Revell Presents The Stress Cure by Linda Evans Shepherd

The Stress Cure

“Linda brilliantly and biblically shines the light on exchanging the crippling and unwanted stresses of life for the promised gift of peace. Packed with prayer and promises, this book will free you to experience the power of God’s peace.”–Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author of Unglued and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

We live in a world filled to the brim with advice, and when it comes to dealing with stress, there’s plenty of advice to go around. Sleep more, eat better, avoid this, seek out that. But more ideas about how to cope are not necessarily what we need if we’re stressed and anxious.

What we need is a cure.

The true remedy to stress, Linda Evans Shepherd says, is prayer. In this inspiring book, she shows you how to recognize God’s continual presence in your life and yield your troubles to the Prince of Peace. Through captivating stories, explorations of fascinating biblical characters, and examples of deeper-than-ever prayers, she brings within your grasp the peace that passes understanding. If you are overwhelmed by all of the urgent demands on your time, this book offers you a lifeline to true peace.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Stress seems to be a way of life, because at one time or another, we all have stressful situations in our lives. Linda Evans Shepherd’s book “Stress Cure” can help you deal with your stress by praying you way through the tough times. There are so many truths in this book, and many of them are pretty simple things to do, but for me, I’ve just not thought of them the way Ms. Shepherd discusses these things in her book. Some of the techniques are neat, and can really help when you are so stressed out. I like the was Ms. Shepherd formatted to book to make it easier too read and understand, listing the different feeling and difficulties we may have. I highly recommend this book to all ladies, because lets face it ladies, we all face difficulties and stressful situations.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author, a popular speaker, and a radio personality. The president of Right to the Heart Ministries, she is the author of When You Don’t Know What to Pray and Experiencing God’s Presence. She and her husband live in Colorado. Learn more at http://www.stressprayers.com.

NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women Insights for Everyday Life, By Edited by Lysa TerKeurst

NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women   

Insights for Everyday Life, By Edited by Lysa TerKeurst

Book Description

You spilled coffee on your shirt before walking out the door. Ran late to your appointment. Snapped at your children, then regretted it all day. And spent an hour at the grocery store with no dinner on the table to show for your efforts. A typical day has come and gone. Life is full of obligations, emotions, and relationships. Some are life-giving, yet sometimes the weight and responsibility of everyday life is heavy to bear. As wives, mothers, friends, and daughters, we need to know we’re not alone. We long for someone who understands—someone to help us find perspective. When our days are long, and our nights are restless, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle things on our own. Or that no one struggles like we do. And that’s when we need a friend … to encourage us, to understand us, and help us become the woman God wants us to be. You’ll find that friend on the pages of the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women. Filled with insightful daily devotions written by Lysa TerKeurst and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries, the devotions in this Bible will meet you right where you are, in the good days and in the hard days, in the car pool line or the doctor’s office. With God’s truth as the foundation, this Bible will help you maintain a peace-filled place of balance in spite of your life’s hectic pace. Features: The beauty and clarity of the New International Version (NIV) Bible, 366 daily devotions from the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries inspire you to live authentically as a woman of God, Author biographies, and a helpful subject Index.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BIBLE

This is the most beautiful Bible inside and out! I love the color, the cover, the inside, and all of the study tools and study notes that are added for us ladies! Lysa TerKeurst has always been a favorite teacher of mine, well at least she has for a number of years. And having a Bible edited by her is an honor! This is just the Bible for busy women today! Ms. TerKeurst  and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries have given us 366 daily devotions with Scripture verses that go along with the devotions. There is one for each day of the year, and I am glad they are not numbered because you can really start any you want and go straight through the book.

I highly recommend this really awesome Bible in its beautiful color. You will be blessed each day by the talented writings of these Godly ladies. I was given this Bible by BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The review here is  my own opinion.

