Review: Love's Sweet Beginning by:Ann Shorey

About the Book:
It wasn't Cassie Haddon's fault that she had managed to reach the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the war, she had always had servants to wait on her. Since then, she and her widowed mother had moved from place to place, relying on family to care for them. Now she's forced to find work to support them both. What isn't in her plans is falling for Jacob West, a local restaurateur and grocer. She needs a job and he needs help. But what they both need is love.

About the Author:
Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Learn more at www.annshorey.com.

My Review:
Cassie feels it's time to find a job, since they have moved to a rather small town, she has to help herself and her mother get back on their feet. But the only person willing to hire her is the town grocer. He's quite handsome but he can be a little secretive. Since he's willing to let her work for him, she has a job but her mother throws a huge fit. According to her mother, ladies aren't suppose to work, they are suppose to be taken care of for the rest of their lives.

Jacob doesn't feel right hiring a beautiful woman to work in his store, especially one that he quite fond of. But she would ever feel the same about him, especially knowing about his dark past. He knows she's only trying to help support her mother, but he was immediately drawn to her the minute she came through his doors. But if her mother had a fit about her working for him, what would she say about him being close to her daughter?

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

Review: Rachel by:Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book:
Beautiful Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Maybe then she would not feel so scrutinized, so managed, so judged. Plain Leah wishes her father Laban would find a good man for her, someone who would love her alone and make her his only bride. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery and the victim of a cruel bait and switch. The man who wanted only one woman will end up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

About the Author:
Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai and Rebekah in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

My Review:
Rachel has always been known as the pretty one in the town they live in. All the men looked at her, and found her quite beautiful. But she never found one she felt was meant for her. Most men were already married, so when a man comes to visit her father she is quite surprised and over joyed.

Leah is the oldest and feels she should have already married but that isn't how it went. Everyone see's her sister as the pretty one, they never notice her. No man could ever want her, she was her, the one who was quite and homely. But now that a man has come to visit she wants to put her best foot forward even if he only seems to notice her sister, she still has to try.

Jacob's father sent him to find a wife but it was also to keep him safe from his older brother. He didn't know when he popped up at this families house, he would see such a beautiful woman. She was everything he pictures in marrying, she was peaceful and good- looking. She also was a shepherd just like him, she was amazing.

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

Review&Giveaway: Unstoppable DVD by:Kirk Cameron

About the DVD:
Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?”
Going back to the beginning—literally—Kirk investigates the origins of good and evil and how they impact our lives … and our eternities. UNSTOPPABLE will prompt audiences to consider the role that pain and suffering has in our lives, as they affirm their personal views on faith, and encourage conversation starters about God, suffering, and hope.
In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.

About the Author:
Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.

My Review:
 Life's greatest mystery is God. It seems we know so much about Him yet not enough. Kirk Cameron attacks this head on with his recently released documentary type DVD, UnStoppable. He takes a recent death of a family's friend teenage son and tries to go all the way back to creation to answer the question of why God lets death and tragedies take place when with His mighty hand he could actually prevent such things.

 Kirk takes the whole idea and expands on it but I don't think he really ever comes up with a concrete answer. I believe that it is so complex and so beyond our realm of understanding that the we will never understand this side of heaven. I also believe that sometimes God has to allow such things to happen to glorify Him in some way. Whether it be ultimate healing or a tragedy such as earthquakes or fires, He may use these terrible things to make good out of them in some way, but I refuse to believe that He would cause them to happen.

Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 65 minutes
Dove Approved ages 12+
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 If you would like to win a copy of this DVD please enter below:

Entry-Form

Litfuse Review: The Secrets of Happy Families by:Bruce Feiler

About the Book:
In The Secrets of Happy Families, New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler has drawn up a blueprint for modern families -- a new approach to family dynamics, inspired by cutting-edge techniques gathered from experts in the disciplines of science, business, sports, and the military.

The result is a funny and thought-provoking playbook for contemporary families, with more than 200 useful strategies, including: the right way to have family dinner, what your mother never told you about sex (but should have), and why you should always have two women present in difficult conversations...

Timely, compassionate, and filled with practical tips and wise advice, Bruce Feiler's The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More should be required reading for all parents.

About the Author:
Bruce Feiler has written for numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Gourmet, where he won three James Beard Awards. He is also a frequent contributor to NPR, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and Fox News. A former circus clown, he has been the subject of Jay Leno joke and a JEOPARDY! question, and his face appears on a postage stamp in the Grenadines.

A native of Savannah, Georgia, Bruce lives in Brooklyn with wife, Linda Rottenberg, and their identical twin daughters.

My Review:
 Did you ever see that seemingly perfect family at church on Sunday and wonder why oh why does that family arrive perky, perfect and punctual and I can barely get my family to church awake and clean? How does this family do it every stinking Sunday? Maybe this family has read the go-to guide for creating a happy family, The Secrets of Happy Families, by Bruce Feiler.

 The author has taken some of the best researched plans&ideas for happy family creating and show us proof that they work. Weekly family meetings is a real good place to start, especially if you have kids that have a hard time staying on task. These meetings are a good way for a parent to check-in on the child and make sure he/she is doing what was asked, make any corrections necessary and assign new tasks to the family as a whole.

 To me this was a good idea because most families only have these "meetings" if someone is in trouble but this is a so much better idea. The author has compiled many more notions for us to consider to making our family and home a more pleasant place to be such as the right way to have a family dinner and branding your family, furniture arrangement& what that has to do with your family dynamic and many more.

