Believe it or not, I had never read a book by Mary Connealy until her newest title was released from Bethany House. Now I regret having missed out on this talented author’s previous work, because her newest story was such a delight! “The Accidental Guardian” is the first book in the “High Sierra Sweethearts” series, with the second novel set to be released later this fall. Filled with nail-biting adventure, beautifully detailed setting, sweet romance, subtle humor, and heart-warming themes, this is truly Christian Historical Fiction at it’s best. Continue reading
Hope
A Touching Story You Won’t Soon Forget – Guest Review by Hayley
The synopsis of “River to Redemption” drew me in from the moment I read the back cover. It promised to be a tale of tragedy, healing, hope, and freedom given to those who should have never been enslaved. This book delivered all of that, and more. Continue reading
A Beautiful Debut Novel by Rachel Fordham
It’s no secret that my favorite genre of reading material is Christian Historical Fiction. When I discover a new author who possesses a special gift for bringing this beautiful genre to life with strong writing skills, themes that whisper of biblical wisdom and truth, and realistic characters who leap off the pages, well… it’s exciting to say the least! After reading the description for a new debut novel published by Revell in the summer of 2018, I guessed this would be just such a story – and I was correct. “The Hope of Azure Springs” is the first published novel by Rachel Fordham, and is a sweet and memorable story that will instantly earn a place on your keeper bookshelf – and in your heart. Continue reading
Powerful, Helpful, and Engaging Book About Emotional Boundaries
I just finished reading a book that, upon completion, I promptly added to my personal list of most influential non-fiction books. “Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies” was published by Thomas Nelson and written by Alison Cook, PhD, and Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT. This book takes the complicated question of “Do your emotions control you or do you control your emotions?” and breaks it down into understandable, do-able, and ultimately life-changing practices that will truly transform you from the inside out. Continue reading
How Long Until the Sequel Releases!!?
I was long overdue for my dose of a Karen Witemeyer story, and her newest novel was even better than I’d hoped! “More Than Meets the Eye” was published by Bethany House as the first of the “Patchwork Family” novels, and just like all of Karen’s books is the perfect combination of sweet and heart-pounding, witty and thought-provoking. Continue reading
The Title Says it All… “Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence”
I have only read a couple of Sharon Jaynes’ books, but with each one I always reach the end with a sense of greater knowledge and deeper understanding of God’s Word. I believe this is the result of Sharon truly listening to God’s voice as she writes. Her newest book, “Enough: Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence” is actually a revised edition of an earlier work, but is a first-time read for me. Published by Harvest House, this book helps answer the question I think all women have asked, “What can you do when you feel you’re just not good enough?” Continue reading
Beautiful Dual-Time Story of Redemption
Best-selling author Rachel Hauck never ceases to amaze me with the fascinating plots of her stories – where does she come up with her unique ideas?! “The Love Letter” is her newest release from Thomas Nelson, and is a dual-storyline novel that weaves together the lives of four people… Two are from the glamorous but shallow, modern-day world of Hollywood, and two are from the tumultuous unrest of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Their connection? A simple letter – a love letter… Continue reading
A Guide for Overcoming Labels with Truth
“What label are you wearing?” While it may seem simple or even a bit strange, this question can bring up so many potentially life-changing ideas if we understand the context behind it. “Tailor Made: Discover the Secret to Who God Created You to Be” was written by Alex Seeley and published by Thomas Nelson. It is a wonderful guide to learning how to effectively ask this question, and so many others, in ways that help us really begin to understand who we were created to be, and how to be set free to live out that truth… (Hint: it is NOT who the Enemy says we are, which is often so ingrained into us that we consider his lies to be truth). Continue reading
A Sweetly Irresistible Sequel
A question for readers: Isn’t it fun when you adore the first book in a new series, then you anticipate the next installment for months (hoping you won’t be disappointed) only to discover that book number two is even better than the first?! For me, Jody Hedlund’s “Orphan Train” series from Bethany House is the perfect example. “With You Always” was an excellent Christian Historical Novel, but “Together Forever” resonated with me even more… Perhaps because I could relate to the characters in big ways, and I loved the inclusion of the young orphans – in search of new families – who really added to the story with color, vivacity, and depth of emotion. Continue reading
A Must-Read for All 20-somethings (and 30-somethings too!)
If I were to create a list of absolute must-read books for anyone aged 20-35, Paul Angone’s newest release would definitely be near the top! “101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties (and let’s be honest, your thirties too)” is a fantastic resource from Moody Publishers that, if applied, will undoubtedly help young adults begin thinking and living with intention and purpose. I know it has helped me immensely. Continue reading