The Chesapeake Bride Giveaway and Review

I love great series of books that don't stop at the traditional 3 book trilogy that most do. It's like you get so involved in these characters, the small town of St. Dennis and the many people who live, work and fall in love there, all have their own stories created in their own novels. If you have never picked up any of the now eleven novels in the series, and love romances that are built on that small town feel along a beautiful and enchanting seaside community, you will want to pick up all of the books in the Chesapeake Diary series from Mariah Stewart.

In the Chesapeake Bride, the eleventh in the series, Cass Logan is an architect with a big vision of restoring the small community of Cannonball Island that has spent the last 200 plus years raising families, burying their loved ones and in most cases left behind as the ocean claimed more and more of the smaller islands. Now in disrepair and barely standing Cass' father, owner of Deiter Construction has purchased all 22 lots with the idea of building a new community. But with Cass' imagination and information she has gleaned from the oldest of residents who lived and loved those who made the island a home, she wants to restore as much of the original home as possible using the reclaimed materials and keep the original look and feel of the homes that were once built there.

With each encounter of a new person she meets from St. Dennis, her ideas and creativity are manifesting them in ways that has her winning the support of the surrounding town and even potential buyers before the homes have even broke ground. The only thing that she is certain about is that she isn't about to fall for local boy Owen Parker, whom she perceives as a player and heart breaker. When she runs into a potential huge delay in her project, a sunken vessel at the mouth of the river which would mean not being able to build docks for the homes she had originally designed, she has to rely on Owen whose been hired to salvage and determine the nature of the vessel and hopefully open the way up to continued work on the island home renovations. Not only that her father has placed the entire project in her hands and at this stage it seems like all hope might just sink!

I received The Chesapeake Bride by Mariah Stewart compliments of Simon and Schuster Publishers. I have read every single one of this books in the series and really LOVE this one as probably my most favorite. You have a single attractive adrenaline travel junkie, Owen Parker, who is not about to be rejected by any woman, including Cass Logan. Yet the more time they spend together, not doing the traditional date stuff, the more they begin to learn about the true person hiding behind the shell most see on the outside only. But like all good things, it can't just end with a happily ever after ending you'd expect. Nope this one has more debris than what is laying on the ocean floor that seem determined to keep our favorite characters separated. You'll find out how it all ends by picking up this novel, but I must warn you, be prepared for another potential sequel where things might wrap up there instead. Am I giving you a premonition or simply trying to create a desire to pick this one up? Only time will tell. I'd give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Chesapeake Bride, Mariah Stewart or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Chesapeake Bride by Mariah Stewart

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

To read more reviews on The Chesapeake Bride, please visit Simon and Schuster Publisher's website. 

Thanks to the generosity of Simon and Schuster's Publisher, they are offering a copy of Driftwood Point, the 10th book in the series to one lucky follower of my blog. Here's all you need to do to enter to win.

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

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

3. Leave a comment either below on this blog post or on the Facebook page tell me why you'd love to win a copy of Driftwood Point. Please include your email address below along with your comment. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols. Facebook users, just leave me a comment and if you are chosen as the lucky winner, I will Private Message you for the information required. Blog Followers: No email address, means I have no way of reaching you to let you know if you are the lucky winner.

The giveaway will end on September 21st, so please be sure to enter as many times as you want. For an extra entry, share on your social media pages and I will give you an entry for each link you post and share on either Facebook or this blog post.

A Beautiful Poison Giveaway!

Sometimes it is hard to believe that you could learn something out of a novel that you might have missed in your high school science class. But if you're a fan of murder mysteries and the Gilded Age, then you will LOVE Lydia Kang's newest novel, A Beautiful Poison. Based in 1918, three childhood friends, Allene, Birdie and Jasper used to spend their days at Allene's estate playing and getting into all kinds of childhood trouble. But as we all know, over time, we grow and change but the affections of these trio's remains strong. Allene is all set to marry Andrew, a match most suitable among her parents and on the eve of their engagement party, a young woman appears to have fallen down the stairs and broken her neck. But was it an accident?

Allene has always been found of chemicals and their molecular bounds but for a young socialite, her father has forbidden her to encourage her natural love of chemistry. So she sneaks books out of her father's library to read at night. This is when she notices a piece of paper that falls from it with only two words written in elegant penmanship, "You're Welcome." It is Jasper to happens upon the one clue that no one catches and that is the strange burnt almond smell of the broken glass in the young woman's hand. But how will he be able to convince anyone that it appears that foul play may have been involved and if so, who is the murder?

Birdie, Allene and Jasper make a pact to begin to solve the murder on their own with what clues they can gather. Allene's father has paid off the police to ensure that this accident is not investigated any further than the accident it seems to be. Jasper's job as the janitor at the medical building soon lands him a promotion to working for the medical examiner, but even they refuse to autopsy the body to look for confirmation of a poisoning. Without any permission, this will wrap up the case but Jasper soon sneaks into the lab at night to conduct his own tests just before the body is slated for removal for the burial. It confirms without a doubt that Florence, the young woman at the party has been murdered. But what is the motive? Soon the body counts continue to rise around the trio and more letters appear with each death.

