A Bible Study Journal for Women

The Bible Study Journal for Women is everything you need to help you further dive into God's Word during daily study. It has a beautiful floral cover that is very sturdy which makes it a perfect option for on-the-go Bible study. There are 5 short chapters at the beginning of the journal that help you prepare your heart and mind for Scripture reading and studying. These chapters give you tips for preparation, interpretation, classification, collaboration, and motivation. This journal is based on the popular book, How to Study the Bible, so it would be a good idea to pick up a copy to read alongside this journal. In the pages following the preparation chapters are beautiful floral enhanced blank canvases for writers to pen their thoughts. These lined pages have a space to record your study topic and date, but the rest of the page is blank to record your creative and inspired thought process. There are many pages available for journaling which makes this a long-lasting journal to use during your Bible study time. Ladies will love the beauty and simplicity of this journal and will enjoy its purpose of bringing them closer to God and improving their spiritual journey. This is a great gift option as well as a staple for your own library. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers and I was under no obligation to post this review.

Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

Bridge of Gold is an exciting read that is part of the Doors to the Past series. The interesting thing about the books in this series is that there are multiple stories involved from multiple time periods. This book travels back and forth between the 1930s and the present day. However, the characters from these time periods are connected in a mysterious way. There is a reason I labeled this book as "unputdownable" on my social media page. It's well-written, well-researched, and well-received by me as a reader. Books that go back and forth between time periods and different characters' point of view can be tricky, but Kimberley Woodhouse handled it well. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great summer read. The elements of surprise, romance, and inspiration will be appreciated by all who read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

"Loving you is the best rush of all." 😍 Grab a blanket and find a cozy spot to read this sweet book! Sophie is a girl with a dream of opening her own beach book store. She has been through a lot in her life, including a break-up with daredevil Aiden. When Aiden comes back into her life unexpectedly, the sparks between them are unmistakable, and they decide to take another shot at love. This was such an enjoyable read! I am always up for a book that takes place in a bookstore because what reader doesn't love that!?! This is just a really sweet and inspirational love story that is the perfect summer read. I loved Sophie's character and how caring and selfless she was with her family. And my favorite part of the book was when Sophie realized that her mom encouraged the bookstore idea so that Sophie would have something to give her hope and joy while dealing with her mother's passing. Just beautiful ❤️ Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Growing Up Social by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

"Now is the time to equip your child to live with screen time, not for screen time." Technology can be a great tool, but it can also be an unwelcome distraction in the life of you and your family. This book teaches you how to show your children that screen time is not a necessity and it should be limited and supervised. The authors of this book give great tips for reducing screen time and increasing togetherness time. One of the methods used in this book focuses on skills known as A+ skills. These skills include affection, appreciation, anger management, apology, and attention. Learning to improve these skills can make all the difference in your journey of parenting. The authors also talk a lot about just how much screen time can affect your children in a negative way. Parenting is a challenge and in the long run, too much screen time can make parenting even more challenging. This book also explains how parents should set the tone for positive results by being cautious of their own screen time. Parents must practice what they preach in order to gain positive results. I especially enjoyed reading the tips for parents because I have definitely been guilty of having too much screen time. I hope to use this book as a resource for my family and I know I will see improvements if I work towards using these tips in daily life. I would highly recommend this book to any parent. Thank you so much to the authors and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Live in Love by Lauren Akins

I loved this book! It was so interesting to read about Lauren and Thomas Rhett's life. It was refreshing to know that they may look like the perfect couple on the outside, but they still have problems just like the rest of us. Lauren was very brave to open up and be vulnerable in order to help others that may be going through similar situations. I also expected this to be mostly about Lauren and Thomas Rhett's marriage and children, but it is also about their childhood together so I really enjoyed hearing about that part of their lives as well. The pictures are also great. They really add such a personal touch to the book. I was in tears while reading this book, and I found myself being thankful for my own family and the fact that I have my own Thomas Rhett in my life. Lauren and Thomas Rhett's love story is not perfect, but it is God ordained and so very special. Thank you to Lauren for being so open in this memoir and for trusting God every step of the way. This book is headed for the top of the bestseller list!