About the Editor

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the author of 15 books and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, where she and her team encourage over 500,000 women worldwide through their daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Litfuse Presents…..Magnificent Tales: Treasury of Bible Stories || Magnificent Tale Collection

Magnificent Tales: Treasury of Bible Stories

|| Magnificent Tale Collection

Magnificent Tales: Treasury of Bible Stories || Magnificent Tale Collection (David C. Cook, September 2014)

Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Kelly’s website.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is a beautiful book of Bible stories inside and out. IMagnificent Tales: Treasury of Bible Stories  is written for the young children to understand, and the illustrations are awesome because they go so well with the story! I love telling the story in rhymes, because it easily captures the attention of little ones! I enjoy reading stories to children, and this is a new favorite for me to read! And I am happy to add this Bible story book to my library!

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Pulley

Kelly Pulley works from his middle Tennessee home writing and illustrating children’s picture books, most recently “Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn” and “The Cycling Wangdoos.” He is best known for illustrating dozens of books in the Beginner’s Bible series, including “The Beginner’s Bible” (over 1.25 million copies sold).

Part of the Magnificent Tales series, Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times will delight children ages 4–8 with rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Enter the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway 9/15 – 10/12.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Kelly’s blog.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Kelly’s blog on the 13th to see if you won!

The Maxwell Leadership Bible, NIV By John C. Maxwell (General Editor)

The Maxwell Leadership Bible, NIV

By John C. Maxwell (General Editor)
Published by Thomas Nelson

ABOUT THIS BIBLE

The Leadership expert, John Maxwell, provides an in-depth look at God’s laws for leaders and leadership, directly connected to the Bible. Now for the first time, the content of The Maxwell Leadership Bible is paired with the bestselling New International Version.

Features include:

• Complete NIV Bible text and translators’ notes
• Book introductions
• Articles describing the 21 Laws of Leadership and the 21 Qualities of a Leader
• Notes throughout the Bible that connect with the Laws and Qualities
• Indexes to the 21 Laws of Leadership and the 21 Qualities of a Leader

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BIBLE

This is yet another Bible that BookLook Bloggers have been showing for the past month or so. This one is the Maxwell Leadership Bible. I know a lot of people who really enjoy the teachings of John Maxwell, so this Bible will be one that they will sure enjoy. This copy is hardcover, it is green and white and very attractive to look at. It is the NIV, which I enjoy reading.

The one difference in this Bible is that John Maxwell provides an in-depth look at God’s laws for leaders and leadership, and all of the study tools in this Bible deal with leadership. I found the articles describing the 21 Laws of Leadership and the 21 Qualities of a leader to be interesting. Even though I have read these many times, having the altogether makes the verses come to life more. For those who are in a leadership position at your church, this is an awesome Bible for you to have. You will have everything you need right at your fingertips with all of the information throughout this Bible. I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself.

I rec’d a copy of this Bible to read and review for BookLook Bloggers. The opinions here are mine only. I was not required to write a positive review.

Litfuse Presents…Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Litfuse Presents…

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm || (Revell Books, September 2014)

Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It’s time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy’s cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos’s wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can’t forget Billy.

When a “lost” rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That’s his plan. The only catch is that he’s having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can’t get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.

As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy–and Amos, too–that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.

Find out more and purchase a copy at Suzanne’s website.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I so much enjoyed being back at Rose Hill and visiting all of the special characters there again! I love Christmas stories and I love Amish, and well, I love Suzanne Wood’s Fisher books, so I was in awe with this one! Rose Hill Farm is the home of a mysterious Rose. A rose that no one seems to know where it came from. When Billy Lapp comes back to see the Rose that everyone is talking about, he meets up with Bess again, and Billy begins to wonder if the feeling he and Bess have fore each other are still there. I really enjoyed following these two and the other characters at the Rose farm in this wonderful and heartwarming Christmas story. And did they ever find out about this mysterious rose? Well, read the book and find out! You will be amazed and entertained!

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including “Amish Peace.” She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

CFBA Presents Hidden in the Stars by Robin Carrol

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Hidden in the Stars

Abingdon Press (September 16, 2014)

by

Robin Caroll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hidden in the Stars, go HERE.