I received A Beautiful Poison by Lydia Kang compliments of Lake Union Publishing and TLC Book Tours. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  The best part about murder mysteries for me, is trying to figure out who did it before the book reveals it. I got it wrong twice and was shocked by not only who was responsible but the very clues that went missing each time until the very end of the novel. The motive was there all along, and the Author's note at the conclusion was wonderful to highlight the medical procedures that went into the creating this unique novel. This book does contain some sexual content which in my opinion,  could have been written differently to imply what happened instead, which may offend some readers. I really LOVED the overall aspect of this novel and give it a 4 out of 5 stars. It is not like anything I have read before.

For more information about A Beautiful Poison, Lydia Kang or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Beautiful Poison by Lydia Kang

You can find Lydia Kang on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Beautiful Poison, please visit TLC Book Tour's page. 

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of Lake Union Publishing and TLC Book Tours, a giveaway copy is available to win. Here are your guidelines to enter:

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

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US/Canadian mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

3. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of A Beautiful Poison, along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on August 8th, so please be sure to include your email address, as that is how I will be notifying the winner of this giveaway.

A Name Unknown Review and Giveaway

"Rosemary Gresham may have been a thief, but she was a thief who preferred to work in broad daylight."

I love reading the first sentence in any novel. Most of the time it gives the reader some insight into how this novel will evolve and A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White is no exception. This is the first novel in the Shadows Over England series and one that I am sure most Edwardian Romance fans will absolutely LOVE! Rosemary Gresham is definitely a professional in her trade, that being one of many thieves that prey upon those in the upper class, in order to not only make a living, but so they can put food on the table of a group of similar young thieves that work London's streets. Most of the time, they are hired out by those looking to gain some advantage or to resolve some slight that they feel needs to be recompensed and her group of wayward thieves is more than happy to assist.

Her latest assignment is to prove Peter Holstein is not what he appears as he has the King's ear and many believe his ties with German began when his mother married his father and secured a place and a notoriety among the upper class in London. Now with the threat of war on the horizon with Germany playing a pivotal role, there are some that want to prove Peter's alliances, however innocent, do not lie with London. So Rosemary has been tasked to uncover proof that Peter is loyal to Germany and the price to be paid is so great, she would be a complete fool to pass it up.

She blends into Peter's household under the guise of being a librarian hired out by one of Peter's contacts to help restore his former library to its glory again. As of yet, it simply remains a hoarder's paradise with more books on the floor and every available space than is on the overly full shelves. Peter needs her assistance to locate documentation about his family, but doesn't share the real reason why he needs that documentation. Is Peter truly a German spy living in the midst of London or is he simply an innocent man looking to prove his loyalty to London before war sets in?

I received A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White compliments of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours.In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love Rosemary's character because she can justify her shady dealings to help the local street urchins who are orphans and in need of help. She can read people perfectly and knows more about them than they initially share with her. She finds herself at odds the more she grows to know Peter and understands why his stuttering makes him a bit of a recluse in his small town. It gives way to suspicions by the local townspeople that Peter is truly hiding something and thus the need to prove where his loyalties stand in the face of a war on the horizon. I easily give this a 4 out of 5 stars and shows that sometimes our name is not all what people might be willing to believe.

For more information about A Name Unknown, Roseanna M. White or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

You can find Roseanna M. White on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Name Unknown, please visit TLC Book Tour's page.

Now for the best part, the giveaway. Thanks to the generosity of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky winner. Here are the guidelines to enter:

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

2. Share this giveaway on any social media outlet of your choice, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, you name it. In fact the more you share, the more chances you have to win!

3. Leave me a comment below with a link to your social media share along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. I need to have a way to contact you if you're the lucky winner. No email address, I have no way to reach you.

That's all there is to enter. Enter as many times as you want. Remember each social media contact link generates an entry. The giveaway ends on July 31, 2017 and I will be emailing the winner at that time. If you have any questions, please email me at Stevenkat27@gmail.com.





 

Dark Deception Review and Giveaway

Looking for a great murder mystery, suspense thriller? Then look no further than Nancy Mehl's latest novel, Dark Deception, which is the second novel in the Defenders of Justice Series. It must be read in order because the case begins in the first novel Fatal Frost. As readers take a look at the ongoing serial killer case known as the Blue Eyed Killer or B.E.K. for short, the case is just beginning for Kate O'Brien who survived the attack that should have claimed her life. She is the only witness who can identify the serial killer and now it is her turn to be a witness in putting the man behind bars.

He took the life of her twin sister Kelly, which is one of the reasons why he has been caught. Before this mistake, all the cases were cold because B.E.K. left no traces of evidence behind. It has baffled the efforts of not only the FBI but also the local police as well. She is relying on the strength from the officer responsible for ensure she remains alive and protected but will help her endure her testimony while facing the man who killed her sister and tried to kill her, U.S. Marshall, Tony DeLuca. Just as the trial is about to get underway with her testimony the courtroom erupts in gunfire as the prosecutor is murdered right before her eyes and just as he is about to kill her, Tony is able to stop the man.

