Best of 2019

According to my Goodreads account, I read 84 books this year. These are my top reads out of those books. Not all of these were published this year. Coming in at #10 is...

10. Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

The cover and setting were enough to make me want to read this book! This book is full of adventure and the descriptive writing whisks you away on a captivating journey. Karen Barnett is one of those writers who inspires and motivates with her storytelling.

9. The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

This is not your normal everyday weight loss book. It's so much more. Wendy Speake teaches her readers to stop replacing Jesus with bad habits and addictions and rely on Him fully in all circumstances. (A community wide sugar fast with Wendy starts on January 6, 2020! Sign up now at 40daysugarfast.com)

8. Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

I love Joanna's books. Her book, A Rumored Fortune, is one of my favorites so I was really excited to get my hands on this one. It's a great historical mystery that everyone will love! 

7. Master Organizer of Mayhem by Kristi Clover

Every mom should read this! It was just what I needed in my season of life. Kristi's practical tips for organizing your household are ones that you really will be able to apply to your life.

6. Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn's books never disappoint! She combines fiction with Biblical stories in a way that everyone can appreciate. This is some of her best work.

5. Aly's Fight by Aly and Josh Taylor

I first fell in love with Aly and Josh's story on TLC's Rattled and then started following them on Facebook. If you want to hear a miraculous story, this is it!

4. Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I couldn't forget about this book this year. The theme of forgiveness is strong in this one which makes it one of my favorite books in 2019.

3. The Cranky Mom Fix by Becky Kopitzke

I can't say enough good things about this. I cried, I laughed, I LOVED this book!

2. Can't Make This Stuff Up! by Susannah B. Lewis

I have to admit, this book was at the top of my favorites list for months. I really thought this was going to be my number one for the year. This is another book that really appeals to the emotions, which is a win for me. Everyone needs a little "Whoa Susannah" in their life!

And now, for the top honor....my FAVORITE book of 2019...

1. The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

This book has all the feels! It's an action packed romance with an emphasis on my favorite Scripture--Romans 8:28. This book technically doesn't release until 2020, but I got an advance copy and could not put it down. This is a must read for the new year!

Well there you have it! My top 10 reads of 2019! Check out my blog for full reviews of these books and more. Thank you to the authors for using your spiritual gifts to inspire and change lives for Jesus. You are making a difference in my life as well as so many others. Thank you to the publishers for putting clean reads out there for us to enjoy. And if you made it to the end of this list, thank YOU for following and here's to happy reading in 2020!!!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

She Laughs by Carolanne Miljavac

Stories Behind the Songs and Hymns About Heaven by Ace Collins

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Jenny Calhoun and her friends make a plan to climb a mountain every year to prove to themselves that they are stronger than the memories of their past that haunt them. This year that mountain is Denali in Alaska. When Jenny and her climbing crew run into trouble on the mountain, they lose hope of survival. Just when they're about to give up, they are rescued by knights in climbing gear. One of the heroic rescuers turns out to be Orion Starr -- a man that Jenny hasn't been able to forget since her chance encounter with him in Afghanistan years earlier. The climbers must fight for their lives as they try to descend the mountain and finally break free of the heartaches of their past.

This book is everything! I didn't want it to end. It is full of romance, adventure, and inspiration. The message that Susan May Warren delivers is so important. She uses scripture to show that we will experience terrible things in this life, but God is not against us. He is always working things out for good. This book is not one that I will forget and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

This book is more than just getting rid of the excess sugar in your diet. It's about building a better relationship with God and putting Him above all else. Wendy Speake has developed a wonderful tool for people who struggle with turning to bad habits instead of Jesus. Wendy offers practical advice in the form of short daily devotionals. She focuses on other addictions besides just problems with food. Whether you are struggling with excessive spending or too much time on social media or even neglecting God's word, this book can help you. While weight loss and better health are an advantage of committing to this 40 day sugar fast, the main goal is to open your heart and mind to God and His Word.

This is one of the best books I've read this year. I felt like the message was meant for me. It focuses on every one of my daily struggles. I feel like Wendy has provided practical and useful tips for getting rid of the things that are hindering us from an ultimate closeness with God. Wendy acknowledges that this journey won't be easy, but she offers the support and guidance to succeed by using this book and God's Word. I am excited to join this journey with Wendy in January and see the changes in my life. Thank you so much to Wendy Speake and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Always Look Twice is the second book in the Uncommon Justice series by Elizabeth Goddard. This action packed book can also be read as a standalone book without feeling like you are missing information from the previous book. Harper Reynolds is a crime scene photographer on a break from her highly stressful job. While trying to find some relaxation in the outdoors, Harper stumbles upon another crime. Luckily, she has her camera with her and she is able to capture a murder in progress. Harper is obviously shaken, but she is determined to solve this murder mystery. With the help of her childhood friend, Deputy Heath McKade, Harper finds out that there is much more to this mystery than she thought. Harper must fight to survive as she becomes a target in this suspenseful story.

Elizabeth Goddard takes her readers on a thrill ride in this exciting book. This story is very well written and it's the perfect blend of suspense and romance. The material is clean and inspirational. The character development and build of suspense is also well done. This was a page turner that kept me interested until the very end. I also thought the ending was very well written and a great conclusion to the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Thank you so much to the author and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

The Coming Revolution in Church Economics by Mark Deymaz and Harry Li

This book offers up a new outlook on tithes and offerings. According to the authors, traditional tithes and offerings are not always enough to keep a church going and help it grow. The authors offer advice on how to generate funds within the church. Some of their ideas include starting businesses, creating multiple sources of income, and changing the way donations are collected. This subject is one that is often considered controversial so not everyone will agree with this book. Personally, I could not really relate to this book because I do not attend a "megachurch." I feel like this is the type of church that would benefit from this type of book. I attend a conservative Southern Baptist church so I cannot fully get on board with the advice given in this book. Furthermore, I found the multiple author viewpoint to be confusing as it varied back and forth. Nevertheless, the right audience may be able to better relate to this book and I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book.

