Unlikely Rebel by Kelli Gotthardt

No formulas, no pat answers. Just real life. Real questions. Real transformation. Approach many women in the church and if they re being honest, they ll tell you they
try hard to keep it all together;
are frustrated that being good doesn t deliver the perfect life;
feel trapped in expectations;
make decisions based on shoulds ;
feel selfish when they say no; and
are uncertain of their place in God s kingdom.

Between the desire to please God, the need to feel valued, and the compulsion to make everyone around them happy, women often find themselves denying their desires. It s safer to stay in the life of shoulds even if it means being spiritually and emotionally disconnected.

Kelli Gotthardt knows their pain. Always considered a good girl, she threw herself into every ministry, saying yes to every request her church family made. On the outside, her life looked completely together but she was drowning in self-doubt and shame. Unlikely Rebel is the story of how Kelly slowly shed shoulds and shame, learning to love God and love who He created her to be.

The journey from the comfort of doing everything expected of a perfect pastor s wife to the uncertainty of living authentically and true to her unique calling is equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. Many Christians condemned her, responding with fear or anger to her greater intimacy with God s calling when it didn t match their own vision. For others, though, her journey inspired courage to embrace God s path for their own lives.

Now Kelli invites other women to discover God s leading in their lives, learning that if they throw off the despondency of underserved shame, abundant life awaits.

A Christmas to Remember

It has been a long week!

Wrapping presents, making cookies and candy, spending time with friends and family.

I haven't really blogged at all this week with everything going on, but I thought I'd take a minute to tell all y'all about my Christmas week.

My girls and I had such a blast last Tuesday baking yummy treats with friends to have with our Christmas. I always enjoy spending time with these friends, as they can always lift my spirits and make me smile. On Christmas Eve I spent the morning with my Nana making candy for our Christmas dinner. Later that evening I went to a Christmas Eve candle light service. What a wonderful way to focus on our Savior, not just His birth but on the cross as well. On Jesus coming to save us from our sins.

We spent Christmas with my extended family. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents! All total I think there are almost 30 of us! It is usually a fun time of visiting and talking and laughing. Of course there are also PRESENTS!

We spent Christmas with my parents the day after Christmas. We had even more fun and food and fellowship.

This Christmas my husband and children and I are treading new waters. My mother in law passed away a couple months ago and Christmas was her favorite. That being said she spent Christmas in heaven, which to us is a wonderful gift. For those of you who might be experiencing the same thing this Christmas season, I completely understand.

I have enjoyed this Christmas, even with all of the ups and downs. I always love to watch my girls open their presents and play with their new toys and games. They have such grateful hearts and I only hope I can continue to cultivate that as they get older.

I have actually been thinking about something a friend of mine asked me the other day. She asked me about my word for the year. She explained that each year she chooses a word to use as a goal, so to speak, for the year. I have been thinking about trying this for myself. Something to keep me focused on Christ and my goals for my family this coming year. I will be updating you all on my word for the year, so stay tuned.

Happy New Year!

The Midwife's Choice by Delia Parr

Come Home to Friendship, Family, and Faith in the Town of Trinity
In a time when the traditional ways of medicine are constantly being questioned by new doctors fresh from medical school, midwife Martha Cade tries to balance her life's calling with the demands of her family. Recently reunited with her estranged seventeen-year-old daughter, Martha finds herself torn between guiding her child and allowing her to be an adult. At the same time, she must decide whether she'll risk reopening the heart she'd long closed off to love.

Though a small town, Trinity, Pennsylvania, is fraught with secrets, and as a midwife, Martha moves among its people. She knows which homes are filled with light and love, which families have slipped into grief, which wives are unhappy, and which husbands dare to cross lines...As Martha struggles with the conflicts of being a mother, a midwife, and a woman, she learns the greatest lessons of all--that hope can shine even in the darkest hours, and that faith has a way of making the impossible possible.

The Super Mom Myth by Becky Kopitzke

"This book isn't about raising kids. It's about raising Moms. . ." says author, speaker, blogger, lunch packer, and sidewalk chalk artist Becky Kopitzke. In a Pinterest-perfect culture, you've likely sensed an accelerated pressure to measure up. Then you either weigh yourself down with guilt or become resigned--desensitized, even--to this so-called failure. The Supermom Myth--with humor and grace, yet all the while maintaining a firm grasp on reality--aims to empower you to become the mom God created you to be. With 8 chapters, each personifying a "dirty villain" of motherhood, including The Grouch on the Couch (Anger), Worry Woman (Fear), and The Calendar Queen (Busyness), Kopitzke offers a gentle reminder to rest in the super power of our grace-filled God. 

