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Saturday, September 30, 2017

Review of Matt Redman's Glory Song CD.


Glory Song



Glory Song by Matt Redman



About the album:

Matt Redman teamed up with several of his worship-artist friends for this album, first releasing the track “Gracefully Broken (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard).” Tasha Cobbs Leonard also released her own version of this song on the same day! The album also features Kierra Sheard, Guvna B, Madison Cunningham, and Kim Walker-Smith. 


Gracefully Broken Top Of The Tower Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__haUJns_b8
Gracefully Broken (Lyric Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNR0lxbIP4
Gracefully Broken (Song Story): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LeKJYkhIo8  




My thoughts: 
God knew I needed this CD. I loved that the words flowed right through me and it felt like the Holy Spirit was raining down on me. Our Family has been a fan of Matt's for awhile now. We really enjoyed this album as a family. 

I was provided a copy of the CD through FlyBy Promotions - all opinions are my own. 

Book Review! Many Sparrows by Lori Benton

About the book:

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob's life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do-be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
About the author:

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of "Burning Sky," recipient of three Christy Awards, "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn," Christy-nominee "The Wood's Edge," and "A Flight of Arrows."
Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.
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My Thoughts:
Wow. This book was amazing. I loved the journey that it took me on. I laughed. I cried. My heart would hurt for the sorrow then it would beam with the victories. The characters were very well written. The setting and research are very well written and I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the character, Clare. She was a strong individual. Reading about her throughout the journey reminds me of the journies that God takes us on in life. If we put our trust in HIM, he will direct our steps. I look forward to more from this author. 

I received a copy of this book through the Litfuse blogging program - all opinions are my own, 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The Action Story Book Bible - Review!



{THE ACTION STORYBOOK BIBLE}

Families see the Bible in motion and put their faith into action! The Action Storybook Bible invites families with young children to explore God's redemptive story together. An entry point into the world of The Action Bible, it tells of the amazing creation story, powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel, God's miraculous gift of eternal life through Jesus, and more! God's promise for the world is displayed throughout every page. Discover your family's place in God's incredible story and together put your faith into action! Interactive features include: 
  • Fifteen key episodes from God's Word-each one loaded with several stories along with over 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.
  • Short and easy readings-for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.
  • Life, Faith, Action! features-conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.
  • Hall of Fame visual index-the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.


Follow up:

My boys are 6 and 4 - and love everything superheroes! They loved being able to read stories about the superheros in the Bible. I love that we have so many different versions of God's word available to us. They loved looking at the pictures - and it sparked good conversation about Jesus' world and ours. This is a must have for any superhero lovers! Both of my boys loved it! This will be one that we revisit as their faith matures. 

I received a copy of this book through Litfuse Blogging Tour Program, all opinions are my own 


One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 29. The winner will be announced October 2 on the Litfuse blog.


Enter to win: HERE

Thursday, September 21, 2017

BOOK REVIEW! Gone with the Wings (Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Series) by Leena Clover On tour with Great Escapes!



Gone with the Wings (Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Series)
by Leena Clover

If you could smell the story inside books, you would be able to smell “Gone with the Wings” from across the bookstore when you walked in. And it would make you very hungry! Meera’s family dynamics are centered in the kitchen, and the author does a fantastic job of setting a plate for the reader and making them one of the group.
~Student of Opinions
Meera Patell and her pals are entertaining and provide the reader with a look into a loving and close knit family…Gone With The Wings was a fun introduction to a new series.
~My Reading Journeys


Gone with the Wings (Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Self Published
Publication Date: June 3, 2017
Paperback: 269 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1521448984
E-Book ASIN: B071WHNM6K
Author Leena Clover announces a brand new cozy mystery series set in a small Oklahoma college town. Mystery readers will enjoy this culinary cozy murder mystery featuring plenty of yummy recipes like Masala Fried Chicken and Shish Kabob Blue Plate Special.
Meera Patel is back home with the family after she dropped out of graduate school. Now she shelves books for a living and rustles up fusion recipes at Sylvie’s Cafe & Diner. Everything is fine until her old nemesis Prudence Walker floats up in the local pond. Meera is accused of murder! Well, she did publicly declare Prudence would drop dead.
Meera cries foul and screams police harassment. But she has no defense when she is accused of a second crime. Flanked by pals Tony and Becky, Meera puts in the leg work, trying to solve clues and discard red herrings.
Fall in Oklahoma has never been more exciting.
Cozy mystery fans will love this new mystery series featuring an Asian American amateur sleuth. There is a full cast of characters with a professor father, young sibling, old grandparents, loyal friends and a candid glimpse into South Asian culture.About The Author
Leena Clover is the author of the brand new Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Series, starring a 20 something Desi girl as the protagonist. The series is set in a small Oklahoma college town Meera calls home.
Leena Clover offers plenty of clues for her readers so that they can solve the mystery as they read along. Readers can expect a unique look into Indian/ South Asian culture and plenty of yummy recipes.Author Links
Purchase Link:

MY THOUGHTS

I have not read anything by this author before this book. This is the first book in the series and it is a easy read. I liked following along with the mystery trying to figure out who the murderer was. This is a cozy mystery book. This book had some good twists and turns. I liked the culinary snippets that were through out the book. I enjoyed this book. The characters were likeable, and it has a great story line.

I received a copy of this book through the Great Escapes Blog Tour program, all opionions are my own.




