Task it Tuesday - Aug 18

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.

I didn't feel like putting together a list this week. My head is pounding. My schedule is crazy. The ringing in my ears has gotten worse and is affecting my sleep. Still, it must be done. Focus is important to productivity.

Here is what last week's list looked like and the progress I made.

• Daily Bible reading--DONE
• Update planner 
• Six meetings--DONE
• Walk three days--DONE
• Prospect three days--Two days
• Read Five Minutes, Mr. Byner due for review this month--In progress
• Continue cleaning bonus room--Cleaned up another area
• Finish next chapter of The Sisterhood--DONE

So, last week ending being a good one. Hopefully, this week will be good as well. Focus is key. 

• Daily Bible reading--so far, so good
• Update planner--not feeling it, but we will see
• NAR Leadership Summit--Mon-Wed
• Four meetings 
• Read Five Minutes, Mr. Byner due for review this month--probably not until this weekend
• Continue cleaning bonus room
• Review of Strong from the Heart by Jon Land--Friday at The Book Connection
• Start editing project

What does your to-do list look like this week?

Book Review: Inspired Mama by Sez Kristiansen

A guide to intentional living for mothers is what readers find in Inspired Mama by Sez Kristiansen.

Stressed and overworked, Sez finds herself in a fetal position on her son's bed, alone because her husband has taken their child and disappeared to let her figure out what's going on with her, and fearing she is losing her mind.

If nothing else in this book were relatable, the opening to Inspired Mama reminds all mothers how vulnerable we are. Feeling responsible for our happiness, and for everyone else's, we put ourselves last and limp through life talking down to ourselves when we can't balance all our roles. Kristiansen wants to help you change all that.

Inspired Mama is about living an intentional life. It's about freedom of mind, life, and comfort zones. Through journaling, meditating, becoming mindful, practicing gratitude, finding a community to inspire and empower you, and more,  you can learn to live an authentic life tailor-made for you.

Intentional living is important because, without out that practice, we can find ourselves trapped into living lives that may make us unhappy and resentful. Kristiansen's book is a great place to get started. She shares her story and offers advice on moving you forward. In addition to her helpful advice, you'll find inspiring quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

Check out Inspired Mama to see if it's right for you.

Paperback: 165 pages
Publisher: TCK Publishing (January 19, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631610783
ISBN-13: 978-1631610783

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.

Task it Tuesday - May 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.

We are quickly coming to the end of May. Both girls will be done with school by Friday, so summer vacation is on our minds. That can make tackling a to-do list tricky; though I often find it helps me focus on accomplishing things so I can enjoy more down time while I am away.

This week's list is a bit different because of the plans to get ready for graduation.

• Daily Bible reading
• Order flowers
• Buy gifts for graduation - scary that I have to remind myself to do this
• Rework the flower beds - most are done, but there are a few more plants I need to move before the landscaper comes and puts down fresh mulch
• Beta read a manuscript - 60% done
• Edit the next two chapters of a manuscript for the publisher - one chapter down, one to go
• Blogging
• Write one chapter of Amelia's Mission
• Review two children's books

What is on your to-do list this week? Any graduations or other end of school year events you're working on?

Book Reviews: Outrageous Authenticity and The Seven Deadly Sins of Sales

I met this author when she was speaking at a real estate convention. There is a reason she is called the No Bullshit Realtor®. Leigh Brown always tells it like it is--whether you like it or not. She does, however, tell you with humor and Southern charm.

In Outrageous Authenticity, Leigh shows you the importance of being true to yourself, and how being that authentic person will, ultimately, result in growing your business.

Leigh learned during the housing crisis that sitting down and telling people the way it was and helping people come up with a plan--even if it wasn't what they wanted to hear--earned her a lot of respect and repeat business. She is proof you don't have to use some script or tactic to grow your business. With Outrageous Authenticity, she inspires you to be the best you possible, so that your honesty and integrity become front and center.

Highly recommended!

In her second book, Leigh Brown shoots as straight from the hip as she did in Outrageous Authenticity. She goes through the "Seven Deadly Sins of Sales," some of which she herself has committed, and shares ways to solve these issues that are easy and make sense.

