Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
30 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
SECRETS OF THE HEART BY JILLIAN KENT IS JUST ONE OF THE BOOKS SHE WILL BE GIVING AWAY
A fellow book review blogger is giving away 5 books to 5 different people on her blog. Go HERE to sign up for her giveaway. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR THE GIVEAWAY.
28 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
On another blog. The reviews of this book are great.
PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT HERE ON MY BLOG TO WIN……
Everything’s going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . .
That’s what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, the Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who’s hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.
But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh’s vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship’s security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh’s forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.
Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-handsome Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be as arrogant as she originally thought.
And that’s only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.
Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even the mountains might bow down before it.
28 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
in Bibles
Bible Details
Binding: LeatherLike
ISBN: 978-1-4143-4814-8
List Price: $19.99
Release Date: February 2011
Page Count: 1024
Trim Size: 4 1/8 x 6 1/8
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publishers Summary
The iShine Biblehelps tweens understand their Value, Identity, and Purpose (VIP). Tweens will see
QR codes and URLs in the Bible link to videos on these topics and other online faith-building content. This compact Bible for tweens brings together the popular Christian tween brand iShine with the clearly understandable New Living Translation. The iShine Bible answers questions relating too many of the issues that tweens face with a tween-friendly index.
MY REVIEW
First of all, as for the looks of these Bibles, they are awesome. The guy one looks just like a guy, with the navy and gold, with white stitching around it, really nice! And the girl one is beautiful! Two shades of pink with white stitching around, 3 girls holding hands on it, with stars, twirlie design, and it even has bling! So very pretty!
The iShine Bible has several sections throughout. Some are: What is the Bible; Finding you identity in Jesus; Growing in Faith; The Bible Talks About and sections on Great Chapters, Stories and Verses in the Bible. It even answers the questions Who are you; What matters to you; and Why are you here? And in these sections it deals with issues concerning young people such as: friends, family, problems with teachers, anger and kindness, death, discouragement, and many other areas our tweens and teens deal with on a daily basis.
Since I love checking out all kinds of different Bibles, I chose this one to review. I like that it is a Bible for tweens. So many kids that age never step foot into a church, and a Bible like this one would appeal to them before a regular one like us adults carry. The inside also focuses on the young. I have the Blue guy one, and love the outside cover, with the guy playing the guitar. And….I also have the Girl Pink one which is beautiful…as I described above. And the compact size is a great size to carry. I love the NLT, which is much easier to understand, especially for tweens and teens that are not familiar with church and the Bible.
For those of us brought up in church, we sometimes forget those who have never been to church, or never looked at a Bible. That is where a Bible like this is great! We need to reach our young people through any means that will work. And if having cool looking Bibles on the outside will help that is great! After all, it’s the same Bible on the inside. And for another cool tool with the iShine Bible, check out the website as well, http://ishinelive.com/the-ishine-bible/ where you will find great resources to further encourage tweens to live for the Lord. It’s a great place on the web to hang out!
I recommend this Bible to any church, youth leader or pastor to encourage their tweens to read and study their Bibles. And encourage them to proudly carry God’s word with them.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this Bible for review. I was not obligated to give a positive review. The review is my opinion only, and not that of the publisher.
28 Apr 2011 1 Comment
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434700186
ISBN-13: 978-1434700186
Once upon a time there was a guy who was essentially lost, up a creek without a paddle, that sort of thing. Things were not pretty.
Cory Godbey illustrates, animates, and writes for Portland Studios, a creative firm dedicated to telling great stories and pursuing excellence in art.Blurb of the book from the Authors Website
Understanding that God is all around us is an incredible and awe inspiring realization. What’s even more amazing is that He is not some distant entity but is instead a personal God. As such, we can come to Him in prayer, sharing our hopes, dreams and desires as well as our regrets, mistakes and sorrows. Moreover, anytime and anywhere, we can offer up our thanksgiving and praise as we seek to worship Him always.
Scripture tells us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5.16-18) To this end, our second book addresses the question, “When can I talk to God?” The quick answer is, “Whenever, Wherever, Anytime, Anywhere!”
That’s When I Talk To God, using the same beautiful illustrations and scenery, will take you through a day in the life of a little girl as she finds one opportunity after another and one reason after another to pray to God. But even more exciting, she discovers that God talks to her too!
My Review
This is the sweetest little book for children. The mom explains to her small child that she can talk to God anywhere, anytime about anything. She encourages her to start the next morning praying to God during the day. As she looks out the window the next morning, she sees flowers, blue sky, clouds, and realizes she can tell God she loves Him, and thank him for making the beautiful things outside her window. As he goes throughout her day, she finds many more things she can pray about. Whether she is thanking God or asking Him to help her.
I love the way the authors explain each thing that children can pray about. That sometimes they can thank God for things, and sometimes they can pray for Him to help them. And the illustrations are beautiful, and help reinforce what the story is telling the child. This is a wonderful way to help children understand what prayer is. I read this book several times to my 2 year old niece, and though I thought the book was a bit old for her, she still loved it, and wanted me to read it over and over. After I finished reading it to her, she sat and looked at the pictures for a while. I think it would better fit 5 to 6 year olds, but younger children understand more than you think!
A huge Thank You to Publisher: David C. Cook and to B&B Media Group for providing this free book for review. I was not required to write a positive review of this book. The opinions are mine alone.
27 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Hey everyone, go here for a chance to win this wonderful book for a fellow blogger.
http://jsknowlton.blogspot.com/2011/04/journey-of-honor-by-jaclyn-m-hawkes.html
27 Apr 2011 3 Comments
in Sid Frost
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (August 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451511817
ISBN-13: 978-1451511819
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.6 inches
Awards for Where Love Once Lived include First Place — 2007 SouthWest Writers Contest in the Inspirational/Spiritual Category, First Place — 2007 Writers’ League of Texas Novel Manuscript Contest, Romance Category, Third Place — Fourteenth Annual Lone Star Writing Competition, Northwest Houston Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, Inspirational Romance Category and Finalist — 2006 Yosemite Writers Contest Novel Category
Sidney W. Frost is a Stephen Leader, a Stephen Minister, and a member of his church choir at First United Methodist Church in Georgetown, Texas. He has served on the session at a Presbyterian church, and has been on the vestry at Episcopal churches.