As evidence begins to mount against the man convicted of being the B.E.K., Kate takes the offer to join the witness protection program and for the last four years things have been relatively calm. She has started a new life and a new name for herself. But Tony is asked to bring Kate back in, as a witness as the man convicted of multiple murders is seemingly let go for evidence that has now been tampered with rendering the conviction and arrest out of their hands. Now the killer has been released and Tony needs to find her and bring her in before the killer can locate her. It will truly be a race against time as the killer draws closer to her and the body counts begin to rise. But have they caught the right man?

I received Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl compliments of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a great series and I only wish I had read the first novel before jumping into this one to understand not only the killer's motives, but also the efforts of the police to arrest the man they believed to be B.E.K. Rest assured, this one has another sequel at least before they catch the elusive killer and in the meantime, the body counts will continue to rise and a twisted reason for the killer to keep Kate close will be revealed. I can't wait for the third novel in this series. It had me hooked at the very beginning and couldn't put it down til I figured out what was going to happen. Such a great story line and by far one of the best murder mysteries I have read in a long time. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of TLC Book Tours and Bethany House Publishers, they are giving a copy of this novel away. Here is all you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Nancy Mehl's Facebook page. 

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

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Dark Deception. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols if you wish.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway by June 30th by email so don't forget to include it.

For more information about Dark Deception, Nancy Mehl or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

You can find Nancy Mehl on Facebook to stay on top of her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Dark Deception, please visit TLC Book Tour's page. 

When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette - Giveaway and Review

We, as believers, know that Jesus exists in the world, but He might not be as we would imagine Him to be. For some, He might show Himself as a homeless man in need of a new pair of shoes, He might be a pastor of a church who is dying from cancer despite all the prayers of his congregation, and He might even be a green-eyed brunette. It isn't Jesus really, as you might think, but it is the Spirit of Jesus living inside someone that shows us what Jesus is.

He isn't religious but has come to have a loving relationship with us. Some people get all caught up living their lives under such a microscope of scrutiny of God that they know they will never be good enough. That is living under legalistic rules of a religion and not what Jesus came more than 2500 years ago to do and that is establish a personal loving relationship with each one of us. Grace is what we all need more of and Max Davis' latest book, When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette, shows us everyday how we fail to see it when it does come in the smallest of things that happen to us. He shares intimate stories of how seeing Jesus at work in the lives of others transformed who Jesus was to him. In doing so, it changed how Max would live out the rest of his life and connect with others along the way to change them.

There are moments in this book when you will laugh and others that have you on the edge of your chair ready to cry and I believe the message is different for each one of us. It will be a personally journey of your own to see where in your life you need more of Jesus' love and grace and how it can open you up to new freedoms in your walk of faith with a deeper more intimate relationship with Jesus. There are so many amazing quotes and stories that they will all inspire more reading I'm sure in the future but more importantly it will wake you up out of your spiritual slumber. As Davis puts it, "Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible things - sometime supernatural things - through us!"

I received When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette by Max Davis compliments of Worthy Publishing and FlyBy Promotions/Propeller LLC. I love how this book weaves personal stories of people's faith in Jesus showing up in ordinary people that reveals to us that He knows us and is fully present in our every day circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Perhaps a quote from John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress) sums up the book best, "In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God." For me, this was a breath of fresh spiritual air and well worth a 5 out of 5 stars. This will be a permanent part of my personal library, one I know I will reference often.

Now for the best part, thanks to the amazing blessed generosity of Worthy Publishing and Propeller LLC, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter.

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

2. Be a resident of the US and please no P.O. boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book, along with your email address. I will be contacting the winner by email so don't forget to include it. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. If you are on social media instead of a blogging follower, leave me a comment why you'd love to win a copy of this book. I will private message you if you're the winner and you can contact me to provide your mailing information.

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on December 16th.

For more information about When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette, Max Davis or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette by Max Davis

You can find Max Davis on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette, please visit Worthy Publishing's website. 

"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.”

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. 

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.

Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit - Review and Giveaway

Who would have ever thoughts that coloring books would be making a come back in a big way, and not just for kids, but for adults? I love coloring and doodling and as a corporate trainer for over 10 years, I understand the amount of learning that still happens when the mind is engaged in this type of activity, despite how it looks. It is also soothing and relaxing at the same time, while creating a creative outlook for those who choose to pick up their media of choice, whether crayons, coloring pencils, water colors, paint or markers, the results are amazing.

I am so please to introduce you to Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit, Coloring Book by Health Communications Inc and Lorrie Bennett who designed the artwork you will find tucked inside. Beautiful illustrations accompany so of the best Scriptures from the Bible and I have added my own flair and creativity in Isaiah 43:2 "When you go through deep waters I will be with you." Such a powerful truth we can apply to whatever situation we find ourselves facing, knowing the God is always our present resource we can depend on.

