Book Review: Selling Christmas by Angelina Goode

 

If you're in the mood for a sweet seasonal romance, you can't choose a better one than Selling Christmas by Angelina Goode. 

As a real estate agent, Caroline is used to helping people find their dream home. When she is tasked by her broker with overseeing the first annual Christmas Tour of Homes, however, she might be in over her head. She doesn't even decorate her own house, so how can she bring the Christmas spirit to others?

Luke is a local police office and all around nice guy. His daughter Ella means the world to him. So, when Ella asks for a house of their own with a fireplace for Santa to fit through, he knows he has to try his hardest.

As Christmas fate brings Caroline and Luke together, they might just be exactly what the other needs... unless they let their pasts stand in the way.

Everyone knows I am a sucker for a great Christmas romance in book or television form. That's part of why I requested to review Selling Christmas. Another reason is that lovely cover. It is even prettier up close. Of course, I tend to like books with real estate agents as main characters these days since I am one. 

Goode created the perfect seasonal romance: two people who meet by chance, obstacles that could prevent them from getting together, a small town setting, a great cast of supporting characters, and a happy ending. What more can you ask for in this genre? While you know how it is going to end, you still read every page because you don't want to miss a thing. 

You even fall in love with some of the secondary characters in this one. Sarah, Caroline's assistant who insisted upon decorating her office and pretty much acted like a kid on Christmas morning; Luke's partner Andrea who nudged him in the right direction; the shelter director, Lauren, who unknowingly played a role in helping both Caroline and Luke; and the antics of Caroline's co-workers added a fun element to the story. 

Christmas, romance, holiday fun, and a small town feel make Selling Christmas a story you will want to read over again. I hope Goode releases another seasonal story next year. 

ISBN-10 : 0996176934

ISBN-13 : 978-0996176934

Paperback : 324 pages 

Publisher : Beach Blanket Publishing (October 2, 2020)

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: My Father's Voice by Janice Elizabeth Duval

My Father's Voice by Janice Elizabeth Duval is a well-written and engaging devotional that will encourage you to nurture your relationship with God. 

For many years I've used devotionals to help me explore quality time with God. Though I read my Bible regularly, I truly appreciate the stories of others struggling with their Christian journey or seek the words of someone whose faith inspires me. I enjoy new perspectives on well-known verses and the reminders of how much God cares for me each day.

Duval shares many stories from her life that I can relate to. I loved "Whose Bumper Car Are You In?" and "Bumper Cars and More." The devotional titled "Who Missed Your Bat?" brings the reader back to the days of their childhood. My favorites were the ones that talked about spiritual warfare, like "Hawk in the Trees." 

The subtitle of this devotional is "Learning to Recognize My Heavenly Father's Voice." Through Duval's stories, we witness how God speaks to His children. We learn of His gifts (even those that might not seem like gifts at the time). We learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and are encouraged to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives. 

Perhaps one of the most insightful things Duval said is this, "The Good News is supposed to make us deliriously joyful and happy... but we sometimes make being Christian a chore." I know I found that to be true in my own life at times. 

I will cherish and read more than once My Father's Voice. If you are a woman seeking for ways to begin or to nurture your relationship with your Heavenly Father, this is an excellent devotional to get you started.

Highly recommended!
 

Publisher: Higgins Publishing

Pages: 222

Genre: Devotional

Paperback/Harcover/E-Pub

I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Christian Christmas Condition by Scott Rankin

Author Scott Rankin asks readers to join him along a journey of considering many favorite Christmas traditions and viewing them from God's perspective.

The Christian Christmas Condition brings you through history to uncover how traditions like the Christmas tree were repurposed into symbols and celebrations of Christ's birth. But, is that how God wants it to be? Are we honoring Him and glorifying Him when we re-purpose a pagan tradition? Is it right to tell our children about the existence of Santa Claus and his expectations of being good to get gifts? When we finally tell them Santa Claus is made up, how can they believe us when we tell them an unseen God who loves and provides for us is real? These and other topics of discussion may have you reconsidering your holiday traditions.

I have to be honest with you: this is not an easy read. It's an excellent book, and it poses important questions to Christians about family traditions, but you can't help but feel uncomfortable by them. Who wants to be told their time-honored tradition of an evergreen tree harkens back to the time when Romans celebrated a festival where no one could be arrested or convicted for a variety of horrible crimes? I sure don't.

