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!)

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!

Announcements, announcements, announcements!

I have a lot of announcements for you all today! First of all, yesterday was my 21st birthday! :D I wore my 21st Birthday sash and tiara all day long, and my family went to dinner at our Mexican restaurant, Mira Mar. I ordered a margarita... but funny story. The waitress made me a virgin one! :P

Afterwards, my mother and some of her and my own friends went bar-hopping. I only had two drinks, but they were pretty fruity and not very strong :P I did get slightly tipsy however. The whole night was fun!

My "margarita" :P

Next, I have a request of my followers. I was nominated for the 2012 Fascination Awards in the Librarian Blog category! You may have noticed the button on my sidebar, as I'm trying to raise awareness for all of the fantastic blogs that were nominated! I would greatly appreciate any votes for me you would be willing to offer :) Simply click the button for more info!

Finally, my first giveaway is over! The winner is....

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congratulations Beverly! I sent you an e-mail, so be on the look-out for that!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and keep on reading! :)

Mini Review and Blog Tour: What's Wrong With Me?

What's Wrong With Me? by Daree Allen

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Kharacter Distinction Books

Genre: Devotional

Pages: 200

Format: Paperback

Buy It: Amazon

Premarital sex. Drugs. Dating violence. Dropping out of school. So many choices, good and bad, are available for youth in America today, and girls continue to be especially vulnerable. They often blame themselves for things that go wrong in their lives, even when it s not their fault. They ask, What s wrong with me?, or they hear, What s wrong with you?! and brace themselves for the denigrating comments to follow. It s a timeless theme: girls grow up in every generation struggling with self-esteem, confidence, body image issues, uncertainty about dating, and insecurity about their identities. Where do they turn for answers or role models? Friends and peers don t make for such great influences and mentors when they are floundering themselves. Images of women of color in the media (TV and music videos) reinforce an impossible ideal and lack of self-esteem. How do girls today make decisions that will positively impact their future and not become victims of their surroundings? How can they affirm their Christianity proudly and not succumb to the deteriorating values of modern society? In this empowering Christian self-help book, Allen weaves her memoir from 20 years of journaling with lessons that still ring true for girls today, about such topics as accepting their identity, adopting a healthy body image, dating relationships, dealing with toxic friends and family members, avoiding or delaying premarital sex, building self-esteem, developing a positive attitude, dressing for success, setting goals, spending money wisely, handling anger and depression, and embracing their singleness, discovering their life purpose, and keeping God first.

I received the review request for this book at a time when I really was wondering, what's wrong with me? This book has been a huge blessing n my life. I struggle a lot with not living up to the expectations people have of me, but I just need to remember that the only one whose expectations really matter is God! This book was a great resource in my life, and I plan to share it with a few friends who could use it as well. Great book for anyone needing a confidence boost in their life!

I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, simple an honest one.

Mini Review and Blog Tour: The Wishing Pearl

The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell

Release Date: October 1, 2011

Publisher: Barbour Books

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction
Series: Diamond Estates #1

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Buy It: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away. . .

A land far away from her stepfather’s abuse and torment.

A land far away from her mother’s blind eye.

A land far away from the haunting memories of her past.

But then reality sets in, and Olivia knows she must make the best of her dire situation—at least until her high-school graduation. But when poor choices lead Olivia to the brink of a complete breakdown and she finds herself dealing with the unexpected death of her best friend, she comes to a crossroads. Will Olivia find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for? Or will the demons from her past prove too much to bear?

This book was so good! I was very impressed by the vivid story-telling. I also connected with many of the major themes, such as wanting to be away from people. This book would be a great resource for any teenage girls dealing with major issues of their own.

This book was received free for review for a Teen Novel Teen blog tour. I was not required to give a positive review, simply an honest one.

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Found in Translation by Roger Bruner by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

My Life with a Mission • ADD Librarian • Audacious Reader • The Book Fae • Book Nook 4 You • Bookworm Reading • Colorimetry • Gillian Adams • Jill Williamson • Katie McCurdy • The Librarian’s Bookshelf • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • Terri Harr • Virtuous Girlhood

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Words Spoken True

Words Spoken True by Ann Gabhart

Release Date: February 1, 2012

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Buy It: Amazon

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page. Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart once again delivers an enthralling and enduring tale for her loyal and ever-expanding fan base.

I very much enjoyed the rivalry in this one! Normally rivalries are either too much, or not enough. This book had just the right mix while making the romance believable. Also, Adriane's character had plenty of spunk, which I love in a character! This book pleasantly surprised me, and I look forward to more by this author!

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

Review: 40 Ways to Get Closer to God

40 Ways to Get Closer to God by Jerry MacGregor

Release Date: September 1, 2011

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Devotionals

Pages: 189

Format: Paperback

Buy It: Amazon

Sometimes faith demands action. This practical book gives Christians ideas for how to adjust their hearts to get closer to God. 

Each chapter contains a unique challenge and a brief explanation that puts the challenge in context. Exercises include acts of service to others, extended prayer, Scripture memory, fasting, a day of gratitude, media fasting (no TV or Internet), evangelism, and much more. The challenges are broad in scope, allowing people with varying personality types and learning styles to benefit from them.

This book is very helpful for those Christians who desire to grow in their relationship with God. Each of the 40 days gives one tip or idea for growing in your relationship. I didn't do all of them, such as the one the requested fasting. I do not support fasting  myself, but I know it can be a helpful tool for others.

This book was a great resource in my relationship with God and I plan on using some of the tools I learned in the future to grow even more!

I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.