Premeditated Serendipity Book Review & Giveaway Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on January 11, 2019January 9, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

It has been a long time since I have read a fiction book on Prophecy. What about you? In author Chautona Havig’s upcoming release Premeditated Serendipity, I found a delightful contemporary Christian romantic fiction that dealt with just that. Prophecy. I was thrilled. Then I started reading the book and was mesmerized. It grabbed my attention and drew me in quickly.

Author Havig has such a pleasant style of writing that reading one of her books is easy. I was immediately caught up in the story and invested in the character’s’ lives. They were well defined and relatable. I found myself thinking Kelsey is so much like this friend or Uncle Mel is a real doll. Conversations between everyone was smooth and natural. It did not sound stiff.

The author has used this book for an opportunity to discuss some topics we all face. Forgiveness, being a busy-body, redemption, being hurt at church, faith, hope, trust, and love. It had humor, sweet moments, and some other places that made me want to yell at the characters. My emotions ran all over the place with the characters.

This is a captivating novel. Once started I did not want to put it down. I loved everything about it. The writing, the storyline, the inspiration and encouragement, that it was a God glorifying, and the lovely characters. Would I recommend this? You betcha, I would! Any woman would thoroughly enjoy this story. It would make a great small group book, too. You will want to discuss it with someone else. Doesn’t that usually happen when you read a great book? It does with me. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to review it. These are my own, honest opinions and thoughts.

About the Book

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Title: Premeditated Serendipity

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian romance

Release date: November 16, 2017

…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you. ~ I Thessalonians 4:11

That’s all Reid wanted to do–just serve the Lord for a year before concerning himself with anything else. Yeah, the idea came from an odd “prophesy” one of the watchmen of Fairbury’s new Prayer Room spoke over him. Sure, he didn’t know if such “prophecies” were even Biblical–arguments on that score abounded. But since the words she spoke were pure Scripture, and since yielding to them couldn’t be wrong, he thought, “Why not?”

Was it always easy? No. People made judgments about him that weren’t accurate. Shy? Nope. Stuck up? Not hardly. Committed to a celibate life?

Good news, girls–just for the year.

But when the local florist hears Reid’s story and sees a few things that give him a glimpse into the man’s heart, he decides on a little premeditated serendipity to move things along, unaware of the serious havoc he’s about to wreak.

Premeditated Serendipity

Take a few Bible verses, stir in a little godly interference, give a pinch of meddling, and mix well. Bake in the oven of misunderstanding until true feelings rise and come out clean.

Part of the Out of the Blue Bouquet Collection

Click here to purchase your copy of the Out of the Blue Bouquet Collection

About the Author

39a3760d-495c-41cf-ba18-6812180f068c Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives and writes in an oxymoron where she uses story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Guest Post from Chautona

What Important Life Lesson Do Simple Daisies Teach Us?

It all began with a barrel of daisies. There I was, writing a simple scene with a character walking up the street of my fictional town of Fairbury, and this man appeared in front of a florist’s shop—The Pettler. He handed my character a daisy, and I soon learned that he did this for everyone—handed out a free daisy to anyone who passed.

6Since then, in almost any book that takes place in Fairbury, someone receives one of those daisies. So, when Amanda Tru told me about a collection featuring novellas about floral fiascoes, I knew it was time for Wayne Farrell of The Pettler to make a solid showing in a book.

I just wasn’t ready for it to be his story.

However, as I wrote about Reid and Kelsey, Wayne kept creeping in more and more. A backstory emerged. His faith bloomed. Yes, his heart has a few weeds that need to be pulled, but those weeds provided the conflict for this story.

And one thing that happened is he planted a seed in my own heart. I sat there thinking about what those daisies meant to him when the old “He loves me, he loves me not” ditty came to mind. I imagined that a florist would likely love or hate that. I mean, you don’t want people to have negative connotations with flowers, but on the other hand, people buying daisies to pluck… that’s good business.

