The Knot Yours Truly

For anyone planning a wedding this book is absolutely essential! This book is an amazing resource to plan your wedding and make it totally unique for you. With checklists and ideas galore this book is just what you need for inspiration and organization. I loved the craft ideas in the book too! There is something for everyone in the ideas and I love how much variety and insight there is.
The Knot has always been a trusted resource for weddings and it is not wonder why! For anyone getting married this book is essential.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

{MORE ABOUT IMPERFECT JUSTICE}

Imperfect Justice (Thomas Nelson, December 2017)

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

My opinion: Having read the first book in this series I was eager for the next installment and it did not disappoint! While you don't have to read the previous title to enjoy this book you will meet some of the same characters. This book is sad as domestic abuse is such a tragic thing, especially when it leads to a loss of lives but the legal aspect is fascinating, the characters are engaging and it is a good read.  i love how the main characters interact and grow in their relationship despite the tragedy that draws them together. Well written and utterly engaging I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Seeds of Hope by Barbara Cameron

{MORE ABOUT SEEDS OF HOPE}

Seeds of Hope (Gilead, November 2017)

A heartwarming tale of discovering love right in front of you

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows–and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather’s farm, but he’s convinced the Amish life isn’t for him. There’s so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can’t be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather’s farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time

My opinion: This was an enjoyable read that was easy and quick. There wasn't a ton going on in this book but it was enjoyable with enough going on to keep the reader engaged without being too overwhelming. The characters were engaging and the romance was sweet and I liked how it developed between two people with very different background. A sweet love story for anyone who likes Amish fiction. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

God of tomorrow by Caleb Kaltenbach

A fascinating, deeply moving book about looking towards the future with renewed hope instead of fear. I love how this book deals with current event issues and how Jesus faced many of the same issues and how he handled them. It is a good reminder that many of the issue we face today are not in fact new problems but are things people struggled with in the past.
A good reminder that God is in control no matter what and that we need to trust him and not fear what tomorrow brings.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Under a cloudless sky by Chris Fabry

Another spellbinding, fascinating read that goes between the 1930's and the present. I love how intricately woven this story is, with plenty of characters to pique and enthrall the readers without being too overwhelming. I love how it had enough of a mystery to tease the reader into sitting on the edge of ones seat until the very end and I love how all of the stories are intricately woven together to make such a wonderful and unique read. I loved reading about the coal community and how it was ran in the 1930's and today, it was a fascinating to read about and made the book all the more interesting.
Well written and with engaging characters and a tightly woven story line this book was an excellent read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All things now living by Rondi Bauer Olson

{MORE ABOUT ALL THINGS NOW LIVING}

All Things Now Living (Written World Communications, May 2017)

Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him.

Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn’t like anything to die, she won’t even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can’t let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it’s God’s will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God’s curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own.

Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are.

Amy’s feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn’t end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction.

Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome’s collapse, but if Amy doesn’t find her father’s contact in time, she’ll die, along with everyone else.

My opinion: I wasn't sure what I was going to think about this book as it sounded very different from anything I had read, but I am really glad I gave it a try! It was well written and intriguing I loved how it was pretty mild for a dystopian novel all while keeping the excitement that tends to go with that drama. It made one think and ponder what you would do in Amy's shoes, having been taught a certain way her whole life and realizing the people she though deserved to die are actually a lot like her.  Well written and utterly engaging I highly recommend this book! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Burden is Light by Jon Tyson

This book is such a fascinating and insightful book, filled with wit and wisdom. It is a great reminder that we shouldn't be looking for validation  and fulfillment from the world but should be instead looking towards God who made us with a longing for Him. This book is great for those who feel like they just don't measure up and aren't enough.
In a world that is often so loud and bombards us with the message that we will never be enough this is a great reminder that Jesus already paid the price and that we are worth so much in God's eyes.
Refreshing, uplifting and encouraging this book is just what I needed to refresh my heart and soul.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols

{MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT GREY SAGE}

Christmas at Grey Sage(Gilead Publishing, October 2017)

This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There’s plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn’s owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year’s guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won’t be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues–and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends–proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

My opinion: This book is just the book to get one into the Christmas spirit! It has such Christmas joy and cheer that just permeates through the whole book.  This is like a Hallmark Christmas movie, sweet and heartwarming at the same time! The small town is brought to life in such a way that makes you wish you lived there! Each character is memorable and engaging, drawing one into their story. Well written and engaging I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall

{MORE ABOUT THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS PAST}

The Gift of Christmas Past(Woodsmall Press, October 2017)

Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.

Promises shattered.

Lies spoken.

She was arrested.

He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

My opinion: This was a heartwarming, well written book that will help get you into the spirit of Christmas. Such a heartwarming story about redemption and love lost and found. I loved the characters and how they really grow on you,they are flawed and yet very likable. I loved how this book had a lot more going on and really kept one engaged until the very end. Well written and fascinating this book was a great read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Last Girl by Nadia Murad

Wow,this book is incredibly heart breaking and utterly captivating. Nadia has been through so much and has lived to tell the tale. Losing her family to ISIS and being used as a sex slave Nadia has been through a living tale but her story of escaping and the people who helped her along the way are encouraging as well.
This book is harrowing and are a great reminder of what is going on in our world today and why ISIS must be stopped. Poignant and well written this book will stick with you long after the last page is read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Deadly proof by Rachel Dylan

{MORE ABOUT DEADLY PROOF}

Deadly Proof (Bethany House, September 2017)

Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

My opinion: For anyone who is a fan of legal thrillers this book is a must read. I was excited to find another Christian author who dives into the legal world and really brings it to life. I loved how fast pace and quick this book moved, it was very hard to put down! The characters were likable and engaging, you really want them to get to the bottom of the corruption that is going on!  I liked how the romance was not the main focus of the book and that there was plenty going on , however there was enough romance to make it satisfying. Well written and spellbinding this book was an excellent read that I highly recommend! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

Christy (50th Anniversary Edition)(Evergreen Farm, October 2017)

New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

My opinion: I loved the Christy book and movies growing up so I was utterly delighted to dive back into the memorable world of Christy as an adult and found it to be as utterly enchanting and heartbreaking as it was many years ago. Filled with heartbreak and wisdom this book tells the mesmerizing tale of a young girl entering a world very different from what she was raised in, trying to make a difference among a people who view her as an outsider. It is not wonder this book is a classic and I love this edition that commemorates the 50th anniversary of its publishing. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

Yet another outstanding read from the Queen of Christian suspense. I loved this book and how it really engages the reader and keeps you guessing until the very end, not to mention the main characters are fabulous and you really grow to love them and thoroughly enjoy the romance.
This book is at times very sad and very heart breaking especially when Trish thinks she made a very terrible mistake that haunts her. Colin is such a great guy that is trying to find out the truth even as his heart becomes engaged.
Well written and very enjoyable this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The secret life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Witty and utterly engaging this book was a fun read that sucked you in and kept you engaged until the very end. I loved the character of Sarah who learns to find her own way after a devastating divorce to her high school sweetheart. She quickly becomes a bestselling author of raunchy romance novels but when she becomes a Christian and falls in love with the Pastor she tries to reconcile her faith with her writing.
This book was an utterly charming and interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed, it took a little bit to get involved in the book but once I was I was totally hooked!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

This engaging read from a new author is just the right touch of mystery, intrigue and romance to keep one on the edge of ones seat, fully engaged until the very end.
The authors style and writing reminds me of Charles Dickens so this book will very much out one into the world of Dicken's with debtor prisons, a sinister plot and plenty of mystery to keep you reading until the very end.
I loved the romance between the two main characters and how the grew to understand and love each other.
Well written and utterly engaging this book is a fabulous read that I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

I was so eager for the final book in the exciting Nikki Boyd series and was looking forward to everything coming out at the end. This book was not quite what I expected nor did it quite measure up to the previous books. For one Nikki Boyd was not the main focus of this book and she wasn't a very central figure in the book, at least not as much as I would have liked.
Lisa Harris still did a great job at engaging the readers in the story line and weaving a fabulous story line, but I felt like the ending for this great series just fell a bit flat. Still it was an enjoyable mystery and kept me guessing until the end, I just wish there was a bit more to it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

{MORE ABOUT THE BEGINNER’S GOSPEL STORY BIBLE}

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (New Growth Press, November 2017)

How do you explain the gospel to toddlers and preschoolers?

