Tidbits and Pearls Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 10, 2019September 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Tidbits and Pearls is a compilation of thoughts and writings by author Ladonna Shanks. They are inspiration and are meant to help readers draw closer to God. Author Shanks is very open about her life experiences in this book.

As I read it felt like I was having coffee and chatting with a friend. The author has a nice, easy style of writing. Her words flowed off of the pages and gently encouraged me. A lot of her tidbits I had heard growing up. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill” or “when it rains it pours”are two of the more common ones. She not only lists them but defines them.

The book has been divided into chapters that are also each different chapters in the author’s life. She begins with Family and goes on to Blessings and on through until Death. They are poignant and reflective. This lovely book provides much food for thought. It is filled with inspiration and directs readers to have a closer relationship with a God.

I enjoyed this book. It would make a nice group read. I wanted to talk about it as I was reading it. At times I would read some of it out loud to my hubby.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a nice gift or addition to any collector’s shelf. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book:

Book: Tidbits and Pearls

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian personal growth

Release Date: April 15, 2019

How often do you truly see that life is full of everyday blessings from God? Our Creator is present in our lives—even when we don’t realize it—and it is part of His plan that we have friendship and relationship with Him. So how does one live life with God, the omnipotent, omniscient Creator of all?

In Tidbits and Pearls, Ladonna Shanks shares incidents from her life, recounting them in a way that touches the heart and enriches the lives of those who read these personal stories. Her insights and lessons learned offer profound yet simple wisdom, gleaned from her seventy-plus years of life experience. Many of her essays focus on her family—her children and “grandgirls”—as well as her personal gardening business. Her faith shines through the narrative as a shining light for others to follow.

Humankind was created to have a relationship with their Creator, and everyday life presents the opportunities for that to occur. Tidbits and Pearls is one woman’s record of how God manifests himself in daily life, with the challenge to look beyond the physical and seek the spiritual aspect of life. So take the first step in this journey and be honest with yourself and with God, for you are His instrument, and without Him you can do nothing.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1962, married, and became mother to a son and three daughters. After more than thirty years as a stay-at-home mom, she began working in a garden nursery. That led to establishing her own gardening business. Now in her mid-seventies, she continues to operate the business as it enters its seventeenth season.

More from Ladonna

When people ask me how long it took to write Tidbits and Pearls, I usually tell them, “It took a lifetime.” As a senior citizen, I had to live it before I could write of it–of life and the living of it; of God’s desire for friendship; of His presence in everyday life; of the opportunities given to learn, to grow, and to experience Him.

Tidbits and Pearls began as a blog several years ago, based on my personal experiences as God walks with me and teaches me. My desire is to share Him–with those who believe and those who don’t; to those in a church and those who aren’t; to many, to but one. In this compilation of posts, my goal is to challenge the reader to think beyond the physical into the spiritual, to consider the brevity of this life when compared to the eternal, to think of things in a way perhaps never thought of before, to look Godward.

My walk with God began as a very little girl with no concept of the reality of Him and His love. As a seventy-something woman, He is a part of my daily life, my anchor, the foundation of my being. He is my reason for living.

I am honored to deliver His message—God is love; He created humankind for friendship and relationship; there is a point and purpose to all things.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 4

Through the Lens of Scripture, September 5

Sara Jane Jacobs – Blog, September 6

Through the Fire Blogs, September 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

SusanK. Beatty, Author, September 9 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 10

Wishful Endings, September 11 (Author Interview)

janicesbookreviews, September 12

A Reader’s Brain, September 13

A Baker’s Perspective , September 14(Author Interview)

Inklings and notions , September 15

Texas Book-aholic, September 16

Just the Write Escape, September 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ladonna is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/eb97/tidbits-and-pearls-celebration-tour-giveaway

Strands of Truth Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on September 9, 2019September 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Strands of Truth by gifted wordsmith Colleen Coble is a magnificent Contemporary Christian fiction. I began reading it and was completely whisked away into a world of mystery, adventure, and suspense.

This is the spellbinding tale of Harper. Through DNA testing she found out she has a half-sister, Annabelle. They live fairly close to each other. Both of their mothers died rather tragically and the girls do not know the name of their father. The mystery only escalates with danger and romance in this captivating story.

