My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah by Angie Dicken

Here is the book summary:

Journey now to Castle Gate, Utah of 1910 where...
Forbidden Love Tries to Survive Old World Expectations

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart...and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him.  When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.

And now, my review:

My impression of this book was that it was a page-turner from the beginning. I thought the storyline was really exciting to read.  There is great anticipation that builds, crumbles, builds, crumbles, and builds again. I loved how the author painted the feel of America at that time. This was very frustrating and just the way it was back in the day...  I'm so thankful there is no partiality with God. Check this one out for an excellent read!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Belongs-Castle-Gate-Utah-ebook/dp/B0716DWP1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520732523&sr=8-1&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+castle+gate+utah

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-castle-gate-utah-angie-dicken/1125902269?ean=9781683223757#/

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-castle-utah-leannas-choice/angie-dicken/9781683223757/pd/223754?product_redirect=1&Ntt=223754&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Lies Women Believe Study Guide by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Here is the book summary:

Go deeper with the truths of the bestselling Lies Women Believe.

The Companion Guide for Lies Women Believe is made up of ten sessions and is designed for individuals and small groups. 

Each chapter includes the following features:

1.       In a Nutshell — gives you an overview of the chapter to be studied from Lies Women Believe and reminds you of the lies discussed within that chapter.

2.      Exploring the Truth — offers a daily personal study for you to complete during the course of the week between your small group meetings. Each day's study includes a few pages to read from Lies Women Believe and then questions to answer under the subtitles "Realize," "Reflect," and "Respond."

3.     Walking Together in the Truth — provides questions to be discussed when your small group meets.

This engaging workbook will make you and your friends think and wrestle with the Truth as you search the Bible for answers to tough issues. The Companion Guide for Lies Women Believe is ideal for small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday school classes.

And now, my review:

I found that I definitely need a copy, which I have, of the book Lies Women Believe to go along with this study guide because she refers to it often.  This study guide takes the book one step further in the way of studying the lies in our lives that can trip us up as we go along.  It slows us down and gives us time to reflect on her thoughts about the lies we are believing in.  It is set-up to be done with a group or with some friends but can be done alone.  It is planned to take 10 weeks and is set up by days.  In the days, she directs you to Scripture and asks you questions for further observation and reflection in your own life. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Believe-Study-Guide-ebook/dp/B077448GDN/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520720917&sr=1-3&keywords=Lies+Women+Believe+study+guide


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-women-believe-study-guide-nancy-demoss-wolgemuth/1126707830?ean=9780802414984

https://www.christianbook.com/women-believe-study-guide-updated-truth/nancy-wolgemuth/9780802414984/pd/414980?event=ESRCG

Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Here is the book summary:

Counter the lies that keep you from abundant living.

Satan is the master deceiver; his lies are endless. And the lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of their struggles.

"Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners."

In this bestseller, Lies Women Believe, Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women—lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions: God's truth!

And now, my review:

I’ve heard much about this book over the years and so it’s great that she has expanded and updated it.  This is a book obviously based on the title, lies us women believe, and it expounds on how those lies affect our everyday lives.  She states that there are 3 areas that trip us up.  They are what we believe about God, what we believe about ourselves, and what we believe about sin.  Like all lies, they come from the wicked one and he’s slithery and the deception can come subtly.  I loved how at the end of every chapter she has a section that counters the lies with the Truth and she gives Scripture to help walk through that lie in your life.  This is great for praying the Scriptures, reflecting on the Truths in our lives, and helping others as well. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Believe-Truth-that/dp/0802418368/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520720119&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=lies+women+believe&psc=1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-women-believe-nancy-demoss-wolgemuth/1126707831?ean=9780802418364#/

https://www.christianbook.com/lies-women-believe-updated/nancy-wolgemuth/9780802418364/pd/418364?event=ESRCG

Seeing the Unseen by Randy Alcorn

Here is the book summary:

Let the Hope of Eternity 
Shape Your Life Today

Scripture tells us to fix our eyes on the unseen. Rather than focus on what will fade, we’re encouraged to lock our gaze on things of eternal value. But how exactly can we do that amid the immediate demands of life?
 
