Monday, July 27, 2015

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Tattered and Mended (+ Giveaway!)


Release Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 208
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon
For years, society and especially the church required that we hide our brokenness and pretend that all was well, even when it was terribly broken. Now, people have become comfortable with our tattered edges, our character weaknesses, our “old, familiar sins,” and forgotten that God doesn’t intend to leave us in a state of disrepair. God calls us to something other than the wild pendulum swing from hiding our scars to flaunting them. Rather than resigning ourselves to desperately clinging to shreds of recovery, or discarding the broken, threadbare, scarred relationships, we can engage in the process of healing through Christ. Jesus reclaims what we fear was damaged beyond repair. His soul-mend leaves hope where the wound once was. And, as we engage in the process of healing, we grow in appreciation of how God tends and transforms our wounds.
This book was a glass of fresh water on a parched soul. Often in traditional Christian churches today, we are taught to struggle though past experiences and pretend they never happened. In reality, those experiences often tear us up and make us ripped or shattered.

As we try to heal from those experiences, it can be hard to know how to move forward when everything seems to be holding you back. This book artfully draws us from start to finish in the healing process, and helps the reader learn to love all flaws, while still healing them. An excellent read!

I received this book free for review through Litfuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.


How can the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live be mended and healed? In Tattered and Mended, Cynthia Ruchti walks readers through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.

Celebrate the release of Tattered and Mended with Cynthia by entering to win her Reclaimed Treasures giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 27th. The winner will be announced July 28th on Cynthia's blog.

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Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200).

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That includes:
  • The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
  • A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
  • A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
  • Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction

Sunday, July 26, 2015

IMM and Stacking the Shelves: 7/26/15

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme previously hosted by the Kristi at The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews. We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

IMM and Stacking the Shelves: 7/19/15

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme previously hosted by the Kristi at The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews. We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Review and Blog Tour: Picture Perfect Love


Release Date: May 26, 2015
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian Romance
Series: A Year of Wedding #7
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon
They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.


When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.


Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.


Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away.  When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.


It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?  
I didn't realize how much I love second chance love stories before reading this novella. From the beginning, I was rooting for Ash and Jenna. Badly. Almost unhealthily, haha. I didn't want to put it down!

My main concern with this novel was the pettiness of the Vance family. They were so focused on Ash's campaign that they were willing to hurt both him and Jenna to do it. Then when he tries to get Jenna back, it happens all over again. It was just annoying to read.

Overall, I loooooved this novella! It was refreshing to read a fiction book after so much time spent reading non-fiction, and the shortness of it made it a fun and quick read. Definitely recommend!



I received this book free for review through LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Review: The Healer's Apprentice


The Healers Apprentice by Book Author

Release Date: September 15, 2010
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian Romance
Series: Fairy Tale Romance #1
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Two Hearts. One Hope. Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill. When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
I'll be honest, I read the second book in this series before the first. (The order doesn't matter.) I had been avoiding this series for awhile, mainly because the hype in the Christian book blogging community was so high for this book! I know see why.

I was hooked from the first page! I seriously did not want to put this book down. While the ending was predictable, I was found myself screaming at the characters through most of the book to realize the true situation and not stress out about unnecessary things.

The one thing I really did not like about this novel was the love triangle. I'm sorry, it's just so overdone! Especially when it is two brothers. It just needs to stop.

This series is a great option for anyone who loves fairy tale re-tellings, especially romances! Definitely pick them all up.



I received this book free for review through a giveaway. I was not required to post a review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Review: Date or Soul Mate?


Release Date: August 30, 2005 (Revised Edition)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
He feels a strong attraction to her. She wonders if he could be "the one." In the glamorous haze of early romantic attraction it's hard to know whether a relationship will lead to true love-or to a negative or even catastrophic relationship. This book helps men and women who want healthy and satisfying marriages identify the early warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Dr. Warren shows readers how to hold out for God's best for their lives instead of settling for the first one to come along and outlines the factors that increase the chances for marital success. For those who want to become wiser in their relationship choices, this practical guide will help them find the love they want and avoid the pain they don't need.
I didn't dislike this book, but I wasn't blown away by it either.Dr. Warren uses basic dating and relationship principles to stress matching with others who are nearly identical to you. He firmly believes our ideal soulmates are basically the same person as ourselves, just the opposite gender.

