Book Review: Who Do You Say that I AM?: A Fresh Encounter for Deeper Faith

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Do you know Jesus as He really is? 

We can speak in abstracts all day long. We can ponder who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. But he wants our confession. He wants to know, “Who do you say that I AM?”

How we answer defines our lives both now and forever. This study in the “I AM” statements of Jesus will help women move from knowing about Him to knowing Him personally. Guiding them through significant questions Jesus asks in the Gospels—and the answers He himself provides—it will help readers:


Realize the truth of who Jesus really is
Grow in their ability to trust God and rely on Him fully
Find the calm and peace promised in Scripture despite life circumstances
Becky Harling has years of experience as a Bible teacher and women’s ministry leader. She empathizes with women and knows how to make Scripture come alive. Who Do You Say that I AM? will draw women deep into the Word for a true encounter with Christ, helping them become more confident, calm, and courageous in the faith.

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

If you are interested in a deeper study of Jesus than this is the perfect book for you.

This book is a bible study workbook. There are so many wonderful scriptures and so many meaningful questions that help you dig deeper into Gods word. My favorite part was Jesus’ “ I Am” statement. This is an 8 weeks study so each day is structured with a devotional and explanation of the scripture and then a section with reflection questions. There is also a praise section and a memorization prompt.

I enjoyed Becky Harling’s style of writing and the study she put together. I connected with her story of child abuse and her insecurities. The focus of this book is to know Jesus better.

I enjoyed this deep method of study. I also enjoyed Becky Harling's honesty and vulnerability in her stories. She talks about how God strengthened her faith after childhood abuse and helped her deal with insecurities and ministry challenges. Even though this is primarily a Bible study, I felt like I got to know her. The primary focus of this book is knowing Jesus better, and she helps us do that through this study.

Book Review: The Life We Never Expected (Christian title)

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Sometimes you end up living the life you never expected. When Andrew and Rachel found out that one, and then both, of their children, had severe autism, their world was turned on its head.

This is a book about surviving and thriving when something goes horribly wrong. It is a mixture of their story and God's story, and the way in which his has shaped theirs.

With clarity and biblical insight, they share their experience of grief and worship, struggle and hope. As well as reflecting on the specific challenges of raising children with special needs, they speak to broader questions as well: the problem of suffering, building a marriage under pressure, fighting for joy and trusting in the goodness of God.

This is not just a book for families and friends of special needs children, but for all who have been thrown a curve ball in life, and need to know how to lament, worship, pray and hope

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

The heart will always look to rejoice in something beyond itself, so rather than trying to squash desire, we should instead look to satisfy it. It is what you call fighting for your joy in all circumstances.

The Life We Never Expected was a beautifully painful book for me to read. You can tell that the authors Rachel & Andrew Wilson are blessed with a wonderful gift of being able to be parents. They are great at the ministry of parenthood. They are parents of two autistic children. I don't have autistic children but I know people who do and know it can really be a challenge and struggle. It is so worth it though. In this book, we witness stories of their successes, grief, joy, defeat, and victories on their parenthood journey. They are bound and determined to turn this into something great and give all the glory to God. 

They have faced the pain, not shoved nor explained it away. They have been able to see their distress in ways I can only learn from. It isn't just their words they have your reflect on. They keep the gospel in their teachings and reflections because God is the only one we can lean on.

The Life We Never Expected was such a true title, but ultimately all our lives are unexpected. I am thankful for the words expressed in this book.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Crossway and the authors in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

                                                                                   AUTHOR INFORMATION:                                                                  

Andrew Wilson holds degrees in theology from Cambridge University and London School of Theology. His passion is to communicate the extraordinary truths of God. Andrew teaches internationally and is a deacon at Kings Church Eastbourne in the United Kingdom, where he leads training and development. He is also the author of Deluded by Dawkins.

Book Review: Grace for the Unexpected Journey

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregiver

For the weary dementia or Alzheimer's caregiver

If you are a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia, you carry a heavy load. On top of having to watch someone you love suffer, you are probably losing sleep, growing frustrated, and struggling with loneliness or even depression. With little to no help and no time for a break, this unrelenting stress is hard to carry.

