Katie's Discovery By June Belfie GIVEAWAY!

Katie Zook, the youngest of three sisters, does not seem like herself. What is causing the sweet, cheerful Amish beauty to be despondent? Is her weight loss intentional or the result of something more serious? Josiah Stoltz, a family friend, returns from the city where he's been earning money to buy his own farm. Katie finds herself enamored of the young farmer and hopes the feeling is mutual. Everything changes when a friend from his past places Josiah in danger. Katie, as well as her Amish community, find themselves in the midst of his problems. Will Josiah be shunned for his actions? Will it ruin Katie's hopes for a relationship with him?

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Katies-Discovery-Sisters-Lancaster-County/dp/148201694X/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1385739715&sr=8-1&keywords=Katies+Discovery

 

 

June Belfie is addicted to writing. Rarely does a day go by without Ms. Belfie spending time on her exciting new career.

A music major in school, she later turned to oil painting and sold many at her Inn in the Poconos, where she and her husband Jim spent eleven exciting years creating a get-away haven for weary New Yorkers and Philadelphians, as well as travelers from all walks of life. Ms. Belfie recently published her memoir about inn-keeping called, "Inn Sane," available now as an ebook or in paper.

"All About Grace" is a novel about a young law student who finds herself in turmoil over a major decision, which turns her life upside down. This is a Christian novel based on major social issues.

Ms. Belfie also writes Amish and inspirational fiction. The three-book series called, "The Zook Sisters of Lancaster County" has been on Amazon's 100 best ebook list for several months.

June Belfie's latest book is a continuation of the heartfelt Amish stories of Lancaster County. It is called, "Waiting for Belinda," Book One of "The Zooks Revisited." Belinda lives in Ohio, but due to her wayward behavior, ends up living with a family member in Pennsylvania. She is torn between the Amish lifestyle and that of her English friends.

Five e-book novels are available now through Desert Breeze Publishers. "A Long Way to Go" is a popular Christian novel about the 1843 expedition across the Oregon Trail. In October of 2013 it will become available in paper also. In February of 2014, two other titles will be published in paper as well. "Moving On," and "A Special Blessing for Sara."

"The Landlord" and "The Inn Game" are light romantic reads, available in ebook form.

Raising five children (all productive members of society - so far!) she's now enjoying the fruits of her labor - in the form of eight grandkids!

"God's been so good to me. I want to share His impact on my life with others. Every book has a message - some obvious - some more subtle."

June writes as if she herself is Amish. Her characters are so real and easy to relate to. This is one of the Amish fiction books that you just don't want to put down.

You will want to read this Series in order so that you can keep up with who everyone is. I recommend the whole series.

June knows her Amish history, it is not a bunch of unrealistic writing like a whole lot of the Amish fiction writers these days.

The Zook Sisters of Lancaster County is not a series to be missed.

I gave this book 5 stars. I recommend this book as well as the whole series.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

A Marriage in Middlebury By Anita Higman

Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Middlebury-Anita-Higman/dp/1426733879/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382589105&sr=1-1&keywords=a+marriage+in+middlebury

 

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-five books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen. To contact Anita or enter her monthly contest for a free signed book please visit her website at www.anitahigman.com.

 

Oh How I love Anita's writing, I could not wait to get my hands on this book. It was everything I expected and then some.

I fell in love with Charlotte, she is the best friend we all wish we had. This book is full of great characters you are sure to fall in love with them all.

This is a book that I can see on the big screen. Once I opened this book I could not put it down.

Does true love always prevail? You have to pick up a copy of this 5 star book to see if it all turns out as it should.

I pray that this is a series. I want to hear more about the characters in this book.

I highly recommend this book. 5 stars two times in my opinion.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Under a Blackberry Moon By Serena Miller GIVEAWAY!

Just a few days after she gives birth alone in the Northwoods, a recently widowed young Chippewa woman stumbles into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge and sustenance. Come summer, the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany Moon Song and her baby on the long and treacherous journey back to her people. But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until the tough questions must be asked. Will she leave her culture to enter his? Will he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?

With evocative descriptions of a breathtaking landscape, Under a Blackberry Moon will sweep readers into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive, even as the sweet love story along the way tightly grips their hearts.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Under-Blackberry-Moon-A-Novel/dp/0800721187/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

This book is a sequel to Katie Calloway, which by the way I did not read. It reads very well as a stand alone.

