Everyday Confetti

As a new  year approaches, I have a book to share with you to help make the most of all of your celebrations throughout the year as well as give you some new ideas for reasons to celebrate!

About the book:
Too much stress can pop the balloon on any celebration. In a Pinterest pinning world, there’s pressure to make every party perfect—often with limited time and budget. With Birthdays and holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas to make special, how can we find the time and creative juices to celebrate the everyday things, like report cards and family night?

Everyday Confetti is your year-round, go-to guide to making holidays, birthdays, special events, and even the little, everyday things special.

Authors Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer, both of Proverbs 31 Ministries, have gathered over two hundred ways to make memories with your family, including: easy recipes, fun activities, and inexpensive decorating ideas—and they’re all simple, doable, and stress-free.

“We were very intentional about creating a plan anyone can follow,” explains Ehman. “These are simple, year-round ideas to sprinkle special onto every day.”

“It doesn’t need to take a lot to make something special,” says Whitwer. “We wanted to bring reality closer to what we see online, while still keeping the focus on what’s important—creating memories

that last.”

My thoughts: 
I was excited to review this book and so glad I did!  It is full of practical ideas for busy Moms to make the most of celebrations all year long.  What I liked was the variety of ideas included for a wide-range of holidays...not just the major ones like Valentine's Day and Christmas.  While these are included, there are also ideas for ways to make other days special like Veterans Day and President's Day.   I also like that they give a little bit of history/facts about some holidays, like St. Patrick's Day.    There are many recipes included that are easy to prepare to add to your celebrations.  The authors also have included more ideas of traditions done by others to try for various holidays.  I recommend that you check out this book to find ways to make everyday special at your house.  I also thought the cover was eye catching!

 You can read more about the book at the website.

This book was sent to me by the publicist for my review.  Thank you. 

Have a day of blessings!

Overextended....and Loving most of it!

I have finished reading Overextended...and Loving most of it! by Lisa Harper.

Book Description:
Would you consider your life stretched to the limit?

Are you a burn-the-candle-at-both-ends kind of gal with lots of room for improvement when it comes to creating margins for rest? But you actually love it and wouldn't want it any other way? Well, so does Lisa Harper.

In her humorous and packed-with-biblical-wisdom way, Lisa shows us that it is possible for a frazzled nature to be glorifying to the Lord. Every late-night conversation with a hurting friend and each precious, adopted child needing a little extra tender loving care-exhausting, yet imperative, ways to be extensions of the gospel. In each of these vignettes illustrating Lisa's overextended life, we learn that even in the middle of our own pure motives and hectic schedules, it is only by resting in God's sovereign mercy that we are able to keep risking our hearts to serve his people and fulfill the callings he has placed on us.

Real life . . . abundant life . . . godly life is about loving Jesus and the people he allows us to rub shoulders with well-which means some days you'll be stretched emotionally and physically. You'll feel overextended. Thankfully God will expand our hearts and calendars to accommodate the calling. He is in the business of supplying us with new mercies every morning . . . new candles to burn, for more lives needing his light.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book and it was a very quick read for me.  I think we all struggle at some point with feeling overextended in life.  Lisa Harper writes from her personal experiences and shares some touching stories.  I appreciated her openness at sharing things that have happened to her and the pains she has faced recently.  I liked her BLAST acronym which is helpful to remember when you are feeling overextended.  In this book she specifically talks about her adoption journey as a single woman.

I was reminded by reading this book that the things we do in this life for God do not always come easily.  Some times we are going to be really stretched to what we feel is our  max or something may come up that we think we would never be able to do.  In these times we have to learn from the process and know God is with us through it all. 

This book was sent to me by the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze program for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

Book: The Noticer Returns

Have you read any books by Andy Andrews?  I was excited to find a new one called The Noticer Returns at the local library recently.  My husband read it first, and then I read it myself. 

About the book:

Perspective is a powerful thing.

Andy Andrews has spent the past five years doing a double take at every white-haired old man he sees, hoping to have just one more conversation with the person to whom he owes his life.

Through a chance encounter at a local bookstore, Andy is reunited with the man who changed everything for him – Jones, also known as “The Noticer.”