 This book is perfect for all families no matter what shape or size.

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

Review: Destination Unknown by:Amy Clipston

About the Book:
It's senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won't get into the 'right' college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor's rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver's seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God's plan for her life---before she throws everything away?

About the Author:
Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

My Review:
 Whitney Richards, aka the popular one, the captain of the cheer squad, the girl everyone wanted to be. She had the captain of the football team as a boyfriends but he broke up with her on Valentines Day, the one day that's suppose to be about love and caring for one another. On the bright side, it's almost graduation, but she is also failing calculus and has to get a tutor. A tutor, she's been tutoring kids for years and now she has to get a tutor. He is a very intelligent boy, very handsome, but seems to have it in for her. He act's as if he had something better to do then mess with her.

 Taylor's life has never been easy, ever since his father left he's been in-charge of his sister and has been steadily picked on by fellow students. He didn't have time to teach people who felt they didn't need help, no matter how pretty she is. She wouldn't have any trouble getting in to a good college with that one bad grade,  she was like any other popular girl. But he soon noticed how she only wanted to hep others, and enjoyed it greatly. She was unlike all those other popular girls, she understands her mistakes and wants to fix her wrongs. She's perfect even though she really isn't.

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

Review: Shadows of the Past by:Patricia Bradley

About the Book:
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

About the Author:
Patricia Bradley's manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she's not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

My Review:
Taylor's father has been missing for years and she is determined to find him. But it seems the closer and closer she gets to find out what made him disappear, she is knocked farther and father from the truth. Though she has the ability to find him, she maybe in more trouble than she knows. Her job involves solving different crimes, why can't she solve this one? What's the difference?

Nick's wife having passed away a few years ago, Nick busies himself with writing mystery novels but even that is losing his interest. He feels he is failing at life and turns for his brother for help. Finding his brother missing, he begins searching for his brother but has no luck. He finds many clues but is never able to solve the mystery behind his brothers disappearance.Then he meets Taylor, a pretty woman who is also in search of someone, her father. How Taylor came to find him is unknown, but what he does know is she brought trouble along with her. But who knows maybe she'll be able to help solve his mystery too.

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

You are Invited......

 If you have never attended a Facebook party, let me just tell you, it is a very fun experience. And I would like to invite you to one that starts tonight. This one is for the Strategic Shopping Ebook that I posted about yesterday. There will be tons of fun, giveaways, and door prizes! So please read along in this post to find out more.

Who's ready to party, save some $$$, and win some awesome prizes?  Candy Foote is celebrating the release of her new book, Christmas with Strategic Shopping and the re-release (with a new low price!) of Strategic Shopping, with what looks to be a rockin' Facebook Party! 

Here are some of the prizes you could win! Build a Menu: She will be giving away a one-year membership to this awesome, money-saving meal planning program. In three easy steps you can select the store you like to shop at, pick your recipes and print your customized shopping list. You’re done menu planning for the week! You can choose recipes... from any of these categories to create a menu that’s perfect for you family:

Family Friendly Trim Healthy Mama Low Carb Gluten Free Low Fat/Sensible Portions Allergy Friendly (No gluten, dairy, nuts) Vegetarian Slow Cooker Soups On Crowd Pleasers Manly Meals

To learn more about Build a Menu.

Molly Green Magzine/Econobusters has donated for 2 giveaways during Tuesday's party-- (3) one-year memberships to Molly Green Magazine, which includes future issues as well as back issues, as well as a bundle of 5 eBooks!

Total Value of these giveaways is more than $265!

To learn more about Econobusters with Molly Green.

Did I mention that one of you could win more than $100 in Paypal Cash or an Amazon Gift Card (winner's choice)? There's also an awesome bundle of ebooks up for grabs, from wonderful folks at  Hal & Melanie Young, Phyllis Sather, and Tabitha Philen. Not to mention Candy's books!

So, what exactly is a Facebook party? It's a fast-paced, fun-filled hour and a half where Candy will be answering your Strategic Shopping questions, asking you some fun trivia questions, and best of all, giving out prizes.

Everyone who attends the party will receive FREEBIES just for showing up! Your first step is to RSVP on the events page over here. The actual party will not be on the events page though. It will be on Candy's STRATEGIC SHOPPING page. Throughout the party, watch for new status posts every 5 minutes with trivia questions, giveaway offers, and more fun. Leave comments, ask questions, and have fun! Refresh the page often so you don't miss out on new posts! See you there!

Litfuse Review: Shadowed By Grace by:Cara C. Putnam

 
About the Book:
Shadowed by Grace is the first in a stirring new series of stand-alone historical suspense novels by acclaimed author Cara C. Putman. Desperate to save her dying mother, Rachel accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy to captures images dangerously close to the front lines of WWII. Her real motive – to find the father she never knew -- an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive. It’s an unlikely situation for love and faith to flourish, but soon Rachel not only finds herself, but also her long-lost earthly father, and ultimately, the man her Heavenly father created to cherish and provide for her.
 
About the Author:
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing books.

Shadowed by Grace is my 17th novel and a story of my heart. I have also written one non-fiction title (the Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law).

In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School. Because I had a few spare moments, I am now in Purdue University's MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com.

