Painting the Moon

If you are looking for a charming series, set in the idyllic countryside of Cotswold's, filled to the brim with delightful and charming characters, you can't help but love, then look no further than Tracy Borum's Chilton Crosse series. In Painting the Moon, the first novel in the series, we are introduced to the small town of Chilton Crosse, buried in a quaint English village. Noelle Cooke has made the journey to the town after hearing of her late aunt Joy's death. She has 3 days leave from her employer in San Diego to settle the affairs and get back to work.

Among those details are not only getting her Aunt's cottage ready for sale, but sorting through the years of belongings to decide which must stay and what she can donate or ship home. What she doesn't expect to find is a locked door upstairs and no apparent key. Thinking she will tackle that one later, she heads to the gallery her Aunt also owned and finds that it is bordering on bankruptcy unless she can raise enough money to salvage it. It's been quite some time since Noelle has been back and is looking forward to connecting with her childhood friend Jill while she is in town. She just never expected Jill to invite her former crush Adam Spencer who is working nearby on a renovation project in the town nearby.

However she tries to fight her emotions, she knows that Adam is the one man she wishes she could have fallen for many many years ago. Even though for Noelle, the relationships she has attempted to have, have all fallen flat. As the time draws to a close, Noelle realizes that 3 days isn't enough time to settle what she needs to accomplish in England, however when her boss gives her an ultimatum, she immediately considers the implications of staying. Would it be possible to find a job if she stayed? Would there be a future with Adam? Did her Aunt Joy have more in store for her than just what her eyes can see? Only time will tell!

I received Painting the Moon by Traci Borum compliments of Red Adept Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. This is such a heartwarming series and I can't wait to pick up the next one, Finding the Rainbow! The characters you meet in this village are as real as the pages in the books from Mac MacDonald, the local handyman with a strong Scottish accent that always dispenses wisdom along with a sharing a cup of tea to the 90 year old gentlemen outside the bakery passing out samples of his daughters blueberry scones. You might just want to brew a pot of tea, pick up some biscuits or scones and settle down for a evening by the fire for this one. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Painting the Moon, Traci Borum or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Painting the Moon by Traci Borum 

You can find Traci Borum on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

If Only In My Dreams

Sometimes our best laid plans can often times come up too short. To say that Quinn Hollister and Caleb McKenzie were high school sweethearts would be an understatement. Sometimes you just know you are meant to be with someone despite how others around you may think they know what is best. So it came as quite a surprise when both Quinn and Caleb announced that they wanted to get married just after high school. It was the answer of Quinn's parents that cause them off guard. They felt she was simply too young and immature to understand the complexities of what she was getting into and they felt that she would give up on college simply to be Caleb's new wife. They asked her to wait two years at least before making that decision.

But Caleb and Quinn had other plans. They knew what true love knows deep down inside, that they were truly meant to be. Caleb wanted everything perfect for Quinn, to be able to keep her close to her family, to support her dreams and be able to provide for her as a husband should. He had it all laid out perfectly and they agreed to meet together at the cabin without anyone knowing and simply elope before anyone could change their minds. However, heartbreak, tears and more came from that plan and soon they went their own separate ways, knowing that someone in their heart, they were never quite complete again.

Christmas has come again to Montana and with it the expectations for the family to gather around and be together. Quinn just didn't expect that Caleb would also be returning home to spend the holiday with his sister Valerie at the McKenzie cabin now that it has been renovated, along with his twin boys. Will a ghost from Christmas past, find a way to unite the two hearts once again and give them the possibility of having their dreams come true?

I received If Only In My Dreams by Mariah Stewart compliments of Pocket Star, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book, in exchange for my honest review. At just under 98 pages, this is the perfect short story that feels like so much more. I only wish it was longer because I have been a huge fan of Mariah Stewarts novels. What a true classic story of love that endures, never dies and always hopes and for that reason I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about If Only In My Dreams, Mariah Stewart or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

If Only In My Dreams by Mariah Stewart

You can find Mariah Stewart on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

For more reviews on If Only In My Dreams, please visit Simon and Schuster's website. 

Guarded - Giveaway and Review

Sometimes the best kept secrets lay buried where no one can hopefully find them. However this is not the case. When a fire burns through one room of the stone home in Kentucky, Annie Taylor along with her grandmother Beulah discovered a metal box containing letters from Beulah's parents as they received word from her brother Ephraim who was serving overseas during WWII. It isn't so much what is discovered in the stack of letters her parents kept, but why would they keep them buried beneath the floorboards of the bedroom?

Annie struggles with trying to find a job as she helps her grandmother decide if the family home is worth salvaging from the fire or whether she should just accept the paltry insurance check they they have offered along with a local estimate to salvage from the home what is left. It would mean the possibility to rebuilding a new home, but is it possible this old stone home is worth more than what the insurance company and others believe it is? Is there a possibility it might just be a historical landmark of some sort and thus gain some money to restore it rather than level it and begin again?

As Annie tries to find ways through research on the old family home she uncovers a bit about herself in the process. Just as her boyfriend Jake moves home, they are beginning to slowly learn more about one another. Why is it so easy for Jake to fit into this small town and find a job whereas everywhere Annie looks no one seems to be hiring, or it is that no one simply wants to hire her? Will she be able to come to terms with her own past before she can begin to discover a potential future with Jake or are some secrets simply better off not being known at all? 

I received Guarded by Angela Correll compliments of Koehler Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of the book. This is the sequel to Grounded, Angela's previous novel even though it's not formerly in a series per say and you gain quite a bit more of Annie and Jake's background as well as Beulah's if you start there first before reading Guarded. I love the tie in with WWII because I am a huge fan of history and love the elements that she incorporated to learn what happened to Beulah's brother during the war through real letters that the author read from people who had written home. It just keeps that element more believable as you read through them and understood how they might have wanted to keep those at home from worry while gaining a bit of home in the process by asking questions about what was going on at home. A wonderful story that is sure to resound in the hearts of romance fans everywhere and for me, once again another splendid edition to my home library, for that reason it garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Now for an exciting treat for one lucky person, thanks to the generosity of Angela Correll, not only is she giving away a copy of Guarded for someone but she is also extending that to include the winner's choice of a Plainview Basket, which includes a goat's milk luxury bar, goat milk cream, goat milk hand soap and sugar scrub from her store. Here is all you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Angela Correll's Facebook page.

2. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway package. Don't forget to include your email address so I can have a way of notifying you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway package.

The giveaway will end on December 4, 2015 so be sure to make sure you are entered to win. You can enter as many times as you like.

For more information about Guarded, Angela Correll or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Guarded by Angela Correll

You can find Angela Correll on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books and products.

Chris Tomlin: Adore CD Review and Giveaway

Who doesn't love Christmas music at this time of the year? I know it is something I truly never get tired of. Chris Tomlin released this new Christmas album and features such classic Christmas songs with a mix of original Christmas songs. There are special guest performances from Laura Daigle, All Sons and Daughters, Crowder and more on this album.

If you haven't heard of Chris Tomlin before you might not realize that he is an American contemporary Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter who has sold nearly 30 million records. Some fo his most well-known songs are "How Great is Our God", "Jesus Messiah", "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", "Our God", and "Whom Shall I Fear". His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at number 1. Throughout his career, Chris has been nominated for 32 Dove Awards (6 of them collaborative efforts) and he has won 19 of them.

The songs on this album include:
 

1. He Shall Reign Forevermore

2. Adore

3. Midnight Clear (Love Song)

4. Noel featuring Lauren Daigle 

5. Hymn Of Joy 

6. Silent Night featuring Kristyn Getty 

7. What Child Is This? featuring Sons & Daughters 

8. It's Christmas

9. A King Like This

10. Bethlehem

11. A Christmas Alleluia featuring Lauren Daigle & Leslie Jordan of All Sons & Daughters 

By far my favorites are He Shall Reign Forevermore, Noel, Bethlehem, and Silent Night! I know that you will truly love the music that is on this album. It gives everyone something that they are sure to enjoy. You truly get the best of both world in getting Christmas music coupled with some truly great worship as well to help keep Christ in the Christmas season!

I received Chris Tomlin's Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship compliments of Capital Christian Distribution and Propeller LLC for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this CD, in exchange for my honest review. I've been a huge fan of Chris' since hearing Whom Shall I Fear and was surprised when I researched more of his music just how many songs of worship, praise and contemporary Christian music he had written or I was familiar with just didn't know they were his. This is such a beautiful CD that truly honors Jesus in every single song and one I know will bless your Christmas season. For me this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Now for the part you have been waiting for, thanks to the generosity of Capital Christian Distribution and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway of this amazing CDto one lucky reader. Here's all you need to do to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart or "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Leave a comment on either place and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of the Chris Tomlin's Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship. If you are leaving a comment below, don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. If you are leaving a comment on Facebook, no worries, I can message you if you are the lucky winner for you to get in touch with me.

3. This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

4. I will email or message the winner of the giveaway once it ends on December 4th. You will need to respond within 72 hours or another winner will be selected.

5. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor, Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are NOT eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are NOT eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Disclosure (In accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions ae 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

For more information about Chris Tomlin, or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below: 

Chris Tomlin Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship

 
You can find Chris Tomlin on Facebook to stay up to date on all his music and projects.

If you want to digitally download a copy of this CD on Itunes, please click here. 

The Spy House

4 men from various military forces from the around the world, are found brutally killed behind a locked and sealed door underground. Sounds a bit like some math or science puzzle but that is precisely behind the premise behind Matthew Dunn's latest novel The Spy House, the fifth book in the Spycatcher series. I have truly loved this entire series that takes readers into the life of William Cochrane, (think of Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt) who has at this point been asked to leave the MI6 and CIA after serving so many years for both organizations. He has become a bit of a liability that they can't control.

But just what can a man do now after this has become who he is? He contracts out his work now so he doesn't have to answer to anyone but that also means that he isn't provided with the creature comforts he was used to in order to accomplish his goal. This mission takes on a bit of a personal nature when Will learns that the man they are accusing of being guilty is his mentor and best friend. There is no possibility that the blame that they are placing on him is true and besides taking on this contract, he is also taking on the personal responsibility to oversee the investigation.

This has all come to a culmination when an Israeli Ambassador to France is killed in cold blood by what some believe is a Hamas sniper in a Paris square. Israel wants to retaliate, but they lack the facts to connect these crimes to Hamas with 100% certainty. They have given the U.S. two weeks to provide the hard cold facts in this matter, before they launch their own mission against those they believe responsible and if they do so, it will put the U.S. in a position to choose what side they will support. A matter that could potentially led the entire world into a third world war. Now it's a race against time for Will to provide the answers but likely all could espionage thrillers, there are those that wish to prevent that from happening and soon the body count not only begins to rise, but becomes personal in nature to Will as well.

I received The Spy House by Matthew Dunn compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. This truly falls into the lines of such notable authors as Ian Fleming and John LeCarrè, so fans of their literary works will love this entire series. Some readers might take offense to the profanity used in this novel, so with that being said, I wanted to disclose that about the novel. It strikes me as odd how this novel came out just before the terrorists strikes in Paris and helps you understand the dark undercover work that our nations leaders use to help prevent things like this from happening, but they can't always prevent. I love that Matthew Dunn writes from the experience as a former MI6 officer and thus brings that sense of realism to his series. For me this one rates a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Spy House, Matthew Dunn or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Spy House by Matthew Dunn

You can find Matthew Dunn on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Spy House, please visit William Morrow's website. 

• Series: Spycatcher (Book 5)
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition edition (October 20, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062309498
• ISBN-13: 978-0062309495
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches

An Endless Christmas

Once you finish reading An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti, you will undoubtedly want a family like the Binders. As the family gathers at the cottage of Dodie and Wilson Binder in the woods just north of Stillwater, something of a family tradition, Micah and Katie prepare for her first visit on meeting the family and of course the parents. They have been dating for almost 10 months and while things have been going great, Katie knows no matter how perfect Micah is, he won't want anything to do with her once she reveals what she has been hiding. What she didn't expect was for him to propose just moments after they arrived at the cottage.

They just didn't expect her answer to the question. Of course, she said, "No." She expected reactions she didn't get and while the woman rallied around her, the men attempted to figure out why she had said no and to hopefully figure out a plan to keep things going between the two. Perhaps she simply needed more time. Perhaps being under the pressure of being in a home filled to the brim with family members she was just seeing and meeting at the same time. No one wanted to think it wasn't because she didn't love Micah. The truth was she truly did, but now all Katie wanted to do was make plans to escape this place before Christmas arrived.

