Follow the Cloud by John Stickl

Here is the book summary:

There is a big difference between being set free and living free.
 
How do I know what to do with my life? How do I hear God’s voice? Maybe the answer is easier than we think. When God led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land, He gave them a cloud to follow. He led them in an intimately personal, ever-present way one next step at a time. He led them without revealing the whole picture because he wanted them to follow by faith.
 
In Follow the Cloud, Pastor John Stickl uses this image to ask, “What if we stopped letting obligation drive us and instead let grace lead us? What if instead of focusing on our faithfulness toward God, we focus on God’s faithfulness toward us?” 
 
The cloud of God’s presence is moving in your life right now. Maybe God is inviting you to follow him to a new career or relationship. Maybe he is inviting you to extend forgiveness, share your story, or give up your addiction. Whatever your next step is, God is leading you to discover who you are, who he is, and what you were created to do. He is inviting you to a life of freedom. Inviting you home - one step at a time.

And now, my review:

Follow the Cloud by John Stickl was a quick read for me.  I found myself highlighting a lot as I journeyed through it.  He uses quite a few practical examples that I enjoyed seeing how they related to what he was talking about.  My least favorite part was part 3.   I found myself wondering the direction he was going in.   I would use caution reading this or encouraging a new believer to read this.  

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

https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Cloud-Hearing-Gods-Voice/dp/1601429258/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35JTP6JOX8A84&keywords=follow+the+cloud+john+stickl&qid=1576275031&sprefix=follow+the+clo%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/follow-cloud-hearing-voice-step-time/john-stickl/9781601429254/pd/429256?product_redirect=1&search_term=follow%20the%20cloud&Ntt=429256&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/follow-the-cloud-john-stickl/1125092659?ean=9781601429254

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

Here is the book summary:

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

And now, my review:

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano was a laugh-out-loud, intriguing, awkward sometimes, can’t put it down read.  This book has the feels of a Jane Austen.  I felt she did a good job of developing her characters.  Some of them had me liking them and some of them were cheats!  The dressing gown incident was LAUGH-OUT-LOUD funny!  The events and dresses were descriptive.  The snail incident was HUMOROUS!  Actually, there was a lot of laughing through this one.  I recommend you pick this one up.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Rough-American-Heiresses-Turano/dp/0764231685/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1576273850&sr=8-1


https://www.christianbook.com/diamond-in-the-rough-2/jen-turano/9780764231681/pd/231684?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-in-the-rough-jen-turano/1130543144?ean=9780764231681#/

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

Here is the book summary:

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God".

And now, my review:

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky is a historical fiction based on orphans being placed in homes when they aren’t really orphans.  This is heart wrenching.  The family is getting poorer by the moment because of the loss of the father and then the mother is hospitalized.  Word gets to the older sister who is away working to send money to help the mother out.  She then finds herself on a journey to bring her family back together again.  The romantic relationship that develops is wonderfully penned.  She finds she really needs his help with the obstacles that she faces.   This book feels to me like a Jane Austen.

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

https://www.amazon.com/No-Ocean-Too-Wide-Mcallister/dp/0525652930/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L0LF3DKOQBK6&keywords=no+ocean+too+wide+carrie+turansky&qid=1576248829&sprefix=no+ocean+t%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/no-ocean-too-wide-a-novel/carrie-turansky/9780525652939/pd/652939?product_redirect=1&search_term=no%20ocean%20too%20&Ntt=652939&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-ocean-too-wide-carrie-turansky/1129914625?ean=9780525652939#/

Coffeehouse Knits by Kerry Bogert

Here is the book summary:

The jolt of inspiration every knitter needs!

Inspired by the ritual of sipping and stitching, Coffeehouse Knits is a stimulating collection of knitwear with an extra shot of something special. Whether you're joining friends at the coffee shop for community knitting or you're home enjoying the first cup of the day, perk up your knitting with:

   • 20 patterns that range in skill level from advanced beginner to intermediate--macchiato to espresso.
   • Simple touches evoke the idea of everyone's favorite drink, from steaming swirls around a sweater yoke to coffee bean inspired motifs.
   • Stirring essays from knitters explore community, connection, and caffeine.
Pour yourself another cup and settle in with Coffeehouse Knits.

