Really Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description

Discover the Truth About
God’s Sovereignty
from the Bible’s Really Bad Girls.

Eight of the Bible’s most notorious females strut across the pages of Really Bad Girls of the Bible with troubles that still hit home in the twenty-first century.

The Medium of En Dor crossed over to the dark side. Jael stood up to a ruthless enemy. The Adulteress was caught between a rock and a hard place. Athaliah made a bid for power that ended badly. Bathsheba captured the wandering eye of a king. Herodias made a cruel request of her husband. Tamar exchanged her widow’s weeds for a harlot’s garb. And the Bleeding Woman had a serious health issue only a great physician could handle.




My Review


I have loved Liz Curtis Higgs books since I first read "Thorn in My Heart". But there is just something about her devotional books that captivates me every time.


The women she discusses in this book are: Medium of En Dor, Jael, The Adulteress, Athaliah, Bathsheba, Herodias, Tamar the Widow, and The Bleeding Woman. Some of these women I was not as familiar with as others and loved learning more about them!
What I love about this book and those like it is that Liz C. Higgs applies these women to our daily lives and those around us and in Really Bad Girls of the Bible shows those who feel are seem beyond redeeming.


I can never get enough of these books and these lessons! I highly recommend this book (now I have to go back and read the first one!) And the new cover is beautiful!


I give this book a 5 out of 5!


WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging for Books program. 

Seated with Christ by Heather Holleman

Book Description

As Christians find themselves trapped in the rhetoric of platform, influence, retweets, and fame, they need a ladder out of the fray.

Many of us live in a prison of self-absorption. Shackled with pride and despair, we compare ourselves to others constantly in our frantic, unending pursuit of perfection.

Seated with Christ gets to the root of this behavior and charts a path to freedom.

Scripture says that God’s beloved are seated with Christ in the heavens (Eph. 2:6), treasured by Him and given a place at His table. Heather Holleman unveils what this means for us.

It means we walk out on the fight for acceptance. We quit measuring ourselves to others.We leap free from cycles of shame.

Securely-seated people can ask themselves hard questions about their lives; they can deal with sin, grieve their losses, and move forward in hope. From a position of security and self-forgetfulness they can joyfully do the good works prepared for them uniquely. They can even celebrate the successes of others.

Seated with Christ is a deeply personal, liberating look at a glorious truth: that we have a place at God's eternal table.

My Review

The moment I opened this book I knew Heather Holleman spoke my language. She looks at the small and simple verbs like “sit” and “stand” and sees they have much more importance and meaning. Using Ephesians 2:6 as her foundation, we who have accepted Christ are all seated with Christ at the table.

I have thought of the wedding feast before but not what as in depth. Or how I actually have such a privilege as to have a seat at his table. As Heather Holleman elegantly explained,

 

“According to customs of the time, people around a table would sit, squat, or recline on the floor. If the event was important or ceremonious or royal, attendants sat on seats. Even in Jewish feasts, you as a guest would recline or squat unless you were part of the kings circle. Only then did you have an actual seat.”

 

Wow! I never knew that or thought of it before!

Heather goes over some of the different tables we strive to claim a seat at:

• The Smart Person’s Table
• The Thin and Beautiful Table
• The Good wife and Mother Table
• The Published Author’s Table
• The Fruitful Christian Table
• The Wealthy Family Table

 

Many of the tables she describes in this book I have either struggled with or am still struggling with today. It is very relatable and relevant to our day and age. As a single, overweight, aspiring Christian writer, I struggle with wanting to find somewhere I belong. To feel loved, accepted.

Going over each part of this book was both an encouragement and growing experience. One you won’t want to miss.

The end of each chapter has a “Sit and Savor” questions to help you stop and think. They were really good too.

 

Now I see better how special my seat is. It is mine; no one can take it away from me. I don’t have to fight for it; it already has my name on it. I am seated with Christ at his table, forever. I can adore instead of agonizing over my appearance. I can access instead of architect my life around affluence. I can abide instead of achieve. And so can you.

 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program.

Evergreen by Susan May Warren

Book Description

As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.

