Sunday, July 30, 2017

CD Review - Nichole Nordeman: Every Mile Mattered

Nichole Nordeman
Every Mile Mattered album

              Nichole Nordeman’s newest album, Every Mile Mattered, is a musical treasure.  This album is filled with emotion and truth in each beautifully written word.  This album tells the journey through good and bad times and the ultimate truth of God’s never-ending love and ultimate truth that He is always here for us through each and every circumstance we face.  Nichole Nordeman’s voice reflects the truth contained in each and every word of her journey and how God has been with her throughout this life journey.    

              I enjoyed each and every song on this album.  I feel like my heart truly needed to hear the songs No Longer, Lean, and Sound of Surviving.  I found myself so moved/in tears by the newest version of Slow Down.  Thank you Ms. Nordeman for the blessing of this beautiful album!

              I recommend that everyone get a copy of this wonderful album!  It will be a wonderful addition to your worship song library! 

Happy Listening!

And now for a great surprise!!!!


The wonderful people at FlyBy Promotions and Capitol Records have reserved a copy of this album for one reader of my blog to receive.  Click on the Rafflecopter giveaway link below to enter for a chance to win this album:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from July 31, 2017 to August 7, 2017.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

                            

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Book Review: Redeeming Cade

Redeeming Cade

Author:  Susan Crawford
Publisher:  Serenade Books
Pages:  185
Audience:  Women
Genre:  Fiction/Christian Romance

Redeeming Cade by Susan Crawford is a beautifully told story about Cade McGuire, a man with a checkered past who turns his life around with the help of the Lord and is the assistant director of a community mission that helps people who are homeless.  Cade is very connected to the mission and the community they serve.  However, one day Cade finds out that the mission is being threatened by a politician set on closing it down in order to build a entertainment district in the community. 

The politician is Darby Phillips, a woman who has the best of intentions in her campaign to become City Council member.  From the beginning, Cade and Darby are at odds due to the closing of the mission and their relationship takes them both on a God-ordained journey neither expected.

I enjoyed reading the story of these two characters.  Susan Crawford developed relatable characters.  Cade struggles with the shame of his past and Darby is trying to figure out her purpose.  God intervened in both their lives and illustrated to them that He will guide them through their struggles.  I think that this story is a wonderful reminder of how God meets us in the middle of our struggles and through His guidance and love leads us to freedom in Him. 

Happy Reading!

Note:  I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest re

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Book Review: Are My Kids On Track?

Are My Kids On Track?
The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach

Author:  Sissy Goff, David Thomas, & Melissa Trevathan
Publisher:  Bethany House
Pages:  294
Audience:  Parents
Genre:  Christian Living/Parenting

     Are My Kids on Track? asks the question that are on many parents’ minds.  Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan, all licensed therapists, take us through three important milestones:  emotional, social, and spiritual that will help parents determine if their children are on track.  Each milestone is explained through its stumbling blocks and its building blocks.  The stumbling and building blocks are identified and explained in detail for both boys and girls.  Some of the topics within each milestone discuss emotional vocabulary, perspective, empathy, reciprocity, identity, mercy, and ownership.  The authors even include a section at the end of each chapter that gives parents pracitical ideas on how to build on the topic discussed in the chapter.

     I really think this book is a great tool for parents.  It discusses key areas in children’s 
development that are very pertinent.  I think the authors’ give wonderful examples through their work with children and families.  Scripture verses were wonderful examples of how others in the Bible struggled similarly and give hope and encouragement.

     The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is true and I consider the advice from these fellow villagers (Sissy Goff, David Thomas, & Melissa Trevathan) to be very helpful.

Happy Reading!



Note:  I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Book Review: The Second Half

The Second Half

Author:  Lauraine Snelling
Publisher:  FaithWords
Pages:  368
Audience:  Adults
Genre:  Fiction

The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling is about Ken and Mona Sorenson and their family.  Ken Sorenson is about to retire from his job at Stone University and spend his free time fishing and traveling with his wife, Mona.  Mona has her own business and works from home.  She has suffered from depression for many years and is in constant fear it will come back and take over her life as it had before.

Ken and Mona have faced many challenges together with the strength of their faith.  Another struggle looms on the horizon with the military deportation of their son, Steig, who is the full-time caregiver of two children, Mellie and Jake.  Ken and Mona are faced with raising their two grandchildren while their son serves his country.  With the help of their daughter, Marit, the family faces the challenges ahead with strength and a strong faith.

I truly love this story.  These characters are so real and the struggles that deal with are written with such realism.  I liked the fact that Ms. Snelling addressed the topic of depression in Mona.  Mona’s fear that the depression could debilitate her is such a realistic portrayal on how depression effects individual lives; I thought Mona was a wonderful example of this particular struggle and how it can affect a family.  Each of these characters will touch your heart as they navigate their own feelings and doubts.  This story reflects how putting faith in the Lord can give you strength and that He is with us in all of our circumstances.

Happy Reading! 


Note:   I have received a copy of this book from Hatchette Books in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Book Review: You Are Free

You Are Free
Be Who You Already Are

Author:  Rebekah Lyons
Publisher:  Zondervan
Pages:  240
Audience:  Women
Genre:  Christian Living

You Are Free by Rebekah Lyons is about living our lives free in Christ.  Rebekah Lyons discusses her own personal experiences of her struggles with anxiety, and panic attacks that lead her to seek freedom through God.  Rebekah writes about her surrender and reliance on God through her journey to getting healed as well.  She talks about the realizations of thirsting for God in those moments to the ultimate realization that God is her home.

This book addresses so many important topics in the ways we were meant to be free such as to be called, rescued, to wait, rest, to love, and a few others.  Rebekah Lyons writes from a very relatable voice with feelings that mirror our own.  She writes so honestly that you can see her journey to freedom unfold before your eyes.

I recommend this book to anyone struggling on their own journey to freedom.  Rebekah Lyons own journey will inspire and give you fortitude on your own journey.


Happy Reading!