Friday, January 31, 2020

About the Book

Book: Divine Intentions

Author: Doug K. Reed

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Personal Growth

Release Date: January 7, 2020

Divine Intentions takes readers on a journey of self-discovery through four key concepts: rescued, restored, relabeled, and redirected. Most people, even Christ-followers, are wounded at their core, with soul-level injuries that affect their identity. They may be hurting from past circumstances or feel trapped in their current ones. Basic discipleship sends believers on a journey…but it’s tough to take those steps while you’re hurting. Doug K. Reed offers healing for those who are searching for answers to their identities in Christ while struggling with wounds from the past or present. He shares his own personal story of restoration from pornography, pride, and other issues, helping to lead readers into the light of God’s love.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Doug K. Reed is a full-time writer and speaker who travels to conferences and churches both in the U.S. and internationally. He is the president of Partnership International, a non-profit organization dedicated to completing meaningful projects in some of the world’s poorest environments. Partnership International has hosted thousands of people on short-term mission trips with a goal of sharing the love of God with the neediest among us. In his over thirty years of ministry experience, Doug has also served as a senior pastor and on staff at large churches.

More from Doug

DESIGNED FOR A PURPOSE

Woodworking has been a hobby of mine since childhood. When my wife, Jeanne, and I were engaged, I created a wooden jewelry box for her that she still treasures and uses to this day, thirty years later. Every time she uses it, she’s reminded of how much I love her.

That jewelry box was designed with a speciﬁc purpose in mind. If, God forbid, I ever got mad at her, removed her jewelry, and put my ﬁshing lures in there, the gift that once brought joy would now cause pain. And that jewelry box would make a lousy tackle box because it was not designed for that purpose. My creation would fail to fulﬁll my original intention.

In a similar way, we have been lovingly designed by God for a speciﬁc purpose. We can ﬁll our life with lesser things, but He lovingly designed us to hold the treasure of destiny. He created us with the capacity to fulﬁll all He has planned for us.

Far too many books are written to advanced leaders without considering where the majority of people find themselves. The goal of the book is to meet people where they are. The book dives into their pain and to honestly and authentically address it. My own story is the constant backdrop in the book which adds greatly to its relatability. The combination of storytelling and deep content make this book unique.

The author does a good job of using illustrations to help us understand how much God wants to rescue us from things that turn us away from Him. I grew up as a pastors kid so many people thought I was grounded in the Word. I did have a foundation of God in my life but I was far from being a Christian. There were many times I wanted to give up but something inside me said to keep fighting. We sometimes don't understand that we are slipping away from God until one day we feel all alone. The good news is that He has always been there with His arms opened wide ready to rescue us.

I enjoyed the chapter about forgiveness. The author shares a story about taking his dads' rifle without permission. He brought the rifle home in less than perfect condition and knew he was in big trouble. His father was upset but instead of showing anger, he told his son he forgave him. It may be a simple story but one I found powerful. It illustrates how our Heavenly Father forgives us even when we don't think we deserve it. Forgiveness is something that God wants us to do every time. There is no limit of how many times Jesus forgives us, so we need to do the same for others. I can remember thinking that if this certain person hurts me one more time, I will not forgive them. In fact I will stop talking to them and remove them from my life. What I did was say I was better than God and didn't need to keep forgiving over and over again.

At the end of every chapter are questions to answer which I found helpful while going through the book. They go over what was talked about in the chapter and gives you things to apply to your own life. The author is open about his struggles and shares how God has changed him. The book uses scriptures and stories from the bible to enhance the points the author makes. I enjoyed the book and found it helpful in many ways.

"No matter how far you are from the life that God planned for you, your purpose has not changed."

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Artistic Nobody, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

Inklings and notions, February 4

janicesbookreviews, February 5

Discipling4Life, February 6

For the Love of Literature, February 7

Andrea Christenson, February 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

For Him and My Family, February 10

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 11 (Author Interview)

CarpeDiem, February 12

Mary Hake, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Doug is giving away the grand prize of a $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/f53f/divine-intentions-celebration-tour-giveaway

WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST FOR WITH YOU HERE

PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

Holy Roman Empire, 1527
In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.