God's Hostage by Andrew Brunson

In 2016, missionary Andrew Brunson was arrested and falsely accused of terrorism. He was imprisoned in Turkey for two years before he was finally released to freedom in the United States. Many people fought and prayed for Andrew's safe release even though his situation looked hopeless. Andrew reached the lowest of lows while he was held in prison and he had to completely give everything to God in order to survive. Andrew ultimately uses his experience for good as he shares his inspiring story in this powerful read.

Andrew's story is one that everyone should read. He had to deal with unimaginable circumstances during his years of imprisonment including depression, health issues, and separation from his family. Andrew's honest account of his experience is heartbreaking, yet necessary to reveal how God worked in his life. Andrew's story is one that will always be remembered and will spread the news of God's mercy and grace to so many. Thank you so much to Andrew and BakerBooks for sharing this story. I am honored to read and review this book.

Enjoying God by R. C. Sproul

God is oftentimes thought of as a magnificent mystery. Who is He? Can He hear me? Does He even care about me? These are just a few of the questions that cross our minds when we think of God. Though God seems so far away, He is always readily available.

R. C. Sproul began searching for answers about God after he lost his father.  Since then, he has written numerous books and has served the Lord in many wonderful ways. In Enjoying God, R. C. helps his readers "find hope in the attributes of God." R. C. asks and answers the deep questions and provides readers with an eye-opening experience. R. C. dives into the true characteristics of God and highlights scripture passages that he has applied to his life's journey.

This is the first of R. C.'s work that I have read, but I am eager to read more. His deep thinking challenged me and helped me with my spiritual growth and I know it will help other readers as well. Thank you so much to the author and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Breathe Again by Niki Hardy

After being diagnosed with cancer, Niki Hardy had to learn how to find a new normal. She had already lost her mother and sister to cancer, so she knew firsthand what devastating effects she would be facing. Niki's determination and hopeful outlook helped her battle cancer in the best way she could. Niki's story is one that can help anyone who is facing major obstacles in life and teach them how to "breathe again."

Niki's humorous and candid delivery is what makes this book special. She doesn't hold back and she offers an uninhibited look into her real life struggles. She is easy to relate to and becomes an instant friend. Her advice is spot on and practical for dealing with numerous difficult situations. She also shares "The Thriver's Manifesto" which is motivating for anyone who reads it. Niki reminds us that life is definitely going to get hard at times, but we can make it with God on our side. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Don't Lose Heart by Jason Meyer

Don't Lose Heart is a quick, inspiring, and refreshing read. It's a breath of fresh air in times of discouragement. Jason Meyer separates this book into two parts. Part One focuses on how to deal with feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or worthless. Part Two focuses on dealing with discouraging feelings about the past, present, or future. The author uses Biblically sound advice to help readers through difficult circumstances. His advice is not just words on a page. It is useful information that can actually be used to lift your spirits and learn how to deal with anything that comes your way. The hardback binding and small size of this book make it the perfect gift idea. This would be great to have on hand to pass on to loved ones that need some inspiration in their lives. This book helped me a lot and is something I would read again when I need a reminder of God's love. Thank you so much to Jason Meyer and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Joshua's Mission by Vannetta Chapman

When a hurricane strikes the Texas hometown of Charlie Everman, he loses most of his possessions and almost loses his life as well. Charlie's effort to recover and rebuild is made easier by the disaster relief group called MDS. MDS is made up of a group of hard-working volunteers who are helping to build new homes for the hurricane victims. Among the volunteers are several members of an Amish community in Oklahoma. Two brothers, Alton and Joshua, must embrace their differences and learn to accept one another. The girls in the group, Becca and Sarah, have a lot to learn as well. None of them are quite prepared for how much this mission trip will change their lives for the better.

This is one of those effortless reads that takes you away and leaves you feeling refreshed. The characters are instantly interesting and relatable. Reading about the problems that the characters went through was very helpful because it was a great example of how to approach difficult issues in real life in an appropriate way. This beautifully written story is a great lesson on forgiveness and love. Thank you so much to JustRead, Vannetta Chapman, and Harvest House for the chance to read and review this book!

Nice by Sharon Hodde Miller

There's a misconception that as Christians, we are obligated to always "be nice." Such is not the case. Of course, being hateful is not the goal here. The goal is to realize that in certain situations, being nice just doesn't bring forth the ideal results. Sharon Hodde Miller wrote this eye-opening book to show us that God has called us to more than just being enablers and people pleasers.  We are always striving to make others happy, but are we being pleasing to God?

The topic of this book is surprising, but desperately needed. My toes got stepped on a lot while I was reading, but in a good way. I didn't know how much I needed to study this concept. The author makes so many good points to reflect on throughout this read. She brought up so many things that were helpful to me and that I need to work on. I love her viewpoint and how she stresses that we are not to be mean or judgmental, but we do need to be firm in certain difficult situations. I think this would be a great Bible study for a small group and would really change a lot of people's way of thinking. It's great to read about this important topic while also hearing the author's experiences in her own life. Thank you so much to BakerBooks and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series. Connilyn describes this book as being inspired by the parable of the Prodigal Son. This story's "Prodigal Son" is Rivkah, a woman who foolishly flees her life, her family, and her betrothed in a desperate escape attempt. Rivkah soon realizes her mistake, but she feels like her sins can never be forgiven so she chooses to keep her distance from her loved ones. Five years later, Rivkah finally decides to make contact with her father. Her father sends Malakhi, Rivkah's betrothed, to fetch her and bring her safely home. Malakhi thinks he is over Rivkah and has moved on, but he soon realizes that the old feelings are still there. Malakhi will stop at nothing to rescue Rivkah from her life as a servant and finally have the privilege of making her his wife.

Connilyn Cossette is such a talented writer. Her research is impeccable and the way she weaves together Biblical truths with inspired fiction is compelling. Her books flow seamlessly throughout the series and it's always interesting to learn more about characters from previous books. I especially loved Raviv's part in this book as he displayed forgiveness and sacrifice. I did feel like this book was a little more descriptive in certain parts when compared to other books by the author. Some of the descriptions were a bit too much for me and made me uneasy. I'm aware that these circumstances took place in Bible times, but it is difficult to read about. Nevertheless, this was a good continuation to the previous book and I look forward to reading how she series ends. Thanks so much to Connilyn Cossette and Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

Pray Big Things by Julia Jeffress Sadler

Pray Big Things is one of those books that comes along at the perfect time when you didn't even know how much you needed it. In this book, Julia Jeffress Sadler shares what happened when she gave God complete control of her life and boldly asked for his blessings. Julia went from being brokenhearted after dealing with multiple miscarriages, to experiencing absolute joy as she became a mom of miracle triplets. Julia shows her readers that if you pray big, big things happen!

