Courageous Living

Courageous living, Dare to take a stand, By Michael Catt. This book looks at the decline in men. Men who are willing to take a challenge, men who are willing to take a stand, to fight in the face of a society that tells them they no longer have a place! "We need a generation of men who don't look to the corporate office as a measure of their success. Rather they look into the lives of their wives and children". What an unbelievable and awesome quote! Its time for men to go after Christ in the manner He meant it! It shares stories in the Bible of People who had courage when they could have chosen otherwise. It is a book to challenge all families to live in a way that speaks Christ louder than any words could ever say!
     I loved this book, I can't get enough recommending it to people! In fact I'll be offering these books to our church library as a resource to use for the families! It is a book that has been long due for our men in the church and needs to be read! It is one that I'll push when ever I can! Very well done!!!


Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group

The Resolution for men

The Resolution for Men, by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This book came out of the Courageous movie. It instructs men to take their place in their families. It inspires men to take their place in their families in a bold and purposeful way. To Lead their families and take responsibility.
     When this book came I first gave it to my husband to read as I thought it would be more beneficial for him to read it than it would for me. Besides I had to read Resolution for Women lol. He really liked this book and everything they said. I was happy to have a chance to read this book after and find how great it is at encouraging men to take their role in the family and be purposeful about where they're leading them. My husband and I both really enjoyed this book and how it pushes men into their calling. It seems to cover all aspects of their lives, from dealing with the past, present and future! I think this is a book series that will have a changing effect on the church if the people will read it! Very well done!!!


Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group

The Resolution for Women

The Resolution for Women, by Priscilla Shirer. This book is a part of the Courageous movie, put out by sherwood films. It looks at the way women are and how they're already making resolutions anyway, so why not be purposeful in what you're doing and changing your world around you, by doing God's calling on your life! She focuses on many different area's an encourages woman to be who they are called to be to their full potential.
  This book is a great encouragement to woman! I loved this book and everything it said! I did feel that in some parts it was a little long winded, but it did do a great job getting its point across, so that was easily forgivable. I haven't had the opportunity yet to watch the Courageous film, but after reading this book and the other two that go with it I am really looking forward to watching it! I highly recommend this book for all woman in a relationship as well as encouraging the women to get their spouses to read the resolution for men!

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group

My Favorite Bible

My Favorite Bible, the best loved stories of the Bible, Rondi Deboer and Christine Tangvald. This children's bible takes all the popular stories from the Bible and tells them to kids in a fun and exciting way! through rhymes, activities, themes, and questions to ask. This Bible uses the God's Word translation which makes it very easy for kids to understand.
     I gave this Bible to my 5 year old when it arrived in the mail and she adores it! its a level she understands and can follow. She loves the pictures and everything that this Bible has to offer! We have enjoyed sitting with her and reading this too her. She also loves independent time with this Bible and being able to read a bit on her own and looking at the pictures! I highly recommend this Bible for kids! its well done and I love the way they tell the stories as well as the focus they put on each story!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I am in here

I am in here, by Elizabeth M. Bonker, and Virgina G. Breen. Elizabeth is an autistic girl who finds herself failed by the system. with the tests they use to determine intelligence and ability they diagnose Elizabeth as mental retarded with a very low IQ. Elizabeth's mother, knowing that she was in there somewhere and understood. Wouldn't accept those results and pushed Elizabeth. Once retesting after finding a way that Elizabeth can use her voice, they discover that Elizabeth is actually genius level! Elizabeth discovers her voice through poetry that reveals what her life is like to us. We follow Elizabeth and her mother through this journey and the ups and downs!
     This book was unbelievably great! I hadn't expected much from it, but was so surprised. I really loved this book! It opens your eyes to the world of autism and the lack of any work or research being done in the area. And what the potential an individual has when given the opportunities and the people in their lives who are for them not against them! I loved this book and have referred to this book over and over again. I've been recommending this book to tons of people, especially those I know who have a child with autism. What a huge encouragement to others! Well done!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A lasting impression

A lasting impression, by Tamera Alexander. Claire took over her mother's position in the family business after she fell ill. In an effort to help her mom feel better, but despite all that Claire did her mother didn't make it. So Claire finds herself now stuck working for her father at what she hates. Making forgeries of other artists works that her father than sells as originals. But then an unhappy customer returns to the store after purchasing some prints and Claire finds her father near death on the floor. He instructs her to leave and go to another town, that he would join her shortly. But Claire discovers that her father never made it that day and ended up dying. Claire, no longer wanting the life she used to have sets out on her own and gets a position as a personal liaison to a wealthy woman who has a taste for art. Which Claire is passionate about making a name for herself in it. If only she can hid her past from everyone....
     Well, I did enjoy this book to an extent. The story line is really good, and it is very well written. The part that I thought was rough was that it was just too long. The author dwelled too much on some parts of the story and it made the story seem to drag on. I felt it would have been an excellent story had the author just made it a little more fast paced. So while I like the story, it was very hard to read and pay attention.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Valley of Dreams

Valley of Dreams, by Lauraine Snelling. With the passing of Cassie's Mother and father she finds the carnival where she works as a sharp shooter the only family she has left. Until "uncle" Jason announces to the crew that they are out of money and he is closing the show down. Now Cassie who's never done anything but live and work with the carnival finds herself searching for a new life. Before her father died he often talked about his dream land and how one day he would go back there. Cassie decides to look for her father's field and restart her life.
     I didn't really expect much from this book. The story line just seemed weird, a sharp shooter in the old days traveling with a wild west show. But I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was! I found myself glued to the book and anticipating what would happen next. I really look forward to reading the other books in this series. The only disappointing thing that I found about the book was the ending. But that was only because it stopped so suddenly and I wanted to know more of what happened! I really recommend reading this book, it was a treasure to read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

The Names of God Bible

The Names of God Bible, general editor Ann Spangler. This Bible has many advantages to it! It lists the different hebrew names of God and where they are found in the Bible. It also gives you short devotionals that teach the meaning of the hebrew word used in the passages and gives you an idea of how it is applied and what it means for that passage. Also throughout the Bible they do use the hebrew word for God rather than just saying God (or spirit, etc..what ever the hebrew is for that word). There's a reading plan in the back of the Bible to get you through the entire Bible in one year. A name index, table of the names of God, and topical prayer Guide for the names of God.
     I can not say enough good things about this Bible, I loved it the moment I started reading it! I am a huge believer that every Christian out there should learn the Hebrew names of God, as it opens up so much more of who God is! My only wish is that it would have contained more on the names of God while it covers a ton of the names, there are so much more! Its layout is super easy to use, flows wonderfully! I love the breaks of the devotionals in the passages and the highlights of the names of God. This is a treasured Bible that will stay by my bedside to be read day after day! I couldn't have asked for a better Bible to be reading. This definitely is a must have Bible!

 Bible has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

An Amish wedding

An Amish wedding, by Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, and Kelly Long. In this book we get the unique opportunity to read 3 separate yet intertwined stories, by three different authors.
    The Perfect Secret, by Kelly long. We read in this part of the book about a young Amish woman Rose, who's engaged to the rather dull and predictable Luke. He'd make a good husband, but it seems like such a boring life. That is until she finds out about this secret that he's been hiding! Excitement hits them full force and opens Rose's eyes up to a treasure she's found in Luke.
    The Perfect Match, By Kathleen Fuller. In this section we meet Naomi, an awesome cook with a steady job doing what she loves! She also seems to have a knack when it comes to finding matches. That is for everyone else but herself! Except when a new guy comes to town she finds herself falling for him, but struggling not to, as she doesn't want a broken heart again!
     A perfect plan, by Beth wiseman. Priscilla has been planning on marrying Chester, but it would seem as though  everything is standing in their way to stop it! Her house plans fail, her sister ruins her wedding dress and her attendant gets a bad case of poison ivy. Which causes Chester and Priscilla to question if this is even God's plan for them or if they should call the wedding off.
     These books were fantastic! I love a good Amish novel and in this one you get three great stories! I highly recommend adding this book to your collection!!


Book was recieved courtesy of Booksneeze in exchange for a honest review!

Healing hearts

Healing hearts, by Beth Wiseman. In this novella we find three stories of Amish families and their struggles, their faith and their ability to overcome. The first of the three stories we find Levina Lapp who's husband has had to leave, but she didn't expect him to be gone as long as he was. Now that he's back Levina has to rediscover who her husband is, and draw close to him once again. The second of the stories we meet Leah, she doesn't seem destined to ever be married as she doesn't fit in with the status quo of what a good Amish wife looks like, yet it would seem that God does indeed have some one for everyone! Finally the third of the three stories is about Lydia, who found her heart broken years ago, but manages to move on and marries Elam. But tragity strikes and Lydia finds Elam taken away from her, but the one who broke her heart years ago seems to be looking for a second chance.
     I love Beth Wiseman's Amish novels. They never disappoint, she is one of the few extremely talented writers in Amish fiction! It was a treat to receive and read this book! It'll be a book that I'll be passing on to friends and will be enjoyed by many. Another excellent book by Beth Wiseman!

