Robin

It is interesting to note that for readers of novels, the characters we fall in love with are not those we see with our eyes. We fall in love with them because the author has breathed life into them through the words that are carefully written to evoke a sense of believability in the imagination of the reader. We have no pictures to go off of and it is a movie created in our minds based on what the authors decides to use in their novels.

For Julane Hiebert, she has introduced us to Robin Wenghold, in her debut novel, Robin in the Brides of a Feather Series. Fans of western, romance, and historical genres' will absolutely LOVE this novel, tempered with a bit of Christian principles, namely forgiveness and unconditional love as well as honesty and commitment. Robin finds herself headed west from Chicago to Kansas to settle in with her Uncle John in hopes of earning enough money to send for her sisters to join her since the death of her father leaving them in a financial mountain of debt. What she gets is more than she ever bargained for. She believes she is there to help manage his cattle ranch with helping with the womanly chores, cleaning, cooking and laundry. Yet Uncle John can manage those perfectly. He was hoping to find an extra pair of hands to help manage the ranching duties like his previous wife used to do.

Robin is left in a quandary about what to do. Her physical limitations of walking with a limp prevents her from doing most anything requiring walking, or using her legs. She had hoped for a much different outcome. Her Uncle expected the same and feels that by advertising for a potential husband for Robin might be the solution for them both. She would be married and solve her financial issues and with them living on the ranch, he gets two birds with one stone. Only thing is, Robin isn't in agreement with that. She left one man in Chicago who wanted to do just that, but she is only willing to marry for love, not for convenience. On the arrival to the ranch she is caught in a storm that leaves her with more problems, a young boy who watched his mother die and the man, Ty Morgan who rescues them both. Could he be the answer to all their problems?

I received Robin by Julane Hiebert compliments of Wings of Hope Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and personal evaluation. Since this is the first book in the series, not all of the questions are answered by the time you finish. I believe those will continue with each subsequent novel. However, I did love the relationships that develop first with Robin and Uncle John and then with Robin and Jacob, the young orphan. I love that despite the challenges facing her physically, Robin is undaunted in her ability to succeed. That makes this a winner in my opinion and thus worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Robin, Julane Hiebert or where she can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Robin by Julane Hiebert

You can find Julane Hiebert on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Robin, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

On The Edge

Sometimes we don't think our lives have an impact at all, much like George Bailey of It's A Wonderful Life, because we don't have to perspective that God has to see the ripples of those we come into contact with every single day. We all know as believers in Christ, the impacts we have on those close to us like family and friends and being a husband and father in this world holds the key to some much it is hard to wrap our heads around it. There are those like Richard Sullivan, the main character in F. Parker Hudson's novel, On the Edge who believe like most non-believers that we are here simply to do the best with what we have with the time we have. There are no supreme consequences for any life decisions we make, because there is no God after all. So is the life he lives and as readers, we get to see those ripples as they reach out to his wife and children and even friends and work associates.

Richard's life is probably like most middle age men of this world. He works hard to provide for his family of two growing teens Susan and Tommy, but as a corporate attorney, he is very much in demand and believes that providing a sound financial future for them all, is the extent of his main responsibility to his family. His marriage to Janet is in the standard rut after many of years of being together, and with her job at the news station, they are simply roommates at this stage of their life trying to get by. Perhaps that is why Richard is so pleased with Kristen, a much younger real estate agent who he has been having an affair with every Tuesday and Thursday when everyone in his life believes he goes to the gym to work out. Richard truly justifies every decision in his life with any regard to the consequences his actions are having on his family.

We get to see first hand from a physical sense and also a look in the spiritual realm of how these things are being puppeted and manipulated by demons because Richard's life and that of those around him have no desire to know about God and offers no protection to what is happening and how it will all play out. Since his parents weren't believers, he has no foundation to stand on, no seed has been planted in his life, even though he does have some interaction with believers of Christ, he doesn't buy into any of it. When his family ask him for help, he has no guidance to offer them other than his own opinion or experience in the matter and it simply drives a greater rift between him and his family with eternal consequences that will impact all of them.

I received On the Edge by F. Parker Hudson compliments of the author himself for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are my personal and honest ones. This is an exceptional look into the invisible spiritual realm and we get to see two very different versions of Richard's life being played out before the reader. In Book One, we see what Richard's life is like without his acceptance of God into his life and its eternal impacts. In Book Two, the author gives us a George Bailey moment in which we get to see an alternative version of his life in which seeds are planted and later harvested when Richard becomes a believer. It provides for the reader a way to look at their own lives and see first hand how these "ripples" in our life can touch so many others without us even knowing it. I love the disclaimer the author also provides at the beginning of this novel because the Bible does offer us some idea of angelic interaction, it does leave the actual appearance a bit of mystery since they are not truly described in detail. For me, this is my all time favorite genre and the first I've ever read like it offering two very different versions of the same story within the cover which is why I believe this one deserves a 5 out of 5 stars. I caution you however, that some of the subjects discussed may be upsetting to some, but defines the implications on how sin develops in the lives of those without Christ.