Thinking of it in terms of Jesus changed everything, though. Suddenly, I had his story. Because, like Wayne shares with Reid in Premeditated Serendipity. When you pluck a daisy thinking of the Lord, there is no not. It’s just, “He loves me. He loves me. He loves me.” You can cross out every not. (I even have a short video on this.)

Because, as John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

He loves us. Period.

Note: for Wayne’s full story, check out Tangoed in Tinsel, part of the Under the Christmas Star set—the CrossRoads Collection 3.

Blog Stops

Real World Bible Study, January 5

Cultivating Us, January 6

Back Porch Reads, January 7

Aryn, the Libraryan, January 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11

Bibliophile Reviews, January 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

Mary Hake, January 13

Janices book reviews, January 14

Carpe Diem, January 15

A Baker’s Perspective, January 16

Bigreadersite, January 17

Multifarious, January 18

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a bouquet sent to anyone the winner wants in the U.S.!!

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/d8a5/premeditated-serendipity-celebration-tour-giveaway

Between Two Shores by author Jocelyn Green

Posted on January 10, 2019January 9, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

In her book Between Two Shores, author Jocelyn Green has written a hauntingly beautiful novel. This 400 page historical romantic fiction is in 1759 but goes back a few years to when the main character, Catherine Stands-Alone, is just ten years old. Using the backdrop of the French and Indian Seven Years War, author Green spins a captivating tale of faith, hope, finding one’s place, loyalty, bravery, courage, and love.

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Catherine is part Mohawk and part Canadian- French. Her character is well defined and relatable. At times I hurt with her as her emotions seeped from the pages into me. Other times I would get frustrated with her obstinance. Yes, I wanted to give her some advice. She just wanted to love and be loved. Don’t we all?

The other characters were equally well created. They were well rounded with lovable and dislikable traits. The scenery was vividly described which took me right there. I could hear the animals and see the water. The trading post was easy to imagine.

Author Green has a way with words. I was immediately interested in the story, and this is before Chapter 1. By the time I finished the Prologue and Chapter 1, I has deeply invested in the lives of the characters. The story was well researched and provided historic information on a subject which was not familiar. I love a novel that teaches me something. It also contains some twists and turns along the way.

At the end of the book are discussion questions. I love, love, love it when an author includes those whether for personal growth or group study. There are also author notes explaining which events and people are factual. Again, I love this.

Would I recommend this book? You betcha! Any history lover will devour this jewel in one sitting. It is an interesting, adventurous, historical, romance that has inspiration and encouragement. This would make a great small group book especially with the discussion guide. The book stayed with me long after I finished the last page. It would have been nice to have a group of friends to chat with about this brilliant book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Author:

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, strawberry-rhubarb pie, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

The Devoted Life, a Creative Journal by Marjorie Jackson

Posted on January 7, 2019January 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Nutrition is about what is in something that we put in our body. Like green beans or cookies. Everyone is aware of food nutrition, but are we aware of our spiritual needs? What are we feeding our soul? What do we give our young women to put into their hearts, minds, and spirits? I have just the thing.

The Devoted Life, a Creative Journal by Marjorie Jackson is delightful. It is marketed and labeled as being for teen girls, but any woman could use it. There are 31 devotions so this is a month of inspiration and encouragement.

The book itself is rather small and slender. It would easily slip inside a purse or tote. The cover is a sleek stylish imitation leather and doesn’t look like a young girl. There is an attached pink ribbon bookmark to keep reader’s place marked.

At the beginning of each section is the title along with small illustrations to color. The daily devotion consists of scripture followed by one-page commentary and three additional scriptures for in-depth study. There is room to journal any thoughts from the lesson or prayers.

This would make a wonderful small group study for older teens or young adult ladies. Actually any ladies’ group would enjoy it. Topics are relevant and timely. Friendship, family, relationships, God, trust, and prayer are just a sampling of the subjects tackled. Lessons are short enough to get finished in a little amount of time but long enough to teach readers. It has plenty of free “create your own” spaces.