NIV Once-A-Day Bible for Women, Published by Zondervan

NIV Once-A-Day Bible for Women

Book Description

With this NIV Once-A-Day Bible for Women, you can read through the Bible in a year… or at your own pace. Now you can practice the spiritual discipline of daily Bible reading at your own pace. Want a reading plan that will take you through the Bible in a year? You got it—and check boxes too. Don’t want the guilt of falling behind in your daily reading? You won’t—each daily reading is numbered, not dated, allowing the flexibility you need as you strive to engage God’s Word every day. Looking for a Bible with insights about what you as a woman most need to hear? These are included as well in the intuitive, hopeful devotional thoughts located at the end of each daily reading. The NIV Once-A-Day Bible for Women organizes the clear, accessible New International Version Bible into 365 daily readings. Each day’s reading includes a portion of Scripture from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm or a Proverb, followed by an encouraging devotional thought specifically written for women.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BIBLE

This is a really neat Bible! It has a daily Bible reading plan already mapped out for you. If you have been wanting to read through the Bible in a year, this would be an awesome way to do it. Each day it has verses/chapters already and each day’s reading includes a portion of Scripture from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm or a Proverb. I like this because sometimes when we are reading parts of the Old Testament, we can loose sight of what we are reading, and with the Scriptures from the others parts of the Bible, this helps to stay focused on reading and what we are reading. This Pink Bible is especially for Women, and I enjoy having a pretty pink Bible to read and enjoy. Not that the color makes any difference, but its just nice. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this neat read-through-the-Bible to see what it is like for yourself!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. 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.

NIV First-Century Study Bible Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context

NIV First-Century Study Bible

Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context

 

The NIV First-Century Study Bible has a beautiful cover and is very attractive sitting on the shelves of stores everywhere! I thought this would be a really neat study Bible since it focuses exploring Scripture in its Jewish and early Christian context, but some of the notes, I’m just not sure about. There are a lot of interesting study tools in this Bible, the maps would be very helpful in studying the Early First-Centry, and I really enjoyed the pictures and drawings throughout. But I am just not sure this would be a Bible that I would use in my studies. But each person really needs to make the decision for themselves, so pick up a copy for yourself and see what you think!

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

I like the cover of this NIV Bible, but there are some notes that I don’t really feel they are accurate, or at least those involved in the note here doesn’t explain some of the Scripture very thorough. And apparently this is a newer NIV that the original NIV that came out years ago, and I am not sure I like this newer one. But I do like the pictures throughout the Bible and the nice maps are a good study aid. I say for each person who think this may be a Bible that you would like, to pick up a copy and see for yourself if this will work for you!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Revell Presents Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz

Revell Presents 

Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz

Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas’s vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world–filled with family members she’s never met, dances she’s never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes’ shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Laura Frantz has a special way of bringing historical fiction to life with her vivid details of everything history in her books. Set in Pennsylvania in the 1850’s, Love’s Fortune is another amazing and wonderful story brought to readers from this very talented author. When Wren’s father takes her to Pennsylvania to her grandfathers manor, she wasn’t expecting the life she was about to live. Being a country girl, she wasn’t use to the high society with all of its thrills and frills. What an amazing coming out bash with James Sacket as her hot and handsome escort. But things changed and Wren found herself in difficult situations with important life changing decisions she needs to make. This book is so chunked full of fun and excitement you won’t be putting it down once you start. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must!!

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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.

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Endorsements

“Laura Frantz surely dances when she writes: the words sweep across the page with a gentle rhythm and a sure step. Her characters in Love’s Fortune are sympathetic yet flawed, making them oh-so-easy to care for, ache for, cheer for. Her historical details are well chosen, and her sense of time and place rings true. Above all, it’s Wren’s journey that engages our hearts and makes the pages turn. Well done, lass!”

