Friday, November 15, 2019

About the Book

Book: Essential Oils

Author: Terri Secrest

Genre: Christian Non-fiction, Alternative Therapies

Release Date: October 8, 2019

Have you ever wondered why the wise men brought frankincense and myrrh for the baby Jesus? As a curious and highly enthusiastic child, health and wellness coach Teri Secrest asked everyone she knew and met, but no one could tell her. She grew up thinking it was just a nice little story…but never stopped wondering.
This thirst for knowledge sparked Teri’s twenty-three-year quest to learn about essential oils. It has taken her to the far corners of the world—from Croatia and France to Oman, Israel, and beyond.
Teri has written this book to share the mystery, the romance, and the ageless intrigue of essential oils. She hopes you experience the Father’s love as He continually lavishes His children with these exquisite oils and you feel this rich, biblical history come alive in your spirit. Teri wants you to see how miraculous your body is and how it’s designed to heal itself when given proper nourishment and support.
Essential Oils: God’s Extravagant Provision for Your Health offers practical how-to’s that you can use immediately, including the use of oils for romance, balancing hormones, cooking, cleaning, pets, children, and fragrance, as well as health concerns such as stress, negative emotions, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and anxiety. You will find practical guidance to regain and maintain health naturally.
As you gain this understanding, Teri believes you will change the next generation as you discover the hidden secrets of these biblical plants and how to incorporate them into your everyday life.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Teri Secrest is a health and wellness expert whose passion is to teach simple and proven methods for vibrant health to people around the world. That passion is rooted in her early experiences of learning about whole foods and herbs in her family’s organic garden and her mother’s passion for good food as the owner of a French cooking school. These early lessons guided Teri to a healthy path for herself and her own family, yet it was her first astonishing experience with essential oils as a young mother that ignited her lifelong passion for learning, practicing, and teaching people to take hold of God’s extravagant provision for their health.
Teri has traveled around the world to learn from leading experts about the beneficial uses of essential oils, research the promises and properties of each essential oil, and develop a deep working knowledge of their applications for daily health and wellness.
Teri loves to share the simple, practical principles that will help you live in vibrant health through her international keynote speeches, training programs, and best-selling books. She is a sought-after speaker who delivers her message of vibrant health with such enthusiasm, humor, and joy that she has gained the nickname “Ambassador of Joy” around the world. Connect with Teri at http://terisecrest.com

More from Teri

My purpose in writing this book is to inspire you with the mystery, the romance, and the ageless intrigue of essential oils. My hope is that you experience the Father’s love as He continually lavishes His children with these exquisite essential oils and that this rich biblical history comes alive in your spirit. I also hope you will see how miraculous your body is and how it’s designed to heal itself when given proper nourishment and support.

As you gain this understanding, I believe you will change the next generation, as you will know the hidden secrets of these biblical plants and how to incorporate them into your everyday life.

I am somewhat familiar with this topic but was intrigued to learn more. It amazes me how many oils are available today to help with different problems like headaches, pain and colds. I did like when the author says, " You should always check with your doctor before making any major health decisions." That statement reminds me that this book is another way to look at health and the benefits of oils, but for us to be smart in deciding what is best for us. A good example is if you break a limb, you should go get it looked at. I think this book helped me not to be so close minded and look over the facts .

The book is beautifully illustrated with pictures that pop off the pages. Everything is described in details and offers an array of oils that can be helpful. I am the type of person that is a bit wary of new things. If someone tells me to try something I am hesitant to jump in right away. The book helps me to examine what the benefits are of oils and how to use them.

The author fills the pages with different oils and scents and gives examples of how to use them. I liked the bible references and how they tie oils to everyday life. Have we missed what God has put before us as healing oils? That is a question I kept asking myself throughout the book. Native Americans used plants and oils to cure sickness without medicine that is commonly used today. Essential Oils are beginning to prove helpful and more people are turning to oils as a way to overcome colds, stress and depression.

The chapter on "How to Select a Brand " was very helpful to me. I am lost when it comes to this subject and appreciated the insight the author gave. Just like most products there are many to choose from. The author breaks down what different oils are used for and how much should be taken. I enjoyed learning more about the subject and have decided to try a few that were mentioned in the book.

