Sincerely Yours: A Novella Collection Book Review

 

byAnnShorey , LaurieAnnEakes, Amanda Cabot and Jane KirkpatrickA rainy day morning to share my review for this excellent Christian Novella book. If you absolutely love historical fiction written by not only one, but four fabulous authors, you are in for a treat! Revell Publishing really created a fine book! Each of the gifted authors shared their treasure and love for writing in this book, Ann Shorey, Laurie Alice Eakes, Amanda Cabot and Jane Kirkpatrick, need I say more? Sharing from the Publisher’s Page is a brief synopsis of the book, “In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life–and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing-room, from a carousel carver’s workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.” I cannot say honestly that I enjoyed one story over another, they are all written from very talented writers, and the ability of them to all mesh into one book, creating a flow and rhythm was breathtaking! One story to the next just kept the momentum going, and even though they were written with different elements, It never lost the passion or excitement of the book flow. Only gifted authors can do that! I highly recommend this book to anyone who simply enjoys well written Christian fiction books. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing’s book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <[…] : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Dad’s Prayers for His Daughter Book Review

I absolutely love reading good quality books! I enjoy reading all kinds of genres, but reading about Prayer is one of my favorite topics. I recently reviewed Rob and Joanna Teigens book, “A Dad’s Prayers for His Daughter” and absolutely loved it!  I learned a long time ago that it is important when praying, especially for your children to be specific, and pray with boldness over every area of their lives! I learned to use Scripture, to use God’s truth in the daily conversations with God. If you want something for your child, ask for it, pray in Faith that God’s Will is done in the life of your child.  The author’s address this  in their book,  diving deeper into the importance of praying for every part of her life! I love that, I love the connection that a father has with his daughter, it is such an important relationship. A father is a daughter’s first glimpse of what a relationship with the opposite sex will be like. A Daddy set’s the example and tempo of expectations that a little girl will have in her future husband, it must be Godly!

The book is broken down into short segments, eighty-eight to be exact, usually a page or two long of specific things that a father should be praying over his daughter, in between the segments, the author writes short real life stories, sharing his expectations, thoughts in an open, honest transparent way. The author is honest, bold, loving, and brave with his dreams, thoughts, and expectation of parenthood.  I love that with each prayer topic, it is backed with Scripture!

I recommend this book to every father, especially expecting fathers to ensure that they are off to a positive, Godly start with their child, but deeper than that, not just fathers, but all parents, guardians, or anyone else that has a powerful role in the life of any child. Praying is the key to everything in life! There is more power in prayer than anything else!

I am honored to receive a complimentary issue of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have done.  I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

Twice Promised, the second book of the Blue Willow Bride Series is a great book! Maggie Brendan writes this book with exciting content and dramatic effects in her story line.

Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado in 1888 as a mail-order bride who is going to marry Jess Gifford, the man she got to know threw letter writing back and forth between the two.

What makes it interesting is while she is waiting at the train stations, she makes a new friend Cora Johnson, who she soon discovers that she is also a mail order bride of Jess Gifford.

Filled with surprises, tenderness, between all of the parties is sure to keep you reading.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Always There: Relections for Moms on God’s Presence book Review by Susan Besze Wallace

God is always with you…… This is how the author starts the book, using the stories of several authors, Ann Voskamp, Alexandra Kuykendall, Kathi Lipp, Tracey Bianchi, Kim Hill, Renee Swope and several others, it begins with an open dialogue and the experiences of numerous women and their take on friendships, God, motherhood, marriages, trials, and tribulations. Each woman although different situations, characters, experiences, and stories share that we as women are not all that different from one another. Sharing of stories of how women put God first in their lives, and the transformation of the person that they became afterwards.

A book of laughter, and tears, differences and similarities of those women who love Christ, their spouses, children, family and friends. I received a complimentary copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing. Look for it in your local book store, or on your Kindle through Amazon.com.

Mom Connection Book Review by Tracey Bianchi

In a fast paced world of high expectation, and the giving of oneself to a world that often doesn’t notice you exist, the author Tracey Bianchi slows down the tempo and brings us back to the reality that one mom can make a difference. The mom she describes in her book is each one of us, the person who has passion, ideals, goals, love, humor and a whole lot to offer this world. Mrs. Bianchi shows how in the wonderful life of motherhood, the true love of her life that she shows her children,  by forming other connections with other people, sharing friendship, desires, hope to make a connection right were each of us are, motherhood, and how each person, role has a play in completion of our lives.

