A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

A Light on the Hill is the first book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. This book continues to share the story of Moriyah. Moriyah is still dealing with the shame that she feels due to the terrible scar on her face. She keeps her face covered at all times and tries to keep to herself as much as possible. Her father wants her to be married so he arranges for her to be wed to a man with two sons. However, a chance encounter with a handsome stranger has Moriyah wishing for a different life partner. When Moriyah makes a careless mistake and harm falls upon her future husband's sons, she has to escape to a city of refuge and her handsome stranger finds himself on the journey as well.

Once again, Connilyn Cossette has written a showstopper. I don't think it's possible for her to write a bad book. The amount of research and detail that has gone into this story is astounding. This book had me on the edge of my seat. It's a thrill ride with a side of romance. The characters are well developed and engaging and so interesting to read about. I absolutely loved the relationship between Moriyah and Darek and I can't wait to read more of their story. Thanks so much to Bethany House for the chance to review this wonderful book!

Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot

In 1952, Elisabeth Elliot stepped into the jungles of Ecuador to serve her first year as a missionary. This is her heartbreaking and inspirational story. Elisabeth literally gave up everything to follow God's calling for her life. Her main goal was to use her training and experience in languages to document the language of the Colorado Indians in order to provide them with Bibles they could understand. Elisabeth was away from her loved ones and living in a strange place with strange people. She didn't waver even throughout devastating circumstances.

It is hard to comprehend the immense hardships people like Elisabeth Elliot have to endure as they seek to completely trust and obey our God. A missionary's life is never easy, but it is always worth it. Elisabeth's story is one to inspire everyone. Her life never went as planned, but she kept going and kept serving. 

This book is one that can be read in one sitting. It's fascinating and heart wrenching and special. It's one that will always be relevant and helpful to its readers. Elisabeth Elliot will be remembered as a wonderful woman of God. Thank you to Revell for the chance to review this book! All of Elisabeth's other books are now on my TBR list. Thank you for inspiring many in your years of life, Mrs. Elliot.

The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler

Katie Stuckey dreams of the day she can marry her sweetheart, Jonas Weaver, and move into their forever home as husband and wife. But Katie's dream world is shaken when Jonas goes against his Amish teachings and joins the war efforts. Jonas feels like it was his only choice to step in and take his brother's place as his name showed up on the draft list. Katie struggles to accept Jonas's decision and tries to muddle through life without him as she prays for the day of his return.

This book does a great job of focusing on a nearly impossible decision. When is it okay to go against what you've always known as right to sacrifice for the greater good?

I enjoyed the thought processes of the characters and appreciated the excellent historical research by the author in this book. I did feel like the beginning and middle of the book were better than the end. The end felt rushed to me, but it could just be because there is another book to follow in this series. I still look forward to reading the follow-up and finishing the journey with Jonas and Katie. Thank you very much to Revell for giving me the chance to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a series of books that detailed her life and experiences as a woman out west. In 2018, Jane Kirkpatrick read between the lines of Carrie's memoir and told the things she didn't say the first time around. Kirkpatrick's work is based on Carrie's true story and it is absolutely fascinating.

Carrie's life was one of great adventure and devotion to family, but it didn't come without challenges and hardships. As a wife to a railroad husband, Carrie traveled constantly as she supported her husband's dream. She did things that a lot of women wouldn't dare to and charmed many with her determined and hospitable spirit. Carrie was also a very talented writer as she proves in the writings that inspired this book. Jane Kirkpatrick has done an excellent job of showcasing this important historical figure and her contributions to the growth and development of the west as we know it now. Be sure to read to the very end of the book for more insight and important facts about this true tale. Thank you to Revell for sending me this book to review!

Welcome to Adulting by Jonathan Pokluda

This book is a must read for twentysomethings! I've been an "adult" for a while now and I still loved this book and was absolutely inspired by it. I found myself wishing that this book was around when I was trying to figure things out as a young adult. (I'm still trying to figure things out, but aren't we all!?!) The author offers up so much helpful advice for emerging adults and he does it in such a non-judgmental way. He openly admits to mistakes that he has made in the past and shares wisdom and insight for readers so that they don't make the same mistakes. He gives practical advice in almost every important category including dating, work, finances, and most importantly, eternity. There are scripture references included that make this book Biblically sound and accurate. This book is gold and should be a literary staple for young adults. Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book! 5 star read!

Parenting with Heart by Stephen James and Chip Dodd

Parenting with Heart is not your typical parenting guidebook. This book focuses on "embracing the clumsiness" and realizing that you are a "good enough" parent. By using their counseling training and real life experiences, the authors provide a great grasp on the wonderful and challenging world of parenting.

Each chapter in this book brings something new to the table and even provides interesting conversation starters for parents to use with their children. By following God and the heart, parents can guide their children to express their emotions in a healthy way and become well adjusted adults who can, in turn, raise children of their own one day.

This book was soothing and inspirational and gave so much great advice that I can use as I parent my children. I read quite a few parenting books and this has been one of my favorites. The only thing I didn't like was the style of writing that was used for the author duo. It was distracting to be reading from one author's point of view and have to switch gears to hearing about the other author's family members. It would have been a smoother flow to contain each author's experiences to a whole chapter or section at a time. Nevertheless, I can definitely overlook this and would recommend this book to eager to learn and grow parents. Thank you to Revell for sending me an advance copy of this book to review!

Second-Chance Dogs edited by Callie Smith Grant

Second-Chance Dogs is a compilation of thirty-six stories about "the dogs we rescue and the dogs who rescue us." These are true stories written by some familiar names and some who are not so familiar. But they all have the same central idea which is the endearing love transferred from a dog to its owner and vice versa. These stories are ones of hope and refuge and the sometimes surprisingly wonderful experiences dog owners experience. Animal lovers will cherish these moving stories and will relate to each one. The stories are short and simple yet sure to inspire. Thank you to Revell for sending me an advance copy of this book to review! These opinions are all my own.

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

Beautiful cover, beautiful setting, beautiful book! Millie Sullivan will do whatever it takes to provide for her ailing grandmother. Even if it means dressing up in ancient costumes and sneaking around an old chateau, Millie is all in. Millie finds more than she was expecting when security guard, Ben Thornton, catches her snooping in the library of the chateau. Millie decides to let Ben in on her plan, but doesn't expect to fall for him in the process.

Liz Johnson does an excellent job of writing a full circle story with a superb ending. The book escalates effortlessly and takes the reader on a romantic and mysterious journey. There was just the right amount of suspense sprinkled throughout to balance out the love story. This book is also a clean read with a wonderful reminder to fully rely on God. Thank you to Revell and bookishfirst for the chance to review this book!
       

