The Name I Call Myself

Some of my all time favorite movies are chick flicks with a touch of comedy added to completely make them memorable. The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran is exactly that and so much more. It involves a complex relationship between Faith Harp and her multi-millinaire fiancè, Peregrine Upperton or Perry for short. For one thing, you would think most women would jump at the chance to marry a handsome rich man who has eyes only for you, but Faith keeps him at arms length due in part to a past she hasn't yet shared with him. It's kinda hard when you have an abusive past with a number of men including your step father and then a roommate of Faith's and her brother Sam, named Snake.

Turns out that their stepfather Kane, is being released from prison and in doing so has vowed to take revenge out on Sam and Faith for putting him there. To top it off, Sam is struggling with all the mental issues that go with watching your mother brutally murdered and now the man who did it is being released from prison. It's no wonder Sam is a substance abuser and will use whatever he can find to help him escape from his past, but with all his panic attacks, he calls Faith whenever his life spirals out of control and she always comes to his rescue.

Perry's overbearing and controlling mother, wants Faith to wear her wedding gown which she and her best friend Marilyn have dubbed, The Ghost Web because it is so hideous and looks so horrible on Faith, that she would have to be dead to want to wear it. But Faith is a bit of a people pleaser and goes along with virtually everything that happens in her life, until she walks into the church her mother used to attend as a possible wedding venue and gets drafted into the choir. Believe it or not it will change her life in ways she could have never imagined, but first she will need to find a voice if she is to be heard. That is where Helmet head comes into play! Life is about to get so interesting.

I received The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran compliments of Lion Hudson Publishers and Kregel Publications. This novel will have you feeling all kinds of emotions from laughing out loud, to grabbing the nearest box of tissues. It is the perfect blend of comedy and romance to keep things interesting and engaged and I honestly enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. It's like Monster-In-Law meets Pride and Prejudice. It is simply that good. But before you begin reading it, you will want to carve out a few hours so you can enjoy it uninterrupted. My favorite part is the purpose of the choir. Oh how I had one just like it here, I'd sign right up! For me, this one easily hit at 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Name I Call Myself, Beth Moran or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran

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To read more reviews on The Name I Call Myself, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

 

Christian's Hope

I love it when I come across an Amish novel that conveys a story line I hadn't come across previously in other novels. Christian's Hope is the third novel by Ervin R. Stutzman in the Return to Northkill series, that is based from a true historical event. In this amazing novel, Christian Hochstetler is reunited with his Amish family after being taken captive by the Shawnee Indians 7 years ago, as part of an agreement with the British to return those held captive back to their families if they still existed.

It was this same tribe of Shawnee Indians that killed his mother and two siblings and took his father and brother Joseph captive as well while they tried to escape. Only Christian was held captive much longer than they were and now finds living in the white man's world something he can't do. He can't imagine a life living in a home, cutting his long hair and spending a life as a farmer instead of running wild in nature, hunting and fishing. Even though they have all had to make adjustments upon returning, Christian doesn't believe that he is capable of returning to the Amish lifestyle and tries to convince his brother Joseph to join him in returning back to their Indian families at least for a few days to see if he can fit in either world any longer.

His main drive to return to his Indian family is a longing for a woman named Morning Dew that he believes he loves and wants to marry so perhaps he can still find a way to exist in both worlds somehow. Even though his father Jacob is reluctant to let him go, he knows he can't force him to change his ways and understands that it has to be a decision that Christian makes of his own accord, not something anyone in the family can pressure him to do. But it seems like some in the Amish town of Northkill are not too happy to have Indians living among them, especially ones that took lives of the ones they loved or burned their property and that includes Christian. Is it possible to have it both ways or will he have to make the touch decision to walk away from the only life he has ever known?

I received Christian's Hope by Ervin R. Stutzman compliments of Herald Press and Litfuse Publicity. This is the third book in the series and deals with the story of the circumstances surrounding this real life event from Christian's perspective. In previous novels Jacob's Choice, being the first and then Joseph's Dilemma each take a different perspective in the eyes of three men who had to figure out how to reconcile with what happened to each of them and how to restore what was left of their lives. I absolutely LOVED this novel, first because it offered up something I hadn't read before in other Amish novels and secondly, because it was based on a historical fact which makes the reader like me most interested because you are learning again about another piece in American history most have never heard of before and that is precisely why I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Since I hadn't read the other two novels I thought I might get lost in this one, but the author did a brilliant job in the introduction giving you enough insight into this novel that you can appreciate it as a stand alone or as part of the series.

For more information about Christian's Hope, Ervin R. Stutzman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Christian's Hope by Ervin R. Stutzman

You can find Ervin R. Stutzman on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Christian's Hope, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 

The Student Body - Movie Review

Obesity.

It is a term almost everyone understands and it doesn't need defining. The federal government along with our current President and First Lady and state lawmakers however have taken it upon themselves to govern which students in public schools are labeled within limits, obese or underweight. Like students need any more labels thrust upon them. Believe me if you are like most people I know, we already wear our own labels or ones society deems we need in order hopefully to enact some type of reform or change as if things are simply that easy to change like eat less and exercise more.

The Student Body is a documentary by Bailey Webber who takes it upon herself to find out the answers why lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to pass controversial mandates forcing schools to perform BMI tests on students. They felt these were non evasive and easy to conduct and when students fell into one of three categories, letters were generated to parents in hopes of educating them and seek help for their children if they were determined to be under weight or over weight. This launched a national debate. Coined the "fat letters" by students, notification letters were sent to kids whose body mass did not fall within a narrowly acceptable range; essentially telling children, even as young as kindergartners, that they are fat.

Maddie, a friend of Bailey's cause is the inspiration behind the documentary who received such a "fat letter" in the same envelope her report card came in. While she excelled at being a straight A student, it was the letter that drove Maddie into a deep depression when she felt less than worthy in an area where it wasn't possible for her to simply change her eating and workout habits. Even more shocked were Maddie's parents who felt the district overstepped their bounds in sending out the letters and making them feel less that worthy parents. Like that they had failed their child somehow.