One, however, can't argue against the Biblical stories of Gideon and other ordinary men and women whose obedience to God came with great rewards ...just like the rewards our obedience gains for us. Rankin put together the puzzle pieces into an inspiring and encouraging way to allow us to see how Christmas can be so much more. I love how he reminded readers that God didn't focus on His Son's birth. He focused on Jesus as our Savior ...an act that was thirty-three years in the making. His birth isn't the important part. His death and resurrection are.

Am I ready to pitch my Christmas trees in the fire? I can't say that I am. However, Rankin has given me a lot to think about. I'm glad he shared how his family phased in changing their Christmas traditions, because, admittedly, he also felt there was nothing wrong with the Christmas tree and Santa Claus traditions when his wife first questioned them. Rakin encourages each of us to discover the direction God desires for us and reminds us not to be afraid to ask the question, "What does God say about this?"

Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: Scott Rankin Publishing (November 25, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1734084804
ISBN-13: 978-1734084801

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Task it Tuesday - July 13

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

Well, it has been a few weeks since I posted a Task it Tuesday. I don't keep a task list when I'm on vacation. That kind of defeats the purpose of vacation.

Let's face it---2020 has been kind of a bust. I had a stellar year planned in many ways. Then the pandemic hit; we lost my father-in-law; and, as much as we love each other, spending every day at home together isn't all it's cracked up to be. The vacation helped us a great deal. Now, I am ready to get back on track.

Here is this week's list:

• Meal planning - DONE
• Daily Bible reading - Started a new week-long plan
• Update planner  - on track
• Walk three days this week
• Book review due Wednesday
• Empty pantry Tuesday night or Wednesday morning - new doors and frame being installed

That's it for this week. Not sure if I will accomplish everything, but I need to stay focused.

What's on your to-do list this week?

Book Review: Ketty Lester: From The Cotton Fields To Grammy Nominated "Love Letters" to Little House on the Prairie by Revoyda F. Buckley

For fans of Little House on the Prairie, she is known as Hester-Sue Terhune. To her family, she is Re-V or Vorda--a unique name given to a talented woman who had careers as a pop/R&B singer and an actress in movies and television.

Ketty Lester: From The Cotton Fields To Grammy Nominated "Love Letters" to Little House on the Prairie brings you through Buckley's beginnings as the fifteenth child to a farming family, to leaving home and attending college for nursing, to her performing in clubs as Ketty Lester and recording records, to her acting career which spanned decades.

Told in a style as if you were sitting across the table with Buckley asking her about her life, you discover she has loved and lost, she has known the challenges of having a career in a competitive industry, she dealt with discrimination and unequal pay, and she has met and worked with other amazing industry professionals.

This is a story told in chronological order which includes several pictures, her filmography, and discography.  This autobiography held nothing back. It will make you admire and feel compassion for Buckley. Though she is now retired, her mark on music and film remains.

As a fan of Little House on the Prairie, I am glad I read this story. I learned more about this talented woman than I knew before. Though the editor in me wanted a more polished version of the story, I totally believe that there is a lot to be said for being true to yourself and telling an authentic story in your own way, which is just what Buckley did.

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher:  Elite Publishing House (April 20, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0578662337
ISBN-13: 978-0578662336

I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I was not compensated for in any way.

Task it Tuesday - Apr 28

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task it Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

Yesterday was a productive day. Despite two online meetings and an unexpected trip to pick up a kit to help me get these half-falling-off genre nails fully removed, I posted to three blogs and cleaned up my lead generation software program a bit.

I'm really liking online grocery shopping. Yes, it costs me $3.99 per delivery and a tip for the driver, but no more dealing with crowds is great. Amazon pantry is a bit slower getting things to me, but if I plan right it doesn't matter when I order those supplemental items. I scored some toilet paper yesterday, but still no flour. We are being careful with how much we use.

Here is what is on tap for the rest of the week:

1. Update my planner
2. Bible reading
3. Meetings (ugh)
4. Book review
5. Stamp postcards for newest mailing
6. Start digging into closing out my father-in-law's affairs (this might take a while)
7. Cooking (good thing I love it)
8. Maybe, a bit of writing

What does your to-do list look like this week? Anything I can do to help support you?