While singing with the Austin Lyric Opera Chorus, he was in 42 productions. He and his wife, Celeste, sing with the San Gabriel Chorale and have been in several Berkshire Festivals.
He is an Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College where he teaches computer courses. He received the adjunct teaching excellence award in 2005.
While attending the University of Texas in the 1960’s he worked part-time at the Austin Public Library driving a bookmobile after completing service in the U.S. Marines.
He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Writers League of Texas, and the San Gabriel Writers’ League.
He has a Master of Science degree from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Long Beach.
MY REVIEW
Where Love Once Lived is a love lost between a Bookmobile driver and his college sweetheart. Brian broke his engagement with Karen, never explaining why, and left town. Now 30 years later he shows up at the school she teaches as a Bookmobile driver again. Karen is furious and now realizes who has been sending her flowers at school each Tuesday for months. She certainly doesn’t want a relationship with him after leaving her stranded 3 decades earlier. Brian is so in love with Karen, he is doing everything he can to charm her back into his life. As the story unfolds and it seems like Karen might me a little interested in him, Brian is faced with many obstacles that make it almost impossible for things to turn out like he wants with Karen. A lawsuit is filed with his business he sold earlier in California. His ex-wife wants more money, and wants to sue him as well. If this isn’t enough, his daughter Amy shows up in Texas with news that threatens to rip his world apart. Seems his ex will do anything she can to hurt him.
What is going on with his business and his ex? And what is the big secret that could turn his world upside down? And Karen has her secrets too, will she come clean and tell Brian all? Well, read the book and find out!
This is a story much like things happen today. People make wrong choices, and have to pay for those choices for the rest of their lives. Brian was blessed to have a second chance with Karen, but his mistake cost him 30 years of unhappiness. But the true happiness was not Karen giving him the second chance, it was Brian returning to the Lord, and letting Him lead in his life.
This is a wonderful love story, well written by the author. All of the events happening in the story kept me wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. And of course I wanted to get to the end to see if Brian and Karen would get back together. I also liked the biblical content in the book too, how the author stressed happiness only comes through faith in the Lord. I hadn’t read any reviews on the book, so it was all a surprise to me!
Thank you to the author, Sidney W. Frost for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good, clean love story. It will be worth your read.
27 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Book Name: Patchwork Dreams (Amish of Seymour V1)
ISBN: 9781603742559
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Publisher: Whitaker House
Pages: 240
Book Blurb from the Publisher
Ever since returning from her rumspringa pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.
Becky’s world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family’s farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob’s sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she’s known.
As their relationship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self-doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?
About The Author
Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the
American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews
published on the Web. Prior to Patchwork Dreams and A Harvest of Hearts, books one and two in her Amish of Seymour series with
Whitaker House, she published two novels with Treble Heart Books, Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past, as well as several devotionals. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.
To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases,
readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/.
MY REVIEW
This is a story of mainly Jacob Miller and Becky Troyer, two young people from Amish communities in different states. Jacob’s father sends him to a cousin who lives in a rural Missouri town to hopefully change his mind about his sweetheart in Pennsylvania. That’s the one thing Jacob’s daed forgot to tell him though, Jacob though he was only moving to help out his cousin on the farm. As for Becky, she ends up with a boppli and single because of her wild rumspringa time. Upon Jacob’s arrival at their farm, there was a noticeable attraction between the two of them from the beginning. But Becky knew when Jacob found out about her secret, he would never come near her, and with Jacob, there was someone back home named Susie. Jacob noticed that Becky never smiled, and after he found out about her daughter, he knew something bad had happened, so he decided to make it his priority to be her friend and eventually bring her smile back.
Even though Becky has been before her church and confessed her sins, being shunned for 6 weeks because of them, can she overcome her past and trust another man into her live to love and trust?
And what about Jacob’s sweetheart Susie back home, they are to me married during the Amish marriage season in December. Will their time away from each other prove their forever love, or will his attraction to Becky grow stronger, maybe even as far as loving her?
I loved this book from Laura Hilton. In her writing this, she shows that being Amish is not always a perfect life. During the rumspringa years, some young people make bad decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. In most of the Amish books I have read, the daed was always the harsh type, almost as far as being just mean. It was clear they loved their children, but they tried to keep the ‘head of the house’ rule strict I guess. But in Patchwork Dreams this was different. I really liked the attitude of Becky’s parents Daniel and Leah. Daniel wasn’t afraid to hug his girls anywhere, letting them know his love for them. He didn’t agree with the Bishop on all things concerning Becky. (Don’t want to tell you all so you can read and find out for yourself.) Becky’s mamm even suggested the family would move to another Amish community to keep Becky from being forced to hurtful situations. This was just really heartwarming to me, to see her parents love and support for her. And the way they loved her daughter Emma, well the heartwarming love was easy to feel as you read the story.
If you love Amish, this is a must read! If you don’t know, or haven’t read any Amish books, then this would be a great start for you! I can’t wait for the second book in this series to be out. The series is ‘The Amish of Seymour’ and you can look for it, I think around fall of 2011.
A huge THANK YOU to Laura Hilton for providing me a copy of this book to read. I love the way Laura tells the story, and the characters she creates, making them real life. I didn’t want the book to end!
The book review and the opinions are totally mine. It was my honor to write the review for Laura!