As the story unfolds, Jones uses his unique talent of noticing little things that make a big difference. And these “little things” grant the people of Fairhope, Alabama, a life-changing gift - perspective. Along the way, families will be united, financial opportunities will be created, and readers will be left with powerfully simple solutions to the everyday problems we all face.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this book like I did the first one and wanted to share it here to recommend it to you.  Books by Andy Andrews make you stop and think about things in a new way.  They are good for anyone because I think any reader could get something out of this book.     

You can read more about this book at the website. 

I reviewed The Noticer here and The Butterfly Effect here. 

Have a day of blessings!

The Secret Keeper

I have finished reading The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis.  This is part of the Home to Hickory Hollow Series.  I reviewed another book in the series called The Bridesmaid here.

About the book:Jennifer Burns shocks her family and friends when she bids farewell to her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world, settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp.

The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them--one handsome Amishman in particular--and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story as I do all the books I read by Beverly Lewis.  I truly cannot imagine what it would be like to go from the English ‘fancy’ world to living Amish!  This book gives a little insight into the struggle that would be for someone. Many of the things that Jenny faced I had not considered, like all the things one would have to learn to do like hitching up a buggy or baking a loaf of bread.   I liked the characters in this story and continuing to see the Wise Woman as she is lovingly called, who has been in previous books.  I appreciated seeing the struggles Jenny faced as she worked to become Amish because it seemed authentic of what someone might really feel in this situation. 

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.     

Have a day of blessings!

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

Fired Up by Mary Connealy is book #2 in the Trouble in Texas series.  I reviewed the first book called Swept Away here.

About the book:
Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner--never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

My thoughts:I have read several books by Mary Connealy.  This one felt like it took me longer to really get into the story and enjoy the storyline compared to other books. 

I enjoyed reading more about the characters from the first book.  I felt bad for Glynna's son Paul who was obviously deeply hurt by the men his mother had been married to previously.  This gave him a negative feeling toward all men and led to him having many issues including anger.  I thought it was interesting how Dare decided he didn't want to be a doctor anymore but no one would accept this from him.  I do look forward to seeing what happens with these characters in the next book of the series. 

It was a pretty predictable story I thought with a few surprises here and there.  It was an enjoyable read but not my favorite of this author. 

This book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. 
Have a day of blessings!

You'll Get Through This

Book Description:

You’ll get through this.

It won’t be painless.

It won’t be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don’t be foolish or naïve.

But don’t despair either.

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

You fear you won't make it through. We all do. We fear that the depression will never lift, the yelling will never stop, the pain will never leave. In the pits, surrounded by steep walls and aching reminders, we wonder: Will this gray sky ever brighten? This load ever lighten?

My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed many books by Max Lucado.  When I saw the title and information about this new one, I knew I wanted to read it.  I felt it could be a beneficial reminder to me after the loss we have experienced in our family this year. I appreciate the reminders of this book through the life of Joseph that God is wish us. 

I have always like Joseph's story in the Bible and seeing how God had a plan for him from the beginning.  In this book, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of Joseph's story, and as I was reading I realized a few things about Joseph that I had not previously considered.  I think everyone can learn something from this book and it will be an encouragement to you with whatever is happening in your life. 

Max Lucado is a wonderfully gifted author and I'm sure this newest book will touch the lives of many who are hurting.     

Have a day of blessings!


I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

The Prayer Box

I was happy to receive The Prayer Box  to review. I've enjoyed other books by Lisa Wingate and was glad to read this new one.
About the book:When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola's rambling Victorian house.

Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola's walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola's youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper--the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything.

My thoughts:
It's hard to put my thoughts about this book into words because it was such a great read. The job of cleaning out the home of the deceased woman became more than a job for Tandi. It opened a door for her to get to know Iola Poole through her letters. The way Iola Poole wrote spoke to Tandi's heart and gave her a yearning to learn more about this mysterious lady who was shunned by her community. Her writings helped Tandi heal from her past and see the ways she needed to not turn back to her old life that she'd left behind.  The author wove the characters together so beautifully.  The parent/child relationship as well as the sibling conflict helped Tandi grow and change through the book.  I liked watching Tandi's view of herself change as the book progressed.  This is a great book, and I highly recommend it to you.  I like the cover too. 

I like the idea of a prayer box and putting prayers in as an act of letting go and giving those things to God. 
This book was sent to me from the author/publisher for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

Review: To Live Is Christ To Die Is Gain

I have finished listening to a book called To Live Is Christ To Die Is Gain by Matt Chandler and Jared C. Wilson and is read by David Cochran Heath.