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

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, November 6

A Diva’s Heart, November 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 7

Moments, November 8

Quiet Workings, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9

Emily Yager, November 9

Artistic Nobody, November 10

For Him and My Family, November 10

empowermoms, November 11

Stories By Gina , November 11

Vicky Sluiter, November 12

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 12

For the Love of Literature, November 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14

Splashes of Joy, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 15

janicesbookreviews, November 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 16

Betti Mace, November 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 17

A Reader’s Brain, November 18

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 18

Inklings and notions, November 19

Livin’ Lit, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Teri is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of her book and $20 Starbucks gift card!!

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/f024/essential-oils-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 14, 2019

SNOWFLAKE SWEETHEARTS by CARRIE TURANSKY

The setting is perfect as the holidays draw near with hopes of new adventures and healing from the past. Annie is a wonderful character who has dreams of starting her own business. I loved how much she desired to make it on her own and provide for her darling daughter Emma.

Coming back to Fairhaven, Washington gives Annie hope of being successful, but things change when an unexpected emergency sends her to face with someone she hoped to avoid.
I liked how Annie helped a dear friend in her time of need and put her own dream aside. Irene is a delightful addition to the story and I could picture her as a grandmother who loves life and wants to help others. She is full of wisdom and love for God.

Alex is high strung at times and seems to take on the world. He is torn between his job and finding the right person to help care for his grandmother, Irene. I did want to tell Alex to take a deep breath and ensure him that God has everything under control. The author does a great job of putting Alex and Annie back in each other’s lives. Their relationship will have bumps along the way and a journey to find peace and love.

The story is filled with wonderful examples of God’s word that leaves Alex thinking about his life. Has he become so consumed with success that he forgot about what is really important? I loved how the author showed two people struggling with their feelings with each other while trying not to be selfish. The faith element is eloquently woven throughout the story with an emphasis on listening to His direction. This is a wonderful Christmas story that reminds us of what is important; faith, family trust and freedom from past hurts.

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

About the Book

Book: The Freedom Challenge

Author: Dawn Scott Damon

Genre: Christian Living, Women’s Interest, Personal Growth, Devtional

Release Date: March 22, 2019

FreedomChallenge_frontcover_FinalRevision

Be free from toxic mindsets, destructive patterns of behavior, and lies that keep you bound.

The truth behind seven little words changed Dawn Scott Damon’s life when she heard a man from a small country church sing “I am who He says I am!” Her life was transformed as she began to believe what God’s Word says about who she is in Christ, and she started her journey out of betrayal, abandonment, and deception.

She shares compelling truths in a sixty-day interactive Bible study that identifies and confronts eight cords that keep many believers bound. These practical and powerful biblical tools are designed to give you a new mindset, a fresh beginning, and a clear direction for a positive future.

Take the Freedom Challenge and become an active participant in your own emotional and spiritual transformation. Through a guided, intentional, and interactive daily process of putting God’s Word into practice, the strongholds of destructive and bondage-making behavior in your life can be broken. Choose to take that first step to live free from deceptive self-talk, fear, depression, toxic mindsets, and debilitating lies, among others.

Thought-provoking questions, journaling space, confessions, and affirmations are included to help guide you toward freedom.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dawn Scott Damon is an award-winning author, speaker, singer/songwriter, and “freedom coach.” An ordained minister with the Wesleyan Church, Dawn is the lead pastor of Tribes, a multicultural church in Rockford, MI, ministering to every generation. The founder of FreedomGirl Sisterhood conference and radio broadcast, she blogs at freedomgirlsisterhood.com. Dawn and her husband, Paul, have five children between them and eleven grandchildren. They live in the Rockford area.

More from Dawn

As a little girl, I can remember singing in church with all my heart “Blessed Be the Ties That Bind.” Those ties that bind our hearts to one-another in love and to Jesus himself, are indeed blessed. But what about ties that aren’t blessed?

Hi I’m Dawn and I’m super glad you stopped by today!

I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. At 19 years old, I became a wife and very soon after, a mother. After years of abuse, I was also a victim of rage and bitterness. The childhood sexual trauma was over, but the abuse aftermath—anger, pain, and depression—continued to destroy me. The cords of unwanted bondage choked joy and life out of me.

Today, I live fierce and free and serve as a freedom-coach to help others do the same. I’ve been on a journey for over 25 years, seeking God’s freedom through his truth and learning how to empower others to do the same. The Freedom Challenge: 60-Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, is the map God gave me to find my way out of bondage, and now I’m sharing it with you! I pray you will also experience God’s glorious deliverance.