26 Apr 2011 1 Comment
in Sherry Kyle
Delivered With Love by: Sherry Kyle
Publishers Description
An old love letter found in the glove compartment of a young woman’s inherited 1972 Volkswagen propels her to leave her life in Los Angeles and go to the small town of Capitola, California. There her dream of finding the writer of the letter leads her on an unexpected journey that changes her life forever.
Claire James, age twenty-three, is ready to make it on her own. When she’s fired from her job as a waitress and subsequently kicked out of her sister’s home, she sees it as an opportunity to start over. But even before moving, a thirty-five-year-old love letter written to her mother keeps Claire stuck in the past. Michael Thompson, a middle-aged real estate agent, wants to keep the past where it belongs–at least until his grown daughter is married. But, then a young woman comes to town . . .
About the Author
Sherry Kyle is a graduate of Biola University with a degree in Communications, and a minor in Bible. Her book for tween girls titled
The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style all about beauty, fashion, and character was recently released by Legacy Press. And her debut contemporary novel, Delivered with Love, will be released from Abingdon Press on April 1st, 2011. Sherry and her husband have
four children, three biological and one by adoption. She lives in California.
My Review
Claire James is fired from her job after finding a mysterious letter in her mom’s car, written to her mom from an unknown lover many years ago. Claire’s mom lost her battle with cancer a year before, and Claire has been living with her sister and her drunk of a brother-in-law. Since she can no longer pay rent, the brother-in-law kicks her out of the house. This gives Claire a perfect opportunity to pursue finding the unknown author of the letter with the address of Capitola. Her journey takes her into the path of a Christian older couple living out their retirement in a RV traveling. A Christian family at a camping site with a daughter who ends up being a best friend. A truck driver and his wife who were Christians and a Christian police, and finally the mysterious writer of the letter. During that time, she finds a job, strangle taking care of Michael’s spunky mother that lived in the apartment building her mom lived it back home. Plus living with Michael’s mother in the house that just happens to be the address the letter came from. She becomes like a daughter to the truck driver and his wife, and falls for the police officer.
And she meets who she thinks is the letter writer, but he denies it. Whew! She sure has a lot going on!
Will Claire finally find out for sure who the letter writer was? Will she stay in Capitola, even though her sister wants her to move back home? Does she continue to get along with the trucker family Michael’s mom? And what about the Police officer Blake, will he charm his way into her life? I know I don’t like reading reviews that give away enough of the plot to give the good stuff away, so I won’t do that. I though this book was a very enjoyable light read. And as for it being to coincidental as I’ve read in several reviews, well God can and will direct our paths to the exact people we need in our lives at a pacific moment. Our God is a great God, He can do anything, and though it doesn’t seem natural to us for things happening like what happened to Claire, it does happen, and God can make it happen. I feel it shows God’s divine power, and shows just what He can do in the lives of people.
As for the characters, I loved the attitude of the camper couple, and families, the way they took Claire in to help her, even though they didn’t know her. Michael’s mom was spunky independent and adorable, and though Michael started out being kind of a jerk, he did finally come through and acted like a decent person. And then Blake, he was just a sweetheart, and was always there to help anyone, and especially Claire. And of course Michael’s mom adored him too! I recommend this book to anyone who just like a fun, light enjoyable read.
Thank you to Abingdon Press for the generous copy of this book. I was in no obligation to write a positive review. The opinion in this review are mine only.
24 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
in Joyce Magnin
Griselda Takes Flight
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication Date: 4/2011
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-13: 9781426711572
Actual Pages: 384
Blurb on the back of the book
Now that her morbidly obese sister, Agnes, is dieting in a nursing home, its Griselda’s turn to fly! But her new found freedom is interrupted when a saucy gold digger drops into town with her sights set on Stella Kincaid’s newly rich brother Walter. The fur really begins to fly when Chief of Police, Mildred Blessing, does some investigating and the truth about Griselda’s flight instructor, Cliff Cardwell, and Gilda Saucer is revealed.
Joyce Magnin is the author of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, chosen as one of the “Top 5 Best Christian Fiction Books of 2009” by Library Journal. She’s written several short fiction and personal experience articles. She co-authored the book, Linked to Someone in Pain. She has been published in such magazines as Relief Journal, Parents Express, Sunday Digest, and Highlights for Children. Joyce attended Bryn Mawr College and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a frequent workshop leader at various writer’s conferences and women’s church groups. She has three children, Rebekah, Emily, and Adam; one grandson, Lemuel Earnest; one son-in-law, Joshua, and a neurotic parakeet. Joyce leads a small fiction group called StoryCrafters. She enjoys baseball, football, cream soda, and needle arts but not elevators. She currently lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania.
MY REVIEW
The Bright’s Pond town residents didn’t know what to think when a one man plane landed it their small community. Then another stranger, Gilda rents a house in the small town, with her fiancé in the hospital unconscious because of an accident while treasure hunting. Things like this just didn’t happen here. The biggest happenings at this time of year in this little community would be the pumpkin contest and the Harvest dance. Everyone seems to think the three of these strangers coming to town at the same time must be involved in something illegal with the treasure hunt. The really don’t trust any of them. And of course this sends Chief Police Mildred on another wild goose chase to solve the mystery.
Then, as if there are not problems enough, Griselda decides she needs to explore more than just Bright’s Pond, and takes an interest in the pilot of the plane and flying. She is so intrigued with it that she is talking flying lessons, but this just doesn’t sit right with her long time friend Zeb. Can she juggle her time between her jobs at the library, her sister in the nursing home, flying lessons, and of course Zeb, since everyone just takes it for granted that they are an item?
And then there is Stella and Nate trying to raise the largest pumpkin to win the contest! They work faithfully with their pumpkin Bertha Ann. Yes, they even gave the pumpkin a name! Nothing else matters in Nate’s world except Bertha Ann. Well, what do you think, will his hard work pay off when the time comes for the weigh-in?