For more information on On the Edge, F Parker Hudson, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on any of the links below:

On The Edge by F. Parker Hudson 

You can find Parker Hudson on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To order a copy of this book in print or eBook format from Amazon, click here. 

The Changing Season

For any dog lovers looking for an exceptional novel about the love and loyalty of a dog and his owner, you will definitely want to pick up The Changing Season, from Steven Manchester. This is his latest novel that details the coming of age of a young man named Billy who is finishing up his final days in high school. He is your typical run of the mill high school young man. His friends are all planning on heading off to college with big plans of what they have always dreamed about doing in life, and Billy can't make up his mind what he should do or even what he should take in school. All he knows is his best friend and confidant is a lab mix who goes by the name of Jimmy, named after his Uncle Jimmy.

As Billy struggles to figure out what to do, he spends the first weeks of that transition period with his friends Charlie and Mark whose all night video game sessions will soon become a thing of the past. They all have to grow up sometime. Charlie who has been dating Bianca for as long as any of them can remember will undoubtedly marry her at some point, at least that is what Mark and Billy believe. However during one of those final graduation parties when things get out of hand and the drinks begin to flow, Charlie has suspicions that Bianca is cheating on him. No matter how he confronts her, she claims they are simply friends, but Charlie won't let it go. He believes what he wants and storms off from the party drunker than ever.

In one split decision, life will change forever for all of them. An unthinkable tragedy will rock them all to their core and all those college plans will go up in smoke as secrets are held back because they have all agreed to keep the loyalty they always have had. When Billy meets a young girl named Vicki, it truly seems like a match made in heaven. Billy begins to spend more time with Vicki when he is not working as his dog Jimmy faces growing older and the effects that come with that. He can no longer do quite a few of the things he used to but the one thing that remains is his undying loyalty to Billy, no matter how little time he seems to have for him lately. Life is about to change for them all and there will be no going back.

I received The Changing Season by Steven Manchester compliments of The Story Plant for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. I've read all of Steven Manchester's novel and each one simply gets better and better. Like all the rest, this will has found a permanent home in my library. His characters are believable because they contain flaws that we all have. In this situation for each person involved, you keep asking yourself, what would you do? It's a hard line to make the right decision if there is a right decision to be made. As a huge animal lover, this one really hit home for me, showcasing the unconditional love our pets always have for us and we can learn a lot from them no matter what we are going through. For me, this one hits it out of the part and earns a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Changing Season, Steven Manchester or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on any of the links below:

The Changing Season by Steven Manchester

You can find Steven Manchester on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

For more reviews on The Changing Season, please visit The Story Plant's website.

An Amish Year

Most of the time, we simply don't have the time to read a full length novel but wish we had the time. The perfect solution for those situations is to get a hold of a collection of your favorite genres all combined in one book in the form of novellas or simply short novels. For me, Beth Wiseman is definite a favorite author and whenever I see her name, I know I am in for a great novel or in this case a great collection of novellas in particular to the Amish Romance genre in An Amish Year.

This is a collection of four novellas that bring about the changing seasons in the life of the Amish people we read about in each of the short novellas to bring us full circle in a calendar year. You'll find Rooted in Love, about Rosemary Lantz who like most Amish excels in everything, except gardening and it will take the hard work of Saul Petersheim to try and win her heart but helping her out with learning to garden. In A Love for Irma Rose, this one takes us back to 1957 when Irma Rose needs to decide which man is the right choice for her. Does she take a chance on the one who she believes is right for her or the one who seems a bit on the wild side? Patchwork Perfect chances places from the previous story and puts Eli Byler at the heart of picking which woman would be best suited for him as a widower, Miriam Fisher who is unconventional when it comes to an Amish woman who makes him second guess all his choices for what he believes he wants in a wife. Finally in When Christmas Comes Again, Katherine has to learn how to navigate recent waters of being a single parent when she faces the loss of her husband and must find a way to bring joy back into Christmas for her children, but will it be an English man that turns her head and heart?

I received An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman compliments of Thomas Nelson 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 and personal evaluation. For me, what I loved the most is at the conclusion of these novellas, there is a note from Beth telling you where you can find more of the full-length novels dealing with the families you meet in these novellas. This makes that need to finish learning more about what happens next easier to navigate and gives the reader a true sample of the stories you are likely to find. For me, it simply means I need to work on updating my 'must read' list with the ones I found and fell in love with in this collection. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in this book lover's heart.

