The Mountain Midwife By Laurie Alice Eakes

For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.

Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth to a baby at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as she tries to take the dangerously bleeding woman her to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.

Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.

Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of her own family she has long put aside in favor earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that make her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Midwife-Laurie-Alice-Eakes/dp/031033344X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448167803&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mountain+midwife+eakes

Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University. She now has nearly two dozen books in print. Laurie Alice lives with her husband in Houston, Texas, with sundry lovable dogs and cats.

I never put this book down it was fantastic. The ending was just what I wanted.

Ashley and Hunter were the type of characters that you wish were your friends, You could see breaking bread with them and the mystery and the family mystery was so unique in this story. I loved the outcome and I am sure you will too.

 I plan to look for more books from this author.

Eakes has a way with words that just suck you in and never let you go.

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

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

Worship Changes Everything By Darlene Zschech

Renowned Songwriter and Author Helps Readers See Worship as a Way of Life
It can be easy to have a heart filled with worship on a Sunday morning as the church band is playing your favorite song. But then comes Monday morning's commute or Tuesday afternoon's pile of laundry.
So what does worship look like in real life--at work, in your family, or with your friends? Darlene Zschech has spent her life thinking and teaching about worship. With wisdom and contagious joy, she shares her thoughts on what worship truly is and how it should invade every facet of your being. Let yourself be transformed by the purpose and freedom that come from living a life of worship.

Pick Up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764214276?keywords=worship%20changes%20everything%20experiencing%20god's%20presence%20in%20every%20moment%20of%20life&qid=1448676740&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Darlene Zschech and her husband, Mark, are pastors of Hope Unlimited Church (www.hopeuc.com), which meets in various campuses across the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Acclaimed worldwide as a singer, songwriter, worship leader, author, and speaker, she is perhaps most famous for the chorus "Shout to the Lord," a song that is sung by millions of churchgoers every week and has been covered by many other artists.

Many years ago the Zschech family made a life commitment to do whatever they could to bring the message of Jesus Christ and relief to human suffering. One of their great joys in life has been to work with Hope Global (www.hope-global.org/), serving the world's poorest of the poor, offering many different projects in many different developing nations.

Darlene and her husband and their family live on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Learn more at http://www.darlenezschech.com/.

This book was full of scripture and many super stories as well as some quotes from many great people.

I had some trouble with all the different Bible versions I wish that she has used one Bible( My choice King James).

Some of the topics don't stay on point for long then they jump to another topic.

I like to ponder on things and get the most from it. Especially when there is a whole lot to digest. And oh boy there is a lot in this book.

The art of worship is all about your relationship with Jesus and Zschech knows what she is talking about.

I gave this book 4 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it, I also recommend that you have a few Bibles on hand and read it very slow let it sink in slowly.  

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

The Ticket By Debra Coleman Jeter

Tray Dunaway longs to be part of the popular set at school, but she's growing too fast and her clothes no longer fit. The only person who understands Tray's need for acceptance is her grandmother, but when Tray wears Gram's hand-sewn clothes to school, the kids make fun of her tall, boney appearance. Tray's luck improves when Pee Wee Johnson, a down-and-out friend of her father's, buys two lottery tickets and gives one to Mr. Dunaway as a thank-you for driving him to Hazard, Illinois. When her father's ticket turns out to be the winner, Johnson demands his cut of the proceeds, but Tray's dad refuses. What seems like a stroke of good fortune suddenly becomes a disturbing turn of events as Johnson threatens to cause problems for the family and Tray.

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Ticket-Debra-Coleman-Jeter-ebook/dp/B00XLCKVJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448670985&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Ticket+By+Debra+Jeter

A Vanderbilt University professor, Debra Coleman Jeter has published fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her story, Recovery, won first prize in a Christian Woman short story competition, and her nonfiction book Pshaw, It s Me Grandson : Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the 2007 USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several international awards. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband.

This is a young adult book that opens the door for very good discussions. Very well written. unlike most debut books this is one that you will want to share with those little ladies trying to find acceptance in this  wild world.

I found it was full of topics that open a door to chatting with out young adults.

I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend this book and it would make a wonderful gift this Christmas season.

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

Huckleberry Hearts By Jennifer Beckstrand

Young-at-heart octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never miss the chance to find a perfect match for one of their grandchildren. And when their beloved Cassie returns to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, Anna has a feeling they might soon have a doctor in the family…

Though Cassie Coblenz left her Amish community to go to college, Mammi and Dawdi’s farm will always feel like home. It’s the ideal place for an extended study break—at least until her grandmother’s handsome Englisch doctor becomes a regular distraction. Zach Reynolds is the kind of heartbreaker Cassie has learned to avoid, no matter how charming he may be.

Unlike every woman Zach has met in recent years, Cassie doesn’t fall at his feet. Strong, generous, beautiful within and without —she’s everything he could want. Yet the gulf between them deepens when a tragedy shakes his faith. Now the good doctor has one goal—to become a man who could be worthy of Cassie’s love…

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Huckleberry-Hearts-Matchmakers-Hill/dp/1420136534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447097746&sr=8-1&keywords=huckleberry+hearts+by+jennifer+beckstrand&pebp=1447097752897&perid=1WJCW2RJ70NV3CJGA6KC

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer has been nominated for the 2015 RWA RITA Award and the RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill are back in Huckleberry Hearts. You will not be disappointed. Beckstrand has really got a way with words and she knows the Amish and their ways so well.

Family is the one word that sums this book up.

After the first five books in this series you would think you would be tired of Huckleberry, But I still can't get enough of this series.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this book as well as the whole series.

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

The Heaven Promise By Scot McKinight

For far too long, we’ve talked about heaven as if it were a dream or someplace that only exists in fairytales. We want to believe it’s real, but with such an expanse of contradictory information, it’s difficult to know what to believe.   
To add even more confusion, we are left to sift through the tales of individuals who have crossed over and returned. With so many competing narratives and accounts based on what many think are beyond-death experiences, wouldn’t it be nice to have a straight forward examination of what the Bible has to say about heaven?
 
Best-selling author and New Testament scholar Scot McKnight thought so too, which is why he wrote The Heaven Promise.  
McKnight, who has penned more than 50 books, including The Jesus Creed, has had a fascination with heaven since he was a child. As a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, McKnight is no stranger to academic engagement and scholarly discourse. However; as an ordained deacon, McKnight is well accustomed with the concerns of the everyday thinker. The Heaven Promise represents the perfect blend of thoughtful research coupled with an easily digestible presentation.  
“My hope,” McKnight shares, “is that people will be hopeful about heaven.”
 The Heaven Promise offers an infusion of hope alongside a healthy anticipation of eternity.  
After all, heaven isn’t just a dream; it’s a promise.
 

Heaven. Eternity. The Afterlife. You mention any of these concepts, and people of all ages and from all walks of life are certain to have opinions. Maybe that’s why there are so many books and movies that feature heaven-and-back experiences. But how can we know if those accounts are accurate?
 
How can we know for sure what heaven will be like?
 
Well, according to New Testament scholar and popular author Scot McKnight, all we need to do is to turn to Scripture to answer our questions.
 
Separating fact from fiction, McKnight helps the reader examine the witness of God’s Word in order to discover what awaits us on the other side of the grave.
 
Using the Bible, McKnight answers the most-frequently-asked questions regarding heaven, including:
 
1.      What about Near-Death Experiences?
2.      What about Rewards in Heaven?
3.      Who Will Be Allowed in Heaven?
4.      Is God Fair?
5.      Will There Be Families in Heaven?
6.      What about Children Who Die?
7.      What about Cremation?
8.      What about Purgatory?
9.      Will There be Pets in Heaven?
10.  Why Believe in Heaven?
  Heaven isn’t the construction of a fairytale or some mythical narrative. It’s very real; it’s very good; and it’s very much the fulfillment of God’s promise to us.

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Promise-Engaging-Bibles-Truth/dp/1601426283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448300903&sr=8-1&keywords=the+heaven+promise+by+scot+McKnight

Author of more than 50 books including The Jesus Creed, Dr. Scot McKnight currently serves as a Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. A much sought after public thinker and speaker, he blogs regularly at Patheos under the banner of “Jesus Creed.”He and his wife, Kris, enjoy life in the suburbs of Chicago.

 An insightful read. McKnight uses the Bible to answer questions about heaven and the afterlife and eternity.

I really did find this book a very helpful read. It is full of scripture to back up all of McKinght's insights.

This is a book that makes you so hopeful about heaven. I really think everyone should read it.

Ever wonder if there really is a Heaven? I really think you should read this book, you will find the answers you are looking for.

I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it. Sometimes we all ask why Me? Is God fair? You will find answers in the book and in your Bible. Pick up a copy today and get hopeful about Heaven.

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

The Lies Couples Believe By Dr. Chris Thurman

                                   

Are faulty beliefs damaging your marriage?
If you are experiencing conflict, anger, or hurt in your marriage, you don’t need positive thinking or an escape clause—you need to replace the lies you believe with God’s transforming truths for your relationship to become all that it was meant to be.
According to Dr. Chris Thurman, everyone enters marriage with misguided attitudes and expectations such as:

• “My spouse is a bigger mess than me.”
• “The purpose of marriage is to be happy.”
• “My spouse should meet all my needs.”

This practical book dismantles the ten most common lies couples believe and helps you renew your mind with God’s truths for a more caring, close, and connected marriage.

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Couples-Believe-Transforms-Marriage/dp/1434709051/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447634765&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lies+couples+believe&pebp=1447634768888&perid=0N8JR8TW0WR8PRY5D4Z4

Dr. Chris Thurman is the bestselling author of The Lies We Believe and numerous other books. He is a Christian psychologist and has conducted hundreds of personal growth seminars that have helped thousands of people. Chris and his wife, Holly, have three grown children and live in Austin, Texas.

My wish is that all couples new and old would read this book. It is so full of Biblical truth that so many couple need to hear. It is a very good book that should be read together, studied and prayed about as a team. This book opens your eyes to the 10 lies that couple believe about marriage.

I found it full of scripture that was wonderful to read and study and really think about and couples are more connected after reading it.

You should grab a copy of this book today and transform your marriage.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it. I  want to encourage those who are having trouble in their marriage to give this book a try together and pray as you read it. 

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

New Southern Table By Whitney Miller

Following her great-grandmothers’ examples of creatively stretching meals during the Great Depression, Whitney Miller transforms recipes from her Southern roots, preserving flavors of traditional family dishes while offering the excitement of her own special touches. She offers a taste of her family table with dishes like PB&J Chicken Satay, Sweet Corn Grit Tamales, and much more. Using new techniques and cooking methods, Miller reimagines classic recipes and experiments with flavors from around the world, inspired by her travels since winning MasterChef.

Pick up your copy here...

http://www.amazon.com/Whitney-Millers-New-Southern-Table/dp/0718011600/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447869724&sr=1-1&keywords=new+southern+table&pebp=1447869732829&perid=19XEN1VCJXWS4KVZVJ1K

Whitney Miller is the winner of MasterChef Season 1. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in nutrition. Whitney and her mother recently opened a small café in their hometown of Poplarville, Mississippi.

I loved the easy recipes I wish that there had be more pictures but the pictures that were in the cookbook were good and those are the recipes' that I want to try. I have most of what I need in my pantry already very few things I need to go out and pick up.

The descriptions and the recipes were very easy to read. The layout is very nice.

I gave this cookbook 4 stars. I would recommend it for this who love to cook and bake.

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