Tempted,Tested,True by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross

All of us have temptations in our lives that we find very hard to overcome, decisions that not only affect us but also those around us. "Tempted,Tested,True: A proven path to overcoming soul-robbing choices" by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross. This book is a great read that uses real life stories and provides data from surveys. It is full of scriptures and helpful advice that real helps you to overcome those temptations in your life. I highly recommend this book to everyone as it is a great book that makes you realized there are ways to overcome the sins in your life.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Finding God in the dark by Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin

All of us have had dark times in our life where God does not seem to be there and this book is all about. God never forgets about us and that is what the authors Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin want to remind you and talk about this book that is all about how God is there even in your darkest hour. Drawing on personal experiences and experience of those around them this book is a very inspiring ready about the never ending love and grace of God especially in our darkest hour.

I highly recommend this book as everyone goes through dark spots in their lives and this book is a very encouraging,great read.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House but this in no way influenced my opinion.

Learning to Love:Passion, Compassion and the Essence of the Gospel by Heidi and Rolland Baker

"Learning to Love" by Heidi and Rolland Baker is a truly amazing book by two people who really strive to serve the Lord in all they do. Chocked full of testimonies and wonderful stories about their own experiences in Africa this book is all about the concept that Love is not just a word or an ideal,but it really is an action. Heidi and Rolland along with their children have spent over 30 years in Mozambique sharing the love of God with others and striving to show that love to others.

This was a truly inspiring book filled with so many great testimonies, pictures and thoughts that really leave you pondering what you can do to really learn to love.

I highly recommend this book to anyone as it really is a wonderful book.

I received this book from Bethany House but that in no way influenced my opinion.

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

"A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund is a tender historical romance by one an increasingly popular Christian fiction author.
This book is about Annalisa Werner whose life has not turned out very well, her husband has passed away and she is struggling to save the family farm. In an act of desperation at the prompting of her Father a letter is written to find her a groom from Germany. As Annalisa awaits her groom's arrival Carl Richards appears from Germany and starts to work his way into Annalisa heart,but what is she to do with these feelings as her groom might arrive any day?

This was an engaging read with an interesting enough  plot and likable characters. I think that her story lines could be a bit more unique,but she is a decent author.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House but this in no way influenced my review.

Love in the balance by Regina Jennings

This is a cute, easy historical fiction that has a good message and engaging characters.
The story centers around Molly Lovelace has been in love with Bailey Garner for a long time and would like nothing better than to marry him, the problem is, Barry's prospects are not too bright and he does not feel right about courting her until things improve. Things are thrown into disarray when a handsome stranger comes into town and is interested in Molly. As Molly tries to decide which path her life will take she must rely on God to lead her.

This was a good interesting ready by a lively newer author.I look forward to checking out more books by her in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House,but that did not in any way influence my review

Not by Sight by Kathy

"Not by Sight" by Kathy Herman is the first book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy. It was a light, easy read with a good, solid Christian message and a enjoyable,albeit not entirely unpredictable mystery.

Abby Cummings life has never been the same since the disappearance of her Father and little sister 5 years ago. On the anniversary of their disappearance Abby sees a young girl who looks just like her sister Riley Jo, but Abby's Mom Katie thinks Abby is not letting go and moving on. The only person Abby can confide in is her best friend Jay, but even he is hiding some secrets of his own that might affect their friendship. As danger closes in will it tear Abby's family apart or bring them back together?

I really liked how the author tied in Faith in this mystery, having a faith in God even when things do not make sense and bad things happen. I thought the characters were likable and it was an easy read. The mystery was not horribly spectacular, but it was fine. I will certainly be looking forward to the other books in the series.

In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

This is the 2nd book I have read by Michele Phoenix and I must say that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her books are full of witty writing, hard hitting stories and flawed, realistic characters. "In Broken Places" is a book that sticks with you long after you have read it. The story is about Shelby who has carved out a predictable life which is exactly what she wants after a horrific childhood with an abusive Father. But now Shelby's world is once again upturned when she is given custody of 4 year old Shayla. Things are overturned even more when Shelby accepts a teaching position in Germany where she is pursued by a persistent coach and learns more about healing and letting go of the past.
This book was exceptional and for me was a good reminder about the healing hand of God.I like how the book accurately portrayed how healing does not happen overnight and how God is continually working with us. It also shows the ravaging affects of an unhappy childhood and the scars it leaves.

I highly recommend this book, it is not an easy read as it breaks your heart to read about Shelby's childhood, but it is a book that sticks with you long after you have read it and I cannot recommend it enough.

 I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers but it in no way influenced my opinion.