CSB Notetaking Bible, Sage Cloth Over Board Review

My Book Review

I have definitely enjoyed this Bible! I was pleasantly surprised just how great of quality it turned out to be. Also, never having read/used a CSB (Christian Standard Bible) before, I wasn't sure what to expect. Again, beyond what I expected. I've been using it ever since along with my NLT and it's been such a helpful tool and eye opener!

I love the notetaking sections on the side. I've already begun to use them, which I've never done before in any bible (always in a notepad) and it's right there when I'm looking at verses again. Great reminders when I'm looking back at verses.

The only thing I wish it had was Jesu's words in red ink.

I would absolutely give this as a gift to a friend or family member! It's beautiful, it's simple and quality.

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 B&H blogging program!

Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker

Book Description

In a world where women can unfriend each other with the swipe of a finger, how do we find friendships that we can trust to last? Maybe by first becoming those kinds of lasting friends ourselves.

As the community manager at the website incourage.me since 2010, Lisa-Jo Baker has had the chance to engage hundreds of conversations with women about friendship. She’s learned that no one can make us quite as unsure about ourselves as another woman. And nothing can wound as deeply as unkind words from a friend. While we are all hungry for friendship, it’s the fear of feeling awkward and being rejected, left out, or hurt (again) that often keep us from connecting.

But what if we knew we could never be unfriended? Would we risk friendship then? 

Starting with that guarantee from the most faithful friend who ever lived—Jesus—this book is a step-by-step guide to friendships you can trust. It answers the questions that lurk under the surface of every friendship—What are we afraid of? What can’t we change? What can we change? And where do we start?—with personal stories and practical tips to help you make the friends, and be the friend, that lasts.

My Review

I had been looking for a book for so long! Every time I thought I'd find something like it it was more "Jesus is always your friend" and though it's all true God also calls us to be friends to one another in Jesus name! And after being through so much heartache with friends and family, I lost the reason for why and how to be friends to and with people. I need a book like this to remind me what God says and biblical ways to living that out in my own life. 

Lisa Jo-Baker shares many stories of her own trials with friendships and lack thereof. It was encouraging because so many times we feel like we have to keep that to ourselves (speaking for myself) because it's something to be ashamed of. Somehow I've done something to deserve not having any friends and if I tell anyone that I'm lonely and without friends they'll wonder why and come to the same conclusion "that I deserve it". Yeah, pretty messed, right? 

This book helped me quite a bit with the reminders of how Christ lived among his friends, the 12 Disciples and just what he says in how to live. That even though I have him as a friend, always, it's right to have friends in this world as well to lift one another up and walk beside one another until we reach Heaven. And that because of Him I don't have to be alone or friendless. 

If you are looking for an encouraging book with some pretty good wisdom inside then I definitely recommend this book!

I give it a 4 out of 5!

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

High as The Heavens by Kate Breslin

Books Description

Page-Turning Intrigue and Romance from an Up-and-Coming Historical Romance Talent
In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service. 

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

My Review

Wow, that word doesn't begin to describe what a magnificent book Kate Breslin has written. 

This historical romance takes place in 1917, WWI, Germany. Evelyn has lost her husband and is stuck in Brussels with her mother as her only surviving family. 
Something devastating happens to her and she bares the weight of that guilt on her shoulders through the years. She does what she knows how to do, nursing, and discovers she can use her job to aid in the war as a spy. Gathering intel from wounded soldiers and relaying them to a secret organization known as "La Dame Blanche." 

Three years later, as she sets out to meet a contact, she witnesses a plane crash and finds her thought-to-be dead husband instead. Her quick thinking keeps him from being shot on sight as a traitor but now she must find a way to get him out of brussels and back onto a sovereign soil without blowing her own cover, all while suspecting there is a mole within the organization she works with. 

I can't tell you how amazing this book is. I have loved Kate Breslin's book since the first novel of hers I read "A Time Such as This." With each book she's gotten better and better, and this book is by far her best work to me! It truly makes me look forward to every new work she puts out! Filled with historical pieces that feel real and realistic in it's character portrayal. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5! Highly recommend it to friends, family, and as a gift to anyone who like historical fiction, for sure!

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

Picturing Heaven - Adult Coloring Book

Book Description

Imagine Heaven the way the Bible describes it―a place of exquisite beauty brimming with marvelous detail and intricate patterns; a special dwelling place free of corruption and sin; and a place of both rest and enjoyable, meaningful work.

