Sunday, March 26, 2017

Book Review!! 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God's Unconditional Love (A Fiction Lover’s Devotional) By: Kathy Ide

About the Book







Book: 21 Days of Grace
Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group). Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.


My Thoughts
One of the things that God has been reminding me of during my daily bible time - is his Grace. I struggled a lot with some issues from my past - and God shows me that his Grace has covered all. My past, my present, and my future. For that I am so thankful for. 
I loved this book.  Each story is penned by a featured author and will warm your heart. Each devotional will give you a life application/lesson. .
I received a courtesy copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. Each opinion is my own. 

About the Author


Kathy Ide is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. She’s a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor, working with Christian authors of all genres at all levels. She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor Connection, The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, PENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com

Guest Post from Kathy Ide

I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.

Blog Stops

March 23: A Reader’s Brain
March 24: ASC Book Reviews
March 24: autism mom
March 26: The Power of Words
March 27: Lighthouse Academy
March 28: A Greater Yes
March 29: Southern Chelle
March 30: Pause for Tales
March 30: The Scribbler
March 31: Carpe Diem
April 1: Splashesofjoy
April 2: Karen Sue Hadley
April 3: Lane Hill House
April 5: God is Love

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away:
1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series.
5th & 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd
"21 Days of Grace" is available in hardcover:
  • Series: A Fiction Lover’s Devotional
  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Broadstreet Publishing Group, LLC (June 1, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1424550238
  • ISBN-13: 978-1424550234
  • Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 7 inches

and in Kindle edition:
  • File Size: 2597 KB
  • Print Length: 192 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publication Date: March 24, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00UVMXKB8
at 2 comments:

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Book Review! Death By Chocolate Lab by Bethany Blake



Death By Chocolate Lab
by Bethany Blake

Death By Chocolate Lab is full of subtle humor, intriguing characters, and dogs with a great deal of personality. Oh – and a really well-plotted mystery with lots of twists and turns.
~Reading is my SuperPower
A great fast paced read that will keep you guessing until the end and even I was taken back by who it was.
~Bab’s Book Bistro
Death by Chocolate Lab (Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
New Series
Kensington (February 28, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496707383
E-Book ASIN: B01GBAG2T0
Pet sitter Daphne Templeton has a soft spot for every stray and misfit who wanders into the quaint, lakeside village of Sylvan Creek. But even Daphne doesn’t like arrogant, womanizing Steve Beamus, the controversial owner of Blue Ribbon K-9 Academy. When Steve turns up dead during a dog agility trial, Daphne can think of a long list of people with motives for homicide, and so can the police. Unfortunately, at the top of the list is Daphne’s sister, Piper—Steve’s latest wronged girlfriend.
Certain that Piper is innocent, in spite of mounting evidence to the contrary, Daphne sets out to clear her sister’s name—and find Axis, Steve’s prize-winning chocolate Labrador, who went missing the night of Steve’s death. Aided by Socrates, her taciturn basset hound, and a hyperactive one-eared Chihuahua named Artie, Daphne quickly runs afoul of Detective Jonathan Black, a handsome and enigmatic newcomer to town, who has no appreciation for Daphne’s unorthodox sleuthing.
Can a free-spirited pet sitter, armed only with a Ph.D. in Philosophy and her two incompatible dogs, find the real killer before she becomes the next victim?
Includes recipes for homemade dog treats!


About The Author

Bethany Blake lives in a small, quaint town in Pennsylvania with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing or riding horses, she’s wrangling a menagerie of furry family members that includes a nervous pit bull, a fearsome feline, a blind goldfish, and an attack cardinal named Robert. Like Daphne Templeton, the heroine of her Lucky Paws Mysteries, Bethany holds a Ph.D. and operates a pet sitting business called Barkley’s Premium Pet Care.
Author Links 
Purchase Links
Amazon B&N


MY REVIEW
This is the first in a new cozy mystery series and a must have for any pet lover. The characters are likable. They are real and have flaws. This was a good easy read that was easy to follow and entertained me. There are some good recipes for your own furry members of the family. I just loved the dogs. Daphne’s basset hound, Socrates and Artie, the one -eared Chihuahua are just the best. 
I received a ARC of the book in exchange for my opinion. All opinions are my own. 


ENTER TO WIN 



Tour Participants
March 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
March 6 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
March 7 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
March 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
March 8 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
March 9 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
March 9 – Texas Book-aholic – SPOTLIGHT
March 9 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
March 10 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
March 10 – The Book’s the Thing – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Bookworm Mom – REVIEW
March 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
March 11 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
March 11 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
March 12 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
March 13 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
March 13 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – INTERVIEW
March 14 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 15 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
March 15 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT 
March 16 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
March 16 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
March 17 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW
March 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
at No comments:

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Book Review! Baseball Faith by Rob Maaddi


I love baseball. I have loved watching my hometown team The Cleveland Indians for as long as I can remember. My dad and I would watch the games together on television, yelling at the seemingly blind umpires that were making bad calls. It's in my blood. 

 A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library while they were featuring an exhibit on America's favorite past time. (You can see the post here: Play Ball! ) 

 Last year my beloved Cleveland Indians fell 1 game short of clinching the World Series Title. 

 I was thrilled when I was able to review this book. It featured some of my favorite players. 