And now, my review:

I just love perusing a new knitting book.  My favorite patterns in this book are the Gingersnap Pullover that is a nice sweater, Morning Brew Pattern of a sweater, and the Soho Shawl.  To top these, being a sock person, I just love that they included the twirling socks and extra whip sock patterns.  Now that the snow is flying, I think I might try to whip up some mittens using the Steamed Mittens pattern which takes the basic mitten look and adds a flare to it to make it extra special.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Coffeehouse-Knits-Knitting-Patterns-Essays-ebook/dp/B07MMWJ8V7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Coffeehouse+Knits&qid=1576180713&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coffeehouse-knits-kerry-bogert/1129228741?ean=9781632506597#/

Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh

Here is the book summary:

Use the included tracing paper, step-by-step drawing exercises, and practice pages to learn to draw your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood, including Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and more!
 
Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh is a 64-page, spiral-bound book that shows beginning artists how to draw the lovable characters of the Hundred Acre Wood. After an introduction to art tools and materials, there is an overview of how to use the book. Then the real fun begins! You'll find easy-to-follow drawing projects for Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, and Christopher Robin.
 
Three different learning methods make learning to draw easy: tracing, the grid drawing method, and the basic shapes method. The basic shapes method transforms a seemingly challenging drawing exercise into a series of simple steps, beginning with basic shapes. Each step builds upon the last and, before you know it, you have a finished drawing of a hungry, honey-loving stuffed bear!
 
This book includes tracing paper to accompany the tracing projects, practice grids to draw on, and practice pages after each basic shapes project. Use these included practice pages to get started directly in the book. All you need is a pencil!
 
With step-by-step instruction, professional Disney artist tips, and bonus character biographies and fun facts,Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh provides countless hours of artistic fun for Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages and skill levels. So grab your drawing pencils and get ready for an artistic adventure with Christopher Robin and his stuffed animals in the Hundred Acre Wood!

And now, my review.

Who doesn’t like Winnie the Pooh?!?!  I’m a lifelong fan so I was so excited to come across this drawing book.  Along with the basic shapes method that shows you the lines, they include a grid method that is really helpful in the placement of certain angles and parts.  This helped me with my proportions if I got off on some of my lines.  They also included a tracing page that you can use to trace with.  No matter the level of student, you can find helpful instructions in this one. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Draw-Disney-Winnie-Pooh/dp/1633227618/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=learn+to+draw+disney+winnie+the+pooh&qid=1576178392&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learn-to-draw-disney-winnie-the-pooh-walter-foster-jr-creative-team/1130072819?ean=9781633227613

Free to Believe by Luke Goodrich

Here is the book summary:

A leading religious freedom attorney, veteran of multiple Supreme Court battles, helps people of faith understand religious liberty in our rapidly changing culture--why it matters, how it is threatened, and how to respond with confidence and grace. 

Many Americans are concerned about rising threats to religious freedom. They feel the culture changing around them, and they fear that their beliefs will soon be marginalized as a form of bigotry. Others, younger Christians in particular, are tired of the culture wars, and they wonder whether courtroom battles are truly worthwhile, or even in line with the teachings of Jesus. Luke Goodrich offers a reasoned, balanced, gospel-centered approach to religious freedom. He applies biblical understanding to a number of the most hot-button cultural issues of our day. He also offers practical steps Christians can take to respond to religious freedom conflicts in an informed, responsible, and graceful way.

And now, my review:

Free to Believe by Luke Goodrich is an informative book that helps define religious freedom, talks about the threats that we are facing, and gives us action steps to go forward to keep our freedoms.  I believe that all believers would be greatly educated by investing time in reading this book.  As I was reading through, I felt that a lot of it was commonsense and becoming aware of our part and what taking action can look like and the dangers of not taking action.  I’m thankful for those who are fighting for our religious freedoms and sharing with us our part to play. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/Free-Believe-Religious-Liberty-America/dp/0525652906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TRQP57JA85RL&keywords=free+to+believe+luke+goodrich&qid=1574522116&sprefix=Free+to+Believ%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/believe-battle-over-religious-liberty-america/luke-goodrich/9780525652908/pd/652906?product_redirect=1&search_term=Free%20to%20Believe&Ntt=652906&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/free-to-believe-luke-goodrich/1130202282?ean=9780525652908#/