About the book:
The short book of Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of a mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith.

In this disruptively inspiring book, Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and loving Jesus. Because if we clean up our lives but don't get Jesus, we've lost! So let the goal be Him. To live is Christ, to die is gain—this is the message of the letter. Therefore, our lives should be lived to Him, through Him, for Him, with Him, about Him—everything should be about Jesus.

My thoughts:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up to review this book.  At first it was hard for me to get into the book and follow along as I listened.  For this reason I would like to listen to the first couple of chapters again and see if I get anything new out of it. I did enjoy the book though the longer I listened and was encouraged as a Christian.  Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible and as the author says there are many well-quoted verses from this book.  What stuck out to me was to be reminded that these were not just nice little sayings.  To be reminded of what Paul was living and had endured was an encouragement to me.  I also liked how the author talked about early Christians in great detail.  This made these Christians seem more real to me than they have previously reading about them. 

The narrator David Cochran Heath did a good job reading and I enjoyed listening to him read.

I received this book for my review from the christianaudio Reviewers Program.

Have a day of blessings!

All-In2Night

If you are looking for a way to connect as a family and teach your children valuable lessons for life, you should check out the book All-In2Night by Lynne Burgess. 

This is a follow-up book to the original book All-In Night.  The idea is that a family chooses one night a week where everyone is at home, and they do a lesson/activity together.  These center around the meal table and are about 15-20 minutes each. They are not long or difficult to prepare.  This book has a few introductory chapters to let the reader get to know the author which is followed by 40 activities, one for each week during the school year.  Each week has a topic, purpose, and an idea including examples of how to present the topic plus an idea of something to do related to that topic over the next week.  Some topics include courage, wisdom, recycling, loneliness, enthusiasm, and priorities.

I enjoyed reading this book and the ideas presented.  I like the message behind the book of the importance of making it a priority to be together as a family and teaching these important values to our children through this weekly time together.  I appreciated the background information the author shared about her life and her struggles as a Mom.  Nothing about the ideas took a lot of prep time or materials, so I think this is something that any family could easily incorporate into their regular life without much difficulty and would see valuable results.  As parents we need to train and teach our children so when they do face struggles they will have some experience in how to deal with these things.   

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!

The Journal

I have finished reading The Journal by Beth Harlow. 

A young woman gives a journal to her fiancé in 1861 before he leaves for war.  The book ends up getting passed around to many men, back and forth between both sides of the line. As it gets passed around, the new writer reads the previous entries.   It is based on real battles,  but the other characters are fictional.   

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, but I really did.  It was very interesting to me to read the thoughts and feelings of these young men during the Civil War.  It gave me a new perspective to see how those young soldiers felt as they were in the middle of the battle and missing family and home.  Also they all had different views of God and had different relationships with God.   I liked the way the author set up this book to be written from so many different soldiers at different places in their lives and how they could learn from each other when they reread the previous entries.  Each character’s writing is dated and divided by a swirly line.   It was easy enough to follow, but it might have been easier if the writers could have signed their entries.
 
This was a quick read, and I recommend that you check it out yourself.  You can buy it here.

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy to me for my review through the Bookcrash review program. 

 Have a day of blessings!

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God

I have finished listening to What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst. 

About this book:
Total obedience to Christ can transform an ordinary life into a remarkable journey. This is the hope found in the liberating message of Lysa TerKeurst--president of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

In What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, Lysa shares inspiring stories from her own life along with compelling biblical insights as she describes what it means to partner with God in all decisions and actions.
My thoughts:I am familiar with the author because of Proverbs 31 Ministries and also I have read some of her other books.  I enjoyed the message of this book and appreciated the examples shared from her own life of how God has blessed her for her obedience to Him.  I liked that she included examples of times when she did and other times when she did not obey.  She has a good message in this book to encourage women to radical obedience to God. 

I did not give this more stars because of the narrator I guess.  Several times I wondered if her tone and inflection was giving the message that the author intended.  It just felt like she was bragging or had an attitude or something in some parts regarding what she had done, the choices she had made, or the blessings she received.  I don't know if I would have felt that way if it had been read by the author or I had read the book version myself; however, at times I felt this voice distracted from the author's true intent and message.      

Thank you to christianaudio Reviewers Program for providing this audio book for my review.

Have a day of blessings!

