If You Only Knew

If You Only Knew My Unlikely, unavoidable Story of Becoming Free by Jamie Ivey

I picked this book up at a bookstore. I was intrigued by the back and just reading someone's story. This is a great book for those that secretly give ourself labels.. failure...not good enough.. used..really we need to share our story and help others. Even if our story creates a sin shock.. Jaime's story is a story of being a church kid.. having a fall or 2 in HS and college and then finding God"s Grace.
I loved it when she wrote, "When God starts chasing you, He changes what you want."
I also loved how she reminded people that pastor wives have stories... we all do.. dont judge.. let's grab each other's hand and encourage.. face this life together..
Grab your copy today!

Seeing the UnSeen by Randy Alcorn

This is a 90 day devotion. It begins each day with a title with a small saying that goes with the title. It then goes to a small story/devotion. After the devotion, you have 2 sections – “Perspective from God’s Word” and “Perspective from God’s People”. God’s word being a portion of verses from the Bible, and the God’s people are well known Christian authors or speakers. At the very bottom of each devotion, is a small website where you can go read a blog post online if you wanted. The devotions are not long, yet they help you focus each day on heaven and our heavenly Father. It helps steer your thoughts to things not of our daily world that we see, but things of the Lord. This would be a good book for those wanting a small devotion daily. I never went to the blog at the bottom, but I have enjoyed the daily devotions. It isn’t a big or thick book. I have kept it under my calendar at work. This would be a good gift book for someone if needing a small gift or something to add to a gift basket. I have really enjoyed this book. I have received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Gathering the Threads

The given Overview is: "Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves,
Will Ariana's new perspectives draw her family closer together--
or completely rip them apart?
After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she's learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana's Daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana's arrival threatens to unravel Skylar's new identity--and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart. "

I would recommend this book for those looking for a book series! This is one that had me watching for the 3rd book to come out to read. Cindy Woodsmall does a great job in this series! I loved the ending of this story, and I loved watching Ariana's journey of faith. These books leave you entertained and inspired at the same time. I think the beginning book catches your attention with the swapped at birth story with an Amish and a English family. This final book had many twists and turns which keep you entertained and waiting to see what the final results will be. You will feel led to build your faith as you read this book. I love the review to refresh your memory of the story at the beginning and the glossary at the back to help you with the Amish language inserted in the book. I have received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Chamberlain Key

U

nlocking the God Code to Reveal Divine Messages Hidden in the Bible by Timothy P. Smith

I just randomly chose this book to read. This is a hard back book with orange on the cover and navy on the edge/binding. The dust cover has all the information on it. It really is an easy book to pick up and read. The author is telling a story on how he came to figure out this key to reading the writing from God. It is pretty hard to say he didn’t find this. It is a little over my head, but I am glad there are people out there to study the old symbols and the Hebrew and Jewish languages.  I do believe God will give insight to certain people. Timothy has found and researched so much of the Hebrew language and has found sayings that are found in the Bible. I am not as deep knowing all that Moses brought from the mountain. It was an interesting read, but I didn’t find it really exciting. I do believe those that study the Hebrew language would love searching images that he has found. I would recommend it for those that look deep into the history of our Bible. I just trust it is what it is. But those looking deeper, would really enjoy this book.

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Beloved Hope Chest

This is a story that begins with someone looking back over their life. You can look at someone and see their current story, but you may not know their beginning. Hardships that the person had to move forward through. This is a story of just that. This was a story of loss and loving again. I will be honest and say it had me in tears but left me with a happy feeling. Amy Clipston did great on telling a true love story.. showing that God can bring someone through heart and heart aches and give them something to love and hope again. I would recommend this book to all my fellow Amish loving book readers plus just anyone that maybe have experienced a loss and want the faith to move on. I loved all the characters of this story. This is a stand alone book. She has a series that would take you thru generation to generation, but you do not need to have read the other books to read this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Written in Love

Kathleen Fuller “An Amish Letters Novel”

 

I loved this book! You have 2 people that have had hard lives that meet by a letter sent to the wrong address. This was a sweet book to read. It was an easy read for sure. I loved the hearts of both people. It kept you on your toes until the end to see if it would end like you thought it would. Kathleen did a great job of keeping the reader involved with all areas of the story. It was a stand alone book. We never know what the next step is that God has for our lives, we should simply trust. This was a great book that backed that saying.  It was the perfect sized paperback book. Thank you Thomas Nelson for another great book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 


 