I really enjoyed reading this inspirational book. I was not familiar with the author and her background so it was great to hear about her miraculous story while being inspired to pray for big things in my own life. I found myself really relating to Julia's words. It's incredible to see big results when you stop being afraid and start trusting God. I have taken away a lot of helpful information from this book and I highly recommend it as a helpful tool to improve your prayer life. Thank you so much to the author and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

When God Says Wait by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

If you are in a waiting season, you need this book. This is a devotional journal so there is plenty of room for writing out your own thoughts. There are also wonderful, inspiring, and helpful thoughts provided by the author. This book came along at the perfect time for me as I really needed to read this during this season of my life. You will go away from this book feeling refreshed, hopeful, and new. It is also beautifully bound, making it a perfect gift idea. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

A Christmas Haven is the newest romance by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall and it picks up where the 2018 novella, The Christmas Remedy, left off. Ivy Zook is set on leaving her Amish life to chase her dreams of becoming a party planner. When Amish brother and sister, Arlan and Magda, literally crash into Ivy and her family's life, Ivy must face a crossroads. Does God want her to honor the Amish lifestyle or does he have a place for her in the modern world? Meanwhile, Arlan and Magda are facing big decisions as well, as they try to make a life for themselves outside of their parents' strict rules and regulations. They must all rely on God's guidance to get them through some very difficult situations.

This is a quick, sweet read with an inspiring message. I really enjoyed the medical aspect of this book because I can relate to that as I have a medical background. I also really enjoyed the characters. They were interesting and relatable. I do feel like this didn't have as much of a Christmas feel to it as I expected, but I still really enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading more books about these characters. I am honored to be on the launch team for this book and thankful to the publisher and the authors!

Master Organizer of Mayhem by Kristi Clover

Kristi Clover is a homeschooling mom, speaker, author, and a professional organizer. Her book is absolute perfection for messy moms who need help getting their lives and household organized. The best part about this book is that it works for all kinds of families. Kristi doesn't just give set guidelines that may or may not work for you and your loved ones. She shows you how to tweak her organizational tips so that they fit your specific needs. She also stresses to allow yourself grace and don't push for perfection. The tips in the book are ones that can be introduced gradually until you start to see your everyday life change for the better. I am so excited to use what I learned in this book to improve my household. Some of the tips that I am planning to use are implementing chore schedules, making a master to-do list, and clearing the clutter. This book is not one to collect dust on the shelf. This book is one you will want to live out of every day. This book deserves every bit of 5 stars and more! Thank you so much to Kristi Clover and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

Spread Too Thin by Ellen Miller

Spread Too Thin is a great 90 day devotional that focuses on being peaceful instead of being frantic. Life can be overwhelming and Bible study is a must for everyday living. Ellen Miller uses this devotional as a retreat from stress and worry and a tool for growing closer to the Lord. The devotions are short, helpful, and inspiring and the author shares her real life experiences which makes her easy to relate to. I will definitely be passing this book onto family and friends and would recommend this as a great addition to your daily Bible study. Thank you so much to Ellen Miller and Tyndale for the chance to read and review this book!

52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve

This devotional book by Karen Whiting is a great way to teach children about the different kinds of people who serve and how to add acts of service to their own family's lives. Karen does a great job of handling some tricky subjects such as family separation, disaster response, and other stressful situations. She approaches these subjects with kindness and care and just the right delivery for the target audience of children ages 4-12. This book is perfect for first responder families, but it is also eye-opening for other families as well as they can get a glimpse into problems that first responder families deal with on a daily basis.

This devotional is set up to be used weekly and will last for a year at that pace. Each devotional includes scripture, activities, chat prompts, scrapbook ideas, and a prayer. The whole family can be included in these devotionals. I especially liked the devotionals in this book that teach children about how to respond in an emergency and even how to familiarize themselves with CPR. There are so many situations that can arise that may be difficult to talk to your children about, but this book can help you through these difficult conversations. I highly recommend this devotional and I want to thank Karen Whiting for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

Just like God put light in the world, He also put light in you.

This impressively illustrated children's book uses a rhyming style to share part of the creation story and let little ones know that God's light always shines bright. Matthew Paul Turner's catchy phrasing is always delightful and memorable and this book is no exception. This book will make children feel safe, secure, and loved. It is one of those classic children's books that should be on all bookshelves. It's perfect for Sunday School, gifting, or just adding to your personal collection.

The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

This is such a captivating read. The story sucks you in right away and it's hard to turn away until you reach the last page. I also love the cover and the fact that there is a bookstore involved. I can't resist a book about books! The style of writing was also perfect for this story as it went back and forth between past and present. Robin's life story is absolutely heart wrenching at times and I found myself feeling such sadness for her as a character. I wasn't really sold on the ending of the book as I felt it was rushed and I wanted to know more about what happened with Peter and Robin's parents. I also expected this to have more spiritual elements as I thought it was a Christian fiction read, but there were only a couple references to church and forgiveness throughout the book. This could really pass for a general fiction book even though it is marketed by a Christian publisher. I do find Erin Bartels to be an extremely talented storyteller and she has a special gift as a writer. I will definitely read her work again. Thanks so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

God is in the Small Stuff and it all Matters by Bruce and Stan

You know that fun and exciting feeling when you open up a fortune cookie and read what's inside? That's what this book is like! This book is packed with inspirational, funny, and helpful quotes that you will want to highlight and read over and over again. Now of course these quotes are much better than a fortune cookie, because these words are meant to help you improve your relationship with the Lord which is definitely the most important thing in life. This short and sweet book is full of great advice pertaining to family, priorities, prayer, and much more. The hardback binding and ribbon bookmark also add a touch of beauty to this book and make it a perfect gift option. I really enjoyed reading this book and found many things I would like to write on Post-it notes and stick around the house as reminders and motivation. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

After reading A Rumored Fortune, I knew that I would be a forever fan of Joanna Davidson Politano. Her new release, Finding Lady Enderly, is just as thrilling and mysterious as her other work. In this historical fiction novel set in the 1800s, Raina is working as a common rag woman when she is approached by a stranger with a strange request. The stranger, Victor, wants Raina to fill in for a countess as she takes a break from her duties. Raina reluctantly agrees to this unusual job offer and she has no idea what she is signing up for. She is swept away to a life of evening gowns and entertainment in a mansion full of secrets. This fanciful life turns out to be much less than Raina thought she hoped for and she finds herself in a heap of trouble. The bright spot in her life is the reunion with her lost love, Sully, but Raina has to go to extremes to try to protect him from danger. All of this culminates into a surprise conclusion that no one will see coming.

