The Stress Cure by Linda Evans Shepherd ~ Praying Your Way to Personal Peace {Review}



Nonfiction / Prayer

We live in a world filled to the brim with advice, and when it comes to dealing with stress, there's plenty of advice to go around. Sleep more, eat better, avoid this, seek out that. But more ideas about how to cope are not necessarily what we need if we're stressed and anxious.

What we need is a cure.

The true remedy to stress, Linda Evans Shepherd says, is prayer. In this inspiring book, she shows you how to recognize God's continual presence in your life and yield your troubles to the Prince of Peace. Through captivating stories, explorations of fascinating biblical characters, and examples of deeper-than-ever prayers, she brings within your grasp the peace that passes understanding. If you are overwhelmed by all of the urgent demands on your time, this book offers you a lifeline to true peace.





My Thoughts

Every once in a while a book comes along at just the right time. For me The Stress Cure arrived right in the midst of a situation that had me in knots. Once I picked the book up and started reading I began to realize that even though I had been praying about the situation with my mouth, my heart and mind remained detached.

From the beginning of the book Linda reminds us that stress comes in all shapes and forms. Not all stress is a big life-changing event. Sometimes it is several little things that just seem to build up. No matter what brings the stress on, it can certainly be changed by diligently conversing with the Father and allowing Him to speak peace into the situation. 

I first became acquainted with Linda's work in her series  The Potluck Club. She has brought her wonderful storytelling skills to this book to help you understand all the aspects of stress and how to deal with it. She uses Scripture for the basis but then fills in with her imagination to make the point. 

We all have stress of one form or another. The Stress Cure is the answer to how we can manage that stress and live our lives in the peace and freedom that God intended for us. This is an encouraging read that will surely bring you into a closer relationship with the Father.

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An August Bride by Debra Clopton ~ A Year of Weddings Novella {eBook Review}




An August Bride
A Year of Weddings, Book 9
Debra Clopton
Contemporary Fiction

About the book:

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. 
Happily ever after guaranteed.

After a cowboy broke her heart, Kelsey Wilcox traded in her boots for flip-flops and a bistro on the beautiful sandy beach of Corpus Christi. Two years later, still not believing in happy endings, she is about to endure a weekend of torture at her cousin's beach wedding. Not only will she be forced to watch yet another wedding, but her great-aunt and her two best friends - aptly nicknamed "the matchmaking posse of Mule Hollow" - are coming to the wedding, and Kelsey is sure to be on their radar.

Brent Corbin has had his share of bad luck with women and isn't looking for love or looking forward to the weekend festivities as a groomsman for his friend. When he sees a commotion on the beach and what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he doesn't hesitate to dive to the rescue. His attention is instantly captured by the woman he's saved and it turns out they're part of the same wedding party. But the instant Kelsey spots his soaking wet boots, she wants no part of him.

Thrown together through the weekend and with the meddlesome encouragement from the matchmakers, Brent is determined to pursue Kelsey and change her mind about cowboys. Sparks fly at this August wedding as Kelsey and Brent dance a rocky Texas two-step toward a beach wedding of their own.

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

My thoughts:

When you've been burned by someone you tend to stay away from that type of person. In Kelsey's case it is cowboys. She doesn't want anything at all to do with them. She's made a vow to herself that she will never ever fall for a cowboy. But then along comes Brent Corbin. He's everything she wants in a man, but he's a cowboy and that is a definite NO!

Brent is determined to wear Kelsey down. He's had hurts of his own, but just being in the presence of Kelsey is a salve to those old wounds. If he can just get her to let her guard down long enough to prove to her that he can be trusted.

Who doesn't love a little romance of the cowboy variety?!! An August Bride is so much deliciousness (pun intended) all wrapped up in this little novella. Just getting to read about Esther Mae, Norma Sue, and Adela also known as the notorious Matchmakin' Posse of Mule Hollow is a treat in and of itself. Everyone needs an aunt like Ester Mae . . . scheming but utterly lovable. Did I also mention that the story is set in Corpus Christi? So not only does it include handsome cowboys but a beach is involved. That's an absolute win-win in my book.

