Monday, November 26, 2018

Ruth redeeming the darkness FB banner copy

About the Book

Book: Ruth, Redeeming the Darkness

Author: Andrea Thom

Genre: Non-Fiction; Bible Study

Release Date: November, 2018

An in-depth, gospel-centered bible study on how Christ redeems even the worst forms of darkness lurking within and around us.

RUTH: Redeeming The Darkness uses God`s truth to touch our daily realities:

Fractured relationships
Processing feelings of bitterness, confusion, and doubt
All-in Christianity
Our response to the faithfulness and sovereignty of God

Have you ever felt like God has left you? Struggled with feelings of bitterness or doubt? Hopelessness? Ruth’s message is not presented as a five-point sermon, but as a spectacular, romantic drama. Its story woos us into relationship with its characters and storyline, yet is also true, living history. This workbook-style bible study approach tackles important life topics including fractured relationships, all-in Christianity, God`s faithful devotion, and rightly processing bitterness and doubt.

Ruth is unlike any other book of the bible because words like love story and theatrical are accurate descriptors of its text alongside being historical, and gospel-centred. She’s small enough in her four chapters to rest as a cute hardback on your coffee table, yet profound enough to explode hope and redemption into your darkest pain and everyday frustrations. It is not only magnificent because of its breath-taking storyline between a man and a woman, but because God sovereignly orchestrated and sealed it within the scriptural canon so that we can experience Him as the ultimate lover of our souls. Ultimately, Ruth conveys the love story of Christ coming to redeem His people. Christ is coming for you. The host has ripped your ticket for Ruth’s next performance and you’ll be sitting front row centre as His guest of honor. Come expectantly and settle into your seat prayerfully. The orchestra is cued, and the curtain is pulling back for Act 1…

Can God be kind and all-powerful when the world is filled with despair?

About the Author

Andrea Thom is a wife, mom to three great kids, and a therapist. Known for being both deeply reflective yet quick-witted, she`s the parent on the sidelines yelling a little too loud for the home team, but also the one who loves to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea on a rainy day…or any day. She loves. Her family and friends – the whole messy lot of them. She loves unexpected belly laughs. Putting on warm clothes straight from the dryer. The colour blue. Efficiency. Reason. Tidy cupboards. Easter. Quietly gleaning through scripture’s pages at night before exhaustion folds her into her pillow. That`s a special space – it`s just Jesus and her there – – a hallowed, secret union that is theirs alone. She wants to live with eternity in mind and be consumed with what she’ll be enjoying forever – Jesus. That’s why she loves God’s word so much. Jesus is the only trustworthy One to offer real hope and redemption for our eternal futures and everyday realities.

Guest Post from Andrea

The Bible is not a book about God, it is God actually speaking! In fact, throughout history, Scripture is the primary and most trusted way that Christ reveals Himself to the world. Ever notice how our experiences become more powerful when understanding runs alongside the experience? A sports match is more exciting to watch when we know the rules of play. The theatre is more captivating when we comprehend the dialogue. Music can impact us more deeply when the sweep of the notes collide with lyrics that we actually grasp. The power of our experience of Jesus is connected to the depth of our understanding about who He actually is!

No matter what you’re like or who you are, the same Jesus who spoke creation to life wants to speak life into your circumstances now through His Word. Pursuing biblical depth is not just reserved for the academically elite who are into that sort of thing. We consume food to survive, but we consume His Word to truly live! So grab some friends to join your Bible study journey because the pursuit of truth through His Word is essential, doable, and awesome. Come – just as you authentically are – and prepare to meet Jesus for who He actually is…

Looking for a new Bible study series with FRESH commentary and RELIABLE gospel-focus?

