We've Been There by Susan Tebos

 

Candid, unfiltered stories about how it feels to be a teen adoptee

The teen years are full of uncomfortable self-discovery for everyone. But adopted teens grapple with issues that make the coming of age journey immensely more difficult. Many don't have words for what they're feeling, sensing, or believing about themselves. They often don't have anyone like them to help them work through their struggles. Forced to cope on their own, they end up feeling isolated.

Adoption advocate and adoptive mom Susan TeBos has watched her own children go through these struggles. Often she wished for a voice that would resonate with adopted teens--her own and others--and authentically meet them where they are.

She found not one voice, but many: over thirty adopted teens and young adults. We've Been There gathers their stories, giving readers a front row seat to people with similar stories and feelings.

This book is an unprecedented glimpse into the unfiltered feelings, thoughts, experiences, and unanswered questions that well up in the heart of every person with adoption in their story. From people who have been there as adopted kids, this book not only invites adopted teens to bring their concerns into the open, but also helps them process how they feel and offers them hope on the other side. In these pages, teen adoptees will understand themselves in a whole new way and find reassurance and a sense of belonging as part of a global adopted community. 

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                    Amazon.com: We've Been There: True Stories, Surprising Insights, and Aha Moments for Adopted Teens: 9780825447310: TeBos, Susan: Books

Hey there. I'm Susan TeBos. I’ve put together a collection of stories for adopted and foster teens told to me by international and domestic adoptees from across the United States. Let me just say loudly that these people are AMAZING and INSIGHTFUL. They taught me so much, which in turn I share with you. I love it when people use their stories to lift others up. In We’ve Been There, teens 16 and older will find a range of stories that truly reflects how adoptees feel and process things in their teen years. It is a long-overdue connection point, a gift from one adoptee to another to remind them they are not alone.

I am a Michigander: Midwest kind and smiley, except in February when I get a little ornery from the gray sky and knee-deep snow. I am married to Mike, and we have three children who were adopted from Russia. We like watching movies together, hanging by the campfire, mountain biking, and traveling internationally. Yes! We loved visiting Prague in 2021. I have an MA in communications and co-authored "Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child’s Lifestory" published by Zondervan. I’ve always sought ways to help my kids process this piece of their story.

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional By Rachel Dodge

 

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
 

This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Green-Gables-Devotional-Chapter-Chapter/dp/1643526162/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GADR8J06RHIF&dchild=1&keywords=the+anne+of+green+gables+devotional&qid=1605384527&sprefix=The+Anne+of+Green+Gables+De%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTU5M0xRUUNaOEJNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDQzNTQ1MVpHUlFQWjdDMFlKRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTAwODA2MzU3WlFEVkZHRzREViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Rachel Dodge is the author of Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen (Bethany House 2018) and the Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-By-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits (Barbour 2020). Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen's World blog and Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping families to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God's Word. A kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns. She makes her home in California with her husband and their two children.

Artwork

Original whimsical artwork is placed throughout the devotional to bring the devotions and spirit of this classic story to life.

Devotions

The devotions included explore the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions.

Special Gift

Makes a great personal devotional or a thoughtful gift for a kindred spirit and even includes discussion questions that can make this the perfect companion for bible studies and book groups.

   My Thoughts...

Another Great gift idea for Anne of Green Gables fans there are many of us. This would be a fantastic gift. I love the artwork in this devotional and the daily prayers and great for any age. This is going to be a fun gift to give this year. I hope that everyone gets a copy of this and a few extra for those they love.

5 stars from this book lover.

  The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.            

Afraid of The Light By Cynthia Ruchti GIVEAWAY!

Clinical psychologist Camille Brooks isn’t put off by the lifestyle of her hoarder clients and the distress of their families. She lost her mother to the crippling anxiety disorder--so she’ll go a long way to help others avoid the same pain.

Despite Camille’s expertise, her growing audience for her Let In the Light podcast, and the recognition she’s gaining for her creative coaching methods, she’s not prepared for the pushback. A client who looks uncannily like her mom catches her off guard and raises long-dormant issues. And the revelation that Camille has her own hoarding problem sends her spinning.

With the help of a cadre of unexpected friends, an enigma of a man who refuses to be discouraged, and the God who created and loves her, can she face her fears, pull back the curtains, and let the light into her own life?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Afraid-Light-Cynthia-Ruchti/dp/0825446570/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1592580237&sr=8-1

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through award-winning novels, novellas, devotionals, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. She makes potato corn chowder for her husband of 44 years and loves on her three kids and five grandchildren. Cynthia recently retired from 33 years of writing and producing a daily radio broadcast called THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME, is past president of the 2,700-member American Christian Fiction Writers, and now serves as ACFW's Professional Relations Liaison, all while working on more book projects in addition to the fifteen already on the shelves. Her books have been honored with two Selah Awards, three Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, and awards from CAN Golden Scrolls and AWSA Golden Scrolls, as well as finalist and top honors in awards programs such as ACFW's Carol Awards, ForeWord Book Reviews Book of the Year, RT Reviews Book of the Year, Family Fiction's Book of the Year, Cascade Awards Book of the Year, Inspirational Readers' Choice, and the Christy Awards, among others. You can connect with her at www.cynthiaruchti.com, at www.facebook.com/cynthiaruchtireaderpage, at www.twitter.com/cynthiaruchti, or in the kitchen, brewing herself another cup of tea.

My Thoughts...
What a read. I loved it. The Characters were perfect. I loved how Ruchti  handled the mental heath issue in this story. How loving she was with the characters. She handled this story so well. I just don't have the words for this review to do this book justice. All I can say that this is a 5 star read that I HIGHLY recommend.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Missionary Mom By Shontell Brewer

Mission work is not for the faint of heart. We admire those brave souls who leave behind the comforts of home and go to foreign fields to bring the love of Christ to people in need. And sometimes it feels uninspiring to be stuck at home in the day-to-day of parenting when others are out there changing the world, soul by soul.

Shontell Brewer has a message to renew the spirits of everyday moms: they too have a critical calling as the very first missionaries their children meet. In her informal, funny voice, Brewer points out the many unexpected parallels: A missionary may need to learn a foreign language and new customs to understand and communicate with those around her. A missionary has to follow the path God puts before her, sacrificing sleep, comfort, time, and toilets. Sound like any moms you know?

Brewer tackles common challenges from mom-guilt to the temptation to be a martyr to those days when it feels like only a box of cookies and a Netflix binge can restore a sense of peace. But through it all, she shares the truth that there's more to parenting than potty training and orthodontist appointments. Mothers make the love of Christ tangible and understandable to their children. With determination and a few purposeful steps, moms can embrace their own mission field, leading their families--heart, soul, mind, and strength--to Christ.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Embracing-Mission-Field/dp/0825445388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538567123&sr=8-1&keywords=missionary+mom+shontell+brewer

Shontell Brewer is a wife, mother, kindergarten teacher, and associate pastor with Foursquare International in Reno, Nevada. She holds a master of science degree in teaching English as a second language and a master of arts in Christian studies with an emphasis in urban ministry. Her blog, Nonsense at Its Finest, can be found at shontellbrewer.com.

My Thoughts...

This was such a fun read, I loved the humor throughout the book as well as the great advice for moms.
Let me not forget that there is scripture as well all throughout the book which makes it even better.
Moms who feel like they are not doing what they think they are called to do being a stay at home mom need to grab a copy of this is take a long hot bath and read what Brewer has to say to you.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Only By Death By Kathy Herman

Is Liam Berne a loving son—or a murderer? The second book in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy, Only by Death is a thought-provoking suspense story of a man who loses everything and learns he must die to find life.

After much agonizing, Liam Berne takes his mother, who has Alzheimer’s, to the Sure Foot River and drowns her. A mercy killing, he tells himself, to spare her years in a nursing home. And getting his inheritance early isn’t a bad thing either.

Dixie Berne’s body is recovered and the coroner cannot find any sign of foul play, though Liam’s sister isn’t convinced. Then Liam hears rumors that a twelve-year-old boy has witnessed the drowning. Terrified that he will be discovered, Liam sets out to intimidate the boy into silence. Little does Liam know that someone else suspects him—someone who intends to make him pay.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Only-Death-Novel-Mountain-Trilogy/dp/1434704769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522888002&sr=8-1&keywords=only+by+death+by+kathy+herman

Kathy Herman is no stranger to the Christian publishing industry. Before becoming a bestselling author and award-winning poet, Kathy worked on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association for five years. She gained eleven years of bookstore experience as a children's products specialist and drew on that expertise to conduct related seminars in the U.S. and Canada.