Christmas Star Sapphire by Hallee Bridgeman

"MADELINE VISCOLLI finds herself on the Gulf shores of Alabama, where she takes part in a graduate program to earn her MBA. On her first day there, she meets JOE WESTCOTT, team leader for a campus ministry. Despite a mutual attraction, Joe's personal rule of no romance with any student keeps any kind of deep relationship from developing. Joe has no desire to have a relationship with anyone, ever, anyway. He left a life of luxury and his family's business behind to live alone on a sailboat and serve in ministry. Then Madeline walks into the auditorium the week school starts and Joe suspects his personal rules might not apply to this graduate student. That is, until he discovers Madeline is one of the Viscollis, and that her destiny lay in running her father's massive corporation. Having rejected wealth and all its trappings since childhood, Joe finds himself falling for the vivacious sapphire-eyed beauty. Madeline knows she loves Joe, but is not willing to throw away her destiny of taking over at the helm of Viscolli Enterprises. A Christmas Eve funeral washes all Joe's plans away. Will their love succumb to the rising tide caused by their differences in lifestyles, or will raging seas calm and allow them to sail off into the sunset?"

The Amish Christmas Sleigh by Kelly Long, Amy Lillard and Molly Jebber---GIVEAWAY!!

Through the snowy night, silver bells ring cheerfully, heralding a season of secret gifts, unexpected chances, and love's sweetest journeys . . .  
A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN
Kelly Long
For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to give her a home for always . . .

A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS
Amy Lillard
Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous young daughters, it's impossible to imagine the handsome widower can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr will awaken their faith and hope.

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Molly Jebber
As much as Charity Lantz's children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. They’re having more disagreements than snowflakes in December. Besides, he's never given a sign he wants to be more than friends. Can Gott show them a way past their misunderstandings to a forever love?

Forgiven, Favored and Free by Jill M. Tomlinson

Are you weary of feeling beat-down, beat-up, and weak when you know you should be living as an overcomer? Do you desire to experience true and lasting victory in your life? Do you long to live the abundant, blessed life for yourself that you have only heard about from others? Do you want to pray prayers that move mountains? You don’t have to settle for one more day of mediocrity! You are forgiven, favored, and free! In Forgiven, Favored, and Free you will become more aware of who you are, whose you are, and the glorious inheritance that has been provided for your life here and now! Discover the God-given rights you have as a son or daughter of the King and learn to exercise those rights as you confidently apply them to every situation. Explore practical keys that will empower you to live a genuinely triumphant life – not something fake or conjured up. Learn how to tap into the truly blessed and abundant life Jesus came to bring you and leave defeat, lack, discouragement, and even sickness in the past. Transform your mind, encourage your heart, and begin walking as the heir of God that you are today!

An Amish Christmas Gift by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kelly Irvin

Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston
Naomi has begun to believe that she isn’t meant to find love, but she might receive more than she has ever hoped for this Christmas.
Twenty-four-year-old Naomi King has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches, Naomi is certain that her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family’s quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.
An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid
Abigail has driven other suitors away, but can Micah find a way to show her he cares?
Being a caregiver for Micah Zook’s grandmother is the answer to Abigail’s prayers. In fact, the elderly lady keeps finding ways to set Abigail up with her grandson. Despite Abigail’s constant chatter, Micah realizes he’s beginning to care for her—until he makes a decision that leaves her feeling betrayed. With Christmas in their midst, can Micah find a way to reconcile with Abigail and to reveal the true feelings of his heart?
A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin
Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.
Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt and her aunt’s new husband Mordecai. After all, Frannie knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome Englisch farm boy back in Missouri. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?

A Flying Affair by Carla Stewart

Ever since Mittie Humphreys agreed to join dashing barnstorming pilot Ames for a joyride in his airplane, her lifelong love of horses has been surpassed by one thing--a longing for the skies. It seems she's not the only one--with Charles Lindbergh making his victory tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, aviation fever is spreading across the country. Mittie knows flying is the perfect focus for the soaring ambition and taste for adventure within her, and whenever she can slip away from her duties on her family's prosperous Kentucky horse farm, she heads to the airfield.

