Texas Book-aholic: 2017-10-22

Saturday, October 28, 2017

A DEADLY ECLAIR by
DARYL WOOD GERBER

What a wonderful start to a new series. The author has mesmerized me with her exquisite meals served at the beautiful restaurant our main character runs. The French Bistro and Inn was becoming quite the place to eat at. I found myself feeling like I was sitting at a table watching Mimi as she ran her business with precision. The way the author describes the menu makes you want to run in a French Bistro and order all the food in the book.

Mimi is a delightful character with strong opinions and has a backer that has helped get her established. Bryan Baker has had a special place in his heart for Mimi and wants to be sure she succeeds. He reminds me of a grandfather who has all this money and lavishes it on his favorite granddaughter. Mimi is like an energizer bunny and seems to take on a lot to make her business successful.

When a famous talk show host books her wedding at the Inn, everyone is on high alert. Mimi knows this wedding could put her on the map. The chef has to have the perfect menu and everything has to be picture perfect . Will the bride and groom be happy with the setting for their wedding? Can the menu the chef has prepared live up to their expectations?

Sometimes we don’t always get what we want and Mimi finds herself in panic mode when several guests get drunk and start to get out of hand at the evening party. As the evening winds down Mimi hopes to sleep and get a jump start on the next day. What she finds the next morning will put a damper on the wedding and make her a suspect. Her beloved mentor is found dead with an eclair stuck in his mouth. Ok I did find that a bit funny. That’s one of the things I like about the authors writing. She puts humor in her story at just the places to lighten up the mood a bit .

The story has some delightful characters that I found to be interesting. The list of suspects are many and poor Mimi is on the top of the list. Her sleuthing skills were very well thought out and I have to say she could easily get a job as a detective. Now the big question is who killed Bryan? He is very well off, and helped Mimi get her business off the ground. Does Bryan have family members that are willing to kill to get his inheritance? Or perhaps it is a jealous person that despised him for his success? The story is well written and kept me guessing till the end. Once again I didn’t figure out who the killer was. I love it when an author can write a mystery and fool her readers and surprise them at the end. I am looking forward to more books in this wonderful series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Thomas Nelson's 'KJV Know The Word Study Bible' Kindle Fire Giveaway BLOG CODE: Diving deeper into God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
A Kindle Fire 7
A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text
-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
-Words of Jesus in red
-Beautiful two-color interior page design
-Comprehensive list of theological notes
-Concordance
-Full-color maps
-8-point type size

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the publisher:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word.

Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

I Love Study Bibles because they offer so much more than a regular bible. This one is sturdy and well organized. I loved the way they go deeper with some scriptures. They go further and give you a section called more insight. Oh how I love the words written in red. I don’t find that in many bibles anymore. Many of you have your favorite version of the Bible, but this review is only to tell you the extra features this bible has in store for its readers.

Be sure and go through this Bible slowly as you find nuggets of wonderful scriptures that allow you to see a clearer view of what it means. I was so excited to see at the end of the Bible , maps in beautiful color. Were you wondering about the route to the Kingdom of David and Solomon? You can find that answer as you take in the beauty of a map that is very detailed. I love how you can look at the map and think about what it might have looked like on the road to these amazing places.

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Romans. I decided to flip there and see what treasure I would find. It gives you an overview of how to study the Book of Romans in easy to understand terms. As an extra it also highlights some of the scriptures that represent the theme of the book. I can’t say enough great things about this bible. I’m glad I had a chance to look at it and it will be close to me at all times. There are several ways you can use this bible to study with as each one leads you to a deeper understanding of His word. I encourage everyone to get a copy and start your journey into this well designed bible.

I received a copy of this bible from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/TNelson

Tour Schedule:

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Hayley DiMarco's 'A Woman Overwhelmed" $75 Giveaway "A woman overwhelmed"-is this a phrase you can relate to? If you answered yes, you need to read Hayley DiMarco's new book, A Woman Overwhelmed. The best-selling author shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power. Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

Become a woman less overwhelmed by life and more overwhelmed by God and enter to win Hayley's $75 Merry Maids Visa Card Giveaway to help lessen your daily load.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of A Woman Overwhelmed
A $75 Merry Maids Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 3. The winner will be announced November 6 on the Litfuse blog.

"A Woman Overwhelmed" is a phrase with which many women can relate.

But what would happen if we could see the insanity in our pace and embrace our overwhelming God?

