Books Archives - Amelia McNeilly

Articles, Books, Holidays, Tis the Season Series

‘Tis the Season – Holiday Reads

Christmas at Grey Sage-X4

About the Book:

Christmas at Grey Sage (Gilead Publishing, October 2017)
This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.
Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There’s plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn’s owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year’s guests from across the country.
But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won’t be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues–and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.
In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends–proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

I’m a sucker for Christmas books and this is no different. I’m the girl who starts reading Christmas Fiction, watching Christmas movies, and listening to Christmas music in October. This book is a delightful read and filled with a variety of characters snowed in at an inn over the holidays. It is both heartwarming and funny and is a book that can be easily read in one sitting. If you are looking for a festive book to read over Christmas break, add this to your list.

I was given this copy from Litfuse to review.

About the Author:

Phyllis Clark Nichols grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in Georgia and weaves her Southern culture into character-driven stories that explore profound human questions. She is a classically trained musician and enjoys art, books, nature, cooking, travel, and ordinary people. After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three nonprofi t boards, where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most. Phyllis and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country.

Find out more about Phyllis at https://www.phyllisclarknichols.com.

Articles, Books, Hope a Little More Series, Uncategorized

Hope a Little More Series – Books to be Thankful For – Christy

Happy Thanksgiving week my friends. Below is my review of the new release of the book “Christy” by Catherine Marshall. If you need a good read over the Thanksgiving holiday this would be a great choice.

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?

Learn more, download a free map of Cutter Gap, and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

In my opinion this is one of the best books that have been written, and I was so excited when I heard and updated version being released again. I have fond memories of reading this as a child, and I also remember the shows that aired based on the book. However, the books are always better than the shows, and that is true in this case. These days it seems harder and harder to find well written literature that is suitable for the entire family, but this story accomplishes that beautifully. If you are a fan of this book already, read it again and if you have never read it, add it to your must read list. With the holidays nearing this would be a perfect gift for the book lovers in your life. This book is a delight as well as informative as the novel shares the experiences among the folks in the Appalachian Highlanders. The stories shared will keep you turning the page as you read the journey of the folks in this simple mountain town. Even though this was written long ago, the experiences shared and the deep faith that was described throughout will encourage your heart. This is definitely a story I will continue to go back to for years to come.

I was given this book by Litfuse to review. To read other reviews of this book visit here – https://litfusegroup.com/author/cmarshall

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.

Articles, Books, Devotionals, Holidays, Let it Be Christmas

Christmas Makeover Book Review

About the book –

Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.
In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.
Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.
In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts –

This book is an explanation and a perfect example of what the Christmas season should be about which is Christ. It is a wonderful book that shares how the family can draw closer to the Savior and how to fix your mind and traditions around Christ. This is perfect for a family wanting to read something encouraging during the Christmas season.

I was given this book from Litfuse.

About the Author –

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” “Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness,” and “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible” studies and “Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home” book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.
Find out more about Melissa at https://melissaspoelstra.com.

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Devotionals, Reading, The View Looks Fine From Here

A Monday Devotional – More Than the Grains of Sand

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand.” ~Psalm 139:17-18

Happy Monday, dear friends! Even though my infection is improving, I am still not getting a lot of sleep, but I am thankful for books to read during the long days and nights. Over the weekend, I read Robin Jones Gunn’s book called “Sandy Toes.” It’s a continuation of her Christy and Todd series. Anyways, throughout the book Robin quoted the passage found in Psalm 139:17-18 where it says God loves us more than all the grains of sand. I’ve read this passage more times than I can count over the years but the past few days it has been the reminder my longing soul has needed.

It’s impossible to number all the grains of sand, but God’s love is so much greater than that. It is hard for our human minds to comprehend but these verses share the enormity of His love. While reading the passage last night a lightbulb went off in my head and I thought,

“God loves me this much so why am I worried and anxious?” Why am I discontent? With this type of love from the Lord I should never worry about anything again no matter how hard things may be.”

God loves us deeply and in return wants us to trust Him. He delights in our surrender and wants us to go through life living restfully in Him.”

God has proven time and time again His great love for me and as mentioned in previous posts, I need to let go of my stubbornness and let Him love and lead me. Below is a statement that I need to tell myself daily, and I pray that it is one that you will say to yourself as well.

“Instead of fighting so hard on your own, let Jesus fight all your battles, and accept the peace He gives while He is doing so.”

Because of His perfect love, He will never lead us astray even though we may not always understand His plans. It is also because of His love, that when the view ahead seems bleak, we can still manage to have joy and not be afraid. If you need some encouragement today, read Psalm 139 and be reminded of how deep God knows and loves you. He knows you better than anyone ever will and that is such a precious gift. Let His deep love change and guide you.

Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow as I start a new Blog series focusing on the book of Nehemiah.

Articles, Books, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability, The View Looks Fine From Here

This is My Africa – The View Looks Fine from Here

This past weekend has been a humbling one, and I needed this timely reminder of what Jesus has done for me.