Finding Lady Enderly is one of the best books of 2019. Another 5 star read from Joanna Davidson Politano! Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Deadly Intentions is a thrill ride from beginning to end. Caitlyn Lindsey is in the medical research business and when her fellow co-workers start mysteriously dying one after the other, she knows she has to watch her back. She teams up with Detective Josh Solomon to find out who is responsible for these murders and what it has to do with a secret project called Starlighter. Caitlyn and Josh must face imminent danger in order to solve the case and protect many lives that are at stake.

This book is a quick read that is action packed and hard to put down. It is instantly an attention grabber. Some readers may be sensitive to some of the material that is in this book such as violence, murder, and mention of inappropriate relationships. However, it is a clean read compared to most suspense novels and it contains much inspiration within the drama. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

The Pink Bonnet is one of six books in the True Colors series. The books in this series are based on historical stories of American crime. The true story that inspired The Pink Bonnet is shocking and hard to believe. From 1924 until 1950, a corrupt lady named Georgia Tann ran an adoption agency in Tennessee. She was involved in many illegal procedures including kidnapping thousands of children and selling them for outrageous prices. The Pink Bonnet uses some fictional characters, but instances like this really did happen by the hands of Georgia Tann. In this book, Cecile Dowd's daughter is kidnapped by Georgia Tann and Cecile will stop at nothing to get her daughter back. Nothing can stop a mother's love.

I was so surprised to find out that this book was based on real circumstances. This story is so sad to read as you think about the thousands of parents who suffered the loss of their children. The author did a good job of telling this story and building characters that felt real and relevant to this historical crime story. I have enjoyed this series and look forward to reading the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Chase the Lion Weekly Planner by Mark Batterson

The Chase the Lion Weekly Planner is a unique take on your normal everyday calendar. With ample space for writing and organizing, this planner is sure to offer a respite for a hectic schedule. The premise of this planner is all about dreams and chasing "God-sized goals." There are blank monthly calendar pages included as well as blank weekly calendar pages. This makes it easy to start planning at any time of the year, without having to wait until the new year to begin. Each weekly calendar section includes an inspirational quote from Mark Batterson's Chase the Lion as well as unique writing sections including Lions to Chase, Inspiration, God-sized Dreams, Lions Chased, and Scratch Pad. In the back of the book, Mark shares his 100 life goals and leaves a space for writing goals of your own. This book is beautifully bound which makes it the perfect gift idea for pastors, graduates, or anyone who needs inspiration in their life. I am honored to be on the launch team for this planner and am thankful to Mark Batterson and the publisher for the opportunity!

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On a Summer Tide is Suzanne Wood Fisher's first book in the Three Sisters Island series. Widower Paul Grayson has done something that some people might find a little crazy. He has bought an island. His three daughters - Cam, Maddie, and Blaine - think he has literally lost his mind. But they humor him and help his dream come to fruition as they all attempt to help him restore Camp Kicking Moose and preserve the memories of Paul and Corinna Grayson's love story. The family is not without struggles and heartache and their time together on the island forces them to face their issues and finally move forward. Fisher captures the true essence of families when she says, "We love each other, we tell each other the truth, and we keep working on things. That's what families are all about."

I love a good forgiveness story and Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers in On a Summer Tide. She uses humor to tackle the hard stuff. She paints a beautiful picture of an adventurous island with just her words. And she writes a story with meaning and inspiration. I look forward to reading more about the Graysons as this series continues. Thank you so much to Suzanne Woods Fisher and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette

Shelter of the Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. The book begins in Sicily where cousins Sofea and Prezi are exploring the sea and the caves as they always do. Tragedy strikes as their village is attacked and all of their family members are killed. The cousins are captured and fighting for their lives, but they manage to escape and survive. By God's grace, they are rescued by none other than Darek. Darek takes Sofea and Prezi to Kedesh where Moriyah nurtures and protects them. Eitan is now a young adult and it doesn't take long for Sofea to catch his eye. Eitan and Sofea begin a sweet romance. However, danger is always around the corner because Darek's brother Raviv is still determined to seek revenge for the death of his sons.

This book continues years after the events of the first book in this series, A Light on the Hill. There is just so much included in this book and Connilyn Cossette draws you right in from the very first chapter. The amount of research she has done is astounding. It is also so interesting to see her interpretation of what might have happened in the Bible times as she fills in the blanks with her imagination. I enjoyed this book so much and it is definitely one of my top reads of the year so far. The third book in the series is Until the Mountains Fall and I can't wait to read it. Never have I read a Connilyn Cossette book that I didn't enjoy! This is a 5 star read! Thanks so much to Connilyn Cossette and Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

The Nocturnals: The Chestnut Challenge by Tracey Hecht

In The Chestnut Challenge, the nocturnal trio of silly animals are off on a new adventure in their neck of the woods. While the friends are playing a game of chestnut checkers, they discover some new competition: Chandler the chinchilla. Chandler challenges Tobin the pangolin to a game to determine the true checkers champion. But it turns out that Chandler the chinchilla is nothing more than a checkers cheater. When Chandler is caught in the act, the friends are upset, but they offer the chinchilla grace and forgiveness for his mistake. All is well in the land of The Nocturnals and a second chance leads to a new friendship.

The Chestnut Challenge is a Level 3 Grow  and Read book that will appeal to children in Grades 2-3. The vocabulary is challenging, phonetic, and appropriate for the targeted audience. The book is educational and contains fun facts about the obscure animals that are featured in this light-hearted read. This is a great way to teach children about animals that they may not have heard of before. Also, the obvious highlight of this book is the lesson to be learned. Teaching children about moving on from mistakes is something that is essential and this book teaches that concept well. Children will learn character development while finding joy in the pages of this humorous read.