Author Coble has a writing style that starts starts strong and just keeps growing. I was captured within the first few pages of reading. My attention held all the way until the end. The plot has surprises with twists and turns that kept me on my toes. It was a breathtaking read.

The characters are realistic and so lifelike that they felt like people I knew. Details were given and I learned information on a subject that I never knew. I enjoyed learning about pen shells, mollusks, and oysters as well as the ocean. The author did a flawless job with her research. This is a well planned, researched, and extremely well written novel.

All while reading it the story played in my head like a movie. Why not? This would be a great movie. The issues are current. Finding a half sibling and foster care are always relevant and emotional. This would be perfect for the big screen.

Life lessons on forgiveness, prejudice, trust, and family are artfully woven throughout this riveting masterpiece. I could not put this book down! It is amazing.

I highly recommend this to anyone that likes suspense or mystery. The romance is there but not the main focus. At the end of the book are discussion questions. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars unless I can give it a 6!

A copy was provided by the Publisher but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book:

Book: Strands of Truth

Author: Colleen Coble

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.

Read a Premium Excerpt

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?

Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series

“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception

“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author

“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series

“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, September 3

Inspired by fiction, September 3

EmpowerMoms, September 3

Blogging With Carol, September 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4

My Devotional Thoughts, September 4

Christian bookaholic, September 4

KarenSueHadley , September 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Susan Cornwell, September 5

Inside the Wong Mind, September 5

Godly Book Reviews, September 5

Through the Fire Blogs, September 6

Emily Yager, September 6

Older & Smarter?, September 6

Blessed & Bookish, September 6

Andrea Christenson, September 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7

Avid Reader Nurse, September 7

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7

The Becca Files, September 8

Blossoms and Blessings, September 8

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 8

Mary Hake, September 8

Spoken from the Heart, September 9

Betti Mace, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 9

Because I said so and other adventures in parenting. , September 9

Moments, September 10

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10

For Him and my Family, September 10

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, September 10

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Retrospective Spines, September 11

Daysong Reflections, September 11

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , September 11

SusanLovesBooks, September 11

Remembrancy, September 12

Worthy2Read, September 12

Just the Write Escape, September 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 12

Bigreadersite , September 13

janicesbookreviews, September 13

As He Leads is Joy, September 13

Livin’ Lit, September 13

To Everything A Season, September 13

Simple Harvest Reads, September 14

Pause for Tales, September 14

For The Love of Books , September 14

Living Life Free In Christ, September 14

A Reader’s Brain, September 15

Quiet Quilter , September 15

Hallie Reads, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Inklings and notions , September 16

By The Book, September 16

Real World Bible Study, September 16

Patiently Waiting, September 16

Surf Smugglers Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 6, 2019September 6, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour and Giveaway for Author Melody Carlson’s Surf Smugglers. I hope you enjoy learning about the book and author. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway at the bottom.

My Thoughts

Surf Smugglers is Book 3 in Melody Carlson’s series “The Legacy of Sunset Cove.” It can easily be read as a stand alone, but it would be much better if you read the first two books in the series first. This book is utterly captivating.

Author Carlson has published over 200 books and her style of writing is flawless. Characters are so realistic they practically jump off of the pages. It is easy to become friends with them and imagine their lives as well as feel their emotions. I was happy to visit with my friends Anna and Katy again.

This is the tale of Anna McDowell, her daughter Katy, and parents Mac and Lucille. The United States is passing the Selective Service Act as the it joins The Great War in Europe. I gleaned some historical details from this book, which for me is always a bonus. The author did her research well.

Set in Oregon in 1917, this is filled with timely issues of war, prejudice, race, NAACP, journalism, and women’s rights and independence. Brimming with mystery, romance, intrigue, adventure, suspense and drama, this novel grabbed my attention early and held it throughout the entire book. It was easy to become invested in the exceptional story.

The element of faith and inspirational is present. A strong lesson of forgiveness is presented as well as grace. Even everyday Christian life is portrayed. It is nice to not need to seek the faithful message in a Christian novel but have it upfront.

I highly recommend this historical Christian fiction. It is engaging, enlightening, and encouraging. From me it gets a five out of five stars. I received a copy of this from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my own honest review.