My Review

If you are looking for a great way to start the holiday season than I know just the book for you! The Christiansen Family is the best place to visit for the holiday but especially this year.

John and Ingrid are emp­­ty nesters this Thanksgiving and Christmas season and both have different feelings and views about it. John can’t wait to rekindle the flames in his marriage with Ingrid with his surprise getaway but Ingrid feels alone as emotions rise on the memories of a child she lost 16 years ago.

However, a spark of hope ignites when Ingrid hears from her sister, who she hasn’t heard from in 16 years. She asks Ingrid to care for her son Romeo while she goes into rehab; her eldest son Matthew is over seas in the military. John is not as enthusiastic.
It's another great book by Susan May Warren! You won't want to miss it this Holiday season (or anytime!). Check it out today!


I give this book a 5 out of 5!!!

Your Marriage Masterpiece by Al Janssen

Book Description

A Transformational Picture of Marriage.

God created marriage as a beautiful work of art that reflects his glory to the world. But our culture has undervalued and misunderstood it, causing it to lose some of its luster. Like recent restoration projects on the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa, it is time to return marriage to its former glory, and the only way to do that is to take a closer look at what the artist had in mind all along.

In this newly revised and expanded book, Al Janssen takes a fresh look at the exquisite design God has for marriage and brings to light the reasons this union was intended to last a lifetime. The chapters weave real-life stories with great teaching and biblical narratives in order to paint a complete picture of all that marriage can be. Readers will examine elements such as passion, adventure, and commitment that come together to make up the colors of God's design. They will also discover new ways to reflect God's love within marriage--revealing his plan for men and women from the moment he created us.

My Review

I believe you can never be too prepared, especially when it comes to something as precious and wonderful as Marriage. I’m single so when I first saw this book I though, “I probably have to be married to read or truly understand this book.”  Oh how I was I mistaken!

            From the first page the creative narrative captured me, begging to keep turning the pages. I read nearly 100 pages in the first afternoon. I’ve thought about what marriage means, what God intended it to be, but Al Janssen wonderfully illustrates and elaborates God’s true masterpiece when he created Adam and Eve and the world. Each chapter touches on a different piece of what marriage is and the very gospel God wrote in marriage when He created it. Not only what marriage is now, about a man and woman uniting as one, but how we are betrothed, promised, to God to one day be united forever with Him. What he did to show us that promise.

            One of my favorite illustrations and something I had not realized before was when God made a covenant with Abram and walked through the blood to seal it, he walked in it alone while Abram slept. He took on the whole thing so that even when the covenant was broken Abraham or anyone after him would not have to pay the penalty. God has already planned for Christ to pay that cost. Amazing.

            The book is filled with so much insightful looks at marriage and thought provoking illustrations on how we are to be and stand united when you do decide to join with that special someone. Filled with funny stories of his childhood and his own marriage, Al Janssen does a fabulous job telling the masterpiece God has created in marriage. Even if you are single for the rest of your life this book is more than worth reading. You get more than a glimpse at how much time and purpose God has put into us and whatever relationships we have with a spouse and our Lord our and Savior.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are married, want to one day wed, or even a confirmed bachelor(ette).

 

I give this book 5 out of 5!

 

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

Book Description

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

My Review

            I couldn’t contain the enthusiasm when I first heard that Kate Breslin was coming out with another book. I squealed when I ordered it seven months later. I jumped for joy when it arrived in my mailbox (silently thanking the Lord the mailman didn’t bend it, stuffing it in my mailbox!) It’s taken me longer to around to reading it sadly, but it was more than worth the wait!

            Grace is such a wonderfully believable character. Innocent yet admirable, she sets out to do her part in the war effort as a suffragette, to support her twin brother who is fighting overseas. That’s how she meets Jack Benningham. Dressed as Pandora, Grace and her maid crash a wealthy ladies lavish Masquerade ball to handout their white feathers of cowardice.

