"A Moment of Weakness"

Karen Kingsbury is an author who I have enjoyed all of her books and they are books that I can pick up and read numerous times and still have my heart touched by them. 
"A Moment of Weakness" is one of those books.  Karen portrays characters whom are real and easy to relate to as they struggle and must learn to cope with things that some of us face and must deal with as well.  Jade and Tanner are main characters whom are so loveable and I experienced joy and pain along with them.  This is a wonderful story that is so real and the plot is quick moving and will hold your attention from the beginning to the very end. 


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."

Book Review - "The Chase"

"The Chase" written by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky is a sweet story written to share their story and journey so far as a couple and to encourage the reader to trust /God with her future happily ever after. 
This book is a perfect read for teenage girls.  This is written by a couple who are in their early 20's and therefore not that much past the age of their readers.  I love the style of this book as Kyle and Kelsey both share their hearts and their views.  They each share their thoughts and they are woven together seamlessly throughout the book ending with a shared thought at the end of the chapters. 
This is a quick read with fun moments shared, personal thoughts and stories and encouragement to make wise, Godly choices.


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

Book Review - "The Memory Weaver"

"The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick is a historical fiction novel that really brings the time period alive and the characters in the story.  This story is a journey that Eliza is on to find peace and healing in her life.  Eliza suffered a traumatic experience as a young girl and now circumstances in her life are forcing her to face and relive the trauma.  Reading a diary Eliza discovers bits and pieces of her past and mixed in with her memories, Eliza discovers more of her past and also hope.
This is a well-written novel that is such an emotion filled read as it is a telling of trauma, struggles and eventual healing and peace.  The relationships between the characters, including Eliza and her husband and relationships from the past play such a role in this story and it is an interesting read of humankind and life and tension in everyday life in the late 1800's. 


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

Book Review - "The Mistress of Tall Acre"

"The Mistress of Tall Acre" is new historical romance from Laura Frantz.  First of all, I love the cover of this book, it is beautiful and fits so well. 
I loved this story as it was filled with historical detail and wonderful characters.  The story begins with an event that is both joyful and sorrowful and then jumps ahead five years where I was immediately drawn into an adorable little girl's world.  This story is set in the midst of and following the American Revolution War and when General Seamus returns home to care for his daughter whom is really a stranger to him, he makes a decision that he believes will better their lives, but then things are thrown into an upheaval once again.
I loved the descriptions of Tall Acre and the surrounding land and scenery; that and the historical detail really brought it all alive to me.  I felt as if I was transported there and really became immersed in the story. 
If you are a fan of historical romance, this is a book you do not want to miss out on!


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

"Girl Meets Change"

"Girl Meets Change: truths to carry you through life's transitions" by Kristen Strong is a must-read for any and every woman no matter what stage of life she is at.  This book is divided into three main sections: acknowledge, accept, and adapt.  Change is inevitable and some changes are more easier to deal with than others and are welcome.  Even if they are welcome, they are still a change and one needs to adapt to them. 
This book begins with a foreword by Myquillyn Smith and it is spot on stating that high school and college do not really teach and prepare us for life in the real world.  Change is one of those things that is such a big part of life and something that needs to be handled delicately at times and also needs to be taught. 
"Girl Meets Change" is a quick read that will stick with you long after you are done reading and one that can be picked up and read bit by bit as needed in the moment of needing a little extra boost and support by someone who quickly becomes a friend in this book. 


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

"NIV Bible for Women"

Book Description from the publisher:

