Review and Giveaway: Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton May 31, 2016

About:

Hearts are Divided
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance

Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.

Book 2 in the Pathfinder Series

My thoughts and giveaway:

I loved Lori’s first book in this series and literally could not wait  until this book came out. It was worth the wait. This book is  fabulous. So many layers in this book and so many uncertainties.

Anna is fighting to do the right thing, at the same time she is fighting for the love of her life and so many odds against her.

Two Hawks wants to do things the right way, to earn Anna’s father’s blessing but nothing seems to be going right. He meets one obstacle after another.

Then there is William and his struggle with his identity and who he really is, who does Jesus say he is?

I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series since there is so much going on, however I do think you could read this book and still figure out what is going on.

Visit Lori here.

Leave a comment by June 6th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

 

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Review and Giveaway: A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid May 26, 2016

About:

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son’s mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won’t rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo’s worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

My thoughts and giveaway:

I haven’t had the chance to read anything by Ruth but I have heard good things about her work. I can tell you it’s all true.

She has crafted a story that will grab you from the opening page and then she keeps upping the tension with each page turn.

Mattie is a hurting widow trying to do the best she can raising her children but she is overwhelmed and the odds seem stacked against her. Nothing is going right for her.

Bo is looking for something more and with his mother pulling him in one direction and his heart in another which way will he turn? I was very anxious to see how God would work in his life and ultimately pull these two unlikely people together.

A very good read, whether you like Amish fiction or not.

Visit Ruth here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by June 2nd for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. address only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me through BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. 

Healing the Wounded Heart by Dan B. Allender May 25, 2016

About:

First published in 1989, Dan Allender’s The Wounded Heart has helped hundreds of thousands of people come to terms with sexual abuse in their past. Now, more than twenty-five years later, Allender has written a brand-new book on the subject that takes into account recent discoveries about the lasting physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual ramifications of sexual abuse.

With great compassion Allender offers hope for victims of rape, date rape, incest, molestation, sexting, sexual bullying, unwanted advances, pornography, and more, exposing the raw wounds that are left behind and clearing the path toward wholeness and healing. Never minimizing victims’ pain or offering pat spiritual answers that don’t truly address the problem, he instead calls evil evil and lights the way to renewed joy.

Counselors, pastors, and friends of those who have suffered sexual harm will find in this book the deep spiritual guidance they need to effectively minister to the sexually broken around them. Victims themselves will find here a sympathetic friend to walk alongside them on the road to healing.

My thoughts:

For those that have read Allender’s first book you will love this one. I actually liked it much better.

Where the first one seemed a bit more textbook-like (although extremely good) this one speaks more to the heart, I believe.

Dr. Allender talks more about the evil in the abuse and how the enemy uses it to ruin us. He also talks more about varying levels of abuse. Also, side effects that we often don’t associate with our abuse.

Although it is difficult to read at times, because of the hurt that still rises up, I think for any survivor of abuse this will be an invaluable resource and hopefully allow you to pinpoint areas of hurt in your own life that still linger.

This book opened my eyes to areas of abuse that I hadn’t identified as abuse but I am beginning to see it as such and need to deal with that.

If you are an abuse survivor or know someone who is I highly recommend this book.

Visit Dan here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 

Live Fearless by Margaret Feinburg May 24, 2016

About:

PRAY • CREATE • MEMORIZE • REFLECT • JOURNAL

What if?

Life is riddled with uncertainty. Perhaps that’s why Jesus is so passionate in His command, “Do not fear.” He challenges us to enter uncertainty with faith, the unknown with trust, the uncharted with hope.

Live Fearless provides an opportunity for you to pull away from the hustle and bustle of life to pray, journal, and unleash your creative gifts and rediscover the goodness and faithfulness of God no matter what you’re facing.

· Spend time in prayer, reflecting and growing in your relationship with God
· Commit Bible passages to memory and deepen your faith
· Share your fun artistry with others through what you create

Color and doodle and learn to live fearless as you craft God’s Word into your heart.

