Until I Met You by Tari Faris

Until I Met You by Tari Faris is part of the Restoring Heritage Series. Libby arrives in town as the new librarian. She comes with a past that is difficult and has many hurts to overcome. All the sudden, she meets this rude Austin Williams, who is  working on the town square project. Brandon, the local pastor,  is Austin's brother. Why don't Brandon and Austin get along? What happened in their past that is so difficult to overcome? Fortunately Libby finds Olivia as her new roommate. But why does Brandon keep Olivia at arm's length?

I did enjoy this story, but do need to mention that sometimes the characters were confusing.  I would have liked to see a character list at the beginning.  There are several other books in this series. I think reading the first few would have helped me understand the story as well.  All in all, it was enjoyable and I would recommend this book.  I was given a free copy for my honest review!  

Something Worth Doing

Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick is the telling tale is Abigail Jane Scott Duniway.  Abigail (sometimes called Jenny) is the well know women’s rights suffragist.  Abigail worked with Susan B. Anthony and many others. 

While fiction, Something Worth Doing, features many accurate and true details of Abigail’s life. This book does add some creativity to the story. It was very informative and interesting to learn the history of Abigail’s  life. 

This book does go in spirts of  sharing  Abigail’s daily life and then moving along a number of years to another event.  I did enjoy this story and would recommend especially for those who want to learn more about the history of women’s rights. 

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

The Prayer Map Devotional

The Prayer Map Devotional 28 Weeks of Inspired Reading is a beautiful gift devotional book. This book is also a great resource for your own prayer journey.  The Prayer Map Devotional features a weekly fill in for things you are thankful for, things you are worried about, who you are praying for, what's happening in my life, needs and other things on the your heart.  There are then five readings, Monday through Friday to go along with each week.  I appreciate the use of scripture throughout the journal.

This book also features a ribbon bookmark and would make a great gift for a special woman.  The floral and butterfly illustrations add to the beauty of the book.

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

How Was Your Day?

Ever ask your child, "how was your day?" Especially the very first day of school? When you want to know ALL about it? And all your child says, is "good".  Or "fine". 

Well, I was tired of it and wanted to know more! So, I created a family friendly contest to help my husband and I out!

Now, this will work better with kids who can text, BUT you would always make this a paper and pencil project! (Get creative!)

Every first day of school or first day of the semester,  I send out a text in our family group text.  I tell the kids that I am the unfair judge. They will get money if they participate (hey, we all need an incentive). The more they send, or more creative, the more favorable I will be!

We have gotten everything from selfies with the principal, to videos about their day, to most importantly, details we would have never known had I not asked for this/held this contest.

My husband and I are always amazed at what our kids will share and since we've been doing this it has been a joy to hear these details!  We usually do this the first day of the school year and the first day of the second semester (works for college kids too!)  Make sure you put a deadline.  

Well, Girl by Jami Amerine

Well, Girl by Jami Amerine is an interesting read. Jami takes us through her journey of self esteem, blame, shame and finally acceptance.  Jami shares her story in a passionate and heartfelt way.  Jami does not share a "tell all" diet, but instead, shares her journey throughout the years, which has included many diets, the blame game, and ultimately healing.

I had never read anything by Jami and did find this book interesting. It was a little all over the place as far as topic, even sharing added material after under revision in the publishing process.  I do think many women will relate to this book and it's content.  This is not just for women who struggle with their weight, but rather all women on acceptance and knowing their identity in Christ.

I found Jami's story interesting. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Stand All the Way Up Burn It All Down by Sophie Hudson

 Stand All the Way Up: Stories of Staying In It When You Want to Burn It All Down by Sophie Hudson is a great collection of stories written by famous author, better known as BooMama.  Although I had never read anything by BooMama, I did enjoy this book.  Sophie shares stories and humor and tends to "tell it like it is"!

Each chapter features a different topic of encouragement shared by Sophie. She tackles such ideas as friendships, racism, parenting, working and many other aspects of life.  Sophie also takes a hard look at racism and much that is going on in the world today. Sophie tends to share in a relatable and enjoyable way. 

I did enjoy this book and would recommend it. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do!

The Black Midnight by Kathleen y'Barbo

The Black Midnight is a captivating story of historical fiction.  The Black Midnight starts off in Austin Texas with a string of murders.  Annie is sent to help solve the murders and works with fellow detective, Isaiah.  They are trying to solve the murders and gather information, however, despite their best efforts, emotion takes over and they are finding themselves under the mistletoe! Who is Annie really? Will Isaiah (called Ike at times) ever know her for who she really is?

The book does starts off at one time period and then goes back in time, which was a little confusing, but it worked itself out in the end. I did enjoy this book as I have enjoyed other books in this series! The history mixed with the fiction is fascinating.  The story is enjoyable and fun.  I was given a free electronic copy of the book for my honest review.  I would recommend this book. 

Is God Speaking to Me?: How to Discern His Voice and Direction by Lysa TerKeurst

Is God Speaking to Me?: How to Discern His Voice and Direction Lysa TerKeurst

This "pocket guide" is a great resource of encouragement. Lysa shares a story of God prompting her to give her Bible to a stranger on a plane. She then completes the story full circle of how God used that Bible to bring others to Him.  This book has been revised and updated, which I appreciated.  Lysa refers to not only what she has experienced years ago, but also references experiences that are more recent.  

Lysa, in her usual way, shares from the heart and from the Bible how God can and will speak to others.  Readers will enjoy the personal stories and the encouragement shared throughout the book.  

I was given a free electronic copy to read for my honest review. I was happy to do so.  

These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker

These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker is a book that takes you into an intriguing world and keeps you thinking.  This is a style I am not as comfortable with, but for those who enjoy this type of fiction, I have a feeling they will become huge fans. It is definitely more allegorical.  For those how enjoy it, you will not be able to put it down and will be drawn in to the story!

In These Nameless Things, Shawn keeps you thinking and guessing about about Dan, Miho and other characters.  Dan has left the mountain and must help those who have left the mountain. It is a heavy task.  

For those who love this type of genre I think you will be hooked. For those not necessarily a fan of this type of fiction you may want to move on.  Shawn tends to have many fans, so it may be work a read just to check it out.

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

Modern Parents Vintage Values

Wow! This revised version of Modern Parents Vintage Values by Sissy Goff and Melissa Trevathan is a gift!  Modern Parents Vintage Values helps explores some of the issues facing children and teens today, addressing practical ways for parents to begin to address them, offers sound advice for trying to prevent them, and explores insight into children and teens of the world today.

Sissy and Melissa use their vast wisdom from helping children and teens over the years to offer valuable insight for parenting children and teens today.  I often have to decide is this is a pen worthy book? Meaning will I underline in it or not? It took just the introduction for me to realize it was pen worthy!  

Modern Parents Vintage Values offers statistics and insight but also the “Sunday Drive” section that provides activities that you can do with your child to help instill character in them today.  I would recommend this book for parents of children ages five to seventeen.  This book offers such practical how to for parents today.  

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher. I am thrilled to recommend this book.