Friday, November 30, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning


Walking on Water When You Feel Like Drowning by Book Author

Release Date: October 18, 2012
Publisher: Tyndale House Books
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
There Is Hope for Anxiety and Depression
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

In Walking on Water, well-known author and pastor Tommy Nelson describes his real encounter with severe anxiety and depression. He and counselor Steve Leavitt write from personal experience to offer encouragement, perspective, counsel, and ultimate hope.

The book’s biblical approach to healing focuses on integrating the mind, body, and spirit. It also explores topics such as
what causes anxiety, depression, and obsessiveness
what is actually happening in your body
the problem with perfectionism
how biblical thinking is crucial to recovery
when you should consider medication
and more!

If you or your loved ones are struggling, this book will help you find true healing. Walking on Water will take you through a grace-filled journey with the Lord, who is an ever-present source of love, joy, and strength.
I really, really, liked this book. A lot. I deal with stress pretty severely, and I tend to forget to focus on God's healing most of the time. This book offers helpful approaches to coping and healing techniques that really help.

I will be keeping this book on my shelf for years to come! I definitely recommend it.

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

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Christmas Roses


Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

Release Date: September 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 172
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon

Celia Anderson doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a traveling carpenter finds lodging at her boardinghouse, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle, though, to find roses during a harsh Wyoming winter.

But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .
I love Christmas romances! They give me the warm fuzzies ;) Like the book description says, the Christmas season is a time for miracles, and this book shows just how far love will go to make miracles happen. Celia isn't looking to find a husband, which is what makes this story that much sweeter. Definitely a sweet holiday read!

I was given this book free for review for a Revell blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Review: Turn Here


Turn Here by Jackson Pearce

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Genre: Contemporary
Pages: 22
Format: Ebook
Buy It: Amazon

When Alex finds a cell phone with a busted screen but working GPS, she and her mother follow its directions in search of an unknown destination and an answer to whether or not true love exists.
Also? Jimmy Carter's head, beauty pageants, and peanut brittle. Just saying.
I love Jackson Pearce. I really do. This book was just random enough for me to love it! It did make me cry though, when Alex talks about her parents' divorce. And I felt like she was pretty rude to her mom during that part. But for a short story, this was really cute! If you are a Jackson Pearce fan like me, you will probably love it.



I bought this ebook on Amazon. I was not required to post a review.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Courting Cate (giveaway!)


Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Release Date: November 1, 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Amish Fiction
Series: The Courtships of Lancaster County #1
Pages: 352 pages
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor--until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
This book was another great Amish read. I enjoyed the fiery spirit of Cate, and her attitude towards the men of the area. I wasn't terribly surprised by the ending though, to be honest, which disappointed me. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to predictable endings in novels, but I was really hoping for something slightly different to make it unique. It's a still a great read though! Definitely pick up a copy.

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

Enter Today - 11/1-20! 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Review: Independence Day


Independence Day by Michael DiMarco

Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 142
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon

Graduation Day Is Independence Day!

It's the day you've been waiting for. The day you graduate. The day you declare your independence. The beginning of a bright future where you are finally the one in charge of choosing your job, your classes, your career--your life. But there's more to independence than getting to choose what you want to do.

While graduation brings new freedom, it also brings a whole new world filled with both opportunity and temptation. In Independence Day, bestselling author Michael DiMarco shares stories from his own rocky transition from high school to adulthood in order to help grads appreciate long-awaited freedoms, manage temptation, and make the most of new opportunities.

At this moment you have the chance to change your finances, your future, and your entire world. Michael DiMarco shows you how to do it with your eyes wide open.
I liked this! Yes, it's been four years since I graduated but this is still very applicable even when you're in college. I know I dealt with a lot of fear in growing up and doing "adult" things like buying car insurance and balancing my checkbook. This book helps put those fears to rest, and lets you know that we all deal with it and how we can get help from God to ease those fears ad keep us from the new temptations. If you have a friend or child graduating either high school or college, get them this book! It's a great gift.



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

Monday, November 12, 2012

Review: The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook


The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook by Matt Dunn

Release Date: November 10, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
Format: Ebook
Buy It: Amazon

"It's not me-it's you."

After ten years, Jane's had enough of Edward Middleton. "You've let yourself go," she tells him. "So I'm letting you go too."

Determined to get her back, Edward realizes he must learn how to make women want him again. But right now, he's the kind of man who puts the "ex" in "sexy." One thing is certain: if he's going to be Jane's Mr. Right, he needs to turn himself around. From Atkins to Waxing, Edward begins working his way through the makeover alphabet.

But is a change in appearance what Jane really wants? Can cuddly Teddy really become sexy Eddie? Or is there more to the dating game than meets the eye?
This book was kind of weird at first. I kept thinking, "Who would want to change themselves to get their girlfriend back?" However, as I continued on I started to enjoy it because I could tell how it would end up. Honestly, the ending made me tear up a little. It's worth it for a light-hearted read.



