Knowing God by Name by David Wilkerson

This book is a great tool for those that want a deeper understanding of God’s names. I liked how the author set up each chapter, starting with the story in the Bible where the name is found and ending with how this particular name can provide hope in our lives. Please note that the author used the King James Version whenever he quoted Scripture.

It’s great for a daily devotional or Bible Study Group.

I am pleased to give this book a four star review.

I received this book free from the publisher through Chosen Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Marriage of convenience, yet they fall in love.

Marty has a problem with lying. Being mad at God since her husband’s death hasn’t helped matters. She runs away from Texas and ranching to Colorado. Although Jake has become a banker and lives in Colorado he anticipates the day when he can return to Texas and become a rancher. Jakes boss believes that bankers should be married, so feeling the pressure Jake places   an ad for a bride from Texas. Marty see Jakes as her way out of Texas and agrees to marry him. Being a lady of society the lies start piling up. Can Marty find her way back to God? How can she tell Jake the truth? Can Jake ever forgive all her lies?

I am pleased to give this a four star review.

This is the authors 100^th book!

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson

Themes flowing throughout the story are secrets and major family issues. It was an intriguing story line but a little dry for me. I would have like it to move a little faster but I still loved the story.

Free spirit Aunt Bel runs-a-way and is gone for twenty years. Upon her return secrets start to slowly unfold. Sara is the one having to hold things together. Can Sara figure out the family secrets and help her mom and Aunt Bel reconcile?

I am pleased to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter

This has a powerful story line. I was so pleased to see how the author handled such a difficult topic. I have no reservations allowing my tween daughter to read this book about date rape. The author uses one sentence to allow the reader to know about the date rape and that was enough. You will find this sentence in the prologue. Other topics covered include pregnancy, marriage of convenience, and a loving supportive family.

Join Jade as she finds her way through an unexpected pregnancy.

I am pleased to give this book a five star review.

I received this book free from the publisher through Net Galley and Thomas Nelson.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

What a great way to do a parallel story! 1861 and present day collide. Bonnie Rose was a school teacher in Wildwood. Allie Kirkland is a costuming assistant on a docudrama about Wildwood.

Bonnie and her sister Maggie were stolen by Indians and mistreated with the scares to prove it. Bonnie feels unlovable and dirty. Allie still misses her father who died long ago but her mom and her new family don’t think or act like Allie. She feels unlovable and unaccepted.

Will Allie end up going down a similar path as Bonnie Rose or will Allie make the right decision?

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

An Amish Miracle by Mary Ellis, Ruth Reid, and Beth Wiseman

This is a collection of three Amish stories that follow each other.  In the first one “Always in My Heart,” Hope was a young girl when she was raped and forced to give the baby up for adoption. Can she find her son? Will he want to be found and return home with Hope?

“Always His Provision” Rosa has a financial crisis. Back taxes are now due and with only an income from selling eggs. Adding to her worries is her neighbor and his dogs. Can Rosa keep the dogs away from her chickens or will the dogs kill them off? Can Rosa save her land in time or will she lose the farm and move to an Aunt in Ohio?

“Always Beautiful” Becky has always struggled with her weight. She asks God for a miracle and begins to lose weight. Is this the miracle she wanted? Will she come to find her true beauty?

I thought that this collection flowed very well especially with three authors. I am pleased to give the book a five star review.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

I took the e-version of this book, should have taken a print copy. Throughout the book the “th,” “f,” “tt,” were randomly missing. This made for a very slow read. I almost gave up trying to finish the book. This is no fault of the author. It is my understanding that they know of the issue and are working on it.

I enjoyed the story, it was well written and not a typical love story. The author has written a beautiful dance that should be read…in print. Join the folks in Beaworthy, as they are lead by the dancing master.

I am giving this book a 3 star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado

For those of you still wanting to hold onto Christmas, here is your chance. This is a quick easy read. I curled up with this and a warm drink, so enjoyable.

A wonderful story of faith and belief. It’s one that should become an annual Christmas read.

