Book Review and Giveaway - Heart & Home

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Our home and its design can encourage spiritual growth in our hearts.

Heart and Home is a short devotional book with daily devotions for 90 days. The devotionals seek to draw clear connection between the basics of interior design and scripture that encourages spiritual growth within our hearts. The devotionals inspire women to have a captivating heart and home. Included in each devotional is an applicable design tip and photographs. Example devotional topics include unity and harmony, negative space, flow, focal point, and balance.

This devotional includes four-color photographs of home interiors throughout the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Victoria Duerstock is a writer, blogger, teacher, and speaker. Her mission is to inspire hope and ignite bigger dreams for God’s purpose in each of our stories. She has a master’s degree in music, but ended up working in the furniture industry for more than twenty years and loves to make connections between our home environments and our spiritual lives. Victoria writes at Encouraging Women Today, Everything’s Gravy, Creative Corner, and Serious Writer Academy and also has contributed to devotionals for Worthy. She lives in Nesbit, Mississippi, with her husband, and they have three children.

Learn more about Victoria at:
www.victoriaduerstock.com

Follow her on Facebook,
www.facebook.com/VDuerstock

Twitter,
https://twitter.com/vduerstock

and Instagram
www.instagram.com/vduerstock
www.instagram.com/heartandhomebooks.

MY REVIEW:

This lovely little coffee-table book has so much in it that will bless your heart and home! There are absolutely gorgeous photographs throughout of cozy and beautiful rooms that are awe inspiring. My favorite thing, though, is how much is packed into each page concerning each topic.

This book is divided into topics like, “Blank Space” - “Filled and Overflowing” and “Proper Proportions”. What I really found interesting was how the author pulled Scripture, prayer, design tips and special heart thoughts into each page without using an abundance of words. Her writing is beautiful but it truly does touch the heart and encourage us in our walk with God.

I savored each and every page and found myself writing down things that really made an impact on my soul. The fact that there are really good design ideas and tips is the icing on the cake! She encourages us to make our homes warm and cozy but she also encourages us to give our heart the same impact that we would do for our home. It’s a truly unique book that I have picked up again and again to just puruse and enjoy.

You’ll love this little book as much as I do and I highly recommend you check it out. I’m giving it 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from Audra Jennings PR and Abingdon Press. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GIVEAWAY!!

Now for even more excitement, there is a giveaway for a chance to win your own copy! Enter on the rafflecopter below:


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COMING THIS FALL!!

As a writer, teacher, and speaker with a busy work and family life, Victoria Duerstock understands that all the tasks of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the true joy that Christmas can bring. In Heart & Home for Christmas, Duerstock brings her mission to inspire hope for God's purpose, and her 20 years of experience in the furniture and design industry together, connecting Scripture with design elements and easy decorating tips in a way that reflects the true spirit of Christmas. The devotions and holiday decorating tips will encourage spiritual growth and inspiration to have both a captivating heart and home at Christmas.

Releases September 17, 2019!

Book Review and Giveaway - She Dreams by Tiffany Bluhm

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Every woman was born to dream—to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them.

In this six-week study we will look at Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God’s heart and hand in the life of Moses as well as in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim any broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study you will identify:

- The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams.
- The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you.
- Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others.
- How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality.
- The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver.

Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible!

In addition to the book, there is a Bible study guide with leader helps and DVD available

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tiffany Bluhm, author of the She Dreams trade book and Bible study, is a speaker and writer who is passionate about helping women come to know their value and purpose because of a loving, redeeming God. In a style that speaks to women right where they are, she shares insights from a life spent chasing after Jesus while walking alongside women from suburbia to the inner city, jails and brothels, and the slums of Kolkata. Tiffany speaks regularly at conferences and events, and writes for a number of websites, print publications, and popular blogs, including the YouVersion Bible app, Deeply Rooted Magazine, and ScaryMommy.com. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two sons, and blogs at TiffanyBluhm.com.

Learn more at www.SheDreamsBook.com.

She is also active on Facebook (@TiffanyABluhm) and Twitter (@TiffanyBluhm)

MY REVIEW:

This book is an inspiring and encouraging book about pursuing your God given dreams. We all have dreams and Tiffany shares from her own life and shows how God has guided her, through all circumstances to pursue her dreams. She then encourages us to do the same.