Book Review: Small Talk by Diane Weston

Sometimes the hardest part about developing a relationship with someone is getting started. In Small Talk, author Diane Weston shares tips and examples on how to start a conversation, connect with others, and make a great first impression.

No matter where we are in life, no matter what our occupation, we need to learn how to best interact with other people. Life is about developing relationships. Some may be more meaningful than others, but all require us to understand the basics of communication.

Weston opens with why we need small talk and what the reader can learn from Small Talk. Then she covers the important basics of human interaction and communication. She discusses forms of non-verbal communication, like facial expressions and posture. The book discusses positive thinking and general rules for small talk. Finally, Weston shares tips and techniques to master small talk, using several examples to help the reader fully understand how to master each technique.

Small Talk by Diane Weston should be in business and personal libraries everywhere. No matter the size of your group or what relationships you're looking to develop and nurture, you'll find tons of help in this great resource.


Paperback: 140 pages
Publisher: Independently published (April 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1095426907
ISBN-13: 978-1095426906

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Painting the Psalms by Cherie Burbach

A unique and engaging way to view the Book of Psalms awaits you in Painting the Psalms by Cherie Burbach.

In this beautiful and moving book, the author shares the beauty of the Psalms and how they have influenced her art. Each painting is accompanied by text explaining the inspiration behind the art and followed by Scripture and the materials used to create the painting.

There were two reasons I requested to review Painting the Psalms: I wanted to experience one of my favorite books of the Bible in a new way, and the painting on the cover reminded me of artwork from a local author that I admire.

The paintings are stunning. I could look at them for hours. Painting the Psalms is a great book to display or would make a wonderful coffee table book. It would be even better in hardcover.

There were moments I felt the narration was too personalized. Many passages spoke of the author's feelings or experiences, so in those moments I felt kept at a distance and not truly able to appreciate the beauty of the passages or feel the Scripture speaking to me. I did find, however, some explanations to be more generalized, like with "Her Home Was Peace and Kindness," where the author speaks of how we spend a lot of time on the concept of home and how, in the end, the only true home is a spiritual one. Those were moments that drew me in closer.

Regardless of that, I enjoyed Painting the Psalms from beginning to end. I'll definitely be reading through it again.


Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Independently published (March 18, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1090858671
ISBN-13: 978-1090858672

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by Valerie Woerner

Are you a mom who is stressed? Worn out? Grumpy? Those moments come to all of us. In Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by Valerie Woerner, the author shares some of her trials as a mother and encourages other moms to ignore the world's lies about motherhood and, instead, embrace the energy, joy and peace that can be found in spending purposeful time with God amid the daily chaos that is called motherhood.

Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday will have you smiling. It will have you laughing. There are moments where you'll say to yourself, "Yes, that's just how I feel." In this helpful resource, you'll learn Woerner's story of how she realized she needed to tackle her Grumpy Mom for her and her family's sake. Then she plots out action steps for you to take so you can rein in your Grumpy Mom. Each chapter also has a Bible verse and a prayer.

One of the best pieces of advice for me came in Chapter 4. This chapter discusses worry--something we moms know a lot about. Woerner puts worry (and our need to control things) into the right perspective by reminding the reader that God is the One in control. As she says, "He is able to love my kids better, discipline them better, comfort them better, and counsel them better than I ever could."

Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday reminds the reader to trust in the Lord, spend time in His presence, and be open to His plan for your life. In the fourth section, Woerner talks about connecting to your spouse, your friends, and with God. There are tons of helpful tips here on how to connect in all these relationships. The last section is about thriving--enjoying some breathing room, slowing down, and living in the moment. For me, anyway, this is the hardest part. As Woerner says, however, "...with God's help, we're going to choose peace and joy and fulfillment right in the middle of it."

I truly enjoyed Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and will hold onto it for future reference. Also available is Fresh Start for Moms: A 31-Day Devotional Journal to Renew Your Joy, which nicely complements Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday.



Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (April 9, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496435303
ISBN-13: 978-1496435309

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Brave Art of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin

Just in time for Mother's Day comes this inspiring story of Rachel Marie Martin, who fought back fear and tossed aside the masks she hid behind to find her true self and charge boldly into the future.

The Brave Art of Motherhood is one mother's story, but as you read it, you realize it could be any mother's story. You get caught up in the daily demands of parenting and one day discover your dreams are gone and you're hiding behind this carefully plotted out ideal of what you want people to think about your life.

