Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Blog award!


I am honored to have received this award from Abbi at Christian Novels. Thank you Abbi! She is a super sweet girl, and I highly recommend you check out her blog!

The Rules:
  1. This award is for book bloggers only. To receive this award the blogger's blog must be 50% about books (this includes writing blogs or reader blogs).
  2. When you accept this award you must also share what your top five all time favorite books are. Going over five is encouraged.
  3. You must pass on to five to ten other book blogs that you adore :)


The Books:
  1. The Immortals: The Edge Chronicles #10 by Paul Stewart
  2. Jaguar by Roland Smith
  3. The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson
  4. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
  5. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
  6. Delivered With Love by Sherry Kyle


The Bloggers:
  1. Lori from Pure Imagination
  2. Kristi from The Story Siren
  3. Tynga from Tynga's Reviews
  4. Emily from Emily's Reading Room
  5. Bailey from IB Book Blogging
  6. Vy from Vy's Blog
Feel free to pass this award on! :)

Review: Praying for Your Future Husband


Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer

Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Genre: Christian Devotional
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Have you ever thought about praying for your future husband?
Will it make a difference?
There's only one way to find out…
 
From when we were small girls, most of us dream of “The One,” our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we'll find him. The great news is that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband!
 
Authors and good friends Robin Jones Gunn (Christy Miller series) and Tricia Goyer (author and former teen mom) believe God answers women's prayers for husbands—even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate … while also asking God to prepare their own hearts. 
 
In Praying for Your Future Husband, Robin and Tricia share their two vastly different experiences, including the things they did right and the mistakes they made on the path to meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter includes helpful Bible verses, prayers, and practical application, along with true stories of women who prayed for a husband and how God answered in remarkable ways. 
 
God has a beautiful romance prepared for you. Prayer is the key to unlocking the love story … with your future husband and with God, the lover of your soul.
I've wanted to read this book for a long time, just because so many of my Christian blogger friends have loved it. I'm so grateful I read this when I did, because I was at a point in my life where I was so desperate to find someone that I was looking in all the wrong places. This book helped me to realize the aspects of my own life I need to work on first, before I can even consider thinking of who will complete me. Definitely a read for anyone who has yet to meet their future Mr. Right!



I received this book free from a giveaway. I was not required to post a review.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Review: Beyond Molasses Creek


Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz

Release Date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship-he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.
As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.
A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I cannot even put it into words. When I started it and it went back and forth between Ally and Sunila, I was concerned I wouldn't like it. Whenever Sunila had a chapter, I was confused as to why she was even a main character, and why we were learning about her. Once I realized how she was connected, I couldn't put down the book until I finished it! It was an  emotional ending that brought me to tears, but it was so worth it.



I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

IMM/Mailbox Monday: 5/27/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren, and Mailbox Monday is hosted by a group of bloggers! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


Gifted:
Two signed Elemental bookmarks and tattoos (Thanks Emily!)

For Review:
Passages by Brian Hardin
The Best Friend by Melody Carlson
Praying God's Word for Your Husband by Kathi Lipp 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: My Stubborn Heart


My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!  This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance.  Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him.  Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house.  Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past.  Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.
I love romances. Always have, always will. This book was no exception. I loved that Kate was willing to work at restoring the house, because I know a lot of girls her age would freak at doing manual labor. I was also very inspired by how strong her faith was, and that she would work so hard to help out a man she barely knew. Kate made this book an enjoyable one!

I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


Win a Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™ in Becky Wade's My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and RSVP for FB Party {5/24}! Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!


One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
  • A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
  • A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via E-mail Enter via Facebook Enter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Forever Hilltop


Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Guidposts Books
Genre: Christian Fiction
Series: Forever Hilltop
Pages: 576
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.
In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.
In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.
I loved these books! It's not often I read books from a male's point of view, because I don't like them as much. It's harder for me to relate with them, being a girl myself. But these stories were so well written, that it didn't matter that Alex was male! I enjoyed following along while he learned about his new church and helps them along the way. A great read!