The coloring book also shares some great features like coloring tips and tools, and knowing which ones to use and where, to how to decide what colors to use, from primary colors, secondary colors and tertiary color choices. My favorite was the Harmony How-To's which show you how certain colors within a color pallet can play off of each other picking shades either lighter or darker and use them together to create a blended effect. The coloring books also shares some of the same pages colored by a variety of talented artists so you can see how the pages might look before you begin for some creative ideas.

There are 32 full color pages, with another 32 more with some designs on the adjoining pages to give you a smaller pattern to complete. Illustrator Lorrie Bennett thoughtfully pairs stunning original art with powerful scriptures that eloquently embody the fruit of the Spirit, inviting you to immerse yourself in the meaning of the messages and cultivate them in everyday life. With perforated pages for framing or sharing, this is the perfect way to relax and unwind as you create beautiful works of art while rejoicing in the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

I received Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit by Lorrie Bennett compliments of Health Communications Inc and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from complimentary copy of the coloring book in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion of the product. What I love is that depending on your color medium, (mine were gel pen based) I didn't experience any bleed through on the subsequent pages. I would have like to have seen blank pages on the backs so if there were bleed through issues depending on the type of medium you employ, you wouldn't ruin the other designs. That being said, I would rate this coloring book a 4 out of 5 stars and think the design choices compliment the scriptures perfectly.

Now for the very best part! Thanks to Health Communications Inc and TLC Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy of Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book to one lucky follower based on the guidelines below:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. 

3. Must be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canada mailing address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. Without an email address, I have no way to contact you if you are the lucky winner. Winner will be announced by email on August 24th.

If you would like to know more information about Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book. Lorrie Bennett or where to pick up a copy of this coloring book today, please click on the links below:

Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book by Lorrie Bennett

To read more reviews on Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book, please visit TLC Book Tours page. 

You can purchase a copy of Ink Inspirations Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book from Amazon or your favorite book or online retailer. 

 

 

Guarded - Giveaway and Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guarded by Angela Correll

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

Refuge of the Heart - Giveaway and Review

Looking for an exceptional romance novel with a Christmas theme that is a bit extraordinary? I would suggest you pick up Refuge of the Heart by Ruth Logan Herne. This is a heartwarming story of a Chechnian refugee that has escaped her war torn country and is seeking to find a fresh start for herself and her sister Anna here in America thanks to the goodwill of a local church as her sponsor. Even though it is difficult, Magdelena Serida knows that in time, she will earn her doctor's degree and find a new life in a better neighborhood and will be able to afford better clothes than they have now. She knows that most people wouldn't understand her past and how difficult it was to watch her entire family taken by Russian militants while the women were sold into slavery. That is the life Lena has left behind and one she hopes she can leave in the past.

Yet God is about to intervene in their lives in a most profound way all thanks to a flat tire, a snow covered night and an encounter with Mitch Sanderson, the district attorney. Mitch had hoped that the woman and child he had seen walking in the cold and snow were not the same people who would soon see the flat tire on the run down car, but they were. As a caring and compassionate man, he knew that he could not drive home without seeing to their safety and getting their flat tire changed. But God didn't want it to be simply that easy for any of them, and when the spare tire turned out to be bad as well, Anna, Lena and Mitch would have to spend time together waiting out the purchase of new tires while they grabbed a bite to eat. It is through Lena's eyes that Mitch sees life in a truly remarkable way as the Christmas season approaches. One full of gratitude and appreciation instead of expectation and it is just the change he needs in his own life after losing his wife and unborn son in a car accident. Perhaps perspective is a better choice in what he needs.

I received Refuge of The Heart by Ruth Logan Herne compliments of Franciscan Media for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book,  for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such an incredible feel good story of love, forgiveness, redemption and gratitude and thus the reason for it being an exceptional choice for those looking for more than simply another Christmas romance. It's a perfect reminder of what many of us in the United States never consider as we watch many war refugees fleeing from their country without knowing all the why's of what has happened to them, yet we judge them based on what we hear instead. For me this one, easily garners a 5 out of 5 in my opinion and one that will be added to my permanent library to be read each time at Christmas.

For more information about Refuge of the Heart, Ruth Logan Herne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Refuge of the Heart by Ruth Logan Herne

You can find Ruth Logan Herne on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Refuge of the Heart, please visit Franciscan Media's website. 

For more tour dates on Refuge of the Heart and to visit other reviewer's, please click on the links below:

• Refuge of the Heart Blog Tour:
• 10/12/2015- Spiritual Woman
• 10/13/2015-  Reviews from the Heart
• 10/14/2015- Singing Librarian Books + Franciscan Mom
• 10/15/2015- The Engrafted Word + Christian Chick's Thoughts
• 10/16/2015- Reading is my SuperPower + Reconciled To You

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of Franciscan Media, they are offering a giveaway copy of Refuge of The Heart to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

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

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

3. Leave me a comment below, telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. Without an email address I have no way of notifying you if you're the lucky winner.

The giveaway will end on Oct 23 and I will notify the winner by email at that time.

Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season - Giveaway and Review

Sometimes the best books are ones that contained a bunch of short stories geared for specific holidays. When I was asked to review Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season, by various authors I knew this would be something that would help get me in the mood for Easter. I had read a similar book from Plough Publishing House during Christmas and hoped this would be along the same lines.