Considering their shared passion, it's no surprise that Ames begins to vie for Mittie's time. But when handsome British aviator Bobby York offers her flying lessons, he is equally surprised-and beguiled-by Mittie's grit and talent. Driven to succeed, Mittie will do whatever it takes to compete in the Women's National Air Derby alongside Amelia Earhart. But when Calista "Peach" Gilson, a charming Southern belle, becomes her rival both professionally and in love, Mittie must learn how to navigate her heart's romantic longings as well as the skies.

Waiting for You-- An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio

Waiting Here for You helps us anticipate rather than dread the busy season of Advent and Christmas.
Life is full of waiting – we can’t escape it. We find ourselves in the middle of it every day – waiting on a prognosis to be given…a verdict to be reached…a promotion to be announced. And in these seasons of waiting that anxiety, desperation and hopelessness creep in.
Waiting Here For You takes us through the advent – the season of waiting. In it we see the story of the coming of Jesus. It teaches us that waiting is the means God often uses to carry his plans in our lives. And it brings us back to the truth that our waiting is never wasted when we are waiting on God.
Join pastor and author Louie Giglio and take hold of the chance to uncover the vast hope offered through the journey of Advent.  Find peace and encouragement for your soul as anticipation leads toward celebration!

Waiting is not wasted when it is waiting with the Lord.

Amish Christmas At North Star by Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark with Emily Clark, Amanda Flower and Katie Ganshert

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania. Rebekah’s Babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, a possibility of love, and the wonder of Christmas.
Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world?
Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.  Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?
In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love.  But when he is unexpectedly called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.
Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in a reclusive widower’s life.

AND THE WINNER IS!!!!

My friend Amy from Seasons of Opportunities and I would like to thank all those who entered our contest this month.  We are thankful for all of you who are faithful to read our blogs. Thank you for all of the comments. We were blessed by them and appreciate them!

Now on to the good stuff.

The Devotional for Women Edited by Rhonda Kelley and Dorothy Patterson

The Devotional for Women provides a solution to a problem that nearly all women have—how to be more faithful to read God’s Word and know how to apply it to their lives. It addresses this need by offering 366 daily Bible devotions for women of all ages that together form the heart of biblical womanhood. Progressing from Genesis to Revelation, content includes a strong focus on God’s Word, biblical application, and additional helps such as several options for Bible reading plans.

God’s Word is applicable to the life of every woman. Whereas many daily devotionals offer encouragement for the heart, The Devotional for Women offers that encouragement as well as biblical exposition all in a user friendly, quick read format to change lives in the every day rhythm of life.

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

All is Calm, All is Bright by Colleen Coble

Return to two of Colleen Coble’s most beloved settings—Bluebird Ranch and Hope Beach—for holiday romance and mystery!
All Is Calm
It’s going to be an unexpectedly romantic Christmas at Bluebird Ranch.
Brendan Waddell has always considered Bluebird Ranch a little piece of heaven: an idyllic ranch that pairs abused children with abused horses, run by one of his Marine buddies. Now, it seems just the place to spend Christmas recovering from an on-the-job injury.
Lauren Everman first came to the ranch as a foster kid, but now knows it’s the perfect hideout. As the witness to a murder, Lauren needs somewhere to lie low. Her beauty immediately catches Brendan’s attention—but so does her secretive behavior. This Special Ops Intel man knows a woman on the run when he sees one. Can he trust her, or is she putting the ranch at risk? One thing is certain: he’s going to do everything he can to keep her safe so he can see what magic Christmas brings.
All Is Bright
A romantic Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn gives Delilah’s unique gifts a chance to shine. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”?
As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friend, Elin Summerall. But when Delilah’s car is forced off the road and into the ocean, she finally has to admit that the strange phone calls she’s been receiving lately may be more than just pranks.
Sheriff Tom Bourne has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. He hopes to win her heart by giving her the surprise gift of a lifetime . . . but first he has to make sure nothing happens to her before Christmas Day.
It’s the season of miracles. But will both Elin and Delilah get the ones they need this holiday season?