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

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The Author

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Litfuse Presents Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Litfuse Presents 

Joyful

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Joyful || Return to Sugarcreek series

A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Shelley’s website.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I enjoyed a trip back to Sugarcreek and the friends I had there! Randall Beiler and Elizabeth Hold would sure get married because they have been dating for so long. But Randall decides he needs to take better care of his family instead of starting a new family. But Elizabeth just didn’t understand. When Randall’s brothers decide to hire Elizabeth to cook and clean house for the family, these two young people were thrown together again, but could they spend so much time together now that they were no long an item?

Another special and wonderful story about our favorite Sugarcreek family! I loved it all. The tension between Elizabeth and Randall, Randall’s family trying to do something to make sure their brother didn’t have to cook for them, and the attraction that was surely there between these two! What will become of them?

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray

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.

Litfuse Presents….Tried and True by Mary Connealy

Litfuse Presents….

Tried and True

by Mary Connealy

Tried and True, Book One in the Wilde at Heart series.

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister–and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk–they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”–but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Learn more and purchase a copy at Mary’s website.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Three sisters are trying to make their father happy and claim land out west, land that their dad wants. So they all dress in britches, make themselves look and act like men, and they have been doing a pretty good job of it. And the neat thing is, they all served in the Civil War as boys, and never got caught. But when Land agent Aaron Masterson crosses paths with Kylie Wilde, her secret it out. No way was she going to fool Masterson! Which means she will have to give up her land, because women can’t claim land! But Masterson didn’t realize the can or worms he has opened with his discovery. Ms. Wilde doesn’t give in easily!

Mary Connealy writes such enjoyable books! Tried and True is a really interesting and entertaining story. I love the realistic characters and the humor throughout the book. The three young ladies were adorable, and anyone reading this book will want to find out what happens to them!

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively “romantic comedy with cowboys” for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Mickey and Willie: Mantle and Mays, the Parallel Lives of Baseball’s Golden Age, By Allen Barra

Mickey and Willie: Mantle and Mays,

the Parallel Lives of Baseball’s Golden Age,

By Allen Barra

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Acclaimed sportswriter Allen Barra exposes the uncanny parallels–and lifelong friendship–between two of the greatest baseball players ever to take the field.

Culturally, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays were light-years apart. Yet they were nearly the same age and almost the same size, and they came to New York at the same time. They possessed virtually the same talents and played the same position. They were both products of generations of baseball-playing families, for whom the game was the only escape from a lifetime of brutal manual labor. Both were nearly crushed by the weight of the outsized expectations placed on them, first by their families and later by America. Both lived secret lives far different from those their fans knew. What their fans also didn’t know was that the two men shared a close personal friendship–and that each was the only man who could truly understand the other’s experience.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I guess this is a book that you either love it or you don’t. For me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about two of the very best and most famous Baseball players of all times. My love of baseball drew me to this book. Barra takes the lead as he compares the lives of these two men, their personal lives, as well as their professional lives. If you already know a lot about Mickey and Willie, you may not be as enthused as I was, but it was neat to read about how two men, one black and one white, grew up close to each other, both having a history of baseball playing in their families, turned out to be the most amazing men and players of baseball in history. And it is clear that Barra is an avid fan of both Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays and thought of them as his idols throughout his life!

I loved this book, and I think it would be an awesome addition of your library if you enjoy Baseball, or if you enjoy reading about hero’s of our time. I’m very glad I had the opportunity to read this book honoring these two men, and I encourage you to pick up a copy to read for you!

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and review. 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.

Litfuse Presents All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Litfuse Presents 

All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes  

by Betsy St. Amant

All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes || (Zondervan, September 2014)

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

Learn more and purchase a copy on Betsy’s site

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This was a fun book to read. Lucas and Kate are crazy about each other, but they didn’t really know how the other felt. Sometimes the way they acted got kind of annoying because, well I just thought a better attitude for each of them would have been a little more pleasant to read. I really enjoyed the TV Cupcake competition, and that is what makes the book worth reading, for me anyway. I was excited about the competition, and the scenes of the shows taping was full of interesting humor and excitement. And though it took me a while to get into the story at first, as the story unfolds. I began to enjoy it more and more. This would be a great book for you to read if you are looking for a light entertaining read.