Often adults are stumped, but Jared Kennedy’s focus on the promises of God makes the gospel come alive to the littlest hearts. Through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible highlights God’s perfect promises. Every page pops with bright colors, playful illustrations, fun learning opportunities, and, best of all each story points children to Jesus.

Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God’s perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God’s tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God’s grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God’s love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child’s attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children—or letting them read it to you!—even the youngest kids will come to know that God’s promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.

My opinion: I absolutely love this darling story Bible and so does my 2 year old. I feel like it is the perfect introduction to the Bible for little ones, really breaking down some of the most important lessons in the Bible in a way that is enjoyable and educational for little ones. The playful illustrations are enough to engage even the youngest reader and I love how the stories are presented and explained. Well written and beautifully illustrated this book is an excellent collection to anyone's personal library. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

World View by Marvin Olasky

{MORE ABOUT WORLD VIEW}

World View: Seeking Grace and Truth in Our Common Life (New Growth Press, November 2017)

How could our world be different if Christians were recognized for not only speaking the truth, but also demonstrating mercy?

What would our lives be like if we reacted to our common culture with not just biblical facts, but also grace and compassion?

For more than 25 years, Marvin Olasky has offered this kind of viewpoint in his columns as the Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine, the leading news magazine written with a Christian perspective. In this collection of far-ranging columns, Olasky’s commentary on world events and affairs, as well as his own personal interactions, encourages readers to respond with both grace and truth in every encounter.

A leading voice for standing for biblical truth in the public square, Olasky also believes Christians should incorporate the biblical virtues of humility, kindness, and mercy in all of life. His call for biblical values to include both truth and mercy makes his voice stand out in a world that often falsely divides those goals and settles for a poor imitation of the robust Christianity described in Scripture. These short and punchy columns offer readers a new way to consider challenges in today’s world and shows them how to respond to any encounter biblically, but not hysterically, providing a wake-up call for the complacent, while also calming the frantic.

My opinion: This is an utterly fascinating book filled with wisdom, wit and insight. I love how the author stands up for Biblical truths but in such a way that is both warm and gentle, not in your face and he encourages his readers to do the same. Complied from articles written by Martin since 1996 this book covers such a large scope of issues and it is interesting to see how relevant they are in today's world. Well written and easy to read this book is very engaging and is much needed in the world we live in today. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gospel Centered Mom by Brooke McGlothlin

This book is such a good reminder about what is really important in life, especially when it comes to being a Mother and not feeling adequate. Too often it is easy to feel like you are failing as a Mom but this book is an important reminder that in and of ourselves we are not enough,but God is and he can more than supply where we are lacking.This book is so freeing in the reminder that it is not all on us because we will fail but that God is by our side every step of the way.
Such an encouraging and well written read, I know if helped me shift my focus from myself to the Lord.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pass it On by Champ Thornton

{MORE ABOUT PASS IT ON: A PROVERBS JOURNAL FOR THE NEXT GENERATION}

Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation (New Growth Press, October 2017)

Let Scripture reform the next generation.

There are many different kinds of legacies we can leave, but sharing yourself and your faith with the next generation will always stand the test of time. Through showing himself and his wisdom in the book of Proverbs, God has also left his legacy with us and relies on us to share it with our children and grandchildren. But before we can share that wisdom, first we must grow in our own understanding and knowledge and record, reflect, and consider what we have learned.