My Review:
 Rachel  only wants to whats best for her mom, even if that means finding her father in a war filled country. Having a job with a widely known newspaper, she easily was sent over to the country to take photos. But seeing the destruction is not what she had imagined, or even the handsome soldier who was forced into following her around day after day. Not matter how much it saddened her to see the homeless people, the orphaned kids, there was nothing in her power she could do. She knows that if she can just get these things on film that it will start a chain reaction back in America, but this handsome solider seems to be standing in her way.
 Scott finds this photographer smart and so beautiful its intoxicating. But he can't let that stand in the way of his orders, even if he doesn't like them. Why would he want to make her so bored she'd want to go home, if she was there for a purpose. But still he didn't know what the purpose was for, all she said was she was there to take photo's to send back home to show what is really going on across seas. Being around her, he questions not only his-self but also his duties, he wants to do anything and everything to make her happy. But there's no way to know what she's truly there for and why. Maybe he could find a way to help her, if he only knew.

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

Review: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...In The US Army! by:Wigu Publishing

About the Book:
When Jake’s teacher assigns a “career” project, Jake decides he wants to be a soldier in the United States Army. Jake and his father visit an Army surplus store to find items he can use to present his project. As they search the store, each item makes the history and proud spirit of the U.S. Army come to life for Jake and readers alike. Through Jake’s discoveries, readers are introduced to the history of the U.S. Army, what soldiers’ duties include, and the equipment they use.

About the Author:
Wigu Publishing is a collaboration of talented and creative individuals working together to create informative and fun books for our children. Our titles serve to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. Wigu's books are unique in that they help our children to visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference. Our goal is to inspire the great leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Wigu's newly released children's book series, When I Grow Up I Want To Be..., features vocations many children dream about - a firefighter, a teacher, a soldier, a doctor - all combining engaging elements of storytelling with real world facts and information. Both educational and fun, the fully illustrated book series serves to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their jobs. Each book takes its readers on a journey of discovery, exploring how one finds their career, learns the necessary skills, and how they excel and grow within their chosen field.

My Review:
 Jake's class assignment was pretty much a slam dunk, it was a career project of sorts. The assignment--decide what you want to be when you grow up and either draw a special poster depicting all about said career OR dress as you would in said career and tell the entire class all about it. Well Jake came up with several ideas, he was just having trouble deciding which one to choose. So Jake told his Dad all about it and together they came up with a great choice, a soldier in the US Army. After all Jake's Dad had been in the Army and his grandfather as well.

 So a trip to the Army Surplus store it shall be. Jake was going to have to look the part and he couldn't wait to learn more about this exciting career. As Jake and his Dad went along on this shopping trip Jake was finding out more and more about the different badges they sometimes wore and what different terms meant that a soldier used. It was so exciting to Jake!

 This story about Jake really puts into children terms what the US Army is all about. It explains many things military that a child would otherwise have a hard time understand and it explained many things I didn't even know the answers to. My boys really enjoyed the book and look forward to many more. I enjoy this book and others in the series because of the educational side that is placed in the book right along the fiction side.

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

Review: When I Grow Up I Want To Be... A Teacher! by:Wigu Publishing

About the Book:
Carlee always wanted to be a teacher when she grew up, until her mother is hired as a teacher at her school! Some of her friends are even in her mother’s class. Carlee is worried. What will her friends say? Will her mother do something to embarrass her? Carlee vows never to become a teacher like her mother, but as she journeys through the first day of school with her own new teacher, Carlee makes some surprising discoveries.

About the Author:
Wigu Publishing is a collaboration of talented and creative individuals working together to create informative and fun books for our children. Our titles serve to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. Wigu's books are unique in that they help our children to visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference. Our goal is to inspire the great leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Wigu's newly released children's book series, When I Grow Up I Want To Be..., features vocations many children dream about - a firefighter, a teacher, a soldier, a doctor - all combining engaging elements of storytelling with real world facts and information. Both educational and fun, the fully illustrated book series serves to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their jobs. Each book takes its readers on a journey of discovery, exploring how one finds their career, learns the necessary skills, and how they excel and grow within their chosen field.

My Review:
 Carlee shows her disapproval of the fact that her mother is the new teacher in her school. She spends her first day back practically hiding from everyone especially her friends. She does this because she is afraid of everyone making fun of her because her mother is teaching there. She gets so caught up in the embarrassment of it all that she starts looking into not becoming a teacher, a lifelong career goal of hers, but looking into other careers as to not force the same fate onto her own children some day.

 But as soon as she runs into some of her friends and they explain how her mom is the greatest, it makes Carlee feel alot better about the situation. Each book in the When I Grow Up I Want To Be series features special history type pages filled with the subject material that, that particular book is addressing. For example, this one has many summarized biographies of very famous individuals contained therein, such as Ben Franklin, Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein just to name a few. This entire book series is an excellent place for children to learn how to deal with different social issues as well as historical topics and points of reference.

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

Review:A Child's Christmas in New England by:Robert Sullivan

About the Book:
In A Child's Christmas in New England, Robert Sullivan and Glenn Wolff return together to their favorite subject. This is a memoir about a time when, and place where, (in the New England of the '50s and '60s), the snow was always deep and a light was always on in the window. At his daughter's urging Sullivan provides a Yuletide feast for the reader, full of his memories of childhood Christmases and recollections of his parents and grandparents and of relatives and siblings and of all the goings on that make Christmas what it is, now and then.

About the Author:
Glenn Wolff is a master of the natural and unnatural, having rendered animals both real and mythical in books by Robert Sullivan, Jerry Dennis and many others. A formidable talent, he also plays stand-up bass in a terrific jazz combo, the Neptune Quartet. He lives and works in Traverse City, Michigan, and his art is familiar to readers of The New York Times, to which he has contributed for more than 30 years.