She has had some difficult things happen in her life but she has over-come them and says that sometimes the dreams of God become our own when we least expect it. I love this! We can trust God to bring us into our dream in His perfect timing and when we are personally ready for it. We can trust Him to do it in the perfect timing.

I enjoyed how she talked about social media and how we might be comparing ourselves with others. This is not God's dream for us. We weren't meant to be anyone but our self. Taking time away from social media once in a while can help us breathe and be ourselves. Comparison is the death of dreams.

I also loved that she says that it's never too late to pursue our dreams! I think it's hard not to think it's too late for our dreams as we get older but she assures us this isn't true. My very favorite quote that really spoke to my heart is, “If you still have a pulse, then God is not done with you, even if you feel like He is.” This really encouraged me!

I enjoyed this book and was very encouraged by the twelve chapters. I love that she points back to the Word of God to encourage and inspire us. It's a really good book and will help you pursue your own God given dream! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Audra Jennings, PR. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GIVEAWAY!

Enter the giveaway on the Rafflecopter below.


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Blessings - Julie

Book Review & Giveaway - Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.

Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.

MY REVIEW:

I am so happy to have read another great book by Robin Lee Hatcher. She never disappoints and, in this new series, she has given me characters to love and care about.

This book is set in two time periods, and while some authors have trouble pulling this off, it's done very well here and never confusing. She uses a family Bible to pull the two generations together and it's done so beautifully.  I came to care about the people in both generations an enjoyed going back to the 1920's and 30's throughout the book.

Jessica and Ridley are the characters in the here and now. They are both broken people because of circumstances in their lives and coming to terms with the fact that life hasn't turned out the way they had hoped. I especially felt Jessica's brokenness as she learns to navigate life as a widow after losing her husband and child.

Ridley has been accused of doing something less than honorable and he is hiding out in Hope Springs in hopes of avoiding the media and gossip. He is broken in so many ways, as well, because he's not sure how to get his good name back or if he even can.

I really loved seeing the relationship blossom between Jessica and Ridley. It was a friendship first and I like that Robin Lee took this slow and we saw them grow as individuals, as well.  I loved how faith was a central theme to this story and that we saw some struggle in this area. We all go through this and it was well written yet lovely when we see these two people grow in this area.

This was a book I read in a very short time as I just couldn't bear to put it down. I wanted to see what happened to all these people in different generations. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Audra Jennings PR. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.


GIVEAWAY:

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Blessings - Julie

Bible Review and Giveaway for the Adventure Bible - Polar Exploration Edition!!

ABOUT THIS BIBLE:

This Bible is for children (as it says on the cover - #1 Bible for Kids) and it has so much wonderful information inside including:

Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes throughout make learning about the Bible even more engaging

Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days

Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize

Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words

Color map section to help locate places in the Bible

MY REVIEW:

I absolutely love this Bible! It's such an interactive Bible with so much that will encourage children to read and enjoy it.  It's filled with wonderful pictures that will make your child smile. I love the penguins, polar bears and other cute polar animals used throughout - they are adorable and eye-catching! The translation used for this Bible is the NIV which makes it easier for children to read, enjoy and understand.

I also like that the text is easy on the eyes to read and not too small. I had no trouble reading the text and I can't read really small text any longer. I think this is a huge plus as children don't really like small text either.

One of my favorite things are the "Word to Treasure" squares throughout the Bible that pick special Scriptures from the pages you're on. This would be a good way to encourage children to memorize Scriptures. They are not long passages so they would be easy for a child to memorize.

Another favorite part of this Bible are the full page color pictures that ask questions or give your child more information about a topic.  For instance, there is on on Scriptures to look up if you're feeling a certain way and another one about Getting To Know Jesus and His Life. These put into one page important information that your child can refer to.  There are full color maps in the back as well so that they can look to see where the certain stories are taking place or see where Jesus was.

Here are some pictures of the inside of the Bible for you to see. You can click on the pictures to see them larger.

This is such a wonderful Bible and I love it! I think a child would love it, too! I've really enjoyed going through it and reading it and I love all the information inside. It's just a wonderful Bible all the way around and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This Bible was provided to me by FlyBy Promotions.  I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GIVEAWAY!!!

The publisher of this Bible has graciously given a copy for me to give away to one of my readers! This would make a wonderful Christmas present for a child and to enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below.


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I will choose a winner on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Make sure I can contact you by email. If you're signed in to google, I will be able to contact you via your comment. If you leave a comment anonymously, please make sure to leave your email in the comment. If I can't contact you, I'll have to chose another winner.

