Friday, October 11, 2019

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.




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

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream by [Basham, Pepper]

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.






Wednesday, October 9, 2019

A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

A Desperate Hope (An Empire State Novel Book #3) by [Camden, Elizabeth]

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.




The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin



Here is the book summary:
Join beloved Bible teacher and best-selling author Dee Brestin in discovering the surprising places Jesus shows up in the Old Testament and the unexpected ways He speaks into our lives today.

Offering a fascinating perspective on the historic, poetic, and prophetic books of the Old Testament, Brestin draws on her deep understanding of the full scope of the Bible to explore the timeless story of God's quest to rescue each of us. She combines rich teaching, memorable storytelling, and an in-depth Bible study component to create a resource that shows readers how the story began (the books of Moses), how to live in the story (the poetic books), and how the story will end (the prophets).

And now, my review:
The Jesus Who Surprises book by Dee Brestin was a God-send.  This author is so transparent, refreshing, and full of Truth.  I was really drawn to her words. She breaks the end of each chapter into a 5-day Bible Study and optional on-line sermon suggestions.  I loved her “Today I spied God when…” journal prompts.  So important to pay attention to His movements within and without.  And stopping to reflect on them.  I loved this from the book, “prayer is not getting God to give you what you want but dialoguing with Him, listening to Him, submitting to Him, and asking Him to give you what He wants, even if it is costly.”  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/Jesus-Who-Surprises-Presence-Scripture/dp/0735291802/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XXZKOQCICVEO&keywords=the+jesus+who+surprises&qid=1570668104&sprefix=the+Jesus+who+sur%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/jesus-surprises-opening-presence-life-scripture/dee-brestin/9780735291805/pd/291803?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20jesus%20who%20sur&Ntt=291803&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jesus-who-surprises-dee-brestin/1129791646?ean=9780735291805#/


The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

The Alamo Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower Book 7) by [Y'Barbo, Kathleen]

Here is the book summary:
A Series for Lovers of History, Adventure, Romance, and Ancestry

Will Ellis Lose All at the Alamo?
Ellis Dumont finds a man in New Orleans Grey unconscious on Dumont property in 1836. As his fevers rage, the man mutters strange things about treasures and war. Either Claiborne Gentry has lost his mind or he’s a spy for the American president—or worse, for the Mexican enemy that threatens their very lives. With the men of her family away, Ellis must stand courageous and decide who she can trust. Will she put her selfish wants ahead of the future of the republic or travel with Clay to Mission San Jose to help end the war?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)​
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)

And now, my review:
I found The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo to be a great 7th book to this series of the Daughters of the Mayflower put out by Barbour Publishing.  I loved the way this author brought about the journey of this man and the twists along the way.  I loved the compassion and intelligence the mom and daughter had to help him when he was hurt and to nurse him back to good health.  Not remembering anything about himself was fun to watch unfold.  I loved the idea of her note taking as he was fighting high fevers and talking about a lot of things.  The other thing that plays through my mind with this one was the rescue of him out of the water and the black water snakes.  SUPER scary!  This was a great read and I have enjoyed every book to this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Alamo-Bride-Daughters-Mayflower-Book-ebook/dp/B07HYL71PX/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+alamo+bride&qid=1570666702&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/alamo-bride-kathleen-ybarbo/9781683228202/pd/228203?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20alamo%20bride&Ntt=228203&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-alamo-bride-kathleen-ybarbo/1129071635?ean=9781683228202

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Winning the Battle for Your Mind, Will, and Emotions by Robert Hotchkin

Winning the Battle for Your Mind, Will and Emotions by [Hotchkin, Robert]


Here is the book summary:
The most important battle you face is the battle for your mind, will, and emotions. Why? Because it greatly determines how much of God and his kingdom you will experience while you're on earth. The thoughts we entertain, the words we speak, and the choices we make shape and influence not only our reality, but all of creation.

The enemy loves to highlight our temporary challenges; poke at our feelings and stir up fear, frustration, doubt, and self-pity; and get us mired in murmuring and complaining.
Yet the Bible shows us that all of heaven is available to us right now.

In these pages you will discover the secret of Colossians: the incredible power of Christ in you. When you learn how to access his ever-present power and goodness, feelings and fears will no longer control you. You
will go from being overwhelmed to being an overcomer.

Heaven is only a decision away. How will you choose?

And now, my review.
I didn’t get very far with Winning the Battle for Your Mind, Will, and Emotions by Robert Hotchkin as it was a book that lacked Truth.  Very “feeling” based. I was hoping for a book based on Scripture with the knowing and practice of “…taking every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ.”  That is not what I found. I would not recommend this book to others.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Battle-Your-Mind-Emotions-ebook/dp/B07D6XZNMP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J59TL9471MZZ&keywords=winning+the+battle+for+your+mind%2C+will+and+emotions&qid=1570279527&sprefix=winning+the+battle+%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winning-the-battle-for-your-mind-will-and-emotions-robert-hotchkin/1127953114?ean=9780800798871

The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden



Here is the book summary:
The Crochet Stitch Handbook fully explains over 200 stitches. A perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts, this book is a wonderful addition to the library of any crafter, crocheter, or knitter.

The handbook includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a continuous length of yarn, using a single hook. The word crochet itself derives from the French croc, meaning a hook (or crook); an old Scottish name for crochet is "shepherd's knitting." It is one of the most portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only a hook and some yarn. 

Master the basic techniques of crochet, and more, to create a fascinating variety of effects with The Crochet Stitch Handbook.

