Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones by Max & Denalyn Lucado

 

This is a sweet book that I won on a giveaway. l look forward to reading this to the great-grandkids as they learn and grow and begin to understand prayers.  The pictures are all so well done.  Children will love to see the pictures and hear the peaceful words that are written on the pages and based on various scriptures.

Amidst Trials, is there a Light at the end of the Tunnel? Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke

 

All of us have challenges in our lives and we feel so alone. We sometimes wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we try to solve our own problems and don’t bother talking to anyone or asking for help.

 “No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that the trials in life will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does Jesus Christ know how we feel? I believe He does.

Set in 1844, The Light at the End of the Tunnel is a historical romance. Book Reviewer and Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “This romance wrapped around my heart as it took me into the struggles of Hannah, such a brave woman. The characters come to life on the page as Thomas falls for Hannah. However, Hannah is caught up in her day-to-day trials, and with her independent streak she only thinks of making a life for her and her daughter. Can Thomas get her attention and change her mind?”

 After coming to America and enduring several challenges and trials, Hannah realizes she can make something of her life by opening a hot chocolate shop. She soon finds that starting her own business isn’t as easy as she thought.

 When Thomas finds out that Hannah's shop is struggling, he comes to the rescue with a clever plan. Will she agree to such an unconventional idea? Can he convince her to find room in her heart for one more person?

 “I enjoyed this sweet historical romance very much.  This story shows the western spirit of adventure in a young widow who has faced many hardships to come to this point.  This is a Christian book and a very engaging and enjoyable read. You will enjoy this heartwarming story of a strong woman forging a new life.” Sunnie Reviews

 To buy this book or eBook on Amazon, visit Amazon here!

Linda Weaver Clarke’s Author Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

 

The Miracle Tree by Davalyn Spencer Audible Version

I just finished listening to this Audible version by Davalynn Spencer.  It was really enjoyable and I enjoyed the romance, the storyline, and the characters so much. It was a western in today's time period, so not a "historical" western and was a book with plenty of action and enjoyable animals as well.

The narrator Michelle Dyan Whitehead did a nice job of telling the story and interpreting the characters.  I loved the voices she used and it was pleasant to listen to.

I received an Audible version from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

My Breakfast With Jesus by Tina Cho Illustrated by Guy Wolek

This is a beautiful and charming book for younger readers.   It has stories and illustrations of children from different countries and cultures and how they have breakfast and give thanks and having the breakfast which might be customarily made in their family homes combined with the Spirit of Jesus in their homes as they start their days.

It's a very nice way to combine learning about others and understanding that Jesus is with all that invite him to their homes.

Very nice!

I received a copy of this book as a gift for a grandson.  All thoughts are my own.

The Highwayman of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Highwayman of Cordovia is the second book of the new Rebels of Cordovia series by Linda Weaver Clarke.  I love reading a series and seeing characters from a previous book in the series reappear.  It's wonderful to see how things turned out for them.

This book is the story of Christine, a pastor's daughter and Austin.  Austin and Christine had been friends as youth and separated through the years.   As their paths cross again after many years, things spark up between them.  Yet their lives do not appear to be headed in the same direction.

Christine begins to fall in love with Austin but is not aware of his true self and would not approve of the life he is leading.  The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages.  These books express good moral values and are very enjoyable.

The book is a clean Christian read and historical in nature, which I enjoy.  It was a good book and I look forward to the 3rd book in the series.

I received an e-book copy from the author for my honest review which I have given.

You can read more about this great series at this link where Linda writes about her new series.

A Different Beautiful by Courtney Westlake

This was an amazing story of an amazing family and the things they learned about life and God and human nature.  The daughter of the author, Brenna, was born with a rare and life threatening skin disorder that changed the entire lives of this family.  As their child went through countless trials, the author recounts these experiences and the things they learned that could have driven them apart, but rather brought them together to do the best they could to help their daughter thrive and have as good a quality of life as she possibly could.

This book was really good.  I felt as though I could relate to this family in many ways.  Courtney's insights were really wonderful.  In one part of the book she uses a picture puzzle as an analogy and teaching moment for her son.  And the letter she wrote to him as he goes to his first day of preschool will really make you think.  I loved it.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review which I have given.

You can find your copy here.

This Side of Heaven

This latest by Diane Dean White is another of her great stories and starts as Darlene and her children find their way to the South to escape an abusive relationship.  Trying to keep her past in the past and hidden from the view of others, she meets Brett and a new road leads her to a new life as they merge their lives together.  A book of trust in the paths God has laid out for us on our life's journey, you will be drawn in by the characters, their lives and their experiences.

Darlene, a northerner, finds her life in the South can be a learning experience, as she tries to overcome her anxieties and trials.  This book has romance, mystery all written with Christian values. That is what I look for in a book these days and it fits the bill. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Emma's Prayer by R.A. Giggie

Emma's Prayer was the first book by R.A. Giggie that I have read.  I won this in a contest.  It was a really nice book and I consider myself to be lucky to have won it.

It was a clean, Christian read that was about a 17 year old girl, Emma or Emi as she is called throughout the book, who chose to give away her baby and comes to regret her choice.  She ends up regretting yet another bad choice she makes, as well.  But I won't create a spoiler in telling what she does.