The coloring and journaling devotional are becoming very popular. After looking at some others, I can honestly say this is one of the better ones. Don’t be misled when you thumb through it. It will look pale and drab. It is just a plain coloring journal. Wait until your creative ideas take over and colors bloom on the pages. It will be a masterpiece to treasure for years to come.

I highly recommend this lovely, God glorifying Journal. I have twin granddaughters and look forward to buying each of them a copy when they are a bit older. In fact, I plan on doing it with them. It would be a wonderful group project, gift, or something to buy yourself. I give this a 5 out of 5 stars and hope there are more to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, honest ones.

Thrive in Retirement by Eric Thurman

Posted on January 5, 2019January 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thrive in Retirement, Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life, by author Eric Thurman took me a while to read. I am more accustomed to Christian fiction with stories that take me away to another time and place. This 240 page non-fiction book kept me right here but was packed full of great information for everyone. I am very glad I continued reading it.

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The author has put together information to help anyone going into retirement. A lot of the information is common knowledge, but a lot of it was also new to me. The author’s writing style was a bit of a mixture. He included charts, quizzes, and lists along with his thoughts and some personal experiences. Some chapters felt like a textbook while others were less strict and felt like he was talking one on one.

I gleaned a lot from this book. It was interesting to read the author’s insights and ideas on retirement and what one should do. Not only is retirement discussed but what the author calls “the third season of life” which include retirement, aging, and death. He has tips and suggestions as well as forms to help readers and their loved ones transition into this. Everything he has written is to help readers be prepared. It is easy to forget something important so author Thurman has placed all of the information needed in his book. Now readers have a retirement guide at their fingertips!

I would recommend this book to anyone. People that have retired or are preparing to retire, young adults with family retiring, people needing a retirement gift, and so many more would all benefit from this book. It comes out February 26, 2019. Get a copy and read it with a group so you can share your thoughts. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from WaterbrookMultnomah but was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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About the book:

Never before in human history have so many people lived for decades beyond their working years. 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, and their average life expectancy is another 20 years–and many will live longer. But will they just live or have a meaningful life? The truth is that many–if not most–people approaching the latter years do not have a plan, much less a strategy to thrive instead of just survive. Packed with information based on research as well as common-sense wisdom, here are some examples of what readers will discover:
* How retiring at the wrong time increases the likelihood of dying 89%.
* What can delay Alzheimer’s onset an average of 9 years.
* How everything that makes you happy comes in just 3 forms.
* Which partner is most likely to initiate divorce after decades of marriage and why.

About the Author:

After a career that took him to half of the countries in the world, Eric Thurman found retirement to be a much bigger adjustment than he expected. His freer schedule was great but trying to pretend life was little more than an endless vacation quickly grew stale. He set out to understand how to make the most of life if he had another 20 or 30 years still ahead. He drew on his early background as a journalist to uncover the latest research on aging and then he applied his leadership skills as a CEO to organize his discoveries into a practical plan. What he found that energized his personal life became the principles he outlines in his latest books and courses.

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Eric Thurman has a history of blazing trails. As International President of a large nonprofit organization, he created a program that now serves orphans and other hurting children in more than 30 countries. Previously, he was CEO of two leading microfinance organizations that enable families in dozens of developing countries to expand tiny businesses and work their way out of poverty. In addition to his writing and speaking on happiness in retirement, he continues to advise international nonprofits and major donors on how to be most effective in helping people thrive.

Celebrate Giveaway & Review of “This Homeward Journey” by Misty M. Beller

Posted on January 4, 2019December 31, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

About the Book

Title: This Homeward Journey
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian historical romance
Release date: January 1, 2019

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After her husband’s death, Rachel Gray is finally free from the turmoil his addictions caused. She wants nothing more than a new life with her twelve-year-old son. If she can reach her brother in the wilderness of the Canadian territories, they’ll have help to start over in peace. She knows better than to put her life in the hands of another man, but she never expected the Montana mountains to be so treacherous. When two brothers invite her to join their small group traveling to the same area, she refuses. After she and her son narrowly escape a bear attack, she’s forced to admit they need the safety of numbers in this untamed land. If the men prove dangerous, she can always leave with her son and strike out alone again.