What is on your heart today? Struggles at home or with a friend? The miracle and joy of a new birth? A misunderstanding with a boyfriend or spouse? Are you grieving a loss? Are you celebrating a new job? Or anticipating a move? Whatever you face, good or bad, the Bible is relevant to your joys and sorrows, worries, fears, pain and happiness. God loves you and gave you his Word, the Bible, so you could know him more. The NIV Bible for Women contains an inspiring foreword by Shauna Niequist and writings by women who want to share their experiences—their joys and their struggles—with you. Authors such as Naomi Zacharias, Alyssa Joy Bethke, Caryn Rivadeneria, Rachel Held Evans, Katie Davis, Enuma Okoro, Kathy Khang, Laura Ortberg Turner, Kristen Howerton (Rage Against the Minivan), Margaret Feinberg, Tsh Oxenreider (TheArtofSimple), and Annie Downs share their thoughts on topics ranging from cultural issues like social justice, economic inequality, and social media addiction to personal needs like prayer, decision-making, relationships, infertility, career, and calling. These thought-provoking topics are easy to share on social networks to strengthen and inspire your circle of friends while creating meaningful conversation.
The NIV Bible for Women will help your time spent with God grow deeper and richer as you dig into his Word, bask in his love, learn his ways and then in turn share your journey with others in all the situations you face.
In every NIV Bible for Women:

• Enter into the presence of God through the devotions each weekday and the Myths for each weekend for a full year of readings for your quiet time
• Apply the "Reflect" questions and the "Pray" prompts so you can take what you have read and become more intimately connected with God
• Evaluate the culturally accepted myths that are presented in articles that challenge your previous notions with truth from God’s Word.
• Utilize the topical index to enhance your personal study
• Easily understand Scripture through the readability of the New International Version Bible (NIV)

My Review:
I am so happy with this new Bible; it is a beautiful edition!  As soon as I received this Bible, I read the foreword by Shauna Niequist and then the summary of the layout of the Bible.  Immediately I felt as if this was what I needed to have and read right now.  I have used this Bible as my main study Bible and one to use at church the past few weeks.  I also love the devotionals that are sprinkled among the pages written by women and addressing topics that are pertinent to today. The area at the end of the Bible for taking notes is a great addition as well.  If you are looking to get a new Bible, this is one to consider for sure as it is will give you a new perspective and also really speak right to you. 


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

"Deadlock"

Th"Deadlock" by DiAnn Mills is a thriller from the start to the very end.  DiAnn has a way of grabbing the reader's attention and holding it while continuing to throw in twists and turns taking the reader along for the adventure. 

Special Agents Bethany and Thatcher are assigned to work together and their styles are so different from each other and they have a history.  However, they have their jobs to do and their partnership and relationship grow.  The characters became so real as it was easy to empathize with them and DiAnn does an excellent job with character development. 

The details of the Special Agent's roles and what is all involved in their jobs shows that research has been done and adds to the story really making it so real. 

I love the drama, the suspense, the relationships and the twists and turns that all come together creating this story that has the reader turning the pages and leaves you wanting to read more.

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

"Hot Mama"

"Hot Mama: 12 secrets to a sizzling hot marriage" is a book that can transform your marriage into what it was like as a newlywed or before becoming a mama. 
This book addresses everything ranging from a woman's mindset as far as what she was taught growing up about sex and then one's mindset after getting married and then again after having children.  It also addressed the environment complete with suggestions as far as making this a more comfortable and more conducive to having a satisfying, intimate relationship.  Some of these include clearing clutter out of the bedroom, removing the tv and not using technology in the bedroom after a certain time. 
The authors also validate mothers feelings of feeling stretched and pulled in every direction every moment of the day.  This can all lead to feelings of guilt as well as far as maybe not being a good enough mother, or wife or friend, 
There are verses, personal antidotes, lists, suggestions and questions and answers that will have you thinking about your own relationship, and ways to hopefully help you have the relationship you desire. 


