Book Review: The Refuge

From The Back:

Can the power of love and the bond of family triumph in a community that cannot accept either?
With the threat of a cholera epidemic at their heels, Darcie and Walter Goodwin join the Shakers, whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be temporary, but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident, destitute Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness?

My Reflections:

Ann Gabhart can always be counted on to pen masterfully written stories that are completely unique and absolutely fantastic!
I love her Shaker series, such a fascinating group of people. I for one would be so much like one of the characters (Sister Mona) rebellious of all those rules and seriously grumpy with people dictating my every move! She was just a child though and troubled from so much abandonment.  

Darcie finds herself amongst the Shaker people quite by circumstance and not by choice. She and her late husband Walter flee from their home to outsmart Cholera, Walter parishes from an accident and Darcy finds herself in the family way. Imagine being pregnant in a community where the bond of matrimony is seen as a sin! Yikes. 
How on earth did the founder "Mother Ann" ever come up with that one? She was after all a mother and wife? It really fascinates me how people end up in these situations. It most likely stems from my childhood as I too found myself in a cult out of circumstances. The whole thing is truly a bit of a novelty to me because of my past. Luckily for me, it all worked out in the end. 

The plot moves along a nice gentle speed. I loved learning the ways of these people and their many rules and strict rituals. I sure wish a Shaker was my cleaning lady!
Many people seem to end up in places like these with little other options. It is good that the Shaker people will return everything the converts relinquish if they leave the community. I found it wonderful to see how the story progressed and the characters converge. I can't let too many secrets out but, Oh, dear Silas and his reckless schemes to help his son in law Flynn and granddaughter little Leatrice. He made such a mess of things, then the ending purely perfect! 

I could go on and on about this one but let's just say if you are interested in the Shakers, their "faith" and want a lovely story to go along with it this book is absolutely for you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These...

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Book Review: When You Are Near

From The Back:

Come one, come all to the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza!
After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family's ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch's foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the troupe's new manager fears that Lizzy's departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she's eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show's wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

My Reflections: 

I was lassoed from the start. Tracy Peterson is my go-to authours for spunky characters and strong female leads. This story takes us back to the 1900s where Lizzy Brookstone finds herself fulfilling the wishes of her departed father. Her passion has died alongside her dad and she just wants to settle down, even if it's not in the normal way with a husband. Experiencing her father's passing and watching her mother grieve seems like far too big of a risk to her tender heart. Will God have other plans for Lizzy? 

Though I know little about trick riding the descriptive narrative and authentic setting made this a joy to explore. Tracy Peterson had me from page one and on.  Another aspect of Peterson's work is her intense research, the time period and the characters were spot on. You become so entwined with each character and the pain they are going through that you really want the best outcome for all involved.

This is a richly illustrated novel depicting "the old west" perfectly, what else would you expect from this authour?

 If you are looking to start off your summer with a new series, "Brookstone Brides" is that perfect start. I am over the moon because book two "Wherever You Go" just landed in my mailbox. You won't have to wait for months for the next installment friends. I know, Happy summer!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

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Book Review: On a Summer Tide

From The Back:

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.
Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on and one who just keeps on moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, and so do the locals. One in particular: Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, who harbors more than a few surprises. 

My Reflections:

Suzanne Woods Fisher starts her new series "Three Sisters Island" off well, though I found the first parts of the book a little slower she makes up for the lacking start with a gusto not far in. Can you imagine buying an island with a decrepit old summer camp sight unseen, well that's exactly what Paul Grayson does? He has a plan though nutty as it sounds, but we will have to wait and see what can come of his last-ditch attempts at family unity. 

Three sisters with strained relationships and busy lives of their own fall right into their dad's scheme and rush to the island to assess if their father has dementia or just a broken heart. Since the passing of their mother their dad has not been the same, she was the "glue" that held them all together. Will Three Sisters Island be just what this family needs?

I adored this family the island and all the quirky island folk. It's reminiscent of my little town, and I felt akin to this place its people and the relaxed atmosphere. 
Times are tough all around in this story, we truly see the development of character and depth within each of the sisters. Although I have to admit the first bit with all the bickering between the three was too much for me. I like siblings to get along and be happy. (I know when does this ever happen, but It could!) 

There is much to love about this perfect summer starter, delightful twists and turns and a sprinkle of belly-busting humour. There is something to be said about a well laid out novel, "On a Summers Tide" sets us up perfectly for book two in this series, and I for one am pretty darn excited to find out in more depth what happens to the two remaining sisters!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences and Stitches in Time, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among...

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Book Review: Sex, Purity, And the Longings Of A Girls Heart

From the Back:

"This message of God-defined sexuality is one every woman needs."--Dannah Gresh, author of And the Bride Wore White

For the modern Christian woman, embracing God's design for sexuality can often feel like an impossible pursuit. As the culture around us seeks to normalize things such as lust, pornography, erotica, and casual sex, you may be feeling immense pressure to conform. In this relatable and encouraging book, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal share honestly about their own struggles and victories and dig into topics such as

· how your longings for intimacy point to a deeper need
· why God's original design for love, passion, and sex is good
· how to deal with secret sexual struggles
· and much more

Kristen and Bethany invite you on a personal journey to discover and reclaim a biblical vision for your sexuality--one that is good and relevant and will lead you toward true hope and lasting freedom.

My Reflections:
This is a must read for any woman, teens, middle-aged, and beyond. We all struggle with some aspect of our sexuality. This world is a fallen world and the temptations to indulge in lustful images, twist our perception of sex from a very young age. Does the church come out and really answer the questions that need to be spoken... it's not feel good stuff it's not family friendly, we may offend someone the lists of excuses goes on. Sex sells, and it tarnishes God's beautiful design. We have God's grace and love.

These are heavy topics friends, this is a weighty read, but oh so needed. I absolutely applaud these authours and Girl Defined for producing relevant material for women to read. It reminded me that the struggle is real and my teens are faced with an uphill battle. We all are in the same battle just in different life stages. This book is the real deal, filled with the author's stories and readers excerpts sharing very real and close subject matter. 

In the end, we find a story of love, redemption and Grace. God is good all the time. He alone is able to restore us into a right and true relationship with him.

If you are looking for an honest open girlfriend type read look no further. This book is filled with relevant honest and deep conversations but always ends with Grace and God's love. 

I did wish there was more closure to some of the topics, sometimes a person would require more than a personal story and scripture, but an actual game plan. I'm thinking about young women and teens here, I think it would be wise to have a set-out plan included in the book designed especially with this age group in mind, perhaps an online support group, where teens and unmarried women can be accountable and get wise biblical counsel. It's such a confusing time in one's life, especially with the availability of porn on the internet. 
All in all this book was very good, and I will be sharing it with the church library, with the disclaimer that it is an honest and open book. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Kristen Clark

1. Kristen Clark is married to her best friend, Zack, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about promoting the message of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, mentoring young women, and hosting Bible studies in her living...

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2. Bethany Beal

   Bethany Beal is head-over-heels in love with her best friend and husband, David, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about spreading the truth of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, and mentoring young women. To her...

   Continue reading about Bethany Beal

Its's 10 PM: Times When I DON'T Like Autism

I can't sleep so here we are at 10 PM with another post!!! anyways here are times when I DON'T like Autism!!

1. I can't sleep because I don't have enough melatonin ( Did I spell that right...)
2. It's HARD for me to socialize 
3. I am slightly obsessed with my dog, Jovi (Ok maybe more than slightly)
4. I am terrified for... certain things...
5. I do not have a SLEEP PATTERN!!!!! this annoys me.

Ok, good night I'm gonna TRY to sleep... So next blog post is most likely gonna be at 12 AM
cause that's my tiny sleep pattern😴🛌😪🛌😴🛌😴😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
thanks for reading

The Supper I Made

Book Review: The Intimate Connection Secrets To A Lifelong Romance

From The Back:

Get the marriage you dream of
Creating a happy, lifelong marriage is about much more than physical compatibility. It's about a lifestyle of 24-7 intimacy that bonds couples in a mutually satisfying relationship. In The Intimate Connection, New York Times bestselling marriage expert Dr. Kevin Leman explores key secrets to the love life couples crave. He helps you

· understand each other's needs, backgrounds, and personalities (and how those factors influence every marital interaction)
· talk so your spouse really listens
· turn negative game-playing into positive behaviors that help you grow closer
· create deep, long-lasting intimacy that's divorce-proof

Whether you are new to marriage or have been married a long time, Dr. Leman's time-tested strategies will create the kind of exciting intimacy, mutual respect, and fulfilling communication that will keep you in each other's arms for a lifetime.

My Reflections:

Kevin Leman is the go-to person for relationship-based training. I have been reading his works since his "The Birth Order Book" written years ago. His no-nonsense style and easy to read books are top sellers for a reason. His newest title, "The Intimate Connection" is the perfect gift for pastors, newly married couples or couples struggling with their relationship. 

I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary in a week and found that I could use some much-needed reminders in a few areas. This book could be the book that revitalizes your marriage! Filled with practical advice, interesting stories and bonus sections to dig a little deeper. You can't go wrong with this book. I found my favourite section to be page 97-106 "Secret #6", You will have to read it to find out why! If you know me you will guess pretty easily :-) 

So in closing, if you are looking to deepen your relationship, or are looking for that perfect gift this is your book. Biblically sound, practical applications and interesting stories will keep your passion and love strong throughout the years. Yes, even those years where you think you hate each other because let's face facts relationships all go through times like these. It's not over, just being refined. Enough said this is a fantastic resource for all marriages! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker. He has made house calls through hundreds of radio and television programs, such as FOX & Friends, The View, FOX's The Morning...

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Book Review: The Tinderbox

From the Back:

I've marveled at Dat's ability to accept the Old Ways so readily, considering his modern upbringing. Mamma says it's like he was born to be Amish. Maybe so, but all the same, I wished I knew something more about his past.With her parents' twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father's cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, Sylvia opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life and alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As the long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?

My Reflections:
Beverly Lewis is the queen of Amish fiction, the very author who introduced me to this simple way of life. Though I don't live this type of lifestyle I admire the dedication and community they forge. The People really do want what is best for the entirety of the people, however, the means can be quite harsh. 

When Sylvia Miller opens a long-held heirloom she never expects her actions to change everything she knows to be true. The shock waves ripple throughout the whole community and no one is immune to its destruction. At its core are Sylvia's faith, determination and steadfast love, even when shaken to the quick. She holds dear to the anchor of her life, God.

I adore how this book weaves my favourite elements together into a patchwork of synergy, Faith, community, uncertainty, hardship and a dash of suspense for good measure! These qualities mixed with Lewis's renowned talent make this book another success. Unfortunately, this book leaves off with a few unwoven threads, however, book two (The Timepiece) will be released in September of 2019. I can't wait to unravel the mystery, gah I hate cliffhangers! 

Another great Amish tale, if you love Beverly Lewis, well enough said, go out and pick up your copy today!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York...

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Book Review: Border Son

From the Back:

"This is a story that will stay with the reader long after the last page."--Lynette Eason, bestselling author of the Blue Justice series


It's been years since Edward Kazmierski has seen his wayward son, or even allowed thoughts of him to enter his mind. The last place he knew Tyler to be was in an El Paso jail six years ago. Then, in one day, he receives a cryptic phone call from a woman that his son needs him, another from a federal agent searching for Tyler, and a terrifying visit from the Mexican cartel. The chain of events set into motion by one impulsive act will almost certainly lead to death--for Tyler and for those who try to help him. But before Ed can recover his son, he will have to tear down the wall that has been built up between them.

The dangerous streets of a Mexican border town come into sharp focus in a suspenseful retelling of the Prodigal Son story like you have never heard before.

My Reflections: 
Samuel Parker packs an emotionally charged thought-provoking punch in his newest title "Border Son." The storyline is a roller coaster of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. The ride does start off slowly, but once the momentum hits, you are hard pressed to put the book down. 

As a parent, I am fascinated with how the best of intentions can go wrong. In this loosely paralleled tale of the prodigal son, we find a very human father (Edward Kazmierski) who yearns to help his troubled son, yet the journey is anything but easy.

Camilla is a dedicated loving mother who would do anything to encourage her son Roberto onto the right path, yet the lengths she will have to pass are enough to test even the strongest of bonds. 

You can tell Samuel Parker has done his research. The novel clearly portrays the frightening underbelly of the Mexican Cartel and the evils that keep it running. How horrifying to find oneself caught up in its grip and the way out is fraught with peril.
This dark and brooding narrative will surely keep you flipping the pages well into the night. It certainly is an adrenaline soaking tale!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Samuel Parker

Samuel Parker is the author of Purgatory Road, named one of Library Journal's Best Books of 2017, and Coldwater. Born in Michigan, he was raised on a never-ending road trip through the US.

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Book Review: Justice Delivered

From The Back:

"Compelling characters, southern flair, and shocking plot twists--Patricia Bradley delivers a gripping suspense."--Jessica R. Patch, author of the Security Specialists series


Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. She's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to the police is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has. But if that proves to be too little, too late--she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

My Reflections:

This is book four in Patricia Bradley's "A Memphis Cold Case Novel" though it can certainly be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend you start with book one to get the full back story. 

It was a nice change that this book focuses less on the romance thread, favouring a deeper and slightly troubling subject matter. As I read I felt the familiar tightness start to clench up my gut as I realized exactly what was unfolding. At this point, nothing was getting in the way of finishing the novel. So my warning to you is if you have PTSD around abuse of this type you may want to skip this series.  

From start to finish this book is a roller coaster ride of emotions the ride is intense but so well done. Bradley is a master storyteller, she has a nack to bring subjects that most authours would steer clear of and brings them to light with clarity and compassion. 

Carly's past comes back to haunt her as she faces a very painful and eerily familiar scenario. Will she be powerless to overcome the past, or can she find the healing and restoration needed to help her niece. 
Logan is a pice of Carly's past, and she doesn't fully trust him or any other man for that matter. Will Logan be able to crack into Carly's protective shell? Will they be able to forge a working relationship or possibly more before more trouble comes their way?

I loved this book, and hated it, all the same, the raw emotion was palpable. I was completely captivated, I'm glad the ending was as it should have been. The part I hated was the very real, and ugly subject matter. Things like this actually happen in real life, and sometimes it's just nice to read happy not so true to life novels. That being said, Patricia Bradley is a master storyteller, she was able to weave faith and hope into the ugly, making her readers see the light in the darkness.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Patricia Bradley

Patricia Bradley is the author of Justice Delayed, Justice Buried, and Justice Betrayed, as well as the Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in Suspense, was a finalist for the Genesis Award, won a...

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Life Update

So today I went to the orthodontist. they are going to pull out ALL of my baby teeth and do MORE mouth surgery.
 I was clearly devastated. And now I don't know what to do I am scared and I don't know how I am going to deal with it.
I am scared that, I will have no teeth for MONTHS.
 At least not as many that I need to eat an apple or something.
When I 1st heard the news I was still about 1/2 an hour in so I tried to hold my tears.
 I failed. tears came streaming down my face.
 I am still trying to get myself to calm down.
it will cost OVER $10,000
I know this is short but that's all for now, do you like my life updates or do you want me to do something different? please tell me in the comments. thx

Book Review: Sweet On You

From The Back:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who has spent the past eighteen months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies under mysterious circumstances, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, but Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also finally come to light?

My Reflections:
This is the sweet conclusion to the series "A Bradford Sisters Romance" 
This sassy, spunky novel will have you melting if you are a fan of fluffy romance novels. You must read them in order to get the full flavour of the story, so don't start with this one if you are new to Becky Wade. 

Zander's character is my all time favourite type of male lead characters. He is a sensitive, deep, attractive and all around kind person. His hard life was probably due to his keen drive and doggedly dedicated personality. 
It kind of killed me how he was so helplessly infatuated with Britt. He was an expert in all things Britt (his words) 

Britt, on the other hand, is sassy, fun and very generic. She has to slowly awake to the fact that Zander is attracted to her in more than a friend zone. This seemed to take forever and I felt like bopping her on the head to say, duh, come on woman it's so obvious that he is head over heels for you!

The icing on the cake is the unexpected mystery in this plot. It was a nice distraction from the romance that had been baking for 14 long years. As you can guess I loved Zander, he was just so adorable and his character just clicked for me. That is unusual as I tend to favour the female lead characters! 

If you are up for a nice romance with a twist of mystery this series will give you all that and a little more! I'm kind of sad to see this series end but also eager to see what Wade has up her sleeve for the next set of novels.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Becky Wade

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market,...

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Book Review: Whose Waves These Are

From The Back:

"An absolute gem of a debut! Whose Waves These Are transcends to the highest level of fiction."--Joanne Bischof, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of Sons of Blackbird Mountain

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family's past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

My Reflections:

Written like a song this book floats along in a melodious fashion. Filled with interesting characters a beautiful setting coupled with a tender plot.

A nice bonus to this novel is that you can pick up the prequel novella called Up From The Sea, this will completely immerse you into the history and characters of Ansel-by-the sea. 

This book is filled with heartache, well-hidden secrets that must see the light, and exquisite attention to detail. A must read!

Annie's story starts out with a simple purpose but soon morphs into so much more, will she be able to finish what was started so long ago?

I so enjoyed learning more about GrandBob, the pioneer of the story, his life during WWII and the aftermath, he is the true hero in this tale, and I just fell in love. This story settles into your very being, like a song that you want to listen to again and again. I am smitten with the style and cadence Amanda Dykes has created in this novel, so from here on out sign me up for reviewing any and all books by this authour! What are you waiting for, the perfect summer read is right here and waiting.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in,...

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Book Review: Loving My Actual Neighbor

From the Back:

As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbor. But how do we do that? Where do we start? What does this look like in our increasingly isolated world?

Following practices outlined in the first chapter of 2 Peter, Alexandra Kuykendall lays out the framework for where to begin. From practicing humility to listening with understanding to being generous in our relationships, Loving My Actual Neighbor offers practical, start-now steps you can take to love your actual neighbours.

My Reflections: I chose this particular book because as a family we felt that our neighbourhood was specifically chosen for us to live in, it was actually pretty clear from the start that God wanted us here.

 We live in a quirky little back road community with vibrant neighbours and strong community presence. Our family is young while most of my neighbours are retired and enjoying a different life stage. We are homeschoolers so I wanted the kids to be involved in the neighbourhood, I wanted them to pray for each and every one of the people on our street. So we embarked on our prayer walk project, which in turn moved onto our prayer drive. We would pray silently for each and every neighbour along our road, each time we drove by or walked by their homes. We have continued this off and on for the entire 7 years we have lived on this street. I believe God hears our prayers and will bless each and every one of the people who we have lifted up to him. 

This book is a practical and concise introductory plan on how to pray and minister to your neighbours. I loved how real and easy to follow this book was to read. This book starts with a thought-provoking introduction and moves onto well laid out chapters on practical ways to engage and foster meaningful neighbourly relationships. I particularly enjoyed how the segments were a real and not fluffy and airy fairy. Yep, you may not get along or seem to make much of a difference in your neighbour's spiritual walk, but you never know what God is doing on the inside! 

He asks us to be faithful in our walk and I believe this is one area where we can do just that. So if you are looking for ways to be impactful with the people God has nestled you between, here's your chance to get real! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Book Review: God's Answers For The Graduate Class of 2019

From the Back:

This bestselling graduation gift addresses questions grads will encounter as they move into the next phases of life and is a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word. Beautifully packaged in a stylish teal Leathersoft with foil stamping and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates.

God's Answers® for the Graduate is a fantastic graduation gift that addresses questions grads will encounter throughout life. It's a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word.

To commemorate your favorite student's high school or college graduation, give the gift of God's answers to the many questions they're sure to face as they take their next steps in life. God's Answers® for the Graduate addresses carefully chosen topics, such as character, relationships, time management, and decision-making, that are vital to successful living for a lifetime. Available in Leathersoft with foil stamping, rounded corners, and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates. The design lends itself to personalization by imprinting the graduate’s name.

My Reflections:
Graduation is an exciting and pivotal time in a persons life. Big changes are often on the horizon, whether it is moving out on one's own, enrolling in post-secondary education or seeking out gainful employment. These changes bring big emotions for everyone involved. As a parent of a recent graduate, I can attest to this. I had to shift my thinking on my now young adult.
Letting go is so hard to do, hower I think my biggest desire was for my child to continue following the path I had so carefully laid out. Would they still attend church? Would they deepen that relationship with their saviour? These are big questions. So when I saw this Beautifully appointed devotional I knew I had to check it out.

My first impression was the quality. It feels quite nice in your hands, made from a leather-like material it is soft and just the right size to carry around or put in a book bag.
I also loved the colour, the teal adds that punch of colour that makes you want to pick it up and take a peek inside!
The devotional itself is well laid out with an easy to manuver index that lists questions a young adult may be pondering. (some of my favorite) What does God say about substance abuse?, What is inappropriate sexual behaviour?, how can I live a life of excellence?, when I am tempted...

The devotionals are short to the point and filled with scripture relevant to the pondering of the reader. I wish I had had something like this when I was younger and had those big questions rolling around my head.
If you are looking for that perfect gift look no further this one my friends this is the gift that can keep on giving. God's word is life!

I received this book free of charge from Book Look Bloggers, all opinions are my own. Thank you, Book Look!