And now some fun facts about me:

I have a wonderful husband named Paul. Together we pastor a church called Tribes—but here’s the deal, he’s the “Pastor’s Spouse,” not me.

I am a grandma of 11! It’s the awesomest—a word I use to describe it! I especially like what my grandson Colton calls me…Jam’ma.

I love animals—all kinds—and I’ve determined there are absolutely no germs in dog kisses.

I also have to admit, I adore anything that glitters or sparkles and someday hope to have a bling store.

Lastly, I love Jesus and I still sing my heart out in church!

I enjoyed the book and how transparent the author is about her past. I remember growing up hearing, "Oh you are the preacher's kid, or you are related to the boys that always get in trouble." I felt like that was my identity. I never heard , " You are smart, beautiful or even that you are fun to be around." I liked when the author says , " The truest thing about you and me is that we are who God says we are!" God sees us as His children blessed and prospering. Labels are everywhere and people come to be identified as such. It is time to stop that thinking and grasp who we are which is accepted and loved.

The author has broken down each day into topics that help us grow emotionally and spiritually . We don't have to be stuck thinking no one likes us and trying to please everyone. We have been accepted by God and we need to live in that truth. The scriptures throughout the study are very timely and reinforce the subjects. It is a very encouraging book and one that should not be rushed. I loved how the examples the author uses really helps readers to understand that we are not alone in our struggles. Many of us have negative thoughts, but as you read the book you can begin to distance yourself from the things that have kept you bound up in lies.

In this book each chapter builds on the next which encouraged me to look at myself in a different way. Insecurity plays a big role in many lives. We feel less than others and tend to shrink into the background so we won't be rejected. The book emphasizes that we don't have to feel this way anymore. Embrace who we are in Christ and let Him set you free from negative thoughts.

The book is set for sixty days and gives encouragement, God's wisdom and a life that we can enjoy without the enemy whispering negative thoughts to us. This book goes on my bookshelf to use over and over again . It is a tool that will help me when I struggle in areas and remind me of how much God loves me.

"The kind of love God wants us to demonstrate is more than a feeling; it's a choice."

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 4

Spoken from the Heart, November 5

Genesis 5020, November 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

Godly Book Reviews, November 7

CarpeDiem, November 8

Moments, November 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 10

For Him and My Family, November 10

Older & Smarter?, November 11

Empowermoms, November 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

Mary Hake, November 14

janicesbookreviews, November 15

A Reader’s Brain, November 16

Inklings and notions, November 17

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/edeb/the-freedom-challenge-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

About the Book

Book: Deadly Christmas Pretense

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance

Release Date: November 4, 2019

A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!

It's a high stakes adventure in this fast paced story filled with intrigue. I have always been fascinated by twins whether they be fraternal or identical. They sense what the other is feeling or thinking. In this story we meet Maggie and Tammy who are fraternal twins. Maggie finds herself in a dangerous cat and mouse game as she tries to help her sister out. Will pretending to be Tammy cause Maggie's life to be in danger? Maggie is a very smart character who is a bit leery of her ex- boyfriend. Why is Liam so insistent in helping Maggie?

The chemistry between Maggie and Liam was interesting to read. I wasn't sure if I trusted Liam and wanted him to prove what his true motives were. Liam's relationship with his dad was written with a peek into his soul. You can feel the pain of abandonment and the need for his dad's love. It helped me to understand Liam more and see how much he wanted to be accepted by Maggie. He has this desire to save the world and keep people safe. The more I read about him, the more vulnerable he became. Even the strongest person can have feelings of rejection. Liam has been good about hiding those feelings but how long can he keep it hidden?

I love how the author takes characters and exposes them so we can understand their thoughts and emotions. Maggie's need to protect her sister stems from something that happened when they were seventeen. I almost think Maggie feels guilty for surviving back then and it has haunted her all these years. The story is intense at times and filled with unexpected twists.

The quest to find the jewelry that someone is willing to kill for is a race that have characters scrambling for their lives. I enjoyed Jingles the dog and thought he was a great addition to the story. Jingles becomes part of a heart pounding rescue when Maggie's life is hanging by a thread. Get ready for an ending that will have you on the edge of your seat.

"Sometimes you have to take risks to protect what's important."

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