RUTH – REDEEMING THE DARKNESS

Have you ever felt like God has left you? Struggled with feelings of bitterness or confusion? Hopelessness? Ruth – Redeeming The Darkness is an in-depth, gospel-centred bible study on how Christ redeems even the ugliest types of darkness that can lurk within and around us. The book is one of the most exquisitely written love stories ever penned. Words like love story, theatrical, and screenplay are accurate descriptors alongside historical, and gospel-centred. It’s small enough in its four chapters to rest as a cute hardback on your coffee table, yet profound enough to explode hope and redemption into your darkest pain and everyday frustrations. The book conveys the love story of Christ coming to redeem His people – now Christ is coming for YOU. The host has ripped your ticket for Ruth’s next performance and you’ll be sitting front row centre as His guest of honor. Come expectantly and settle into your seat prayerfully. The orchestra is cued, and the curtain is pulling back for Act 1…

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“I have completed a lot of bible studies over the years, but few have grabbed my attention as quickly and held it as powerfully as ‘Ruth: Redeeming the Darkness’. Andrea guides the reader through the book of Ruth and takes them straight to the cross. This study will grow your appreciation for the Word of God, increase your competency in handling the Word of God, and bless your heart. It is my joy to recommend ‘Ruth: Redeeming the Darkness’ as a powerful tool to aid you in your study of God’s Word.” Bible study participant

“Using beautifully descriptive, poetic language, Andrea does a masterful job of plumbing the depths of both the historical context and modern-day parallels and applications. Its message is both surprising and incredibly encouraging to those of us who find ourselves much like Ruth – pursuing ordinary lives in the midst of God’s great Love Story.” Bible study participant

“As the vivid picture of Naomi reveals your own feelings of hopelessness, bitterness, and despair, you will be captivated by a love story that becomes your own.” Bible study participant

I really enjoy reading bible studies. This one is written so well, I spent hours just on one chapter. I love the questions at the end of every chapter. It helps me to dig deeper in the Word and look at things from a different perspective. I love the way the author uses elegant , descriptive words to entice us to really pay attention to what is being said. For example, "Regardless of why our hardships have come, we can trust God who blesses our obedience and has the power to transform our mistakes into something beautiful." The author encourages us that even though we may see hard times, God is still right beside us.

The bible story unravels the life of Ruth and Naomi chapter by chapter from the bible. We get to look at them through the eyes of scripture and understand how Naomi was instrumental in Ruth's life. I can understand why Naomi was so bitter. After all she lost her sons and her husband in a short period of time. I know I have been bitter towards God and couldn't understand why he had allowed things to happen to me.

I thought I knew the story of Ruth, but after going through this bible story, I learned so much that I feel as if I missed the book of Ruth from my bible. I know one of the most known scriptures about Ruth was when she said, "Where you go I will go." I suddenly remembered a song that we sing at church that reflects those words. Oh how I rejoiced that I got a revelation about something that I have heard or read so many times before.

I found the study to be well organized and filled with encouragement while retelling the story of Ruth in a way that is easy to understand. I never realized the importance of Boaz and how God ordained the coming together of Boaz and Ruth. It does read like a love story, but more of a love for the One true King. The study is one I think many will benefit from and get new insights to their own struggles.

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

RUTH’S EASY HOMEMADE HONEY-WHEAT BREAD

(No Bread Machine Required)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups warm water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tbsp active dry instant yeast

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3-5 cups all-purpose flour

Ø Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add honey, and stir well. Mix in whole wheat flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Work all-purpose flour in gradually.

Ø Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for at least 10 minutes. When dough is smooth and elastic, place it in an oiled bowl. Turn several times in the bowl to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.

Ø Punch down the dough. Shape into two loaves, and place into two greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise until dough is 1 to 1 1/2 inches above pans.

Ø Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

Blog Stops

Midnight Bookaholic, November 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Bibliophile Reviews, November 25

Texas Book-aholic, November 26

Janices book reviews, November 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 28

A Baker’s Perspective, November 29

Multifarious, November 30

More Of Him, November 30

Josephine’s Bookshelf, December 1

Mary Hake, December 1

Real World Bible Study, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Moments, December 3

whispering the Word, December 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Godly Book Reviews, December 5

A Diva’s Heart, December 5

Carpe Diem, December 6

Inklings and Notions, December 7

Bigreadersite, December 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away a grand prize “Loving the Word” theme basket that includes a gorgeous writing journal with Scripture at the bottom of each lined page, 6 stunning magnetic book page markers,“Be still and know that I am God” Bible verse key chain, Highlighter/ Pink post-it note, Old Testament Bible Reading Checklist by LOVE the Word | LIVE the Word, & RUTH-Redeeming The Darkness Bible Memory Companion Sheet!!

