Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren Review & Giveaway

Keturah
by Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN:

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who feels elated to start the first book in a series. So much anticipation before I turn the cover open to begin reading. When I saw Keturah come across my email I was hooked immediately by the cover (isn't it always the cover), the author, and the synopsis of the story! Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review it and set out on a journey.

Summary:

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined-and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Review:

I'm all about the historical fiction. If it's well written, don't bother trying to talk to me because I'll be entwined in the story! That's exactly how it was from the first page of the first chapter in Keturah! From the start it was quite an adventure.

Keturah is a character I can relate to. Her past has caused her to rely on herself and certainly never ask a man for help. Her and her sisters' present puts them in a situation that almost forces them to rely on the men around them. I enjoyed getting to know Ket, Verity, and Selah because it sets us up to want more when the next books come out! I was ready for book two by the time the sisters set sail on the Redemption.

We also meet Gray Covington. My first thought was, "He must be a rake!" Something seemed shifty about him from the start. Guess that should teach me to judge someone by the first few sentences I read about them. Just like any of us, Gray made some poor choices and is doing what he can to redeem himself.

What Keturah (along with her sisters) and Gray have to go through to try and revive the plantations they own in the West Indies is more than most could bear. It's clear that it's going to be even harder than either one of them expected, and more dangerous.

I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. The characters drew me in, rooting for and against them with a lot of fervor! I guess if there is any "negative" I felt like the story spent quite a bit of time on the ship, which meant it seemed like they were doing or talking about the same thing. Of course, if you're spending 6 weeks on a ship heading to your destination a lot can happen during that time. I'm already looking forward to book two!

Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisatawnbergren.com.

All Things Now Living By Rondi Bauer Olson 12/1

All Things Now Living
by Rondi Bauer Olson
Publisher: Written World Communications
ISBN: 978-1938679100

Having not read any books by this author before, and having my interest piqued about the idea of reading a Christian dystopian novel, I jumped at the chance to do a review of All Things Now Living thanks to Litfuse.

Summary:

Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him.

Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn't like anything to die, she won't even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can't let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it's God's will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God's curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own.

Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are.

Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction.

Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else. 

My Review:

I knew that All Things Now Living would be different than most books I read these days. That being said, I used to read this type of novel as a young teen. I also like reading books that my kids and I can talk about as well as enjoy together. I like the idea of different genres of novels weaving in a Christian message.

For me, I really never got into the book. I was confused at a number of spots at the writing really isn't a style I like. Moreover I wasn't a fan of the main character, Amy basically falling for Daniel within about 3 seconds. It really rubbed me the wrong way with how fast they trusted and became reliant on each other. I liked the premise of the book, I just couldn't get into it.

That being said, I thought, "Well, let me ask my 14 yr old son to read it." the book is written for a young adult crowd and I figured, he's just as judgy as I am so if he doesn't like it either, then at least I've been validated by my 14 yr old. lol

He basically read it in a day and liked it. I kept pestering him because I figured he'd get to a point where, if I asked him at least one more time he'd finally say, "You know mom, I just don't like it." He never said that. Every time I asked him, "So, what do you think of the book?" he'd reply, "It's good." When he finished it I asked him one more time and his opinion hadn't changed. We did chat a little about how parts of it were confusing and he agreed that he was confused at times as well. He also liked the author's style of writing.

Looks like we found a book we don't quite agree on, but since I'm not the author's target audience and he is, I'm going to go with his opinion of the book. Therefore, if you have a teen my son would totally recommend this novel!

About the Author:

Rondi Bauer Olson is a reader and writer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Kurt. She has four grown children, works as a nurse, and also owns a gift shop within view of beautiful Lake Superior.

Find out more about Rondi at http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com.

World View By Marvin Olasky

World View
by Marvin Olasky
Publisher:
ISBN: 978945270833

I know I don't typically read non-fiction, but occasionally one gives me pause because of the topic and I give in to curiosity! That's what happened when I was given the opportunity to read World View thanks to Litfuse Publicity.

Summary:

How could our world be different if Christians were recognized for not only speaking the truth, but also demonstrating mercy?

What would our lives be like if we reacted to our common culture with not just biblical facts, but also grace and compassion?

For more than 25 years, Marvin Olasky has offered this kind of viewpoint in his columns as the Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine, the leading news magazine written with a Christian perspective. In this collection of far-ranging columns, Olasky's commentary on world events and affairs, as well as his own personal interactions, encourages readers to respond with both grace and truth in every encounter.

A leading voice for standing for biblical truth in the public square, Olasky also believes Christians should incorporate the biblical virtues of humility, kindness, and mercy in all of life. His call for biblical values to include both truth and mercy makes his voice stand out in a world that often falsely divides those goals and settles for a poor imitation of the robust Christianity described in Scripture. These short and punchy columns offer readers a new way to consider challenges in today's world and shows them how to respond to any encounter biblically, but not hysterically, providing a wake-up call for the complacent, while also calming the frantic.

My Review:

As I read author, Marvin Olasky's book, I just found myself nodding my head over and over again! I think they picked the perfect first article to start the book off! I hadn't heard of Mr. Olasky before this book, and now I'm wanting to read more of his work.

There are a number of facets that I liked throughout the book. First I loved that scripture and Biblical example were intertwined with the state of our current world. Then I appreciated his way of calling us out as Christians. He will get you thinking, there's no doubt about it. It's also very interesting how he covers a number of years for different presidents.

Nothing seems to be off limits in this book. Everything seems to be fair game such as environmentalism, politics, race, apologetics, media, marriage, and so much more. Each topic is covered in just a couple of pages, easy to read, but it will take time to digest, at least for me it was. He had me thinking after most of the articles.

About the Author:

Marvin Olasky is editor-in-chief of "World News Group," a distinguished chair in journalism and public policy at Patrick Henry College, and the author of more than twenty books, including "Compassionate Conservatism" and "The Tragedy of American Compassion." He and his wife, Susan, have four sons and five grandchildren.

Find out more about Marvin at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.

Melissa Spoestra's Total Christmas Makeover

Total Christmas Makeover
by Melissa Spoestra
Publisher: Abingdon
ISBN:

Well, by the look of things, it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas. I know people who were already decorating and thinking about Christmas before the end of October! lol I'm getting into the spirit of the season with my review copy of Total Christmas Makeover thanks to Litfuse Publicity.

Summary:

In the midst of the holiday busyness, have you lost what it means to truly celebrate your Savior? Revamp your family’s celebrations with Melissa Spoelstra’s new book, Total Christmas Makeover. Melissa provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

My Review:

I'm not sure about you, but I don't always keep the focus of the holidays where it needs to be...on the Savior. And not just on the Savior, but on family, friends, and those around me. That's where this book has really been bringing my heart and mind as I read through the days.

The book is broken into three sections which keep your focus where it needs to be. I've tried not to read each day because I want to keep these reminders coming to me as we head into the Christmas season. I decided to read a page from each section instead of reading straight through. Of course that helped me for this review. =)

I appreciate the author adding examples of her life and how she faces challenges and making over the holidays. We're easily able to relate it to our own lives. Each day starts with scripture, the devotion, a prayer, questions to answer, and how to practically approach the makeover. A couple of the suggestions I've taken away and really want to implement are incorporating more of Scripture into the season and being a "there you are" person. I've always wanted to add family Bible reading during the Christmas season, but never have. You'll have to read the book to find out what a "there you are" person is!

Highly recommend Total Christmas Makeover for reading this during the month of Christmas or starting towards the end of November.

About the Author:

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” “Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness,” and “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible” studies and “Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home” book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

A Small Book About A Big Problem By Edward T. Welch

A Small Book About a Big Problem
by Edward T. Welch
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 978-1945270130

So, I may have an issue with anger, patience, and peace. I'm not alone am I? I know all three of those are things I've struggled with. That's why when I saw that I could review A Small Book About a Big Problem that dealt with those topics, I figured there was a reason.

Summary:

How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated?

While you might not think about it often, if you look closely at any day most everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes. Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?

Anger is so common-yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger-loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships-give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.

