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.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, November 11

The Avid Reader, November 11

Bigreadersite, November 11

Among the Reads, November 12

Wishful Endings, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Britt Reads Fiction, November 13

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 14

Maureen’s Musings, November 14

Quiet Quilter, November 15

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 16

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, November 17

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 17

Bibliophile Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 19

Mary Hake, November 19

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, November 20

Just the Write Escape, November 20

Moments, November 21

Bukwurmzzz, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Janices book reviews, November 23

Carpe Diem, November 24

A Baker’s Perspective, November 24

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away

Grand prize of $25 Amazon gift card

1st place: Paperback copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings

2-4th place: eBook copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings!!

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/d8a0/love-s-christmas-blessing-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

AMISH CHRISTMAS MEMORIES by VANNETTA CHAPMAN

What a lovely story to start the holidays off with. Rachel is a complicated character because she has lost her memory. I can't imagine how cold and scared she was laying on the side of the road. When she is found by Caleb, I could just imagine the startled look on his face. It isn't everyday he finds a young Amish woman laying in the snow.

I loved following Rachel as she tried to remember who she was and where her family was. Can you think of a time when you forgot where your keys were and you were late for an appointment? That feeling of panic as you look around for them is nothing compared to what Rachel is going through. It was nice for Caleb's family to take her in and care for her. There were times when Caleb seemed to be upset that Rachel was there. I think maybe he didn't trust her.

The author writes a very realistic story and I liked that she didn't have Caleb immediately like Rachel. It made the story interesting to read how they had to learn to trust each other. Caleb is a man who likes things in their place, and no bumps in the road. Rachel may have upset his comfortable life, but there must be a reason he was the one who found her.

The story moves at a good pace and there are a few laughs when Rachel tries to find work. I don't know how to sew, cut fabric or other things she tried to do. I have to say thanks for allowing Rachel's favorite ice cream to be peppermint, which is my favorite. I admired her for trying to find a job in hopes she would remember who she was. The compassion the town had for her was so nice and if I ever get lost, I pray I am found by someone like Caleb or his parents. I won's say anymore about the story because it is one you need to experience for yourself. The lesson in the book is a wonderful reminder about us never being lost. We may feel lost, but God is always there to lead us to safety. The other lesson I liked was about trusting. Rachel needed to trust that God was taking care of her when Caleb found her. Memories we each have are part of our life. When we forget them, it can be a bit unsettling. As Rachel worked through trying to remember things, I found that Caleb was also remembering things from his past. The most important thing I got from this story was how God reminds us of memories that we sometimes forget. They pop up at just the right time to bring peace and comfort. Our home is where we feel safe and our home is where God is always at.

"Home is where you belong. It may not be where you always stay, but it's the place that fits-like an old shoe . It's why we keep returning to it over and again, no matter how old we become or how far away we move."

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

The Unannounced Christmas Visitor FB Banner copy

About the Book

Book: The Unannounced Christmas Visitor

Author: Patrick Higgins

Genre: Christian fiction/Christmas

Release Date: November 18, 2014

What if angels really did come from the most unlikely of places? That’s exactly what happens in this heartwarming story, set in a homeless community in Anywhere USA. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control

Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed! 2016 IPA (INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER AWARDS) GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Patrick Higgins is the author of “The Pelican Trees”, “Coffee In Manila”, the award-winning “The Unannounced Christmas Visitor”, and the award-winning prophetic end times series, “Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye.”

Guest Post from Patrick

Why I wrote the book: Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed!

The story is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I know we have all seen homeless people and probably looked the other way. What would happen if a homeless person came to your church one Sunday? Would they be welcomed or shunned liked Enoch was? I wasn't shocked at all by the reaction from the congregation. It is sad but true that we sometimes miss our opportunity to reach out and be His hands and feet.

I loved Enoch and his wisdom. He may be an angel sent from God, but to me He was an answer to prayer for Lydia and John. Lydia was a joy to read about and I loved her heart to reach out to Enoch. Taking her children with her to feed the homeless was an eye opener to them. The lesson was good to show them that all they really wanted was for someone to care. I liked the message in the book but at times I felt it almost predictable. It became very preachy at times and turned into days of sermons and less about saving a marriage.

I'm not sure I would be so willing to bring a stranger into my house especially with young children, so that part of the story took me by surprise. I understand what the author is trying to get across to readers. We never know who we may encounter in our lives. We should always be kind and do what we can to reach the homeless, the hurting and the unwanted. I have heard people say " I'm not giving them money cause they will just use it to buy drugs or alcohol." God wants us to help not judge. We give money in hopes they will use it for clothes and food. But if they chose not to, it's between them and God.

There were a few things I didn't like such as how willing Lydia was to bring strangers to her home, and the almost forgotten part of the trouble in their marriage. The story focused on John and what he needed to change. But, in a marriage it takes two people. I wanted the author to show how Lydia needed to work on herself as well. The story has a good message of salvation and how we can entertain angels without realizing it.

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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 10

Lighthouse Academy, November 10

The Power of Words, November 11

Christian Centered book Reviews, November 11

Genesis 5020, November 12

Bogging With Carol, November 12

God’s Little Bookworm, November 13

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 13

Girls in White Dresses, November 14

Moments, November 14

Mary Hake, November 15