The Acid Watcher Diet

A 28-Day Reflux Prevention and Healing Program by Jonathan Aviv, MD, FACS

 

This is a nice sized paperback book with a thick laminated type of cover. The introduction gives you symptoms of what to look for in acid reflux and the damage it can cause. The book in broken down in 3 parts. The first tells about acid reflux and breaks it all down. The second part talks about different foods and things to look for to help it improve. The third is the 28 day cycle of healing foods. You will feel like a doctor of this area once you finish reading this. For people that really have issues in this, I believe this is a great book to have on hand! He gives it in a story form, giving you stories from people that have tried certain treatments and had certain issues and how they handled it. There are even exercises given that you can try. I would recommend this book to all my friends with this issue.  I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review

And Still She Laughs : Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering

By Kate Merrick

 

I first saw the titleand was sold. As a woman, you know the verse.. still she laughs. Then I read the back cover and saw this woman had lost a child to cancer. I almost stopped myself from reading this, b/c I haven’t been in her shoes. Her shoes are a parents worst nightmare. Oh am I glad that I read this. I wish I could be friends with this lady! She is so funny! She reminds me a lot of my sister… one of those people that can do a hardy laugh at the most wrong times, but still she is funny! She gives you the 21st description of Sarah, Bathsheba, Mary, and even the Proverbs 31 woman. The best to me was the Proverbs 31st woman. I guess I had never imagined her having buns of steel. Ha! This is an easy to read book. It makes you laugh, makes you want to cry with her, and just really is an uplifting book for us women. She makes you see life isn’t easy, but we need to laugh – ok maybe not laugh when God is trying to teach us something, but we need to know God is with us, and He can give us JOY like no other. She reminds us that this life is hard, really hard, but we need to chose to live every day for eternity! I do pray for this author. Her life isn’t easy, and I don’t think ever will be. But she was real for this book. I do believe her open honesty will help someone else. I enjoyed reading her book and I would recommend it to those ladies who have lost a child to cancer, lost a child thru miscarriage. It will help you. It was an easy book to read. She was sitting there just telling a story. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

NOTHING TO PROVE

Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard

By Jennie Allan

 

The main theme of this is, “Why am I still thirsty?” Because people are seeking everything BUT Jesus! With Jesus we have nothing to prove. He loves us unconditionally. We all think that we are not good enough, brave enough, smart enough, and the list goes on… but God says with Him we are enough!  One phrase that she used stood out to me. “We cannot do this ourselves. We have to be saved.”  God has so much planned for our lives if we would just focus on Him and let Him use us. This is so hard for our physical nature. We are moms, wives, friends, sisters… we are always feeling not enough. This book is Jennie telling her story how God convicted her and used her to be so much more than she felt that she was able to become. There is a Note’s section at the back of the book that gives you Bible passages to relate to each chapter. I see at the back of the book that there will be a study guide that will go along with this book in April. I do think this book would be good for a group to go over and read it together. This book would be good also for those looking to realize they are Good Enough! You can find a book club from her website. This is a hard back book with the pretty print on a dust cover. Once you  remove the dust cover you have a plain navy book. I think it would been fun to have it on the actual book. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review

Hope for Each Day

365 Devotions for Kids by Billy Graham

 

The given description is: ““Every day I turn to the Bible to give me strength and wisdom for the day and hope for the future.”

—Billy Graham

Let Billy Graham, one of the world’s most beloved pastors, daily guide your child in understanding the truth of Scripture and trusting God’s great love.

Hope for Each Day: 365 Devotions for Kids presents the same messages of the bestselling devotional for adults in terms children can understand. Each day’s devotion corresponds with the theme and Scripture of the adult devotional, making it easy for families to share devotional time together.

Bring Billy Graham’s cherished wisdom and message of hope home for the child you love.”

My Granny loved Billy Graham so for me, it was an honor to get a kid’s book to pass down to my children. It is broken day by day. It gives the date at the top of each page. Each page has a cheery, fun picture. My children are enjoying our little bible devotion at night. It is a good size book to hold and for children to handle. It is a hardback book. I really love the cute sun on the front of the book. I would recommend this book to others. I think it would be a sweet gift to include with another gift for a kid for special occasions. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Cherished Quilt

Amy Clipston does a great job of telling a great story. This is an Amish Heirloom Series, but it stands alone as a good book itself. Anyone that loves Amish fiction would enjoy this book. It is a simple story of forgiving yourself and looking towards the future. It is also a love story between a couple that found friendship first. The story behind Christopher losing his brother and overcoming his nightmares and finding a true friend made the story. This is an easy book to read. I would recommend it to others. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Find Your Miracle

Find Your Miracle

HOW THE MIRACLES OF JESUS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY

By Kerry & Chris Shook

 

My Pastor was just saying this year that we need to believe in Miracles. We should see them all around us and believe that they can happen in our own life. This book first bring up that some Christians are so comfortable that they don’t believe that supernatural miracles still happen. I love how they bring it down to daily life. We come across these and don’t really stop and look into the awe of God.  This book takes into accounts of the miracles of Jesus and looks at how each effected the person’s life after the miracle. Are we where we need to be with God to accept a miracle? How will we change our life to follow more closely with Him? We can also lose sight that God knows the end of the story – he sees the beginning, middle, and the end. He puts his children right where he needs them to be if we are doing our part. Then we can pray later that we will look back to say Wow!

This books breaks into 5 Categories with each having 2 Chapters. At the end of each chapter you are given verses to mediate and study or just to be reminded of God’s goodness. This book is written to where it is easy to read. It is a like friends sitting around chatting and telling stories that go with the main study they are trying to teach you. At the end of the book, you are given Discussion questions broken down by chapter. The book has a book cover with the pictures, etc. The hard back book is white with a light blue spine. I would recommend this book for those looking to get closer to God and wanting to discover the miracles around them. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review

Love Bears All Things An Amish Secrets Novel By Beth Wiseman

Once again Beth Wiseman has written a great book. She is my favorite Amish Fiction author. While she tells a great story, she leaves you thinking, inspired, and ready to face life once again. This is a story about an Amish girl that has broken up with her boyfriend. While recovering from a breakup, she meets Daniel, who is always recovering from a breakup. You are seeing how their secrets and past betrayals effect their life.. how they learn to forgive and move on. Will Charlotte find her happy ending? I love how Beth puts the Dutch Glossary at the beginning so you can keep up with the words the characters say. There are discussion questions at the end if you have a reading group. I look forward to the next book in this series. It doesn't stop with a big clift hanger which makes me happy. The story leads you to where you forsee the end, but one never really knows. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

The given summary was: "Family, community, faith, and love.
These quilt blocks sewn together made Ariana s beautiful life.
When they are pulled to pieces,
will anything familiar remain?

The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she s immersed in theEnglischerworld, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend livingEnglisch, can steady the tilting ground between Ariana s two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?
At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and a deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn t belong in either family.
New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they ll need to follow God s threads into unexpected futures?

Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series. "

I thought the above was the best way to go into this review. I had read the 1st book and seriously wrote it down to keep an eye out to get my hands on this 2nd copy! This was a very engaging story that brought you right back into the story and kept you entertained the entire read. If you enjoy a good story while being inspired, this would be a series for you to read! Now I have to wait for book 3 to see how this story will end! I love this author and I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

From the Depths We Rise

Over a year ago, I saw a link to a site where they requested prayer for this precious baby girl fighting for her life. The words from this mom was heart breaking, but one thing pulled at me. It was simply her FAITH. I kept going backwards on her blog...they really need a start at the beginning button. I saw where she was a woman of great faith. A mighty warrior for our wonderful Father. She had already lost her husband, went ahead to have their daughter, the daughter her husband knew she would have. I remember praying constantly for this precious baby..pleading on their behalf...even my children knew we were praying for Baby Ellis to get better.
I have followed Sarah's journey since then. I continue to watch her Rise after life has given her some blows, but she truly praised him in the storm. I love watching Milo's and Ellis grow. I'm thankful she shares her story. When life deals a blow, I remember she continued and so shall I.

This book is like your good friend is sitting next you telling you her life's story. It's an easy read. One I couldn't read wo tears pouring. Tears of sadness
...tears of joy seeing God's hands in it all. You will read her life story of finding her husband. Her journey to become a mom...her journey of seeing her husband fight cancer..her journey of saying goodbye for now to her life's love...seeing her daughter born that her husband had already seen in a vision...her battle for her daughters life to wear she was handed her child to hold to pass away. Yet God is awesome and with faith of a mustard seed...we saw this baby astound doctors and live again. If you need a reminder of how Great our God is...read this book..follow this journey

http://www.journeyofsarah.com/

Jesus Always Embracing Joy in His Presence

This given description is: "Sarah Young’s first 365-day devotional since Jesus Calling.

With scripture and new personal reflections, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young, brings Jesus’ message of joy—for today and every day. Experience true joy—now and always.