New Every Morning by Phil Barfoot

Here is the book summary:

New Every Morning is a unique and dynamic devotional book compiled by Dr. Phil Barfoot and written by 118 premiere worship pastors, ministers of music, and Christian university professors across America. Each devotion presents a fresh and inspiring thought and Scripture for the day designed to refresh, renew, and recharge the spiritual life of each reader. The book is designed for private devotionals, choirs, worship teams, and small group study. As a private devotional, the reader can use the book as a traditional daily devotional. As a leader of a ministry group, the book can be used on Wednesdays and Sundays to offer specific insights and wisdom into the discussion of worship and our role in worship.
 
Dr. Barfoot is clear. His prayer is that each day we experience God’s awesome mercy through this book and be left New Every Morning.

And now, my review:

A compilation of 365 Days of Worship in a devotional is what New Every Morning is all about.  I found it to be well put together.  This author has brought together many men all in one book sharing insights into our walk with the Savior.  I have many favorites and my favorite part of the book are the reflective questions that bring action to what was just shared.  Only downside, for some, they may find the small font hard to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Every-Morning-Days-Worship/dp/1535955937/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H7PFHKS70KXV&keywords=new+every+morning+365+days+of+worship&qid=1574519826&sprefix=New+Every+Morning%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/new-every-morning-365-days-worship/9781535955935/pd/955930?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/new-every-morning-phil-barfoot/1130666136?ean=9781535955935

Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Here is the book summary:

Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country.

Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day.

And now, my review:

I really enjoyed reading Amish Front Porch Stories by all the Brunstetters because each story has challenges to the reader.  The book is broken up into the Fruits of the Spirit and you get a couple stories for each one.  From the get-go with Love – Simple Actions, I was challenged by the significance of simple actions.  The ministering that happens to others and in a person’s soul.  Another one I really liked was Gentleness – A Change Of Heart.  I enjoyed reading how powerful it is when attitudes surrender and perspectives change.  With 18 great glimpses, you’re sure to find some simple yet powerful encouragement.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Front-Porch-Stories-Simple-ebook/dp/B07QHG3PGV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=YLWCS39PKQG3&keywords=amish+front+porch+stories&qid=1574518356&sprefix=Amish+Front+Por%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/stories-short-tales-simple-faith-wisdom/wanda-brunstetter/9781643521893/pd/521893?product_redirect=1&search_term=Amish%20Front%20&Ntt=521893&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amish-front-porch-stories-wanda-e-brunstetter/1130647640?ean=9781643521893#/

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep
 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

And now, my review:

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep is a compilation of 3 of her Christmas books all in one.  Each year for the past 3 years she has released a book and they have all been great!  It’s so nice to have them all in one book.  I have a physical book for this one and it’s a favorite of mine because of the “torn” look on the edges of each sheet.  I have read all three books in their entirety and a couple of them more than once.  It’s a great book to read from year to year at Christmas time.  In fact, for my family, we like to find Christmas books and hear them aloud and enjoy it all together.  With loads of intrigue, Christmas, and romance, what’s not to love!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Dickens-Christmas-Victorian/dp/1683222601/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24IX53DNCWG6T&keywords=once+upon+a+dickens+christmas&qid=1573856376&sprefix=once+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/once+upon+a+dickens+christmas+series?_requestid=2304689

https://www.christianbook.com/once-upon-a-dickens-christmas/michelle-griep/9781683222606/product-reviews/3222606?submitted_review=1

When God Says Wait by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

Here is the book summary:

A job, a true love, a baby, a cure. . .
We’re all waiting for something from God.
And the place between His answers can feel like a wasteland where dreams—and faith—go to die.
When we’re waiting, we wonder, “Why?”, “Why me?”, and “How long?”

But the truth? . . .
When God says, “Wait,” He doesn’t tell us for how long.
When God says, “Wait,” we face one of life’s greatest tests.
When God says, “Wait,” we have decisions to make.
When God says, “Wait,” we can control only two things: how we wait, and who we become along the way.

Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson invites you to journal through your personal "wait" and come out on the other side with your faith, relationships, and sense of humor intact. 

This lovely volume will encourage and inspire you in your wait--with meaningful devotional thoughts, scriptural truths, and thought-provoking journal prompts.
 

