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!