For more information about An Amish Year, Beth Wiseman or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman

You can find Beth Wiseman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on An Amish Year, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website. 

Overload

I don't believe that there is one person alive who has never dealt with or felt the effects of stress in their life. For a teen it might be a project or homework assignment that feels like more than they can handle especially when a deadline is looming and perhaps they have put it off thinking they'd have more time. For adults, the list is ever longer from work related stress issues, financial, health, marriage, parenting, you name it and at times it can seem like we simply have too much on our plate. We know it is something we must deal with, but how? Why can't we simply pull the plug when our lives feel like we have hit the "overload" level?

Joyce Meyers brilliantly tackles this subject with humor, grace, some motherly advice and of course, tempered with biblical scripture to guide us on this journey in her book, Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself from the Pressure of Stress. Most of us understand how stress can manifest in physically harmful ways from putting added pressure on our body and its vital organs. She offers some great advice in each section from understanding what stress is, how it impacts us, what we can do, what does the Bible offer and so much more. Some great take away's I found in this book are the Things to Remember that sums up each chapter like, "one of the biggest cause of stress is focusing on the negative things that are happening around us. What you think about - what you focus on - is going to affect how you see life. When we look at the positive things that God has placed in our lives, it gives us a sense of perspective, stability, thankfulness and balance. Psalm 103 instructs us to "forget not" God's benefits and then gives us an entire list of benefits that are ours as children of God." (pg 87).

Joyce uses her own stories of how she dealt with stress along with some great examples you are not likely to forget to change how we view what we choose to "stress about." We all understand that stress like worry is like a rocking chair, it moves us but we go nowhere. We simply need to remember that God is not going to let you sink. He is in control and He is going to see you safely to the other side. I forget how much like the apostles we are, when things in our life seem to spin out of control, we think God has somehow forgotten about us, like when they found themselves adrift in the sea and a storm came up unexpectedly, they panicked even though they had Jesus aboard and who was simply sleeping through it all. Ever wonder how He could sleep through a storm? Because He trusted in God, the Father, who would see Him safely to the other side. We simply fail to place all our trust in God to get us to the other side and often give up before we are almost there.

I received Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself from the Pressure of Stress by Joyce Meyer compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. This book arrived just when I was dealing with my own multi-level stresses of my own with my husband and I both enduring heart and health issues as well as trying to keep our family going and acting as a buffer through all of that. I only wish I picked it up and read through it before I had a complete meltdown because I would have realized how little we really do think we can control and the rest we simply have to trust God to get us the rest of the way through things. I believe my favorite quote from the entire book, and believe me, there are tons of them is, "If you'll do what you can do, God will do what you cannot." This one is truly a keeper for me and one I will be referring to quite a bit more but with more confidence in God when stress happens. I need to keep my eye off the storm and on God instead. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself from the Pressure of Stress, Joyce Meyer or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself from the Pressure of Stress by Joyce Meyer

You can find Joyce Meyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Overload, please visit Faith Word's website. 

The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples

I don't know of anyone who hasn't heard of Duck Dynasty or the Robertson Family. The one thing that may be surprising is that you may not be aware of just how strong faith is in their family and how it is the central core and foundation in all of their lives. For most of the family, it didn't always start out that way and faith became something that they found later in life that truly changed their lives for the better such as Al and Lisa Robertson, the authors of The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples.

Since 2016 had just begun, I was looking for something that my husband and I could incorporate into our devotional time to supplement our Bible Study time and hopefully strengthen both our marriage and our faith and thus, was offered this to review which sounded just like what I had been looking for. Most devotionals are devoted to either a man's point of view or woman's depending on who was writing it and it guides the devotion at times to be one sided at times. This is the first devotional that both my husband and I absolutely loved. While it is written to be done weekly, we wanted to begin to use it daily and it is designed for however you and your spouse want to incorporate your devotional time. Yet it is so much more than a simple devotional coupled with a scripture verse.

Since it is co-written by Al and Lisa Robertson, you get both of their view points on the topic they are discussing, such as what makes you unique as a couple, what are your fears, issues of trust, what love is and isn't, forgiveness, faithfulness, leaving a lasting legacy, dealing with in-laws, being content, working on building intimacy, having a positive attitude, unity, appreciation, anger issues, parenting, humility, submission and respect and so much more all divided into 52 devotional sections. The main point is to work together through it as a couple and I can tell you it has truly made our marriage more stronger, built our faith in ways we could never imagine and our communication with one another has improved as well as our prayer life as a couple. No devotional has ever done that for me before in such a profound and remarkable way, I would never want to go back or stop.