Yet no matter how much she tried to pull away, the families closeness, genuine love and peace kept her from making any immediate plans. She found herself trying to come up with legitimate excuses of why she shouldn't just rush on out the door. Being a nurse practitioner gave her much needed insight that most people missed and one thing was certain, despite all appearances, Micah's grandfather didn't look well at all. What it was she wasn't certain, but perhaps she might be needed after all and it wasn't for finding time to explain things with Micah even though she needed to do that. What she would find in the course of the time she spent with the Binders is that they truly were a family that wasn't afraid of honesty or for showing one another how they truly felt. She might just get more than a miracle this Christmas.

I received An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti compliments of Worthy Inspired and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion. This is truly a beautifully inspired Christmas book that will not only get you in the mood for Christmas but quite likely change how you view the Christmas season. Life is filled with fleeting moments and no tomorrow is ever a guarantee. This story helps you to appreciate each day as if it were an endless Christmas. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent home in my personal library!

For more information about An Endless Christmas, Cynthia Ruchti or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

You can find Cynthia Ruchti on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

For more reviews on An Endless Christmas, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Inspired (October 13, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1617955876
• ISBN-13: 978-1617955877
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 1 inches

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane

I don't know about you, but in our city we have places where it has become a bit of a Christmas tradition in that particular neighborhood to really go all out in decorating for Christmas. You know those places, where people will drive miles just to share the Christmas displays with their friends and family. This is just what Candy Cane Lane is famous for and each year, the entire neighborhood gets into the Spirit of not only going all out on the decorating, but even dressing up and passing out candy canes to those who drive through the neighborhood. In fact Maddy Donaldson is considered by her neighbors and even family as being the Queen of Candy Cane Lane's Christmas festivities. She ensures that everyone is up to par on making sure they are participating, having their light displays up and if there are any lights out, she is the one to let them know. However, she has been neglecting her husband Alan and her daughter Jordan in the process and they are trying hard to convince her to let some of that responsibility go.

Tilda Morrison, has just bought the run down house on Candy Cane Lane with plans of fixing it up, but her lack of home economic skills are lacking severely. Between her job at the Icicle Falls Police Force, and trying to figure out her own love life, she isn't quite sure she is ready to battle Maddy's spirited insistence that she participate in the Christmas light display. But when someone begins to vandalize the lighted candy canes, Tilda will have to get involved. Unfortunately as well, her family is insisting that they all celebrate the holiday at her new home with the dinner being cooked by Tilda. The only thing she knows how to do when it comes to planning a meal is stopping at the local Safeway deli and picking up something to go.

Ivy Bohn is struggling to find a way to hold down her busy family business as well as raising her two young children after her husband Rob decided that he wanted to go it alone. Not dealing with the implications of running into him during his time of visitation, she can't help but seem quite a bit grinchy towards him. The last thing she wants to do is rely on him to help do things like fix her broken washing machine, help catch her ever escaping dog, Gizmo or figure out a way to put up her Christmas lights on the house while dealing with her fear of heights. To top it off, her new neighbor Tilda, is a friend from school that she didn't not get along with at all. How can she find a way to get into the true Christmas spirit? Oh if only things didn't turn out the way they did.

I received Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Shelia Roberts compliments of Mira Books and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. This is a great contemporary Christmas fiction, that you can find yourself relating to at least one of the many characters in the book. While this novel is clean to some degree, some implied ideas such as the thoughts Tilda considered when thinking of possible men she'd like to do more than simply date, might not be the subject matter some might wish to see in a book. However, that is about as far as it goes. In my opinion, I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and loved the laughter and friendship that is formed in a wonderful neighborhood like Icicle Falls! This is the 8th book in the Life in Icicle Falls Series!

For more information about Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, Shelia Roberts, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Shelia Roberts

You can find Shelia Robert's on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, please visit Pump Up Your Books Tour Page. 

The Aleppo Code

We all know about the parting of the Red Sea by Moses, whether we have seen it on the movies, television or read about it in the Bible. Now Terry Brennan has taken the story of the staff of Aaron to a whole new level in his suspense series, Jerusalem Prophecies in his third novel, The Aleppo Code. This is a must read for fans of Indiana Jones, the DaVinci code or anyone who loves a Christian Action Suspense novel. Since this is the third novel in the series, you truly need to read the first two to understand where the characters are at in this point of the series.

Once again, Tom Bohannon has gathered together those team members that have been together since the beginning to search for the staff of Aaron that Moses used when he parted the Red Sea among the many miracles he performed. But where does one begin to look for such an object like this? By the biblical accounts it was recorded to have been contained in the Ark of the Covenant. But did it stay there? It is possible that the staff has been used from creation until it's current location whenever one of God's chosen people has needed it? Could it have been passed down throughout the generations and now lays in wait for the coming of the promised Messiah to Israel?

Utilizing every resource available to the team of experts, Tom's group must go back to the beginning of their initial search to uncover what they have missed along the way. It will take them quite literally around the world gathering pieces of seemingly random clues to point them to the ancient city of Babylon where lays buried beneath the sands of time, the gate to the Garden of Eden. Whoever finds this source of godly power in the possession of the staff will unleash the power of God and be in control of the entire world. That is something they can not let happen considering the world at this point is on the verge of World War III and this will be the deciding factor of who will win if they can possess this.

I received The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publication for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my favorites when it comes to what I would call Christian Antiquities and Archaeology Fiction if there was a category. We have the team in a modern day setting in the Middle East, using clues from history to unravel the mystery while they are being hunted by various enemies against time. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and based on the way it ended, I don't think Terry Brennan has ended it just yet. Well played Mr. Brennan! I hope there is more to come and for that reason this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Aleppo Code, Terry Brennan or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook, to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

For more reviews on The Aleppo Code, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

The Brotherhood Conspiracy

If you have any knowledge of the Bible, there are quite a few biblical artifacts that simply come to an end. Their stories end through various books of the Bible, much like the famed Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark. Yet have you ever wondered if there might in fact be more biblical artifacts that the world simply has not considered searching for? What one biblical artifact would you love to search for and find? This isn't one of those Indiana Jones type adventures but Terry Brennan has really opened my eyes to some of these artifacts that if discovered may in fact be quite life changing. In the Jerusalem Prophecies series, Terry takes readers into uncharted waters throughout the Middle East in a search for what one group of people known simply as the Prophet's Guard want to keep hidden in the second novel of the series, The Brotherhood Conspiracy.

