Saturday, October 17, 2020

About the Book

Book: Taming the Dragons

Author: Brenda Wilbee

Genre: Christian Living / Women’s Interests

Release Date: May 12, 2020

Are you overwhelmed, in despair, heartsick, or in danger? Not sure which way to turn? Whom to trust? Once upon a time . . . the raging dragon . . . a damsel in distress. It worked out well in our fairy tales, but what about real life?

In this highly creative approach to problems all women face today and in varying degrees throughout their lives, Wilbee identifies six choices women have when beleaguered by conflict and challenge. She partners six biblical women with characters from The Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other stories and tales, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how these choices empower women in difficult times, moving them from want to abundance—for themselves and others.

Beginning with Eve the Innocent, Wilbee asserts that while some of us might want to go back to the garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, no one can. It’s only by making choices to tame our dragons—and by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of our inner journeys—that we can, and do, find the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus promises us all.

Each chapter concludes with a motivational section that includes journaling pages, “Something to Ponder,” and prayers for courage and hope.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I like the unique way the author wrote this book. My favorite movie of all time is The Wizard of Oz. I watched that movie every time it came on. The author intrigued me and I had to see how she would incorporate this iconic movie into a book. She also uses fairytales to get her point across about the dragons in our lives. I did like the references to several women from the Bible who stood up and took the battlefield in spiritual warfare. It is not taught a lot in some churches and I have to wonder why these women are not studied more.

Each chapter is straight forward and uses examples to help readers understand the author’s points . I liked the part about how we each have choices. Eve had a choice to eat the forbidden fruit or turn away from it. In her choice she opened the door to evil . Temptation is hard to fight sometimes , but if we allow ourselves to listen to God’s voice, He will direct our path.

In one of the first few chapters the author talks about the Innocent. I found this one chapter to be very profound. We can choose to stay as a victim or fight the dragon and become stronger. Our journey may be difficult but as we fight the dragons in our lives, we are able to overcome that which the enemy meant for harm. Just like Dorothy we have to make a choice whether to follow good or evil.

Each chapter is geared toward helping us understand how to conquer our dragons by God’s truth. I liked how the author used several people from the Bible to show us how they went through tough times. Several women in the Bible were rejected, abused or forgotten about. In those moments they knew they were not alone. Jesus was there just like He is for us as we face difficulties in our lives. Reading the different examples the author uses, I felt more empowered and able to stand up against the evils of this world. I appreciate the personal stories the author used and helped me to see how spending time in the Word and having a deep relationship with God can help us over the dragons if this world.

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

About the Author

Brenda Wilbee is passionate about helping women in their everyday lives. The author of over 10 books with more than 700,000 copies sold, Brenda is a long-time contributor to Guidepost’s Daily Devotionals. Her work appears in Zondervan’s Women’s Devotional Bible, Inside Religious Publishing, and Guidepost’s Best Loved Stories. She holds an MA in professional writing, with an emphasis on myth, fairy tale, and folklore. She divides her time between the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and the Canadian Yukon.

More from Brenda

Author Brenda Wilbee wrote Taming the Dragons to help Christian women understand that they have choices when up against conflict and challenge. In this highly creative approach, she partners six biblical women with the characters from Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other fairy tales and stories, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how choice empowers women to tame the many dragons they face. She contends that by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of learning choice, women find inner healing and restoration.

She begins with Eve the Innocent, asserting that even though we might like to go back to a garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, we can’t. But by making choices to tame the dragons we encounter as either Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, or Wizard, we can, and we do, return to the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus, in John 10:10, tells us is ours.

Each chapter begins and ends with narrative to first explain a choice and to then offer the caveat. An Orphan asks for help, but by doing so she learns self-reliance. A Warrior fights to save herself and those she loves but has to be careful lest she become like her enemy. Each chapter concludes with journaling pages for personal thought, a study guide with Scripture to consider, and questions to ponder.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Emily Yager, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

Spoken from the Heart, October 21

deb’s Book Review, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Pause for Tales, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Brenda is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $25 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/10259/taming-the-dragons-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 16, 2020

light mountain-banner

About the Author

Book: Light in the Mountain Sky

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 29 , 2020

Light in the Mountain Sky (1) This epic journey may seal her fate forever.

