Saturday, October 20, 2018

THIS COURAGEOUS JOURNEY

I love to read. Books are so very important to me. I discovered a group that reviews books by new and established authors. I have been a member for over a year and have enjoyed the privilege of reading books by Misty Beller.

I love this series. How can you not love Daniel and Noelle? Daniel is smart, quiet, strong and handsome. Noelle is dainty but has a strength that can get her through the toughest of times.

Daniel and Noelle can conquer any obstacle together. GOD was with them on their journey. He made sure they were safe from harm. With GOD anything was possible.

I received this free to review.

About the Book

Book Title: This Courageous Journey

Author: Misty Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 9, 2018

As the fifth daughter in a family of nine children, Noelle Grant has spent her life working to be unique. Her love of stories helps define her goal—to be known around the country as one of the top news correspondents of her time. And what better way to uncover sensational stories than to travel through the mountain wilderness to visit the brother she hasn’t seen in years? The trip comes together perfectly as she plans to journey with family friends who will be settling in the same area. Her first inkling that things may not be as perfect as planned comes in the form of the mountain man they hire as their guide for the final leg of the journey.

When Daniel Abrams agrees to guide the small group of easterners along his usual journey northward to the Canadian mountains, his gut tells him he’s making the wrong decision. But if he doesn’t take them, who will? The man in charge refuses to consider turning back. As they start out, Daniel can’t help but notice the woman traveling under the care of her friends. Though she appears too genteel to last long in these mountains, she soon reveals a strength that draws him more than he should allow.

As the dangers of this wilderness become more than the group bargained for, Noelle is faced with the choice to delay her journey northward or proceed alone with the man she’s come to trust against all reason. She never imagines her decision will place her—and the man she loves—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

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

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post from Misty

Ever Been Struck by Lightning?

One of the fun things about being a writer is the crazy topics I get to research. Without giving away too much of the story, part of my research for This Courageous Journey included uncovering what happens when lightning strikes a person. It turns out anything can happen!

Surprisingly, about nine out of ten people struck by lightning live to tell their story. Each person’s experience seems to be different—some are knocked unconscious, while others are horribly aware of everything happening. One person who was struck said it seemed as if time slowed to a crawl and a white haze surrounded him like a bubble, as excruciating pain shot through him.

People usually try to determine the path the lightning traveled through them, based on where burn marks appear on both skin and clothing, but sometimes that can be difficult if jewelry or coins were touching the body. Survivors might suffer a variety of short- and long-term effects, including—but not limited to—cardiac arrest, confusion, seizures, dizziness, muscle aches, deafness, headaches, memory deficits, distractibility, personality changes, and chronic pain, among others. That may sound like an awful list, but it does beat the alternative!

As I considered the possible effects of a lightning strike when I was writing This Courageous Journey, I was reminded once again how magnificent God’s creation is. Both the incredible power contained in one streak of lightning, and the beautiful inner workings of the bodies He created for us. As the Psalmist said, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 11

Among the Reads, October 11

Singing Librarian Books, October 11

The Power of Words, October 12

Multifarious, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 12

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13

Real World Bible Study, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 14

Life, Faith & Health, October 14

Joy of Reading, October 15

Mary Hake, October 15

Janices book reviews, October 15

Kat’s Corner Books, October 16

Livin Lit, October 16

KarenSueHadley, October 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool aacademy, October 17

Remembrancy, October 18

Carpe Diem, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

A Baker’s Perspective, October 20

Blossoms and Blessings, October 20

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 21

Wishful Endings, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Guest post Mindy Houng)

Inspiration Clothesline, October 23

proud to be an autism mom, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4cf/this-courageous-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 14, 2018

The next person you meet in heaven - Mitch Albom

A short but lovely story that should be on your must read list.

I can't resist books written by Mitch Albom. The story touches my heart and leaves me with thoughts to ponder.

Annie has much to learn. Eddie has much to share.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Travel. Adventures. Carrie aka Dell experienced it all. But at what cost?

