Friday, August 22, 2014

Quilts of Love | A GRAND DESIGN – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!

Quilts of Love A Grand Design Amber Stockton
Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Grand Design by Amber Stockton. Who hasn't struggled to let painful memories go and move into God's healing? You’ll be sure to love this heartfelt and encouraging tale set on historic Mackinac Island.

Celebrate August’s release by entering to win a Kindle from Quilts of Love and RSVPing for the "Fall into Fall" Facebook author chat party.


Quilts of Love Kindle HDX Giveaway, Amber Stockton, A Grand Design

  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
  • Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 16th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog. Plus make sure you RSVP to the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!

Book Info
About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs---if only she can let go of her past.

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa's grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.

As the quilt's story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother's life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa's fractured heart---and bring healing to her entire family?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.



About the Author: 

Amber Stockton is an award-winning author, a national speaker, and a direct-sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader's choice awards.

Connect with Amber: website, Facebook, Twitter


My Review:
I really enjoyed this month's new Quilts of Love book, "A Grand Design," by Amber Stockton.  Right away I was drawn into the story as Alyssa is a character whom is so easy to relate to and she became so real to me.  Also, the storyline is so fun, imagine winning a bridal magazine contest when you aren't getting married, much less even having a boyfriend?  Added to this is the fact that the vacation is to a place where Alyssa has family and a history.  I really enjoyed "sharing" this vacation with Alyssa and Libby as these two best friends are so fun and complement each other so well, as they are so different from each other and balance each other out so well.  Alyssa's story is shared throughout the book as well as her grandmother's, and it is shared in a way that kept me reading as different pieces were hinted at, but not revealed until later on.  As Alyssa travels over the island getting the quilt pieces for her grandmother, she learns so much and also heals little by little.  This is an excellent read, one that is quick, sweet and will capture your heart; I highly recommend it. 


To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!


*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*





Tuesday, August 19, 2014

"Spiritual Renewal Study Bible"

Book Description from the publisher:


Experience New Growth and Transformation in Your Spiritual Walk.

Are you experiencing a hunger to know God more completely in your life? Do you long for a deeper connection with him? If so, then the NIV Spiritual Renewal Bible - the recipient of the 1999 ECPA Gold Medallion Award - is for you. Using a time-tested process honed over decades of counseling and teaching, Stephen Arterburn employs 7 core principles of spiritual renewal and refreshment, connecting you more closely with God’s Spirit through his Word and helping you to develop the deep, satisfying change you desire in your spiritual life.

Features:

  • 66 book introductions focused on the thematic study and spiritual renewal aspects of each Bible book
  • Text notes highlight renewal themes as they emerge from the text of the Bible
  • Multi-feature character profiles assess how different personalities managed different challenges in their walk with God
  • Spiritual keys devotional reading plan: Two cycles (OT and NT) of 49 devotions each lead the reader through 7 keys of spiritual renewal with 7 devotions for each key
  • Spiritual disciplines essays that describe the various disciplines of the faith such as prayer, Scripture reading, and others
  • Spiritual disciplines profiles: one-page articles that describe how certain characters of the Bible employed the various Spiritual disciplines in their lives
My Review:
As soon as I saw this Bible and read the description for it, I knew that it was one that I needed.  Life is busy, crazy and overwhelming at times and often we just need a rest, a time for renewal; this also includes needing a time for spiritual renewal.  This is the focus of this new Bible and one that I am looking forward to working my way through.  This is jam packed with devotionals and notes shared throughout meant to help the reader find that feeling of renewal in one's life.  I have paged through this Bible and read a few of the devotions and essays shared and I am eager to really delve in and follow the reading plan.  This is an excellent choice of a Bible for those whom are seeking to rejuvenate their spiritual journey. 

*Thanks to Booklook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Sunday, August 17, 2014

"Evergreen"

I just cannot say enough about Susan May Warren's Christiansen family series, I love the series and the family!  I was so excited when I found out that Susan had written a Christmas novella and even more excited when I received it!  Just look at this cover, how can you not fall in love with it!?  And now that I have read it I am even more so looking forward to the next book in this series releasing in February! 
"Evergreen" focuses on John and Ingrid, the parents of the Christiansen children whom all of us readers have enjoyed getting to know in the first three books of this series.  Now that all of the children have left home, John and Ingrid are empty nesters, but this is not a happy time for them.  As John plans a surprise, things do not go as planned and blessings come in unexpected forms during this holiday season. 
I highly recommend this book; however if you have not read any or all of the books in this series so far, do not read this one yet - read these all in order, right away, as you are missing out on some wonderful fiction that really could be real-life as these characters come to life and deal with every day challenges. 

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Book Review - "A Bouquet of Love"

"A Bouquet of Love" is Janice Thompson's latest novel and number 4 in her Weddings by Design series.  Janice has written another beautiful love story and has managed one again to include characters from her other books and series that allow the reader to be reminded of their stories, and also be "updated" on their lives. 
Cassia has recently moved to Galveston as her father decided he wanted to open another one of their Greek restaurants.  This restaurant is in a prime location; however it is also across from Parma John's which is a popular Italian restaurant.  Cassia's father, Babbas, forbids the family to eat at that restaurant or have anything to do with the family whom owns it.  However, the entire family soon realizes that is impossible as it is run by the Rossi family and they have connections all throughout town and they are also a nice family whom they cannot help but like.  Cassia is trying to live her own life and find her own niche which is working with flowers; however her father needs her help at the restaurant and she feels obligated to her family.  With some guidance and friendships formed, Cassia will learn some important lessons, friends and love.
I really enjoy Janice's books and always look forward to reading each one.  I loved all of the connections throughout this book to her other books and am looking forward to her next book and hopefully spending more time with the Pappas family as there are so many more members of this family whom stories are "unfinished." 
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a quick and fun read filled with quirky characters and situations whom you are sure to connect with!


