My Thoughts - Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

 

About the Book

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book, passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.

Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

 

 

 

More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.

My Thoughts

I really love when I get books to review on topics that I struggle with. Forgiveness is a big one that a lot of us. My 10 year old and I have been talking a lot about forgiveness and how Jesus paid the ultimate price. So this book came along at the right time. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward  is written by  Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer. 

This book goes over the Biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how to practice forgiveness. This book made me realize that I have some unforgiveness in my heart that I needed to deal with. 

Another great point that the book makes is how forgiveness is needed when we may become offended or bitter because of others. This world is hurting and forgiveness could go a long way. I really enjoyed the way that the book flowed and how it would be a great Bible Study book to break down with others

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

For the Love of Literature, May 25 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 25

An Author’s Take, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, June 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26263/forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal Author: Laine Lawson Craft

About the Book

Book: The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal

Author: Laine Lawson Craft

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: March 14, 2023

You are not alone–there is hope and healing for every hurting heart.

Today’s technology has made sinful experiences and deadly choices accessible to our teenagers and young adults with just a click. And parents are left with the disappointments–and devastating fallout–of their children’s choices.

Through sharing her own story of praying three very wayward prodigals home, Laine Lawson Craft offers not only hope and insight, but also a practical, tried-and-true battle plan for parents walking this heartbreaking season of life. You’ll discover how to

• handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
• deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
• pray emboldened by God’s promises
• fight for your child’s destiny
• and more

You can win the war of darkness over your children–even when you don’t get the miracle you asked for.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is a best-selling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook and Instagram Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Florida.

 

More from Laine

I would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.

My Thoughts

I am the mother of 4 children. Two are adults who would be considered prodigals - and two are still minors and are growing in their relationship with Jesus. The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal was a great book to read and take away guilt I felt due to my older ones walking away from Jesus. 

The author has the chapters set up nicely, with a nice blend of personal experience and Biblical Truth. I really enjoyed the Lesson in Perspective and the What can I do today at the end of the chapters. I also loved the feeling that I was not alone in my battle - that there is a community that can help lift you up. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

An Author’s Take, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Vibrant Wings, June 6

By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview)

Walking Fruitfully, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26267/the-parents-battle-plan-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Forever Yours Author: Annee Jones

 

About the Book

Book: Forever Yours

Author: Annee Jones

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: January 13, 2023

He’s there on a whim. She’s there to help her aunt. They’re both missing something. Can it be each other?

“Find your Perfect Match this summer at the seaside…” The Forever Yours matchmaking agency is hosting a vacation package week in Seaview, Florida. Taking a break from her busy but unrewarding life in Chicago, Callie Winthrop has come to town to find respite at her beloved Aunt Fran’s bed and breakfast.

When the CEO of Forever Yours – who just happens to be staying at the inn for the event – offers Callie the opportunity to attend the activities and meet the most eligible bachelors in the country, how can she say no?

Jackson Thorne, a successful Tampa contractor, can’t believe the nerve of his brother, who actually thought it was a good idea to sign him up for a matchmaking vacation this summer. Jackson acknowledges, however, that he has been avoiding commitment ever since his last relationship ended in tragedy. Hence it may actually be good for him to start dating again – much as he would hate to admit it. Maybe there’s even a chance he could meet the woman of his dreams this summer?

Warm your heart by reading this sweet clean romance about starting over today! Bonus section with recipes included!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Annee Jones is an international bestselling author of romance, fantasy, and mystery. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true and love wins!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she is honored to help her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

 

More from Annee

Bonus recipes are included!

This book features a rescue puppy named Peanut Butter!

You will find both recipes and pets in nearly all of my books!  

My Thoughts

Forever Yours is a sweet and clean contemporary read that is written by  Annee Jones. I love the way that this author pulls her readers in with such well written stories. Callie Winthrop heads to her aunt's B&B in Seaview Florida, looking for a break. She works in Chicago and needs to reset. However, she is staying at the same time that  Forever Yours matchmaking agency is hosting a vacation package. Callie is offered a chance to attend the activities and she decides to partake in in. 

