Book Review: Walk it Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them.

Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: adop
move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes

My Reflections:
Tricia Goyer challenges readers to walk away from the status quo, and live fully right where you are even if you are right dab in the mess and heartache, live fully today.
If you have heard this authors testimony, you will see she clearly is speaking from the heart. Her life is such a beacon of hope, grace, and perseverance! 

If you are a Christ follower living out God's word is what we do, yet just reading his word does not translate into "living" out his word. I want to be a God follower and have my life reflect that, even just a little. 
This book put feet on that principle. Let's walk it out people!

With Tricia's candor and humour, we learn how one person did just that, took her faith and trusted her God to make her dedication and love shine! 
True joy can be achieved when we follow God's still small voice, today I'm trusting that and living boldly. 

This is an incredibly uplifting read, you will most certainly feel the need to share it around with your friends!

I received this book from the author. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of knowledge through the journey God has placed you on Tricia Goyer!

Book Review: These Healing Hills

From The Back:

Francine Howard has her life all mapped out--until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he's at a loss when it comes to envisioning what's next for his life.

When Francine's and Ben's paths intersect, it's immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.

My Reflections:
These Healing Hills is a delightful read, which captivated me within pages. The setting was rugged for the time period and made me feel slightly whimsical and right at home, nestled in the Appalachian mountains.

Francine Howard humiliated and broken from a severed relationship throws herself into her new career as a Midwife. Adjusting to the candid and beautifully straightforward people in her new hometown is certainly not easy, but Francine is a strong woman who must overcome her past. 

I so enjoyed that this directionally challenged lady so mirrored my experiences with getting lost, I so related on this level with her! This attribute caught the attention of Ben Locke and most of the townspeople. Francine is so endearing and slightly vulnerable leaving her the perfect maiden in distress. 

Ben Locke has just endured his time at war yearning for home, yet now that he is back he just can't seem to find his place, he desires more to life. Paths seem to always cross with a certain lost Francine, and a slow and sweet relationship ensues. I enjoyed the camaraderie and laughter these two shared, it was an endearing sort of romance.

I savored this meandering story, while it is long in length, and there is a whole slew of happenings, it is a book that you can soak in without having to think much.

Looking for a delightful romance filled with snowstorms, babies that need catching and even a dramatic shooting, look no farther. I'm hoping there is another Sequel by Ann Gabhart because I never wanted this story to end!

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 Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of...

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Book Review: The Proving

From The Back:

"Mandy, you are to inherit the farmhouse, including the business of the inn."

She could scarcely find her voice to respond. "Ach, this must be a mistake," she told him, shaking her head as she talked into the phone, feeling befuddled. "The house . . . and everything related to the inn . . . shouldn't that go to Arie Mae?"
After five years as an Englisher, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind--or that the inn's clientele expect an Amish hostess! Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?

My Reflections:
The proving is exactly what you would expect from a Beverly Lewis novel. Well written, engaging and easy, light reading. The characters possessed depth and personality in only a style that Lewis is famous for. 

I saw a new element in this novel, Lewis used an Inn as the setting, something she has not done in the past, perhaps this is a new trend as I am seeing it more and more in Amish books and movies. It worked very well in this story, and it highlighted the interactions between Englishers and the Amish.  

This book starts backwards, our main character Amanda Dienner has left Amish Country but the story centers upon her return and the reintegration to the ways of the plain people.
Amanda (Mandy) receives a letter from her elder brother informing her of her mother Saloma's passing. She learns that Butterfly Meadows B and B has been left to her, but there are strict stipulations, can she really pull this off?

Some of the parts of this novel made me want to scream for the decisions being made, but knowing Beverly Lewis well I knew the Happily ever after was around the corner. I am a happily ever after kinda girl so I ignored my ire and plugged through those parts, enjoying the witty plot and dramatic themes interwoven with truth, and grace. 

If you are looking for a novel that takes you to a place where time slows down and life is anything but simple, this just might be the book for you!

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

Beverly Lewis

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

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Book Review: Vanishing Point

From The Back:

Six girls missing . . . and every clue leads to a dead end
During Garrett Addison's first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She's just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common--a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him--or Jordan.

My Review: If you don't get anything else for Christmas, get Lisa Harris's newest novel, Vanishing Point. I'm not usually a massive fan of plots that include kids getting murdered, I would instead leave reality to life. However, that being said this book was written with adrenaline pumping action that kept me up until it was concluded. I have a love-hate relationship with books like these. I love that they hang you out to dry, but I hate the next morning when I need to get out of bed and be a functioning adult!

