The House that Love Built By Beth Wiseman Giveaway!

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love? In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way? Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again? Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.   Pick up your copy http://www.amazon.com/House-that-Love-Built/dp/1595548890/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363911170&sr=1-1&keywords=the+house+that+love+built Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She's a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including 'First Place News Writing' for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn't writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!   Beth is such a fantastic romance writer. I am so glad she has moved away from the Amish genre, she can really make you feel like you are part of the book right there with the characters. I love the talk about salvation Owen has with Hunter in this story. And the fact take Owen takes troubled Hunter under his wing just made this story all the much better to me. I must say in my opinion Beth should stick with romances and stay clear of the Amish books. Please don't everyone e-mail me about the statement, this is just my opinion. I love her Amish books also, but this book is sure on the top of my list of favorites by her. Warning: You  will NOT be able to put this book down until you have read the very last page. I give this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.   I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

The Essence of Religions By Christophor Coppes

"As we move away from worn-out dogma from both the religious and scientific realms toward a contemporary synthesis of understanding about our existence, Christophor's refreshing and comprehensive analysis of major religions in light of the profound lessons from numerous NDE journeyers offers a rich new tapestry of understanding that I find most valuable."
-- Eben Alexander III, MD

The Essence of Religions was written to discourage the misuse of religions. This book provides the tools we need to reconsider many of the dogmas of the five major world religions that have proven detrimental to both human coexistence and our planet's survival. Furthermore, it seeks to replace these misguided belief sets with a more unifying and uplifting outlook that will benefit mankind as a whole. The author urges our alignment with "The Light" of unconditional love that can be found in the teachings of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism--and The Light of compassionate love in visions recounted to us by those who have undergone near-death experiences (NDEs).

The author of The Essence of Religions, Christophor Coppes, examines the NDE phenomenon as if it were a religious experience, placing it in context by comparing it to the five major world religions. Coppes gives a compelling argument that many characteristics of these religions' view of the afterlife are analogous to the life-changing sensations and visions reported by those who have undergone an NDE. But he concludes that although the essence of these beliefs of the major religions can be found in NDEs, not all of the positive elements of an NDE experience can necessarily be found in the religions.

The Essence of Religions examines the major world religions with an eye to their positive aspects as well as their contradictions and fixations. Coppes delves into both the commonality of the religions, their fundamental differences, and how they relate to NDEs. The Essence of Religions is a vital tool for those curious about the NDEs and how they can inform us about our own spiritual beliefs to help us lead happier and fuller lives.

 

Pick up your copy

http://www.amazon.com/The-Essence-Religions-Near-Death-Experience/dp/1590792459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363787181&sr=8-1&keywords=the+essence+of+religions+coppes

Christophor Coppes is the president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) in the Netherlands. He is employed as a senior economist at the Dutch Central Bank monitoring developments in international financial markets. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Groningen and has published many scientific articles on finance while still maintaining a strong interest in humanitarian issues.

There are so many books out now about Near-Death Experiences, I know I have read most of them. Christophor has wrote one but it is much different, he writes about the essences and the comparison of near death experiences with five different religions to show the parallels.

This is not like all of the other books I have read. If you like reading about heaven then you are sure to enjoy reading Christophor's new book.

I was given a copy of this book by the author

Giving Myself Permission By Pennie Murray

Can something as seemingly insignificant as a childhood playground game demonstrate how unconscious learning can impact your future success and personal dreams? Consider this: Mother, May I? Simon Says…. Red light/Green light. On the surface, these are just silly games. But their message resounds—do not act without permission; if you do, you are out! Events that seem entirely innocent in fact have the potential to mark us for life. We look for the green light from our parents, our friends, our siblings, and other significant people in our lives. We play it safe. We avoid. We dumb ourselves down. We act like we do not know what to do when, in fact, we do. Giving Myself Permission: Putting Fear and Doubt in Their Place is a transformative book that will help you to challenge the negative mental and emotional conditioning acquired through your life experiences and from messages imparted by others. Giving yourself permission is a pre-requisite for achieving success in any area of your life. Author Pennie Murray will guide you through a process of self-empowerment that shines a light on what is really preventing you from experiencing the quality of life you desire. Giving Myself Permission will help to reveal how inherited weaknesses in the form of negative conditioning serve to undermine any effort towards success. Sifting through the clutter of learned inhibition and detrimental behavior to expose the real culprit behind our frustrated attempts and repeated patterns of self-sabotage, this humorous, yet frank and inspiring book provides practical ways to challenge fundamental assumptions and basic thought processes. It also offers useful exercises that will awaken you to the depth of your personal value, reconnecting you with your potential and your purpose. Addressing five emotions that frustrate and discourage our efforts towards success, Giving Myself Permission details three transformational shifts that will help you gain clarity and put fear and doubt in their place. Experiencing success in life, love, and purpose starts with giving yourself permission to do so. Read Giving Myself Permission and you will learn that your quality of life is not dictated by others, but authorized by you.   Pick up a copy http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Myself-Permission-Putting-Doubt/dp/0965194221/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363021012&sr=1-1&keywords=giving+myself+permission Pennie Murray's doctoral studies in industrial and organizational psychology were recognized with summa cum laude honors, and by her induction into the Pi Gamma Mu and Psi Chi honor societies. As a speaker, certified NLP coach, and author, she is the creator of the Giving Myself Permission (GMSP) Movement and Emotional Clarity Workshops™, which combine guidance and coaching with proven psychological principles to help individuals manage the feelings and emotions that frustrate their efforts towards success.  With additional certification in conflict mediation, Pennie coaches individuals to help resolve the internal conflicts that stand in the way of letting their psyches break free from their subconscious emotional chains. Pennie is also the author of the book, Giving Myself Permission: Putting Fear and Doubt in Their Place and the audio CD, Asking for Richer Ground: The Power of Your Words.   This is such a practical book, and one I think everyone should read, well all of my friends that keep seeking the approval of their friends and family. Pennie writes about emotions and how they effect our success. She tells you ways to challenge your inhibitions towards success. Do you want to change your life? Do you want to live life to the fullest? You will want to pick up a copy of Pennee's life changing book and share it with those around you as well. I give this book 4 stars and I recommend that you pick up a copy or two.   I was given a copy of this book by the author

Scent of Lilacs By Ann Gabhart GIVEAWAY!

Before Ann H. Gabhart became well-known for her much-loved Shaker novels, she wrote three poignant novels centered on the loveable Jocie Brooke and her family, who lived in 1960s small-town Kentucky. Once named as one of Booklist's Top Ten Christian Novels and now featuring a brand new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of new readers everywhere. Life-changing events rarely happen here, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once. Jocie has questions that need answers. As she digs into her family's past, she finds a whirlwind of discoveries, and everything begins to change. In the end, will Jocie find the answers everyone so desperately needs, or will her questions lead to truths that were better left uncovered? Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story takes readers through the universal experiences of true love, new life, and renewed faith. With a beautiful new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.   Pick up your copy http://www.amazon.com/Scent-Lilacs-Hollyhill-Book/dp/0800730801/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363020750&sr=1-1&keywords=scent+of+lilacs Ann H. Gabhart started writing when she was ten and has been writing ever since. Her first published writings were personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems in church periodicals such as HomeLife. Her first novel, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then, she's published numerous books for both adults and young adults. The Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as one of the Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction in 2006 by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for Christian Fiction Book of the Year in 2009 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, Darrell, a bass singer in the Patriot Quartet, have three children and nine grandchildren. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com I read the Scent of Lilacs back in 2005 and I loved it then and it was just as good the second time around. Ann can write a fantastic story that keeps you turning pages. This book not only has  some humor it has the best characters, it has true life struggles that you will not want to miss. I found the character Jocie Brooke ( I love that name) to be someone that I could be a real friend to. Ann wrote this story based in Kentucky which was great for me, I am a wildcat fan and I lived in Kentucky for some time. I recommend this book and I gave it 4 stars I was given a copy of this book by the publisher

Swept Away By Mary Connealy Giveaway!

Laughter, Romance, and Action Abound in This New Series from Mary Connealy Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future. Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along. His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.   Get your copy here http://www.amazon.com/Swept-Away-Trouble-Texas-Connealy/dp/0764209140/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363021210&sr=1-1&keywords=Swept+away Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy...with cowboys. http://www.maryconnealy.com She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita and Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. She also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries, under the name Mary Nealy. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.   Well Mary has done it again!  She wrote a book that will sweep you off your feet just like it did me! This most recent book is written with lot of heart as well as good humor that kept me turning the pages, and the end came way too soon. Who does not love a book with romance, Cowboys and some humor in it?  This is her first book in the "Trouble in Texas" series and I cannot wait to read the next book. You are sure to fall in love with these new characters as you follow them in their adventures . If you love Historical Fiction then I  recommend this book! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.

