Search This Blog

Saturday, October 16, 2021

 

your marriage god's way

About the Book

Book: Your Marriage God’s Way

Author: Scott LaPierre

Genre: RELIGION / Christian non-fiction

Release date: September 21, 2021

your-marriage-gods-way-author-scott-lapierreYour most important earthly connection is with your spouse, and when you honor the person you married, you’re also honoring God. He created marriage to be one of life’s greatest gifts, and the instruction manual you need for a joyful, lasting union is found in His Word.

In Your Marriage God’s Way, author and pastor, Scott LaPierre, takes a close look at the principles for building a biblical marriage—one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse. You’ll gain the tools to…

  • understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives
  • recognize and resolve the conflicts you face with a heart of hope and compassion
  • follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it.

For the workbook…

“Scripture allows us to enjoy marriage as God intended it to be—a vibrantthrillingfulfilling relationship. Let’s journey together, with the Bible as our guide, to experience the blessings of a Christ-centered marriage.” —Scott LaPierre
By God’s design, your relationship with your spouse is your most important earthly connection. Your heavenly Father wants you to witness the fullness of His love in your marriage, and He invites you to apply His instructions for building a satisfying, enduring union.

This companion workbook to Your Marriage God’s Way encourages you to dive deeper into your study of this sacred contract between man, woman, and God. You’ll lay the foundation of a marriage that lasts as you…

  • understand the unique roles God has given you and your spouse
  • identify ways you can better help, encourage, and support each other
  • make serving God the focal point of your marriage

As you and your spouse work through this book together, you’ll grow closer to God and to each other, harvesting the delicious fruits of a biblical marriage that brings joy and blessing to you and everyone around you.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

scott-lapierre-pastor-author-speakerScott LaPierre is a senior pastor, author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have been married for more than fifteen years. A former schoolteacher and Army officer, Scott currently leads a church in Washington State and supports his family on his pastor’s salary, allowing Katie to stay home with their nine children. Both are passionate advocates of homeschooling. Learn more about Pastor Scott at his website: www.scottlapierre.org.

 

More from Scott

Your Marriage Reflects Your Relationship with Christ

A few years ago, Katie and I faced the biggest crisis of our marriage. I started pastoring Woodland Christian Church when it was small, but within three years the congregation tripled in size. I admit that before I became a pastor, I was unaware of how much work is involved in shepherding a church of even a few hundred people. I had been an Army officer, a supervisor at a distribution center for a major retail chain, and an elementary school teacher. But none of those occupations approached the amount of mental and emotional energy and sheer hard work pastoring entails!

Almost all my waking hours were packed with studying, teaching, counseling, making phone calls, sending emails, attending meetings, addressing administrative responsibilities, and tending to benevolence issues. When I was at home, where I should have been an engaged father and husband, I did not have much left for my family mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Although I was failing as a husband and father, I was able to convince myself I was still pleasing the Lord. I compartmentalized my life by saying, “I am a Christian first. I am a spouse second. I am a parent third. I am an employee fourth.” Instead, I should have said, “I am a Christian spouse. I am a Christian parent. I am a Christian employee.” The danger of seeing ourselves as Christian servants first and spouses second is we can find ourselves believing the lie I bought into at the time: “If I can be a good pastor, I can please God even though I am not the best husband.”

The truth is that I was a poor husband, and I should have recognized that meant I was notpleasing the Lord.

MY REVIEW 

When I first saw this book that  came with a workbook, I was nonchalant about it. Come on , I have a great marriage. Why do I need to read this. Then one day I was slapped in the face by my pride. I may have a good marriage but were we following God’s Word? It is not possible to have a perfect marriage and everyday we can face challenges. I’m one of those people who keeps everything inside until one day I explode. Oops. Well that isn’t a Godly example to others is it? We have been married for thirty eight years and still we find things to nitpick about . So here  I am after finishing this book but still working on the workbook. I was not able to get my husband to join me, but to be fair he has been out of town a lot. 

