150 Gluten-Free Family Favorites by Tami Dillon and Bonnie Root

Here is the book summary:

Get Rid of the Gluten, Not the Good Taste

Are you one of the roughly three million people in the US who struggles with celiac disease? Do you have an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten? Whatever your reason for incorporating gluten-free foods into your daily diet, this one-of-a-kind cookbook adapts all your family favorite recipes into incredibly delicious gluten-free family favorites.

Ditch the gluten, but none of the foods you love, with these mouthwatering recipes:

·        Little Smoky BBQ Bacon Bites

·        Sinfully Cinnamon Cinnamon Rolls

·        Blissful Buttermilk Biscuits

·        Cilantro-Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos

·        Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

...and so much more!

Yes, you can still enjoy all your favorite foods and live a successful gluten-free life!

And now, my review:

My thanks to Tami and her Mom, Bonnie.  I love that Harvest House has put a book out that touches my heart and my tummy in a great way.   I’ve been strictly gluten-free since 2012 and it’s always great to mix up the recipes a bit and be inspired by looking through a book about it.  That is why I picked up this book.  This is definitely for beginners on the gluten-free journey, which at the beginning can feel overwhelming. But this book not only shares some great recipes but it also adds Scripture as well.  Breakfast, bread, main dishes, and desserts all made so gluten-free people can eat it.  The personalities of both authors are such a delight to read from.  My favorite recipes are Lemon Butter Shrimp and Asparagus, Dill Pickle Veggie Dip, and Butterfinger Carmel Cheesecake.

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

https://www.amazon.com/150-Gluten-Free-Family-Favorites-Delicious-ebook/dp/B07GRMZ4YL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=150+gluten+free+family+recipes&qid=1553984708&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/family-favorites-delicious-creative-recipes-lifestyle/tami-dillon/9780736973496/pd/973496?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/150-gluten-free-family-favorites-tamara-dillon/1127747826?ean=9780736973496

Crochet 101 by Deborah Burger

Here is the book summary:

Written with the absolute beginner in mind, this engaging book teaches all the basics for learning to crochet with step-by-step instructions and photographs. Crocheting skills are learned by working on projects, beginning with something very easy and getting progressively more difficult as the reader works through the book. New skills are explored in depth as they are introduced. The introductory section covers all the basics of crochet-selecting yarn, hook types and sizes, other tools and accessories, crochet gauge, chaining, forming the basic stitches, reading patterns-making this the most comprehensive beginner’s book available. The online video tutorials created to supplement this book are an additional learning tool demonstrating the essential techniques used in crochet.

And now, my review:

From picking yarn and fibers to finding the right crochet hook for you, this book has all the basics a person needs to get started and be successful with crocheting.  My favorite project was what the author called the Roll Brim Cloche which is a hat with some flowers on it.  And I loved what she called a Flower Power Retro Beanie.  It was so nice that she included “wet blocking” instructions for the Windflower Shawlette.  There are many other parts of this book as well that makes this a great book to check out for your craft library.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-101-Step-Step-Instruction-ebook/dp/B07G36FJ95/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=crocheting+101&qid=1553967263&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crochet-101-deborah-burger/1112615804?ean=9781631596520

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet by Danna Demetre and Robyn Thomson

Here is the book summary:

From the well-known health and lifestyle coaches of the widely popular website Lean Healthy Ageless (formerly Ageless Woman Living) comes a practical, science-based diet book that unravels the mystery of why women gain weight as they age and includes a sustainable plan to permanently lose the pounds and inches.

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet shows women how they can not only lose excess body fat permanently but also improve their overall health in critical areas such as brain function, resistance to disease, slowing down external aging, and increasing energy. This highly effective eating plan is presented in a compassionate voice by two experienced health coaches who share personal experiences of battling weight and emotional eating issues. Whereas most diets are short-lived or require substantial upkeep to maintain, Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is a viable eating plan that women can adhere to indefinitely. In addition to minimizing sugar intake, the plan emphasizes the importance of short-term intermittent fasting--a simple lifestyle change that makes it easier and more effective for many mature women to reach their health and weight loss goals. The book also highlights health risks and drawbacks of many popular fad diets that can be harmful on a long-term basis.