Let the power and majesty of Heaven fill your heart with joy as you color these 40 designs carefully interpreted from the pages of Scripture. Savor a respite from daily life as you read and meditate on devotions from best–selling author Randy Alcorn, a leading authority on Heaven. Picturing Heaven will offer you comfort and relaxation, while filling your heart with restful assurance that God prepares a special place for those who love Him.

My Review

Picturing Heaven is an amazing Devotional with full color-in pages that goes along with each devotion! I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't just another coloring book. Filled with 40 Devotions, each with a beautiful full-page work of art to fill in, you get to experience God's word in a new way and draw closer to him through these devotions and quiet time coloring in. Just dwelling on Him through this time. 
The artwork, illustrated by Lizzie Preston, is absolutely gorgeous! I've come across many adult coloring books and I would maybe only like a few pictures but in this book I loved every single one of them!
This would make a great gift for family and friends who like to color and maybe even those who don't, this just might be what gets them started!

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! 

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

A Moment to Breathe Devotional by (in)courage community

My Review 

I almost couldn’t believe it when I woke up that day and FedEx later dropped off a package at my door (FedEx feels like a treat when it’s regularly USPS or UPS) and it was this little treasure of a book! 

I was so glad to sign up to be a part of the launch team but I wasn’t sure if I had made it on the list! It was a sweet surprise I almost cried! But then, I read the first devotion and I did cry! 

This book of devotionals is moving and eye opening. Each day starts with Bible verse that leads into a short story from women, just like me and you, in their everyday walk with God. And then ends with a little challenge to the reader. 

Amazing and so encouraging! One of the days that spoke most to me was Day 2, Praying for Rain. It resonated with me throughout my entire week and still today. How we pray for the things we need or desire and when we get them we stop praying for them, when we should keep praying for them even after God has given us what we prayed for. 

So many more have touched my heart and stopped me, giving me a moment to breathe and reminding me to take those moments everyday with God and cherish them. 

I super highly recommend this book to anyone! Buy it as a gift for a friend, mother or daughter, even a stranger! Or, for yourself. You won’t regret this purchase, no matter whom you give it to.

I give this book a whopping 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 (in)courage launch team

Guarded by Christ by Heather Holleman

Book Description

Heather Holleman used to live a fragile life, a prisoner to fear, anxiety, and despair. Like many younger women, she knew Jesus, but she wasn’t strong in Him. Her search for comfort seemed unending.

Then one day, while reading a simple statement in Scripture, “God guards the lives of his faithful ones” (Psalm 97:10), that all began to change.

In Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us, Heather guides women through a series of practical mental shifts that immensely helped her live strong in the Lord. Learn how in Jesus, you are guarded:

• By righteousness instead of condemnation
• By peace instead of anxiety
• By hope instead of despair
• By the Holy Spirit’s power instead of self-effort
• By a crucified life instead of a self-important one

We all need maturity in Christ that prepares us not just to endure anything, but to live from the strength and peace of Jesus in every season. Guarded by Christ will help women cultivate this maturity, reconnecting them with the Savior who rescues, keeps, and holds us with His love.

My Review

Like her first book, Seated with Christ, Heather Holeman brings new light and perspective on just how secure we are in Christ. In this book she focuses on how Christ protects our souls and how we can look to scripture, knowing that we are secure in God Almighty's strong tower, our refuge. No one can destroy our souls because Christ protects it at all time.

"Because of this guarding God, we learn to Dwell in our soul more than in our life's external realities, and we become strong and unshakeable in a world that's falling apart."

Separated into three parts, you travel from knowing you are guarded and rescued to a secret place where peace is found and then living daily in the fortress God has given us within himself. 

One of my favorite chapters was in chapter 6: From Harrassed to Harmonized.
I don't always live in a state of peace. In fact, most of my life recently has been a state of such a state of chaos I was having panic attacks not even 4 months ago. But Heather pointed out something I desperately needed. 

"The ups and downs of your hearts are like the waves of the sea, but the Holy Spirit is a calm place within you." 

God guards me even from myself. When my life or the circumstances I'm currently in are overwhelming me to the point I tell Him "I don't think I can do this anymore, I just can't. It's too much for me to handle." Heather's daughter said something profound and that helped me see it differently. And then Heather quoted a man named Smith that just hit it home for me.