This giveaway is open to US only.

Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - Ruth Redeeming the Darkness

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An in-depth, gospel-centered bible study on how Christ redeems even the worst forms of darkness lurking within and around us.

RUTH: Redeeming The Darkness uses God`s truth to touch our daily realities:

Fractured relationships
Processing feelings of bitterness, confusion, and doubt
All-in Christianity
Our response to the faithfulness and sovereignty of God
Have you ever felt like God has left you? Struggled with feelings of bitterness or doubt? Hopelessness? Ruth’s message is not presented as a five-point sermon, but as a spectacular, romantic drama. Its story woos us into relationship with its characters and storyline, yet is also true, living history. This workbook-style bible study approach tackles important life topics including fractured relationships, all-in Christianity, God`s faithful devotion, and rightly processing bitterness and doubt.

Ruth is unlike any other book of the bible because words like love story and theatrical are accurate descriptors of its text alongside being historical, and gospel-centred. She’s small enough in her four chapters to rest as a cute hardback on your coffee table, yet profound enough to explode hope and redemption into your darkest pain and everyday frustrations. It is not only magnificent because of its breath-taking storyline between a man and a woman, but because God sovereignly orchestrated and sealed it within the scriptural canon so that we can experience Him as the ultimate lover of our souls. Ultimately, Ruth conveys the love story of Christ coming to redeem His people. Christ is coming for you. The host has ripped your ticket for Ruth’s next performance and you’ll be sitting front row centre as His guest of honor. Come expectantly and settle into your seat prayerfully. The orchestra is cued, and the curtain is pulling back for Act 1…

Can God be kind and all-powerful when the world is filled with despair?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Thom is a wife, mom to three great kids, and a therapist. Known for being both deeply reflective yet quick-witted, she`s the parent on the sidelines yelling a little too loud for the home team, but also the one who loves to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea on a rainy day…or any day. She loves. Her family and friends – the whole messy lot of them. She loves unexpected belly laughs. Putting on warm clothes straight from the dryer. The colour blue. Efficiency. Reason. Tidy cupboards. Easter. Quietly gleaning through scripture’s pages at night before exhaustion folds her into her pillow. That`s a special space – it`s just Jesus and her there – – a hallowed, secret union that is theirs alone. She wants to live with eternity in mind and be consumed with what she’ll be enjoying forever – Jesus. That’s why she loves God’s word so much. Jesus is the only trustworthy One to offer real hope and redemption for our eternal futures and everyday realities.

MY REVIEW:

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Ruth. I love the story of redemption and true love as it really gives us a real picture of God's true and abiding love for us.

In this study, Andrea gives us a good background and has us studying not only Ruth but the relevant books that give us more information.  I really liked this as I think it's helpful to understand what came before and the background of the people we're reading about.

I liked the questions that had me digging deeper and the Scriptures that gave me a good foundation. It was an easy study to do and would be great in a group setting. The author gives a lot of help at the end of the book for doing a group with the study so that is really helpful.

Overall, I think it was a good study.  It wasn't overwhelming yet it helped me to grow in my understanding of Ruth.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.



ANDREA'S GUEST POST:

The Bible is not a book about God, it is God actually speaking! In fact, throughout history, Scripture is the primary and most trusted way that Christ reveals Himself to the world. Ever notice how our experiences become more powerful when understanding runs alongside the experience? A sports match is more exciting to watch when we know the rules of play. The theatre is more captivating when we comprehend the dialogue. Music can impact us more deeply when the sweep of the notes collide with lyrics that we actually grasp. The power of our experience of Jesus is connected to the depth of our understanding about who He actually is!

No matter what you’re like or who you are, the same Jesus who spoke creation to life wants to speak life into your circumstances now through His Word. Pursuing biblical depth is not just reserved for the academically elite who are into that sort of thing. We consume food to survive, but we consume His Word to truly live! So grab some friends to join your Bible study journey because the pursuit of truth through His Word is essential, doable, and awesome. Come – just as you authentically are – and prepare to meet Jesus for who He actually is…

Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - The 12 Gifts of Christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast.

Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams.

Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.

Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017.

Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.

MY REVIEW:

This was a lovely romantic book between two people of hugely different backgrounds. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship come together.

Malcom is a Scotsman and Alanza is of Brazilian descent. Their families are different, as well as their backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is their faith and their instant attraction to one another.