And now, my review:

Eat Live Thrive Diet by these lovely ladies is a great book that breaks through some issues and helps in so many areas.  I personally don’t pick up “diet” books because I live more in a healthy body for life way of thinking and not dieting way of life.  Believing strongly in life living and not just to lose and go back to bad habits. BUT I am so thankful that I picked this resource up!  I felt that they were very thorough in bringing up so many targeted materials that are out there and things that I would love to know more about.  I wish they had added more to the exercise area of this book and even to the point of giving some routines.  The help in finding how my personal body reacts to all kinds of foods is a game changer and that has got to be my favorite part of this book beyond their shared faith in God through Jesus Christ.  If you’re looking for a lifestyle change for the better and great help in maintaining and sustaining your metabolism you’ll want to pick this one up. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Live-Thrive-Diet-Metabolism/dp/0525653163/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2Z10QFX7AZI98&keywords=eat+live+thrive+diet+book&qid=1553606175&s=gateway&sprefix=eat+live+th%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3

https://www.christianbook.com/thrive-lifestyle-plan-your-midlife-metabolism/danna-demetre/9780525653165/pd/653165?product_redirect=1&Ntt=653165&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eat-live-thrive-diet-danna-demetre/1128997122?ean=9780525653165#/

American Omens by Travis Thrasher

Here is the book summary:

In this taut thriller that depicts a future where belief is dangerous, faith is deemed hatred, and a group of powerful elite keeps watch, the Reckoner has come to wake up America.

The year is 2038 and Cheyenne Burne is a brilliant young programmer working for Acatour, the world's top technology firm. Her father converts to Christianity, and he suddenly disappears without a trace. When a stranger hands Cheyenne a coded message that sends her on a collision course with a clandestine group of believers, she must put her life in the hands of those following a man known only as the Reckoner. He claims he wants to bring back true faith in Christ to America and also reveal the forces behind the disappearances of the many renowned people who publicly declared their Christian faith. 

Operating in the shadows and living off the grid, this mysterious prophet assembles a ragtag team--including a former bookseller whose store was shut down for selling prohibited books--to help him take the battle for transparency to the top. With a ruthless FBI agent closing in, can Cheyenne and the others expose the truth and lead a return to God in America before it's too late?

And now, my review:

This book was very interesting how it touched on some of the issues we are facing right now in this society.  Issues of control and manipulation of those of the Christian faith.  Labeling the Gospel as hateful and intolerant.  If you as the reader of this review do not see that, then read this book.  It shows how these issues if ignored, could escalate into something devastating.  It is very challenging to be bolder in my faith and encouraging to others of like faith.  The book itself was a bit difficult to get into at first.  I enjoyed how things were brought around in the end, but there does seem to be an open-endedness for future books.  I liked the future aspects of the book.   The scenarios were believable and not fanciful.  I would recommend this book to someone based on the challenges it poses.   

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

https://www.amazon.com/American-Omens-Coming-Fight-Faith/dp/0735291780/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=American+Omen&qid=1553464323&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/american-omens-coming-fight-for-faith/travis-thrasher/9780735291782/pd/291785?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-omens-travis-thrasher/1128688754?ean=9780735291782#/

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Here is the book summary:

The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Belili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?

Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.