I don't agree with this. While I feel our soulmates, and mine specifically, do have a lot in common with us/myself, we aren't 100% identical. We have differences. We disagree on things. That's what makes us human, and that's what makes us perfect for each other. We balance out each other's flaws.

I'm not saying this book isn't worth it; it's a great book on finding what you truly want in a partner and how to find that person. But don't expect to agree with everything in this book; we all have our own opinions on relationships.



I received this book by purchasing it. I was not required to post a review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Social Media Saturday: 7/11/15

Welcome to Social Media Saturday! This is a meme created by myself, where each week I share a different social media account that I use, and that you as readers can follow to continue connecting to me and my blog!

This week, I'll be highlighting my Instagram account, ariel_librarian! This is a personal Instagram account, so I use it for both blogs and random topics.

I tend to post random selfies, #widn (what I'm doing now), Throwback Thursdays, among other things. You never know what I will post next! I usuaully follow back as well, as long as I find your content interesting. If you're looking to expand your Instagram, give me a follow and send me a message so I make sure to follow you!

Do you use Instagram for your blog? Leave your links down below so I can follow you!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Follow Friday: 7/10/15


Follow Friday is a weekly meme host by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Each week they feature bloggers, and we trade blog follows to meet new people!

The rules are simple:
  1. Follow the hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. (This is is required.)
  2. Follow both of the featured blogs, one from each host's blog. (This is required.)
  3. Put your blog name and link into the linky on one of the host's pages.
  4. Make your own Follow Friday post and answer the questions or simply say "hi" for new followers to have an easy place to comment.
  5. State your preferred way to be followed, if it's not apparent on your blog.
  6. Follow as many people as you want! Leave a comment so they know you are a new follower.
  7. Follow back when someone new follows you!
I would love to be followed via GFC or RSS if you can follow that way! Otherwise feel free to choose one of the many ways I've listed on my sidebars. Whatever is easiest for you!

This week's question:
You can only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life. Which would you choose? (E.g. Italian, French, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Indian etc…)
Oh man. I love food! This is a hard one! Honestly I think it's really close between Mexican food, Chinese food, and Italian food. I love all three pretty equally, so I don't think I can choose one!

Leave a comment down below so I can check out your blog!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Review: Scars


Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: WestSide Books
Genre: YA Contemporary
Pages: 248
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.
WARNING: This review and book may contain triggers for cutting and self-harm.

This book is full of so many different emotions. At such a young age, Kendra is exposed to the cruelties of the world in one of the worst ways possible: child sex abuse. She is constantly haunted by her experiences, and wants nothing more than to move past it. However, the terrifying messages her mysterious abuser continues to send her keep her silent and suffering.

We see Kendra grow from a terrified little girl to a confident and powerful young woman, She finds strength in the relationships she makes with her friends Sandy and Meghan, and she begins to slowly find healing. When everything comes to the climactic ending, the reader is left hanging on the edge of their seat awaiting Kendra's peace.

This book sheds light on two important issues in a great way, and gracefully ties it all together. A great read.



I received this book by buying it. I was not required to post a review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Review: When God Writes Your Love Story


Release Date: June 2, 2009 (Expanded Edition)
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Genre: Christian Devotional
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
In their most popular book, bestselling authors Eric and Leslie Ludy challenge singles to take a fresh approach to relationships in a culture where love has been replaced by cheap sensual passion. When God Writes Your Love Story shows that God's way to true love brings fulfillment and romance in its purest, richest, and most satisfying form. This new edition includes an extra chapter from Leslie Ludy about the surprises of life after marriage!

“I had dreamed of a perfect love story for my entire life. But somewhere in the midst of the endless cycle of temporary romances, my dreams had shattered.” How can I find a love worth waiting for?

Lay the foundation now—whether you’ve met your future spouse or not—for a lifelong romance. Bestselling authors Eric and Leslie Ludy invite you to discover how beautiful your love story can be when the Author of romance scripts every detail.