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional is the perfect companion to the classic book by L. M. Montgomery. If you are an Anne fan, you will love this book. The author has written devotionals to go along with each chapter of Anne's story. If it's been awhile since you've read the original book, you will revisit wonderful memories. Or if it's your first time visiting Anne's world, you will be delighted and refreshed. This can be read alone as well, but for the full experience, I would recommend reading the devotional together with the classic. This is also such a beautiful book and would be a perfect gift idea. I hope to read more devotionals by this author that go along with the other books in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Moonlight School is based on the real-life story of Cora Wilson Stewart. Cora worked to promote literacy in 1900s Kentucky. Her Moonlight School was established to teach illiterate adults how to read in the evenings after their daily chores were done. The supporting characters in this book are fictional, but Cora's impact on literacy is true and evident. 

Lucy is one of those fictional characters in this book. She has traveled to work with her cousin, Cora, in the fight to improve literacy. Lucy is in for a culture shock as she has to learn the dialect and unique ways of the inhabitants of the mountains of Kentucky. Lucy has no idea what is in store for her and just how life-changing this trip will be.

Once again, Suzanne Woods Fisher has written an unforgettable read. This journey to the past is both educational and inspiring. I learned a lot about what it was like for people dealing with illiteracy. I also saw the lengths that Cora Wilson Stewart and others went to in order to make sure everyone had an education. A person is never too old to learn.

I know I say this in every review about Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, but she is one of the best and I will continue to read everything she writes. Thank you so much for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

A Distant Shore by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury's newest book is quite different from some of her others, but it's as compelling and powerful as ever. Karen deals with the scary subject of trafficking that is unfortunately, very relevant in our world today. Eliza is one of the main characters in this book and she is a victim of trafficking. Thanks to an undercover agent named Jack, Eliza finally has a chance at escape and a somewhat normal life. What Eliza and Jack don't know is that they have an unbelievable connection that could only be orchestrated by God.

This book is some of Karen's best work. While this subject is one that is hard to read about, Karen handles it well. This book has more suspense then some of her other novels and I really enjoyed that aspect. Karen weaves a beautiful tale that captivates and inspires. This is why her books are always at the top of my list. Thanks so much to the publisher, netgalley, and Karen Kingsbury for the chance to read and review this book!

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

Blackberry Beach is a fun, light-hearted read for the summer. Katherine Parker and Zach Garrett both find themselves trying to escape their daily lives for something different. When their paths cross, they find out that some people are worth rearranging your whole life for.

This book started off great, but I felt like it got a little slow in the middle. It picked back up towards the end and captured by attention again. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing throughout this book and could feel myself visiting the shores of Blackberry Beach along with Katherine and Zach. The book really appeals to the senses. I think readers would enjoy throwing this in their bag for a vacation read. Thanks so much to Revell and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

The 40-Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake

This book is so needed in our world today. After participating in Wendy's sugar fast, I knew I definitely needed a social media fast as well. I am so guilty of wasting time through "mindless scrolling." In this book, Wendy shares many tips and inspiration for breaking the addiction to social media. While social media definitely has benefits, it can be such a distraction when it is used too much or in the wrong way. This book is a great starting point for learning how to spend more time with God and less time with a screen. I plan on reading this book often to stay reminded and refreshed. I am so thankful to Wendy for writing these life-changing books! 

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Minding the Light is the second book in the Nantucket Legacy series. This book takes place in 19th century Nantucket. Captain Reynolds Macy has been away on a voyage for six long years. When he returns, he is overwhelmed to learn that he is a father to six-year-old twins. His homecoming welcome doesn't last very long as his beloved wife falls ill and he is left to pick up the pieces. The captain doesn't know where to begin in the journey of parenting, but luckily, he has the blessing of Daphne in his life. Daphne is his sister-in-law and is there to help as he maneuvers through his new way of life.

