In terms of encouragement and inspiration for all things house and home, Melissa Michaels simply can’t be beaten. She is a New York Times Bestselling author of several books (all of which I adore!) and creator of “The Inspired Room” blog, which motivates thousands of followers each week with simple ideas for creating inspired rooms of our own. Her newest release from Harvest House Publishers is a delightful little volume entitled “Simple Organizing: 50 Ways to Clear the Clutter”. (Don’t let the title fool you, though, as there are FAR more than 50 ideas in this book. . . Think of it more as 50 broad tips, with numerous ‘sub-tips’ included for each one!) Continue reading
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With the first two books in the “Teaville Moral Society” by Melissa Jagears, I came to expect well-written Christian Historical novels that weren’t afraid to tackle tough themes with grace and truth. The third and final novel in the series, “A Chance at Forever”, was released in the spring of 2018 and follows perfectly in step with these expectations.
While “The Weaver’s Daughter” is just the latest of several books by Sarah Ladd, it was a first for me, as I have never before read this author.
Lysa TerKeurst’s beautiful new devotional from Thomas Nelson Publishers will take your breath away. This precious book is entitled “Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close”, and is exquisite not only in design, but also in content. Lysa’s words are heartfelt and compassionate as she guides her readers like a beloved friend who truly understands the heartaches of life. 
It’s been a long wait, but the second novel in Julie Klassen’s delightfully charming “Tales From Ivy Hill” series has finally been released from Bethany House! “The Ladies of Ivy Cottage” begins right where “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill” left off, and will be followed later this year with the conclusion to the trilogy, entitled “The Bride of Ivy Green”. 
Each time I finish a new Biblical Fiction novel written by Jill Eileen Smith and published by Revell, I’m certain it is the best I’ve read in the genre… at least until her next title is released! As per this tradition, “A Passionate Hope: Hannah’s Story”, the fourth title in the “Daughters of the Promised Land” series, is my new favorite Biblical Fiction novel to date. 
If you’ve watched the newly released, major motion picture entitled “Paul, Apostle of Christ” from Affirm Films, (and even if you haven’t!) the novelization written by Angela Hunt is also a definite must-read. Based on the screenplay by Andrew Hyatt and published by Bethany House just before Easter 2018, this powerful story sweeps us away to the lives of Paul and Luke, and reveals a behind-the-scenes retelling of how “their faith challenged an empire”.
When dance hall singer Louisa Bell inadvertently stumbles into a position as governess for the two precocious daughters of Fort Reno’s Major Daniel Adams, well, a series of endearing and often hilarious antics are bound to follow! “Holding the Fort” is the first book in the delightful new “Fort Reno” series, and was written by Regina Jennings and published by Bethany House in late 2017. 
One of my favorite devotionals is the classic “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I was excited to see a newly released coloring book from Thomas Nelson, entitled “Jesus Calling: Creative Coloring and Hand Lettering”, as a companion to this wonderful book. 
“Their Faith Challenged an Empire. Their Words Changed the World”. This Easter season, take a journey back in time and witness the powerful, world-shaking story of the early church come to life through a compelling retelling of the journeys of Paul and Luke. “Paul, Apostle of Christ”, a new feature-length movie from Affirm Films starring James Faulkner and Jim Caviezel, is in theaters as of March 23, 2018. 