Searching for Spring by Christine Hoover

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

Saving Grace by Jennifer H. Westall

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

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

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

Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky

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

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

Why Did You Choose Me? by Katie Cruice Smith

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

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

The Essential Guide to Prayer by Dutch Sheets

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

Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn

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

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