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Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado

A while ago, I wrote a review for the “Pocket Prayer” books by Max Lucado. To read more about them visit here. Following the review, the publisher asked us to gift the books to people in our lives and I am going to share with you about two of those ladies below.

Pocket Prayers for Moms is going to be given to my friend Josie. Josie is one of my dearest friends. We have been best friends since college at CIU. Josie is a single mom to her five year old Daughter Lydia and Jo is one of the best mom’s I know. Both her and Lydia have been having some health problems recently, but they are tough and live with the joy of Jesus everyday. I am so thankful for the love and encouragement that Jo brings to my life each day and I pray that this little book encourages her soul.

Pocket Prayers for graduates is going to be given to my cousin Laurie who graduates with her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing very soon. Laurie and I have always shared a sweet relationship and I am so thankful for the friendship that we share as we have gotten older. I am so proud of her accomplishments and know that she is a wonderful nurse. I look forward to seeing how God uses her in the future.

To find out more information regarding these books and to purchase copies visit https://amzn.to/1VgCJqv.

Books, Reading

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder Book Review

About the book:

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder (Harvest House, April 2016)

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever—if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

My Thoughts:

Filled with mystery, “The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder” is my new favorite. Set in Toronto, this is the story of two friends Merinda and Jem who make it their mission to help solve the murders of two Irish woman. Even though it is highly unacceptable for women to be detectives in their society these ladies have the skills to be top detectives in their field. Their journey is not a dull one and the author’s clever writing will keep the reader turning the page for more.

I am a huge fan of British television, especially Sherlock Holmes and this book makes me feel right at home. This was the first book that I have read of McMillan’s, but I hope it will not be my last! I look forward to many more fun mysteries from this author.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/1RRdypX

To read what other reviewers are saying visit here: https://litfusegroup.com/author/rmcmillan

About the author:

Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.

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Books, Reading

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink Book Review

About the book:

Sit, Stay, Love (Harvest House, April 2016)

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.

Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.

Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.

As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too . . .

Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.

My Thoughts:

“Sit, Stay, Love” by Dana Mentink is a delightful read. Life has been crazy for me the past few weeks and this book is exactly what I needed. Yes, it has many silly moments, but it is laugh out loud funny and the witty dialogue keeps the reader interested until the very end.

When a happy and eccentric dog sitter, an elderly dog named Tippy, a cocky baseball star, and hilarious relatives come together — it makes for an amusing story that kept me laughing. The characters came together well, and I wanted more when the book was over. Even though the story line was very unrealistic, I loved every minute of it. There is nothing better than a good book to help you escape the crazy reality of life. This is the first of many books that I hope to read by Dana Mentink.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my review.

Purchase a copy here: https://bit.ly/1W95mqe

Read what other bloggers are saying here: https://litfusegroup.com/author/dmentink

About the Author:

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

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Books, Reading

Book Review – Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado

About the books:

Pocket Prayers (with various authors; Thomas Nelson, March 2016)

Bestselling author Max Lucado has teamed up with six authors to write the Pocket Prayers series for those in need of peace, renewal, rest, faith, hope, joy, direction, serenity, and courage.Short, simple prayers are very effective, which is why each book in the series contains forty guided prayers and complementary scriptures for any situation, including for:

-Moms (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
-Grads (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
-Dads (written with Mark Mynheir)
-Military Life (written with Mark Mynheir)
-Teachers (written with blogger Jennifer Hale)
-Friends (written with Betsy St. Amant)

My Thoughts:

Pocket Prayers is a wonderful series by Max Lucado and friends, and is filled with prayers and scriptures that give comfort and encouragement to various circumstances in life. Each book has forty prayers and each prayer includes a scripture reading. These prayers are a wonderful addition to your walk with God and helps fuel a person’s prayer life, especially for those on the go. I would encourage you to buy this for yourself and for someone else. This series would make the perfect gift for the friend, teacher, or grad in your life, and I look forward to sharing them with others.

Purchase your copies: https://amzn.to/1VgCJqv

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

To read what other viewers are saying visit here – https://litfusegroup.com/books/pocket-prayers

About the author:

More than 120 million readers have found inspiration and encouragement in the writings of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church.