"When [the God of love] He sees His children resting their souls on things that can be shaken, [He] must necessarily remove those things from their lives in order that they may be driven to rest only on the things that cannot be shaken; and this process of removing is sometimes very hard."

This book is really great. I definitely recommend it! And be sure to checkout her first book Seated with Christ. 

I give it a 4 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.

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal

Book Description 

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal invites you to mix creative journaling and coloring into your personal time with God. Prayers that focus on topics such as being thankful, dealing with stress and heartache, caring for yourself and others, listening for God’s leading, and waiting patiently on Him will guide your thoughts and calm your spirit. Filled with more than 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling, and 40 needs-based prayers, Tranquility will help you express your devotion to God with your whole heart.

My Review

I was so glad to see Tyndale had created yet another wonderful coloring book! The first one I got from this line was their Gratitude: Prayer & Praise Journal. And like the one before, this one is filled with beautifully illustrated pictures and encouraging, uplifting, inspiring words and pictures to meditate and reflect on! Don't believe me, take a look: 

And that's only but a few pages! Each page is filled with something to color or discover. I love this book! This makes a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend or family member for any time of year!

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.

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

Book Description

A sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

My Review

Mark of the King brings historical fiction to stunning reality for it's readers. Julianne, along with a host of many more characters, weren't so utterly hopeless as I have seen when tragedy strikes in some historical fiction, but they reacted to things like real people.It hurt for sure, but they fought for a better life in the face of their sorrows. It was hard not to be drawn into the lives of these people.

Also be warned you will need a box a tissues throughout this book! I know I went through a few tissues during some chapters. 

I think my favorite theme of this book was how Christ, now matter the struggles life sends your way, has offered you a way to cope. Early settlers were met with plenty of strife, more then I knew or can imagine sometimes. So having this book has brought a lot of insight, not just historically but in my Christian growth as well.

Mark of the King is a beautifully written novel you'll have a hard time ever putting down until it's over. 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 Bethany House blogging for book program.

This Road We Travel by Jane Kirkpatrick

Book Description

When Tabitha Brown's son makes the fateful decision to leave Missouri and strike out for Oregon, she refuses to be left behind. Despite her son's concerns, Tabitha hires her own wagon to join the party. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. But family ties are stronger than fear.

The trials they face along the way will severely test Tabitha's faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

My Review

I like Jane Kirkpatrick ever since I read her Emma of Aurora trilogy. I haven't been able to read too much of her books since that one (I read one but it wasn't quite as good to me; Emma of Aurora was just that good to me!) but I'm glad to say this one was good!

This story takes places in the mid-1800's on the Oregon trail with Tabitha (Tabby) and her family. Late in life, around 66 I think it was, she decides to travel with her two children and their family from Missouri to Oregon.
Jane Kirkpatrick writes beautifully and adds a nice little vocabulary to her works.
Much of this was based on true events and a true person. Now, I've sadly never heard of Tabitha before so I can't say what I thought of this story in comparison to her real life but that's fiction for you.
If you like Historical fiction, especially this time period, then pick up this book!

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 Revell Tour blogging program.

Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description

About The Women of Easter

This Season of Grace, 
Deepen Your Faith in God 
Who So Loved the World 
that He Gave Us His Son.
 
You’re about to meet three women named Mary, each of whom has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord’s burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours, then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection. 
 
What a trio. What a Savior!

My Review

I have loved every single of of Liz Curtis Higgs books that I have read. He verse-by-verse Bible studies are always so eye opening and thought provoking. I was ecstatic to see her coming out with Women of Easter, since her Women of Christmas was a big hit in my world!

Going through these three women: Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene, even a bit of Martha! We get to see the transition and details leading up to Jesus's death and then after his resurrection through this verse-by-verse study.
I was in tears more than a few times after some mind boggling verses came to life; life breathed into them after reading this book. If I could, I would get everyone I knew a copy of this book! Women of Christmas was amazing but the power and knowledge of Christ dying for us and coming back to life is a miracle that evokes a power of emotions.

But not only does she going over the verse she shares real life stories of her family to compare feelings and emotions to connect with the people like Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. 

Needless to say, you don't want to miss this book!

I give this book a 5 out of 5! MUST OWN.

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. 

Home Is Wherever Mom Is: Adult Coloring Book

My Review

If you are looking for a great gift for you mom then look no further! This is the perfect gift if she loves adult coloring books! Filled with beautiful illustrations and hand lettering, she'll have hours to fill her creative spirit! And this isn't just great for the biological mothers, it's great for all those mother figures in your life as well!

