Book Spotlight: I Have Faith by Davin Whitehurst

We're thrilled to be hosting Davin Whitehurst today!  Davin is the author of the new children's book, I HAVE FAITH.  Please leave a comment to let him know you stopped by!

Title:
I Have Faith

Author: Davin Whitehurst

Publisher: Childlike Faith Publishing

Pages: 26

Genre:  Children

Are you ready to get your child excited about faith? “I Have Faith” puts your child right in the footsteps of Danny as he begins to learn about faith. Danny and his older brother have been wanting a dog, but both know their parents don’t think they are ready for a dog. When Danny’s mom begins teaching him what the bible says about faith, he puts his faith into action. After praying and releasing his faith for a dog, doubt and even his best friend keep telling him that he will never get a dog. Over time Danny never loses his faith in the promises of God and finds that God is faithful and that faith works. Come along on this journey that is a real life event that took place in the author’s life as a child.

This book has great illustrations that support a wonderful story about finding faith in God. As you are teaching your child about principals in the bible; this book will help you teach faith. What a wonderful experience it is when we can see our children begin to develop their faith in God, and grow from a tiny mustard seed to a firmly planted tree. The back of the book has a parent/child discussion which will help children gain understanding in faith and some scriptures that Danny’s mom used to get him excited about faith.

For More
Information

• I Have Faith is available
  at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB
  Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

“Hi! My name is Danny.” This is how I learned to trust God and believe His word. It’s called faith, and you have faith too.

About the Author

Davin Whitehurst lives in the beautiful high desert of Southern Arizona with his wife and son. He is releasing his first book "I have Faith" in May of 2016 but has so many more that are in the making. The motivation behind the books are deeply rooted from in his own past. He is a living testimony of Proverbs 22:6. Growing up in Southwest Kansas and in a Christian household, he was trained up in the way he should go. By the time he became a teenager, Davin turned away from God and left church. Fast forward into his late twenties and God brought him back with a powerful calling. He and his family have been faithfully serving at Seed of Abraham Christian Center International for over seven years now. Proof that when we teach our children the way they should go. When they get older, they know where to turn and will not depart from God. Davin wants each book written to be a resource that parents have to help train their children in the way they should go. He writes stories in a simple way that will be fun and practical for every child. He wants children to get excited about faith and the things of God.

His latest release is the children’s book, I Have Faith.

For More Information

• Visit Davin Whitehurst’s website.
• Connect with Davin on Facebook and Twitter.

Mailbox Monday - Aug 8

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

This will be a crazy week for me. I'm covering for another agent, have a house inspection and a closing; so I'm not expecting to blog too much.

Over the weekend, we helped a member of our church family celebrate his 60th birthday, had my son and daughter over for supper, and moved some new furniture up to the bonus room--doesn't that last one sound like fun...not.

Only one book last week, but that's good because I need to catch up. Oh, and if any of you can help me find my lost Kindle Fire cord, that would be good. I know it came back from vacation, but where it ended up as we unpacked is a mystery.

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.


Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman

When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston

Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together?

Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?


A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

What was in your mailbox?

Honey Orange Chicken Recipe with Melora UMF Maunka Honey

I was contacted by ExportX, who I have purchased products on Amazon from before, to review the Melora UMF 15+ Manuka Honey they sell. One evening when I was looking for something different to make for supper, I came across a chicken recipe on Paleo Foodie Kitchen. It was very simple to make and tasted great.*

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite sized pieces
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp chili sauce
juice from 1 orange (about ½ cup)
fish sauce to taste
green onions, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stir fry chicken pieces in coconut oil over high heat until it starts to brown.
• Add ginger and garlic, saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Lower heat and add coconut aminos, honey, chili sauce, orange juice and fish sauce.
• Stir to incorporate everything together and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked.

I honestly had never given Paleo a try. I heard about it, but didn't know much. I've never cooked with coconut oil before either. It looks like lard but, when heated, it becomes a clear cooking oil. Coconut oil is said to be good for your heart and for weight loss. 

As far as the Maunka Honey goes, it looked nothing like what I buy in the grocery store. It comes in a small jar (8.8 oz.). It's darker and thicker than the honey you buy in a grocery store, which made it easier to measure and add to the recipe. I also tried some right out a jar. What a fabulous flavor and texture. 

According to the product page on Amazon, "Melora UMF Manuka Honey is sustainably harvested from New Zealand's remote Manuka forests. UMF Manuka Honey is renowned worldwide for its "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF). The UMF grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey and assures purity & quality."

I'll definitely be using this product again. I'll also be searching out more recipes so I have an excuse to us my Melora UMF Maunka Honey more often.


I received a free jar of Melora UMF Maunka Honey from ExportX. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.


* I did not use the last two ingredients from the list because they were not on hand when I made this dish.

DVD Review: The Bible Stories: David

Fishflix.com sent me, The Bible Stories: David, a made-for-TV movie from 1997 for review.

Nathaniel Parker plays David, the humble shepherd chosen by God who grew up to become king of Israel. This three-hour epic also features Leonard Nemoy (Samuel), Johnathan Pryce (Saul), Sheryl Lee (Bathsheba), and Franco Nero as the prophet Nathan.

This lavish adaptation brings us from David's defeat of Goliath, to his days as a solider in King Saul's army and his kinship with Jonathan, to the flawed king who wooed Bathsheba and suffered through numerous tragedies. It paints an accurate picture of David's life based upon Old Testament readings.

David is a superb movie that drew me in quickly. The acting was wonderful, the scenery and costumes are stunning, and the three hours passed by before I knew it. My only complaint is that there are moments when it's too graphic, especially during battle scenes. I'm guessing they were looking for reality, but I certainly wouldn't be sharing this film with kids under the age of 13.

