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Saturday, January 2, 2016

A ROBERTSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS by MISS KAY ROBERTSON with TRAVIS THRASHER

Stacy is at her wits end with her teenage son, Hunter. He is depressed, moody and an extremely unhappy person. She enters a contest where one lucky person will get to spend the holidays with the  famous Robertson family of Duck Dynasty. She knows the chances are slim that her son will win, but when she receives  word that indeed her son will be enjoying Christmas with The Robertson's , she can't believe it.

Hunter is not really thrilled with his new plans for Christmas, but off he goes on an adventure that will have a huge impact on his life. I loved the compassion and caring that the author wrote as Hunter was introduced to the family. I believe they are just like that if you meet them in person. The family is faith based and is willing to open their home and heart to a young man they don't know. He needs to see how a family cares about each other and guidance from some  spiritual men. The Robertson men do a great job of including Hunter in activities and he starts to open up a little.

The story is well written and I felt like I was in Miss Kay's kitchen watching her cook as Phil is in the other room watching tv. I did get a chuckle when Willie kept disappearing without an explanation. What is Willie plotting? It has funny moments, serious moments and encouraging moments as the story unfolds. As Phil shared his story with Hunter, I could feel the depth of love Phil has for Jesus. Overall the story is one I would recommend for everyone to read . It is such an inspirational story to watch as Hunter experiences things like duck hunting and cooking for the first time. Does he finally fit in somewhere? Will his relationship with his mom change when he returns home? I enjoyed the traditions that were shared in the story, which gives readers a glimpse into the real life of the Robertsons. The presents Hunter gets from the Robertson's were very thoughtful and one will make a huge impact on his life.

Thank you for writing such a beautiful story of faith, family and love. It will be a treasure to read this story ever year  to remind me of what Christmas is really about.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

GOD'S DAILY WORD by JERRY STRATTON

I  just started reading this on New Year's Day. It is a nice layout and has great applications for our daily bible study. I love how it has humor, scriptures and touches on everyday issues. I just glanced through the book and know it will be a great tool to use everyday for encouragement. I look forward to reading this and applying the tools to my life. This a great book to use as a devotional for your daily time in the word. 

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub NetWork for an honest review.

SHADOWS by TRAVIS INMAN

What a great eye opening book . Everywhere we go, we are faced with temptations. Some of us are able to fight those off, while others give in. The outcome can be devastating and sometimes ruin a person's life. This story is about a man and what could happen if he gives into temptation. The author explores the consequences of his choices and shows us how our life could be altered by giving in to things that we know are not good for us.

I loved how  the author gave us a look at both sides of temptation. One depicts giving in and watching your life spiral out of control. The other was making the choice not to follow temptation and how your life will take a more positive direction. Every choice we make leads us to a destination. This book has a very clear message and gives you a glimpse into the dark side of temptation. Be encouraged though, when we don't give into temptation, we are following God and sin has no place to sneak in. I loved the book and hope that others will read this very intriguing story. People are watching everything you do, just waiting for you to mess up. Will you be tempted?

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

HEALTHY and FREE by BENI JOHNSON

It's that time of year when we start thinking about our health and make promises to eat healthier and exercise more. But the reality is most of us don't follow throug even though we promise ourselves we will. We get so busy with our lives, we forget to stop and smell the roses. I was one of those high energy people who was always on the go. I might have looked healthy, but I was far from being in good shape and really eating good healthy meals. I have decided that now is the time to take my health serious and have a healthy mind , body and spirit.

I loved the author's transparency as she takes us on her journey to a healthier life. It is not always easy but she shows us ways to achieve our goal with grace and wisdom. I appreciate her openness and insight into this subject.  She is very encouraging and is very open to sharing her struggles along the way. The book is filled with helpful tools and information that will guide you on your journey to achieve your goal. I loved how she suggested speaking scriptures over ourselves to begin to be physically,  emotionally and spiritually healthy. "He made your body , soul, and spirit- those three parts of your bring that are all connected - and when they are healthy and in harmony with each other , you will experience wellness." At the end of the book, the author has graciously included some healthy recipes to try and has a question and answer section at the end. Be encouraged as you take this journey , and know that Gid is right there with you cheering you on.