Present Day
Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.
As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites

www.instagram.com/sarahmonzonwrites

www.twitter.com/monzonwrites

Link to purchase:

https://amzn.to/2PpFf28

It was very hard for me to want to go back and forth in this time slip story because they were both intriguing. I loved the adventure with Princess Christyne von Heidelraum in the Roman Empire. Her courage was contagious as she set out under a disguise. Would soldiers recognize her as she left the place she felt safe? Her determination to succeed overpowered her. She didn't really think everything through as she stumbled upon an injured man. Now what was she going to do? Was he an enemy or someone she could trust? I chuckled as Christyne without really planning just goes off a mission to save people. The place is in turmoil and I don't think she has figured out what danger she really has placed herself in.

We slip back into present time with Amber Carrington. She is fierce and has a call on her life. She hears God calling her to take her place as a hospital chaplain. Some people she encounters doesn't think she can do the job, but they don't understand how she knows God has called her to this place. She has been stationed in Germany and doubts start swirling around in her head. It is just like the enemy to cause doubt and insecurity when God has called you to help His people.

Both women will face tough decisions, over think things, let doubt and insecurity try to stop them. Christyne will come face to face with death. Is she strong enough to stand for what she believes in even it meant she would die? Can Amber reach these children and help them overcome their pasts that were terrifying. God has chosen both women and He has equipped them. Now they must trust God enough to stand up, not be afraid and put on the Full Armor of God.

The author has written a story that parallels each other with faith, strong secondary characters that play an important role in the two main characters lives and an incredible lesson in standing up for what is right and knowing God has equipped you to win the race.

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

WELCOME TO MISSING MERCY PROMO BLAST PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

The venture ahead could leave their friendship behind.
Made a safe-haven after the Civil War, Ironwood Plantation is a refuge of equality for former slaves.
But twenty years and a new generation later, they have become an isolated community with little
contact with the rest of the world.
Mercy Carpenter is everything the world thinks she shouldn’t be. Educated and adventurous, she
longs to make a life for herself beyond the beautiful prison of Ironwood. When she secretly submits
an article to the Boston Globe under a man’s name and receives an enthusiastic response and an
offer for employment, she’s determined to take advantage of the opportunity. But she isn’t prepared
for a startling world that won’t accept her color or her gender, and her ambitions soon land her in
grave danger.
The privileged daughter of a plantation owner and an aspiring suffragette, Faith Harper is
determined not to marry. Especially not her father’s opportunistic new business partner. She doesn’t
want any man telling her what to do, least of all the annoyingly chivalrous Nolan Watson. But when
Mercy goes missing, Faith will do anything to find her best friend, even if it means trusting a man she
doesn’t understand. In a time where prejudices try to define them, Mercy and Faith must push the
boundaries of their beliefs and trust in the God who holds the keys to freedom.

Award winning author of seven historical novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and
healing set in the Deep South. When she's not twirling around in hoop skirts, reading, or sipping sweet
tea on the front porch, she's a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler.
Stephenia lives in Mississippi with her sons, handsome hubby, three dogs, and one anti-social cat. Visit
her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepheniaHMcGee/
Facebook readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/McGeesFaithfulReaders/
Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee
Instagram: stepheniahmcgee
Link to purchase book:
https://amzn.to/2PgI9Ge

I really enjoyed the story and found Mercy to be a person who has to overcome prejudice to survive. She has wanted to be a journalist and when a newspaper prints one of her stories she is thrilled. They offer her a job and on a whim she takes off to apply for the job in Boston. Mercy and Faith have grown up together and have become best friends. Even though they are different colors that has never stopped them from being friends. I was surprised that Mercy would not tell Faith of her plan to leave and pursue her dream.

The story finds Mercy in trouble as she is shunned by the editor of the paper because she is a woman. I'm sure because she was not white probably had something to do with his rude attitude. The author delivers an exciting journey as Mercy finds herself in danger on the streets late at night. Will someone save her before it is too late? Can she survive on her own?

The book is a time slip story that focuses mostly on the time period in 1887. I was so involved in Mercy and Faith's story, I forgot about the woman who found the journal that was from one of her ancestors. The author does bring us back to the present to tie up the story and gives a great ending. I enjoyed reading how strong both Mercy and Faith are and how important it was for them to have rights just like men had.

The author provides us with a look at the past where prejudice was obvious and two women who were determined to fight for freedom and their friendship. Will Mercy find her dream job? Can Faith rescue her friend before she is lost forever? All these questions will be answered as you go back in time and witness God's protection, friendship and wonderful characters.

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

About the Book

Book: Beyond Second Chances

Author: Shirley Quiring Mozena

Genre: Christian, Religion, Christian Life, Inspirational

Release Date: August 31, 2015

A woman who knows grief and loss after the death of her second husband, is jilted just before an ill-advised remarriage, yet retains her trust in a loving God. Shirley Quiring Mozena leans on her relationship with her faithful God while experiencing the pangs of loneliness and regret. Weaving in her family’s backstory, she tells of a shy pastor’s daughter who through dramatic life experiences learned a deep trust in God’s faithfulness in all circumstances. When a new man in her life appears, can Shirley trust his love? One woman’s story of love triumphing over loss will strengthen and inspire.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

World traveler, Shirley Quiring Mozena is happy hiking a trail, sitting by the fire reading a good book, or having a cup of coffee with a friend. She loves adventure and is ready to go at a moments notice. Shirley has shared her story throughout the country, and is a retired music teacher and librarian. She enjoys entertaining with her husband in their home with a good meal and scintillating conversation.

Shirley has experienced the greatest test of her faith through the death of her two husbands. Together, she and her husband, Jim, work with others who have lost loved ones through death.

Shirley would be happy to hear from you at her website: www.shirleymozena.com

More from Shirley

Can you find love again on a couples matching site? Yes. And no. In my first book, Second Chances, I share how I found love and married second time on a matching site. Seventeen months after our marriage, my husband died. I didn’t think I’d ever love again, but after time, explored the same website only to be crushed with disappointment. My dreams were destroyed. As a result, I learned to fully surrender to God and be contented in whatever state I was in—married or single. This book continues my story and ends in joy! Find out what happens in this second book. God blesses us Beyond Second Chances. Read my story and be encouraged.

I remember reading the authors first book and thinking how passionate she writes. This book is even better with a candid look at finding love after a loss. Her life is nothing short of a journey through grief, happiness and faith. The death of a spouse would be devastating and the author shares how her life changed after that great loss.

She never lacked for challenges which pushed her to her limits at times. What was she thinking as she did extreme outdoor sports? I learned how much she loved life and how much she trusted God. He was always close as she lost a loved one and wrapped His arms around her as she picked herself up and started over. I really enjoyed the pictures she shares and allows us to get to know her family. The part about the loss of a child was heartbreaking and I cried with her as she allowed God to help her let go of her pain.

Her story was an encouragement to me because I have experienced loss last year. It wasn't a spouse but a brother who I miss every day. Reading this book showed me that grief is hard, but God is there to wipe our tears away. I loved that she found love again and how much she adored her new husband. When she mentioned Grief Share I immediately knew what she was talking about. I attended one of their groups and found it very helpful. I don't think I was quite ready to put my whole heart into the class so I have decided to attend another group in February.

We each go through difficult times and while reading this book I thanked God for always being there for me. The author is an inspiration to me as she shared her struggles and past. This would be an excellent book for a grief group or bible study to show how God is there with us during our darkest moments and rejoices with us in our triumphs.

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

Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

My Devotional Thoughts, January 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

janicesbookreviews, February 1

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 2 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, February 3

Blossoms and Blessings, February 4

Andrea Christenson, February 5 (Author Interview)

Quiet Quilter, February 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 9

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shirley is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and a copy of Second Chances!!

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/f532/beyond-second-chances-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hannah’s Courage

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 28, 2020

5-30-3019 Hannah's Courage FROM Kensington

A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow . . .

Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.