Included in each devotional section is a little bit about each topic as if you were sitting down with Al and Lisa having a heart to heart talk along with a scripture reference from the Bible on the topic at hand which is called God's Blueprint. In the next section called Home Improvement, there are between 3-5 questions to provoke a conversation between the two of you about the topic at hand. These were so eye opening to both of us and the part we loved the most. It even comes with space for you both to record your thoughts or things you plan on working on to follow up with later to see how God has worked in your life. The section concludes with Team Building where you both spend time praying for your relationship and asking for God to help you both improve on it. Sample prayers are included by both Al and Lisa as a guide to what you might want to include. All of this is included in a hardcover book that I truly believe you both will enjoy.

I received The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples by Al and Lisa Robertson 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 personal and honest evaluation. For me, this is a must have for every married couple or couples who are engaged to incorporate into your relationship early on. It is by far, the best couples devotional that my husband and I have read and we both encourage you to pick this up and give it a try. It might seem awkward at first, but like I stated before, the Home Improvement part of us, gave us such insight into the communication portion of our marriage that we found ourselves really talking about more than simply our kids, jobs or life in general. This is what makes it truly something unique and strengthened our own marriage and thus worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars in our opinion.

For more information about The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples, Al and Lisa Robertson or where you can pick up a copy of this devotional today, please click on the links below:

The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples by Al and Lisa Robertson 

You can find Al and Lisa Robertson of Facebook to stay up to date with their latest projects.

To read more reviews on The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples, please visit Howard Book's website. 

The Pharaoh's Daughter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pharaoh's Daughter WaterBrook Press (March 17, 2015) by Mesu Andrews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mesu Andrews’ deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for her readers. She and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest, where Roy now serves as Academic Dean at Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Mesu writes full-time, snuggled in her recliner beside a cozy fire on rainy Northwest days. The Andrews’ enjoy visiting their two married daughters and a growing tribe of grandkids. Mesu loves movies, football, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011), tells the story of Job and won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Fear is the most fertile ground for faith.” “You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug.
I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.
When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back.
Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.

Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile.

When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pharaoh's Daughter, go HERE.

Kissed by A Cowboy

"Cassidy Starr was looking for a home and a place to belong...not for a cowboy to steal her heart."

Deep down inside my heart, I have always had a soft spot for great looking cowboys who have a heart of gold for both animals and romance. Guess that is why I married my own. However I have been in love with Debra Clopton's romance series, A Four of Hearts Romance Series, and her third book, Kissed by a Cowboy gives readers a look into the heart of another of the Monahan brothers, this time with Jarrod, the oldest. While the younger brothers have found their fame and fortune outside of ranching, Jarrod has attempted to do what he can to save the family's cattle ranch business after a foolish debt by a younger brother almost cost them everything including their legacy. But life on the ranch isn't easy as it seems some one is stealing cattle off the property and that is bad for business all the way around. But Jarrod has his hands full with more than trying to figure out who is stealing their livestock.

Cassidy Starr has moved back home to take over her family home as well since her aunt Roxie passed away leaving her everything including the kitchen sink. Cassidy hopes that she will be able to sort through all the stuff her aunt had been storing in both her home and the adjacent barn and open up a bed and breakfast complete with a fully operational organic strawberry farm. She wants to forget all about her past and that includes a marriage with a man who spent more time with other women than his wife and now is trying to mend that portion of her life with no interest in ever getting married again.

She just didn't expect to come into contact with her own first love, Jarrod Monahan who is everything she ever wanted but doesn't want to admit. Even his friendly offers to help her around the property is rejected because she is still nursing old wounds of relying on a man to help with a future, and she saw what they had cost her in her past. She has learned one thing and that is to not make the same mistake twice, but is Jarrod the same as her ex or will he offer her the one thing she has always wanted an that is an honest and true love? The sparks are sure to fly!

I received Kissed by A Cowboy by Debra Clopton compliments of 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 my honest and personal evaluation. The best part of coming to the conclusion of this novel is that there is one more left in the series so readers get a sneak peek of that in this one along with some discussion guide questions that is perfect for book clubs. Like I stated above, I have a heart for those handsome rugged, but soft-hearted cowboys and loved the first two books in the series, Betting on Hope and Counting on a Cowboy in which we still get to see those families that we have come to love again through this one as the family continues to grow. Well worth 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and a must have for fans of Christian contemporary romance fiction!

For more information about Kissed by a Cowboy, Debra Clopton or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Kissed by A Cowboy by Debra Clopton 

You can find Debra Clopton on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Kissed by A Cowboy, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

As believers we understand the importance and power of prayer even when it seems at times that God is silent or He is preoccupied but we know He isn't. It is the greatest weapon any believer in Jesus Christ possesses and the one we often times fail to utilize until it becomes a last resort or with less than heartfelt pleas included. We often times get disillusioned with waiting on answers as if we believe we are owed an immediate and positive response time from God. The one thing that really hit home for me while dealing with multiple crises at the same time, it that waiting is the hardest thing to do but we must not give up on prayer. In the Bible, Daniel waited on an answer for prayer which was dispatched from heaven immediately but due to a spiritual war that was happening that Daniel knew nothing about, he received his answer 21 days later, even though it was answered immediately from heaven.