            Jack Benningham is not what he appears. Secretly working for British intelligence, seeking to reveal the traitors to their country. However, he didn’t plan on meeting Pandora that fateful night.  As her beauty captivates him and he charms her with a gentle kiss on her hand, he becomes amused and enraptured by her boldness as she hands him a white feather. Sadly, he let her beauty distract him from the mission and in pursuit of the spy Jack is devastatingly injured. Jack must not only live without his sight, but he must learn to live by faith; a faith not by sight.

            Fit with humor, love, and faith this book is one to have on your bookshelf! You will fall in love with it as soon as you open the book and want to share with others.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Bethany House blogging for book program.

All is Bright Coloring Journal

Book Description

This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of our Savior through beautiful design and devotion. Grab your colored pencils, cozy up with your favorite blanket and a cup of tea, and settle in for a night of peace and wonder with All Is Bright. For lovers of the Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest coloring books, All Is Bright is the perfect way to transform the Advent and Christmas seasons for your whole family, re-centering the holidays on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Combining 31 days of rich content by the beloved and inspirational Nancy Guthrie with intricate designs that will reconnect you with the heart of Christ, this coloring book devotional journey reminds us all of what the season really calls us to: worship.

My Review

I love this book! I was so happy to get it. Filled with beautiful pictures to color in, I can't wait to color them all! What I loved about this book as well is that it wasn't just another coloring book, it is also a devotional! Perfect for the coming holidays. These devotions will get you in the Christmas spirit and remind you of the wonderful miracle that is Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. The real reason we celebrate and what fills out hearts with hope!

This book makes a perfect gift for family, friends, or even yourself! In the back there is even family activities you can do as a family together, especially if you have little ones. It's a wonderful coloring book to have this year.

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale Blog Network.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

Book Description

Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

My Review

A wonderful little morning prayer devotion to get your day started right! It's small enough you can carry it with you anywhere. A nice leather cover and embossing. It makes for a wonderful gift to add for any occasion. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale Blog Network.

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

Book Description

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

My Review

I love this journal!!! It has so many beautiful illustrations to color in and wonderful encouraging words from scripture and praise God for in our time of prayer and reflection. Checkout some of the pictures from inside and see for yourself!

This makes for a great gift for any occasion: Birthdays, Holidays, or just Thinking of You surprise days!

I give this a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review for Tyndale.

An Unexplainable Life by Erica Wiggenhorn

Book Description

What can God do with fifty days?

In only fifty days Peter was radically transformed. He went from being a man in the shadows denying even knowing Jesus, to a man boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus in the middle of the temple courts. How did the change occur? And more importantly, can such a change occur within us—today, in the here and now?

For fifty days, I invite you to dwell in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Here we meet Peter face-to-face and encounter the source of his power. We become challenged to grab hold of that power ourselves, believing that God wants to do something in and through us that is unexplainable apart from Him. Let’s give God fifty days and see what He might do.

My Review

I've not done but a couple of Bible study books in my lifetime. In fact, most of the ones I come across never seem to appeal to me or when I do they aren't very well written and I would put it back on the shelf. Not with this one!

From the moment I read the description I knew this one would somehow impact my life, but the little skeptic gremlin in me said hold back on your enthusiasm, it could be just as well written as the others you've read. So, I waited. I got the book in and from page one it was amazing! In the first week I knew this was the book for me! 

Each day is filled with Verse-by-verse study. Sure, when some read that you're going to think "boring" or "tedious." But the way this book is set up it's never that. The questions make you think but without being confusing or obscure. You're asked a question and then a verse to find the answer. You see the connection and pieces of God's plan. How they fell into place when Jesus came, died, and resurrected. And this is all in the first week!

Other books are short and too simple or too complicated and tedious. An Unexplainable Life is perfectly balanced, it inspires me to further read and search and know the answers. It doesn't let me be lazy by just telling me everything, it turns me straight to the Bible for the answers! I think that's what I love most about this book. Erica doesn't give her interpretation of the Bible and expect you to follow whatever she says, she turns you straight to the Bible, to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit! 