Whether that's you or someone you know, the caregiver needs care, too. Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregivers provides that support.

Each daily devotion:

• Is short, ideal for demanding schedules
• Reflects on a relevant Scripture passage
• Features a relatable caregiving story
• Offers a key Scripture for meditation

Debbie Barr is a speaker, health educator, and the author of multiple books, including Keeping Love Alive As Memory Fades (coauthored with New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman). As a health educator with a deep concern and compassion for dementia caregivers, she saw their need for faith-based encouragement. With compassion and understanding, she uses Scriptures to address their practical hardships and spiritual concerns.

When the struggles seem insurmountable, this devotional offers strength. When stress floods in, it points to peace. And when darkness falls, it illuminates hope. Caregivers walk a long, difficult road. This devotional gives grace for their journey.

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

This was such a good devotional book. 

I have to start this by saying I have never been the sole care provider for a person going through Alzheimer's but I did watch it take my grandmother from me. This book was so good for my soul. The devotions were quick and easy to read each day. There are 60 of them and you could read them daily or reflect longer on them for a deeper understanding. This book really strengthened my soul and helped me have Scriptures that were relevant to experiences I have had caring for various elderly family members. This is good for any caregiver not just ones with these two diagnoses. 

This book is a breath of fresh air when stress fits you and your dealing with a problem in caring for loved ones. Inside this book is so much peace and encouragement. The author seems like a friend now giving advice and not just a person who wrote a book to help someone like me. 

There are relatable stories that will help you in every phase of this season in your life. Overall I thought this was a great devotional! 

Disclaimer: I received this book from Moody in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. 

Book Review: The Polygamist Daughter

                                                                                 Book Information:                                                                  

"My father had more than fifty children." So begins the haunting memoir of Anna LeBaron, daughter of the notorious polygamist and murderer Ervil LeBaron. With her father wanted by the FBI for killing anyone who tried to leave his cult--a radical branch of Mormonism--Anna and her siblings were constantly on the run with the other sister-wives. Often starving and always desperate, the children lived in terror. Even though there were dozens of them together, Anna always felt alone.She escaped when she was thirteen . . . but the nightmare was far from over. A shocking true story of murder, fear, and betrayal, The Polygamist's Daughter is also the heart-cry of a fatherless girl and her search for love, faith, and a safe place to call home










                                                                     My Thoughts About The Book:                                            


If I am being perfectly honest I am never a fan of memoirs but The Polygamist's Daughter was extremely haunting for me. The Polygamist's Daughter is gripping and so very honest. The writing in this book is genuine and quite beautiful. The story really had a profound effect on me. It is one I will be reading for years to come.

I had never head about the murder Ervil LeBaron prior to picking up this book. This was an eye-opening, heartbreaking, tragic story. I couldn't put this book down I read it obsessively. I had to know more about the story, it was such a page-turner. In the story, we're following Anna's her evil father who was the polygamist cult leader. I won't give any spoilers, but her story as a child was so very moving. It was such weighted subject matter. She was so brave to tell her story. This is one of the most striking memoirs I have ever read.

The writing in this book is so well-done. Is well edited and the grammar is well constructed. I found that the writer put her heart into the story. She left her soul on the pages of this book. With themes of abandonment, transient lifestyles, cult issues, religion, and overcoming hard times. This is a book that everyone needs t0 read.  I was impressed with the author's optimism in this book.

Disclaimer: I recieved this book from Tydale for an honest and unbiased review. 

Book Review: The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

                          Book Information:                     

Will a damaged reputation and desire for society's approval thwart the legacy of grace? 
Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quieter Brighton countryside, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. She's lost the man she loved to another and, in a culture that has no patience for self-pity, is struggling with depression. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara's society mama is appalled at the new company she's keeping. 
Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. But his gallant spirit won't let him ignore the penniless viscount's daughter--not when she so obviously needs assistance to keep moving forward from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe? 
When they're pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together--without finances, family support, or royal favor? 
The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey is full of the captivating, flawed characters, fascinating historical details, and masterful writing that Carolyn Miller's fans have come to know in The Elusive Miss Ellison and The Captivating Lady Charlotte. If you love Lori Wick, Georgette Heyer, and other clean, wholesome Regency romance, you'll love this third book in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series. 