Jackson Thorne is signed up for the conference by his brother. He is not happy about it. He has avoided relationships since his last one ended in tragedy. He goes along, reluctantly with the conference. He and Callie are drawn to each other. Seeing their relationship build was heartwarming. 

The author did a great job in writing in the faith element to the story. Callie needs to find her way back to God - while Jackson is very grounded with his faith. The story and characters are well written and this was a quick and clean read. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

A Reader’s Brain, May 25 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Beauty in the Binding, May 28 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, May 31 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

debs book review, June 2

Blossoms and Blessings, June 3 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, June 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, June 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 5

Vicky Sluiter, June 6 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Annee is giving away the grand prize package of an opportunity to name a character in a future book and a copy of the eBook!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2626c/forever-yours-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts -Shadow Dancing Author: Jennifer Sienes

 

About the Book

Book: Shadow Dancing

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern fiction

Release Date: April 18, 2023

Wading through grief is like dancing with shadows.

Bekah Casey’s been on a tear for near a year, and the anger clings to her like cheap perfume. If only the Lord would wash it away like He did with her sins, she might could find her way out of the mire. Instead, she escapes from the one person to blame for all her ills—her husband Mitch.

Now she’s living with her mama and daddy, working two jobs, and facing a future that looks bleak as a middle-Tennessee winter. Her mama’s all the time telling her that the good Lord works in ways too confounding to comprehend, and if she’d learn to trust in Him, her life will look a might brighter. Easy for her to say.

When things go from dark to disastrous, Bekah figures she’s got two choices—sink in her sin or dig her way out.

Mitch Casey never did put a whole lot of stock in faith. Didn’t appear it helped Bekah any either since hers went sideways the minute things got hard. Still, he’s willing to take whatever abuse she throws his way if it helps her muddle through the grief. Then one poor decision, a night in jail, and a divine assignment with a local pastor puts Mitch on an unexpected path.

When you’re dancing with shadows, who gets to lead? Find out in the next book in the Bedford County series.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

 

More from Jennifer

Last year I was interviewed on a Christian podcast, and the host asked me, “How do you come up with your story ideas?” There are as many answers to this question as there are authors, but he wasn’t satisfied with mine. I told him they truly come from the Lord. I think he wanted tips to encourage would-be writers. I’m sorry to disappoint, but although I might have a story sketch in my mind, it never matches the completed project. Why? Because I’m not in control.

 

Over the last several years, I’ve discovered that my writing journey is as much spiritual as it is creative. Shadow Dancing is a perfect example. It started with my intention to fictionalize the past marital difficulties of a young couple in my church. But before I finished the first chapter, it became clear the Lord had other ideas. The initial plot I’d fixed in my head doesn’t resemble the finished novel in any way—unless you consider the main characters are separated. The theme of my novels always reflects what I’m wrestling with in my heart at the time I’m writing it.

 

The major theme in Shadow Dancing is God’s sovereignty. Most of us have no problem accepting His will as long as our lives are going well. It’s when something difficult happens we begin to doubt His goodness. How often have you seen a tragedy pull a fellow Christian away from the Lord? The question, “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” has been a stumbling block for many people—both Christians and non-Christians alike.

 

But sometimes it’s the tragedies in life that draw people closer to God as they realize He’s the only hope they can cling to. This was the case for me. I believed in God, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, when my ex-husband of 23 years abandoned me. This was on the tail-end of my daughter’s near-fatal car accident that left us with months of rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. It’s when I realized that believing I was in control of my life and that of my children was a lie from the enemy. We cannot protect those we love by hovering over them or keep a marriage intact by sheer will.

 

I wanted these truths to play out in the lives of Rebekah and Mitch Casey. In the light of heartache, Rebekah’s spiritual walk goes in one direction while Mitch’s goes another. But through it all, they are left with hope. That’s what I desire every word I ever write to point to. The hope we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And isn’t it the greatest gift to know our loving and merciful God has us in the palm of His righteous right hand—forgiven and free? So much better than relying on our own flawed and sinful selves.

 

I pray Shadow Dancing reminds you of everything we have and will continue to have as adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. Hope of eternal life in a world where heartache and sin will be a thing of the past.