Through Frankie's Eyes By Barbara Techel Giveaway

Renowned novelist E.M. Forster wrote: "I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves." If your authentic self has disappeared beneath a burden of should haves or could haves—pleasing everyone but yourself, worrying about everything that's out of your control while ignoring what only you can change, settling for less than you know you can be—this is such a book. Author Barbara Techel has certainly gone farther down the path toward self-discovery than most of us have dared, and here she shares that journey with readers ready for its influence on their own choices. It's your time: to grow; to learn from a woman who's overcome her deepest fears to live joyfully, with integrity and intent; and to marvel at the magic of it happening under the guidance and knowing eyes of a small, red dog on wheels. Let this story seep into your consciousness and inspire you—indeed, allow you—to start or continue your own fulfilling journey to who you really are. You've picked up this book because you're craving the inspiration and uplift it so generously offers. Don't put it down. It’s a gift, if you're ready to accept it. Read it. Hold onto it to remind you that though you may have work to do, you absolutely can achieve the life you're striving for. Free yourself of the things that no longer matter, and embrace how beautiful the world is to someone who can see it…through Frankie's eyes.   Pick up your copy here http://www.amazon.com/Through-Frankies-Eyes-Journey-Authentic/dp/0980005299/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363021385&sr=1-1&keywords=through+frankies+eyes Barbara Techel is a passionate advocate for dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and dogs in wheelchairs. She is also passionate about helping others see their challenges in a positive way. After her dachshund, Frankie suffered a spinal injury she was custom-fitted for a wheelchair and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. In her newest book, "Through Frankie's Eyes" she takes you on a journey that led her to live her own truth and live with more joy, all because of what Frankie was teaching her along the way. In August 2012 she founded National Walk 'N Roll Dog Day in memory of Frankie and in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs. She also started the Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps dogs who need wheelchairs whose families may not be able to afford them, or for dogs in rescue. She is the award-winning author of the children's book series "Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog" which are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. Frankie teaches us that no matter our challenges, we can persevere with a positive attitude. And despite our challenges we can each give back in our own, unique way. Frankie is Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog. Barbara's books have received National Best Book for children's picturebook, Merial Human-Animal Bond award, Editor's Choice from Allbooks Review, Indie Excellence finalist and Indie Excellence winner. Frankie's story also appears in "Every Dog Has a Gift" by Rachel McPhearson, published by Penguin/Tarcher March 2010 and "Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Love, Healing and Inspiration" by Linda and Allen Anderson published Fall 2010 by New World Library (recommended by Oprah's O Magazine). What an outstanding woman Barbara is she took a tragedy and turned it into an inspiration. This is a must read book. All the women friends in my life they could learn a thing or two from this book. I read it slow and savored every word and took in everything Barbara had to say. I recommend this book.   I was given a copy of this book by the author.

The Victor By Marlayne Giron

A benevolent King; ...his sword of power; ...a ruthless traitor bent on revenge; ...and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne. Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to govern the lives of hapless men?

 

Pick up your copy

http://www.amazon.com/The-Victor-Marlayne-Giron/dp/1607991845/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362613213&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Victor+by+Marlayne+giron

I took this picture the first time I met Marlayne in  person!

Marlayne Giron is a wife and mother living in Orange County, California. She currently works as a part-time career secretary and enjoys cooking for her family every night, scrapbooking, making high teas, and entertaining.
At the age of 22 (In 1982) Marlayne was inspired to write The Victor by a line in an Amy Grant song called: "Fairytale" (from her Father's Eyes album). The particular verse in the song which inspired the idea was: "two princes wage the battle for eternity but the victor has been known from the start". The verse made her imagine an evil "Baron" in black armor and knight in shining armor crossing swords over "maiden in distress". She wrote the story in her free time at work on an IBM Selectric typewriter and at home on a Smith Corona Portable.

Marlayne rewrote the story over the course of almost 30 years and made many attempts to get it published for several years but after a 4-year bout with ulcerative colitis that resulted in major surgery, then infertility then the adoption of her daughter and the demands of having to work full-time to pay the bills, she gave up on her dream of The Victor ever being published until April of 2008 when Tate Publishing called to offer her a contract.

The Victor was released on April 14th of 2009 and many doors have opened up for her to get the word out on her book. One of which being that as a direct result of her former employment with John Styll at CCM Magazine 28 years ago (who is now currently President of the Gospel Music Association), both he and Amy Grant now have copies of The Victor and Marlayne's personal copy has been autographed by Amy Grant herself.

I am not a fan of medieval fantasy or historical romance so I really did not want to read this book but how can you tell your good friend "no"? So I plunged in. It took me a few chapters to really get into this book but once I did I could not put it down! It has everything: action, romance, good vs. evil and is the perfect book to give to relatives and friends who do not know the Lord since it is an allegory of the Bible without being "preachy" and has scripture references in the back.  If you like Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia you will LOVE The Victor and even if this isn't "your favorite" genre of book you will still really enjoy it.  I recommend this book and suggest you get an extra copy of The Victor as the perfect Easter gift  for those in your family who love to read (especially young teens, both boys and girls) .  The author is willing to personally autograph them for you and ship them out in time for Easter if you contact her via email at: thevictorbook@sbcglobal.net. I was given a copy of this book by the author