Robert Sullivan is the Managing Editor of LIFE Books. He was raised in Massachusetts and continued his education in New Hampshire; he lives today with his family in Westchester County, New York. He has written for scores of magazines and has authored several books. A Child's Christmas in New England is his third collaboration with Glenn Wolff.

My Review:
 First of all let me say, I love the book. I love that in our "grown-up" minds we can go back to a much more simple time. I miss those days! Even though I didn't grow up in the same time period or even the same state the author did, I can still appreciate alot of the same things he did. I loved this book if not just for the simple time period it outlined but also for the childhood romps he described so vividly as if I were there watching from my own picture window.

 The author is basically reminiscing in childhood days gone by and telling his young daughter all about her relatives and situations that happened way back when. He described the old fashioned ways that they decorated the Christmas tree. He is very descriptive in the way he described alot of the items in the book, especially the bubbling lights for the tree or the sledding ritual that had taken place one Christmas in which all the paint wore off their sleds within a week of receiving them.

 There is absolutely nothing wrong with looking back to our childhoods, a time where we wish we could go back to. I really enjoyed the book and I feel the author and the illustrator did a tremendous job!

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

Review: Who You Callin' Silly?:How A Silly Woman Becomes Virtuous by:Kimberly R. Lock

About the Book:
First time author Kimberly Lock challenges women to look into the spiritual mirror. A Christian book unlike any other, Lock has written an engaging and thought-provoking bible study about the nature of unconditional love, forgiveness, feminine strength, and power.

As Kimberly Lock states, “There’s no need to be ashamed of past mistakes…The beauty of it all is that Christ accepts us as we are and forgives us. The key is YOU have to be willing to forgive yourself.” By using her personal life and experiences as a prime example, Kimberly Lock encourages women to harness their feminine strength and have power over past silly experiences.

About the Author:
Kimberly R. Lock assists her husband in the business aspects of running Unity Gospel House of Prayer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has several thousand members. In addition, she is a soloist in the choir and a member of the church s Praise Dance Team. Kimberly also administers UGHOP's website, Facebook and Twitter, which broadcast daily messages of spiritual encouragement. She is also the mother of five children. Women from all walks of life are drawn to her for spiritual guidance. Her character is calm and meek, while her style is simply classy. She is a woman of few and selected words, reflecting her passionate devotion to the Lord and her heart s commitment to developing women spiritually.

My Review:
 As wives we are called to be a blessing to our husbands and children. A part of that blessing occurs when we know who we are in Christ as an individual. Many times its best that we learn this prior to starting a family. As single women we owe it to ourselves and our future families to get this journey started before they come along.

 Kimberly Lock has written the best "go-to" guide on a being a single woman in today's society and how to keep our mind on our God and what he has planned for our future. This is vitally important because our future mate can cause us to stumble in this area if we aren't careful and discerning. She doesn't leave us hanging on the issue because she goes on to address wives and mothers. While offering guidance, she also provides a set of virtuous assessment questions at the end of each chapter.

 Kimberly Lock has placed in our hands the ideas, encouraging words and guidance that God has placed on her heart to reach out to women in any type of relationship and situation. To show them that they to can become that virtuous woman that Proverbs 31 refers to.

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

Review: Strategic Shopping Ebook by:Candy Foote

About the Product:

Candy Foote is a mother of twelve, which has given her a great incentive to learn how to save!  With each new baby, she became a better shopper.  Now, she teaches others how to do the same through her website, http://candyfoote.com/, her classes, and her e-book, Strategic Shopping.

Strategic Shopping is a step-by-step guide that teaches both the novice and the experienced shopper how to save big at the stores. It teaches that Strategic Shopping is all about having a plan and knowing when to buy.

By having a strategy, Candy is able to get rock-bottom prices, FREE items, and even has the stores pay her to shop!Strategic Shopping is a 143 page e-book that will show you how you can do the same. 

In Strategic Shopping, you'll learn:--the exact details for how to use coupons for ultimate savings--the strategies Candy uses to get rock bottom prices and FREE items--how to shop so that the stores pay YOU!--how to save at least 50% off at your grocery store--how to buy "real' food on a budget -- foods like eggs, butter, cheese, milk, bread, organic produce, meat, and more!--the purpose of pantry--the difference between stockpiling and hoarding--how to feed a mega family without living on beans and rice!

Strategic Shopping even shows you how to get the best deals on prescriptions, how to find military discounts and senior citizen discounts! With the knowledge gained with Strategic Shopping, you can quit buying generic brands and fill your pantry with all brand name items at deep, deep discounts. 

About the Creator:
Candy Foote is a Christian, wife to one, momma to 12, and grandmother to 4, so far (Number 5 is due in May!)  She is a homeschool veteran of 21 years.  As a homeschooling mother of a mega family, Candy has learned many Strategic Shopping tips that have allowed her to stay at home while her husband, Jud, was the only breadwinner of the family.

Candy runs a website filled with free information on how you can become a Strategic Shopper.  She also enjoys going into people's homes and teaching them through her Strategic Shopping workshops.

Candy considers it her ministry to help other families learn how to live a quality life, while keeping money in their pockets.

My Review:
Just after the holidays, I find myself in a weird after-holiday fog where it seems that I was turned upside down by all the big spending that I did in the recent months. But recently I ran across a good friends strategy to avoid all that fuss throughout the year by couponing. My friends name is Candy Foote, yes you read that right and she knows her stuff. She is a mother of 12 children and she knows how to shake those supermarket shelves till all the money falls out. With the recent release of her e book Strategic Shopping, you will learn some sure-fire steps to saving those precious dollars that your family works so incredibly hard for some items your family can use to fill the pantry or even for donating.

 With her methods you start out small and slow and reap big, big, big all the way to your home with your pockets more full than when you left. I have never done well at this couponing thing, but it has always intrigued me. I have tried and tried to make it work but it just has never took off well or stuck like it does for so many others. Candy knows what that's like so she has stepped in to save the day and to save you some money. And if that wasn't enough she has a Christmas version, Christmas with Strategic Shopping, to help you save there as well.

And if you enjoy Facebook parties there will be one tomorrow night concerning the launch of these books, if you want in on it, follow this link.

CFBA Review: Scraps of Evidence by:Barbara Cameron

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Scraps of Evidence Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014) by Barbara Cameron

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

My Review:
 Follow along as Tess the leading character in Scraps of Evidence, suddenly gets a promotion at her place of work. She is promoted to detective and is on the cuspid of getting a new partner when her Aunt Susan lands herself in the hospital sporting injuries similar to those that a battered woman may receive. But when Tess questions her about it, she dismisses it saying that she tripped over the cat. Logan is a new, good-looking guy looking for a fresh start and this is what leads him to Florida, or is it? He is somewhat of a mystery to everyone, at least in the beginning.

 Soon things start to heat up when Tess and Logan are sent to investigate a homicide that looks alot like the murder of Tess's friend some years earlier, could this be the break in the case that Tess has been searching for this whole time? Tess and her Aunt Susan are very much involved in the hobby of quilt making and they enjoy it immensely. There is a quilt that the two of them often talk about and Tess soon learns that there is more behind the origins of this quilt than once realized.

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

Litfuse Review: Distortion by:Terri Blackstock

About the Book:
When Juliet Cole’s husband of fifteen years is gunned down in a dark parking lot before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning. When she’s finally allowed to return home to break the news to her boys, she hears a voicemail that takes the situation from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack. ‘Mrs. Cole, we know you have access to the supply and the money. If you don’t turn fifty million over to us and give us the codes, then you’ll be burying more family members.’ Suddenly, Juliet realizes that she and her children could be in danger. She teams up with her sisters and PI Michael Hogan to dig into the sham Bob has been living for years. The more she learns, the worse the betrayal. A drug trafficking history, a fortune in cash, and a secret family all emerge to turn Juliet’s belief system on its head, and threaten the things she loves.
Are she and her sisters skilled enough as sleuths to get to the truth?

About the Author:
Terri Blackstock (www.terriblackstock.com) has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

My Review:
 Juliet's life came to a sudden stop the day she witnessed her husband's murder. He was everything to her, the love of her life. And now he's gone and no one seems to know why he was killed. Being pregnant, Juliet can't do anything to help.

 She may have been there when he was shot but she doesn't know who could have done this. Her husband had been a nice honest man, he never wanted to harm anyone. But maybe, just maybe this was just a random shooting or it was an accident. Little does she know, that her life as well as many others maybe in danger.

Michael hated to see Juliet go though all these things. He had known her husband for years and couldn't believe that he had been shot. Why would someone do such a thing to a nice man like him?

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

Book Blast& HUGE Giveaway: You Don't Want To Miss This!

 

Deep in the Heart

by: Staci Stallings

FREE January 25 - 27th

Then, only 99 Cents... January 28 & 29th!

About the Book

Just out of college and completely alone in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayer and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie's whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp? Keith Ayer despises his life. As the son of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer and the fiance to a Senator from Texas' daughter, it looks great on the outside, but inside, he is dying. He would vastly prefer to manage and train his father's racehorses. However, everyone else thinks that is beneath him. He needs to get into industry and build on his father's success. Suffocating under the constrictions of his life, he meets Maggie, and she begins to teach him that wealth and power is not everything in this life. But can Keith defy the two most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart?

"Staci Stallings... Christian fiction at its best!"

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK
Staci Stallings A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including being the co-founder of CrossReads.com and the founder of Grace & Faith Connection.
Follow Staci Stallings Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a Kindle, 6" E Ink Display, Wi-Fi

OR

a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

(That's two separate prizes, given to two separate winners!)

Enter below, sponsored by author Staci Stallings!

Drawing on February 4, 2014

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!

Ruth Reid’s A MIRACLE OF HOPE Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party!

A Miracle of Hope is the first book in Ruth Reid's new series, Amish Wonders, and she is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the A Miracle of Hope Facebook Party on February 11th. Connect with Ruth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Miracle of Hope and join Ruth and friends on the evening of February 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Review: Despicable Me 2 Blu-Ray

About the Movie:
 Sticky doesn't begin to describe Gru's new life: the ex-supervillain has given up his villainous ways and he and Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) have settled into the legitimate business of making jellies and jams with the help of his army of minions. Parenting is no less sticky, and the fact that Gru will go to any length to ensure the happiness of his adopted girls Agnes, Edith, and Margo is evident by the elaborate birthday party he's throwing for Agnes that includes a live unicorn and a princess named Gruzinkerbell. Anti-Villain League operative Lucy Wild (Kristen Wiig) kidnaps Gru after the party, using an arsenal of spy gadgetry that would make James Bond jealous, and the agency solicits his help in apprehending a criminal who's made an entire secret lab disappear from the Arctic Circle and stolen a dangerous transmutation formula.