That is not to say that all answers of prayer are impacted in the spiritual realm, but it is a reminder that waiting may be required in some cases. In others, the answers are immediate and to our liking and in yet others, the answer is not what we had hoped and we find ourselves much like Job, wondering where it all went belly up. But the greatest hope and weapon we have is prayer, constant, consistent and with a partner. This can be with your family members, your spouse, friends or an entire body of believers. When we partner in prayer, the Bible reminds us that we stand in the presence of God at that moment even though we can not see it. It is the most powerful prayer we can use in any situation and nothing is too great or too small for a prayer.

In the book, the 40 Day Prayer Challenge by authors and husband and wife, SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt, they are reminding us about the true value and life changing things that can happen when we partner in prayer for simple 5 minutes a day for 40 days. They are sharing the results through an online survey with Baylor University's Institute for the Study of Religion to see what happens during the 40 days challenge. I know for my husband and I that began this as a couple, we didn't see much happen at first, but then we noticed that we drew closer in a way that is hard to explain other than to say we are much more spiritually stronger, pray more over everything and have seen first hands the results on answered prayer and the strong of our faith and marriage grow since doing this.

I received The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt 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 personal and honest evaluation. The book is broken down to help readers partner in different ways from married couples, singles with friends, family members praying together, and even small church groups or Bible study classes. There is such great resources available from Scripture references and even sample prayers to help get people started on their 40 day journey. The best part is the true life stories of how prayer has impacted the lives of those that have incorporated prayer into the lives and some have been brought back from the verge of death to be given a second chance. This is a perfect resource for those looking at how to incorporate prayer into their lives more and highlights the results of what can happen over 40 days. I know you'll be more than surprised at the results in your own life as we were in our own and for that reason this one gains all 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, SQuire Rushnell, Louise DuArt or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt

You can find SQuire Rushnell on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest projects.

You can find Louise DuArt on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest projects.

To read more reviews on the 40 Day Prayer Challenge, please visit Howard Book's website.

Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan

My daughter is a huge video game fan and has just about every video game system there is. She is always concerned now with the issue of over heating of the large consoles and the length of time she generally spends playing them when she has time. Since overheating is a concern that most of the companies recognize they are always quick to point out how to ensure they don't. From making sure they are placed on hard surfaces, to making sure that nothing is placed on top of the gaming console or that the air intakes remain free from being blocked.

When the opportunity became available to review the Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan, and realizing how much money we spent on the console, we knew this was something we had to try. Anything that enables the unit to prevent overheating has got to be something you might want to try. It was simple to use and extremely easy to hook up. The fan does emit some noise but not so much to be distracting from playing the games, more like a slight hum. The availability to stand the unit up vertically now has offered us some additional desk top space we didn't have before and it does not affect the performance of the game. The best part for her was the ability to charge her wireless controllers that comes built in. She loved that it was easy to use, is helping her with preventing any overheating issues, provides more space on her gaming desk and charges her controllers when she is done.

For me, the price point was well worth it to ensure that we won't have any overheating issues and the benefit of having a way to charge her wireless controllers without more wires is a convenience any parent or serious gamer would love, plus it is all in one. With us, this one truly rates a full 5 out of 5 stars in our opinion and would be highly recommended to anyone with a PS4.

I received the Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan compliments Ortz and the VIP Power Club for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from the product in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. For more information about the Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan, please click on the links below:

Ortz PS4 Vertical Stand with Cooling Fan

Keeper of the Stars

Forgiveness often times in some people's minds means that we must also forget but never does it say that in the Bible when we are to forgive. I guess forgetting might grow softer in the years that follow or it may never go away, but forgiveness is something that offers a degree of freedom we might never experience unless we give it. It isn't so much to allow someone off the hook for something that they have done, but it merely says in a way, I'm not going to hold on to this any longer, I am letting go of carrying around this burden anymore.

In the novel Keeper of the Stars, the third book in the Kings Meadow Series, forgiveness is the theme that surrounds Penny Cartwright, who refuses to forgive Trevor Reynolds for the role he may have played in her brother's death. At least in her mind it is his fault. Had her younger brother Brad, not been hired as a drummer in Reynold's band, he might very well still be alive today. Even though Trevor was involved in the very same accident, Penny refuses to offer him anything in the way of listening to his side of things or even why he has suddenly appeared at their family's ranch to offer his help. She wants nothing to do with him, even if every single girl in town can't help but notice Trevor's good looks and country boy charm.