I hope she makes more (like a second book on the rest of Acts perhaps!) like this and that they will be just as amazing. I recommend this book to all my friends. I had one friend just glimpse inside a couple of pages and she was amazed, she said, "I already love it, it makes me think about the answers!"

Great job Erica Wiggenhorn! Thank you!

I highly recommend this book! I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program.

The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Guide to Drawing by Mark Crilly

Book Description

Read This Comic and Start Drawing Today!
For the first time ever, drawing instructor and graphic novelist Mark Crilley brings his easy-to-follow artistic instruction to aspiring artists in the form of a comic book, providing you with a one-of-a-kind how-to experience. In The Drawing Lesson, you’ll meet David—a young boy who wants nothing more than to learn how to draw. Luckily for David, he’s just met Becky—his helpful drawing mentor. Page by page, Becky teaches David (and you!) about the essential fundamentals that artists need in order to master drawing, all in a unique visual format. In panel after panel, Crilley provides lessons on shading, negative space, creating compositions, and more, with accompanying exercises that you can try for yourself. Are you ready to start your drawing lesson today?

My Review

This is a great book for beginners, young people, and for those who want to brush up on their technique, something I wish I'd known and practiced more growing up! 

Like Mark Crilly's videos on YouTube, he makes it enjoyable, fun, and clear to understand. In his book he shows you through the telling of a story/comic of a boy who befriends an artist who teaches him the skills to draw! The illustrations are perfect for this book!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Blogging for Books Review program.

I Am Found by Laura Dingman

Book Description

Are you tired of battling shame?
Long to be truly known and deeply loved?
Hesitant to show others the real you?

We are all made for connection, but many of us live with walls up and hearts closed. What would it take for us to let go and stand tall and unashamed?

I Am Found guides us in just that. This six-week Bible study on shame and identity explores how we can own our stories, trust God’s affections, and relate honestly with Him and others.

Each week begins with biblical teaching and is followed by five days of guided reflection. Drenched in Scripture, and allowing plenty of space to journal and savor biblical truths, I Am Found welcomes you on a personal journey of transformation through God’s Word.

Laura Dingman invites you to build your life on a beautiful, liberating truth: Jesus loves us in our weakness, but He doesn’t leave us there.

My Review

When I saw the title of this book I intrigued, when I read what it was about I wanted to read it, when I read it I was pleasantly surprised! I am found is a beautifully written Bible Study to encourage women not to hide in shame but be found and loved by God. We can't hide from God, he knows all, but we do it anyway. He wants us to be upfront with Him, choose to come and share the things that we want to conceal from Him and the rest of the world.

I think the only thing I wish is the word "hide" was used a lot when asking things like "How are you hiding from God?" I felt other words could've been used to describe what was being asked or would've helped better understand some of the questions in my study time. I looked up the definition for 'hide' and that helped and then the synonyms. Words like 'conceal', 'disguise', 'mask,' helped me to see how I was hiding from God and others.


I really enjoyed this Bible Study. It's encouraging, enlightening, and a pleasure to read and share with others. I liked that it didn't take me 2 hours to do each day, in fact, I liked it enough when I had time I did two in one day, but for the average person this is a great day-starter! For those who wanted to take more time could easily go back to and dig more.


I give this book a 4.5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Moody Publishers Bloggers Review program

HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible

Book Description

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator’s, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

Features include:

Over 600 images, including text designs, images, and filigree
Unique illustrations on every page spread
Open margin space for creating new, personalized images

Light grey illustrations allowing readers to add color to each image

Lined margins for note taking

My Review

This is an awesome Bible! The cover is sturdy, the paper is durable for coloring with markers, and the pictures inside are pretty but fun; I can't wait to color them all in! There's plenty of room for note taking in the margins. It's clean and neat, not messy or cluttered. I'm really impressed actually at how well put together it is and neat it looks. It's all very organized and neatly made. Even in the back there is also a "Read the Bible in a year" week-by-week check list for those interested in reaching that goal! 

I've never used a HCSB version but I look forward to using it in the days ahead! If you're looking for something different then I'd surely check it out. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of B&H/Lifeway Bloggers Review program

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

Book Description

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in 
the process?

