Jaded

Jaded

Author:  Varina Denman

Publisher:  David C. Cook

ISBN #:  9781434708373

Pages:  336

This is the story of Ruthie Turner, a young woman greatly affected by circumstances in her life.  When Ruthie was a young girl she was shunned along with her mother from their church.  Since this occurrence, Ruthie struggles with the townspeople, has lost her faith in God, and dreams of leaving the town for college.  In the midst of Ruthie’s world, enters in Dodd Cunningham and his family as the town newcomers.  Dodd is a refreshing addition to the town and has a tremendous impact on Ruthie and her family.

This is Varina Denman’s debut novel and I can honestly say that I cannot wait for her next one.  Ms. Denman writes the characters so well; Ruthie’s character is told with such fluidity that I felt that I was experiencing Ruthie’s life alongside of her.

If you are looking for a great fiction read, I recommend picking up this book.  There is a great message within these pages I would not want you to miss.

Happy Reading!

Sand In My Sandwich

Sand In My Sandwich

Author:  Sarah Parshall Perry

Publisher:  Revell

ISBN:  0800724100

Pages:  224

Sand In My Sandwich is the real story of Sarah Parshall Perry and her experiences in motherhood.  However, before you think this is your run-of-the-mill telling of parental experiences, this book is definitely not. 

Sarah Parshall Perry brings you her story of motherhood and how through her experiences she has discovered reliance on God and the realization that He is there throughout all the hard stuff.  Mrs. Perry shares the story of her three children, two of whom have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  She shares the ups, downs, challenges, and light-hearted moments in between.  From the first page, Mrs. Perry takes you on her journey with humor and a very poignant honesty.  Mrs. Perry also shares many nuggets of wisdom and truth.  What was also such an important part of her story is her faith.  I found Mrs. Perry’s faith to be a wonderful example for anyone going through life’s tough moments.

I recommend this book to everyone regardless of whether you are a parent or not.  I believe Mrs. Perry has a great message to share with everyone.  This book definitely impacted my faith walk. 

Happy Reading! 

Note:  I have received an e-book copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity

The Jesus Life:  Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity

Author:  Stephen W. Smith

Publisher:  David C. Cook

ISBN #:  9780781408394

Pages:  196

In The Jesus Life:  Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity, the author Stephen W. Smith brings up the topic of the recovery of authentic Christianity within our everyday lives.  Mr. Smith uses Jesus’s life as a guide as to how we can live authentic faith.  Mr. Smith also makes a point in stating that in order to live the Jesus life, we have to make a purposeful effort do so each day.  He also mentions how this life should be lived within our families as well as within our friendships.  Other topics that Mr. Smith explores are what we will encounter on our journey to living the Jesus life such as pain and suffering, how to cultivate friendships, and doing good. 

This book gave me so much to think about and enriched my own faith walk with Christ.  I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fresh perspective on living like Christ. 

Happy Reading!  J

Nichole Nordeman - The UnMaking

Nichole Nordeman:  The UnMaking

FlyBy Promotions gave me another great opportunity to review a music album.  This month’s selection is Nichole Nordeman’s:  The UnMaking.

Nichole Nordeman is a Christian music artist responsible for such hits as:  Brave, Holy, and I’m With You.  It has been ten years since her last studio album, and I can honestly say I am so happy the wait is over!  J

Nichole Nordeman’s newest album, The UnMaking, has six brand new songs.  Even though there are only six songs on this album you won’t be disappointed.  I have been playing the album non-stop since I received it and each song on this album has left a great impact on me.  Each song is powerful and filled with faith, love, and praise for the Lord.  I feel that these songs are really heartfelt and beautiful; your families would enjoy listening to them.  Nichole’s voice is beautiful and captures the emotion involved in each song.

If you are looking for new music, I definitely recommend getting Nichole Nordeman’s new album.  These songs will bless your heart and enrich your worship times. 

Happy Listening!  

And now for an awesome giveaway!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from September 7, 2015 to September 14, 2015.

“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.”

TobyMac: This Is Not A Test album

TobyMac: This Is Not A Test album 

 FlyBy Promotions gave me another wonderful opportunity to review a music album.  This month’s selection is TobyMac’s:  This Is Not A Test. TobyMac is a Christian hip hop recording artist. He has produced many hits throughout the years, the most notable for me have been City on Our Knees and Hold On.

 TobyMac’s newest album This Is Not A Test does not disappoint. The lyrics illustrate faith in God and the journey we take with the Lord. These are worship songs that reflect the love TobyMac has for the Lord. The songs praise the Lord and depict the uplifting feeling of walking with the Lord. I greatly enjoyed this album, however, my favorite song is Beyond Me. This song really spoke to me because it spoke of what happens when we turn to the Lord and how our lives change.

 I would recommend This Is Not A Test to anyone who enjoys uplifting Christian music.

The wonderful people at FlyBy Promotions 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:

TobyMac: This Is Not A Test album giveaway 

This giveaway will run from August 8, 2015 to August 15, 2015.

“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.”

Pizza Ranch's Living Hope CD and Giveaway

Pizza Ranch Living Hope CD

There’s going to be little change on today’s blog post, my dear readers.  I had the awesome opportunity by Flyby Promotions to review a Christian music compilation CD.

This Christian music compilation comes from Pizza Ranch.  If you haven’t heard of Pizza Ranch, let me introduce you to them.  “Adrie Groeneweg had a dream that started in Hull, IA, in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.  It was simple.  Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?  With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie’s mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.  Pizza Ranch’s vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and to give every guest a legendary experience.  They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.”

I have been listening to Pizza Ranch’s Living Hope CD for two straight weeks and I am absolutely uplifted by every single song on this album.  The songs are all centered around the theme of Hope.  Featured artists on this album are:  Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Keven Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.  Each song has infused by days and evenings with hope, joy, and God’s love.  Since I got this CD I have found myself waking up and going to bed singing one of the songs on the album. 

I would highly recommend that you go on Pizza Ranch’s website:  pizzaranch.com/livinghope  and download this wonderful album.  The album will only be available from now until August 31.

Happy Listening!

And now for a big surprise!     

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pizza Ranch's Living Hope CD Giveaway

This giveaway will run from July 27, 2015 to August 3, 2015.

“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.”

Yes or No: How Your Everday Decisions Will Forever Shape Your LIfe

Yes or No:  How Your Everyday Decisions Will Forever Shape Your Life 

Author:  Jeff Shinabarger

Publisher:  David C. Cook

ISBN #:  0781408210

Pages:  224

If you have ever wonder, “How am I ever going to make this decision?” than you might find Yes or No a help.  The author, Jeff Shinabarger, writes about how our everyday decisions effect our lives and how we can better make these decision.  Mr. Shinabarger will take you through the choices you have, how to factor in your wisdom, decision-making styles, and the decision-making process.  He also writes about how to make decisions not just for ourselves but also those situations where our loves one should also be considered.

I found this book interesting.  I thought it was refreshing to read a new perspective on decision-making that not only considers the individual making the decision but also that draws attention to family involvement.  I also felt that the author sharing his own story was a great example and truly felt like a conversation from an individual who knows how difficult the process can be.  I found Mr. Shinabarger’s advice to read the book of Proverbs every day for wisdom is very helpful.

Overall, I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a new perspective on the decision-making process.  Making decisions can be difficulty at times; a different perspective may support your journey to making them in the future.

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received an ebook copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.