Fear is Not the Boss of You

 

 

 I was looking for a faith based business coach for the longest time, who would not leave Faith at the door when it came to business. Then I found Jennifer Allwood. I can't even remember how I found her but her coaching for my business was a huge lifeline for me. I knew when she announced she was writing a book, it would be a great one.

Then CoVid hit and the world was thrown off its axis. Who knew that God would use this time to launch, Fear is Not the Boss of You? I mean who wouldn't want to grab this book in the midst of uncertainty. Like so many other women, I found her words in this book to be healing. Coming from a generation where my parents divorced early on, I had to face to many uphill battles alone. Even now in my own business, I have let the fears of the unknown drive some of my own insecurities and make me question certain decisions. 

I knew I had to break free from the fear that puts faith on the back burner. I needed words from a great friend who has walked those valleys to help me reach the mountaintop together with God. What a breath of fresh air this book has been for me. Jennifer is our modern day Esther. She was placed in our lives for a time such as this. To help us to break free from our fears, our thoughts, how we were raised, that all influence how we react to any situation we may face in life. 

It won't mean that I won't be afraid when I make my appointment with a dermatologist to face what I believe is skin cancer. My own father constantly reminded me that every imperfection I had was cancer, from simple breakouts to allergic reactions and those have caused me to fear going to the doctor for fear of being told I was going to have cancer. Jennifer's words of wisdom are like a balm to a hurting and wounded soul. I have since picked up several copies of this book to give to my daughters because I know at some point in their life, fear will try to steal their faith that they can do whatever they want. I want them to have that same voice telling them it's okay to still do it scared, but just do it. 

I highly recommend, Fear is Not The Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood and have received no compensation for a positive review for this book. I truly believe that healing lies beneath the cover for those that simply can't move forward in whatever aspect of your life because of fear and I am confident that you will find the courage to challenge those very fears head on. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This is a must read for every woman! 

For more information about Jennifer Allwood or to purchase a copy of this book, please click on the links below: 

Fear is Not The Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood

You can find Jennifer Allwood on Facebook.

The Beloved Hope Chest

"Her hope chest had held not only memories full of pain all these years, but memories full of love she would always cherish. Today her heart was filled to the brim with hope."

In Amy Clipston's latest novel, The Beloved Hope Chest, which is book 4 from the Amish Heirloom series, Martha Jane (Mattie) Petersheim/Fisher takes the time to share with her three daughters, Emily, Rachel and Veronica, about the items found in her beloved hope chest. It conveys the life story of Mattie and her first love Isaiah Petersheim who was the love of Mattie's life. She had hoped to begin a new family with him and looked forward to the birth of their first child, but an unexpected tragedy broke those plans for Mattie forever when Isaiah was killed. This is something that Mattie's daughters never knew about their mother, but it would be the one thing that would unite them all in new ways as each of her daughters could now look back and see how these very events showed them that she understood each of the paths her own daughters lives have taken.

It is also the love story of the father that they always loved, Leroy Fisher and how Mattie and Leroy grew up first as childhood friends and the closest anyone could be with one another without marriage. In fact looking back on these events in her life, Mattie didn't realize all the ways Leroy had tried to convey his feelings for Mattie that went beyond friendship and he had hopes that he might win her heart. But when she married Isaiah, all Leroy could do was remain her best friend. When Isaiah died, the last thing he wanted to do was cause more pain for Mattie, but seeing as she was pregnant with Isaiah's child, he didn't want her to go through any more pain in her life alone, so he offered to marry her with hopes that one day she might love him the way he has always loved her. But even with the best intentions, things didn't work out quite like he had hoped and it would take letting her go, to cause her to see that he really did love her after all, despite everything she had gone through in her life and most of all that he would ALWAYS be there for her and love her with all of his heart.

I received The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston compliments of Zondervan Publishers and Net Galley. 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. Sometimes I believe the greatest stories are the ones that our parents have, how they meet one another, the struggles they had to endure and the memories that they treasure. In this novel, Mattie gets to share that personal part of two very special loves in her life and how they not only defined who she is as a wife and mother, but also allow her to share those experiences with her daughters that God can take the pain in our lives and cause something good to come from them. Often times when we least expect it. The theme in this novel is what love, unconditional love and faith and hope truly mean. Our hearts can break but in time, they will heal and we will move forward again. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is also Discussion Questions included which makes for an excellent selection for book clubs.

For more information about The Beloved Hope Chest, Amy Clipston or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today due out in early May of 2017, please click on the links below:

The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston

You can find Amy Clipston on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Beloved Hope Chest, please visit Zondervan Publisher's website. 

The Cherished Quilt

Forgiveness is perhaps the hardest thing for any of us to do. It might even be easier to forgive others rather than ourselves but Christopher Hostettler can't seem to let go of the fact he feels he had a hand in the death of his younger brother Gabriel. That fact only seems to be driven home by his father who made it perfectly clear at the graveside that Christopher was responsible. Now it seems besides never being able to measure up to the demands of his father to take part in the family horse training business, he leaves home to work for his uncle in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania in his leather shop. Perhaps he can find a way to start a new future for himself and find forgiveness for his role in his brother's death.