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

a book to help protect your children

Book info

About the book: God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies (New Growth Press, September 2015) "God made every part of you!" It's easy to convey the message to children that their bodies---or particular parts of their bodies---are shameful. This misconception fuels confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy, and often prevents children from recognizing or reporting sexual abuse. God Made All of Me is a simply-told, beautifully-illustrated story to help families talk about these sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. Because the private parts of our bodies are private, the home is the ideal environment where a child should learn about his or her body and how it should be treated by others. God Made All of Me starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth---the doctrine of creation---to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. God Made All of Me allows families to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes. God Made All of Me is the first children's book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. Their simple and relatable story, designed to help children protect their bodies, will be an important resource for every family with young children. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1j72kTN About the authors:   Justin Holcomb, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He is the author of On the Grace of God, Know the Heretics, and Know the Creeds and Councils, as well as the coauthor of Is It My Fault? and Rid of My Disgrace. He also serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments). Connect with Justin:website, Facebook, Twitter Lindsey Holcomb, MPH, counsels victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Lindsey has provided crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and conducted a variety of training seminars to service providers. She is also the coauthor of Is It My Fault? and Rid of My Disgrace. Connect with Lindsey online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: This is an excellent resource to use with children to help teach them the importance of telling if someone touches them or makes them feel uncomfortable.  "God Made All Of Me" is written in such a way that children will understand what is being shared and they will remember it if something does happen.  The book's illustrations go along nicely with the text and I felt as if it was written in a way that the concepts will not scare a child, but instead give him or her tools to help protect and help them to feel prepared and safe.  I love how the book begins with stating that God has created each of us and each person is wonderfully made.  I also love how there are examples of good touch and bad touch and also good secrets and bad secrets.  Childhood sexual abuse is such a huge issue in today's society that as a parent you cannot be too safe and this book is the perfect resource to help prepare your child and protect him or her from having a devastating thing like this to occur.  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.*

Book Review - "Taming The To-Do List"

"Taming the To-Do List: How to choose your best work every day" by Glynnis Whitwer is a must-read for anyone and everyone who feels as if their to-do never ends and is constantly growing. 
The phrase on the back cover says it all: "Ever just wish the world would stop for a day so you could catch up?"  I have lost count how many times I have thought this.  So, immediately I knew this was a book for me and I was not disappointed in the least.  There are so many great points, right away from the very start with a discussion of procrastination and also how society and the way of life is so different now than it was just a few years ago.  Then the chapters following this dives right into making changes with how each of us tackles our to-do list and changing one's mindset.  Each chapter ends with a practical application section as well which I thought was a great addition and really helped me to think about and really apply the chapter to my own life. 
This is a well-written book as it is organized in a way that is easy to use and the ideas easy to apply to my life.  This is a book that will be well-read and one that I will continue to use as needed when I find myself falling behind and feeling overwhelmed. 


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

"M is for Manger"

"M is for Manger" is a beautiful book to share with your children during the next few months as Christmas will soon be here! 
I received this book to review and my seven year old daughter immediately picked it up and began paging through it.  The illustrations are beautifully done and the layout is appealing as it is simple and straightforward.  My daughter could easily read most of the text and it corresponded with the pictures so that she could have a visual as well.  Both my son (age five) and my daughter were completely engrossed in the entire book as we read it together and it was a good reminder of all of the aspects of the Christmas story and Jesus' birth.  I love the verses that are shared with each letter as well as they can be read and also used for further discussion. 
This book would make a beautiful gift for a child and it is a great way to share God's love with children and adults both. 


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

"5 in 5"

I was intrigued as soon as I read the description of this cookbook.  I love the layout of this cookbook as the recipes are divided by season and then a section of recipes that are more special and geared for holidays.  There is a huge variety of recipes in this book and while some of the recipes have ingredients that are not so common there are several that call for ingredients that you will have on hand or will be easy to find.  One of the recipes I tried and loved was Kale & Apple Salad with Maple Cider Dressing; quick, simple and yummy.  One of the recipes I am so looking forward to trying is Beef with Swiss Chard & Blue Cheese. 

I highly recommend this cookbook for those who are looking for new recipes to try and waiting recipes and meals that are quick and easy, needing few ingredients and little time. 


For more info about this cookbook, go here!


For more info about the author, go here!






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

want to live your life more intentionally, but not sure how?