Seth Grant has made some bad choices in his life, but God healed him from the addiction that mired him in his sins. Now, he’s determined to live the life God called him to, starting with a journey northward to see the Canadian mountain both his brother and sister have fallen in love with. When he discovers the woman and boy who plan to travel the same mountain trail, he can’t fathom why she refuses to join in the safety of their larger group. Though her decision seems unwise, he has no other choice but to pray God provides her protection.

Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to the Seth—until a secret from his past proves he’s not at all the man she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

This Homeward Journey by author Misty M. Beller is the fifth book in her Heart of the Mountains series, and it is a such a good novel. No need to worry because it is Book 5 if you’ve missed the first four. The author has written it in a way that you can easily understand and catch up. It is a beautiful and captivating story of unexpected love and the importance of learning to trust one’s heart again.

The author has a pleasant writing style which makes her books a pleasure to read. Her vivid descriptions, characters, and abundant conversation drew me in quickly. She writes gracefully and allows her story to smoothly unfold. Unlike the other four which are set in the harsh winter, this one is in the summer. It is the tale of Rachel, a widow, and her young son traveling through the Montana territory to the Canadian mountains during the mid-1860s in search of her brother.

It is also the story of Seth. A swoon worthy guide that can handle whatever the mountain tosses his way. He has a heart for nature, outdoors, caring for others, and God. This is an all around good guy.

All of the characters were well written and developed to the point that they became my friends. I was invested in their story and felt their emotions. My heart broken when theirs did. I smiled when something good happened. I felt like I was on the mountain, too. Only a good wordsmith can take me along with them.

The author has liberally laced the story with inspiration without sounding preachy. There is no doubt it is a Christian fiction. Thank you, Ms. Beller! She has included what I can only imagine to be realistic trauma and action on this mountain adventure as Rachel encounters beasts of all kinds including ferocious bears, rattlesnakes, and dastardly kidnappers.

Yes, I definitely recommend this book. It is a story of hope, trust, love, and second chances. It is a story of what God has planned for you even if you can’t see it. If you enjoy historical Christian action fiction, you will love it. It rates a 4.5 out of 5 from me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. A review was not required and opinions are my own honest ones.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post from Misty

Why Christian Historical Romance?

I don’t know about you, but my life can get crazy…busy…chaotic. Historical fiction gives me a haven, allowing me to immerse in a simpler time and place. Add in remote mountain settings—log cabins and horses and snow…what could be better? Sometimes I wish God had let me live a couple centuries ago, but then I remind myself He knew exactly what He was doing. I don’t do well without a shower every day. 😊 And He even lets me go back to that simpler time through stories!

If you’re reading this, you probably enjoy immersing yourself in a good book, too. Story can be such a powerful thing! Becoming an intimate part of the characters’ lives, feeling their struggles—the desperation, the elation, the emotions, the love.

I enjoy reading and writing Christian fiction because it provides a place where I don’t always have to be concerned about inappropriate language or too-graphic love scenes. It’s a “safe zone” where my imagination can escape, living out exciting times and experiencing God-orchestrated happily-ever-afters—without having to clean-up at the end of the day. Can you relate?

I’m excited to share my latest Christian Historical Romance story with you, and hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it!

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Misty 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 image above or the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d9bc/this-homeward-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, December 29

Through the Fire Blogs, December 29

Carpe Diem, December 30

Splashes of Joy, December 30

A Baker’s Perspective, December 31

Mary Hake, December 31

Pause for Tales, January 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 1

Simple Harvest Reads, January 2 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 2

Among the Reads, January 3

For The Love of Books, January 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 4

Connect in Fiction, January 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace. January 6

Bibliophile Reviews, January 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 7

Inspiration Clothesline, January 7

Creating Romance, January 8

Texas Book-aholic, January 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Janices book reviews, January 9

Wishful Endings, January 10

Cafinated Reads, January 10

Bigreadersite, January 11

Blossoms and Blessings, January 11

Hope for 2019

Posted on December 28, 2018December 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Here we are at the end of another year. They certainly seem to roll around fast, don’t they? As you reflect on 2018 I hope you keep the happy memories and discard the unpleasant ones. There isn’t any need to take bad things into a brand new year. Let’s hope only good things for 2019.