Mrs. Bianchi goes way back to her childhood, in a sense, all of our childhood, by recollecting and reconnecting  ourselves and the goal of connecting with other people with humor, great memories, and warm fuzzy that make mom’s reminisce and say I remember that! From hulu hoops, to the smell of the old strawberry shortcake dolls,  the comforts that pull all women along! Being a mom doesn’t mean that we lose our connections, desires, in our fast paced bubbles, in fact she gives each chapter an element of new ideas, expectations and goals to enhance our lives in ways we may not have thought of….

Humor, great ideas, and connections make this book a must read! I received a complimentary book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Look for this book at your local Christian book store.

Sarai book review by Jill Eileen Smith

The love story between Abram and Sarai as biblically portrayed is written with love and passion from the author Jill Eileen Smith. A story of a young couples beginning and the wishes and desires of one woman to marry her sweetheart and raise a family. As we all know Life sometimes does not come as we wish, the story of Sarai and Abram is no different. Although written generations ago, the personality and desires of the couple are not far from the desire of couples today.

A marriage built on trust, love, and raising a family sometimes has turns and twists. Sarai and her inability to have a child, the pressure of producing an heir is about all Sarai can stand. Out of desperation, fear, and desires to please her husband, Sarai makes some regretful choices, and must learn to live with the consequences.

A relationship with many factors, and challenges but with the uncontrollable love between the two forces them to make difficult choices. Will they stay together?

I received this book complimentary from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Look for this book in your local bookstores.

You’re Already Amazing book review by Holley Gerth

The cover’s title, “Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be.”

The author begins very early in the book with the message of great importance. In the secular world we live in, the drive for women to do more, have more, and be more and at any cost is examined and analyzed. The Author Holley Gerth explains to women that we do not need to do more, to be substantial because we already amazing just the way that we are!

A well written down to earth book, with a great sense of humor. Mrs. Gerth is realistic, experienced, and energetic in sharing her thoughts and explaining that God does not see the world like we see it, and in fact does not see us the way that we see each other either.

I was delighted to receive a complimentary book in exchange for an honest book review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

Living @ the Next Level Book Review by B. Courtney McBath

I read an awesome book today from start to finish, and wanted to read it again! I read alot of books, so for me to want to read it again, It is good! It could be the I am partial to the author, for he also happens to be the Bishop of my church, But…. It is a great book!

Bishop McBath has an easy way of explaining things, all the while being “real” and authentic! He writes on a level that any Christian can relate and understand. He talks on the importance of being a Friend of God’s.  The main emphasis is that people often think in their walk with God, that they have to reach the next level to have fellowship and a friendship with God. Bishop explains in his book how we are already there! He writes, “As God’s friends, we’ve already arrived, and every moment we spend straining to “get there” is a missed opportunity to explore God more fully and connect with him more deeply right now.”

His writing style along with his preaching style, is simple, practical, and too the heart! I encourage anyone who desires a closer walk with the Lord, to read this.  His website is www.livingatthenextlevel.com, and his  church website is www.crcglobal.org.

88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates Book Review by Rob & Joanna Teigen

If you are looking for a book with alot of great idea’s on things that Daddy’s and Daugther’s can do together, than this is your book! It is basic, easy to follow with generalized idea’s including what to bring along with you!

It is written with a Christian emphasis, included on each trip is a bible verse or two to ponder over, and think about how it relates to your relationship and situations.  It even tells you which activities will need to have a vehicle and money brought along!

To encourage daily growth, the authors Rob & Joanna Teigen use biblical based answers that relate well to the circumstance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Look for this book in your local Christian store or on Amazon.com.

Hearts Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes

I absolutely love historical Christian fiction books!  I especially love books about early settlers, and historical stories that include England, Virginia, or war time era’s! 

It begins with the dream of the main character Phoebe Lee who dreams of being a midwife in Loudon County, Virginia beginning in 1813. It was especially cool because her first setting was in Williamsburg, Virgina, a history lovers prime setting! The drama begins when her sister in law requests if Phoebe would become her midwife for her upcoming birth. The problem is, she finds herself on a ship during the War of 1812, heading away from the Commonwealth.

Phoebe finds herself in the company of the obnoxious Capt Rafe Docherty who promises to get Phoebe’s brother in law, Belinda’s husband out of prison in time for the delivery of their baby!  The problem is, that Capt Docherty is looking for information for his own personal revenge to the man who he feels, destroyed his family.

Phoebe and Rafe begin to find themselves in an awkward position, with feelings toward each other. Each one of them having their own personal agenda’s, the last thing they need to do is fall in love!

An exciting, twisting  theme that will be sure to keep you up late at night! I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing. Find this  book in your local bookstores or Amazon.com.