But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life's difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

My Review:

I felt like A Small Book About a Big Problem started off rather basic the first couple of days. I know that it takes about 90 days to break a habit, and the first couple of days just had me thinking, "Ok." From there the book takes off! The author really turns our eyes on the Lord and how we live our lives. Mr. Welch doesn't tiptoe through what anger looks like. I really appreciate his straightforwardness. He makes the reader look at anger in the face and take it for what it is. Then he turns us to God and what His Word says.

Each day's reading is quick and to the point. It's an easy read so that we can keep on track and take it in easy-to-digest readings. You have to be ready for the brutal honesty for what anger is and how it's such a devastating sin.

I like how you can take bits and pieces and carry them with you. You can find ways to put this book into action when anger feels like it's creeping up. I know sometimes it comes out of left field (like it does for me so often), and it's something that we need the Holy Spirit to make a change in. Jesus definitely can help us conquer this big problem!

About the Author:

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a Ph.D. in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions.

Find out more about Edward at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

A Name Unknown
by: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764219269

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read and review her first novel in the Shadows Over England series, A Name Unknown.

Summary:

She's out to steal his name. Will he steal her heart instead?

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets-now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary's challenge of a lifetime comes when she's assigned to determine whether acertain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last nameand wants to prove his loyalty to the crown-so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

Anger and danger continue to mount, though, and both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth-about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Review:

I've only had the pleasure of reading a handful of Roseanna M. White's novels and have loved every single one of them. I'm glad I get to start a new series with A Name Unknown! One of the things I love about reading novels by various authors is that they have different writing styles and different things pull me in for each one. This was a slow read for me, but in a good way. There was so much to take in, to digest as you read, that I really had to focus. Sometimes books are a quick read, this one wasn't. Nothing wrong with that, and in fact, I thoroughly enjoyed!

I'm not a student of history, but I sure do enjoy reading about what it could've been like back then. When we meet Rosemary, she's being given a job that will help her "siblings" in a financial way that she can't turn down. She's a their raised on the streets of London, surviving by those means. If she can get this job done, they'll have food on the table.

When we first meet Peter, the man she's supposed to steal from, it's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that he's anything other than who he seems to be. Many of the towns people have labeled him a German traitor, and Rosemary is out to prove it.

I really loved all of the characters in the story. There were some I loved to hate and a couple that I was surprised I that I ended up liking. I wasn't a fan of his close friend, Gryff, but I began to like his as I kept reading. I loved Rosemary. In fact, towards the end of the book, I was actually crying because I loved her character so much! lol

I'm already looking forward to the next books in the series! I wish authors could write faster than I can ready. Waiting to read more about the characters you've gotten to know, especially in A Name Unknown, is a rather painful thing to do.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. She passes said boring life with her husband and kids in the beautiful mountains of eastern West Virginia.

Find out more about Roseanna M. at http://www.roseannamwhite.com.

Dragon Seed By Marty Machowski

Dragon Seed
by Marty Machowski
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN:

I really love when I get the chance to review books for youth! I received this one from Litfuse Publicity and shared it with my 14 yr old.

Summary:

An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background.

Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book-a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family's history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you'll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!

This page-turning, young adult fiction story invites older children and teens into the real-life struggles of Nick. But it also ushers them into an imaginative exploration of the life of the young man Jesus saved as he wandered through the tombs. Best-selling author Marty Machowski uses both stories to introduce the reality of spiritual warfare and how its shadows affect and change us.

Machowski, a trusted teacher for children of all ages, presents a thoroughly biblical view of spiritual warfare that emphasizes the importance of humility and dangers of pride. Teens will be drawn to the story of Nick and his struggles and will learn, as they read, to also identify the shadows in their own life and turn from them. While the biblical teaching is evident throughout the narrative of Dragon Seed, Machowski also includes a twelve-lesson Bible study at the end of the book to help teens ground their understanding of spiritual warfare on biblical principles.

Youth pastors, leaders, and parents will also want to explore with teens the small group study at the end of the book with its unique take on spiritual warfare that emphasizes the biblical theme of humility. This is a perfect book to read with a group and discuss together the implications of Nick's struggles for their lives.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Review:

I thought this was an interesting book. The idea of it initially reminded me of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I wasn't sure how my son would take to an allegory book, but he seemed to like it. This would be a good book for pre-teens and teens.

I think the family that's represented is very relatable. Kids from the same family react differently to life situations. Nick is mad at the world and takes it out on his family. His sister, Martha, is putting all of her effort into being a fabulous student. Mary, along with her mom, is trying to keep what's left of her family from falling apart.

A story has been passed down through the family in the form of an allegory. I love how these kinds of stories work to really help the reader understand through the hidden meaning of how important our faith is. Through Nick reading this story, teens are able to understand the spiritual world. In fact, I really appreciate authors who point out the things that happen around us that we're rarely aware of.

Now, I thought the names the author gave the demons were a bit cheesy. I thought for this age group he could've gotten a bit more creative. The names seemed more like you'd find them in an elementary story than a story like this. There were a few spots where I thought the story was trying too hard to be allegorical. Can a story sometimes be too descriptive? Then again, this book is geared to young teens so maybe that's more to their liking.

At the end of the book there's a 12 day prescription to help the reader work through uprooting what the author refers to as the dragon seed. You'll have to read the book to find out what he's referring to. It's a good way for the kids finish the story and really attempt to relate it to their own lives.

I think this would also be a good book for teen youth groups to work through as a small group.

About the Author:

Marty Machowski is the Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 25 years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the children's ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is the author of a systematic theology for children entitled "The Ology," "Long Story Short," "Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God," "The Gospel Story Sunday School Curriculum" and the companion "Gospel Story Children's Bible." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania area.

Find out more about Marty at martymachowski.com.

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

The Captain's Daughter
by Jennifer Delamere
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764219207

As a fan of historical Christian fiction, I was excited to receive this book from Litfuse Publicity to review.

Summary:

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

My Review:

As a first introduction to Jennifer Delamere's writing, I have to say, it was a delightful experience! The Captain's Daughter starts off with the reader getting a quick introduction to three sisters: Cara, Rosalyn, and Julia Bernay. The sisters have had it rough, but they're looking towards the future hopeful.

Rosalyn's situation starts off with promise, but when we meet her, things have clearly gone south. Circumstances have her landing in London, and things get even worse, which doesn't seem possible. God is at work in the midst of it, and provides at just the right time. With the author's writing, you can sense the turmoil Rosalyn's going through, but you also want to help her out by steering her in a different direction. lol

We're introduced to Nate Moran at the start of the story as well. Poor guy, trying to help Rosalyn, ends up not being so helpful. Thankfully soon after they're able to meet properly and under better circumstances. Nate seems to feel a pull towards Rosalyn, but with being burned once before and planning to head back to India, he tries to keep an emotional distance from Rosalyn.

I was really pulled in by the storyline of the opera house. It was fun recognizing names of the people Ms. Delamere wrote about like Gilbert & Sullivan and George Müller. I think because the story covered such a short period of time the reader is easily pulled into the theater world of the story. There were characters I enjoyed like Jessie and Mrs. Hill as well as ones who rubbed me the wrong way like Tony Hayes. It was fun also getting to know Nate's whole family. Makes me hope the author writes more about her, although I'm hoping the next book in the series will either be about Julia or Cara.

As for the summary, I was a little confused as to the "talented musician and singer" part. Rosalyn sings a sweet lullaby to her sister in the prologue, but you don't really get that she's grown up to be that person. It seems like she mostly would sing to herself since she spends years as a companion to a widow. When she sings for the first time for fun, you wouldn't think she was a seasoned musician and singer, but that's not really how she's written in the story. As she continues to work at the theater, you can see her natural talent shine through and her joy being part of it all.

If you're looking for an easy summer read, this should definitely be on your reading list. I finished it in a day! I'm already looking forward to book two in the London Beginnings series!

About the Author:

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Find out more about Jennifer at jenniferdelamere.com 

Jonathan Morrow's 'Welcome to College' Survival Pack Giveaway

Welcome to College
by Jonathan Morrow
Published by Kregel
ISBN: 9780825444883

With my son's upcoming graduation from high school, I thought reading this book as a review would be a great idea! When I received the offer, I couldn't say, "No." This is a book my son will be getting this summer as he gets ready to hopefully go to college!

Summary:

Is there a more frightening question for a graduating high school senior than "What will you do with your life?" In college, whether they realize it or not, students will answer that question every day with each decision. All of the new friends and new experiences of higher education will shape their future. It's critical that students know how to handle college before they're in the thick of it.

Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years, including:

• How do you grow spiritually?
• How do you manage your time to both study well and have fun?
• Is all truth relative?
• Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
• As a Christian, how should you view issues like dating and sex?

Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible. Grounded in both his own extensive experience and biblical truth, Morrow's book is full of quick, easy-to-read chapters and excellent advice.

My review:

I'm not one to highlight or write in a book except on the rare occasion. Welcome to College was one of those rare occasions. To start with, I like at the end of each chapter they have "The Big Ideas" which covers the main points of what was just read. Most often the Big Ideas had 1 or 2 of the pieces I highlighted.

I like that the chapters are short & digestible. My son isn't a reader, and while he probably won't read this straight through, he can read a chapter here and there. I'm even considering doing a study on it with him. At the end of the book are questions for each chapter, so it will give us a spring board for diving in. Really, this book encourages them to live their own faith. They're leaving mommy & daddy's covering (well he's going to community college to start) and they've got to figure out what they truly believe as an individual.

One of the words I really grabbed onto was "Christianophobia." The author covers what that is in the chapter called True Tolerance. I found that to be a really good chapter...they all are really. I liked how he integrated his college experience into what he's teaching those who are going out into the big world. And the thing is, you don't have to be going to college to read this. It's a good world view book all around. We all have a world view, but what might yours look like?

I really think this book is exhaustive and covers an array of topics that I just never would've probably thought to discuss with my kids. I know I didn't with my girls as they headed off to college. Thankfully I have time with my son, well both of them, but more "urgently" my senior...my baby boy who's no longer a baby!

Does your high school senior nervously gulp when asked what his or her life plans are? Give him or her encouragement and peace of mind with Jonathan Morrow's Welcome to College, what J. P. Moreland calls "the single best volume I have ever read for preparing students for how to follow Jesus and flourish as his disciple in college." Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years. Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible.

Join Jonathan and other parents prepping their kids for college in celebrating the excitement of the next life stage for their kids by entering to win the College Survival Pack Giveaway (details below) and by attending his author chat party on April 11!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Welcome to College
• One $50 Target gift card
• One $25 Amazon gift card
• One $25 Starbucks gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 11. The winner will be announced at the Welcome to College Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Jonathan and other parents with kids prepping for college, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

The Elusive Miss Ellison Review & Kindle Package Giveaway

The Elusive Miss Ellison

by Carolyn Miller

Publisher: Kregel Publication

ISBN: 978-0825444500

I really enjoy being part of book reviewing groups! It's nice to be introduced to new authors. I received my book from Litfuse to review for my readers!

Summary:

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

My Review:

Now, I have to preface this by saying, read my whole review, not just the beginning.

When I first started reading The Elusive Miss Ellison, I wasn't very impressed. I cringe saying that knowing that a novel is an author's baby. I just felt like it was forced, contrived. Gah, really, I hate saying that, but I have to be truthful. It seemed like the author was trying to hard to make it sound old British instead of it feeling natural. I decided by the end of chapter 1 that I would give the author a chance and read into chapter 2, and maybe on to chapter 3.

I was actually glad I kept reading! Much of what felt like forced writing seemed to fade away. I was able to start enjoying the story and the characters. I still had a bump here and there with how things were written, but it was rare. I liked Lavinia and her desire to take care of the poor, and loved how she didn't give a hoot about Nicholas's title.

It took a little bit, but I came to like Nicholas. There was a turning point about halfway through the story that solidified his character for me. From that point on, I was looking forward to him and Lavinia finally figuring out that they belonged together.

By the end of the book, I was surprised that I had ended up liking it so much. What started off with me being concerned about continuing the story found me looking forward to reaching the end, but in a good way, knowing I'd enjoyed the overall story.

I would give her other books a read to get to know the author and her writing better.

Regency romance fans have another must-read novel to add to their lists: Carolyn Miller's The Elusive Miss Ellison. Enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love. These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle from Carolyn!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison
• A Kindle Fire
• Two William Morris mugs (winner's choice)
• A box of tea

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on March 22. The winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn'’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.