About the Book

Book: Surf Smugglers

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 15, 2019

In the summer of 1917, US troops join the allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she’s determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness.

Adding to Anna’s frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he’s pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn’t seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.

Meanwhile, Anna’s strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman’s presence tests the small town’s tolerance. And Anna’s concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy’s romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

My favorite way to learn history is through historical fiction—both by reading and by writing it. And I’ve discovered that World War 1 (previously known as the Great War, since WW2 had yet to happen) is quite fascinating. As well as incredibly sad. But I’m amazed at how science and technology evolved so quickly in this era. Whether it was advancement in automotive, communication, medicine . . . the culture was rapidly changing. And the war pushed it along at an even faster pace.

Another factor that makes this era interesting is prohibition. Oregon, my home state and where I set my series, was one of the earliest states to adopt prohibition of alcohol—in 1914. As a result, Oregon became ripe territory for bootlegging and rum-running along the coastline. And because my series involves a small town coastal newspaper that’s run (gasp!) by a woman, it gets even more interesting—and exciting!

Speaking of women, the suffrage movement was approved in Oregon in 1912—also well ahead of the rest of the nation (and the main reason that prohibition passed). My theory on why this happened is that the brave women who’d made the arduous journey West (via perilous wagon train or long hard voyages on clipper ships) were strong and opinionated and tough. And many of them were sick and tired of drunken slacker husbands. Also, thanks to Oregon’s amazing land donation act of 1850, many of these women were equal landowners to their husbands—and land equaled power.

Of course, what these suffragette-prohibition supporters didn’t realize is that banning alcohol would make matters worse because bootlegging and rum-running suddenly became a very lucrative business. The crime rate soared and the booze continued to flow freely. But all this makes for good newspaper stories, keeping our female editor in chief rather busy. In the first two books of the series, Anna McDowell has her hands full with trying to run her ailing father’s newspaper, restoring family relationships, and staying ahead of the growing crime element in Sunset Cove.

By book three, Surf Smugglers, Anna has her feet under her and doing a good job of standing up to the criminal element in their region. But by now the Great War is really heating up and the United States must get involved. Of course, this means that many young men, as well as Anna’s very good friend Dr. Daniel Hollister, are being shipped overseas to serve. Meanwhile, there is plenty of trouble at home. And the rum-runners, who despise the newspaper’s support of prohibition, target Anna’s good friend Sarah Rose because she’s a woman of color who’s sought refuge from the big city . . . and naturally things get dicey.

I’m currently finishing up the fourth and final book of the Legacy if Sunset Cove series, and I’m sad to think my ‘history lesson’ in this interesting era is drawing to an end. Not only have I learned a lot, I’ve really come to love the McDowell family . . . and I’m getting worried that not all the men from Sunset Cove will survive the brutal war. Of course, this is fiction . . . but the war was very real and the losses were great. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the war to end all wars like they’d hoped, but I appreciate the sentiment . . . and continue to pray for world peace.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, August 31

Connect in Fiction, August 31

Among the Reads, September 1

She Lives To Read, September 1

Through the Fire Blogs, September 1

For Him and My Family, September 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Just the Write Escape, September 3

Patiently Waiting, September 3

Blogging With Carol , September 3

CarpeDiem, September 4

Betti Mace, September 4

Christian Bookaholic , September 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, September 5

Wishful Endings, September 5

Remembrancy, September 5

Maureen’s Musings, September 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 6

Bigreadersite , September 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

It’s Story Time With Van Daniker, September 7

Connie’s history classroom , September 8

For the Love of Literature, September 8

Hallie Reads, September 8

Moments, September 9

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9

FOR THE LOVE of Books , September 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 10

Pause for Tales, September 10

To Everything A Season, September 10

Retrospective Spines, September 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 11

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Older & Smarter?, September 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 12

janicesbookreviews, September 13

A Reader’s Brain, September 13

Inklings and notions , September 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of three of her books: Harbor Secrets, Riptide Rumors, and Surf Smugglers!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e982/surf-smugglers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Something Needs to Change Book Review

Posted on September 3, 2019September 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

Something Needs to Change, A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need by best-selling author David Platt is 224 page phenomenal book. This is a thought provoking, soul searching, stick with you read. I am still pondering it days later.

Author Platt is transparent as he takes excerpts from his diary from a mission trip in the Himalayan mountains. There he brings the Word of God to people in the area and provides encouragement to Christians. Isn’t that what we are all called to do?

Reading the book I was aware that I was privileged to be raised in a Christian home and always know about Jesus. It hurts to think there are still so many people that do not know Him. Platt is right…something needs to change.

This is a gritty, tear-jerking account of the author’s mission trip. He bares his heart and poses questions that will step on most Christians’ toes. It is scripturally based and brutally honest. I could not put it down even though I read most of it through tear-filled eyes.

Favorite Quote:

“Because you and I need to remember that our homes and our health and our bank accounts and our vehicles guarantee us nothing… one day (and it could be today), they’re all going to be gone, so we need to remind ourselves to live today for what lasts forever.”

Yes, I highly recommend this powerful book. It just might change your life or cause you to change someone else’s life. It would make a great group study. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the Publisher but these are my honest words.

About Book:

The New York Times best-selling author of Radical takes readers on a soul-searching journey through impoverished villages in the Himalayan mountains, daring them to make a difference in a world of urgent need, starting right where they live.

“Grippingly vulnerable and unforgettable. I could not put this book down.”—Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it “changed the trajectory of my life.” Meeting a man who’d lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, “Where is God in the middle of suffering?” “What makes my religion any better than someone else’s religion?” and “What do I believe about eternal suffering?” Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel–to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

Advance praise for Something Needs to Change

“Rugged. Authentic. Gritty. Real. Worshipful. There are no other books like this one. I always pick up David’s books with a sense of excitement and, quite honestly, apprehension—because I know that areas of compromise and complacency in my life are going to be exposed. But this book exceeded even my high expectations, for which I am grateful. And so will you be. As David writes, it’s time to run, not walk. Let’s go.”—J. D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention

“Extraordinary and challenging. I’ve just never read a book like this before. I am so moved. Bring your full heart to this story and watch how God opens your eyes, changes your mind, and broadens the dreams you have for your life.”—Annie F. Downs, best-selling author of 100 Days to Brave and Remember God

“If you dare to read this book, you might just have an unexpected encounter with Jesus that leaves you weeping on the floor, as David’s experience did. Something changes within us when the seemingly overwhelming needs of the world present themselves simply in the life of a single person. Ultimately, I pray your compassion will be transformed to action.”—Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International

About the Author:

David Platt is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, including Radical. He is Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church in metro Washington, D.C., the former President of the IMB (International Mission Board), and founder of Radical Inc., a global center for the unreached that serves churches in accomplishing the mission of Christ. Platt received his Master of Divinity (M.Div), Master of Theology (Th.M), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in Virginia with his wife and their children.

Chase the Lion Weekly Planner by Mark Batterson

Posted on September 1, 2019September 1, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

Chase the Lion Weekly Planner, Organize Your Life, Achieve Your Goals by author Mark Batterson is a wonderful planner all around. It doesn’t matter if you have read his book Chase the Lions yet or not, this is a planner that will benefit anyone.

I absolutely love it. It contains everything I need for a yearly appointment book and more. Mr. Batterson has thought of everything. He even starts us off with instructions on how best to use it.

The cover is compelling. Actually it is gorgeous. Men and women will find it attractive. Being a medium size, 6.2 x 8.2 inches, it easily fits in my purse or tote. The pages and cover are good quality. There is even a ribbon bookmark.

Pages are laced with quotes and inspiration from Chase the Lion. There is space for notes in the margins. Listing prayer requests, goals, progress, even things to do is encouraged. Besides months at a glance and weeks at a glance, there is a multi-year calendar for quick reference when needing a date.

The book is a mixture of planner, diary, appointment book, and devotional. It will definitely help with time management, keeping better organized, and becoming closer to God.

I highly recommend it. It would make a thoughtful gift to a pastor or church worker. Any businessperson or college student would enjoy the benefits it gives. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book:

The perfect companion product to New York Times bestselling author Mark Batterson’s compelling manifesto, Chase the Lion

Diary: 176 pages
Publisher: Multnomah (August 20, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0525653422
ISBN-13: 978-0525653424
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.5 x 8.2 inches

This undated week-at-a-glance 12-month planner features excerpts from Chase the Lion sprinkled throughout to encourage the user to face their fears, defy the odds, and hold tight to God. Each week has space in the margin for trackable items such as the week’s goals, goals met, prayer requests, to-do lists, etc. At the end of each month is a page of self-evaluation questions and space to write a step toward a personal manifesto. Finally, the planner will wrap up with a multi-year calendar for user reference.