And the man in the hospital turns out to be Stella’s brother, but they haven’t gotten along in years, ever since he stole her inheritance. She just can’t go see him after what he’s done. And this person that’s supposed to be his fiancé, or as Stella calls her a ‘hussy”? What is with her and why is she so anxious for him to wake up so she can marry him ASAP? Could there be something else going on, a secret lurking? You will have to read the book to find out!
I love the characters in this book. A few others are Cliff the plane pilot, Ivy and her dog Mickey Mantle, Ruth, Studebaker , and others that hang out at the Full Moon Café owned by Zeb. The author created fun, lovable characters that make you laugh, but then you want to cry with them. I would recommend this book to those that like a good fun light read.
I was generously given a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
23 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Goodbye Hollywood Nobody By: Lisa Samson – Book Review
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: NavPress (August 21, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600062229
ISBN-13: 978-160006222
From the Back Cover
Charley’s off to Scotland with her new beau, and Scotty and her dad travel to Maine in search of Scotty’s mom. That’s not all they’re looking for though.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions about faith. Scotty’s faced with her bitterness toward Karissa and what it means to live a “Jesusy extraordinary” life. Shouldn’t forgiveness play a role in that?
And when Scotty and her dad land on her mother’s last known trail, will their questions finally be answered?
I didn’t read the other books in this series, but I thought this a fun and enjoyable book for teenagers. For me it was sort of boring at times, but I read through those pages fast to get to the more enjoyable times. This is my first book by Lisa Samson and I did enjoy her fun light hearty writing. The characters are quirky and fun. Spunky and hippie grandmother is in Scotland with her adorable boyfriend. Scotty’s dad Ezra decides they will take off to try and find her mom. He’s hoping to track down an old lead from years ago, Vince. The problem when he finds Vince is, he never comes out during the day, so Scotty and Ezra hide out to try and catch up with him and find out about Scotty’s mom Babette. They are disappointed that she is not with Vince, but they just know the guy knows something about her whereabouts. Its kinda hard to give a review and not give away what you want to read for yourself…so I will just stop here.
What will Scotty and Ezra find answers to their questions about Babette? Will Vince know where she is, or what’s happened with her, and will he tell if he does know?
Scotty have no choice but to trust totally on God, and lean on Him to find answers so that they can have closure on this part of their life.
I recommend this book to tweens and teens. And I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.
I was generously given this book by NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
22 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Ok I know I am a little late posting this, but you can at least see what Christian books came out in April!
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.
A Family for Faith by Missy Tippens — A Romance from Love Inspired. Even though Faith Hagin thinks she’s content being just friends with Gabe Reynolds, spending time with him and his daughter Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone’s prayers.
A Place to Belong by Linda Goodnight — Romance from Love Inspired. Faith and warm memories have helped widow Kitty Wainwright endure the loss of her husband. That’s all she’s ever needed…until she hires contractor Jace Carter to repair her motel.
Abigail’s New Hope by Mary Ellis — A Romance from Harvest House. As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, she’s is faced with some hard choices.
At the Captain’s Command by Louise M. Gouge — A Historical from Love Inspired. A heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family’s devastating secret.
Canyon Walls by Julie Jarnagin — A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Sunset Camp changed Cassie’s life, and she is determined to keep it alive.
Chosen Ones by Eileen Rife — General Fiction from Oak Tara. While Maggie and Gavin Munsfield adjust to a new baby, missionary friends, Dan and Yvonne Pratt, experience the heartbreak of infertility and miscarriage. Will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different than what they expected and hoped for?
Dare to be Different; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O’Dell — Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?
Delivered With Love by Sherry Kyle –– General Fiction from Abingdon. An old love letter found in the glove compartment of a young woman’s inherited 1972 Volkswagen propels her to leave her life in Los Angeles and go to the small town of Capitola, California. There her dream of finding the writer of the letter leads her on an unexpected journey that changes her life forever.
Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry M.D. –– A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon. When Dr. Elena Gardner’s comatose husband dies in the ICU while on life support, the whispers begin. More deaths turn the whispers into a shout: “Mercy killing.” What is the dark secret that keeps Elena’s lips sealed when she should be defending herself?
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott –– A Romance from Thomas Nelson. A young woman and man haunted by the past seek love and freedom as they assist fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough — A Romance from Barbour. Will reporter Jacqueline Davis uncover his secrets before Noah Jeffers can capture her heart?
From Darkness Won; Blood of Kings Book 3 by Jill Williamson — A Fantasy from Marcher Lord Press. Achan and Vrell seek out their place in the coming war to push back Darkness for good.
Griselda Takes Flight by Joyce Magnin — General Fiction from Abingdon. Now that her sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing home, Griselda has time to fly—literally.
Kaydie by Penny Zeller — A Romance from Whitaker House. Kaydie Worthington builds a protective wall around herself that won’t be easy to tear down. There’s something about Kaydie that draws Jonah Dickenson to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.
Love Finds You on Prince Edward Island by Susan Page Davis — A Romance from Summerside Press. Molly Orlund is honored to serve as a maid where the Prince of Wales will be a guest. Peter Stark, an understeward in the royal party, is attracted to Molly, but an uncovered secret could change everything.
Oregon Weddings by Kathleen Kovach — A Romance from Barbour. An alpaca, a lost family treasure, and an ornithophobic actress all take center stage in these three stories of love and faith that are as eclectic as the state of Oregon itself.
Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton — Romance from Whitaker House.Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community; Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin–instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap.
People of the Book; Book 4 in the Extreme Devotion Series by Kathi Machias — General Fiction from New Hope. Farah lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, and wants nothing more than to develop a deeper devotion to her Muslim faith. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself.
Risky Business; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O’Dell — Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?
Swept Away; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O’Dell — Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?