 The lure of excitement tempts Gru, and he and Lucy set up an undercover operation in a bakery in Paradise Mall, the minions start cranking out cupcakes, and Gru and Lucy begin investigating their fellow business owners. Meanwhile, Agnes pines for a mother, Margo finds her first boyfriend, Dr. Nefario takes a more exciting job, a slew of minions go missing, and Gru staunchly refuses to enter the dating scene. Little does Gru know that his whole life is about to change once again. The minions and their antics are quite funny in this second film, and, for the 10-and-under crowd, they completely steal the show.

My Review:
 Ever since the minion craze has hit the digital air waves my children have been hooked. And the second movie in the series is just as great as the first if not better. My favorite part was the Agnes' birthday party scene when the fairy princess didn't show up to entertain the party guests. Then what Gru does next was so incredibly sweet and Agnes' response to it was priceless. This movie is sure to make you laugh and shed a tear or two.

Gru is suddenly thrust back out into the work force, his former career that he had recently left to raise his precious daughters. The reason being is that El Macho,the evil genius behind the newest rush to take over the world is on the loose and has some dirty tricks up his sleeve. So the Anti-Villain League recruit Gru to capture this guy and save the world. The pull of trying to keep the world safe, a world that also holds his precious daughters makes it very hard for Gru not to want to take care of this evil villain. What is this Dad going to do to protect them?

 The release date was December 10, 2013, so its still in circulation so hurry to your nearest retailer to check this movie out! You will be glad you did! It is available in DVD or Blu-Ray and its suggested retail price is $19.99 for the Blu-Ray/DVD release.

Sponsors for this post wanted A Simple Life, really?! and our readers to help reign in the release of Despicable Me 2 on DVD/Blu Ray. For all your cable, satellite, broadband and security solutions for home office or business needs-- please consider this company,Connect Your Home, you can find out more about them at this link.

**Disclosure** This Blu-Ray was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Connect Your Home.

Litfuse Review: The Headmistress of Rosemere by: Sarah E. Ladd

 
About the Book:
Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law's matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore's legacy.

About the Author:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. 

My Review:
 Patience has had a bad taste in her mouth since her brother went to London and after her father's death, leaving her in charge of Rosemere School for Young Ladies. She has always dreamed of that knight in shining armor to come and whisk her away from the mundane life of being the headmistress of Rosemere, but it's looking like a dream that was never meant to be. Because of all she has to do there and all of her obligations she seems stuck there. But like the old adage, stop looking for true love and then it will find you. And find her it does in the form of William.

 William owes some important people big and if he doesn't pay up soon his life will be given in return for the amount owed. Soon William gets the idea to look to an old friend for help but once he gets there he hears terrible news about his friend and in turn now doesn't know what he is going to do. William instantly thinks Patience is very attractive but her beauty isn't going to help him and the fix he is in, or will it?

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

Review: With Autumn's Return by:Amanda Cabot

About the Book:
Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish her medical practice thanks to the wooing of her two older sisters who extolled the beauty of the land. She's certain she'll have a line of patients eager for her expertise and gentle bedside manner. However, she soon discovers the town and its older doctor may not welcome a new physician. Even more frustrating, the handsome young attorney next door may not be ready for the idea of a woman doctor. For his part, Jason Nordling has nothing against women, but he's promised himself that the woman he marries will be a full-time mother.

Despite their firm principles, Elizabeth and Jason find that mutual attraction--and disdain from the community--is drawing them ever closer. And when the two find themselves working to save the life and tattered reputation of a local woman, they'll have to decide how far they're willing to go to find justice--and true love.

About the Author:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and RWA's Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more at www.amandacabot.com.

My Review:
Elizabeth wants to prove that women can practice medicine, but it seems her temper is causing her some problems.Especially, when she first meets Jason, a handsome attorney who just happens to be next door to her. She felt he was wrong when he said that women should be in the home and not practicing medicine, so she kind of got a little fierce with her words. With him being her neighbor, now she had to see him day after day. How is she ever going to make it?

The last thing Jason expected, was to find out the doctor next door was a woman, a pretty one at that. She didn't know what to expect in this town or even the peoples reactions. And now they both had been invited to a party, and it seems she has already upset a few of the towns folk. He can't help but feel that he needs to help her to earn the trust of the people, even if that means getting closer to her. Which doesn't seem such a bad idea, but is she going to except his help?

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

Review: The Garden Gate by:Christa Kinde

About the Book:
The Pomeroys pull together in the aftermath of the storm that shook West Edinton -- and Prissie's faith -- to its very foundations. Letting go proves difficult, and holding on takes all of her courage. With the encouragement of a brother who's in on her secret, Prissie finds her feet. With the help of the bane who's now a brother, she takes a stand. As spring comes to the orchard, a cryptic remark from Abner hints at West Edinton's long-kept secret. A beloved aunt returns from overseas. A faded angel takes up residence atop the Pomeroys' refrigerator. A treasured friend must say goodbye. While ranks of the Faithful rally to defend what's most precious, Prissie discovers that angels aren't the only ones who are Sent.

About the Author:
Head in the clouds. Feet on the ground. Heart in the story. Christa Kinde is a cheerful homebody whose imagination takes her to new places with every passing day. Making her home between misty mornings and brimming bookshelves in Southern California, she keeps her lively family close and her trusty laptop closer. Christa has been writing for more than a decade, producing numerous workbooks and study guides for Max Lucado, John MacArthur, and Women of Faith.