Features:

·       A beautiful, textured hardcover binding

·       Delightfully designed one-color interior with quality paper

·       Dozens of encouraging, inspiring thoughts from Elizabeth Laing Thompson's popular Christian living title When God Says, "Wait"

·       Generous space to record personal thoughts and feelings

·       Thought-provoking reflection questions and journal prompts

·       Scripture selections on every spread

And now, my review:

When I held this journal in my hands, I was so elated because the feel of this hard-covered textured journal feels so heavenly.  It’s the little things that add up while going through times of waiting that I embrace to be thankful over.  This book is great with the spinning computer circle icon with every page.  On each page she has a verse on the left-hand side and thoughts with writing prompts on the right.  I found that there are plenty of lines to write on and I think this is a God-send for those waiting times in our journey with the Lord.  Bravo to the author and designer of this amazing journal for the tough times.

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

https://www.amazon.com/When-God-Says-Wait-Devotional/dp/1643521624/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=Y28ZUCNSCJBC&keywords=when+god+says+wait&qid=1570837325&sprefix=when+God+says+%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFNMUg4Q1ZDWko3QUImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3OTYxMDYzOUs4UFU5TDVBS0FDJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NDMzNTMyV0FJQTdWUTROSFBVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==


https://www.christianbook.com/when-says-wait-devotional-thought-journal/elizabeth-thompson/9781643521626/pd/521620?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-god-says-wait-elizabeth-laing-thompson/1130647678?ean=9781643521626#/

Scarlett's Spectacles by Janet Surette

Here is the book summary:

Which pair will you wear?

In a world where every person faces a daily choice between two pairs of glasses, young Scarlett grumbles through her days, seeing only the dreary aspects of life through her “grumbly glasses.” Tired of how Scarlett's spectacles keep her daughter from seeing all the good around her, Scarlett's mother encourages her to try “glad glasses” instead. Even though the change is difficult at first, Scarlett soon realizes that "glad glasses" make for happy days and that choosing to see with gratitude is possible because God always brings some kind of good from the circumstances in our lives.

This colorful and spunky board book is a great resource for tackling grumbly attitudes and encouraging more grateful hearts among children. And like Scarlett, after seeing life through "glad glasses," readers may just chuck those grumbly glasses away for good! 

And now, my review:

Scarlett’s Spectacles by Janet Surette sure is a sweet book full of a life-lesson on sight.  In a delightful way, it walks you through our choices for how we see things based on the glasses we put on. Everyone has glasses on and we each have a choice to change them or not.  Scarlett had plain, brown, square glasses and then is given a choice to change them to sparkly, bright, cheerful specks.  Will she do it?  For us, this book ministered to both the child and the parent.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Scarletts-Spectacles-Cheerful-Choice-Happy/dp/1535959053/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OXBPTEMAY5TZ&keywords=scarlett%27s+spectacles&qid=1570836169&sprefix=scarlett%27s+spe%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/scarletts-spectacles-cheerful-choice-happy-heart/janet-surette/9781535959056/pd/959053?product_redirect=1&search_term=scarlett%27s%20specta&Ntt=959053&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scarletts-spectacles-janet-surette/1130666135?ean=9781535959056

Unexplainable Jesus by Erica Wiggenhorn

Here is the book summary:

When’s the last time you were captivated by Jesus?

Crowds clamored, women wept in awe, disciples dared to do the impossible—all because of Jesus. Somewhere in the overly familiar we’ve lost our fascination. Whether you’re worn thin, filled with questions, or desperate for more of God, come encounter Unexplainable Jesus. Experience the culture and customs of His day and follow Him into a life unimaginable. This study features:

·       in-depth study of Luke (40 lessons over 8 weeks)

·       historical and cultural insights

·       soul-searching questions

·       access to extensive online resources

Step into the streets of Jerusalem and encounter the Jewish Rabbi who turned the world upside down. After rediscovering Jesus on the pages of the book of Luke—or maybe discovering Him for the very first time—you’ll see there is no other plan, goal, ambition, or Person worth following but Jesus.

Plus, check out the Unexplainable Jesus DVD, which contains hours of all-new video teaching content from Erica Wiggenhorn.