The 12 gifts of Christmas theme is so romantic and sweet and I loved this fun read at the start of the holiday season. I do think it would be a great read anytime, though. Just fun when you're in the holiday mood.

My favorite thing about this book is how faith played such a central part of these character's lives. They made prayer an huge part of their lives in an easy going manner. They live out their faith in all areas of their life including their relationship.

This is a predictable romance but it's got great characterization and lot's of sweetness about it. I really enjoyed it and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GUEST POST FROM LENA:

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.”

“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed.

Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder

3 tbls. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 dark chocolate bar

1 can real whipped cream

Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.

Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - A Duel for Christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.

The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rosanne E. Lortz is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for ten years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently the Director of Academics and Admissions at Paideia Classical Christian School in Gladstone, Oregon.

Rosanne’s first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince, released in 2009. This book explores the tumultuous landscape surrounding the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death and is a tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor. In 2015, Rosanne began her Pevensey mysteries, novels of romantic suspense set during the British Regency (with inspiration from medieval characters and events). The first three titles are: To Wed an Heiress, The Duke’s Last Hunt, and A Duel for Christmas.

MY REVIEW:

I love books written in the Regency period and if you add a good mystery to the mix, I'm hooked. This book has this and more. This book is the third in the Pevensey Series but I was never lost as to what was going on.

The author draws you into the story slowly and introduces you to the characters in a way that you feel you know them. I love the detail she has through her writing, too, because I truly felt as though I were there with the characters living their story with them.

I enjoyed the interaction between Maud and Geoffrey. I found him to be quite entertaining and enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom.  I also liked how this was divided into the 12 days of Christmas and it s an enjoyable way to start reading for the Christmas season, although, it's a good read anytime of year.

When a character unexpectedly dies, enter the Detective Pevensey, who is quite entertaining, too. I enjoyed his part in the book and the mystery that comes with the death.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book.It's a lovely romantic mystery and I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GUEST POST FROM ROSANNE:

The year is 1120. The place is the English Channel. A ship puts off from the French port. The passengers have been drinking, far too heavily. A submerged rock shatters the hull of the ship. The vessel goes down into the watery depths, and with it the heir to the English throne.

This incident from Medieval history was the inspiration for my Regency novel, A Duel for Christmas. Set in the early 1800s, the novel has a dash of suspense, a few tablespoons of murder mystery, and a heaping cup of sweet romance all blended together to make the perfect holiday read.

Lady Maud Worlington has just returned to London, determined to reclaim life on her own terms, but when an impulsive and unforgettable kiss creates a connection with Geoffrey, the Duke of Tilbury, she must decide if he can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her. A watery death, financial ruin, and a nefarious shadow from the past dog their steps as the Twelve Days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Lady of a Thousand Treasures

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published fifty books.

Sandra’s delighted to kick off her new historical romance series with Tyndale House Publishers, Victorian Ladies, with Lady of a Thousand Treasures. The three-book Victorian Ladies series follows her historically sound Gothic romances, Daughters of Hampshire, launched with the bestselling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor’s Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, was published in 2017. Check out her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.

Sandra has published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist, with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, and The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype.

CONTACT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

MY REVIEW:

This is such an enjoyable book, set in a favorite time period of mine - the Victorian era.

Eleanor Sheffield is a woman of complexities, as many of us are. She is sure of herself in some ways yet very vulnerable in others. I really liked that she was able to handle herself in so many ways and knew who she was as an antique evaluator.

The mysterious element to this story line is incredible. I never knew what would happen next as there were constant twists and turns. I never was sure who to trust and who not to trust, and along with me, the main character, Eleanor, had to determine the same thing as she decides who will be given the priceless collection of one of her father's longtime clients.

Each character in this book is complex and I felt like I was a part of the story. The author makes you care about the people in this book, including those you don't really like. I loved all the historical elements to this book and the little details that pulled you into the story.

I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. It has everything I love when reading - good characters, a mystery, and detailed historical facts. It was one of the best stories I've read and I highly recommend it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by JustRead Tours. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.


Blessings - Julie

Book Review - A Tale of Two Hearts

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such a deception?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

MY REVIEW:

This is the second book in the Once Upon A Dicken's Christmas series, but it definitely stands alone and I was never lost at any time during this delightful read. It was a wonderful way to start my Christmas season reading!

I really enjoyed the character of Mina as I could relate to her love of reading. She is always looking for ways to improve herself and make her life in a way she would like. Of course, this can also lead to trouble as it does for her and Will, someone she likes very much.