A refreshing book about different people and how you can value others who are different from you.

I really enjoyed the surprise at the end. You will enjoy this read as well I am sure.

A very well told story.

I gave this book 4.5 stars and recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

A Christmas at Harmony Hill By Ann Gabhart GIVEAWAY!

It is 1864 and the nation is still torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. She has been working as a laundress with her husband's army unit, but when the army gets orders to march south to Tennessee, Gideon insists Heather go home to have their child under safer conditions. Heather agrees, but returns home to another kind of devastation--deaths in the family and a father who refuses to forgive her for marrying a Yankee. With nowhere else to turn, Heather seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, where her great aunt Sophrena lives. There, after many peaceful years at Harmony Hill, Sophrena is having doubts about her Shaker path. Both women are in need of love and forgiveness--whether given or received. With Christmas coming, can the miracle of new life fill their hearts with unexpected joy?

Ann H. Gabhart's many fans will be thrilled to return to Harmony Hill at Christmastime for this stirring story of healing and hope.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Harmony-Hill-Shaker-Story/dp/0800719824/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?ie=UTF8&qid=1385300173&sr=8-1&keywords=christmas+at+harmony+hill

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She's published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com.

If you like me are a fan of Ann's Shaker Stories then you are going to love this one.

I was so excited to go back to Harmony Hill.

Faith, Love and Hope are sprinkled though out this book. You don't want to miss this Christmas Novella.

If you have not yet read one of Ann's Shaker books then this is the very one to start with. This is a must read this Christmas season.

I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

A Simple Christmas Wish By Melody Carlson GIVEAWAY!

Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly's parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly's only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece's guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.

Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Christmas-Wish-Melody-Carlson/dp/0800719654/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385084961&sr=1-1&keywords=a+simple+christmas+wish

Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com

I have read all of Melody's Christmas books so I could not wait for this one.

In my opinion this is by far the best, not sure if it is because Amish books are my favorite or if it has the best ending. I could not put this book down I loved little Holly to death and her Aunt Rachel was the greatest.

You do not want to miss this fantastic Christmas book.

I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Stones for Bread By Christa Parrish GIVEAWAY!

A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.

Liesl McNamara’s life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.

But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits Liesl’s recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour—a single father with strange culinary habits—seems determined to win Liesl’s affection.

When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family’s past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.

Filled with both spiritual and literal nourishment, Stones for Bread provides a feast for the senses from award-winning author Christa Parrish.

 

Pick up you copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Stones-Bread-Christa-Parrish/dp/1401689019/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1384876559&sr=1-1

This was the first book that I have ever read by Christa, so I did not know what to expect.

I had a very hard time getting into this book. I had a very hard time connecting to the characters in the story especially the main character.

I did however finally get into the story somewhere around the middle of the book. I also really enjoyed all of the recipes and I can't wait to get in the kitchen and try some of them out.

I have to say that I gave this book 3.5 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Green Fever By Wanda Brunstetter GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to Holmes County, Ohio, where twins Mattie and Mark Miller get a case of Green Fever. When their out-of-control jealousy begins to cause big trouble at every turn, will these energetic nine-year-olds learn the value of contentment before it’s too late? You’ll fall in love with the fourth release in the Double Trouble series from bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Double Trouble Series:
Book 1 - What a Pair!
Book 2 - Bumpy Ride Ahead
Book 3 - Bubble Troubles
Book 4 - Green Fever

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Fever-Wanda-E-Brunstetter/dp/162416286X/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384999768&sr=1-1&keywords=green+fever

 

 

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

 

Green Fever is book number four in the Double Trouble series.

These books are cute reads for the young and the old alike.

The stories are set in Holmes County Ohio and are about  Mattie and Mark two sweet Amish kids.

This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift for the little ones in your life.

I highly recommend this book as well as the other three in this series.

This is a 5 star book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review

Aloha Rose By Lisa Carter GIVEAWAY!

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Aloha-Rose-Quilts-Lisa-Carter/dp/1426752733/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384813633&sr=1-1&keywords=aloha+rose

Lisa Carter was always the child who made up epic tales involving prairie schooners or interplanetary voyages for the neighborhood kids to re-enact during summer vacation. Now as a speaker, vocalist, teacher and writer, Lisa shares her own journey of faith regarding God's sufficiency for every need.