Shadow Dancing is book two in the Bedford County Series that is written by Jennifer Sienes. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster that I was not prepared for. Bekah is very wounded. She is strickened with grief and she is so broken. She throws all this at her husband Mitch. She leaves their home and moves in with her parents. She has lost every shred of faith that she had. 

My Thoughts 

Bekah Casey is a grief-stricken, broken woman. Instead of working through her grief, she decides to blame the love of her life, Mitch. She moved out of her marital home and moved into the house with her parents. It just seems easier to blame Mitch for everything wrong in her life. Bekah was raised in a loving, faith-filled home, but she has cast her faith aside and decided to hold tight to her grief and anger. Mitch, on the other hand, was not raised in a loving, faith-filled home, and quite frankly has never fully understood Bekah's faith. He is heartbroken and needs and wants his wife to come back home. One night he makes a horrible mistake and ends up the spending the night in jail. That night in jail will forever change his life in ways he never dreamt possible. She was raised in a faith based home, while Mitch was not. 

Mitch takes everything that Bekah throws his way. He hopes that it will help her work through her issues - since he was not raised in a faith based home he does not understand how it works. Then one poor decision, a night in jail, and a divine assignment with a local pastor puts Mitch on an unexpected path. 

This was such a beautifully written story of forgiveness and redemption. The author does such a great way of pulling you in within the first few pages. While this is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s book corner, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 29

An Author’s Take, May 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

By the Book, June 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Older & Smarter?, June 5

The Lit Lady, June 5

Sylvan Musings, June 6

lakesidelivingsite, June 7

Back Porch Reads, June 7

Texas Book-aholic, June 8

She Lives to Read, June 9

Books I’ve Read, June 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/266f2/shadow-dancing-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts- Guess How Much God Loves You Author: Karen Ferguson

 

About the Book

Book: Guess How Much God Loves You

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s book (picture book)

Release date: July 19, 2022

Take a journey through the Bible with Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like: How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

What follows in this book series is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her Papa find themselves in the middle of it all, on each page of the powerful story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people, throughout all history.

This first book is all about God’s Creation 

Guess How Much God Loves You is a vibrant, fun, and biblically based book that is sure to captivate young readers as it teaches them important Bible truths that will help them build a firm foundation in God and His Good Character – all through the lens of His unconditional love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she loves words and the Word of God and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them.

Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was released in July 2022 through Ambassador International and is available wherever books are sold.

 

More from Karen

Are you looking for God honoring books that will captivate your child’s imagination, teach them faith-building biblical concepts, and help them grow in their reading skills?

Then I have the perfect book for your young reader…Guess How Much God Loves You

This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the Creation Account, through the eyes of seven year old Lucy Lu, a creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like…

How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey through the Bible to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

I wrote this book because I want every child to know their life matters. To know that the God of all things created them in His image, on purpose and for a good purpose.

Guess How Much God Loves You will have seven books in the series with each one covering an important Bible account critical to building an understanding of God’s character and His love for all people, including your reader!

This first book is about the Creation Account as recorded in the Bible. Future books will cover the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the Exodus and more.

I want children to understand these are not just stories about fictional characters, but historical accounts about real people they can relate to. People who experienced God’s power, love, and faithfulness.

My greatest desire is to see this next generation trust the Bible and enjoy reading it. More than ever, young readers need to hear the message that they are valuable, loved unconditionally by the One who created them and gave them the best gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

My Thoughts 

Guess How Much God Loves You is a Children's Picture book that is written by Karen Ferguson. This book is beautifully written and illustrated. Lucy has a lot of questions about God. Especially after some children say some not so nice things to her. One day after dinner she asks her Papa Joe "Does God really love me?" and her Papa is ready to answer those questions. He then begins to tell the story of Creation and show Lucy how much indeed that God loved her. 
I read this with my 9 and 11 year old sons and we really enjoyed this book. This book would be perfect in everyone's library. The author did a great job writing for her audience to a way that they can understand. 
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 18

Lots of Helpers, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Bliss, Books & Jewels, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Labor Not in Vain, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, one signed hardcover, one eBook, and one digital activity workbook that will help to reinforce the learning concepts in a fun way!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26071/guess-how-much-god-loves-you-celebration-tour-giveaway