Saturday, March 31, 2012

Mini Review ad Blog Tour: Independence Day


Independence Day by Michael DiMarco

Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Devotional
Pages: 142
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon
Graduation Day Is Independence Day!It's the day you've been waiting for. The day you graduate. The day you declare your independence. The beginning of a bright future where you are finally the one in charge of choosing your job, your classes, your career--your life. But there's more to independence than getting to choose what you want to do. 

While graduation brings new freedom, it also brings a whole new world filled with both opportunity and temptation. In Independence Day, bestselling author Michael DiMarco shares stories from his own rocky transition from high school to adulthood in order to help grads appreciate long-awaited freedoms, manage temptation, and make the most of new opportunities.

At this moment you have the chance to change your finances, your future, and your entire world. Michael DiMarco shows you how to do it with your eyes wide open.
I've been out of high school for three years now, but I've had some struggles with figuring out my college plans and moving into adulthood. This book really helped me, because it opened my eyes to what is still to come. While I may not be ready for everything yet, I have an idea of I still have to deal with, and how to go about it. Great book!

I received this book free for review from Revell Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

IMM: 3/25/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


Gifted:
Embrace CD and card (Thank you Babbie Mason!)

For Review:
I Blame Eve by Susanna Aughtmon

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: You're Already Amazing


You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth

Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Women feel enormous pressure to be perfect. To have the perfect body, to be a perfect woman, to have the perfect career, and to have the perfect attitude. All the time. Under all that pressure and all those expectations are women carrying burdens they were never meant to carry and suppressing the dreams they were always meant to live.

In You're Already Amazing, popular blogger and cofounder of (in)courage helps women understand and embrace the fact that they don't need to do more, be more, and have more--because they're already amazing just the way God created them to be. As a licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley knows what readers need to hear. Like a heart-to-heart talk over coffee, reading this joy-filled book encourages women to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds them, instead believing that God made them for a purpose and that he loves them right now, at this moment, and always. Holley takes readers on a journey of the heart to discover their strengths and embrace all God created them to be.
I was so excited to review this book! I deal with a lot of pressure from my family to be better at everything from school to preparing for the future. This book helped me to realize that while I can improve on some things, I don't need to. God loves me just the way I am, flaws and all! And that's really all that matters :) I definitely recommend this book to anyone struggling with self-esteem.

I received this book free for review through Revell Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Review: Embraced by God


Embraced by God by Babbie Mason

Release Date:
Publisher:
Genre:
Series:
Pages:
Format:
Buy It: Amazon
Many women not only struggle to understand who they are, they struggle to believe Whose they are.  As daughters of the King we are not just precious but deeply loved.<br> 
Babbie Mason shares her personal journey to understanding how very much God loved her, not as a singer or teacher but as His child.  Here she equips readers to accept that love, and grow their confidence because of it. 
The book features three sections:
• Understanding God's embrace
• A Twenty-One Day Journey to Receive God's Embrace
• Stepping Out in Faith Knowing You Are Embraced by God.
Babbie's warm, creative and friendly approach will engage readers and encourage them on this blessed journey.
Mason lives near Atlanta, Georgia.  Her most recent releases include "Embrace."
I wasn't too sure about this book when I started it. I felt like it would just be another book preaching at me to love God. However, this book focused more on the truths of God's love, and having the reader embrace them. I definitely think this book helped me a lot. I have always struggled with believing God loves me, and accepting his love. I'm still not where I could be, but this book has helped me grow in ways I didn't think I would! A great resource for struggling Christians.



I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

IMM: 3/11/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.



Won:
An Amish Family Reunion (signed!) by Mary Ellis (Thanks Casey!)

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Sarai


Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith

Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 317
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?
When Abram finally requests the hand of his beautiful half sister Sarai, she asks one thing--that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even Sarai's father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if she makes a promise in return--to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai's womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain, lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram's patience last?

Combining in-depth research and vivid storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai in this remarkable story of love, jealousy, and undaunted faith.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I have always loved the story of Sarai, because I can relate to her. I often doubt God's timing in my life and try to do things my way. This story was a sweet new way to read about her life, and it added lovely details that I couldn't get enough of! Excellent book!

I received this book free for review from Revell Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Blue Moon Promise


Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

Release Date: February 14, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian Romance
Series: Under Texas Stars #1
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.
Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh-a city girl-on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.
I don't know what it was, but for some reason the beginning of this book felt slow to me. Once it picked up, I was swept into the romance and "father-child" relationships. Once the small family came together, it was touching and heart-warming and even brought a few tears to my eyes! Definitely a great read.

I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


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To celebrate Colleen is teaming up with her publisher Thomas Nelson for a "Blue Moon Promise" Facebook Chat party where she will giveaway a KINDLE Fire and a Texas-sized gift basket (fabulous Texas treats and fun Lucy-inspired housekeeping products)!

Click the banner, RSVP today for the Facebook Party and mark the date on your calendar!

Invite your friends and don't miss Colleen's evening of chat, trivia, prizes, and more.


Kindle Giveaway and More! Save the Date - 3/13!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Review and Blog Tour: The Beautiful Wife


The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya

Release Date: January 18, 2012
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 240
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
The Beautiful Wife uses these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage any wife looking for God's best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God's plan for their marriages. "It is my passion to help women discover God's heart for their marriage, just as the other women helped me," writes Sandy. "When women share with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it's a beautiful thing indeed."
I was able to review the actual book, the prayer journal, and the mentor's guide. I'll start with the book.

This book may not apply to me yet, as I'm not married, but it gave me powerful insight for my future marriage and any relationship. I learned more about how my actions impact guys, and how simple actions or words can be taken as rejection. I know that I will never be the perfect wife, but with this book I hope to be a better one.

The prayer journal was a great asset. It simply helps the reader dig deeper into the week's reading, giving verses that apply to the topic and steps to try throughout the week. The mentor's guide gave lesson overviews for each week, for anyone that wants to leader a Beautiful Womanhood bible study. It would definitely help calm a nervous leader!

I loved all everything this book had to offer, and I plan on referring to this book often throughout my future marriage.



I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


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Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!


One beautiful winner will receive:
  • A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
  • The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
  • The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

IMM: 3/4/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.



For Review:
By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer
Independence Day by Michael DiMarco

Gifted:
Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George (Thanks Lindsay!)

Bookmooch:
Jaguar by Roland Smith

RAK:
Entwined by Heather Dixon (Thanks Ruby!)

Won:
Incarnate (ARC) by Jodi Meadows
Everneath (ARC) by Brodi Ashton
Forbidden (ARC) by Syrie and Ryan M. James
Tempest (signed!) by Julie Cross (Thanks Good Choice Reading!)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Embraced by God


Embraced by God by Babbie Mason

Release Date: February 2012
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon
Many women not only struggle to understand who they are, they struggle to believe Whose they are.  As daughters of the King we are not just precious but deeply loved.<br>
Babbie Mason shares her personal journey to understanding how very much God loved her, not as a singer or teacher but as His child.  Here she equips readers to accept that love, and grow their confidence because of it.
The book features three sections:
• Understanding God's embrace
• A Twenty-One Day Journey to Receive God's Embrace
• Stepping Out in Faith Knowing You Are Embraced by God.
Babbie's warm, creative and friendly approach will engage readers and encourage them on this blessed journey.
Mason lives near Atlanta, Georgia.  Her most recent releases include "Embrace."
I loved this book! I struggle a lot with my worth, especially in God's eyes. This book takes you step by step through different themes of God's love, and teaches you to really see yourself through His eyes. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with any self esteem issues, because seeing yourself through God's eyes is the first step to a better self image!

I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


Win a Nook Tablet - Come to "Embraced" FB Party! Enter Today and Save the Date-3/6!


 
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