Saturday, October 13, 2018

Rrenewed


About the Book



Book Title: Renewed  
Author: Leigh Powers  
Genre: Devotional  
Release date: November, 2017

Ministry is a privilege, but it can also be a painful experience. Unrealistic expectations, church conflict, forced resignations, and our own struggles with burnout, loneliness, and insecurity can make church feel more like a place of wounding than a place of healing. How can wounded leaders find the courage to reject bitterness and keep loving the church? Renewed is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. You are not alone. God sees your pain. He knows your hurts. And he is waiting to bind up your broken heart. This forty-day journey into the healing love of Jesus will help you find the courage to stop hiding and start loving the church again.

My Thoughts:  Working in ministry can be hard, complex and difficult at times. Leigh has done an impressive job of putting in perspective what happens in ministry.  Churches are built up of people and personalities; so there will be times of conflicts, difficult people and those who wish to oppose ideas in your ministry.  

This book of devotions will help those in ministry learn to turn to God and His word for comfort and understanding.  There are topics of lamenting, forgiveness, learning to lean on Him in rough times and just giving it all to Him.   Leigh uses real people and real situations to help illustrate her writings and to show us that we are not alone in what we are going through!

This is a must-have book for anyone in ministry, especially for pastor's wives so they will know what they are going to be facing when they take on the role of Pastor's Wife and knowing that they aren't the only one experiencing those certain situations; it's comforting knowing that you aren't the only one.

This would make a lovely gift for any women in ministry, I have truly enjoyed this book and found it very useful in my life.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author



Leigh Powers is passionate about helping women find hope and healing in God’s Word. A pastor’s wife and mother of three with fifteen years of full-time ministry experience, she is a freelance writer, Bible study and devotional author, and a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She blogs regularly at www.leighpowers.com. You can usually find her with either a book or knitting needles in her hand—and sometimes both.

Guest Post from Leigh

I love ministry life. Several years ago, a young woman from Southeast Asia came to my English as a Second Language class for a year. Her English wasn’t very good, and I had to tug to get a word out of her. She came every week, but I wondered how much she was getting from the Bible stories we did during each class. At the end of the semester, I asked our class to share what they wanted to tell their friends and family when they went home. She looked up at me with big brown eyes. “I want to tell people about Jesus.” Those are the ministry moments that thrill us. It is a privilege to help people find freedom in Christ, teach God’s word, worship with the congregation, and walk alongside people in their moments of joy or sorrow. On those days I can’t imagine choosing another life. Then there are days that make me want to hang it all up and go work at Wal-Mart. Days when anonymous letters get slipped under the office door. Days when you’re the brunt of gossip, when loneliness is like an ache in your bones, or when you start sending out resumes for new positions because you aren’t sure how much longer you’ll have the one you’ve got. Ministry can be tough. Over the years I’ve met many women who have experienced the painful side of ministry. Church conflicts, forced resignations, depression, loneliness, feelings of inadequacy, and our own struggles with faith can take a toll. That painful side of ministry can make us start looking for an escape hatch. I wrote Renewed in the middle of a difficult ministry season. It was a hard season, but it was also a season where Jesus showed up for me in an almost tangible way. At the same time, I was also hearing stories from other ministry wives and women in ministry that sounded all too familiar. I started putting words on the page, hoping that somehow God would use them to bring healing to other women in the same way he had brought healing to me. That outpouring of hurt, healing, and hope eventually became Renewed. Some of you reading this are nodding along right now because you’ve been there too. You love the church, but you’ve seen how ugly it can be when we get it wrong. You’ve got wounds of your own, and sometimes you wonder if you can ever risk your heart again. If that’s you, I want you to know that there is hope. God has not abandoned you. God sees your hurt, he knows your pain, and he is waiting to bind up your broken spirit. He’s waiting. Turn to him, and may you find your spirit renewed.

Blog Stops

amandainpa, October 7
The Becca Files, October 8
Mary Hake, October 8
Genesis 5020, October 10
A Reader’s Brain, October 11
More Of Him, October 12
Godly Book Reviews, October 13
Carpe Diem, October 14
Kelly Harrel, October 15
Texas Book-aholic, October 16
Bigreadersite, October 17

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Leigh is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!


Posted by at No comments:

Monday, October 8, 2018

Shadows of Suspicion Promo Blast





Synopsis:  Revenge  is  the  agenda...“Find  my  sister.”Rick Reiley ’s words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry.  He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a  criminal  mastermind to get close to her.  He is prepared to give his life for her,  but  what about his heart?  “...I would like you to meet...My  wife.”Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days...and  that was saying a  lot!  Kerry ’s simple life is turned upside  down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a  madman.  She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?  As  Luke fights to keep Kerry safe,  the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer.  Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort  out his heart.... and capture Kerry’s?

