An Amish Wedding By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Kelly Long

Book Description

Three Amish women yearn for the perfect wedding.

"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman

Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester proposes on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. What wasn't planned was all the problems the couple encounters as their big day approaches. A house disaster, a ruined wedding dress, and a sick attendant all make the couple wonder if God's sending them signs to call things off.

"The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi Fisher has had great success at matchmaking her family members and friends. Now with her sister’s wedding right around the corner, Naomi wonders why she’s able to find husbands for her friends and family, but not one for herself.

"The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long

Rose Bender has recently become engaged to handsome but somber Luke Raber. She agrees out of a sense of duty and a willingness to settle for solid friendship as a basis for the engagement. But as she watches her friend's excitement over her soon-to-be wedding, Rose wonders if there shouldn’t be more to her relationship with Luke. She begins to examine Luke and his life more closely and is amazed when she stumbles upon an exciting, secret side of him that engages her mind and heart.

Book Review

I have to admit I'm a sucker for romance novels. I was excited to get a 3 novel in 1 book all about L-O-V-E. I have to say after reading the first novel, A Perfect Secret, I was left disappointed. The characters lacked depth and the plot itself was weak. By the second novel, A Perfect Match, I had little hope for anything better but was happy to finish it was a thought of, “well that wasn't as bad.” A Perfect Plan finished the book and I was finally able to finish it and feel like reading the three books weren’t a complete waste of my time. I can’t say I’ll be recommending this collection to anyone but I will be looking out for something else by Beth Wiseman.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Heroes and Villains of the Bible By Thomas Nelson

Book Description

50 true-life adventures of real people from the Bible—stories of good versus evil, right versus wrong, and heroes versus villains—and their life-shaping lessons that point children to God—the greatest hero of all!

The Bible is packed with stories of courageous people who loved and served God, and how He used them to do great things in the world. It is also filled with villainous people who disobeyed God and did horrible things. Heroes and Villains of the Bible encourages its readers to aspire to become great, courageous, and heroic servants of God, and reject all that is evil in the world.

With Heroes and Villains of the Bible, children will realize some of their favorite heroes aren’t from the movies, but are real people from the Bible.

Book Review

What I loved about receiving this book is that it is not just your normal kids book filled with tales of the Bible, but the Bible itself! What better way to get a child interested in reading the Bible?! The size of the book, illustrations, fonts and styling of the book would appeal to any young adult I know. I would definitely recommend this book to parents in need of a gift for their own child or even as a gift for their kid's friends. I can't wait to pass mine on to my nieces!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

Book Description

The Civil War - a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which determined the fate of the Nation.

It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of her promise she made to her dying mother, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas . . . with her heart, and her faith, intact.

My Review

I have to admit, this book took me a few days to get into reading but once I did it was hard to put down. I loved the historical time period this book takes place in and I love how the author immerses you in it. There were several times I felt myself imagining places and scenes from Gone with the Wind though the main character, Amanda, is nothing like Scarlett. If you love a good Christian romance book this one is a good choice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham

Book Description
A note from Franklin Graham: "My father, Billy Graham, is known for speaking out about the one and only thing that matters in this world: the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers the call of God seven decades ago to preach the Word of God to all those who would listen about salvation that comes only through Christ. He took this high calling with seriousness and boldness in obedience to God and once said, 'I will travel anywhere in the world to preach if there are no strings on what I am to say.'

"My father has always prayed that his words would reflect God’s standard of truth as the basis to claim, 'I have given them Your word' (John 17:14). In this book, I believe you will see that he has faithfully spoken God’s Word that quenches the thirst of those seeking to draw from the wellsprings of Life. It is highly meaningful to see these statements now collected in one volume."

Drawn from an unparelleled collection of both personal and published works, Billy Graham provides input on more than one hundred topics, such as suffering, joy, money, addictions, peace, and many more.

My Review
This book is a token of the wisdom Billy Graham has shared with people for so many years. I love having this resource at my finger tips. The book is divided up into categories depending on the subject of the qutoes. I will be able to use this for years to come whether it be for facebook status', for helping drive a point home when witnessing or even checking my own life and how I'm living it. I think Franklin Graham did a wonderful job selecting quotes that still stay in context and match up with the Word of God. I would recommend this book for your personal library or even for a gift.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:
In this first book of a three-book series, author Vannetta Chapman brings a fresh twist to the popular Amish fiction genre. She blends the familiar components consumers love in Amish books—faith, community, simplicity, family—with an innovative who-done-it plot that keeps readers guessing right up to the last stitch in the quilt.

When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town’s reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Set in the well-known Amish community of Shipshewana, Falling to Pieces will attract both devoted fans of the rapidly-growing Amish fiction genre, as well as those who are captivated by the Amish way of life.

My Review:

This is the first time I've read what's considered to be an Amish novel and I have to say, I loved it. I'm normally one to skip and read the last page of a book to make sure I have a Happily Ever After to look forward to but this time I actually waited to solve this mystery book with the rest of the characters. Vannetta Chapman did a wonderful job with the development of her characters. By the end of the book I felt like I had made a new circle of friends, not to mention she has peaked my interest in quilting. I definitely counted it a pleasure to read this book and would recommend it for casual reading.

This book was kindly provided to me by Zondervan Publishers for my honest review.

Your 100 Day Prayer By John I. Snyder

Book Description
Readers are guided through 100 days of intentional prayer and biblical truth that transform their spiritual lives and reveal God's provision for their needs.