I absolutely love all of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. If her name is on the cover of a book, I'm reading it! The best thing about her is that she can write in so many different time periods. I love that she doesn't just stick to one period of time in her books. She does historical and present day writing well! I would recommend any of her books to readers who want to enjoy a clean, inspiring read. Thanks so much to Suzanne and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

The town of Spiveyville is full of bachelors, but they aren't exactly what you would call eligible. However, most of the men are desperate to find wives so they call on the services of Bingham's Bevy of Brides to find their perfect match. Mrs. Bingham agrees to find brides for them on one condition: the men must go through a series of lessons to teach them the proper etiquette for being a good husband. Abigail Grant is chosen by Mrs. Bingham to teach classes about all sorts of subjects from table manners to dancing and everything in between. Abigail learns so much about herself during this process and she finds out her life will never be the same after her time in Spiveyville.

I loved this book. The plot and characters were so engaging. I also loved the humor that was weaved within the story. I highly recommend this read! Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette

To Dwell Among Cedars is the first book in Connilyn Cossette's new Covenant House series. In this series opener, siblings Eliora and Lukio are forced to flee from life as they know it when they find themselves in serious danger. They trust their aunt's guidance and begin to follow the Ark of the Covenant. They are welcomed into a Levite family where they become settled and happy. Years later, they find themselves in trouble again when a group of misguided Hebrews plan to steal the Ark and transport it to a new location. Eliora does not know who to trust and she must find her way with God's help as she tries to help herself and her brother.

I always enjoy Connilyn's books. Her Biblical fiction is the best I have read. I love how she uses her imagination to fill in the blanks while still staying Scripturally sound. I also really appreciate her talent for character development as the characters in her books are always relatable and interesting. I especially enjoyed Eliora's character in this book and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Hurt Road by Mark Lee

Hurt Road tells the life story of Mark Lee, the guitarist for the popular Christian group Third Day. Mark's rise to fame didn't come without its share of challenges including injury, family health issues, and career challenges. Along with these struggles, Mark had to learn to deal with daily obstacles and really learn to embrace God's plan for his life. 

I really enjoyed reading about Mark's background and his experiences being a famous musician. His faith is very admirable and so is the way he uses his talent to serve the Lord. I think this is a very inspiring read that everyone can gain insight from. Thank you so much to Mark Lee and Revell for the chance to read and review this book.

Sing by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty are songwriters who know how important music is for a life of worship and witnessing. Music is a language that can be shared by all people. In this book, the Gettys share Biblical truths that demonstrate how important singing is. They share how to make music a priority in the church, in your family, and as a witness to others. One of my favorite quotes from the book was this one that can be seen on the wall in the Moody Radio Headquarters: "Your song may be used to save a soul. Sing it prayerfully." That really resonated with me and gave me a new perspective. Another memorable quote for me was this one: "Your singing is always a witness. The question is: Is it a good witness or not?" I could really relate to this book because music and singing is very important to me and I enjoyed the tips and inspiration that was shared. I also really enjoyed the "Bonus Tracks" section which gave practical advice for worship leaders, choir members, songwriters, and others who are involved in the music ministry. I am excited to take what I have learned in this book and apply it to my life and I also plan on passing this book on to others that will benefit from it. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. These opinions are all my own.