Just returning from his previous adventure, Tom Bohannon has attempted to settle into some sense of normalcy since discovering the Third Temple located beneath the existing Temple Mount in Israel. With it's discovery, it opens up Bible Prophecy to a whole new level and has created much anticipation from the Jews to begin sacrifices in the Temple of God once again. However the Muslims aren't about to allow that to happen. It flies in the face of what they have longed believe that Jesus was not the Son of God. Now with the entire Middle East on the verge of war, the President of the United States once again has need of Tom's expertise. Not only in uncovering the clues left behind on an ancient scroll which revealed the location of the Temple, but in his faith with God helping him get there and back against all odds. The President believes that Tom can find the next artifact that has every group in the Middle East looking for it.

Tom and his team have been asked to locate the Tent of Meeting, the portable tabernacle that Moses used when the Israelites crossed the wilderness and carried the Ark of the Covenant. It was where God resided as fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day. If Israel can find this artifact, they will gain complete control of the Temple area and drive the Muslims out of the area. It will take everything the team has to pull this one off, but the President firmly believes that Tom is the only one who can lead the team and find the artifact before anyone else does. It just might be the catalyst to ignite World War 3 on many levels.

I received The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchanged for my honest review. I loved the first novel The Sacred Cipher in this series, overall more than this one. It took me quite a while to get into the characters even though I had just finished the previous novel before picking this one up. You just honestly never know who the good guys or bad guys are in this group and why certain Prophet's Guard members just show up in the the most unlikeliest of places taking out more of our favorite characters. However, this is certainly an adrenaline laced series and now I am more than happy to dive into the third novel because just like each consecutive one before it, it gives you a teaser of what they will be hunting for this time and the stakes only increase. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Brotherhood Conspiracy, Terry Brennan or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Brotherhood Conspiracy, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

The Sacred Cipher

I believe what has always drawn me to the Indiana Jones movies is the possibility of the discovery of an ancient biblical artifact being discovered that might hold untold powers in the right or wrong hands. For those of us that study the Bible, we know that many religious artifacts still remain hidden even continually searched for to this day. That is just the reason for my fascination about novels that deals with that type of genre. A bit action adventure, mystery, and of course, suspense. For those that love such types like National Treasure, The DaVince Code or the Indiana Jones series, you might just want to check out Terry Brenna who has written a series of books called the Jerusalem Prophecies Series.

The first novel in the series, The Sacred Cipher takes readers into the heart of a discovery of an ancient scroll that has been found in the late 1800's by Charles Spurgeon. In the metal case contains a scroll consisting of a series of unknown characters on it and from all appearances is very old. The only issue Charles has with it is knowing what it says and even how to go about reading it. He only knows he must mail it to a professor in London who might be able to help. As he is attempting to do this, he notices a group of men want to stop him from taking the scroll from Egypt and will stop at nothing to ensure they get it back. Nothing.

As the scroll's mysteries deepen Tom Bohannon discovers an old map room hidden in an old church during the present day. Calling in support for what he discovers with scientists and historians he trusts, he unlocks a safe believed to contain a priceless collection of old religious books. Among them he finds a metal case containing a scroll along with a letter warning whoever has it that is must be uncoded and protected whatever the cost and that danger surrounds those in whose possession it remains. It will take an entire team of men to use all the resources available to them to unlock the mystery of the scroll and what they discover could quite possibly mean the end of the world if what is reveals is true. Now all they can do is true to find out if is true or just some kind of random treasure hunt, but if that is the case why are there so many people out there killing others just to stop them?

I received The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. At first the book was hard to get into with so many characters being introduced and understanding the difficulties in dealing with ancient languages and cryptology, but the more further into the story you get, the more involved you become in wanting to know if such a thing is there and if it is possible. By the end, you will do anything to get your hands on the sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next one. Knowing Bible prophecy, things just got a whole lot more interesting.

For more information about The Sacred Cipher, Terry Brennan or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Sacred Cipher, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

The Five Times I Met Myself

There are some authors who when you see that they have written another book, you don't even consider what it is, you simply pick it up. I've done that with every book I have read of James L. Rubart's since picking up Rooms. It also came as no surprise that Andy Andrews, another favorite author of mine, shared a wonderful review of James' latest novel, The Five Times I Met Myself. Those two things were enough to make sure that this landed up in my MUST READ pile and I was not disappointed although my shelf space between books of Rubart's and Andrew's is steadily growing. But if you like one, you will definitely LOVE the other.

This time, James Rubart takes readers into the world of dreams. Think of the possibility if you could figure out a way to manipulate your dreams so vividly that you could command what you would dream and who would be present. What if you got so good at doing it that in your dreams, you had the opportunity to go back in time and give advice to your former self to perhaps change the outcome of your present day situation. Imagine the rights you could wrong. There would be no such thing as regrets. Yet that is precisely what happens when Brock Matthew's wakes up after another nightmare about his father who has died. There is a message he wants Brock to know but just when he thinks he is going to figure it out, he wakes up.

His friend Morgan provides him with a book, Lucid Dreaming: Turning Dreams into Reality that helps him not only understand dreams but how to manipulate them in such a way he hopes to figure out what he father was trying to say and hopefully get them to stop. He has to do something because it is more than just his dream life that is unraveling. His marriage to his wife Karissa is not all that he remembers it used to be. But then again with all the issues he has had dealing with the Black Fedora coffee business he and his brother management, he hopes he can sort them out one at a time and get back on track eventually. He is up against a time line he can't manage and time is running out faster than he can figure out what to do until he encounters his younger self before he dated his wife. What advice might you consider giving him? You just might be surprised!

I received The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart compliments Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This one does have a bit of a twist to it like you might find in It's A Wonderful Life or Family Man. It does make you truly consider the consequences of the decisions we make and if you could do it all over again, would you really change anything? What would the impact be along that new timeline? I absolutely LOVED this book and at the end it really gives the reader something to think about and take away. For me this one rates a solid 5 out of 5 stars. A reader's discussion guide is included at the conclusion of this book which would work out great for a book club. I highly recommend this one!

