Seven-mile Miracle

I have kept up with Pastor/Author Steven Furtick's books since I got his book "Crash the Chatterbox" from the blogging for books program. Each one has had something insightful, and very helpful, I started to read seven-mile Miracle, and I began to think it was for the new believer or someone who hasn't yet received God's grace. It took a few more pages for me to realize I was wrong; it is for the newly saved, the unsaved, and for those of us who are still receiving His grace day by day. 

Summery

"It’s Good Friday. The Son of God is giving up his life. What does he want to say to us in His final hours? What does He tell the people standing at the foot of the cross, to pass down to the ages? He speaks only seven short statements. Words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion. Seven statements that mean everything."

Each chapter, or in this case each mile, brought deep truth into what I thought I already knew. This book is insightful, funny, and gets to the heart of these seven final statements of Jesus. On chapters I thought would have no impact on me, after all I already accepted Christ as my savior what could I have to learn about the subject of Salvation?, showed me that we sometimes need to return to the roots. 

The most important part to me in the first mile marker or so was that grace isn't a one time thing, it is renewed every day, because we need it. I loved how Steven put it in the way of it's like being saved again and again and again. I was getting to a point where I thought God wouldn't listen to my pleas anymore, that I had finally done enough to get him to ignore me, but I was oh so very wrong. Boy, I was never so glad to be wrong.

I think this a perfect book for anyone. It is a good introduction into what we christians believe, and gives a solid foundation in The Truth. For those of us that think we have nothing left to learn, pick up this book and see if it has the same effect on you that it had on me. 

that's all for now everyone. I hope y'all have a blessed day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Because you're Mine

Colleen Coble’s new book, Because you’re Mine, will keep you turning the page with little to no stops in between. This book weaves mystery, death, and the power of love to make an interesting novel.

Everything is going well for Alenna’s celtic band Ceol. The tour is on schedule and their new manager has been bringing them to new heights. Alenna and her husband Liam (Also the drummer for the band Ceol) look forward to informing their band-mates to telling them the great news of their pregnancy; but all goes wrong when Liam and his best friend Jesse get caught in a car bomb.

With threats from her in-laws in Ireland to sue for the right to raise her unborn child Alenna feels she has little choice but to take the offer of marriage from her manager. When all is said and done though Alenna realizes she will have to do a lot more to keep her baby safe as dangers arise in her new home where everything is not what is seems to be.

Colleen Coble always creates interesting mysteries filled with romance and a good message about God’s love. I expected to see this when I read Because you’re Mine. Throughout the book though I found a quite disconnection from any Christian influence in most of the book. It might have been the author’s intention due to Alenna’s grief over Liam and a sudden remarriage.

Even still, any Christian input I usually see in Colleen Coble’s books I saw very little with this one. I was sadden a little by the fact that I felt like I was reading a normal murder/mystery book with more hints of Irish folklore then any of the characters growing in their Christian faith, or even really talking about it.

I liked the background story of many of the characters. They were well thought out, but a bit rushed. And another thing is I had a hard time relating to anyone. I usually can at least feel what the characters are feeling in Colleen’s books, but this one lacked its usual connectivity. Again this might have been the author’s intent.

I still really like this book, but it was not one of my favorites. If you enjoy a good murder/mystery I would say you enjoy this book.

Well that’s all for today folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

The Silent Songbird

I had originally thought this book was based off Han's Christian Anderson's fairytale "the Nightengale", but to my delighted surprise it was based off another of Han's fairytales, "The little Mermaid"

Blessed with a voice that nearly enchants all who hear it Evangeline feels a prisoner within her own home. Never allowed out of the castle without a full armed escort for fear of kidnapping she has seen very little of the outside world. When rumor spreads that her cousin, King Richard II, is planning to marry her one of his advisor's Evangeline fears she will never be free. When she meets her betrothed Evangeline fears for her very life.

I have always been a huge fan of fairytales, especially from Han's Christian Anderson, so when I saw the similarities between not only the little mermaid, but to me also of The Nightengale, I was love with the book even more. This is part of a series, but you don't have to read the others to understand what is going on. Though if you want to read the stories of some of the characters in this book read A Merchant's Daughter, it is Melanie Dickerson's take on Beauty and the Beast, and the best way to start this series if you are interested!