There is a reason they say that a woman's work is never done- because it isn't! As women, we often are overwhelmed by the demands and circumstances of life, resulting in stress, fear, worry, impatience, fatigue, frustration, and even depression. The truth is that we were created to be overwhelmed . . . not by life but by God! When we learn to be overwhelmed by God, the fruit in our lives goes from rotten to fragrant-filling our days with peace, hope, love, and joy

In A Woman Overwhelmed , best-selling author Hayley DiMarco shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power.

Be empowered to find freedom in becoming overwhelmed with who God is-by learning to focus on what we know about God so that we can hold onto faith even when it seems that all is lost. For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of me and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing.

Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of more than 40 books, including multiple books in the God Girl line, "The Fruitful Wife," "Obsessed," "Die Young" and "Own It." As the founder

The author must have had me in mind when she wrote this book. I feel overwhelmed everyday. I am always asking myself did I remember to do this and oh yeah I need to do that errand before they close. Some days I’m so out of it, I see myself coming and going. This book is just what I needed. It is so refreshing to read that I am not alone in my thinking. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when the author said, “I’m overwhelmed simply because I’m not in charge.” Well of course that’s the answer to my problems. Let me be in charge of everything, then I know it will get done. Then I stopped and realized I’m the problem. I want to do everything to please others, make myself feel good and yes I forgot that God is in charge, not me.

The book is filled with wonderful insights that help women understand that it’s ok to make a mistake. We can’t do it all and God has given us spouses and families to balance everything out. I hated it when I was at work and would make a mistake and someone would point it out. I felt like a little child being scolded by my dad who I could never please. So I became a shell of myself. I slowly started to see myself putting a wall up so no one could get in. I didn’t invite the most important part of my life to help me. I walked away from God, but I didn’t feel worthy enough to be in His presence. What I needed to do was ask God to help me and work through what had transformed into anxiety.

The author has so many points that really helped me. I loved when she said, “I may never know why God slows me down when He does , but I want to find the strength to trust Him in those times.” I want to stop, smell the roses and enjoy my life. I love the personal stories the author shares and the humor she brings as she shares her life . There are so many nuggets of eye opening topics I decided to slow down and start taking notes as I read. I loved at the end of every chapter she provides a section called “ Thoughts To Ponder.” It summarizes what you just read and gives you questions to take your study deeper. I loved this book so much and it will be a book I refer back to along with the notes I made. This is a must read for every woman. We don’t need to be overwhelmed anymore.

“ God’s mission is never interrupted and is always completed; it’s just not always completed in the

ways we might expect.”

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

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/HDiMarco

OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are no longer just technical terms and medical diagnoses, they are part of our common vocabulary and culture.

As Christians, we shouldn't isolate ourselves from this discussion or dismiss these important issues. But we also should be careful not to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise without question. What we need is a balanced, biblically (and scientifically) informed approach that neither blindly accepts nor harshly dismisses psychiatric labels, diagnoses, and medicines that are prescribed to help those who are suffering.

As both a Biblical counselor and medical doctor, Michael R. Emlet, MD, gives readers a Christ-centered approach to psychiatry and guides both lay and professional helpers through the thicket of mental health labels and treatments with a biblical lens. In a clear and thoughtful way that puts the person experiencing mental health issues at the forefront, Emlet uses Scripture to show how the Bible engages in the discussion of psychiatric labels and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. The first book in the "Helping the Helper" series, Descriptions and Prescriptions will give readers a biblical, gospel-formed perspective to help them understand and minister to those struggling with mental health issues.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Michael R. Emlet, MDiv, MD, practiced as a family physician for over ten years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He is the author of the book "CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet," the minibooks "Asperger Syndrome;" "Chronic Pain;" "Angry Children: Understanding and Helping Your Child Regain Control;" and "Help for the Caregiver: Facing the Challenges with Understanding and Strength," and many counseling articles.

Find out more about Michael at http://newgrowthpress.com/.

At first I wasn’t going to read this book because it is geared toward pastors and Christian counseling. My curiosity got the best of me and I decided I wanted to see how the author stood on this issue. I was pleasantly surprised to see how he balanced what the worlds view and the Christian view is. This is a very tough topic for many to talk about, but is much needed as many suffer from mental disabilities.