Every twenty five years an angel comes and touches one candle. It seems everyone needs a Christmas miracle but the angel only touches one candle. How can the candle maker decide who gets the Christmas miracle?

I am pleased to give this book a 4 star.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Dating Like Airplanes by Caleb Breakey

 

I am so thrilled that Caleb has shared his heart with us and lovingly communicates that another way exists to date. Relationships can be wonderful but difficult. They certainly don’t happen overnight. I love the metaphor of flying. To me flying takes work, time, effort, and space. Relationships need all of these things to be successful.

 This book can be put into three parts:

Falling in Love

What your other needs most

Flying

 

At the end of the chapters you will find, Ask those who fly; Real answers from real couples.

This is such a necessary book! What a difference this will make in dating relationships and marriages.  This is one book that you will want to read over and over!

I am delighted to give this book a five star review.

Why fall when you can fly!

I received this book free from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Little Book of Great Dates by Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley

I am so excited about this date book! I love that it has 52 dates, one per week!

Inside you will find five guidelines to make your date great.

1.      Don’t administrate your mirage

2.      Stay current

3.      Try new and exciting activities

4.      Reminisce

5.      Select dating activities that communicate to both of you.

 

We are going to start working through these dates this weekend. It’s a great way to start of the New Year. The chapters are short so its time friendly. All of three minutes to read the chapter and includes one activity and some questions to get you talking. Not much if any planning is needed.

Go forth and have a great date!

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Critical Reaction by Todd M Johnson

Kieran and Poppy have just survived an explosion at the Hanford Nuclear Facility. They are seeking truth and justice, but can they find the truth before it’s too late?  Can Emily and Ryan prove that the health issues their clients face are from the explosion? As the evidence seems stacked against them can they prove Kieran and Poppy innocent? With millions of dollars on the line can Adam keep the truth from emerging during the trial?

This is a great book about truth, justice, and deceit at any cost.

I am pleased to give the book four stars.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

How to Talk to a Skeptic by Donald J Johnson

Talking with a skeptic is a huge undertaking.

We can break this book down into three parts:

1.      A framework for fruitful conversations

2.      What skeptics need to know about God

3.      Dealing with the data

 

Being able to stay calm while listening to what the skeptic believes can be quiet the challenge, but it’s very important! Find out what the skeptic believes the Christian world view is.

Asking the right questions is huge! In order to have a calm dialogue we need to set the tone. Let them do most of the talking. You can talk later on.

 I appreciate how the author recommends we go about this. It’s so easy to lose a skeptic when we don’t know how. This book will help guide you through any conversation that you have with a skeptic.

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

10 Great Dates by Larson & Arp

*Let’s get out for a date!

*But what should we do?

Don’t keep doing the same things. Try something different. 10 Great Dates is that “something” you’re looking for.

Each of the ten dates is going to help you know and understand each other better. Having been married for 18+ years I know there is still more to learn about my husband. We took this book out for a date. Honestly, we loved it. We haven’t completed all ten dates yet but we plan on it. Setting time aside for each other is difficult with all of our responsibilities, but our marriage is worth the investment and so is yours!

I am happy to give this book a five star rating. Happy Dating!

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Unspoken by Dee Henderson

At 16 Ruth Bazoni was kidnapped and held for ransom. Four years later she was rescued! Ruth changed her name to Charlotte Graham. In the years since the kidnapping she has yet to talk about what happened during that time. Upon her grandfathers death Charlotte is given the task of handling his estate.

Bryce Bishop is a coin dealer. He owns and operates Bishop Chicago. Charlotte has an interesting approach, one which catches Bryce of guard.

I was grateful to see how Charlotte handled the money left to her care. Giving her a heart to share what funds she was given is so inspiring. I pray that as people read this book they too will be inspired to do more for others than before.

At first I thought this was going to be a typical romance…but I was wrong! It’s not just romance, but oh so much more. I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

 

 

This is family feud at its finest. It’s only fifty years strong for the Calarco vs. Panetta family. Isabella Panetta and Orlando Calarco have put this feud on the fast track. They have fallen in love!