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/d62b/ruth-redeeming-the-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 24, 2018

About the Book

Book: Love Again, Live Again

Author: Joan Hunter

Genre: Non-Fiction; Christian Living, relationships

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Everyone gets their feelings hurt in life. As these wounds fester and compound throughout life, they become scars that affect our current relationships. Anyone suffering from a wounded heart feels a sense of separation from people, but the separation it creates from our heavenly Father is far worse for our mind, body and soul. “Broken Heart Syndrome” is a recognized medical condition. Tests show that the pain caused by relational stress or trauma releases stress hormones to circulate through the body. This causes the inner layers of the heart to shred, damaging the cardiac muscle and its capacity to pump blood throughout the body. The chest pain this can cause resembles a serious heart attack. Stents or angioplasty can treat blocked vessels, but modern medicine still has no quick fix for a broken heart. Joan Hunter reveals how to heal your heart from past hurts. To do this, you must be set free from the trauma of past relationships that prevent you from giving of yourself to those most important to you today. In doing so, you will also restore your most important relationship—the one with your heavenly Father.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Joan Hunter is an anointed healing evangelist, a dynamic teacher, and a best-selling author. She is the founder and president of Joan Hunter Ministries, Hearts 4 Him, and 4 Corners Foundation, and she is also the president of Hunter Ministries. Joan’s television appearances have been broadcast around the world on World Harvest Network, Inspiration Network, TBN, NRB Word Networks, Daystar, Faith TV, Cornerstone TV, The Church Channel, Total Christian Television, Christian Television Network, Watchmen Broadcasting, and God TV. Joan has also been the featured guest on many national television and radio shows, including Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural!, It’s a New Day, The Miracle Channel, The Patricia King Show, Today with Marilyn and Sarah, and many others.Together, Joan and her powerful international healing ministry have conducted miracle services and healing schools throughout numerous countries in a world characterized by brokenness and pain. Her previous books with Whitaker House include Healing the Whole Man Handbook, Healing the Heart, Power to Heal, Supernatural Provision, Freedom Beyond Comprehension, and Miracle Maintenance. Joan lives with her husband, Kelley Murrell, in Magnolia, Texas. Together, they have eight children—four daughters and four sons—and seven grandchildren.

Guest Post from Joan

Everyone has had their feelings hurt by parents, siblings, spouse, children, teachers, friends, or coworkers. Whether you realize it or not, those wounds affect your current relationships. Anyone suffering with a wounded or broken heart feels a sense of separation. Often, you feel that the separation from “man” is the problem. But in reality, separation from your heavenly Father is what causes the worst pain in your mind, body, and soul.

After ministering and teaching about a “Broken Heart Syndrome” for several years, I discovered that there was an official medical diagnosis by that name. Tests have shown that the inner layers of the heart actually shred, which damages the cardiac muscle and its capacity to pump blood throughout the body. Any interruption of the electrical system imbedded in the muscle hinders the heart rhythm and can lead to death or permanent damage. Usually caused by extreme stress or trauma, which precipitates an excess of stress hormones to circulate throughout the body, the resulting chest pain can resemble a serious heart attack.

The diagnosis is made by ruling out a heart attack, which is caused by blocked or collapsed cardiac blood vessels. While stents or angioplasty can treat blocked vessels, there is no quick fix for a broken heart. Broken Heart Syndrome does not block blood vessels and it can sometimes heal within a month or so. It can be caused by an extreme stressful/traumatic situation such as the death of a loved one, divorce, severe sudden illness, injury, or extreme shock.

This book reveals how to heal your heart from those hurts. To do this, you must be set free from old relationships that prevent you from giving of yourself to those most important to you today. You will also see how these principles affect your most important relationship—your relationship with your heavenly Father.

