Friday, August 9, 2019

A lady's maid by Jen Geigle Johnson

If you are looking for an utterly fanastic, well researched, engaging historical fiction than look no further! I loved the premise of this book and how it has strong, engaging female leads.

Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them. 

Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. 

Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.

My opinion: I loved how this book dealt with a not as well known aspect of British history, I know I learned a lot reading it! I loved the characters, from the feisty Molly to the loyal Thomas and sweet Lady Chloe  this book has such a colorful and engaging array of characters which is wonderful. 
I love how this book handled some tough situations with grace and skill without being really graphic, but it was based on historical facts and there were some very awful things going on! The romance was a great part of the book but I for one enjoyed that there was a lot more going on than just romance. 
Filled with excitement, romance and great characters this book is a fabulous read and I cannot recommend it enough.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Vertical Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson

Even for the people who feel like their marriage is going great all the way down to those who are struggling to hang in there this book offers so much wisdom and encouragement and is a great addition to anyone's bookshelf.
I loved how honest both Dave and Ann are and how they both bring their unique perspectives and advice to the book. This book covers a lot of the hard issues that so many couples face, everything from romance, communication, intimacy and more. This book is sure to help strengthen marriages and  help you grow together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nigh night Bible stories by Amy Parker

This is an absolutely delightful book that my daughter insists sits by her bed so we can read it whenever we put her down. She is almost 4 and is enthralled by the illustrations and loves the 30 stories they included in here. Each story is a perfect blend of information without being too much and there is a perfect amount of illustrations to keep kids interested in what is going on.
I love how each story ends with a prayer and talks about going night night, it is great addition to ones bedtime routine for sure!
I think it is right on target for kids around 3-4 as there is a decent bit of words, but that is partly why I love it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

To best the boys by Mary Weber

An absolutely delightful read this is a fabulous book with a very strong female lead that is sure to encourage and inspire girls anywhere! Not only are the characters utterly engaging and memorable but the writing style is engaging and keeps you flying through the pages, eager to see what is going to happen next! I had never read a book by this author before but I am very thrilled to have found this book and look forward to checking out her other books.
I love all of the characters and loved how strong the female lead was and her cousin was great as well. So much going for this book, I highly recommend it!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Jelly bean blessings by Maddie Frost

What a bright and cheery book to get one in the mood for Spring, and with the eternal winter we are having I am so glad to have such a fun book to read to my kids and cheer us all up and give us some hope for Spring.
Filled with whimsical and adorable illustrations and sweet words this book is the perfect addition to any library and is sure to thrill and delight kids of all ages as well as adults.
Having the animals is so much fun for the kids and my daughter loved finding all of the jelly beans in the pictures.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Third Jihad by Michael Youssef

Utterly fascinating and meticulously researched this book is really a wake up call to so many Americans, myself included, as to what is going on in the world. It is a great reminder that we need to not turn a blind eye to what is going on. Well written and utterly fascinating this book was a wonderful, fascinating read that keeps you thinking long after the last page is turned.
I loved how well informed and insightful the author is, there is so much information that I did not know at all and that makes perfect sense! You can tell he really knows his stuff and has researched a ton. This book is a great way to get this information into the average persons hands and help you want to play a more active part and not bury your head in the sand.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Stop-and-Go Devotional: 52 Devotions for Busy Families by Diane Stortz

For young families or Sunday school teachers this book is an absolute must. My 3 year old loved this book and to be honest I loved it because it has so much packed into a small book! Not too many books have a great devotional that is thought provoking, some questions that work well for a lot of ages (I was afraid they might be too advanced for my 3 year old but she did well,you can make the questions as in depth or simple as you like) and a song or craft, this really made my life so much easier and I felt like my daughter was really learning something.
The devotions are just long enough to hold kids interest without being too much. I cannot recommend this book enough and look forward to going through the whole thing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible By Joanna Rivard and Tim Penner

This is such a wonderful version of an illustrated Bible that is sure to enthrall kids not matter the age! My 3 year old loves this and is very interested in the pictures and trying to figure out what is going on in the story. Not only are the illustrations wonderful but the content is perfect for kids, enough information for them to learn without being totally overwhelming.
Split between the Old and New Testament this covers all of the famous Bible stories as well as some not so well known ones and is sure to leave young ones eager for more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

If you are looking for a book to make the gospel come alive in ways you never have before than look no further, this book will forever change the way you think of Jesus. It doesn't matter if you have been a Christian for a very short or very long time this book challenges and engages you to the very core.
This book really makes it feel like you are at the actual events witnessing them not merely reading them, the depth and descriptions the author uses are utterly amazing, it is so hard to put down!
This is not a quick read but it is very deep and insightful and will provoke a lot of thought and will linger with you long after the last page is turned.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Praying circles around your marriage by Joel and Nina Schmidgall