My Thoughts:  This is the second book in the Shadows Series, and they just keep getting better and better!  This book starts where the last one left off, and don't worry if you haven't read the first one, you can jump right in.  This novel is filled with suspense and romance.  Ashley Dawn keeps the readers' attention wondering what will happen next.    

 This is a novel of letting go and forgiving, this is what Luke needed to do with his life, and to let God back in.   Finding that freedom enabled him to go on with his life and to find the happiness to replace the emptiness that he was feeling.  

 I enjoy all the characters, this book focuses on Kerry Reilly and Luke, but we meet up with characters from the first book.  This is a great supporting cast that works well to make this series work.  I am looking forward to the next book "Shadows of Pain"

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can purchase your copy here



 About the   Author:  Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office.  She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.    Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books.    Her  Shadows Series include Shadows  From  The  Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain,  and Shadows of Deception.    She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ͚Shadows͛ series entitled ͞Shadows  in Black and White͟ and also a standalone suspense titled  ͚One  of  Their  Own͛.    She and her family make their home in  Texas.

 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.”


Posted by at No comments:

Friday, October 5, 2018

Delayed Justice ~Giveaway~


About the Book

 


Book Title: Delayed Justice  
Author: Cara Putman  
Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense  
Release date: October 15, 2018  

She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard. Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart. Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child. This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

My Thoughts: Cara Putman has written a powerful novel that focuses on issues we see every day.  This is a novel about strength, recovery, trust and finding hope in God.  This is a fast-moving story-line that keeps the reader's interest, there are no dull moments in this novel.

 The characters were easy for the reader to identify with.  Jaime has worked hard to work through her trauma and to seek justice.  Chandler the veteran who suffers from mild PTSD.  The author did a wonderful job with Chandler,  a man who has also with the help of Aslan push past his trauma.  As I said the author has touched on topics that I believe everyone has or knows someone touched by these traumas.  The author has done a wonderful job bringing these to the readers' attention and showing that with counseling, the victims can obtain justice and freedom from the past.

 I enjoyed that  C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" from "Narnia" were brought into the storyline.   I immediately fell in love with Aslan and the job he performed in the story.

 This was a wonderful and a joy to read.  I highly recommend this one, especially to those who enjoy action and suspense with a little romance mixed in.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31. Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana. Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com

Guest Post from Cara

Delayed Justice was a hard story to write. I’d known from Beyond Justice that Jaime had a hard story, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. She tried to hide from her past. She tried hard, but in the end it slowly spilled out. A young girl wounded deeply by someone who should protect her. And now as a professional young woman, Jaime is still fighting the shadows. She believes she’s okay, or as okay as she’ll ever be. Instead, she has to learn that there’s so much more waiting for her. Freedom from the chains of a past she didn’t choose. A love that will never end. And a God who has always loved her even when she questions His existence because of her past. I think we’ve all lived that. There’s a place in our hearts that seems beyond His reach. For some of us, it’s a barrier to knowing Him. To others of us, it makes us question what we thought we knew about God. And for others of us, it presses us deeply into Him. Jaime’s book, Delayed Justice, explores this space. The space where some days we scream at the heavens Where are you, God? And the days we just curl into ourselves because life is too hard. And in that space of shadow and light, God ultimately shines brightest. This is a truth that is slowly revealed through friends and The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Blog Stops

Fiction Aficionado, September 29
The Avid Reader, September 29
The Power of Words, September 29
The Lit Addict, September 30
BBHfiction, September 30
Painting with Words, September 30
Real World Bible Study, September 30
Janices book reviews, September 30
cherylbbookblog, October 1
Back Porch Reads, October 1
Cafinated Reads, October 1
Faithfully Bookish, October 1
Lighthouse Academy, October 2
Livin Lit, October 2
Bigreadersite, October 2
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 3
The Becca Files, October 3
Blogging With Carol, October 3
Genesis 5020, October 4
Cathe Swanson, October 4
100 Pages per Hour, October 5
Multifarious, October 5
Book by Book, October 5
Mary Hake, October 6
Godly Book Reviews, October 6
C Jane Read, October 7
Buy, Borrow, Skip, October 7
The Mimosa Blossom, October 8
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remebrancy, October 9
Carpe Diem, October 9
Quiet Quilter, October 10
At the Fence, October 10
By The Book, October 10
God is Love, October 11
Texas Book-aholic, October 11
Henry Happens, October 12
Have A Wonderful Day, October 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize package that includes a Courage Dear Heart bracelet, a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe print, a copy of Delayed Justice, and a box of Turkish Delight!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.