For more information about The Five Times I Met Myself, James L. Rubart or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

You can find James L Rubart on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Five Times I Met Myself, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

ESV Men's Devotional Bible - Giveaway and Review

Our world presents daily distractions that can easily displace Christ as the center of a man's heart and life. The goal of the ESV Men's Devotional Bible is to strengthen and encourage men through the life-giving Word of God and sound devotional content aimed at nurturing godliness. With 365 theologically rich and gospel-centered devotions drawn directly from the Bible, this all-new resource was created under the editorial oversight of Dr. Sam Storms with contributions from over fifty Christian leaders. Introductions orient men to each book of the Bible, exploring its unique contribution to a man's walk with God. Thoughtful and instructive articles address the importance of sound doctrine, life in the local church, leadership, the heart, calling and a host of other relevant issues for today. The Men's Devotional Bible will strengthen men in their walk with Christ, helping them apply the gospel and the truth of God's Word in their homes, churches and workplaces. (back cover).

The biggest challenge facing men today is that they have been called and set apart by God to be leaders that in a sense report directly to God. This does not mean that they are called to dominate those underneath them but to care and love them as much as Jesus did for His church, the body of believers. Men face challenges of leading a home, being the counselor of sorts for his wife and his children, to lead a moral and ethical life in their workplaces and to help spread the gospel to the world through our daily interactions with others. This does not mean men aren't perfect and go through their own struggles and challenges as well.

The ESV Men's Devotional Bible is a two-fold resource. First and foremost it is the Word of God designed to provide the truth that men can rely on to help in their spiritual and leadership walks with God and those in their life. Along with that are 365 devotionals sprinkled throughout God's Word that men can pick up and read in any order or simply follow the guide at the conclusion of each devotional to know where to find the next one. They are designed to encourage you in what Book your are reading to help guide you in your understanding of what is taking place. These are designed as well to help you apply what you are reading to what is happening in your life today. This is my favorite aspect of this Bible, because besides reading it and looking for God's inspiration in the text but also how we can apply things from the Old Testament into our present days lives and the subjects that are likely to come up in every day situations like why is going to church important, understanding the implications of pornography, understanding a mans identify, a man's work, dealing with doubt, communion with God, singleness, marriage and fathering.

I received the ESV Men's Devotional Bible by Crossway Publishers and Propeller LLC for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this Bible, in exchange for my honest review. I had my husband actually write the review listed above so that you got a man's opinion of the Bible instead of my own. It is such a wonderful addition to our home and one that my husband can utilize when He is traveling on business. It is a hard cover, black letter text with an 8.5 font type and includes a dictionary of key terms. In his opinion, he easily rates this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only reason from not providing it a true 5 out of 5 stars is he would have liked to have a red-letter edition so the Words of Jesus truly stand apart from the remainder of the text in the New Testament.

For more information about ESV Men's Devotional Bible, Crossway Publishers or where you can pick up a copy of this Bible today, please click on the links below:

ESV Men's Devotional Bible by Crossway Publishers

You can find Crossway Publishers on Facebook to stay up to date on all their products.

You can purchase the ESV Men's Devotional Bible through Amazon. 

Now for the part you have been waiting for, thanks to the generosity of Crossway Publishers and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway of this amazing Bible to one lucky reader. Here's all you need to do to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart or "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Leave a comment on either place and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of the ESV Men's Devotional Bible. If you are leaving a comment below, don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. If you are leaving a comment on Facebook, no worries, I can message you if you are the lucky winner for you to get in touch with me.

3. This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

4. I will email or message the winner of the giveaway once it ends on November 27th. You will need to respond within 72 hours or another winner will be selected.

5. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor, Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are NOT eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are NOT eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Disclosure (In accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions ae 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Esther

I have to begin this review with saying the Biblical fictions are one of my favorites. We know the stories we read about in the books of the Bible don't contain every little piece of what happened but more of a synopis or summary of the book instead. I've read quite a few on the Book of Esther and was really looking forward to Rebecca Kanner's take on the story as well. While it may be based on the idea and concept of the story of Esther, the woman who would be queen, that is about all the Biblical aspects you will get from it aside from a quote from the Bible out of the book of Esther randomly at the beginning of certain chapters.

Now keep in mind, we don't know the detailed extent to what happened from the time of Esther's capture until she is accepted as the replacement queen for Vashti under the rule of King Xerxes. I had hoped to see the same biblical themes carried through the story but was more of an afterthought than anything. The plot from Haman and his family was a subtly that didn't move the story in the direction it should have with more jealousy being placed on Halannah, not finding favor as Queen over Esther. While we know it would have been important to save her faith while living in the palace, in this story, Esther maintains possession of an object given to her by one of the soldiers she develops feelings for and would have been considered a pagan object by those of the Jewish faith whom Esther was raised firm to believe in and understand.

The entire story was woven from what Esther does and who rallies behind her to help her rather than having faith in God to bring her to the place He ultimately has in store for her. If you take the Bible's story of Esther and this one, you can see there is quite the division between the two. I would have a really difficult time labeling this one a Christian based story since this one also deals with a lot of adult based themes more such as Esther's preparation to be queen and the night she must spend together with the King winning him over. There is a sexual undertone that you can't miss throughout this book. That being said, if you want a book that takes the concept of Esther, a young girl kidnapped to become queen your story, than this one is perfect. I would not recommend this to someone thinking it is a biblical version of the same story because it is not.

I received Esther: A Novel by Rebecca Kanner compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. As I stated above, this is not the biblical version of Esther but a more adult and modern version of the story over what the Bible clearly points out. While it does contain some scripture it is not to help guide or educate the reader along the way with the purpose behind the story of how a Jewish woman would rely on her faith in God to save the Jewish people and win the heart of the King in the process, not through seduction, but on her godly character and morals. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Eshter, Rebecca Kanner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Esther: A Novel by Rebecca Kanner

You can find Rebecca Kanner on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Esther: A Novel, please visit Howard Book's website.

Another Way Home

I have to say, Deborah Raney, you had me! By the time I reached the end of this novel I could not see the way you guided the reader through what God's plans had been all along for the Brooks family. By the time I reached the end, it all made perfect sense and that is the way life is. It may not make sense for us while we are struggling with trials and adversity in our life, until we get much further down the road and can look back and clearly see the fingerprints of God unmistakably on what we just went through without knowing why.