In this expanded edition of his devotional Seeing the Unseen, Randy Alcorn provides 90 inspirational readings that will help you view today through the lens of the eternal.
 
As we better grasp the realities of the spiritual realm, we gain a clearer perspective on our present life, including things like suffering, happiness, generosity, and peace. This transformative devotional equips you to live with a right view of eternity—one that will shape not just what you believe, but how you navigate the challenges and opportunities of each day.

And now, my review:

This is a great 90-day devotional book that helps direct your mind to things unseen instead of all the seen things around us.  I found this to be helpful in my own personal life and encouragement to share with others along the way.  Each day is about something different and it has Scripture truths and also some quotes from people who have experienced things in that area and/or have shared their thoughts on it.  At the end of each devotional, he also puts a link to further information for further reading on each topic.  I found this very helpful and motivating to dig into some areas for deeper study and meditation.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Unseen-Expanded-Devotional-Eternity/dp/0735290792/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520714951&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=seeing+the+unseen&psc=1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seeing-the-unseen-expanded-edition-randy-alcorn/1125531423?ean=9780735290792#/

https://www.christianbook.com/seeing-unseen-devotional-your-mind-eternity/randy-alcorn/9780735290792/pd/290792?event=ESRCG

You're Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

Here is the book’s summary:

Who knew fate could twist a tragedy into a second chance at love?

Samantha Winters lives her life the way a good accountant should—measured, deliberate, and safe. After watching her father die in a tragic skiing accident, she decided never to allow risk into her life again. But she didn’t count on falling for Nick Chastain, who embodies everything she doesn’t want in her safely constructed world.

Against Samantha’s warnings, Nick plans a dangerous kayaking trip over spring break. Furious that he’s so careless with his life, she ends their fledgling relationship with harsh words.

Two years later, Samantha is desperately in need of a change. When she learns her grandmother has had an accident and is in need of a caretaker, Samantha quickly packs her bags and heads to Thunder Creek, Idaho. But nothing could prepare her for the surprise awaiting her in her grandmother’s hospital room . . . Nick.

With the charming backdrop of small-town friends, beloved cousins, and a whole church congregation rooting for them, can they set aside the disastrous ending of their first try at love? Has Nick changed enough to meet Samantha in the middle—and can she realize that a risk in love might be worth taking?

And now, my review:

This book drew me in from the wonderfully thought out thread of how tragic events affect a person’s outlook on life.  The choices made and the future formed before them were being based on their experiences.  Sometimes those things have to be stopped.  The cycles need to be broken and not repeated.  Seeing the need for following God’s lead.  The other thing that hit me was the powerful troubles with a past head injury and the future unknowns.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Gonna-Love-Robin-Hatcher-ebook/dp/B06XFNTPXN/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1520706679&sr=1-1&keywords=You%27re+gonna+love+me

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/youre-gonna-love-me-robin-lee-hatcher/1125895883?ean=9780718085971#

https://www.christianbook.com/youre-gonna-love-me/robin-hatcher/9780718085971/pd/085971?event=

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

Here’s the book summary:

A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
 
Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
 
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
 
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

And now, my review:

The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep is a very gripping story of love, loss, intrigue, danger, suspense, and a great thread of the truth that the outcome is not up to a person but up to God.  I find that Michelle is an amazing author and her books are very hard to put down.  She has so many characters in this book that have me feeling all sorts of things, either frustration or oh no or ahhh love or whatever one must feel when reading about the special Mr. Nutbrown.  This is a great historical fiction I highly recommend set in the beautiful land of England. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley.  I was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/Innkeepers-Daughter-Michelle-Griep-ebook/dp/B074TYQ139/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/the-innkeepers-daughter-michelle-griep/1126627873?ean=9781683224358#reviews-header

https://www.christianbook.com/the-innkeepers-daughter-michelle-griep/9781683224358/pd/224358?event=

Brides of Montana by Kelly Eileen Hake

Here is the book summary:

Love Spans Three Generations of Settlers
Under the majestic expanse of Montana sky, the timing seems right for romance in the town of Saddleback.