                        My Thoughts On the Book:                    

Title: The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey (Regency Brides: Legacy of Grace #3)
Author: Carolyn Miller
Pages: 296
Publishing Year: 2017
Publisher: Kregel Publications

This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me.

I have really been wanting to read The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a while. I had previously heard about the writing of Carolyn Miller. Many people seem to really enjoy reading her books. So I thought I would give this book a go!  Boy, did she not disappoint. I really believe the hype about this author is actually warranted for a change. 

The characters in her novels feel so real and multi-dimensional, that I sometimes forget that I am just reading a novel. I love that her writing is captivating and so very engaging. Before I get into this book I do want to put a disclaimer out there that I did not have a chance to read her first two books in the Regency Brides series. I do plan on reading them in the future. I did enjoy this book but recommend you read the first two as the characters are revisited and you sometimes need context for scenes.  

While this is a Christian fiction novel, I felt that it could be enjoyed by readers of faith and those of other belief systems. The story has a great moral purpose too it, which is something I really look for when reading faith-inspired books. 

This book follows Miss Claire DeLancey, who is a mysterious character. She could be a villain or she could be a hero, it is rather hard to tell at the beginning of the novel. The book seems to imply she is a rather villainous woman. I found the character growth in this book to be some of the best I have ever read. I really began to enjoy Claire's character before the middle of the book. 

The themes of this book are very interesting indeed. They include finding yourself, trusting God, forgiveness, redemption, finding a purpose, and relationships.  I really feel like these various aspects just made this a great book. 

This is a super clean book. I will put a disclaimer out there that The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey does contain a scene about potentially contemplating suicide, a scene where a woman is taken advantage of.  There is some gambling. All of these are serious topics but are well done and not over the top. 

I can't recommend this book enough. I really think you should check out this book. This is a quick fast paced book. It will be an instant classic for fans of the Historical Fiction novel. 

I received a copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

All Things Now Living' Blog Tour and Kindle Fire Giveaway

While on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle in Rondi Bauer Olson's All Things Now Living. At first, her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are. Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer. Time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else.

Stay up all night reading this thrilling new book from Rondi and enter to win a Kindle Fire!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of All Things Now Living
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 14. The winner will be announced December 15 on the Litfuse blog.

Book info

About the book: Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him. Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn't like anything to die, she won't even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can't let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it's God's will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God's curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own. Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are. Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction. Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else. Learn more and purchase a copy. My Thoughts on the Book This is kind of like a Christian science fiction version of Romeo and Juliet. I loved it. It has a fast pace to it and really gets you into the story from the get-go. I felt invested in the story from the first page, which is becoming rarer and rarer for me. I loved the romance in this book. It is done so well, the love is appropriate and it isn't instant love. The romance grows and you watch the characters find each other. Which is one of my favorite things about this book! The characters Daniel and Amy are just super cute together and their relationship just felt right. The only thing I disliked about the book is readers are just thrown into the story with zero context, so it takes some getting used to. Now part of this is good because it gets you invested but it might through off some readers. I want to add something I normally do not, which is a note about content. I remember being a teen and the scene were Amy gets her period was vivid and may traumatize young girls that are awaiting that experience of puberty All in all fans of science fiction and young adult books will enjoy this new release. I hope this book gets the promised sequels because I want to figure out what happens to my favorite characters. Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are my own and reflect that.  Author Interview:  About the author: Rondi Bauer Olson is a reader and writer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Kurt. She has four grown children, works as a nurse, and also owns a gift shop within view of beautiful Lake Superior. Find out more about Rondi at http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com.