In true Leigh Brown style, her honesty will help transform your business with easy techniques. First she identifies your sins, and then dissects them one at a time, ending with key takeaways from each section. Leigh shows you how to go from sinner to saint and develop the good habits that will keep you happily selling and growing your business for years to come.

A notes section is included in the back. Maybe I'll use it to write down more about my own sins and how I'll use Leigh's tips to fix them.

If you're in sales, Leigh Brown should be on your list of authors to read.

I purchased both of these books at a real estate conference.   These reviews contain my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Task it Tuesday - Aug 21

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.

Finally feeling like the sale is in the home stretch. Smoke certificate is done. City is coming to do the water reading. I finished going through the basement and the clean out guy started working there yesterday. The only thing from last week's to-do list that remains undone is cleaning out my office. I think it's just going to have to wait until I have everything here. Then I can move all the home files into the basement and only have active files upstairs.

So what's on this week's to-do list:

1. Meet the water department tomorrow. 
2. Take my mother-in-law for her haircut.
3. Make room in the basement for items coming here from the in-laws' house.
4. Touch base with two clients and see if we can't get their homes listed soon.
5. Do final back to school shopping. Haven't done much. The Lil' Princess starts next Monday and the Lil' Diva goes back next Thursday. 
6. Blogging at Christian Children's Authors.
7. Write two book reviews.

That list is definitely enough to keep me busy. What's on your list for this week?

Book Review: Prayer, Marriage and the Leadership Roles of the Husband and Wife by Bishop Ken Giles & Pastor Sheila Giles

In this slim book, Bishop Ken Giles and Pastor Sheila Giles share their decades of combined experience of counseling others with readers.

Prayer, Marriage and the Leadership Roles of the Husband and Wife helps married couples and those considering marriage to learn the important role prayer plays in creating a healthy marriage and also encourages men and women of God to secure their leadership positions.

It's doubtful one could argue that time in prayer is necessary to our Christian journey. It is how we communicate with God: it allows us to give Him thanks and praise; it allows us to confess our sins; and it allows us to ask Him for help. The authors are spot on in stating that prayer and marriage go together.

In some ways, however, this book could be considered controversial. In this modern world, the traditional view of marriage with the man as the head of the household and the woman taking care of the kids and the household chores seems outdated. While the reader might not necessarily disagree, it's possible by the time they get to the Christian Marriage and Family Structure Assessment Inventory quiz at the end, some women might be lighting torches on fire and carrying pitchforks

Now, we have a very traditional marriage and it works for us, so little about what was in this book bothered me. My only concern is that this heavy-handed approach could make some people turn away from a God who is more about love for us than anything else. He is mercy. He is compassion. He wants us to be in relationship with Him. It is in knowing and experiencing the abundant love of our Heavenly Father that makes obedience to His Word easier. I truly wish more of that could have been communicated throughout these pages.

If you are looking for ways to refocus your marriage or to learn more about leadership roles of men and women in marriage according to His Word, then you may wish to explore Prayer, Marriage and the Leadership Roles of the Husband and Wife by Bishop Ken Giles and Pastor Sheila Giles.

Publisher: BishopKenGiles.org (2016)
ISBN-10: 1948951010
ISBN-13: 978-1948951012

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

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - July 25

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

Bookish Thought: I need to finish a book.

Not so Bookish Thought: Wouldn't bed feel good right about now?

Bookish Thought: Why did I sign up for all these book reviews?

Not so Bookish Thought: Can I really function on only three hours of sleep?

Bookish Thought: One day I am going to be totally caught up on book reviews.

Not so Bookish Thought: One day this office will be clean.

Task it Tuesday - July 24

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.