Penny can't seem to let go of all her sorrow, bitterness and sadness that is consuming her every single time she looks at Trevor. The only person he is initially able to break through to is her father, Rodney who could use the help around the ranch especially in light of his son's death and the fact that he isn't getting any younger. If there was only a way to reach Penny, and let her know how important it is to begin to move forward and that in the days and months ahead it will get easier just like it did when they buried his wife and her mother 12 years ago. Perhaps all she needs is time and for now, he is going to accept Trevor's offer of help and hopes that during the time they spend together things may get easier. Trevor didn't cause the accident and that is something that Penny will have to contend with. .

I received Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity 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. I love that forgiveness is the central theme of this novel because of the vital importance it plays in the life of people every day who feel a sense of entitlement of holding onto grudges like that punishes the offender somehow, but in the end all it does it hurt the one holding on to it by relieving the circumstance over and over again. It also vital why the Bible says we must forgive, because we never know if we will ever see someone again because tomorrow's are never guaranteed and once that time is gone, we can never say we are sorry. That is a regret that is too hard to carry around with us. There is a great discussion guide included at the conclusion of this novel and in my opinion, this one was well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Keeper of the Stars, Robin Lee Hatcher or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

You can find Robin Lee Hatcher on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Keeper of the Stars, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Star Struck

I can't imagine the life of being a well-known celebrity like Mercedes Grant. She is the end product of famous parents as well, one a well-known Western legend and the other a bit more in your face type and has been known to ruffle a few feathers to get her way. It's a good thing they are no longer married to one another, but that doesn't mean that Mercedes is often called to be the ongoing referee between the two as they continue to battle it out with their own younger romantic conquests. She'd much rather be an unknown and no more so than when she is on the verge of being sick and run down. Thankfully she has escaped to her nearby mountain cabin for a bit of R and R but that isn't helping much. This will be one time she will need to seek the care of a doctor. But just how does one garner a disguise that no one will notice when your face is plastered on every single tabloid?

Yet she manages to do just that, at least in her own mind and winds up under the local care of Dr. Luke Parker, who vows to keep her identity a secret for now. Because Mercedes insists she has West Nile Virus, he offers to take a blood sample but the test results will take a few days. Until they Mercedes vows to rest and take her medications until she hears from the good doctor. When Luke learns that Mercedes is suffering from something much worse than a bad cold, he knows this is something that can not be conveyed over the phone. He drives out to give her the worst possible news and its not West Nile.

On top of that added stress comes a death threat from someone who has vowed to personally kill her and thus another reason for the seclusion of her cabin. Along with her faithful sidekicks Lizzie and Mr. Darcy, her four-footed canines, she also has her body guard Bo on standby in a close cabin if she needs him. The problem is that someone is sneaking into the cabin without anyone's knowledge and that has Mercedes on edge. If that doesn't make things worse, her parents drop by unexpectedly for an impromptu visit. How is a girl supposed to get any rest in the meantime? How will she handle conveying her medical news to her parents and her agency? Only time will tell and the clock is ticking rapidly down.

I received Star Struck by Kathi Oram Peterson compliments of Covenant Communications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. I really enjoyed this novel and found it to be similar to something I had written quite some time ago in high school with a similar plot line. The characters are believable and you understand the dilemma each of these is dealing with especially poor Luke who has to treat his patient and keep the truth from her overbearing but likable parents until she is ready to share it with them. This is a great novel for fans of suspense mysteries with a little romantic flair tossed in for good measure. I would give this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Star Struck, Kathi Oram Peterson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Star Struck by Kathi Oram Peterson

You can find Kathi Oram Peterson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Star Struck, check out the list of reviewers below:

Here is the schedule:
Feb. 8th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
Feb. 9th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
Feb. 10th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
Feb. 11th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
Feb. 12th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

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Proof of Angels

You may remember a recent story in the news of a car accident in Spanish Fork, California when a vehicle overturned trapping a young baby inside. The mother was killed instantly, but when the police officers arrived, they heard a woman's voice telling them to Hurry and help! Through a series of circumstances known as Godwinks, the young baby was saved and the story impacted the world, that angels were watching over the child and leading help to where the child was trapped.

As a believer in Christ, I know that angels exist because the Bible says they do and I believe I have had my own angel encounter even though I didn't see any. The Bible is clear on their purpose and we have to be careful to test all things because we never know if it comes from God or our enemy Satan, the god of this world. In the book, Proof of Angels by Ptolemy Tompkins and Tyler Beddoes, it highlights that there are circumstances happening around us that clearly indicate that we are not alone. That there is a spiritual world that operates within our own even though we do not see it. We have to be cautious however, that we do not fall into the tendency to worship angels because they are created by God and are sent by Him to serve in whatever He has called them to do. Whether to lead rescuers to help a trapped baby or to encourage others going through a difficult time.