As a Southern romantic suspense writer--Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder--she has definite opinions on serious issues like barbeque, ACC basketball and the whole Pepsi vs. Coke controversy. Carolina Reckoning, her debut novel, released August 2013.

She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in North Carolina. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales such as the Big Island, Hawaii--the setting for her next novel, Aloha Rose, releasing November 2013. She also enjoys quilting and researching her next exotic adventure.

If you have not read any of the Quilts of Love series books yet this may be the one you want to start with.

 Author Lisa Carter's books have characters that will capture your attention and grab a hold of your heart and not let go until long after you have read the last page.

I really enjoyed this book, it is very refreshing. This is a book to keep on your shelf and reread and a book that will make a great gift for that book lover in your life.

I was captured from page one and I recommend this book.

I gave this book 4 stars.

I was given a copy of the book by Wynn-Wynn Media for my honest review.

Related by Chance, Family by Choice By Deb DeArmond Giveaway!

The caricatures are everywhere, the jokes are inexhaustible, and the stereotypes fill the screens. From Marie Barone (Everyone Loves Raymond) to Viola Fields (Monster-in-Law) to Internet sites and social media pages like ihatemyinlaws.com and a Facebook page for ihatemymotherinlaw there is no shortage of examples of the caustic relationships that can develop between the two women in a man’s life.

Deb DeArmond and her three daughters-in-law have conducted their own exhaustive research into the status of the women-in-law relationship. Their research, which incorporated online surveys, interviews, and discussions, included asking about the faith factor in the relationships they studied. Of the respondents, nearly 90 percent claimed they were Christians, and 79 percent said their faith was foundational and guided their actions and decisions. As discouraging as it may be, the numbers of those they surveyed who reported that their women-in-law relationships were “bad” were nearly identical to those in a survey conducted by a popular secular website that recorded no statistics on faith.

Beyond the statistics and their analysis, Deb brings to this book more than thirty years working with adults to improve communications and deal constructively with conflict. Aside from her research and her professional expertise, perhaps the most important asset Deb brings to this work is her own relationship with her three daughters-in-law that is so obviously and unusually positive that she—and they—are often asked to explain the secret of the relationships they share.

This practical and unapologetically scriptural book covers issues of personal perceptions, strained communication, the roles of sons and fathers in the relationship’s success, how to begin these relationships on the right foot, and the necessity of trust and love. Deb’s one motivating objective is to help womenin- law move from women who are simply related to strong and confident members of a truly spiritual family.

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Related-Chance-Family-Mother--Daughter-/dp/0825443253/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1384735230&sr=8-1&keywords=related+by+chance+family+by+choice

 

Kregel Publications released Deb's first book, entitled Related by Chance, Family by Choice, in November of this year. It is the story of two women who love the same man: mothers and the girls who marry their sons. Mother-in-law / daughter-in-law relationships can be good. We just have to understand our roles and set our hearts on doing things God's way. The book provides practical tools and guidelines to make these relationships as good and God honoring as they can possibly be.

One of Deb's passions is not only her own family, but the relationships within families as well. From marriage to parenting to in-laws and more, Deb's years in helping others develop communication and conflict resolution skills support the message God has tasked her with sharing both in print and when speaking.

Deb is wife to her high school sweetheart, Ron, who showed her the path to become a Christ follower 38 years ago. Mom to three incredible sons. Gigi to three perfect grandboys. But Jesus is her favorite, and the guys have learned to live with it. She is a transplanted Californian who has been a proud Texan for 9 years and she loves the Lone Star state! Deb and her husband, Ron, live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Deb is an entrepreneur, and has owned her own leadership training and executive coaching practice for 15 years. She is an experienced speaker and most recently, an author. She is a featured writer for several online magazines and print articles with work appearing in WHOA Magazine and Dallas Family Magazine.

Optimistically mid-life, Deb is excited about the next stage of life and what God has for her now. She longs to see experienced women find their passion and place in the body of Christ, show up and finish strong. Deb is co-founder of My Purpose Now an online community for Christian women 50+ where the tag line is "We may be done, but we're not finished!"