About the Author:

Mark Batterson is the author of sixteen titles including the New York Times bestseller, The Circle Maker, and his newest title, Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God, which hits shelves on October 24, 2017. A few of his titles include include In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, All In, The Grave Robber, If, and Chase the Lion. Mark is the lead pastor of National Community Church, one church with eight campuses in Washington, DC. Mark has a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children. Learn more at http://www.markbatterson.com.

“Dear Grandchild…This is Me” Book Review

Posted on August 30, 2019August 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Dear Grandchild…This is Me by Waterbrook Press is a wonderful way for grandparents to share information about themselves. This eighty page hard cover book provides the template for all different things a grandmother might want to let her grandchildren know. There are even spaces for pictures.

This is a beautiful book. The cover is eye catching and the title simple but to the point. It is a hard cover book so it should last. There is plenty of room for customizing. When opened it is flat so writing is easy.

This delightful book is divided into sections. Each section (beginning years, middle years, grandparent years, and advice section) starts with a quote and Bible verse and covers a section of the grandparent’s life. They are color coded with several pages of questions. My favorite part is they each include an envelope to hold letters to grandchildren when they are facing different stages of their life.

This is an absolute treasure. I wish I had one from each of my four grandparents. It is their story in the words and handwriting along with personal letters. Genius! Every grandparent should do one for each grandchild. This would make a lovely gift for any grandparent or grandparent-to-be.

I highly recommend this book as a loving gift to your grandchildren. It would make a lovely project for some grandparents. A book club would be very hands on with this! It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Waterbrook but these are my own true thoughts.

Adventures in Poverty Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 29, 2019August 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop of Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for Adventures in Poverty. I hope you enjoy learning about this book and author. At the end is a giveaway for you to enter. The author will choose someone to win a copy of her book plus a $50 Amazon gift card. Be sure to enter.

My Thoughts:

Author Nancy Bolton has written a poignant memoir in her book “Adventures in Poverty.” She is frank and totally transparent about her life after her husband lost his job causing the family to move their trailer to an undeveloped piece of land. Her book is written like a diary or conversation with the reader.

The cover drew me to the book. It is whimsical and looked serene. The stories inside the covers were not. There are stories about animals, neighbors, family issues, money or lack of it problems, gardening, struggles, and more. I was disappointed in the light mention of God and faith.

It took me a bit to get invested in the story and even then my attention wandered. The book was a daily “what we did” and became mundane. I lost interest and actually skimmed over some of it. There are flashback from their life before.

The author lived an impressive life. I could not have managed it. She was the anchor for her family that lived with no electricity or running water. Nancy was a genius is stretching her groceries and meal planning.

I would recommend this for people that enjoy memoirs about living off of the grid. This book is not a page turner but has some nice stories. It shows how a family must work together peacefully. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book:

Book: Adventures in Poverty

Author: Nancy Bolton

Genre: Memoir

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Faced with eviction, living on union strike pay, our time for making a decision was running out. Where could we go to live with our five small sons? We had few options. The scariest possibility was also the one that fit best with our tiny income. But could we really make such a difficult move? To transport our family, and our mobile home onto a five-acre parcel of rural, undeveloped land? No electricity, no running water, with winter fast approaching. It sounded a little crazy…….

About the Author:

Nancy Shew Bolton is a wife, mother, grandmother, jewelry maker, crochet crafter, and of course: a writer! She lives in upstate New York in a lovely scenic region known as The Fingerlakes. Widowed last year, she is comforted by her five sons, two grandchildren and a marvelous array of family and other loved ones. She loves the creative process, and puts her whole focus into the stories she writes. May you be entertained and uplifted by them!

More from Nancy:

Sometimes life hands out an unexpected challenge, and the direction you mapped out for your family comes up against a big roadblock. And there you are, trying to navigate back to a path that makes sense. One that would be as close to the previous path as you can get. But our only options led us in directions far away from what we were used to.