While there are some notable authors like C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Goudge, and many others, that were selected for their spiritual value and literary quality. While most of them do meet those standards there were a couple that I would not be able to read to a young child based on the language used to describe why a donkey has long ears. It would be one I would have to pass on sharing with my children or simply remove that part of the story that tells why a Robin has a red breast.

For the majority of the book there are some great stories that I had never read before that capture the true essence of what Easter is supposed to be about without all the world's hype on Easter bunnies, marshmallow peeps, basket hunting and egg dying. These stories capture the meaning of the sacrifice that Jesus made when he came here as Savior to the world and how it changed how we treat one another. All the stories in this book are not 100% religious in their content but do tell fables that encourage us to change how we perceive and treat people today with kindness and hospitality. This book could be used for any purpose besides Easter and for those that are looking for a great book that captures some of those older stories from notable authors, you might just want to pick this one up.

I received Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season compliments of Plough Publishing House and FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. One of my favorite stories was from Leo Tolstoy, Two Old Men. It is about two older men who decide it might be the perfect time to take a trip to Jerusalem before they get too old to go. Along the way they become separated but what each learns truly is life changing for them both. There are 27 incredible stories to chose from in this book. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars due to the fact that not all the stories I read would NOT be suitable for all ages in my opinion.

For more information about Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season, Plough Publishing House or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season

You can find Plough Publishing on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest books. 

Thanks to the generous folks at FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. This giveaway will end on March 30th and the details to enter this giveaway are listed below:

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

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canadian mailing address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. Please make sure to include your email address, so I can contact you if your are the lucky winner.

The winner will be notified by email on March 30th and you will have 72 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. You can enter as many times as you wish and be sure to tell a friend!

"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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha - Giveaway and Review

I can honestly say without a doubt that Stephanie Landsem is one of the finest biblical fictional authors I've read to date. Her ability to take the well known Bible stories that are masked in so much unknown and breath such life into them, you'd swear that they were a part of the Bible. The elements that she utilizes to create the back story for such well loved characters in her previous novels in the Living Waters Series, such as "the thief on the cross," the Samaritan woman at the well," and now the beloved character so many women can relate to, Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary.

In her latest novel, The Tomb, is the third novel in the Living Water series. Trust me when I say, if you love those well known stories from the Bible, you will want to pick up this entire series. Before the story opens, the readers are in for an explanation by Stephanie Landsem about how these stories evolve and one I had never really considered, until I got the "A-ha" moment hit over my own head. In The Tomb: A Novel of Martha, is not her attempt to recount the historical events that took place in Bethany two thousand years ago. Instead, it is a re-imagining of how Martha, a woman who was "anxious and worried about many things," might have been transformed into the faith-filled woman of John 11:22, who said to Jesus - as her brother lay in his tomb - "Even know I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you."

Another author Jill Eileen Smith,in her praise for the Tomb, captured the essence of this entire Living Water series when she adds, "Often when we read the biblical story, we don't stop to think about who these people were, what they thought, how they lived - especially when we are unfamiliar with the culture of the day. The Tomb gives us a rich glimpse into that culture and into the lives of these characters: their hopes, their joys, their fears. You will never see Martha quite the same way again."

That is precisely what the reader will glean from this inside look into what really made Martha, the beloved character from the Bible, the proverbial worrier, the woman who never stopped and was always busy working hard to make sure everything was perfect, couldn't see where all her efforts were truly going. I had never really considered what her story might be. The Bible doesn't speak of their parents and with Martha being the oldest, one might assume that all the household responsibilities of raising her younger brother and sister would fall naturally to her. Thoughts of her own future would pale with making sure everything else would be addressed before her own needs were considered.

This translates so beautifully in this novel and it truly saddens me every single time, that the novels are over too soon. I feel like I have truly been given a look into the lives of characters of the Bible I had never considered before until I have finished another one of Stephanie's novels. Her introductions to other secondary characters is woven so seamlessly you often find yourself asking if you missed connecting those pieces together when you read the Bible so many times before. From the demon possessed man, to the plots against Jesus by the Sanhedrin, the story is breath-taking, magical, and one I know I will read again and again. These novels are so rich in detail, you can't put them down. You simply won't want to. So be sure to set aside time to take a virtual vacation back to the time of Christ and see for yourself one of the most unforgettable miracles from the Bible as you read, The Tomb.

I received The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem compliments of Howard Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. Such a beautiful novel that captures the demon possessed man, Simon the leper, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, as well as the saving grace that can only come from time spent with Jesus Christ as you witness first hand these events as though you are part of the action and not just reading a novel. This is one of those novels when you read it, you want to tell every single person about it, so they can enjoy it as much as you have. My only hope, is that like most series, it doesn't end at the third one and Stephanie has plans for another one, fingers crossed!!! Hands down, a well deserved standing ovation and worth every one of the five out of five stars.

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

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem

You can also find Stephanie Landsem on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Tomb, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Now for the best part, thanks to Stephanie Landsem, she is providing a complimentary giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

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

2. "Like" Stephanie Landsem's Facebook page and leave her a comment there congratulating her on The Tomb's release.