Determined to prove her worth, Meksem fiercely fought to earn her place among the warriors in her Nez Perce camp. When her half-sister is captured by an enemy tribe, she refuses to trust the rescue to anyone else. But her new friends insist on joining her mission, and she battles between relief and frustration at their presence. Especially the white man who peers at her as if he can see through the face of the warrior she struggles so hard to maintain.

Spaniard Adam Vargas thrives on adventure wherever his travels take him. He’s fallen in love with this Rocky Mountain wilderness, as well as the spotted horses the Nez Perce tribe raise. His fascination with this Indian maiden-turned-warrior catches him off guard though, including the way she seems to be fighting for more than her sister’s safe return.

The journey proves more perilous than any of the group expects, and the secret Meksem hides becomes impossible to conceal. If they live through this mission, the life they knew will never be the same again.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This story is rich in historical facts while giving readers a glimpse into a treacherous journey. I loved how the author let us get to know details of horses in a way that made me appreciate them more. I have several friends who have horses and every time I am around them, I think how majestic and powerful they are. In this time period horses were very important as a means of travel. The author does an excellent job of helping readers visualize the land and how dangerous it can be.

I could feel a chill sweep over me as Meksem led a group to find her half-sister. I loved Meksem and how fearless she was. She was out to prove that she was a warrior like others in her Nez Perce camp. I enjoyed learning more about Meksem and her people. The journey is long and with a new friend to help her, maybe Meksam will be able to rescue those who were kidnapped. She dies have a little insecurity that will hold her back until she allows God to show her how strong she is.

Adam is overwhelmed with the gift of a beautiful horse from Meksem. She gives something very valuable to attain the horse. I was a bit surprised that she would give away a treasured heirloom but her intentions are very honorable. I worried about him when he is injured in a horse accident. He is very gentle and patient with his new horse, even when he is thrown off. His character is very like able and his attraction to Meksem is evident.

The journey takes us through very cold and dangerous weather that at times slows them down. There are moments where the group face uncertainty as they encounter strangers who could be a threat to them. I loved following along as they get closer to their destination.

I loved how Meksem finds a relationship with God and learns to trust Him. Her faith will be tested in this story that spans over land and living conditions that can be harsh at times. Once again the author has written a beautiful story with characters you become invested in. I can’t wait fir the next book in this series.

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

About the Author

Misty M. Beller photo (1) Misty M. Beller is a USA Todaybestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

More from Misty

Early Nez Perce Business Women

As I’ve been researching for my current Call of the Rockies series, I’ve had the pleasure of diving deep into the culture of the Nez Perce tribe. I found it interesting that one of the primary food sources of The People (as they called themselves) was camas roots.

But what really drew my notice was how the women would cultivate entire fields of camas root, store what they needed for their family through the winter, then use the extras for bartering. Some savvy women would become quite wealthy from their business dealings!

The bulbs of the camas plant are full of calories and nutrients, and each fall, Nez Perce families would travel to their particular camas meadow (a section of land whose camas rights had probably been passed down from generation to generation within their family). Many of these meadows were located near present-day Weippe, Moscow or Grangeville, where the onion-shaped bulbs grew thickly.

Women used pointed wooden tools to harvest the bulbs, and could often gather over 50 pounds a day, satisfying their full winter’s supply within just a few days.

Native American peoples who ate camas include the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), Cree, Coast Salish, Kalapuya, and Blackfoot, and Yakama, among many others. Not all of these people groups harvested camas themselves. Instead, many relied on trade in order to procure it. Trade networks were established all the way from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean, and a shrewd businesswoman who tended her camas meadows well could provide everything her family needed and more!