This is an interesting book for me for several reasons. The author took over the building where the church I went to for eights years use to be. The author also lives very close to me, but I have never met her. What is good about reading a book like this, is that a reader doesn't have to agree with everything said in the book, but I believe we all can take something good away from it.

I did like her talking about walls being built around you when you get hurt by someone. I have built my wall so high, not many people can get in. That old nasty word bitterness really can cause problems in your life. If you add unforgiveness to the mix, well you are in a bit of a pickle. It is very important to heal relationships so you don't block God out of your life. I have learned over the years like the author speaks about that we can't fix or change our spouse. What we can do is pray for them and remember that your spouse is not your enemy.

I'm not quite sure I agree with the author's number one reason for divorce, which she says is finances. I have always been taught that if you don't communicate with each other, that is the key to a broken marriage. Finances, children or just about anything will lead to a fight especially if you don't swallow your pride and talk to each other.With many of her statements throughout the book, I would liked to have seen some kind of facts to back up what she was saying. There are scriptures throughout the book, but some were in places that didn't relate to the subject being discussed. That was a problem for me throughout the book. If it doesn't line up with what the Bible says, then I won't listen to it or follow it.

The author did have some really helpful thoughts on anger. I know I'm guilty of taking my anger out on my husband. I may not be mad at him, but he gets the brunt of my anger. It is true we get angry over things we are jealous of, did something we knew would cause an argument or just because we happen to be in a bad mood. I loved her question we should ask ourselves, " Am I walking in the love of the Spirit?"

The book is filled with ways to help safeguard your relationships and heal you from past hurts. The author does healing ministry which some may not be comfortable with. I did find some good nuggets of wisdom in the book. I don't agree with everything she said, but I do think her heart is full of compassion for the hurting . What I would like to do is go visit one of her services since I live so close. I don't think this book is for everyone and it may be difficult to understand where she is headed in some topics. I appreciate people who share their experiences with others in hopes of helping them overcome obstacles in their lives.

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

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, November 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Mary Hake, November 16

Bibliophile Reviews, November 17

A Baker’s Perspective, November 18

Inklings and notions, November 19

Real World Bible Study, November 20

TennTwo, November 21

Reading is my Super Power, November 21 (Interview)

Robin Is Bookish, November 22

Artistic Nobody, November 22 (Spotlight)

Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, November 23

margaret kazmierczak, November 23 (Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 24

Janices book reviews, November 25

Carpe Diem, November 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 27

Bigreadersite, November 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joan is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5ca/love-again-live-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 22, 2018

CODE OF VALOR by LYNETTE EASON

This book has all the makings for a great action movie. It has intrigue, fast pace action and danger everywhere you turn. The author does a great job of grabbing readers' attention right away.

Emily is a wonderful character who sees more danger than anyone should in their lives. The mystery surrounds a sunken boat and a mysterious flash drive. Emily's friend is missing and that puts her on high alert. When Emily is rescued by Brady, they are both in for an adventure that takes them to the deep waters below to chases and kidnapping. Why is someone after Emily?

I liked the danger that filled the pages as the story takes twists and turns that all lead to a killer on the loose. I really enjoyed reading about Emily learning how to scuba dive. I am afraid of water especially since I can't swim. I held my breath each time Emily went diving with Brady. The details were very intriguing and the author does a good job describing details of how to be safe while diving. It's a race against time as Emily finds herself depending on Brady to keep her safe. Can Brady get to her in time and catch the killer? The ending is one of the best I've read with powerful twists and edge of your seat action.

I received a copy of this book from Library Thing's Early Reviewers. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Book: Love’s Christmas Blessings

Author: Laura V Hilton, Rachel J Good

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas

Release Date: November, 2018

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Winter’s Treasure

Paris Kauffman believes she is about to embark on her family-tradition birthday treasure hunt, but for the first time ever, her daed is sending her to various businesses and homes in the community. Little does Paris expect that when she enters the bakery to collect her gift, the bus will drop off none other than her old crush, Aquila Stutzman, the man she’d done everything except cartwheels and handstands to get his attention. And failed. Of course, Quil doesn’t remember her.