Family feud’s can be so very ugly. It was interesting to see how the author intertwined the family’s issues. Can they see their way past these issues or will the feud only become stronger?

Will their families force them apart or can their love bring the feud to an end? What a page turner.

I am pleased to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittemore

 

 

This is the third book in the Angel Eyes Trilogy. I recommend this series to be read in order. It is possible to read this first since the author has included a summary of the first two books in “A note from the Author.”

We pick up right where we left Brielle and Jake. Brielle is dancing when Jake is taken. Brielle is afraid and feeling Jake’s absence. Canaan has Brielle wait by the chest for instructions but she really wants to “do” something to help find Jake. Can she find Jake?

Marco wants revenge for Ali’s death. Can he find the person responsible? If/when he does will he take revenge? Olivia has lived a tragic life and has been involved with some terrible crimes. Can she find redemption? Will she spiral out of control? Brielle has a difficult decision to make. Will she make the right choice? Can Brielle overcome her fears? Will the engagement ring return?

Join Brielle and Jake as their journey comes to a stunning conclusion!

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating!

Book One: Angel Eyes

Book Two: Broken Wings

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

Well done! I enjoyed how the author wrote the novel around the Chicago Fire of 1871. I could sense the events of the fire unfolding and people’s reactions were very realistic. I felt like I was there!

Mollie is a watch maker in Chicago.  Join her as she struggles to get the shop back up and running while learning many lessons. Zack is a lawyer who made it out of poverty with the help of Louis Hartman. As the great Fire starts Mollie and Zack must get to safety. Along the way they pick up a few people. Can they make it through the fire? Will the nightmares end? Can the 57^th Illinois Watch Company reopen and survive? Will Sophie ever find her family? Can Zack come to terms with his Polish heritage? Will they find the person responsible for an untimely death? Is Zack or Colonel Lowe the man for Mollie?

 

I read the electronic version of this book and once again there was a problem with the letter “f,” in various places throughout the text the letter would be missing.

I enjoyed this novel and am pleased to give it a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Susanna is one that loves to have a plan for everything; even if that means staying in a relationship for too long. When Adam finally breaks up with her the whole Island is buzzing with the news. “I found the right ring but not the right girl”….ouch that hurts!

Nate has to adjust to changes coming his way. He doesn’t feel ready to be king, but when his father dies he must prepare for the coronation. While away on his last holiday he meets Susanna. Nate realizes nothing can become of the relationship…the Kingdom forbids him from marring a foreigner.

Can Susanna find God’s plan for her when nothing seems to be going her way? Can Nate move on and become King? Will he be able to change a law? Will Nate simply marry for the Kingdom?

I am pleased to give this novel a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

This is a great adventure, absolutely in-depth reading. I found myself concentrating throughout the novel. The depth of information given was astronomical. A lot of research was done to have this much detail. The depth of the main characters was well executed. I loved seeing how they were able to travel on the lamb; while gleaning more information necessary to recovering the bones of Elisha and securing the safety of their sons.

This is book two in a series. I enjoyed it so much that I downloaded book one: Elisha’s Bones.

I am thrilled to give this novel a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

NIV Leadership Bible

 

 

I love this Leadership Bible! I was so impressed by the high quality leather it makes it easy to overlook the lack of red lettering in the New Testament.

Inside you will find 52 weeks of practical leadership issues that fall into three main categories and a verse to memorize for the week.

1.      Personal Development

2.      Relationships

3.      Skills

 

Each week covers one topic.

Day One: Issue Introduction

Day Two: Who God Is

Day Three: Who I am

Day Four: How It Works

Day Five: What I Do

 

Throughout the scriptures you will find profiles about various people in scripture, insights on various Skills. Book Introduction gives a leadership principle, summary, and at a glance. Breaks down the focus, reference location, topics, place where things are happening, and a time frame.

 

I am thrilled to give this Bible a five star rating!

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255