In Step with the Spirit by Sarah Bowling

In Step with the Spirit is a helpful read that focuses on building a essential relationship with the Holy Spirit. I was drawn to this book because I have always had a hard time understanding what it means to live a Spirit filled life. It's easy to understand how to have a relationship with God and Jesus, but the Holy Spirit is a little more tricky, in my opinion. This book is separated into three parts: Navigation, Relationships, and Power. Reading this book inspired me to focus on the Holy Spirit as a helper and to be more persistent and observant in order to live a Spirit filled life daily. The author also takes the time to share about her life and her ministries which I thought was very interesting. Her effort to help needy children is a huge blessing. This book was ultimately refreshing and eye-opening and an important tool to a better understanding of the Holy Spirit. Thank you to Chosen for allowing me to review this book!

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

Wings of the Wind is the third book in the Out from Egypt series by Connilyn Cossette. The amount of research and detail that has gone into this book is impressive. While this is based on true Biblical events, there are some fictional characters included that help the reader get a better idea of what it was actually like in that period of time. This book will wreck your heart at times as you glimpse the hardships that women faced back then. This story is one of God's steadfastness and mercy. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Thank you to Bethany House for the chance to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Remedy is a quick, cozy holiday read by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter Erin. The interesting thing about this book is that it mixes Amish characters and English characters. It's always a nice treat to get the best of both worlds. Holly Noelle is also attempting to have the best of both worlds as she is a member of the Amish church, but she also has a job outside of the home as a pharmacy tech. Holly longs to make a difference and teach the Amish how important medicine and doctors are. Her mentor, a pharmacist named Lyle, is also an advocate for the Amish, but he has to take a back row seat when he has a health scare. Holly and Lyle must seek help to keep the pharmacy running and they both get the chance to mend broken relationships with very important people in their lives.

The cover of The Christmas Remedy is beautiful, eye-catching, and immediately interesting. I would have preferred even more Christmas spirit in this book as I feel like this could almost be read any time of year. The book focuses more on the pharmacy and medicine field than it does on the holiday. I did appreciate the medical aspect and felt like this book was well researched and brings awareness to a very important topic. I am thankful to be chosen as a launch team member for this book and look forward to reading more books by the Woodsmall ladies.

Fearless Parenting by George Barna and Jimmy Myers

If you want a sunshiny feel good book about parenting, this is not it! But if you want a practical, straightforward, candid guidebook to improve your parenting skills, you need to read this! What does it take to be a fearless parent? Well, it takes patience, time, consistency, and determination, especially in this land of technology and social media addiction that we all live in today. The authors of this book are no nonsense and straight to the point as they offer ways to raise well-adjusted faithful children. I can't say that I agree with everything that is in this book, but I can say that I gained a lot of helpful advice. My favorite chapter is #7 which focuses on getting rid of destructive parental behaviors such as guilt, anger, and shame. It is so easy to lead with our emotions as parents and to have unrealistic expectations of our children. This chapter teaches the proper way to respond in tense situations so that ultimately God is glorified and our children are growing into respectful and Christ following adults. I really enjoyed this eye-opening read and would recommend that parents read it with an open mind and heart. Thank you so much to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Life Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef

Throughout the Bible, we read of many heartfelt prayers. This book features the life changing prayers of seven of those Biblical prayer warriors: Eliezer, Hannah, David, Daniel, Jonah, Habbakuk, and Mary. Each of these people prayed to God in a special way. They were just ordinary people like you and me, but their prayers resound among generation after generation.

I loved this powerful prayer book! I learned a lot about how to strengthen my prayer life by gaining inspiration from the author and these special people from the Bible times. God can use anybody! We just have to go to him willing to listen and obey. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired by prayer! Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book!

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin

Victoria Bylin is an effortless storyteller in this swoonworthy love story. I was sold from the first few pages when broken-hearted Mia Robinson has a chance encounter with ex-police officer Jake Tanner. Jake is a mentor to young Sam who is set to marry Mia's younger sister, Lucy. Mia doesn't have her mind on love; she has her mind on medicine. Mission Medical, to be exact. Mia longs to use her nurse practitioner career to make a difference in the lives of children. And Jake has his own dream: a camp to teach life skills to teens. But Jake and Mia have to make huge decisions and rise above their past heartaches and decide if love is in the future for them.

This book is full of goodness. It's hard to even write about everything special that is in these pages. The character development is wonderful and the multiple relationship stories fit together perfectly. This is a must read story of selflessness and perseverance. The message is also clear and uplifting and a welcome reminder that God has a place for each of us, though it might not be exactly what we had in mind. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to review this book! Excellent job, Victoria Bylin!

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering

Sleuth Drew Farthering is at it again in this murder mystery by Julianna Deering. While Drew is vacationing at Thorburn Hall with his wife and friends, his host dies in an accident. After doing some investigating, Drew finds out that the death wasn't actually an accident after all, but murder. Drew is on the case and tries using his sleuthing skills to tie up the loose ends and solve this mystery. But the challenge and danger increases when more people keep showing up murdered. Drew must try to keep his loved ones and himself safe while attempting to make sure the murderer doesn't strike again.

I can't say that the ending was quite unpredictable or memorable, but this was a dependable and clean read. I appreciated the references to faith and the fact that this book is not too graphic. Murder mysteries can sometimes be too much for me, but this one is not like that. Also, don't be surprised if you find yourself reading this one with an English accent. It's hard not to be transported to the time period in this book. The humorous exchanges between Drew and his wife and friends was also a nice touch. Thank you to Bethany House for the chance to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

I'd Rather Be Reading is a delight for bookworms. What reader wouldn't love a book about books? In this beautiful hardcover book, Anne Bogel reminds us of everything we love about reading. This book has all the feels for an avid reader like me. I found myself relating to almost everything the author said. She reminded me of my childhood memories visiting the library and the first book I remember capturing me as a reader. (My first memorable book had to be The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.) I also loved to hear about all of the book titles that Anne has read. A lot of them I had not heard of before and I always love a good book recommendation. Anne Bogel has a new fan in me. (I liked her Modern Mrs Darcy page on Facebook immediately after reading this book.) You will want to buy several copies of this to gift to your reader friends. Reading is a way of life and it's a great life. I received this book from BakerBooks in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Romance is abloom in this historical fiction novel by Julie Klassen. This is the second book in her Tales from Ivy Hill series. The cover art is beautiful and sets the tone for a reading retreat from reality. Any book lover enjoys a story that's set in a book store or a library and that is the case in this Ivy Hill tale. Main character, Rachel Ashford, opens up a circulating library which is a huge success. She also opens up her heart to love as do many of the other characters in this book. This is one of those reads that have several stories within which keeps things interesting. Readers will enjoy experiencing life through the eyes of Rachel and her friends Jane and Mercy, as well as the numerous characters in this book. This book does not work well as a standalone book, so one should read the first book in the series before starting this one. The ending of this book is also abrupt, setting the tone for the next Ivy Hall addition. This is a nice, cozy read and I look forward to reading more books by Julie Klassen. Thank you to Bethany House for sending me a copy of this book to review! These opinions are all my own.