Here was my list from last week:

• Clean out most of my in-laws house on Thursday. Dumpster is coming so hope to get a lot done. Heat might be an issue. Living areas and shed are done. Cellar and my hubby's old bedroom are the big ones that need to be tackled. I moved everything out of his attic, so that's a good start. Filled one dumpster, but I think we will need a second. 
• Post a review of The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse. Loved it! Can't wait for the next book in the series. Posted yesterday.
• Schedule a time to get the old furniture out of the house. Not that I have bought the new furniture yet, but I don't want to deal with taking it out while getting the new pieces in. I think I need a few days of empty, clean space. Talked to the contractor, but haven't set a date yet.
• Make my plan to clean out my own house: donate, trash, and clean. That might become my new mantra. The minute I am finished with my in-laws' place, this is happening. Next dumpster is coming here.

For this week, I have a few things I'm working on:

• Schedule my blogs posts. I want to schedule them on Wednesday for the rest of the month. We will see how it goes.
• Pack up items to donate when Hartsprings comes on August 2. I have three boxes so far. 
• Clean my office. I've been moving my in-laws' paperwork and filing cabinet into my tiny office and now I have too much stuff in here. Time to declutter.

How about you? Are there any tasks on your to-do list this week?

Book Review: The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with this next exciting installment, The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

Faith Lytton Jackson is a friend of George Washington and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Living in Boston, she is holding meetings with like-minded women when the British invade. Little does she know that when she agrees to help the cause in a more meaningful--and dangerous--way, she will meet someone who makes her think she could love again.

Matthew Weber is friends with Ben Franklin and his son William, which makes him privy to information on both sides of the conflict. Acting as a spy, Matthew meets his messenger, Faith, and is quickly taken with her.

What will these two people sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country? Can they find love despite the conflict?

The Patriot Bride is my favorite of the series so far. Woodhouse brings her masterful storytelling back for the fourth book set between 1774 and 1775 when the First Continental Congress has already met but prior to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. She brought her characters to life against the backdrop of a war that would change everything for the Colonies as the people tired of being ruled from across the pond. Next to the Civil War, this is my favorite time in American history, so it was a thrill to read this novel.

As with the other books in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, the main character is a strong, independent woman who defies conventions in one way or another. The pace of the novel is closer to romantic suspense than the typical romance novel, which may entice different readers. It does, however, stay true to its romance genre as the reader watches Faith and Matthew's relationship unfold. I must applaud the author for creating such fascinating ties for her characters to two of America's Founding Fathers. It's really quite clever.

With every book The Daughters of the Mayflower series gets better. History, faith, romance and adventure are the perfect combination. You can read only The Patriot Bride, but I encourage you to start at the beginning and go from there. You won't be disappointed.

Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 4)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (August 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683226062
ISBN-13: 978-1683226062

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.

Book Review: The Lifegiving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson

If you are looking for a heartfelt and meaningful story of how to create a home that is both inviting and warm to family and others, The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson is a great choice.

In this joint mother/daughter effort, they share their perspectives on creating a lifegiving legacy in your home through rhythms, routines, and rituals, growing relationships, celebrating life, being in service to each other, and shaping a certain family culture based on love, and combining personalities, history, events, and traditions. This book addresses how we have lost our center in the hectic, busyness of day-to-day life that our current modern, consumerist culture encourages.

The last point mentioned is why I requested to review this book. At the end, however, I can't say I'm any closer to finding a way toward creating the kind of home I've always envisioned we would have. The Clarksons sound like lovely, god-fearing people, whose goal is to inspire others. Sally and her husband founded Whole Heart Ministries in 1998 and Sarah is an award-winning author who also leads workshops on reading as a means to transform a child's mental and spiritual development. They have a clear calling from the Lord to serve others. While one can't argue that more time in prayer and with Scripture is key to making any change, getting from where you are in your crazy life now to the type of home culture you desire is a step-by-step process. While The Lifegiving Home is a vital part of that process, it may not be the starting point for some of us. I have to admit to enjoying Sally's chapters more because they are more conversational, whereas Sarah's style is more academic. Coupled with The Lifegiving Home Experience, a twelve-month guided planner, the reader may have more success creating the home culture she seeks.


Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (February 2, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496403371
ISBN-13: 978-1496403377

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.

