Tag Archives: Inspirational

Love Inspired #BlogTour, #BookReview, and #Sweepstakes!

15 May

I have long enjoyed the Love Inspired line of books and am excited to be sharing a few of their recent releases as well as their blog tour sweepstakes!  For those who aren’t familiar with Love Inspired, they release twelve new books each month; six books for those who love contemporary romance and six books for those who enjoy some danger with their romance.  “Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness, and hope.”  

 

The Wedding Quilt Bride
by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King’s offer of assistance—but she isn’t prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret—or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

 

The Rancher’s Secret Child
by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo’s simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had—and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she’d only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad—but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

 

Bound by Duty
by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she’s secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she’s not in league with the criminal—she’s in danger. It’s up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

 

Primary Suspect
by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend—and then attacked at the crime scene—fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence—and in his promise of love?

 

My thoughts:

Primary Suspect is an exciting tale of suspense and romance! Rife with drama and danger, the tension builds as Mitch and Dana’s story unfolds. Although Primary Suspect is the fifth book in Laura Scott’s Callahan Confidential series, it is the first one I have enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more.

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

 

One winner will WIN a $100 VISA card!  

Click the graphic below to enter the sweepstakes!

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#BookReview: Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

18 Jan

Out of the Ordinary is a Gilded Age romance unlike any other! Humor and wit abound as the charming cast of characters, with their eccentricities and their antics, dance across the page. Delightfully entertaining from beginning to end, I relished the charming blend of mystery and romance in Gertrude’s and Harrison’s story. While Out of the Ordinary is lighthearted fare, it also delivers a heartfelt message. I love Turano’s tales and can’t wait for more!

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

 

About the book:

Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people’s trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene–until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society.

When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he’s unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

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#BookReview: Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life by Karen Moore

3 Jan

Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life reminds us of the importance of sharing our heart with our Heavenly Father. I have enjoyed reading Moore’s encouraging thoughts and prayers and am endeavoring to be more purposeful in my own daily prayer life. “As it says in James 4:8 (NKJV), ‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.’” Including more than 200 prayers, Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life is a lovely book and an inspiration for greater heartfelt living and prayer.

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

 

About the book:

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:2: “If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do?” . . .the Heart-Shaped Life series will encourage you to live life “heart first.”

Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life features more than 200 prayers that will inspire you to draw closer to your heavenly Father as you spend time in quiet conversation with the author of Love Himself. Each refreshing prayer and related scripture selection will help you discover the best path to the good life. . .which is LOVE.

Learn more about Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life.  

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#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 

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#BookReview: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

16 Mar

For Love and Honor is a beautiful story with a beautiful message! Jody Hedlund never fails to charm me with her medieval tales, and For Love and Honor is no exception. Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet stole my heart, and their story of valor and romance captivated me from beginning to end.

The third book in the An Uncertain Choice series, For Love and Honor can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this collection and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

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

 

About the book:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

 

 

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

 

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest | Instagram

 

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: The Cowboy’s Texas Family by Margaret Daley

10 Jan

the-cowboys-texas-family

The Cowboy’s Texas Family is another great addition to the Lone Star Cowboy League: Boys Ranch series, as the mysterious happenings around the ranch remain unsolved and the suspense continues to build. For those who have not read earlier installments in this continuity series, The Cowboy’s Texas Family is a story that can also stand alone.

I really enjoyed Nick’s devotion to Corey and his determination to find the ten-year-old a better home. When Darcy comes to town, she immediately joins Nick in his endeavor, and their unexpected journey becomes one of hope and healing. Tackling some difficult issues, The Cowboy’s Texas Family tugged at my heartstrings!

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

 

About the book:

Rancher Nick McGarrett wants to help orphaned ten-year-old Corey Phillips, the brother of his late comrade. But he’s not fit to be a father—not with his troubled past. Thankfully, the child finds a home at the Lone Star Cowboy League Boys Ranch, where Nick volunteers. When wealthy newcomer Darcy Hill discovers she’s Corey’s cousin, she hopes to eventually take him in. Nick and Darcy couldn’t be more opposite—or more drawn to each other. But for Darcy, raising Corey in her hometown means leaving Texas…and Nick. It’ll take a special little boy to show these two grown-ups that the key to forging a new future is being together.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2i7CyTu

Visit the author: http://margaretdaley.com/

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#BookReview: Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

29 Nov

choosing-real

Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gCxCR8

Are you ready to release your control of needing to be everything for everyone? . . . The invitation is yours. In Choosing REAL, author Bekah Pogue walks with you into life’s unplanned circumstances–specifically frantic schedules, pain and transition, feelings of unworthiness, loneliness, and tension. . . And she’ll remind you that it is in these very moments that God invites you to notice, respond, and even celebrate how He shows up in every little detail.