With the New Year comes hope. Hope that it will be better than the last one. More importantly, hope that I will be better than I was. Are you like me and often think “if I could do that over” or “if I could just say that again” things would be much better. Unfortunately we aren’t able to go back, we can only learn from our mistakes and go forward and hope we do better.

What things did 2018 teach you? It taught me a multitude of eye-opening, heart warming things. Perhaps age has much to do with that. With age comes wisdom, right? To begin with, when I ask God to forgive me I need to accept His forgiveness and also forgive myself. No need to ask again. It is done. No dwelling on it. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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God places friends in our lives. He might put them in our childhood neighborhood or school because we will need prayer partners later in life. Maybe he will gather them in groups or at work. He knows who we need long before the need arises. This year I have prayed for and been prayed over by many friends, old and new. Trust the people God places in your life to help you.

I have learned that I am not too old to try new things and succeed. Trying something new is a bit scary, but with support from friends and family it was a lot easier. God blessed the venture and is so good.

I also learned there can be joy through tears. My precious daughter suffered a miscarriage this Autumn. My world was devastated. I mourned the loss of that grandchild fiercely and oftentimes still do. During my prayers one night I realized that while I won’t see that child here on Earth, she will be waiting in Heaven for us.

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Each year God has been giving me and my prayer partner words for the upcoming year. One individual and one for us. Our word is victory. What a strong, triumphant word. I cannot even think of it without singing the hymn “Victory in Jesus”. Yes, He sought me and bought me. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

My word is hope. Ahhhhhhhh, hope. How calming and reassuring. My mind goes straight to the scripture Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Now friends, that is hope.

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What is your hope for 2019? Peace, health, prosperity, family unity? Oh, I have so many, but I will be satisfied letting God be in control and directing me.

Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope it brings you closer to God.

Be God’s Vessel

Posted on December 23, 2018December 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

On a rare trip to the inside of the grocery, I noticed most people hurrying past the Salvation Army bellringer. No eye contact, and especially no hello or Merry Christmas to her was offered. I supposed people were afraid it would cost them a donation. My attitude was taking a turn for the worse so I checked it at the door.

Inside was a flurry of activity. School is out for Christmas break, and kids were excited just to be at the grocery store. “Mom, could we get this? Mom, I really want some of these. Mom, Mom, Mom!” Poor mothers were trying to finish shopping while kids were requesting items not on the list or in the budget. I spied one young mother longingly check the price of a turkey and then ham. Reluctantly she put both back and went to the reduced section where she picked up some marked down ground meat. The four kiddos danced around the packaged lunches down a ways that all kids love but were good when she shook her head no. For a family of six, her cart was surprisingly scant. I crossed paths with them again as I went down the toy aisle checking for stocking stuffers for my four grands. The kids were eager to offer opinions even though they were much younger than my grands are.

I was delayed at the pharmacy for a short bit but ended up in line next to the delightful family. After flagging down a worker, I asked him to hurry and get a ham, turkey, dozen lunchables, and some toys the kids had ogled. I was ready to check out and the mother was next in line next door so I needed him to hustle. He did. With the help of “Ryan” I was able to get these bought and later loaded into her van without her knowing. He even contributed some items he knew she needed since she shops there often.

At her checkout time the mama did not have enough food stamps to pay so she started to put things back. The person in back of her asked “for the privilege of paying for your order” and even added some items from his cart and the candy display. I heard the woman say through tears she had prayed for a miracle and thanked the man for allowing God to use him.

That day God used me, Ryan, and another man to provide groceries and toys for a faithful, praying woman. I tell you this not for any glory for myself at all, but for God. He is Jehovah Jirah, our God that provides. Answering prayers is just in a His nature. He will use you if you just make yourself available and ask.