Blog Stops:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 24

Quiet Quilter, August 25

The Avid Reader, August 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 30

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

janicesbookreviews, September 1

A Reader’s Brain, September 2

Power of Words, September 3 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions , September 4

Lots of Helpers, September 5

Just the Write Escape, September 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and eBook copy of her book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e7c7/adventures-in-poverty-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Faith of Mike Pence Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 25, 2019August 24, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thank you for taking time to read my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour and Giveaway for “The Faith of Mike Pence.” I hope you will enjoy learning about the book, the author, and Vice President Pence. Make sure you enter the giveaway for a $20 gift card, hardback copy of the book, and adult Faith and Freedom Coloring Book.

My Thoughts:

Vice President Mike Pence is quoted in author Leslie Montgomery’s book saying “I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order.” My heart warmed when I read that. Author Montgomery did an outstanding job with this biography focusing on faith which Mr. Pence has unquestionably.

There are eighteen chapters in this open, frank book on the Vice President. I was not expecting so much scripture. It was a pleasant surprise. It is obvious that Mike Pence is a man of great faith. In my humble opinion he should be praised for that and not ridiculed or scoffed.

I liked the author’s easy style of writing. She had notes to back up her facts. The book was excellently planned and organized. I learned a lot of things about Mr. Pence. He was named after his maternal grandfather for one. He tells the complete story of his faith from being a young child in a faithful Christian home to being a straying teen and finally coming back to the Lord.

This is an uplifting, encouraging true story filled to the brim with faith. It will give readers a clearer view into the heart of Mike Pence. I loved it and would highly recommend it. Everyone should read it to get to know our Vice President better. It definitely gets a 5 star rating. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: The Faith of Mike Pence

Author: Leslie Montgomery

Genre: Biography, religious, political

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Several books have been published about Vice President Mike Pence, but none have touched upon what may be the most fascinating aspect of our nation’s second in command: his deep faith.
The Faith of Mike Pence offers an intimate look at the man who calls himself “a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order.”
Author Leslie Montgomery details Pence’s spiritual journey and examines how the vice president’s commitment to Christ has been a key component in his life as a husband, father, and public servant. Montgomery examines Pence’s encounters with politicos and evangelistic leaders such as James Dobson and Charles Lake. She shows the role of Pence’s faith in running for various offices, implementing faith-based initiatives, and responding to 9/11, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the infamous Anthrax scare in Congress that directly affected him.
The Faith of Mike Pence is a powerful account of one of the most conservative vice presidents in American history, with exclusive interviews and insightful commentary from friends, family, and colleagues. It is a serious and moving reflection about one of America’s most admired and respected politicians.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Leslie Montgomery is the author and ghostwriter of over a dozen books. She is best known for writing the spiritual biography, The Faith of Condoleezza Rice, when Rice was serving our nation as secretary of state in the George W. Bush administration.

Leslie has been a writer for Focus on the Family for more than twenty years and is the former director of publications for the American Association of Christian Counselors.

She is also the founder of Yeshu’a Ministries, with the goal of helping people gain a better and closer relationship with the Lord through her writing, speaking, and teaching ministry. She has traveled to churches and conferences around the world through her evangelical ministry, sharing the Word of God.
Leslie has four children and six grandchildren. She resides in Boise, Idaho

More from Leslie

In 2006, I wrote and released The Faith of Condoleezza Rice, know-ing it might be years before I published another book. My husband and I were undergoing fertility treatments and vowed that if I got pregnant, I’d take a few years off of working outside the home to raise my children until they were in school full-time. Well, I did get pregnant and we had two children in the span of two-and-a-half years.

In early summer 2017, with two kids getting ready to start school again, I prayed and asked God to send me a new book contract; it was time to get back into the thick of things. Two weeks later, I dreamt that I was to write The Faith of Mike Pence. The truth is, neither he nor his faith were even on my radar. I got out of bed and began doing a little research. I wrote a book proposal for different publishers and began to accumulate a list of people I hoped to interview.

