A Daughter's Dream

"Keeping twenty-five schoolchildren reasonably happy and on task for a solid hour was harder than it looked."

This is the first sentence that opens the second novel, A Daughter's Dream from best selling author, Shelley Shepard Gray, in her Charmed Amish Life series. I've been taking notice of how an author choices to begin each novel and what draws them to write that first sentence. This one immediately draws you into this amazing novel. Rebecca Kinsinger, has always had a dream to become a teacher in her Amish community of Charm, Ohio. Now she is filling in for Rachel Mast, from time to time when she needs to be gone for an hour or two or merely helping out when she is there. The one thing she can't quite figure out is why she is having such a hard time connecting with the students, if this is truly her dream job. Just as things are about to get out of control, Rachel returns and sets things to right.

Jacob Yoder finds that trying to fit in as a farmer now that he has moved back with his parents isn't working out as well as he hoped. Now he has taking over raising his thirteen-year-old niece Lilly after she lost both of her parents in an accident. She is barely talking and moving her away from her old school and friends probably isn't helping much. All he knows is he has to try. Lilly finds school boring and now being saddled as the new girl is about all a teen can handle. It's not enough that everyone is trying to help, but they just don't understand what she is dealing with. The only one who is really trying is another boy at school, Peter who seems to know just what she needs and right now that is a friend she can count on.

Rachel Mast loves that Rebecca wants to become a teacher soon, since she discovered she is pregnant and her husband Marcus insists that she quit her job as soon as possible. Not only that he wants her to refrain from seeing the Amish mid-wife and instead seek care under a real doctor and make plans to have their baby at the hospital. He can more than afford it, but how can Rachel convince Marcus that teaching is something she loves to do, and she knows she will quit when the baby comes. It just seems like everyone knows what they want to do and what they think is best for her as well.

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I received A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest and personal opinion. The best thing about all of the novels I've read of Shelley's is that when you begin them, it's as if you have moved to one of her Amish towns and are learning about the people living there. At some point, it stops being a story and you find yourself actually living among the characters she introduces you to. While this is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone, but trust me, you will want to go back and read a little more detail about Lukas life and how he met Delia! I can't wait for the next novel in the series which readers get a peek at in the conclusion of this one. There are even some great discussion guide questions for book clubs, a recipe for delicious granola bars, and an authors note from Shelley that takes you into the very heart of Charm, Ohio. This one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars and a must read for Christian Amish Romance fans!

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

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

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Phil Wickham - Children of God CD Review

I have been a huge fan of Phil Wickham's music for quite some time. I've had the privilege of being able to see him live in concert both at my church and at the Harvest Crusade in 2013. His music just moves you in such a way and what I find contagious about Phil Wickham is his undying love for Jesus Christ. It comes through in not only his music, lyrics but in his performance, Now I have the unique opportunity to be able to review his latest CD, Children of God. Even before I had the chance to listen to the entire CD, I fell in love with one of the songs from that track, Your Love Awakens Me, which is rising to the top of the Christian music charts!

Children of God contains 12 songs and truly contains exactly what one would expect to find, devotional songs of mighty worship and praise that will last long after you stop the final song. They are what I call worm songs or soul songs. Ones you find yourself singing when there is no music and that is part of the power and conviction of Phil Wickham's music.

1. Doxology/Amen -  is a worship song that defines the purpose of praise and worship music, that are prayers to Jesus Christ.

2. Better Than Life - will be just like what This is Amazing Grace was to Phil's previous album on this one! Definitely upbeat worship song!

3. Your Love Awakens Me - conveys the sense of what it is like for a believer of Christ to experience God's love in their life. It creates an awakening in their soul. This is such a catchy song and one I know you will absolutely love!

4. The Secret Place - features Madison Cunningham, talks about what its like when we experience God in our hearts. Its a place others can't see, but we can certainly feel. More like a worship song.

5. Wide Awake - Not one of my favorites on this one, but still an uplifting worship song.

6. My All in All - Speaks of the great love and presence of Jesus Christ, who is the stream of life and victor in any battle we face. A definite battle-worthy song! 

7. Starmaker (High Above the Earth) - Definitely a worship song of our dedication for the salvation that Jesus Christ alone offers. I can this one being incorporated by churches as part of their praise and worship service!