Story Behind the Book

Eric and Leslie Ludy want to offer an exciting vision of hope, proving that the Author of romance is alive and well and that true and lasting love can become a reality. Using the “four secrets to an amazing love story,” Eric and Leslie present a Christ-centered approach to building a relationship that will stand the test of time.
While I have not read the original version of this book to compare to the expanded edition, I have seen from other reviews that the expanded edition has much more information and tips, so I was excited to get my hands on that version.

The expanded edition does not disappoint. Each chapter is based on a main topic surrounding relationships, and the Ludys break it down with ways to handle each common issue and how to bring others in on the relationship as well.

This is not just another relationship book. This book is a great resource for any couple, whether you are dating, engaged, or have been married for years. I will be picking up my own copy of this book in the future!



I received this book free checking it out from my church library. I was not required to post a review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

IMM and Stacking the Shelves: 7/5/15

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme previously hosted by the Kristi at The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews. We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Social Media Saturday: 7/4/15

Welcome to Social Media Saturday! This is a meme created by myself, where each week I share a different social media account that I use, and that you as readers can follow to continue connecting to me and my blog!

This week, I'll be talking about my Facebook page. I always syndicate blog posts to my page, so if you frequent Facebook more, that's a great option to keep up with me! I will also occasionally share book-ish post that I find and love! Lastly, I will sometimes share a minor update that I don't share on Twitter. So if you want exclusive updates, my Facebook page is for you ;)

Do you have a Facebook page for your blog? Share it below and I'll stop by to like it! And Happy Fourth of July!

Friday, July 3, 2015

Follow Friday: 7/3/15


Follow Friday is a weekly meme host by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Each week they feature bloggers, and we trade blog follows to meet new people!

The rules are simple:
  1. Follow the hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. (This is is required.)
  2. Follow both of the featured blogs, one from each host's blog. (This is required.)
  3. Put your blog name and link into the linky on one of the host's pages.
  4. Make your own Follow Friday post and answer the questions or simply say "hi" for new followers to have an easy place to comment.
  5. State your preferred way to be followed, if it's not apparent on your blog.
  6. Follow as many people as you want! Leave a comment so they know you are a new follower.
  7. Follow back when someone new follows you!
I would love to be followed via GFC or RSS if you can follow that way! Otherwise feel free to choose one of the many ways I've listed on my sidebars. Whatever is easiest for you!

This week's question:
What is the first book you remember reading?
I know from stories from family members that I was reading at a young age, but the first book I really remember reading is the first The Edge Chronicles book, Beyond the Deepwoods. My brother was first learning to read at the time, and my mom picked up a random YA book at the store for me to read to him each night. We didn't get too far into the book before he got bored with it and didn't want to read it anymore, but at the point I was already hooked. After finishing it I discovered it was a series and my love of that series continued from there! (I swear every other post on here has something to do with The Edge Chronicles :P)

Leave a comment down below so I can check out your blog!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Review: When You Need Healing


When You Need Healing by Adam Houge

Release Date: November 30, 2014
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Genre: Christian Non-fiction
Pages: 42 pages
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon
Your hurting matters to God. He cares about everything you go through and wants to hold you through it all. He sees your heart aches and cherishes every prayer.

And God will answer your prayers. He has a plan in your suffering, and will use this season to strengthen you, and your relationship with Him. While there may be nothing good about the pain you may be in, He has the power to make your life good again. His love for you will compel Him to bless you and heal you.

In these pages you’ll find the comfort you need. You’ll learn why God allows bad things to happen and how he intends them for good. You will understand His plan so that you can find peace again. 
This is a great quick read! I was able to finish this book from start to finish in about a half hour, while waiting for my church service to start. I appreciate quick books that still keep me interested.

The author gives great tips on direct verses to read as well as things to try if a person is feeling hurt or lost. Because it's such a short read, this book would be easy to read in its entirety each time the reader needs healing in some way. Very well done!



I received this book by purchasing it through Amazon. I was not required to post a review, and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
 
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