I finished off this book within the same day of getting it in the mail. That's just how good it is. With clean content for young adult, yet still captivating while keeping it realistic. Any age group will enjoy this, and any, of Melanie's books. I am heart broken that her next one will not be coming out until May of 2017. I guess that just gives me time to read the previous books again!

That's all I have for now folks. Until next time, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my Honest review, which I have given.

Uninvited

Uninvited is my first book by Lysa TerKeurst, and without knowing the author's renown for penning some amazing books. I've looked forward to reading this one for a few months and I can very happily say I was not disappointed.

Uninvited deals with the enemy's way of trying to make you feel like you're the only one who feels left out, how he tries to isolate you in your own head. In delves deeper into the roots of our self doubt, insecurities, and so much more. Giving scripture to show how to handle these feelings and to show that you're not alone in this. God is prepared for all of it.

We've all faced rejection sometime in our life, and it's not an easy thing to handle. I know I've had to face a lot of it. Reading this book helped me unearth a lot of past hurts, and to move on from them. Lysa mixes in a nice blend of humor and isn't afraid to share her own experiences with these feelings. Reading through this book will be like talking to a new friend, one who isn't afraid to share the pain of the past to help you. 

Rejection, loneliness, depression, all of these are hard for anyone, especially young women, to handle. If you are going through anything like this then please pick up this book. It's not easy to face these things alone, make the choice to not be alone anymore.

I would really suggest reading this with a friend or in a group. It will help all within the group unearth an honest and openness they may not have had before. Living loved when the world makes you feel lonely....that is the whole point of this book, and I have to say Lysa did a perfect job with it.

I can't give this book more praise, and if I could I would rate it 10 stars. 

Well folks that's all for now. I hope y'all have a great day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

A Tapestry of Secrets

The next and maybe the final book in the Appalachian Blessings series is here. If you haven't been looking forward to this book as much as I have then you haven't read the last two books by this amazing author!

We return to the town of Wise to see Perla now in her eighties and surrounded by loving family. Only one dark cloud remains over her life; the secret of Sadie's biological father. But a stroke has left Perla silenced. Will she ever be able to tell her beloved family the truth about that night so long ago?

I have been looking forward to this book since I was told that it was coming out and the story would be more focused on Sadie, a character I felt was far too often was put to the sidelines. Sadie was seen more in this book, but I still feel like there needs to be a book focused on her. I thought to a degree that is what this would be, if you thought the same thing you will be disappointed. Perhaps there will be a book four that will be all about Sadie, as I hoped for this one.

The main characters of this story are Perla (As in the other two books) and her granddaughter Ella. Now Ella is an interesting character. I found her relatable, probably because she is close to my age, and the way she handles change is pretty close to how I use to handle it.

This book deals well with the uncertainty of the future, and I think many young adults would benefit from reading this book and hearing things from the mind of Ella. Also be prepared for tears, laughter, and mystery. Keep a tissue box near by at all times.

If this is the last book in the series it ended well. Though my hope for a return to Sadie still remains the ending to this book was able to satisfy my need to know what happened to all the other characters. It is a book you will enjoy for generations to come.

That's all I have for now folks. Until the next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Honor Redeemed

Once something is done it cannot be undone. Once honor is lost can it ever be recovered? David is unsure, but he will do as honor demands. Even if it costs him the love of his life.

Book 2 in the key west series focuses on the story of Prosperity of Nantucket. After losing her mother, and with no relatives willing to take her in, she must make a hard decision. Rely on the charity of others or risk going across the sea to the little island of Key West to marry her fiance?

I came into this book series unsure. Book 1, Love's Rescue, was a good book, but not one of my favorites. If you have ever started on a book series and had this same experience I highly suggest holding on until you read book two to make your final judgement.

 Honor Redeemed fixed everything that the first book lacked.  The dialog and detail were even with each other, giving readers a picture of their surroundings without cutting out the much needed interaction between the characters that helps the story move along.

Another point I held in high regard when writing this review is the author, Christine Johnson, brought into life with the perfect words all throughout the book the struggle to forgive, the hurt a person feels when there is no answer to the pain inside their hearts. I felt a deep connection to Prosperity during these times in the book. 