The Scripture Memory Map for Women

This creative journal is a wonderful companion book for daily Bible study. Each daily entry encourages scripture study, memorization, and life application. Choose your own favorite verses to meditate on or use the handy list that highlights 145 powerful scriptures. This journal is spiral bound and sturdy which makes it a perfect choice to toss in your purse when you're on the go. In this busy world we live in, books like this one are so helpful for reflection and prayer.

I love this book! I can't wait to use it with my daily Bible study. Journaling is such a great way to express creativity. Also, writing down the scriptures is an ideal way to memorize more of The Bible. This book provides the perfect opportunity to draw nearer to God. Take a breather, grab your colored pens, and enjoy this journey through God's Word.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Love Like You've Never Been Hurt by Jentezen Franklin

Jentezen Franklin takes us to church in this motivating and inspirational read. He uses scripture and stories from his own life to show his readers that we are going to go through major roadblocks in life, but there is always hope. He offers biblical advice to help us fight for what's important in life, and triumph over seemingly impossible situations. It is so hard to persevere when someone hurts you, but Franklin shows us how to forgive and how to love anyway.

This book is a hope-filled sermon that soothingly speaks to the heart. Franklin has a direct delivery that makes you feel like he is speaking specifically to you as you read. You will feel as if you have just attended one of the best church services of your life as you reach the last page of this motivational masterpiece. If you need a pick-me-up, be sure to read this book! Thank you so much to Jentezen Franklin and Chosen Books for the chance to read and review this book!

Summer by the Tides by Denise Hunter

"Thank God for fresh starts."

Maddy's life as she knows it is over. She's lost her job, her boyfriend, and now her grandmother is missing. What else could go wrong? When Maddy travels to her grandmother's beach house to find her, she runs headfirst into her stubborn sisters, Nora and Emma. The sisters have a lot of catching up to do and they all need to learn the power of forgiveness. Their family secrets have caused so much heartache, but God is always there to provide a fresh start.

This book started off really good, but seemed to go downhill a bit about midway through. It just didn't seem like the Denise Hunter books I have read in the past and almost seemed like it was written in a hurry. There was a bit too much drama for my taste. The situations were very soap opera-esque and just over the top. I also felt like the characters were not fully developed as their seemed to be conflicts with their stories. I also still had unanswered questions at the end of the book that I wanted to have the answer for. On a high note, I love the cover and I did find inspiration in the first half of the book. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

This book is strange and different yet hard to put down. This is the first book I have read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. The story jumps back and forth between main character Cohen's childhood and his adult life. Cohen's life has been anything but easy and when he stumbles upon his father's seemingly lifeless body, the traumatic events from his past come to light.

This book is unlike anything I've read before. It's shocking and twisty yet a glimmer of hope remains beneath the surface. I can't say that this is something I would want to read again as it left me feeling sad and uneasy, but it definitely held my interest and kept me flipping the pages. The author is very talented and has an obvious gift for storytelling. Thank you so much to the author, bookishfirst, and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

Where the Fire Falls is the second Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett. This book takes place in the wondrous beauty that is Yosemite. The author is a former park ranger so she used her experiences and inspirations from her past career to provide the beautiful descriptions of scenery throughout this novel.

This book is a perfect blend of adventure, suspense, and romance. Artist, Olivia Rutherford, has taken a job painting the sights of Yosemite for a magazine. There she meets a park guide named Clark Johnson. He turns out to be an even more wonderful surprise than the beauties of the wilderness. Their newfound romance will not blossom without a bit of peril and mishaps, of course. What is Yosemite without a little bit of adventure?

Karen Barnett has done an excellent job on researching and developing this book. The setting alone is enough to make you want to pick this one up. I especially love the title of the book and the event it represents. I could just imagine myself in this beautiful park while I was reading. This is definitely a book to sweep you away! It's a perfect vacation read and it gets 5 stars from me! Thank you to WaterBrook and Karen Barnett for the chance to read and review this book!

Breaking the Power of Negative Words by Mary C. Busha

Too many times, we allow ourselves to be affected by negative talk. Whether the negativity is coming from others or even our own self, the results are detrimental to our well-being. In this inspirational book, Mary C. Busha teachers her readers how to use positive words to heal and how to get rid of the negative thoughts that can easily take over our lives. This book is separated into three different parts: words spoken to us, words we speak to ourselves, and words we speak to others. Each one of these categories is essential to living our best life. Mary C. Busha uses scripture passages and her real life experiences to encourage and inspire positivity.

This book was so helpful and encouraging to me. I especially loved the section that focused on words we speak to ourselves. It is so easy to let our insecurities take control, but God doesn't want that for us. I also really liked the section on forgiveness, which is often difficult but necessary. This book was just a great overall read that everybody can gain insight from. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher

"We can become so busy doing good things for God that we miss the best things He intends for us.”

I grew up reading books about horses so I was excited to find this horse book for grown-ups! Ashley and Ben are two people who want to make a difference, and they find their motivation in a horse stall. When they team up to start a program that will help others through equine therapy, they also start to wonder if they will make a great team romantically. They have more in common than they think and they will have to face their problems from the past in order to move on with their future together.

This book definitely reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks novel but it's clean reading and filled with inspiring scripture. I love how the author used specific scripture passages throughout the book and I highlighted so many passages. My eyes were opened to many thoughts I hadn't paid attention to before and that is always a great thing to gain from a good book. The one thing I didn't care for in this read was the time jump. I felt like I was reading two different stories and I would have like to read these as separate books. I am not usually a fan of jumping back and forth. Nevertheless, I am thankful to have had the chance to read and review this book!

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

Meri is running from life as she knows it. Her life has been pre-planned for her and she has decided it is time to make her own choices and follow a new direction. However, her family is at the root of her problems and they will not give up easily. Meri cannot run from them forever and she will eventually have to face them and her future.

