Total Christmas Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra

Total Christmas Makeover: 31 Devotions to Celebrate with Purpose (Abingdon Press, October 2017)

Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT MELISSA SPOELSTRA}

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” “Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness,” and “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible” studies and “Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home” book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

Find out more about Melissa at http://melissaspoelstra.com.

My take : My husband and I are empty nesters but we have been feeling a bit disillusioned with the whole commercial side with Christmas even while our children were still at home.  We are always looking for ways to slow down and really engage in this time of year.  I think this year we will be using some of the ideas in this book.  This is a great devotional that takes you through each day a takes a topic about the season and helps you to examine it.  It also gives you ideas on different activities you can do that are about that topic.  I wish I would have had this book when our children were home.  

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  

KJV Know The Word Study Bible

KJV Know The Word Study Bible(Thomas Nelson, September 2017)

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bibleoffers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bibleoffers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

—King James Version Bible text
—Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
—Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
—Words of Jesus in red
—Beautiful two-color interior page design
—Comprehensive list of theological notes
—Concordance
—Full-color maps
—8-point type size

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT THOMAS NELSON}

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God’s Word.

Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

My Take: Whenever I get a new Bible to review I use it for my Bible Study and church Bible for a couple of months to see how I liked the features.  This Bible passed my tests with flying colors.  It is a King James version Bible which I don't read very often but I found that I didn't mind it that much.  I liked reading the notes in the footnotes as well as the studies in the study pages.  The maps where really nice to have as well as the concordance.  I would say that this Bible would really help you to know the Bible better.  America is in a major time of Biblical illiteracy and this Bible would go a long way to help out with that.

I received a review copy of this Bible from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  

Don't forget to enter the giveaway in the margin through 10/31/17.  

Experiencing God through His names by Sheryl Giesbrecht

Experiencing God Through His Names (Bold Vision Books, June 2016)

What’s in a name?

Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person’s character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God’s attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. InExperiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God’s character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT SHERYL GIESBRECHT}

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.

Find out more about Sheryl athttp://www.FromAshesToBeauty.com

My Take:  This is a very nice book that has 31 devotions that go along with 31 of God's names.  I enjoyed learning what each of the names meant and how I could rely on God in that area of my life.  I developed a chronic illness a little over two years ago and have being slowing learning how to rely on God for things that I was able to rely on myself for in the past.  I will be using this book in my devotions for the forcible future.  

I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Hunting Hope by Nika Maples

Hunting Hope: Dig Through the Darkness to Find the Light (April 2016, Worthy Inspired)

Hope is not an accident. Sometimes it has to be hunted, and hunting it takes courage.

Hope hunters know how to excavate hope from hardship. There is dirt underneath their fingernails and sweat on their shirts. They rake through the rubble of an unwanted situation, digging into difficult circumstances because they have come to expect that adversity will produce good. They believe that light always triumphs over darkness. They have learned to walk through winter with their eyes on spring.

Nika Maples became a hope hunter after suffering a massive brainstem stroke that left her quadriplegic in her twenties. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and-if she lived at all-she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.

Whether you or someone you know is going through a situation that feels hopeless, you will find encouragement in Hunting Hope. Whether you are experiencing a medical trauma, a financial hardship, or a relational crisis, you will find empowerment in Hunting Hope. As you read, you will cling to 20 truths about God’s character and practice 5 daily disciplines that will develop your own character in crisis.

You will become a hope hunter.

Maybe it doesn’t matter what causes suffering in our lives as much as it matters what suffering causes in our lives. Maybe we were all meant to be hope hunters.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT NIKA MAPLES}

Nika Maples is the author of Twelve Clean Pages, the memoir of her survival of lupus and a stroke that left her quadriplegic at age 20. After learning to walk and talk again, she became a public school teacher, winning 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. She holds an MA in English Education from Columbia University and currently is pursuing an MDIV from The King’s University. When she is not traveling to speak, she lives, writes, and laughs as much as possible in Fort Worth, Texas.

Find out more about Nika at http://nikamaples.com.

My Take:  I have been struggling with a medical issue for going on two years now.  I was happy to open this book and learn a little more each day about hope and I was glad to have God lead me to what lesson He wanted me to learn through all of this and turning my trials into hope.  I am trying to practice the five disciplines.  I try to listen to wait God is telling me. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. 

