Friday, August 30, 2013

The One Year Sweet & Simple Moments With God Devotional

From the Publisher: As women, sometimes we’re running so fast that we forget to do the things that will most revive our spirits and renew our hearts. In The One Year Sweet and Simple Moments with God Devotional, Kim Newlen shares heart-lightening insights she’s gathered from pausing and listening to God in her day-to-day life, encouraging us all to take a sweet and simple moment to be still with God every day. When we do, we’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it will make in everything else! This year, make every moment count through spending sweet and simple time with the One who can carry your burdens best.

This is a lovely devotional!  I love reading devotionals, and this one is especially nice.  It has an attractive cover, its easy to hold, and you have a full year of devotionals at your hand!

I like how Kim gives you the verse, then expounds on it, very clearly and then gives you a reading assignment at the end of the devotion.  This devotional certainly takes the hum-drum out of daily devotions.

I received this book free from the Tyndale Publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The Homeschool Mom's Bible

Book Description

Homeschooling mothers will be encouraged by heartfelt, practical readings from the 365 devotions this KJV Bible offers.
This hardcover KJV Bible offers 365 encouraging devotions for moms who educate their children at home. Homeschooling mothers will be encouraged by heartfelt, practical readings that cover topics such as avoiding burnout, staying focused and committed, navigating the needs of toddlers, setting boundaries, and, most importantly, maintaining proper soul care while juggling educational and household responsibilities.
Features include:
  • 365 daily meditations with prayers written by Janet Tatman, a veteran homeschooling mother with more than 25 years of experience homeschooling
  • The full text of the classic King James Version (KJV) Bible
  • Foreword from Vickie Farris, author, homeschool mom, and wife of Michael Farris, founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association
  • Topical index 

  •  The Homeschool Mom's Bible has a very attractive and appealing cover to it.   I got the King James Version; if you don't like that version or want an easier read, it does come in NIV.    What I love is the daily devotionals, ones that are geared specifically for mothers in general.  I know it is a homeschool Bible, but I think that any mother would love this Bible.    The font size is good, it isn't large, but it isn't too small to read, the verses are in an easy read format; that is each verse is on its own line.  This would make a lovely gift for a mother whether or not she homeschools!
I received this book free from booksneeze.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Chasing Atlantis

From the back of the book:

Amy isn't like most girls her age who dream of spending all summer on the beach.  In fact, she dreads it.  The yearly visit to see her mom seems even more ominous than usual.  In the quaing town known as Vero Beach, many bizarre things begin to happen that leave her perplexed......

This book was great!  It keeps your attention, and you don't want to put it down.   A very easy read, and well written.  The subject matter was very unique and interesting, with the intrigue, mystery and the usual teenage love story.

This is a great fiction novel, and it gets my recommendation.  Thank you Kelly Coughlin for the chance to review your first novel.

Author's Outskirts web page



I received this book free from the Author . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Over the Top

From the Publisher: Experience a sense of adventure, heart-pounding excitement, and at times absolute terror in this gripping autobiography of a mountaineer’s pursuit of success and purpose in life. You’ll explore the world of rock climbing and the effects of Fralick’s near-death experience in a mountain-climbing adventure gone awry. Gain insights from his extraordinary encounter with God that led him to discover true success and purpose in life.

This is definitely a book for climbers and sports enthusiasts.  Mr Fralick, takes you through his life journey of climbing.   The amazing part of the story is when he explains how he met Christ and accepted Him into his life.  

An exhilarating and emotional story that keeps you on your toes. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Russell Fralick is an active climber, climbing instructor, mountain leader, and semi-professional deer stalker. His desire for adventure and personality as a risk-taker has resulted in experiences that allow him to relate to others who enjoy the outdoors. Russell lives in the Lake District of England with his wife and two children.

I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”




God in My Everything


From the publisher: Ken Shigematsu shows that spiritual formation is more than just solitude and contemplative reflections. Spiritual formation happens in the everyday, in each and every moment of life. For those caught up in the busyness of work, family, and church, it often feels like time with God is just another thing on a crowded “to-do’ list. Ken explains how the time-tested spiritual practice of the “rule of life” can help bring busy people into a closer relationship with God. He shows how a personal rule of life can fit almost any vocation or life situation.
In God in My Everything, you will discover how to create and practice a life-giving, sustainable rhythm in the midst of your demanding life. If you long for a deeper spirituality but often feel that the busyness of life makes a close relationship with God challenging---and, at times, seemingly impossible---this book is for you.
In today's society we have become "weak" Christians.  We go to church weekly, but don't truly worship from our hearts.  We are able to do lots of "spiritual" things, and not deepen our relationship with God.   We read our Bible, do our devotions, and check that off our "to do list" but we don't really spend quality time with God.   In this book, Ken shows us how to slow down and deepen that necessary relationship.

This is a good book for anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God.