The Bishop's Son by Kelly Irvin

Two men offer Leila two very different futures. Will she choose with her heart or with her faith?
Leila Lantz has been in love with Jesse Glick from the day she first saw him at his father’s store, but she can’t make sense of his intentions. One day he wants to come courting, the next he seems to be putting distance between them.
Jesse may be the bishop’s son, but his faith has been wavering of late. If he is so unsure, is it fair to give Leila false hope for a future he doubts he can provide?
Then there’s Will, Jesse’s cousin. He has been trying to keep his feelings for Leila a secret, but he also knows Jesse is wrestling with his faith. Would declaring his feelings for Leila be in her best interest or simply serving his own selfish desires?
Leila knows she can choose Will and be secure in her own future. But when her heart speaks, it’s Jesse’s name she hears. When will God make His will known to her? Could leaving everything she knows—even her own faith—be a part of God’s plan?

Close As A Breath By Callie Grant Illustrated by Sarah Ackerley

Parents have little warning when a child decides to pop a big question about life or God. But on a day out together, this dad is ready. He responds to his daughter’s flurry of questions about the world and God with the vital answer that matters most. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Close as a Breath is an Absorb book, which connects studies about the facts of God with a child’s inner life. Children assimilate on a personal level who God is and how they are made to be with him, trust him and love him―the life of a believer. Find out more about our Learn, Absorb and Praise framework for children’s books at GrahamBlanchard.com/books.

NKJV Study Bible for Kids by Thomas Nelson

The premier New King James Study Bible for children in the trusted NKJV translation. The NKJV Study Bible for Kids is the premier study Bible for kids in the trustworthy New King James Version. This Bible has been created and designed especially for you with vibrant full color on every page! Now studying the Bible can be easy and fun. There are many themed articles placed within the Bible text to help make it easier for you to read, understand, and learn about God's Word. With over 800 features to inspire and teach, you will enjoy the informative full-color articles, and easy fan-tabs to navigate through the pages. Features are integrated throughout the Bible text to prepare kids to learn how to use a study Bible so that they can use study Bibles now and as adults. By studying this Bible you can experience the big picture of the incredible Bible story, God's love for you, and how to use it in your daily life. NKJV Study Bible for Kids Features MORE THAN 800 features integrated throughout the Bible text. Complete text of the New King James Version Book introductions: Introduction including, author, dates, key passages, highlights, and more. Spotlight: Show kids God's big plan - how He worked in Bible times and how He works today. Action!: Shows how kids today can relate to and understand many of the same issues and emotions that Bible characters encountered. Epic Ideas: Key articles that give kids information about must-know topics, and important themes to live the Christian life. Starring Roles: Biographies of key people in the Bible. In Focus: meanings and definitions of Bible names and terms. On Location: Colorful maps to help find Bible locations and events. Timelines: Highlights both biblical and historical events. Dictionary/Concordance: Helps kids navigate through words and terms of the Bible. Articles Index: a great study help and locator for articles within the Bible text. Quick reference: Fan tabs Giftable: Presentation page. Fun: Colorful page edges.

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

The Caterpiller Cowboy by Russ Lanier Illustrated by Whitney Lanier

"The Caterpillar Cowboy" is a delightful story for children and adults of all ages. Russ Lanier's original tale of a caterpillar's first great adventure is brought to life through the beautiful and captivating illustrations of a gifted young artist, Whitney Lanier. Turn the pages and get ready to hold onto your horses as our hero chases his dreams and learns a valuable lesson along the way.

The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert

Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Auschwitz. Jakób Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks.

As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. They mean to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.
Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her, guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her home. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.
But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.
Separated by continents, politics, religion, language, and years, Jakób and Gretl will likely never see each other again. But the events they have both survived and their belief that the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war have formed a bond of love that no circumstances can overcome.

Meet My Best Friend By Sheila Walsh Illustrated by Sarah Horne

"Do YOU want to meet my best friend?"

The McDougal twins are excited to meet their new neighbor, Abby, who has just moved in next door. Poor Abby is sad that she had to leave her friends behind when she moved. To cheer her up, the twins lead Abby on a crazy hunt to meet their best friend--one that can go anywhere they go. But first Abby has to find it! With plenty of quirkiness and delightful illustrations by Sarah Horne, this picture book has an important message about how and why the Bible can be the best friend we have.

Meet My Best Friend is the first title in the new The Bible Is My Best Friend brand by best-selling author Sheila Walsh.

Best Hair Book Ever! By Editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life Mag

The bestselling brand, Faithgirlz, partners with Girls' Life magazine to present a four-color guide to amazing hair for tween girls.
All girls have had bad hair days—be it hair that won’t curl or that is way too curly, a cut that won’t grow out fast enough, or a do that just feels like an absolute don’t even after hours of pinning and spraying. But there’s good news. Faithgirlz Best Hair Book Ever! is full of killer tricks and tips on having amazing hair every day—from the best cut for each individual girl’s lovely locks to simple-yet-stunning updos and gorgeous styles, and even some trade secrets that can help make even the most unruly hair behave.

Come Join In--- Fun Fall Giveaway!!

My Friend Amy from Seasons of Opportunities and myself are teaming up to

bring you a

FUN FALL GIVEAWAY

The giveaway will run through Thanksgiving.

Entering is easy - Just leave a comment on any or all November blog posts telling us what you are thankful for. For extra entries you may use the Rafflecopter below.

You can enter by commenting here or over at Seasons of Opportunities

or both locations if you choose.

Every comment earns an entry!

The more post you comment on, the more entries you get.

Keep an eye out for our posts!

You can follow our blogs using any method you choose.

Winners will be chosen at random the day after Thanksgiving. 

So hopefully you will receive your prize before Christmas.

The prizes include

1. A kitchen towel set, mug, and the devotional Five Minutes with Jesus
2. Max Lucado's Miracle at Higher Grounds Cafe, a notepad, set of pens, and a candle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week in Review

Another month has passed. Soon it will be Christmas, YIKES!!! Remember this month to be thankful for all you have and all you've been given by our Heavenly Father. This month I hope to get a lot of reviewing done. Especially since I still have a ton of books to review! Stay tuned this month as there also could be a surprise in store on the blog here soon!

Here is what to look forward to hopefully in the next week! At least two of these should happen this week.

Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

Abrianna Cunningham has always viewed her longtime friend, Wade Ackerman, as
a protective brother. Lately, however, she's begun to see him differently and finds
herself attracted romantically to him. But she's confused and overwhelmed by these
unfamiliar feelings.

Wade, on the other hand, has loved Abrianna for some time and has been waiting for her to realize they are more than just friends. When he asks her to marry him, she asks for time to adjust to their changed relationship.

And then there's Priam Welby, who has been relentlessly pursuing Abrianna. Will his underhanded tactics succeed in luring Abrianna into marriage with him?

NKJV Faithgirlz Bible Features written by Nancy Rue

Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime.
Features include:
• Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book
• Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story
• Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself
• Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common
• Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing
• What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words
• Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about
• The complete New King James Version (NKJV) translation
• Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue

The Boy Born Dead by David Ring with John Driver and David Wideman

In 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a baby boy was born--dead. The attending physician set his little body aside and tended to his mother for eighteen minutes. Now, more than sixty years later, that boy leads an internationally known ministry that encourages hundreds of thousands every year. The Boy Born Dead tells his incredible story from the perspective of his best friend, David Wideman.

As a teenager in the small town of Liberty, Missouri, in the late 1960s, David Ring grew up with the challenges that come with cerebral palsy, a result of his eighteen minutes of newborn silence. Along with his physical limitations, Ring was orphaned and shuffled from home to home, finally landing in an abusive situation that made him feel unworthy of love and, eventually, unworthy of life. But God had a purpose for Ring's life, and sent an agent to help him achieve it. Through the friendship of David Wideman, a boy he met in the halls of Liberty High School, Ring found strength he didn't know he had and went on to face his demons, marry the love of his life, and start an international speaking ministry.

Full of hope, this moving story illustrates how friendship and love triumph over adversity. Anyone who faces tough times will treasure this story of hope and courage.

This Week in Review

Happy Monday all! This week is gonna be a great one for reviews. Sitting here watching my girls do school and trying to get house work and other things done. I realize how blessed I am and how much fun I have been having reviewing. Can't wait to share all these great books with y'all. I have at least 15 to get read and reviewed!! Y'all have a great week and come back often to check out all these books!

Reviewing this week and next:

Happy Reading Y'all!