Emily Fisher always looks out for others over her own needs and when she meets Christopher for the first time at her father and uncle's harness shop, she wonders what could she offer to help him break down the wall he clearly wants to keep around himself. While trying not to take it personally when he refuses to acknowledge anything she does, she vows to at least ensure the Chris feels valued and wanted by their community while trying to be a friend to him.

However when Chris and Emily grow too close to one another in their personal feelings, Chris' past comes back to haunt him and steal away the only hope for a future not only for himself, but for Emily as well. It seems that Chris' chance at happiness will forever elude him unless he finds a way to go back and resolve the issues in his family and perhaps figure out a way to find God in the process. But since he has run from everything else in his life, will he run from Emily as well?

I received The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston compliments of Zondervan Publishers and Thomas Nelson. I am so glad I picked this novel and now will go back and read the previous two in the Amish Heirloom series, The Forgotten Recipe and the The Courtship Basket before The Beloved Hope Chest comes out soon. I really love how the relationship build between Emily and Chris and have found that forgiveness in our own lives is often times the hardest thing for us to accept, believing we are meant to be punished somehow and no longer deserve happiness in our own life. The whole concept behind the Log Cabin that Emily makes for Chris is something to inspire me to pick back up quilting again and renew my passion for creativity in doing so. This novel was well worth all 5 out of 5 stars! There are even Discussion Questions included that are great for book clubs!

For more information about The Cherished Quilt, Amy Clipston or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston

You can find Amy Clipston on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Cherished Quilt, please visit Zondervan Publisher's website. 

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. 

NIV Bible for Teen Girls - Review and Giveaway

There are a lot of things that teen girls from the ages of 13 to 18 have to deal with in their lives, beside processing through hormonal changes, peer pressure, dating and interests in boys, to handling making the transition from teen to adult as well. They harbor their own unique challenges and thus there is nothing too big that God can't help them with. That is the first place as parents, we would expect our teens would turn aside from their parents on how to deal with the challenges life brings, we want them to turn to the One who created them to be just as unique as our teen daughters are!

The NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith, Hope and Love has been designed uniquely for teen girls 13-18 and is packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice and open discussions about the realities of life. This Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in their own spiritual walk in faith, hope and love. It is as sincere about a teen girl's walk with God as they are, helping them discover His will for all areas of their life, including relating to their family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.

What the NIV Bible for Teen Girls offers inside include: Daily Readings by popular Christian female authors including Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer), Annie Downs, Christine Caine, Nicole Wider, Else Kok Colopy, Crystal Kirgiss, Bekah Hamrick Martin, Denise Van Eck and more. Character Profiles of women in the Bible; Book Introductions for each book of the Bible; Highlighted Promises of God are verses worth remembering; a Concordance for help in finding verses and the NIV, New International Version is the best selling version of the Bible. 

When I presented this to my own 16-year-old daughter, she immediately LOVED the cover. It's definitely feminine without being overly childish, the colors are appealing and she loved that along with her Bible, the font size is perfect. In fact the teen Bible she had before, is now replaced by this one which is her preference. The daily readings are listed at the back of the Bible and are listed by the topic instead of the individual authors, so if your teen is struggling in a particular area in her life, she can find a resource from a strong Christian role model along with the applicable Bible verses in that section. The only thing I wish they would have included would have been the authors names along with that, so if she wanted to search for articles by Bethany Hamilton, she wouldn't have to search for it through each of the daily readings. I would have also loved for it to include Jesus' words in a different color to really set that apart from the rest of the text for importance.

I received the NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith, Hope and Love compliments of Zondervan Publishers and Propeller for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the Bible to review, and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Aside from the recommendations I have listed above, this is a great teen Bible for girls. Some of the best parts of our families devotional time is when my daughter will add something that is on the particular page of her Bible we are studying and it opens up a great discussion point for us with her like peer pressure or dealing with some things teens face but might not know how to approach them with their parents. This is how it has worked for us when she reads them to us and we can talk about them openly. I think that is how this Bible was designed to keep the lines between parents and teens wide open. For us, this one rates a 4 out of 5 in our opinion.

Now for the best part, thanks the generosity of Zondervan Publishers and Propeller, they are offering a giveaway of this Bible to one lucky reader: Here are your guidelines to enter and it's a bit different than what I normally offer since I am opening this up to both my blogging and social media readers.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From the Heart or my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart. If you are both...2 entries, 1 for each site.

2. Leave a comment on my blog for an additional entry telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this Bible. Don't forget to include your email address, so I have a way of reaching out to you if you're the lucky winner of this giveaway. If you "share" the link on your blog, you get an additional entry.

3. Leave a comment on my social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Pinterest. For each comment you leave, you get an additional entry. If you share my links on your social media pages, you get 2 more entries into the giveaway. Don't forget to let me know why you'd want to win this Bible giveaway.

4. The giveaway will end on November 6th and the winner will be notified by email or instant message. You will have 72 hours to respond otherwise another winner will be drawn. Remember you can enter as many times as you'd like just make sure you meet the requirements to do so a second time.

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

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

For more information on the NIV Bible for Teen Girls, Zondervan Publishers or where to pick up a copy of this Bible today, please click on the links below:

NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith, Hope and Love

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