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids by Sandy Silverthorne

Laughter awaits in this super silly book for young jokesters! This humorous collection of jokes is recommended for ages 6-12. There are a wide variety of jokes and funny stories included in this book. Knock knock jokes and backward jokes are some of the highlights as well as the classic "chicken crossing the road" joke. Some of these jokes have been heard before and some of them are fresh and laugh out loud worthy. There are also a few illustrations to add a little something extra.

Sarcasm drips from the pages of this funny read. The jokes are guaranteed to put a smile on the reader's face. Every young student will want a copy of this book to learn new jokes and make their friends and family laugh. This book would definitely sell out at a school book fair. Every day should be filled with laughter and this book can provide that. Thank you to Revell for the advance copy of this book!

Praying God's Promises by Linda Evans Shepherd

Praying God's Promises is an inspirational book that can be used as a devotional or can be read all at once. It focuses on many situations in life that we are often in prayer for. But the special thing about this book is that it teaches "the life-changing power of praying the scriptures." Each chapter has a section that focuses on God's promises that are found in His Word and teaches readers how to apply this to their daily lives. Get your highlighter out, because you are going to need it for this one!

I love how this book puts the words of The Bible in terms that are relatable. This book is very uplifting and can be read over and over again. It is also a great tool for memorizing scripture and strengthening one's prayer life.

The cover of the book is also a perfect portrayal of God's creation. This book would be an asset to daily quiet time and would set the tone for a beautiful, faith-filled day.

Thank you so much to Revell for sending me this book to review! These opinions are all my own.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

This book is wonderful. I had never read anything by this author before and I wasn't sold after reading the synopsis, but it greatly exceeded my expectations. It's a treasure hunt story with a romantic and inspiring twist. Tressa is used to living a more than comfortable life and hasn't ever had to worry about being without. But when her father mysteriously disappears and her family is left with close to nothing, Tressa must find a way to make ends meet all while grieving her missing father. The legendary tale of the fortune that is hidden somewhere in the family's estate has relatives and mere acquaintances coming out of the woodwork. But who can Tressa really trust? And will the fortune ever be found?

There are so many lessons to be learned in this book. The book consistently speaks of a literal vineyard that is on Tressa's family's property while metaphorically comparing it to our lives as God's children. He is constantly pruning us and shaping us so that we can bear the best fruit for Him. This book came to me at the perfect time as it lined up exactly with the devotionals I am reading at this moment. It is such a joy to hear God speaking to me through his Word. I read A Rumored Fortune as an e-book which is not usually my method of choice. But in this particular instance, I was glad that it was an e-book because I used the highlighting feature so much. There were just so many quote worthy moments in this book that I want to share with others.

Thank you so much to Revell for sending me this book to review! I enjoyed it so much.

In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury just feels like home to me. Her books are reliably well written and guaranteed to be inspiring and memorable. In This Moment is definitely one to remember! This book deals with a very important subject in our world today: freedom of religion. When Principal Quinn starts a Bible study group at his school, he is taking a big chance because not everybody shares his same view on religion. However, Principal Quinn decides to trust God and go for it in order to win lives for Christ and help his students to triumph over the struggles they deal with daily. But when one of the parents decides to sue Principal Quinn, he must stand strong and prove to everyone that his Bible Study group is changing lives and it's all part of God's greater plan. And with Luke Baxter as Principal Quinn's lawyer, justice has a great chance of being served.

It is always great to read another book about The Baxter family. As Karen Kingsbury says, the Baxters are her readers' family as well. The character development is wonderful and each person in the story feels like a real life friend. I also loved that Aspyn from the Angels Walking Series made an appearance in this book!

This book is a gem as are all of Karen's books. You never have to worry about being disappointed or let down after reading one of her books. You are guaranteed to walk away refreshed and closer to Christ.

Thank you to netgalley and Shelf Awareness for the advance copies of this book!

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

This work of art by Katie Ganshert will bring you to tears. Katie has a true talent to touch the hearts of her readers while bringing God's Word to their lives. A Broken Kind of Beautiful is not just a love story between a man and a woman. It's a love story between God and His children. It's a story of finding beauty in our brokenness and finding forgiveness in the midst of our suffering and heartbreak. We all deserve a chance to be loved and the good news is that we are all loved by our Father in heaven.

File this book under "Favorites" and read it over and over again!

Thank you to WaterBrook for the chance to review this wonderful book!

Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Phoebe's Light is the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This book takes place in the 17th century with 16th century flashbacks from Mary Coffin's journal. Young Phoebe Starbuck, Mary's great-granddaughter, enters into a hasty marriage with the prestigious Captain Phineas Foulger against her father's wishes. Phoebe soon finds herself to sea with the captain and he is not at all what she expected him to be. Sea life is dreadful and Phoebe finds herself extremely ill from the tossing of the choppy waters. Luckily, she has an unexpected ally on the ship: Matthew Macy the barrel maker. Surprises are around every corner in this book and things are not always what they seem.

I really enjoyed this glimpse into Quaker life from Suzanne Woods Fisher. This book was inspired by real life characters and events which makes it even more interesting. The cover is beautiful and so are the words within. I am not always a fan of variations in time periods, but I thought this book flowed well from one time period to the next. I am really excited that I have the next book in this series in my TBR pile and I can't wait to dive in! Thanks so much to Revell for the opportunity to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life by Erica and Jonathan Catherman

The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life is a book of practical life advice for girls and young women. The book touches on a wide variety of subjects. Some of the topics made me giggle(How to Open the Door for Another Person.) And some of the topics actually taught me a thing or two(How to Fix a Small Hole in the Wall.) This book is chock full of information from recipes to sports tips to dating tips and more. This handy guidebook is great for girls who don't have a mentor to look up to and learn from. It's also a great book to help women and girls gain more independence. I will be passing this one on to my teenaged niece! I believe she can gather some great advice and information from this useful book. Thank you so much to Revell for the opportunity to review this book.