Home is wherever mom is after all!

I definitely 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 BookLook Bloggers program.

Just A Kiss by Denise Hunter

Book Description

Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are ruined when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life falling for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances he’s adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. He has nightmares and mood swings, and his unwavering independence keeps him from accepting help from anyone, including her. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on with the two in such close proximity, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into unchartered territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his corded arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?

My Review

Another wonderful ending to a wonderful series! The Summer Harbour series couldn't have ended better. I did find it interesting in the introduction that this book was written as a stand alone but is still apart of the series. Good news for anyone starting from this book for sure!

Riley's story is sort of heartbreaking and sweet. He's loved Riley for so long but having to deal with her dating his brother, it became too much and he enlisted in the military forces to escape, runaway. Now he's back but a little less for wear. After an IED leaves him an amputee, he was prepared to relax in the comfort of his own apartment, but turns out his family and friend Paige already have everything planned out and it's not what he was expecting; not thrilled would be to say the least of Riley's reaction. 

Paige has been in love with a Callahun brother before and it was hard getting over the first one, but why now are feelings stirring for her best friend Riley? Or have they always been there? Paige is a sweet character, I loved her throughout the series! 

The chemistry between them is no longer deniable! But the constant back and forth, not talking (JUST TALK ALREADY) I found myself screaming at them a few times to just talk! I loved every word of it!

Fill with faith, hope, and love you can't get a better book than this. :) 

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

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

Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement by (In)courage Community

Book Description 

We all long for meaningful relationships, the Colossians 3:14 kind that fulfill our desire for unity and connection with God, our friends, and our community. But where do we start? Craving Connection is a journey with (in)courage writers sharing real-life stories, practical Scripture application, and connection challenges that will encourage you to:
 

• Embrace the desire God has given each of us for connection
• Invest in meaningful relationships, right where God has you
• Become the friend you wish you had

The (in)courage community invites you to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair to the table, and commit to creatively and prayerfully fulfilling your cravings for connection. How could your life be different after prayerfully and intentionally connecting with God, friends, and your community?

My Review

When I heard they were coming out with a book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I have been following their blog and Facebook page for a few years now and they have so inspired and encouraged me! This book has not disappointed!

I started reading and immediately felt refreshed and encouraged. I tried some of the daily challenges, each one reminding me how I can be a good friend again; taking to heart each of the stories these women have shared. It's already helped my spiritual well being the past couple of weeks..  

Each devotion ends with a prayer which greatly inspired and lifted me up. I can't wait to share this with my friends! You won't want to miss this book. Grab a copy, read with a friend or share it with them! Try the challenges and see how it impacts your life!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I highly recommend checking out the website and even signing up for the emails!

(In)courage

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

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Book Description

It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton's ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados, with no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island. 

Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy is rescued and aboard a British Naval Gunship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold--and to an overjoyed Patience--it's not the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for. 

My Review

This has been a highly anticipated book for me! These books can stand alone but I highly recommend reading them from start to finish; I started with book two, unknowingly, but I can't wait to get my hands on the first book!

To Follow Her Heart is the third book in this series. Again, Rebecca has captured a beautiful and captivating story! 

Patience had much more patience than any ordinary woman would to wait to marry a man.  I related to her, because I'm a pretty patient, big heart, kind of person myself I feel like that would have been me in that time period! Captain Jeremy is a knucklehead that I wish I could have knocked some sense into! Making her wait that long and putting her through the heartache!

            Weaving together all the characters and history, this was a wonderful ending to a beautiful series! I loved it so much.

I give it a 5 out of 5!

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

Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

Book Description

Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place...
But Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them.


Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment. 

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do. 

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family... and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

Me Review

Lauraine Snelling has really good character and growth, keeping the theme of love and grace in the midst of tragedy and loss. After the death of Ingeborg’s husband Haakan in the previous novel, she has to learn to live the rest of her life without him, leaning on her faith and family for strength.

And Miriam, losing her mother and having to leave her siblings on their own. I forget sometimes the way the world used to be and sometimes still is. Now torn between her family and the growing love burning for Trygve, she has a choice to make that will break her heart either way. But what is faith without hope?

A great sequel! It took me a while to really get into it but once you do you’ll love it too!

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 Bethany House blogging for book program.