There was a time when someone was diagnosed with a mental illness and it seemed like people thought they had the plague. With the authors careful and thoughtful research, we can better understand how to cope with it. I did like the example the author gave about medicine for depression. There are so many different medications on the market today for depression, it is hard to figure out which one is best to prescribe . He goes on to explain that speaking with someone about your depression is important because it helps to balance their thinking. Don’t we all go to a friend or spouse when we are feeling down? Just talking to someone helps us feel less stress. I liked the point he made that “Rather, my aim is simply to get you thinking about the fact that helping a struggling person to evaluate his emotions and thoughts and to bring them into line with reality affects change in depression. God does not bypass the body in the sanctification process. To the extent that a person’s thoughts, emotions, desires, motivations, and actions align with God’s revealed way of living in Scripture, our neutral patterns should reveal that reality.”

I loved the scriptures he gave referring to suffering and how God is there to help us. He doesn’t want us to suffer, but to have health and wisdom. Throughout the book, the author provides both sides of this subject with compassion in a non bias approach. For me, I think it should be left up to each individual how they want to pursue treatment. However there may be times when others may need to step in if they think a person may be in danger of hurting themselves or others. Whatever path a person decides to take, it is important not to judge or condemn them. We can best help by reaching out and listening to them. I enjoyed the book and the authors way he presented both sides in a clear and concise manner.

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

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/MEmlet

Blog Tour Schedule:

10/23

Paphapin | Feeling in Red

Hope | Finding Joy in Everyday

Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower

Sally | Book Reviews, etc

10/24

Shannon | Mrsreadsbooks

nicole | bless their hearts mom blog

10/25

Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

Deana | Texas Book-aholic

10/26

Zack | Longing For Truth

Cassandra | Cassandra M's Place

Theron | Entrusted By God

10/27

Kim | Window To My World

10/29

Vicky | Walking in Grace

Sarah | Running Through The Storms

10/30

Kasey | Four Seasons of Blessings

11/1

dario | Gods Way

Virginia | My Full Cup

Kristie | Moments

Julius | The Little Friar

Jennifer | Mother of Three

Joan | Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

11/2

Tima | Book Reviews by Tima

Tami | This Mom's Delight

deb | deb's book review

Jennifer | A Peace of Mind

11/3

Jennifer | Books, Bargains, Blessings

Erin | ReviewsByErin

11/4

Andrea | The Young Girl Who Loved Books

Ramona | Create With Joy

11/5

Shantelle | Between the Pages of This Bookish Life

Molly | Cafinated Reads

Amanda | The Talbert Report

Anne | Biblical Counseling for Women

Zoee | TheBookNerdist

11/6

bethany | The perfect beginning

Lauren | A Beautiful Inheritance

Elizabeth | The Hankins Family

Mary | The Mary Reader

Chrys | Theology For You

Urailak | Fruitbearers

Kara | Saved by Grace

Pilar | Ordinary Servant

Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews

Denise | The Help Meet Wife

Tammy | Tammyisblessed

Rebecca | It's Storytime With Van Daniker

James A | Midwest Book Review

A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star: Rwendigo Tales (New Growth Press, September 2017)

Follow along with thirteen-year-old Kusiima in the third book of J.A. Myhre’s The Rwendigo Tales.

Just thirteen years old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima’s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where?

With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship?

Readers of all ages won’t want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships.

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.

http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/a-forest-a-flood-and-an-unlikely-star/

If you are looking for a great book for your preteen or older, I recommend that you grab this book as soon as you can. It is adventurous and filled with a story that keeps you engaged till the end. The author can really hold an audience with her words that make you feel part of the story. I loved the description of the forest and the area in Africa. I felt like I was right there as the rain poured so hard you could barely hear yourself breathe.

The main character of the book is thirteen year old Kusiima. He is determined and I loved his devotion to his grandmother and sister. He has had a hard life since his mother passed away. With his baby sister so ill, he tries so hard to find work and buy medicine for her. My heart ached for his sister barely clinging to life. The poverty in the area he lived with his grandmother was so hard to grasp. I wanted to take Kusiima and his family to a safe place so they could eat and get warm.

Kusiima gets involved with something that he finds out is dangerous while trusting his boss. Oh that made me so mad to see those men not care for his safety and to not worry when they couldn’t find him. Kusiima has a strength in him that kicks in when he realizes he is on his own while lost in the forest. The story is riveting at times and I loved the animals he came in contact with. Will God help Kusiima find his way home? Don’t miss this adventure that reminds us that God is always there. I especially liked the illustrations throughout the book. It was a nice addition to help visualize the story.

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

Monday, October 23, 2017

THE DISHONORABLE MISS DELANCEY by
CAROLYN MILLER

As we come to the end of a wonderful series, the author has given us remarkable characters and places that take your breath away. I have learned of Earls and other high ranking dignitaries. The scenes have come alive with her vivid writing technique. I have come to love Historical Regency and this series has been a thrill to read. I loved being swept away to ballrooms with the most exquisite gowns and dapper suits.