Anything worth having in this life is worth waiting for and worth striving for. Unlike the world, though, Christians are called to a much different kind of pursuit when they survey their dreams, desires, and needs. Instead of an indulgent wish list, Christians are called to live a transformed life where they become more like Christ through the journey of striving after God’s will. In a time when both the world and even some Christians preach instant gratification, Your 100 Day Prayer offers another path—one of transformation while asking, seeking, and knocking for deep desires and desperate needs.

There is nothing guaranteed about 100 days, but as author John Synder says, “This sustained, stubborn, never-give-up spirit of prayer is not so much to persuade God to give us what we want, but rather to transform us in the process.” Your 100 Day Prayer helps readers combine their need with God’s will in a measured, structured, and instructional experience that results in greater spiritual maturity, clarity about God's provision, and real answers to their very real needs. Because our “Father in heaven gives good gifts to those who ask him." (Matthew 7:11).




My Review

I was really excited to receive this book and I have to say this book met my expectations. A little surprised at it's set up but after using it, well, it makes perfect sense. It's set up as a 100 day devotional. Each day has a scripture, encouraging word and space to reflect on what you got from that devotion, where you are in the process or whatever else needs journaled. I love that there is a "how to use this book" section. I think this book could be used by someone who has just now found a walk with the Lord or has several years under their belt and really wants to focus in on a situation. I love that this focuses more on your journey than your problem...and isn't that really what it's about?! Isn't that why God gives us problems so that we can focus on Him because we realize we can't do it without Him? I encourage you to find this book for yourself or it would make a great gift! What I would caution anyone who reads this book is to assume that God will answer your prayer after 100 days or more so, answer it in the way you want Him too. Those of us who have walked with the Lord for any amount of time can attest that He just doesn't work that way. I do however believe Isaiah 55:11 that says His word does not return void. I think if we spend our 100 days reading His word and praying to Him we will see answers to our prayers but maybe it will be to prayers we didn't even know we had.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cherished - Kim Cash Tate

Book Description:

How can she believe God cherishes her when she can't forgive herself?
Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she'll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she's forced to deal with the pain of the past.
Heather Anderson's life has spun out of control—first, an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band that left her devastated. Broken and alone, she cried out to the only One who can save her. And He did. But that's just the beginning, because now she must leave behind the only life she's ever known.
Two women with shame-filled pasts form an unlikely friendship. What does God's forgiveness look like for them? Will they ever believe that He loves them . . . and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?


My Review:

I have to be honest. With my last book selection to review I was so hesitant about reading another one I wasn't sure I would. However, I'm so glad I did! I found this book so enjoyable. Each character had a certain characteristic that I could so easily relate with. The main characters Kelli and Heather are dealing with their realities based on past decisions they both made. Haven't we all been there?! I know I have. The guilt and shame that is created when we don't follow God's plan can be so tramatic. Yet this book gives hope that no matter what your past is, God can create a new you. This doesn't mean you don't deal with the consequences of your actions but you can move on and once again feel whole and renewed in Him. I also love how the book webs together friends and family and shows how God uses not only those around us but the most unlikely people to show us more of HIM. This is a definite reading recommendation from me!!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Couples Who Pray

Several months ago I signed up with Booksneeze and I was so excited to receive my first book "Couples Who Pray" by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. I would love for my first review to be nothing short of raving but sadly I was so disappointed in this book. The first half of the book is like reading an info-mercial by celebrity couples saying that if you just pray together 5 mins. a day all that is wrong will be made right. Don't get me wrong, I believe in God, the power of prayer and even miracles. I, however, do not believe that just because you pray for something means that God is going to answer your prayer, especially in the way you feel would best suit your needs. This book time and again gives testimony of that happening. I feel this just isn't how things work. I think the concept of praying as a couple is awesome. Infact, I'd say it's essential. I finished this book feeling like everything I read wasn't necessary and I could have just read the title and received just as much. I also found that the angle in which they spoke about tithing was not one that I agreed with. I do tithe and I personally believe God calls all of us to tithe however the book went with the angle of what tithing would do for you personally. The whole premise of tithing is giving not receiving and I felt it was wrong of the authors to say anything different.

So all in all I do not recommend this book. I will however just recommend you taking your time to actually pray for God's will in your life as a couple and as individuals. Let Him reveal what each of you need to be doing together and seperate to become more like him.

Goodbye 30 lbs.

I can't believe I can actually type that title and it be real life and not some fantasy of the day it will hopefully come true. I can say that today I'm proud of myself but more than that I'm so thankful to God that He's my creator and has ordained all things even something like my weight loss. If you've known me for any length of time, you know that losing weight has been a struggle I have had for so many years. I've had so many failed attempts at different diet and exercise programs that at one point I did give up. I was tired of the hope and the constant disappointment. I had come to settle with the realization that I had to learn to love me no matter what weight I was and to try enjoying life as it was obviously meant to be. There was disappointment, frustration, and honestly resentment that no matter what I seemed to do to help my situation nothing worked. Again, if you know me personally you know that this past February I was physically healed from a sleeping disorder that I have suffered with since childhood and at the same time that happened I was given this weight loss plan that I am currently on. And this time, the weight is coming off. I honestly feel that day God healed me not only from my sleeping disorder, but He also healed whatever it was that my body was doing to retain the fat and weight that I had tried so hard to lose. Maybe the sleeping disorder had to do with that, maybe not, I don't think I'll ever know and honestly, I'm not sure I care...it's coming off and I'm excited about it. I can't tell you what that feels like. It almost makes me cry thinking of the fact that I have hope again. Cause I had lost all hope. So today, I'm celebrating how awesome God is! I hope you enjoy the before and afters as much as I do :)

There's something frustrating about not being able to talk to someone who is the only one you want to talk to.