Deb would love to connect with you and speak for your women's group or retreat. You can learn more about Deb, her book, and her speaking schedule by contacting her at www.debdearmond.com

I have not been blessed with a mother-in-law in many years but some day the Lord will send me his best mother-in-law for me and I will be so happy that I read this book.

It is a very informative read. I recommend this book to every mother of a grown son and every women that is planning on marrying a man with a wonderful mom.

I love the godly insight in this book, wonderful sound advice.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Plain Peace By Beth Wiseman

Anna loves the grandfather who raised her, but his strict adherence to the Ordnung is scaring away any boy who might be interested in her—except newcomer Jacob.

In normal circumstances Anna Byler would have her choice of any of the young men in her Amish community. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather, the bishop, the available suitors are afraid to court her. Then handsome Jacob Hostetler moves to Paradise and decides Anna is worth the challenge.

Anna sees that the bishop’s legalism is dividing the community and risking the lives of its members—but her grandfather doesn’t. When she is forced to deception in order to pursue her dream of marriage and family with Jacob, Anna feels her own faith slipping. If only she could get her grandmother to help her stand up to the bishop. But Mammi is keeping secrets of her own.

Anna wants to honor her grandparents, the two most important people in her life, but her heart is  divided by the rules that guide their little Amish community and the growing love she has for Jacob. How can she be true to both?

 

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Peace-Daughters-Promise-Novel/dp/1401685943/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1384031276&sr=1-1

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was a recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013, three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, INSPY Award winner, and recipient of the coveted HOLT Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2015, and she has completed twelve novels and seven novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary--Need You Now--released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her latest non-Amish contemporary--The House that Love Built--which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed.

In a daring new novel, Beth jumps way outside the box. The story she is currently working on will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she's been working toward for a long time. Expect more information on this exciting novel soon!

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas with two dogs, two cats, four goats, two potbellied pigs, and a dozen chickens. When she's not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers or visit bethwiseman.com to learn more about Beth and her books.

Oh the Simple life...

What a great story of faith. This was a good Amish story with great characters. You can really get into the story and forget all about the world around you. If you have not read the Daughters of Promise series yet, you are missing out.

Beth write about real life her books are about situations that people endure in real life.

This was a 4 star book and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

To Know You By Shannon Ethrigde and Kathryn Mackel GIVEAWAY!

Julia Whittaker’s rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants. Now she must find them to try to save her son.

Julia and Matt Whittaker’s son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds—and his liver—crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a “living liver” transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon’s time is short. His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival.

But can Julia ask a young woman—someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with—to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she’s never known? Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?

And what if she discovers in her own daughters’ lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Julia knows she’s probably embarking on a fool’s errand—searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compels Julia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her?

In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present . . . and how even the most shattered lives can be redeemed.

 

Pick up a copy here

http://www.amazon.com/To-Know-You-Shannon-Ethridge/dp/1401688667/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1382389470&sr=1-1

Shannon is a million-copy best-selling author, speaker, lay counselor, and advocate for healthy sexuality with a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She has spoken to youth, college students, and adults since 1989 and her passions include: Challenging adults and teens to embrace a life of sexual integrity, encouraging married couples in their pursuit of sexual and emotional fulfillment, counseling women who have looked for love in all the wrong places and equipping parents to instill sexual values in children at an early age.

Her passion for healthy sexuality actually began in mortuary college. Her first career choice, becoming a mortician, led Ethridge to work on dead bodies. Many she embalmed were young people who had died from AIDS or committed suicide as a result an HIV positive diagnosis. Because of her own promiscuous teenage years, she knew it was a miracle that she was standing over the embalming table rather than laying on top of it. These experiences inspired her to begin speaking boldly and bluntly to teen, college-age, and adult audiences about the benefits of sexual integrity. She has taught and counseled thousands of young singles and married couples over the past decade. She is the author of 18 books, including the best-selling Every Woman's Battle series, the 5-book Completely His series, and her new book for the mainstream market, The Sexually Confident Wife.

Shannon has been featured on the cover of Today's Christian Woman Magazinee, and is a frequent guest on international radio & television shows such as The 700 Club, Life Today with James & Betty Robison, FamilyLife Today with Dennis Rainey, and New Life Live! with Stephen Arterburn. She has also been published in numerous magazines such as Focus on the Family, Brio, and LifeWay and is the winner of a Gold Medallion Award for Excellence in Publishing.

Although grateful for the opportunities to influence this generation as a writer and speaker, Shannon remains most passionate about her role as a wife and best friend to her husband of 18 years, Greg, and a mother and cheerleader to their two children, Erin (17) and Matthew (14).

Shannon Ethridge, M.A.
Author and Advocate for Healthy Sexuality & Spirituality
www.sexuallyconfidentwife.com
www.shannonethridge.com

This was a first for me I have never read anything by Shannon before. I had heard of her in the literary world but not read her work before this book. I was very surprised by her talent. I really enjoyed this book.

It touches on a lot of issues all at once which was great. It held my attention and kept me wanting more. A very captivating book about healing.  Very well written story of hope, healing and life!

It was a real page turner. I enjoyed it up until the very last page.

I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.  

.

A Confident Heart Devotional By Renee Swope GIVEAWAY!

Built on the hope-infusing truths found in the 2012 Retailer's Choice Winner, A Confident Heart, Renee Swope's new 60-day devotional takes women on a journey toward lasting confidence. Swope has expanded her popular "When I say--God says" statements and Scriptures, and offers women a daily thought-map to help them exchange their most common and crippling self-doubts with God's transforming truths.

Like having a conversation with a friend and mentor, Renee's authentic style and soul-stirring devotions include personal stories, powerful biblical teaching, and real-life application wrapped around one of God's promises each day to help readers:

•live confidently in their God-given roles, relationships and responsibilities
•break free from people-pleasing and performance-based living
•believe God's promises and apply his truth in their daily lives
•trust the certainty of God's truth over their circumstances and emotions

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Confident-Heart-Devotional-Doubting-Yourself/dp/0800722434/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384031614&sr=1-1&keywords=a+confident+heart+devotional

Renee Swope is a national women's conference speaker and co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries' international radio program where she connects daily with thousands of women from all ages and stages of life. Like having coffee with a friend and mentor, Renee's authentic style and soul-stirring messages draw women closer to the heart of God and each other.

Through her written and spoken words, Renee shares from a heart that has been transformed by the power of God's love and grace. Weaving in personal stories and spiritual life lessons, Renee's topics speak to the challenges women face, the heartaches and joys they share. Sprinkled with humor and saturated with Truth, Renee's messages are filled with Biblical insights that are powerful and life-applications that are practical as she seeks to help women:

Identify paralyzing self-doubts and replace them with transforming truths

Discern God's voice and recognize His direction in their daily decisions

Let go of past pain and take hold of their promised identity and security in Christ
Turn worry into worship by shifting their focus from "what if" towards "what is"

Transform fear-filled thinking into faith-filled believing by actively trusting God's promises in their everyday lives and relationships

Renee lives with her family in North Carolina where she also serves as an Executive Director with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is a writer for Encouragement for Today devotions and a contributing author to God's Purpose for Every Woman, Leading Women to the Heart of God and The Reason We Speak.

Invite Renee to speak at your next women's event! Your audience will be challenged as women and encouraged as children of God!

This is one of those books where you are not the same after you read it. I have to tell you this is a MUST read book! Every women I know needs to read this book.

I don't know what else to say about this book, besides, it's a life changing book that I hope and pray everyone goes out and gets a copy of.

This is a book that you will be happy to give to the women in your life for Christmas this year.

I gave this book 5 stars two times and I highly Recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thirty Days to Glory By Kathy Nickerson GIVEAWAY!

Catherine Benson longs to do one great thing before she dies and Elmer Grigsby hopes to stay seriously drunk until he slips out of the world unnoticed. Against a Christmas backdrop, Catherine searches for purpose while fighting the infirmities of age and the best intentions of her children. She gains support in the battle from her faithful housekeeper and her quirky friends known as the Glory Circle Sisters. Elmer isn’t supported by anyone, except maybe his cat. When he opens the last whiskey bottle of the month, he knows it is time to shuffle down to the post office and pick up his government check. Somewhere in his fog, Elmer knows he was once a better man. That is why he stays in the fog. When their destinies intersect one Tuesday in December, they both discover it is only Thirty Days to Glory.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Days-Glory-Kathy-Nickerson/dp/1936501198/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383791384&sr=1-1&keywords=thirty+days+to+glory

Kathy Nickerson writes from her home in rural Missouri, where she lives with her husband of nearly forty years. They are the parents of four children who grew up to become their best friends and who have given them thirteen grandchildren, so far.