My Review

Yes, yes, yes! Mary Connealy has concluded yet another wonderful series! 

Bailey Wilde was definitely an interesting character, I wasn't always sure what to make of her. She had layers I couldn't begin to figure out on my own. I had to read through to finally see who she was (which I guess is the point, to keep reading, right?) Bailey being the oldest of the Wilde Women, she has always looked after her two younger sisters, shielding and protecting them from their not so great, rather low life, of a father. With the war over, now she wants nothing more than to keep to herself and run her ranch, away from people, especially men. But not because she's secretly a woman, no, there's a deeper fear hiding behind the disguise! Each of the Wild Women fought in the Civil War and each one came back with their own battle scars, but scars only become scars once they've begun to heal. Otherwise, they are just open wounds. 

Gage Coulter, icy, fierce...lovely! I was not expecting to fall for this guy! In the beginning I thought he was gonna A) Be a villain. or B) Constant thorn in everyone's side. He sort of was, especially in Bailey Wilde's case! But I was not expecting to find out he's actually a really good and decent guy! A good ole' Texas man moved across the country to the mountains. All we know in the beginning is that he fled to escape fighting in the Civil War. This book explains it all! Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you. Even if you begged me to tell you I wouldn't! 

I will tell you, however, the twist I didn't see coming even a mile away! Gage tells his mother in one of his letters that he is happily married to get her off his case but now he finds out she's on her way across the country to come see him and his wife! Now he has to find one...you guessed it, Bailey Wilde! If you read the other two books you saw this coming but it was still a great surprise! Now with these two married it got that much better! It doesn't end there, now that Mama Gage is there they can't seem to get her to leave. What will Bailey do with her running and calling the shots in her new groom's life?

And like the previous two books: Tried & True, Now & Forever, there is imminent danger lurking in the mountains! Lives are in danger as someone is trying to kill Gage and stage it to look like an accident! Who is this villain? Guess you'll have to read to find out!

Discovering the meaning of love and trust, Bailey must learn to depend on someone other than herself. Not just Gage, but God!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

Punderdome! Card Game for Pun-Lovers!

Description

From the daughter-father duo that created Brooklyn's beloved live pun competition comes Punderdome, the "Punderful card game [that] will replace Cards Against Humanity at your next party" (Mashable.com).

One part game, one part conversation starter, you don't need to be a pun master to master Punderdome: the goal is to make bad jokes and have fun along the way.

A player (the prompter for that round) draws two prompt cards from the deck, and then reads the prompts to the rest of the group, who have 90 seconds to create a single, groan-worthy pun that combines the two prompts.     

When time is up, pun makers share their puns with the prompter, who awards the prompt cards to the player whose pun he or she likes best. The winner then draws the next pair of prompt cards and the process repeats. Players win by obtaining 10 pairs of cards.

Every Game Set Comes With:

·         200 double-sided cards (100 White and 100 Green)

·         2 Mystery Envelopes with fill-in prize slips

·         2 80-page pads for drafting puns

·         1 instruction card and 1 pun example card

·         A stu-PUN-dous time for 3 or more players

My Review

Now that you know what the game is about I can tell you how fun it really is! My sisters and I aren't huge Pun Nerds but we use them from time to time. When I saw this I thought, "this might be fun!" When I got in the mail I quickly read the instructions... it's close to Apples to Apples but with PUN's! I love Apples to Apples, now I just need to work on my Pun's! I think this is a great game for friends and family! I can't wait to get my group of friends together for a game night and play Punderdome!

Have you played Punderdome? What's some of the funniest or worst Pun's you've had or come across?

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Blogging for Books program.

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

Book Description

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

 Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

My Review

I've been waiting to read this the moment I finished "Falling Like Snowflakes". I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw it was about Zac's runaway bride, Lucy Lovett! But Denise Hunter always knows how to draw you in with captivating, believable, characters that make you never want to put this book down!