My overall goal with this book is not to set the vice president up as a spiritual hero, but to show the heart of the real man—as a Christian, husband, father, and politician. In doing so, I tried to allow his own words and those of his family, friends, and colleagues tell his story while I served as a conduit to weave it together. My prayer is that it inspires, encourages, and challenges you. —Leslie Montgomery

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 18

CarpeDiem, August 19

My Devotional Thoughts, August 19

Seasons of Opportunities, August 20

Mary Hake, August 20

Genesis 5020, August 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

Vicky Sluiter, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Moments, August 23

A Reader’s Brain, August 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 26

Stephanies Life of Determination, August 26

Inklings and notions, August 27

Captive Dreams Window, August 28

Texas Book-aholic, August 28

janicesbookreviews, August 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Leslie is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card, hardcover copy of The Faith of Mike Pence, and Faith and Freedom Adult Coloring Book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries. Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e805/the-faith-of-mike-pence-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Yellow Lantern Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 24, 2019August 20, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thank you for stopping by today to see the Celebrate Lit Tour information on The Yellow Lantern. The author has a generous giveaway of three books and a $25 Amazon gift card. Be sure to enter and maybe you will win!

My Thoughts:

The Yellow Lantern by Author Angie Dickens is Book 3 in the True Colors, Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime Series. Each book in this series is based on a true historical crime. This one is extremely haunting and I find myself still thinking about it. There was much to consider in this Christian fiction.

My interest was immediately piqued and held throughout the book. There were many twists, turns, and surprises that made this book a page turner. It was well planned and well written.

This was the story of Josephine (Josie) Clayton set in 1824 Massachusetts. It is a gritty tale of grave robbers but much more. Josie loves healing and using medicinal herbs and plants. She works at a cotton mill and helps out the girls there. I learned a lot about the early cotton mill as well as thoughts, actions, and customs of early 1800’s. The author has done her research well and readers are rewarded.

Descriptions are vivid and on point. The characters are believable but not all relatable. A few were detestable. Morals had vanished in some but not all. Inspiration is delicately woven throughout this scary story. There is romance, intrigue, crime, mystery, grief, drama, suspense and many life lessons.

This book was made even better knowing it was based on a true story. It was hard to comprehend the lengths some people went to when they wanted something. I felt sorry for those being blackmailed.

I would recommend this to readers that enjoy true historical crimes and gothic novels. It is not what I normally read, but the author did a very good job. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book:

Book: The Yellow Lantern

Author: Angie Dicken

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: August, 2019

Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she’s assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor’s next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck—Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she’s a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer’s Alley blog and Facebook page. Besides writing, she is a busy mom of four and works in Adult Ministry. Angie enjoys eclectic new restaurants, authentic conversation with friends, and date nights with her Texas Aggie husband. Connect with her online at www.angiedicken.com.

More from Angie

Barbour’s True Colors Crime concept intrigued me from the very beginning. Being the daughter of a doctor and discovering the ties of grave robbing to the early medical profession, I was excited to dive deep into 19^th century Massachusetts. Grave robbing around Boston and New York was often employed by doctors desperate for medical advancement. Men and women were both involved in the procuring of bodies for doctors. Finding these accounts led me to take took a look at the current medical remedies of the time—tinctures, elixirs, and herbal concoctions. My heroine was created in the tension of a desire to heal and the desperation of medical pursuits.

Amidst these medical ties to the historical moment of 1824, something was also shifting among women in rural areas of New England. Many women were employed by newly built cotton mills (Lowell Mill was my inspiration for the fictional Gloughton Mill in The Yellow Lantern). These working opportunities for women offered an escape from their home-bound lives and the rare chance for independence. Of course, with such industrial environments, injuries, and sometimes death, would occur. Noting the accounts of these kind of fatalities in historical articles, my research came full circle.

I found three strong threads to weave into my grave-robbing story—desperate doctors in need of research, a doctor’s assistant needing an escape from her village, and a mill, not only offering that escape, but the chance at bodies for the desperate medical community.

My heroine, Josie Clay, found life in the tangle of these threads of mills, medicine, and grave robbing—all playing out within the pages of The Yellow Lantern.