I read this book not realizing that there was a Carrie Strahorn. I was fascinated by her journey and her dedication to her husband, Robert. I wanted to throttle him but she was patient and accepting. I would have left him but she was faithful and supportive. I wanted to scream but she was caring and calm.

I had a very difficult time relating to Carrie. I wanted her to speak up. I wanted her to take a stand. But I had to remember that the book is based in 1877 to 1920s. Women and their roles in marriage are vastly different than they are today.

Jane Kirkpatrick is a gifted writer. She can paint a picture with her words. I recommend this to others who love historical fiction. I am so glad I was able to read this.

I received this free to review.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

I love reading a story about women who work together, form friendships and support each other. Each woman in this book came together and made their dreams come true. There was no back stabbing. There was no jealousy.

I enjoyed the story of Annie and her struggles to fulfil her destiny. She never forgot her roots. She was thankful for her family....her friends. And most of all thankful for GOD and all of his blessings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Christmas Prayer

Short but sweet story about faith and the miracle of prayer.

This story is an example of a prayer being answered during the Christmas season. I loved the story and the message. GOD has a plan for Cynthia. She must learn to trust that everything will work out.

Wanda Brunstetter always writes wonderful stories that transport you to another place or time. This is no exception. I enjoy reading anything she writes.

I am reading this in September but it is getting me in the holiday spirit.

I received this free to review.

About the Book

Book Title: The Christmas Prayer

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Genre: Historical Christmas Romance

Release date: September, 2018

Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Guest Post from Wanda

A cross-country journey in 1850 leads to high mountain danger—and romance.

Find out in The Christmas Prayer from NY Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Try this Exclusive Bonus Recipe Found Inside the Book!

Cynthia’s Fried Apples

Instructions:

Without peeling, quarter as many tart apples as you would like. Lay apples close together, skin side down, in frying pan with salt pork fat or butter. Cover until well steamed then uncover and brown both sides, turning and watching closely to prevent burning.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, September 18

The Avid Reader, September 18

The Power of Words, September 18

Lighthouse Academy, September 18

Just Commonly, September 19

Carpe Diem, September 19

A Baker’s Perspective, September 19

Blossoms and Blessings, September 20

Britt Reads Fiction, September 20

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, September 20

Connie’s History Classroom, September 21

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 21

Not Enough Time for Books, September 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 22

Lis Loves Reading, September 22

Literary Reflections Book Blog, September 22

Babs Book Bistro, September 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 23

Janices book reviews, September 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 24

Mary Hake, September 24

Two Points of Interest, September 24

Inspiration Clothesline, September 25

Inklings and notions, September 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25

Fiction, Faith, and Fun, September 26

Girls in White Dresses, September 26

Book by Book, September 26

Splashes of Joy, September 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27

The Morning Chapter, September 27

The Mimosa Blossom, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 28

Have A Wonderful Day, September 28

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, September 29

To Everything A Season, September 29

Cafinated Reads, September 29

Bibliophile Reviews, September 29

Quiet Quilter, September 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 30

proud to be an autism mom, September 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of The Christmas Prayer with an autographed book plate inside!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d297/the-christmas-prayer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 16, 2018

This is the Day

I knew Tim Tebow was a football player. I knew he was a Christian. But I didn't know Tim, the man. He allowed me to get to know him while I read this treasure of a book.

I found myself moved by his words. He touched my heart. This is a book that can make a change in many people's lives. THIS IS THE DAY. Four simple words but when together can make a huge impact.

Thank you, Tim. I will take the message of this book with me. I will make each day count. I will treasure what each day brings.

I received this free to review.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

The First Love

Do you remember your first love? Good or Bad experience? Did it change the course of your life? Maggie is the main character in this book by Beverly Lewis. She had a first love.

I loved Maggie's continued faith that GOD had a plan. It might not be in her timing. She was patient. Constant prayer and reading the Bible got her through her most difficult days. for

I enjoyed the story and loved reading about Maggie, her family and her love of GOD.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

The Patriot Bride

I loved everything about this book: the time period, the characters, etc. I have always enjoyed learning and reading about the Revolutionary War period.

Faith had courage and gumption. She was a strong female. She wasn't a weak female who waited for a man to save her.