I am a huge fan of Mark Batterson's book about praying circles over your life so I was super thrilled that there is a book that is specific for marriages,not that the other one couldn't be used for your marriage, but one that targets marriages is awesome and much needed and this book does not disappoint.
This book covers 7 specific issues, such as romance, war, support,storm,legacy,etc  some of which really stood out to me while others are not things we are struggling with as much, but might face in the future. Filled with wisdom and keen insight this book is a great book to read together and look for ways to draw closer to God and strengthening ones marriage.
I love how this book talks about how couples often struggle with the same issues year after year, over and over again and ways to work through those issues and emerge stronger than before.
This was a easy but very insightful read that is the perfect for any couple, no matter how short or long you have been together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

God, I know you're there by Bonnie Jensen

This is a visually stunning and deep and profound and yet simplistic enough for your young ones to understand and comprehend its meaning.  Focusing on how we cannot see God but that we know he is there this book goes through things like clouds, stars, the sky and wind, things we cannot always see, feel or touch but that we know are there and explains how we know they are there. This book is a great way for kids to begin to understand God and how we know he is there despite not being able to see him with our physical eyes.
Well written and perfect for little ones this is a great way to start conversation about God and who he is.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Seamstress by Aliison Pittman

If you are looking for a book steeped in history with memorable characters and rich detail than look no further, this book follows the lives of Laurette and Renee as they live during the turbulent  French revolution, loosely based on the the little seamstress at the end of Charles Dickens "A tale of two cities" it certainly prepares you for the sad ending of at least one of the characters. I thought this book seemed to have a hint of Les Miserables about it too.
Overall I liked this book although I found it a bit dry at times and did not always like the characters, but it was rich in historical detail and my favorite character was by far is Gagon who was so loving and patient to both girls.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge

Another outstanding book by an author who is so vulnerable and real with readers,really letting you into her heart and mind and getting one to think more about what life really means and what God has in store for us. This book deals with joy which is so very different from the ever elusive happiness. I love how Stasi talks about having joy in spite of what is going on around us.I loved how the author shared her own struggles in trying to find joy and how encouraging and insightful her advice really is.
Well written and utterly engaging this book is such a vivid reminder to take heart.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

You're my little sweet pea by Kit Chase

This is a absolutely precious little book, so heartwarming with such endearing illustrations and precious content, rich in words and sweet in illustrations, this is sure to delight and enthrall even the youngest reader and charm the parents. This book beautifully expresses the beautiful sentiments we have for our little ones and is a great reminder to the little ones how precious and one of a kind each and every one of them is.
Such a simple, short book with such a profound and deep message this book is a delight and is a great addition to any book shelf and would make such a wonderful gift.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Dangerous prayers that changed the world

This book is an absolutely amazing book to have in ones collection, not only because it is such a fascinating read but the illustrations are also stunning, I really think they are frame worthy!
This book combines the very well know like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and the more obscure like Dora Yu, Jarena Lee, etc but all have been carefully chosen for the rich impact they have made in the world for their devotion to God and doing His will.
One of my favorite things about this book is how their is a quote from each of the people included, they were so thought provoking.
This book is such an easy read, but packed with so much insight that it is absolutely perfect. This is a great read for old and young alike.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

I love you,funny bunny

What an utterly delightful little book! My daughter loved the title and talks about it all of the time, I think she wants funny bunny to be her new nickname.
This book would make an adorable Easter present but really is perfect for anytime, it is such a heartwarming little book about how much a Mommy loves her little one and it is so sweet! I love how lyrical the words are, they flow so  well and it is just an absolute delight to read and will have the little ones begging for more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The luckiest man alive by John Paine

This book really is something else to read, what an amazing living testimony John Paine is. Here is someone who had it all in the worlds eyes and now after a 17 year battle with ALS would seem to be an object of pity or someone who is very unlucky and yet he says he is the luckiest man in the world! Reading of his struggles since getting ALS one quickly realizes that he has battled pain and loss of so many things that we take for granted and yet instead of becoming bitter over it, he has a grateful heart for the things the Lord has done for him.
I love how candid John is, even before his battle with ALS many would think he had it all together and that he knew God,but he shows how he knew about God but his struggles have really made him know God in a much deeper way. Such a powerful testimony and one that I needed to read as here is someone who has lost so much and yet can say "It is well" and that is so powerful.
Utterly engaging this book weaves together the life of John Paine from his time his tough childhood to his wild success to modern time. I could hardly put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Simple discipleship by Dana Allin

This is such a perfect book to start off the New Year with, as it is so thought provoking and insightful to what you are unique equipped to do. With great assessment tools and keen insight this book is an great way to just think about changing and growing your faith and actually helps give practical advice to actually do something and isn't that what we are all hoping to do with the new year?
This is an easy to read book with tons of assessment tools and questions to ask yourself at the end of each chapter, this book is well written and easy to understand, an outstanding book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sequin Sparkle and Change Bible

Do you want a gorgeous Bible that is sure to enthrall a little (or bigger girl)? Than look no further because this Bible is absolutely perfect. My 3 year old is so thrilled to have her own Bible and can hardly put it down,wanting to carry it with her everywhere she goes. All of the bigger girls who see it love it too so it appeals to a wide range of kids.
This is a quality made Bible, the sequins are so much fun to play with and make several different fun patterns that delights the girls.
This would make a fabulous gift and is perfect for anyone with girls.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.