For historical fiction you will find many relatable characters and scenes within the pages of Honor Redeemed. It would be a good selection for a group of friends to read together.

Well folks that's all for now. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

SeaRose Lane

SeaRose lane far surpasses it's predecessor, Hope Harbor. With a slightly lighter tone, but still full of the realistic hardship that caught my attention in the first book, SeaRose Lane gets deep into the lives of two of Hope Harbor's residences Eric and BJ.

Our story returns to the peaceful town of Hope Harbor. A young man, Eric Nash, returns home after he is laid off his job as an attorney. Having been so close to the position of Partner Eric is feeling down and thrown into the waves of uncertainty. Somewhere he did not want to be. Then she runs into BJ Stevens, quite literally, creating feelings he's never had before.

BJ came to Hope Harbor trying to find peace, and she did until handsome young man ran into the back of her truck, who happens to also be her client's son. Romance is the last thing BJ is looking for, but she can't ignore the feelings that are growing inside her.

Both are looking for new beginnings, but on the shores of Hope Harbor they might just find more.

I wasn't sure if this book was going to be good, or if it would have the same issues of plot progression and too much detail, like the first book. I was happy to find myself wrong! 

The author had fixed whatever kinks I had with the first book when she wrote this one. 

The point of views switched around often enough that you didn't get bored with one of the characters, but not so often that you'd get annoyed and speed read just to get to the character you wanted. Many real life issues were addressed in here with raw emotion and accuracy. I couldn't stop myself from crying during some points. And the topic of putting God first in your life was a more dominate factor in this book, which helped me to enjoy and relate to it more.

If you're looking for a realistic contemporary romance I highly suggest picking up SeaRose Lane, you won't be disappointed.  And the next book is coming out in early 2017, so you'll have more to look forward to like I do!

That's all for today folks. I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Every Bride has her Day....But will She?

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can't wait to start planning their life together. She's confident she'll make it down the aisle this time--but a high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone's competing visions regarding her own special day--and she's beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. 

Wit and humor collide at their best when chaos comes into the life of Katie as she tries to finish her own wedding while dealing with the hustle and bustle of business life. Sounds like a normal day for everyone else, doesn't it? trying to balance the wishes of family, the happiness of your significant other, while trying to find your own way and listen to what God wants you to do.

The wonderful end to this new series. I still love the first book best, but the end was satisfying and for a new fan of Janice Tompson's books I am very happy with this ending. I'm sad to hear that Revell won't be publishing her books, but I am sure someone will pick up on the talent of this wonderful author!

I would put more into this review, but it would surely spoil the book, and this series is too good. 

So while I look into more Jenice Tompson books I hope y'all have a fun book filled day that's full of blessing!

Until next time!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Land of silence

This fictionalized book is the biblical account of "the woman with the issue of blood" found in the gospels.In the usual Tessa Afshar fashion.

This is the story of Elianna, who is better known as the woman who simply touched Jesus garment and was healed of a 12 year issue of blood. I am never really sure what to make of Biblical fiction that tries to tell the story of people who were actually mentioned in the bible, like with Karen Kingsbury's book Family of Jesus.

The writing in this book is superb. Just within the first chapter I was enthralled by the detail shown, without the book suffering from a lag in moving the plot forward.

The story goes along the lines of this

"Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt.

After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left."

You will be in tears reading the sorrow and guilt in Elianna's life, I know I was. Still we are left with the hope Christ gave us in this story. It's a good story and very well written.

If you are interested in Biblical fiction you would surely enjoy this book.

I will probably now search the library or bookstore for more of this author's work. If you chose to read this one I think you'll do the same.

That's all for today folks. Until next time, hope you have a blessed day!

Precious Moments: a Happy Harvest

Precious moments has been a part of my childhood, and my love for the sweet little characters and stories they share still lives. So when I saw this book I could not resist getting it!

Precious moments today is still a classic and should be in any home. The theme for this sweet little book is Thankfulness and the wonderful work of God’s creation. As thanksgiving and autumn come around this would be a perfect story book for parents or grandparents to read to their children or grandchildren.