And now, my review:

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews was a fictional book based on the Daniel of the Old Testament.  I just love Daniel and God’s Word.  Because of this, I struggled at first with this book and was not understanding why she was bringing in a life mate (wife) into his story.  I was like, is this like watching a movie about Noah and having there be other boats in the water…  Then I flipped to the back of the book where she shares why she decided to add this element and that helped me to see this author has sought His Scripture and is a fellow-studier of His Word, doesn’t take His Word lightly, and she wasn’t just uneducated but she shares her possible findings, most importantly she included a Biblical example.  Whether that is where I’ll land or not, this helped me let go and get into the reading a bit deeper.  What I found when I did this was amazing writing of fiction. I related often with the wife and her struggles for forgiveness to King Neb and all the pain he had brought into her life.  Such pictures painted in words.  I would liken it to watching the movies "Passion of the Christ” and “The Nativity”.  Not everything is written down for us in Scripture but one example from “The Nativity” was when Joseph and Mary were leaving Nazareth to journey to Bethlehem, Joseph states that “the people were going to miss us”.  Knowing the cost involved in Mary’s decision of obedience to the Lord’s will cost them, many things.  To see in this book the costs involved in Daniel determining beforehand that he would not defile himself.  It’s powerful.  The three friends and their journey into the fire and all…  breathtakingly powerful.  Everything before that, after that, and in between.  Exceptional fiction.  I’m so blessed to have picked up this book and I’ll be reading it again and sharing it with others!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Lions-Novel-Mesu-Andrews/dp/0735291861/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=NKHNZY4LVQQG&keywords=of+fire+and+lions+mesu+andrews&qid=1553445406&s=gateway&sprefix=of+fire+and+lions%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/of-fire-and-lions/mesu-andrews/9780735291867/pd/291867?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-fire-and-lions-mesu-andrews/1128904207?ean=9780735291867#/

Devotedly by Valerie Elliot Shepard

Here is the book summary:

Their paths to God’s purpose led them together.

Many know the heroic story of Jim Elliot’s violent death in 1956, killed along with four other missionaries by a primitive Ecuadorian tribe they were seeking to reach. Many also know the prolific legacy of Elisabeth Elliot, whose inspiring influence on generations of believers through print, broadcast, and personal testimony continues to resonate, even after her own death in 2015.

What many don’t know is the remarkable story of how these two stalwart personalities—single-mindedly devoted to pursuing God’s will for their young lives, certain their future callings would require them to sacrifice forever the blessings of marriage—found their hearts intertwined. Their paths to God’s purpose led them together.

Now, for the first time, their only child—daughter Valerie Elliot Shepard—unseals never-before-published letters and private journals that capture in first-person intimacy the attraction, struggle, drama, and devotion that became a most unlikely love story. 

Riveting for old and young alike, this moving account of their personal lives shines like a gold mine of lived-out truth, hard-fought purity, and an insider’s view on two beloved Christian figures.

And now, my review:

Devotedly by Valerie Elliot Shepard, the daughter of missionaries Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, did a great job of putting together a timeless work on the love story of her parents.  It was such a gift to be able to part-take in reading this work.  What an inspiration to the testimony of their walk with the Lord individually and with each other.  Willing and surrendered to put the Lord’s will above all else.  Their letters to each other expressly displayed His sanctification process in their lives and the conviction to concede to His direction for their futures, whether together or apart.  What a joy this book was to me.  Thank you to the author for sharing such personal family information with everyone who picks up this book. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Devotedly-Personal-Letters-Elisabeth-Elliot/dp/1433651564/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=21VAKUMDAS85L&keywords=devotedly+valerie+elliot+shepard&qid=1552923402&s=gateway&sprefix=devotedly%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/devotedly-personal-letters-story-elisabeth-elliot/valerie-shepard/9781433651564/pd/651564?product_redirect=1&Ntt=651564&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devotedly-valerie-shepard/1128911975?ean=9781433651564#/

Warfare by Tony Evans

Here is the book summary:

You’re at war. Are you winning?

Your fight is not with the problems you can see—depression, a broken marriage, addiction, or financial troubles. These are just the symptoms, the true disease—the true battle—is against the devil and his armies. But the devil’s not afraid of mere humans like you and me. So how are we supposed to fight? More importantly, how are we supposed to win?  

Warfare is a guide to fighting the battles that matter. In it, you’ll learn:

·        to identify how spiritual warfare is impacting your soul, family, church, and culture.