This book alternates between the 1800s and present day. Both stories have a connection, but the delivery of the present day chapters didn't resonate with me as well as the stories from the past did. I couldn't connect with the present day characters as well and I would have preferred to hear more about Meri's ancestors. I did appreciate the fact that this is a clean faith-filled read. I also like the eye-catching cover art and am interested in the next books in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to write a review.

The Very Best, Hands-on, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker

This is what you call a one of a kind, definitely unique, kinda crazy devotional. I doubt you have ever read a devotional like this. This book contains 52 activities that demonstrate God's Word to kids and families in a way that will leave a lasting impression. Each activity has a Biblical lesson that goes along with it. The activities are categorized by age range and danger level. Some of the lessons will take some time and extra effort while some are simple and easy to execute.

This book has a very specific audience and will not be a hit with every reader. The readers who will appreciate and benefit from this book are ones who are out-of-the-box thinkers and risk-takers. While I was excited to read this book, it was much different than I thought it would be and it turned out that it was not my cup of tea. I cannot really relate to this book as I have young children and this book is more relevant for tweens and teens. I am also a very cautious person, so the "kinda dangerous" activities scream "really dangerous" to me. I kept picturing emergency room trips in my future if I attempted these stunts. This book is geared towards families, but I really think it would be better used in a youth group. There were only maybe a handful of these activities I would even think about trying with my young children. On a high note, I did really like the glow stick activity(#45) and thought it was a great visual. Also, the author does a great job of providing instructions and safety precautions throughout the book to help prevent injury.

I understand the author's reason for writing this book because sometimes it takes a different approach to relate to children. Even though I am not in the target audience for this book, I appreciate the message the author is sending and the attempt to share God's Word in a unique way. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Loving My Actual Neighbor by Alexandra Kuykendall

It's not always easy to love our neighbors, but the Bible lets us know that loving other people is essential. We love because God loved us first. Alexandra Kuykendall uses this book to highlight seven different practices for showing love to those that are around us. These practices include humility, asking questions, listening, embracing the awkward, acceptance, lightening up, and giving freely. We can all learn something from this book about how to improve our habits and treatment of other people.

This book is very eye-opening and helpful. Reading about the author's real life experiences is inspiring and she is very admirable. She helps the reader to see their neighbor in a different light. A neighbor doesn't necessarily have to live next door to us. It could be a friend from church, a parent from school, or someone we see at the grocery store. It is so important to connect with others in order to glorify God and spread his Word as he intended. I really liked the tips that were offered in this book such as dealing with conflict and how to engage and connect with our neighbors. I took away a lot of great information from this read and I am thankful to the author and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Jesus's Sermon on the Mount and His Confrontation with the World by D.A. Carson

This well-researched book is an in depth look at the Sermon on the Mount from the book of Matthew. It is actually two books in one with the second part focusing on Jesus's confrontation with the world. These books are classics from D.A. Carson and they were first published in 1978 and 1987, respectively. The detail that has been put into this book is astounding. If you go into this book with an open mind and a highlighter, you will gain much insight into this important section of the Bible. I received this book from BakerBooks and am thankful to have had the chance to read and review it.

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

No Ocean Too Wide is the newest historical fiction book from Carrie Turansky. The subject matter of this book is so important and it was inspired by true events in history. Beginning in the 1800s, many orphans were transported to Canada with a promise for a better life. However, they didn't always receive a better life and some of the orphans were treated with injustice. Such is the case for the fictional characters in this book. The McCalister children are tragically separated when their mother becomes ill. Believing that their mother has passed away, the young children make the trip to Canada to be placed with adoptive families. When their older sister finds out they are gone, she will stop at nothing to find them and reunite their family.

This is a wonderful, clean read that has romance, suspense, and inspiration. Carrie Turansky has a gift of relating to her readers and I always love her work. I also love that she often chooses to highlight important events in history. This book really brought a lot of things to light for me as I wasn't aware of all the events that took place during the Orphan Train Movement. It is always great to read a book that is informative and entertaining at the same time. I also liked the way this book ended because it sets the stage for the next book in this series. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and more of Carrie Turansky's work. I am honored to be on the launch team for this book and am thankful for the advance copy to review.

The Cranky Mom Fix by Becky Kopitzke

This book is a God send for every tired mom! I read this book in tears as I got a wonderfully refreshing parenting course that I so needed right now. The author has such wonderful advice to give and this is a book that actually does help you to grow as a parent. I love that this book has Bible study material for further growth and development. I highly recommend this book and am thankful for the chance to read and review it!

Whispers and Wildflowers by Sarah Beth Marr

Whispers and Wildflowers is a 30 day devotional, but it can easily be read straight through. Each devotion has a section for reflection and prayer, which makes it the perfect book to use during daily Bible reading. This beautiful book offers up peace and inspiration as the author strives to help the reader have a closer relationship with God. The devotions are nature themed and perfect for the spring and summer seasons. The author's approach is soothing and calming and she speaks to her readers as friends. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to read more so I read it straight through instead of using it as a daily devotional. Thank you so much to BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Powerful Prayers for Your Daughter by Rob and Joanna Teigen

Our children need constant prayer in every aspect of their lives. This book contains 88 prayers that are geared specifically towards girls. The prayers focus on just about every subject you can think of from purity to bullying to discipline and much more. There are also real life prayer reflection stories included for further inspiration.

This book is a treasure! The prayers are heartfelt and backed up by scripture. This book can be used daily, no matter what your daughter is dealing with at any particular moment. You will want to keep it handy for encouragement and help in your prayer life. It is also a perfect gift to pass to a friend. I really enjoyed this beautiful book and will be rereading it often. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

I really wanted to like this book, but it missed the mark for me. It's a romantic comedy movie in book form, which is right up my alley, but the characters just didn't connect with me. I found it unrealistic that Cadie and Will could give in to temptation so quickly after being pure with each other for four years. I also felt that Cadie was wishy-washy. One minute she wants over the top romance and the next minute it irritates her. I was Team Will throughout the whole book and felt like Cadie's problems with Will were minimal at best. The timeline of the book was also all over the place in the beginning and there were gaps in the story. This book is also a bit racy and controversial for a Christian publisher. I wish I would have been able to write a better review, but this is my honest opinion and I am still grateful to the publisher for the chance to review this book!