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem by Lori Copeland

Meet Arlene Santana, a vibrant wife and young grandmother whose life suddenly takes a confusing and often laughable turn into a new reality framed by a severe brain injury. As one holiday after another speeds by, Arlene takes comfort in the amusing old people who surround her in the rehabilitation center and one special friend who relates well to Arlene. But when will her husband, whose love is more real to her than anything, come to visit her? Treasure this Christmas novella from bestselling author Lori Copeland that demonstrates the healing power of true love.

Murder At the Courthouse by A. H. Gabhart

After a few years as a police officer in Chicago, Michael Keane has no trouble relaxing into the far less stressful job of deputy sheriff in his small hometown. After all, nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky. Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. Everyone in town is a little uneasy. Still, no one is terribly worried--after all the man was a stranger--until one of their own is murdered right on Main Street.

As Michael works to solve the case it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep readers guessing.

Mud Puddle Hunting Day by Callie Grant Ilusstrated by Melanie Magee

All of God’s wonders look different for play on mud puddle hunting day! Children join the adventure of a young girl’s dash through the rain where she finds just what she’s looking for―a splashing experience with God’s amazing creation. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Mud Puddle Hunting Day is a Praise book, which celebrates the soul-pleasing wonders of God that children experience every day. A natural response to this God-filled world is worship, gratitude and awe for him and his glory, while young hearts grow for him. Find out more about our Learn, Absorb and Praise books for children at GrahamBlanchard.com.

Getting Back on Track

These last two weeks have been a total mess of things for me and my family. It has put me way behind on my reviews, but I'm hoping now that things have settled down again I will be getting back on track.
Losing my sweet mother in law this past week has been difficult but the books I have had to read have actually been helpful.
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of reviews, I will be having several really good looking books on the blog over the next couple of weeks.

Here is what should be coming up within the next week or two.

Praying the Lord's blessings on everyone this week!

Hiding Places by Erin Healy

The Harrison lodge is full of hiding places where young Kate can discover all the secrets no one wants her to know.
Eleven-year-old Kate keeps her knowledge to herself—one sister’s stash of marijuana, the other’s petty cash pilfering, her grandfather’s contraband candy bars. She protects her mother and Gran, too, screening out critical comments from the hotel suggestions box. But suddenly the stakes are raised; her grandfather’s best friend is murdered the day after Kate heard the two men arguing.
At the same time, far from the quiet mountain resort, a homeless man sees a robbery gone wrong . . . a gang member seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and a boy chooses the worst time to wield spray paint on a store window. In a strange and spiraling sequence of events, their disparate worlds collide at Harrison Lodge.
Kate offers shelter to one of them, unaware of the terrible consequences to the family she loves. But people can hide in all kinds of ways, sometimes even in plain sight . . . and some secrets are just waiting to be exposed.

Blessed, Blessed...Blessed by Missy Robertson with Beth Clark

Missy Robertson knew that marrying duck-hunting family man Jase Robertson would be an adventure . . . and she was up to the challenge. Their life together was good (even after Jase grew the beard). They had two children, worked hard to help build the thriving Duck Commander business, and loved and served God.

But after a difficult and risky pregnancy, their daughter, Mia, was born with a cleft palate―a serious condition requiring multiple cranial and facial surgeries. As their baby struggled to breathe, and Missy and Jase faced a life that suddenly looked very different than the one they’d planned, they found themselves staring down one of life’s biggest questions: Where is God in all this pain?

This is the Robertsons’ story. It’s for anyone scared and overwhelmed by a problem they can’t fix; anyone lost and searching for a way through. You’ll meet the young girl Mia who captured A&E’s Duck Dynasty viewers’ hearts, and learn how Missy and Jase have raised her and their sons to be faithful, confident, and secure in who they are. You’ll be inspired by how the Robertson family stuck by each other through the hardest times. And you’ll discover that God’s blessings are bigger than you ever dreamed―and there when you need them the most.

A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller

 She never wanted to marry. He hopes to make amends for past wrongs. Can love find a way to heal both of their hearts?
Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry—she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man—the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.
Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can’t let her down—even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.
Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn’t the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family—and herself.