Book info

About the book: The Finishing School: How One Book Nerd Began Living What She Learned (Nyree Press, August 2015) Are you tired of waiting for change to happen in your life? Do you feel stuck, even though you want to live more intentionally? In today's world, our most precious pursuit of a life well lived gets squeezed out by the silliest of things: binging on Netflix or ice cream, shopping trips for things we don't need, bad habits we can't seem to get a handle on, and so much more. Valerie has been there despite knowing what she wanted for her life. Actually do it? That's the challenge. After gobbling up all the non-fiction and self-help books her donut-filled belly could handle, she decided it was time to put her knowledge to good use and start actually living it out. You will hear about her journey through victories and plenty of failures and find practical tips to apply to your own pursuit of holiness. You will find homework at the end of each chapter that includes a worksheet to put real change in motion for your own life as well as recommended books to further study those topics that really test you. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1K9ghpY About the author: Valerie Woerner is owner of Val Marie Paper. She and her husband, Tyler, live in Louisiana with their daughter, Vivi Mae. The Finishing School is her first book. Connect with Valerie: website, Twitter, Instagram My Review: First of all I have to say that I hope that Valerie will write another book soon as I absolutely love her first one!  "The Finishing School" will most definitely not be sitting on one of my shelves collecting dust!  I am eager to dive right back into this book, but this time really take my time working through it and following Valerie's suggested plan of reading a chapter throughout a week and taking the next week to really put the chapter into practice in my life before moving onto the next chapter the following week after that.  I also love the "homework" that is included at the end of each chapter and am going to really delve into this as well. While reading through this book (even with reading through it as quickly as I did!), over and over I kept on saying to myself that this is what I need to be "hearing" right now.   I found it to be so practical and so needed as I feel like some days I am merely surviving and just rushing from one moment to the next and not enjoying each moment and living intentionally.  I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed as it is a wonderful book, but I also feel as if Valerie is right there with me with each page and each chapter encouraging me and cheering me on to make changes in my life. 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.*

New book from Shelley Shepard Gray

Book info

About the book: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Avon Inspire, September 2015) A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love. Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty---a handsome widower with three young sons of his own---Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship---and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband's memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever? Emma's gentleness with Jay's boys stirs something in his heart that's been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son's joy, Jay wonders if it's time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again. Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1USUEQM About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Find Shelley online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I have been enjoying Shelley's Amish Brides of Pinecraft series and her latest, "A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn" is no exception.  Shelley writes with such detail and imagery that I immediately felt as if I were a part of the story.  Right away the reader is introduced to the main characters and with some humor mixed in as Emma and the girls are searching for Frankie who has once again followed his nose and his love for pizza.  This introduces Emma and the reader to Jay and his sons.  This is only the beginning of the story and also friendship.  This is such a wonderful story of friendship, love, and second chances at love.  I loved returning to this town in this book as it felt as if I were coming back for a visit and immediately connected and empathized with the characters, in particular Emma.  I found myself laughing, cringing, and cheering on the characters.  I am eager to read the upcoming release in this series!  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.*

Book Review - "Last Chance Hero"

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"Last Chance Hero" is the next book in Cathleen Armstrong's A Place to Call Home series and it is a story continuing on with the lives of individuals whom the readers have come to love in the series and new ones as well. 
Andy has returned to his hometown after his NFL career is over with to coach the high school football  team and he is facing high expectations and trying to work through memories of his own past in this town.  Jessica has arrived to be a doctor in town; however she does not quite fit in as she hoped as the town is thrilled to have a doctor, but  make it clear that they will continue to see their own doctor.  Also, the town is a football town and the fall Friday nights revolve around the weekly game; however Jessica could care less about the sport. 
Elizabeth continues to play a large role in these books and she is truly the heart of the town.  I loved also reading how life has gone on for Lainie and Ray, Kaitlyn, Steven, Olivia, and Sarah and Chris.  This is such a wonderful town and I have enjoyed the books in this series and watching the town grow and change as well as people's hearts and lives. 


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

Jump into Fall Baking with Lucy Leid’s New Cookbook and an Amish Baking Basket Giveaway

Incorporate Amish cooking traditions this fall in your kitchen with Lucy Leid's Gather Around the Amish Table. Straight from Amish kitchens to yours, this cookbook offers favorite family recipes and charming stories from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Gather your family around the table to sample the nourishing fare and trademark charm of the plain people. In the words of one cookbook contributor: “Bake someone happy!”