It's a Love Story by Lincee Ray

Lincee Ray's newest book is a collection of things she loves and how love and the lack of certain kinds of it has affected her life. This book is so nostalgic and had me reliving all kinds of memories from my past. Lincee is charming, candid, and so funny. She seems like she is the best friend everyone would like to have. This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a typical love story, but it wasn't. Lincee's outlook on love and life is very insightful. I wasn't completely sold on the flow of this book and it read more like a memoir which I wasn't expecting. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read and Lincee is a talented writer. I especially liked the chapters about Lincee's dad, her Hallmark movie ideas, and her thoughts on Mary. Thanks so much to Revell for giving me the chance to review this book!

Imagine Heaven Devotional by John Burke and Kathy Burke

The Imagine Heaven Devotional is such a beautiful book, inside and out. The cover and binding are perfect and this is an ideal gift or collectible. There is also a ribbon bookmark included which I'm always happy to see in a book. Who doesn't love a built in bookmark?? This book is adapted from John Burke's 2015 bestseller. This unique devotional is not like any others that I've read. There are 100 devotional excerpts included and each one contains a near-death story, Scripture, and prayer. The stories told in this book are so eye-opening. This really does make you imagine what heaven will be like. It's interesting to see that most people who have had a near-death experience encounter the same types of emotions. I'm not fully sure of the validity of near-death experiences, but I do think this book is inspiring, especially for people who are dealing with loss or searching for peace. I enjoyed reading this and will be passing it along. Thank you so much to BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Beloved Hope is the second book in the Heart of the Frontier series. Hope Flanagan is attempting to recover from the tragedy that occurred at the Whitman Mission. She doesn't feel like she will ever be the same and she has given up on ever finding love again. Hope has to learn how to get past her anger and fear and begin the healing process. With the help of God, her family, and a new surprising addition to her life, Lieutenant Lance Kenner, Hope finds light again.

I didn't read the first book in the series before reading this one so I wasn't able to fully know the details of the tragic events from book one. This book is not meant to be a standalone read and definitely needs to be read in order of the series. However, I still really enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking to read of the traumatic events Hope experienced, but her second chance at life is proof of God's grace and love. God always makes something good out of the bad things in our life. This book is a great reminder of that. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

True You by Michelle DeRusha

True You by Michelle DeRusha is an escape from the stresses of everyday life. DeRusha strives to motivate readers to "be still" and take the time to notice the little things and enjoy them. She shares a lot about "pruning" both literally and figuratively. It is important that we know that God is always working on us and shaping us into the best versions we can be for the plan He has for us.

DeRusha's work is very poetic, descriptive and appealing to the senses. It's a great read if you want some relaxation time. The cover and chapter art is very nice and eye-catching. The author brings a message of hope and peace with stories from her life and biblical truths. Thank you to Baker Books for the chance to read and review this book!

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Almost Home takes place in the 1940s in a bustling Alabama town. The setting is sweet southern simplicity. The main characters cross paths at a struggling boardinghouse owned by Dolly Chandler. Dolly needs her guests just as much as they need her. Each of her guests have their own issues to work through. During their stay with her, they will experience love, healing, and an abundance of adventure. These characters will steal your heart and your free time as this book is hard to put down.

Valerie Fraser Luesse has an obvious talent for storytelling. Her writing is so vivid and descriptive with many stories within the main story. This type of writing provides for an immediate connection with the reader. The cover of the book is very inviting and perfect for the southern setting. This book is one that you don't want to miss! Thank you so much to Revell and bookishfirst for the chance to review this book!

Can't Make This Stuff Up! by Susannah B. Lewis

If you haven't seen one of "Whoa Susannah's" videos, you have been missing out. I first came across her hilariousness on Facebook and was an instant fan. So when I heard that she was writing a book, I was so excited! I had such high hopes for this book, and let me tell you, this book exceeded my expectations. It is everything I thought it would be and more! I laughed and I cried and I followed Susannah's advice and "cried until I laughed." This book is so funny, but also so meaningful. I felt like I could just hear Susannah's voice telling these stories as I read. I would love to have an audio book of her reading this! Susannah has such a way with words and such a wonderful outlook on life. She is open and real, and did I mention hilarious?? I absolutely loved hearing about Susannah's life, especially her sweet relationship with her mother. Her stories are so vivid and descriptive that it makes you feel like you are experiencing them as well. I also love that Susannah's favorite story to tell is the one about how God gave His only son to save us and there is nothing we can do to change the greatness of His love for us!

Whoa Susannah, you are a treasure and your mama was so right when she said you were a fabulous storyteller. Thank you for sharing all your stories with us!

Intertwined: A Mother's Memoir by Kathleen English Cadmus

Intertwined is Kathleen English Cadmus' heartbreaking and hopeful journey as a mother. Kathleen's true life story is one that will touch the hearts of many, especially mothers. The unthinkable happened when she lost her son, Shawn, in a tragic accident. While trying to sort through her grief, Kathleen felt called to consider adoption. Even though her husband wasn't on board, Kathleen continued the process and was blessed with beautiful baby Laura from Korea. Laura's life wasn't always an easy one, and Kathleen candidly shares her family's struggles and triumphs. Throughout painful situations such as her own divorce and Laura's mental disorder, Kathleen remains steadfast and focused.

Kathleen is such a person to be admired. She is the true definition of a mother. She always did what was best for her children and never gave up on them. She focused on their happiness and their strengths and taught them to thrive as they were able. Without Kathleen's determination and motherly love, Laura's story would have turned out so differently. Intertwined is heart wrenching and relatable and hard to put down. Thank you so much to Kathleen and KiCam for the chance to read and review this book!

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This story is one of second chances and forgiveness. Luke Schrock used to be Stoney Ridge's bad boy, but after going to rehab, he is working through his problems and "mending fences" that seem irreparable. Fern and Amos Lapp take Luke in as well as Izzy Miller, a determined girl who is also trying to move on from her past. Luke and Izzy have more in common than they ever would have thought and the crossing of their paths turns out to be a wonderful gift from God.