Bailey takes viewers through the documentary into the bureaucrats who passed the law, one of them taking over 7 months to sit down and discuss with her why his actions in passing this bill, lead to the letters being distributed. His only response is that the one reading the letter has a responsibility to not take it as Maddie did and simply see it as a way of making better choices in their health for the future. What the lawmakers believe is that people who are obese don't want to lose the weight and need to be told. What they fail to understand is obese people know they are overweight or close to it. No one needs to be weighed and calculated whether they fall into an acceptable or unacceptable range. Interestingly enough all but 3 of the legislators were deemed to be obese based on their own BMI numbers.

The one thing science and nutritionists have determined is that it has only been in the last few years that obesity has become a global epidemic not only in the US, but other nations as well including animals used in testing and in zoos. The one thing the film provides is that further research is needed to come up with a better plan at managing obesity rather than simply telling someone to eat less and exercise more. Until then, I believe that lawmakers need to stop placing labels on kids about their weight ranges. It could push kids into eating disorders when they are told they are too fat or too thin and really cause things to spiral out of control. They aren't passing laws for the rest of the nation, why target kids?  I received The Student Body compliments of Nightfly Entertainment and Edify Media Inc. This movie is currently playing in select theaters now, and will come to video early next year, but I believe it is one all parents should watch and be involved in. For me, this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Student Body, where you can find a theater near you playing it, or how you can get involved, please click on the links below:

The Study Body by Nightfly Entertainment

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An Amish Family Christmas

Who doesn't love great endings? I know when I find an exceptional series of novels or even movies it is always bittersweet when you see it come to an end even though you know it's going to be great. Such is An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray, who wraps up the love lives of a few characters in the Charmed Amish Life Series, which I have adored.

This time we still see our favorite characters who have become couples in their own previous novels but now its time for Levi, the oldest of the Kinsinger family who left Charm, Ohio after the fire killed his father. He ran not knowing how to live in their family home where memories of both his father and mother continued to haunt him. He arrives home at first in A Sister's Wish, the third novel in the series because it isn't helping to have him stay away from the only family he has known and now that Amelia is about to marry, Levi wonders what is next in his life. Since moving out of the family home and onto a run-down and in desperate need of cleaning home on Jupiter Street, his life consists of going to work, staying as long as he can, and returning home with just enough time to sleep and begin again in the morning.

Julia Kemp, although not her real name, has found a fresh start in Charm, Ohio even though she can barely manage financially to support herself and her 5-year-old daughter Penny. She has had her own fair share of running, including leaving the father of her child, who found abusing her was the only way to control her life. She left before he knew she was with child and could continue his beatings not only on her but on their daughter as well. This is why she needed a fresh start complete with a new name. It also meant she had to leave behind her family as well. She couldn't take the risk of Luther finding out where she had gone, so as much as it pained her, she really needed this. The last thing she ever expected was to find a man who could truly love her the way God intended and perhaps offer her a future she never dreamed possible. She only has to be willing to tell the truth, but is she willing to place her future on the line to do so?

I received An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I know Shelley is far from ending her Amish series and looking forward to the next one which readers get a sneak peek at with the conclusion of this novel. There are also Reader Discussion Questions included that is perfect for book clubs. In fact one such question asks if the reader has read all the books in the Charmed Amish Life series and if so, which is their favorite and I have to say, it would be A Sister's Wish because I love Amelia and Simon's story the best. I love how that comes into play as Levi and Luther come to a stand off when Julia is confronted with the truth and Simon has to step in. Oh how I would love to see this one come to life, but for now it remains locked away in my own imagination. For me, this one easily rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is even a great recipe in this one as well, but I'll save that as a surprise.

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For more information about An Amish Family Christmas, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray

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A Sister's Wish

It is always a pleasure whenever a long-overdue visit with family and friends happens and it suddenly feels as if no time has passed since your last visit. This is just the case whenever you immerse yourself into the lives of the residents of Charm, Ohio, a small mix of Amish and English alike through Shelley Shepard Gray's eyes and imagination. In the third book of this series, The Charmed Amish Life, A Sister's Wish combines the coming of age story between Amelia Kinsinger and Simon Hochstetler. They have always shared more than a passing feeling between them that began as children, when Amelia had the uncanny ability to see more to Simon than anyone else.

Being a child in an abusive home, Simon watched as both his older brother and sister both left home for something more than being on the receiving end of their parents anger. Even in Amish communities, abuse happens and sometimes nothing is done because no one wants to get involved. So it came as no surprise after the final beating that Simon had enough and followed in his siblings footsteps and left Charm. Only unlike his siblings, Simon came back and repented of his worldly ways with used violence as an outlet to enable him to make money at fighting. But he is done with all of that lifestyle and now only wants to do whatever he can to make Amelia his wife and begin a family with her.

However Amelia feels about Simon, her older siblings believe it's in her best interest to find a more suitable husband in someone else. They will do whatever they have to, to ensure that Simon moves on and leaves Amelia for someone more suited to her innocent way of life. She doesn't need Simon's blackened past to rear its ugly head in their family. Amelia has had enough and at 22, now feels the need to stand up to her well-meaning family and put her own happiness first, instead of running the family household. But when an accident leaves her in need of someone to care for her, who will step up and take the responsibility.

I received A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspired Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I absolutely love the intimacy that comes from the characters that Shelley introduces us to in her series and soon you find yourself feeling a part of the novel and their family. I think we have all had a well-meaning family member tell us what they feel is best for us in our own lives and Lukas fills that role for this novel. He has the best intentions but fails to realize that he hasn't considered Amelia's feelings in the process of his decisions. I love how Simon is willing to do whatever Amelia asks despite how much pain it causes him to tell her about his sorted and painful past in order to establish a solid foundation to build their relationship on. Readers will get a sneak peek at the final book in the series, An Amish Family Christmas coming in October of 2016. For me, this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars in this reviewer's opinion.