Stealing the Preacher

 

Today I'd like to share with you Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer.  If you have not read anything yet by this author,  you should!  I have read all of her books and have enjoyed each one.  This one is a great read!

About the book: 
A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

My thoughts:
I was happy to read more about Crockett, one of the Archer brothers introduced in a previous book.  I thought this book had a unique, creative plot with Joanna's father (Silas) being a former outlaw and stealing Crockett from a train.  I enjoyed both Joanna and Crockett and felt like I could relate to Silas actually as he learned more about God and his need for Him.  The conflict at the end was unexpected for me as I would never have imagined what happened, but I thought it was a good addition to the story.  I'll leave it at that so I do not spoil the story!  I was glad to read a little bit here and there about the other Archer brothers too.  This is another great book by Karen Witemeyer, and I look forward to more books from her. 

One more thing... I really like the cover and the pretty dress on the model.  Also, as a reader I would enjoy having a book in the future about Jackson.  I thought he would be a great main character. 

Have a day of blessings!

I received this book from Bethany House for my honest review.

A Hopeful Heart

Book Description:
In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy. Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief.

Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband’s brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah.

A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this first book in this new series from Amy Clipston.  I have read her books in the past and enjoyed this one as well.  When I started I really wasn't sure what would happen between Hannah, Trey, and Joshua.  It is clear Joshua cares for his brother's widow and her three children.  He hopes they can be a family someday, yet Hannah does not share the same feelings.  Hannah is very torn though with what she should do with the rest of her life and trying to figure out what is best for her and her family.  She has feelings for Trey that she cannot deny but if she chooses him instead of Joshua, everything about her Amish way of life will have to change.  By the end of the book she makes a decision, and I wonder what the future will look like for her because of her choices. 

This is an interesting story and different than other Amish books I've read.  It made me wonder if something like this ever happens in "real life" for the Amish.  I look forward to the next book in the series so I can see how things turn out for Hannah and her kids.   

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!

Gone South

Today I'd like to share a book I finished called Gone South by Meg Moseley.

Book description: The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?

Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.

When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.

Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

My thoughts:
This book appealed to me first because of the cover.  Then I read the description and the story interested me.  It was an enjoyable story, and I liked the author's style.  It was hard to stay interested all the way through though; this really was not one of those books I didn't want to put down.  I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I felt I was left with a lot of questions. I was really getting into it close to the end, and it felt like it just stopped so that was disappointing. 

The reader can learn from the characters and their mistakes and how people often make judgements of others based on things they've done in their past. 

It was an okay book, but it really left me wanting more of the story.   I felt there were too many loose ends left by the last page.

Read more here.

 I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Have a day of blessings!

Out of My Mind

I have finished the most amazing book!  I checked it out from our local library after seeing it on the shelf at the school library while volunteering.  They cover caught my eye.  The librarian there told me what a great book it is, and I've looked forward to reading it.  She was right, it is wonderful.  I think all teachers should have to read this book.  It is such a touching story and very eye opening to me.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is the story of Melody, an 11 year old girl who is extremely smart. She has never spoken a word though.  She has cerebral palsy and is in a wheel chair.  Everyone...teachers, doctors, and classmates.... assumes she is not capable of doing anything.  She has a few people who believe in her though and a couple of good teachers who see her potential. All Melody wants is to be normal and do things like the other kids she sees at school instead of being stuck in the "special" classroom all day.   

This is such a touching story, and one I will always remember.   (I was nearly crying at the end and I don't cry over books!)  There are so many lessons that can be learned from Melody's story, both by young people and adults.  I highly recommend this book to you. The AR level for the book is 4.3. 

Have a day of blessings!

Audio book: Sparkly Green Earrings

I had heard that Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle (from Big Mama blog) was a good book so I was glad to see the audio version available for review.

In this memoir, author Melanie Shankle shares about marriage, miscarriage, friendship, pregnancy, and motherhood.

I enjoyed her style and felt she said aloud opinions I've often thought but not voiced. She shares her heart and the struggles she has faced and really we all face as women and mothers. She admits that she doesn't have it all figured out as a mother and is learning as she goes. 

I really enjoyed listening to this book and honestly didn't want it to end.  She had some great insight as a Mom, and I enjoyed the funny stories she shared.  I think women will really enjoy this book because they will be able to relate to her experiences. Her style is fun and you'll be laughing and nodding your head in agreement with her and maybe wiping away some tears too.