*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Book Review - "Firewall"

"Firewall" is book 1 in DiAnn Mills FBI: Houston series and it is an exciting and captivating start! Taryn Young thinks she living the dream, she has married the man of her dreams after meeting and falling in love and marrying him in three short months.  However, the morning they are to leave on her honeymoon, a bomb goes off at the airport while she is in the restroom before boarding her flight.  When Taryn awakes in the hospital she learns that she is a suspect as her new husband whom the FBI believes is not whom Taryn believes him to be.  What a start to this novel and believe the action and suspense does not let up!  I did not want to stop reading this book until I reached the very end and with the twists and turns, I was kept guessing and my attention was held the entire time!  I am looking forward to book 2 in this series!  This is a must read for romantic suspense fans!



capturing your family in pictures

Me Ra Koh's book is a wonderful resource for parents whom would like to capture everyday moments and special events with their families with their cameras.  "Your Family in Pictures: the parents' guide to photographing holidays, family portraits, and everyday life" is filled with beautiful photographs, tips and suggestions for the reader to try in order to get the best picture they can with their cameras.
The author shares her personal story and journey that has led her to this point in her life and to the creation of this book, it is very touching.  Next she dives right into the basics that are needed for photographing and some tips to help each person be successful.  Following this are sections devoted to types of photographs such as portraits and candids, and also different events parents want to capture such as holidays and "firsts."  This book is filled with so many valuable tips and information as the author includes information as far as what settings to use on the camera in various situations and settings, but also tips as far as what the subjects are wearing and what else is in the picture and background.  I love the beautiful photographs that are included throughout this book!  This is an excellent book and I'm excited to try out these ideas in the upcoming holidays this fall and winter!


For more information about this book, go here!


to learn more about the author, go here!




*** "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."***

Friday, August 8, 2014

In Perfect Time by @SarahSundin | Enter to win a Kindle HDX and a set of books!


Sarah Sundin In Perfect Time
Don't miss Sarah Sundin's hot-off-the-press novel, In Perfect Time. Publishers Weekly gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up: “Sundin excels at well-researched historical detail . . . with such accurate depictions of culture and setting that we are fully immersed in the times as well as in the story. The strength of relationships forged in war and the apprehension of God in times of trouble infuse this well-crafted novel with substance and light.”


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Sarah is celebrating the release of her book with a fun giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • The Wings of the Nightingale Series (With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and In Perfect Time)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. Winner will be announced August 25th at Sarah's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Sarah's blog on the 25th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

About the book: Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don't want to go.
Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/zt6iH 

About the author: Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:
I have been a huge fan of Sarah Sundin's novels since I read my very first one and I was so looking forward to her latest one, "In Perfect Time" and  I was not disappointed in the least!  "In Perfect Time" is book 3 in Sarah's Wings of the Nightingale series and focuses on Kay Jobson.  Kay is a flight nurse whom is introduced in the previous novels in this series and she has been a really intriguing character, so intriguing that I was hoping that she would have a book devoted to telling her story.  Kay is gorgeous, flirty and collects the hearts of men all around.  However, she is hurting inside and hides herself beneath her "I have it all together" exterior.  I loved the interactions between Kay and Roger as they are so different on the outside from each other, but inside they have so much in common.  One of my favorite parts is near the beginning of the book when Roger gives his well-loved and well-read Bible to Kay to read.  This was such a touching moment and really forged a connection between them.  I really enjoyed this story and how Sarah brings history alive on the pages as well as drawing the reader into the characters' lives.  I am looking forward to what Sarah writes next!

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go http://litfusegroup.com/author/ssundin

*Thanks to Revell for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Book Review - "Debt-Proof Living"

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"Debt-Proof Living: how to get out of debt & stay that way," written by Mary Hunt, is a book that really can help you to change how you are living your life and feel more positive about your future.  I was pleasantly surprised as to how much information is packed into this book!  Mary addresses living following general guidelines in order to stay out of debt, but also addresses other and really every part of life.  There is a section devoted to paying for schooling, owning a home,  creating and following a spending plan and tracking your spending...and these are just some of the chapters included in this book!  This book is written in a clear, straight-forward approach that holds the reader's attention, and is one that is easy to go back and reread specific sections as a little refresher.  I highly recommend this book for those struggling and/or trying live debt-free.
*Thanks to the Revell Reads program in exchange for a honest review.*

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Latest addition to The Berenstain Bears'!

The Berenstain Bears' "God Shows the Way" is the latest collection to this classic series!  This is 3 books in one and they each teach a valuable lesson for children and adults and remind each reader that God will care for and lead us. 


Book Description from the publisher:
Now in a convenient 3 stories in one collection, young readers will learn from the Berenstain Bears just how important it is to serve and love one another. Written in level one of the I Can Read standards, this bind-up of stories from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights I Can Read series is sure to please young, emergent readers as well as parents and grandparents looking for good quality reading that will help practice early reading skills as well as teach lessons about serving and caring for others. Included in this collection are the following titles: Faith Gets Us Through, Have No Fear, God Is Near, Piggy Bank Blessings.


I really enjoyed this series growing up and am so excited whenever there are new ones added to the series as I love sharing them with my children.  Each of these books always teach valuable lessons and this latest collection shares Bible verses and truths as well as reinforcing the concepts throughout the story.  This is a great collection to share with your children!


*Thanks to BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*