In 1864, Delana Albright is eager to join her fiancé Dustin Friemont on the homestead he has been working for a year, but she arrives much earlier than expected. Will poor timing send her dreams in a new direction?

Rosalind MacLean anticipates the arrival of the railroad in 1886 to bring new opportunities, adventure, and possible romance; but Ewan Gailbraith, a scout, precedes the line with subtle warnings. Will hidden dangers bring more than Rosalind can bear?

Nessa Gailbraith has dreamed of Isaac Freimont’s proposal since childhood. So why, after careful planning and timing in the year 1916, does she refuse him when he asks and turn to another?

When romance’s timing becomes all wrong for these young women, how will they turn things around and reap a bountiful harvest of faith and love?

And now, my review:

Brides of Montana is a great 3-book series by Kelly Eileen Hake, which I find a great author.  I enjoyed all 3 stories.  It’s funny that I found myself frustrated with the characters of the first story the most.  With the miscommunication going on in that one…  Ugh!  I found myself wanting to yell at them to speak up so they understood each other better.  I loved how Kelly painted the Montana scenery and I could see it in my mind.  Such brave ones to be the first to go and develop a new land for them and their families to live on for the long haul. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Brides-Montana-3-1-Historical-ebook/dp/B075ST12YK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520092192&sr=8-2&keywords=Brides+of+Montana

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brides-of-montana-kelly-eileen-hake/1125820608?ean=9781683222866#/

https://www.christianbook.com/brides-montana-in-historical-romance-ebook/kelly-hake/9781683222880/pd/94036EB?event=ESRCG

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

Here is the book summary:

Jennings Winningly Combines Humor, History, and Romance

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out. 

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

And now, my review:

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings was a pleasant and delightful read!  It had action, a great plot, romance, and it had twists and turns that kept me reading.  It was funny sometimes and intense other times.  The redemption of this brother and sister was inspiring!  We can’t always control our upbringing but it doesn’t have to define who we CAN be for the future.  There can be value, purpose, and love found in the unexpected places.  Another great one by Regina Jennings!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Fort-Reno-Book-ebook/dp/B072BCK15X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520090637&sr=8-1&keywords=holding+the+fort

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holding-the-fort-regina-jennings/1125516136?ean=9780764218934#/

https://www.christianbook.com/holding-the-fort-ebook/regina-jennings/9781493412006/pd/92505EB?event=ESRCG

BIG Picture Interactive Bible Story Coloring and Activity Book by B&H Kids

Here is the book summary:

Filled with more than 200 coloring pages and more than 150 activity pages for young children, this Bible Story Coloring and Activity Book from The Big Picture Interactive provides hours of fun. Here are some of the great activities your kids will love:

·        Word searches

·        Mazes

·        Connect the dots

·        Hidden messages

·        Fill in the blank

·        Secret code

·        Matching

·        Find it

·        Unscramble

·        and more!

And now, my review:

This Bible Story Coloring and Activity Book is great fun for your younger people to work through.  I thought that it was well thought out and very creative.  What a blessing that it includes some of both the Old and New Testament.  This is very helpful because it gives a great range of learning and also a running start to having much fun while doing it.  Turning my younger ones on to their creative side with the help of this awesome book was a God-send.

  

I received a copy of the book from B&H Kids in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Coloring-Activity-Picture-Interactive-Project/dp/1462745164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520087816&sr=8-1&keywords=the+big+picture+interactive+bible+story+coloring+and+activity+book

https://www.christianbook.com/picture-interactive-bible-story-coloring-activity/9781462745166/pd/745162?product_redirect=1&Ntt=745162&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP