In Your Shoes By Donna Gephart

The critically acclaimed author of Lily and Dunkin delivers another heartfelt story that will remind readers you never know who needs a friend the most, about two imaginative tweens who help each other find new beginnings.Miles is an anxious boy who loves his family's bowling center even if though he could be killed by a bolt of lightning or a wild animal that escaped from the Philadelphia Zoo on the way there.

Amy is the new girl at school who wishes she didn't have to live above her uncle's funeral home and tries to write her way to her own happily-ever-after.

Then Miles and Amy meet in the most unexpected way . . . and that's when it all begins. . . .

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Shoes-Donna-Gephart/dp/1524713732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536861624&sr=8-1&keywords=in+your+shoes+donna+gephart

Donna Gephart is a professional nerd.

Her love for libraries and reading have led her to a career as a children's book author for Penguin Random House. Her books now reside on the shelves of the library she frequented when she was a child.

Her humorous/heartbreaking middle grade novels include:

1. LILY AND DUNKIN -- A dual narrative of a big-hearted, nature-loving transgender girl and a thirteen-year-old boy with bipolar disorder, who is spiraling toward psychosis.
2. DEATH BY TOILET PAPER -- Will Ben be able to keep a promise to his recently deceased dad and save his family from eviction, using his creativity and contest skills?
3. OLIVIA BEAN, TRIVIA QUEEN -- Can Olivia overcome huge obstacles to achieve her dream of appearing on the TV quiz show Jeopardy!?
4. HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL -- David is famous online from his hilarious YouTube videos, but how will he ever survive middle school?
5. AS IF BEING 12-3/4 ISN'T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT -- won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award and the Florida State Book Award. Can spelling bee champ, Vanessa, do what's necessary to save her mom from an assassination attempt on the campaign trail?

Donna's books have won a number of awards, received starred reviews and landed on many state reading lists.

She's a popular speaker at schools, book festivals, libraries and conferences, including the S.C.B.W.I. National Conference, the Erma Bombeck Humor Writers' Workshop, F.A.M.E., the Conference on Children's Literature and others.

Originally from Philadelphia, Donna now lives in South Florida with her family, including two sweet shelter dogs, Benji and Teddy.

My Thoughts...

 This book is for like 6, 7 or 8th graders. A little bit slow starting out but it picks up middle ways and the ending was a good one.
Our kids need to read more and more books with positive messages.
 This was a 4 star book I hope that you will check it out.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Yes, No, Maybe By Wendy Pope

Sometimes when life feels routine, women succumb to the weariness of every unfulfilled dream and unanswered prayer. In Yes, No, & Maybe, Wendy Pope invites readers to discover anew the call to live the life Jesus died to give—the immeasurably more life. Along the way, they’ll discover three words that can revitalize their relationship with Christ: yes, no, and maybe.

As Pope writes, a woman’s heartfelt

• Yes cultivates trust with God.
• No invites revelation into who God designed her to be.
• Maybe welcomes the freedom to confidently love, give, and serve in God’s kingdom.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Yes-No-Maybe-Living-Immeasurably/dp/0781413567/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538053704&sr=8-1&keywords=yes%2C+no%2C+maybe+wendy+pope

Wendy Pope is a speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and contributes to the P31 online devotional, Encouragement for Today, which reaches over 1 million readers each day. She is the author of Trusting God for a Better Tomorrow and Wait and See, and teaches thousands of women worldwide online through the One Year Chronological Bible. Wendy lives with her family in North Carolina.

My Thoughts...

Is this as good as it gets? Have you asked yourself this? Do you wonder this a lot?
If you answered YES then you need to own a copy of Yes, No, Maybe and dig deeper in to Gods word.
Pope has given you the map so that you can get where you need to be, and You can live immeasurably more.
Change your relationship with the Lord, make it everything it's suppose to be and more.
This is a must read and would make a wonderful gift for those you love.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

A Simple Christmas By Charlotte Hubbard

The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times—and in the face of an unexpected homecoming. 
Nora Hooley’s shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household’s inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts—blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.

Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer—not that he’s the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who’s counting on some
bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can’t erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Christmas-Gifts/dp/1420138731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538060845&sr=8-1&keywords=a+simple+Christmas

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she’s not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She’s a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She’s married to a fine man who—bless him—has never once suggested she get a real job!

My Thoughts...

Hubbard sucks you in to the story from the very beginning.
I love her simple way to bring the Amish to you in so many ways.
She is a storyteller like no other.
Are you ready for a Christmas book that you can't put down?
You are going to really enjoy this one.
4 stars and 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.

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT By Kristan Higgins GIVEAWAY!

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

A novel of compassion and insight, Good Luck With That tells the story of two women who learn to embrace themselves just the way they are.

PICK UP YOUR COPY HERE...
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Luck-That-Kristan-Higgins/dp/045148939X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538341173&sr=8-1&keywords=good+luck+with+that+Higgins

Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 18 novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Her books have received dozens of awards and accolades, including starred reviews from Kirkus, The New York Journal of Books, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist. She is a five-time nominee for The Kirkus Prize for Best Work of Fiction, and her books regularly appear on the lists for best novels of the year of many prestigious journals and review sites. If you want to keep up with Kristan's new releases and get a free short story, sign up for her mailing list at www.kristanhiggins.com.

The proud descendant of a butcher and a laundress, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, two long-lashed children, a couple of frisky rescue dogs and an occasionally friendly cat.