8.  Children of God - Another great praise song. It conveys a song about whom children of God are in Christ. We are more than warriors, but children of God.

9. Stand in Awe - Another powerful praise song, that takes what a believer feels for God, and puts it not only in song, but in a prayer to our Heavenly Father!

10. Body Mind and Soul - another praise song, that conveys in the heart of the believer what where our praise and worship comes from, body, mind and soul.

11. As It Is In Heaven - a great song that comes off more like a prayer set to music.

12. Spirit of God - Speaks of our longing for the Spirit of God to have His in our life.

I received Phil Wickham's Children of God compliments of Fair Trade LLC and Propeller LLC for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a copy of this DVD in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. Phil Wickham just has one of those amazing voices you can recognize the moment you hear him. His conviction and devotion comes across in every single song and that is what makes this such a wonderful CD a great addition to your praise and worship music library. This is his first album in three years, for in 2014 Phil Wickham didn't know whether or not he'd ever be able to sing again. He had vocal polyp, a small lesion on his vocal cords, and while doctors could remove it, the outcome would be up to God. Thankfully, we serve an amazing Healer and Creator and Phil is back once again. These are the songs of the reawakened heart, and his passion and love for God come through on every single song. For me, this rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The lyrics are not provided in the CD but you can find them by visiting philwickham.com.

For more information on Phil Wickham's Children of God or where you can pick up a copy of this CD today, please click on the links below:

Phil Wickham's Children of God

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You can buy Phil Wickham's Children of God at the links below: 

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Awakened

Sometimes we need to understand that there are certain things that can happen in this world, that are motivated by evil. While we may not see it, it exists in an unseen realm at times. Some movie fans flock to horror films like Paranormal Activity, thinking that is is simply a movie, but in reality, things like what you see happening on the big screen can and do happen in real life and the consequences can be life altering.

The latest DVD release from Word Films, Awakened, and isn't for the faint of heart or those who dislike movies on the supernatural. In this movie, Jacob Harker (Rob Boltin) is a newspaper reporter who has been laid off, just as his new wife Haley (Gwendolyn Edwards) announces she is pregnant. He insists that it will only be a matter of time until he is working again. Until then they move into a rental house that will offer them a bit of a break in their finances owned by Webster Cain (Michael Monks). He advises the couple that the basement still has old things he hasn't gotten around to cleaning out, but they are welcome to do it and utilize the space.

As Haley leaves for work, Jacob attempts to work on clearing out the basement space and uncovers an old reel to reel recording from Carol James (Hannah Hughes), who was involved in a car accident at an early age, that claimed the life of the up and coming new singer. As Jacob uses his investigative skills to dig deeper into the mystery of who Carol James really was, he finds himself becoming more and more obsessed with the ghost from the past, one that has a personal interest in Jacob and attacks Haley creating both fear and distrust in the Harker's home. It will take Haley using all her resources of faith to fight back against the evil that has found a home in their lives.

I received Awakened by Word Films compliments of Edify Media Inc and Word Films for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest review. While the message is relevant, I believe the film lacks in the editing and production of the film. The sound quality of hearing the actors voices over the music is downright irritating and shows what a bigger budget might be able to pull off in the way this film attempts to get its message across. For me, the suspense element was there but the over all production quality just wasn't and for me, garners a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Approximately running time of this DVD is 93 minutes. The message is what is important and that comes across pretty clear!

For more information about Awakened, Word Films or where you might pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Awakened by Word Films

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You can pick up a copy of this DVD at your favorite retailer or through Amazon. 

Anchor in the Storm

The one thing that Lillian Avery wanted more than anything was to be strong. She never wanted to be an imposition to anyone especially to her family. She had long given up on the hope of ever finding love again after being devastated in her last and final relationship. It is what gave her the determination to find a career so she could take care of her own needs. Being part of a large family, comprised of three older brothers and a twin sister, Lucy, she never wanted to be a burden to any of them. Lucy was the sickly one in the family and while she found a way to rub things in Lillian's face whenever she could, Lillian would not let herself be a victim. When she lost her leg in a hunting accident, she vowed to do all she can to learn to stand on her own two feet again.