Articles, Books, Reading

Book Review – “I Want it All,” by Gwen Smith

I recently read “I Want it All,” by Gwen Smith and below are my thoughts about the book. 🙂

About the Book:

Gwen Smith knows how easy it is to dismiss God’s plans with the thoughts, I can’t make a big difference for God because I‘m just an ordinary woman with an ordinary life. Yet God created us to join Him in doing amazing work in the world. He created us to live with abundant joy, courage, and influence. But not the joy, courage, and influence of the world. He offers His grace for each failure, His love that shatters hate, His peace that soothes the turmoil, His comfort, guidance, wisdom, rest, power, and significance. Every blessing He has for us is ours for the taking.

I Want It All will ignite a fire in your heart to experience more faith, more power, and more impact. More of Jesus. All of Jesus. Everything that God has for you.

My Thoughts:

“I Want it All” is one of the most encouraging and uplifting books I have read in a long time. As someone who has been in a difficult season lately — the words from this book were not only the encouragement my heart needed, but a challenge for me to press on and trust the Lord, even in the midst of trials.

Gwen’s book reminds us that we have everything we need in Jesus — salvation, peace, provision, security, wisdom, and grace. When we start looking to Him and His almighty power, we can accomplish goals and dreams we never thought possible. Us in our own power fail miserably, but with Jesus we can have it all when we make Him our all in all. Before this book, I knew who Gwen was but I had never read anything by her. However, I plan to read her other books next. Do yourself a favor and pick up a few copies of this for you and your friends. If you read this with an open mind and heart, I know that God will use it to impact your life in great ways.

I was given a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for a review. To read what other reviewers are saying visit here –

https://litfusegroup.com/author/gsmith

Purchase a copy of the book here : https://bit.ly/1oDu9W9

About the Author:

Gwen Smith is an author and volleyball enthusiast who lives in sunny North Carolina and has been married to her college honey, Brad, for 23 years. They are tired parents to three competitive-sport-playing teens who keep them on their toes and on their knees. Her online friends meet at GwenSmith.net to connect and be encouraged, and her goal is to help women think big thoughts about God and be inspired to live out the grace and truth of Jesus. Gwen speaks, leads worship, and eats potato chips at women’s events everywhere, and she is a co-founder of the conference and devotional ministry Girlfriends in God.

Articles, Books, Reading

Book Review – “Playing the Part,” by Jen Turano

I recently read the book “Playing the Part,” by Jen Turano, and wanted to share my thoughts.

About the Book:

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/1RQM4QD

My Thoughts:

“Playing the Part” is the third in a series by Jen Turano, but it was the first time I had ever read one of her books. That being said, “Playing the Part” can easily be read as a stand-alone title, but after reading this one, you will most definitely want to read the others. This book had the perfect mix of humor, wit, romance, and mystery.

When a fan’s stalking becomes dangerous, Lucetta Plum has to quickly find somewhere to escape, and her friend Abigail Hart decides that her grandson’s estate is the perfect solution. Bram Haverstein is a man of wealth and mystery, but there is more to him than meets the eye. Even though Lucetta is not amused with Abigail’s matchmaking ideas, as the book unfolds Lucetta has a hard time avoiding her attraction to Bram as well as the odd things that continue to occur around the house. Lucetta is determined to learn who Bram really is, and who is the source behind the weird happenings. If you are looking for a new book that is light and funny with a bit of mystery this book is for you.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my review. Read what other reviewers are saying here – https://litfusegroup.com/author/JTurano

About the author:

Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

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Books, Reading

And it Was Beautiful Book Review

For those of you who know me or follow me regularly, you know that I love books and am always reading. Recently, I joined Litfuse Publicity as a book reviewer so be sure to check on the blog often for some good book recommendations. Below is my review for “And It Was Beautiful” by Kara Tippetts.