My Thoughts...

 I never post reviews on my blog about books that I have bought. But I am making an exception for this book.
First book that I have ever read by Higgins, I just had to have something to read and picked it up at the grocery  store having no idea what I was getting into.
I sat down when I got home opened it up and read it until the very last page. I did NOT cook or clean that evening!
Friendship, loving your self just like you are. This book had a message ALL women need to read. Self image, loving yourself just as you are! Powerful, fun, fabulous, unforgettable read! 
I will tell you this is a five star book two times!
I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I want to giveaway a copy to one of my faithful followers and I will also send you a $25 Amazon gift card to get another one of Higgins books!


Be sure that you are following this blog and leave a comment to be entered in the GIVEAWAY!

Popular in Heaven Famous in Hell By R. T. Kendall

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Balanced teaching on heaven and hell, good and evil, and the effect our lives have on both realms
• Insights to help readers access God’s purpose and plan so they can live truly meaningful lives

Would you risk your reputation to find out what is pleasing to God?
The greatest thing that can ever be said about a person is that he or she pleased God. But while pleasing God makes you popular in heaven, it may not make you popular on earth. Do you have the temptation to be well received here on earth? Do you make spiritual decisions based upon what people will think of you?
Going a step further, have you considered whether you have any reputation in hell? Are you living the kind of life that causes a threat to Satan’s interests? That’s how you become famous in hell.

It’s time to stop valuing your reputation with people more than your reputation with God. Start living your life with eternity in mind. Respected theologian and author R. T. Kendall has written this book to help you discover the keys to living a life that truly pleases God, making you not only popular in heaven, but also famous in hell.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Popular-Heaven-Famous-Hell-Terrifies/dp/1629995517/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538054113&sr=8-1&keywords=popular+in+heaven+famous+in+hell



R. T. Kendall was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, for twenty-five years. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, he was educated at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv) and Oxford University (DPhil). Dr. Kendall is the author of more than sixty books, including Total Forgiveness; Holy Fire; Pigeon Religion: Holy Spirit, Is That You?; The Sensitivity of the Spirit; Grace; and The Anointing: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.

My Thoughts...

 People pleasers this is the book for you.
The author wants you to stop trying to please people and start pleasing God. He makes this point many times.
This is a convicting read, so if you don't want your toes stepped on then pass it up. But you are up to a challenge you r are going to really find it in this book.
I gave this book 4 stars and I challenge you to pick up a copy and start making changes now.
 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

This is the Day By Tim Tebow

The New York Times best-selling sports star and media icon motivates readers to stop postponing dreams and start making them happen now because--this is the day.Beyond Tim Tebow's exploits as a Heisman-winning football player, he is widely known and respected for his exemplary character and personal excellence, which have made him a role model for millions. When Tim interacts with the public, he often encounters people who feel "stuck"--unable to take action on matters ranging from daily life to pursuing lifelong dreams. In response, Tim often identifies a crippling fear or lack of courage, to which he advises: "now is the time to take some risks, to quiet the voices of defeat, to step forward and make a mark, because this is the day." In this inspiring, motivational book, readers will receive the advice and encouragement to daily move from "pause" to "play" in finding deeper meaning and success. Tim illustrates the book's themes with stories from his personal life that will delight all readers, including his an update on his dream pursuit of a baseball career.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052565030X?pf_rd_p=d1f45e03-8b73-4c9a-9beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=5NBV6AXEQ1QDKDG3MHQ9

TIM TEBOW is a two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, ESPN contributor, and professional baseball outfielder with the New York Mets. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Shaken, which was named the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s 2017 Book of the Year. Tim’s true passion remains the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation which he began in 2010. The foundation’s mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation fulfills this mission everyday by serving thousands of deserving children around the world.

My Thoughts...

I love Tebow's first book, so I was excited about his next one.
This is what I call an on time book. I needed this book and it came at just the right time.
Such an encouraging read.
This is the Day, you can change and you can see what God sees in you.
Tebow has a way with his words and he speaks truth.
I hope that everyone I know gets a copy of this book and reads it and takes it to heart and listens to what it says.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Second-Chance Dogs

Everyone loves an underdog, and nothing gives us warmer feelings than seeing someone get a second chance in life. A problem pup who flourishes under the right kind of training. The struggling veteran who finds unconditional love wiggling around at the end of a leash. The lonely child who finds comfort in the steady breathing of the warm, furry friend at her side. Each of us needs to be rescued from something--and each of us has the capacity to rescue someone, or something, else.

This collection of more than thirty contemporary, true, feel-good stories spotlights the beauty of being rescued--dogs rescued by people, people rescued by dogs, and even dogs who rescue other animals. It's the perfect companion--well, besides the four-legged, tail-wagging kind--for your morning cup of coffee or an evening curled up on the couch. Contributors include Susy Flory, Dusty Rainbolt, Lauraine Snelling, Melody Carlson, Wanda Dyson, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and many more.


Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Dogs-True-Stories-Rescue/dp/0800727134/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537146080&sr=8-1&keywords=second+chance+dogs


My Thoughts...

I'm a dog lover, so this book was going on my to be read pile no doubt.
I loved all the stories and I was not disappointed one time.
I am a huge fan of Melody Carlson's books so when I got to her story in this book I was so excited her story was by far the best and I loved it.
I gave this book 4 stars and I hope all the dog lovers in my life will read it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.