And now, my review:

I found Unexplainable Jesus by Erica Wiggenhorn to be a blessing.  It is an 8-week Bible Study on the Gospel of Luke that is broken down into 5 days a week.  She really expounds a lot as we work through the Scriptures and she pulls the questions from the Word with relevant questioning to bring us into the book of Luke.  You can’t go wrong studying any book of the Bible, but there is just something about studying the gospels and learning about the unexplainable wonders of Jesus, the Savior.  I highly recommend this one.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Unexplainable-Jesus-Rediscovering-Thought-Knew/dp/0802419097/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GXFIIVSF7V39&keywords=unexplainable+jesus&qid=1570834469&sprefix=unexplainable+%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/unexplainable-jesus-rediscovering-you-thought-knew/erica-wiggenhorn/9780802419095/pd/419090?product_redirect=1&search_term=unexplainable%20&Ntt=419090&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unexplainable-jesus-erica-wiggenhorn/1129761277?ean=9780802419095

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge by Pepper Basham

Here is the book summary:

Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?

And now, my review:

I found this author to be a delight to read because she is SO funny!  I found myself laughing out loud at her comments.  The back-mountain life was painted realistically that you feel like you’re right there.  My favorite part was the pole cat AKA skunk unfortunate interactions that had you smelling it.  This author has a way with adjectives, drawing me into her characters and seeing the pure, lovely character of the main female.  I thought she matched well with the city-teacher.  A refreshing read that I recommend to you.

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

https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Belongs-Blue-Ridge-ebook/dp/B07L583WS6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GSRZ5IAU8XA9&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+the+blue+ridge&qid=1570672679&sprefix=my+heart+belongs+in+the+blue%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-blue-ridge-laurels-dream/pepper-basham/9781683227793/pd/227790?product_redirect=1&search_term=my%20heart%20belongs%20in%20the%20blue&Ntt=227790&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-the-blue-ridge-pepper-basham/1128864619?ean=9781683227793

A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

Here is the book summary:

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she's finally put behind her--or so she thinks. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them before it's too late.

And now, my review:

I found A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden to be a great read.  The book flowed really well with great realistic character development.  The storytelling was not your typical one and I really liked her thinking outside the box.  There are hard jobs but someone has to do them.  There are hardened hearts in need of softening and forgiveness.  Relationships that were torn apart and the sweetness of being restored. There was facing the bullying head on.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Hope-Empire-State-Novel-ebook/dp/B07F3CK5B7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+desperate+hope&qid=1570671451&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/a-desperate-hope-elizabeth-camden/9780764232107/pd/4232107?product_redirect=1&search_term=a%20desperat&Ntt=4232107&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-desperate-hope-elizabeth-camden/1128873078?ean=9780764232107#/

The Scripture Memory Map For Women by Barbour Publishing

Here is the book summary:

What Does Scripture Memorization Look Like? . . .
Find out in The Scripture Memory Map for Women.

This unique scripture memory journal is an engaging and creative way for you to treasure the truths of God's Word in your heart. Each page features a lovely 2-color design that guides you to write out specific scripture memory goals, thoughts, and more. . .which then create a specific "map" for you to follow as you memorize God's Word. Each map includes a spot to record the date, so you can look back through your journal and see how God's Word has been ingrained into your daily life. The Scripture Memory Map for Women will not only encourage you to become more familiar with God's Word. . .it will also help you build a healthy spiritual habit of Bible memorization for life! 

And now, my review:

I just loved this little book for jotting down the verses that God brings to mind to memorize.  It prompts different things to write down such as what prompted the verse to come to mind and what it means to me and my walk in Him.  It’s really great for keeping all the verses together in one place.  My only down is the amount of space for the memory verses. I tend to memorize more than one verse in a given passage.  There’s only 5 lines in a square for the verse space. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Memory-Map-Women-Creative/dp/1643520881/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DJ6H8UX7ED2R&keywords=the+scripture+memory+map+for+women&qid=1570670025&sprefix=the+Scripture+Memory+Map%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/scripture-memory-for-women-creative-journal/compiled-by-barbour-staff/9781643520889/pd/520880?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20scripture%20memory%20map&Ntt=520880&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-scripture-memory-map-for-women-barbour-publishing/1131181739?ean=9781643520889