A few key things for a good marriage are communication, trust, forgiveness and God. If you leave one out, you have set yourself up for the enemy to slither his way into your thoughts. The author doesn’t give us time  to breathe as he shares this truth right at the beginning, “Because our relationships with our spouses are our most important earthly relationship, what we are as spouses reflects what we are as Christians.” Okay that woke me up and now I need to see what God wants me to change . I don’t need to worry about my spouse, because God has that. He wants us to focus on our downfalls and not point a finger at our spouse. 

I really enjoyed Chapter Two as it talks  about your relationship with Christ. We need to make Christ first in our life. When we see problems arise praying together is important. I like how the author explains that we should “embrace our struggles because of what they are going to produce.” We may experience trials but I know  through those trials we grow stronger and our testimony is waiting to be shared. 

 I am glad that we have books like this that can be shared with others to encourage them to fight for their marriage. It would be a great tool for a small couples group or as an individual if you are not able to have your spouse join you. I would encourage churches to get copies to share and teach on. I did get a lot out of this book and found the workbook very helpful.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Inklings and notions, October 17

For Him and My Family, October 18

deb’s Book Review, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Lights in a Dark World, October 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 28

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Scott is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1229a/your-marriage-god-s-way-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 15, 2021

 

A Life Redeemed

About the Book

Book:  A Life Redeemed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 16, 2021

1400x2100Everyone has a secret, who can a queen trust?

Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the borderlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer.

After losing his lands in a wager and being betrayed by his kin, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the secretive Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is an English spy.

As the two work together to save Warring Tower, their attraction to one another grows. But when Audrey finally gains the information she seeks for Queen Elizabeth, she realizes that the only way she can save her family is to betray the man she loves.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

RAE 16 - 500x500pxOlivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.  

Olivia is the winner of the Angel Award, Book Buyers Best Award, Golden Quill Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, Southern Magic Contest, and the American Fiction Award. She is an Illumination Award Gold and Bronze medalist. She has also been a finalist in many other contests such as the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the National Romance Fiction Awards. She is currently hard at work on her next novel. 

 

More from Olivia

My novel, A Life Redeemed takes place in 16th Century England and Scotland. A very popular dish at the time was the meat pie. Back then making such a dish took a lot of time. My Grandmother made a similar dish with modern day ingredients that you can whip together in no time. Cheesy meat pie is a real family pleaser and a delicious bit of history.

 

 

Medieval Cheesy Meat Pie

 

1 pound ground beef

½ cup chopped onion

1 – 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

¼ cup parsley

1 – 3oz. can chopped mushrooms (drained)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

2 packages (8 rolls) crescent rolls

3 eggs

Shredded cheese (mixed cheddar and mozzarella)

 

In skillet, brown beef, onion (drain). Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, mushrooms, pepper and oregano, then set aside. Unroll one package of crescent rolls, forming 12×6 inch rectangle. Seal edges and perforations together.  Roll to fit in 9-inch pie plate, trim. Separate one egg and set aside the yoke. Beat egg white with remaining two eggs. Spread over half the dough. Spoon meat into shell, arranging cheese on top. Pour remaining egg mixture over cheese. Roll out second package of crescent rolls, sealing on top of pie. Beat remaining egg yoke and a tablespoon of water, brush on top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. If pastry gets too brown, cover with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes.

MY REVIEW 

Here ye, hear ye to those who love to read about 16th century England, grab a chair and get comfy. This book is sure to take you back as the Queen of England rules the land. Perhaps she doesn’t trust everyone as she sends our fair character Audrey on a mission to spy for her. I can just imagine what thoughts went through her head as the Queen sought her out. It will not be a pleasant journey for her as I sensed danger close around her. Well if she goes to  Scotland to get answers for the Queen she will find much more than she bargained for.  Did I mention that Audrey’s family was in danger if she did not succeed? 

If there ever was a person who could be called rude and nasty it would have to be Gavin. He has a massive chip on his shoulder from tragic events, but oh my is his heart as cold as ice. His first encounter with Audrey is somewhat comical to me. She holds her own with him and I could feel his anger start to rise. Well what do you expect dear Gavin when you try to intimidate and belittle Audrey? She was after all sent to be be a companion to someone you care about.