·        who the armies are and what role they play—God, angels, demons, and the devil

·        how to use the arsenal of spiritual weapons God provides

·        how to claim the victory God has already won.

When we fight the right battles with the right weapons, fear gives way to courage, futility gives way to purpose, and failure gives way to victory.

And now, my review:

Pastor Tony Evans does it again with Warfare.  The thing I love about this book is that it is Scriptural.  It helped me to focus on the Spiritual Warfare that I face every day.  It opens my eyes to the war going on around me each and every moment.  How to identify it and the armor pieces to have in place for the battle.  It talks about the REAL battle behind all the outward appearances.  It goes along with all the other books I’ve been reading about the Armor in the past 2 years and it’s a great addition to my library on this topic.  And having a physical book is a blessing because then I get to make notes in it.  I highly recommend this book. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Warfare-Winning-Spiritual-Tony-Evans-ebook/dp/B07FJPWHJT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543508638&sr=8-1&keywords=warfare+by+tony+evans

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warfare-tony-evans/1128027079?ean=9780802418173#/

https://www.christianbook.com/warfare-winning-the-spiritual-battle/tony-evans/9780802418173/pd/418177?event=ESRCG

Pathways by Tony Evans

Here is the book summary:

God has a purpose for your life, and every action or event that occurs within it has been used to make that purpose a reality.

The story of Esther appears to be a series of coincidences strung together to deliver the Jews from certain death. However, God selected Esther for a particular purpose at a particular time. Discover your own pathway to purpose through learning principles on providence as Tony Evans takes us on a journey of epic proportions.

And now, my review:

Sharing powerful Truths from the book of Esther is what this book is all about.  The author references God as the Puppet-Master and Providential God.  He states that God is the God of reversals.  That’s my favorite part of the book!  There’s great comfort in “resting in God to be led down the pathway to Providence.”  “He is the One who prepares the pathways, but He calls us to walk on them (action).”  “It is God who makes the intersections on the pathways to your purpose.”   An added bonus that I really delighted in, was the inclusion of 13 pages of verses on God’s Sovereignty in the appendix at the end of the book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Pathways-Providence-Purpose-Tony-Evans-ebook/dp/B07MBF1LWN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=pathways&qid=1551471096&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/pathways-from-providence-to-purpose/tony-evans/9781433686603/pd/686603?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pathways-tony-evans/1128555343?ean=9781433686603#/

Finding Love on Whidbey Island Washington by Annette M. Irby

Here is the book summary:

Could what drove them apart be what draws them back together? Liberty Winfield lives with loss every day. She’d rather leave her history behind her, but when faced with moving back to her hometown, the past becomes unavoidable. She takes a job at the florist shop owned by her ex-boyfriend’s family from a decade ago. Now he’s unavoidable. Clay Garrison knows the pain of ruing his mistakes. Most of his regrets center around Liberty. If he could undo his poor choices, he would. Liberty is back. He has one more chance to make things right. She doesn’t believe anyone could love her unconditionally, so he sets out to prove her wrong. He’ll also try to right the biggest wrong of their past. Will addressing the past together help them find love?

And now, my review:

Finding Love on Whidbey Island by Annette Irby is the third book in this outstanding series by this author.  Each book brings its own appeal and this one had so much to offer to the reader.  It was complex and well-executed.  This story includes heartache and healing.  Searching and finding.  Love and loss and find love again.  The setting was on point on the island shores of a beautiful place in the Pacific NW.  My favorite characters outside of the two main characters were Roy and Gloria.  Placed there to show the love of Christ in such tangible ways.  Shea was such an encouragement to me as she was a Godsend to Liberty and went beyond her job duties.  The importance of forgiveness and the freedom in it was definitely felt in this novel.  I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Whidbey-Island-Washington-Romance-ebook/dp/B07N4J3M9Z/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=2DAEEB22JXLHJ&keywords=finding+love+on+whidbey+island+irby&qid=1551459941&s=gateway&sprefix=Finding+love+on+%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130542731?ean=9781943959549