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Betsy St. Amant

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Revell Presents……The Desire by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Revell Presents……

The Desire

by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Can faith build a bridge between their dreams?

For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts–and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time–and their money–on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something’s got to give. But they both hope it’s not their marriage.

Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . . .

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The Restoration Series has been an enjoyable and amazing series by two of the best authors! Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh comes together again with the third book in this series. God has a plan for Allan and Michelle, but can they really trust Him? When they have been trying for years to have a baby and God hadn’t intervened, the emotions are going haywire with this couple. This is just a tender and heartwarming book that will touch the lives of those who read it! And I really like the interview with Dan and Gary at the end of the book. It just makes the story even that much more personal! These two author do a fantastic job with writing this wonderful book. And I highly recommend this to those couple who are dealing with Infertility.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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.

What critics are saying about the Restoration Series:

“So captivating that you’ll find it very difficult to put down.”–RT Book Reviews

“Readers will be totally drawn in to [the Andersons’] emotional journey.”–Booklist

“Sure to please.”–Library Journal

“Readers will definitely come away satisfied.”–Publishers Weekly

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and What Follows After. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance and The Promise with Dan Walsh. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.

Litfuse Presents, Before Amen by Max Lucado

”’

Before Amen || (Thomas Nelson, September 2014)

Pre-order a copy of Before Amen by 9/29 and receive a FREE ebook copy of Max’s best-selling Second Chances: More Stories of Grace.

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Before Amen is a unique study on Prayer. Max Lucado does an amazing job of teaching each of us to pray like God means for us to pray. And teaches us how to pray for ourselves, each other, and just pray for everything and everyone that needs prayer. One thing that helped me with his book is that he teaches us to give our request to the Lord and leave them there. So many times I pray about something, and then find myself trying to figure out the answer to my prayers, or worrying about the situation after I have prayed about it. Lucado teaches us to bring our request before God and leave them there, never looking back. This book is a must for every Christian because it will help you so much in your prayer life.

I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Previous Campaigns

• Before Amen by Max Lucado | Free Book with Pre-Order & iPad Mini Giveaway

Learn more at Max’s website.

CFBA Presents Thief of Glory by Thief of Glory

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Thief of Glory

WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2014)

by

Sigmund BrouwerABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sigmund Brouwer is the best-selling author of nearly thirty novels, with close to 4 million books in print. Based on his inspiration for Thief of Glory, which Sigmund wrote as a way to learn and honor the his parent’s stories, especially of his father’s boyhood in a Japanese concentration camp, Sigmund leads The Chapters of Our Lives memoir seminars across the United States and Canada. Sigmund is married to recording artist Cindy Morgan and has two daughters.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A boy coming of age in a time of war…

the love that inspires him to survive.

For ten year-old Jeremiah Prins, the life of privilege as the son of a school headmaster in the Dutch East Indies comes crashing to a halt in 1942 after the Japanese Imperialist invasion of the Southeast Pacific. Jeremiah takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings when his father and older stepbrothers are separated from the rest of the family, and he is surprised by what life in the camp reveals about a woman he barely knows—his frail, troubled mother.

Amidst starvation, brutality, sacrifice and generosity, Jeremiah draws on all of his courage and cunning to fill in the gap for his mother. Life in the camps is made more tolerable as Jeremiah’s boyhood infatuation with his close friend Laura deepens into a friendship from which they both draw strength.

When the darkest sides of humanity threaten to overwhelm Jeremiah and Laura, they reach for God’s light and grace, shining through his people. Time and war will test their fortitude and the only thing that will bring them safely to the other side is the most enduring bond of all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thief of Glory, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

This was just an ok book for me. I don’t know why, but that’s my thoughts.

Revell Presents….Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason

Revell Presents….

