Debt-proof your Christmas

I was really interested to read this book, as one of those people who work hard to "make" Christmas special for my family, I had a real eye opener about  what was really important.
Mary Hunt leads us (the readers) though the struggles people can face (especially at Christmas time) with the cost of the holidays, and gives insight and tips on how to keep that spending under control.
With encouragement from this book, I was able to take the time to think creatively about what I could do for the family without putting myself into debt over it. I loved the challenge this book presented, to think outside of the "commercial box" and still provide a great holiday experience. I'm excited to see our Christmas this year, where its so much more focused on family, and much less on "stuff"
I highly recommend this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Christmas Roses

This is without a doubt one of my very favorite Christmas books now, I was absolutely wrapped up in the story that Amanda Cabot wrote. I'm a sucker for any book that shows the plight and struggle of women trying to make it on their own in the older days. I love reading about these strong women who battle their own struggles and also the expectations put upon them from society!
There really isn't enough good things I could say about this book, the story is excellent. We read about Celia who loses her husband to an accident and is now struggling to keep her home running, raise her infant daughter and operate a boarding house that is only a 1/4 full! As she's faced by a number of suitors, and pressure from others to consider them, Celia dreams about marrying again, but this time for love. Though she grew to love her husband, she desires to have a marriage like she's read about.
Absolutely fantastic story, I loved this book and will highly recommend this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Christmas Pony

I've enjoyed Melody Carlson's books for a while now (especially the Christmas ones!) so I had some high expectations for this book! The story is a very heartwarming story, set in a widow's home turned boarding house who struggles to make ends meet and raise her daughter (and house her mother). I really enjoyed this book, a lot. The characters were thoughtful and had a lot of depth to them, and the story line had a really great flow to it! Really the only complaint that I have regarding this book is that I really wish it was longer. I really wanted to know more of Lucy's back story, and would have loved to have read about her future!
All in all though, this was a highly enjoyable story, and a perfect Christmas gift for book lovers!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Real Life: Real Miracles

This is the second book that I've read by James Garlow and Keith Wall, their first book "Miracles are for real" was very popular in my household (both immediate and extended) and has been passed around quite a bit. So I had high expectations for their latest book and was looking forward to reading it!
I very much enjoyed this book, the stories of people experiencing all sorts of miracles really encouraged me. I love hearing stories about the work that God does in the life of His children, and the miracles he performs. It reminds me so much of just the vast amount of love that God has for His own.
This book is a huge encouragement, especially for those seeking their own miracles! Such a faith booster and encouragement!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

C is for Christmas

This book brought out the history nerd in me! I love learning about the different histories and getting deeper insights into the meanings behind Christ's birth and the Bible. I found this book hugely interesting, normally I can handle these kind of "non-fiction" lots of facts type books in smaller doses. However with "C is for Christmas" what I was reading was so interesting and insightful that it made me want more! I actually finished this book within a day, and was quite disappointed when it was over!
Another thing I really liked about this book is the themes behind it, the way the authors set it up in an alphabetical flow. It really looks like it would work great to use as a group devotional! We've been reading it too as a family (Although we aren't going in order!) Even my son, (who's almost 11) is really into learning the symbolism and different meanings we've found in the book!
I highly recommend this book, its really enriched our Christmas this year, and will be a big part of our Christmases from now on!


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Fantasy Fallacy

I received "The fantasy Fallacy: Exposing the deeper meaning behind sexual thoughts" from Booksneeze for review. When I read that it was a book about why women are going crazy for the 50 shades, and the deeper meanings behind it, I thought that it would be a worthwhile ministry read.
I was very impressed with the author, there have been a couple of books out that involve Christianity and sex, yet all seem to be more "fluff" than anything overly helpful or insightful. Ethridge went far beyond that, she was willing to get into the "Uncomfortable topics" and give an honest look and insight into the sexual thought process, (I found this more geared towards women, however I'm sure plenty of men could benefit from this book as well!).
Honestly I think this is a book that our Church leaders need to read, it gives some fantastic insight into women and their thoughts, while being in a Godly "Atmosphere". Ethridge makes good use of Scripture, and keeps the Scripture in context (which I appreciate!).
All in all, I would say I highly recommend this book, especially for leaders!

Dear Deb

I generally don't like to read books (even the ones that are supposed to encourage and inspire the reader) that deal with the topic of cancer. I find them horribly depressing, and instead most seem to serve as a reminder of who we've lost, or those we know who are facing the cancer battle now.
With that said, I did start this book with a lot of trepidation  I wasn't expecting or planning to like the book at all, I was simply just wanting to quickly get through it and give it a proper and honest review.
However while there were parts that lived up to the expectations I had regarding it bringing up reminders of who we've lost, there was so much more in it that served as an inspiration and almost a comfort.
I loved the letter and the story that dealt with the Scripture verse Luke 1:37, I love how God takes a subtle moment, (even when fought against) to remind that He can do the impossible. Its a simple yet amazing reminder of God's love for us, and His power to touch His people.
I do recommend this book, at times its a hard emotional read, but in the end its worth it.

Bees in the butterfly garden

I very much enjoyed "Bees in the butterfly garden" as dispicable as the acts were (that the main characters were doing) it was hard not to like the characters themselves. They were easy to like and showed a lot of depth.