This was a great addition to the Year of Weddings series. If you like a little romance mixed with humor you're going to enjoy this one. It is a quick read so grab your glass of iced tea and find a comfy spot then just relax and enjoy!


Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz ~ An Historical Romance Review



The Ballantyne Legacy, Book 3
Historical Romance

Back Of The Book:

With two very different horizons stretched out
before her, one young woman stands on the
cusp of an unknown future.

Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena "Wren" Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Wren makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew.

As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Wren feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty.



My Thoughts:

I must first confess that Love's Fortune is the first book I have read in this series. But after reading it I wish that I had started at the beginning and savored the other two preceding books. If this volume is any indication of the quality of the series in its entirety then it is a delight for the historical romance reader.

Laura Frantz has a delightful way of drawing the reader into the story so well that you can smell the fresh air of Kentucky and choke on the congestion in Pittsburgh. I particularly enjoy reading about this time in American history and I was fascinated with all of the little details that were woven into the story. It is so interesting to contrast the social norms of the day compared to how we live now. Can you even imagine dining with all those courses not to mention the utensils that go along with each individual food item? Don't even get me started on the fashions. I'd love all the intricate details of the dresses, but could definitely do without the torturous corsets.

The juxtaposition of the simple beginnings for both Wren and James and then their climb to the heights of society made for a very intriguing plot. The differing personalities of the family members added to the complex nature of the story. It was interesting how diverse family members could be, particularly siblings, considering that they were raised in the same environment. What I enjoyed most was the selfless nature of the love that was developing between Wren and James. To be willing to give up everything so someone else could be better off is a trait that is hard to find.

As I said before this is the only book in the series that I have read but I didn't have trouble at all following the story line. Ms. Frantz did a great job of walking that fine line of giving enough detail to understand what has happened in the past yet not too much in order to bore someone that has read the previous books. If you enjoy an historical fiction story with a heavy dose of romance then I would recommend this one for you. 



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God Is Always Good by Tama Fortner ~ Comfort for Kids Facing Grief, Worry, or Scary Times {Review & Giveaway}



Tama Fortner
Illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko
Juvenile Nonfiction

About The Book:

You can always trust God. Bad things may happen.
But God always loves you, and He is always good.

God created this world and filled it with wonder and goodness. But sadly, bad things happen sometimes too. Friends move away, and storm winds blow. There are bullies, sickness, sadness, even death. But God Is Always Good will help you see that God is bigger than any badness.

With soft, tender words and scriptures, God Is Always Good offers reassurance and comfort. Sweet animal characters fill the pages, gently illustrating how God never leaves us. He is present in every smile, every hug, every helping hand. Because no matter what happens in this world . . .

God is always good!



My Thoughts:

As adults we have learned that God is always good. But even though we know it, sometimes we struggle with remembering that truth. If we as adults struggle with that concept at times, just think how hard it can be for a little one to grasp that important tenet of our faith. 

In God Is Always Good, a momma rabbit and her little bunny have a very heartfelt conversation about the goodness of God. The book begins with little bunny asking his momma what God is like. She replies, "God is bigger than the mountains and stronger than the seas. And even though He's big enough to hold the whole world in His hands, He cares about you and me. But the thing I love the most about God is that He is always good." 

Of course being a little guy he has plenty of follow-up questions. He continues to ask her how she knows that God is always good and gives different examples of situations that don't often feel like God is good. For instance what about when something not-so-good happens. Momma rabbit's reply is perfect. "Every day good things happen all over the world, but, yes, bad things happen too. And it's okay to wonder why. These hurtful things aren't part of God's plan, and they make Him sad too. Just remember that when bad things happen . . . God is there to help you."

The dialogue between the momma rabbit and the little bunny continue with questions like, Does God make bad things happen? Where is God when bad things happen? Is there anything God can't do? Some of the topics include, bullies, sickness and even death. Each page contains specific scripture that backs up what momma rabbit is saying.