The artwork is amazing! the bible verses and sweet little rhymes will help your children remember the lesson of being thankful for what you have been blessed with. The sturdy board-book will ensure years of good use. I can’t wait to share this with my future children!

That’s all for now folks. I hope y’all have an amazing autumn season!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

No Other will Do

Karen Witemyer has become one of the best authors out there in the terms of Historical Romance, and her books are a personal favorite of mine. After her last book “A Worthy Pursuit” I really thought Karen had reached her peak. Boy, was I wrong.

The only bad thing I have really seen said about Karen Witemyer’s books is that some things are a bit unbelievable, but I do not see how anyone could say that about this one.

The setting is what you’d expect of a Karen Witemyer book. A young woman has set up a colony just for women, no men allowed. Then someone begins threatening them. It’s harmless at first, but this terrorizer soon escalates his threats. Making things very dangerous for all the women.

Options are running thin so our heroine has to use the last card she has up her sleeve; call on the only man she has ever trusted to come help neutralize this threat to her women.

In character development Emma and Malachi, the two main characters, were very well done. As were all the supporting characters. Honestly this book kept me reading day and night just to keep up with the characters. And the side characters didn’t fall to the background like so many other book do, and I loved each and every one of them.

I can’t tell much more without running the risk of spoiling this book for future readers, but trust me if you are looking for a book you’ll enjoy more then what’s playing on your TV then you really, really, really need to pick up this books in your local bookstore or buy the E-book (If you’re into that)

I hope you folks enjoy the book

Until next time I hope y’all have a blessed day!

To Love a Stranger

Colleen Coble returns with one of her older works and again leaves me wanting more.

I have been looking forward to this new set of books for months, and “To Love a Stranger” was no disappointment! Though I am reading book 2 instead of book 1, but I don’t care, that’s how good this book is.

Bessie is a boston girl, and little too late she learns that her younger sister has not only been pretending to be her but she has also signed her name onto a proxy marriage. Bessie has no idea what this stranger is like, but to save her sister from prison and to salvage her integrity Bessie chooses to honor the vows.

Jasper is expecting a dark haired beauty who craves adventure, but what he meets at the stagecoach is nothing like what was in the letters he exchanged or the picture he received. Instead he is saddled with a plain and frail looking woman. After having the situation explained to him Jasper feels duped. Who can blame him? He doesn’t believe Bessie’s claims to having no idea about her sister’s deception. Making a very rocky start to the relationship.

Bessie is determined to prove herself to Jasper, that she can make a better wife then her sister Lenore. I really related to the character Bessie. When you have siblings there is always the shadow of doubt lingering over you “Do they like you better then me?” “Will I ever be loved for me, or will it always choose my sister?”

I have to say that this really is my favorite Colleen Coble book, and I don’t think any other will take it’s place. I relate to Bessie very well, and Jasper too honestly. And seeing old characters warmed my heart.

That’s all for now folks, I’m gonna go read this book again, so until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

A Treasure Concealed

Tracie Peterson has become one of the most popular Christian fiction authors out there, and for good reason.  Now we have another wonderful series to look forward to The Sapphire Brides.

I love Tracie Peterson books, and I have borrowed quite a few from the library, and while A Treasure Concealed has a great story plot and plenty of new elements in the story it felt like I had read it before.

Emily Carver longs to have a home of her own, but instead she endures a transient existence in the gold mining camps of Montana, where her father's hopes for riches lie endlessly buried. Promises of wealth from this wild land have brought only hardship and disappointment, causing Emily to wonder if her own modest dreams will ever see the light of day.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist working for the government, is a man trying to escape the pain of his past, and the idyllic mountains of Montana serve his purposes well. In the course of his work, he has seen more than his share of starry-eyed gold seekers. So when Emily Carver catches his attention, he is intrigued by the fact that she isn't pinning her hopes on striking it rich.

One unexpected surprise was how fast the two actually took notice of each other. I am use to Tracie Peterson’s book taking a very long time or one of the main characters to notice the other’s feelings, or it becomes a friendship into something more. This one both easily struck up a friendship and connection, making romantic feelings not all that far fetched. Unlike most books where they just see how they look and “BOOM!” They’re in love. I enjoyed that Tracie did not take this route with her characters.