You Tube Trailer


I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.com  . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”
Cross Focused Media, LLC

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Wounded Women of the Bible

Description:
Imploding relationships, incapacitating losses, injurious personal mistakes, or spiritual failures—whatever the issue, the wounds are the same.
Whether it’s a lapse in judgment by Bathsheba or the moral failure of the women’s ministry leader in your local church; the spiritual insensitivity of Martha or the compulsive obsessions of your church’s care circle chairwoman; the terror of an abandoned single mother like Hagar or the struggling single mother in your prayer group—the time and circumstances are different, but the wounds are equally deep and spiritually devastating.
Dena Dyer and Tina Samples get it. They have their own stories of pain before healing—along with similar experiences of their families and friends. Offering more than pat affirmations or vicarious shoulders to cry on, Dena and Tina delve deep into the shared emotions and injuries that women of all ages have in common—and move readers toward the recovery and healing that only God can provide.
No matter what hurts you’ve experienced, Wounded Women of the Bible proves that God understands and that healing is not only His intention but His delight!
This is a book not to be missed!

This is a wonderful book for women who are hurting in areas of their life.   Basing issues on similarities of circumstances from the women in the Bible, Ms. Dyer and Ms. Samples have given hurting women a way of looking to God through women who have hurt in similar ways long before we were born.  
This book would make a great Bible Study, or a wonderful book to read for those in counseling hurt people.  I enjoyed reading through the book, it is an easy and fast read.

I received this book free from the publisher  http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Friday, August 23, 2013

Future Grace

About This Book

Explore this stunning quality of God’s grace:  It never ends!

In this revision of a foundational work, John Piper reveals how grace is not only God’s undeserved gift to us in the past, but also God’s power to make good happen for us today, tomorrow, and forever.

True life for the follower of Jesus really is a moment-by-moment trust that God is dependable and fulfills his promises.  This is living by faith in future grace, which provides God's mercy, provision, and wisdom—everything we need—to accomplish his good plans for us. 

In Future Grace, chapter by chapter—one for each day of the month—Piper reveals how cherishing the promises of God helps break the power of persistent sin issues like anxiety, despondency, greed, lust, bitterness, impatience, pride, misplaced shame, and more.

Ultimate joy, peace, and hope in life and death are found in a confident, continual awareness of the reality of future grace.

Grace is such an important thing in our lives as Christians.  God gave us grace, so we as Christians must give grace back to others; something that is missing in today's Christian's life it seems.

What is grace? Grace is receiving something we do not deserve.    I did enjoy chapter 6 : Grace Vs Pride.  Pride is something that can creep in very quickly and unseen in our lives.  Mr. Piper handles this very well in the chapter.  Although I am not a huge fan of Mr. Piper, I believe he has handled the subject of grace very well.

I received this book free from the publisher (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)  . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

My Next Step

From the Publisher: My Next Step is a remarkable memoir of one man coming face to face with the darkest moments of his life and how, through his own drive and the unwavering support of family and friends, he never succumbed to despair. Dave Liniger had it all: four successful children, a lifetime filled with adventure, and a company he'd founded, RE/MAX, that became one of the most prominent real estate brands in the world and made him a success beyond his wildest dreams. He had served in the Vietnam War, parachuted out of planes, raced cars, and once even attempted to circumnavigate the world in a balloon. And then overnight his full and varied life almost came to an abrupt end. Doctors discovered he had a horrific staph infection along his spine that left him paralyzed from the neck down and in excruciating pain.
My Next Step chronicles how Dave found reserves of strength to fight through his pain. He drew inspiration from his wife, Gail, who had shown incredible grace and courage during her recovery from a tragic airplane crash twenty-nine years earlier. His guiding light was the mantra, "Just 10 steps." If he could take 10 steps, he could take 20. If he could take 20, he could walk a mile. After three critical surgeries and six grueling months in the hospital, Dave finally returned home. He continues to heal, but is back running the company he loves and getting stronger every day. My Next Step will inspire those facing tragedy to find the courage to accept their situation and do what's necessary to take the next step toward a meaningful life.

This was a very interesting story of determination and encouragement.   The biographical story of a man who came close to death, and recovers.     This book was hard to put down, a very easy read, and keeps you cheering every moment for Dave and his family.   

I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Friday, August 16, 2013

The Candle Classic Bible

From the Publisher:  Description:
A Bible story for every day—365 of the best-loved Bible stories fully illustrated in a classic style will become favorites for children and parents alike, with each story divided into easy-to-read sections with the day, heading, and Scripture reference. Children are encouraged to spend family time together reading a new story each day.
Old Testament: From the Story of Creation to Isaac, from Joseph to Ruth, from Job to David, from Elisha to the Prophets.
New Testament: From John the Baptist to the story of Jesus, to the story of the Apostles, to John’s Vision of Heaven.
Unique Selling Points
• Strong traditional art style
• Ideal gift for the older child
• Encourages Bible reading every day

This is an amazing Bible for children.  We have been using it for daily devotions with our 9 year old son, who reads the Bible out loud, and then we discuss what we have read that day.   The illustrations are amazing, the content is easy to read.   This is a great way to enjoy family devotions, and fun for all ages.