Tea for Two, Book 2 of the Tea With Millicent Series by Trish Perry –– Romance from Harvest House. Zack Cooper tries his best to raise his children, but he’s losing his grip on them. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel has the perfect woman in mind to help Zack.
The Daughter’s Walk by Jane Ann Kirkpatrick –– General Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah. Based on a true story of a mother and daughter who walk across the country in 1896 and the consequences of the journey to both of their lives.
The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey — General Fiction from Revell. She’s embarking on a new life—but can the past truly be left behind?
The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh — General Fiction from Revell. Inspired by a true story, The story weaves a tale full of action and suspense, and yet it is also an amazing love story that could only happen if miracles do come true.
The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble — Olivia Stewart’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, who has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé.
The Sheriff’s Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery –– A Romance from Love Inspired. A down-on-his-luck gambler on the run from a dangerous enemy meets the richest girl in a small Texas town and turns his life around to become worthy of her.
The Unforgivable; Wounds of South America, Book 1 by Tessa Stockton — A Thriller/Suspense from Risen Books. Accused of the worst war crimes in the history of Argentina, Carlos Cornella is despised by a wounded nation…
Tomorrow’s Garden by Amanda Cabot — Romance from Revell. Can Harriet Kirk and Lawrence Wood ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?
Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley — A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. As the mother of a beautiful daughter and the wife of a wealthy entrepreneur, Melora Hudson seemed happy. No one knew about the secrets hidden behind closed doors—secrets Melora was forced to keep.
Yukon Wedding; Book 1, Alaskan Bride Series by Allie Pleiter — A Romance from Love Inspired. Widow Lana Bristow won’t abandon the only home her son has ever known, even if it means wedding Mack Tanner, the man she blames for her husband’s death.
21 Apr 2011 3 Comments
A Face in the Clouds – By: Marianne Evans – Book Review – – What a wonderful story to have on my blog on Easter Friday! You can buy it and download it HERE for only $1.00. What a buy to read the entire story!
I’m doing this review a little bit different. My review is first, then a bit about the Author, Marianne Evans, and lastly Marianne has included a blurb about the story, and an Excerpt – A FACE IN THE CLOUDS
MY REVIEW
A FACE IN THE CLOUDS
This is a wonderful story about a young couple in love, Sandy Pierson and Paul Hutchins. Paul has just been given a flyer with an assignment from his colleague Sandy, and yes she’s the girlfriend. From reading the story, I feel Sandy gave Paul this assignment because he is not a Christian and she is. And she wants him in church for this very special Easter program. The assignment reads:
Surrendering to Christ
An Artist’s View of Salvation & Grace
Of course Paul is not happy with this, being a reporter he could sure get something better than going to church for his next assignment. Sandy explains that this is part of the Easter Series for Community Focus, and this part of it would remind Metro Detroit of what the Easter season is all about. Again, Paul, not believing in God, didn’t see the importance of this. A Chalk Artist would be there and create a picture of Salvation.
As the story unfolds, Paul heads to the church to cover the story. He interviews the artist, which upsets Sandy because she thinks he is really rude in the questions he asks. He couldn’t believe Mary was going to go to the stage and create her painting, having no idea the image she will create. She will trust the Lord to lead her during the program. This really irritates Paul, who would never do something this stupid. Paul and Mary end up in a detailed discussion about God, and the reason we celebrate Easter. As the program starts, the music begins and Mary begins her creation. Paul pays close attention to the detail as Mary continues to draw, thinking of the images. As he keeps watching and Mary nears the end of her drawing, Paul notices a face forming in the clouds of the drawing. And since I don’t want to give anything away, that is all I will tell you!
After the program is over, how will Paul feel about the drawing of God’s salvation right before his eyes? Will it affect him at all in his opinion of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of our Lord?
And Sandy, can she deal with Paul’s attitude about the Lord? Will she stay with him even though he doesn’t believe He is real? Or will she break up with him because they have such different views about Salvation?
I was excited when Marianne wanted me to read her story. It was an honor for me to read “Face in the Clouds” and write this review. The most wonderful thing I see with the story is the way Marianne tells it to explain the Gospel, to explain just why we do celebrate Easter every year. And she does it in such a way that everyone can easily understand how to ask Christ into their lives, as well as the importance of living a life to serve Him. The awesome thing about stories like this and authors like Marianne is that people will read this story that will not set foot in a church. And when they do read Christian Fiction, they get the same Gospel story that they would hear in a church service. It’s all about telling people about Jesus, and what He did for us on Calvary, that Easter so long ago. Thank you Marianne for a wonderful story.
BE SURE TO CONTINUE TO READ SO YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE STORY BELOW
Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of contemporary romance novels. Her professional career began when Kensington Publishing purchased her book, Friends & Lovers. Her second offering, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from reviewers and in the local media.
Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – an award-winning novel entitled Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of a four-book Christian romance series: The Woodland Series. Book 2, Hearts Surrender, released in late 2010 with Books 3 and 4 – Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, slated for late 2011 and early 2012 release. A Woodland Series Bonus Story, A Face in the Clouds, is an Easter-themed short story, also from White Rose Publishing.
Recent awards include:
Hearts Crossing:
Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist
CAPA Finalist
5-Star Review, The Romance Studio
5-Star Review, Coffee Time Romance
Hearts Surrender –
Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Finalist
4-Star Review, Romantic Times Magazine
5-Star Review & Book of the Week, The Romance Studio
5-Klover Review & Recommended Read, Kwips & Kritiques
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marianne is an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, but most notably for two terms as Chapter Treasurer and two terms as Chapter President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.
Marianne loves to connect with readers ~ find her at:
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
BLURB – A FACE IN THE CLOUDS
Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.
Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit . But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God’s call toward faith and all of its mysteries.
Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth—hyperbole. To Sandy, it’s everything—and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves.
Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relationship from shattering?