Clara just does not seem to have any luck in the love department. Her poor mother is beside herself with a scandal that has tainted the DeLancey name. I must say I have not been a big fan of Clara from the other books she was in. With this book, the author redeems Clara and I found myself understanding her more and even had sympathy for her. What is with Clara and gentleman callers? She can’t seem to find anyone interested in her and her mother has had to resort to smelling salts to withstand the disgrace.

After a night of desperation, Clara finds herself rescued by a stranger . Oh how I loved her hero and was so hoping the author was directing the two together in the story. I also loved that Clara found her way to God and gave her hope. Clara meets a wonderful family that helps give her confident in herself. I can’t tell much more about the story, because I want the reader to discover more of the characters on their own. Will Clara find true love? This is one story that illustrated true forgiveness and leaves you with a sense of hope.

“How can I, imperfect thst I am, hold unforgiveness when we’ve all been forgiven so much by One so perfect?”

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Booktours. The review is my own opinion.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

THE SECRET LIFE OF SARAH HOLLENBECK by
BETHANY TURNER

I wasn’t sure where this book was heading as I first started reading it. It didn’t take long to get so engrossed in the story, I read the book in a few hours. There are authors that write in different genres and Sarah is no excepti.She may wri a little spicer books that mnot like, but she has become a favorite of many. She has hidden her identity behind an assumed name . She doesn’t go out on tours but her books are so well liked, they sell themselves. Her friend Piper is not thrilled to find out that she is behind the sizzling books and it puts a strain on their friendship. I have to say that Piper was a bit disappointing to me at first. She rushed to judgment and decided she didn’t like her friends books. So she just cuts her out of her life.

The great news is that they make up and Piper shared Jesus with Sarah. I know that the first time Sarah was in the church, all she could think about was the books she had written. But slowly she realizes that God loves her and she wants to write a different genre. I laughed as she told her agent the news. Can you imagine being a best selling author and suddenly decide that you are going to write something completely different? I applaud the author by writing a character that is flawed but can still hold her head up and be determined to do what is in her heart.

When she meets the pastor of the church she is attending, I know sparks were flying. Pastor Ben is humble, well liked and has a heart for people. The author slowly develops their relationship and makes for some great scenes between them. Sarah realizes that Ben has issues of his own, but between them they make a great match. What happens when Sarah is exposed as a steamy romance author? Will the church turn their back on her. The biggest scandal to shake the foundation of the church is based on a vindictive person. Who will people believe? I loved the story and thought the author did a great job showing how gossip can destroy lives. Will Sarah and Ben overcome obstacles and be happy together? Don’t miss this wonderful story of forgiveness and acceptance.

I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Review Program. The review is my own opinion.

KAPPY AND THE PUPPY KAPER by AMY LILLARD

I love it when an author writes a book that makes you laugh and has a mystery which is intriguing. I’m excited to read this new series and know that fans will love it. For all you cozy mystery readers I suggest you check out the new girl in town. Amy has a winner with this fun book that had me laughing and kept me on my toes.

Kappy is a wonderful character and I loved her determination to help solve the murder of her neighbor . She is someone I would love to sit down and chat with. You can feel her warmth and willingness to help others. When her neighbor is found dead, Kappy is quick to help the son who the police suspect killed his mother. Everyone knows he wouldn’t harm anything, especially his mother. I loved reading about raising the puppies and the impeccable treatment that were given. No wonder they were prized animals since they were well fed and in perfect health. Did someone kill Ruth to gain her puppy business? It sure is strange that she is found dead when she was in the middle of perhaps a big sale to someone. Or was someone jealous of her success?

Edie has come home to deal with her mom’s death and to help her brother Jimmy out. Since he has been arrested, she needs to prove his innocence. Edie is not welcomed back to the Amish community since she has been shunned. I felt the rejection Edie was feeling when she came home. She wanted to be accepted so bad. Have you every felt rejected before ? When Kappy and Edie team up to solve the murder it is a fun and action packed story. Kappy was so welcoming to Edie and I loved how she opened her heart to Edie and make her feel part of the community.

The book is one I found very enjoyable and impossible to put down. Kappy and Edie are an odd combination, but together they make a great team and won’t stop till they find the killer. This is the first book in a series and I’m excited to read the next. Well done Amy. You have once again written a book that grabs readers attention. Kappy, I can’t wait wait to see what you are up to next.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.