Fishflix has a mission to bring viewers "The Greatest Christian and Family-Friendly Films in the World at Great Prices." It's current price is lower than Amazon and they offer free shipping on orders over $40. They also have other DVDs from The Bible Stories series for sale. When you buy from FishFlix, you're supporting Christian ministries in the Middle East.

I know I'll be checking out their store more often now that I know about them.

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

DVD Review: The Bible Stories: David

Fishflix.com sent me, The Bible Stories: David, a made-for-TV movie from 1997 for review.

Nathaniel Parker plays David, the humble shepherd chosen by God who grew up to become king of Israel. This three-hour epic also features Leonard Nemoy (Samuel), Johnathan Pryce (Saul), Sheryl Lee (Bathsheba), and Franco Nero as the prophet Nathan.

This lavish adaptation brings us from David's defeat of Goliath, to his days as a solider in King Saul's army and his kinship with Jonathan, to the flawed king who wooed Bathsheba and suffered through numerous tragedies. It paints an accurate picture of David's life based upon Old Testament readings.

David is a superb movie that drew me in quickly. The acting was wonderful, the scenery and costumes are stunning, and the three hours passed by before I knew it. My only complaint is that there are moments when it's too graphic, especially during battle scenes. I'm guessing they were looking for reality, but I certainly wouldn't be sharing this film with kids under the age of 13.

Fishflix has a mission to bring viewers "The Greatest Christian and Family-Friendly Films in the World at Great Prices." It's current price is lower than Amazon and they offer free shipping on orders over $40. They also have other DVDs from The Bible Stories series for sale. When you buy from FishFlix, you're supporting Christian ministries in the Middle East.

I know I'll be checking out their store more often now that I know about them.

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

Book Review & Giveaway: A Simple Vow by Charlotte Hubbard

Charlotte Hubbard has done it again! With A Simple Vow, she has created a story of faith, love, and forgiveness that will tug at your heartstrings.

Edith Riehl lives with her sisters and dat Cornelius, who is the new deacon in Willow Ridge. Having been left unable to conceive from an early age, its a true blessing when a set of twins is left under her care.

She's not quite sure what Asa Detweiler's story is, but she knows she is as taken with him as he seems to be with her. With one simple vow, Edith and Asa's destinies are intertwined. But her dat will have none of it. Will God bring their hearts' desires to fruition?

If you love Amish fiction, you simply can't go wrong with a book by Hubbard. She knows her genre and she masterfully tells her stories, drawing you in from beginning to end.

When her Seasons of the Heart series ended, I was so sad. I had come to love many of the residents of Willow Ridge and couldn't believe I wouldn't be reading about them again. The Simple Gifts series is somewhat of a continuation of that series. Its focus is slightly different, but it's still set in the same place and many of the characters that readers are familiar with appear. I can't say I've ever seen this done before. I love it!

What I have always appreciated about Hubbard's style is that she creates real characters. They are sinners...just like me. They doubt...just like me. They stumble and fall, but through the grace of God find what they need...just like me. With this novel you even get a surprising plot twist too.

If you enjoy Amish fiction and haven't read Charlotte Hubbard's work yet, make a plan to change that soon. You won't regret it.

Series: Simple Gifts
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra (May 31, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420138693
ISBN-13: 978-1420138696

I received a free 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:

Edith stood beside her bed gazing down at the twins in awe. So small they were, and so sweet—like little angels—now that they’d eaten and fallen asleep. She’d arranged them in large cardboard boxes padded with towels, and finding them beds and more clothing was her first priority. Will’s box of supplies had included a very short stack of cloth diapers, half a dozen onesies, a blanket apiece, a half-used canister of powdered formula, and a few baby bottles—not much, considering she had two babies to look after. Molly had probably been too ill to sew for them, and not able to nurse them because of her cancer.

What a heartache that must’ve been for Molly—and for Will as he watched her weaken and die. Edith sighed. So much about Will’s situation and these children was a sorrowful mystery.

I’m watching out for your best interests, Daughter. You entered into this agreement without considering the long-term consequences.

Edith frowned as her father’s words taunted her. Dat was right about her tendencies to nurture hopeless souls and underdogs, but wasn’t that what the Bible urged Christians to do? What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The verse from Micah had been one of the earliest Edith had committed to memory—the watchword of her faith. Even as a child she’d rescued little birds that had fallen from their nests and had bottle-fed baby rabbits and deer after their mothers had been hit in the road.

Edith sighed. What future would these poor motherless children face if she didn’t care for them? She had to find a way around Dat’s refusal to keep them in the house . . . in her life. Already her heart swelled with love as she gazed at Leroy and Louisa.

The clatter of footsteps downstairs alerted her to her sisters’ arrival and she hurried down the hallway. “Shh!” Edith insisted as she leaned over the stairway railing. “I just got the babies to sleep!”

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, Ramona.

WEBSITE www.CharlotteHubbard.com

Facebook www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

Click on these links to buy this book now!

• Amazon.com •• Barnes & Noble •• The Book Depository •• B-A-M •• Chapters •• IndieBound •• Powell’s •• Kensington Books •

Ebook: • Kindle •• Nook •• Kobo •• iBooks •• Google Play •• Kensington •

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday - July 25

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This is the first weekend in a while--other than being on vacation--that I didn't work the whole weekend away. I definitely was on the computer Saturday, but Sunday I went to church, did my grocery shopping, and then made Yia-Yia an orange coconut cake for her birthday--which is today. Happy birthday, Yia-Yia!

No new books in the mail lately, but I did pick up some new Kindle freebies. I've also been reading A Simple Vow by Charlotte Hubbard. 

Read about it on Goodreads

Read about it on Goodreads

Read about it on Goodreads

Read about it on Goodreads

What was in your mailbox?