EXCERPT – A FACE IN THE CLOUDS
“I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That’s part of why I love you so much. I’m torn in two about my feelings for you.” Sandy’s declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts.
“Your reporter’s instinct toward authenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There’s nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths.”
“Like God.”
“Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight with both hands.”
She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul. Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight’s event—out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet here they were—together—out of a frustrated sense of love.
And if he wasn’t mindful of her beliefs, she’d step away from him.
Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back. “I’ll keep an open mind, OK?”
She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. “Keep an open heart. That’s much more important.”
20 Apr 2011 1 Comment
in Max Lucado
Product Description
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages:312
Publication Date: 2011
Dimensions: 6.50 X 4.50 (inches)
ISBN: 1404190066
ISBN-13: 9781404190061
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
With over 100 million products in print, Max Lucado is one of America’s
most widely read authors. He and his wife, Denalyn, live in San Antonio, Texas,
where he serves the Oak Hills Church.
Imagine how your life would change if you were sure God loves you!
Using the same popular format as Grace for the Moment, Live Loved brings fresh, new devotionals based on the writings of Max Lucado. Included is a broad range of topics such as facing your fears, accepting His grace, and truly knowing God’s omnipresent love. Each devotional is accompanied by an ending prayer to nurture a stronger prayer life for new believers, as well as long-standing Christ followers. It’s a new devotional from one of America’s leading Christian writers that will help men and women experience life from a whole new perspective.
My Review
I love Max Lucado’s books, and this one is no exception! It is a great little devotional, each being 2 pages long. It is broken down into 7 sections which are: Loved with a Steadfast Love; Loved with a Perfect Love; Loved with a Wise Love; Loved with Merciful Love, Loved to Love Others, and then there a section for Notes and Sources. Each section has wonderful devotions in all of the ways we are Loved by God. As I was reading through it, I was comforted with each lesson I read. They are all very good. One thing though, each is taken from other books the author has written. Those books are: Every Day Deserves a Chance; It’s Not About Me; Facing your Giants; Fearless; Outlive Your Life; and 3:16:Numbers. If you have these books, you may not want this one, though I do like the way all of the lessons on Love are together. And if you’ve never read any of Max Lucado’s writings, then this would be a good start for you to get a feel of his style of writing and the great way he teaches us about our Lord.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It would be great when you only have a short amount of time and want a little Bible study refresher to help get you through the rest of your day!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
18 Apr 2011 3 Comments
in Davis Bunn
Book Synopsis:
The Damascus Way, by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke
Book 3 in the Acts of Faith series
BethanyHouse Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0866-9
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0866-7
Young Julia has everything money can buy—except for acceptance by either Gentiles or Judeans in Tiberias. When she discovers the secret her beloved Greek father has kept all these years, she is devastated. Julia and her Hebrew mother are indeed less than second-class citizens. Her future is dark with clouds of uncertainty.
Jacob, Abigail’s brother, is now a young man attempting to find his own place among the community of believers. Does it mean trading away the exhilaration and adventure of his current profession as a caravan guard?
Hired by Julia’s father to protect a wealthy merchant’s caravans on the secretive “Frankincense Trail,” Jacob also reluctantly takes on the perilous responsibility of passing letters and messages between communities of believers now dispersed across the land. He is alarmed to discover that Julia, hardly more than a girl, is also a courier. Can their initial mistrust be put aside to accomplish their mission?
The Damascus Way is the finale to the best-selling Acts of Faith trilogy co-authored by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
Book 1 is The Centurion’s Wife
Book 2 is The Hidden Flame
ABOUT DAVID BUNN:
Please use the following photo credit:
Photo courtesy of Chris Kidler, Florida Today
BIO:
“Wise teacher.”
“Gentleman Adventurer.”
“Consummate writer.”
“Renaissance Man.”
Reviewers, readers and friends use those phrases to describe Davis Bunn. An internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in sixteen languages, Davis is equal parts writer, scholar, teacher, and sportsman.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.
Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.
Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.
A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.
Christy Awards
Q & A with Davis Bunn
How did you and Janette Oke originally establish your writing relationship?
Janette had read several of my early works and liked my sense of drama. I had read a number of hers, and was just amazed at her ability to weave in the fragile and beautiful emotions of a woman’s heart. We were at the annual gathering of Christian publishers when we first talked about writing together. Six months later, we met in Canada and began work on our first book. That was fourteen years ago.
What inspired you to write Acts of Faith, a series of three books set in the earliest days of the church?
Janette Oke and I have wanted to do a Bible-based series for years. Then health issues forced her to retire, and it looked like we would never have that opportunity. Three years ago, she came out of retirement, specifically so that we might do this final trio of books together. It has been an answer to a prayer for us both. We have so enjoyed this project.
How did you and Janette Oke flesh out people from the Bible and weave them into the Acts of Faith books?
The writing of The Hidden Flame carried a number of challenges, and building a character from the little we know about Stephen was one of them. There were several excellent commentaries that taught me a great deal, and it led to some truly beautiful discussions with Janette. That has been one of the unexpected gifts derived from this trilogy, how much I have learned from her own deep insights into the Scriptures.
As for Stephen’s fate, we started from the passage in Acts where the first martyr was named Stephen and worked back. There are very few such names given to those who sacrifice everything. We felt it happened here both because he was the first, and because he played such a vital role in this transforming moment in our church’s history. Stephen served as mediator between the congregation and the most vulnerable – outsiders who were also either widowed or orphaned. He was entrusted with their care and their provisions. And he sought to share his newfound faith with a group of outcasts – those who worshipped at the Freedman’s Synagogue.
Our biggest concern here was to have Stephen become married. First Corinthians names several of the apostles and church leaders who are wed. So we figured it would be okay, even if Stephen wasn’t – the Scriptures do not say. Thankfully, up to now we have not received any negative reaction to this.
How much of yourself do you write into your characters?