 This book was received in exchange for an honest review from booksneeze.

Close enough to hear God breathe

Close enough to hear God breathe, by Greg Paul. In this book Greg Paul takes us through scripture and personal experience to teach us how we draw closer to God. We all long to be closer to God, to clearly her His voice, to be caught up in His embrace. But some how it seems so distant, that we won't be able to ever get to that place to be close enough to hear Him breathe. But in this book you hear God speak through Greg Paul. He takes you to places that make you think, make you question why you aren't closer than you are. The door is open to all of us to have that relationship with God. That mental image of just being able to curl up on my Father's lap and lean against Him and just listen to Him breathe is such an emotional picture. A place that every person longs to be with their savior. I loved this book, I love his insights, especially in the section about God creating man and woman in His image and all that went with that chapter. I loved this book so much that when it was my turn to teach at our home group through our church that I shared this book. Its one of those books that you'll treasure forever and flip through often. Its very well done and a must have for all personal libraries!


Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

Stuck sampler

Stuck sampler, is a sample of a dvd based bible/devotional study for woman. I read through the portion of the study that I received in the sample and was so impressed! I wish there was more to it! This study will bring you closer to God, will teach you the truths about who you are and goes after those things that hold us back from a deeper relationship with God. At this time I am looking at buying the actual devotional and everything that comes with it in hopes of using it for a woman's bible study at our church. This is a resource that every church needs for its woman's groups. When I got to the end of the sampler I was sitting her saying, darn it, I wish there was more! (thankfully there is more in the full version of the study, I can't wait to get my hands on that and hear what God is wanting to teach us!



Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

everything the Bible says about Heaven

Everything the Bible says about Heaven. This may be a small book, but it is jam packed with information! What a valuable resource!! It is wonderful that some one took the time to put this book together and gather all the information that the Bible gives us about Heaven. such as where is it? or What does it look like? What do you do there? and so much more. Not only that, we also see the occasional commentary type writing in there about heaven and about what the original author of that book of the Bible is trying to say to us. This is one that I've referred back to over and over again. Great resource for those in the ministry or just those interested in a deeper relationship with God.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Amish Values for your Family

Amish Values for your Family, by Suzanne Woods Fisher. In this book Suzanne Fisher shows us the values of the Amish and how we can apply them to our lives. Suzanne has written many books on the Amish (fiction books), and is one of my favorite authors. Her Amish series the Choice, is my favorite series of Amish books. I am intrigued by the Amish lifestyle and how deep their faith is. So when the opportunity to read a book like this came a long I was ecstatic to read it! There are a long range of subjects covered in this book, from the strong beliefs the Amish have on marriage to raising children and the unique look that the Amish have of the world around them. I really liked this book. As with all of Suzanne Fisher's books that I own, it will take up a much loved spot on my book shelf. Most books I pass on to our church library or give away to friends, but her books are such a treasure to own that they are the ones that I do hold on to and look at over and over again.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A most Unsuitable Match

A most Unsuitable Match, by Stephanie Grace Whitson. In this novel we are introduced to Fannie Rousseau, having been thrown from a life of privilege to having to figure out how to run a household. While going through her mother's belongings Fannie finds some things that cause her to question who her family is and sends her in a search to find some answers to those questions. So she jumps aboard a ship set to Montana Fannie meets Samuel Beck. A mysterious man who Fannie can't help but find herself attracted to him. We travel with them and discover who they are in this story, and not only that but we also have the privilege of watching them both grow in their relationship with God. Its a very heartlifting story of our promises in God and how God wants to use all of us and love all of us, dispite any background we come from. This is definately a book I will be recommending.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Out of Control

Out of Control, by Mary Connealy. Julia is an independent woman. Loves nature and studying nature. She also has that headstrong side of her that says I don't need anyone else's help, I can do it on my own! Well she meets her match in Rafe Kincaid. The oldest of three boys, he has the tendency to think that he knows whats write in every situation and isn't afraid to share with others what they should be doing. Even if that other person is Julia! We see their struggle as they come together in this story battling danger and feelings for each other and the chance of reconciliation with family. Julia and Rafe are so completely opposite that you'll never see how on earth they could come together and make it! I did enjoy this story, while it wasn't my favorite and I'm not a fan of these types of novels to begin with. Mary Connealy add enough humor and intrigue to the story to keep you hooked till the end! definately a book worth reading!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A Confident Heart