Know Your Bible Journal for Women

The Know Your Bible Journal for Women is a beautiful keepsake devotional that would be a great gift idea for the special ladies in your life. It covers all sixty-six books of the Bible in a very unique format. It includes the author and date of each book of the Bible as well as important details and unusual facts. I really appreciated all the extra information because it is hard for me to remember who wrote what book and specific details for each chapter. There is also plenty of space for writing your own thoughts and jotting down your favorite Scriptures. This journal is beautifully bound with a ribbon bookmark and it is also very sturdy if you want to toss it in your bag for on-the-go Bible study. I think this is a great resource for learning more about the Bible and adding inspiration to daily life. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

Emma Winters is a historian who is working on an important project when she is caught up in a dangerous situation. She finds herself dodging bullets when she is fired upon. The race is on to find the culprit before someone else is hurt. Emma also has a major problem with a stalker who is following her every move. Is her stalker the one responsible for the gunshots or is this an isolated incident? Emma must find out in order to save her life and the lives of her loved ones.

The plot of this book is not an entirely new one and is similar to a lot of other books that I have read. I found myself losing interest as the book continued. I also didn't feel much of a connection with the characters and the conclusion was very lackluster. However, I did like the back and forth style of writing and it was interesting that the chapters from the culprit's point of view were anonymous for most of the book. This book is a clean suspense read and will continue on in the next book of the series. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

Active Defense by Lynette Eason

This book has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far! It is the third book in the Danger Never Sleeps series. In this installment of the action-packed suspense series, Heather Fontaine is traumatized by a bombing that occurs at the hospital she is working at in Afghanistan. Even after she returns home to South Carolina, she can't get this tragic situation out of her mind. To make things worse, Heather is almost positive that she has a stalker. Strange things keep happening and Heather desperately needs to find peace in her life again.

The storyline of this book flows along effortlessly. It was really fun trying to piece together the puzzle and solve the mystery. I was wrong about my guess and was super surprised by the ending! This is a must read for people who love suspense! Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

I just love Joanna Davidson Politano! She is such a talented writer and all of her books are must-reads. The substance of Joanna's newest book is just as beautiful as its cover. The Love Note tells the story of one determined young lady, Willa Duvall. Willa has her heart set on pursuing a career in the medical field, even though the 1800s is not the time and the place for that to happen. Willa's father expects her to follow the usual path for a woman and get married and start a family. However, Willa is not your usual girl. 

Willa comes up with a unique plan that will help her advance her medical career as well as solve a mystery that she has stumbled upon. She travels to a place called Crestwicke Manor to become a nurse for a difficult patient named Golda Gresham. While she is there, she embarks on an unforgettable journey that will show her that things are not always as they seem.

I think this is such a well-written book and Joanna is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I love the way she intertwines such a special meaning throughout this book and all of her books. You can always count on her to write a book worth reading. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

This one is a really hard one for me to review. It was one of the saddest books I have ever read, and I can't really say that I enjoyed it. It is definitely not a light read and I actually felt drained and sad when it ended. I was never able to visualize the characters or really find a connection with them. I also thought a lot of the characters' characteristics were just odd and I had a lot of unanswered questions. However, I don't want to make this seem like it's not a well-written book because it is. The author is obviously a talented writer. I just feel like this book has a specific audience and I am not that audience. I think this would be very helpful to someone who is dealing with grief because it deals with some heavy subjects. The truth is, the circumstances in this book happen in real life all the time, so this may be helpful to people who are dealing with similar issues. Just read with caution because this is not a vacation or escape read. It's a book with a purpose. Thanks so much to the author and Revell for the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

City meets country in this sweet wholesome romance. Meg Cole has no idea how to run an oil business, but when her father passes away, his job responsibilities fall on her. Meg must rearrange the company and make changes in order to fit her lifestyle and needs. One of those changes is doing away with one of her father's side businesses, a racehorse farm. However, the manager of the farm, Bo Porter, refuses to accept defeat and makes a bargain with Meg that she can't bear to turn down. Bo wants six months to prove to Meg that the horse farm is beneficial and should stay open. Meg agrees and she has no idea the wonderful changes that are about to take place in her life.