Book Review: The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

As the French and Indian War rages on, Mercy Lytton is called to be a scout and accompany a team on a dangerous mission. Raised by Mohawks, her gift of keen sight will be invaluable to them. Along with her friend, Captain Matthew Prinn, and Rufus, the son of Brigadier General Bragg, they are transporting traitor Elias Dubois and a stolen shipment of French gold to Fort Edward.

A woman of duty and honor, she doesn't expect to be attracted to a despised traitor, but she struggles to contain her growing affection for Elias. As for him, he has a plan of his own and Mercy has no place in it. Why then does she steal his every waking thought?

The Daughter of the Mayflower series continues to draw readers in with superb writing, engaging and complex characters, and the rich historical background against which these stories are set. Like other books in the series, The Captured Bride features an independent young woman who rises to the challenges she faces. Her past is well tied into her present and helps define who she became and, ultimately, where she ends up at the end of the novel. If you ever watched, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, you'll find this story has that type of feel to it considering the tense relationship between the white men and the Native Americans.

The Captured Bride is a powerful and engaging new installment in The Daughter of the Mayflower series. One finds history, romance, faith and adventure swirling around to create a fantastic read for any lover of this genre. A total stand alone novel, my recommendation is you start with the first book in the series to truly appreciate all it has to offer.

Highly recommended!


Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 3)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (June 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683224744
ISBN-13: 978-1683224747

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.

Book Review and Giveaway: Hot Mess by Laurie Palau

Looking to get organized? Looking to free yourself from all types of clutter? Then pick up Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized by Laurie Palau.

In this fun and practical book, readers learn how to get organized and stay organized. Palau helps you identify your dominate clutter and other types of clutter that keep you feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. She gives you ideas on how to uncover your clutter pitfalls. Then she provides you with overall solutions and tips on how to get organized by room (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.). Finally, she provides the reader with ideas on moving forward and a bunch of helpful resources to get organized and stay organized.

Organization has always been my thing. I credit it to those years in retail sorting clothes by sleeve length and colors. But life got hectic over the last few years and my house has become a jumbled mess of stuff. It doesn't help we are moving my mother-in-law in with us. Already, using just a few tips from Hot Mess, I have been able to make progress through cleaning up my in-laws house. With this book in hand, I'll be turning my attention to our house next to get it ready for her to move in.

What I appreciated most about Palau's approach is that she acknowledged our "emotional" clutter: our need to keep something because of our emotional connection to it. In my basement, there are boxes and boxes of projects my kids made and school work. Hot Mess made me realize I need to look at these things with a new strategy. The other highly motivating factor was admitting my "calendar" clutter: how I try to fit it in too many things. Isn't there a saying that if you want things done, ask a busy person? This busy person is eager to use Palau's tips for conquering calendar clutter to make life and all that other clutter more manageable.

For those of us struggling with clutter in any form, Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized by Laurie Palau may be the most important and helpful book we read all year.


Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: zolopublishing (October 12, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692921621
ISBN-13: 978-0692921623


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

Excerpt:

We’ve talked a lot about organizing your stuff, but how about finding time in your day for you?  Calendar clutter, in my opinion, is the driving force behind so much of our daily stress, anxiety, and frustration.  So many of us run on autopilot, especially when the kids are small, or when we are busy taking care of ailing parents or building a career.  It’s easy to see how we can lose sight of making time for other things in our life that are important, like self-care.

As a society, we have a difficult time knowing how to unplug.  Life is filled with distractions, and unless you make a conscious effort to prioritize time for yourself, it will never happen.  Maybe you want time to exercise, join a book club, volunteer, or take up a hobby, but figuring out the logistics may seem impossible.

...Only when I took a step back to look at what my goals were, and actually wrote down what I had been doing, was I able to see where I needed to change. Note the key phrase: “I needed to change.”  I had to reclaim control over how I chose to spend my time.

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Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - May 2

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

One thing I am looking forward to is not having any book reviews due for a while. There are some old past due ones the authors have probably forgotten about--I can never forget--but after next week I'll be done with new book reviews that I owe. I'm not signing up for any more book tours or requesting any new books until I can read what I want to for a bit. My brain is tired from work and other not so fun things. It needs a rest.