Book Tour: Christmas at Grey Sage

Book info:

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 About This Book: This was a solid 4-star book for me.  I have heard about how wonderful of an author  Phyllis Clark Nichols is. So I was rather excited to read Christmas at Grey Sage. I am so glad I have found this wonderful author. Her southern fiction is exactly what I need in my life.  This is a charming little story that I will probably read for years to come. It is a cute little Christmas story. It is full of love, caring, giving, and sacrifice. This is one of the most darling Christmas novel, probably one of the best I have ever read. The novel starts in 1973,  and then jumps all the way to 2005. When our main characters Maude and Silas are trying to make Christmas as special as possible for their son Elan. Christmas would be lovely and full of charm until a tragedy would take their Christmas Joy away. The owned an Inn. They quickly lost their love of hosting and became unwelcoming to guests. It was just too painful to put on all that cheer. As the years went by they decided to stop decorating, stopped spreading Christmas cheer.  When a special group shows up they become disappointed with the lack of decoration, lights, and overall Christmas cheer. They want to leave soon after they arrive, but will a snowstorm keep them there? Will they be able to bring the Christmas cheer? Will this year be the year when the joy returns? They decide to share there different perspective about Christmas. I really loved this part.  This book has themes about healing and forgiveness. The author paints a vivid story that will make you laugh and cheer. This book will take you on a journey that you will never forget.  I received a review copy of this book by LitFuse. All thoughts are my own.  Author Interview:  Phyllis Clark Nichols believes everyone could use a little more hope and light. Her character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions from within the simple lives of small town communities you just know you've visited before. With a love for nature, art, faith and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment, often through surprisingly serendipitous events. Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Now she lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband, where red birds and axis deer are her ever-ravenous neighbors. She is an English major and classically-trained musician, seminary graduate, concert artist and co-founder of a national cable network for the health and disability-related programming. After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three non-profit boards where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most. Find out more about Phyllis at http://www.phyllisclarknichols.com.

Book Tour: Seeds of Hope

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

A heartwarming tale of discovering love right in front of you

Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows-and she loves her quiet way of life.

Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather's farm, but he's convinced the Amish life isn't for him. There's so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can't be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.

But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather's farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to see each other for the first time.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

My what a charming little story. Seeds of Hope is one of my favorite books of 2017. This is the first in a series called Harvest of Hope, and I cannot wait to read more of this one! I usually am not a series person as my reading habits show, but I will be reading more about these characters.
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The cover of this book is so beautiful and perfect for the storyline. It is one of my favorite covers of all time. It is just absolutely gorgeous. The cover matches the beautiful story inside, which I think is very rare right now in the publishing world. I also realize you cannot really judge a book by its cover.
This is an Amish story which is not everyone's cup of tea, but I have begun to love stories that are Amish. They have such good moral themes to them. Seeds of Hope has themes of grace, hope, and faith. I enjoy getting to see a glimpse into the culture, but I will give a disclaimer that I do not know if it is an accurate description of the Amish. 

The story is super relatable; I remember being so in love. I really could connect with the main character Miriam. The romance is so well done. They aren't overly quick to get into a relationship, and that was something that I really enjoyed. 

In this story, we follow the lovely Miriam who wasn't found the man that she wants to marry None of the men at the church she goes to really make her heart sing. She wants to fall in love, and have someone care about her. She was such a well-developed character. She has found someone that might fit the bill, but unfortunately, she is unable to be with this man. 

Due to her being Amish she is unable to be with an English man. The man she is interested in is a successful lawyer. He rarely visits the area until a twist of life forces him to do so. This mystery man is named Mark Byler. Will they fall in love? Will love break the barriers of two vastly different cultures?

The character development in this story is so good.  

This book reminds me although hardships and trails happen in everyone's life, in the end, they can turn into something good. Barbara Cameron leaves us with an ending that doesn't disappoint making Seeds of Hope a great read!

Ultimately the book reminded me that hardships happen in every single person's life. Most of the time, in the end, they can be something good. Seeds of Hope will make you feel so many emotions. The story will warm your heart. While this is a Christian title I do believe that this story can be enjoyed by people of all faiths and beliefs. 

Disclaimer; I was provided a copy of this book through Litfuse Blogging Progam; all opinions are my own.

                                                                                   AUTHOR INFORMATION:                                                                  

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. 

She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. 

Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

Find out more about Barbara at http://barbaracameron.com.