12 Faithful Men by Collin Hansen and Jeff Robinson, EDS.

Becoming a Christian doesn't mean that all of our suffering will disappear. The Bible says that we will experience suffering, but the good news is that God will never leave us or forsake us. Suffering is the common theme found in the lives of all the important men that are featured in this inspiring book. However, these men used their trials for good and as a result, they all have incredible testimonies that touch the lives of others. I had heard of several of the men in this book such as Charles Spurgeon, the disciple Paul, and John Calvin, but others such as Wang Ming-Dao and Janani Luwum were new to me. The 12 men in this book were all pastors and spent their lives reaching souls for Christ. Some of them experienced illness, loss, imprisonment, and untimely death. Their stories are an inspiration to the world. Without these men and their work for Christ, where would we be? I really enjoyed reading about these special leaders and I learned so much about them. I know when they entered the gates of heaven, God said to them, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Thank you so much to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book!

As the Tide Comes In by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

This book has it all: humor, love, sadness, and most of all, inspiration. Tara has struggled through life as a foster child and she finally finds her place in the world as she takes over as guardian for her younger brothers. When tragedy strikes, Tara's world is turned upside down and she questions God's plan. Tara finds refuge in an Island town in Georgia and in a unique group of women named the Glynn Girls. The Glynn Girls and their kind-hearted son Gavin make it their mission to help Tara find answers about her past and deal with the grief that is taking over her life.

The flow of this book was great as the story completely comes full circle by the last pages. Readers will experience an array of emotions as they peruse the pages. The comic relief of the Glynn Girls really lightens up the tragic part of this book and provides an excellent variation to the story. This is an inspiring read for those who are experiencing loss or grief in their lives. There are many helpful tidbits and attempts to answer questions for people who may be struggling to come to terms with bad things that happen in a broken world. I enjoyed this book and am thankful to have received an advance copy as a member of Cindy Woodsmall's launch team.

The Healthy Living Handbook by Laura Harris Smith

The Healthy Living Handbook was not at all what I expected. I was expecting a diet book with tips for healthy eating, but it actually contained a lot more than that. This book is divided into three sections: healthy living for the spirit, mind, and body. Each section has ten chapters with tips for better health in these particular areas. There is also a section for reflection and prayer at the end of each chapter.

I am on the fence about this book. I didn't agree with all of the information I read and I honestly felt like the author was very extreme in some situations and I received a judgmental vibe while reading some of this material. I am very conservative so when it comes to speaking in tongues and changing the way I pray, I'm not too comfortable with all that. However, I did like the overall reason the book was written which is to promote a healthier lifestyle. I also liked the sections that gave practical advice for choosing healthier foods, staying hydrated, and getting more rest. The author is obviously very driven and motivated and has a unique lifestyle.

Thank you very much to Chosen for the chance to review this book!

The Road Home by Beverly Lewis

When you pick up a book by Beverly Lewis you just know it will be good. She is such a dependable author who never disappoints. I also had the pleasure of meeting her at a book signing so I am always excited when she has a new release.

In The Road Home, Lena Rose and her nine siblings live with their parents in an Amish community in Michigan. Tragedy suddenly strikes and the children are left as orphans. Sadly, there is no way for the siblings to stay in their home without their parents to provide for them, so they have to be split up into the homes of family and friends. Lena Rose ends up over 500 miles away from her beloved family and she struggles as she grieves her parents and misses her siblings immensely. Lena Rose is a bright light and a helper to those in need so she flourishes in her new life, but that doesn't take away her desire to be reunited with her siblings.

This book is such a nice, cozy read. There are so many inspiring parts to this story and many examples of true love. I absolutely loved Lena Rose's character and the other characters are also very engaging. I would love to read more about Lena Rose and her siblings in the future. Thank you to Bethany House for the chance to review this book and thank you to Beverly Lewis for another great read! Make sure to put this on your summer reading list!

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

I read this at the perfect time as the royal wedding will be happening soon! This book definitely had me feeling all royal and such!

Nolan Price is employed as a stable hand at Stainsby Hall and he has his heart set on a kitchen maid named Hannah Burnham. Nolan doesn't feel like he has much to offer Hannah, but he hopes that his love will be enough. He begins devising a plan that will allow him to make a life for Hannah away from Stainsby Hall. Nolan's well laid plans are quickly uprooted as he learns a life-changing secret. His father is the Earl of Stainsby. Nolan cannot stand the thought of losing Hannah so he convinces her to elope with him quickly before their marriage can be forbidden due to Hannah's lower class status. This speedy decision causes much turmoil as Nolan attempts to form a relationship with his father and keep his marriage intact at the same time.

I really enjoyed this book by Susan Anne Mason. The storyline is unique and interesting. There is also a wonderful element of surprise throughout. There are many lessons to be learned throughout this book with forgiveness being a major theme. This refreshing and dependable read is one I am sure to recommend. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to review this book!

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

I love this book! The cover, the author, the characters...love it all! I haven't read the other books in this series so I wasn't sure what to expect, but now I must read all the other Montana Rescue books!

Susan May Warren dishes out the perfect mix of romance and drama in her newest release. Storm photographer, Brette, and rescuer with regrets, Ty, have history and they are thrown back into each other's lives suddenly when a tornado rips through a small Minnesota town. Brette and Ty find themselves in a frantic search to find some of the missing members of the town and they must reevaluate their past romance in the meantime. They just might find out that it is impossible to separate ones that God has put together, no matter how you try to run and hide.

This book is just a breath of fresh air. It is everything you could want in a good read. I loved the easy connection that is felt with the characters and the way that Susan used inspirational messages throughout the book. This book shows the reader how to trust God through their struggles in life. I really can't say enough good things about this book! You will want to find a comfy spot and a snack and read this in one sitting. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to review this book!

Fierce Marriage by Ryan and Selena Frederick

Ryan and Selena Frederick are the founders of fiercemarriage.com which is an online community that has grown in leaps and bounds since it first started in 2013. In this book, Ryan and Selena share some of the struggles they have dealt with in their own marriage as well as conflicts among the marriages of their fiercemarriage.com readers. Ryan and Selena focus on God-centered marriage which is the only way anyone's marriage can ultimately survive.

It took me awhile to get into reading this book. I think it might be because the book goes back and forth between Ryan and Selena's view. I think the book could be improved if the switching between viewpoints didn't happen during the middle of the chapter and had a more uniform way to show that the author was changing. Also. the authors are very candid so there were some blush-worthy moments in the book that were a bit much for me.