This book is a beautiful resource for parents to begin a dialogue with their children about one of the most comforting attributes of God. I enjoyed the conversations that took place in our home after reading this book with our children. Helping your children understand that no matter what the situation is, God is ALWAYS good, will give them an assurance that they need for the rest of their lives.

The Giveaway:

We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of God Is Always Good. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.
  
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Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury ~ A Contemporary Fiction Review



Angels Walking Series, Book 1
Contemporary Fiction

Inside Book Flap:

SOMEWHERE IN HEAVEN, a decision has been made. An Angels Walking team has been assigned to a desperate mission: a broken baseball player, the love he left behind, and the miracle that might save a whole city. When angels walk, most people never know, never see. But they are there. And sometimes the stakes are so high, all of heaven stands ready.

One-time national baseball hero Tyler Ames has lost everyone he loves on a quest to make it to the big leagues. Then, just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler Ames has lost everyone he loves on a quest to make it to the big leagues. Then, just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler's only love, Sami Dawson, has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an elderly woman with Alzheimer's, who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking takes on the mission to see hope restored for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can the small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? Can the words of a stranger restore lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin.




My Thoughts:

Sometimes we get so focused on ourselves and our success that we forget about those around us that were pivotal in helping us achieve our dreams.

Tyler Ames was a pitching phenom at the ripe old age of twelve. His friend Marcus was every bit as good. They made a pact to never leave the other behind. But as often happens, the passage of time changed things. Different paths were chosen with different results.

After a season ending and possibly career ending injury Tyler finds himself looking back and regretting choices that were made. He regrets the relationships he let go and the paths that he pursued. If he had a second chance there are definitely things he would do differently. 

Tyler's not the only one with regrets. His parents Bill and Angie now wonder how they could have let such distance come between themselves and their son. Sami Dawson once thought that she and Tyler would be together forever. How had it all gone wrong?

Beck and Ember are angels on a mission. Tyler and the others are in desperate need of a new beginning. God in His providential way has sent the angels to intervene and redirect the lives of His children. The seemingly impossible suddenly becomes possible. Through the very touching relationship with Alzheimer's patient Virginia Hutcheson, Tyler gets his new beginning.

When I first picked this book up I was a bit leery of it being an angel story. Those stories can sometimes be a bit too "woo woo" for me. But I was pleasantly surprised with Angels Walking. Not only is the story plausible, it is uplifting and hopeful. We've all been in that place where we think all is lost, only to have the situation begin to turn around in ways we never expected. That is how this story plays out. If this first book is any indication of how the series will be . . . it's going to be good!

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www.KarenKingsbury.com
Facebook
Twitter ~ @KarenKingsbury
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Good Night Little Pumpkin from Tommy Nelson ~ Juvenile Fiction Review & Giveaway



Tommy Nelson
Illustrated by Claire Keay
Juvenile Nonfiction

Back of the Book:

"I'm not tired, Mama."

With so many games still to play at the fall festival, Milo can't possibly go to bed yet! All decked out in his roly-poly pumpkin costume. Milo pleads, "Just a little longer?"--four little words that moms and dads everywhere know so very well. But with each game played, Milo's eyes get just a little heavier.

Bright, happy illustrations follow Milo's fun as he grows sleepier and sleepier. And when Mom and Dad find him asleep in the hay-bale maze, there's only one thing left to say . . . 

Good night, Little Pumpkin!




My Thoughts:

With the crispness of autumn in the air fall festivals are popping up everywhere. Join Milo and his friends and family as they attend their local event. Milo is so excited to see and do everything that is offered. The only problem is that little guys tend to get sleepy after dark. But Milo is determined to make it through every last thing!

Good Night, Little Pumpkin is an adorable little board book that you can enjoy with your little ones this season. If you've ever taken your sweet little guy or girl on an evening outing you can completely relate to the "just one more" plea. What parent can resist being just a bit indulgent when it comes to such a fun event?

This is the perfect book to snuggle up with your favorite kiddo just before bed. I think you'll find the illustrations to be colorful and engaging. The story is fun and the characters are delightful. The book is very sturdy so you will be able to enjoy this little gem for years to come.