Gavin’s dear wife met her fate in a most dreadful way. Why would a young mother of two want to take her own life? Audrey may have a mystery on her hand and perhaps getting to know Gavin will be a challenge for her. She must find out where his loyalty lies. Perhaps she can befriend his son Thomas and find out some answers. 

Thomas is one my favorite  characters. He wants his father’s attention so badly. He tries to please his father and spend  time with him, but is dismissed like a servant. Audrey knows there is something amiss between the two, but why would Gavin treat  his son so harshly? My heart went out to the little boy and I wanted to give him a hug so badly. This is much discord around and Audrey has her hands full trying to find out information for  the Queen while wanting to befriend a sweet young boy. 

There is much going on as Thomas seems to be in danger. Audrey  must act quickly to protect him, but Gavin has grown suspicion  of her. Their  confrontation is filled with accusations and a secret is exposed. Can Audrey convince Gavin  that she wants  to protect Thomas ? I fear for Ashley when Gavin finds out who she is.  Can  he find a way to work with her? Trust will come into play when these two open up to each other. How far are they willing to expose their own secret? 

The beginning of the story lays the foundation for an adventure where distrust, secrets and spies abound. I loved seeing how Audrey and Thomas began a sweet friendship. The lad is hungry for attention, but his father seems to hold him at a distance. Is there more to who Thomas is than Audrey knows? With swords and daggers this tale finds that fighting is not always the answer. Learning to trust and have a relationship with God is at the forefront for one particular character.  The ending is a battle of faith as families fight for truth and justice. I loved how the center of everything was their faith in God. The author did put a few surprises in the story which made me wonder where the truth would take us. As I finished the last page, a sense of peace fell upon the people who witnessed that “truth shall set you free.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Artistic Nobody, October 10 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 11

Genesis 5020, October 11

Bigreadersite, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 16

deb’s Book Review, October 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Connie’s History Classroom, October 19

Mary Hake, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Betti Mace, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize packaged of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11fe0/a-life-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway


Thursday, October 14, 2021

 THE SECRET KEEPERS OF OLD DEPOT GROCERY BY AMANDA  COX


I could not put this book down until I read the last page. It was such a wonderful dual time story that had my emotions all over the place. The first thing I noticed was the cover. It screams of the days when soda shoppes were popular and family stores were prospering. The author does an excellent job of combining time periods together to create a journey of secrets, loss, family and unconditional love. 

It is hard to pick out which time period I enjoyed more. When we are introduced to Glory Ann, I loved reading about her first love and how happy she was if only for a brief period. The author talks about the Vietnam War and the tragedy that families faced as they received news of the death of loved ones. Glory Ann was broken into pieces when the love of her life was killed in the war. I was quite upset when her parents were more worried about their standing in the community than what their daughter was going thru. 

When we travel to the present we are introduced to Rosemary and Sarah. I loved the dynamics between these two characters. They both have suffered loss but there is a strain between them. The store brings them back together as decisions  need to be made that will upset Sarah’s grandmother. There is much between these three generations with secrets that will have lasting affects on everyone. The emotions are felt deep within the soul as we travel from a marriage of convenience, the Vietnam War, unexpected pregnancies and family history that holds the key to long hidden secrets. I appreciate the author highlighting what soldiers experience in the war and how an idea is formed to help those coming hone. 

I don’t want to give anything away, because like me I’m sure readers want to experience everything first hand as they open the pages of this book. With hard days ahead for one young couple we see the imprint it left on the family generation after generation. It was almost like the three women had similar lives but slightly different in how they handled their problems. The best part of the book for me was the brokenness that was felt as these three women face their past and repair family relationships. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging  Program. The review is my own opinion.

 

About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Forever Home

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 17, 2021

A single lawyer whose clients think he needs a wife. 

A woman who needs a forever home…or a forever family…or a forever love.

Although Traesa Killdare is a grown woman now, the discovery that her adoption wasn’t finalized sends her reeling. Especially when her beloved grandmother dies and the only siblings she’s ever known exile her from the family property without a penny to her name.

