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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Conspiracy of Silence



Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat.  She's penned over a dozen novels, including The Quiet Professionals series and the Breed Apart series.  She and her hunky hero hubby have a fun, crazy life with their children and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia.

You can connect with Ronie on all her social media sites through the links given on her website found HERE.









This is the way the world ends.

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his team, Cole "Tox" Russell has been disavowed by the United States.  And that's fine - he just wants to be left alone.  But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.

Tox and his former Special Forces team regroup to work with FBI deception expert, Kasey Cortes, and fiery archaeologist, Tzivia Khalon, to search the globe for answers - and a cure.  As the mission leads from one continent to another, it becomes clear they're not just fighting a plague but battling an ancient secret society whose true goals remain hidden.

With time running out and the threat of a global pandemic rising, Tox and his team realize their sole chance might be to reach back through centuries of silence to find the only answer that can save them all.

My Thoughts:
Conspiracy of Silence is book one in Ronie Kendig's new The Tox Files series.  The Warrior's Seal is the prequel/novella to what promises to be an exciting series.  I first encountered Kendig's writing when I read her The Quiet Professionals series and I've been following her ever since that encounter with her writing.
In Conspiracy of Silence, Kendig offers readers a cast of characters, with Cole Tox leading the pack, and fast-paced action that at times had my mind spinning and my heart going 90 miles a minute.  This book offers a bit of everything.  Kendig's writing is unique and she sets herself apart by writing stories that include a bit of romance (not your typical fare), stealth action, complex characters and page-turning intrigue.  Kendig's research is apparent.  I was intrigued by the history surrounding The Aleppo Codex.  The storyline running alongside Tox's in Conspiracy of  Silence was especially appreciated.  The Tox Files series will appeal not only to women but to men as well.  Her storyline here is nothing close to predictable and she keeps readers engaged through to the very last page.  Don't miss this book and new series!  You can follow Kendig on Amazon's author page HERE.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinion expressed here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Martin Luther




Simonetta Carr has translated several books from English into Italian and has written for newspapers and magazines around the world, including the Jordan Times, Bangkok Post, Arab-American Business, and Modern Reformation. She is the author of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, which includes John Calvin, Augustine of Hippo, and others.











From Reformation Heritage Books, Martin Luther is the latest in Simonetta Carr's Christian Biographies for Young Readers.

Five hundred years ago, a monk named Martin Luther wrote ninety-five questions, hoping to start a discussion about sin and repentance at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. In a few months those questions had stirred the nation; a few years later, the continent. Today we know that those questions changed the course of both the Western church and world history. In this volume for children, Simonetta Carr tells the compelling story of this father of the Protestant Reformation, tracing his quest for peace with God, his lifelong heroic stand for God’s truth, and his family life and numerous accomplishments. The Reformer’s greatest accomplishment, she writes, “has been his uncompromising emphasis on the free promise of the gospel.”

My Thoughts:
What a gift Carr has given parents in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers.  This series is invaluable for parents who wish to teach their children about these great men and women of God who have shaped the spread of the gospel across the years.  Her latest offering highlighting the life and ministry of Martin Luther is excellent in quality of information about this great man of God.
This beautiful hardcover book is engaging with pictures and information;  the arrangement is aesthetically inviting.  The book includes a quick reference timeline and portions of Luther's Small Catechism.  The pages have the subject titles on the edges for quick thumb reference.  This quality bound hardback book with some 63 pages would be an excellent resource to any homeschool curriculum or for homes where parents strive to educate their children in the Christian faith and those who shaped the spread of the good news.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday, December 12, 2016

Of Stillness and Storm


Born in France to a Canadian father and an American mother, Michèle Phoenix is a consultant, writer and speaker with a heart for Third Culture Kids. She taught for 20 years at Black Forest Academy (Germany) before launching her own advocacy venture under Global Outreach Mission. Michèle travels globally to consult and teach on topics related to this unique people group. She loves good conversations, mischievous students, Marvel movies and paths to healing.