Another Way Home from Deborah Raney is the third book in the Chicory Inn series, involving Grant and Audrey, who have decided in their golden years to turn their much beloved home of raising 5 children who have now grown and moved on, into an inn for guests. The family still lives in close proximity to their parents and every Tuesday night boasts family night at the Inn for the family to get together and simply enjoy being a family over a well planned and prepared pot luck meal. Now that fall is approaching along with the holidays, Dallas and Danae have been attempting to start their family for quite some time. While the older sisters are well on their way, it makes each month difficult with they remain childless.

The couple have now resolved to look at more options such as infertility and even that seems to be working against their best laid prayers to God from both them and their family and friends. It has also placed a huge strain on the couple marriage as each new treatment offers initial hope, but ultimately another month of still no child in their future. Dallas is opposed to adoption being the by-product of such an adoption and he doesn't want the same thing he dealt with to happen to their future child. His own mother rejected him as unwanted when he attempted to contact her at 18. As that appears to be the only option left for them to start a family, the Brooks decided to take some time off from trying and instead pursue other passions. Dallas returns to work and Danae takes up volunteering at a nearby domestic shelter for mothers and women in abusive relationships looking for an out. What neither of them say coming would tragically change their lives forever.

I received Another Way Home by Deborah Raney compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book to review, for my honest opinion. This is such a perfect title to sum up the entire scenario that Dallas and Danae have to walk through in their married life, and it was one that captivated this reader's attention from the time I picked up the novel until the very end. I am happy that this is not the conclusion of this amazing series and family and readers get a sneak peek at the upcoming novel, Close to Home, at the conclusion of this one along with a reader's discussion guide that is just perfect for book clubs. I had never considered how difficult it would be for a couple to try for a child only to not be able to get pregnant while everyone else in their family is able to do so without really trying. I love the way this one turned out in the end, not the happy ever after ending you would expect, but than again real life never goes according to our plans. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Another Way Home, Deborah Raney or where you can pick up this novel today, please click on the links below:

Another Way Home by Deborah Raney

You can find Deborah Raney on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Another Way Home, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Ever since watching Bing Crosby sing White Christmas with the Vermont woods as the backdrop, I think has always lingered in my mind as the perfect vision of what Christmas would look like. It's truly my favorite time of year, not just with gift giving, but a time to spend with family and friends, gathered together over a nice meal on a cold winter's night. That is the ideal way of celebrating during this time of the year. Now I have a great book to share with you, An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Sweet Traditions for Hearth and Home by Ellen Stimson. In this beautiful hardcover book, she shares what has been called her families annual Christmas Adventure with readers. Along the way, she passes along some fantastic and mouth-watering recipes from her family who lives, believe it or not right in the heart of Vermont. 98 of them are included in this book along with some nostalgic photos of favorite Christmas ornaments her family has gathered during their life time, along with the story of what inspired that particular purchase.

It is the very same thing we all do during Christmas each year, with our own traditions, or recipes making their way to the dinner table or as we unpack boxes of ornaments, perhaps taking a bit of time as we unwrap each one and remember the time and event that inspired that purchase, from a new home, first child or other significant but memorable time from the past. It makes me want to incorporate my own book if you will that I can pass along with my family as our legacy continues long after family members are gone. Some of the traditions captured in Ellen's book are Christmas ornaments. Some members collect what is relevant in their life at the time, while others are drawn to something symbolic about the ornament they choose or a memory that it brings back from a distant time in the past. It's a ritual their family keeps going each year and one my own mother instilled in me, many years ago before I moved out and have since passed along to my own kids.

Some of the recipes I can't wait to try during Thanksgiving dinner like, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Corn Pudding, Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies, Maple Pepper Bacon, and Sugar Glazed Donuts!! There are simply so many good ones to try I'll be experimenting all through the Christmas season. There are even some dog friendly home made treats so your four-legged friends don't miss out on the fun either! Included in the book are some great Christmas movie and book recommendations as well as places for your family to stay if they want to consider taking a vacation to Vermont during the holiday season and some favorite online retailers that offer New England products that can be delivered to your door just in time for Christmas as well. Truly something for everyone!

I received An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Sweet Traditions for Hearth and Home by Ellen Stimson compliments of The Countryman Press and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. This is a perfect gift to anyone who truly loves Christmas and offers some incredible traditions you might want to incorporate into your family each year depending on where you live. I know for me, this one will be a family favorite for many years to come and has found a permanent place on our bookshelf. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Sweet Traditions for Hearth and Home, Ellen Stimson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

An Old Fashioned Christmas: Sweet Traditions for Hearth and Home by Ellen Stimson 

You can find Ellen Stimson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews or participate in a giveaway opportunity of this book, please visit TLC's Book Tour Page. 

Sky Lantern

"We never know if this time we say "I love you" will be our last, or the last time we will say it in quite that way. In the next few days I would hear from people all over the world, telling me their stories of their own fathers, of fathers who loved them but couldn't quite say it, or who loved them and had passed away and had been unable to say it for many years. Or, for some, fathers who never showed any sign of love, or even showed evidence of the opposite.

I couldn't have known any of those things, either. Who knows how far a simply love letter will travel? Who knows how far a sky lantern, with a simply phrase of love scrawled on the side, will fly? None of us have any idea.

So we have to keep singing it, keep saying it, keep writing it, keep showing it.

We have to send our live out into the world so others will find it." (pg 49).

In the book Sky Lantern by Matt Mikalatos, a seemingly ordinary event of picking up trash that had blown into his yard, turned into a life changing event when he discovers a sky lantern in his yard with a heart felt love letter inscribed on it by someone only known as Steph. Matt takes readers into the journey of his search to find Steph and convey to her what he believes any father would say to his daughter if he could. Along the way, Matt discovers something about his own love for his three daughters, an unexpected friendship with Steph and more importantly how we can all make an impact in our own world to make things better for someone each day.

"I was sitting at my gate an hour later, thinking about my trip, which had come to an end much faster than I had expected. I had a new friend who lived halfway across the country. Someone I would have never met, would have never known, if not for that lantern crashing in my yard. I had driven through her city many times. She had come to visit Portland, even staying ten miles from my house. It was strange to think that all the so-called strangers around me might be one small act of kindness away from becoming good friends. We have so much in common, all of us. We have lost our loved ones or we will. We have lived, fought, loved, and wanted to be loved. We have cried and laughed, struggled in relationships. We have lit in the darkness with our small flames. It that not enough to build a friendship around?