I received this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Friday, January 1, 2016


SURRENDER YOUR JUNIOR GOD BADGE by JACKIE KENDALL

This book is one of the best books I have ever read about the subject on controlling women. I am guilty of trying to control everything. Earlier in my marriage, I controlled everything and if it didn't go my way, I found ways to pout . I wanted to make sure everyone knew I was unhappy unless I got my way. I was very overprotective of my children as they grew up . My excuse was that I wanted to protect them, but really I was controlling them while leaving little room for them to grow and become independent .

I loved the author's description od the very first women who "thought she was smarter than God." Thanks Eve for thinking you knew better than God. It is funny how we think once we get married we will be able to change our spouse. "Controlling women think they are responsible to change people who are not going in the right direction." What a funny statement that is. Controlling women thinking they know best and should direct others to the right way to go. How many of us are guilty of controlling and proudly wearing our badge?

What a powerful book that opens your eyes to what being controlling can do to yourself. We can find ourselves anxious, angry , fearful, insecure and have low self-esteem and turn to controlling others to overcome these issues. This book has hit home for me and I saw myself doing many of the things she talked about without realizing I was self  destructing . One of the things she talks about in the book is a struggle I have had for many  years. I have dealt with anxiety attacks for so long that it can sometimes become overwhelming. But then I read this verse , "Be still and know I am God." (Ps 46:10) I have read that scripture many times but not really thought about it until I started reading this book.  All I need to do is give God control and trust Him.

We are all a work in progress and work on our imperfections everyday. The good news is that God is in control. We need to give that control back to Him and find peace and confort in knowing that if we don't get something done or it doesn't go the right way, that the world won't end. "The more secure a woman is, the less likely she will need to be in control."

I highly recommend this book to every woman to feel secure in theirselves and let God be in control. He has this. He doesn't need our help and we don't need to get in His way. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions that I would encourage readers to use as you begin to heal from being a controlling woman.

I received a copy of  this amazing book from The BookClub NetWork for an honest review.

POWER OF GOD-GIVEN IMAGINATION by RAY MC COLLUM

I enjoy books that make me think and dig deeper into the Word. THE POWER Of GOD-GIVEN IMAGINATION will take you on a journey of a "gift that God has given every human being." We are have daydreams but don't always act on them. I remember as a kid being told to just use my imagination. It was fun to imagine going to grandma's house and playing tea with her.

Now as I read this book, I realize that we all can use that power of imagination " to dream, desire, envision and  imagine ."  We all have dreams of having the perfect job, or writing the next bestseller. If we start using our gift that God has given us, those dreams can become a reality. The author gives readers many biblical examples of people that had imaginations and it came to pass. One of those mentioned in the bible  was Abraham. He and his wife dreamed of having a child. They envisioned their child and knew that they would have one someday. It might not have happened in their timing , but God knew exactly when it was time to make their desire a reality.

There are great tools in the book to consider as you read this thought provoking book.  I found the book fascinating and loved the scriptures that backed up what he said. God wants the best for us and reminds us to "keep in mind that finding and serving the purpose of God involves a motivation to love and serve others."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

THE FORGOTTEN RECIPE by AMY CLIPSTON

In the book THE FORGOTTEN RECIPE we are introduced to Veronica Fisher. She is a very kind and sweet young lady. Her life is simple and she is happy about her upcoming marriage to Seth. Seth is very loyal and hardworking.  It sounds like an idealic  life until tragedy strikes.

Veronica must now deal with her loss and it becomes almost to much for her. I liked the way the author wrote with compassion the emotional struggle Veronica  had while trying to move on with her life. The author does a great job of sharing Veronica's deep hurt and loneliness that she can't shake. She finds chores to do to keep herself busy. One day she decides to clean the attic. She finds a chest that will lead to her a new beginning and open doors for her heart to heal.

Jason was Seth's best friend and was with him with the tragedy occurs. He feels guilt over the accident and wants to find Seth's fiancé to express his deep condolences and make sure she is doing ok. When they meet at Veronica's bake stand, Jason is immediately attracted to her. He can't bring himself to tell her who he really is. As their feelings start to grow, Jason knows he must tell Veronica the truth.