Friends, I am abundantly blessed and that could have easily been me or one of my children except for the Grace of God. If you are nudged this season by Abba, please follow through with it. Let Him use you as the vessel to answer someone’s prayer. You will end up being blessed.

Christmas Joy not Stress

Posted on December 22, 2018December 20, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you enjoying the Advent Season? Is your life filled with joy or stress? This time before Christmas should be a time to reflect and prepare our hearts for the great gift that our Heavenly Father sent to us…..His Son, Jesus, our Savior, God with us. Sometimes it is hard to do amidst the hustle and bustle of buying presents, sending cards, making cookies, decorating and all of the other preparations we think we need to do.

One good thing that comes with age is wisdom. I have realized that Christmas comes whether I have cookies baked and cards sent or not. Plus, the world goes on. This time of year isn’t about being stressed out and tired. No, not at all. It is about love. God’s great, everlasting, unimaginable love for us.

I would think He would want us to be joyful and happy, spreading His love and light to others instead of grumbling and be anxious that we are too busy and do not have enough time to get everything done. My friend, perhaps you are trying to do too much. Relax. Enjoy this season for what it is. Let peace overtake you.

What things might make this season easier for you this year? Perhaps using gift bags instead of wrapping would free up time. If you don’t have time for decorating like you usually do, that is okay. As the saying goes “the prettiest Christmas decorations are my children’s faces” at home. Dinner is another pressure point. Go with paper plates. Make it a pitch-in. Order some of the food instead of cooking. Take some things off of your shoulders so that you can be happy. Your family will appreciate a happy you more than a fully decorate house.

Let’s examine the other side where you have everything under control. Wonderful! You are able to enjoy Christmas music and doing things with family. Have you considered helping someone that is stressing? Maybe offering to bake cookies or dessert would take a load off of their shoulders. What about helping with errands or sending dinner one night to free up some of their time? Your giving to them before Christmas could make a vast difference.

Offer to babysit or wrap a neighbor’s gifts for their children. That is a difficult task and would be most welcomed. What things can you add to this list?

Christmastime should be a special season. One to anticipate each year with joy. Not one to dread. It is a season of good will and peace. Let those reign with love and joy.

We are celebrating the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Read the story of His birth again. Think about His humble beginnings. Ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Concentrate on Him and not the things of this world. He will make your days merry and bright.

Book Tour & Giveaway “Prayer Warrior Confessions”

Posted on December 21, 2018December 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Being a Prayer Warrior myself, I was eager to read this book. What I had envisioned and what I read were vastly different, but that does not mean the book by compilers or authors Harriet E Michael and Shirley Crowder is a bad one. Far from it. It means I was far off in what the book actually is.

This collection of stories were captivating. The writing style was easy to read and follow. At the end there was a touching note of what was learned from this experience. That gave to pause to question if I do that with my answered prayers.

The stories touch me. Some were heart wrenching, heart warming, and even a bit funny. All had a lesson to share. It was easy to become engrossed in this book. I wanted to keep reading it. After finishing it, the stories stuck with me.

I highly recommend this book. It would be a fantastic gift. Reading groups would truly enjoy discussing the stories within its covers. Anyone would love this book and draw inspiration from it. It gets a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from me.

A copy was given by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

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About the Book

Prayer Warrior Confessions

Book: Prayer Warrior Confessions

Author: Harriet E. Michael & Shirley Crowder

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Living, Inspirational

Release Date: November, 2018

Publisher: Write Integrity Press

Come along with other prayer warriors and read their stories. Some of the stories will make you cry while others will make you laugh. Each story ends with a confession from the writer in which he or she shares an insight about prayer or something new they learned through their experience.

Readers of Prayer Warrior Confessions will learn more about prayer as they enjoy the true and candid stories of other people’s experiences with prayer. They see the stories through the writers’ eyes and glean the insights the writers learned.