What if Steph wasn't some amazing friend I had found through a series of inconceivable coincidences or generous providence? What if, instead, it was that every place was full of these potential friends, crowded around us, but we were unable to see them? Could it be that every person sitting around me could be someone who would be my friend, if only I took a few moments? If only I paid attention and gave them my full attention?" (pg 136).

I received Sky Lantern by Matt Mikalatos compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. This is a book I believe we all need to read because there is some nugget of wisdom for all of us to glean something different from this book. Perhaps its validation that you are worthy, that you have something to offer the world, that you are loved, and most of all to take the time to tell others they are loved, to write letters if you are unable to, or to make a friend in the most unlikeliest of places through divine appointments in your own life. For me this one was well worth a 4.5 out of 5 stars and as you can see, I have shared with you some of those nuggets of wisdom I gleaned to share with you.

For more information about Sky Lantern, Matt Mikalatos or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Sky Lantern by Matt Mikalatos

You can find Matt Mikalatos on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Sky Lantern, please visit Howard Book's website. 

MercyMe - It's Christmas CD Review and Giveaway

I love this time of the year, where we get the blessed opportunity to listen to Christmas music that praises and worships Jesus Christ. I am even more excited when I get to share a great music CD from MercyMe, It's Christmas with you as well as give one away! MercyMe has partnered with Pizza Ranch which is familiar to those of you that live in the Midwest and the Great Plains states. MercyMe It's Christmas CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through the end of 2015. It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch. Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax. Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states.

"We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, Mercy Me It's Christmas, with Pizza Ranch: said Bart Millard with MercyMe. "Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This CD comes packed with 16 amazing songs, including Christmastime Again, a bit of a Rockabilly Christmas song, and such notable classics like Sleigh Ride, I'll Be Home for Christmas, A Holly Jolly Christmas, and such beautiful worships songs like Go Tell It On the Mountain, Do You Hear What I Hear, O Come, O Come, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Holy Night, and Silent Night. There are so great ones like Our Lullaby, Joseph's Lullaby Hold On Christmas and Newborn.

Songs:

1. Newborn

2. Christmastime Again

3. Sleigh Ride

4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas

5. Hold On Christmas

6. A Holly Jolly Christmas

7. Go Tell It On The Mountain

8. Do You Hear What I Hear

9. Our Lullaby

10. Joy

11. O Come, O Come 

12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

13. O Holy Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

14. Silent Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

15. Joseph’s Lullaby (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

Truly there is bound to be something for everyone on this CD and it makes it even more meaningful knowing that they truly have captured the Spirit and essence of Christmas by keeping Christ in the Christmas season. I love Christmas albums like this because its nice to see a different twist on some of the well known songs by MercyMe, a band that is not ashamed of Christ and to convey that in this wonderful and heartfelt Christmas Album.

About Pizza Ranch:

 

Cultivating its mission “To give every guest a legendary experience” since its inception in 1981, Pizza Ranch connects with its communities in a way that provides bridges for friends, family and colleagues to come together. Today, Pizza Ranch is based in Orange City, Iowa and owns, operates and franchises over 190 locations in 13 states. Consistent growth has been a Pizza Ranch staple, as the brand has become a beacon of community involvement and exceptional food. The Pizza Ranch buffet features legendary pizzas, salads and desserts, and is delivered with an unmatched service quality.  “We are extremely blessed to have a very close connection with our guests,” said Adrie Groeneweg, co-founder and president of Pizza Ranch. “This project extends the brand’s essence to a new dimension beyond our four walls and into their lives. It’s a new kind of way for us to relate to our loyal fans.”

I received MercyMe It's Christmas compliments of Pizza Ranch and Propeller LLC for my honest review of this CD. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this CD in exchange for my honest review. I love that this contains some of our favorite Christmas classics along with their own songs so it truly does give everyone something they are bound to enjoy. It contains some upbeat and some worship songs on it to appeal to every age group that would pick this up. In my opinion, I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about MercyMe It's Christmas, Pizza Ranch or where to pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

MercyMe It's Christmas!

You can find MercyMe on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest music releases.

You can find Pizza Ranch on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest promotions.

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of Pizza Ranch, MercyMe and Propeller LLC, they are giving away a copy of this CD to one lucky reader. Here are your guidelines to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart or "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada. No P.O. Boxes please.

3. Leave me a comment below or on my Facebook page telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this CD. Don't forget to include your email address in the comment box or message me with it if you are doing it through social media. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the actual symbols.

I will email the winner of the giveaway once it end on November 27th. You will have 72 hours to respond before I select another winner. Feel free to enter as many times as you like.

Disclosure: This is for US or Canada only. Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising") : Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. 



 

Hand Me Down Princess

"Nothing like being a hand-me-down Princess.

The words mocked Jessabelle over and over as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Hand-me-down.

Passed over.

Rejected.

Unwanted.

In less than an hour she would become Princess Jessabelle of Mevendia, wife of Prince Malachi, second in lie for the throne. Not because he wanted to marry her, but because Crown Prince William had rejected her.

Twice.

Prince Malachi only upheld his family's end of the marriage contract because her father had saved King Antonio's life when they were teens.

Under no circumstance would Prince Malachi ever had chosen plain, mousy Jessabelle on his own. It was probably just as well the Crown Prince refused to marry her. She wouldn't have wanted to be queen. Every little girl dreamed of being a princess, right? Most girls wouldn't be sitting in a bedroom in a house provide for her family by the groom wondering if she could climb out the window. Would anyone notice?  Guards had been posted on the grounds to protect the future princess, but she doubted anyone cared enough to sneak in and try to get pictures of her or kidnap her. No one even knew who she was. Would any of them care if she snuck out? Would anyone even realize it was her if it weren't for the wedding gown?" (pg1-2).

In the first novel of the Brides of Belles Montague Series, Carol Moncado has written such a wonderful story in Hand Me Down Princess. Even my 16-year-old daughter was immediately drawn to it when it arrived. I believe it conveys that age old struggle all women face, of doubting their own self worth in comparison to others. We never feel we measure up and in this case, Jessabelle, who has been promised to marry a man she has never even met or seen before as a way of paying back a debt between the two fathers of the wedding party, mostly to ensure that Jessabelle is provided for as her own father faces his own failing health.

Thankfully Prince Malachi has no intention of following in the royal footsteps of his father and committing the infidelity that has caused problems between his own parents but embarrassed the royal house as well with the affair. Even though he has never met Jessabelle, his own faith in God will help guide him in ensuring his fidelity to her despite the compromising and lacking wedding vows of old and he will spend his life making sure she feels as worthy as any princess should. He just hopes she will give him the chance to prove himself worthy in her eyes. The only problem is the friendship he has shared with Lizbeth who believed one day that they might be married.

I received Hand Me Down Princess by Carol Moncado compliments of CANDID Publications and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This is such a great novel and I love how Carol took both of her characters, much like how Jesus romances us all to show us our own worthiness despite what the world has to offer. How could one not fall in love with these two! Jessabelle is flawed and struggling, but strong in her own right to do what is required even if she isn't the slightest bit comfortable being in the public eye and I love the patience and compassion that Malachi shows Jessabelle in waiting for her feelings to develop before pushing her for anything more. Now I can't wait for more in this series!!! For me, this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Hand Me Down Princess, Carol Moncado or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Hand Me Down Princess by Carol Moncado

You can find Carol Moncado on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Hand Me Down Princess, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour Page. 

Angel in Aisle 3

I love it when you read such a great book you simply can't wait to share it with others! That is just what I found in Kevin West's book, Angel in Aisle 3, based on his true life encounter with a mysterious vagrant named Don and their unlikely friendship that saved both of their lives. This book almost reads like the War Room, but isn't based around the premise of prayer as it is about trusting God with the things in your life, you can't always change and really have no control over.

When Kevin realized that in order to get ahead in his life, he would have to compromise on the very job he was hired to do, one would think you would make the right choice and quit or simply to avoid making decisions that could cost you more than just your job. But that is not what Kevin did when some potential business investments allowed him to make some money on the side, he chose that path, only to realize later what it would cost him when he considered what he had done. Immediately he resigned from the bank he was working at but even worse was having to confess what he had done to his wife and how that might put him behind bars if the company decided to indict him.

Thankfully he had invested in a small building that allowed him the ability to manage and run a small market to provide a meager income for his family while he waited out what his company would decide to do with him. During those longs days, he encountered a man who appeared to be homeless or at least living out of his car, when he would ask Kevin to loan him enough credit to make it through til he got paid so he could get some groceries to last a few days. But what Don offered him in return was worth more than Kevin could ever repay back as he gained trust in a man that most felt was an angel sent by God into Kevin's life just when he needed it the most. Don taught Kevin how to learn to trust God in the very situation he found himself in and in doing so, God would work it all out for the good of Kevin and his family. At first it became a stretch but the longer they encountered one another the more Kevin became a better man despite the wrong choices he had made earlier in his career. Kevin was about to see how God can orchestrate a positive change when he was willing to surrender it all to Him.

I received Angel in Aisle 3 by Kevin West compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion. This is such an incredible inspirational story of hope, redemption and revival in these two mens lives and how they are forever changed in incredible ways. I saw so much truth to what Don had to share with Kevin even in all my time in studying the Bible I had never considered some of the things he shared before, but now it has created a new hunger in me for learning more about Jesus in every book in the Bible. It all points to Him. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Angel in Aisle 3, Kevin West or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Angel in Aisle 3 by Kevin West

You can find Kevin West on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest information pertaining to his ministries.

You can read more reviews on Angel in Aisle 3, by visiting Howard Book's website. 

The Real Force

I don't think there is anyone who hasn't see or heard about Star Wars. From those of us that were fortunate enough to see it play on the big screen back in the 70's to being able to share it with a new generation, there is something played out on the big screen that applies to all of us. A sense of good overcoming evil in the world and author Paul Kent takes readers into a 40 day devotional in his book, The Real Force.

In this book, he takes readers to 40 different devotions that begin with a famous quote from one of the six movies and then takes readers back to that particular part of the movie. He teaches us what happened in that poignant moment and how we can apply those same principles in our daily lives in a contemporary sense. As Master Yoda might say: "Inside this book, the answers are. Read it, you must."

An example of what you will find is Day 27 - I Hear Voices. "Mind what you have learned. Save you it can." ~ Yoda from the Empire Strikes Back.

"Everyone, it seemed, wanted Luke Skywalker's ear. Uncle Owen either barked out orders or begged Luke's help, depending on the day. Newly purchased from the Jawas, C-3PO kept up a barrage of questions and commentary. Han Solo cautiously probed Luke's thoughts on Princess Leia: "You think a princess and a guy like me - " Luke's quick "No" brought an end to that conversation.

The Jedi master Yoda taught, shamed, and cajoled Luke. Darth Vader shared shocking news that he was Luke's father - then urged the young man to join him on the dark side, suggesting they could rule the galaxy as father and son. The emperor coaxed Luke, over and over again, to give in to his aggression and hatred....

At times, we all need some affirmation and guidance. It would be great to have that in an authoritative, audible voice like Obi-Wan Kenobi's. God, however, tends to speak to Christians in different ways. In the Bible, He did sometimes talk directly with people. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11), and Jesus, after His ascension to heaven, got a proud Pharisee's attention by shining a bright light and asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4).

God's voice may never be as clear to us as Obi-Wan's was to Luke.But if we keep our ears tuned for God's "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12) and confirm what we hear by God's Word, we will know exactly what He wants us to know.

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (excerpt pg 111-113).

This is truly a must have for any Star Wars fan as well as a firm believer who wants something unique in the way of devotionals that taps into that side of their life. How they can relive those famous moments in Star Wars films as well as get a bit of back story from the novelizations of those characters as well along with an applicable Biblical side we can apply in our lives today.

I received The Real Force by Paul Kent compliments of Worthy Inspired for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This would make a great Christmas gift for any Star Wars fan especially in light of the new movie that comes to theaters in December this year. My family and I even had fun trying to guess who said the famous lines and from what movie they were from as part of our morning devotion. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Real Force, Paul Kent or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Real Force: A 40-Day Devotional by Paul Kent

You can find Paul Kent on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on The Real Force: A 40-Day Devotional, please visit Worthy Inspired's website.