However, there are some definite high points to the book that stuck with me. I appreciated how Ryan and Selena focused on God-centered marriage and they had some good practical advice for couples. Their quote that said, "Christ isn't just at the top of the list; he is the list," is something that really resonated with me. This is so true. I also liked that they mentioned that children can witness the gospel just by watching your marriage. I have never really thought of that in those terms before, but that is a great interpretation.

I applaud Ryan and Selena for taking the time to share their marriage and help other couples improve their relationships. Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book.

Raising World Changers in a Changing World by Kristen Welch

This book is an eye-opener for sure. It is a book about generosity and one family's journey to not just give a little, but to give their all. Each chapter concludes with a question and answer section with Kristen's children and husband, as well as hands on ideas to help your family become givers.

While I love a lot of the advice given in this book, I also found myself disagreeing with some of the situations in this book. I think this is because I am a "safe" person and parent and I am always trying my best to keep my children safe. I trust God completely, but I also feel like he wants us to be earthly protectors for our children and to not put them into extremely dangerous situations. Some of the instances in this book are a bit extreme. One generosity tip mentioned making your children give up their bed for houseguests. I feel like you have to be very careful not to break your own children while you are in the midst of generosity, because every child is different and could be affected in a negative way. A young child is still growing and developing and their room should be their safe place and their sanctuary and should not have to be given up to a stranger. In this world today, you have to be careful who you invite into your house for your family's safety. While reading this book, I felt like there were many contradictory and judgmental statements. I see nothing wrong with teaching your children to be generous and happy and joyful at the same time. I talk about God, prayer, generosity, kindness, and forgiveness with my son every day. We are not perfect, but we love God and try our best to help others. I appreciate the idea of this book, but I don't feel like some of these extreme examples are the right fit for every family. Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book! These opinions are honest and are my own.

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

Pelican Point is the newest Hope Harbor novel by Irene Hannon. Hope Harbor is such a beautiful setting for this story. The cover art is a perfect representation of what I feel like Hope Harbor would be like.

Ben and Marci both have ties to Hope Harbor and they meet in an unexpected way when Ben comes back into town for his grandfather's funeral. They find themselves at odds over an inherited lighthouse, and find themselves smack dab in the middle of a love story when they least expect it.

One of the things I loved about this book is that there are many stories within this story. We get to hear the love story between Rachel and Greg as well as learn about other Hope Harbor residents.

As the story builds, just the right amount of drama is thrown in to spruce up the storyline. I found myself getting nervous that a certain someone was going to jump out of the shadows and wreak havoc.

I didn't want this book to end and I feel like it has a lot of potential to inspire future Hope Harbor novels. This book is a bit edgy for Christian fiction as I've noticed in Hannon's past work. Nevertheless, readers will enjoy this lighthouse love story. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to review this book.

An Imperfect Woman by Kim Hyland

"For every woman who gives it everything she's got...and still feels shame when one little thing goes wrong."

An Imperfect Woman is Kim Hyland's first book, but you would never guess that while reading it. The beautiful cover art sets the tone for this special book that every woman should read. Kim focuses on 10 topics that she calls "An Imperfect Woman's Manifesto." Each chapter goes into detail about one of these perfection struggles we all deal with and gives practical advice for how to embrace our God and quit trying to do everything by ourselves.

One of the chapters that really stood out to me was one about rejecting safety and embracing the battle. Kim explains how safety is a good thing, but oftentimes there are certain risks in life we have to take and rely on God to fulfill His plan for us.

I have to say that my favorite chapter in the book was the chapter on comparison. This chapter is so relatable because it is so easy to compare ourselves to others and start to feel like we aren't good enough. Kim uses scripture to explain how the body of Christ is diverse, just like our physical bodies. We are all different and God has a special plan and a job for us. The scripture references in the book were very helpful and tied into Kim's writing in an interesting and informative way. There are also questions at the end of each chapter that will help with further studies and reflection.

For every woman that strives to be perfect: You are enough and you don't have to do it alone! Kim Hyland's book is like a conversation with a friend and it is sure to bless you and inspire you. Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book!

Bountiful Blessings by Susie Larson

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." In this crazy, busy world we live in, we forget to do that. We forget to just be still and reflect on the blessings God has given us.

Bountiful Blessings forces you to be still, relax, and meditate on God's Word. This sweet devotional has a scripture and short reading for each day along with a coloring page. Who doesn't love to color??? It is so relaxing and great for all ages. My 7-year-old has even been known to pick up this book and read a devotional or two on his own. This book would be a great asset to family Bible time. Each page in Bountiful Blessings is uplifting and beautiful. You cannot read this book without feeling rested and inspired. I cannot say enough good things about this devotional and I am thankful to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest review. Now head on over to Amazon or your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed!

Life-changing Miracles - Compiled by James Stuart Bell

Two words: sweet inspiration. This is the perfect description for this Chicken Soup for the Soul-ish book. I absolutely love a good compilation book! This particular one holds the stories of 37 different contributors. Each story is different, but has the same central theme. God is still in the miracle business! Each short story in this book tells of some way God is working in individual lives. Sometimes miracles are clear to us, and sometimes we have to look beyond the surface to find our Heavenly Father's grace. I enjoyed all of the writing in this book and I also love the cover art. Looking at the cover makes me think of happiness and hope and it would definitely catch my eye on a store bookshelf. One of my favorite stories in the book is the very last one by Rose Maureen. Her story is one of healing and she was reminded by so many people of the verse in the Bible found in Matthew 19:26. It says, "...with God everything is possible." Amen and amen! We can't do anything without God and his mercies are new every morning! Praise God for the miracles that are being performed in our lives everyday. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

WINNER!!!

Thanks for checking out my Q&A with Jennifer H. Westall! I hope you all have had a chance to check out the Healing Ruby series! As promised, it is time to give away a $10 Amazon gift card! And the winner is...

KARMEN!!!

Congratulations, Karmen! Have a great weekend and HAPPY READING!

Q&A with the amazing Jennifer H. Westall!

So if you've been keeping up with my blog lately, you will see that I've been posting a lot of reviews about the Healing Ruby series by Jennifer H. Westall. If you haven't read this series, you must! I seriously haven't been this into a series since The Hunger Games! I am super excited that Jennifer has so graciously answered a few questions for all you blog readers out there. Prepare to be inspired!

Be honest. Who's your favorite? Ruby or Matthew? ;)

I'm not sure either is really my favorite, because I love them both so much for different reasons. However, I relate most to Matthew. He is most like me in many ways, especially when he is plunging ahead to try to control a situation, rather than waiting on God’s timing.

Which book in the Healing Ruby series is your favorite and why?