Meg Davenport was raised in a boarding school, with very little contact with the only family she had left (her father). When he passes away suddenly Meg feels that she has no reason to stick around the school any longer. As she travels out to her father's home she discovers that he isn't the man she thought him to be. Involved in the illegal aspects of life, her father had set up a lifestyle for himself that he didn't want her to be a part of. As Meg discovers more about her father she tries to fill the spot he left behind, and finds herself in some very dangerous situations!
The book is a great read and has a fantastic ending, I highly recommend it!!

The Reunion

I love the books Dan Walsh writes, they're always meaningful, challenging and full of surprises! I've found that his characters tend to come out on the unexpected side! Each time you think you know a character, there's a new piece of info that surprises you and challenges you!
This is one of my favorites of his books, Aaron Miller is a war vet with a past who is working to enjoy a quite and simple life in a trailer park while he looks for ways to serve his Savior. Coming out of a life of addiction Aaron no longer has contact with any of his family (Ex wife, daughter and son), and although he prays to meet them again, he doesn't hold out too much hope. At the same time, he also see the struggles of those who live in the trailer park and works to try and befriend and help them.
Through a reporter and some amazing circumstances Aaron finds himself in a situation he never dared to dream about!
This was fantastic. Honestly I couldn't put it down, this reading went well into the night before I finally finished it! I love books by Dan Walsh and found him to be true to his style! Even if you've never read one of his books, you'll love them!
Highly recommended!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Full Disclosure

I've read a few books by Dee Henderson now and have thoroughly enjoyed them, so I had high expectations when I received this one for review.
At first I found the book a little hard to get into, it started off really wordy (which of course a book would be, lol, but more in the sense that the characters talking went on for so long and there was so much conversation there that I found it hard to follow at first). However once I got into the flow of the book, I was enthralled straight till the last page. I love a good action/mystery book and this one easily fit the bill!
The book focuses around Paul Falcon and Anne Silver, who both work within law enforcement but until now hadn't met each other. Paul is intrigued by Anne and begins to try to get to know her, the more he learns about her, the more he realizes how much more there is to know!
This was a pretty good book, I've enjoyed the other books by Henderson more, however I did still quite enjoy this one too. And if your a crime fiction fan, you'll love this book!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

All things new

As I've mentioned many times in the past, I really enjoy historical fiction, plus I very much enjoy reading novels by Lynn Austin. As someone who's read a number of her books now, I can honestly say that she has a writing style all her own and a fantastic ability to draw her reader into the story.
Josephine Weatherly is the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, however the war has torn all that apart. With the loss of her father and brother, the remaining family tries to bring themselves together as well as bring back the plantation to its former glory. While the majority of her family is stuck on monetary gain or revenge Josephine recognizes that they all need to change if they want a chance in this new world after the war. Former slaves are trying to rebuild their lives and learn what it means to live in freedom but are facing discrimination and danger from every side.
Loved this book, it was well written, and kept my attention till the very last page. Definitely recommend this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

No safe harbor

I was so excited to see that this book is part of a series, after finishing this book, I wanted to know more about the characters! I can't wait for the other books of this series to come out!
This is the first book by Elizabeth Ludwig that I've read and I'm already a fan of hers! Although its classified as "historical romance" this book had enough danger and adventure that you didn't feel like you were in the middle of a romance novel.
Cara Hamilton receives a message from her brother (who she thought dead) to travel to america (from Ireland) and meet him there to continue their lives together. As she makes the journey she meets many people who become friends with her, and struggles to know who she should trust and who she shouldn't. Upon arrival in America she is unable to meet up with her brother and must forge a life for herself while she awaits his appearance. Through many struggles and dangers Cara learns who she can trust in her new life in America!
I highly recommend this book, it was very well written and had a great flow to it!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

A home in Drayton Valley

I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and find her books to be thought provoking and challenging! In "A home in Drayton Valley" Tessie Raines finds herself in a situation she didn't expect to be in, with the challenge of raising children that are not her own, and a husband who is anything but, Tessie struggles to overcome the struggles of each day. As she reaches out to members of the community for friendship, she also struggles to overcome the racist attitudes of that time.
The book was full of suspense and drama, there were plenty of twists and turns that kept my attention throughout the entire book.
In the beginning of the book I very much disliked the character Joss (Tessies sudden husband) I didn't think that by the end of the novel that I'd find myself cheering for him!
This was a great book and I highly recommend it!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

Jesus Pure & Simple

This is a book that I think everyone needs to read, but especially those within ministry leadership! Cordeiro leads us back to the basics in his book "Jesus Pure and Simple" and reminds us of God's Lordship in our lives and how by following Him that everything else will fall back into place/priority.
This was a great reminder of putting our lives in Jesus' hands and just trusting that His will, will be done. That all those worries we have (especially when we're heading up ministries) and all our "programs" we try to put together are nothing unless we places them squarely in the hands of Jesus.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I'm mostly a fiction reader, so I struggle to keep my attention focused when I'm reading a non-fiction/devotional type book. However this book was well written and had such a great flow and interest level in it that I found myself really engrossed in the book.
I highly recommend this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".