Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

#BookReview: The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible | Grow in the Word #Giveaway

20 Apr

I love reading and studying God’s word with The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible! There are many special features to delight in, and two I especially enjoy are the large print and lay flat design. I can sit at the table with the Bible open in front of me, reading and making notes with ease.

I also love the extensive footnotes, articles, and essays that are included throughout the text. The study content is rich and abundant, offering a deeper knowledge of God and His Word.

I recently spent time in Ruth and appreciated several of the unique features included in this book. From the full color map that shows the area of Moab and the probable route of Naomi and Ruth to the interesting character portraits and family tree, I enjoyed these special attributes and many others.

The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible is a wonderful Bible and one I look forward to using for years to come!

I received a complimentary copy of this Bible. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  Blog tour landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/tnelson

 

You’re invited to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

This spring, cultivate your heart’s spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.  Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman’s Study Bible under the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

 

 
Features Include:
-Beautiful full-color design throughout
-Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
-Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
-Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
-Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
-Book introductions and outlines
-Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
-Quotes from godly women throughout history
-Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
-Topical index
-Concordance

#BookReview: False Security by Elizabeth Goddard

19 Apr

Elizabeth Goddard once again treats readers to a heart-racing, page-turning adventure! I loved the tangible tension and engaging emotion that could be felt as Olivia and Zach struggled to survive in the Oregon wilderness. I also enjoyed the history shared between the two and the feelings that were rekindled as death and danger loomed. False Security is an exciting story and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Arriving at her secluded cabin to find her brother missing, Olivia Kendricks follows his trail into the woods until two shooters take aim at her. She only escapes when ex-detective Zachary Long, her brother’s friend and Olivia’s first love comes to her rescue. Now as they run for their lives in the snowbound wilderness, they must search for her brother while figuring out why someone wants them dead. And though Zach’s police force training may be what will save them, it’s also what once drove them apart when he gave Olivia up to chase his dream. In a freezing landscape as deadly as it is beautiful, they’ll have to let go of the past and face down powerful men willing to kill to keep secrets buried.

Purchase a copy | Visit the author’s website

#BookReview: Life After by Katie Ganshert

18 Apr

Sure to resonate with readers, Life After is a poignant and powerful tale! With its ripped-from-the-headlines plot, this compelling story kept me engrossed as I read and beckoned each time I set the book aside. Katie Ganshert deftly brings her characters to life, and my heart ached for Autumn and the Elliotts. Their struggles and emotions were real and raw, and I loved the beauty and complexity of their journey!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.

A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.

Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

#BookReview: A Fragile Hope | Sign of Hope #Giveaway

12 Apr

A Fragile Hope is a beautiful story!  Ruchti takes readers on a compelling journey, one experienced alongside the characters.  My senses were engaged and my emotions stirred, as I savored this story and its thoughtful messages.  Perceptive and powerful, A Fragile Hope is not to be missed! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

Celebrate the release of A Fragile Hope by entering to win Cynthia’s Sign of Hope Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 3. The winner will be announced May 4 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Hope grows when seeds are planted—even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain’s life’s work revolves around repairing other people’s marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife’s unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she’s unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, nonfiction books, articles and devotionals, drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry. Ruchti has written more than 20 award-winning novels, novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals. Her books have received numerous awards and nominations, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year nominations, two Selah Awards, Christian Retailing’s BEST, was an ACFW Carol Award finalist and a Christy finalist, among other honors. Her latest release is the novel A Fragile Hope.

One of Ruchti’s greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she has served as worship and devotions staff and faculty for the Write-to-Publish conference and teaches at other writers’ conferences across the country and internationally as opportunities arise. She also serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Ruchti speaks frequently for women’s groups and serves on her church’s worship team. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.

 

Read what other bloggers are saying about A Fragile Hope.

#BookReview: Unsinkable Faith | Prize Pack #Giveaway

10 Apr

If circumstances in your life are weighing you down, Tracie Miles offers a helping hand to help lift you up. In Unsinkable Faith, Miles reminds readers that while everyone struggles with negativity, a life of positivity is possible. “We can learn to change our perspectives about our circumstances, even if our circumstances don’t change.”