That’s like asking me to pick my favorite kid! I can say that each book was an exploration of some of my own struggles in my walk with the Lord. By the time I got to the fourth book, I was battling emotionally, physically, and spiritually in ways I didn’t understand at the time. It sounds strange to say in some regards, but I was under constant attack from the "enemy" while writing the last book. I can remember writing one scene in particular, when a major character is struggling with the concept of trusting in God, and another character tells him, "God didn’t save you from one fire just to lose you in another." That line came to me straight from God, and I had to stop writing, kneel at my chair, and cry for a while. That last book of the series had many, many moments like that for me. Even now, when I reread it, I sometimes have no idea where some of it came from, other than knowing it came from God. So, I’m not sure I’d say the last one is my favorite, but it was definitely the one that had the most impact on me.

Do you have any special places you go to do your best writing?

I don’t have any special places. I just need to be somewhere alone and quiet. That’s hard to come by in my house, which means I usually end up writing late at night after everyone else has gone to bed.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I didn’t start out with the intention of becoming a writer. I just had an interesting story idea in my head and had fun trying to write it out. I spent nine years writing my first novel, with so many edits and rewrites I couldn’t count them all. I had no intention of publishing it, but I loved the idea of the story. Every time I picked up the story to write more, it was like playing with dolls in my own created world. I enjoyed the possibilities and all the "what-if" questions. I didn’t get serious about publishing until I heard stories about my grandmother that I knew would make a great book. Then things just started from there. I kept at it, kept learning, kept writing, and eventually I ended up with a series.

What scripture(s) is/are your favorite to apply to your daily life?

This is also like picking my favorite child! There are so many I love. One of my favorites is Galatians 2:20. It reminds me that I have to die to myself every day, that Christ is living in me, and my life no longer belongs to me. For some, that’s a scary thought: for your life to not be your own. But it’s reassuring for me. I could never make my life into anything good on my own power. Knowing I belong to Jesus gives me hope and purpose.

What books are in your to be read pile at the moment?

Most of them are research books for my next novel (see below for more on that). So they may seem like strange titles. But here are just a few I’m reading/studying. War on the Saints by Jessie Penn-Lewis, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, and The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers (that’s the only one I’m reading for my own pleasure right now)

What are your hobbies when you aren't writing amazing books?

I coach volleyball and travel with my team about twice a month. I also enjoy puzzles and brain games. With homeschooling, coaching, mothering, wifing (haha), and writing on my plate every week, I don’t get much time for hobbies. But I prefer staying busy. I never get bored.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read as much as you can about the craft of storytelling. Give yourself time to learn and grow. Don’t rush to put something out there just because anyone can. Like any skill, it takes time and practice, and you can always get better. Do the work it takes to make your writing shine. And enjoy the process. It’s amazing!

What can we expect from you next?

I’m working on several ideas for the next few years. I’d like to write stand-alone stories for several secondary characters from the Healing Ruby series. First up will be Hope, who will be solving a mystery and battling dark forces as she discovers her spiritual gift set in the mid to late 1960s.


I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into Jennifer's life and writing and I hope you will check out her Healing Ruby series! Since I love it so much, I am going to giveaway a $10 Amazon card to one of you lucky readers so you can head on over and start downloading the series! Book 1(Healing Ruby) is actually FREE for Kindle right now!

To enter to win, just leave a comment on this blog post and I will draw a random winner. Good luck and happy reading!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O3GRNF2/ref=series_dp_rw_ca_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523159278&sr=8-6

Abiding Hope by Jennifer H. Westall

Abiding Hope is the perfect ending to the Healing Ruby series. Jennifer Westall wraps up the story and ties it with a nice shiny bow. This series is an absolute gift to its readers. Not since The Hunger Games have I been so invested in a series. The ending of Abiding Hope could not have been more perfect as it hints to future storylines that I am super excited about. This installment of the series was so heartbreaking at times and I could feel myself getting so drawn into the characters' stories and their struggles. I am better because of these books and I am so glad I stumbled upon this series.

Searching for Spring by Christine Hoover

Searching for Spring is a beautiful distraction to everyday life. Christine Hoover's words are poetic, thoughtful, and comforting. She divides the book into 4 separate parts with one for each season and each chapter focuses on a section of Ecclesiastes 3. Christine reminds us to look for the beauty in all situations. God wants us to find the joy in His creation. This book made me hopeful and happy. It gave me wonderful feelings and convinced me to slow down and focus on the good around me. The cover is also beautiful and it's perfect for the beauty within. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would love to read more from Christine Hoover. Thank you to BakerBooks for giving me the chance to review this book!

Saving Grace by Jennifer H. Westall

Saving Grace is my favorite book in the Healing Ruby series. This book takes Ruby and Matthew's story to another level as it takes place in a war zone. I love that Jennifer tells a new story in each book in this series. It really keeps the story fresh and interesting as the reader sees the changes in the characters' lives. There are some new characters in this book that I had an instant connection with. There are also several major turning points in this book, but I don't want to mention them in this review so as not to post any spoilers. This installment in the series keeps you on the edge of your seat and is oftentimes thrilling and suspenseful. Another 5 star read from Jennifer H. Westall!

The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies by Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss

The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies is a handy guidebook for all things Bible. It is the perfect size to tuck into your Bible case for your studies on the go. It is chock-full of pertinent information that will enhance your daily time in the Word. The standard A to Z format is easy to follow and search. The terms in this dictionary include Biblical events, important people, frequently used Bible words, and much more. You don't have to be a pastor or a Bible college student to greatly benefit from this book. It is a great asset to use when encountering a word in the Bible that you just don't recognize or understand. I am looking forward to increasing my Biblical knowledge by reading this book and adding it to my study materials. I received this book from BakerBooks in exchange for my honest review.

Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky

Across the Blue is well represented by its cover: beautiful, intriguing, and exciting. It is quite impossible to look at the cover of this book and not want to take a peek. As a reader, I really appreciate a well designed cover as it sets the tone for the book. The story inside definitely does not disappoint. This is a nineteenth century adventure in aviation which highlights up-and-coming aviator, James Drake, and aspiring journalist, Isabella Grayson. When James makes an unexpected crash landing near Bella's home, he unknowingly crashes right into her life: for good. Bella's father is the owner of the Daily Mail newspaper and he is offering a cash prize to the first pilot who can fly across the English Channel. James is on a mission to be that pioneer pilot and Isabella is overjoyed to watch him on his journey to success. But success doesn't come without bumps in the road and James and Isabella have to find a way to overcome these obstacles as they both strive to follow their dreams and find love in the process.