No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s Amish Historical Romance books have been featured on Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Ten Recommended Reads, in USA Today’s HEA, Romantic Times and many other media sites. She’s tours and speaks for Stonecroft Ministries – Women’s Christian Connection, and about Amish history/traditions, writing, marketing, publishing, and her books. She loves God, her family, and friends. She enjoys swimming, golf, reading, and says yes to butterscotch pie and parasailing, but no to coconut and skydiving! Visit http://www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of her books and speaking events.

More from Molly

I related to Hannah in this book where I had to find the courage to make some hard decisions. Maybe you’ve had some hard choices to make and finding the courage to follow through has been difficult for you.

Have you had a bad day where nothing goes right? We’ve all had those. Hannah’s has many days like this, and she is torn about what to do from one problem to the next in her life. She makes some snap decisions, and faces life-altering challenges. You’ll laugh and want to stomp your feet at the twists and turns in this story. She’s good at giving her friends advice, but has trouble following it. I can relate to this in my life at times. Maybe you can too.

The Sheriff and Dr. Harrison are still regular customers at the bakery where she whips up mouth-watering desserts. She and her friends cry, laugh, and offer each other advice. I love time with girlfriends, and Hannah’s no different. You’ll relate to her, root for her, want to reach in the book and shake her at times (I’m sure my friends have wanted to do this with me a time or two!), and wonder how what the future holds for her.

I hope you’ll follow my blog tour and enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize at the end of the tour. The more you enter, the more chances you have of winning!

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Your Facebook comments help me to get to know you better, and I appreciate it so much!

Here’s a recipe Hannah’s whipped up for you. And there are more in the back of Hannah’s story.

Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 ¾ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoonnutmeg
½ teaspoonsalt
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
½ cupbrown sugar
3eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
3large apples, peeled and cut into large pieced

Glaze

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
¼ teaspoonvanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 pan with butter and coat with 2 tablespoons of flour
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Sift two additional times and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil and both sugars, and mix until well blended.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla and mix again.
Add the sifted dry ingredients to the batter and mix thoroughly. By hand, fold in apples and walnuts and mix until evenly combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove cake from the oven and allow to cool in the bundt pan for 20 minutes.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine all of the glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil and allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute.
Remove the cake from the pan, onto a serving plate. Spoon the glaze over the warm cake.
Cool for a little longer before serving.

I have read many books from this author and have enjoyed each one. This story is special because the author has achieved something that at times is hard to accomplish. She has written a story that flows easily, develops her characters in a way that you connect with them and shares a message of God's love in a way that fills you with peace. I am disappointed that the story is over because I wanted to continue visiting with Hannah and Timothy. I am hoping that the author will continue the series with one of the characters from the bakery.

Hannah and Timothy have been dear friends forever and it has come to a point where they each have deeper feeling for each other. I loved how the author shared how much of a gentleman Timothy is. He is committed to his faith and the Amish ways. I learned some new things about the Amish which delighted me. I knew that the Bishop has to approve things but I didn't know you had to ask permission to attend an English wedding.

Hannah is sweet and hard working. She loves to bake and loves her time working with her friends at the bakery. I want to visit an Amish bakery sometime and sample everything. It was interesting to read how much work they do to supply bakery items for sale. I would not want to get up early in the morning to start baking.

The story is a romance but so much more. Have you ever regretted not telling someone how you feel? Hannah will learn a hard lesson when she waits to long to share her feelings for Timothy. I loved the addition of Charlene and it did give Hannah a little shock that Timothy could have feelings for someone else. Charlene is not the most pleasant person to be around and is very pushy. I know she was mean but my heart went out to her. She wanted someone to love her and was willing to lie and say hurtful things to get her way.

It will take a journey for Hannah to realize what really makes her happy. Her patience with Timothy's brother is such a beautiful testimony to how selfless Hannah is. Aaron really has come a long way in school since Hannah has devoted her time to teach him one on one. There is so many wonderful parts of the story that I want to share, but I can't spoil any surprises. If you are looking for a story about family and a lesson on courage this is the perfect book to read. The author includes a bit of history about motorcars and other inventions that make the story realistic. Come join Hannah, Timothy and the town as we find love, laughter, friendship and courage to trust God in all things.

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