Monday, February 29, 2016

KICK-START THE NEW YOU by INGRID MACHER

I loved, loved , loved this book. The author shared such an amazing story that I was captivated. It seems all of us need a wake up call every once in awhile. She definitely got hers as she struggled to breathe that morning thinking it was the end. I appreciate her honesty and definitely relate to the negative thinking she opens the first chapter with. How many of us say we are fat, we aren't pretty, we can't lose weight? I can raise my hand and say I am guilty of beating myself up on a daily basis.

Now it's time to change those negative thoughts and replace them with healthy positive thoughts. It is time to take control of our health and get back in shape. I loved her idea about taking a picture of yourself before you begin your weight loss program. What better way to motivate yourself then to see what you look like now and visualize what you will look like as the pounds fall off.

I am so encouraged by this book and how she blasts every myth we have come to believe. I read each one twice just to make sure I would remember them. It is about quality of exercise not quantity. I have so often tried different exercises, stopped eating three meals a day and even told myself if I work out more, I can lose more. The book is very helpful and is a great motivator. The author gives readers tips on what is good to eat and encourages you to incorporate those foods into your daily meals. After reading this book, I have realized I have been starving myself and going in a vicious cycle of trying to lose weight the wrong way. Thank you for such a well informed, detailed and inspiring book. I am determined to follow this book and lose the weight and get my energy back without diets, or unnecessary workout routines. Yes I am starting the 21-day challenge and ready for a change. Make sure you check out the delicious recipes provided at the end of the book. As with any weight loss program, the author encourages you to consult with your doctor before starting any program.

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

PUBLISHING DREAMS by GINA DUKE

I was intrigued by this book simply because I had a dream that someday I would write a book that everyone would wait in line to buy. Ok it was a kid's dream growing up, but I haven't forgotten that desire. I admire authors for their hard work and know they give their heart to each story hoping it will become life changing for someone.

I loved this short but imformative book with its step by step details of how to get a book published. It is encouraging and well written . The author was very transparent as she shared her mistakes and never gave up. Patience is a key to all things, and getting a book published is no exception. The author has also included a workbook that is very helpful in writing down your thoughts and keeping yourself organized . Thank you for reminding us that it is Gods timing not ours. We seem to want to rush things, but move out ahead of Him. Take a deep breath and allow God to guide you as you follow your dream of getting published. For those looking for a direction to take in their quest to get published, I highly recommend this book.

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

Sunday, February 28, 2016

A LADY IN DEFIANCE by HEATHER BLANTON

The story starts with a bang from the beginning and doesn't stop til the end. Three sisters on a journey in the Old West find themselves stranded . They must detour from their original plans and travel to a town that wasn't quite on their agenda. The town is a typical Old West town where you can find alcohol freely flowing, women who are looking for love in all the wrong places and greed that abounds plenty in the town.

The sisters must band together and seek what God has called them to do. They will face deceit, hurt and many surprises. The author has written a story that reminds me of the great show "GUNSMOKE." The characters are diverse and each sister has their own battle they just must face. I loved how the author gave readers a well written story filled with hope, determination and His unconditional love. I loved this quote from the book which says, "Maybe, now and then, we have to give up a portion of our kingdoms-the things we hold dearest -to find what it is God wants for us."

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

(GIVEAWAY) Shattered Memories by: Debbie Lynne Costello

Shattered Memories is a 265 page novel in the Christian Historical genre and was released on February 14, 2016. You can purchase the book here.

About the Book

The Charleston earthquake has left destruction like nothing Doctor Andrew Warwick has ever seen. On a desperate mission to find the lady who owns his heart, he frantically searches through the rubble. He finds her injured and lifeless. After she regains consciousness, the doctor’s hopes are quickly dashed as he realizes she doesn’t remember him. Things only get worse when he discovers she believes she’s still engaged to the abusive scoundrel, Lloyd Pratt. Now Drew is on a race with the wedding clock to either help her remember or win her heart again before she marries the wrong man.

Waking in a makeshift hospital, Olivia Macqueen finds herself recovering from a head injury. With amnesia stealing a year of her memories, she has trouble discerning between lies and truth. When her memories start returning in bits and pieces, she must keep up the charade of amnesia until she can find out the truth behind the embezzlement of her family’s business while evading the danger lurking around her.

About the Author

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Sword of Forgiveness, a medieval romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina where she has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. When not spending time with her husband, four children and grandchildren she hangs out with her Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.

What a grand life Olivia has. She is in love with the dashing Dr. Drew Warwick and plans to marry are on the horizon. There is one small detail that needs to be addressed however. It seems that her ex fiance the devious Lloyd Pratt has been doing some underhanded dealings that could jeopardize her family's insurance company. It is a race to find the evidence and bring justice to Lloyd.

Oh the plans we make seem so simple, but sometimes a detour occurs that changes everything. On a day when everything seemed to be going well, an earthquake shatters the quiet city of Charleston . It will become a disaster that will cost lives and destroy dreams. Olivia awakens in a strange room to discover that she can't remember the last year of her life. The author has done a magnificent job of detailing the earthquake and its aftermath so precisely. Her attention to Olivia and her hear injury is well written and delivers a powerful story line.

I found myself so immersed in the story that I actually felt like I was there watching the turmoil and destruction that was caused by the earthquake. The author does an amazing job of taking the reader into the homes and witnessing the destruction and loss of lives. Can you imagine going to your home and all that is left is a pile of rubble? Olivia now must face losing everything and figuring out who she is . Can she believe Lloyd as he tries to convince her they are still engaged? Will Drew draw strength from the Lord and trust Him to work things out?

The book is about deceit, trust, forgiveness and love which equals a well written story . The characters are very well developed . Each character has unique and different qualities that make the story intriguing as they interact with each other. The book delivers an unforgettable story of faith that will stay with you long after the last word is read.

I was given a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest review.