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 13

A Baker’s Perspective, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 14

Blessed & Bookish, October 15

Connect in Fiction, October 15

lakesidelivingsite, October 15

For the Love of Literature, October 16

Betti Mace, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 17

Inklings and notions, October 18

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 18

jeanette’s Thoughts, October 18

Older & Smarter?, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 19

For Him and My Family, October 20

Mary Hake, October 20

She Lives To Read, October 21

Writing from the Heart Land, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, October 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blossoms and Blessings, October 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 24

reviewingbooksplusmore, October 24

Bizwings Blog, October 24

Connie’s History Classroom, October 25

Book Love, October 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 26

Bigreadersite, October 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/101f7/light-in-the-mountain-sky-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 15, 2020

About the Book

Book: Glorious Mess

Author: Mary McCullough

Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Biblical Studies

Release Date: March 10, 2020

A woman struggles with a messy home situation, brokenness, rejection, and shame.

Know a woman like this?

Are you a woman like this?

Hannah, a powerful biblical example, was just such a woman. Through her life women can glean answers for their own life problems. Hannah didn’t stay in her grief and pain. She came to the end of her own striving and poured out her heart to the Lord—who answered her prayer.

Experience God’s love and healing in your own “messy” situations as you explore Hannah’s heartbreak and struggles in a Bible study just for women who don’t have it all together. This interactive six-week daily Bible study will help you pray transparently, praise wholeheartedly, and break off the shackles of spiritual barrenness, the need for approval, and perfectionism.

Hannah’s story will empower you to rise from your ashes, leave your messes in God’s hands, and live in service to the King of kings.

Wounds you thought would never heal will become scars that no longer hurt but remind you of the journey from broken to beautiful. As you wait, healing will come. Your soul will find rest even when the situation doesn’t change.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this Bible study and learning facts about Hannah. The author does a good job of exploring who Hannah is while encouraging readers that each of us are special. The chapters are short but have a discussion questions and prayer at the end to tie into the chapter.

Starting day three was eye opening as we see where Hannah has gotten herself in a big mess. I liked how the author points out that “God chose flawed, normal, everyday people just like you and me to tell His story.” We are not perfect and I like how Hannah’s story reminds us that God loves us unconditionally. Hannah endured pain and cruel treatment by a certain woman. Are you guilty of causing pain to someone by your harsh words? I have never been comfortable around a group of women. I always feel like I’m being judged so I tend to be alone in a crowd.

This is a six week study that I found to really help me become more confident. Oh I have a long road ahead of me, but reading this study has started me on my journey. My time spent with God has become increasingly more intimate as I learn to listen to Him and read His Word. Week 4 of the study is one of my favorites. Here we see Hannah crying out to God. Her tears streamed down her face and right there is where the author really knew Hannah. Hannah is just like us who hurt and feel alone. We cry tears mostly in secret and want so bad to be accepted.

I encourage readers to write notes, spend time doing the study and allow yourself to surrender everything to Him. Hannah's story is heartbreaking at times but as she learns to trust God, she is able to be stronger . I loved this , “continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord and with others- and that, like Hannah, you will share your story of how God is taking you from broken to bold and beautiful.”

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

About the Author

Mary McCullough worked as an elementary school teacher for twenty-three years and is now an assistant elementary principal and building administrator. The co-founder of God First Friends, a ministry that helps women flourish as disciples of Christ, she is a longtime Bible study and Sunday school teacher for children and adults. She and her husband have been married for thirty-two years and have four adult children and three grandchildren. They live in Decatur, Indiana. Glorious Mess is her debut book.

More from Mary

Glorious Mess is the Biblical study of Hannah. As a perfectionist and control-freak, I had a neat and tidy life. That is until everything fell apart, and I found myself crying out to God for healing when life got out of control in so many areas. The more my world spun out of control, the more I identified with Hannah. She taught me about authenticity, grace, and perseverance. Her rival, Peninnah, taught me how to handle mean-spirited people and brought my own flaws to the surface so God could deal with them.

Year after year, I cried out for the healing I so desperately wanted at the foot of the cross. Mistreatment from others, the pain of watching others hurt, and my own weaknesses led me back to Hannah’s story time and again. It was Hannah’s journey from broken to bold and beautiful that kept me going. I wanted her confidence in the Lord. I wanted to stand up from my pain and never look back again on the pain but to know the God she knew. Some may think pain is in vain, but the Lord never wastes anything if we allow him to use it. I have learned of his kindness, faithfulness, and goodness beyond understanding. I’ve learned what it is like to be broken, and now I know what it means to be whole.