This book defines some of those circumstances through true stories told by those who have experienced them from 9/11 to a school bombing to even random encounters where someone's health was on the line and through a series of random events, all of these people escaped certain tragedy and feel confident it was angels that saved them all. The book primarily highlights the Spanish Fork event and the circumstances that followed with the officers involved and the media frenzy. We know that there are times where angel occurrences seem prevalent as in the 90's where angels were the main event both in the media and in the bookstores.

I received Proof of Angels by Ptolemy Tompkins and Tyler Beddoes compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. The only thing that bothers me about the book is the limited references to what the Bible has to say on the subject between angels and demons or fallen angels. With that being said, it would be easy to see how people might be lead astray not in that angels don't exist but what their purpose is, who sends them and what their limits are. There are some biblical references but not enough to truly educate the reader in my mind that angels do exist because the Bible says they do. More references are given to outside authorities opinions on angels like Thomas Aquinas, Dante, Shakespeare, Saint Augustine and Saint Paul. There is quite a bit of reference of the Mormon beliefs and thus the reader should be cautioned to compare this to what the Bible says to be true. In my opinion, this one rates 3 out of 5 stars for me.

For more information about Proof of Angels, Ptolemy Tompkins, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Proof of Angels by Ptolemy Tompkins

You can find Ptolemy Tompkins on Facebook's Proof of Angels page.

To see more reviews on Proof of Angels, please visit Howard Books' website. 

A Son's Vow

I've been in love with the Amish lifestyle since visiting Lancaster, PA in my teens and there is something to be said for the love of family and community as well as their strong faith to accept things without any really question as to why God has allowed certain events to take place in their lives. They struggle but they don't hold on to things. In Shelley Shepard Gray's newest series, The Charmed Amish Life, we now follow the lives of those living in Charm, Ohio. The first book A Son's Vow takes us right into the heart of the action of this novel.

There was a recent fire at the Kinsinger Lumber Mill in Charm and it claimed the lives of 5 men. Through an odd series of accidents starting with one man leaving an oily rag in the dumpster to wood shavings collecting there instead of where they should be and a piece of hot metal all lead to the fire without placing blame on any one individual. However in the heart of Aaron Kurtz, he believes that the brunt of the blame has been placed on his father who set the rag in the trash. He feels the Lumber Mills owners should have taken better care to ensure things like this don't happen even though they lost the life of their own father in the accident as well. Aaron's anger in not being able to let go is following him around to the point where he is taking it out on his family, through yelling and physically abusing his sister Darla.

Darla tries hard to understand what Aaron is dealing with but she worries if he doesn't get it under control the members of the community will take action. As the oldest daughter she has more than enough on her hands to deal with besides her siblings but since their mother walked out as well, Darla is beside herself trying to figure out what to do and Aaron doesn't seem to be willing to step up to the responsibilities now falling to the wayside around the farm. She doesn't want to bring it up for fear he will only get angry at her and lash out even more. Her only consolation is talking to her best childhood friend Lukas Kinsinger, but since Aaron holds him personally responsible for the death of their father, he takes even that anger out on his family and Darla when he can. But Lukas isn't about to stand around and watch the only person he ever loved being abused. After all, he lost his own father in the fire as well. It will take a community pulling together to help Aaron before anyone else gets hurt.

I received A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. This one I truly enjoyed and as all of Shelley's novels, they are always over much too soon. I simply want more because you find yourself so lost in the story it's over before you know it and you have turned the last page. There are some great additions to this one beside the cute map within the front cover, There is a meet the author section, about the book and some great discussion questions just perfect for the book clubs! A bonus recipe is also included to make this truly a treat! For me, hands down a 5 out of 5 stars once again. Now I can't wait for the next novel in this series!

For more information about A Son's Vow, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Son's Vow, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Grub Market - Review and Giveaway

Today more than ever moms and families are becoming more aware of where our food is produced, how it is grown and what additives or preservatives are being added in. You see the labels everywhere claiming "Organic," "Non-GMO," "Gluten-Free," and so many more but are they really what they claim. Whatever happened to those good old small town farmers who believed in raising food and produce the old-fashioned way. More importantly, how can you know if you are truly getting what you pay for? Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to take all those small town old fashioned farmers in one place and allow consumers to pick what they want and have it delivered right to their front door without costing an arm and a leg?

Great news!!! A company does exist and it's called Grub Market. Consumers can log into the companies website with their zip code to see what kinds of produce and products are available. Everything from Gluten-Free, Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Locally Sourced, and Preservative Free. You choose bread, meat, milk, eggs, fruits and veggies and more right from the site and it is shipped directly to your front door.