My thoughts:

The adult coloring book craze is coming into the Christian market, which I am very please to see.

What I loved about this coloring book was the scripture given and woven into the coloring page. As you color you can mediate on the scripture. Then there is a page to journal as well.

If you have been thinking about giving this new trend a try why not do it while focusing on the Word of God?

Visit Margaret here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Progeny by Tosca Lee May 23, 2016

About:

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brings a modern twist to an ancient mystery surrounding the most notorious female serial killer of all time. A fast-paced thriller for fans of Ted Dekker’s The Books of Mortals, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and BBC America’s hit series Orphan Black.

Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self filled with centuries-old intrigues against the backdrop of atrocity and hope.

My thoughts:

This is only the second book I have read by Tosca Lee. I loved the first and this book I love no less, if not more. She is an amazing writer who grabs the reader by the mind and won’t let go.

Emily’s story is full of suspense, mystery and romance. You will be placed in one dangerous situation into another. Emily’s gifts are fascinating as she learns to use them and discovers who she is.

The hardest part is Emily doesn’t know who she can trust and the reader will be left wondering as well. There is so much secrecy going on.

I will caution reads of Christian fiction…there is some language in this book that surprised me. Also, I kept looking for Jesus in the book and had trouble finding much faith in these characters, but perhaps that will happen later on. If that stuff doesn’t bother you then truly this is an excellent book, a well-crafted story.

Visit Tosca here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer. Available May 24th.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 

About Our Enemy and His Puppets May 20, 2016

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

I am seeing the truth in this verse more and more.

It started with one cruel sentence written on a piece of paper in my classroom directed at me. I had no way of knowing who wrote it but it hurt me. Quickly my mind realized what was written is exactly what the enemy thinks of me. That sentence wasn’t from a student but from my enemy.

Another day I found a piece of paper on the floor. It wasn’t directed at me but said something very inappropriate that hurt my heart.

Yet, on another day I found 666 written on one of my tables and on a different table another message that was evil in its essence.

I have a student raising issues with me because we are singing a Latin and a Jewish song, which is totally inline with my state standards and yet this same students says the pledge “under God” over the speakers to the entire student body. I can’t help but think this is a personal attack on me because this student is aware of my faith.

And there is so much happening in our world. I don’t think we can stand idly by and not care. If we claim Jesus as Savior we have to care. Christians can’t keep burying their heads in the sand and waiting for Jesus to return, we are called to be world changers and bring Heaven to Earth.

All of these things are telling me that the enemy hates me and doesn’t like me interacting with high school students. Everyday that I walk into my classroom I release the power and presence of God within me.

I tell you all of this to open your eyes. When someone speaks evil to you remember you have an enemy and that person is actually being used by them. You should pity them, they are clueless. They are merely puppets, mindless. They think they are thinking for themselves when in truth they are only thinking what the enemy wants them to think. They have no mind of their own. They give into to every thought and desire that he throws at them.

How sad.

 

 

 

 

Review and Giveaway:Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin May 19, 2016

About:

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down–not her personal challenges and certainly not America’s entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling?

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

My thoughts and giveaway:

Fans of Sarah will not be disappointed with this newest installment. True to form she has written another great novel set in the beginning of WWII.

This is the second book in this series. We met Arch in the first book. I liked him then and come to like him even more in this book. He tries so hard to break the stereo-type of what a rich kid is. He is also dealing with the after math of his ship going down and the effects that has on him now. Will this ruin his career?

Lillian I loved. She isn’t perfect. You don’t meet too many heroines who have a physical disability. But Lillian does, she’s missing a leg. I love how Sarah portrayed her, still so strong but also dealing with the effects of her disability.

Overall, another great book by Sarah.