Matthew was a man of integrity. He was the whole package. Swoon!

Great story. I really loved that Ben Franklin and George Washington were a part of this wonderful story.

I highly recommend reading this series "The Daughters of the Mayflower".

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement

This might not be something I would normally pick up. I read numerous books but this one intrigued me. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.

I have always believed that GOD has given me a gift of understanding and empathy. I landed up in a job that I didn't plan on but GOD knew it was the one I was destined to have. I worked 28 years as a juvenile probation officer in an inner city.

I retired six years ago from this emotionally exhausting job. I can reflect back and know that I was in the right position. I always prayed to have the right words and being able to say them at the right time. GOD was with me every step of the way.

Occasionally I have heard back from some of my clients. They thanked me and have given me assurance that I accomplished what I set out to do. GOD gave me the words. He gave me the tools. I was his servant...administering the way I could to my clients and their parents.

I appreciated this book and felt that Debbie Kitterman gave me a gift.

I received this free to review.

About the Book

Book Title: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement

Author: Debbie Kitterman

Genre: Non-fiction, spiritual growth, charasmatic

Release date: August 21, 2018

Deepen your relationship with God and embrace a life of encouragement by sharing God’s words with others.

When people think of prophecy, they often think of individuals in the Old Testament or certain personality-driven ministries today. They may think more about the prophet than the message.

But Jesus showed us God’s intention for prophecy by living in two-way communication with the Father and by embracing a lifestyle of encouraging others, changing lives in the process. We can do the same.

Clearing away the confusion about the prophetic gift today, pastor and ministry leader Debbie Kitterman reveals the good news about the gift of prophecy in this practical, powerful book: We are all prophetic because we all have direct access to God. Prophecy is an ordinary part of the Christian life. In fact, it is God’s way for us to encourage and strengthen the Body of Christ.

So open your ears to hear God and break out of your comfort zone to deliver His messages to those who need them most. Act now—His words can’t wait!

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Debbie Kitterman is an author, a speaker, and the founder of Dare 2 Hear, a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at www.debbiekitterman.com.

Guest Post from Debbie

If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer never wavered. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a wife, a mother, and a writer. As a young elementary age girl, I always had my head in the clouds dreaming up different stories. In fact, every Sunday afternoon after church I would be found with my notebook writing creative short stories and poetry while pretending to watch old westerns or kung-fu movies with my dad.

I always dreamed I would write historical fiction stories with a splash of romance thrown in. I love historical fiction and it blends the two subjects in school that I loved, history and creative writing. However, through life’s circumstances and disappointments in college, I gave up on the writing dream. I let the dreams of one day being a writer slip away. I figured it must have been a little girl dream so I set it aside and moved forward through life.

However, when God has a plan, there is no running from Him. I felt a stirring in my heart to write again after taking a trip to Wyoming and meeting a well-known fiction author. I came home from that trip and started writing only to hit a wall … the dreaded writers block and an uncertainty of what to do. Then the busyness of life took over and I again shelved the dream of writing.

God let me go only so far, and then He began to stir me again. This time, He had other people confirm that yes, indeed it was time I stop running and start writing. I love how God is relentless and patient all at the same time. Never in a million years did I think that I would be an author of non-fiction books. The book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others,” shares my journey of faith leading me to a deeper relationship with God. God not only longs to have His children speak to Him, but He longs to speak to us. Real relationships entail two-way conversation.

God longs for His people to use all the gifts He has given them. This gift of prophetic encouragement is for everyone. It is simply sharing Holy Spirit-inspired words of edification, exhortation, and comfort to people as we go about our day-to-day life. Every Christ follower needs to follow the example of Jesus and operate in this profoundly encouraging gift. The Gift of prophetic encouragement breathes life, love and hope into the dry places of our lives.

I invite you to join me on an adventure as we go deeper in our relationships with Jesus and discover how God will use us as a gift of encouragement.

May we all rise to the challenge and dare to hear God today, so we can be a gift of encouragement to others.

