Review:REIGN The Chronicles of Queen Jezebel by:Ginger Garrett

About the Book:
Beyond the Drama, Her Heart Was Real
From the moment her marriage to prince Ahab thrusts her into the intrigues of palace life, Jezebel’s exotic beauty opens doors and her will breaks down walls. Torn from her homeland and wed to power in a strange country, Jezebel vows to create a legacy and power all her own. Some might call her a manipulative schemer, bent on having her way. But they don’t know the whole story, and she was much, much worse. As she moves through the halls of power, her heart struggles between devotion to the gods she worships, the prince who loves her, and her thirst for revenge. She sparks a battle between her strangely powerless gods and the God of palace administrator Obadiah—a God who confronts her with surprising might. She will fight, though victory may cost her everything.
 
About the Author:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women. A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by The New York Times, NPR, Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision," The Harvest Show, Fox News, and many other outlets.
In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in theater, she is passionate about creating art from history. You can learn more about Ginger and her work by visiting www.gingergarrett.com

My Review:
 The story of Jezebel and Ahab may be an interesting one. But the way the author has taken the story from the Bible and expanded on it, really has left some rather frightening images in my mind.

 Jezebel was an idol worshiper of the gods- Baal and Asherah. She believed that she was to sacrifice babies to these gods and that all people in the Phoenician Empire do the same. The thought of precious babies being done that way is just indescribable to me. I don't think or cant even imagine having that mind set. Let alone stand by and watch it take place.

 I believe her evil ways were just a reflection of something that went terribly wrong in her life or maybe her mind. The book begins with a terrible death in her family and her thoughts and feelings in that. And then we fast forward four years to her impending marriage to Prince Ahab. The descriptive way and grand imagery that the author creates made all the scenes in this novel feel like a movie. It was a very interesting take on such a evil character, but someone who intrigues us even today.

**Disclosure** This book was provided to me free of charge for my honest review from bookfun.org

Review:Gone South by:Meg Moseley

 
About the Book:
The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?

Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.

When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.

Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.
 
About the Author:
Although I’ve lived more than half my life in other states, I grew up in California and am still a California girl at heart. I love vintage bungalows, twisted oaks on rolling hills, and the rocky beaches of the Central Coast. A few blocks away from home stood the Lutheran church where I came to faith, first through Sunday School teachers whose kindness drew me to the kindness of God, and then through confirmation classes. The Bible verses that had been drilled into my head came to life in my heart.

After moving away from home as a teenager, I worked at a variety of jobs, from candlemaker in a tourist town to administrative assistant at a Christian college. I married a wonderful man from Michigan, and we lived north of Detroit for seventeen years. That’s where we started homeschooling our three children, a journey that we finished in Georgia when our youngest graduated from high school in 2009.

My husband and I live near Atlanta, close to the foothills of the Southern Appalachians. His motorcycle often carries us to the mountains of Georgia, Tennessee, or the Carolinas. Sitting on the back of the bike, I can pray, enjoy the beautiful views, and plot new stories. Fiction makes my world go ‘round, whether I’m writing it or reading it.

My Review:
 For as long as Tish McComb could remember her now passed on father always was on the road in search of something. He was a dreamer that would go on some wild goose chase to find what he would consider a treasure. So this was not news to her, when while her mom was cleaning out her house to get ready for a big move to Tampa, Florida  she found the family heirloom called the "McComb Letters" . These letters had been handed down through their family for generations.

 Tish was never able to see them let alone touch them while her father was still among us but now that her mom found them they were passed down to her. These letters were written by her great great grandmother to her mother after a move from Ohio to Alabama sometime just after the Civil War. She proceeds to do an online search for the house and it is realized that it is up for sale. So she decides to make a trip there to see the old house that her great great grandmother inhabited in Alabama all those years ago.

 So while on this trip Tish has come to realized alot of things. Things about her family and things about herself. She starts feeling like God maybe trying to lead her down another road that she didn't anticipate.