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

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of The Tomb: A Novel of Martha. Don't forget to include your email address, otherwise I can't notify you if you're the lucky winner. You can use (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will email the winner once the giveaway ends on March 26th. If I don't hear from the winner within 72 hours, another winner will be selected.

The Devil's Game - Giveaway and Review

Not since Stephen King or Frank Peretti have I come across such an exceptional Christian Supernatural Suspense until I picked up Daniel Patterson's The Devil's Game. In fact if you asked Simon Paradis, Harmony's newest resident, he would tell you that you have lived yet until you have met him. Things are going to get a whole lot more interesting for the people in Harmony. What they don't realize is that their very souls are on the line and the last time, Simon came to town, every single person died who chose to stay and see if they could match wits with him.

Reverend James Buchman at New Hope Church knows that the man in front of him wearing a long, black coat that is frayed at the edges, long hair and a black goatee with some gray in it, looks much older than he appears even though he can't put his finger on it. Simon Paradis seems to be able to charm his way into volunteering to help out all the people who are part of James church. Little do they really know what his true motives are. Not only is he able to control the thoughts of people he likes to call "weak-minded" but he has a sinister plot in mind if he can only get rid of Reverend Buchman.

He knows that subtlety and patience go a long way to bring his plans to fulfillment and all he needs is to convince a few key players in town to do their part to keep Reverend Buchman busy trying to save some people while he begins his deadly game. All he was hoping for was for the Reverend to be willing to lay down his life for his flock or in a twist of fate, simply leave town and Simon will take care of the rest In fact his sinister past has decimated cities in the past, and he is looking to make Harmony his latest target. With Reverend Buchman have enough faith to beat the devil at his own game? Check this one out and see!

For fans of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and Stephen King, you will definitely want to pick this one up. It's easy to get addicted to it and you can literally inhale this one in a matter of hours. This is a supernatural thriller that pits the devil against the pastor to see who will ultimately win in this spiritual battle for the town of Harmony. This is the first book in the Reverend Buchman Series and at is now available in print and ebook formats. This book is so well written because it engages you from the first chapter and before you know it, you're done. It does have a bit of a cliff hanger ending so you know that the battle continues and Simon is still on the loose. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and LOVE this genre, not to mention it's a Christian suspense thriller! I can't wait for more from Daniel Peterson.

Now the best part, thanks to the generosity of author Daniel Peterson , he is offering a signed copy of his book, The Devil's Game to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. "Like" Daniel Patterson's Facebook page if you have a Facebook account. While your there let him know how excited you are that The Devil's Game is now available in print.

2. "Tweet" about this giveaway and share your link if you have a Twitter page.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US Shipping Address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a signed copy of The Devil's Game. Don't forget to include your email address along with your comment. Without it, I have no way of notifying you that you're the lucky winner. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will announce the winner via email (included with your comment below) on December 15th. Enter as many times as you wish and feel free to spread the message to all your social media friends.

For more information about The Devil's Game, Daniel Patterson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Devil's Game by Daniel Patterson

You can find Daniel Patterson on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

In the Heart of the Dark Wood - Giveaway and Review

"Everyone was lost somehow, turned around in their own darkwood, looking for something that would help them go on. Everyone just wanted to find their way home."

It's been eighteen months since the Carnival Day Storm when life in Mattingly would be defined as "Old" or "New" based on where you were when you arrived in town. For one young 12-year-old girl, Allie Gunderson has been marking it off in days. 542 when the novel opens. Allie has been holding on to her version of faith, refusing to accept that the tornado that tore her mother from her life, had taken her away for good. Allie was the only one in town who believed that somehow, somewhere, her mother was still out there, waiting to find her way back home. It was why she believed in her daily rituals that began each morning, and offered her a hope that she might just make it through this day.
"It started with prayer, nothing extravagant or drawn out like the speeches in church; a simply hello and thank-you were usually enough, and were expressed more through Allie's mouth than her heart."(41).

It was simply a way to mark off the time until her mother, Mary made her way home. Tornadoes were like that some times, picking people up and setting them down miles away from home. But no matter how logical some might argue their point with Allie, her faith remained. The only thing she had left of that day was a compass from the Carnival that her mother had given her. It stopped working long ago, and the strap that held it to her wrist like a watch, was once a bright red, had worn to a faded pink. In fact, she would have lost it several times, had Zach Barnett, not reminded her to keep an eye on it. Zach was one of those parts of her life, where Allie would deny she had feelings for, much like her dog Sam, because Allie knew if you loved someone, God would take them away from you. So she kept them both at arms lengths refusing to acknowledge her feelings for them.

Until the day her compass began working again. It was the day her faith would be put to the test when Allie believed her mother had found a way to communicate with her. She was simply pointing the way for Allie to come find her and help her find her way home. Now all she needed was to convince Zach to come with her and help prove once and for all that her mother was not dead. She was simply lost and needed help to find her way home, back to Allie and her father Marshall. Zach knew that Allie was barely hanging on by a thread, but he wasn't about to let her set off in search of her mother by herself. They both promised themselves that they would only be gone for a few hours, home by dark, he promised his parents. That would be four days from the day they entered the woods.