Archer Vandenberg has tired of all the women in his life only wanting one thing from him, the chance to be Mrs. Vandenberg, heir to the Vandenberg fortune. His escape was to join the Navy. He just never expected to survive the sinking of his destroyer. Now the only thing holding him back is the raw nerves and shaking he experiences whenever he remembers being trapped inside the sinking ship. He can't seek any medical help because the Navy would remove him from service and send him packing under the medical care he might need. All he can do is pray that God will help him figure out how to heal him from the nightmares keeping him trapped.

When Archer is invited to Lillian's home for a two week stay, courtesy of his best friend Jim, Lillian's older brother, he jumps at the opportunity to escape going home to deal with all the drama unfolding at his own home. He wants nothing to do with Bitsy, who left him high and dry when he said he was joining the Navy. He finds solace in however, with Lillian who is not at all impressed with the charm Archer tries to pour on him. In fact, it seems to make her draw away from him even more. Jim warns him that Lillian is fragile when it comes to men trying to flirt with her and suggest they simply become friends instead. So when Lillian and Archer working on their friendship, it takes them to the unlikeliest of places, right in the middle of an apparent prescription drug ring that connects them both on board Archer's ship and at Dixon's Drug Store where Lillian works at a pharmacist. Just what is the connection?

I received Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Revell Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and personal opinions. This is the second novel in the Waves of Freedom Series and one I am enjoying from first to last page. Sarah Sundin is an expert at taking an idea from factual history and incorporating her story lines and characters around it. I love Lillian's attitude of not feeling sorry for herself despite her disability. She is willing to take risks most wouldn't including being one of the first female pharmacists. She utilizes the assets she still has to be the very best she can be, no matter what she faces. I love that the chemistry develops slowly over the course of the novel and Lillian doesn't simply fall for Archer despite all the attention she receives from him. Add in a bit of mystery and you have the recipe for a successful and wonderful novel. For me this really hit a 5 out of 5 stars in my book. A Reader's Guide Discussion Questions are included which makes it perfect for book clubs and even a sneak peek into the third novel coming soon. Fans of WWII fiction will absolutely LOVE this novel!

For more information about Anchor in the Storm, Sarah Sundin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

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For more reviews on Anchors in the Storm, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 


In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

Someone Like You

Who hasn't stopped and wondered about someone we loved a long time ago, but due to issues we simply parted ways. Perhaps it was a high school sweetheart or a college romance that lost its luster, but deep in the heart, you always wonder what if?

Zeke Monroe is the general manager at Caliente Springs resort that is trying hard to stay afloat among the drought ravishing the property in California among other things. Co-owned by the Travers twins Ginger and George, if something doesn't turn around soon, Ginger wants to sell the property and get out from the debt she senses maybe coming. For Zeke this isn't about simply selling and hoping that the new owners might keep the 200 employees on board, but this may in fact be 200 people whose livelihoods he has taken personal interest in. It is what has made him such a success and well loved and respected by those who work for him. Zeke knows that if Ginger gives him half a chance, he can bring this resort back to life. His one big hope is that Carter Home Goods might decide to use his resort as their vacation and training headquarters which will be a huge start. But it all rides on the meeting scheduled with Julia Dare.

Julia Dare is working with Carter Home Goods while trying to get her own company Dare to Dream off the ground as an event coordinator. Carter Home Goods has hired her to spend a few days checking out resorts that they offer as vacation perks to their employees and families throughout the year. If Julia loves them, Mr. and Mrs. Carter will spend a few days checking out her final pick. Julia had arranged to meet Ashley Tate for the final tour. She just didn't expect to meet Zeke Monroe, her old flame from Berkeley instead. They kind of parted ways in college and while Julia failed to give Zeke any details, she knew one thing for certain, the faith he shared with her back in college was the reason she walked away. But since finding it on her own, is there an opportunity for a second chance? Now the only thing standing in her way in her son, Max and his father Hunter, Zeke's old college rival.

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I received Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel for my honest and personal evaluation. I really loved the premise behind this novel. Old college sweethearts who find themselves working to pull off the wedding of a century with only 30 days to make it happen. You know things are going to get interesting when you add in a college rival bad boy and of course Julia's precocious son Max. There are bound to be sparks flying in all kinds of directions and the best part of all is love is the reward in the end, but it might just surprise you with whom! I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because to sit down and inhale it all in one sitting is a sign of a great novel in my opinion.