 About the book:
Baseball Faith will inspire you in your faith journey as 52 MLB players--past and present--share their stories and how they are chasing the success that only comes from being God's man and following His plan. These men are committed to living their lives with eternity in mind. Empowered by God, they are looking beyond the competition to a larger goal: following God's game plan for their lives as team players, as husbands, fathers, sons, and then using their influence to point others toward Him.
About the Author: 
Rob Maaddi has been a Philadelphia sports writer for The Associated Press since 2000. He's covered the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, and numerous major sporting events throughout his career. Rob has co-authored three children's sports books and has written a biography on Mike Schmidt. A devoted Christian, Rob strives every day to make a difference and be a blessing. Rob is a missionary athlete with the Deacons Prison Ministry softball team. He visits inmates, shares his testimony, and preaches about Jesus Christ. Rob, his wife, Remy, and their twin girls, Alexia and Melina, reside in South Jersey.

My Review:

 This is a great, inspirational book that looks at 52 big baseball names and their journey to faith 
Each player has picked out a verse and share their story. If you are a baseball fanatic then this is a great book for you. 

 Here is Yankee Pitcher Mariano Rivera: " Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

 While they have made names for themselves as baseball greats and legends - they know where their strength comes from. They share some of their struggles, their ups and downs and most importantly their faith, By telling their stories and sharing their faith they hope to inspire others. 
I loved reading the statistics about the players. 

 Who is your favorite baseball team and player? Mine is the Cleveland Indians. My favorite baseball player of all time would have to be Seattle's Randy Johnson 

 "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

 Buy the Book:

 Amazon: Here
Barnes and Noble: Here
Christian Book: Here
at 1 comment:

Monday, March 6, 2017

Worry: What the Bible tells us about worry

Worry
What the Bible tells us about worry

Have you had times where you have more bills then resources? Have you had a time where you have had the uncertainty what was going to happen next? Have you ever wondered – what could be laying right around the corner?



I have.

Worry is defined by dictionary.com as: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.

We all do it. We all wonder if we will have enough money to get through the month.

1 month ago I lost my full time job. I had worked for the company for almost 3 years. It was a comfortable, easy job that I was used to performing. God had revealed that something was about to happen and it led me to start exploring other areas. But when I was let go there was a 20 minute crying and yelling session. I had never been let go from a job before. How was I going to be able to provide for our family? How were we going to afford our bills? It was bad.
But then, a still small voice said: “I have you.”

If I would not have been let go from that job – I would have probably stayed there for a very long time. I know that God will bring us out of our comfort zone to do HIS work. This was one of those times.

Later that day while I was praying, I called out to God. “Lord, I know that you never leave us or forsake us. I am just having trouble seeing what is in front of me. I know that all things are used for your purpose” Then the tears.
Then there was that still small voice again. “Connie, my precious daughter. Philippians 4:19”

I  grabbed by Bible and flipped there:

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
I also liked this translation too

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Then I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. God has us. He had our backs. He knew what our needs were and how things were already going to turn out.
When I shared this with my wonderful husband he looked at me and said “I don’t know why you are worrying about this He always makes sure things are paid”


I recently was hired as a substitute teacher in two local school districts. I was not sure if this was the path that God wanted me to take – and I prayed. It was supposed to take 3 weeks for me to get my substitute teaching license. It took 3 days. I knew that was a sign that I was right where I needed to be.

Our 5 year old son had to have surgery to have his tonsils out recently. Not working allowed me to be able to take care of him. Had I still been working the other position – I would not have been able to take the time off. God is faithful. He works it all out. In his timing.

Life is chaotic with 3 kids still at home. We always seem to be running different directions.
This morning during my quiet time I read Luke 12. I like to read it myself, then have my bible app read it to me and I follow along, then I unpack it using a life application bible. This chapter spoke volumes to me. 

Starting in verse 22:
“Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”


This is a lot of information in a few short paragraphs.

I love where he tells us: Worry does not add a single moment to our lives.
Look at how beautiful the lillies and other flowers are. God made them so beautiful. He helps to water them so they can grow. We are FAR more important to God then the flowers.
It actually robs us of those moments. I know that my time on earth I want to live for Jesus, and let HIS light shine so that when I stand before him he tells me “Well done good and faithful servant”
God did not give us a spirit of worry or anxiousness. That comes from the enemy. He wants us to worry, dwell and forget what God’s promises are.
Jesus commands us NOT to worry. Easier said than done right?
FAITH can free us from the anxiousness and the worrying. TRUSTING God completely.


Think about wading out into an ocean.  You slowly go in touching the water with your toes first, then you go in up to your ankles, then your waist, then deeper.
Faith is like when you lay back and float. This is how I picture it. Laying there floating looking up at the sky and trusting that everything will be ok.
Faith in Jesus will help us be able to not swell on everything that can go wrong.
Our Heavenly Father knows what our needs are. He promises to meet all our NEEDS. This does not always mean our desires.

Psalm 62:8 tells us:

8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. 

God is our refuge and he is our strength. He is ALWAYS there. He never leaves us. He never forsakes us. He is our shelter. He is our provider.

Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you so much for another day. I thank you for loving us. Thank you for always being there for us. Lord I know that you do not give us a spirit of worry or anxiousness but one of peace. You tell us in your word Peace is what I leave you. I know that the world and it’s ways leaves us confused, broken, bound up and anxious. Let your peace shine through us. Let us not worry about what will happen tomorrow. Let us concentrate on the blessings and what you have in store for us. Please help to guide my path and to do your will for my life. It’s in your HOLY name I pray.
Amen.




at No comments: