Something Needs To Change By David Platt

Something Needs To Change
by David Platt
Publisher: Multnomah
ISBN: 9780735291416

I requested to review this book because my husband is a big fan of David Platt. I haven't read any books of his, so I figured I'd give this a go. Thanks to Multnomah for sending me a review copy.

Summary:

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it "changed the trajectory of my life." Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, "Where is God in the middle of suffering?" "What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?" and "What do I believe about eternal suffering?" Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel--to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

My Review:

So it's funny how God works sometimes. I asked to review Something Needs to Change because of my husband. Turns out, this hit me where it counts. Can I be honest with you? I'm not a big fan of non-fiction. Heck, I'm not even a little fan of non-fiction.

This book though, I read it and soaked it all in!

I wasn't sure I was going to care for it at the start, but I was so thankful David Platt had the forethought to journal his journey. I'm also not one to highlight or dog-ear pages of a book. Probably a good thing this was an ARC (advanced readers copy).

"The question is no longer 'Whom do I need to love?' Instead, the question is now 'Who is the one who is loving?'"

Something Needs to Change has made me think of our mission trips to Peru. How I've gone down there and done good things, but did I see the needs? The spiritual needs. I think to a degree I did. Like Platt, I wondered why God allowed me to be born here in USA where there is an abundance of everything and not in a jungle sleeping on a dirt ground. Those trips have been "easy". I've liked them because they haven't taken me out of my comfort zone. And that's where this book hits me.

"There is a kind of love for God and for others that simply can't be manufactured by religious learning."

Are we , as Christians, willing to be uncomfortable for Christ? For the lost? When we go back down hopefully next year, will I be willing to say, "ok, let's do a jungle trip!"? Am I willing to see the need that those who are unreached and go? My fervent hope is that I would say, "Yes!"

"We want to make the most of this life now (we even market Christianity as the key to our best life now). But it sure seems as though Jesus's message sounds more like our best lives later. And forever."

The end of Something Needs to Change reminds me of what it's like as we prepare to come home from Lima, Peru. Fred and I joke about moving down there and Stalin and Paige encourage us to do it! I worry that when I get back I'll be lulled into a sense of complacency. Comfortable in my house with our 2 cars, enough food to feed one of the villages David's been to, and with enough clothing to give multiple pieces to each person - that's my fear.

If God calls, will I be willing to live in a remote jungle in Peru? Will I be willing to live even in Lima? What about my desire to be a hands-on grandma? My hope to move back to Minnesota where friends and family are? I'm not saying God isn't calling me to those things, I just wonder if I'll be able to hear him above the noise in my own head.

Ok, so this was more than a review. Clearly you can see that this book has caused me to be very reflective of my own life. I hope I don't stop just because I've finished the book. Go. Get. This. Book! If anything, it'll give you a new perspective. I know it's done that for me.



About the Author:

David Platt serves as pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C., and he is the founder and president of Radical Inc., a global ministry that serves churches in accomplishing the mission of Christ. David previously served as the president of the International Mission Board, and he has authored several books, including Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, and Counter Culture. Along with his wife and kids, he lives in the Washington D.C. metro area.

King's Shadow By Angela Hunt

King's Shadow
by Angela Hunt
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764233364

As a long time fan of Angela Hunt's, I was excited to find out the final book in her The Silent Years series was coming out. I jumped at the chance to review King's Shadow thanks to Bethany House.

Summary:

Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,
but Their Goal Is the Same:
Survive King Herod's Rule.
Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

My Review:

I don't know if there's an author who can write in any genre like Angela Hunt can. The Silent Years series has been an awesome one and I'm sad to see it finish with this last book.

Can I be completely honest about something? I saw this book come up for review and just requested it without even reading what it was about. Do you have an author who you don't care what they write, you're going to read it no matter what? Yea, that's me with Angela Hunt. So when the book came. I glanced at the back of the book to get a glimpse of the story, and then dove in. I didn't realize this story was about THE Herod. Know when I realized? When I got to the end of the book. Can we all just take a moment to facepalm? Honestly!

I have to say, I appreciate the research that goes into creating stories like these. Biblical fiction is becoming one of my favorite genres! After reading this fictionalized story of Herod's reign, I have to tell you, I would never have any desire to be in a position of authority. What he went through, what his wives and children went through, as well as his extended family was just awful! I can't even imagine anyone in that time desiring power to sit on a throne.

Anyhow, we meet Salome and in turn meet her new handmaiden, Zara. Believe it or not, I started out on Salome's side. I could understand how she wanted to protect her family, especially her brother, the king. Unfortunately, that desire to protect put many in danger. Then there's also, Zara, who I had hoped we would've seen her transformation a bit more detailed, but we got to see her heart for serving her mistress.

It was very interesting watching Salome transform as a character. Starting from when she is the king's young sister up to when she's an elderly grandmother, we watch her develop and mature. Not always in a positive way, but who of us has a straight and narrow path?

Zara spends her life serving Salome. It's clear she loves Salome and Salome learns to trust her. Because Zara isn't a slave, but a servant, she's allowed more freedom than most. This allows her leave the palace and spend time with those who live and share her faith. I would've liked to have watched Zara's faith develop more. We have glimpses of it, but I wish as a reader we would've see her have that "light bulb" moment. That's just my perspective from my view of the story. Others might be completely satisfied by how her faith life unfolded.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and am sad to see the series come to an end. I felt like I was on a constant roller coaster of emotions because of all the intensity the Herodians carried. Let's just say I'm glad I wasn't part of his court or family! lol The way it ushers in the beginning of Jesus' time is fluid and gripping! Imagine being a king and knowing there are people who believe there's a king coming who will be greater than the one ruling!

I'm looking forward to reading her next set of stories about women in the New Testament.

About the Author:

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty.Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Whose Waves These Are By Amanda Dykes

Whose Waves These Are
by Amanda Dykes
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764232664

Ok, can I be honest with you? I'm terrible at giving new authors a chance. I like staying cozy and comfy with my familiar, tried and true authors. I mean, true, they were all new to me at some point, but then they became reliable. When I saw the offer to review Whose Waves These Are come through my email, I actually glanced over what the book was about and past the cover. I decided I'd read Amy Green's (BHP Fiction Publicist) reason as to why they chose it as their book of the month to see if I'd have any interest.

There'd already been some buzz about this author, that somewhat, sorta piqued my interest, but I'm not a hype person. I don't get pulled in. BUT, I have a lot of respect for Amy and with how she described the book, I knew I had to give it a try. And with that, I'll have to share my review.

Summary:

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family's past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

My Review:

I had high hopes for Whose Waves These Are. Everything I read in reviews about this novel was how incredibly well written it was. The anticipation was strong and I'm happy to tell you it's as good as everyone is saying.

The book actually starts off in September 1944, which was the month and year my mom was born. A few chapters in it switches to May 2001. I wonder why 2001 and not 2019, but that's a question I'll have to ask the author.

We meet Roy and Robert Bliss, twins who have futures looming in front of them neither are ready for. No one is ever prepared for war and being sent to fight will have an impact on families, friends, a whole town, and an entire nation. Getting to know these men as the story flashes back throughout the book, you see how strong their ties are, even apart from being twins. Their lives are intertwined with each other, and span the generations in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Then we meet Annie Bliss along with all of the inhabitants of Ansel-by-the-Sea. What a cast of characters. They're exactly what you'd imagine in a small fishing village in Maine. They're the kind of people, salt of the earth people, who you hope you get to meet in your lifetime. One of those people is actually a newcomer, Jeremiah Fletcher. He's rooted himself in this coastal harbor. This is where he and Annie begin a journey that will have her working on getting her sea legs again and him figuring out what his future looks like.

The way this story is written, you literally feel like you're in Ansel. You can picture the post office, The Galley, and especially Sailor's Rest. You're in the moment with each of these characters being pulled along with their stories. The writing is incredibly descriptive and it seems not a word is wasted. As you read Whose Waves These Are you'll be tossed and turned like the waves on the sea as each of the main characters' stories unfold before you.

This is the author's debut novel, but along with the novel there's a novella called Up From The Sea. It's free, so a perfect way to become introduced to a new author because it'll have you setting sail for this novel immediately! Get your summer started with a great read!

About the Author:

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she'll be happy for hours. She's a former English teacher, and her novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale, was met with critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Readers' Favorite, and more. She is also the author of a novella in The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. Whose Waves These Are is her debut novel.

Christmas In April - A Volunteer Opportunity

This past Saturday our church had the chance to join an organization called Christmas in April (CIA). This was the first time we've participated as we're new to the church. Our church serves a lot of individuals and families in Calvert County. Our church had the opportunity of serving by helping do repairs at 5 homes.

I was put on a team with Pastor Robert, his 2 sons, 2 other men from church and my oldest son. I had no idea what this experience was going to look like because I didn't know what skills the pastor had or the 2 guys who were with us. Our task at this house was to install a door and gutters.

We headed to North Beach to check out the task ahead of us. One of the guys, Ben, was someone I hadn't met before. Jason is a guy I've talked with a few times since he heads up our Greeting team. We arrived at the home and the homeowner brought us around to the back of the house to show us what needed to be done.

I was selected to run to the local hardware store to get some painting supplies for the door & frame, work gloves, silicon, and some drain tile. We actually made a few trips to the hardware store as well came up as we were working on the project. Thank goodness we were only a few minutes away from the store. Each home was allocated about $100 from CIA for supplies. Thankfully we came in much lower than that.

It was great being able to get the door painted, installed, and the gutters up for this family. The door had to be replaced because the homeowner had no gutters so the water was rotting the wood so hopefully that problem will be resolved. We didn't have enough gutter to cover the entire back of the house, but the owner said the family had old gutters they could put up at a later time on the areas we weren't able to do.

One of the things I appreciated was watching the pastor teach my son how to do what needed to be done. Pastor Robert's boys (one 14 and the other a preteen) both got into the job and went to town. It was clear he's been teaching them construction skills for a while! Watching him explain to Jacob about installing the door was terrific. Who knew the pastor was also a handyman?!

During my 2nd trip to the hardware store the guys cut 2 holes in the deck so that the water from the gutters would go under the deck instead of spilling over onto it. This will definitely help keep the home in good shape!

I definitely wish I could've gone to each house to see the work everyone was doing. It was wonderful hearing about the repairs that were done: windows installed, water heaters replaced, clean up, and so much more.

I'm already looking forward to participating next year!

Danny Gokey Pop Up Concert

About a week ago I found out that Danny Gokey was going to be at our previous church, Chesapeake Christian Fellowship. 95.1 Shine FM was bringing him to the church to do a Q&A with him and having him sing for the audience. I was super excited until I realized it was the same night as my Bible Study Fellowship. Since I wasn't able to go, I got tickets for my boys to go.

My oldest son decided not to go and I wasn't sure how I was going to get my youngest there and back so I decided I would use my oldest's ticket and miss Bible study. Not what I wanted to do, but realized that this was where I was going to be.

It was kind of a rush to get dressed, get out the door, and get to the church in time to get a good seat. That meant I didn't eat. My stomach was growling for dinner by the time we were standing in line. lol There was no way I was getting out of line to go grab something to eat so everyone around me was just going to have to deal with my loud, growling stomach.

Now, I haven't been back to CCF since we moved churches back in December with Fred's new job. It was like a mini church family reunion. Seeing so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ who I absolutely love just filled my heart to overflowing!

We got in and grabbed our seats, but my youngest ended up going to sit with one of his friends. Turned out ok, even though I thought we were going to have bonding time over the music we love. One of our young adults who we adore came and sat with me and our time together before the concert was so blessed.

Danny came out to do an on-air session with Jack and Erin from 95.1 Shine FM. They chatted for a while, answering listeners questions. After they were off the air, the 3 of them sat at the front of the stage and talked with the audience. This was probably my favorite part of the concert.

I knew that Danny had been on American Idol and that his first wife had passed away just before he auditioned for the show. I have to admit that I don't watch the show so didn't know anything about his time on there. It was incredible to hear his testimony and learn more about his faith. Having never heard anything other than his songs, I had no clue about how much of an impact his faith had in his life. I tell you what, he could easily be a preacher. He knows how to share about the Lord!

Now, this wasn't one of his full blown concerts. He only had his keyboard player with him. Apparently when he "brings the funk" he's got all kind of instruments. Without having all of that there he was limited to what he could sing. Thankfully he sang Come Back, Hope In Front Of Me, Rise, and Haven't Seen It Yet. Then he played a song that he and Mandisa recorded together called Tell Somebody. It was so incredible. I'm so excited for his album to release and for the rest of the songs to be played on the radio. The other songs he sang with us were worship songs.

I want to encourage you to listen to one of his newest songs. It is beyond incredible. The song is called Wanted. The lyrics are powerful beyond belief. If you've been in dark places, know that YOU are wanted. That God was right there with you in that place. You were never alone. You will never be alone. When he sang this song, I was DONE! More that I was un-done! Powerful my friends.

As soon as Danny walked off the stage I was up, out of my seat, into the foyer to find the line to get the CD signed. I had to text the youngest to come find me because I was the first person in line. Only sad part was we weren't allowed to take pictures because he had to get going. I gave the kiddo the CD so he was able to get the autograph and shake his hand. I just moved out of the way. Yes, I did. I'm one of those people who would've just stood there just wanting to connect. hahahaha I'm not the type to fangirl, but I'm a people person and I like chit-chatting. He didn't have time for that so I just moved right along.

I'll definitely have to make plans to see him in concert because we've got to hear him bring the funk!

The Wounded Shadow By Patrick W. Carr

The Wounded Shadow
by Patrick W. Carr
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764213489

When I saw book 3 of The Darkwater Saga available for review from Bethany House, I didn't even think about it. I requested it! I'd been waiting for almost a year and a half for the next book. What I didn't realize? It was the last book in the series. Cue the silent sobbing!

Summary:

The Final Battle over the Darkwater Has Begun. Will Anything Be Able to Stop the Evil Sweeping across the North?

The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, frantic to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the reckless into its shadow, creating a growing army that can see in the dark and fight like the gifted. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an ancient enemy and find an answer far worse and more unimaginable than they had feared. 

But while they seek to understand their past and peril, danger stalks the cities of the north striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil search for answers, the Vigil is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. They must discover a path to keep their land safe or risk losing the world.

My Review:

I know that Christian fantasy is different than what I normally read, but I actually grew up reading secular fantasy novels. Now, unlike the first two books where I was confused the first couple of chapters, I dove into The Wounded Shadow and didn't want to put the book down.

As with any great adventure, our heroes are sent in different directions trying to find ways to stop the evil coming from the Darkwater Forest. As each group is traveling, I found myself loving their apprentices as much as they unexpectedly do. If it were acceptable, my review would say, "Oh my gosh, and then they did 'this' and it was so cool" "and they did 'this' and it was incredible" "then I got to 'this' part and wow" because I was so deeply involved in the story as I was reading.

I don't know why but the north continent came alive this time more than with the other books. Actually, I want to go back and re-read the first 3 books (incl the prequel) because I feel like I'd have such a better understanding of what is going on. I've also told my 15 yr old son to hurry up and finish the series he's currently reading so he can read the Darkwater Saga and we can talk about it.

There's not a character who stuck out to me more than the rest for who I liked the best. I loved Gael, Willet's love and protector. She's so fierce! And I still think Bolt rates pretty high up there for me. His sarcasm and exasperation with Willet never ceases to amuse me. Of the urchins, I think Rory is the one who's storyline I enjoyed the most. Honestly, I loved everyone, including Toria Deel.

Have you ever read a book or a series and you enjoyed getting to know the world, country, or town so much that you wanted more, then you'll know what I mean when I say that's how I feel about the world Patrick Carr has created. Ok, so the series is over, please bring us back there so we can enjoy other adventures!!! I also have some questions for the author. Maybe he could skip ahead a couple of generations and we can get to know the urchins all grown up and children of people we know. While I'm sad to leave this series behind, I'm going to start The Staff and the Sword series next! Thank goodness I have A Cast of Stones already.

About the Author:

Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons. Learn more at www.patrickwcarr.com.

The Study Bible For Women - Christian Standard Bible Review & Giveaway

The Study Bible For Women
Christian Standard Bible
Publisher: Holman Bible Publishers
ISBN: 9781433644207

If you've been around my blog at all you know I love Bibles! I enjoy being able to read different versions to help me understand the Word better. Study Bibles are probably my favorite kind of bible. The helps, notes, and references are so beneficial to the deepening of my look into Scripture. Thanks to FrontGate Media for the opportunity to review The Study Bible For Women.

