Undaunted Hope

Undaunted Hope

Author:  Jody Hedlund

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  374

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Undaunted Hope is Book 3 in Jody Hedlund’s Beacons of Hope series.  Undaunted Hope is the story of Tessa Taylor, who ventures from her hometown to Eagle Harbor, Michigan to take a position as a schoolteacher.  Tessa Taylor’s fresh start is beset by many challenges.  The chief clerk of Cole Mine, is calculating, cruel, and tries every chance he can to compromise Tessa.  However, for every dark cloud (or character) there are those that are endearing and Jody Hedlund depicts a few.  One such character is Alex Bjorklund.  Upon their first meeting, it is clear Alex and Tessa have an unrivaled chemistry (you will definitely find yourself rooting for these two throughout the story).  Other endearing characters are Ingrid and Gunnar Bjorklund, Alex’s niece and nephew. 

Overall, this is a memorable novel.  While this book is part of a series, I feel that it works as a standalone book.  I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing; I was thoroughly involved in the town of Eagle Harbor.  I would recommend that you check this book and author out.

Happy Reading!

Note: I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

The Afters: Live On Forever Album

The Afters:  Live on Forever Album

I had the great opportunity to review the new album by The Afters called Live on Forever.  The Afters are a Christian band who for many years has created beautiful and inspiring Christian music.  This album had me from the very first song.  I truly enjoyed this album.  Every song will touch your heart and give you strength. 

It is a wonderful worship album that will enrich your worship time.  The Afters sing with passion and feeling.  This album is upbeat and will get you singing immediately.  The overall message you will get from this album is that God loves you and He is with you always. 

I would recommend this album for the entire family!  The songs will uplift you and make a positive impact on your day.  Thank you to the wonderful people at FlyBy Promotions for providing me the opportunity to review this album.

Happy Listening!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

21 Seconds to Change Your World Book Review

21 Seconds to Change Your World

Author:   Dr. Mark Rutland

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  174

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Christian Living/Prayer

Dr. Mark Rutland’s new book, 21 Seconds to Change Your World, is about prayer.  Dr. Rutland writes about his own prayer journey and how he discovered how praying The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 changed his life and will change ours.  Dr. Rutland takes you through The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 and illustrates how the words in both of these prayers can guide us in our prayer lives and bring healing and abundance to our lives.  Dr. Rutland challenges all who read this book to pray these verses over our lives and for others as well.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to enrich their prayer lives.  Dr. Rutland’s prayer challenge is life changing; I accepted his challenge and it has definitely changed me.

I would like to hear from you and what you think of Dr. Rutland’s prayer challenge; please leave a comment below.

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

At Love's Bidding

At Love’s Bidding

Author:  Regina Jennings

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  352

Audience:  Adult

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Regina Jennings’s book, At Love’s Bidding, tells the story of Miranda Wimplegate, a young woman who helps her family manage an auction house in Boston, Massachusetts.  In a faux pas, the auction house accidently sells a portrait that they were not to sell. 

These circumstances set Miranda’s grandfather to purchase an auction house in Missouri where the portrait was overheard to be shipped.  Miranda sets out with her grandfather to Missouri where surprises and the mystery of the portrait await.  While in Missouri, Miranda meets many quirky and endearing characters, one of whom is Wyatt Ballentine.  Their journey together is fraught with angst, however, these characters impact each other in very positive and faithful ways.

I would recommend this book.  The storyline is entertaining but also explores how faith impacts us on our walk through life’s struggles.  I enjoyed reading this story.  Regina Jennings is a gifted storyteller, who writes very memorable characters.

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Life We Never Expected Book Review

The Life We Never Expected

Authors:  Andrew and Rachel Wilson

Publisher:  Crossway

Pages:  160

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Parenting

Andrew and Rachel Wilson are parents of two autistic children, Anna and Zeke.  In this inspiring book, Andrew and Rachel speak about the life they have with their children and the lessons having two autistic children have taught them and the struggles they have had to weather through.  Andrew and Rachel write honestly about their feelings throughout their journey with their children.  The encouraging and hopeful message that Andrew and Rachel deliver in this book is not only a message for parents of special needs children but also is a widespread message for individuals.  There were two lessons that truly resonated with me:  the first is to ‘fight for our joy’ and the second is a reminder that ‘God redeems all things.’  Thank you to Andrew and Rachel for a truly inspirational and encouraging read.

I would recommend this book to parents and individuals.  This book will communicate hope and encouragement for the journey ahead.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from July 10, 2016 to July 17, 2016.

Happy Reading!

“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.”

Unashamed

Unashamed:

Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame

Author:  Heather Davis Nelson

Publisher:  Crossway

Pages:  192

Audience:  Women

Genre:  Christian Living

Heather Davis Nelson writes of a topic that haunts many women:  shame.  Mrs. Nelson speaks about the many forms in which shame appears; such as in our relationships, body image, and sin to name a few.  She speaks of how shame traps us in condemnation, unforgiveness, and punishing ourselves.  She speaks from her own experiences of feeling shame, which maker her very relatable.  Mrs. Nelson imparts the tools to letting go of shame and clarifies the difference between shame and guilt.

I would strongly recommend this book to every woman.  Shame is such a widespread feeling that impacts so strongly and I feel that Mrs. Nelson’s words of advice, tools to overcoming shame, and message that Jesus Christ is our healer are very important and helpful for women today.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from July 4, 2016 to July 11, 2016.

Happy Reading!

“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.”

Streams of Mercy Review

Streams of Mercy

Song of Blessing Book 3

Author:  Lauraine Snelling

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  379

Audience:  Adult Women

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Lauraine Snelling writes a story of a young widow, Anji Baard Moen, who has just come back to the town of Blessing, North Dakota with her children.  Anji comes back to Blessing after the death of her husband in Norway.  Surround by family and friends, Anji teaches at the school, writes for the town newspaper and watches her children grow with each passing day.  Thomas Devlin is a minister who also teaches at the school and who is a great friend to Anji and her family.

Along with Anji and Thomas is a cast full of characters that are very engaging and lovable.  One of my favorites is Ingeborg, doting mother and grandmother not only to her children but to the entire town; guiding everyone with her faith, wisdom, and love.  Challenges visit Blessing that complicate relationships and challenges these characters faith, however, through these challenges faith, love, and the power of a faithful community is illustrated.

I would definitely recommend this book.  Lauraine Snelling is a wonderful writer who writes characters who are wholesome and strong in their faith. 

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in an exchange for an honest review.