Texas Book-aholic

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Looking for a blogger? Need a review ? Check out my blog and help me out.

My goal for this holiday is to catch up on reviews, ignore my depression and remind myself how strong I am. As the new year begins I look forward to writing more reviews for authors and hopefully having authors contact me to do reviews for them. In the mean time I Look at my PTSD and say you will not win. I have a gift and purpose. So authors check out my blog. Http://deana0326.blogspot.com. Its called Texas Book-aholic. I need your support to write reviews to help relieve my stress. I have a passion to do reviews and I'm honored to bless authors .i an determined to take my life back in 2017. will you help me? Keep me busy, help me fight. Let my passion bless authors. Help me grow my blog to reach readers and authors.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

HEALING OF THE HEART by LOREE LOUGH

What would you do if you had a father who was a thief and killer? Would you try to hide your identity from other people? I know we don't get to pick who our parents are, and that is exactly what Ruby faces in this unforgettable story of redemption , secrets and trust. After Ruby's father is hanged for his crimes, Ruby is stunned to find out that he has left her a very wealthy woman. I think at first she had a hard time taking the fortune because she knew how it was obtained. What would you do if you inherited money that you knew was tainted?

I found Ruby's character was very interesting and heartfelt. She wants to do the right thing and make amends to all the families her father hurt. It was a big task but her heart was so broken by her father's wrongdoing she needed to lessen the pain she felt in her heart. She knew this is what God wanted her to do. I loved the story and found it to be a great lesson in forgiveness and healing. Her heart must have been crushed to learn of the evil doings her father did. Was Ruby feeling guilty and somehow taking responsibility for her father's sins?

When Ruby and her mom travel to FairPlay, Colorado to continue using the inheritance there seems to be a bit more to do in this town that will be a big challenge for them. Rex Truett is the sheriff of the small town and is a bit suspicious of Ruby and her mom. He is a very strong character and I loved his unconditional love for the two children he was taking care of. Ruby and Rex sure don't see eye to eye at first. I'm not sure who was more stubborn but it sure made for many encounters with each other that were tension filled. Rex has to be asking himself " Why would a beautiful woman and her mom travel to a town where they know no one with the intentions to improve the town? "

The story is very well written and flowed at a nice pace. There are others in the town that will add a bit of intrigue to the story. There are many surprises and secrets that have people wondering who they can trust? Will Ruby be able to let go of the shame of her father's sins? Can Rex find a way to trust again? The story is filled with a glimpse into the lives of people who have trust issues, guilt, insecurity and learning to love again.

"When we're hurting, we have a choice , too. We can get all mad and mean, or go to God for comfort and strength."

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org.This is my honest opinion .

Monday, December 19, 2016

HIS PRAIRIE SWEETHEART by ERICA VETSCH

I have become a huge fan of historical fiction and after reading this story I have found an author that depicts the historical fiction with precision. Pioneer days were hard with little to eat at times . The weather could be treacherous and the author described a blizzard with such great detail I found myself shivering . I love when an author can make me feel like I can vividly see the story unfold before me.

Savannah is a very beautiful woman who has all the luxuries she needs. She is excited that she will become a married woman and finally the day is here to say her vows. Well not everything goes as plan when the groom doesn't show up. I can't imagine the hurt and embarrassment she must have felt when she realizes her dreams have just been shattered. The story takes on a great adventure when Savannah decides she needs to get away .

She finds herself in Snowflake, Minnesota as the new school teacher. Not everyone is thrilled to see her though. Elias who is the sheriff has seen several women leave the teaching position because they couldn't handle the harsh life out on the prairie. I really like Elias and found him to be a strong character. He does give Savannah a hard time but I found it to be quite funny at times. Who in their right mind comes to a small town out on the prairie in fancy clothes?

Savannah is in for a culture shock as she realizes that the townspeople are Norwegian immigrants. I laughed so hard as she tried to talk to the people and suddenly realized that they speak very little English . I think someone left out that little bit of information when she accepted the teaching job. She is in for an adventure that will test her faith . I loved how the author included scriptures in the story with the children learning them as part of their lesson at school. I have to mention probably one of the funnies things that happens to our beloved Savannah. Let's just say her introduction to a skunk was not the most enjoyable encounter. I think after that incident I would be packing my bags and saying goodbye Snowflake, Minnesota.

The author did an exceptional job of describing the history of Minnesota and the Dutch uprising of '62. I found it very fascinating and loved learning about the Norwegians and their customs. The story is so well written I didn't want it to end. Will Savannah convince Elias that she can endure the weather and any obstacles that come her way ? Is she the right choice as the teacher for this small close knit town? Be sure and grab a copy of this wonderful book and discover how pride, love and faith come together to make an unforgettable story .

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

About the books:

ScriptureDoodle: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, October 2016)

With inspiring exercises and prompts, this unique interactive guide introduces readers to a creative connection between Bible study, artistic expression, and worship.

Often, in the busyness of life, Christians forget that God created them to enjoy creativity. With guided instruction and completed examples, this beautiful book invites readers to draw closer to God through their own art.

More than a coloring book, ScriptureDoodle is a combination of Bible study, creative expression, and artistic community with artwork shared online at #scripturedoodle.