 

My thoughts:

Reading Choosing Real is like experiencing a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Author Bekah Pogue openly and honestly shares her own feelings and struggles, letting readers know they are not alone in their circumstances. “You matter, and how you respond to what goes on in your day-to-day life matters. And celebrating your trust in God, regardless of how large or small your plans are, matters.” Uplifting and encouraging, Choosing Real is a great reminder to embrace and celebrate life’s moments, both planned and unplanned.

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

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#BookReview: 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood by Sarah Humphrey

18 Oct

40-days-to-a-joyful-motherhood

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood by Sarah Humphrey

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dPEdIC

Wouldn’t it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions—an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:

-Self-acceptance
-Self-care
-Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations
-Generosity
-Presence
-Forgiveness

In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!

 

My thoughts:

In 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood, Sarah Humphrey has created a great source of refreshment and encouragement for mothers. These daily devotions focus on six topics of motherhood, and each day begins with a scripture and is followed by a short devotion and simple prayer. In addition to the devotions, handmade illustrations are included for journaling, doodling, and coloring.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is found in Day 12’s devotion. “Motherhood is hard work. Although there are books about it, there is not a manual for each of your particular children. You have been chosen to be their mother, and in the mistakes and in the joys, you are the best woman for the job.” I thoroughly enjoyed the insight and inspiration this book provided, as well as the joy it cultivated. 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood is a lovely book and a wonderful gift to give yourself and others!

 

sarah-humphrey

Often considered a dreamer and silly heart, Sarah Humphrey uses inspiration from her most beloved career, motherhood, to fuel her passion for writing, creative movement and teaching. She has and is authoring several books and children’s books. Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three beautiful, bouncy kids.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

40-days-to-a-joyful-motherhood

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood.

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#BookReview: From Depths We Rise by Sarah Rodriguez

11 Oct

from-depths-we-rise

From Depths We Rise by Sarah Rodriguez

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d8Kc8H

Sarah Rodriguez experienced more loss and heartache in a short period of time than most people will endure in a lifetime. Infertility. Miscarriage. Her husband Joel’s cancer diagnosis (not once, but twice). Her husband’s death. Her two-week-old baby girl in a fight for her life. . . And still, Sarah clung to her faith. From Depths We Rise is a miraculous story of hope and overcoming. Sarah’s is a journey of beauty from ashes, of marching toward purpose out of the pain. Her awe-inspiring story will encourage you to grasp tightly to your faith and to rise above even the most daunting of circumstances.

 

My thoughts:

From Depths We Rise is an extraordinary story! Sarah Rodriguez has experienced unfathomable suffering and loss, and her journey through this heartache and pain is one of “beauty from ashes”. “What I have to share will hopefully make you laugh-it might even make you cry-but I pray it leaves you filled with hope, because even as the story ends it is really just beginning.” Sarah’s faith is inspiring and her candid story is sure to touch all who read it. Heartrending and hope-filled, From Depths We Rise is a book not soon to be forgotten!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: A Different Beautiful by Courtney Westlake

1 Aug

A Different Beautiful

A Different Beautiful by Courtney Westlake

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2aqSv1w

When Courtney Westlake’s family was given the shocking news that their daughter, Brenna, was born in 2011 with a severe, life-threatening skin disorder, they began to discover a new and different beautiful in their lives–one that values extraordinary differences and appreciates the wonderful sameness found in humanity. In A Different Beautiful, Courtney explores what her family has discovered in raising a child with physical differences and what she has learned about true beauty. Through her personal insights and experiences, Courtney shares how you, too, can learn to find and celebrate God’s version of beautiful in your life, especially within our differences and struggles.

 

My thoughts:

Courtney Westlake opens her heart and candidly shares her family’s story in A Different Beautiful. Through their experiences with their daughter Brenna, the Westlakes discovered “what it truly means to celebrate beauty in life.” “Sometimes we may need to step back to see things for the beautiful that they are and could be. Sometimes beauty in our lives looks so different than what we expected that we can’t even see it at first.”

In the pages of this book, Courtney details ways to discover, appreciate, and celebrate beauty. I was moved by Courtney’s powerful words and inspired by the wisdom she shared. “When we can see the beautiful in the unexpected, we learn to find joy and celebration in what is, instead of mourning what isn’t.” A Different Beautiful is sure to touch the hearts of all who read it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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