Nowhere to Turn  by Lynette Eason

She thought her days of hiding were over . . . but the danger has just begun

The day Danielle Harding takes her eleven-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, things are just heating up. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual–who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .

From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold you in its iron grip as bestselling author Lynette Eason propels you along in a race to discover the truth.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This book kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I didn’t put it down until I finished! I loved, loved this book, for me, it is the best I have read from author Lynette Eason. As Danielle Harding is on a mission to make sure her son is safe, her life turns into a whirlwind of emotions and the most difficult situations. The day she finally has the courage to leave her abusive husband, her husband dies. And she is relieved because she thinks that both she and especially her son is safe. But that is just not to be. It seems like her husband is still abusing them from the grave. Everything speeds up and the security Dani and her son is getting is not enough, someone is tipping the authorities off as to where they are.

And that is enough to make you hungry for this book! You will find yourself engulfed into this book when you start reading. If you are looking for a good suspense/thriller to read, No Where to Turn is a must! I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at http://www.lynetteeason.com.

Revell Presents…..What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days by Holly Gerth

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.

Thankfully, Jesus said we don’t “live on bread alone”–that includes cupcakes–“but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.

If you’re tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you’ll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.

Remember, you’re not alone, my friend.

In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God’s promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we’re all in this together.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I really like this cute little book! It is small enough for your purse, and the devotions are short and can be read in just a few minutes.  And we all have hard days, no matter what, so there is definitely something here in this sweet little book for everyone. I love the Psalms, and all of the verses Ms. Gerth uses with each devotional will speak to your heart every time you read them!. If there are days you just need a little extra something from God throughout the day, this would be a wonderful book for you!  You can simply not go wrong with What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days!

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You’re Already Amazing, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream, Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream, and You’re Going to Be Okay. She’s also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Learn more at http://www.holleygerth.com.

This book is the perfect companion to Holley’s book You’re Going to Be Okay.

Revell Presents A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick

A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick Three very different women. One dangerous journey. And a future that seems just out of reach. Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause most white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read–as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him. Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband and she knows she will follow him anywhere–even when the trek exacts a terrible cost. Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory. She spends her time trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for. As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip your heart and mind as you travel on the dusty and dangerous Oregon Trail into the boundless American West. Based on a true story. MY REVIEW ON THIS BOOK This was a very special book, or so I thought! Letitia was such a special and sweet person. She was so proud of her freedom papers from her master, but she had to guard them with her life. The things that she had to go through just because she was a different color were so heartbreaking, I just wanted to punch someone at times!! But Letitia did have a few people that trusted in her, and supported her. I really liked the Indian women Betsy too. But Letitia had a horrible and difficult life, including when she and her husband went across the US with the Wagon Train. Sometimes it was difficult to read this book because of the treatment of slaves, but I appreciate Jane Kirkpatrick and her awesome professional writing skills in giving readers this story. This is a story that will stay with me for a while! I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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. Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been finalists for the Christy Award, Spur Award, Oregon Book Award, and Reader’s Choice awards, and have won the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction. Many of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at http://www.jkbooks.com.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

by Katie Ganshert

 

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four-year-old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth — appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows — so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line — an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

 

 

MY REVIEW

This is an awesome book, and I just loved, loved it!!!  For ten years Ivy Clark has been modeling fashions, and outside beauty is all she knows or cares about. Then Ivy meets Davis and Ivy begins to see that outside beauty is not the really important kind of beauty.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful was sometimes difficult for me to read, because it is full of heartache and difficulties because of what the characters are going through. But author Katie Ganshert does the most fantastic job of showing the love and redemption of God’s grace into the lives of her characters. This is a book that anyone would not only love, but your life will change when you follow the lives of these wonderful characters. I hope you love this as much as I did!

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christy Award finalist, Katie Ganshert is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. She lives in Iowa with her handsome husband, their dinosaur-loving son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption, which she and her husband hope to complete sometime before they are fifty.