I appreciated Dorothy Kelley Patterson's explanation for "How to Study the Bible". This past year I wanted to take a hermeneutics class with my Bible study class, but never made the time. The explanation will help me get a better idea of how to break down what I'm learning.

As a woman, I'm always hoping to learn from women who have wisdom and insight to help me apply Scripture to my life. It's wonderful how Biblical Womanhood is expressed throughout scripture. The sections throughout the The Study Bible For Women make for a good time of reflection and small studies when I don't have a lot of time to spend in the Word.

Speaking of the Word, there's also a "Word Study" that biblical definitions of words throughout Scripture. We also get snippets of Doctrine throughout the Book. The Character Profiles are also insightful to different people throughout the chapters, some of whom you might not think very long about.

There are so many great pieces to this Bible, and what stands out the most is how beautiful and artistic it is. It certainly has a feminine touch. Starting with the cover flap, the floral design and colors follow throughout. Also, I don't know if you're anything like me, but when your pastor tells you to flip from one piece of Scripture, but don't lose your place, to go to another part of Scripture, I always think "Oh man, I'm going to lose my place." Thankfully, this Bible has 2 bookmarks! And yes, I use them.



Product Description:

CSB Study Bible for Women will equip you to reach deep into God’s Word. As the most comprehensive study Bible ever prepared for women and by women, the most powerful aspect of this Bible are the threads of specialized study thoughtfully woven throughout pointing you to God’s larger story and allowing the Holy Spirit to write His revealed truths on your heart. In the CSB Study Bible for Women, you'll join a host of other women, all academically trained in the original languages of the Bible and passionate about God’s Word, for an intimately deep dive into Scripture that will equip you to unlock the riches and majesty of His Word, and ignite a passion to mentor others in your life to do the same.

Features include:

• Smyth-sewn binding
• Two-column text
• 8-point type
• Extensive commentary notes
• Word studies
• Answers to hard questions
• Doctrinal notes
• Biblical womanhood articles
• Character profiles
• “Written on My Heart” applications
• Extensive book introductions
• Presentation page
• In-text maps, charts & timelines, Concordance, Full-color maps, and more.

The CSB Study Bible for Women features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Be sure to enter the giveaway. 7 winners will be selected on 6/15/18:

A Refuge Assured By Jocelyn Green

A Refuge Assured
by Jocelyn Green
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764219078

As you know, I'm a lover of historical fiction. I really enjoyed author Jocelyn Green's first book The Mark of the King a year ago. When I saw A Refuge Assured come up for review, I jumped at the chance.

Summary:

Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

My Review:

I haven't read many books that are set or based in France. My hope was that A Refuge Assured would be similar to The Mark of the King. While it's begins in France and the characters make their way to the United States, that's where the similarities end. This time refugee, Vivienne Rivard ends up in Pennsylvania instead of the south.

Vivienne is able to escape France during it's tumultuous revolution. She ends up completely alone and penniless. All she has to help her get started with her new life is the lace she was able to smuggle out of France. Vivienne takes a job at a boarding house by learning how to bake. One of the women who has a room next to her also has a little boy, and it turns out he may be the next king of France!

As people begin to think Henri could be the hidden king, Vivienne ends up taking care of him and seeking refuge in the small town of Asylum. Before escaping there, she had taken a new job that introduced her to Liam. He wants to live a simple life on his farm, but everything seems to be conspiring against him to not allow that to happen. Liam helps Vivienne and Henri get to Asylum, but things don't go quite as planned.

While I liked the story, some parts didn't work for me. First the author goes back and forth with using Vivienne and Vienne, sometimes 2-3 times on the same page. It took me a little bit to figure out it was the same person. The start and stops with the chapters were kind of rough for me. It seems like very different writing from the first book.

About the Author:

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

The Dating Project Movie & Giveaway

Talking to my kids about dating was always a priority for me as a mom once my kids hit middle school. My girls have been out of school for about 9 & 7 yrs! Hard to believe. My sons are now at that age and things have even changed since my girls were in schools. The Dating Project sounds like it will be a great movie for us to see together since the dating landscape has changed for this generation.

I have no idea what challenges my older son will face that are different than my daughters. I'm guessing mostly the fact that social media will play a bigger role for him and his brother. My youngest son is in his first year of high school and dating isn't on his radar. He's got other priorities as did all of my other kids. Literally, thank God!

About the Movie:
Half of America is single. The way people seek and find love has radically changed. The hook-up, texting and social media culture have profoundly altered the dating landscape. Traditional dating has become “outdated,” yet men and women still seek meaningful relationships. People are frustrated in love, but does anyone really know how to connect in today’s virtual world? 

THE DATING PROJECT is a new non-fiction film from executive producer Steve McEveety (The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart), produced by Paulist Productions, Mpower Pictures and Family Theater Productions that follows five single people ages 18-40 as they navigate beyond the hookup culture to traditional dating. Professor Kerry Cronin from Boston College is featured throughout as she teaches ad encourages her students to return to traditional dating. There is no script. There are no actors. These are real people trying to find love and happiness in an age of swiping left or right.

For Tickets & More Info, visit: TheDatingProjectMovie.com

This movie is ONLY in theaters April 17, 2018.



You have the opportunity to win 2 tickets to the movie! Be sure to enter TODAY and follow the social channels to keep up with everything going on with the movie.

Website: https://www.thedatingprojectmovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDatingProjectMovie/ 
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The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage By Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
by Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764218156

This is the second novel in the Tales From Ivy Hill series. I read book one, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill last year thanks to a review from Bethany House. I've also received book 2 as a review. This series is a departure from Julie's stand alone novels.

Summary:

Return to Ivy Hill as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold . . .
A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or whom--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

My Review:

Reading book 1 of this series was a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around. I'll explain why. I'm used to Mrs. Klassen's stand alone novel type of writing. So I was trying to marry the two types of writing, but it wasn't working. I enjoyed The Inkeeper of Ivy Hill, it was just different than what I was expecting.

As we start in book 2, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, it was nice to become reacquainted with the familiar characters. I have to admit, I kept mixing up Mercy and Rachel for the first part of the novel. I don't know why, but I couldn't remember their story lines and who they were connected to. HA! Halfway through, I finally had it figured out in my brain.

What I realized that I really enjoyed about this series is, the reader is basically a fly on the wall in the lives of quite a few people, but this setting mostly focuses on Mercy and Rachel. It actually took me longer to read this book than most. I think that's because there is so much going on with not only the main characters, but the supporting ones as well. There are a lot of details to take in, and you don't want to rush through anything.

I loved the process of Rachel's story with her library and the mysteries that are uncovered as she starts her new life. Of course, the idea of starting a library sounds wonderful, but as the reader knows, books aren't Rachel's strong suit. Mercy's storyline makes me excited for her opportunities until her parents decide to make decisions for her. Grrr And then there's Jane who is going through her own struggles while she runs the Inn.

I'm already looking forward to the next installation of this series. I have to say I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1, but that might be because I already knew the characters from book 1. I also felt like it was more to the writing I'm used to with the author. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

About the Author:

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards and ACFW's Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.

Beautiful Word Coloring Bible For Girls Review & Giveaway

NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 9780310763543

You must know my love of Bibles considering the ones I've been talking about! And they're not always just for me! I received this Bible from Zonderkidz for a review. I'll be donating it to our youth group so that it can be given to a girl who needs her own Bible!

Summary:

The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls contains hundreds of inspiring verses illustrated in detailed, ready-to-color line art created just for girls ages 8-12 so they can reflect on the precious truths of Scripture. The thick white paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins provides ample space for your own artistic expressions and journaling.

Features of this treasured Bible include:

• Hundreds of verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
• Thicker white paper for enduring note-taking
• Lined, wide margins for notes, reflections and art
• Full text of the most read, most trusted modern-English Bible; the New International Version (NIV)
• Easy-to-read black letter text in single-column format
• Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
• Ribbon marker
• Beautiful debossed and screen-printed leathersoft over board binding

My Review:

What young girl doesn't want her own Bible? I loved my girls (and my boys) having their own Bibles they could study with at home and bring to church with them. This Bible is a beautiful way to draw them into the Word. It says it's for girls 8-12, but after looking through it, there's no reason a teenage girl wouldn't love this Bible. I know my oldest daughter would've used it through high school!

The wide margins are great for taking notes or if they decide to get creative, they can doodle! The pages are thin so you can see the designs through the pages. I would suggest using a colored pencil when coloring it in. Then there are a few pages with text that you really can't color. With hundreds of verses to color, those text ones are just a drop in the bucket.

I love the two page spreads. What a wonderful way to have girls taking in the Word while adding their own touch to their personal Bible. I love the idea that the girls as they grow up, their Bible will be with them, and one day maybe pass it on to their own daughters! How great would it be to look back on that time while passing on a heritage!!

Now you have the opportunity to win one of your own! Now, it won't be to you in time for Christmas so please keep that in mind! a Rafflecopter giveaway

She Reads Truth Bible & Giveaway

She Reads Truth Bible
Publisher: Holman Bible Publisher
ISBN: 978-1433648212

I have a love for a variety of Bibles. I remember my first one was a parallel Bible and I loved it! Things went uphill from there! When I was given this Bible to review for B&H Publishing by FrontGate Media, I was really looking forward to diving into it. My husband is a fan of the Holman Christian Standard Bible so I really wanted to see what he liked so much.

Summary:

The She Reads Truth Bible aims to live at the intersection of beauty, goodness, and Truth. Featuring devotionals by the She Reads Truth team, and Scripture reading plans that include supplemental passages for deeper understanding, this Bible invites every woman to count themselves among the She Reads Truth community of "Women in the Word of God every day." The She Reads Truth Bible also features 66 key verses, artfully lettered to aid in Scripture memorization.

Features include:

• almost 200 devotionals
• 66 artist-designed key verses
• 35 full-color timelines
• 20 full-color maps
• 11 full-color charts
• reading plans for every book of the Bible
• one-year Bible reading plan
• detailed book introductions
• key verse list
• carefully curated topical index
• smyth-sewn binding
• two colored ribbon markers
• wide margins for journaling and note-taking. 

Here is a purchase link: http://shereadstruthbible.com

My review:

First I have to say how beautiful this Bible is from beginning to end. I love the color (Poppy Linen) of the Bible and it's case. It's incredibly feminine from start to finish. Is it silly for me to mention that I love the two ribbon bookmarks? How is that not a thing already. So many uses for multiple bookmarks!

Somehow, many Bibles don't have explanations at the beginning of each chapter. Shocking since I think it's so important for the reader to understand what's going on in each book! There's a sweet artistic verse at the beginning of each one as well. It's incredibly helpful that there's an explanation of how to reach each chapter. Books of the Bible, while they can stand alone, are each part of the big picture and all work together, so reading the parts of the Bible they suggest will give the reader a better understanding of the book you're currently in.

I think my favorite art is at the beginning of Ruth. It's just so beautiful. For some reason it just pulls my heart to it!

There's great room in the margins to take notes or if you're a doodler to make designs. I remember the first time I saw someone write in their Bible. I was aghast! Of course that was because of my upbringing. I'm so glad I don't think that way any more. A Bible is about the only book I will actually write in. lol

One thing to note is that this isn't a red letter Bible. Jesus' words aren't noted in red like I'm typically used to. It throws me off a little bit when I'm trying to find Jesus speaking, but His words aren't written in red. HA! I'm a creature of habit.

I think my only "negative" is that since the pages are thin, the dark colors that are used with the art and the chapter beginnings show through to the other side. The gorgeous bouquet to start Jude is a good example of this. It doesn't make the text on the previous page unreadable, but you can definitely see the image on the other side.

This Bible would make a lovely gift for any occasion or for you to keep as your every day Bible. Not sure if there are people like me, but I keep a Bible in my car (it's my church Bible), one with my couch in case I ever need one on the spot, one in the bedroom, and at least one on the bookshelf. Seriously, I'm ready no matter what! hahahaha

Through 12/10/17 you have the opportunity to win one of 7 She Reads Truth Bibles! Be sure to enter TODAY by clicking on that link.