Across the Blue is a quoteworthy book that is full of inspiration. One of my favorite quotes from the book says, "A hope can become a reality if we work hard to do our part, and then trust the Lord to do the rest."
Think of what we could accomplish if we applied this to our every day lives! I am thankful to WaterBrook for providing me with a copy of the book to review. It is a lovely book full of adventure, romance, and encouragement. I look forward to reading more books by Carrie Turansky.

Why Did You Choose Me? by Katie Cruice Smith

Why Did You Choose Me? is a sweet children's book to help adoptive and foster children adjust to being in a new family. Its catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations are comforting for young children who may be confused and struggling to find answers to questions about their new lives. Adoption is such a precious gift and this book makes it possible for children to gain a better understanding of a sometimes difficult situation.

The author was inspired to write this book as she searched for stories to read to her own adopted children. Books like these are definitely needed in today's world. A book has the ability to comfort, to transform, and to transport the reader to endless places with just the turn of a page. This book is a special book for special children and it is definitely a blessing. Throughout the book, there are splashes of color in honor of all the children who are still waiting for their forever home. This is such a wonderful way to remember these precious children. Adoptive and foster parents are heroes and they are changing the world for the better each day. This book will help them make that change. I received this book from Ambassador International and the opinions in this review are my honest interpretation.

The Essential Guide to Prayer by Dutch Sheets

What a powerful book on prayer! This book is one you will want to file away on your bookshelf in the "read often" section. It is a wonderful tool to help one's prayer life grow immensely. Dutch Sheets uses humorous glimpses of his life and incredible stories of prayer to guide readers to a better connection with our Savior. He uses 13 chapters to describe the process of intercession and how we can step in to ask God for help and stand back and watch Him work. We need to intercede in so many instances and pray that God's will be done. It was very interesting to read real life examples of miraculous occurrences that might not have happened without a prayer warrior's determination and trust in God. This is a quick, informative read that is very uplifting and inspiring. Each chapter also has discussion questions that would be very helpful in one's quiet time or in a small group. I gained much information from this book and look forward to applying it to my prayer life. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn

This book did not stand a chance of getting put in my to be read pile. I was hooked from the very first chapter, read through it quickly, and was sad when it was over! This is the first book in the Dive Team Investigations series and it focuses on investigator, Ryan Parker, and nurse practitioner, Leigh Weston. Ryan and Leigh have known each other for ages as Leigh's brother, Kirk, and Ryan are best friends. But their lives intersect in a way they never have before as Ryan becomes the lead investigator in the case in which Leigh is the victim. Leigh is scared for her life as she finds out someone is trying to kill her. But who? She is well liked and without enemies. Who could possibly want to harm her? And just what does her case have in common with Ryan's possible serial killer case? Ryan is prepared to try his best to solve this mystery and protect Leigh in the process.

This thriller keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself theorizing who I thought the killer was and I was way off. I never would have guessed what the ending would reveal. Blackburn does an excellent job of building up the suspense and mystery for the reader. Also, the characters in this book are exceptional. I love the camaraderie and dialogue between the characters. I want to know more about all of the characters and I could see myself reading a series about any of them. I look forward to reading the second book in this series. I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Permanent Marker by Aimee Ross

Permanent Marker is the memoir of Aimee Ross. Who is Aimee Ross? She is a wife. She is a mother. She is an English teacher. Most importantly, she is a survivor. Aimee's life looked great from the outside until it wasn't great anymore. She found herself struggling through her marriage and she found herself a victim of a heart attack at the young age of 41. But her life's defining moment happened on July 27, 2010. Aimee and 3 of her dance team students were traveling home from a dance camp when they were hit by an intoxicated driver. The driver didn't make it, but Aimee and the girls survived. Aimee's survival did not come easy as she began the fight to gain her life back. But life would never be the same. Too many injuries. Too many changes. Too much guilt. These are just a few of the things that Aimee had to deal with on her journey.

Reading this book is like reading Aimee's diary. Her story is very candid and real. She doesn't hold back and she doesn't sugar coat the struggles she went through. To be honest, this book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting this to be a Christian book, but it is not. There is a lot of foul language that I didn't care for. Also, Aimee gives credit to the Universe instead of God, so it's obvious that she and I have different belief systems. I was also expecting a feel good, inspirational book, but Aimee's story is quite sad to me. I am sad for the pain and struggles she went through. Her story taught me how to be more empathetic and aware of the trials people are facing. Nevertheless, Aimee did find her new version of happily ever after, even though it's not quite what she expected her life to be like. I am happy that Aimee survived and wish her the best as she deals with the remnants of this tragedy. Thank you to KiCam Projects for the chance to review this book!

Breaking Matthew by Jennifer H. Westall

WARNING: Do not start reading the Healing Ruby series until you have enough free time to read all four books in a row. Once you start, you will not be able to accomplish much of anything else until you finish. Rarely will you find a series as entrancing as this one. I know it's cliché to say "I couldn't put this book down", but in this instance it is nothing but the truth. Prepare to be transported into the world of Ruby and Matthew.

Breaking Matthew is the second book in the Healing Ruby series. Years have passed since Ruby and Matthew have seen each other, but as we know, nothing and no one can keep true love apart. However, in this book, Ruby and Matthew will have to go through some serious trials(literally and figuratively) to try to stay together.

This book is exciting, inspiring, dramatic, heartwrenching, surprising, and just overall amazing. I could think of a hundred adjectives to describe it and Jennifer's talent. I consider it an absolute honor to have stumbled upon a series as unforgettable as this one. This book and the complete series is every reader's dream. Stay tuned for my review of the third book in the series, Saving Grace. Spoiler alert: it is the best book in the series so far. ;)

On Pills and Needles by Rick Van Warner

On Pills and Needles is one family's heartbreaking story of addiction. Addiction is a serious problem in our world today. The author of this book wanted to share his story in order to help other people who are dealing with these same issues. Rick Van Warner spent 8 years trying to helping his son, Tommy, when he became addicted to drugs. He shares in detail the struggles his family went through during this dark time. Tommy's drug addiction almost destroyed the family as they tried to help him over and over again and failed. Rick finally realized that he couldn't do anything to help Tommy until Tommy decided to help himself. He goes on to say that the only person we can control is our self and we can't focus on trying to control other people. Honestly, when I started this book it made me anxious as I am a parent myself and I started wondering what I would do if I were in Rick's situation. I quickly determined that I would do the same thing that he did which is to not give up on my child no matter what. Rick is a true example of a father. Even though he felt like washing his hands of Tommy many times throughout this ordeal because he couldn't find another way to help him, he didn't. He kept on trying and kept on doing what he could for his child. This is what God does for us. He doesn't give up on us. Ever. No matter what. Families that are going through this experience can benefit from reading this book. Although it is a sad story, it is eye-opening to the path of destruction that is formed by drug addiction. I received this book from BakerBooks in exchange for my honest review. 