The story starts will a recipe that had been stored away for years and weaves a tale of hope, faith, forgiveness and love that grows with each passing day. What happens when a secret is found out? Will the secret destroy a relationship? Can Veronica find love again and learn to trust? THE FORGOTTEN RECIPE is an emotional journey of two young people who will learn to follow their heart , let go of the past and focus on the future. I look forward to the next book in the series called THE COURTSHIP BASKET.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015


KEEPING CHRISTMAS by DAN WALSH

I really enjoy reading books from Dan Walsh. They are always filled with laughter, tears, joy, love and faith. This cute little book is no exception. It is very relatable to those of us who have experienced the empty nest syndrome . The kids move away and start their own lives with their families , while the parents are left with an empty house and memories. Stan and Judith are feeling the heartache this holiday when the kids aren't able to cone home for Thanksgiving. Judith sinks into a real depression when she finds out that the kids won't be home for Christmas either.

The author writes with such emotion and tells their story with grace and charm. Stan does a great job of trying to get his wife out of her depression, but nothing seems to work. It is a story much like you would see on a HALLMARK movie with families trying to make the most of a sad Christmas. For some it may be  a predictable story, but for others it will show them what sacrifice a husband will do to make his wife happy and see her smile again. Overall I enjoyed the book. I suggest you   get your tissues ready, settle down in a comfy place, and get ready for a story that gives you hope and shows what unconditional love is. KEEPING CHRISTMAS is a story that is great for anyone looking for a book about families , traditions and faith.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015


A TREACHEROUS DECISION by JC MORROWS

I am in awe right now of the book I just read. Is it possible to write another book in a series and make it better then the first one? Yes it can be done and JC Morrow has done it with an explosive story so captivating that I didn't stop reading till I finished the book. Kayden had one mission and that was to kill the Prince.  As the new book opens in the series,  we find out that Kayden has done quite the opposite. Did she do the unthinkable? Can she truly have feelings for a man she was ordered to kill? I felt her anguish as she discovers that she failed at her mission, but is secretly happy that she was able to save the Prince from harm. Will she have to pay for her failure ?

JC has given readers another book that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the action is heightened and the suspense more intense. I felt myself in the castle walking down the halls and seeing the guards  posted at their assignments. I felt the urgency in Kayden as she realized that the Prince  was in danger once again. The tender moments between Kayden and the Prince are written with real emotion that JC expressed with depth and grace. The action at the ending of the book is fast paced and truly a masterful work of art that explodes with intensity. Well done JC Morrows. Once again you have written a book that captures the true spirit of a gifted author.

Sunday, December 27, 2015


THE PEACEFUL WIFE by APRIL CASSIDY

I wonder  where this book was when I got married thirty-two years ago? Would I have actually read it and applied it to my marriage? Could I have given up my strong-willed I am in charge attitude? I know the answers to these questions and I'm thankful that I have a husband who is patient and loves me unconditionally . I was so focused on being in charge and pointing out things my husband was doing wrong, I forgot to focus on what God had designed a wife to be.

As I read this book, I kept thinking that this book is all about me once upon a time. We can sometimes get so focused on what our spouse is or is not doing, that we become the leader in the marriage and soon that causes big problems. We are to helpmates; not take on the man's role. God has specific roles for each of us, but when we step out of our roles, strife and a struggle for control  ensues.

I loved the honesty and transparency the author wrote about her struggles and how she overcame them. We all sin, but the good news is that God forgives us. He wants and desires for us to have a Godly marriage. She talks about some of the causes of MARITAL POWER STRUGGLE . I could relate to each one and know I still need work in some of the areas . I was encouraged as I read the book and know that I will continue to go back through the book to reflect on His wisdom and unconditional love. "My level of respect and biblical submission toward my husband is a direct indication of my level of reverence for and submission to Jesus Christ." When I read that sentence, I stopped for a minute   to really let that soak in. It is nothing to do with our husband, but rather what our character is.

"You will get the most out of this book if you can chew in it slowly and think deeply about yourself and what God is speaking to your heart , allowing Him time and freedom to highlight certain areas for you." Thank you for a book that encourages us and helps us become the wife God designed us to be. "My goal is not ultimately to please my husband ..... My goal is to bring great joy to my Lord Jesus."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

EYES OF ELISHA by BRANDILYN COLLINS

This first installment of the  Chelsea Adams series  is a fast paced intriguing read. What would you do if you could see things Athat others couldn't ?  Could you stop something from happening if the vision was a warning of something tragic?  Chelsea is a mother and housewife who suddenly seems to start having visions. She can't explain them, but knows they are from God.