In fact, I had the pleasure of having a California Fruit Bounty Box delivered for me to try some of the produce in season at that time. I was delighted when I got the box which was packaged better than most fragile products I have ordered. I received a pineapple, some organic apples, oranges, an avocado, a pomegranate, a pear a box of dates, and a grapefruit. Before I even opened the box, the smell of the produce inside was evident and they truly smelled amazing. The best part besides how fresh and wonderful they smelled was their taste. There is something that tastes so different when it's homegrown, fresh and organic. Like you walked outside and picked them fresh from your own plants. I was more than delighted to get these but I loved the availability of the products you can order directly from the website as they are all local fresh food that is shipped direct from the farm to your front door.

For those of you that want to try to products, visit Grub Market and see what is available in your neck of the woods or farm and while you are there, use the coupon code GRUB20 to get 20% off your order. These are wholesale foods at wholesale prices and are always 20-50% off and you never have to leave the comfort of your home to get them,. There is farm produce, fresh fruits, condiments, organic eggs, pasture raised meat, baked goods, candies, healthy snacks, beverages, delicious dairy and pantry products. You even get FREE Shipping on orders over $59.00!!!

I received Grub Markets California Fruit Bounty Box compliments of Grub Market and Propeller LLC for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from the California Fruit Bounty Box in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation. Trust me, besides the convenience of ordering this from home and knowing it's being shipped from the farm to my front door, I now have a hand in the food my family enjoys and I know where it is coming from and can feel good about knowing my family is getting the best that I hoped for in purchasing these products. I easily give Grub Market a full 5 out of 5 stars and think its a win-win situation all around for both families and farmers.

Now for the best part...thanks to the generosity of Grub Market and Propeller LLC, they are offering a regular sized California Fruit Bounty Box to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here is all you need to do to enter.

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

2. "Like" Grub Market on Facebook.

3. Be a resident of the U.S.  No P.O. Boxes, please!!!

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a Grub Market California Fruit Bounty Box and don't forget to leave me your email address. Otherwise I have no way to reach you if you're the lucky winner. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway ends on February 10, 2016. So feel free to enter as many times as you want. Winner will be notified by email.

For more information about Grub Market, please click on the links below:

Grub Market 

You can find Grub Market on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest information and products.


"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.”

Beyond the Silence

2016 is starting off on a great note with some incredible novels and Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is no exception. Being a huge fan of western romances since I was a young teen, I've loved every single novel of Tracie Peterson's I can get my hands on, because she takes me back to another time period to lose myself in a virtual world of a great western romance with a strong and determined female character like Lillian Porter. Growing up in a life of well means has offered her luxuries she may have taken for granted, but still deep inside her heart a desire to follow along the same path of her mother has caught fire. Being the last family member under her grandfather's roof, he has lost all sense of purpose and has become a bitter old man instead after losing his wife and watching his daughter follow the path Lillian wants to follow.

To call to adventure out west is more than Lillian can bear along with her grandfather's temperament, so knowing that to walk away will mean she will have to find her own financial means she takes the position as a nanny in Angel's Camp, California far from the only home she has ever known. She just hopes that time will heal the wounds her grandfather has in his heart and she vows to do whatever she can to make it on her own. She just isn't prepared for the less than warm welcome she receives after stepping off the train in Angel's Camp and learning that the man, Woodward Colton, who has employed her has been accused of murdering his own wife. Yet not everyone believes the rumors circulating and since Woody hasn't been jailed for the crime, Lillian is willing to form her own opinion. The only catch is 7-year-old Jimmy hasn't spoken one word since his mother's murder. Perhaps if she can find a way to reach him, the truth may set them all free.

I received Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse compliments of Bethany House 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 my own personal and honest evaluation. I love this premise because as we know there are always two sides to every story and quite often people are willing to believe what they want instead of listening to the truth. My favorite is always Tracie and Kimberley's strong willed and determined female characters who have a whole lot of gumption to dig in and not let others run rough shod over them but still keeps them feminine charm and beauty. This is what draws me to these novels is the adventure you find yourself on that moves the story forward and never becomes stagnant or even predictable even though you know in the end, romance will ensue, it doesn't come easily. This is why I love Tracie Peterson's novels and this one just finds its home next to my growing collection in my own personal library. This one gains a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Beyond the Silence, Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

You can find Tracie Peterson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Kimberley Woodhouse on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Beyond the Silence, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 

Lillian Porter takes a chance on a new job and a new future . . . but rumors surrounding her job make Lillian begin to wonder if she made the right choice in Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse's Beyond the Silence. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know . . . but soon the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

Tracie and Kimberley are celebrating the launch of Beyond the Silence with a Loaded Fire Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on February 11!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Beyond the Silence
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A $50 Amazon gift card to load your Fire with books

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/11. The winner will be announced at the Beyond the Silence Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie, Kimberley, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!