It is my prayer that each individual who goes through this study will be changed for eternal glory!

I’ve learned that your messes don’t define you, but they will refine you if you will lay them at the foot of the cross.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Captive Dreams Window, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Rebecca Tews, October 17

For Him and My Family, October 18

Inklings and notions, October 19

deb’s Book Review, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Remembrancy, October 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 23

Mary Hake, October 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 24

Artistic Nobody, October 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Godly Book Reviews, October 25

Splashes of Joy, October 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the book!!

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/101f8/glorious-mess-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Courage to thrive banner

About the Book

Book: Courage to Thrive

Author: Robert D. Flanagan

Genre: Christian Living, Depression & Anxiety

Release Date: June 30, 2020

CourageToThrive_Front (1) When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move. When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles. Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan knows all about that—he’s spent two decades combatting mental illness head on.

In his first-person spiritual journal Courage to Thrive, Flanagan takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers—whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life—are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they too can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them.

Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies. Join Flanagan on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

God knows just what we need and is always on time. This book is just what I needed right now. I encourage you to read the Introduction because it shares a personal account of the author’s struggles. Yes I always read Introductions because I know there will be something to speak to me in those pages. I did enjoy reading the book and am taking his advice about not rushing through the book. I intend to reread the book slowly over the next several weeks to absorb God’s wisdom and grace.

Society thinks of mental illness as something that defines you as crazy. In this book the author shattered that misconception with honesty, transparency and God’s love. I never thought of myself as courageous, but the author showed how just getting out of bed is courageous. People with anxiety, depression and other disorders struggle daily trying to feel normal. The author explains panic attacks perfectly. The heart races, your brain is telling you awful things are happening to you and you feel the need to run as far as you can. It is a battle with your mind that can cause you to feel helpless.

I understand what it means to feel unworthy or unimportant. The author touches on this and guides readers to what God see us as. Turning our struggles over to God is the answer. I liked the prayers at the end of each chapter as well as the questions. Each chapter is direct and guides you to seek help when needed. It’s okay to share with someone when you are struggling. That is something I have a hard time with. I feel ashamed that I have this illness and it takes away my happiness.

Everyone has an opinion on if you should take medication for this illness. The author was very transparent on this subject and I want to thank him. The best advice is to seek out a doctor that is knowledgeable in this area and do what is best for you. I especially liked the prayer at the end of this chapter. Don’t let condemnation get you down. Allow God to guide you to the best treatment for your individual struggle.

Each chapter discusses a different subject and I am encouraged by the author. I know I will be spending a lot of time going through this book again. The Biblical stories and scriptures that are included are just what I needed. It helps to know that other people have the same struggles and I don’t need to feel ashamed or alone.

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

About the Author

Flanagan Bio Pic Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan has struggled with mental illness and managed to thrive for over twenty years. He holds a doctorate of ministry degree in Christian Spirituality and is an adjunct faculty member at General Theological Seminary in New York City, teaching on Christian spirituality. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His previous book, Growing a Sustainable Soul, won a bronze medal in the Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest. Bob lives with his wife, Lanie, in Bridgewater, Connecticut. They have two grown children.

More from Robert

Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles is a pioneering and beautiful book that will help people feel better about themselves and their mental health struggles. I smile knowing that readers will feel the love of God and God’s healing mercies by spending time journaling about their own challenges.

As a priest who struggled with suicidal ideation during seminary and anxiety and depression at various times in my live, I feel this book is a way to change the conversation about mental health within the Christian community.

Trivia

I was a top athlete during college.

My favorite type of dog is the Newfoundland. While that is the best dog in the world. I only have a cat right now.

I became a Christian when I was five and remember my baptism.

My wife and I are avid gardeners. We have a big garden that includes sunflowers, potatoes, and many herbs that can be used as medicines. Its based on the English physic gardens that pastors grew in the 1700s.