The Grey Chamber ~ by Grace Hitchcock

I read the Grey Chamber by Grace Hitchcock in record time, BECAUSE I could not put it down!!!!!!

The Grey Chamber is a story set in 1887 which mixes fiction with non-fiction, and Grace Hitchcock weaves it in a fabulous story! Edyth is a free spirit who lost her parents and inherited a fortune. Her uncle oversees her estate and all Edyth wants is his fatherly approval and love. When she turns 25 in a few months, she will have control over her estate.  However, her uncle's new wife finds a loophole in the will of Edyth's parents that just might allow her uncle (and his wife) to have all of the inheritance.  The loophole involves Blackwell Island's insane asylum!

As I said, I could not put this book down!  The characters were amazing and the story was enthralling. I am going to be looking for more books by Grace Hitchcock. I love that she mixes nonfiction with fiction. The historical setting just adds to the story as well!
The plot will keep you reading!  Make sure you have time when you start this to finish it - you will want to keep reading on!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. However, I was happy to do just that and I highly recommend this book!!!!

She Laughs ~ Choosing Faith Over Fear

She Laughs Choosing Faith Over Fear by Carolanne Miljavac is an honest look at faith, fear and some barriers to honest faith. Author Carolanne Miljavc shares ten attributes that help to point women to overcoming fear. These include being restored, playing, speaking, failing, humility, listening, breaking, forgiving, admitting you’re a mess, and laughing. Carolanne weaves personal experiences and wisdom throughout the book. She often shares her journey in marriage, motherhood, and the loss of her young niece due to cancer.  As a comedian, Carolanne is blunt at times and real in sharing her story.  

When sharing on humility, Carolanne shares, "excess isn’t necessary when you walk with the Lord there is so much peace in simplicity of humble heart is soaked and gratitude content with whatever God provides". When sharing on 

Sharing about taking a break, Carolanne writes, "she laughs in the face of tears l, knowing God works for the good in all her fears" (page 159)

Overall, the words are encouraging and heartfelt in She Laughs Choosing Faith Over Fear. This is a great read for women, especially younger mothers who are looking for some inspiration. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. 

BRAVER STRONGER SMARTER, A Girls Guide to Overcoming Worry and Anxiety

BRAVER STRONGER SMARTER, A Girls Guide to Overcoming Worry and Anxiety is EXCELLENT! I had the chance to go through this book with an eleven year old who struggles with worry.  This book hit the proverbial nail on the head and is a great resource!!!

Sissy Goff takes you through nine lessons on worry and anxiety.  Girls can work on the lessons themselves, but do need to interact with an adult at times through the lessons. I found them revenant and easy to understand.  This book in intended for girls in elementary school. I would recommend it for grades 2-8.  The advice in this book is relevant and practical.

This is a workbook that girls can work through, reflect and learn more about themselves. This can be done over nine weeks, nine nights or anywhere in between. However, it will take time to process all the thought provoking material.

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. I would recommend this book!

The Promises of God Storybook Bible ~ The Story of God's Unstoppable Love

The Promises of God Bible Storybook ~ the Story of God’s Unstoppable Love by Jennifer Lyell is a beautiful devotional book. The introduction says that book is for children ages 3 to 10. However I would argue that it is for children ages 5 to 10. Each Bible story offers a reading based on a passage of scripture. There are then several questions that go along with each reading. Each reading is anywhere from 2 to 4 pages. There are up to four questions that follow each reading. I love that this can be done with a parent and child. Or an older child could read it themselves. However I do not think the content would work for a three-year-old. The illustrations in this book are beautiful. I believe it is a well done children’s devotional Bible. It is a wonderful resource to teach children the promises of God.

Starting to read the Bible is a great habit and a great time for parents and children to connect. This is a excellent resource to foster just that!  The content is rich and valuable.  I would recommend this book for children ages 5-10. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do!

The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speakers will challenge you!!! 

In the book, The 40-Day Sugar Fast, Wendy looks at the need to want sugar (or anything else) more than Jesus. Wendy challenges you to give up sugar (in a manner that will impact you) for 40 days. It is up to your discretion as to how much sugar you will give up or exactly what it is that you will give up. Wendy gives you some flexibility in your decision.  Wendy has a reading for each day to share encouragement or in some cases in your discouragement!!!

Wendy acknowledges she is not a nutritionist but rather this is more of a spiritual journey. This is clearly a devotional intended to spend more time focused on Christ and getting to know Him more. This is a challenge as we are sugar addicted! I felt Wendy offered enough grace and encouragement for the journey.  The book is intended to have you read a selection on each day of the 40 day journey.  

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. 

no better mom for the job ~ Becky Keife

"Dear mama, in case you need to hear it, let me say it plainly. There is nothing wrong with you. If motherhood has unearthed a hidden vault of weakness and inadequacy, you are normal."  (page 183)

I love this book! I mean I really love this book! In No Better Mom for the Job, Becky Keife talks about insecurities and inadequacies that you may feel as a mother. Becky shares through personal experience insights that will help encourage you as a mom. Although Becky writes as a mom of elementary age children she often reflects back on the time when her three children were in diapers.

"The season you're in today will not alway be this way. Let this fuel your gratitude for what is and your hope for what is to come" (page 192)

As a mom of older children I found this book a huge encouragement. I enjoyed taking the time to reflect on what I do well. I think as moms we often reflect on what we don’t do well. Becky encourages listing what it is that you do well. She also encourages reaching out for others as a support system and other encouragement along the journey. Becky just doesn’t just share it. She also gives practical advice. As I said I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. I would recommend this book!

"Oh Motherhood, you are breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly brutal" (page 195). 

Women of Courage ~ A Forty-Day Devotional

Women of Courage ~ A Forty-Day Devotional edited by Mary Carver is a beautiful devotional.  

This devotional book features a biblical passages, commentary on the passage and then a heartfelt prayer that relates to the passage. There is a variety of content in the chapters, which include:  women of  beautiful brokenness, women better together, women of daily grace, women of leadership, women of friendship, women of hope, women of hospitality, women of gratitude, women of second chances, and women of bravery. This book has rich content and deep value. This would make a beautiful gift. It also features vibrant photographs.

Each chapter features Biblical insight from up to five women of the Bible. I enjoyed the insight shared and particularly the prayers at the end of each section. This book does have fairly deeper content and doesn't just "gloss" over each woman.  This book is intended to go along with the (in)courage Devotional Bible, but clearly can stand on it's own!

I was given a free copy for my honest review from the publisher. I would recommend Women of Courage ~ A Forty-Day Devotional.