True Identity by John C. Majors November 29, 2017

About:

Jock. Nerd. Popular. Band Geek.

We all get labeled. Sometimes in a good way; other times, not so much. But these labels don’t describe the real you–your TRUE IDENTITY. This book will help you think about what–and who–really defines you.

As you adventure into a life of greater independence, responsibility, and maturity, there is one thing you need to know: You are defined by your place in a greater plan than you can imagine. Not by society, your gender, your family background, or your friend group–but by Someone you can always count on.

Discover who you are meant to be and find the confidence to live out your true identity!

My thoughts:

This is a very important topic for teens. They are desperately trying to find their identity in this world. Honestly, even adults are. So this is a very timely book.

John starts with the basic foundation, our identity in Christ and how that is truly the foundation for everything else in life.

He tackles some tough topics, such as transgender and same-sex attraction. He handled it very well. My only complaint is I wish he might have talked about some the issues that lead to people believing they are transgender or gay. He didn’t touch on any underlying causes and I believe that plays a huge role in why kids are turning to these lifestyles. So, I was disappointed by that.

I did like how he handled the chapter on dating and that is one I for sure will be encouraging my daughter to read.

Overall, this is a very good book and I think important for our teens to be reading.

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. All opinions are my own. 

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women by Lindsay A. Franklin November 28, 2017

About:

In an ever-changing world, we can be certain of one thing: we are beloved by God. Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women tackles tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.

My thoughts:

I decided to review this book because I am always looking for devotions my teen-age daughter might actually read. This is one I think she would. I haven’t passed it on to her yet, but I will be.

Each day has a quick reading, written in a style that will relate and appeal to young girls. There is a Bible verse and a place for the girls to jot down any thoughts they have.

Although I would love my daughter to have a deeper time of study I’m under no illusions that she thinks like an adult, so I would love for her get into this book and hear some Jesus truth everyday.

Visit Lindsay 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. All opinions are my own. 

The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips November 27, 2017

About:

Can Hanna and Will Find True Love amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV? 
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!

Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.

William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations.  Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all?  When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.

My thoughts:

I don’t think I have read anything by Krista before or if I have it’s been a long time. And I actually debated for quit awhile whether I would read this book or not. I’ll be honest, I was judging a book by its cover and the cover looked like it would be a silly book, without much substance.

I was totally wrong, and a great lesson in not judging a book by its cover.

This book did make me laugh at times, which was great, but there is a depth to this book that I totally loved. There are so many layers in this book that I can’t even uncover them all for you and I won’t try.

I appreciated Hanna’s honesty and struggle with her faith. She admits she isn’t perfect and realizes that her relationship with the Lord isn’t what it should be.

William is angry at God and has totally walked away from Him, but there is hope, there is always hope, that he will find his way back.

God uses all things for good, even a reality t.v. show. I really enjoyed this book, a great romance and highly recommend this one.

Visit Krista 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. All opinions are my own. 

Review and Giveaway: Dangerous Illusion by Irene Hannon November 24, 2017

About: 

Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death–and puts Trish under police scrutiny–her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge–and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps–and figure out what you missed!

My thoughts and giveaway:

Another romantic suspense book and it’s a good one. The interesting thing about this book is that you know who the bad guy is from the beginning but the question is why? Why is this person targeting Trish? What is going on? And what does the person have on the guy who is helping him? Is he really a bad guy or did he use to be and now he is stuck?

I really liked Colin, he was so kind but still did his job even though he felt an attraction to Trish.

Trish was a kind daughter, who only wanted what was best for her mom. I appreciated that she was a teacher too and had a heart for children

Overall, this is a very engaging read with an interesting plot. A great start to a new series.

Visit Irene here.

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

Leave a comment by December 11th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible for and will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

Review and Giveaway: Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris November 20, 2017

About:

Six girls missing . . . and every clue leads to a dead end

During Garrett Addison’s first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She’s just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common–a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him–or Jordan.

My thoughts and giveaway:

Oh.My. This book was un-put-downable. So good.

I wasn’t sure what was going one at first and it irritated me. I got over it though. This is the forth book in this series and I have read the first two.

This book starts back several years before the first two with different main characters so I was confused about where this was going, but after I started reading it made perfect sense.

There is so much tension, questions, frustration.

I loved Garrett and Jordan’s journey that carries on through the book unresolved but no in an annoying way, it was completely believable.

I could go on and on but this is an amazing book. You can definitely read this as a stand-alone even though it is part of the series. I highly recommend this one.

Visit Lisa here.

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

Leave a comment by December 4th for your chance to win a copy of this book. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible and will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my won. 