Do you ever stop requesting books for review simply so you can have a less structured reading schedule?

Book Review: How to Love the Empty Air by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

How to Love the Empty Air by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz is a powerful and touching look into grief.

As Aptowicz grabs hold of the success she has worked so hard for, her world is rocked by the sudden death of her mother. In the year that follows, the author battles the overwhelming grief through her writing, sharing these intimate glimpses into her life with readers.

Having lost my mother when I was just a teenager, I was drawn to How to Love the Empty Air. While grief is a very personal thing, there is comfort in the understanding of someone else who has experienced the same tragedy. Apotowicz holds nothing back in this collection. She shares her joys, her sorrows, and her pain in all its rawness. You laugh. You cry. You want to hug her because she feels so close as she stumbles around searching for that new normal that may never feel normal at all. Then she reaches that major milestone--one year after the death of her mother. Not enough time has passed to eliminate the heaviness of the loss, but by the end we can see some joy, a glimmer of happiness and new beginnings.

This is definitely one of my favorite collections. It is the seventh by Aptowicz. I'll be searching out more. If you want deep, meaningful, poetry that tugs at your heartstrings, How to Love the Empty Air is a collection worth reading.

Paperback: 100 pages
Publisher: Write Bloody Publishing (March 20, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1938912802
ISBN-13: 978-1938912801


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 and Giveaway: A Mother's Gift by Charlotte Hubbard

If there were ever a more wonderful story about motherhood than A Mother's Gift by Charlotte Hubbard, I have yet to find it.

Leah Otto has always admired Jude Shetler's good looks and talent as an auctioneer. When the widower asks her to marry him, it's like a dream come true. Despite the reservations of family and friends, the two enter their marriage with joy and optimism.

A few months later, Leah's twin step-daughters are acting out, her step-son keeps her at bay while mourning the loss of his mother, and Leah is struggling with running a household. Then a baby girl is abandoned on their doorstep and Leah must pull her family together, with Jude's support and God's will, to create a life filled with love, faith and unexpected blessings.

Every time I read a book by Charlotte Hubbard, I swear it's the best she could ever write. Then comes a new book and it's even better than the last one. This is an author who knows her genre well, but continues to keep it fresh every single time. Not every author can do that, so I admire Hubbard's ability to continually deliver top-notch stories that tug at the heartstrings and inspire a deeper more meaningful kind of love and faith.

In A Mother's Gift you have a woman who has never been at ease with housework. Leah is happiest tending to her goats and chickens. She's not prepared for all that goes into being a wife and mother. Jude doesn't care about that. He likes her non-traditional skills. That doesn't mean life will be easy for them. And it's not. This truly is a story where a husband and wife must stand strong in their faith as they deal with the challenges that being a new family entails...along with a few unexpected obstacles along the way.

A Mother's Gift is a story of love and faith. It is a story of one woman finding her place within her new family. It's a story of one man's dedication to the woman he loves. It's a story about blending families and having faith it will all work out. There really are so many elements to this story that you can't help but love it. Hubbard brings these characters to life in a special way and you'll be captivated by Leah and Jude's journey from the first page to the last. If you only read one book in this genre this year, it should be A Mother's Gift by Charlotte Hubbard.


Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Kensington (March 27, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496712188
ISBN-13: 978-1496712189


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.

Excerpt:

As Lenore Otto sat on the bed with Leah, wistfully watching the dusk of late November fill her daughter’s room, her heart was torn. The two of them had shared this evening ritual of talking and praying since Lenore’s husband, Raymond, had died last year. It had always brought her a comforting sense of peace, along with the certainty that she and her daughter would move forward with the plans God had for them. After all the cleaning they’d done and the preparations they’d made to host Leah’s wedding festivities the next day, she was ready to relax—but she needed to speak the words that weighed so heavily on her heart.

Tomorrow, when Leah got married, their lives would follow separate paths. Lenore knew she would be fine remaining on the small farm alone, making and selling her specialty quilts. She supposed some of her qualms about her daughter’s marriage plagued every mother . . .