I received In the Heart of the Dark Wood by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Billy Coffey for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions mentioned here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. This is the third book in this series, and as the author mentions at the beginning, they can be read in any order, but I have to say the way they were written is the best way to begin them. This is a novel in my opinion that explores what faith means in the midst of our darkest times. It is where we face our greatest fears and find our truest strengths. It is where we are tested by fire to see what remains and in this case it is the greatest gift of all, love.

This isn't one of those novels that is wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end, but will cause you to reflect on the journey you find yourself on where you begin reading it. It's not meant to be rushed but savored, explored, and questioned as you the pages not only of Allie's faith, but Zach's character. It is a coming of age story in a different way because each of them has held on to something they have believed in, but hasn't been tested until they day the enter the woods and it will forever change them, not just Allie and Zach, but the entire town of Mattingly. Hands down, one of my favorites by Billy Coffey and I hope that this is not the end of Mattingly. Many more questions remain but perhaps the answers lie buried until another time. Well deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reading Group Guide is included at the conclusion of this novel.

Thanks to Billy Coffey and Thomas Nelson Publishers, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines:

1. "Like" Billy Coffey's Facebook page. If you're already a follower, simply leave a comment on his page.

2. Be a follower of Billy Coffey's blog, What I Learned Today. 

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of In the Heart of the Dark Wood. Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way to contact you, if you're the lucky winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on November 24th, and feel free to share this giveaway opportunities with everyone you know.

For more information about In the Heart of the Dark Wood, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

In the Heart of the Dark Wood by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on In the Heart of the Dark Wood, please visit Thomas Nelson's website. 

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book ~ Review and Giveaway

I remember growing up and how much I really couldn't wait to be able to read. I would open each book I treasured and look at the pictures, trying so very hard to remember what the letters and words below each picture said or to remember how my mom read them to me. But no matter how much I tried, it would be quite a while before I would be able to put all those processes together of how letters sounded when combined with one another to form words and slowly over time, I grew to love reading so much that I now read more than I ever did before.

That is why I couldn't wait to share one of the most incredible books, I've been blessed to review with you. From Mark Ludy, he created a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book on the story of Noah. So why is this important. Because of what I just shared with you. As a child, just being able to look at the pictures without seeing the words, creates such a lasting impression and provides a level of encouragement to your child as you look at the pictures and create your own story in terms your child can relate to, to accompany the pictures of Noah in this book.

They will feel a level of confidence and satisfaction as they in turn, get to "read" this book back to you so you can understand what they are learning and where you can correct them on the details from the Bible. This one will never grow old. There is even an added bonus challenge in this book as well, to try to find Squeakers the mouse on every single page. You simply have to see this amazing hardcover book to understand how beautiful and vivid the story comes alive in these illustrations.

Mark Ludy has written or illustrated eight children's books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, When I Was a Boy I Dreamed, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman. When he's not immersed in his sketchbooks, you'll find him in schools promoting art and literacy.

I received Noah: A Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy compliments of Propeller Consulting, LLC and Plough Publishing House for my honest review on this book. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. The hardcover book contains 64 beautifully illustrated pages for you and your child to enjoy as you go through the story of Noah together. It will be amazing to see just how your child will interpret the story just by looking at the pictures. I know it will be a book that they will LOVE "reading" to you night after night. I highly recommend this one and think Mark has captured the true essence of incorporating the love of books to children anywhere. Hands down it gets every single one of the 5 out of 5 stars in my book.

Now the best part, thanks to the generosity of Propeller and Mark Ludy, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's your guidelines to enter:

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

2. "Like" Mark Ludy's Facebook page and leave him a comment when you stop by.

3. Be a resident of the U.S. or Canada or have a shipping address for either country. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy. Don't forget to include your email address since I will need it to contact you if you're the winner. You wouldn't believe the number of people who would win, but without an email address, I have no way to reach you. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will email the winner once the giveaway ends on November 18th. You can enter as many times as you want.

For more information about Noah: A Wordless Picture Book, Mark Ludy or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy

You can find Mark Ludy on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on this book and to find a retailer to purchase this book through, please click here.

"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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Feast for Thieves - Review and Giveaway

I have to begin by telling you that no matter how hard I tried to keep this novel in its current time period of 1946, for some reason during parts of it I kept envisioning later 1800's during the Wild West period. I think that was in part to the reference of taverns and dance hall girls which is reminiscent of the Old West. However, this is such an exceptional story and one you won't want to miss due to the powerful nature of second chances and forgiveness for anyone.

In Feast for Thieves by author Marcus Brotherton, Zearl "Rowdy" Slater is returning home from World War II, seeking to find his place in the world. But for a man with no money, no job, a record, and a personality that tends to be, well, a little on the eccentric side, settling down presents a bit of a challenge.