One disturbing vision is so unsettling that she goes to the police to tell them about what she has seen . I can't imagine having visions like she does  without being terrified myself.  Her latest vision is one of a young girl that has been murdered. She can see vividly where the body is and even who the suspect could be. The story reminds me a lot of the show called The Medium. I loved the intrigue in the story and the characters that jumped off the pages. Sometimes we can't explain why something happens, but we have to learn to trust God and believe He is watching over us. One of the characters struggles with their faith and at times is not sure if he is bold enough to share his Christianity.  Are we bold enough to share our faith?

Will anyone stand with Chelsea and believe that her visions are from God?  The book is riveting and is intense which keeps the readers glued to the book. After reading this book, I wondered how much I really trusted God. Would I accept His gifts without question? Could I be bold in my faith and stand up for others? Don't miss this electrifying book that grabs you from the beginning and never lets go till the final word is read.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

BRONTE PLOT by KATHERINE REAY

I do enjoy reading this author and I was anxious to get my hands on her latest. Lucy Alling works at a prestigious antique shop with the owner and her mentor Sid. She likes  her job, but on a special day called Bookday, she gets to take care of all the special edition , rare books. What  a job I would love to have. I could get lost for hours, just going through each book very carefully and discovering great stories long forgotten that had been collecting dust on a shelf.

She soon discovers that a young gentleman named James has a liking for these special books. He is an attorney and buys the books as gifts. They  seem to hit it off and begin dating. One day unexpectantly  James abruptly ends their relationship. What does he find Lucy doing that has him so upset?

James' grandmother , Helen, hires Lucy as an antique consultant for a trip she is planning for England. Her family is not thrilled because they think Helen's health is declining. Why is this trip so important for Helen? For Lucy this trip will bring make some unpleasant memories. Her father was last known  to reside in England. Will she find him there? With all the hurt and feelings of abandonment , can she forgive her father?

The story is intriguing and the characters are well versed in classic literature which adds depth to the storyline. The characters will face forgiveness, redemption and a past that each will need to come to terms with. It is a great story for readers of all genres who appreciate a well written story that captures your attention quickly and holds it till the end.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.

THE WEDDING CHAPEL by RACHEL HAUCK

What a beautiful story THE WEDDING CHAPEL is. It is about two generations  as story flows like delicate flowers nestled in a vase. The story starts during post-World War and continues to the present day. The author takes readers on a journey where families will make tough decisions and the hope of finding love that will last forever. I loved how the characters were portrayed and the realism the author wrote as they experience secrets , betrayals and a misunderstanding that could stand in the way of love.

Jack and Taylor are as different as night and day, but they eloped one day because of love. I loved when he said he, "Wanted  to be her hero." He wanted her not to regret taking a leap with him." As many couples do, they have disagreements. But when Jack tells Taylor he has a photography job for her you say see her face lightup. Will this job be a stepping stone in her career? What mystery will the building she is photographing unveil?

Collette is in town for a cast picture for the show "Always Tomorrow." She has been the matriarch of the show for six decades and the era has  come to an  end. I loved reading about Collette. She reminds me of several actors from soap operas that have recently gone off the air.   The grace and elegance Collette presents on screen will be missed by her many fans. The photographer for the shoot is Taylor, Collette's niece which I was excited to read. I could see the story start to entertwine and the drama that was about to unfold.

There is one more person to add to the mix and his name is Jimmy. Now Jimmy , also known as Coach has just been notified that "Architecuture Quarterly" wanted to send a photographer to take a picture of The Wedding CHAPEL  on his property. The chapel is a very private and enduring but sad  memory for him. Why did he build it? What long forgotten love will it expose?

The author does a great job of going back and forth between eras while telling a beautiful story of long lost love, new love and a love that spans a lifetime. It's intricate details make the story special and cast a picture of a beautiful chapel nestled away just waiting to be discovered. It's time to join the characters and explore a story that will have you  shedding tears, laughing and discovering long forgotten dreams. THE WEDDING CHAPEL is a master piece of words that paint a priceless picture of love.

I received a copy of THE WEDDING CHAPEL from the Fiction Guild for an honest review.