**Disclosure** This book was received free of charge for my honest review from the Blogging for Books blogger program.

Book Blast: At The End Of Our Journey by JACK R EAST JR - $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

TITLE: Book Blast: At The End Of Our Journey by JACK R EAST JR {June 18, 2013} - $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! At The End Of Our Journey By: JACK R EAST JR

About the Book

At the End of Our Journey is a personal testimony of the life and Christian faith of the author. The inspiration for the book came from two incredible and powerful dreams about Jack's Christian faith. The dreams were experienced in November of 2010 on two consecutive mornings. Jack awoke from both dreams with precise and detailed memories of the events and emotions felt during the dreams. He can recall all of the events of both dreams two years later. To be able to remember all of the details of both dreams is very unusual for him and for most other dreamers. The two dreams did not reveal anything new about his Christian faith. The first dream expressed all of the doubts, fears, and questions that all followers of the Christian faith have asked themselves many times. The second dream was a direct confirmation from God that all of the promises of the Christian faith are true and will happen for all who believe in Christ's redemption and follow his teachings. Words cannot adequately describe the events and emotions of the second dream. The author has difficulty finding words to describe the emotions experienced in his dreams, but he can share the following conclusions about his dreams and the Christian faith with you.

He experienced the finality of knowing that he had died. He knew the joy of knowing that his Christian faith allowed him to conquer death. He felt hope and joy to know that his spirit had conquered death and was rising into Heaven.

He was overcome with joy, peace, contentment, fulfillment, and the sure knowledge that the only place he could possibly be was in Heaven. No other place could feel so good and right. He cannot adequately describe how it felt to know that God was there to welcome him to Heaven where he heard his powerful and loving voice say to him,

"Jack, I am glad you are here, I have been waiting for you."

How could he describe hearing God's welcome end with the following words...

"but, I am not ready for you yet."

At the End of Our Journey is Jack's attempt to share with you the wonderful experience of his life, dreams, and Christian faith. His wish is that you may also know the joy of the personal presence of God in your life and feel the full depth and beauty of His powerful love. And that you may receive a taste of what awaits for us at the end of our journey of Christian faith.

Get the PAPERBACK on Amazon!

JACK R EAST JR Jack was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in September of 1940. In 1945 his family moved to Southern California where he lived for 30 years. He started his journey of Christian faith in 1956 at the age of sixteen. Jack married his wife Barbara in 1961 and their marriage has lasted for over fifty years. Jack started his career as a CPA, and he and Barbara started their family while living in Southern California. Jack and Barbara moved to the far north coast of California in 1975. Jack continued to work at his accounting and tax practice as he and Barbara raised a family of three great sons. Their boys and their spouses have provided them with four precious grand children. Both family and the Christian faith have always been important parts of the life of Jack and Barbara. At age 72, Jack is still working at his accounting and income tax practice with Barbara's help. Retirement is under consideration, but it is not their greatest priority at this time. In November of 2010 Jack experienced two incredible dreams about his Christian faith. The dreams were the inspiration for writing a book and for this website. The dreams have started a new chapter in the life and Christian faith of Jack R. East, Jr. at age 72.

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Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author JACK R EAST JR! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Gabby Mom Review:For Women Only by:Shaunti Feldhahn

About the Book:
 Discover the Truth He Wants You to Know

The man in your life carries important feelings so deep inside he barely knows they’re there, much less how to talk about them. Yet your man genuinely wants you to “get” him—to understand his inner life, to know his fears and needs, to hear what he wishes he could tell you.

In her landmark bestseller, For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn reveals what every woman—single or married—needs to know. Based on rigorous research with thousands of men, Shaunti delivers one eye-opening revelation after another, including:
• Why your respect means more to him than your love.
• How he feels deep inside about his role as provider.
• What it means for a man to be so visually “wired.”
• Why sex for him is primarily emotional, not physical.
• What he most wishes he could say to you.

Now, in this expanded and updated edition, you’ll find insights from the latest brain research plus an all-new chapter that shows what’s really going on when he seems to “check out.” (You’ll be surprised and pleased.)

