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.

Writing Webinar by Chandler Bolt

Yesterday I had the great privilege of viewing a wonderful live webinar on writing and self publishing! By popular demand he is hosting the same live webinar today!

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

It's about an hour and a half but you won't want to miss it. Chandler Bolt discusses 

• What dream killing myths keep you from becoming an author
• An approach on how to find your book idea (this was incredibly helpful!)
• How he and others started making money self publishing their books
• And how Chandler went from college dropout to 7-figure company in two years.

And that's only the beginning. This really is a well full of knowledge that would be waste if you missed it! If you've ever wanted to write a book, be it non-fiction, self help, or fiction, you absolutely should watch this webinar!

Register for your spot (completely free) and be ready to watch the live webinar this evening February 16th at 9pm EST. 

Chandler Bolt

Click here to register for tomorrow’s webinar: “How To Go From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days...And Use Your Book To Grow A 6-Figure Income”.

See you all there! 

Define

I couldn't have said it any better! I love these little reminders; Lord knows I need them! What do you think about what Ted Dekker said in this FB post? Share your thoughts below!

Post by Ted Dekker.

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

Book Description

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

My Review

Beautiful, just beautiful! I loved getting to know Amelia's character. Having started from book #3 I haven't really gotten to know her!

When I saw this was about a rich boy coming to win an american hometown girl I was just a tad concerned I would get bored really quickly. However, that was not the case!

First of all, Roark is not what I expected, far better in fact. He has a much different story than I ever expected. Roark has never felt for anyone the way he does for Amelia Christiansen. He crosses the ocean to try and win her back. However, he has quite a few obstacles to get through. Including some demons that haunt him till this day.  

Amelia runs back home from heartbreak, but that's not all she is running from. She has to figure out what God's will is for her. Is it a life with her high school sweetheart, is it life of adventure taking pictures across the world, is it taking the ultimate risk of a relationship with the British playboy or is she meant for something more?

I loved that the song "Be Thou My Vision" was a part of this book! It just really enhanced the book and overall story of these two endearing characters and then some.

This amazing book is filled with adventure, romance, and faith! Susan May Warren can never disappoint ;) 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

It's Time Again, I'm Back!

I've been without/minimal internet access. I'm glad to say that is changing soon! Sometimes God says it's time to take a break and if you don't hear him he will make a way.

I've been doing well, keeping busy with church and home life. I hope everyone else out there is doing well tonight and for those having a rough night "you are in my prayers."

I'm currently reading "The Wonder of You" and a song Susan May Warren uses in the book is one I've fallen in love with in Choir and has been on my heart the past week. I hope you are blessed by it. I almost choked up in choir practicing it this week.

One day I am going to do a study of this song and share some insights that I know will touch you!

For now, listen, enjoy, and tell me what you glean from this song. Leave a comment.

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.