About the book:

And It Was Beautiful: Celebrating Life in the Midst of the Long Good-Bye (David C Cook, March 2016)

“I was here. I saw beauty. I embraced it.” -Kara Tippetts

How do you live out extravagant love in the everyday moments? How do you celebrate grace when your life turns out differently than the one you dreamed?

Kara Tippetts discovered how to find joy in the small moments of life. She learned how to hold tight to hope even while battling intense physical and emotional pain. And she lived out the truth that God can redeem any story.

In her final book, Kara offers gentle reflections on living and dying well. She invites us to cultivate soft hearts even when we face great disappointment. Her ideas for living are hard-won, wrestled with in the crucible of family, illness, and faith. And her constant reminder is that whether we are in the midst of dark days or mundane moments Jesus is always there, life is surprisingly beautiful, and God is forever good.

My Thoughts:

“And It Was Beautiful” is one of the most inspiring books that I have read in a long time. I felt like we were old friends having coffee, and me listening to Kara share her story. The book chronicled Kara’s personal journey through cancer and the “long goodbye” Kara experienced with her family. The pages of this book are filled with evidences of Jesus’ mercy and grace, and how He creates something beautiful out of hard circumstances.

Over the past year, I have been homebound due to some major health problems and this book was the balm my soul needed during this season. This book is a great resource for anyone experiencing health challenges or families and friends of those who are suffering. This is one that I will often go back to for much wisdom and encouragement. If you haven’t yet, pick up a copy to read — you won’t be sorry.

I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/1QVAvgz

About the author:

Kara Tippetts was the author of The Hardest Peace and the co-author of Just Show Up. She blogged faithfully at

mundanefaithfulness.com. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, has been parenting their four children and leading the church the couple founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read what other reviewers are saying about this book here.

31 Days, Articles, Books, Reading

Day 16 – Books That Encourage My Soul

Books and stories of others are always a balm to my soul Reading other stories of faith encourages me to keep my trust in the Lord during times of suffering.

Some books that have given me hope on the hard days recently are:

The Bible – the Psalms are so comforting to me. They never fail to encourage my soul each and every day. I have been reading and praying Psalm 119 over and over lately.

Tramp For The Lord by Corrie Ten Boom – I recently just finished reading this gem of a book and Corrie’s faith in the Lord and His leading is so inspiring. Her courage and trust in Jesus during her suffering inspires me to press on in the hard!

Hiding in the Light – Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus by Rifqa Bary – I could not put this book down. I think I finished it in one day. powerful story of devotion and suffering for Jesus! This is a definite must read that will encourage and convict you in your journey with Christ.

The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson – David’s deep abiding faith in Jesus makes me want to draw closer to Jesus myself. God gave him a mission and he was obedient to the very end. It was not always easy and he met much opposition but he continued to trust His Savior and boldly ministered to young teens on the streets of New York City. David’s testimony is a great example of God’s faithfulness when a person surrenders everything to Him, and God has used him to minister to gangs and teens all over the world.

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Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle – Each of these books are delightful and all three make me laugh out loud. Sparkly Green Earrings is a memoir of motherhood, The Antelope in the Living Room is a memoir of marriage, and Nobody is Cuter Than You is a memoir of friendship. Add all three of these must reads to your bookshelf.

To read more posts in this series visit here.

Articles, Books, Disability, Family, Friendship, Music, Reading

Gratitude

Two weeks ago, Pastor Pete Wilson of Crosspoint Church in Nashville preached a wonderful message on gratitude and at the end of it challenged each of us to share five things that we were grateful for every day for five days. This was known on social media as#‎5for5CP‬. Below are some things that I shared each day. If you are alive, you have something to be grateful for. Spend some time today thanking God for the gifts he has blessed you with.

#‎5for5CP – Day 1

1. I am super thankful for the friendship and sisterhood I share with @sara_at_mimibellas. Thankful for the continued encouragement she gives to me each day and the truth she speaks in my life. ‪#‎bestfriends‬ ‪#‎kindredspirits‬
2. Encouragement from the word – Psalm 119
3. Good books – My current read is “What Keeps You Up at Night” by Pete Wilson.
4. Diet Coke with Lime – ‪#‎itsthelittlethings‬
5. Good music – I have the album “Little Songs” by Jon Guerra on repeat! So good!