Blessings,

Debbie Kitterman

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 30

Artistic Nobody, August 31

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 1

Mary Hake, September 2

Reading is my Super Power, September 2 (Interview)

proud to be an autism mom, September 3

Texas Book-aholic, September 4

Genesis 5020, September 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Just the Write Escape, September 6

Janices book reviews, September 7

Bibliophile Reviews, September 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 9

Carpe Diem, September 10

A Baker’s Perspective, September 11

Bigreadersite, September 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon card plus a book and an INTENT bracelet inscribed with the words, “Be the Gift”, access to online training

1st place: An INTENT bracelet with the words “Be the Gift” plus book plus access to on line training

2nd place: Book plus access to on line training!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d19f/the-gift-of-prophetic-encouragement-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Dance with Jesus

A book that addresses the pain and grief we feel when we lose a loved one.

Susan B. Mead reminds us that they are not lost. We know where they are. They are Dancing With Jesus.

The questions at the end of each chapter are helpful and thought provoking. This would be a treasured gift for someone who is going through grief. Each Bible verse can bring comfort and a reminder that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

John 1 1:25-26 NIV

I am comforted thinking my loved ones are Dancing with Jesus. How could you not smile and be comforted with this image.

I received this free to review.

About the Book

Book Title: Dance with Jesus

Author: Susan B. Mead

Genre: Non-fiction: Christian life, Bereavement, Grief

Release date: March 31, 2015

Grief hits each one of us and can come from so many different directions…

HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU? A brother, sister, parent, grandparent, family member, friend or a child? A relationship? A body part to cancer or an accident? Do you want to experience the joy of moving from broken to blessed? From GRIEF TO GRACE? Do you want God to take your hand and teach you to dance…with Jesus? Yes?

Then devour the words of Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace! Expect to laugh through the tears and experience a deepening of your faith.

Are you looking for a free mini-course to deepen your faith? Text DanceWithJesus (all one word) to 444-999, then reply with your email to receive 6 days of Biblical encouragement.

10% of the profit from Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

A master storyteller and award-winning, bestselling author, Susan B. Mead leaves audiences motivated to live a life free of regrets even though she has done the hardest thing any parent can do – bury her youngest son, Kyle. With over 22 years in corporate America, 2 million airline miles under her belt, 1 eLit Book Award Gold Medal and 2 Christian Literary Awards on the shelf, an MBA and a Certificate of Ordination hanging on the wall, as well as a Doctor of Theology candidacy in process, Susan shares her expert teachings on business, grief, spiritual warfare and relationships.

Susan has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world.Whether speaking to business professionals, women’s conferences, industry leaders or writer’s workshops, Susan’s insightful wisdom inspires audiences, empowering them to make healthy mental u-turns to help them find calm in the chaos.

Guest Post from Susan B. Mead

Why did I write, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace?” Such a funny story how that happened. I was in the midst of a Bible study by Henry Blackaby called, “Experiencing God” and one night a question asked, “What does God want you to do right now? Right now?”

I heard, sing my love song, and I laughed out loud and said, “Seriously, God, you’re going to have to send me a bucket because I can’t carry a tune, and you know that.”

Then that gentle spirit inside whispered, what’s in your hand? There was a pen in my hand because I was writing in a workbook. I swept the workbook away, got a journal out, put pen to paper, and the story simply flowed onto paper. At 5:30 a.m., I put the pen down and thought well that took more than the two lines provided (in the workbook).

The very first email I read later that day was from Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks, Speakers and Writers Conference. Writers conference, I thought? Seriously God, you want me to do something with this? Okay, and the story began.

That’s how I wrote the book, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace.”

And to think from that humble beginning, Dance With Jesus won TWO 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards from Christian Literary Awards. I stand in awe of our mighty God. When we turn to Him, God holds us close as He comforts and heals us, His children, simply because He loves us.

Lysa TerKeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministries President and New York Times Bestselling Author, shared, “Susan has personally experienced one of the deepest forms of grief. Yet she writes this treasure of a book from her point of grace not grief. I plan to give this book to any of my friends that find themselves crying and needing someone who deeply understands.”

May I ask you to give Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace as a gift to any friend who has lost a loved one or to yourself, if you too have loved and lost.