Will has come to her father's Inn and she is smitten with him from the very start. When he asks her to pretend to be his bride, she jumps at the chance. From here we are taken into their complicated lie that leads them into one complication after another.

This is a story of romance set in the 1850's, so what's not to love? A story of redemption and faith makes it that more enjoyable. It was a lovely little book and I highly recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebration Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Renewed

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Ministry is a privilege, but it can also be a painful experience. Unrealistic expectations, church conflict, forced resignations, and our own struggles with burnout, loneliness, and insecurity can make church feel more like a place of wounding than a place of healing. How can wounded leaders find the courage to reject bitterness and keep loving the church?

Renewed is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. You are not alone. God sees your pain. He knows your hurts. And he is waiting to bind up your broken heart. This forty-day journey into the healing love of Jesus will help you find the courage to stop hiding and start loving the church again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leigh Powers is passionate about helping women find hope and healing in God’s Word. A pastor’s wife and mother of three with fifteen years of full-time ministry experience, she is a freelance writer, Bible study and devotional author, and a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She blogs regularly at www.leighpowers.com. You can usually find her with either a book or knitting needles in her hand—and sometimes both.

MY REVIEW:

This book really resonated with my heart. I have some tender wounds that have been caused by those in the church and, because we expect Christians to be kinder, the hurts inflicted by them seem to hurt worse than from others.

I love how the author is so real and honest about situations in her life. She doesn't try to soften her words but is totally open. I also love that she points us to the Word of God as a balm to our souls and also for wisdom for all situations. This is where our truth is found.

This book is written from a Pastor's wife point of view, but if you have been in any kind of leadership in the church, you are going to really relate to this lovely devotional. I found so much healing through her words and especially the questions for contemplation at the end of each day. There is also a table of contents that speaks specifically to situations that you may have need of wisdom about. I found this especially helpful because we all have things that are bothers us more than others and it was so nice to go right to that specific subject matter.

I love this book and I know that I will re-read it over and over again. It's the first book I've read that truly helped me in the area of hurts from the church people. If you've had the same experience, I hope that you will get your own copy. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible & Giveaway!

ABOUT THE BIBLE:

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139: 7–10

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER:

Doris Wynbeek Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.
Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and also works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.

MY REVIEW:

This is a wonderful illustrated Bible that has 40 stories about how God has shown His power and presence in people's lives.

I absolutely love the illustrations in this Bible! They are really well done and would definitely hold a child's attention. They held my attention! :) Here are some pictures of the illustrations inside:

This is portraying Moses leading the people out of Egypt. As a side note, you'll notice the glare on some of my pictures. This is because the Bible has high quality semi-glossy paper inside and this was something else I really liked! It feels very nice in your hands and would be easy for little hands to turn the pages. It also makes the colors of the illustrations pop.

Here is a illustration of Jesus speaking. Again, such wonderful pictures throughout!

I really liked the stories that were chosen. It reminded me that God was and is working in His people's lives. He is with us and cares.

Each and every page is filled with wonderful pictures that draw you into the Bible stories. I really enjoyed reading this. It is definitely a Bible that children would love and understand. I highly recommend this Bible and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

You can see more of the inside of this Bible by going HERE

*This Bible was provided to me by I Read With Audra. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

GIVEAWAY:

Would you like to win your own copy of
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible?

Win a children's book prize pack from Read with Audra!

The prize pack includes a copy of:

Spirit of God Illustrated Bible
Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations
NIV Kids Visual Study Bible
Explorer's Bible Guide
Words to Love By
Love Letters from God

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Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Darkwater Secrets

A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes

The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.

Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend—the woman he’s quietly loved for years—kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . he’s keeping secrets of his own.

Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

MY REVIEW:

My favorite genre of book is mystery - add in a touch of romance and it's the perfect book. Darkwater Secrets fit that perfectly.

This book is told from the voice of three main characters - Adelaide, Beau and Dimitri. I found this a little different as the author would put the characters name at the top and then we knew that the following words were coming from their thoughts. It took me a couple chapters to get used to this but then it flowed quite easily for me.

Each of these characters has something they are personally dealing with and there are some secrets for all these people. There is also some voodoo going on because this is set in New Orleans after all. Some of this was rather creepy, so be warned. There is also the discussion of rape in this book. There's nothing explicit but I think it's important to share this for someone who may be bothered by this.