Quil was offered employment working on his grandparents’ new tree farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since he’s recovering from a broken heart when his longtime girlfriend Priscilla up and married his cousin, a move Quil never saw coming, he decides to take the job. This will give him time to separate himself from the hurt and maybe, eventually, move on.

Paris and Quil have sparks from the beginning, especially since his appearance causes a vicious rivalry between friends. But who can resist when a chance meeting beginning with donuts and coffee ends with a missing person, puppies, a skunk, and a sleigh ride—not to mention a trip the Amish young people plan to Niagara Falls. Could it also involve falling in love?

Mistletoe and Miracles

Daniel Graber has spent years caring for his aging parents. Now Daed’s in rehab with a broken hip and a bad case of irritability. He snaps at the workers and complains about doing physical therapy, so Daniel is grateful for the new aide, Fern Chupp, who uses her sweetness and charm to convince Daed to cooperate. Turns out, Daed isn’t the only one she charms.

As a widow, Fern is grateful for her new job at Fairview Rehab Center, even though it meant relocating to Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with her nine-year-old daughter, Lyddie. But Lyddie is grieving the recent death of her grandfather and dislikes leaving her Ohio home. Lyddie’s shyness also makes it difficult to make friends or recite school lessons.

When her class goes to the rehab center to interview patients, Lyddie’s too scared to do her assignment, so she runs away. During the hunt for her missing daughter, independent Fern learns to accept and appreciate Daniel’s help and support. By the time they discover Lyddie, she’s made a very unusual friend, and Fern and Daniel have developed a . Can four lonely heart create special bonds to make it a Christmas to remember?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com.

Coconut Potato Fudge Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plain, mashed potatoes, either instant or one medium potato, cooked

1/8 cup finely chopped (or crushed) almonds (optional)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
give3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Beat powdered sugar and coconut into warm potatoes; then add the vanilla extract and almonds.

Press into a lightly-greased 8-inch square pan; set aside.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally. When melted, pour over top of the potato mixture.

Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The book is a wonderful collection of stories that bring hope, blessings and love at Christmastime. I really enjoyed each story and thought the characters were well written.

Winter's Treasure by Laura V. Hilton

Paris is a charming character and I loved the idea of the treasure hunt for a birthday. The adventure was fun to follow and I thought the author did a good job of taking Paris to different stops to show how much she was loved by friends and family. I didn't like Sarah at all and I couldn't believe how jealous she was of Paris. Sarah was downright spiteful to Paris and caused some misunderstandings. Quil is the ideal man for Paris and I loved reading how their relationship developed. It wasn't rushed and it made the story more interesting. One of my favorite parts of the story was the visit to Niagara Falls. I have never been, but with the help of the author I felt like I was there on the trip with everyone.

It is a great story that captures how jealousy can make someone bitter and unhappy. Telling lies to belittle someone always backfires. The Bishop shared great wisdom with Paris and made her realize how loved she was by her adoptive parents. We all have things from our past that hurt, but God showed Paris that she is not defined by her past. Will Sarah get over her jealousy of Paris? Can Paris and Quil find happiness with each other? The answers are in the story that is fun and full of surprises.

Mistletoe and Miracles by Rachel J. Good

Oh my I loved this story so much. The characters are wonderful and feel my eyes with tears. Fern is a sweet woman working at the rehab center trying to make ends meet. When she encounters Moses, he is a handful. Her gentle and tender heart really helped a grumpy old man start to peel away his hardened heart. Add to the mix in the story is Daniel. He is Moses's son and meets Fern as she is taking care of his dad at the center. Their attraction is nice and I loved how they respected each other and took things show.

The star of the story for me was a sweet, shy, charming little girl named Lyddie. There is such an innocence about her. Her shyness keeps her from making new friends, but one day while at the center she finds herself in Moses's room. The friendship that develops is one that made me cry. The story is a lesson in friendship and getting rid of sadness. Moses and Lyddie make my heart sing. I love that the author shared a story about four lonely people who are looking for acceptance. The times in the center brought back memories of the time my mom spent in one. It was hard to visit her, but she was so lonely I hated to leave her. Thank you for writing a story that reminds us that there are lonely people out there of all ages.

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