Enter to win an e copy of this book! Enter:  HERE

Book Review! GATHERING THE THREADS BY CINDY WOODSMALL

GATHERING THE THREADS BY CINDY WOODSMALL

Will Ariana and Skylar be able to overcome their doubts about what love, relationships, and family will look like in their futures? Don’t miss the conclusion, Gathering the Threads, in Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish of Summer Grove series. Ariana has returned to Summer Grove, the Old Order Amish community where she was raised for twenty years, and life with her Brenneman family. Skylar, the Englisch-raised young woman is working in Ariana’s café while getting to know her birth family and their Plain way of life. 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.



{MORE ABOUT GATHERING THE THREADS}

Gathering the Threads(WaterBrook, August 2017)
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.
Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

Cindy Woodsmall

{MORE ABOUT CINDY WOODSMALL}

Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of nineteen works of fiction and non-fiction with more than a million copies sold. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline,” the “Wall Street Journal,” and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.
Find out more about Cindy at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.

My Thoughts
This is the final book in the Amish of Summer Grove series.  This book continues the story of Ariana and Skyler, two young women who were switched at birth. I have been a fan of Ms. Woodsmall for a long time and I love reading anything that she puts out. She always puts a different perspective of Amish Fiction with her careful crafting. Her characters are tangible. This is not your typical sweet Amish book - it collides with the English world, and the different areas that Amish are not accustomed to dealing with. This book is a great read and easy to follow. 

I recieved a copy of the book courtesy of Litfuse Blog Tours, all opinions are my own. 

Monday, September 18, 2017

Book Review! Plus Giveaway! Protocol (A Maggie O’Malley Mystery) by Kathleen Valenti on tour with Great Escapes



Protocol (A Maggie O’Malley Mystery)
by Kathleen Valenti

The plot was intriguing and twisty turny …You’ll be on the edge of your seat while your wondering who is behind all the mayhem.
~My Reading Journeys
Protocol by Kathleen Valenti will keep your pulse racing and keep you on the edge of your seat.
~Reading is my SuperPower
Protocol by Kathleen Valenti is definitely not a cozy, but a gripping medical thriller and suspense/thriller. Protocol is a fast-moving page-turner, with a complex, intriguing, and exciting plot.
~Jane Reads
Kathleen Valenti has written an excellent suspense novel combining greed and medicine and the lengths people will go to for that almighty dollar. I am shocked this is her debut effort in the mystery realm. She hit it out of the park!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
What a powerhouse of a novel! The authors descriptive writing style brings the story to life.
~Socrates’ Book Reviews…
Protocol (A Maggie O’Malley Mystery)
Medical Thriller/Mystery
1st in Series
Henery Press (September 5, 2017)
Paperback: 276 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635112399
E-Book ASIN: B072JZK43D

Freshly minted college graduate Maggie O’Malley embarks on a career fueled by professional ambition and a desire to escape the past. As a pharmaceutical researcher, she’s determined to save lives from the shelter of her lab. But on her very first day she’s pulled into a world of uncertainty. Reminders appear on her phone for meetings she’s never scheduled with people she’s never met. People who end up dead.
With help from her best friend, Maggie discovers the victims on her phone are connected to each other and her new employer. She soon unearths a treacherous plot that threatens her mission—and her life. Maggie must unlock deadly secrets to stop horrific abuses of power before death comes calling for her.

About the Author

When Kathleen Valenti isn’t writing page-turning mysteries that combine humor and suspense, she works as a nationally award-winning advertising copywriter. Protocol is her debut novel and the first of the Maggie O’Malley mystery series. Kathleen lives in Oregon with her family where she pretends to enjoy running.
Author Links
Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N  kobo iTunes

MY THOUGHTS: 
This was the first book that I had read by this author. This book was a page turner and I could not click through my Kindle fast enough. The characters are well written, well developed and I could see the plot unfolding in front of me. There is some crude language that is sprinkled about - but overall this was a great cozy mystery. 
*I received a copy of this book through the great escapes blog tours - all opionions are my own* 


Enter to win: 
4) E-Copy Protocol (A Maggie O’Malley Mystery) by Kathleen Valenti

Enter: HERE

Thursday, September 7, 2017

BOOK REVIEW: Journey into Grace: 150 Encouraging Devotions for Women by: Darlene Sala , Bonnie Sala , Luisa Reyes-Ampil

Journey into Grace: 150 Encouraging Devotions for Women  -     By: Darlene Sala, Bonnie Sala, Luisa Reyes-Ampil


I recently was presented the opportunity to review: Journey into Grace: 150 Encouraging Devotions for Women 

I was excited about this book since I love devotions that are written just for women. 

I started the day that I got the book. I love to have little bible snacks throughout the day in addition to my quiet time. I enjoyed starting my day or ending it with this book. 

Here is a summary of the book: 

Life is a journey of joyful moments and painful moments, including twists and turns that threaten to undo us. But if we allow God to work through the joy and the pain, that journey can lead to the life-sustaining richness of His Grace and an intimate relationship with Him.  That truth is the core of international speaker and teacher Darlene Sala’s new women’s devotional, Journey into Grace. With Darlene’s heartfelt voice alongside two coauthors, including her daughter, Bonnie, the 150 readings explore themes such as fear, forgiveness, learning, loving, prayer, and relationships.  This book offers women quiet moments with God as they bring their real life challenges to His feet.

My Review:

I loved this book. I have not done every single devotion in it yet, but from what I have done - it was been very pleasing. There was a lot of time where the verses at the top of the devotion kept popping up throughout the day. I love when God affirms that for me. This book is great in addition to quiet time, or those who are just looking to connect in a few minutes a day. I enjoyed this book. 



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