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

A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray 

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My Brother's Keeper

"They are perhaps the sole rays of light in this dark era, the few whose consciences prevented them from being indifferent." ~ Yad Vashem

"Many did nothing - even though they called themselves Christians. Others joined the Nazis and supported Shoah, or Holocaust - the dark deadly storm that swept over Europe with the rise of Nazi Germany. In it more than six million Jewish men, women and children perished, killed by starvation or illness, fatally tortured or beaten, shot by Nazi death squads, or executed in concentration camp gas chambers. Contrary to popular misconception, in may ways the Jews of Europe resisted the evil that befell them. And as the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust descended upon Europe, countless people who professed the name of Christ also refused to remain silent or inactive. Many risked everything to help rescue Jewish targets of Nazi tyranny. Some even made the ultimate sacrifice, faithfully fulling the words of Jesus: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

My Brother's Keeper by Rod Gragg records the stories of thirty of them, all of whom have been honored by the State of Israel as "the Righteous Among the Nations." One of the Christians whose story is recounted in this work likely spoke for all herein when he explained why he chose to risk everything to save a single Jewish life. "I know that when I stand before God on Judgment Day," he said, "I shall not be asked the question posed to Cain - where were you when your brother's blood was crying out to God? " (pg 10).

My Brother's Keeper shares both the stories of these men and women who rose up in the face of perhaps the greatest evil atrocities of human kind and vowed not to stand by and do nothing when Hitler and his men tried in vain to rid the world of the Jewish race. Notables like Corrie Ten Bloom are captured as well as those whose names people might not recognize but save thousands of lives through their heroic efforts, some even paying with their own lives instead of standing idly by. This book also shares the history of such people like Hitler, Oskar Shindler and others so you get a full sense of what happened from the beginning until the brutal end. Why did the US and other nations not get involved when they knew what was happening in Germany and in other countries that Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini were controlling piece by piece. This is a part of world history we cannot forget and it shows that good can still overcome evil if people are willing to step up and challenge them.

I received My Brother's Keeper by Rod Gragg compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. It is hard to read these accounts and in the process you, the reader, are transported back to this time in history where people were stripped of their world possessions, wealth, and humanity for the sole reason of their birthright. The book shares these 30 accounts along with some historical pictures and is one I will not part with, and thus has become a part of my library sharing the history of the Jewish Holocaust as well as those that died trying to risk all to protect them. For me, this is a true 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about My Brother's Keeper, Rod Gragg or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links today.

My Brother's Keeper by Rod Gragg

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To read more reviews on My Brother's Keeper, please visit Hachette Book Group's website. 

Treason

"I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within." ~ Douglas MacArthur

Hard to imagine that you could take down a super power nation like the United States of America, but we all know too well that in order to take down any terrorist threat is is best to do so on their land and not wait for them to come here. However that is just the premise behind the latest novel from Newt Gingrich, Treason. With the threat of Islamic Terrorism on the rise and happening in remote locations it seems like it is coming from within our own borders. American bred terrorists makes for a chilling premise that even appointed officials in the presidential cabinet might be on the wrong side of fighting our own enemies.

When the President is the target in a potential suicide attack, sources show that someone from within the White House may be the source of the threat. Ever since 9/11 our nation has been fighting an invisible battle against radical terrorists while the Muslim people want their religion removed as the basis for this ongoing terrorism, as it is singling them out as a people and a religion. Even those in the White House are asking the President to stop using key words like Islamic, Muslim and religious fanatics, in order to bring down the hostilities against the Muslim people living in America.

But when a new terror figure emerges on the national scene known only as the Falcon, his target is now Major Brooke Grant and the young girl she has sworn to protect, as he issues a fatwa against her and those she loves. The only problem is that the threat is closer than she could have ever imagined, an American-born traitor burrowed inside the U.S. government itself.

"Treason is a story of a nation fighting for its life not only against outside threats but also against an internal threat - a fanatical jihadist who uses liberty as a shield while trying to destroy the civilization crated in its image. Can she unmask the traitor and stop Falcon's most skilled assassin sent to kill her before he strikes? Or will she fall victim to betrayal by a false friend in this gripping tale of treachery, courage, and ultimately patriotism where good battles evil?" (inside cover).

I received Treason by Newt Gingrich compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. What makes this novel so interesting is our current President who is establishing Muslims within our current governmental offices and I can see how this book could become a very real threat even though it is a fictional based story. The quote by Douglas MacArthur is valid and it should be the concern of every American citizen to be educated enough about the not only the religious beliefs of Muslims but also what the intentions are of our enemies both abroad and now from within. For me, all of Newt's novels are action-packed and edge of your seat adrenaline rushes because once you begin them, it never lets up until you get to the final page. I read this one in a couple of hours. Definitely makes me sit up and take notice of what is happening in Washington and in light of the coming presidential election, we need to take note of protecting not only our borders but the people assigned to various roles within our own government offices. The threat is real and thus the reason for my 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Treason, Newt Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Treason: A Novel by Newt Gingrich 

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To read more reviews on Treason: A Novel, please visit Center Street Publishing's website. 

Orbitz Gaming Wireless Mini Keyboard for XBox One

Got to say my kids have loved video games ever since we introduced them to our beloved vintage favorites and it seems that technology is creating ways to make the experience more enjoyable. While the brand name products for each video game console are always recommended by the game manufacturer, we know that in today's competitive market there are always products the promise the same result at a great savings to your bank account.

Orbitz Gaming has designed and launched its own version of the wireless mini keyboard for use with the XBox One, but you have to always ask yourself, is it truly worth it in the end to save money when the product might not perform as promised? Rest assured in this case the results are better than expected. I had my teenage son, who loves his XBox One and plays it with growing frequency to test this product out for me. I mean who can tell if it works as promised other than the ones the company designs and markets the products for!

Here is what he discovered when using Orbitz Gaming Wireless Mini Keyboard for XBox One. It fits in the standard XBox One controller just as the brand name product would. It does leave a bit of a gap behind the controller, but my daughter said it fit her hands perfectly. So it was not an issue for her with smaller hands. The chat feature works perfectly just like it should. All functions of the product work as expected and the only downfall with the product is that it did take 2-3 times to power up the controller. Other than that, it worked as well as you might expect. He said he would give it a 4 out of 5 stars and the only reason for a lower than perfect rating is that it is not brand name. Other than that, if you are looking for a wireless mini keyboard to use for your XBox One, you would definitely not go wrong with this product for the price point. I received Orbitz Gaming Wireless Mini Keyboard for XBox One compliments of VIP Power Club.

For more information about Orbitz Gaming Wireless Mini Keyboard for XBox One, or where to pick one up today, please click on the links below:

Orbitz Gaming Wireless Mini Keyboard for XBox One

Christmas Quiet

I can't help it! I love to color! I have loved coloring since I was able to hold a crayon and now there are so many coloring books to choose from, there is something for everyone. Yet I found a true treasure you will want to order for anyone this Christmas season that combines both a 25 day devotional along with some amazing coloring pages all in one book!

Christmas Quiet by Maisie Sparks and Lauren Younis is designed to have you spend some time just appreciating the time that December brings. Too often we are racing against the clock to get presents bought and wrapped, baking complete, and all the items off our to do list checked off. Yet when it's all over, we feel we missed out on what is important and that is understanding and spending some time with Jesus since it is His birth we are celebrating.

Christmas Quiet takes one page and simply reflects on some theme about this time of the year coupled with a Bible Scripture verse, it takes readers into the quiet time of meditating on the meaning of the theme of the day, from gifts, waiting, worship, hope, joy, Sabbath celebrations, AWE, and even pain. As the author shares in the preface of this book, "I didn't have to rush around at Christmas; I could just wait for it. The Gift of Christmas can't be bought. But He can be received. And to receive Him we must be present. We must sit with the mystery that God became human and came to live among us."

"At first, for many of us, it felt unnatural to slow our pace when everyone else was speeding theirs up. How can a respite be possible with the onslaught of activities the holiday can bring? But for those of us who had the faith to be still - to be present to God's Presence - the Christmas experience had become more than crowded shopping malls and unending to-do lists. The Presence of Christmas is a gift we gave, and continue to give, to ourselves. The gifts of Christmas Quiet came with questions to ponder, as well as contemplative practices that enrich the time given to noticing Christ in Christmas."

I received Christmas Quiet by Maisie Sparks and Lauren Younis compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups. Since I had a dear friend going through cancer for her third time, I was drawn to Christmas Pain and the coloring page associated with it. It reflects on the pain of birth is real when it is happening but the joy of bringing new life into the world is more powerful than the pain of giving birth and is quickly forgotten to enjoy the moment of new life in a mother's arm. The scripture reference of Isaiah 66:9 ~ "I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born." seemed to speak encouragement to my friend as she was going through her second chemo treatment this round. At the conclusion of this devotion, there came a question, "If you are entering the Christmas season with grief and pain, how might it be an invitation to know God, yourself, and others in new and deeper ways?"

This is just how this book is laid out, designed to get you to spend some time reflecting on the deeper meaning in each day of the advent along with a beautifully designed coloring page. The one thing I really LOVED about this coloring book is the white space between each page, that even if you are coloring with markers and experience bleed through, if you add a couple sheets of paper in between, you won't ruin the next pages. Finally someone is getting it right. For me, this one is one I will enjoy working on throughout the month of December with my kids and thus a 5 out of 5 star rating.

For more information about Christmas Quiet, Maisie Sparks and Lauren Younis or where you can pre-order a copy of Christmas Quiet, please click on the links below:

Christmas Quiet by Maisie Sparks and Lauren Younis

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

The Wish

"Some people are simply born into the wrong family, I thought recalling my disappointing morning. "

Too often when we look at the outside of some families, it is easy to see that theirs might be much better than our own, such as the saying, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but we know that is often not the case. This is just the premise behind Beverly Lewis' latest novel, The Wish. Leona Speicher believes that her best friend Gloria Gingerich has the best family in town. They are always expressing their love for one another without regard to how some of the Amish withhold public displays of affection. Leona just wished she didn't feel like an outsider in her own family. She feels more a part of the Gingerich family and often wishes that she might be a part of them. Her parents hardly talk with her at all, and she believes Gloria has the perfect family. Her mother talks to her like she wishes her own mother would and her father jokes with her and invites her into conversations just like one of their family.

But as we all know, things are not what they appear to be on the outside. Leona hopes that Gloria's brother Adam might take an interest in her and ask her to court her, believing her wish to be a part of the Gingerich family might happen by the way of marriage. Gloria is on the brink of her own relationship with Leona's cousin, Orchard John. But before prospects of love can emerge and grant the girls their wish, the Gingerich family is cast out of the church. Without knowing all the reasons behind the decision, Leona soon learns that the Gingerich family is making preparations to move away and no one gets the option of making different plans. Arkansas Joe, Gloria's father believes the family is better suited in moving back to Arkansas instead of staying in Lancaster County, now that they have been asked to leave the church. In fact, he's had all he can take of the strict Amish rules and believes his family would be better off if they all turned English instead.

I received The Wish by Beverly Lewis compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. This isn't part of a series and makes such a statement as one of Beverly Lewis' stand alone novels. I love seeing things from a different perspective when a friendship is torn apart based on religious beliefs and an entire Amish family walk away from the church. It creates such a rift in knowing that once they turn, they are often shunned from the community and therefore not welcomed back or allowed any of the baptized members of the church to associate with them at all. It is interesting to see what the catalyst is and how it plays out in this heartwarming novel of friendship and redemption. "Forever friends are sometimes closer than kinfolk. A blessing for certain and well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Wish, Beverly Lewis, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Wish by Beverly Lewis

You can find Beverly Lewis on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Wish, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

A Love Transformed

"Sometimes the most valuable things are hidden away like that. I think sometimes God just wants us to have to work for them because then we'll really know just how valuable they are."