Oh, how I love this book! From the cover to the final pages, this is pure delight. This book is the perfect balance of humor and inspiration. I found myself smiling and giggling while reading as well as soaking up the message that Suzanne Woods Fisher has to tell. This wonderful read also has its fair share of surprises. I didn't want this book to end and I am glad to know that there is another book to come in this series. Suzanne Woods Fisher has done an excellent job writing this book and I can't say enough good things about it. This is the best book I have read so far this year(and I read a lot!) Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Love Where You Live by Shauna Pilgreen

Shauna Pilgreen and her family know how to "live sent." What this means is that they know how to serve God in the place where He has sent them. Throughout moves and changes, Shauna and her family learned to adjust and adapt and let God lead the way. Shauna shares that everyone can have this outlook on life. You might not always be in your comfort zone, but you can rejoice in knowing that you are serving God to the best of your ability.

Shauna's message in this book is an important one. Her viewpoint on life and the people that God puts in her path is very admirable. I love her transparency and how she openly shares that though she may not be in the place that she specifically wants to be, she is in the place where God wants her to be. That self-sacrifice is something we all should strive for. I also loved her stories about her neighbors and how she embraced her new community in California. She tells her readers to not wait to be welcomed. Be the welcome that God wants you to be.

While I loved the message that this book offered, I wasn't completely sold on the writing style. I felt like the book was disjointed and all over the place at times. I had trouble with keeping up with whose story was whose. I think this book could have actually been condensed and divided into more than one book. It would be interesting to read about the people in Shauna's life in a more simplified style. However, I did appreciate the section at the end that provided an update on a lot of the people in this book.

Thank you to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Winning the Heart of Your Child by Mike Berry

Parenting is hard. But it is one of the most rewarding parts of life. People often say that there is no manual that comes with children. Recently, I heard something very intuitive. There IS a manual for raising children and it's the HOLY BIBLE. And books like Winning the Heart of Your Child by Mike Berry also make a wonderful effort to provide guidance for child-rearing. In this positive parenting book, Berry provides "9 keys to building a positive lifelong relationship with your kids." Berry's advice is so helpful and thought provoking. He takes a candid and relatable approach that changes the way parenting is sometimes portrayed. His positive parenting ideas will be sure to reflect positive results and improvements in children.

I am always up for reading a good parenting book because I can use all the tips I can get! I really enjoyed this book and was able to glean a lot of helpful information from it. I love the author's viewpoint and 9 memorable keys to parenting. I also love the idea of positive parenting. I recognized many parenting mistakes I have been making and I am already using the information I found in this book to help me improve as a positive parent. Thank you so much to Baker Books for the chance to review this book!

When I Pray for You by Matthew Paul Turner

"From the moment I saw you, I started to pray." When I Pray for You is the newest book from best-selling author, Matthew Paul Turner. This book is filled with every parent's prayers and dreams for their children. Parents are often in continuous prayer for their babies and this book shares the silly prayers and the serious prayers. It shares the hard prayers and the simple prayers. It shares that a parent's heart beats for their child throughout every moment. Matthew Paul Turner has created a masterpiece for families.

When I Pray for you is an absolute treasure. It's not just considered a suggested read; it's an essential one. The book will bring its readers to tears. It will cause parents and children to hug a little tighter and love a little deeper. The exceptional illustrations are the perfect match for this sweet story. The attention to detail and diversity in the artwork is also a welcome sight. This is the perfect book for all parents and grandparents to read to their loved ones. It would also be a great book to have on hand for gifting. This book cannot be easily forgotten and it is an instant classic.

Seeking His Love by Carrie Turansky

Seeking His Love is the first book in the Bayside Treasures series by Carrie Turansky. Its setting is Fair Haven, Washington and it follows the life of drama teacher, Rachel Clark. Rachel is getting a fresh start as the director of a children's theater after she is forced to leave her previous job as a teacher. False accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a student has Rachel yearning for normalness in her new city of Fairhaven. When a brooding, handsome stranger named Cam enters the picture, Rachel finds herself in a blossoming romance that is a welcome surprise. However, Rachel and Cam's relationship is not all sunshine and roses and they must both work through the details of their past without losing each other's trust.

"How could she withhold forgiveness when she had been forgiven for so much?" This is a perfect way to sum up the lessons that can be learned in this book. What a great reminder to use in everyday life! Because Jesus has forgiven us, we can also be quick to forgive. Carrie Turansky's writing is always inspirational and her delivery is spot on. I love the dialogue in this book and how the characters are constantly praying and asking God for guidance. We should all strive to have this relationship with God and seek Him first always.

It is an honor to be on the launch team for this sweet book! Thank you to Carrie Turansky and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Grace in the Valley by Heath Adamson

Heath Adamson's book teaches you to "awaken to God's presence when He feels far away" by focusing on each section of the beloved twenty third Psalm. Each chapter takes a piece of scripture and delves into it to provide an inspiring view of daily life. Heath Adamson shares part of his life story in this book and his candid approach is very appreciated. Throughout the pages of this wonderful read, Adamson reminds us that the pasture and the valley are the same place. God is always there and God is always merciful.

I absolutely loved this inspiring book. There were so many helpful tidbits to tuck away in my mind. I love Heath's life story and how he overcame his struggles. I also absolutely love his love story with his wife and I would be very interested to hear their story from her point of view. This deeper look into Psalm 23 was chill and tear inducing and will be a book I will want to read over and over again. I will also be eager to recommend this to family and friends. Thank you so much to Baker Books for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book! 5 star review!

Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

Code of Valor is the third book in the Blue Justice series, but it could easily be a standalone book. This installment in the thrilling series focuses on financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain. When Emily is kidnapped and almost killed, Detective Brady St. John steps in to save the day. But saving Emily may be more than Brady can handle because her problems are deeper than what can be seen on the surface.

Code of Valor is at level ten from page one. This book is filled with thrills, mystery, and mayhem.  At times, the drama and action seem overwhelming and my reaction was inconsistent. I prefer a slow build up when reading a thriller, and this one stayed on the extreme level a little bit too much for my tastes. I also found the conclusion to be too confusing. There were too many "bad guys" and the overall ending wasn't memorable. Some readers may also be disturbed by the graphic content in this book. There are many murders throughout with detailed information. However, there is an important lesson to be learned behind the chaos of this story and Emily's character is a light in the darkness. She does something at the end of the story that seals my admiration for her. I won't give that part away, but it was the highlight of this book to me. Thank you to Revell for giving me the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.