Kathy's writing credits include magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Angels on Earth, Focus on the Family, Proto, and Kyria.com. Some of her stories have also been published in collected works by Bethany House and Guideposts Books. Her novel, Thirty Days to Glory, will be released by CrossRiver Media in October 2013.

The power of prayer is a big part of this book. Having a great relationship with the Lord is also part of this book.

You are sure to enjoy this book in this season. It was a very good story about friendship, this would make a great Christmas gift for you to give to your friend this year.

What a good book about life.

Make sure to pick up your copy and share a copy with someone.

I gave this book 4 stars, and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

A God for all Seasons By Patti Tingen GIVEAWAY!

 As nature's seasons change, so too do the seasons of our soul. But God's love never changes. He is with us through every season of our lives. Join author Patti Tingen in a year of exploration as she reflects on her own spiritual journey, and provides hope and encouragement for yours - month by month, season by season. Find reassurance and pause for reflection in the inspirational readings for each month of the year.

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/GOD-FOR-ALL-SEASONS-Inspiration/dp/1621417700/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_I

Patti serves at her church and has been involved in various ministries including prayer and teaching.

Patti lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her husband Doug and their cat Braveheart.

Patti wrote this book for us to reflect on the four seasons and really take a look around us and that God for all of it.

It was a very good book and I think you may be blessed as you read and reflect on everything around you.

I would suggest reading a story each month and just reflecting on the story each morning, It just may be an encouragement to you each day.

This book would make a nice gift as well.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Amanda Weds a Good Man By Naomi King

The Amish community of Cedar Creek is celebrating a wedding! When Amanda Lambright, widowed with three daughters, marries Wyman Brubaker, a widower with five children, she envisions joining their two households into one big happy family. But it isn’t quite that easy....
Amanda Lambright loves Wyman Brubaker, and after four years as a single mother, she is grateful for his support and for this new chance at happiness as his wife. She’s confident that their children will get along just fine. But once Amanda’s clan moves into Wyman’s home, the tight quarters and Wyman’s reluctance to make changes to accommodate Amanda cause friction. The older kids are squabbling. The little ones are frequently in tears. Tiny Alice Ann isn’t speaking at all. Amanda and Wyman can’t find any privacy. And Amanda wonders if she’ll ever have a chance to pursue the pottery making that means so much to her.

Amanda believes that family lies at the center of any well-lived Amish life. Can she find the wisdom to guide the reluctant members of her new extended family toward the love that will bind them together?

 

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Weds-Good-Man-Family/dp/0451417879/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383438513&sr=1-1&keywords=amanda+weds+a+good+man

 

A longtime resident of Jamesport, MO, home of the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, Naomi King now lives in Minnesota with her husband and border collie. She is the author of other novels set in the Amish community of Cedar Creek: Abby Finds Her Calling and Rosemary Opens Her Heart.

 

You sure don't want to miss book One in One Big Happy Family series Amanda Weds a Good Man. Naomi King also known as  Charlotte Hubbard is the new voice in Amish fiction that you do not want to pass by. Her books are much better then Beverly Lewis'. You can not put her books down once  you start reading them.

This book touched my heart so much, I am still thinking about it long after I finished the last page.

I loved Amanda and felt this was such a fantastic story.

I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

The Four Doors By Richard Paul Evans

selling novelist Richard Paul Evans has met hundreds of thousands of people and heard many of their stories in his travels over the past two decades. Most of the people he meets are hungry for inspiration; they love his novels because his characters are also searching for meaning and understanding.