A Bride At Last by Melissa Jaegers

About the book:  A Bride at Last (Bethany House, July 2015) Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts. Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony-until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father. Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1M44A97 About the author: Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of A Bride for Keeps and A Bride in Store, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. Find Melissa online: website, Facebook My Take:  This was really an enjoyable book.  I did get irritated after awhile when the two main adult characters kept looking at each others lips and think about a kiss that they shared.  i felt at those times they had some very serious things that they should be thinking about other than kissing each other.  this didn't take away from how much I enjoyed this book.  As with most books like this alot of the problems the couple had could have been solved with better communication but that is the same with most couples I know.  this is the third in a series but it can be read as a stand alone.  If your like books set out west or books about mail order brides you will enjoy this book.  I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse.

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

by Tamera Alexander    

Historical Romance
Zondervan 

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance---and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder---Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail---Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Meet the Author

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Her richly-drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. Tamera and her husband recently returned to her Southern roots and now make their home in Nashville. Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter   My Take:  I found this book to be very interesting as it addressed a subject that I really didn't know anything about, when the Irish came to America and how they were treated.  I was very shocked to read the N word in the text as you don't usually read that word in today's books.  I was alittle uncomfortable when the author wrote about how Cullen was thinking about Maggie her curves etc.  not inappropriate for a husband to think about his wife but still uncomfortable.  I liked learning about the horse racing business.  I liked Maggie's spunkiness and her love for her father and her unconditional trust in him that she would go as far as marry who he asked her to.  I received a review copy of this book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Info

About the book: God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it. But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved. What had become of His promise? Tony Kavanagh had been Allison's dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials. The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she'd misunderstood. Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma's attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself. As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma's life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord? Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher's emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers---in His own time and His own ways. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/sK3Ti Meet the author: Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends. Learn more about Robin at:http://www.robinleehatcher.com My Take:  This is a story with a theme that we all need to remember.  God always answers our prayers just not always in the way we think they should be answered.  I loved going on the journey with Allison as she learned about her Aunt Emma and learned about herself and God in the Process.  This book was made even more special knowing the fact that it was based on a time in the authors life when she went through similar situations.  I would highly recommend this book.   I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Info

About the book: Book Two in the Inn at Eagle Hill series. Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge. Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher---and he seems bent on irritating her to no end. When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves---and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/stlG8 Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/stlIM Meet the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi Learn more about Suzanne at: http://suzannewoodsfisher.com My Take:  What a wonderful continuation of  this series which was started in The Letters although this book can be read as a stand alone I think you would like to start with The Letters just so you can continue to enjoy the books.  A third book will be coming out this summer. Seems like every character in this book has strong opinions about things and is willing to voice them.  Jimmy has the easy going charm of a born flirt but can Bethany trust to give her heart away to him after the problems with Jake Hetrzler.  Bethany also wants to find out why her mother ran away all those years ago and ahe just may get the chance when her brother returns home.  Mim also has a secret of her own taking on the role of advice columnist Mrs. Miracle even though she is only 14.  Then there is Geena a youth Pastor that was fired from her job because of difficulty in presenting her sermons in a way that the congregation wanted.  They all come together for a community project that will help the down and out in the community to become a little more self sufficient.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book coming out. I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Book Info

About the book: When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love. Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness.  Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKmVW Meet the author: Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense and Christian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters. Find out more at:http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com My Take:  I have been really enjoying the Quilts of Love series.  Even though the books are not related it is interesting to see how each author fits a quilt into the story line.  My mother is a quilter and I enjoy reading about the various quilts.   The story in this book is a sad one in many respects when it comes to the main characters as they each have been hurt in the past and are afraid to let others in because of feeling that they may be hurt again.  I like reading about Hawaii as I have always wanted to visit there.  I like that these aren't just cookie cutter characters and you can't predict what will happen next.  An enjoyable book that had me wanting to read more by this author.  I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Christmas Gift For Rose by Tricia Goyer

Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com. My Take:  I always look forward to this time of year because that is when the new crop of Christmas books start popping up.  I especially enjoy Amish Christmas books.  There is just something about enjoying the Christmas season sitting back and enjoying the simpleness of the season. As is true in many of the Amish fiction books all is not as it seems in the lives of these seemingly innocent people.  But just like every human being on this planet you cannot live your life without some complication arising.  I have enjoyed many books written by Tricia Goyer and this one will take a place in my Christmas pile of books to be read again and again. I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Bestselling Amish Specialist Suzanne Woods Fisher Pens New Series