Pass it On provides readers with an opportunity to create a legacy of wisdom and faith and to share it with their children and grandchildren. As readers are guided through the book of Proverbs, they are asked to create their own personalized, wisdom journal with the aim of giving it to someone they love. Through careful study, answering questions, writing out prayers, and sharing personal stories, readers can create a lasting keepsake for themselves and for their families and friends.

Created by Champ Thornton, best-selling author of The Radical Book for Kids, Pass It On is an innovative resource to strengthen families and help them grow in their love for God and each other. This is a perfect gift for an older and wiser friend or relative, so they can share themselves and what they have learned about God with the next generation.

The fresh and careful translation provided comes from Dr. Bruce Waltke, who, now in his eighties, has devoted his life to a humble and Christ-focused study of God s Word, and especially the book of Proverbs. His two-volume work on Proverbs is considered by many as the premier commentary in the English language. As you study the translation of individual chapters, add your own comments in the margins. And feel free to circle, underline, and connect key words or phrases as you see them in the chapter for the day

My opinion: I am huge into journaling and try to be as diligent in it as possible so this book had a huge appeal to me and did not disappoint. This book is not only gorgeous but would make an amazing keepsake for generations to come!  Filled with thought provoking questions and rich insight this book has a lot of information that can really help one grow as an individual and as a family, I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

My opinion: Yet another riveting read by the Queen of Amish fiction and suspense. I loved this heartwarming story of Neil and Susanna who need to overcome their prejudices and background to find out the truth behind the accidents that are turning more deadly. This is a quick and easy read that is enjoyable and fun, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Color Index Xl

This such a great resource for designers and artist alike, with such detail and precision this book is such an in depth and amazing resource to have on hand if you work with colors.
I loved how this book provided. I loved how each palette showed 5 colors which was a just right without being too overwhelming.
I also loved how there was a short section on color theory, what an utterly fabulous book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Courage for the unknown season by Jan Silvious

This book is for anyone who has found themselves in a difficult or unknown season in their life, one they never planner for or wanted and yet here you are. I think that is really most of us, life rarely goes the way we plan or want at times and this book is encouragement for those season.I love how the author is able to bring some principles that apply to such a wide range of situations, even though everyone is different and will face different challenges.
Written with warmth and in a very engaging style this book is sure to resonate with a wide array of readers and leave one encouraged and able to find courage for the unknown.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

He holds my hand by Carol Kent

What a insightful and encouraging read from a women who has gone through so much. You can really tell that Carol Kent went through a very trying time that caused her to heavily rely on God who was able to see her through her darkest days, the fruition of this pain and suffering is evident in this book that helps calm and bring peace to the readers as they go through this absolutely captivating and heartfelt devotional.
Despite being short pages for each day this book really packs a lot into the daily devotionals and leave one with a lot to ponder.
This book is a gentle and constant reminder that God is with us no matter what we are going through and this book is full of so much encouragement and love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Murder in Disguise by Donn Taylor

Murder in Disguise (Lamplighter Mysteries, October 2017)

Official verdict: Suicide.

But why would that vigorous department chairman kill himself? To avoid disgrace? Those rumored ventures on the dark side? Some other secret life? Visiting professor Preston Barclay wonders. But his questions bring no answers, only anonymous threats. He has enough problems already, proving himself on a strange campus while radical faculty do all they can to undermine him. Worse yet, that sexy siren assigned as his assistant complicates his courtship of the beautiful Mara Thorn.

While Press keeps asking questions, Mara’s research reveals a cancer of criminal activity that permeates the community and even the campus itself. The more Press questions, the more dangerous the threats against him become, and the more determined he grows to clear his friend’s name.

But can Press and Mara’s stumbling efforts prevail against the entrenched forces of the police, the campus radicals, and an unseen but powerful criminal organization that increasingly puts their lives in danger…?