Millions worldwide have experienced dramatic change in their relationships because of the “aha” moments and practical ideas in this little book. Discover how to love your man for who he really is.

My Review:
 Alot of times we as women think that we have men all figured out. But I think that nothing could be farther from the truth. Through a series of survey questions the author of For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn feels like she has unlocked a virtual treasure trove of goodies on the subject of "men". Her book includes things we didn't realize about them-- their inner workings and feelings that we may not have known or even realized they had.

 The author has written this book to help us understand the men in our lives so much more better and to see them for more of who they are than what we feel they want from us. That they are actually just as vulnerable as us in certain situations and yes, maybe even a little emotional which is a sharp contrast to what many of us believe.

 After being with my husband for close to twenty years now, many of the points the author discusses we have discovered through trial and error. But as the good Lord has given me grace my husband has also done so by giving me time to figure all this out. But if I had discovered this book sooner it is very possible that it would of saved me alot of time and heartache.

 To not leave us women unaccounted for the author and her husband have also co-written a book for men to read. Below I have listed the summary for that book:

 Finally, you can understand her!If you’re like most men, you’ve burned up lots of energy trying to figure out what a woman wants, what makes her tick, how to make her happy.

The good news: success is simpler than you ever thought.  In their groundbreaking classic, For Men Only, Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn reveal the eye-opening truths and simple acts that will radically improve your relationship with the woman you love. For example:
·   Why she can’t “just not think about” something that’s bothering her 
·   How to get her real answers without games
·   How your provider instinct can actually cause her heartache – and what to do about it
·   Why “not tonight, honey” may not mean what you think
·   Why listening to her feelings is so hard for a guy, and a fix-it plan that works
·   Why her “I do” at the altar will always mean, “do you?” and the answer that rocks her world

Now updated with the latest scientific research to explain the fabulous female brain plus an all-new chapter that shows how to decode her most baffling behavior, For Men Only is your road-map to making her happy.
ATTENTION!
Great news! Lorrie is giving away a DVD Bundle related to these book on her blog which is here. The giveaway begins on June 17th and ends on the 21st, winner will be chosen on June 22nd. If you would like to read a little more information about this bundle you can go to this link. And as always while you are visiting Lorries blog please feel free to sign up for a subscription to her free quarterly magazine here.

**Disclosure** These products were provided to me at no charge for my honest review through the Gabby Moms Program.

Adventures In Odyssey A.C.T.S. of Service

       Unleashing Imagination

Theme: Imagine creative and fun ways to serve using your unique gifts!
Children are spending more and more time in front of TVs, iPads, computers, and video games. That doesn’t leave much room for kids to dream up their own visual images—like the ones that fill their minds when they hear a great story! Rather than passively receiving images, kids actively engage in making images themselves when they hear a good story. Their imaginations are enriched and stimulated, and the material becomes more personal and memorable.
Adventures in Odyssey is all about great stories—and the power of the imagination. The beloved audio dramas are heard on over 700 radio stations, and AIO has recently expanded to books and devotionals—including The Imagination Station series, a fast-growing line of early chapter readers. You can check them out by downloading a FREE e-book of Imagination Station #1: Voyage with the Vikings!

This summer, Adventures in Odyssey encourages kids to write their OWN stories, as they join in ACTS: A Call to Serve! AIO is helping children use their imaginations to serve their family, community, and world this summer—maybe by sending a care package to a missionary or baking cookies for the local fire department. Check out www.whitsend.org/acts  for details and a chance to win fabulous prizes, including a mission trip with a parent to Costa Rica! You can also download your very own ACTS "Summer of Service Kit" at this link.
More important than prizes are the stories your child will tell about the creative ways they served others, and how they grew as a result. And what they come up with really might change the world!

 
A Creative Story of Service
Fourteen-year-old Matthew, a dedicated Adventures in Odyssey fan and natural tech whiz, was inspired by a trip to the Apple store to create a smartphone app for his church. Since then, he has created 21 apps for different ministries, including his local pregnancy resource center, Joni and Friends (an international ministry for people with disabilities), and even an “Adventures in Odyssey Fan News” app! Matthew used his God-given talents and imagination to bless others through technology. Which of your kid’s unique gifts are waiting to be unleashed for God’s use?