I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway! Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!


One lucky winner will receive:
  • Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
  • Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
  • Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.

Enter via E-mail Enter via Facebook Enter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

IMM/Mailbox Monday 5/13/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren, and Mailbox Monday is hosted by a group of bloggers! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


For Review:

Monday, May 7, 2012

Review: I Blame Eve


I Blame Eve by Susanna Foth Aughtmon

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 187
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
When our great-to-the-nth-degree grandmother Eve ate the fruit, we lost out on the perfect life. But that doesn't stop us from trying, does it? In fact, we make trying to be perfect the focus of our entire lives! But what would happen if we stopped trying to be perfect and started trying to be his?

In this fantastically witty book, Susanna Foth Aughtmon helps women find out what it means to be honest about what we crave in life and let go of our deep need to be in control. Using Scripture and amusing personal stories, she shows women the freedom of embracing the unique path God lays out for each of us. Includes study questions to facilitate group or individual use.
I loved this book! At first I was expecting it to entirely focus on how women tend to blame others for their problems. I was surprised to find that each chapter focused on a different aspect of Eve's personality, and how it can manifest in a woman's life in the current day. I related with most of them, but I wasn't too surprised about that haha. Whether or not you think you can relate to Eve, I recommend all women to read this book. You just might be surprised what you discover!



I received this book free for review from Revell Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

IMM/Mailbox Monday: 5/6/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren, and Mailbox Monday is hosted by a group of bloggers! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


For Review:
The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue
Heaven is Now by Andrew Farley
My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Gifted:
Cara Putman Swag (Thanks Cara!)
Amity Swag (Thanks Meg!)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Review: The Beauty Book


The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian YA Non-fiction
Pages: 112
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

Learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God's eyes-inside and out!
In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what "true" beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ages 7-11 answers the common questions girls ask during this often confusing and overwhelming stage in their lives in an inviting and conversational manner.
Filled with fun quizzes, imaginative activities, and cool illustrations, The Beauty Book offers cool, relevant information about everything from great hair styles to tattoos, from skin care to clothes, and much more. Above all, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.
This book was aimed at a much younger age group, so it was a little uninteresting to me. However, it had a lot of great tips! This book is packed with great tips on simple care for everything from home-made manicures and pedicures, to ways to shave properly. The book asks readers to find the positive aspects to any flaw they have, and to embrace it instead. It's a great book for any young girl!



I received this book free for review from Booksneeze. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Mini Review: Heaven is Now


Heaven is Now by Andrew Farley

Release Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Baker Books
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 224
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon
What if heaven wasn't just meant to be experienced after we die? What if heaven can be enjoyed here on earth--right now?

Bestselling author Andrew Farley shows us how to take in the beauty of heaven no matter what our circumstances. With insight firmly rooted in the reality of pain and suffering, Andrew assures readers that heaven is not some pie-in-the-sky dream for the future--it is now. He shows us how to awaken our five spiritual senses in order to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the grace of heaven, even in the midst of trouble here on earth. He says the heaven we can experience in this life lies within us, far beyond the reach of the world--but well within our grasp.
This book was very interesting. I've never thought about trying to change my perspective and see the beauty of heaven here on earth. Of course, I see the glory of God's creation every day. But it's new to me to see heaven every day. This book was an intriguing read, and anyone who wants to know more about heaven should read it!

I received this book free for review from Baker Books. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Top Ten Tuesday: Movie Adaptations



Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, and this week's theme is the top ten books you'd like to see made into a movie.


1. Any of the Edge Chronicle Series. Yes, there are ten books, but they'd all be so good!


2. Anna and the French Kiss. Who wouldn't love to watch a romance in Paris??


3. 13 Reasons Why. I think a powerful book could make just as powerful of a movie.


4. Jaguar. I love all of his books, and they're so good!


5. Any Jackson Pearce novel. I LOVE her books!

I can't really think of any others right now, surprisingly. Anyway, leave a comment down below with your TTT post!
 
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