I highly recommend this book.



I received this book free from the publisher  http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”



Psalmist I Am

From the Back of the book:
Psalmist, I Am presents emotions and truths found in the book of Psalms. See how your emotions and thoughts of God, as revealed during your journey, align with those of the writers of the Psalms. 
This book brings out the importance the Psalms are in our daily lives.  The Psalms are there when we are in trouble, and when we are blessed.  This book categorizes the Psalms having similar themes together, and Mr. Abner lets us journal our thoughts and emotions to these Psalms.  It is a very thought provoking book.    I recommend this book for Bible Study, and daily devotions.  It may also be a very good evangelism tool.   
Thank you Ray Abner for the opportunity to review this book.
 I received this book free from the Author . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Thirty Days of Bible Study for Busy Mamas

From the back of the book:

It’s not easy, getting into the Word when your house is full of little ones who need you twenty-four hours a day.

But it’s essential.

The goal of this book is to offer special encouragement and help to busy mothers who need the nourishment of God’s Word in their demanding lives. 30 Days of Bible Study for Busy Mamas: Colossians 3 will help you slow down and really study the Bible, even if you can only study for a few minutes at a time.
Here is a simple but deep approach to Bible study, divided into five-minute portions that will leave you encouraged and excited as you discover that you can study the Bible, even when your house is full of children!

This is an interesting book that helps mother's to learn how to study their Bibies.   The author teaches mothers how to mark, and study using Colossians 3.  A very useful book, that can also be used in a formal Bible study group.


I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Kingdom Woman



In Kingdom Woman, Tony Evans and his daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, remind women of their calling from God to be free, delivered, healed, and to have hope. The authors bring insight that encourages women to correct distorted perceptions and understand who they really are in Christ—never settling for less when connected with the One who gives them hope. All believers are covered by God’s covenant with Abraham. Evans and Hurst want women to know these rights and confidently claim and live by them. The new covenant offers more than a life of mediocrity. A kingdom woman is called and empowered to live a life of victory through Christ!
A kingdom woman gives the devil as much reason to fear as a kingdom man. She lives confidently in the knowledge that Christ died and rose for her so that she can experience the significance of the destiny to which she has been called. 

We as women, have very important roles in life.   Mr. Evans and his daughter clearly relate this in their book, "Kingdom Woman".  They state our importance with out usurping our submission to our husbands.  They define and teach us how important we are in God's eyes.  
I also thoroughly enjoyed "Chrystals Chronicles"; She gives a women's perspective that makes us feel like we aren't alone in how we feel about ourselves as women. 

This is a really great book, and I recommend that all women of all ages should read this. 

Author Questions and Answers
Trailer

I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Friday, August 9, 2013

Death Be Not Proud

From the publisher:

Following the vicious attack by a psychotic colleague, and reeling from the suspicion that Matthew Lynes is not all that he seems, Professor Emma D’Eresby flees her college teaching position in Maine to her hometown in England— taking the mysterious seventeenth-century journal she stole from the college’s archives with her.
Broken physically and emotionally, Emma drifts until, fearing for their daughter’s sanity, her parents invite a family friend to assess her. In the course of their conversation, Emma discovers that he spoke to Matthew over thirty years before.
This finally spurs her into action and soon, when she finds what certainly must be a reference to Matthew in the journal, she begins to understand Matthew’s profound secret.
But when Matthew arrives to confess his love for her, she must decide if she can trust him—and he must decide if he can share his extraordinary secret with her. Drawn by a deep connection that both feel but don’t quite understand they find they must set aside their doubts and trust each other.
Readers will be thrilled by the second installment in The Secret of the Journal from British author C. F. Dunn. Mixing suspense, romance, and the supernatural, Death Be Not Proud explores the profound moral implications of a life seemingly invulnerable to time.


This is not a typical book for me, but it was well written, easy to read, and captures your attention.   Although the subject matter wasn't of my choice, those that are interested in the supernatural, and love suspense, with a little romance thrown in, will definitely love this book.  For me there were some unanswered questions, that maybe a third book would answer.


I received this book free from the publisher  http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Friday, August 2, 2013

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

About

Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women's suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
A well written and captivating book.   Ms. Turano does a great job of keeping our attention, with romance, mystery and comedy.  I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Turano's writing style and look forward to her future books.
For those of you who enjoy historical fiction, this is a must.
I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”


Barefoot Summer

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.
To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.
Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.
Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.
But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new 
love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

This is an amazing can't put down book to read.  It captivates you from the first page.  I truly enjoyed this story, the characters become real.  There is romance, heartache and healing all in one.

I highly recommend this book, Denise Hunter takes you through an emotional , and inspired time as you read this book.  

I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”