Wilson Pollard works hard for the best interest of his law clients, even those who think a marriage would make him more “suitable” in his career. And when the beloved granddaughter of a recently deceased client comes to him for help, he knows he must do whatever necessary to make her situation better.

As each of their circumstances worsen, a marriage of convenience seems the only answer for both. Traesa can’t help but fall for her new husband—the man who’s given her both his home and his name. But what will it take for Wilson to realize he loves her? Will a not-so-natural disaster open his eyes and heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

 

More from Lena

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, all the way from 1805 through the early 20thcentury.

One of the hallmarks of my historical novels is the authenticity I write into the stories. Because of the amount of research I’ve done over the years, I’m kind of an expert in 19thcentury history. My characters and their stories are completely fictional, but the other things in the book are mostly true. I search until I find what I need to know or until I reach a complete dead end.

The history of the orphan trains has interested me since I first learned about them. One of them ended in Fort Worth where a pastor and his wife helped find the last orphans a home. A few didn’t get a home, so they took them in. In the 20th century that became an orphanage, then a home for unwed mothers.

A Heart’s Forever Home has three settings—Fort Worth, Texas; Waco, Texas; and New York City. It’s a Marriage of Convenience story and much more. This is another type of story I like to read and I like to write. Finding a different reason for the necessity of the marriage is interesting.

I’d found an event that occurred north of Waco in 1896. It was so bizarre I wanted to include it in a book. It was a perfect fit for this story and became an important catalyst in the story.

I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray… a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my thought processes. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.

When you’ve finished reading this story, I hope you’ll let me know what you think of it. I really like getting reader feedback.

MY REVIEW 

This has been a very enjoyable story to read. It was easy to feel like part of the story by the beautiful writing. The author does a wonderful job of making each character come to life. The tine period is interesting as we follow along on a journey that demonstrates the compassion and love that one man has for his bride. 

Traesa has a good life living in a mansion where she has been since she was adopted from the orphan train. I have always been intrigued by this part of history. It is hard to believe that children were put on a train hoping that someone would adopt them. Traesa has been blessed with a family that has cared and loved her. 

Things take a dark turn when Traesa’s brother storms into the house one day. He brings with him a sense of danger and unleashes it on Traesa. Finding  herself homeless she turns to the family’s lawyer for help. It can’t be true that she was never adopted and she has to prove her brother wrong. Everyday that her brother resides over the mansion, her fear rises for her safety.

 Wilson wants to help Traesa prove that she was adopted and offers his help to her. I thought Wilson was a gentleman with a big heart. I was very surprised at the turn of events that find Wilson and Traesa joining  in  a marriage of convenience. Wilson’s desire to protect Traesa is heartwarming and his willingness to marry Traesa was emotional. I loved how the author brings these two people together as they work to find papers to prove who Traesa is.

For me the best part of the story is when Wilson seeks spiritual guidance for his marriage. He wants to follow what God has ordained marriage to be. Wilson shows how much he wants this marriage to be more that just a convenient type but more of a Godly marriage. 

As they travel across country I loved how the author describes the beautiful flowers  of Texas. I live in Texas and liked reading  about the bluebonnets and other flowers that Texas is famous for. I think this trip allows the couple to become more comfortable with each other. Their stay with Wilson’s family in New York brought Tresa a sense of belonging when Wilson’s family welcomes her with open arms. 

I really enjoyed this story and hated to see it end. It has a lesson in hope, trust and listening to God that allows the two main characters to follow their heart. I am left with sone unanswered questions which I hope the author addresses in the next book. Overall a clean, historical read that brought out the importance of having God in your marriage and trusting Him to keep you safe.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 13

The Book Chic Blog, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 14

Bizwings Blog, October 15

Reviewingbooksplusmore, October 15

By the Book, October 16

Kathleen’s Book Review, October 16

lakesidelivingsite, October 17

For Him and My Family, October 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 19

Vicky Sluiter, October 20

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Joanna Bair, October 22

Bigreadersite, October 23

Mary Hake, October 23

Connie’s History Classroom, October 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11fe3/a-heart-s-forever-home-celebration-tour-giveaway