"I felt torn between two worlds. Each with its own mystery. One more captivating than the other, but the other more real and breathing."
It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream---reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family's undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren's past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while re-engaging with the past. It's thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.
Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gzxgeq

My Thoughts:
Of Stillness and Storm was my first novel to read by Michele Phoenix.  Being a minister's wife with three children, the back cover synopsis intrigued me and I immediately connected to the story line.  Phoenix is now an author I am following very closely.
Phoenix uses "flashbacks" to fill in the details of Sam and Lauren's relationship and does so very fluidly.  The depth of characterization in this book brings the emotion and tension to life for the reader.  I appreciate that Phoenix doesn't "clean things up", but simply tells a story which engages readers on a number of levels.
I could not put this book down and was invested from the very beginning!  There is something for all of us to learn from Sam and Lauren's journey about the things we allow to become idols in our lives.  Haunting and emotional, Of Stillness and Storm is not to be missed!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions shared here are my own.

Of Stillness and Storm Michele Phoenix

Blessings and Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Miscarried Joy: Moving Beyond Incredible Pain To Extraordinary Faith

Tanika Fitzgerald is a lover of Christ, a wife to her husband, Maurice, a loving daughter and sister. She is passionate about equipping women to grow spiritually, live balanced lives and helping them to be ARMED for victory in every area of life. Tanika has been called to minister to others through her passion and gift of writing to inspire women all over the globe. She is also the visionary behind ARMED Magazine---a publication created to "Spiritually Equip for you Victory in Battle." Her inspirational writing has been featured in numerous publications including Hope for Women Magazine, Black and Married with Kids, and more. Tanika has also interviewed powerful voices in the Christian community, including Lady Serita Jakes, Sheryl Brady, Charles Jenkins, Earnest Pugh, and more! Tanika is a woman who is passionate about her relationship with Jesus Christ, family, giving to others, laughter, having fun, and enjoying every moment that life brings!


Miscarried Joy: Moving Beyond Incredible Pain to Extraordinary Faith (Nyreepress Publishing, October 2016)

Faith over fear. Patience over frustration. Pain with a purpose.

In Miscarried Joy, Tanika transparently shares her deeply personal and disappointing experiences of losing her babies due to miscarriage. There were times when she felt God was the cause of her pain. However, her journey through the lives of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth and Naomi, revealed quite the opposite---God had allowed her pain for a much greater purpose. Each of these women had something in common: they learned to surrender their will and trust God's plan beyond the pain. They were pushed to a posture of prayer that led them from questioning God to have total confidence in Him. Tanika discovered that this season of waiting didn't show up simply to challenge her, but to change her.

With biblical depth, heart-filled transparency and a voice of passion, you will:

-Understand God's heart in the midst of incredible pain
-Discover the importance of trusting God's plan over your own
-Arm yourself with the strength to let go of bitterness and comparison to appreciate the beauty of your story
-Learn and implement spiritual principles and strategies to walk boldly in faith
-Embrace God's delay and birth contentment in your season of waiting
What have you miscarried? What purpose have you had difficulty conceiving? Is it a calling you fear stepping into? A vision that has not yet come to pass? Miscarried Joyhas something for anyone who needs help pushing through incredible pain to conquer discouragement, walk in faith and birth their purpose. God's delay in your life could be a set up for your greatest calling to be fulfilled.
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gZ238j

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:
What a bueatiful offering Tanika Fitzgerald has given women who have suffered the pain of infertility and miscarriage.  With such tender transparency Tanika opens up her wounds for those who have suffered the same to peek in a gain a Christ-centered and faith filled perspective that will lead to healing and restoration.  I am so thankful for her bravery and boldness in sharing her journey.  While I haven't experienced miscarriage, I have several friends who have.  This book is extremely helpful for those of us who walk alongside those who have suffered miscarriages and deal with infertility.  It helps us know how to love on our friends better.  Tanika not only shares her personal journey but points readers to the One who can mold us and make us and make bueaty rise from the ash heaps of despare.  I appreciated how key points were set apart on seperate pages for easy reference.  I have a feeling that this book is one that will be read many times over for its biblical encouragement.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions ecpressed are my own.

Miscarried Joy Tanika Fitzgerald

Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday, November 21, 2016

The One Year Praying through the Bible for your Kids

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at conferences around the country and internationally.  She and her husband, David, are the co-hosts of the GriefShare video series used in more than 10,000 churches around the world, and they host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child.  She is the author of numerous books, including Holding On to Hope, Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow, and The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament.

You'll be blessed to connect with her at her website:  http://www.nancyguthrie.com/

The only sure thing you can count on when it comes to you kids is that God has got them.

As parents, we strategize and agonize.  We wish for secret formulas and surefire methods.  But somewhere along the way, we discover that what our kids need most is for God to do in their lives what only he can do.  The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids is designed to provide you with a daily dose of parenting perspective and hope.

Join trusted author Nancy Guthrie as she takes you through The On Year Bible reading plan, helping you to mine each day's passages to discover how the Scriptures speak into the triumphs and turbulence of parenting as well as provide fresh ways to pray for each of your children.  Day by day you'll find yourself worrying less and praying more as your dreams and desires for your kids are increasingly shaped by the Scriptures rather than the culture around you.  Let go of fear, and expect God to work as you pray through the Bible for your kids.

My Thoughts:
I have been somewhat discouraged by much of the parenting resources that are "out there".  Even some "Christian" resources have been more geared toward a formula or steps to this or that kind of approach.  How refreshing to come by this guide by trusted teacher Nancy Guthrie!  Guthrie guides parents through the entirety of the Scriptures with sound biblical insights and teaching.  Each day gives you the Scripture passages for that day that will take you through a reading of the entire 66 books of Scripture in one year, Christ-centered thoughts from Nancy and a prayer to get you moving in the direction of applying Scriptural insight to your prayers for your kids.  In her brief commentary each day, Nancy teaches and shares background on the Scriptures to help users of this resource focus on Christ and how to apply His truth to our dreams for our kids, trading hope for worry.

Rather than another parenting book, why not turn to the Bible...the greatest parenting guide ever given!

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions given here are my own.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Courageous



Dina Leiman holds an MA in professional writing from Regent University and a BA in communications with a minor in English from oral Roberts University.  Over the past twenty years, she has had opportunities to teach college writing and literature, as well as high-school and elementary classes in English, humanities, and fine arts.  She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children. She can be found online at www.dinasleiman.com.








Will they trust God's call even when it leads to the most unexpected places?

Inspired by the vision of the young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli.  She'll gladly give herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and feels she no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church but has always dreamt of protecting the innocent as a Templar knight.  Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of adolescents.  When faced with political intrigue and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

My Thoughts:
I did not read the previous two books in Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series, but I sure wish I had! Courageous was an encouraging and inspiring book.  Sleiman gives readers a peek into the Crusades from the perspective of women and children.  She adeptly weaves into the story a picture of the importance of prayer and leaning on God for strength to journey through challenges and hope for personal restoration in grace.  The transformation of Rosalind and Sir Randel personally is worthy of the read alone and the developing romance between the two is icing on the cake!  Don't miss this series or this book in particular.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book and all opinions stated here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year: A Countdown to Christmas

Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.






About the book: 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Abingdon, October 2016)

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year's Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2frWQG8

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:
What a delightful little book by beloved author Ace Collins!  The Holidays are often a crazy busy time with lots of activity that while good sometimes distracts our minds and hearts from focusing on what the real meaning of it all really is.  I'm thankful that Collins offers a way for us to keep our hearts engaged in the blessings of this time of the year through Scripture, insights into some of our favorite Christmas songs and focus on how we can bless others..."Feed the one you love" (special recipes) and "Pamper the one you love" (special homemade gift ideas).  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year brings readers back to the simplicity and wonder of the Christmas season.  You may be encouraged to even develop some new family traditions.
I remember growing up how our family would always celebrate Christmas Eve with my grandmother and grandfather.  Our whole family, all the aunts and uncles and cousins, would crowd into my grandparents' home and enjoy lots of yummy food and would exchange gifts.  Years later now, our family's have grown and we are spread across different areas.  It is virtually impossible to get everyone together at one time.  Rather than bemoan what "used to be", our families have each developed our own traditions and special ways to celebrate the season.  Collins' book will help you focus on what and who really matters.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Ace Collins

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer  

Sunday, November 6, 2016

The Raven

Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at PopFam.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide.  When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly.  Today he wons everything Poe ever wrote.  A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full time.  He is the author of Annabel Lee.





As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch.  It's harmless fun - until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks.  When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants", The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man.  However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukranian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named "Nevermore".

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues fo rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.



My Thoughts:
Mike Nappa is a brilliant storyteller!  I enjoyed the first Coffey & Hill novel, Annabel Lee and The Raven did not disappoint!  The Raven is rife with great characters, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. The tension between Trudi and Samuel is thicker than ever!  The twists and turns will keep the reader turning pages until the very end.  Do not start this one before bed.  The main character, The Raven is one that readers will love to hate, hate to love and in the end just plain love!  This is a breathless thrill ride for sure.  Don't miss it!