Desperate to scrap together some cash, Rowdy robs a bank alongside his friend, Crazy Ake, in the backwoods and backwards - town of Cut Eye, Texas. But, after nearly getting caught, something changes inside and he finds himself walking into the sheriff's office to return the money, but never admitting his role in its disappearance. Suspicious that Rowdy had more to do with it than he admits, the sheriff gives him a crazy proposal - serve one year as the minister at the Cut Eye Community Church or head for the slammer.

Seeing it's either ministry or a jail cell, Rowdy gets to work. But he soon discovers that there's more to being a minister than meets the eye. Between learning about the work from the former pastor, the beautiful Bobbie Barker, visiting parishioners, fist fighting with the bar crowd to get more men to attend, or trying to figure out how to write a sermon (his first - how to skin a squirrel - didn't go over very well), Rowdy is in over his head but working hard to carve out a new life.

I received Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton compliments of Side Door Communications and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and received a complimentary copy of the book to review. This is such a great novel, because of the humor you find when Rowdy attempts to go straight from his first sermon to his unique way of getting more people to church by taking on all the men who would rather frequent the tavern on Friday night than attend church. It's truly about a man finding his true identity and not the one everyone see's from the outside. It's about finding true forgiveness and second chances where you'd least expect to find them and getting your fill of more than just great food. It's message has a more powerful delivery being told as a fiction than as a non fiction and one that will last long after you finish the final page. I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Feast for Thieves, Marcus Brotherton, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton

You can also find Marcus Brotherton on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Feast for Thieves, please visit River North Publishing.

Thanks to the generosity of Side Door Communications and River North Publishing, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

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

2. "Like" Marcus Brotherton's Facebook page. While you're there leave him a comment.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you  if you're the winner when this giveaway ends on September 16th. You can use the words (at ) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email on September 16th, so please be sure to include it below with your comments.

The Virtues of Oxygen - Giveaway and Review

When I asked my husband if he knew what an iron lung was, he paused a moment before telling me it was a medieval torture device. I began to wonder just how many people probably had the same thoughts or were completely baffled at just what this was since technology seems much more advanced than it would have back in the early 1900's. The Virtues of Oxygen by Susan Schoenberger was based on such a true story of Martha Mason, a young woman who spent the majority of her life confined within an iron lung that would breathe for her when polio robbed her of that ability to do so for herself.


It was that idea that inspired Susan to use that as the basis for her contemporary fiction involving Vivian Markham, a sixty three year old woman who has spent her entire life since the age of six living in an iron lung. She contracted polio at the age of six and subsequently loses her older sister the day before, leaving her alone and unable to leave the device or she would die. Even though advancements were made in the medical field, for Vivian, those advancements would pass her by, because after so many years of being dependent on the iron lung, her body had atrophied so much that she would not be able to breathe on her own. Her life looking at the world horizontally is the inspiration behind the main character in this novel who is cared for by her aging mother and a staff of rotating volunteers that live in town, that have vowed to help Vivian live in the best way she can.

One of her volunteers, Holly is a widow caring for two growing boys while struggling to keep the house she shared with her husband. Now with bills piling up higher than she can hope to pay them, she takes a job working part time as someone who will oversee Vivian's investment in a Cash For Gold business she is setting up in town. With the economy taking a turn for the worse, Holly fears it will only be a matter of time, before their small town newspaper office will go belly up with less ads being sold by the businesses in town. If that happens, despite what she hopes about holding on to her home, she will have to let the bank foreclose on the home. But for now, Holly's mother has been helping her with the mortgage payments. When the unforeseeable happens and Holly's mother has a stroke, suddenly she will be forced to make some hard decisions to avoid living on the streets with her boys. She wants to know that her life here has meant something much like Vivian does. They want to make a difference in the lives of those around them and not merely be a burden instead.

I received The Virtues of Oxygen by Susan Schoenberger compliments of Lake Union Publishing and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a poignant story of two very different women that are united by their ability to survive despite the challenges odds against them. For Vivian it was physically and for Holly, financially. Yet despite the odds, they persevere in ways they never dreamed possible and it will be the one thing that will hold them together just when things begin to grow dark in their lives. They will come to understand that they see the real person they are on the inside despite what they look like on the outside. In the end those hollow places in their soul will feel less hollow because they had been useful to a remarkable spirit whose every breath as forced as it was, mattered. I absolutely LOVED this novel and can't wait to share it with you. It's heart felt, well written with every ounce of human passion that the writer could pour into this story and trust me in the end, it will leave you changed for the better and in these tough times we all find ourselves living in, there is truly something for us all in this novel. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Now for the best part, thanks to the generous folks at Lake Union Publishing and TLC Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here are your details to enter:

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

2. "Like" Susan Schoenberger's Facebook page. While you're there, let her know you stopped by!

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of The Virtues of Oxygen along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. Remember if you don't include it with your comment, I have no way of reaching out to let you know you're the winner.

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on August 27th.

For more information about The Virtues of Oxygen, Susan Schoenberger, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Virtues of Oxygen by Susan Schoenberger

You can also find Susan Schoenberger on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Virtues of Oxygen, please visit TLC Book Tour's page.