Review:The Lifestyle Of A Prophet by:James W. Goll

About the Book:
 Accessible Guide from Bestselling Author
for Embracing the Prophetic Calling
Internationally respected prophet and bestselling author James W. Goll offers a readable, practical approach to the prophetic gifting. Centered around a unique, hands-on 21-day guide, he helps believers develop the intimacy with God essential to hearing his voice clearly and correctly--and then proclaiming his words faithfully.
Through illustrations from his own life and those of John, Daniel, and Ezekiel, Goll exposes common misconceptions, the successes and failures of gifted people throughout church history, and wisdom from the trenches of the prophetic. Devotional prayers and reflection questions follow each chapter. A must-have resource for those in prophetic ministry and all who work with them.

About the Author:
Dr. James W. Goll is the co founder of Encounters Network, a ministry to the nations. He has written fifteen extensive Bible study guides and is the author or coauthor of fourteen books, including The Prophetic Intercessor and Praying for Israel's Destiny. Goll is a contributing editor to Kairos magazine and speaks and ministers around the world. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee.

My Review:
 James W. Goll, a prophetic leader in his own right, has put together a 21 day guide to embracing the call that God has placed on your life. He takes you step by step through a more thorough learning of a few of the  different prophets in the Bible and examines their thought process, devotion, and relationship to the Almighty.

 In this day and time it is evident that we all need others that know the dramatic toll that this places on our lives and they are willing to step forward and show us how to uphold what God is asking and leading us to do. For without spiritual leaders that are stepping out all will truly be lost.The authors through teaching makes me want to seek out this calling even more.

 The author has sorted through several prophetic truths and broken them down to make it easier to understand and discern. Then provided further insight from his own thoughts and experiences then sums up each daily reading with prayer and final questions&thoughts.

**Disclosure** This book was provided to me at no charge for my honest review from Chosen Books.

Review:A Place To Belong by:Lauraine Snelling

About the Book:
 The Exciting Conclusion to Lauraine Snelling's WILD WEST WIND Series
As winter settles over the ranch, the Engstrom brothers are much on the mind of Cassie Lockwood. The way Lucas smiles at her should set her heart to tripping. But it doesn't. Shouldn't there be some attraction to him if they are going to be married? His vow to make her love him does not seem to be working, no matter how considerate and charming he is.
Ransom Engstrom is another matter. After Cassie's train trip to a shooting competition, she realizes she misses Ransom more than Lucas. And then there's the look she caught Lucas sending Betsy Hudson at church one Sunday. Are she and Lucas drifting apart?
Meanwhile, Ransom has discovered that he cares for Cassie but can't bring himself to express his true feelings to her. When she leaves to join a Wild West show for the summer, will Ransom summon the courage to go after her?

About the Author:
Lauraine Snelling has been writing since 1980, with a total of 56 books published, both fiction and non-fiction, historical and contemporary, for adults and young readers. Lauraine's books consistently appear on CBA bestseller lists and are frequently featured in the Crossings Book Club. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, live in California and have two grown sons.

 My Review:
 Lauraine Snelling, is a beloved fictional writer that can transport you to another time and place. And before long you feel like you are within the pages of her novels. A Place To Belong is no different. A Place To Belong is the third and final book in the Wild West Series and begins with Cassie Lockwood with alot on her mind. With all she has been through no wonder she is apprehensive about this day.

 The thoughts of that night have never left her mind. The men involved had an awful hate for Indians and with liquor ingested and that strong hate for Indians it doesn't take much to see that its just not a good combination. In one fail swoop these men managed to steal everything from her. And now is the time for her to get the justice she deserves.

 Sometimes God's ways and our ways don't exactly coexist. In this story I feel like Cassie was just trying to make sense of it all. She couldn't understand why when it seemed she was finally putting down some roots that this would happen. Follow Cassie on what seems to be her final hoorah. See who will remain with her through this next hurdle.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.