A Family Torn Apart by Investment Fraud Scandal Picks Up the Pieces in First Novel

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for a story of refreshment in the midst of the life’s complexities in The Inn at Eagle Hill series. Both a fiction and nonfiction author, Fisher traces her roots back to her grandfather who was raised Plain. She has great respect for the Anabaptists and tries to portray their values through storytelling. “In every book,” Fisher said, “I try to show how to live our lives a little differently. A little better.”
In The Letters,  Fisher writes a touching story of a woman who tries to hold pieces together in the midst of a family business gone sour, missing money and a nosy government investigator, all the while juggling a new business, a budding romance and new family dynamics.
The Letters was inspired by actual events within the Amish-Mennonite community.  An investment company, run by a Mennonite with many Plain investors, defrauded investors of more than $65 million in a Bernie Madoff-esque scandal. Fisher followed the story through the media and noted how the Plain communities cared for those who had been defrauded: rather than file claims with the Securities Exchange Commission to recover lost investments, a donation was taken to reimburse their families.
“It was a striking example,” Fisher said, “of how the Amish care for each other in times of crisis or hardship.” They view money as a tool, she said, not a value. In The Letters, readers step into the family’s point of view in the aftermath of the investment company gone bad—with a few of Fisher’s trademark twists and turns and unexpected events along the way.
Publisher’s Weekly says, “Fans will cheer at this latest offering,” and the New York Book of Journal calls The Letters a “moving faith-driven story.” Leslie Gould, Christy-award winning author, says “I devoured The Letters in one sitting. Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a cast of authentic characters, real-life problems, and a beautiful setting into a sweet and satisfying story.”
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine. She lives in California.
For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
About Revell
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books for everyday life.  For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including "Amish Peace." She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi



The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

from Goodreads.com

 Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

My Take:  This is the start of another great series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  In this series we head back to Stoney Ridge and meet some of the characters from the other series but we also meet new characters that will flesh out this series.  I like the way Suzanne explores all the intricate nuisances of the different relationships in this book and how the Amish take care of their families no matter what.   Great start to a new series.  




Enter Today - 8/1 - 8/17!

A Big Year For Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

About A Big Year for Lily:

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mVlq1

Meet Suzanne:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

Learn more about Lily at http://adventuresoflilylapp.com/


My Take:  This is the third book in the delightful series of books written for girls ages8-12.  These books take the girls into the everyday life of a young Amish girl and her friends and family.  This book explores alot of the issues kids face today whether they are Amish or not.  Moving to a new place, putting up with pranksters, friends acting different.  This book is also co-written by Suzanne Woods Fisher who has written a couple of book series about the Amish.  I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by her.  I will be keeping these books to give to my grandchildren when they are old enough for them  If you like Amish stories you may just enjoy them yourself.  They are perfect for the age group mentioned above but I think everyone could enjoy them.

I was sent a review copy of this book by LitFuse in exchange for my honest review.

A Bride For All Seasons by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher and Mary Connealy

More about A Bride For All Seasons:

It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . .

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mL2Ln

 Meet the Authors:

Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley 

 

Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher 

 

Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy 

 

Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

 

My Take:  What do you get when four different authors take a similar premise?  You get this wonderful collection of four novellas  all in one collection.  Four Men put an ad in a mail order bride catalog.  But without them knowing the editor embellishes the ads that certain people end up together. Each of the stories are set in different season.  Can these arranged marriages find love.  These are great stories great for when you want a quick story. 

I received a review copy  of this book from Lit Fuse group in exchange for an honest review.

Stresstest by Dr. Richard Mabry

About Stress Test: They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jJaEd

Meet Richard: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Learn more about Richard at: http://www.rmabry.com

My Take:  This book opens with a bang and just keeps going.  I really like books that grab me from the start and don't let go.  This book has it all. Action and Mystery.  Why do the kidnappers want Matt dead and how can Matt prove that he is innocent of the murder he is said to have done?  Will Sandy be able to prove that Matt is innocent?  She is so good at defending people that are not innocent will she be able to defend someone who truly is?  This book is just plain good story telling. I would highly recommend if you like your action and mystery with a touch of faith to go along with it. 

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse.


 


Enter Today - 4/8 - 4/27!