Lord, I wish I could believe my Leah’s reaching toward happiness rather than heartache.

Before God’s still, small voice could respond to Lenore, Leah let out an ecstatic sigh. “Oh, Mama, it’s a dream come true,” she murmured. “Starting tomorrow, when I marry Jude, my life will finally be the way I’ve always wanted it. My waiting is over!”

Not for the first time, Lenore sighed inwardly at her daughter’s fantasy. As she returned Leah’s hug, savoring these precious moments in the room where her little girl had matured into a woman of twenty-eight, she didn’t have it in her to shatter Leah’s dreams. No mother wanted her daughter to forever remain a maidel, yet during these final hours before the wedding, Lenore thought she should try once again to point out the realities of marrying Jude Shetler. Jude was a fine, upstanding man any parent would be pleased to welcome as a son-in-law, but as a widower he carried a certain amount of . . . baggage.


Please visit Charlotte online at www.CharlotteHubbard.com.


CharlotteHubbard.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1


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Book Review: The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher

The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher is the author's commentary on this book of the Bible, also known as "The Song of Songs."

It is the author's opinion through research that "The Song of Solomon" is an allegory dealing with the deep and loving relationship between Jesus and His bride. It's certainly one of the most poetic books of the Bible.

The book starts out with an introduction from the author, which includes a list of who is speaking during which songs, before the first chapter begins. Then verses and commentary appear throughout with some black and white photographs included.

Anytime an author desires to share God's Word in a meaningful way, he should be applauded. We were tasked by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. This is a task Sypher has taken seriously.

While I found this book interesting, the format wasn't my favorite. There was a Bible verse or two and then an explanation of the author's meaning: "What this verse is referring to is...," "what I mean by this is." The format made for a very choppy read. At the same time I was reading a different Bible study discussing what the Gospels teach us about Jesus' birth and the flow was so much better. I didn't feel distracted throughout it.

The other thing I would say is that the author's bio does not indicate any type of education or experience to show he has the skill set to teach on such a subject. Typically authors of this type of work are professors, theologians, or men of the cloth. There's nothing wrong with being self-taught and sharing your opinions. It would simply be good to know if the author has some credentials that go unstated.

The Song of Solomon Revealed is a book that each person will have to judge for himself. I'm glad to have read it and plan to pass it on.


Paperback
Publisher: Litfire Publishing, LLC (December 12, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635244803
ISBN-13: 978-1635244809

I received a 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: Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Looking for a way to change how you think about your business? Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a step in the right direction.

Eric James Bratton goes to bed one night and awakens in a strange house with no idea how he got there. Strangely enough, this house belongs to his future self who has become wildly successful. Over one weekend, Eric is about to learn a philosophy that will change his life...if he lets it.

In this short inspirational book, Fenton and Waltz have used a format similar to The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael Maher to inspire readers to greatness: Go for No! features a fictional story teaching a true life lesson. Go for No! encourages readers to embrace failure instead of fear it. By seeking out more opportunities to be rejected, you're opening yourself up for greater success.

I love the idea behind this book. Not sure it's easy to implement without a coach or mentor nudging you along, but Go for No! will definitely change the way you think about life and your business.


Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Courage Crafters; 4th edition (April 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0966398130
ISBN-13: 978-0966398137


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

Book Review: When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman

Bishop Henry Lapp, Emma Fisher, and more familiar faces return in When the Bishop Needs an Alibi, the second book in Vannetta Chapman's Amish Bishop Mystery series.

Henry and Emma find themselves in the middle of another mystery when he discovers the body of a young woman while visiting the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to witness the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

When Henry quickly becomes the primary murder suspect, it seems like God is calling him to use his special talent to help in the investigation. He realizes his involvement in discovering the truth could put those he cares about in the path of a dangerous killer who will stop at nothing to make sure Henry is framed for murder.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, What the Bishop Saw, I loved this one more. Faith, friendship, and courage blend together to create an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. It's wonderful to watch Henry and Emma's relationship evolve in the second novel. In addition, the strong ties that bind this community together add a meaningful dynamic to the story. Chapman continues to fascinate me with her ability to weave an amazing story that keeps you riveted and also touches your heart.