I bought this ebook for free from Barnes and Noble. I was not required to post a review.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

IMM/Mailbox Monday: 11/11/12

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:
Everything by Mary DeMuth
The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Gifted:
You Lost Me by David Kinnaman
Pray 21 by Timothy Eldred

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Graceful


Graceful: Letting Go of Your Try-Hard Life by Emily Freeman

Release Date: September 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

For the prom queen, the athlete, the bookworm, and the dreamer.

For the good test taker and the strict list maker. For the rule follower, the fear wallower, the messy, and the misunderstood. For the self-critic, the silent judge, and the girl who feels invisible.

For the girl who is tired of trying and the one afraid to fail.

These words are for you.

You don't have to be perfect. But do you trust the One who is?

The God who came to save you also came to live with you, in you, today.

If you've been struggling with expectations--from your parents, your teachers, your friends, and even yourself--Graceful is for you. Are you trying hard to catch up but aren't sure what it is you're chasing? Read and be set free.
This book was so refreshing to me. I grew up always striving to be a people pleaser, and I still am one. I spend my days making sure everyone is happy, and seeing if there is anyway I can do better for someone. This book helped me to realize that I don't have to do that. I am perfect right now, and I'll be perfect five years from now, simply because God is making me who He wants me to be, and that's all that matters.

If you know anyone who is a people pleaser as well, or is even the type of person who just hates themselves, give them this book. It is an eye opener, and it may even change their life!

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

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Daughters of the Sea giveaway!

Hey everyone! Kristin Day, the author of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, decided to do a giveaway for her Awaken blog tour! It's for a Stasia themed necklace and a Finn themed necklace, and both are pretty cool looking! See pictures and the entry form below. Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Dear Teen Me


Dear Teen Me: Authors Write Letters to Their Teen Selves edited by Miranda Kenneally and E. Kristin Anderson

Release Date: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Zest Books
Genre: Non-fiction
Series: True Stories
Pages: 192
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Dear Teen Me includes advice from over 70 YA authors (including Lauren Oliver, Ellen Hopkins, and Nancy Holder, to name a few) to their teenage selves. The letters cover a wide range of topics, including physical abuse, body issues, bullying, friendship, love, and enough insecurities to fill an auditorium. So pick a page, and find out which of your favorite authors had a really bad first kiss? Who found true love at 18? Who wishes he’d had more fun in high school instead of studying so hard? Some authors write diary entries, some write letters, and a few graphic novelists turn their stories into visual art. And whether you hang out with the theater kids, the band geeks, the bad boys, the loners, the class presidents, the delinquents, the jocks, or the nerds, you’ll find friends--and a lot of familiar faces--in the course of Dear Teen Me.
This book is so cool! I wish I could have had this book back when I was starting my teen years. The advice you coud give yourself at a younger age is invaluable. I wish I could have written my younger self a letter and used it through my teen years to make it through the tougher times.

I don't think this book is focused just at teenagers. I think those of who are past their teen years would enjoy this just as much for the nostalgia of what their teen years were like and how they would live them differently. I think this book would make a great gift for any age!

I received this book free for review from the Dear Teen Me blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Review: Forsaken


Forsaken by Kristin Day

Release Date: July 18, 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Daughters of the Sea #1
Pages: 268
Format: Ebook
Buy It: Amazon

Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her.

Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendents of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendents will forever depend upon it.
Oh. My. Word. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!! Seriously, I cannot put into enough words how much I simply LOVED this book! It drew me in so quickly! I've always loved mermaid novels, probably because of my name, but I loved that this one is not your typical mermaid novel. I loved the suspense all the way to the and watching Hannah discover who she really is. And the cliffhanger ending just about killed me! Seriously, GO READ THIS BOOK. RIGHT NOW. I cannot stress it enough how amazing this is!



I received this book free for review for a Young Adult Novel Reader blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Review and Blog Tour: Awaken


Awaken by Kristin Day

Release Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Daughters of the Sea #2
Pages: 303
Format: Ebook
Buy It: Amazon

The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…

After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape.
This series. It kills me. After such a cliffhanger from the first book, this book drew me right back into the story. The new characters and twists and turns had me guessing all the way through to the end, and again, I cried in so many places. And then there was the ending of this one!!! I literally threw my Nook across the room because I don't want to wait until February for Chosen to release. Kristen Day is amazing at keeping a reader interested from book to book, and adding little details that you don't see coming until they're right there. Excellent series, and anxiously awaiting the final book!



I received this book free for review for a Young Adult Novel Readers blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.
 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs images from the Wonder Emporium kit by MK-Designs