And now, my review:
I found The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden to be an excellent book in the crochet book world.  She is thorough and helpful with a written pattern and a “picture” pattern.  My teenage daughter could not put this down.  She just kept working through more and more stitches and they were beautiful.  There is so much inspiration and ongoing options to choose from and I just can’t say enough about this book to all our friends in the crafting world.  If you’re a fellow crafter in the crocheting world, you’re going to want this physical book in your library!
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review,
https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stitch-Handbook-Easy-Follow/dp/0785836365/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TPMZNJLHR8AH&keywords=the+crochet+stitch+handbook&qid=1570278317&sprefix=the+crochet+stitch%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-3



Models Do Eat by Jill de Jong and Various Authors


Here is the book summary:
Getting fit and the body you want doesn't mean giving up delicious food.
“Fit” and “healthy” have become some of the most popular tags on social media, it’s sexy to take excellent care of our bodies and minds That’s why Jill de Jong, fitness model and personal trainer who provided the real-life body for video game adventure icon Lara Croft, along with nine of her fellow models have come together to share their food philosophies, expertise, and favorite recipes—their secrets to feeling healthy and looking great.
Models Do Eat is more than a simple cookbook—it invites you to think critically about nutrition and make better choices for yourself. If you’ve tried to drop some pounds by depriving yourself of food, you know how miserable and harmful it can be. This team of inspiring women is dedicated to help you make the healthiest possible choices for your body. These models love to eat and they eat a lot. With approaches from paleo and gluten-free eating to  vegetarianism and veganism, and everything in-between, Models Do Eat is proof that there’s not just one “correct” way to eat well and feel beautiful.
Inside discover more than 100 delicious, healthful recipes that promote energy, glowing skin, shiny hair, and weight loss, including Mediterranean Breakfast Cups, Gluten-Free Endless Energy Matcha Muffins, Wholesome Mushroom Tacos, Coconut Basil Sweet Potato Fries, Bison Stew and Bone Broth, Charred Cauliflower with Peppers & Egg, Raw Vegan Cheesecake Bars, and more. These meals will jumpstart your own unique path to looking and feeling like your best self.
In addition to their recipe recommendations, you’ll get personal stories and insights from:
·       Taylor Walker Sinning (Under Armour model with a Master's in physical education)
·       Courtney James (certified health coach and the face of Aerie and American Eagle)
·       Lauren Williams (Personal trainer & fitness model for Nike, Athleta, Target, and Women's Health)
·       Colleen Baxter (functional medicine practitioner who's walked for Oscar de la Renta and posed for Vogue)
·       Adela Capova (integrative nutritionist featured in ElleHarper's Bazaar, and GQ)
·       Liana Werner-Gray (Miss Earth Australia and bestselling author of The Earth Diet and 10-Minute Recipes)
·       Summer Rayne Oakes (certified holistic nutritionist featured in the elite Pirelli Calendar)
·       Nikki Sharp (naturopath, raw foods expert, and frequent face on Access Hollywood and Extra! TV)
·       Sarah DeAnna (bestselling author of Supermodel You)
Anyone can eat like a model and reap the benefits, inside and out. Models Do Eat shows you how.


And now, my review:
I found Models Do Eat by Jill de Jong to be a fun read.  For me, it’s super important to have pictures of the recipes and this book did not disappointment there.  Along with the recipes, there is a glimpse into the lives of many different models and what their industry looks like.  My favorite part was at the beginning when she spoke on topics like: organic, calories, fat, pH balance, etc. 
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Models-Do-Eat-Recipes-Beautiful/dp/1946885517/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=models+do+eat&qid=1570277142&sr=8-1


Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Jesus In Me by Anne Graham Lotz



Here is the book summary:
The internationally recognized Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham combines unique biblical insights and her own personal stories to show how the Holy Spirit guides us in our decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times, enriching our daily lives.
 
In Jesus in Me, Anne Graham Lotz draws on her rich biblical knowledge as well as her personal journey—including her recent cancer diagnosis—to help us understand that the Holy Spirit is not a magic genie, a flame of fire, or a vague feeling. He is a Person who prays for us, guides us in our relationships and decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times. In this seminal teaching, she explores seven key aspects of the Holy Spirit that will revolutionize how you understand and relate to this vital third Person in the Trinity.
 
As Anne writes, “One of my deepest, richest joys has been discovering by experience who the Holy Spirit is in every step of my life’s journey. Each name that He has been given—Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby—reveals another aspect of His beautiful character and has provoked in me a deep love for the One who is my constant Companion . . . Jesus in me.”
 
Discover how to better love and rely on the person of the Holy Spirit—and embrace how much He loves you through His presence, power, and provision in our daily lives.

And now, my review:
I found Jesus In Me by Anne Graham Lotz to be just what I was looking for.  Such an inspiration to a believer’s walk with our Constant Companion.  She talks about Him being within and without.  About how the Adversary comes to stop us but the Strengthener comes to see us through.  Sometimes I can feel like “folding up in a fetal position, whimpering in self-pity,” but she encourages me to “get a grip on the Holy Spirit” instead.  She speaks on the importance of pre-praying and she shares a personal experience of that lived out in her life.  She actually shares a lot of personal experiences in this book and it’s what makes it an amazing read.  My favorite part is how she breaks down aspects of the Spirit being our Constant Companion in quickening, guiding, igniting, shaping, and equipping us. It becomes quite a rich read.  I’ll be references, reading, and referring to this book quite a bit throughout my life as it points me to Scripture and encourages me in Him.  I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.