Kathy quickly rose to the rank of bestselling author when her first novel, TESTED BY FIRE, became a CBA bestseller shortly after its release. Since then, eight more of her novels have claimed the title of bestseller: ALL THINGS HIDDEN, THE REAL ENEMY, THE LAST WORD, THE RIGHT CALL,FALSE PRETENSES,DANGEROUS MERCY, RELENTLESS PURSUIT and NOT BY SIGHT.

Her contemporary, fast-paced novels weave inspirational messages into the storyline so effectively that a college professor in Houston utilized her books as required reading to educate students on the value of teaching through fiction. Kathy's books have also been widely used in book club discussion and Bible study groups.

Kathy and her husband Paul live in East Texas and have three grown children, five "nearly perfect" grandchildren, and an adorable cat named Samantha. Her hobbies include photography and bird watching--especially an ongoing fascination with hummingbirds.

My Thoughts...

I can't say enough good things about this book. The characters were very well  developed and the plot was solid.  One thing about this book was that I fell in love with the family. The love for one another in the family was bar none. Jesse had the faith of a young man that I wish our youth today had. I was taken in by the story from the first page. I must say that part of the plot was very thought provoking. 

I gave this book 5 stars. I recommend this book as well as book 1 in the Ozark Mountain Trilogy series.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

London Tides By Carla Laureano

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/London-Tides-MacDonald-Family-Trilogy/dp/1434708225/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435801714&sr=8-1&keywords=london+tides+by+carla+laureano

Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® Award winning romance FIVE DAYS IN SKYE, as well as the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C.E. Laureano). She's an avid cook, an enthusiastic but untalented singer, and a thwarted world-traveler. She currently lives in Denver with her patient husband and two rambunctious sons.

You don't want to miss this one that's for sure. This was the first book I've read by Carla, and I sure hope it's not my last.

A great Christian romance such vivid descriptions through out the whole book. Easy to like characters.

You can read this book in one sitting and not even realize that you read the whole book it flows so easy and you will fall right into it as if you part of the book.

I gave this book four stars, I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review

An Accidental Life By Pamela Ewen GIVEAWAY!

In a 1982 New Orleans courtroom the best kept secret in the world is about to unravel, and a young couple's jet set lives are about to change. Senior district attorney Peter Jacobs is facing the trial of a lifetime, a passionate, spiritual battle against an evil with far reaching consequences. His beloved wife Rebecca, a glamorous and driven partner at a major law firm, suddenly finds her life spun out of control and her new faith tested while facing a once in a lifetime choice.

New from lawyer-turned-novelist Pamela binnings Ewen, An Accidental Life is fiction based on fact: the testimony of registered nurse Jill Stanek before a U.S. Congressional Committee confirming that it was routine for doctors in Chicago's Christ Hospital to have nurses take infants born alive during abortions down to a "soiled utility room" and leave them to die.

Stanek's testimony led Congress to enact the Born Alive Infant Protection Act of 2001, a federal-only law that still does not bind state run hospitals or private clinics. The fact remains that what happens to abortion survivors is one of the best kept secrets in the world.

Pick up your copy here

http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Life-Pamela-Binnings-Ewen/dp/0805464328/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376519984&sr=1-1&keywords=an+accidental+life

 

 

Pamela Binnings Ewen practiced law for twenty-five years before following in the authorial footsteps of relatives James Lee Burke (The Glass Rainbow) and Andre Dubus III (The House of Sand and Fog) with novels like The Moon in the Mango Tree, winner of the Eudora Welty Memorial Award in the 2012 Biennial Letters competition. Her third work of fiction, Dancing on Glass, won the 2012 Single Titles Reviewers Choice Award and was a Christy Award finalist.

 

All I can say is WoW. This is a must read book.

I was so wrapped up in this book, the world just stopped all around me. God is all over this book. Doing what is right is the only way!

I could not put the book down I had to read and find out if the trial was going to end in a verdict that was right or not. I was so unsure of the judge as I read each page trying to find out if a wrong was going to be made right. it was such a book that you will NEVER forget it.

This is a very emotional read but it is a story that needs to be told.

I have to give this book 5 stars 2 times.

It is a book that you will not want to miss. An Accidental Life has been the best suspense book I have read this year.  I read this book a few weeks ago and I am still thinking about it!

Pamela Ewen is an author to watch out for, boy can she write a book!

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