Motherhood is tough. It can be messy. But, as Martin reminds her readers, when you decide to rediscover your true self, you will be happier and so will your family.

This book touched me in many ways. I had already begun to dig myself out a bit from all those years of mothering when I forgot I existed. That probably sounds harsher than I mean for it to come across, but it's so true that you become someone's wife and someone's mother or someone's something else, but lose part of your identity as you move through life. It can be a challenge to find yourself again, but The Brave Art of Motherhood will be helpful in accomplishing that goal.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (October 9, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780735291393
ISBN-13: 978-0735291393
ASIN: 073529139X

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Does Your Vision Need an Engineer? by Rufus Chambers III

Many of us have visions and dreams. We don't, however, always have a practical plan to follow and make them a reality.

In Does Your Vision Need an Engineer? author Rufus Chambers III helps teach readers how to attach a plan of action to their divinely inspired vision.

This resource uses the story of Nehemiah's vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, to inspire you to create a strategic plan to execute your vision. Listing a series of "vision characteristics," you learn about the need for accountability, how to realize your vision is bigger than you, that a vision requires resources and protection, and more traits that are important before moving forward.

After these vision characteristics, the author shares a series of steps to follow to advance your vision, like the importance of identifying resources, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, assembling your team and creating a timeline, followed by implementation, evaluation, and expansion and more.

This faith-based resource challenges as of us to become Vision Engineers™. It's a unique way of looking at strat planning and accepting God's vision for your life. It's a quick read, but you'll want to refer back to it often.

File Size: 2736 KB
Print Length: 125 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1795624744
Publication Date: March 24, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Task it Tuesday - April 30

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

Why do Tuesdays come so quickly? Sigh! I always wish I had accomplished more. Some weeks I kick butt. Other weeks--like the last one--kick my butt. Here is what was on my list:

• Daily Bible reading - DONE
• 5-5-5-5 plan for reaching out to people: 5 calls, 5 texts, 5 emails and 5 handwritten notes every day - Talked to a lot of people, just no notes
• Write a chapter of Amelia's Mission - NO
• Polish query letter for Clever Tom - NO
• Create list of agents to submit Clever Tom to - Started
• Barre workout Wednesday and Saturday - Not even close
• Start finding a way to plan meals - This makes me laugh

Challenges last week: Nutty schedule, sick, and Orthodox Easter 

Challenges this week: Even crazier schedule than last week and in a bad mood. The mood is probably a temporary thing...at least I hope so. Here is my list:

• Daily Bible reading - Ahead of schedule
• 5-5-5-5 plan for reaching out to people: 5 calls, 5 texts, 5 emails and 5 handwritten notes every day
• Set up photographer and staging for new listing 
• Polish query letter for Clever Tom
• RENE Class Wednesday and Thursday
• Read Does Your Vision Need an Engineer?
• Barre workout Friday and Saturday
• Start finding a way to plan meals

What is on your task list? Is there anything we can do to cheer you on?

Book Review: The Big 15 Paleo Cookbook by Megan Flynn Peterson

Did you go Paleo? Are you thinking about going Paleo? Are you just looking for some great recipes that are healthier alternatives to dishes you already enjoy? Then The Big 15 Paleo Cookbook by Megan Flynn Peterson needs to be added to your often used cookbook collection.

In this book, you'll find over 150 Paleo recipes to help with meal planning. After the author's introduction, you'll find instructions on how to change over to a Paleo diet if you go cold turkey, including: a list of pantry items and a yes and no food list. Each of the Big 15 is then given its own chapter filled with recipes and numerous variations of them. Interspersed throughout the chapters are pantry basics (sauces, marinades, and dry rubs) that have been made to match the Paleo diet--like the homemade mayo that my husband is sure to like because it doesn't include the dairy product that gives it the texture he's not fond of.


I'm not ready to go full in Paleo, but I asked to review this book so I could learn more about it and see how I could add healthier options into our diets. I like how Peterson acknowledges going Paleo is tough on the budget and that we should strive to do our best with it. Her philosophy is that taking as many of these steps as you can will get you moving in the right direction; though she does encourage you to go full in from the start. Surprisingly, I found many of the recipes were ones my family would enjoy because I make some of these foods already. With just a few tweaks, they are Paleo. Changing our diets doesn't sound half as intimidating as it did before. I can't wait to try out some of these recipes.