In the latest of the Sapphire Brides Series from best-selling author Tracie Peterson, A Love Transformed is the third and final novel to make its debut.Set in New York City in 1917, Clara Vesper wasn't anticipating the news that came to her that her husband Adolf had been shot and is dead. Not only that, she learns from his twin brother Otto, that he has mismanaged his financial affairs and has left her penniless despite the lucrative jewelry business the three of them have partnered in. Even the very home and furnishings now belong to Otto and he has agreed to let her live there as a ways of helping her deal with this shocking blow.

It should come as no surprise that Clara feels very little about Adolf since their marriage was more of a business arrangement and not one of love even though it lasted over 14 years and produced two wonderful children, twins themselves Maddy and Hunter. What does surprise her is the freedom she now feels that she is no longer bound by marriage and can make amends for what happened 14 years ago to the only man she loved, Curtis Billingham. They parted ways in Montana after her mother forcefully removed her and ended their love affair before it could go any further. Now she has a chance to make it right and since she has no claims over anything in New York any longer, she is free to journey back to the only place she has known as home and love in Montana.

Now if she can manage to pack a few things before her mother arrives to upset her plans and find other suitable arrangements for Clara to find a wealthy and prosperous husband after a suitable mourning period. Clara knows if she is to find love and freedom again, she must leave while no one suspects where she might go and take the children with her. She only hopes that when she arrives at the bank later there will be enough money in her account to buy them train tickets to Montana. She'll have to figure out the rest when she gets there. She doesn't expect to find quite a bit of money and her husband's journals tucked away in a safe deposit box but she will deal with those later.

After a mine cave in, Curtis is lucky to be alive. But now he is under the care of Madeline and Paul Sersland, Clara's aunt and uncle, he has no choice but to spend his countless hours praying for the strength not only to get better physically, but spiritually with God as well. His past is something he can't quite come to terms with, even though Paul has reminded him that when you confess your sins to God, and trust in Him, you are a new creation and all that has happened in the past in God's eyes is wiped clean. If only he could believe it in his heart, and the last thing he expects is Clara to walk into his life again. If only God could transform his life and make it new again.

I received A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. I have had the wonderful pleasure of following this series all the way through and while it does make the entire novel better by understanding the back story of the sapphire mine's success, you can read this one and enjoy it as a stand alone as well. For me, it was such a wonderful conclusion and to see the outcome of Clara's future truly was worth waiting for. Even though I could sense where this story was going, I still loved the journey along the way of watching Curtis fall in love with a new Clara and her delightful children. For me this was worth 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about A Love Transformed, Tracie Peterson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson

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

To read more reviews on A Love Transformed, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

The Silent Songbird

The best part of reading the Hagenheim series of novels from Melanie Dickerson, is trying to figure out which fairy tale she is going to put her own unique spin on it. In The Silent Songbird, this is a variation of The Little Mermaid, which comes off splendid and brilliant. However if you are looking to compare the two, you might be sorely disappointed. For me, the best part of these rewritten fairy tales of sorts, is that they are more down to earth and truly believable and one's I had access to when my own daughters were much younger. I would have preferred these ones to the ones most of us have read or are aware of.

This novel takes place in Berkshamsted Castle, where our heroine has longed for a life with someone she could love. However that isn't about to be the case when King Richard promises his cousin, Evangeline to Lord Shiveley, a man old enough to be considered her father and whose alliance will only strengthen King Richard's holdings as most of these arrangements go. Evangeline doesn't love Lord Shiveley and he has made his intentions to marry Evangeline quite clear and even has threatened her to submit otherwise he will make her future as his wife, very miserable. Of course Evangeline knows she doesn't have many options available to her and after trying to convince King Richard of her wishes, he refuses and makes preparations for a wedding.

Her final option is to runaway, but since she has never ventured far outside the castle walls she doesn't have a clue where to go or what to do. All she knows is that a future with Lord Shiveley is not what she has in her heart. She manages to convince her lady's maid, Muriel to help her escape and soon finds herself in the safe keeping of Westley le Wyse of Glynval, a small but wealthy town in its own right. She passes herself off as a servant girl who has lost her voice when her master beat her and has to maintain this disguise as King Richard and Lord Shiveley have sent men to find them both. Of course with her height, her vibrant red hair and singing voice it will be hard to keep her identity hidden from those who want to bring her back to the castle.The adventure only continues to get more exciting as you read further into this novel.

I received The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley. While you can see some similarities between The Little Mermaid and this novel, it goes beyond what you could imagine. I love Evangeline's strong willed character despite the fact that she has never really been outside. She knows nothing about being a servant since her skills have been of a different set being the King's cousin. Still she tries to fit in as best as she can and while there isn't really an evil sea witch, there is a woman who works to ensure that Westley will never fall for someone like Evangeline. I would rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and only want more of these fairy tales. This is the seventh novel in the Hagenheim series. Trust me, you will want them all.

For more information about The Silent Songbird, Melanie Dickerson or where you can preorder a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson 

You can find Melanie Dickerson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Silent Songbird, please visit Thomas Nelson Publishers website. 

From This Day Forward

To this date, there hasn't been a novel or book from Lauraine Snelling, I didn't like, until this one unfortunately. Since From This Day Forward is part of a series, and this is book 4, I found it difficult to grasp and understanding any of the relationships that this novel launches into. Perhaps if I had read them in order, it might make better sense to me, than merely jumping into it. I absolutely LOVED the cover of the book and since Christian Historical Romances are usually my favorite genre to read, I was disappointed I couldn't connect with any of the characters in this novel.

Even more than a third of the way into the novel I struggled to find any reason to continue as it seems more and more characters were introduced and overlapped that I couldn't find any one I could relate to and follow until the closure of the novel. I hate when that happens, but in this case it did. As much as we hope that all novels will connect with readers who pick them up, this was one time, when no matter how much I struggled to stay with it, I couldn't. Most of the time, a reader needs to identify with a character or perhaps their struggle and I was really hoping that would be with Deborah who has a deep seated desire to become a nurse to help our her community, but it didn't last.

When you read the premise of the novel is sounds wonderful but since there are so many characters introduced in the first third of the book, it makes it difficult to understand just who is with whom or related to whom. Oh how I wanted this one to work for me, but it didn't. This is one case where picking up a novel already well into the series, just doesn't work.

I received From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley and would have to rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars. I am hoping that if you have read the other novels in the Song of Blessing Series, than this one will make more sense to you than it did for me. If you haven't read any, I would recommending starting at the beginning because all the previous Lauraine Snelling novels are usually some of my favorites.

For more information about From This Day Forward, Lauraine Snelling or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling

You can find Lauraine Snelling on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on From This Day Forward, please visit Bethany House Publisher's website.

Hail To The Chief - Giveaway and Review

What child doesn't love a book with colorful illustrations and wonderful rhyming words coupled together with a lovable and cute baby elephant, named Ellis? Ellis the Elephant is a heart-warming series that is designed to educate our children while reading an amusing story along the lines of Dr. Seuss to teach them about our Founding Fathers and American Presidents. He travels back in time to meet George Washington, our first president as he is being sworn into office. He journeys to meet Andrew Jackson as he welcomes thousands of American's to the White House, Abraham Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg Address, Theodore Roosevelt as he creates our national park system and even Lyndon Johnson while he signs the Civil Rights Act.

This delightful book goes on to teach about the Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence, giving us our God-given rights as a nation and the Louisiana Purchase to open the West for America to expand. Children will learn what inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner, how Woodrow Wilson brought World War 1 to an end, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats to give people the courage in the midst of a war.

At the conclusion of the book are some great resources for parents to further use to help children understand the significant role some of these men contributed to making America the land of the free and the brave! All 44 Presidents are featured in the resource section including the dates that each were in office. My youngest daughter at 17 read this book as well and absolutely loved it. She wished this would have been a book that she could have read and perhaps memorized growing up and has added this to her future children's library. We both agree it is well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

I received Hail to the Chief by Callista Gingrich compliments of Regenery Kids Publishers. It is illustrated by Susan Arciero and that is what really brings this book alive to children. This is recommended for children 4 to 8, but I think anyone would absolutely love it as my 17-year-old's opinion has proven, that she learned a few things even she didn't know. This is a great resource to begin to incorporate into your child's reading time as we know history is always changing but at times, there is reasons why we need to remember the valuable lessons our American President's taught the nation into becoming the great nation it still is.

For more information about Hail to the Chief, Callista Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below.

Hail to the Chief by Callista Gingrich

You can find Callista Gingrich on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

You can pick up a copy of this book at Amazon or other online retailers.

Now the great part, thanks to Gingrich Productions, they are giving away a copy of this book to one lucky follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here are you details to enter:

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

2. "Like" Ellis The Elephant's Facebook page. 

3. Be a resident of the US only and no P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Hail to the Chief. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you're the lucky winner. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner via email on October 24th, when the giveaway ends. You will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Remember, I need an email address to notify you so don't forget to include it with your comments. 

A Royal Christmas Wedding

As a little girl, I have always been fascinated by fairy tales and happily ever after endings, where the prince finds his princess and love prevails. We can look to England for some of that contemporary royal wedding and romance and see that some fairy tales are not just in books. Perhaps that is why I have absolutely adored Rachel Hauck's Royal Wedding series of novels. It takes those romance feelings of fairy tales long ago and brings them to life in a "Ah moment" whenever you finish one. I could not wait for this one to release and readers will be able to pick this one up in mid-October.

A Royal Christmas Wedding picks up where How to Catch a Prince left off, and now goes to show that just because you might want it to happen, some happily ever afters must wait. Combining a bit of royal wedding history from the early 1800's, the Pembrook chapel bell has not rang out since the death of Prince Michael who fell to his untimely death after ringing the Pembrook Chapel bell announcing his intentions to marry the woman his loved. To this date, the bell has remained silent along with all the traditions that went along with it. Now it has been 182 years since a Prince climbed the 182 steps of the Chapel to ring the bell and all of London is abuzz with the news that Prince Colin Tattersall will do just that and ring the bell for Lady Jordan who he has been seeing recently.

However on the eve of the Harvest Celebration, what the world doesn't realize is that the Prince has been coming to the chapel for quite some time with his friends to toast in the New Year, not ring the bell. But if he could do it, it would be for the one woman who claimed his heart 4 years ago and not Lady Jordan. That is his prayer to God, that the bell would ring for her. However when it does, by some odd reason, Colin believes it to be a prank ushered in by Guy Smoot, his longtime friend and now the entire world believes Colin has rang it for Lady Jordan instead.

Avery Truitt has arrived with her mother in Brighton to be with her sister this Christmas now that there is news she might be giving birth to the soon-to-be-heir. All she knows is the man who broke her heart 4 years ago, will be present during all the celebrations that will take place over the next month and she is bound to run into him. Despite what she feels, her heart has never gotten over Colin and he will always be the one for her. She just needs to keep her emotions and feelings in check during the next few weeks. All that is in the past and she needs to focus on her future and that is not with Colin, no matter how wonderful he may be. He stood her up 4 years ago for prom and she isn't about to just let him waltz back on in.

I received A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Net Galley. This is truly an adult version of all those fairy tales we read as little girls and gives us hope that love will always prevail despite the odds against it. Who wouldn't want to fall in love with a handsome prince during Christmas? Sign me up for sure. This is one for die-hard royal romance fans who love following their hearts instead of their heads when it comes to romance. The only down side is that this marks the end of the Royal Wedding series, with this being book 4. If you haven't read them, please do so in order so you can gain a true understanding of all the relationships you'll encounter in this one, including Susanna and Nathaniel's own royal romance. For me, this is a wonderful 5 out of 5 stars and only hope at some point in the future, we might get a chance to see how their lives have progressed down the road. There is also discussion questions included that book clubs will love.

For more information about A Royal Christmas Wedding, Rachel Hauck or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

You can find Rachel Hauck on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Royal Christmas Wedding, please visit Zondervan Publishing's website. 