Visit Sarah here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by May 26th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Culture by A.W. Tozer May 18, 2016

I want the world to know that I am a Christian. . . . I may not be a good Christian, but I am still a Christian.
— A. W. Tozer

Political controversy is steadily increasing, highlighting the diverging paths of church and state. With so many polarizing issues all around us, we need to know: What does it look like to be a true Christian in an increasingly unchristian culture?

A. W. Tozer, called a modern prophet in his time, offers wise counsel for exactly this. Though the political and cultural issues now facing us may differ from those of Tozer’s time, the pressures are the same. With a keen sense for how the kingdom of God clashes with the kingdom of man, Tozer guides us in thinking and living as New Testament Christians, not American-Christian conglomerates. He asks us where our allegiances lay, and if we have the courage to live faithfully and effectively as dual citizens.

My Thoughts:

A.W. doesn’t hold anything back. I have read another book by him and wanted to read this one as well.

At times his writing loses me if I am not fully engaged, you definitely have to stay focused when reading his work or you will miss something and the man doesn’t waste words. He has so many profound thoughts.

I highlighted a few as I read:

He talked about how Christians have over simplified our faith and then states: “Whole generations of Christians have grown up believing that this is the faith of our fathers living still, in spite of dungeons, fire and sword. The devil would not be caught dead trying to kill anybody for acting like that. It does not bother him — the only thing devil hates is somebody who is after him.”

“We must seek the Lord. One glimpse of His face will take away all our carnal desires for anything less than that.”

“The Church’s power over the world springs out of her unlikeness to it, never from her integration into it.”

You will find a lot of good things like the above in this book and give you many things to think about.

Grab your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was give to me through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer May 16, 2016

About:

For young widow Evie Bennett, moving forward will mean deciding what to leave behind . . . and what to keep.

Widowed at the age of twenty-five when her firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, Evie Bennett has spent the last thirteen years raising their son, Cody, in the close-knit community of Banister Falls. As the women’s ministry director of her church, Evie encourages women to boldly pursue God’s plan for their future . . . while she is content with her memories of the past. But Evie’s well-ordered life begins to change when she meets Jack Vale.

As Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe and predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems in the community . . . but will Evie open her heart to love again?

Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

My thoughts:

I kept hearing how good this book was so I had to read it for myself. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. This book is full of deep and meaningful layers.

Kathryn tackles some interesting subjects that challenges even the reader to take a look at the needs around our own communities.

My heart went out to Evie as her son leaves her home and she is left wondering what to do with herself. It doesn’t take her long to fill her time with meaningful things.

Jack is a strong and rugged hero who the reader will easily come to adore.

I did have trouble keeping the many characters in this story straight and their relationship to each other but once I got a handle on them it was all good.

Overall a very good read that was different then when I expected in a very good way.

Visit Kathryn here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 

A Prayer For You May 13, 2016

By Michael Durana

I’m sitting here not sure what to write about today, although God has been doing a lot in my life over the last week but I don’t feel ready to write about it yet, so I thought why not offer a prayer? So many people are hurting, or rejoicing we don’t we pray together?

Father, You see every child reading this, You know what is on their hearts, whether they are rejoicing or hurting and You long to hold them in Your strong arms. 

I lift up those that are hurting right now, those that think nothing will ever change, whose hearts are so heavy they don’t have the strength to carry them anymore, those that want to give up. Only You can come and carry it for them. I pray they would sense Your presence fall on them right this moment and feel You take their burden and they would release it once and for all to You. That every time they start to feel the weight they would give it back to You. It isn’t meant for them to carry. 

Instead of giving up help them to give in to You and Your embrace. 

I lift up those that are rejoicing. May they share their good news with others, may they shine Your light into others lives. Give them boldness so speak all You have done and are doing. Don’t let them back down when doubters come but may they stand strong in Your truth. May their testimony carry the spirit of prophecy so others will know that their good news can be their good news. 

We ask all of this in Your powerful name, Jesus, Amen.