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.

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is book two in the Harbored Secrets Series.  Vivian has come to Walton, Georgia after a traumatic work experience. She has sought refuge in Walton. However, trouble seems to have followed her. Her boss, Harold, has suddenly died and as a reporter it's her job to figure out why. She may or may not include the help of the local police department. Ryan, who is a deputy for the local police, can't seem to get Vivian out of his mind, AND does not need her help!  He is happy to do his job, yet Vivian keeps distracting him in more ways than one!

This book is a thrilling story that takes a real look (and scary look) at cyber crimes.  It will make you think, but also allow you to enjoy a great story. I did read book one of this series and found that a little more intense and enthralling than book two.   Natalie did refer to the characters in book one, which may or may not be a distraction to the reader, meaning it may be helpful to read book one and then book two!
All in all, this is a fun read, whether you are snuggled up at home for the weekend or reading on the beach!

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do.

100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear!

100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear by Lisa Jacobson is a  thought provoking book with great insights on words of affirmation for your husband. Lisa offers 100 phrases that you can share with your husband to encourage him. This book is simple and easy to use and could be a great reference for when you want to encourage your husband. 

I have to say that not all words of encouragement will apply to everyone. However I think there is enough content and material in the book that it would be helpful and useful for most wives. The insights Lisa offers and personal stories are helpful. This book would also make an excellent gift. {Think weddings & anniversaries} 

I was given a free copy of 100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear from Revell Publishers for my honest review of this book. 

In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport

I had the opportunity to read In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport.  This was the first book I had read by this author and I did enjoy it.

Tucker has come to Canyon Mines, Colorado to ski and apparently spend a lot of money.  Jillian, a local genealogist is trying to figure out what Tucker is doing in town, and why he is spending so much time with her good friend Kris.  In the meantime there are flashbacks to another character, Mattie. What does Mattie's life have to do with this Colorado ski town and locating a long forgotten dangerous ski slope, Hidden Run?

I did enjoy In the Cradle Lies. It was difficult to follow along going back and forth between the past and present at first, but eventually I caught on. I must warn that reader that {potential spoiler alert!} the delicate subject of kidnapping children for adoption is addressed. Nonetheless, I was engrossed in the book and would recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason

Protecting Tanner Hollow {Four Romanic Suspense Novellas} by Lynette Eason offers four compelling stories in one book! First, you are immersed in the story of Kallie's homecoming upon the death of her stepfather. Why are people trying to kill her? Is it related to her stepfather? Was his death the accident they claim it is? Welcome to the small town of Tanner Hollow.

Next is the story of Lillian. Jason steps in when someone tries to kill her in a fire. However, the fire department of Tanner Hollow is on the case along with one particular firefighter.  Third, is the story of Honor, who along with her children, arrive in Tanner Hollow to claim the house they inherited. However, someone is interfering with their move and has found them and is trying to kill them. How will Tanner Hollow come together to help them? Finally, Claire, who we met in an earlier novella, is trying to figurer our who is after her. Upon reviewing cases she has helped solve, they are closing in on a suspect, but will it be too late?

I did enjoy the four novellas and found that it was nice to read one and be able to continue onto the next. Lynette writes in a fascinating way that keeps the reader engaged!  I did enjoy Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason. I was given a free copy of the book from the publisher for my honest review.

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler

Exciting new Amish Historical Fiction!

I did enjoy The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler. I do have to admit when I started reading I did not know that Amish historical fiction existed! This was an absolutely new genre for me. This is the second book in the Amish of Weaver’s Creek series. However you do not need to read the first book in order to understand this book. This book will stand alone! (Which I appreciate!)

Ruby Weaver is not your typical Amish gal. She hasn’t joined the church. She has a mind of her own and does not necessarily heed all of the rules in the Amish church. However when Gideon Fisher comes to town she is more than willing to take care of his children as well as his ailing wife, simply out of kindness.

However with the soldiers from the confederate war on their heels who knows if the Amish will be protected and safe? Just before passing,  Gideon’s wife asks Ruby to marry Gideon. Will they ever love each other? Will they even get married?

I did enjoy this work of fiction. The Roll of the Drums is a great read. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do!