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Shadow of the Storm

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books.  There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus.  Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, TX.
Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
And don't forget about connecting with Connilyn on Goodreads.




  • Series: Out From Egypt (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 18, 2016)
  • ISBN-10: 0764218212
  • ISBN-13: 978-0764218217

In the darkness of the storm's shadow, only truth can light her way.

Having excaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mount Sinai.  When the people rebel by worshipping a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to assist a midwife.  When the experience awakens a new desire in her, she defies her mother's wish for her to continue in rhe weaving trade and pursues her heart's calling as an apprentice midwife.  

But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself in an impossible situation and bound to a man who betrayed her.  As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira comes face to face with the long-hidden pain of her past.  

Can she let go of all that has defined her to embrace who she truly is and believe in a hopeful future?

My Thoughts
I fell in love with Cossette's writing earlier this year when I read her debut novel Counted with the Stars.  That title immediately earned a spot on my "keeper shelf" and I knew I would be following Cossette's writing career from then on.  I waited a bit on pins and needles for the second installment in her Out from Egypt series, Shadow of the Storm, which met every expectation I had and more!
Cossette's research and impeccable attention to detail and characterization are but a couple of the reasons I love her stories so.  The way she weaves biblical truth into the story at such pivotal points takes reading one of her novels way beyond your normal reading experience.  Take this passage for example:
"I will go wherever Yahweh leads...I was no different than Israel.  No different than a newborn babe.  Grasping, straining to define my purpose through the haze.  This nation had been conceived in spite of our forefathers' sins, woven together in the harsh womb of Egypt, and brn of great suffering.  But Yahweh was making something new, something unique and beautiful, from all our disparate, jagged pieces.  Life from death."
Cossette has the unique gift of telling a riveting story that not only keeps your attention and keeps you turning the pages, but one that also encourages the reader's own personal evaluation of present life circumstances with an eye toward the will and transforming love of the One True God.

The third installment in this series, Wings of the Wind, will be out Spring of 2017.  So, here again, I wait a bit on pins and needles!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions stated here are my very own.