To Have and To Hold

Fall is by far my favorite season of the year. Something changes in the air. Perhaps it is the dance of the falling leaves on the wind, the crispness to the air or maybe it's just a time for great novel about love and romance while sitting by the warm fire and drinking something hot. To Have and To Hold is that perfect blend of three great fall romance novellas by Betsy St.Amant, Katie Ganshert and Becky Wade all gathered together in one great book. Each taking a turn at creating something unforgettable and timeless in each of their respective novellas.

Love Takes the Cake by Betsy St. Amant is a delightfully sweet tale of Charlotte Cantrell, owner and proprietress of The Donut Knot, a small bakery that she has always dreamed would one day provide the income a single mother like herself would need to support her young daughter Zoe. Now if she can simply put all romantic interest of out her mind and focus on working with her latest Bridezilla to determine which cake flavor she would most like for her wedding cake. Only it turns out that she is simply too stressed to make all these decisions and defaults under the suggestion of her fiancè to have the best man, Will Martin work with Charlotte to come up with the right combination for all her events leading up to the wedding. Now if she can only stick to her plan not to get involved with anyone while she dreams of what it would be like to date Will instead?

The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert takes us for a reminiscent ride back through all those old black and white romance movies with Amelia Woods who simply wanted to see what her former boyfriend, Matt's wedding looks like. She wasn't 'spying' she was simply putting her past behind her with this last attempt at letting go. She just never dreamed she would run into the next love of her life, literally by rear-ending his car. Turns out that Nate Galligher might have met his match with Amelia. As the two begin corresponding through email as Amelia attempts to apologize for hitting him and then leaving so quickly, it turns out that they have more in common than they thought and that is love for old classic movies and the romance that those former days seems to allude to. But will Amelia and Nate find the lasting connection or will they simply fade away into the sunset?

Love in the Details by Becky Wade wraps up the book with two former high school sweethearts, Holly and Josh, that are reunited again after 8 years to find themselves suddenly working together on a wedding. Their relationship ended with both being confused on why and thus hurt feelings materialize once again to show that those smoldering embers might just have an opportunity to fan into flames of a former love if they can simply find a way to communicate over what really happened and how a misunderstanding might just be a reason for finding forgiveness and a second chance at true happiness.

I received To Have and To Hold by Betsy St.Amant, Katie Ganshert and Becky Wade compliments of Net Galley and Zondervan Publishers. The best thing about a romance book like this one is you get a little taste of romance with three very talented authors. Kinda feels like a Hallmark movie marathon and for me, my favorite had to be The Perfect Arrangement simply because I am a fan of You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner. They simply don't make them like that anymore and combined with just the right blend of comedy, romance and a yearning for something more, these all feel like their own novels on their own. If you have never read any of these author's books, please consider checking all of them out. For me this is another 5 out of 5 stars and now that it's fall, it seems like the perfect time for love and watching my favorite classic romance movies one more time. Each of these novellas offers their own discussion guides at the conclusion which makes this a perfect fit for book clubs.

For more information about To Have and To Hold, Betsy St.Amant, Katie Ganshert, Becky Wade or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

To Have and To Hold by Betsy St. Amant, Katie Ganshert and Becky Wade

You can find Betsy St.Amant on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Katie Ganshert on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Becky Wade on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on To Have and To Hold, please visit Zondervan Publisher's website. 

When Calls The Heart - Hearts in Question

I don't think there is any test more fearful than meeting the parents of your intended and that is precisely what Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) is in for when Jack Thornton's (Daniel Lissing) mother, Charlotte (Brooke Shields) arrives in Hope Valley unexpectedly. Those of us that have been with the series since it's inception, know that Elizabeth Thatcher is a bit 'challenged' when it comes to her domestic skills over her teaching skills. It seems that no matter how hard Elizabeth tries, she can never measure up to Charlotte's standards for what her son needs in a future wife.

But it seems love is in the air and wedding bells are beginning as well for Rosemary and Lee. In fact she has a job for just about everyone in town and she ensures she will oversee every last detail wanting her upcoming nuptials to be the last thing that everyone in town will remember. She is about to drive everyone crazy instead from her details to the menu, the bridesmaids gowns and even the elaborate decorations she wants built in time for the wedding. Will Lee simply wonder if it is all too much for any one man to handle?

But things in Hope Valley never stay routine or boring for long. Mr Gowen once again can't seem to just be a nice guy and it seems like he's been embezzling money from the town without anyone questioning his recent acquisitions. He tries to convince Nora to simply run away with him when it seems like he is about to be investigated by Jack and Bill for his unethical business practices as town mayor. When a sudden storm threatens not only some local settlers just outside of town, it will take an entire town willing to work together to save not only their lives but those who have come to help in the process.

I received When Calls The Heart - Hearts in Question compliments of Word Films and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the DVD in exchange for my personal and unbiased opinion. This is the 5th DVD from Season 3 and once again, one of my all time favorite series from the Hallmark Channel based on Janette Oke's best selling novel. It truly is a rarity when you can find suitable entertainment for the entire family to enjoy together and directed by Michael Landon Jr. The DVD runs approximately 84 minutes and is Dove Family Approved. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for the final one in this series before Season 4 begins soon! For a list of Season 3 of When Calls the Heart on DVD episodes:

1. When Calls the Heart - It Begins with Heart
2. When Calls the Heart - Troubled Hearts
3. When Calls the Heart - Heart of a Hero
4. When Calls the Heart - Forever in My Heart
5. When Calls the Heart - Hearts in Question

For more information about When Calls the Heart, Hallmark Channel, or where to pick up a copy of the DVD, please click on the links below:

When Calls The Heart - Hearts in Question by Word Films 

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest on the series.

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their film releases.

You can pick up a copy of When Calls the Heart - Forever in My Heart on DVD from Amazon or your other favorite online or local retailers.  

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

It has been said that it isn't the person who talks the most that is in control of the conversation, but the one who asks the questions, contrary to how it might feel. That is why, Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell, is such an amazing reference tool for anyone in any level of business. It helps with all kinds of situations and provides you some helpful advice you can use to not only get you through difficult situations on the job, but also to help you articulate your position and move you ahead in the corporate world.