No matter how many trials I face, there is nothing He does not understand due to His death and resurrection. Instead of complaining about my current season, I realized that I am so undeserving of the Lord’s grace and love. He deserves all my praises not just when life is good but in the sufferings as well. It doesn’t matter how unfaithful we are, the Lord is always faithful to us. His love knows no end. Certain circumstances may make it difficult for us to view life from this perspective, but the Lord uses all things — joys as well as sorrows — for His glory.

As Philippians 1:21 states, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” It should be my privilege to serve and rejoice in Christ on a daily basis despite the struggles I face. I may never know the reasons God allows me to suffer in this life but I will understand when I get to Heaven and that is all the explanation I need.

The Lord never stops working in our lives no matter how hard some days can be. Because of my chronic infections, I spend the majority of my days at home laying in my hospital bed. This allows me a lot of time to read, pray, and dwell on both the struggles and joys of life. On my sickest days I tend to worry and fret about what is to come and create many “what-if” scenarios in my mind (I think we have all been guilty of this at some point). Last week in my pondering I told God,

“Lord if I were healthy, I would be serving you in Africa or somewhere overseas. If I could, and if I were healthy just think of all the ministries I would be involved with?”

Then the Lord hit me hard with His response. After thinking and praying, I felt the Lord say,

“Amelia, you said you would be willing to go anywhere and do anything for me so how about living fully right where you are? This is where I want you and am using you for my glory. This is your ministry. I am using you more here than I would be using you in Africa because you are not meant for Africa — You are meant for here. This is your Africa. So child, be obedient to me and share what I am teaching you during this season.”

Wow, what a wakeup call from King Jesus. While overseas ministries are much needed, and working in a church Ministry full-time would be wonderful, God is showing me once again that I can be in ministry for Him even from a hospital bed. This is not what I had in mind by the time I was 32, but this is where God has me. Therefore, I desire to be obedient and make the best of the life He has given. As scripture points out, God often uses our weaknesses for His strength.

You may not be dealing with health issues but I know we all have our trials. I want you to be encouraged that God is using you even on the worst of days. He loves you more than you can imagine so continue to press into Him, and allow Him to work.

Throw out your expectations and desires. Instead, surrender to what the Lord has for you. Only then will you be content.

Let go of the pride or whatever is holding you back. It may not be easy but the Lord will carry you.

It is my desire to write more and share what God is teaching me in what I would call the most mundane of circumstances. However, beauty and joy can be found in the mundane so I look forward to sharing with you more of my journey in a series called “The View Looks Fine From Here.”

Also, thanks to all my prayer warriors who are praying for me daily. It means the world to me. I have an appointment with my infectious disease doctor tomorrow so I will post more details following that. I hope everyone has a great day!

Books, Reading

The Dog Who was there book Review!

About the Book:

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.

He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.
Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.
On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

“The Dog Who Was There” is a delightful read. The story centers around a stray dog named Barley who is rescued by a couple during the time period of Jesus’ ministry. This is a sweet novel that will keep you turning the page until the end. However, if you read this keep in mind that this is meant to be read as a novel and not a theology book. I am interested in what the authors next novel will be.

I was given a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity.

About the Author:

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, “Notes to an Actor,” was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, “About Grief,” has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare’s sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV-from “Lost” to “West Wing” to “Entourage” to originating the role of Mr. Casper on “Freaks and Geeks”-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie “Illusion,” for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on “Major Crimes.” He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.

Find out more about Ron at https://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.

Articles, Books, Reading

Getaway With God Book Review

About the book:

Getaway with God (Kregel, November 2016)

What if a simple day away could transform your life?

Does spending time with God sound like just one more thing to check off an ever-increasing to-do list? How are you supposed to fit in anything that threatens to be more time-consuming? Too often there’s simply no room to experience the intimacy, grace, and peace that God offers us.

Getaway with God does more than invite you to step away from life’s pressures to take a personal retreat. It shows you exactly why you must—for your sake and for your family’s.

With grace and warmth, Letitia Suk provides step-by-step guidance and the necessary tools to enable any woman on any budget to plan time away, whether it’s a quick, half-day break or a weeklong time of restoration. You’ll find detailed steps for preparation, including descriptions of different kinds of retreats and how to choose the best one for you, and you’ll learn ways to bring the renewal you experience home with you. Practical appendixes identify retreat centers nationwide and provide exercises and prayers to kick-start your getaway with God.

No matter what your season in life, the time for retreat is now!

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/2gCczSG

My Thoughts:

This book is a wonderful resource that offers women different ways to have retreats with a God. Knowing that each woman’s circumstance is different, the author prkvides solutions for various situations and budgets. As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway with God. Whether it is just for a moment, or for an entire weekend, God desires for us to set aside time with Him to refocus our minds and hearts. This is a must read if you are planning a retreat in the future. I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity.

About the author:

Letitia invites women to chase the Intentional life. She writes and speaks of God’s renewal and restoration and offers platters of hope to women in each season of life. Tish is also a personal retreat guide and life coach in the Chicago area and moonlights as a hospital chaplain. You might run into her walking by Lake Michigan, browsing resale shops, or making up a new tradition. She blogs at hopeforthebest.org and is also the author of Rhythms of Renewal.