The Giveaway:

We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of Good Night, Little Pumpkin. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

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Guess What!?!?!





My two-year-old's favorite phrase right now is "Guess what?" The only problem is he doesn't quite get the concept of needing something for us to actually guess at. He just keeps on repeating the phrase over and over just to hear us respond "What?". It's funny because as an adult we all still love the suspense of "Guess what?" and seeing everyone's attention on what we have to say.

Something else I've noticed through my two-year-old is that we never grow out of wanting certain things to never end. The other day we had a much needed family day at a local theme park. My hubby is in an intensive program for the year so we have begun to live a life full of busyness with family time having to be scheduled. Our two-year-old was having such a good time on a particular ride that he didn't want to get off when it was over. Then when he finally did get off he just wanted to ride it again. He would say, "No! Not over!" Days later he is still talking about going on that ride again.

This really got me thinking about our life right now. There are times that I want to say "No! Not over!". but, as an adult I have learned to control myself. As a parent I need to constantly remind my kids and myself that there are a lot of other fun rides (and situations) let's go and try some!

This is when God starts to teach me my own lesson of, "Whitney, if you keep going on the same ride over and over you will miss so much." Isn't that the truth? So, without any more rabbit trails here is our "new ride" so to speak....


Baby #3
is on
the way!!!



So what about you? Do you have any new Guess What? moments going on right now? We'd love to share in your joy at the news as well as come alongside you as you struggle with the new situation. Tell us in the comments what's going on with you!


The Desire by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley ~ A Contemporary Fiction Review



The Restoration Series, Book 3
Contemporary Fiction 

Back Of The Book:

CAN FAITH BUILD A BRIDGE
BETWEEN THEIR DREAMS?

For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts--and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time--and their money--on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something's got to give. But they both hope it's not their marriage.

Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . . .

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts:

In The Desire we return to River Oaks, Florida where the Anderson family lives. This time the story is focused on Allan and Michele. For a little over a year they have been trying to have a baby, but nothing is happening. As each month passes Michele becomes more and more despondent and resentful towards others that seem to neglect their children. She desperately needs her husband's support and attention but his heart and mind keep turning to the needy children in Africa. They desperately need to find a common ground in their marriage.

A new character is introduced in this book. Her name is Christina and she is a young pregnant single mother needing to make a choice about her baby. She is paired with Marilyn at the pregnancy care center where Marilyn is a mentor. Before long the whole Anderson family has taken Christina not only into their home, but into their hearts as well. 

The Desire looks at adoption from several different angles. You get to see the struggles and the triumphs that surround the families involved in the adoption process. The premise of the story is beautiful. 

I am a fan of Dan Walsh's writing and I love Gary Smalley's work, my marriage has benefited from it immensely. Having said that, I must also say that this book and this series are not my favorites. Is it a good read? I'd have to say yes. It's just not a great read. I got the same feeling as when a movie does a blatant product placement in the middle of an intense scene. It just doesn't work very smoothly. Again, I am a fan of both of these men and I will continue to read and learn from their work.

Book four in the series comes out next spring. Will I read the book? Yes, because the stories told in this series are worthy of being read even if they are not my favorites from these particular authors.


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Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography

Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography







Sky Zone by Creston Mapes ~ A Political Suspense Reveiw



The Crittendon Files, Book 3
Political Suspense

Back Of The Book:

WHEN TERRORISM HITS HOME, 
WHO WILL RISE TO STOP IT?

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant.

With financial pressures boiling. Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling, where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist attack, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-and-death battle to save themselves--and thousands of innocent people.

My Thoughts:

Have you ever gone to a sporting event or concert in one of those large arenas? Did you look all the way up to the top and see that area that has access to the lighting and technical areas for the arena? Did you see how dark it was up there? How about the security? Did you notice who was directing people where to go? 