I absolutely loved that she added more to the story about Aunt Trudy and the Sheriff and I pray we get to see more of them in the last book. 
I really liked what she did with the story, showing the ramifications of ones childhood can be carried into adulthood without even realizing it. That really made me feel for Lucy. The story in whole was just wonderful and relaxing and sweet. And some sweet southern Sass! This was yet again, another great addition to the Denise Hunter collection. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part BookLook/Thomas Nelson blogging program.

The Rural Setting Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becka Puglisi

My Review

This book was amazing! I'm telling you. For a writer, especially one who maybe hasn't been to or experienced as many things, I need books like these to help my describe to my readers what I want them to hear, touch, and emotionally feel what I'm feeling. Rural settings Thesaurus has everything you need for every setting to the dusty attic to the mountain trees. Descriptions and senses written for you to experience and to help your audience experience what your experiencing in your mind.

Rural Settings is a marvelous, well put together, tool for any and all writers!

When I heard authors Angela Ackerman & Becka Puglisi were coming out with two new Thesaurus's I quickly jumped out of my seat with a big "WOOHOO"! I never thought such books existed until one day I stumbled upon their Emotional Thesaurus which ultimately lead me to there website: Writers Helping Writers. Ladies and Gents, I seriously recommend not only checking out their website, but subscribe! This way you won't miss a thing; I know I don't!

These ladies write and put a lot of time and effort into their books and website just to help us poor unfortunate souls who've taken up the beautiful art of writing, so be sure check out their website and grab all their books!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

Unleash the Full Power of the Setting within You Stories!

As we storytellers sit before the keyboard to craft our magic, we're usually laser-focused on the two titans of fiction: plot and character. Yet, there's a third element that impacts almost every aspect of the tale, one we really need to home in on as well: the setting.

The setting is so much more than a painted backdrop, more than a stage for our characters to tromp across during the scene. Used to its full advantage, the setting can characterize the story's cast, supply mood, steer the plot, provide challenges and conflict, trigger emotions, help us deliver those necessary snippets of backstory...and that's just scratching the surface. So the question is this: how do we unleash the full power of the setting within our stories?



Well, there's some good news on that front. Two new books have released this week that may change the description game for writers. The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to City Spaces and The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Personal and Natural Spaces look at the sights, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds a character might experience within 225 different contemporary settings. And this is only the start of what these books offer writers.



 In fact, swing by and check out this hidden entry from the Rural Setting Thesaurus: Ancient Ruins.




And there's one more thing you might want to know more about....





Becca and Angela, authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, are celebrating their double release with a fun event going on from June 13-20th called ROCK THE VAULT.



At the heart of the Writers Helping Writers site is a tremendous vault, and these two ladies have been hoarding prizes of epic writerly proportions.

A safe full of prizes, ripe for the taking...if the writing community can work together to unlock it, of course.

Ready to do your part? Stop by Writers Helping Writers to find out more!

Agents of Babylon by David Jermiah

Book Description

In his #1 New York Times bestseller Agents of the Apocalypse, noted prophecy expert Dr. David Jeremiah explored the book of Revelation through the lens of its major players. Now, in the much-anticipated follow-up, Agents of Babylon, Dr. Jeremiah examines prophecy through the eyes of the characters in the book of Daniel, explains what the prophecies mean, and helps us understand how these prophetic visions and dreams apply to our lives today. Written in the same highly engaging half dramatization, half Bible teaching format as Agents of the Apocalypse,Agents of Babylon is not only an in-depth exploration of the characters and prophecies contained in the book of Daniel but also a dramatic retelling of Scripture that is sure to bring ancient prophecy to light like never before.

My Review

After reading most of Agents of Apocolypse (it's a popular book at the Library, I wasn't able to finish it before the due date!!) I knew I had to read this book!

I've always been fascinated with Revelations since I was young, but for many years I didn't connect prophecies from the Old Testament to Revelation. I always thought it was solely connected to Christ's coming to die on the cross; of course, I've grown since then and know so much more!