This story really grabbed me from the first page and it was hard to put down. I liked the strong story with the strong characters and am looking forward to knowing what happens in future books. There is a romantic triangle, which I'm not a huge fan of, but the author wrote this so well, it wasn't a huge issue for me in this book.

I really like this book and high recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Just Read Tours

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-five-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW. Her twenty-five books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.

CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - Courageous Women of the Bible

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In Courageous Women of the Bible, LaTan brings to life some of the soft-spoken heroes of the Bible like Abigail, Jael, Jochebed, The Woman with an Issue of Blood, and The Widow with Two Coins – all who made faith-filled choices that positioned them for success. She even talks about some of the bolder women such as Deborah, Bathsheba, and Mary, Mother of Jesus, and others in a way that will have you thinking about something you hadn’t quite realized before. Through these stories and deeply moving end-of-chapter questions, LaTan encourages us to look beyond what we perceive we need and take hold of the courage to draw closer to Jesus when facing illness, isolation, or rejection and to live and give generously while stepping out into faithful, fearless living no matter the season of life or what the unknowns are. I see LaTan’s book resonating with those who have tried everything else and haven’t thought that courage equals obedience and that it starts with one step, not a daring feat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LaTan Roland Murphy is an award-winning author and speaker and has been featured in WHOA women’s magazine and numerous other publications. She is the author of Becoming a Woman of Interior Elegance and co-author of God’s Provision in Tough Times. She is also the founder of The Colors of His Love Women’s Conference. She and her husband, Joe, have three adult children and two delightful grandchildren. They live in Raleigh, North Carolina. She would love for you to stop by and visit her on her website at latanmurphy.com.

MY REVIEW:

As someone who struggles with fear, this book was such a help to me! I love how the author uses the women of the Bible to encourage us to have godly courage in our life.

Some of the women she illustrated had courage was Deborah; Mary, Mother of Jesus; Abigail; and my favorite, The Woman with an Issue of Blood. Each chapter is devoted to one of these Biblical women and the trials they faced and the courage they had to go forward and do what God called them to do.

One of my favorite quotes in this book is, "When people grow weary of hearing our afflictions, Jesus doesn't." This was so comforting to my heart. I know that I can go before the Lord and tell him my fears and concerns and He is repulsed or turns away because He is tired of hearing it. He cares and listens.

I really enjoyed the thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter. It really made me think about fear can control my life and gave me ideas of how I can make changes. There is also a really favorite part in the back of this book - journal pages for us to write out what is on our heart after reading each chapter. I loved this as it helps me to get things worked out when I write them down.

My very favorite thing about this book is that is talks about courage from God. I don't have the personal courage sometimes to do what I need to do, but God is more than willing to give me the courage to go forward in life. He will do the same for you!

I highly recommend this book to women who struggle with fear or a lack of courage. It will definitely show you how God has the courage you need to go forward. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the BlogAbout Blogger Network and Bethany House Publishers

GIVEAWAY:

I am so excited to have two copies of Courageous Women of the Bible to give away! Please enter on the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win one of these copies.  I will pick two winners June 15th.


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Blessings - Julie

Book Review & Giveaway - Christy by Catherine Marshall

ABOUT THE BOOK:

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?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), The New York Times best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel Christy. Based on the life of her mother, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in A Man Called Peter. A decade after Dr. Marshall's untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of Guideposts, forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine's enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

Find out more about Catherine at http://gileadpublishing.com/christy/.

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:


MY REVIEW:

It's hard to believe but I've never read this book! I have heard about it and watched the television show based on it. I have also read other books by Catherine Marshall and all have been excellent but this one just tugged at my heart strings and it was hard to put down. I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to read it!

This book is based on Catherine Marshall's mother who went to the Smokey Mountains and the little community of Cutter Gap. Her desire is to teach the children in poverty of this area that otherwise wouldn't have the chance for education. This is a fictional account but because it's based on a true person and a true situation, it feels more biographical and pulls you into the story and the people.

I grew to love Christy and the people around her. I loved the descriptions and the love she has for these people. I also love her tenacity and strength in going to an unfamiliar place to help others.

This truly is a classic and I'm so glad I got to read it! It will be staying as a permanent part of my book collection as I'm sure I'll read it again. Whether you have read this before or it's a first experience for you, I highly recommend this heart-warming book. You'll love it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group



Blessings - Julie