The emotions are certainly mine. But the characters are themselves. Some of the things they experience, in the sense of growing through something, are very essential to me and Janette. But the characters are who they are, and the further along we go in the story, the further and further they grow away from us.
What is the biggest personal lesson you have learned from writing the Acts of Faith series?
The greatest lesson I personally have gained from this series is how our world is reshaped through the vision of Jesus. This is a truth revealed time and again through the Book of Acts. We hope this same truth will shine within our pages. Our hope is that each of these stories will ignite in the reader a new hunger to enrich themselves through the treasures found in the Book of Acts.
Our first book, The Centurion’s Wife, dealt with the forty days between the resurrection of Jesus and the arrival of Pentecost.
The key component of our second book in the series, The Hidden Flame, was what I called the passing of the torch. Jesus left, and his disciples took over. They moved from the position of followers to leaders. What an enormous challenge that must have been, and yet how similar it is to the challenge any leader faces today.
In The Damascus Way, the third book of our trilogy, we create a story based upon outreach. We look at what it means to engage in evangelism, and seek a clearer understanding of the challenges and mysteries faced by those earliest believers. And we seek to enrich the glorious moment when Saul, the early church’s greatest enemy, was called to faith by our Lord.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website, blog, and interactive discussion group are at www.davisbunn.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davis-Bunn-author/134762129885578
Twitter: @davisbunn – http://twitter.com/davisbunn
###
18 Apr 2011 18 Comments
in Davis Bunn
Hey everyone, I’ve decided to give away 2 books…..to 2 different people. I read and reviewed The Damascus Way and you can read my review Here. Contest ends April 30, 2011
I haven’t gotten a chance to read The Centurion’s Wife….but I plan to read it soon. I just wanted to give away both books with the interview….so here they are!
PLEASE: Leave your email when you leave a comment. If you don’t leave your email, I won’t have any way of contacting you!
For more chances to win, leave a comment on 3 of my other reviews and I will add your name 3 more times. You don’t need to leave a different post. Just tell me in your post where you left comments.
And….check back a few days after the contest is over to see who won. I will not email everyone separate.
Thanks bunches for visiting my blog!
18 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
in Max Lucado
Format: Jacketed Hardcover
Trim Size: 6.40 x 9.40 x 1.30
Page Count: 256
Retail Price: $24.99
ISBN: 0849948126
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
About the Author: With over 100 million products in print, Max Lucado is one of America’s most widely read authors. He and his wife, Denalyn, live in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the Oak Hills Church.
Book Description- From Thomas Nelson
We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.
In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.
Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?
A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.
Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.
My Review:
Max Lucado’s newest book, Max on Life is a book complied of answers and insights to the most important questions the author has been ask during his ministry. It is broken down into 7 different sections.
1. Hope-Sample Questions: Who is God? How can I know what He is like? How can I trust that He is powerful enough to take care of me?
2. Hurt-Sample Questions: Does God allow war? If so, how do we recognize his commands to love our enemies?
3. Help-Sample Question: I am a new Christian who is trying to figure out how to grow closer to God. Friends tell me I need to have a quiet time with God each day, but I can’t find out exactly what to do.
4. Him/Her-Sample Questions: I dread going home at the end of the day. Our home is a combat zone. I don’t know what to do about it. I offer to go to counseling, but she refuses. Help!
5. Home-Sample Questions: More than anything in the world I want to be a good mom to my kids. How can I be the mom God wants me to be?
6. Haves/Have-Nots-Sample Questions: I was born to worry. What advice do you have for us fretters?
7. Hereafter-Sample Questions: The seven year old son of our neighbors died last week. They are Devastated. So are we. What can we tell them?
And this is just a tip of the iceberg. Just a teaser to let you know what you will have if you purchase this book. Some of the questions did pertain to me, but in general, the book was wisely written. I feel the author carefully chose the questions that would benefit the most people reading the book. And some of the questions will be a help to everyone. This is a great reference book to have on your shelves. We all need books that we can flip through for answers to questions from time to time. This is one of those books. Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. I love is writings; they are easy to read and understand, yet a very helpful tool to help us in our daily lives as we live for Christ. I would recommend Max on Life to everyone!
I received this book free from Booksneeze.com blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Purchase at CBD Purchase at Amazon Purchase at Books A Million
16 Apr 2011 2 Comments
Author: Karen Scalf Linamem
Format: Trade Paperback
On Sale: May 3, 2011
ISBN: 9781400074020
Waterbrook Press
About the Author
No stranger to good chocolate, Karen Scalf Linamen is a popular speaker and the author of fifteen books for women, including Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt and Chocolatherapy: Satisfying the Deepest Cravings of Your Inner Chick. Karen writes, entertains, cooks, and pursues the sweet life with her family in Colorado Springs, Colorado
I will post a picture of the book when I get a legal on to post….so far I haven’t found one.
Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life. This statement is on the front of the book, and it is so true of this book. It is filled with stories of the author and her family, as well as sharing stories of many other women with strategies to help have a sweeter, smoother life, even while going through those rocky times life throws at us. It is also filled with quick neat chocolate recipes and ideas of how chocolate can help during those tough times. It has sections called Sweet Secrets, Because Real Women Don’t Need a Cookbook, and Food For Thought in each chapter. And there are study and discussion questions at the end of the book.
As I read this book, I found a number of situations that I’ve either been though myself, or things others have shared with me that they have been though. I not only found wisdom in this book to use in my life and use with others, I found loads of great tips, ideas and advise to help our journey thorough life sweeter and easier to deal with. I loved the chocolate recipes. Just a few teasers are Raggedy Robins, French Twist, Homemade Peanut Butter Cup on a Spoon, and Mock Hot Fudge Sunday on a Spoon.
