Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to marry and begin a family and has since pursued her dream of writing. Leaving Yesterday is her third novel. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California. Visit Kathryn's Web site at www.kathryncushman.com

What Would You Give for a Second Chance to Make Things Right?

When life gets complicated, Grace Graham runs. She's left romantic relationships, friendships, and even her family after the death of her mother. But now her sister, Jana, is giving her once last chance: Come home and help care for their father--whom Grace still blames for her mother's death--or never show her face in Shoal Creek, Tennessee, again.

With her son, Dylan, in tow, Grace returns home from California. But is she returning for the right reasons? And when costly decisions from the past suddenly put her son's life and the lives of other children in town at risk, will she have the strength to stand strong and await Another Dawn?

My Review:
This was the first time I have ever read a book by this author. I didn't know what to expect as I found myself having problems really getting into the book. The book tackles the debate on vaccination of children as Grace goes back home hoping to strengthen family relationships that had been damaged. Instead, more problems arise as her choice not to vaccinate her son rips her hometown apart.
The book did have some good moments that encourage us to walk closer to God and act upon what He leads us to do whether it is the popular thing to do or not.
Not the most enjoyable book I have ever read but not the worse either.

I received this book courtesy of Bethany House for this review.

A One-of-a-Kind Collection of Inspiring Prayers Used by Amish and Mennonites for Over 300 Years!

The Amish and other Anabaptist groups have treasured the same book of prayers for centuries, turning to it for inspiration during times of peace as well as persecution. Now a selection of prayers from Die Ernsthafte Christenpflicht is readily available in English. This exclusive, authentic translation from the original German--with an introduction by bestselling author Beverly Lewis--pairs each prayer with a Scripture passage and offers insights into the rich spiritual foundations of the Plain people. Whether used for personal devotions or in a group setting, this beautifully illustrated collection will draw you closer to God.

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at www.beverlylewis.com for more information.

My Review:
This book was a pleasant surprise! I didn't know what to expect from an Amish prayer book but found it to be a blessing to be used as a daily devotional book.The author Beverly Lewis adds Scripture passages for each prayer. The book has the prayers divided into groups as follows:
Prayers For A New Day
Prayers For Divine Guidance
Prayers Of Gratitude
Prayers Of Repentance
Prayers For Comfort
Prayers Of Praise
Prayers For Strength
Prayers For Purity Of Heart
Prayers For Unity
Prayers Of Humility
Prayers Of Submission
Prayers In The Evening

This is a great little book that I would recommend to all my friends.


I received this book courtesy of Bethany House for this review.

Get to know your tender, wise, and powerful Abba Father.

I Am His

Experiencing the Comfort of Abba's Love

by Rita J Platt

Description: Through personal stories, creative interaction with Scripture, quiet reflection, and guided responses, the wonder of living as a child of God can come alive and be more accessible to a woman’s heart.
What happens inside your heart when you hear the word father?Some women feel indifference or pain, while others become wistful or sense an aching void. Still others recall their dads with fondness. whatever your experience with your earthly father, I Am His invites you to know the comfort of dwelling in the arms of a tender, wise, and powerful Abba Father. Through personal stories, creative interaction with Scriptures, quiet reflection, and guided responses, the wonder of living as a child of God will come alive and be more accessible to your heart.

My review:
This is a great 8-week bible study series for all women but especially those of find it hard to trust God as Abba Father. If you struggle with issue with God because of your relationship with your earthly father or even with your mom , this book is recommended for you. The author takes you through the eight week studies until you can see your self through the eyes of Father God.
Week 1: Abba Father
Week 2: Chosen to Belong
Week 3: the Father's Love

Week 4: In His Arms

Week 5: Under His Wings
Week 6: Through Abba's Eyes
Week 7: A Generous Father
Week 8: A Daughter's Inheritance
Each week the author ask you questions through the study. At the end, you will review your answers and see how your thoughts on Abba Father have changed from the beginning of the study.
I would recommend this study for all women.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Life, In Spite of Me

Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

Written by Kristen Jane Anderson
As told to Tricia Goyer

 

 

 

 

About This Book

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.
“Life, In Spite of Me is a remarkable story of life beyond despair and hope that triumphs over tragedy.”
   —Louie Giglio, pastor, Passion City Church/The Passion Movement

“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”
   —Dr. Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife Ministries

“When I first met Kristen, I was overwhelmed with her smile, and then I saw her wheelchair. It was a defining moment for me. I had not heard her story or why she’d ended up at Moody. But it was her smile—and it is still her smile—that dismantles me. Kristen has something. It is something otherworldly. She had every reason to die, but now she has every reason to live. I hope you’ll read her story, see her smile, and know why she lives.”
   —Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute


My Review:
Kristen's story starts off telling us that she had a fairly normal childhood up until her father experienced depression and she suffered loses and had been date rape as a teenager.As she struggles through these time which are difficult for many, especially teenagers, she sees no other way out an attempts suicide.
She should not of survived but by the grace of God, His Amazing Grace, she does survive.Kristen continues to struggle as she does come to the Lord.God works both in her and her family lives as time goes by and this is the story told by Kristen with the help of  Tricia Goyer.
I believe this is an amazing story but not sure I would recommend this book to just anyone. I am concern that someone struggling in their life might take some wrong steps like not taking their medicine or stopping counseling before they are ready just because the author did so. I would not recommend this book to just anyone due to these concerns.This is a tough topic but a real problem we see in teens and others.



I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Desert Gift

Author Sally John

What does a nationally known marriage expert do when her own marriage falls apart? Just as Jillian Galloway sets out for a publicity tour to promote her new book, her husband drops a bombshell: He wants a divorce. Jill flees to her parents’ home in the California desert, wondering whether everything she’s built her career on—indeed, everything she’s built her life around—is a sham. Navigating this “side road” of life is an uphill climb that leads to new understandings about herself, her marriage, and her relationship with the One who created marriage.



 My Review:
This book is about Jill and Jack Galloway. Jill is a marriage expert with books she written on the subject and  her own talk show. Jack is a doctor who has been a willing guinea pig and subject for her books on how to have a successful christian marriage. The problem comes as Jack decides one day he wants out of their marriage. Jill has to deal with many issues as she struggles with the realization that she doesn't have all the answers after all and how this will effect her career and her life as a christian. Topics covered are forgiveness, being real with God and others.
This book is long and seem to drag on in places. It was difficult to get into the book at first because it seem to never get anywhere but once it started to move on it did start to get interesting. This book is not for everyone but does show us that there are no easy answers to marital problems and that we can only work on ourselves as our spouses work on their own issues. 



Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

 

Max On Life Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions

By Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson

Average Blogger Rating:

Book Description

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.
In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.
Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?
A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.
Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

My Review:
This book is about questions Max received from people of all ages and followed by his answers in a simple, down to earth, biblical way that is easy for all to understand. Such questions such as "Where is Hell?" , "How can I select the right mate?, "Why talk to God about my troubles? He can't understand." and "What are we doing here?" are just of few of the many that Max answers in his book, "Max On Life Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions." I would recommend this book for anyone, new christian and those of have known the Lord for years. This book would also be a good resource for parents and those in ministry.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Check out this Giveaway!

The Tyndale Blog will offer a closer look at Tyndale’s products and its authors, including upcoming media interviews, info about bestsellers, publishing trends, and Tyndale corporate initiatives.

Tyndale Blog

Francine Rivers Giveaway!

Remember the first time you really connected with what you were reading or when you first discovered an author whose words always seemed to lift you off the page and carry you to a different time and place? Francine Rivers is that author to many people. She may even be that author to you. If she is, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ways you can learn more about her and connect.
FrancineRivers.com—This is the official website for Francine Rivers. You’ll find information on her books, her life, upcoming events, and even access to her personal blog.
Francine Rivers Facebook page—This is a must for the true Francine fan. Here you’ll find the latest news and information on everything Francine Rivers. You can connect with other fans, discuss her books, and even receive exclusive content.
The Francine Rivers Facebook page is well on its way to reaching 100,000 fans. To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving away some fantastic prizes!
Until April 4, you can get a free e-book of Leota’s Garden. You don’t even need to own an e-reader to take advantage of this special offer.
Visit one of these sites to download your free e-book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Sony
Christian Book Distributors
We’ll also be holding a drawing with these prizes. (Each prize listed is for the regular, non-e-book edition.)
Grand Prize—complete Francine Rivers Library
Subsequent Prizes –
First Place Prize (1)—1 copy each of Her Mother’s Hope/Her Daughter’s Dream
Second Place Prize (2)—1 Mark of the Lion boxed set
Third Place Prize (3)—1 copy of A Lineage of Grace
Fourth Place Prize (4)—1 copy of Sons of Encouragement
Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win:
You must complete one or more of the following actions:
- “Like” the Francine Rivers Facebook page
- Invite at least 10 friends to “Like” the Francine Rivers Facebook page (using the “share” link of Facebook or through e-mail).
- Share this contest on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook page.
Fill out the form below to let us know which actions you completed. Each action counts as one entry.
We’ll choose the winners at random and announce them after the Leota’s Garden e-book giveaway ends on April 4!
Any questions? Leave them as a comment on this blog post.