You will enjoy the interview with author Connilyn Cossette below.
What inspired Shadow of the Storm?
SOTS was actually the third book that I wrote in this series. The concept for Book 3, Wings of the Wind, came to me first. But as soon as Shira appeared in Counted with the Stars I knew I wanted to find out more about her and her perspective on God and the Exodus. Of course, there were no plagues to work with this time, so I dealt more directly with Shira’s personal struggles and her misconceptions of her own identity. During this time there was a lot of doubt, rebellion, confusion and a fair amount of questioning God among the Hebrews and foreigners, so I used Shira’s slow path toward healing to depict some of these struggles. Our hero too, struggles with consequences of poor decisions and his own failings but comes to realize that even his messy past and broken pieces can be made into something beautiful, just like Shira, and the nation of Israel.
What was the most challenging part of writing this story?
Well, honestly I wrestled with this plot for a long while. Counted with the Stars was easy in terms of external plot, since the Book of Exodus contains exciting plot points like plagues, the sea parting, Amalekite attacks etc. But this year at Sinai is fairly vague. Other than the Golden Calf incident, building the tabernacle and, soon after they left, a horrible storm that burned the edges of camp, there was not a whole lot to drive the story forward. And honestly, my first attempt was boring. So very, very boring. I was challenged to dig deeper, delve into Shira’s wounds and create a bitter, jealous antagonist that somehow still causes the reader to sympathize with her pain. It was tough to remold the manuscript that I began with into something better, but it became a story that reveals more of my heart than any other so far.
What was your favorite part about writing this story?
The research for this story was really enjoyable. Since I am an adoptive mom, never having given birth and certainly not familiar with midwifery, I spent lots of time reading, watching videos and documentaries, consulting with a midwife, and talking with friends who experienced midwife-attended births. I learned so much about the birthing process and came to deeply appreciate the heart of those who pour their lives into the support of pregnant women, in any capacity.
What aspects of yourself did you write into Shira’s story?
Although Shira has endured a horrific act of violence that I have not, she and I share a commonality—our children entered our lives by adoption, not biologically. Writing from the perspective of a woman whose body was barren and yet her heart full of maternal yearnings was in some ways easy, since it my own experience, and in some ways difficult, in that I had to dig back into some of those feelings of grief, pain, and even jealousy that I struggled with in my seven years of waiting to be a mother. Shira is also a bit like me in that we both tend to bury our hurts and put on a happy face, either from fear of rejection or to not “bother” others with our problems.  Like Shira, I’ve been learning to let down my walls and be vulnerable and also to see my own storms as blessings that make my roots grow deeper and stronger.
SOTS deals with some difficult subject matter, why did you chose to delve into these topics?
As I was studying Exodus, something that repeatedly came floating to the top was the women at heart of the story—their suffering, their wounds, and their courage. From Shifra and Puah, the midwives who stood against Pharaoh’s edict, to Miryam who watched her brother’s long, curvy journey towards his ultimate calling, to the myriad nameless women who served as slaves beneath the harsh and evil hand of Pharaoh and the Egyptians who oppressed them, murdered their children, and treated them as property. We know from history and even from current events, evil men who seek to dominate and oppress others are the most ruthless and disrespectful to women and children. Shira’s experience in Egypt was no doubt quite common among the Hebrews. I hope to show that women who have endured even the most brutal treatment can experience healing in God’s love, can be used to bless and heal others, and are precious in the sight of our heavenly Father. Broken pieces can be made into something beautiful.
What interesting historical facts did you uncover while researching?
Learning about the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was truly fascinating to me. Before when reading through Exodus I, like most people, skimmed through the seemingly endless instructions to Moses about how each part would be crafted. Once I delved into each separate element and the intricate processes, like the weaving, that were undertaken for each thing, I realized just what a problematic building project this was. From importing flax to make linen which did not grow in the desert, to the arduous process of shearing sheep and goats for wool, to the precious purple dye that had to have been purchased from traders all the way from Tyre, where it was harvested from a rare type of snail and the shani (kermes) dye which was made from a bug that lived on a certain type of tree found only in certain parts of the middle east—each detail had to be exact to the specifications of Yahweh, in order to reflect the glory of the Heavenly Temple, which the Tabernacle was patterned after. Also, I discovered that the worshipers of Apis and Hathor, the cow gods from Egypt, drank an ochre-dyed beer during their orgiastic rituals which stained their mouths bright red, which gave me a way for those involved in the Golden Calf incident to be found among the thousands of tents in that valley. 
What spiritual themes do you want readers to take away from SOTS?
Above all my desire is for readers, especially women, to dig into the Word of God. My imaginings about the Exodus journey are just that, creations from my mind, and not in away way meant to replace the truth of Scripture. Whenever a reader reviews one of my books and says it made them go back and read the story again with a fresh perspective, I rejoice. But with regards to SOTS, my hope is that Shira’s story will inspire readers to remember how precious they are to Yahweh, how trials and tribulations are ultimately for our good; they cause us to run to our Abba, make us dig deeper into the foundation of the Word, and reveal strength and endurance that we did not know we possess. The overall spiritual theme though, is that God can take your broken pieces—those wounded, ragged, messy parts of us—and turn them into something beautiful.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul



Hannah Anderson lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she works beside her husband in rural ministry and cares for their three children.  She is the author of Made for More:  An Invitation to Live in God's Image and regularly writes and speaks about faith, culture, and spiritual formation.

You can find more of her work at sometimesalight.com.







Feeling worn thin?

Come and find rest.

Nestled in the simple rhythms of rural life, taking cues from forsythia, milkweed, and wild blackberries.  Hannah Anderson meditates on the pursuit of peace and its natural companion, humility.

Part theology of incarnation, part stroll through fields and forest, Humble Roots reveals how cultivating humility - not scheduling or increased productivity - leads to true peace.  By remembering who you are and Who you aren't, you can discover afresh your need for God and the rest that comes from belonging to Him.

So, come.  Consider the lilies of the field, and learn humility from Christ Himself.

My Thoughts:
Hannah Anderson is a wise and kind teacher and she displays her wisdom based on Scripture in her latest book Humble Roots.  Through a mixture of personal story and biblical application, Hannah offers readers a theologically sound look at humility as she points us to the example of Christ.

"Jesus comes to bring us freedom and rest.  But this rest is contingent on something.  We must come to Him.  We must take His yoke.  We must learn of Him.  And here is the rub.  Here is the real source of our anxiety and stress.  Here is the root of our unhappiness:  The rest that Jesus offers only comes when we humble ourselves and submit to Him."
Humble Roots is a book to be savored, read slowly and absorbed thoroughly.  The words within its pages are a balm to the anxious heart.  Read it and be blessed!