Review of The Star (new movie) November 18, 2017

I didn’t review this movie but someone who I review for has and shared the link to her review. If you would like to learn more about this new movie click here to read about it. It sounds AMAZING!!

Review and Giveaway: Cowboy Christmas Guardian by Dana Mentink November 16, 2017

About the Book:

Name of book: Cowboy Christmas Guardian

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Isnpy Romance Suspense

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!

Blog Stops

Cordially Barbara, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Have A Wonderful Day, November 17

A Greater Yes, November 17

To Everything A Season, November 17

ASC Book Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

History, Mystery & Faith, November 19

Red Headed Book Lady, November 19

Remembrancy, November 19

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20

Autism mom, November 20

Singing Librarian Books, November 21

Janices book reviews, November 21

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

New Horizon Reviews, November 23

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23

Pause for Tales, November 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

Cafinated Reads, November 25

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Carpe Diem, November 27

Karen Sue Hadley, November 27

Babs Book Bistro, November 28

Bibliophile Reviews, November 28

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29

The Power of Words, November 29

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3

 

My thoughts:

What a great book. I really enjoyed this story with the suspense and romance, each were done very well and didn’t take away from the other.

The tension between Shelby and Barrett made for an interesting read and they were constantly being thrown together in life and death situations.

My mind kept trying to figure out who was after Shelby, could it be the obvious choice or someone who is more sneaky? You will just have to read the book to find out.

This is a great Christmas read with suspense thrown in, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

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

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

Seeing the Supernatural by Jennifer Eivaz November 15, 2017

About:

Foundational Teaching on Discerning What Is Happening in the Spiritual Realm

For many believers, operating in the gifts of the Spirit has become a normal way of life. Yet there is one often-overlooked, often-misunderstood gift crucial to the well-being of the church: the gift of discerning spirits.

This gift is the powerful supernatural ability to hear and see into the spiritual realm, yet many people who have it may think they are crazy. Finding no help from the church, some have turned to medical doctors and actually been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Jennifer Eivaz, a trusted prophetic voice, has been there, and she offers hope, healing, and practical help. Pulling back the veil, she
· lays a biblical foundation for how this gift works
· helps you discern what you are seeing and hearing
· reveals what is happening in the spiritual realm
· provides insight into the demonic, the angelic, and spiritual happenings
· and more.

The enemy is on the move. More than ever, the church needs people who operate in this powerful gift to expose hidden threats and help lead the church to victory.

My thoughts:

I am always interested in learning more about this subject and I have a desire to be more sensitive to what is going on around me supernaturally. I have read other books similar to this and have enjoyed them. I liked this book as well.

I appreciated how Jennifer talked not only about seeing the negative things but also seeing positive things, like angels. She also discusses picking up on things from other people and things they might carry with them. I really like learning the name of some spirits and their function and how they attack us. This makes it so much easier to come against them, knowing their function and how they try to take us down.

If you find this subject interesting I highly recommend this book.

Visit Jennifer 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. All opinions are my own.

Flood by Brennan S. McPherson November 14, 2017

About:

The story of Noah and the family who raised him.

Nearly two thousand years after Adam and Eve eat death into existence, the flavor still echoes in their descendants’ tongues. War is sweeping the world from the iron throne of a man who calls himself the God-King. Caught in the crucible is a young family broken by loss and carried along by the prophecies spoken over the infant boy who fits in their hands.  Will little Noah grow to be the savior the world needs? Or will bending his bow come easier than bending his knee to the God who holds his destiny?

My thoughts:

Wow. This book wasn’t at all what I expected. It was very different but so good. I didn’t want to stop reading at night to go to sleep.

I love that this book had me looking up Noah’s lineage, I needed to remember all of these people who came before him so I could really grasp the beginning of the book. What an interesting take on Noah and his life.

Not only is this book interesting but very powerful in the possibilities of how God can work in our lives and draw us to Himself. If you are looking for a different perspective on Noah this is a must read.

Visit Brennan here.

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

A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own. 

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander November 9, 2017

About:

Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and sacrificial love.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year-old son. With the bank threatening to evict them, she discovers an advertisement for the Women’s Relief Society auction and applies for a position—only to discover it’s been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity—and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man?

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women’s Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of “crinolines” isn’t his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.

Set against the backdrop and history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored at Christmas.

My thoughts:

What a heart wrenching story. From the beginning we are thrown into the heartache of Aletta and her young son. Where is the hope for her? We catch glimpses of it throughout.

Jake has a story of his own that will grab your heart and when these two come together hope blossoms.

I don’t know why I don’t read more of Tamera’s books, she is an excellent author and I am always drawn in immediately to her stories and characters. This book is no exception.

Visit Tamera here.

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

A copy of this book was given to me the BookLook Bloggers program. All opinions are my own.