The Four Doors is Evans’s message to those who seek inspiration in their lives. It began as a talk he gave on the spur of the moment, and over the course of ten years, it has evolved into a message he has shared with successful business people, students, and even addicts and prisoners. It includes stories his readers have told him, stories about great achievers who overcame hardships, and stories about his own struggle growing up in a large family with financial difficulties and a suicidal mother, and about his diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome later in life. These inspiring stories are woven through his identification and careful explanation of the four doors to a more fulfilling life:

BELIEVE THERE’S A REASON YOU WERE BORN

FREE YOURSELF FROM LIMITATION

MAGNIFY YOUR LIFE

DEVELOP A LOVE-CENTERED MAP

Evans believes that we all want to know the meaning of our lives. In The Four Doors, he shows how even the most quiet life can be full of purpose and joy, if we choose to take that first step over the threshold.

 

Pick up your copy here... You will be so glad that you did

http://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Doors-Freedom-Meaningful/dp/1476728178/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?ie=UTF8&qid=1383439569&sr=8-1&keywords=the+four+doors+by+richard+paul+evans

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author.

Officially, he was an advertising executive, an award-winning clay animator for the American and Japanese markets, candidate for state legislature and most importantly, husband and father. The Christmas Box was written as an expression of love for his (then) two daughters. Though he often told them how much he loved them, he wanted to express his love in a way that would be timeless. In 1993, Evans reproduced 20 copies of the final story and gave them to his closest relatives and friends as Christmas presents. In the month following, those 20 copies were passed around more than 160 times, and soon word spread so widely that bookstores began calling his home with orders for it.

His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. The Emmy award-winning CBS television movie based on The Christmas Box starred Maureen O'Hara and Richard Thomas. Two more of Evans's books were produced by Hallmark and starred such well-known actors as James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave, Naomi Watts, Mary McDonough and Academy award winner Ellen Burstyn. He has since written 10 consecutive New York Times bestsellers and is one of the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won three awards for his children's books including the 1998 American Mothers book award and two first place Storytelling World awards. Evans's latest book, The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth, is now available.

Of his success, Evans says: "The material achievements of The Christmas Box will never convey its true success, the lives it has changed, the families brought closer together, the mothers and fathers who suddenly understand the pricelessness of their children's fleeting childhood. I share the message of this book with you in hopes that in some way, you might be, as I was, enlightened."

During the Spring of 1997, Evans founded The Christmas Box House International, an organization devoted to building shelters and providing services for abused and neglected children. Such shelters are operational in Moab, Vernal, Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah and Lucre, Peru. To date, more than 16,000 children have been housed in Christmas Box House facilities.

As an acclaimed speaker, Evans has shared the podium with such notable personalities as President George W. Bush, President George and Barbara Bush, former British Prime Minister John Majors, Ron Howard, Elizabeth Dole, Deepak Chopra, Steve Allen, and Bob Hope. Evans has been featured on the Today show and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Time, Newsweek, People, The New York Times, Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, TV Guide, Reader's Digest, and Family Circle. Evans lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children.

I have to say this book needs to be read by everyone.

I own and have read every book Richard has written, but this nonfiction book is one you that I call A MUST HAVE.

I true gift from Richard to all of his readers.

This book is a treasure you will cherish always.

I would recommend that you pick up an extra copy of this one as a gift to someone that you truly love.

I wish that I could buy a copy for all my faithful blog followers.

There are not enough stars for this book, 5 is just not enough and five stars two times is still not enough.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Coffee with Jesus By Lucinda Berry Hill GIVEAWAY!

In this book you will find words to encourage you, to make you smile, and that will make you think. Each week is a new inspirational poem with corresponding scripture. Also included is a topical index. You pick the subject and the topical index will tell you which devotion to turn to.

 

Pick up your copy here..

http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Jesus-52-weeks-inspiration/dp/1449733662/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-3&qid=1383011104

 

Lucinda Hill was born in Millbrook, NY. When she was 12 years old she and her family moved to Pennsylvania. It was then that she started writing poetry. Lucinda has had poems printed in newspapers, read at weddings, and read at funerals. She's had people tell her that they use her poems as part of their daily devotions. That inspired her to publish this book. Lucinda currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children.

 

I started reading Lucinda's poems on facebook from time to time she will post one on my wall under one of my posts. I was so happy when she asked me to review a copy of her book. Each week Lucinda has wrote a poem and has scripture with it, what a great devotion to read each morning. It is so encouraging. You will love this book, each morning you can just sit and read the poem and scripture and then listen. While you are enjoying your coffee.

I hope that you all will pick up a copy of this very encouraging book to enjoy each morning.

I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.