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Books, Uncategorized

Pursuing Gold Book Review

About the book:

Pursuing Gold (Elk Lake, October 2016)

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.

With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner’s daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter’s forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/2gCb1pb

My Thoughts:

Civil War period novels are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. Filled with drama and hardship of the day, this book shares about two friends partnering together to save their bank. However, this was not easy and the plot shares the ups and downs of their story as they learn to trust and depend on each other, and most importantly, Jesus. Dealing with counterfeit money and political issues of the day saving this bank is no easy task but much is learned through the process. This is a must read and a book you won’t forget. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

I was given this book by Litfuse.

About the author:

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She’s a columnist for Leading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today’s crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.

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Articles, Books, Reading

Life Creative Book Review

About the Book:

LifCreative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom (Kregel, September 2016)
What was God thinking when He created you creative and then gave you children?
Creative moms often feel as though they must lay their passions down. But God had something special in mind for the creative woman during this intense season of mothering.
In this Pinterest age of handcrafted children’s parties, Instagram photos of beautifully decorated homes, and blogs filled with poetry and prose, it is clear that we are in the midst of a brand new artistic renaissance. Not one born in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs, but rather in kitchens, nurseries, and living rooms around the world. Mothers, working in the cracks and crevices of each hectic day, are adorning the world with their gifts, and they’re showing all of us the beauty of this Life Creative.
In this book, you’ll learn:
—Why the world needs your art
—How this Life Creative begins at home
—When art can turn a profit
—Your part in this modern day Renaissance
Life Creative paints the stories of moms, just like you, who are fitting their inspired lives into the everyday, ordinary places of motherhood. Women like home decorator Melissa Michaels and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard, author Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and many more.

Learn more and purchase a copy here.

My Thoughts:

Even though I am not a mom, I have been a fan of Stuart’s for a while now, and I have been looking forward to this new release. It definitely did not disappoint. If you are a mom with a desire to be creative, and a longing to participate in your craft — this book is for you. Many may think that you can’t be a successful artist and mom, but that is not true. Life Creative shares the stories of mom’s who are sharing their art all while being successful mothers. Each of the women who share their story is an inspiration and example of bringing their individual art into the mundane areas of motherhood. This is a must read for all moms who are trying to balance life, motherhood, and art.

I was given a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity.

About the Authors:

Wendy Speake is a trained actress and heartfelt teacher. She ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and life applications, utilizing drama, comedy, poetry and the study of God’s Word. During her career in Hollywood, Speake found herself longing to tell stories that edify and encourage women. She is the author of “Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses” (BRU Press, 2015). Speake is a wife and homeschooling mother of three boys. ||**|| Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She has written for several websites including The Huffington Post, 5 Minutes for Mom, The MOB Society, (in)courage and Compassion International. She is the author of three books, including “Like a River from Its Course” (Kregel Publications, 2016) and a noted speaker. Stuart her husband live in Florida with their four children. Find out more about Wendy Speake and at https://www.lifecreative.me.

Books, Reading, Uncategorized

The Remnant Book Review

About the book:

The Remnant (Plain Truth Ministries, August 2016)

In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn’t show up, as some expected.

Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth’s population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious books are banned. Citizens who will not renounce their religion are sent to work camps.

Grant Cochrin, imprisoned in a bleak petroleum camp in what was once North Dakota, leads his family and friends to escape and embark on a long, dangerous quest for a Christian community. Their resource in this journey? A cherished page torn from the now banished Bible—a remnant of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount handed down from Grant’s grandparents.

What if there were an Apocalypse and Jesus didn’t return? What if the survivors found themselves living in a world ruled by a totalitarian government, where religion is forbidden and all religious texts have been destroyed?

In The Remnant, award-winning author Monte Wolverton tells the tale of a band of concentration camp escapees who trek through the lawless American wilderness on a quest for authentic Christianity, only to come face to face with an unthinkable dilemma. The Remnant is a fast-paced story punctuated with dry satire, memorable characters and hard questions about religious institutions.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/2fVwBoJ

My Thoughts:

The Remnant was a departure from the books I normally read, but surprisingly it was a page turner. I am still not a huge fan of dystopian writing but Wolverton did an excellent job of forming the plot and the storyline keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book. This could easily be read in one sitting, especially if this is your favorite type of fiction.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity.

About the author:

Monte Wolverton is an award-winning author and syndicated editorial cartoonist. He is associate editor of CWR magazine. He is an ordained minister and holds a MA from Goddard College in Vermont. Along with his wife Kaye, he makes his home in southwest Washington State.

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‘Tis the Season – Holiday Reads

Hope a Little More Series – Books to be Thankful For – Christy

Christmas Makeover Book Review

A Monday Devotional – More Than the Grains of Sand

This is My Africa – The View Looks Fine from Here

The Dog Who was there book Review!

Getaway With God Book Review

Pursuing Gold Book Review

Life Creative Book Review

The Remnant Book Review

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