The Fireman's Secret by Jessica Keller

Rekindling Her Life 

After the fire that injured her and burned down Goose Harbor's only church fourteen years ago, Shelby Beck is planning to rebuild--the structure and her life. But her wounds have always caused her to keep men at a distance. When Joel Palermo returns to town as a fireman and is assigned to help Shelby raise funds for the new construction, she's surprised at how easy it is to get close to her brother's old friend. Could he be the man she'll finally trust enough to let in? Or will the bond they've built go up in flames, when Joel's own scars are revealed?Goose Harbor:  Love is in big supply on the shores of Lake Michigan

Week @ A Glance

Here is what to look

forward to

this coming week.

Another Love Inspired gem.

A suspenseful story that you won't be able to put down.


Well back to reading so I will have lots more to share with you :)

Have an awesome week!

Prayer Works by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick with Amy Parker--- GIVEAWAY

What's Your Strategy? 

As kids grow, their prayer lives need to grow too—but how? Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick offer a strategy that kids can use to figure out how prayer works and just how powerful it is. Lots of great explanation is combined with fun activities, illustrations, and journaling prompts to get kids thinking and praying.
This companion book to the movie War Room contains 32 perforated journal pages kids can use to write specific prayers and then post them on the walls in their prayer room—just like the characters in the movie. Topics include:

What is prayer?
Why should I pray?
Where do I pray?
Is there a wrong way to pray?
What should I pray for?
Does God really hear me?

The Song by Chris Fabry

Jed King’s life has been shaped by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Haunted by the scars inflicted by his broken family, Jed’s dreams of a successful music career seem out of reach . . . until he meets Rose.

As romance quickly blooms, Jed pens a new song and suddenly finds himself catapulted into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago.

Set in the fertile mid-South, this quest for success leads Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with the pain of loss, failure, and the desire to be who God created them to be.

Lyrical and deeply honest, The Song asks the hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men are fools in love, can true love persevere?

The Watercolor Course You've Always Wanted by Leslie Frontz

A comprehensive and practical guide to watercolor painting from sought-after instructor and acclaimed artist Leslie Frontz that answers the two most common questions students at all levels want to know: What am I doing wrong? and How do I decide what to do instead?     In the tradition of the eminently practical, top-selling guides such as How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself, The Oil Painting Course You've Always Wanted, and Problem Solving for Oil Painters, this straightforward handbook offers a fresh approach to watercolor mastery that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Through thoughtful discussion, expert instruction, and in-depth step-by-step demonstrations, Leslie Frontz shows readers how to eliminate common barriers to achieve beautiful, captivating watercolor paintings. Beginning with teaching readers how to see with an artist's eye, Frontz then establishes how watercolor painters build on this skill by making timely decisions throughout the creation process.

Balancing It All by Candace Cameron Bure with Dana Wilkerson

“How do you do it all?”That’s the question that wife, mom, actress, and best-selling author Candace Cameron Bure is often asked. And it’s a question that women everywhere are asking themselves as we seek to balance all of our roles, responsibilities, and opportunities.

So, how do we do it? Working since the age of 5, Candace has been in a balancing act for nearly her entire life. She is the first to tell you that there is no miracle formula for perfect execution in every area of your life, but there definitely are some lessons to be learned, lessons that come to life in Candace's story.

Come along and dig into Candace’s story from her start in commercials, the balance-necessitating years on Full House, to adding on the roles of wife and mom while also returning to Hollywood. Insightful, funny, and poignant, Candace’s story will help you balance it all.

The Boy Who Loved Rain by Gerard Kelly

They say that what you don’t know can’t hurt you. They’re wrong.

Colom had the perfect childhood, the much-loved only child of a church pastor. Yet he wakes screaming from dreams in which his sister is drowning and he can’t save her.
Fiona turns to her husband, desperate to help their son. But David will not acknowledge that help is needed―and certainly not help from beyond the church.
Then they find the suicide pledge.
Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees… but when will she acknowledge that the unnamed demons Colom faces might be of her and David’s own creation?
This beautifully written and searching novel by poet Gerard Kelly explores the toxicity of secrets, the nature of healing, and the ever-present power of rain.

On My List

I have been so blessed over the last 6-7 months to have had the opportunity to review some great books. I am thankful for my wonderful friend Amy who introduced me to reviewing. Check out her blog where she also reviews books as well as lots of other things right here. Thanks for being on this fun exciting adventure! Check out some of the upcoming books I will be reviewing!

Thanks for following me and reading my blog posts. Keep coming back for more!