 
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Monday, October 24, 2016

When Loves Arrives

Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs.  An accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer, she lives near Memphis, TN.

You can learn more about Johnnie at her website:  johnnie-alexander.com.


Dani had planned to spy on Brett - so how did she end up on a date with him?

Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media.  During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother.  But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him.  But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date.  Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something - but he's got his own secrets to keep.  What will happen when he discovers who she really is?




My Thoughts:
When Love Arrives is the second book in Alexander's Misty Willow series.  The first book was Where She Belongs.  We first met leading man Brett Somers in book one.  To be honest, I didn't like Brett very much in the first book.  It was nice to witness his transformation in When Love Arrives.  I appreciate the multi-dimensional nature of this story.  Alexander smoothly continues the storyline from the first book by focusing on a different character and not retelling the first so that the book could be read as a stand alone.  Of course, the experience with this series will be deeper if Where She Belongs is read prior to this one.
Brett and Dani's story is a stark reminder that it is the Lord Who directs or steps.  He often turns our plans upside down in order to lead us to something far better and way beyond anything we could think or imagine.  I was struck often while reading When Love Arrives with such emotion.  Alexander is a master of drawing her readers into the story.  I was fully invested in the characters and the story just a few pages in.  I can't wait for the third book in the series coming Summer 2017!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

This Road We Traveled



Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of nearly thirty books, including A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center.  She is also the winner of the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction.  Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry.

Connect with Jane at her website www.jkbooks.com.







Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon - even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party.  After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Alon with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings.  The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope.  With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid.  What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life - and the greater part she had to lay in history.



My Thoughts:
I'm not sure anyone writes historical fiction quite like Jane Kirkpatrick.  Jane has a particular gift of bringing history to life and replays it in living color through her description and characters.  She transports readers to a different time and place and makes them feel as if they are a part of the story and not just an observer.
This Road We Traveled is Jane's 25th Historical Fiction novel and is based on the life of Tabby Moffatt Brown, known as  The Mother of Oregon.  Jane brings depth to this story by allowing the reader to see the journey unfold from different points of view.  Her writing draws the reader in and holds the attention until the last page is turned.  You won't be sorry for time spent within the pages of this latest book from Jane Kirkpatrick and will find yourself desiring to drink in her other offerings as well.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Waves of Mercy


Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide.  She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions.
Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live in Michigan.

Connect with Lynn at her website:
www.lynnaustin.org.

You can also connect with Lynn:
Facebook
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Haunted by the unknowns of their pasts, two women search for answers along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiance.  Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of  emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago.  As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys.  Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

My Thoughts:
Several years ago I read the book While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin.  It was my first book to read by Lynn, but I knew I would read more. Soon after came All Things New. Then she had me mesmerized with The Restoration Chronicles, which included Return to Me,  Keepers of the Covenant, and On This Foundation.  
Her recent Historical Fiction novel, Waves of Mercy, tells the story of Geesje de Jonge and Anna Nicholson.  The story is multi-dimensional, where you get a story within the story.  I was intrigued by the characters, Geesje in particular, from the very beginning.  Lynn's characters are complex and the plot is well thought out.  She seamlessly writes of the past and the present bringing the two together to tell a story of faith, forgiveness and yes, wave after wave of God's mercy.
I appreciated how Austin weaved the gospel - God's grace and mercy - and God's sovereignty throughout Geesje and Anna's stories.  God is always working out His purposes and His plan often behind the scenes.  Waves of Mercy portrays this idea so well.
When you get to the end of a book and you turn the last page breathless and wanting more, you know you've just finished an inspiring story.  Waves of Mercy is a story you won't want to miss!

*I received a copy for review.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer



Saturday, October 1, 2016

Experiencing God Through His Names




Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.








Experiencing God Through His Names (Bold Vision Books, June 2016)

What's in a name?
Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person's character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God's attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. In Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God's character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2cLBOPE

My Thoughts:
I've always been intrigued by studies and devotionals centered around the different names of God used in Scripture.  Experiencing God Through His Names offers readers 31 days of devotional thoughts on the names of God.  Geisbrecht's thoughts each day are a blend of personal story, teaching, and reflection on one particular name.  She references Scripture but does not give one focal Scripture to reflect upon.  She does include a prayer at the end of each day.  I missed having reflective/application questions at the end of each devotion.  This is a really good "beginners" look into the names of God.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of giving an honest review.

Blessings,
Jennifer