Under the Bayou Moon

 What an amazing book and amazing read! Under the Bayou Moon is a story set in the late 1940s of Ellie Fields traveling to a tiny Louisiana Bayou town to accept a new teaching position. She is ready for change and something new. However is she ready for this type of unique culture and experience? Can she handle the many challenges?

I have to admit this was a different time period read for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found that I could not put the book down. Author Valerie Fraser Luesse does an excellent job of storytelling for a unique culture and time period. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I would recommend Under the Bayou Moon. 

Praying Mom by Brooke McGlothlin

 In Praying Mom, Brooke McGlothlin shares her journey of learning how to pray practically and proactively for her family. She shares many insightful and wonderful stories from not only her life, but also from women who have contribute to the book. Praying Mom offers lots of practical real life ideas in addition to prayers for mothers of children of all ages.

I really appreciated the fact that Brooke uses scripture to pray. She provides not only stories but also scripture prayers and practical ideas at the end of each chapter. Through reading stories of her life as well as others, Brooke will inspire and encourage women to pray.

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

The Chase

The Chase by Lisa Harris is the second book in the captivating US Marshals series. Madison is finally back on her feet and able to return to work. However her first day at work with her partner Jonas is anything but dull. In an encounter with bank robbers, Maddison must trust Jonas with her life. Who are these bank robbers and why are they out for an adrenaline rush? What about Jonas’ almost fiancé Felicia? Can Jonas ever forgive himself and move on after her critical injury. Meanwhile Madison continues her work on solving the case of her husband’s murder five years ago. 

The Chase is enthralling and will keep you reading! Yes, it is part of a series but best of all it can be a stand alone book. No need to read book one to understand book two! The Chase kept me on the end of my seat turning pages. 

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

100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry & Anxiety

100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry & Anxiety is a valuable resource featuring 100 Bible verses for overcoming worry and anxiety.  Verses are stated,  the context is shared, then the meaning, and finally application and additional scripture passages. This book is a precious gift that can be an encouragement to many.

The context shared gives some background information. The meaning of the verse uses commentaries and other resources to help the reader understand more about the verse. Application is a practical approach to using the verse in every day life, especially for overcoming worry and anxiety. Additional reading provides a springboard for further comfort and encouragement. 

This book would make an excellent gift or reference to have on hand. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. 

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

Wow. That's about all I can say about Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund.  I could not put this book down, and it's been quite a while since I have read a book such as this!  First, I did not think I would like the plot. I am not always a fan of a dual timeline, nor what one may consider science fiction. However this book nailed it so to speak!  

Marian must help to save her father.  He has been working on research of the life healing properties of water from the Tree of Life.  His main goal is to heal his other
ailing daughter. Marian learns that her dad is suddenly in a coma and flies to be with her estranged father. However, she must decipher his research to figure out exactly why he is mysteriously in a coma. What happens next will take you on a mind wondering voyage.

I found that I throughly enjoyed this totally unbelievable story, which the author made believable. I was engrossed in the story and could not wait to read on. I can't wait to read more of Jody's books!  This story was amazing.

I was given a free copy from the publisher to review, which I was more than happy to do.  I would highly recommend this book! 

Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible by Danika Cooley

Ever wish you could have a do over? Often as parents we wish we could do something over as we move along in life. I think at those times it's important to pass on that insight to younger parents. I wish I had the book, Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible by Danika Cooley when my kids were younger.  

Danika (a fellow Moms in Prayer mom) shares such insight and wisdom of how and why to teach your children the Bible. I am still amazed at Danika's point on Biblical literacy that, "It's difficult to profess literacy in a subject when you're read the underlying text only one time. If you have read only passages or sections of a founding text for a subject...well then you can only claim partial knowledge at best." (page 14). This is the perfect argument for teaching our children the Bible. I would suggest that instead of looking for the ideal devotional, you read Danika's book and follow the practical suggestions for reading the Bible!

I am impressed that Danika offers practical application of the "how to". She doesn't just suggest having your kids read that Bible, but rather offers the how to accomplish it.  She shares valuable insight that she has learned along her journey.  Her website is also full of great ideas.

I have found this book to be super insightful and just may consider it a new baby shower gift! All parents need this book to understand the why and follow through on the how for Biblical literacy.  I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was more than happy to do. I highly recommend this book!

Don't Miss Out by Jeannie Cunnion

Don’t Miss Out by Jeannie Cunnion shares Jeannie’s journey of awareness and a deeper look at the Holy Spirit. Jeannie shares the insight and conviction she has received over the years utilizing the Holy Spirit‘s power. This book is a great mix of personal stories as well as spiritual theology. 

On pg 51 she shares, “the Holy Spirit gets you” as in understands you. Jeannie also shares on page 64, “He (God) has given us the Holy Spirit to help us along, so let’s stop settling for doing it alone. We need a holy help.” Finally, on page 66, she shares, “Have you ever considered that the Spirit wants to do far more for you than you even want to do for you? It’s true. What He can do is far better, and the outcomes are far bigger, than what we can do on our own!”

This is an excellent resource for those who have been Christians for a long time as well as those who are new Christians. I enjoyed the insight and stories that were shared. It’s an easy read yet contains profound insight relating to the Holy Spirit. 

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

The Daily Question Card Set

 I absolutely love these cards! What a beautiful set and great activity for families or gatherings in general. This could be ideal for church groups, school groups, friends getting together, anything you can think of where people gather.

Categories include friends and family, travel, faith, just for fun, and a then and now category. Great for reflecting on your life and thinking or just simple fun. This beautiful box would make the perfect gift or addition to your game night or family time activities. Great for car rides as well.

This 100 deck of cards is thought-provoking or fantastic for just casual conversations. Great for laughter and making memories. Recommended for ages 8+. 

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

A Bible Study Journal for Women

A Bible Study Journal for Women is a beautiful collection for your personal quiet time. I love the introduction which features scripture rich insights from How to Study the Bible. After the beautiful introduction are many pages for your own Bible study and reflection. Features a ribbon for marking your space. The cover is great for spill proof protection. Can easily be wiped off if needed!  

The insights from How to Study the Bible offers great practical suggestions for Bible study along with helpful tips. Some may be ones that you have know for years and other may be new tips. This would be an excellent resource for those just learning to study the Bible as well as those looking to improve. 

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend this Bible study journal. 

Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

Bridge of Gold by Kimberly Woodhouse is a fascinating read. Set in the 1930s as well as present day, it shares the story of two sets of individuals. It’s the story of the building of the San Francisco bridge as well as the reconstruction. Follow along as present day Kayla meets Steven and works together on an archaeological find of the sunken Lucky Martha, including gold. You will also be transported back in time to find out about the building of the San Francisco bridge and a previous time that the Lucky Martha was found. However the Lucky Martha might not be so lucky.

The story is a dual setting story (dual timeline). It does go back-and-forth between present day and history. You will enjoy the two stories woven together by the author. I found this  an enjoyable read. There were several times when I wasn't sure how the story was going to come together, so it was an enjoyable read! Great for the beach or a winter day! 

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