in a very unexpected way. I loved reading about a different culture from my own and to see American culture through the eyes of a foreigner.  There is sadness and disbelief. There is humor and romance all tied together between the pages. It is a well written eye opening story that I won't soon forget. 

Highly recommend! Five Stars. 

 

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

To Capture His Heart Review

About the Book

 Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 Pre-Order the book now! It comes out October 12, 2022!

 

My Thoughts

This is such a fun book! I haven't read many books by this author so I was excited to pick this one up. I did not read the first book and I wish I had! I really enjoyed Eva's character as she lives a life that society looks upon with uncertainty. As a photographer, she experiences many things that a "lady" just shouldn't experience. I love it! Nathan Winston took me a while to warm up to but I so enjoyed him also. There is a bit of a mystery that threads throughout the pages and Nathan and Eva work together to figure out what is going on. Of course there is a week long dinner party, a meddling mother, romance, and someone up to no good. What could go wrong?! The witty banter made this book enjoyable and while there is a mystery element this was a pretty light and fun read. 

I highly recommend! 

Five stars!

 

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

Lily of the Valley Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book: Lily of the Valley

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Genre: Georgian Romance

Release date: April 11, 2022

 

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tightknit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, Violet finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library.

 

More from Sarah

Research is one of my favorite aspects of writing. Lily of the Valley offered ample opportunities for researching incredibly interesting topics. One main character is an amateur inventor, which tossed me deep into the realm of innovations of the 1780s and 1790s. The other main character has an interest in engineering and mechanics, allowing me to delve into what was known and understood in these fields at the end of the 18th Century. Amongst the supporting cast are a variety of interests, strengths, and passions, all of which saw me pouring over everything I could find from this era on those topics.

 

A particularly fun area of research I tossed myself into was parlor games played in late 18th Century England. Among my favorites I learned about:

• The Three Kingdoms, a game very much like modern-day “Twenty Questions.” The guesser has up to six questions to gain clues about what the others in the group have decided among themselves is the thing the guesser is trying to discover. One twist: the first question is always “To which Kingdom does the item thought of belong? (meaning animal, vegetable, or mineral)

• Short Answers, a game of wits and creativity. The group sits in a circle and one at a time, ask the person to their right a question which that person has to answer in only one word. However, the word cannot be repeated during that round. Once someone has answered a question “Yes” no one else can answer with that word until the round is over. A round ends when someone cannot think of a one-word answer to the question they have been asked and is, subsequently, eliminated.

• A centuries-old version of musical chairs

• A game that involved determining which fabricated crime the various players would pretend to have committed.

• Plenty of games involving forfeits of kisses or handkerchiefs or other shows of affection that the very staid rules of Society would have otherwise looked down on.

 

Discovering more about the historical context of this book was intriguing and delightful. I hope readers will enjoy learning more of this bit of the past, lose themselves in romance, enjoy the delightful friendship between the characters, and perhaps even find a few new games to try.

-Sarah Eden

Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, June 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Inklings and notions, June 7

Reading with Emily, June 7

For Him and My Family, June 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 8

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10

deb’s Book Review, June 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 12

The Book Club Network, June 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 13

Pause for Tales, June 13

Connie’s History Classroom, June 14

Sylvan Musings, June 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 15

Rachael’s Inkwell, June 16

Wishful Endings, June 16

Through the Fire Blogs, June 17

Britt Reads Fiction, June 18

Labor Not in Vain, June 18

To Everything There Is A Season, June 19

Miriam Jacob, June 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, print copy of book, and Exclusive Sarah Eden vinyl stickers!!

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

 

GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

I simply can't read enough of the world that Sarah M. Eden has created. I LOVED this first book in this series Forget Me Not and this second book I really couldn't put down. I love the Gents and what I love all the more is reading the back story of all the characters I came to love in her Jonquil series. She ties so many things together throughout many of her books. While this book could be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend doing that. Start with book one and then you will fully understand the many side stories happening. Kester's character is so unique and fun and more relatable to me than many of the other Gents. While there is romance and some predictable aspect to this story, the Gents and their antics make this one stand out. I love the games they play and how different each character is that I can't choose a favorite! I truly can't recommend Eden's books enough and if you haven't read any you simply need to! 

Five Stars. 

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