A Confident Heart, by Renee Swope. Every woman out there struggles at some point in their lives with confidence. Some manage to overcome it, others live with it for their entire lives! Renee Swope has taken on what seems like a mountainous task of teach woman who they are in Christ. To speak the truth to them about who they are. One part of the book in particular stuck out to me, that was on pg. 106. Where she's telling us the story of Adam and Eve hiding from God because they realized they were naked. Renee takes that verse where God asks them "who told you, that you were naked?" and changes it a little (in a good way) to say "who told you that something is wrong with you? Some one had made them feel that they were shameful, but it wasn't God who cast shame on them. Woman tend to do the same thing, whether it be another woman who is casting shame on them or them believing the lies that Satan so often tells them. God isn't the one telling you that there's something wrong with you. He wants to meet you right where you are! This book covers a whole lot more on the topic of confidence and faith, etc... and really is a must read for all woman. this isn't just one of those books you should read, its one you must read! She offers us a freedom that God is speaking to us and spells it out for us! Everyone must read this book!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Colonel's Lady

The Colonel's Lady, by Laura Frantz. In this novel we meet Roxanna Rowan, travelling to reach Kentucky fort, to reunite with her father. Upon arriving at the fort Roxanna is stunned to discover that her father had been killed. With out any way to leave or any money support herself on she is forced to stay at the fort. Continuing her father's job as Colonel Mclinn's scrivener, she may just learn the truth of her father's death and the power of love and forgiveness.
     Now, I'm in a pickle with this book lol. I dislike romance novels, even novels that are well written romance novels. This is definately a romance novel, but Laura Frantz has such a strong talent for writing that she draws you into her story. You feel the emotions, you feel like you are with Roxanna the entire time. So while I'm not a fan of the romance aspect of the novel, I have to say I am a huge fan of how talented of a writer Laura Frantz is! I liked the book despite my personal tastes! this is definately one of those books I'll be passing around to my friends to read!!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Rumors of God

Rumors of God,  by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson. We so often hear about the promises of God, the things He does for His people. But why is it that we feel like its not happening to us? Why does it seem to be for everyone else but us? In this book Pastors Darren and Jon, take on our questioning and show us stories of God still doing as he promises today! We see each chapter dismiss a "rumor" that we believe about God and what he does/doesn't do today. I really liked this book! I really thought it was an awesome read! I find so many times people are so caught up in the legalism of Christianity that they stop looking for the relationship. When the relationship is the real deal and legalism is just another tactic to derail us! Any book that looks at the myths and dispells them is a great book in my opinion. I loved this book and will be donating it to my church library so that many more can enjoy it as well! This is one book you don't want to miss out on.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

My life and Lesser Catastrophes

My life and lesser Catastrophes, by Christina Schofield. We begin this book by hearing about Christina Schofield and her family. Her husbands job that takes up a lot of his time, the precious memories that they're making with a busy toddler, and how to try and fit in time with each other with busy scheduals. After it seems like Christina's husband has forgot about their anniversary he decides to take her for a quick ride on the motorcycle to celebrate it. Both cherish these times of riding on the motorcycle and have done it many times before. Except that this time is different. This time they hit a patch of loose gravel that sends them both flying off the bike. Christina with the exception of a concussion, has only some bumps and bruises. But her husband Allen, broke his neck. Life seems to shatter for the family as they try to pull themselves back together and ask the big questions.
  I don't know what to all say about this book, it was simply amazing and needed. We all get questions about our faith and in dark times question everything. But its not often talked about. The part that hit home the most was when Christina prayed to go "please be real". I have prayed that before, but in christian circles its just not accepted to talk like that. It was burden lifting to know that some one else who's come from a place of being in ministry and had/has strong faith would ask the same questions. I highly recommend this book! God shines through and speaks through this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Pattern of Wounds, Roland March mystery series 2

Pattern of Wounds, Roland March mystery series 2, by J. Mark Bertand. Roland Summond to a crime scene where the murder of a young woman has taken place. As soon as he gets there Roland has a nagging feeling that he's seen this before. Something looks familiar? Then realizes that this case resembles a case he solved a while ago. Does he have a copycat? Or did they find the wrong person guilty for murder? As doubt and questions arise in Roland's abilities as a homicide detective, Roland is racing to find the real killer and rescue his reputation.
I read J. Mark Bertand's first novel in this series, back on murder, and it was just as great as this one! I hadn't thought much about it till I started reading and realizing that the characters sounded familiar. Then finally it clicked as to why! This is a great series and in fact I don't recommend just getting this book, but getting both books in the series and reading them! This book is an example of what I love about crime drama/thrillers from a Christian perspective. It is brilliantly written and I love the characters in this book. It is a must read!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group