Each chapter addresses a unique topic and includes scripture references and strategies for reflection and transformation. Personal stories are also shared, as well as tips and tools for changing the way you think and feel. Unsinkable Faith is a great source of encouragement for those who are seeking more peace and positivity.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Join Tracie and other readers on April 25th for a fun Facebook Live event and the Anchored in Faith Prize Pack Giveaway (details below)!

One grand prize winner will receive:

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 25. The winner will be announced at the Unsinkable Faith Facebook Live event. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and others searching for unsinkable faith, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 25th!

 

For many people, remaining optimistic and feeling positive about themselves and their lives is a constant battle – especially when circumstances are difficult and life is hard.  For others, negativity is something that only sneaks up from time to time, yet still wreaks havoc in their hearts. Regardless of the root causes, once pessimistic thoughts permeate our minds, our feelings and emotions begin to control us instead of us controlling them. Eventually it doesn’t seem possible to stay positive, happy, and full of joy, and negative thought patterns shake our faith, causing us to sink emotionally, mentally, and spiritually over time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Despite what storms roll in, hearts anchored in God don’t sink. When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life, because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life.

In Unsinkable Faith, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Tracie Miles offers hope for women who struggle with negativity. Each chapter explores Tracie’s and other women’s personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds.

Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you to:

-Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;
-Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;
-Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;
-Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; and
-Discover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

Purchase links | Author info | Blog tour 

#BookReview: The Memory of You by Catherine West

4 Apr

I loved this story! Catherine West masterfully weaves dynamic family drama and subtle romance to create a complex and captivating tale. Set against the backdrop of California wine country, the picturesque descriptions awed me with their beauty. Natalie and Tanner are both plagued by guilt and regret, and I was drawn into their tumultuous emotional and spiritual journeys. The Memory of You is a wonderful story of hope and healing and a highly recommended read!  

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?

When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.

And Natalie never says no to her father.

Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.

But finding freedom from the past means facing it.

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

#BookReview: Her Motherhood Wish by Keli Gwyn

29 Mar

Her Motherhood Wish is a wonderful story! Callie embraces life and Chip is a “bit too regimented”, which leads to an engaging and entertaining journey. I loved their interactions with each other and the children at the Double T Orphanage, and I also enjoyed revisiting several beloved characters from Gwyn’s earlier books. Historical tidbits, inspirational messages, and tender romance are woven together to create a most delightful tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children–and become their caregivers. But Chip’s determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father…or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don’t fit into his detailed plans for the future.

Callie can’t help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she’s falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip’s brought them all together…and now she just has to help him see it, too.

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

#BookReview: A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

27 Mar

A Stolen Heart is a delightful blend of mystery and romance! Amanda Cabot takes readers to the Texas Hill Country where Cimarron Creek residents are less than welcoming to Northern newcomer Lydia Crawford. Their resentment is not the only surprise that awaits her, and an engaging tale of mystery and secrets soon unfolds. Well-told with great characterization, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to returning to Cimarron Creek as the series continue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners–like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared–and that he left behind a pregnant wife–Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

#BookReview: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

21 Mar

A Note Yet Unsung is a beautiful story! This third novel in the Belmont Mansion series highlights a deep love and appreciation of music, and I was fascinated by the historical details Alexander included. Alive with a richness and vibrancy that resonates through the narrative, I loved Tate and Rebekah and their emotional journey. From trials to triumphs, this pitch perfect tale captivated me from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Despite her training as a master violinist, Rebekah Carrington was denied entry into the Nashville Philharmonic by young conductor Nathaniel Whitcomb, who bowed to public opinion. Now, with a reluctant muse and a recurring pain in his head, he needs her help to finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he’s robbed her of her dream?

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

#BookReview: Raging Storm by Vannetta Chapman

20 Mar

Raging Storm is a chilling tale! Action-packed and terrifying at every turn, I was completely absorbed in Shelby and Max’s search for supplies, as well as what was happening in the community they left behind. Spellbound, I frantically turned the pages to find out what would happen next. Well within the realm of possibility, thoughts of this story continue to linger in my mind as I anxiously await the next installment!

The Remnant Series is one I highly recommend reading in order. The prequel novella, Overshadowed, sets the stage for the catastrophic events that occur and subsequent novels continue the dramatic devastation that ensues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can’t simply remain hidden forever. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it.

Shelby’s best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won’t even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to get to the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy.

Shelby and Max’s search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive.

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.