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, August 15

Seasons of Opportunities, August 15

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 15

Bigreadersite, August 16

Emily Yager, August 16

Inspired by fiction, August 16

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 17

Daysong Reflections, August 17

Retrospective Spines, August 18

Spoken from the Heart, August 18

Kathleen Denly, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 19

Christian Bookaholic, August 19

Maureen’s Musings, August 20

For the Love of Literature, August 20

Simple Harvest Reads, August 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Godly Book Reviews, August 21

A Reader’s Brain, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Betti Mace, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

Hallie Reads, August 23

Mary Hake, August 23

Inklings and notions, August 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 24

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 24

Connie’s History Classroom, August 25

Pause for Tales, August 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 26

amandainpa, August 26

Blossoms and Blessings, August 27

Texas Book-aholic, August 27

janicesbookreviews, August 27

Back Porch Reads, August 28

Just the Write Escape, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away a grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each of the books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e71c/the-yellow-lantern-celebration-tour-giveaway1

Meghan’s Choice Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 19, 2019August 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I Welcome to my stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Meghan’s Choice. There is information on the book, author, and a giveaway. Be sure to sign up to win!

My Thoughts:

Meghan’s Choice by author Donna L. H. Smith is a Christian Historical Western Romance. It is the tale of Meghan Gallagher, a spoiled belle from St. Louis who ends up in the rowdy railroad town of New Boston, Kansas. It is filled with light, clean romance, some brawling violence, tender teaching about experiencing God, scripture, and drama.

The story is nice but I had a hard time engaging with the characters. For me they were not well rounded or developed. The conversations did not sound authentic or easy. It all sounded forced and out of the time period. There were a lot of characters that at times it was difficult to keep everyone straight.

The spiritual element was light until close to the end of the book. Then it was heavily laced and genuine. The author has injected humor and wit among the fighting and drama to make her story entertaining, but it needs more. The writing is uneven and at times sluggish.

Life lessons on hearing from God, equality, prejudice, trusting God, and helping others were the shining parts of the story. The sweet romance was a great lesson, too. Forgiveness, others and oneself, is discussed. I enjoyed the last third of the book much more that the beginning.

I was disappointed there were no Discussion Questions or Recipes. There was a lot of mention of cooking and dining so recipes would be a lovely addition. Group Questions would be helpful for a reading club.

I would recommend this for fans of Christian Western Historical fiction. It has the potential to be an excellent book with a few changes. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own opinions.

About the Book:

Book: Meghan’s Choice

Author: Donna L. H. Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Release Date: November, 2017

Meghan Gallagher complies with her father’s demand that she work on her own for a year by choosing to tutor eight children in a wild Kansas railroad town. But she had no idea just how wild it was until she was rescued by a local dance hall the day she arrived, and soon after hit by a stray bullet. In short order, she meets a dark, handsome cowboy and a wholesome, attractive doctor who both vie for her heart. As things heat up around town, Meghan’s love life catches fire as well. Is she scandalous to allow both men to court her at the same time? And—how close a relationship with God does Meghan want? Will she draw near?

Meghan’s Choice (pre-published) was named a semi-finalist in the 2014 Operation First Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and an honorable mention for the Golden leaf Award in 2015. Since publication, Meghan’s Choice was a Selah Award finalist and also in the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Donna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. Rose’s Redemption, the sequel, was just released. She blogs, speaks at workshops and retreats and although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. Recently, she took on the role of Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association).

More from Donna

Back in 2012, I wrote “Zorro” stories for Fan Fiction. I had an awful lot of fun with them, and people seemed to really like them. So, the thought came, what could I write for ‘real?’ I contemplated, prayed, and after a couple weeks or so, an idea came floating across my brain.

“Gunfight at Hyde Park.” Huh? I thought about it, and realized it was an obscure history lesson from my hometown in Kansas. I had Google it to get the details. I thought, well, I’m not gonna write a Christian romance novel just about a series of gunfights that killed and wounded more people than the OK Corral.

But I did think that the beginning of the gunfights could be the climax of the story.

Now, who should my heroine be? And the hero?

I started with that and took Christian Writer’s Guild’s Craftsman and the novel was completed in 2013—but only published in late 2017.

I’m proud of Meghan’s Choice. Pre-published it made the semi-finals of the last Operation 1^st Novel that CWG held and placed in a couple of smaller contests. Last year, it made the finals of the prestigious Selah Awards for published books through the BRMCWC, and the finals of the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

My hope is that you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.