Highly recommended!


Paperback: 238 pages
Publisher: Rockridge Press (August 16, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1623157692
ISBN-13: 978-1623157692

I received a free digital copy of this book from Callisto Publisher's Club. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Angry Christian by Bert Ghezzi

The Angry Christian is a helpful and thought-provoking resource for those seeking to understand this powerful emotion.

While browsing the new offerings at our local library, I stumbled upon The Angry Christian by Bert Ghezzi. While not a new book, this is a 2018 new edition with foreword by Brandon Vogt. Just barely over 100 pages, this amazing book provides a Bible-based way to approach anger.

The Angry Christian answers questions like:

• Is anger always sinful?
• When is anger okay? 
• What is the difference between self-help and God-help?

It provides instruction on how to get angry the right way. Most importantly, it is filled with examples from the Bible.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up The Angry Christian, but I am so glad I did. It gave me an entirely different perspective on an emotion I've always struggled with. I'm going to buy my own copy so I have it as a reference when I need it.

Highly recommended!


Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Paraclete Press; New edition (March 20, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1640600396
ISBN-13: 978-1640600393

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Going for Broke by Shannon Medisky

Are you looking for a book that can help change your perspective? Then Going for Broke: How to Suffer Well by Shannon Medisky should be on your list.

Medisky has spent the last ten years learning a lot about suffering, but her book isn't going to be about how to get out of it or how to avoid it, because she knows that God allows us to suffer, but also "meets us in our mess." In those moments when life just "sucks," she encourages us to face suffering in "anticipation of meeting God personally in brand new ways."

Providing a fresh perspective on how God called Noah and Moses and what they suffered through, along with sharing her own journey, the reader is inspired to accept suffering, but not be defeated by it. She boils it down to three easy-to-remember steps to help you and guide you to intentionally lean on God in meaningful ways.

I loved everything about this book; especially because Medisky's style of writing makes the reader feel like she is speaking solely to her. I'll be on the lookout for more of the author's work, and have visited her website to check on additional resources.

Paperback: 134 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (September 14, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1986546292
ISBN-13: 978-1986546294

I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Task it Tuesday - Aug 28

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

This month has flown by. The Lil' Princess started school yesterday and the Lil' Diva will start on Thursday, so everyone will be getting back to their regular schedules soon.

As for me, I've been accomplishing a lot, even though there is still a lot to do. From last week's list, the only thing that remains undone is the writing of one book review. Not sure when I will post it, but hoping for by the weekend.

This week looks like this:

1. Clean my office. I really can't take the mess anymore. 
2. Write a book review.
3. Take listing photos on Thursday.
4. Oil change on Friday. 
5. Lunch with a friend on Friday.

I'm sure there are a million other things, but these are the pressing ones. What's on your to-do list?

Book Review: The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride by Jill Kemerer

Love, faith and letting go of the past combine to create a magical seasonal romance in The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride by Jill Kemerer.

Alexandra Harrington returned to the ranch where she grew up after the sudden death of her father. With both parents gone, it is up to her to carry on his legacy. So, she takes a leave from her wedding planner business in Colorado, planning to hire a ranch manager and then go back to her career. Then walks in Clint Romine...

Clint needs this job, but he's certain if Lexi finds out about his past she won't consider him at all. A former foster kid, he has built up walls that he refuses to let anyone break down. When she takes him on, he plans to keep their arrangement strictly professional, even when it's obvious Lexi is struggling for answers and direction because of her father's death.

This is such a sweet romance. Two characters engulfed in their own pain and doubts find themselves attracted to each other despite their declaration to be no more than boss and employee. As they tiptoe around each other, the reader witnesses their romance unfold to its satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.

While this might be the first book of Kemerer's I've read, it certainly won't be my last. Her ability to create a moving scene and tap into her characters' emotions pulls you in right away. These characters are so real, and how they end up filling each other's needs and finding their way to each other despite the reasons they've decide they should remain apart, is truly touching. If you're a pushover for seasonal romances like I am, you need to read The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride.

Series: Wyoming Cowboys (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition (September 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373623038
ISBN-13: 978-0373623037

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman

Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman is a stellar end to a superb series.