I fell in love with the cover of this book immediately. A girl in pink heels is definitely someone I want to read about! I really enjoyed reading this refreshing romance. This would be a great read for vacation or just for anytime you want to get cozy and read! Thank you so much to sweet Becky Wade for sending me an autographed copy of this book out of the kindness of her heart! I can't wait to read more of Becky's books!

936 Pennies by Eryn Lynum

This sweet book will have you reading with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes. The author received a special gift of a jar holding 936 pennies...one penny for each week of her child's life from birth. As she removes a penny each week, she is reminded how fast time flies by and she learns to embrace and appreciate each moment.

This is such a beautifully written book. I love the author's poetic and emotional writing style. This really made me think about how important family is and how I should enjoy each moment with them. This made my heart ache at times when I was reading it, just because I thought of how fast my children are growing and how precious each moment is. I love the idea of the penny jar and I think it's such a great visual reminder. Thank you so much to Bethany House and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman

This book is a very unique read and unlike anything I've read before. It's part of a series called Doors to the Past so it goes back and forth between the early 1900s and present day. Dini Blackstone is the main character of the present day tale and she has become fascinated with a lady from the past named Hedda Krause. Dini has read Hedda's memoir countless times and even collected memorabilia from Hedda's life. Growing up in a family of magicians has made Dini look at life through a magnifying glass and her attention to detail is like no other. However, she has never been able to completely solve the mystery which was Hedda Krause's life until a stranger named Quin Carmichael enters the picture. Quin has a familial connection to a person from Hedda's past and he has the clues to finally solve this mystery and break through walls that Dini didn't even realize were there.

This is probably not something I would normally read just because I'm not usually interested in things that are "haunted" or "ghostly." However, the author has done a great job of making this into more of a mystery than a typical ghost story. It is a clean read with some inspiration and romance thrown in as well. The characters are very interesting and unique and the conclusion is definitely not what I expected. I think the author is very talented and it is obvious that she put a lot of work and research into this book as the plot was inspired by a true story. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely has a one-of-a-kind style and storyline.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

This book is one in a series about the Christiansen family. I have not read all of the other books in this series so I wasn't familiar with all of the characters in the book. I would definitely suggest reading the books in order as this book doesn't work well as a standalone read.

This book is all about a love triangle between Amelia Christiansen and the two men who are trying to gain her love. Seth is Amelia's high school love and he is the safe and obvious choice for her. However, Roark is also in the picture and he is the unconventional wild card choice.

While this book had many sweet and romantic moments, I found myself being frustrated with the characters as I read along. The characters were often wishy-washy and didn't ever seem to be sure of what they really wanted. Also, Roark's idea to completely push his way into Amelia's life seemed a bit extreme. Overall, the plot line wasn't completely relatable for me. 

However, there were many bright spots in this read and it is a clean, inspirational romance. I would definitely give the other books in the series a chance.

The Escape by Lisa Harris

Buckle up for an action packed thriller from Lisa Harris!

Madison James and Jonas Quinn are US Marshals who are transporting two prisoners on a plane when the worst case scenario happens...the plane crashes. The Marshals survive but one of their prisoners manages to escape and Madison and Jonas find themselves on a wild goose chase as they try to recapture this dangerous criminal.

This book is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing. I thought it was very well written and one of the better romantic suspense books I have read. This is just the first of the US Marshals series so I look forward to reading the rest of the series and hearing more from these characters. Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

The Path of a Peacemaker by P. Brian Noble

This is a great read for anyone who struggles to keep the peace when conflicts and disagreements arise. I think everyone can find helpful advice in this book. The Bible tells us to try our best to be at peace with everyone and it is often a challenge to do that when things don't go our way. 

The author of this book uses his real life stories and Biblical wisdom to provide an excellent guidebook for seeking peace throughout everyday life and relationships. I felt inspired by reading this and I learned a lot of healthy ways to resolve conflicts. I feel like this is a book I should definitely come back to and read again and again as a refresher course on peacemaking. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!