My Review:
Prissie never expected she would have to help find her guardian angel who recently got abducted by a demon. Nor did she expect to find out one of the angels she has grown to love is blind. But now that was all behind her, she has to find away to explain to her brother that she can see angels and even talk to them. Even though he can only see few, he seems to understand she is telling him and wants to help find her guardian angel. Her faith seems to be failing when someone she has known for a while has became a new christian an she doesn't even get excited for him. With her guardian angel gone it seems her world is coming to an end. She has to find him before she loses faith in God and everyone she loves. No one has heard word from him, where could he be?

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

CFBA Review: For The Love of Pete by:Debby Mayne

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing For the Love of Pete B&H Books (January 15, 2014) by Debby Mayne

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.

My Review:
 Bethany is a widow that still after a few years of loss, still does not feel any better about letting go of the few things she has left of the people she loves and had to give back to God. And that also includes her heart, she still hangs on tightly to it even though Charlie has been gone now for almost three years.

 But unfortunately, her mother Naomi will NOT take no for an answer. With all her pushing and shoving and conniving, Bethany finally succumbs to the pressure. She hands over some of her prized so called, "knick-knacks" for the new town festival, used to bring in new residents to Bloomfield.

 But soon after some things change along with the ideas for the festival and the people in charge of it. Bethany gains some much needed confidence and soon everyone sees a change in her that seems to suit her fine. But how is Pete going to feel about this? He has cared for Bethany for quite a long time but now she seems to busy to even notice him.

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

Litfuse Review: The Calling by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

 
About the Book:
Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime’s accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher–and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.
When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves–and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

About the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

My Review:
 Poor Bethany, I feel so bad for her. Bethany is truly a sweet and feisty young girl that has had her heart trampled on. She is so far from wanting to be loved again or for even wanting to love another individual.She does however have a small weak spot for Jimmy Fisher and he for her. But neither of them have shared with the other their feelings. Bethany has many things she needs to forgive in others and in herself and that will take some time on her part. Mainly because she is slow to forgive anyone.

 Even her mother leaving their family all those years ago still sets her spine to tingling. Its not long though before Jimmy is able to break through all of that and shoot straight through her heart with his affections.But there is still one more person they both have to convince and that would be Jimmy's mother Edith. She would prefer Jimmy take a liking to Naomi, she feels that Naomi is better suited for Jimmy.

 Mim has got a thing or two up her sleeve as of late, she is the town's Mrs. Miracle. She answers the townspeople questions about things that have them befuddled, it could be anything from which color paint to use or questions about things that are a little stronger in nature. Mim asks Bethany for a big favor to aide her in her secret.

 This book is book number two in The Inn at Eagle Hill series by the wonderful author, Suzanne Woods Fisher. She takes a simple notion and turns it into something that you will be talking about for weeks to come. Simple plot line combined with simple characters always turns her books into a very creative masterpiece.

Here is a link to the review that I did for the first book in the series, "The Letters".

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me for free for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.

Review: Stepping Out in Faith by:Mark Gilbert (editor)

About the Book:
Eleven people tell stories about their transition from Catholicism to evangelicalism.

Table of Contents:

When everything else is gone | Alex Morbelli
Confident in God’s love | Gerard O’Brien
A wretch like me | Matt Schmucker
The ultimate fresh start | Ngaira Smith
Letting in air and light | Tony Coffey
Words of eternal life | Omar Anheluk
Authentic church | Alex Purnomo
No more fear | Eddie Piani
Learning to trust | Angelo Porcu
A retired Catholic | Gay Ross
Certainty for eternity | Mark Gilbert

My Review:
 Stepping Out In Faith, gives us a more in depth understanding into the lives of a few selected people that decided that in order to have a closer walk with God, they would soon have to leave the Catholic church and turn to evangelicalism. Each of these stories though unique all share a common thread in that they all were seeking the true intercessor, Jesus Christ. They come to realize that a priest is not the one they should be confessing to.

 They each share with us their individual circumstances hoping to inspire others. The story told by Alex Morbelli, really resonated with me and was truly touching. Her husband being faced with the fact he had only a few short months to live said some gripping words that broke me. Her story was such a sorrowful one that eventually turned around for God's good, ultimately.

 Her whole life, she was brought up in the Catholic church only to eventually attend an Anglican church where she was mystified when the same rituals and ideas were not shared there as they were in Catholicism. She was having a hard time dealing with such a stark change until some of her new found friends in the Anglican body of believers, took her aside with books of doctrine from each religion and educated her further.

 These loving people gathered her up and helped guide her and soon she was transformed and was able to understand thus growing closer to God as a result. Her story along with others are very inspiring. This short read provides us with in sight as well as inspiration.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Cross Focused Reviews.

Review: It Had to Be You by: Susan May Warren

About the Book:
 Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits--and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story.

 If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior--on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

About the Author:
 Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories, that I hope inspire and entertain!

My Review:
 Sometimes controlling everyone and every thing around comes easily and then after so long it seems we politely get knocked off our pedestals. As it seems with Eden in the second of the Christiansen Family novel series. She seems to think she has a handle on her brother Owen and rightfully so but for far too long her own life has fell by the wayside and now God has stepped in to shove her a little in the right direction.

 Along comes Jace into her life, Jace keeps turning up in unexpected places and he is just fine with not getting to know her at all because he has problems of his own. But something keeps drawing them to one another. Pretty soon neither will be able to deny the pull.

