The Prayer Map Devotional by Donna K. Maltese

The Prayer Map Devotional is a beautifully bound devotional book for women that includes 28 weeks of readings. With its ribbon bookmark and artistically designed pages, it makes the perfect gift for the special ladies in your life. Each week's readings have a different theme with a journaling section included at the end of each week. The journaling section has ample space for sharing prayers and feelings, making it a special way to spend time daily with the Lord. The devotionals are short and to the point with plenty of Biblical truths and Scripture references to guide you in Bible study. This is a great book to use as a companion to God's Word as you grow closer to him. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Peace by Becky Thompson

If you are like me, your first introduction to Becky Thompson was through the extremely popular Midnight Mom Facebook page. This encouraging page shares inspiring devotionals for moms that are shared thousands of times across news feeds around the world. So when I heard about Becky's new book for anxious moms, I knew it would be a welcome and helpful blessing. 

In this uplifting read, Becky speaks to her readers as if they are friends sitting in the room with her. She lets them know that they are not alone and it is okay to be a faithful Christian yet still suffer with feelings of anxiety. Becky's bravery in speaking out will help so many women who are afraid to share their true feelings. 

I really enjoyed this book and felt uplifted by reading it and applying it to my own life. I think this book is greatly needed in our world today as anxiety is seemingly at an all time high with all of the struggles that everyone is facing. You will walk away from this book feeling refreshed and understood.

Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse

In 1960s Alabama, farming is a way of life. So when young Pete McLean loses his father in a farming accident, the whole family is devastated. Mr. McLean was a hard-working man who also treated his employees like family, especially his good friend Isaac. In spite of their different lifestyles, Isaac takes Pete under his wing. Sadly, Pete has to deal with the heartbreak of loss again when Isaac disappears and no one seems to know what happened to him. Pete takes matters into his own hands and goes way out into the backwoods in search of Isaac. He doesn't find Isaac, but he does stumble upon a young girl named Dovey and his life is never the same again.

If I could think of one word to describe Valerie Fraser Luesse, it would be "storyteller." She definitely has a way with words. I could really relate to the southern mannerisms in this book since I am from Alabama as well. I especially loved the humorous church scene because it reminded me of my own church family. I also loved the relationship between sweet Dovey and Pete and the way he treated her like a lady should be treated. However, I could have done without the relationship between Dovey and Pete's parents. I just felt like that was too strange of a relationship for me and it didn't feel like it fit in with the story. I also felt like there were some loose ends that weren't tied up at the end of the book and sometimes it felt like there were just too many side stories going on. Nevertheless, this book kept me flipping the pages and I love this author's style of writing. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and bookishfirst for the chance to read and review this book!

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

In the third book of The Amish of Summer Grove series, Cindy Woodsmall wraps up all the loose ends in the story of switched at birth twins, Arianna and Skyler. This would not be considered a standalone book and readers would need to read the other books in the series to be able to follow along with the storyline. This book continues to focus on Arianna and Skyler and how they are trying to adjust to their new lives and new family members. While I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other books, the series as a whole was very enjoyable to read. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough

This is a great quick read about finding peace in the midst of anxiety. This is an especially helpful and positive book for the fearful times that everyone is dealing with in our world today. Maria Furlough shares her own experiences with fear as she dealt with the death of her newborn son. Maria helps her readers to know that they are not alone and she shares her personal struggles in order to help others. This book is Biblically based with Scripture references and reflection questions at the end of each chapter. The chapter that I loved the most was Chapter 8: God's Promises of Protection. This chapter is something that I feel like I should read everyday. Maria's words are so refreshing and truly sent by God. Her book makes me feel hopeful that I can find peace daily in God's Word. I also really like the cover art of this book and think that it would make an excellent gift. Thank you so much to Maria and Revell for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

A Complete Guide to Dream Interpretation by Marsha Trimble Dunstan

We all know that God spoke to people through dreams during the Bible times, but does he still do that today? This book is meant to be used as a guide to support that topic.

The author goes into much detail about what certain symbols in dreams mean and a majority of this book is a list of dream symbols and their meanings. While this book is backed up by Scripture, I still could not fully get on board with its teachings. I see lots of room for people to use this book as a misrepresentation and find false messages from God in their dreams. According to this book, the symbols in dreams can mean multiple things, so who can really know for sure if the dreams are being interpreted correctly? I just feel a bit uneasy about the path this book could lead people on if they take it the wrong way.

Nevertheless, I am thankful to Chosen books and the author for the chance to read and review this book and offer my honest opinions.

The Traitor's Pawn by Lisa Harris

Aubrey and Jack have a history and it's not the best one. When they are unexpectedly placed in each other's lives again, it's not under ideal circumstances. Aubrey is attacked and kidnapped, and since Jack is an FBI agent, he immediately comes to Aubrey's rescue and stumbles upon an intricately planned scheme of crime that will take intense investigation to solve. The complicated web of deceit will take Aubrey and Jack on an unforgettable journey together and eventually help them realize just why God keeps bringing them together.

This is a thrilling read with lots of twists and turns. I thought it was a very well written romantic suspense that will keep you on your toes as you try to solve the mystery. It's also a clean read with a hopeful and inspirational message. Thank you so much to Revell and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

God's Wisdom for Women by Patricia Miller and Rachel Gorman

This inspiring guidebook for women covers multiple topics from encouragement to relationships to difficult life challenges. This is a great resource for women's ministries and for use in a leadership setting. Each topic is divided up into sections with personal testimony, Scripture verses, practical living advice, and recommended reading. This book is also beautifully bound which makes it a great gift for ministry leaders such as pastors, teachers, or counselors. The great thing about this book is that it covers such a wide variety of topics and tackles hard subjects that may be difficult to talk about, but necessary for spiritual healing. This is a book that you can come back to time and time again throughout life's everyday blessings and trials. Thank you so much to BakerBooks and the authors for the chance to read and review this book!