For more information about Someone Like You, Victoria Bylin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

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Worry-Free Living

When you think about worry-free living, you might think that is simply impossible to achieve. If you are a non believer and put your faith in your job, your bank account, your marriage, and even what you can achieve, you are 100% correct. Some day something will happen that will shake things up. You lose your job, you get that dreaded phone call from your doctor, your marriage falls apart, your children run away, even your bank account dwindles. However when you place your faith in God, the Creator of everything in the heavens and the earth, nothing is impossible, but it will take faith to see that happen.

I'm not saying that by being a believer, you won't have difficulties and won't be subject to the same things are non believers are, but we do have someone we can turn to, just like when a young child faces a problem, they know who to run to without any second thoughts. That is what the Bible means when it says to have child-like faith. They know by taking their troubles to mom or dad, thing will be okay. They will handle it and then they skip off knowing it's being handled.

In her latest book, Worry-Free Living, Joyce Meyer teaches you how to have that child-like faith, what it means to cast your anxieties upon the Lord, and how to trade your anxiety for peace that only God can provide. In just under 135 pages, this simple and easy to use book guides you through things like understanding what it means "to seek God's kingdom first, is the key to living in the peace of the Lord. To seek God's kingdom simply means to seek the know God and His ways. We are to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness over all other things ,and then everything else we need will be given to us as well. In other words, one reason we worry and fret and live in fear and anxiety is that we simply have our priorities mixed up. We are seeking our security in the things of this world rather than in the God who created this world. God meets the needs of every created thing, including you and me. As believers, we are supposed to seek Him, not to seek the fulfillment of our needs. If we will seek Him first, He has promised to provide for us in every way, to open the doors of opportunity He has for us, and to give us the security we need." (pg. 16).

I received Worry-Free Living by Joyce Meyers compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. This little book is simply chalk full of great advice including a six step plan for God's peace in your life that anyone can follow. Combined with Scripture verses each of the 5 chapters focuses on specific things we can do to eliminate anxiety, manage stress and enjoy the present day that God intended us to do. One thing is true, the Bible is the perfect owner's manual to helping us enjoy every day of our life to the fullest. I'd rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Worry-Free Living, Joyce Meyer or where you can preorder a copy of this book due out June 7, 2016 today, please click on the links below:

Worry-Free Living by Joyce Meyer

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

To read more reviews on Worry-Free Living, please visit Faith Words website. 

How Would Jesus Vote?

The elections are coming! We've gotten the phone calls, our mail boxes are being filled with all kinds of ads for the propositions and candidates, and on television, we have witnessed the debates coming from both sides of the spectrum for this presidential election. As a believer in Christ, we find it hard to sort through all the propaganda being streamed in from all kinds of sources. It seems no matter how much you research it, you can't get a straight answer on what you should vote for in order to line up with biblical standards.

So you find yourself wanting to fill in the blank or opt out of voting when no real candidate meets our criteria and perhaps that is the problem. In fact it makes you wonder, How Would Jesus Vote? Darrel L. Bock has written a great novel that digs into the meat of what makes our country what it is. How did our founding fathers so long ago deal with differences in both religious beliefs, race and a diversity that seems to be driving us apart more than united us together? He tackles all that and more in this wonderful book that gives us a different perspective using the Bible as a source of reference on how we look at such topics like racial conflict, economics, poverty, health care, immigration, gun control, foreign policy, war, education, sexuality, abortion and so much more.

Using the Bible to help us see things from Jesus' point of view really gives us something to consider when we look at what direction we want our country to move in and how to deal with difficult task of not only dealing with citizens, but also dealing with illegal immigration and the influx of refugees wanting to enter the country. I love how well thought out and researched this is and before reading it I was pretty resolved on several issues, however this one had me really rethink what I believe and more so, how I can debate with others and still respect their differences and love them as Christ would.

I received How Would Jesus Vote by Darrell L. Bock compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal evaluation. I really wanted to read this novel to get a better understanding of how as a voter who believes in Jesus should vote when we find ourselves challenged to know what to do. This really helped and would be a great resource to anyone before this next election in November! I would rate this a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about How Would Jesus Vote, Darrell L. Bock, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

How Would Jesus Vote by Darrell L. Bock

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To read more reviews on How Would Jesus Vote, please visit Howard Book's website.  

How Would Jesus Vote by Darrell L. Bock:

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (May 17, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439190704
• ISBN-13: 978-1439190708
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches