Book Review: Deadly Devotion

 

ISBN 9780800722227

Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.
Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My Reflections:

I am a nut for a good romance/suspense type thriller. The type of book that gives just a hint of spine tingling mystery, and then some romance — without the gore and creepy parts that may keep me up at night! This book was a perfect fit.

Sandra Orchard is my kind of writer she is smart, Canadian and was a home schooling mama! Did I mention she is Canadian? I love local talent!

I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by this author so I was pleasantly surprised. I will be marking this author on my must read list.

This book’s plot was full of mystery and suspense from page one. I thought I had the story line pegged and it turned out I was completely wrong, I love when a story is not predictable, this one was certainly not!
The end of the book wraps up the story line neatly into a pretty little package, making everything come together perfectly..of course there is that little bit of a teaser. I can't wait for book two!

If your searching for a good romance suspense, pick this one up you will not be disappointed!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About The Author

1. 

   Sandra Orchard

   Sandra Orchard is an active member in American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, Romance Writers of America, and a local writing group. She recently participated in the Writers' Police Academy for hands-on training and simulations at a police training...
   

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The Everyday Life Bible

 
ISBN: 9781455529384

Product Description

Reading this Bible will be like having Joyce Meyer sitting next to you, teaching you chapter-by-chapter and precept-by-precept! Special features include:

• Life Points, drawing a straight line from Scripture to your personal experience
• Everyday Life articles, featuring Meyer's insightful commentary on specific passages
• Putting the Word to Work, offering some of Joyce's questions to encourage introspection, then action
• Book introductions, including brief facts, at the beginning of each book of the Bible
• Amplified Bible text
• Presentation page

My Reflections:

I have used several different versions of Bibles in my studies, each have their special attributes. Joyce Meyer's edition of the Bible is indeed thorough. I have quite enjoyed reading from this version and gleaning new and interesting ideas on passages I have read several times.

 Her commentaries, prayers, and defined verses provide the reader with a greater understanding of what is being read.

This Bible would be an excellent gift to others who are searching in their walk with God. I highly recommend this Bible to anyone whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out in your desire to know God's words, directions, and promises for your life.

By understanding what you read you are on your way to a closer relationship with our Lord and His blessings.

I received this Bible free of charge from Hachette Book Group, Thank you!

About Joyce Meyer: 
 

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Bible Teacher and Author

Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce has authored over 80 books, which have been translated into over 80 different languages. More than 12 million of her books have been distributed around the world, and each year millions of copies are sold.

Joyce conducts close to a dozen domestic and international conferences every year, teaching people to enjoy their everyday lives. For almost 30 years, her annual women's conference has attracted more than 200,000 women from all over the world to St. Louis for specifically themed teachings by her and guest speakers.

Joyce also hosts a TV and radio show, Enjoying Everyday Life®, which broadcasts worldwide to a potential audience of 4.5 billion people.

Stealing The Preacher

ISBN#978-0-7642-0966-6

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

My Reflections:

I just love a good western romance.
Since I reviewed Short Straw Bride earlier this year I have been anticipating the arrival of Witemeyer's newest release.

Crockett felt called to preach the gospel and was on his way to go apply as a country pastor.  When a change of plans takes him in a new direction, on a path that involves a gun, a pretty girl and a outlaw father...could this be God's plan for his life?

Joanna is a outlaw's daughter. She is stuck in her grief, praying that God would send her a preacher, and help save her father's soul and tend to the small country church that is currently abandoned. Can God help her to realize her dream?

Witemeyer's Books always capture my interest right away. I absolutely loved this quirky story line. I marveled at the authors ability to weaves threads of Short Straw Bride into this book,  yet making the story line understandable to readers who have not had the pleasure of Witemeyers previous books. That is talent!

I would absolutely recommend this book, but especially to individuals who have prayed for a family member to come to Christ, it is such an encouraging message!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About The Author

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Amber Gilbert

   Karen Witemeyer

   Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer,...
   

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Book Review: The Quarryman's Bride, Tracie Peterson

From the Back:

Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together...until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters.

Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.

Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

My Reflections:

Traci Peterson does a wonderful job as always of drawing the reader into her stories, this book is no different.

I absolutely love how she weaves together a flowing storyline that brings the end to restoration and healing, all the while the story is stitched together with God’s love, patience and forgiveness center stage.

I especially enjoyed Peterson’s portrayal of the Scottish culture, which seemed to be fairly accurate and well researched.  Having a Scottish friend it has given me some insight into the culture and some of the traditions.

This book is the second in the series, but found that it could be read as a stand-alone book, just as easily as a series.

I quite enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this book for all you Peterson fans. Watch for the third book in the series The Miner's Lady.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 
 The Miner's Lady - Book 3 - Coming August 2013!











About the author:

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer.
Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..
For information on having Tracie speak at your event - contact Noelle Buss at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books.

Natural home spun Lavender body quench

 *These are the brands I use.*       

Body oil is excellent for dry skin. It feels extremely luxurious, but need not be kept for special occasions; body oil is a perfect moisturizer for every day use as it hydrates skin exceptionally well.
I use this every day and have extremely sensitive skin! 
~To use body oil: apply to damp skin after a warm shower (even better if you’ve used a body scrub). It soothes your legs beautifully after shaving. No more itchy scaly skin!

One side note: It may take a few minutes for the oil to soak into skin, so don’t rush and get dressed in your Sunday best right after application. (or else you may end up with oily stains).

Body oil is also wonderful when used during a massage treatment. Especially if it’s infused with lavender.
So relaxing . . .                                         

The recipe I am sharing today is very simple. In fact, it will probably take you longer to get the ingredients out of the cabinet than it will to make it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oil. Use unscented coconut oil, (make sure it is unscented as you don't want the scents to compete with each other), safflower or sweet almond oil)

• 6 drops lavender essential oil. Use good quality oil to ensure the best results.

• Scant 1/8 tsp Vitamin E oil (or 10 drops)~ I don't add this as some brands contain gluten. (I am Gluten free)

Method

Pour all ingredients into a bowl.
Makes about 8 ounces.
It is easier to blend the ingredients in a cup especially is using coconut oil. If yusing coconut oil you can slightly melt the oil to get the lavender oil to mix evenly.
Pour into a glass bottle, and enjoy the relaxing moisturizing feel of a chemical free body quench!