Get your fall baking underway with an Amish baking basket giveaway from Lucy and MennoMedia!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Gather Around the Amish Table
• An Amish baking basket full of goodies

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 29th. The winner will be announced September 30th on the Litfuse blog.

Book info

About the book: Gather Around the Amish Table (MennoMedia, September 2015) Straight from Amish kitchens to yours, this cookbook offers favorite family recipes and charming stories from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Bake the pecan rolls that taste best after an ice-skating party, or try the hoagies that a community sold to help an Amish family with hospital bills. Discover the cocoa cupcakes with instructions to "stir by hand" that one young cook took literally, or whip up the whoopie pies that one Amish woman took to market in her horse and buggy. These cherished recipes speak of comforting traditions, lively communities, and strong Christian faith. Gather your family around the table to sample the nourishing fare and trademark charm of the plain people. In the words of one cookbook contributor: "Bake someone happy!" Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NfOVUi About the author: Lucy Leid is an Old Order Mennonite wife, mother, and cook in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. My Review: I was thrilled to be given the chance to review this cookbook and I was not disappointed in the least!  This cookbook is filled with wonderful photographs, delicious sounding recipes and memories and thoughts associated with the recipes.  This book has a wide variety of recipes of different types and each one welcomes you into a family kitchen of a Mennonite or Amish home.  What I like about this cookbook is that there are recipes that I am familiar with, but then there are others that are unusual and different from anything I have made. I have tried two recipes so far, S'More Bars and Can't-Leave-Alone Bars and they were both delicious!  The S'More Bars have oats on the bottom layer and then are topped with chocolate and browned marshmallows; gooey and delicious.  The Can't-Leave-Alone Bars sweet and a mixture of textures and taste.  Both of these bars were incredibly easy to make and my daughter enjoyed making these with me.  I am looking forward to making many, many more recipes in this book, including California Chowder, Stuffed Shells Casserole and Strawberry Pizza.  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.*

Book Review - "Thankful"

Book Description from the publisher:

Bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives.
Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.




My Review:
I absolutely adore Eileen Spinelli's new children's book, "Thankful;" this book is filled with cute illustrations and rhyming text.  "Thankful" shares what various individuals are thankful for example, "The doctor is thankful when patients get well.  The traveler, for a cozy hotel."  Then the book has a sweet ending for the reader.  This is a great book to help teach children think about being thankful for things in their everyday life and is the perfect book for this time of year as we are heading into fall and Thanksgiving, the season that focuses on being thankful.  I highly recommend this book to snuggle up and read with your children. 


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

"The New Sugar & Spice"

"The New Sugar & Spice cookbook takes baking and sweet treats to a whole new level! 
This beautiful hardcover book has pictures interspersed throughout that are amazing and look real enough to eat.  Each chapter is devoted to a different spice or to a different type of spice.  Cinnamon and nutmeg are my two favorite spices and I was so happy to see an entire chapter devoted to each of them.  There are more traditional recipes included such as maple sticky buns, but then there are others that may not be typically in the same category such as blackberry-peach hand pies and orange-clove pull-apart bread.  The recipes all sound delicious and seem easy to make overall.  In addition to the recipes, the author shares some of her own remembrances and experiences of baking while growing up as well as the history of the various spices and the best way to store them and use them. 
I highly recommend this cookbook and this would make a great gift for bakers and those whom love to try out new recipes in the kitchen!


To read more information about this cookbook, go here!


To find out more about the author, go here!


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

"Secrets She Kept"

I loved Cathy Gohlke's latest historical fiction novel, "Secrets She Kept."  I was hooked immediately in the very first chapter as Hannah is forced to take a leave of absence as she has not been herself lately and she has not allowed herself to grieve.  Little pieces of information are shared that really grabbed my attention and left me wanting to know more about Hannah's childhood and her parents.  Then the book shifts to Hannah's mother and her story begins to unfold. 
I love how Hannah and Lieselotte's stories are shared and woven together in this book.  I loved how the focus shifted back and forth between the two as Hannah digs deeper into her past.  The historical details add so much to the story and I found myself transported to both time periods represented in this book. 
I highly recommend this book for those whom love historical romance and suspense. 


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