True stories of prayer in action that will make you cry, laugh, sigh, smile, and stand amazed.

About the Authors

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The authors, Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael are lifelong friends whose parents served as missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa. Their friendship has spanned across two continents, numerous states, and many, many years. Learn more about them at http://www.WriteIntegrity.com/authors.

Guest Post from Shirley & Harriet

God writes the best stories … and sometimes we get the privilege of recording them.

Co-writers Harriet E. Michael and Shirley Crowder have a common interest in all things Biblical. Over the past few years they have worked together on a series of books on the topic of prayer. “Prayer Warrior Confessions” is the fourth & final book in that series. It is a book filled with true stories of experiences with and lessons learned about prayer. This collection of true stories was written by various contributors who retell a story from their lives about a time they saw prayers answered, and/or learned a new lesson about prayer. These stories are heartwarming, exciting, sad, funny, and will touch your heart in so many ways while also sharing deeper insights into prayer.

Yes, God creates the best stories & He writes them on the parchment of our lives, teaching us lessons through them.

Blog Stops

Real World Bible Study, December 18

A Diva’s Heart, December 19

Just the Write Escape, December 19

Lights in a Dark World, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

Bibliophile Reviews, December 22

Mary Hake, December 23

Texas Book-aholic, December 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24

Janices book reviews, December 25

Carpe Diem, December 26

A Baker’s Perspective, December 27

Bigreadersite, December 28

the midnight bookaholic, December 29

margaret kazmierczak, December 29 (Interview)

Truth and a Grace Homeschool Academy, December 30

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31

Reading is my Super Power, December 31 (Interview)

Giveaway

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To celebrate their tour, Harriet and Shirley are giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and the whole Prayer Collection set: Prayer It’s Not About You, Study Guide on Prayer–A Companion to Prayer: It’s Not About You, and Glimpses of Prayer, Prayer Warrior Confessions!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stop for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d6d1/prayer-warrior-confessions-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Liberty Bride by Marylu Tyndall

Posted on December 20, 2018December 19, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Liberty Bride by author Marylu Tyndall is Book 6 in the Brides of the Mayflower series. If you have been following the series you know that different authors write each book. This one is set during the War of 1812. It is an action filled historical Christian romance from a talented writer.

Author Tyndall has a way of grabbing readers’ attention immediately and keeping it until the final page. This book was no exception. I became invested in the lives of Emeline Baratt and Owen Masters quickly. Tyndall has done her research in writing this well planning, organized, and penned novel. The descriptions took me to the 1800’s during time of war and turmoil.

Characters are relatable and endearing. They were well rounded and easy to imagine. They jumped from the pages and into my imagination. Through danger, intrigue, sadness, hardship, fear, and many other adventures, I shared the emotions they felt. I laughed out loud a few times and teared up, too.

My favorite things with historical Christian books are for them to teach me something and not hide the fact they are Christian books. Give me inspiration and scripture. I am happy to report The Liberty Bride passed both with flying colors. I learned about life at sea and much about the War of 1812.

Some situations and circumstances are relatable as far as the faith aspect. The characters have issues with obedience, trust, and faith. Who hasn’t at one time or another. I enjoyed watching their faith journey grow.

This is a great book. It was a page turner for me. After the story readers will find an index which includes the historical section as well as a biography. Be sure not to skip that. Don’t worry that this is Book 6 if you haven’t read the others. It can be read as a stand-alone.

I definitely recommend this book. Fans of the author will be thrilled with it. Readers who enjoy Christian historical, adventure that includes romance set during a war will love this latest installment to the Series, too. Reading groups that enjoy historical fiction will devour it. It gets a 5 out of 5 Stars from me. I was provided a copy from the publisher but was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

Nyla Kay Wilkerson

About the Book

About the Author

Guest Post from Chautona

What Important Life Lesson Do Simple Daisies Teach Us?

I just wasn’t ready for it to be his story.

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About the Author:

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My Review

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Guest Post from Misty

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Guest Post from Shirley & Harriet

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