Exploring topics such as being generous, finding rest, and facing grief, ScriptureDoodle gives the heart the creative space it needs. This book stimulates the reader's imagination and helps integrate God's Word into everyday life.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gUdlHF

I really enjoyed this beautifully designed devotional. At the very beginning it gives you a list of items you will need to use the book and get the full experience from it. It even encourages you to share your work online so others can follow along. What a great idea to journal with others as you dig deep into His word. The author includes scriptures that you can memorize and then color to enhance the words on your heart. There are many different subjects the author has included and each one made me feel at peace. I enjoy these type of books as they are relaxing . One particular subject I especially enjoyed was titled "Through The Psalms." It asks you to go through the book of Psalms and choose a verse and then pick a word or phrase. As you read the phrase you are to start drawing what imagine you see as you read it. I am a visual person , so for me it made the phrase come to life. I encourage everyone to pick up a copy and start your journey in this six weeks devotional and be creative.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

ScriptureDoodle God's Promises: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, December 2016)

Some of the most incredible stories in the Bible are of God's promises and faithfulness to His children.

ScriptureDoodle God's Promises refreshes believers who are feeling burned out or stuck in a rut in their relationship with God. Each of the creative worship prompts in this interactive guide includes biblical encouragement and ideas for worship through art. Artist April Knight includes creative lettering tips, color ideas, and completed examples to inspire readers to respond to promises in Scripture related to trust, faith, and the power of God's Word in all circumstances.

This unique blend of Bible study and creative expression provides the opportunity to connect with God as Creator in a new, life-changing way.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gUhyLR

In this well designed devotional we follow a six week experience by reading about God's Promises. This one is a great tool to remind us of His promises and to study the scriptures where His promises can be found in the Bible. In one week the book talks about "Fit Together." We all have a place in this world and our talents should bless each other. The word tells us to work together as one , but are we doing that? How many of us are working on our own and forgetting to include others on our journey? That was a real reminder for me. I'm guilty of getting all excited about something God has laid on my heart. I go full throttle trying to run the race by myself. What I forget is there are others that are suppose to joining me. I am thankful that I am reminded to slow down and let others do their part. I don't have to do everything myself . I want to work beside people so that I am honoring God.

Another chapter I really liked was called " Faithful to Forgive." That is one of the hardest things I have found to do. When someone hurts you , you are to forgive them. For me I sometimes hold back and refuse to forgive. One of His promises says , "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all righteousness." (IJohn 1:19) . After reading that I did the exercise that accompanied it. This is one you don't want to pass up. I really liked how the author has taken subjects from the Bible and used pictures, scriptures and includes our own ways to express how we feel. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy this book, you just need a wiling and open heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

About the author:

April Knight is a worship artist based in Asheville, North Carolina. Knight's work includes live worship painting and leading ScriptureDoodle workshops online and at conferences and retreats around the country and internationally. Her family of four is her greatest joy, along with serving alongside her husband at their local church.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/aknight

Blog Tour Schedule:

Friday, December 16, 2016

WAITING FOR WONDER BLOG TOUR AND GVEAWAY

Because God’s timing is so rarely our own and we lose the wonder in the waiting of life, desperation strikes, plans backfire, and we begin to wonder why God does not fill the emptiness. Be encouraged to find strength and hope in Marlo Schalesky's new book, Waiting for Wonder. Journey into the heart of God where you will wrestle with personal questions, think deeply about God’s true character, and learn to appreciate His divine work as you discover your own path to the promised land. Recapture your hope, restore your soul, and renew your vision of a wondrous Savior when you learn to live on God’s time.

Sometimes the hardest thing for us to do is wait for answers. Sometimes the hardest thing is to feel alone. Sometimes the hardest thing is to face our past. Sometimes the hardest thing is to feel free. With this book all those "sometimes " can be overcome and a new life emerges. I enjoyed how the author used the story of Sarah and showed how waiting can be painful, but God's timing is always perfect. Many of us have been through pain, hurt, loneliness and brokenness. As I began to read this book, I felt a sense of the past starting to rise up to trap me once again. But then I read,"He is the God who uncovers the deepest places of our shame and pain and promises to bless the whole world right from those places." It is time for us to allow God to heal us and hold our head up as His glory surrounds us. I can picture Him as He holds the hurting and dries their tears. I am not very patient and I try to run ahead and make things happen before it is time. I don't like when someone tells me I just have to be patient and wait. I really liked how the author used Haran in explaining why we are in that" holding zone " as I call it. We know of His promises so what is taking so long? It sure did open my eyes as I read that maybe we are in the way of moving forward. What it is in your life that is holding you back? The book is filled with stories that are easily relatable. The author breaks down subjects into different chapters and takes us on a journey with Sarah as she sees the promises manifest. This is a very intense book at times that really made me search myself. What thoughts have I had that is keeping me in a barren land like Sarah? Am I really listening to God or trying to do things my own way? Throughout the book I found encouragement, and scriptures that reminded me of His love and promises that He keeps. It is our choice to change things that are not right in our life and to experience God's unconditional love. "No matter how helpless you are or how you've been betrayed, God can bring blessing and restoration to your life." I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse.

The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Learn the true purpose of waiting on God and living on His timeline and enter to win Marlo's giveaway.

One grand prize winner will receive:

Two copies of Waiting for Wonder (one for you and one to give to a friend)
A KEEP Collective watch set (with a band and watch)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 23. The winner will be announced December 27 on Marlo's blog.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/mschalesky