I can't wait for Who the Bishop Knows, which is due out this spring. I highly recommend this series to lovers of Amish fiction and cozy mysteries.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966498
ISBN-13: 978-0736966498

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: Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar

Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar might just be the most powerful collection you'll ever read. Journaling her way through abuse and eventual healing, Lavendar holds back nothing: pain, anger, hate, sadness, acceptance, revelation, peace, healing...

Meant to encourage and inspire other victims of abuse, this captivating collection of Christian poetry and prose will make you cry, will make you think, and will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. You will want to hold onto this one and read it again.


Paperback: 138 pages
Publisher: Written Dreams Publishing (April 26, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0998167398
ISBN-13: 978-0998167398

Purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM, Indiebound

Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark on the world, and to make it a better place for all. Writing is her way of leaving her mark—one story at a time. She began writing in college and has published poetry in anthologies over the years. Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences, and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories. To learn more about Diamante Lavendar and her books, please visit her website at: www.diamantelavendar.com.

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

Book Review & Giveaway: Weddings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Another superb novel of love, friendship, and forgiveness can be found in Weddings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard.

The community of Promise Lodge, founded by the three Bender sisters, continues to thrive. The arrival of widowed Bishop Monroe Burkholder seems like an answer to prayer, but Preacher Amos believes he's too good to be true and is determined to uncover the details behind his unannounced arrival.

Christine Bender fell in love with the new bishop the moment she laid eyes on him and Monroe feels the same way. Their love is quickly put to the test when a young girl named Leola shows up claiming the bishop "ruined" her and how she is going to make an honest man out of him. Monroe can only pray everything will be worked out so he can stay in Promise Lodge and have a future with Christine.

Hubbard never disappoints. Every book draws you in from the very first page and holds you until the last word is read. In this latest Promise Lodge novel, characters are put to the test in all kinds of ways; but faith, goodness, kindness and grace see them through. It was such a joy watching this story unfold and reading it every moment I could sneak away. Paradise for me would be a never-ending library filled with Hubbard's books.

If you enjoy Amish fiction and sweet romances, you need to pick up Weddings at Promise Lodge. Better yet, read the series from the beginning. You won't want to miss anything that happens at Promise Lodge.


Excerpt:

“You look lovely in that deep red dress, Christine. It was all I could do to keep my mind on marrying Amos and your sister.”

When Christine turned, Bishop Monroe was standing so close she nearly bumped into him. She smiled up at him a little nervously, for he was tall and broad and extraordinarily handsome—and his dimples had come out to play. “Mattie wanted Rosetta and me to have new dresses with some color to them,” she explained. “And since Christmas was only a couple of weeks ago, we decided this red would be more cheerful than, say, the usual dark blue or gray or teal.”

“Mattie’s a wise woman—with admirable taste in color and husband material, as well,” he added. He held her gaze with his glowing green eyes. “May I have the honor of sitting with you at dinner, Christine? And spending the rest of the day with you, as well? Once we’re alone, I’d like to discuss some important decisions.”

Christine wondered if Monroe could hear how rapidly her heart was beating. Was her face as red as her dress? “I’d like that a lot, Monroe,” she said breathlessly.

The crowd around them seemed to disappear as he offered her his elbow. All Christine could see was Monroe’s attractive face, framed by wavy brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard—and those deep green eyes that focused so intently on her. What decisions could he possibly want to discuss with her? Did she dare hope he wanted her to become a permanent part of his new home, his new life at Promise Lodge?

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra (June 27, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420139452
ISBN-13: 978-1420139457

The author sent me a paperback copy of this novel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while she was still a school librarian—Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. This launched her into writing around seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. Over the course of her writing career, she has sold nearly 50 books—most recently, Amish romance series she’s written as Charlotte Hubbard or Naomi King.

Charlotte lived in Missouri for most of her life, so her Amish stories are set in imaginary Missouri towns. These days she lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

WEBSITE www.CharlotteHubbard.com

Facebook www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1


Charlotte will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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