Some questions you might be interested in are: What are the top skills required to lead people through difficult times? How do I get started in leadership? How do I motivate an unmotivated person? How can I succeed working under poor leadership? When is the right time for a successful leader to move on to a new position? How do you move people into your inner circle? And so much, much more. In fact it was two of those very questions that prompted me to pick up this book. My husband's company has been going through a standard reorganization as well as a lot of the higher ups are moving into retirement. Hence, the reason for wanting to know what you might want to do when working for someone who is less than skilled at the position that have been asked to take on temporary when they truly lack the skills to do their job? Is is time to move on or simply find a way to hold on for now? How do you handle that in dealing with a team as well as your own internal and external contacts that are less than thrilled with whom is selected?

This book was a true god-send for my husband. It provided him with the necessary questions to pose his temporary boss but also to address himself before he reached out to address the situation. The advice was well thought out and even gave him some insight he hadn't considered such as the implications is this is not handled or received well. It definitely is like having John C. Maxwell by your side as a consultant. I received Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell compliments of Center Street Publishers, 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 honest and unbiased opinions. Oh how I wish I would have had this book when dealing with so many situations when in a corporate world. It would have made my life much easier and thus the reason for a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, John C. Maxwell or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell

You can find John C. Maxwell on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, please visit Center Street Publishing's website. 

2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything Giveaway and Review

Where would you turn in your time of crisis? When the floor falls out from underneath you? Perhaps the unexpected death of a family or friend? The loss of the only job that is keeping a roof over your head? A medical illness that threatens your very existence? You name it, but where would you turn? Would you turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to help you cope? Would you seek a family member or friend, perhaps a counselor or church?

Many people are living on borrowed time not believing or praying that nothing will happen this bad to them. But it will catch them when they least expect it and not every situation warrants a desperate plea for help, but often times help is needed. Where would you turn?

In the book, 2 Chairs, by Bob Beaudine, he offers you the opportunity to sit down for a heart to heart, one on one with Creator God. Don't believe it's possible? What do you have to lose? What if there was a 1 % chance He would show up, wouldn't you try?

Then comes the question of what would you say, if God was sitting in a chair next to you or even across from you. Bob Beaudine's mother gave him those three questions, that help put it all into perspective and allows you to hear from Him. Being a believer, and strong in my own prayer life, I thought, what did I have to lose? I mean to dedicate my mornings and spend a few minutes or more talking with God might open up a strong interpersonal relationship between me and God and I want more of God than what I have been experiencing, especially since a close friend is dealing with cancer for the third time and doctors believe she has less than a year to live. I mean how could I lose right? What insight might God have that will help me to help her deal with this. My personal experience with this was beyond what I could ever imagined or dreamed of and now it is the one thing I look forward to more than anything in my day.

I received 2 Chairs by Bob Beaudine compliments of Worthy Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside, from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. For everyone who tries this, be prepared for something unexpected and unexplainable but life changing. What God has to say to you will be different than what He will say to anyone else. For me, my first conversation resulted in tears, then encouragement and finally a peace, I can't put into words but I know that conversation between God and I was as real as a conversation between you and anyone you could have. All it takes is two chairs and three simple questions coupled with the valuable insight Bob Beaudine offers in this book to help you in their personal journey to a closer relationship with Jesus than you could ever imagine. I would easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about 2 Chairs, Bob Beaudine or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything by Bob Beaudine

You can find Bob Beaudine on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on 2 Chairs, please visit Worthy Publishing's website. 

Now the best part. Thanks to the generosity of Worthy Pubishing, they are offering TWO giveaways of this book to TWO lucky winners. Here are your guidelines to enter:

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

2. "Like" Bob Beaudine's Facebook page.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. Don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. If you don't include it, I can't notify you if you're one of the lucky winners.

4. You must be a resident of the US or have a U.S. mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

The winner will be notified on October 12, 2016, when this giveaway ends by email. Don't forget to include it with your comments.

Experiencing God Through His Names

The one thing about believers in Christ is that we know the name of God. He actually has many names that speak the the character, nature and the abilities that He can possess at times, from a provider, a protector, a shield, our strength and even healer. That is why is is so wonderful to understand the meanings behind these and how the appear when they are reference in Scripture in their original context from Hebrew. We don't see it when we read our revised versions or modern day translations and whenever we see the word God mentioned, while it does reference God the Almighty and Creator but more importantly how that is referenced in the context of how God is being addressed.

This can lead us into very specific prayers when we are praying to Jehovah Rapha or the God Who Heals when some is sick, going through illness or breathing their last breaths that God can and will at times heal this side of heaven, but He always heals even on the other side in heaven if He has bigger plans in store for us. When prayers are based on solid truth such as praying the very nature of God's names, our prayers become deeper in substance and combined with prayer and worship, it provides God such great delight in His heavenly throne room.

Just as Jesus knew the very essence of who God was and what He could do, by learning this names of God we can make our prayer life more powerful and our prayers more specific. When we study the names of God, we find out about His unique character qualities and experience His Holy Spirit presence. This book is designed to spend 31 days experiencing and studying the individual names of God, how to experience God's power in fresh ways, and increase our intimacy through prayer with God. Exodus 20:24 says, "Wherever I cause My name to be  honored, I will come to you and bless you." God wants us to understand Him as we study His character through His names.

I received Experiencing God Through His Names by Sheryl Giesbrecht compliments of Bold Vision Books 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 unbiased and fair opinion of the book. I had known a few of the names of God but always wanted to understand more of His personal attributes so I could personalize my prayers more specifically to my needs or the needs of people I was praying for. This is such a great way to spend the next 31 days getting to meditate and study the nature of who God is in many different ways. It has transformed my prayer life and it is a reference book I keep nearby to respond to my call to prayer for others. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Experiencing God Through His Names by Sheryl Giesbrecht 

You can find Sheryl Giesbrecht on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Experiencing God Through His Names, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.