In the final installment of Chapman's Amish Bishop Mysteries series, Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher are attending the rodeo when Jeremiah Schwartz is fatally injured. In the past, Henry's special gift has helped the local authorities solve mysteries. This time, however, he wasn't in the arena when Jeremiah was killed, so drawing what he saw won't work. When other members of his community are threatened, Henry will need to rely on his keen sense of human character and observation to crack the case.

I'm sorry to see this series end; but if it must end, I am so glad it went out in such a spectacular way. Beloved characters blend with new characters and a plot filled with twists and turns to create an engaging mystery. Chapman has always been talented in creating that vital sense of community that is indicative of the genre. Her books highlight the challenges and blessings of working alongside the Englisch members living nearby. This series has been as much about building bridges between the two worlds as it is in solving the mysteries.

Though this is a stand alone novel, I highly recommend starting with the first book, What the Bishop Saw. It's nice to watch the relationships evolve throughout the three books. Faith, friendship, and learning to accept our talents are recurrent themes. If you like Amish fiction and enjoy mysteries, you won't want to miss Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman.


Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 073696651X
ISBN-13: 978-0736966511


I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Becoming Unconsumed by Lynne Britton

In this touching and insightful devotional for women, author Lynne Britton inspires those of us who have become all consumed with this world to step back, trust in the Lord, and spend time in the Word to build a better relationship with "ourselves, each other and, ultimately, God."

Becoming Unconsumed: A devotional for every woman struggling in today's all-consuming world, will refocus your attention on what really matters: family, friends, faith, and the Word of God. It helps you realize that living in this fallen world, we easily allow our attention to drift away as we get consumed with being everything to everyone.  It makes you stop and think about the messages you are listening to and what you're giving your life to each day.

The book designer, Meghan Mason Design, did a superb job of creating a beautiful and calming cover, complemented by a few carefully chosen fonts inside and out that work well together to create a meaningful reading experience; something I feel is truly important in a devotional. Each day starts off with a Bible verse, then a short reflection by Britton, followed by a prayer. At the end of each day is a page dedicated to any personal notes the reader would like to add.

Perhaps my favorite part of the book is that it grows with you. The first twenty days follow the format above, with the reflections deepening as you go along. On the twenty-first day, Britton invites the reader to reflect on her own. A Bible verse starts the day, and then there are blank lines for the reader to write out her own reflection and response. There are forty days to this devotional, just like the forty days and forty nights Jesus spent in the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. The symbolism of our wandering in the wilderness here in Satan's world being tempted daily was not lost on this reader. But just like Jesus' journey was not over after those forty days, the reader's journey is not over either. Britton encourages the reader to continue the habits this devotional has inspired, offering another twenty days where she can choose her own Scripture, reflect and respond, because "In Messages, Prayers And Connection, We Thrive." This is Britton's lasting message to her readers, and it is a powerful way to end a devotional that can truly impact your life in many ways.

Becoming Unconsumed by Lynne Britton has already made an impact on my life. I pray it will bless many women around the world and they, in turn, will grow in their relationship with the Lord. I highly recommend it for women from all walks of life.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Grace & Impact (April 24, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692089365
ISBN-13: 978-0692089361

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Filled with romance and adventure, The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo is an excellent addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

Maribel Cordoba is just a girl when she joins her father to sail to the Caribbean. Their adventure is cut short when Captain Jean Beaumont takes possession of their ship, but a new adventure is awaiting Maribel just around the corner.

I have to admit, this is not what I expected based upon the write up. Yes, we end up with a bride, but it's many years in the making. I loved Maribel--who one reviewer has called a "swashbuckling Anne of Green Gables." I see the comparison, but I think Anne fell into trouble, while Maribel went looking for it. When Maribel and the privateer reconnect, the true adventure begins.

This is a strong addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It's a fun, adventurous story. Loved all the characters, especially the secondary ones: the bonds they shared, the love of the privateer lifestyle, their strong faith. There was a great little surprise at the end too.

This is a total stand along novel, but I encourage readers to pick up The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse, which is the first book in this series, because of the family relations. I'm also one of those people who likes to read a series from the very beginning, so I often encourage that.

History, adventure, faith and romance make The Pirate Bride a perfect story.


Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (April 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683224973
ISBN-13: 978-1683224976

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.