This book is just filled with fascinating information and thought provoking Bible study time! I felt like a sponge absorbing and then expanding, thinking more in-depth about the book of Daniel than I ever had before. It was truly awesome. This book is definitely well worth reading. I don't know what else I can say about it except to pick up and copy for you and your friend and start reading it! I'm going to get one of girl friends to start reading it (I'll gladly read it again) and go through each chapter with her so we can talk about it. Great work David Jeremiah!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Tyndale Blog Network program

Simply Calligraphy: A Beginners Guide by Judy Detrick

Book Description 

This little guide to hand lettering proves that calligraphy is as easy as picking up pen and paper. Focused on calligraphy’s most popular alphabet—italic—this delightful manual introduces basic capital and small letters and numbers, plus all the creative flourishes you need to customize your unique script for every project and occasion. With quick and easy instruction from calligraphy teacher and designer Judy Detrick,Simply Calligraphy will have you whipping up elegant invitations, pleasing place cards, and personalized thank-you notes in no time.

My Review

I really looked forward to getting this in the mail! When I was in my preteens, I dabbled in Calligraphy and loved it. But I remember thinking about that little booklet that came with my Calligraphy starter kit. I wanted something well put together, straight forward, and clean. This book is all that! It's perfect for anyone who wants to start practicing Calligraphy. Especially for beginners or those like myself who are so out of practice and need that jumpstart. Moreover, it gives you great tips for writing on envelopes and other material to get you started writing elegantly in no time! It would also make a great gift for friends! Buy this book and a good Calligraphy pen and they are set!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Blogging for Books blogging program.

AIO: Taking the Plunge

Product Description

In the all-new album, Taking the Plunge, your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters are faced with life decisions and hard lessons.

Will Penny “take the plunge” and say yes to Wooton’s marriage proposal? Will Eugene solve a mystery about missing money? Will Buck make the right kind of new friends? Will Olivia discover how to create a perfect family?

My Review

It had been forever since I've listened to Adventures in Odyssey! How I've missed it. I was so glad when I ordered this set. No matter how old you get, you can always learn something from Whit's End. Though so many of the characters I'm not familiar with some of the new characters now, but they still have the old familiar ones of Connie and Eugene and of course Mr. Whitaker! It wouldn't the same without him. 

I'm already liking the new (for me) characters Wooton and Penny! Definitely lessons to learn for all ages! That's what I've always loved about AIO. It transcends age and limits! If you want something to listen to on the car ride to work one early morning or late afternoon or if you have a trip with the kids, than pop in this 2- disc set, 6 episodes, over 2 hours of fun and learning life lessons!

It's Time to Begin Again!

As many of you know, I am a writer. You didn't know? Yeah, I guess I have been away for a while. It's still beating strong in my heart but I've been at an impasse the past year. If you're a writer you will understand these seasons of life where you desperately want to write, anything, but can't. Whether it's writers block, fear of moving forward, or just life getting in the way. Mine has been a mix of things, but what's really been holding me back the most is the fear I'm not really a writer. I fear my writing is mediocre, not worth sharing but especially not worth ever publishing!

God has been preparing my heart. Building me up and filling in the broken pieces of my heart and mind. I've been learning to depend on Him. Now it's time to start writing again! Like a runner who has been off his feet, I have to start from the beginning and build back these writing muscles! I'm going to take one day at a time, step-by-step, and sharing my progress with you to stay motivated.

I have a few novels I am working hard to piece together to one day share with the world, I feel they are masterpieces in the works, but they are nowhere near sharing material. For now I'll be doing simple exercise's. Writing short stories from prompts or whatever inspires me on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest is both my most helpful tool but my worst enemy in the world! I've created a whole Pinterest account specifically for my writing (more organization, less distraction!) If you'd like to follow that just click the button: Miss Tadoodles It's a brand brand brand new account, I just created it Sunday! There isn't much on it right now, but I will be creating more boards involving nothing but all things writing related. From character shoppe's, settings, prompts, et,.

With this new beginning, I'll hopefully be posting more than just book reviews on this blog!

The one thing I could use most right now is Prayer! I want to stay motivated and continue to grow in this area of my life. I know it won't be easy but not impossible because I have Jesus, who makes all things possible!

Thank you, all! God bless! Tootles!