A Different Kind of Love Story

A Different Kind of Love Story is a fabulously written personal life story from Landra Young Hughes.  In A Different Kind of Love Story, Landra shares a journey starting in her teenage years to being a young mother. She was raised the daughter of a famous pastor and endured some turbulent times as a family that were very public, not necessarily by choice. Landra then went on to develop an eating disorder and went to treatment for her eating disorder. Although this book does share about her eating disorder it is applicable to many. 

On page 122 Landra shares a label that women need to put on themselves. It is “Chosen By God”.  This really resonated with me!

On page 148 Landra writes, “Maybe you need to keep your personal life private because that’s what’s been modeled for you. Maybe your parents never talked about spiritual or faith based topics and it’s just a foreign concept to you. Maybe it feels weird to let others in when you have doubts because you are afraid of looking stupid or weak or like you’re not a ‘good’ Christian.”  Laundre then goes on to share how opening up your personal life will deepen your spiritual life.

A Different Kind of Love Story is full of wisdom, personal experiences and encouragement. 

 A Different Kind of Love Story is an excellent book that I would recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do.

Find More Money $$$$$ by Art Rainer

Find More Money by Art Rainer is a fabulous book to help those who are looking for additional income through a side hustle, side gig or whatever you choose to call it!  Art has a history of authoring books about finances, however this is the first one I read!  Art shares several key elements as to why you need a side gig: you need more money just to make it through each month, you need more money so you can pay down your debt, you need more money so you can create an emergency savings account, you need more money so you can eventually retire, you need more money so you can be more generous (page 15). Art also lays out the options for making more money, which include, get a raise, get a new job, get a side gig (page 15).  Art also encourages you to know you why of why you want to make more money, and encourages you to explore your passions and what you can do. I appreciated that Art listed practical websites that you can use and does acknowledge the websites are always changing!  Art explores what it takes to find a side gig, develop that side gig and more forward to try and make additional money!

I appreciated that this was a practical book. Art offered many suggestions to help the reader move forward with a side gig! Perhaps the big questions is: is this in line with Dave Ramsey and what is taught by Financial Peace? Yes! Art Rainer has similar principles that will compliment and encourage any Dave Ramsey followers! (Note that programs are slightly different, but similar in many ways!)

I did enjoy this book and found it very helpful but most importantly practical!  I would encourage others to check it out! I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is a captivating fiction mystery. 

This book shares the story of Detective Alvarez who happens upon a mystery of students killed in a school bus accident three years ago. However the students may be alive. Even though detective Alvarez has no children of her own, she is intrigued by the prospect of solving the case. She also desperately wishes to get out of property crimes and move into homocide. 

This book is a thrilling and entertaining mystery fiction. I found myself unable to put it down. I did find it interesting however that this book is published by a Christian publisher with no mention of any Christian aspects  throughout the book. The characters are entertaining and the story is gripping. 

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

Holy Guacamole by Carrie Stephens

"Have you ever felt on the edge, alone, down and out, or maybe wondered what in the world God can do with someone like you?"

Carrie Stephens shares her journey of life, being a pastor's wife, and motherhood in an entertaining way in Holy Guacamole.  Carrie shares stories from her growing up years, to early marriage, to raising teenagers and how she has been used by God during those times.  I loved the footnotes {which are hilarious side commentary!}

Carrie also draws on her experience of a being a pastor's wife and the dynamic that it adds to her life as well as the expectations of others. One time a friend shared with her that she is "holy guacamole" and totally worth it!  Carries expands on this idea of value and worth.  I appreciated the practical and real life stories that 40 something Carrie incorporates into the book!

On page 174 Carrie writes, "Relax, you'll get what God has planned for you from the beginning of time. In the meantime, let her (meaning those you compare yourself to) have her things. Let him do what God made him to do. Let God be God.  To carry this truth in our broken world, maybe we need to practice receiving whatever God's hand is holding out to us today - even when it seems like less than what He promised."

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

Isaiah's Legacy

I recently had the chance to read the book Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Anderws.  This book is the fictional story of King Mannasseh and his wife based on the Biblical account. It is fiction. You will want to keep that in mind while reading the story  

This story is a psychological take of how God has worked during Isaiah‘s time period. Isaiah's Legacy studies the life of king Manasseh and how Satan made him one of the most wicked kings. This book illustrates the war between Satan and God as seen in the lives of real people.

I really enjoyed how the author starts the book with a list of the characters in a map of the location and a brief note giving a background for the book. The author takes the liberty to explore the story and make it very vivid.  

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

What's So Wonderful About Webster by Stephen & Alex Kendrick

What's So Wonderful about Webster is a cute, fun, creative and energizing children's book inspired by the movie Overcomer! Stephen and Alex Kendrick do a great job with a captivating story about an elementary student and his upcoming field day. Webster is trying to figure out what event he will excel in. The problem is that he doesn't excel in many events - that are obvious!

The illustrations are fun as is the story! I mean what is better than a dog named, "Barfy"? Or a teacher named "Ms. Pumpernickle"? This book is practical and will resonate with kids! I love the positive message and Biblical principles included in this sweet picture book.  This book will be an encouragement to those who struggle with knowing their talents as well as those who need to realize that others
do struggle with finding their gifts.

The parent discussion page at the end is a great tool for sitting down with your child, reading that passage and answering the discussion questions.  This book would also make a great gift. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do.

The Art of Friendship ~ Kim Wier

The Art of Friendship by Kim Wier takes an honest look at friendship (or the lack there of) among women today! Kim uses her vast experience as a wife, mom and women's ministry leader to teach about friendship. In The Art of Friendship, Kim talks about using social media today as an excuse for authentic friendships, the importance of studying the Creator of Friendships and using the ultimate Model of Christ for our friendships!

Kim encourages you to take an honest look at your friendships, as well as yourself. This book offers some great insights and I did learn some new ideas that I had never considered before. While Kim offers great insight, I wish there would have been a few more practical ideas in the book!

All in all I did enjoy The Art of Friendship and would recommend this book. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review!

An Uncommon Woman ~ Laura Frantz

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz is an enthralling novel! Honestly, I couldn’t put it down! 

Tessa lives on the family homestead. She enjoys working with her family on their homestead despite the loss of her father to the Indian's amid the turmoil on the frontier. Her brothers keep her busy as she helps her mother. At 25 years old, there are not many marriage prospects. Oh how Tessa longs to visit the big city - specifically, Philadelphia.  

Clay has just returned from Philadelphia, where he was hailed as a war hero.  Clay is ready to resume his duties at the Fort, and does not have any intention of finding love.  But when his cook, Hester, plays matchmaker with her great niece....

This book is historical romantic fiction, set in the 1770's. You will be captivated by the story.  For me, it was riveting and thought provoking!  I recommend this work of fiction, even though some of the vocabulary was specific to the time period and a little more difficult to understand. Nonetheless, the story was an excellent, enjoyable read!  I was given a free copy of An Uncommon Woman from the publisher for my honest review.  

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.