In Sky Zone we meet up with Jack Crittendon again. This time he is a part-time security guard at Festival Arena. (He lost his job as a reporter, but I'm not going to say much about that because it will spoil the previous book if you've not read it.) Jack is desperate to provide for his family so he needs this job. Most of his fellow security personnel are retired men just looking for a little extra income. None of them are armed and most aren't even formally trained. 

One seemingly uneventful evening Jack reports to work and finds out that the night's event is a political rally for presidential hopeful Martin Sterling. Shortly after arriving the team finds out that there have been terrorist threats. After much debate it is decided that the event must go on. Soon enough they find out that the threats were real. Now Jack and his fellow workers have to find a way to keep everyone safe and get them out alive. The stakes are even higher because of the unexpected guests in the audience. 

I am thoroughly enjoying the Crittendon Files. This third installment just continues the heart-pumping, adrenaline rush that the first two books began. I like the realistic feel to this story. If you've ever been to a big arena you can completely imagine how the story could unfold. The characters are flawed but continue to work on being better people. I particularly enjoyed Jack's mother-in-law. That woman has spunk! 

If you like a good political thriller that will keep you guessing, this is the book and the series for you! Sky Zone can be read as a stand alone novel, but there is an ongoing story line that I think you would enjoy reading from the beginning. The first book in the series is Fear Has A Name then it is followed by Poison Town. The back of the book doesn't mention a fourth book in the series, but I suspect there will be one. There are too many little threads hanging loose not to have another installment! I know that I will be eagerly waiting to read it.

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The Legend of SHEBA: Rise Of A Queen by Tosca Lee ~ Historical Fiction Review



Tosca Lee
Historical Fiction 

About The Book:

"A woman cannot rule like a man. No. 
We must be far more clever . . ."

Her name is legend. Her story, the epic of nations. 
The queen of Sheba.

There is the tale that is told: A desert queen journeyed 
north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king and 
his One God. The story of a queen conquered by a king 
before she returned to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you are meant to believe.

Which means most of it is a lie.

IT IS THE TENTH CENTURY BC. Sheba's king is dead and Bilqis, his exiled daughter, has gained the crown after a desperate overland march and battle for the capital. Now the new young queen must wage a cunning war to rule over the nobles who ushered her to the throne in their own bid for power.

Solomon, the brash king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world--or the riches of Sheba. With the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid to save her kingdom.

But neither ruler has anticipated the clash of agendas, gods, and passion that threatens to ignite--and ruin--them both. An explosive retelling of the story of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.





A mysterious beauty, a destiny set in the stars. Born under an inauspicious sign, young Ismeni is feared by her own people. The single thing she prays for: to live an invisible life. But that is not to be for the young woman who has captured the attention of the king’s youngest son. A story of love, passion, and twists of fate through the eyes of the woman who will one day give birth to the legendary Queen of Sheba.

This eShort prelude to The Legend of Sheba gives an intriguing bit of background that sets the stage for the opening of the book. You can download it for free on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

My Thoughts:

The biblical account of the queen of Sheba is short. It is located in I Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9. In these verses there are very few details about who she was and what surrounded her visit. In The Legend of Sheba Tosa Lee has used her vast amount of research and her brilliant storytelling abilities to fill in some of the gaps.

This book is a literary delight. It is both gritty and beautiful at the same time. If you have delicate sensibilities you may consider passing on this one. But if you aren't faint of heart, you should really enjoy the story. Remember that it is primarily about an ungodly group of people that worshiped multiple idols. During this time in history bloody sacrifices were made by both pagans and believers alike. Temple prostitutes and priests participated in immoral sexual practices and some of these rituals are portrayed. (I should add that Tosca doesn't sensationalize this part but does politely say what is happening.) 

If you stick with the story you will eventually come to the point where Solomon and Bilquis begin to exchange letters. Those exchanges are some of the best writing from Tosca's pen. I know it is fictional but I love the voice that she gave to king Solomon through these missives. She also does a brilliant job of intertwining some of Solomon's other writings into the storyline. 

Once again Tosca has used her amazing skill with words to pen a compelling tale about two legendary figures. The Legend of Sheba is bound to be another big hit to add to her growing list of titles.

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