Life today is full of difficulties—loss, sadness, fear. In the midst of these challenges, joy often feels impossible or out of reach. But Jesus has more for His followers than a life of striving, pain, and discontent. He offers life abundant, life to the fullest, life brimming with joy! Jesus Always, the new 365-day devotional from bestselling author Sarah Young, was written as part of Sarah Young’s exploration of the promises of joy in scripture. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always invites you into a new way of living—a life of joy.

Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect you with Jesus—the One who meets you where you are. Draw near to Him in Jesus Always."

I love the book Jesus Calling. Friends will share certain days of it online and it just speaks to my soul. This book is doing the same! We need simple daily reminders that our focus should be on Christ. Our daily life becomes stressful and busy and it isn't what God intended. This small hard yet soft backed book is great to keep on my desk. Each day is given with the month and date, so if I do get behind, I find it simple to find one that is for today. Yet you know you can go back and read whatever you would like. I love how simple the message is and how there is a given verse that you can reference her wording. This would be an awesome gift book to someone to help inspire or encourage. I do recommend this book to everyone. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

One Small Donkey (Kid's book)

The book's given description is "Little ones can do big things for God!Your family will love this heartwarming Christmas story told from an unlikely perspective: a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem. Though the donkey wasn’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, he had an important job all the same. Adults and children alike will love the message about how God has big plans for little ones."
Dandi Daley Mackall did a good job writing a kid's book from the angle of the donkey. It does show that the donkey didn't have to be big, God had chosen him for a special task, and with God's help he did a great big thing!" I love the end with the donkey sitting in the manger scene. It is a fun rhyming book for children. Mine always love Christmas books, and I have read this one already a few times. It's always good to have a good Children's book that is about Jesus and Christmas. This is a hardback book with thin pages. I would recommend this book! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook

The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook
Cub-Friendly Cooking With an Adult
By Mike Berenstain

This is a square hardback book. Each section of the book is separated by holidays. There is a short bear story with a verse about the holiday with the recipes following. They are really easy recipes that the kids can make with you. Honestly there are only around 1 or 2 recipes that my crew will try per holiday since they are of the picky nature. I love this idea b/c my kids love cooking and now they are excited to have their "Own" Cookbook!

The books description gives an idea of some of the recipes: "Be part of the fun and join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear as they cook up holiday favorites and some unique eats for friends and family with the all-new The Berenstain Bears Holiday Cookbook. Filled with traditional holiday favorites like Frosted Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Pie, Hot Apple Cider Punch, Cranberry Stuffing, and some unique and fun recipes like Papa Bear’s Paw-Licking Good Chicken Wings, this kid-friendly cookbook will help Bear Country families, and families and friends everywhere, have the most wonderful year of eating ever!"

I believe we will be trying the sugar cookies and pumpkin pie! I would recommend this book for all the little chefs in the making. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Find Your Brave : Courage to Stand Strong When the Waves Crash in by Holly Wagner

I heard Holly speak years ago. She held tight to the Word of God during her fight with breast cancer. I loved her spirit and her fun personality. So I jumped at the chance to read this book. This is a book that I have underlined passages, highlighted areas, shared parts of it with friends, and I plan on posting some of the scripture that she has given in this book. If you find yourself wanting to sink with life.. remember we are not made to go through life alone! Find friends in the faith to help you fight your battle! I would highly recommend this book to all my friends! It is a good size hard back book. The cover is what you see, but once removed it is a simple light blue book with an offwhite spine. It looks simple. I really wish the cover picture was on the hardback, but that is only minor. Holly truely inspires. I love this book! I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

One Big Turkey

"Count your blessings! Join one big turkey and his forest friends as they celebrate the harvest season.

Children will count along with big turkey, squirrel, and their forest friends all the reasons they have to be grateful. Sweet, rhyming text will help children count everything they have to be thankful for, including food, friends, full tummies, and most of all, God! This board book presents parents with an adorable and simple way to teach their children about giving thanks.

With sweet rhyming verse, lots of fun images to count, and warm, charming artwork, this book will surely be a favorite every holiday season!

No turkeys were harmed in the telling of this story." I thought the main description of this book was too cute not to share. This is a cute hardback, thick board book that is fun for kids. Each page gives a number to where they can join in the fun and count. The words all rhyme and to me that makes it fun to read! At the end they give thanks to God! I think this would be a fun book to consider getting for your toddler for remembering to be thankful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255