My opinion: Having read the previous books in this series I was eager to continue the adventures of Press and Mara as they investigate yet another suspicious death that has been ruled out as suicide. As they get closer to the truth the find there is a lot more going on than meets the eye and are hopeful to catch the killer before it is too late. Filled with plenty of mystery, romance and nail biting suspense this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

She's got the wrong guy by Deepak Reju

{MORE ABOUT SHE’S GOT THE WRONG GUY}

She’s Got the Wrong Guy: Why Smart Women Settle(New Growth Press)

The control freak. The angry man. The lazy guy. The unteachable guy. The promiscuous man. The unbeliever. The lone ranger. The unchurched guy. The new convert. The commitment-phobe.

For any woman who has struggled with failed relationships, this may seem like a familiar list. These are the men your friends and family have in mind when they think, “she’s with the wrong guy.” And while the reasons women choose these types of men are complicated and varied, ultimately, they will all let you down.

In She’s Got the Wrong Guy, Deepak Reju offers a different kind of dating book, discussing the types of guys women should not marry and offering biblical reasons why they aren’t suitable spouses. Writing from his years of experience as a pastor and counselor, Reju shares with women his perspective on how to assess a relationship’s strengths from the beginning, how to identify possible pitfalls, and how to have the courage to wait for a relationship that will be a blessing for both of you. Using stories that single women can relate to and highlighting contemporary issues in the modern world of dating, Reju gives readers clear, biblical direction on how to have positive, life-giving relationships with members of the opposite sex.

With a strong, Christ-centered focus, women will better understand why they “settle” for less than what God intends for their romantic relationships and learn to put their hopes and find their happiness in Jesus, not marriage.

My opinion: I am pretty sure all of us know someone who has settled for the wrong guy or maybe you are that person who is in a less than stellar relationship. This book is perfect for anyone who has struggled with failed relationships and have wondered why, the author does a great job at describing various kinds of men out there, what their tendencies are and why they are best to be avoided. Filled with great wisdom and insight this book is an amazing dating resource and is a great reminder that you don't have to settle! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rescued hearts by Hope Dougherty

{MORE ABOUT RESCUED HEARTS}

Rescued Hearts (Mantle Rock Publishing, September 2017)

Children’s clothing designer Mary Wade Kimball’s soft spot for animals leads to a hostage situation when she spots a briar- entangled kitten in front of an abandoned house. Beaten, bound, and gagged by the two thugs inside, Mary Wade loses hope for escape when a third villain returns with supplies.

Discovering the kidnapped woman ratchets the complications for undercover agent Brett Davis. Weighing the difference of ruining his three months’ investigation against the woman’s safety, Brett forsakes his mission and helps her escape, the bent-on-revenge brutes following behind.

When Mary Wade’s safety is threatened once more, Brett rescues her again. This time, her personal safety isn’t the only thing in jeopardy. Her heart is endangered as well.

My opinion: This book was utterly engaging and well written, it really sucks you in and keeps you enthralled until the very end. I loved watching the two main characters interact and grow in their feelings for one another, it was such a sweet romance that I loved every minute of! With just the right amount of romance and intrigue this book was a fantastic read that I highly recommend! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Daily Question: My 5 year Spiritual Journal

What fun book! I am big into keeping a journal anyways but this book adds some variety and thought to ones journal keeping.I like how this book is insightful without being overwhelming. I can only do so much journal keeping with a little one underfoot and yet this book breaks it down to where it is doable and fun, not too much and not too little. This can be as vague or as detailed as you want it to be.
This would make a wonderful gift as well as a great keepsake for yourself.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion

Total Christmas Makeover: 31 Devotions to Celebrate with Purpose by Melissa Spoelstra

Total Christmas Makeover: 31 Devotions to Celebrate with Purpose (Abingdon Press, October 2017)

Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

My opinion: What a perfect book to get ones thought where they should be directed during the holiday season. This delightful book is an easy to read, enjoyable devotion that is perfect to gear up for Christ's birth and not get so caught up in everything else that goes with the holiday season. I love the ideas for activities you can do and ways to make Christmas more meaningful, this book is one you can read over and over again.

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