The book is filled with what we would expect from Tracie Peterson, mystery, romance, and a good storyline with lovable characters and devious villains. Though it is not my favorite book by her it is still a book worth investing your time in.

Well folks that’s all for today. Until next time, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Counted with the Stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Counted with the Stars. Most Biblical fiction is very dark, like the authors are highlighting the horrors instead of the hope. That is not the case with Connilyn Cossette’s “Counted with the Stars”. If you are looking for a realistic historical fiction with the message of hope we seek in Christian fiction then you’ll find it in this book!

Counted with the Stars takes place in the timeline of Exodus, telling the story of young Egyptian woman sold into slavery after all her father’s ships are destroyed at sea. To save her mother and her disabled brother from the same fate she has to work for a mistress who is cruel and wishes for nothing more then to see Kiya fail.

I did not expect to feel such a close connection to Kiya. Her character is so real, that you want to do nothing but cheer her on, tell her it’s going to be okay.

Another problem that Kiya faced, and one I think we can all relate to, is finding where you belong. As a merchant’s daughter turned slave Kiya was ostracized not only from the high ranking society, even the commoners and slaves would have nothing to do with her. Being in such a state is hard for anyone and one I could relate to.

This book also always had the same constant message; God is the way.

Many of the fiction books that take place in biblical times seem to lose this somewhere along the way, and even if it’s brought back in the end it still feels like it was put there to keep it in the “Christian” section. Counted among the stars did not have this problem at all and kept tied in with events of Exodus and how they might be viewed by the Egyptians.

If you are looking for a book for your christian book group this is the one. If you’re looking for a great historical fiction book with realistic settings and characters this is the book for you. If you are looking for a book filled with the message of God’s love and how the Old Testament illustrates that then Counted with the Stars is the book you have been looking for!

I cannot give this book enough praise, and I hope you readers will pick up a copy.

Well that’s all for now folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

A Sweet Misfortune

Will Rachel's life story be a list of unfortunate events, or will this spirited young women find God's plan for her in the last place she expected to find it?

Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother sends a friend--the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre--to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother's return, Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds the deed to her family's ranch.

A sweet Misfortune is book two in the Virtues and Vices of the old west, but I was able to fully enjoy this sweet novel without having read the first book, though i really want to now. This book is one you can sit with in a chair on the back porch in the sunshine and happily stay there for hours.

Most novels that are set in the old west have one of two problems;

1. They are too dramatic.

Authors want to make books interesting, so they add all sorts of dangers throughout the book, making it a little hard to believe that anyone could run into that much trouble.

2. They are too dull.

Some authors try to be as historically accurate as possible with their books, putting their novels in a bit of a bind with where the plot can go.

A sweet Misfortune had neither of these problems, which for me as a reader made the experience of reading all the more enjoyable There was a right blend of humor, friendship building into love, some chaos thrown in, with a message of God’s love to complete it. So if you are looking for a good book to start your Summer reading list I recommend trying this series by Meggie Breden.

Well folks that’s all I have for today. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

(Un)Qualified

I became a fan of Steven Furtick when I read his book “Crash the Chatterbox” but with this small book he has blown his other three books out of the water!

I never expected Steven to write anything better then Crash the Chatterbox, it was so good and at the time nothing else compared to it in my mind. Now we have (Un)Qualified. A book that gets you to look not at how the world sees you, not how the person in the mirror sees you, but on who God says you are.

Being overweight makes it hard to feel pretty or loved, I should know, but Steven Furtick’s book makes you look at scripture and truly ask yourself the hard questions we all need to face. Steven opens up on his own trials with self image and self doubt as a pastor and book writer in the same way we have come to expect of him. Steven Furtick bring humor (and a few tears) into his book, but more than anything he brought a new sense of purpose to his book.

It’s hard to explain, but in the past years authors are putting more into their books. If you look at books done by Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and a few others out there you will notice a change. You have to read their previous works to understand, but this change has seemed to come about Steven as well. His words are more...confident and powerful. I had a hard time putting this book down after chapter 1.

I am sure there are plenty of reviews out there that rave on about (Un)Qualified, and I guess it is now time to add mine to the pile. I hope all who are reading this review right now will take a moment to pick up this book. It will change and challenge you.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.