 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.”


Posted by at 3 comments:

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

A Tale of Two Hearts ~Giveaway~


About the Book



Book Title: A Tale of two Cities  
Author: Michelle Griep  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release date: September 1, 2018

Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn. William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit. William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost. Can two hearts survive such a deception?

My Thoughts:    Mina has had her eye on Will since the first time she served him at her father's inn;  so when Will asks her to help him by pretending to be his bride, she jumps at the chance.  But as Mina and Will find out, deception brings on worries and more deception.   They soon learn that as the Bible says that truth will set you free.    There are many lessons in this novel.  One is to not lie, to be truthful in all things.  It's never good to keep secrets.  It's never a good thing to play with another's affections.    It is also a story of forgiveness and second chances.
 This was a fun book to read.  This is the second book in the series  "Once Upon a Dickens Christmas" and even though I haven't read the first one, it was easy to read and follow along.  The characters were fun, Mina being the main character is a sweet young woman who loves to read.  The readers are instantly drawn to her.  Then there are Will's cousins, which I found to be very comical and in some ways true to life.

 Michelle Griep is a wonderful writer, who holds the reader's attention and adds a little whimsy to the characters and story-line.

 I truly enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to reading more from Michelle Griep.  

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author



Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Guest Post from Michelle

Victorian Christmas Foods

So, it’s September, and you know what that means? It’s back to school. Pumpkin spiced everything is just around the corner. And it’s nearly time for cardigans and colored leaves. But besides all these autumn staples, it’s also time to start thinking about Christmas, because it will be here before you know it. How about this year you plan ahead to serve some traditional Victorian food? In my newest release, A Tale of Two Hearts, the heroine’s father is known for his annual oyster stew that he serves on Christmas Eve. Here’s a bit of the background on that tasty soup.
Victorian Oyster Stew
Oysters have been savored in Britain since the days of the Romans. By Victorian times, industrialization cheapened oysters to the point of them becoming a staple of the poor man’s diet and were a frequent fare served in public houses. This, however, depleted their abundance, and by the mid 1800’s, the natural oyster beds became exhausted, making it harder to find good oysters. While other foods were served as well on Christmas Eve, oyster stew was as common as goose or turkey. Another Victorian favorite that goes great on a crisp evening is good ol’ hot chocolate, though in Dickens’ England, it would’ve been called something else.
Drinking Chocolate
What we now call cocoa or hot chocolate was called drinking chocolate in the mid 1800s. This beverage was a favorite among Victorian ladies. You can find recipes for it even from the Regency era (early 1800s) and here is one for you to make at home. And last, but not least, who hasn’t heard of Christmas pudding? To our American ears, that sounds like a tasty dish that you’d eat with a spoon and slap a little whipped cream on top. Actually, it’s more like a fruit cake.
Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is quite a production, one that begins well before Christmas Day. In fact, it begins on Stir-Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent (which is five weeks before Christmas). This is why when Mina, the heroine in A Tale of Two Hearts, returns home from dinner at Uncle Barlow’s, and though it’s not yet Christmas, she sees the pudding moulds on the kitchen table. If these tastes and the accompanying smells still aren’t quite enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, then snatch yourself up a copy of the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. A Tale of Two Hearts is sure to get you in the mood.

Blog Stops

Creating Romance, October 2
The Avid Reader, October 2
Genesis 5020, October 3
The Power of Words, October 3
Just Commonly, October 3
Baker Kella, October 3
Among the Reads, October 4
Fiction Aficionado, October 4
Godly Book Reviews, October 4
Inklings and Notions , October 4
Multifarious, October 6
Texas Book-aholic, October 6
Remembrancy, October 7
Splashes of Joy , October 7
Back Porch Reads, October 8
A Reader’s Brain, October 8
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, October 9
Carpe Diem, October 9
Britt Reads Fiction, October 10
Luv’N Lambert Life, October 10
By The Book, October 11
Book by Book, October 11
Bigreadersite, October 11
More Of Him, October 12
Pause for Tales, October 12
With a Joyful Noise, October 12
Have A Wonderful Day , October 12
Bibliophile Reviews, October 13
Vicky Sluiter, October 14
Daysong Reflections , October 14
Henry Happens, October 15
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ef/a-tale-of-two-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway



 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.”

Posted by at 3 comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)