This is a fun book to read, chunked full of good ideas and wisdom for women. I enjoyed the fun laid back writing style of the writer. It made her books easy to read, and makes you want to read more of her writings. I would definitely recommend The Chocolate Diaries to any woman; because we all have struggles we go through in our lives. And we all can use help in finding advice and wisdom to help during those difficult times.
This book was generously provided by Waterbrook Press in exchange for a review. I was under no obligation to post a positive review of this book. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Purchase at Amazon Purchase at CBD Purchase at Books A Million
16 Apr 2011 2 Comments
in Dale Cramer
Book Review…………..Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer
Dale Cramer, bestselling author of the critically acclaimed novel Levi’s Will,
was the second of four children born to a runaway Amish man and a sharecropper’s
daughter. True to his Amish ancestry, he skipped college and became an electrician,
yet the thought was never far from his mind that someday he would like to write.
Dale lives in McDonough, Georgia, with his family.
Series: The Daughter of Caleb Bender……Book 1
Author:Dale Cramer
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0838-6
Price: $14.99
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: Jan, 2011
Publisher: Bethany House
It is 1922 in an Amish community in Ohio. Trouble is starting in this Amish community because of Ohio State laws that children between the ages of 6 and 16 have to be in school 5 days a week, and they couldn’t work on the farms during school hours. These laws interfere with the Amish beliefs as well as the families needing the children home to help with the daily chores. When the Amish parents do not comply with the laws that were passed by the people, they are arrested and jailed. When this didn’t get their attention enough to send their children to school, their school age children were arrested and put in a home for children.
Caleb Bender happens across an ad for land in Mexico for $10.00 an acre. This sends his family on a trip across a number of states to the land in Mexico to start a new life, having no idea what they will face once they arrive. They would stay a year to check out conditions before other families followed. What they did know was the Government would not interfere with their Amish lifestyle. What they were not ready for was the poverty causing people to steal from them, and the bandits terrorizing the country. For the first time in their life, they had to keep everything under locked conditions. The ladies and girls were in danger, Caleb couldn’t go anywhere without his Mexican helper, Domingo.
An Amish community in Mexico seemed so out of place until I found out this story was based on actual events from the author’s family history. I found it very heartwarming the way Caleb took a stand for his beliefs even when they were in grave danger. And was always willing to feed a man and help in any way, even when his own things were taken from him. He was starting to earn the respect from the people around him by his attitude. My heart went out to Caleb’s family, and all of the other families facing putting their children in school to learn another lifestyle, when this just isn’t the Amish way. How heartbreaking it must have been. I think I would have followed in Caleb’s footsteps, taking his family someplace that their Amish faith could be lived without persecution.
This is my first Dale Cramer read, and it was worth my time. I enjoyed his style of writing. The Bender family characters came to life, taking me back to the early 1920’s way of living, and the strong faith of the Amish lifestyle. Especially in the life of Caleb, his determination to stand true to his faith the God, trusting Him to see them through.
Several more families did come, just before the book ended, so we will have to wait and see how they handled the move. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish. It will be well worth your time!
This book was generously given to me by Bethany House Publishers to read and review. I was not expected to give a positive review. The review is my personal opinion only.
Purchase at Amazon Purchase at Books A Million Purchase at CBD
15 Apr 2011 2 Comments
Hey everyone, Time for another giveaway! The Contest ends April 29 , 2011
To enter……make sure you leave a comment at the end of this message, AND DON”T FORGET to leave your email address so I can get in touch with you. I would love for your to subscribe to my blog….on the right side…toward the top. Also….I will not email everyone when this giveaway is over. I will post the winner within a few days of the end date. If you subscribe to my blog, you should get an email about the post. Thanks for stopping by!
I reviewed a neat book a while back about 2 guys that host a radio show. Its a true story of how God has worked in both of their lives to make them and their program what it is today. Its heartwarming, funny, and you will enjoy the stories these fellow tell.
Here is my review of the book here. It is called We Be Big….A Mostly True Story of Rick and Bubba
13 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
The Take Action Bible Review
I love this Bible! World Vision and Thomas Nelson Publishers worked together in putting together this Bible that they call God’s Word in Action venture. It is encouraging Christians to “Put the Word of God into Action.
The front cover is beautiful. The actually Ultra Slim Bible test is easier to read than I thought I would be. The NKJV is easier to read and understand for me than the regular KJV.
The regular things that are in a lot of Bible are:
Words of Jesus in Read
Concordance
Bible Reading Plans
Table of Contents
Things that are different in this Bible than in others:
The front cover is beautiful. The Ultra Slim Bible test is easier on the eyes than I thought it would be. The NKJV is easier to read and understand for me than the regular KJV.
It has 48 full color pages. The colors are not bold or bright. They are subdued, easy on the eyes and very pretty.
There are 5 sets of 8 color pages with the titles: Go, Serve, Give, Heal and Teach. In each set, there are 2 personal stories that go with each Title. Example….for Go, there are 2 stories telling of people who God told to Go and spread the Gospel. There’s a question page for each, and the last color page in each section is for Action Notes.
In the back of the Bible, there are 52 Take Action Notes. These notes are very good ideas of how you can put to Action the things you’ve learned in this Study Bible. Examples: Practice patience by letting someone in line in front of you in a store or in traffic. And Hold open the door for everyone you can this week.
In the table of contents, they have Section Introductions. It gives the books of the Bible in each section, and a little bit about each section and book. This is really good for those who are not sure which book is in which section. And for new Christians that are just beginning to read and study their Bible.
The Sections Are:
The Pentateuch
The Historical Books
Poetical and Wisdom Books
The Prophets
The Gospels
The Acts of the Apostles
The Letters of Paul
The General Epistles and Revelation
I would recommend this Bible to every Christian. Having several Bibles with different studies, and different things just helps us know the Bible more, and also helps draw us closer to our God.
I received this book free from Booksneeze.com blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
splashesofjoy 