#‎5for5CP‬ – Day 2

I’m so grateful for all of my furbabies! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
1. Lucy Lou
2. Coco
3. Tebow
4. Anne Girl
5. Rowdy Girl

‪#‎5for5CP‬ – Day 3

1. Days like today spent by the pool
2. Summertime
3. My recovery. 2015 has been a hard year so far for my health but God is restoring me and bringing healing in His time.
4. My current view. Such a beautiful day!
5. Sunshine 🔆🔆🔆

‪#‎5for5CP‬ Day 4 –

1. The dear friendship I share with @caseyrummy! So thankful God allowed us to be friends. I love your weekly visits with Malakai. They encourage me every time and also keep me sane haha! Love you! 💜
2.Malakai – love this little guy so much! He brings me constant joy!‪#‎ThursdaysWithMalalkai‬
3.Strawberry Lemonade from McDonalds – my weekly treat from @caseyrummy! Delicious!
4.Dinner brought to me by my dad from my favorite local restaurant, Jans! Love their chicken and their salads! So good.
5. Encouragement from the Word today! Philippians 3:13-14

‪#‎5for5CP‬ Day 5 –

1. I’m forever grateful for the wonderful and Godly parents that I have been blessed with. So thankful to have them as my best friends. Thanks for never leaving my side this year, and for taking such good care of me while I’ve been sick. Also, most importantly thanks for being examples of Jesus in my life. Love you! 😘
2. Family – Love you all! 💜
3. Life – 2014 and 2015 have been extremely tough due to some health issues and I am so thankful for the gift of of being alive. Thankful to Jesus for the joy of today.
4. Hebrews 6:19 ⚓
5. Prayers and encouragement from friends – Thanks to all of you who have prayed, encouraged, and supported our family during this season. We are thankful for and love you all.

Books, Reading

Sacred Singleness

I recently read “Sacred Singleness” by Leslie Ludy, and it is a must read for single women. In the book, Ludy offers much encouragement to singles regarding this season in life, and urges the reader to focus on Christ and serving others rather than the fact that they are single. This book continually points one to Biblical truth and shares ways for you to deepen your relationship with Christ, and make Him the true lover of your soul.

Before reading, I was honestly a bit skeptical about the book because Leslie was only eighteen when she got married. However, I was completely wrong in this judgement, and did not feel that way after I began reading. One of my favorite things about this book were the testimonials. Throughout the book, Leslie shares the stories of many young single women and their walk with Christ. She also shared about some wonderful Christian women in history such as Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, Jackie Pullinger, Lottie Moon, and Sabina Wurmbrand, and Elisabeth Elliot. These are some of my heroes, and they were not focused on their marital status, but instead were completely focused on their love for Christ whether they were married or unmarried. They gave up their lives for the Gospel serving around the world, and their main goal was to glorify the Lord in all that they did even when it was not always easy. These ladies were not consumed with self, but with the love of Christ and sharing His love with others. This book was a great reminder that when you take the focus off of yourself and your desires, and put it on Christ, life will take a whole new perspective.

As encouraged from the book, take some time talking to God and reading His Word everyday and seek Him above all else. Ask Him to show you how you can serve Him. He will give you everything you need to live out this life, and if He so chooses will send you a husband in His time. Give him the pen and let Him write your story. As Leslie states, “Even a beautiful God-written love story can never satisfy the way Jesus does. Even the most heroic and Christlike man on earth can never fulfill the longings of our heart like the Prince and Lover of our soul. And until we truly make Him our first love, until we are willing to give up our dream of an earthly love story for His sake, we will never know the fullness of him who fills us all in all.”

To purchase the book visit here, and for more information on Leslie’s ministry visit https://www.setapartgirl.com

Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder Book Review

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink Book Review

Book Review – Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado

Book Review – “I Want it All,” by Gwen Smith

Book Review – “Playing the Part,” by Jen Turano

And it Was Beautiful Book Review

Day 16 – Books That Encourage My Soul

Gratitude

Sacred Singleness

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