The View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble

If you are looking for a thrilling, exciting read, The View from Rainshadow Bay is the book for you! Colleen Coble's books are always on my to read list and this one does not disappoint. You will be swept away into the mystery of this story as you read about the perils that main character, Shauna, and her family have to experience. Shauna is trying to deal with loss in her life while raising her young son who is everything to her. After losing her husband, she doesn't ever think she can love like that again, but sometimes love surprises you when you least expect it. This book is filled with suspense, excitement, and a little romance, too! I also really appreciated the message that was focused on in this book, which is from my favorite scripture of Romans 8:28. We all have bad things happen to us. That is out of our control. But we can trust God when he tells us that there will be good things that come from our troubles. God is bigger than whatever we are facing and He will be with us every step of the way. I received this book from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Winner winner!

And the winner of a free copy of Across the Blue is......





CHRYSTAL!

Congratulations, Chrystal! You will be receiving a free book courtesy of WaterBrook! Thanks for participating!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways!

Happy reading!

Be the Hands and Feet by Nick Vujicic

When Nick Vujicic was born, he had no arms and legs, much to the surprise of his parents. However, he has not let this slow him down in his pursuit to live his life to the fullest and spread the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Nick is an inspiration to all. He has defied the odds and has proved that with perseverance, a positive attitude, and God on our side we can make a difference. We can all "be the hands and feet of Jesus."

Throughout Nick's life, he has had struggles and triumphs and he talks about many of his experiences in this book. His life experiences are interesting and inspiring. He is proof that God can use anybody to do His work.

One of the parts of this book that stood out to me the most was Nick's outlook on churches and how they can help others. Nick goes on to say that churches should be helping people in need by offering services of assistance such as counseling and addiction recovery. Think of how many people we could reach if our churches were persistent in offering support to community members. This is just one of many examples of Nick's servanthood. Nick is special to God just like we all are, and He can use us if we just let Him. Thank you, Nick, for sharing your life with your readers and inspiring others each and every day. It is an honor to be on the launch team for this book.

Across the Blue giveaway!

Carrie Turansky's new book, Across the Blue, is releasing on February 20 and WaterBrook has so graciously given me permission to host a giveaway! To be entered into the giveaway, just leave me a comment on this blog post and I will randomly pick one of you to win your free copy of Across the Blue. Easy peasy! I will draw a winner on January 31.

I'm reading Across the Blue now and it is excellent so far! It's hard to put down! It's based in the 1900s and it's the story of an up and coming aviator named James Drake who has his mind set on being the first person to fly across the English Channel. He catches the attention of young Miss Isabella Grayson who is the daughter of a very successful businessman. James and Isabella come from very different backgrounds so it will be interesting to see their relationship grow. This book is in the Christian fiction genre so it's good wholesome reading!

Thanks for checking out my book blog and GOOD LUCK! Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win! Happy Reading!

Your God is Too Glorious by Chad Bird

I really wanted to like this book, but as I got further and further into it, I just couldn't stop finding things about it that just rubbed me the wrong way. This book talks a lot about how God is mainly found in low, discouraging places and how we should live a simple life in order for Him to work through us. I do believe that God is found in the low places. The Bible does say that he is close to the broken-hearted. But he is found in high places, too. He gives us dreams and he gives us a platform to use to glorify Him. The author of this book came across as judgmental and extreme in his references at times. I cannot fully support a book that uses foul language toward God and talks about drinking alcoholic beverages as a pastime. However, there are many useful tidbits in this book and I actually started out thinking I was going to love it. Overall, I ended up being sadly disappointed. I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.

Salvation on Death Row by John T. Thorngren

Salvation on Death Row is the powerful true story of death row inmate Pamela Perillo. Pamela had a troubled childhood and ended up turning to drugs to numb the pain of her daily struggles. In 1980, Pamela hit an all time low when she committed two murders while she was under the influence. Pamela ended up being sentenced to the death penalty as punishment for her crimes. Shortly after Pamela was imprisoned, she found the Lord and was saved. She felt remorse for her sins and asked for forgiveness. Throughout the years, Pamela would fight to change her death penalty sentence and would also fight to spread the word of Jesus Christ. She ended up being successful in both areas and she escaped death row in exchange for a lifetime imprisonment. At the time this book was published, Pamela had been in jail for almost 40 years and she is hoping for parole in 2019.

God can use anyone to bring others to Him. Pamela has defeated the odds. She has used a terrible situation for the good of the Lord. She has truly been changed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Reading Pamela's story will help readers to be more open-minded and aware that we all have fallen short. We all have sinned and we are broken. But in the end, evil does not win. GOD WINS. Pamela is very brave to share her story and strive to move on from her troubled past and move forward to fulfill God's plan for her life. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

Every now and then you read a book that sticks with you. A book that you just can't forget. A book that affects you in a special way. This is one of those books. Having never read Katie Ganshert's work before, I didn't know what to expect, but I am so glad that I have discovered this talented author. She is surely to be one of my favorites from here on out and I can't wait to read all of her other books.

No One Ever Asked is a heartwrenching look into some very serious issues that our world has been dealing with for many years. Racism is alive and well in society today and stories like this one bring awareness to this very important issue. This book is told from the perspective of three different main characters: Camille, Jen, and Anaya. Readers will be surprised to see the relevance in each character's story and will experience a point of view that they may not have thought about before. The characters in this book are very relatable. I found myself relating to Camille in many instances because she is a mom who loves her children fiercely and wants the best for them. In comparison, Jen is also a mother, but she struggles to show love to her newly adopted daughter. Anaya has an important role in both Camille and Jen's lives because she is a teacher and track coach at the children's school. These ladies are all so different, yet they must adapt to each other as their lives become intertwined.

In the author's note, Katie says that she hopes her readers will gain empathy from this book. That is one thing that makes this book so special. We get to see all sides of the story and put ourselves in the characters' shoes.

My "to read" pile is a mile high, yet this book kept making its way to the top of the pile. It's a book that you can't put down and can't get out of your head. It's a book that is necessary and interesting and surprising. It's very well written and Katie Ganshert is an artist of telling stories. I am honored to have read this book and to be on the launch team as it releases. Thank you, Katie, for telling this amazing story.