 The characters were a little hard to follow at first but the story finally rounded itself out a bit. Eden is in desperate need of a friend and Jace whether he wants to admit it or not could use one too!

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

Multicultural Children’s Book Day&Giveaway: Celebrating Diversity in Children’s Literature

I'm sharing this book with you today in conjunction with the Multicultural Children's Book Day. Sponsors are listed above in the image at the top of this post.

The Mission of offering this special Book Day event is as follows: Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day, Mia and Valarie are on a mission to change all of that. Their mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries. Another goal of this exciting event is create a compilation of books and favorite reads that will provide not only a new reading list for the winter, but also a way to expose brilliant books to families, teachers, and libraries.

About the Book:
A 2011 Newbery Honor Book
In 1841, a Japanese fishing vessel sinks. Its crew is forced to swim to a small, unknown island, where they are rescued by a passing American ship. Japan’s borders remain closed to all Western nations, so the crew sets off to America, learning English on the way.

Manjiro, a fourteen-year-old boy, is curious and eager to learn everything he can about this new culture. Eventually the captain adopts Manjiro and takes him to his home in New England. The boy lives for some time in New England, and then heads to San Francisco to pan for gold. After many years, he makes it back to Japan, only to be imprisoned as an outsider. With his hard-won knowledge of the West, Manjiro is in a unique position to persuade the shogun to ease open the boundaries around Japan; he may even achieve his unlikely dream of becoming a samurai.


About the Author:
Margi Preus' first novel for young people, Heart of a Samurai, is a 2011 Newbery Honor Book, an ALSC Notable Book and a recipient of the Asian Pacific American Award for Children's Literature, among other honors. Her newest picture book, Celebritrees; Historic and Famous Trees of the World, is a NYPL 100 Books for Reading and Sharing selection and picked by Parents Magazine as one of the top 20 children's books of 2011. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota where she likes to ski, hike, paddle a kayak, or sit quietly with a book in her lap.
















My Review:

 Heart of a Samurai is a story that could be compared to Henry Melville's Moby Dick. Based on true events that occurred in the life of Manjiro, also known as John Mung, this book shows us just how dynamic and action packed his life was. But also shows us how sometimes prejudices could definitely come into play and cause even further disruption.

 Manjiro was a very inquisitive young man but incredibly smart and achieved anything that he set his mind to. And I would venture to guess that he led an exciting life that ended at the ripe old age of 71, but had it not happened the way that it did it probably would not have been so. Young Manjiro found himself stranded on a visibly deserted island along with four others. When at first arriving found it to be their saving grace but after some time realized that they would soon die there.

 Convinced that death was imminent, along came Captain Whitfield and his crew aboard the John Howland, an American whaling ship. Thinking that the Americans were barbarians and out to "get" them, there were terrified but Manjiro and his sweet spirit helped to overcome their fears quickly. He did this by learning some of the American language so that he could communicate with their rescuers.

 Not long after being rescued the main character Manjiro developed and life long friendship with the ship's captain, after which changed Manjiro's life drastically. The book showcases many other adventures that happened in his life as well as the hopes he had of one day becoming a samurai. Heart of a Samurai is an excellent book, a real page turner and is sure to delight young readers with its adventurous spirit. This book is definitely rich enough and vibrant enough to become a classic. My boys enjoyed it immensely! Manjiro was very brave and is an inspiration to many!

Wisdom Tales is offering our readers a great giveaway in honor of Multicultural Children's Book Day, go to this link or this link to learn more. Good Luck!!

You are welcome to visit the other bloggers that will be reviewing for this special event below:
Special thanks to all of our gracious sponsors for the Multicultural Children's Book Day, we salute you! Wisdom Tales Press, Lee & LowBooks, Chronicle Books, and Susan Daniel Fayad, author of My Grandfather’sMasbaha and to the co-creators of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children's Literature event Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press.

CSFF Blog Stop: Outcasts by:Jill Williamson

About the Book:
The remnant from Glenrock is now living as rebels within the Safe Lands, looking for a way to find purpose in their lives. When a young rebel is murdered and his death points to a rebel leader, it's hard to know who to trust.

Levi tries to organize a plan to free the children and fights for respect as elder over those who'd rather go their own way. Omar tries to change his image of a traitor by donning a costume and going out into the night as a vigilante hero. And Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, but his investigation just might get them all liberated.


About the Author:
Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms and the award-winning author of several young adult books including By Darkness Hid, Replication, The New Recruit, and Captives. She's a Whovian, a Photoshop addict, and a recovering fashion design assistant, who was raised in Alaska. She loves teaching about writing. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two children, and a whole lot of deer. Visit her online at jillwilliamson.com, where adventure comes to life.

My review for Outcasts the second book in The Safe Lands series is here. And I also did a review for the first book in the series Captives and you can view that one at this link.

If you would like to purchase Outcasts, you can do so here.

Check out other reviews and blog stops on this tour below!

; Red Bissell ; Thomas Fletcher Booher ; Beckie Burnham ; Pauline Creeden ; April Erwin ; Victor Gentile ; Ryan Heart ; Timothy Hicks ; Jason Joyner ; Julie Bihn ; Carol Keen ; Shannon McDermott ; Meagan @ Blooming with Books ; Melanie @ Christian Bookshelf Reviews Rebecca LuElla Miller ; Joan Nienhuis ; Nissa ; Jalynn Patterson ; Writer Rani ; Chawna Schroeder ; Jacque Stengl ; Jojo Sutis ; Steve Trower ; Phyllis Wheeler ; Deborah Wilson