This book was read by the author which really added to the appeal for me.

Thank you to christianaudio Reviewers Program or providing the audio version for my review.

Have a day of blessings!

The Wishing Tree

I was thrilled to receive The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen before we left on our camping trip. 

I have reviewed her other books and have enjoyed them all.  Here are the links for those:  The Mailbox, She Makes It Look Easy,  The Guest Book

Ivy Marshall discovers her husband has cheated on her.  She goes home to Sunset Beach to escape her problems.  It works out conveniently for her to be home and help with her sister's wedding plans although she does not want her family to know the truth of her marriage.  And she does not really want to be with her family either after running away to get married  years ago.  She is put in charge of making a wishing tree.  This is a family tradition at weddings where guests send cards of wishes for the couple and the cards are attached to the tree as a decoration.  While working on this tree she has to face her own reality and consider what she has and what she wants in life.   

This is another wonderful one that I recommend to you.  It is a book about relationships, friendship, restoration, marriage, and family.   It would make a great book to add to your summer reading list. 

I received this book in the mail by signing up as an influencer with the author.  Thank you!

Have a day of blessings!

Not by Sight

Over the past few years I have read several books by Kathy Herman.   Her newest book is called Not by Sight.  I was looking forward to reading this first book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, and once I started reading I did not want to stop.

Abby Cummings and her family have mourned the disappearance of her Dad Micah and little sister Riley Jo for the past five years.  They seem to have just vanished.  One day Abby thinks she sees a little girl in town who has an amazing resemblance to her baby sister.  Her family dismisses her feelings and thinks she is probably imagining things as she has done in the past.  Her best friend Jay is willing to help her try to find the little girl again to determine if it is really Riley Jo.  Then she starts getting mysterious phone call warning her against continuing her search.  Does someone know what happened to Micah and Riley Jo?  Will Abby and Jay be able to figure it out?

There are many twists and turns that keep you reading.  This may just be my favorite book by this author so far, and I really look forward to the next book!  I would also add that she has chosen a beautiful setting for this series.  If you enjoy mysteries, be sure to check out this book and author.  Add it to your summer reading list!

I received the latest book in the mail recently from the author. Thank you for sending it to me!

Have a day of blessings!

Comforts from Romans (audio book)

 

About the book:

Although we may go to bed at night believing the gospel, we wake up every morning needing to hear it again. Yet most of us don’t have time to dive into a lengthy commentary on the book of Romans—the book Paul wrote in order to showcase the glorious riches of the gospel.

 

Thankfully seasoned counselor and author Elyse Fitzpatrick makes the message of Romans readily accessible in 31 devotional-like chapters on what Martin Luther called “the very purest Gospel.” Perfect for even the busiest of us, Elyse helps us grasp the practicality of the gospel message and experience the deep comforts articulated in the book of Romans.

My thoughts:
This was a very enjoyable book.  I felt I learned more about the book of Romans and did get comfort from it (as the title says).  I liked that the chapters were short and focused on only a tiny piece of scripture.  It really helped me to think about what the verse was saying to break it up like this.  I recommend this book for you.  This serves as a great reminder to me of what Christ did for me.

Also, the narrator Tavia Gilbert was enjoyable to hear.  She had the right voice for this book I thought.

This book was provided to my by christianaudio Reviewers Program.

Have a day of blessings!

Swept Away

I have finished Swept Away by Mary Connealy.  It is the first book in a new series called "Trouble in Texas."

About the book:
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.

His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this book overall.  It took me a while to read due to personal medical matters. I wasn't sure if it felt slow to me because of what I was going through or because of the book itself. 

I felt sorry for the characters and all they had faced.  Both Ruthy and Luke have endured challenging circumstances and past relationships, living now with fear and regrets. One thing I enjoyed was the value of friendships and how the friends stood by each other even in the hardest times.  I liked the inclusion of the preacher Jonas who wasn't a main character but had an important part in reminding the others that God was on their side. 

I didn't really like the cover of the book, I didn't think it was very unique compared to some I've seen lately. 

I have enjoyed several books by this author in the past and look forward to reading more from her in the future.  I look forward to seeing the relationships that develop between the characters introduced in this book.

Read more about the author at her website.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for writing my honest review.   My apologies not getting the review done sooner due to some personal medical issues.  Thank you. 
 
Have a day of blessings!