I enjoyed the book a lot and the characters were all good people who didn't always have good things happening to them.  Occasionally I thought perhaps the chances of some of the events happening seemed a bit unlikely, but all in all it was a good read and I think most reader's of Christian themed books will enjoy this.

Author Spotlight with Carrie Fancett Pagels! And A GIVEAWAY!

Today I have been blessed to have a very special lady do an author interview and share some of her thoughts with us!  Welcome to my blog, Carrie!  

Carrie, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a former psychologist (25+ years working with children and adolescents) but arthritis disabled me. I planned on working as a psychologist, in a Christian practice, until reaching retirement age—but God had other plans.

  

Can you share any stories that your readers could be looking forward to in the near future?

I have a brand new release, a short novel, Lilacs for Juliana, that just released! And I have an upcoming release, a novelette, entitled The Substitute Bride, that is part of a multi-author O’ Christmas Town collection.

How has being a writer impacted your relationship with Christ?

My relationship with Christ is what drew me to being a writer. I do this for the Lord. I pray that my work honors Him!

Do you feel that the Christian genre is making an important impact on people’s lives, and how?

I hear stories of people being drawn to Christ through reading Christian fiction. Personally, I have been a longtime reader of Christian fiction, starting back in the late 1980s. There is so much MORE in a true Christian fiction. There is a spiritual arc that ENCOURAGES the reader in their faith walk. I’ve read a couple of “clean” reads recently and walked away shaking my head—without the spiritual walk in Christ the story was no good to me.

Who is your favorite author?

Oh you are making this TOO hard, Sonja!!!  I love SO many. I have to say Julie Lessman. Her stories are filled with passion for the Lord as well as terrific romance! Her voice shines on every page—I love that!

How do you deal with the pressures of writing under a deadline?

I’m kind of a deadline person because of my RA. But life happens. I had unexpected emergency surgery in April. That set my current release behind.  In general, I try to write at least something every day. I ask God to help me. He is the reason I can be productive and meet deadlines.

When not writing what is your favorite way to unwind?

That would be hubs barbecuing for us, daughter over visiting us and with her dog, and our son being there. And then maybe doing a little bit of beading with our daughter and us all watching a movie together!

You seem like a very grounded person, Carrie, what would you feel helps you with this?

God. The Lord is the only reason I look that way. I am a mess without Him. I try to stay grounded in my faith. Staying in prayer and in the Word and being plugged in at church are some of those basic tenets of having any kind of chance of being grounded!

Thanks for interviewing me, Sonja! I’ve interviewed thousands of people over the years, in practice as a psychologist, so it is always interesting being on the other end of the questions!!!

Giveaway: A paperback (or ebook) copy of any one of the books in The Christy Lumber Camps Series – winner’s choice.

To enter the giveaway, please comment regarding the spotlight and mention which book you would prefer to receive, should you be the winner!  Don't forget to leave your email in a safe form so that we can contact you if you are the winner!  Contest ends September 10th!

A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman

I was lucky to win this Anita Higman book in a contest.  And  similar to the last book of Anita's that I read, this was also a very enjoyable read.

This is a story, a love story, of two people whose lives were altered by the mistakes or perhaps, shall I say, misdoings of another.  This person having been a family member.  As a result the couple ends a relationship rather than brings it to the point of marriage.

As their two lives separate for many years, an upcoming marriage of one of them brings them back into one another's lives.  Will past issues bring them together or further apart?

This is a really good read and I am sure that you will enjoy seeing how this story evolves.

Author Anita Higman

The Simple Life Devotional by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I just finished reading The Simple Life Devotional and can only say, Wanda has crafted a meaningful, wonderful and inspiring book of Devotional thoughts.  The book follows a pattern with a short story telling of some Amish experiences and then a section called "Food for Thought" containing an uplifting thought followed by a section called "Food for the body".  Food for the body includes a wonderful recipe.  Some looked so tempting I couldn't wait to try them.

The 60 devotional stories are proceeded by a scripture pertaining to the story.  The devotionals are all based on experiences of her Amish friends with each giving you an uplifting feeling.  I read every devotional and saw many that I wanted to apply to my own life.

Wanda is such a good writer and I feel really happy and blessed to have been able to read this excellent book!  I highly recommend it.
5 stars for Wanda's new book!                                                                  

Author Wanda E. Brunstetter

Lean Forward by Laurel Griffith

Lean Forward was an interesting Devotional type book with many thoughts on how to better communicate, both with God and people in your life.  It gives some good personal examples of her family, of others and those who have had the need to rebuild or begin a new relationship with their Savior.

It is a book that can give insights to many aspects of our lives, self improvement and better understanding of others.  We can all use some reminders in our lives of what is really important.  It can be a helpful book to people from all walks of life and Christian religions. 

In Chapter 5 of her book, she poses the question, "  If you knew Jesus would visit your town tomorrow, would you cancel your tennis date to see Him?  Would you call your boss and ask for the day off, and perhaps invite her to come along, too?  Would you change your hair appointment or miss the big game?  Exactly what would you put aside to get yourself to the feet of your Savior?"

I especially liked that thought because so many of us put all the worldly things ahead of the spiritual things, which are often forgotten or postponed for other "more important" things in our lives. 

A good book of reminders for all of us.  Good job Laurel Griffith on a very thought provoking book.   Here is a link to her webpage.