A word of caution, if you have experienced trauma in your life around a child being abducted, and or murdered this book is not for you! Also if you are sensitive to this type of storyline, this book does contain graphic details and may be upsetting to some readers.

I loved the characters, they seemed real to life, and their vulnerability was palpable. One thing that irked me was the relationship between Garrett and Jordan, come on people admit you love each other still and get on with living! Enough said. If you like a good romantic suspense and you want to be sleep deprived of a night or two, absolutely pick this book up, you will be hooked on the first page.

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

Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three...

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Book Review: Colors of Love An inspirational Coloring Book

About the book:

"Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal."--1 Chronicles 16:34
Being creative is one of the ways we reflect the image of God. Colors of Love not only provides you with creative inspiration but also offers a fun and relaxing way to reduce stress and renew your strength. It's filled with beautiful pictures that celebrate God's unending love and inspiring Scripture verses on the theme of love. Color these any time you need encouragement and display them anywhere you need a reminder of the love of God.

My Reflections:

I was so excited to order this adult coloring book for review. I have done many in the past and been so thrilled with the beauty and intricacy of the coloring samples. 

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the quality of this particular book.  The coloring pages are very basic and plain. The lines are bold, and there is no challenge to the pattern and design of the coloring pages. The pictures do not fit the pages, there is mostly a small picture with a lot of white space around it. Perhaps this is to journal, or just doodle? It just feels like it is geared for a much young audience. 

I did, however, enjoy that it included scripture, but unfortunately even those are very basic in nature, I was hoping for an "inspirational" type adult coloring book, but sadly this one did not meet my expectations.

If you are looking for a coloring book for your children, this may be an excellent fit. I don't usually give negative reviews, but I can't say I'm a fan of this one. 

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

Lisa Joy Samson is an artist and the author of nearly forty books, including the inspirational coloring books Colors of Hope and Colors of Faith. She lives in Colorado.

Lisa Joy Samson

Lisa Joy Samson is the author of nearly forty books, including Colors of Hope and Quaker Summer, which was named novel of the year by both Women of Faith and Christianity Today. Her chief creative love has always been art, and she has...

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Book Review: Too Far Down

From the Back:

With Danger Drawing Ever Closer, The Boden Clan Risk Losing Their Ranch Forever
Having returned home to the ranch, Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back east and appreciating all that New Mexico Territory offers. Sure, he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys his new job running the mine and, when he's honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.

Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassoes than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone, particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who can't seem to make up his mind about staying in New Mexico.

When a deadly explosion damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them. Melanie is determined to help Cole, and the family finally put an end to the danger that's threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm's way be more dangerous than anyone expected?

My Reflections:
This is the third and final book in the Cimarron Legacy series, and indeed, doesn't disappoint! From page one on Connealy propels her readers on with mystery and action alike. 

My favorite character in this one was Cole, such a twist having a cowboy slash city educated man who is grappling with his place in the world. Having spent ten years with his maternal grandparents in the big city, he is not sure where he wants to end up, or who he wants to end up with. I loved how things fell into place rather quickly. The adorable love story was perfect.

The story doesn't end with romance. However, this story is all western, lassoed with suspense and mystery, complete and perfect. You will want to read the entire series to these to fully grasp the family tribulations and storyline. I would start with, No Way Up and continue with Long Time Gone, this will foster your understanding and give you the complete backstory.

If you are looking for a new series with a fast-paced plot, a little of everything and some endearing love stories this series is for you!

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

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas,...

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Book Review: The Royal Chef At Home, Easy Seasonal Entertaining

The Royal Chef at Home – Easy Seasonal Entertaining

Royal watchers have been busy this year, and with the holidays right around the corner, Princess Diana’s former personal chef is making it possible for every-day people to make palace-worthy dishes in their own kitchen. In The Royal Chef At Home: Easy Seasonal Entertaining, Darren McGrady, “The Royal Chef”, provides home cooks with multi-course meal plans that will ease the minds of the home cook.

With two decades working in North American kitchens, McGrady’s brand-new recipes reflect modern flavour, hearty cooking and gourmet palates, but always with a touch of palace elegance. This highly giftable book featuring 224 pages of recipes, intermingled with engaging stories and stunning photography, will become a treasured entertaining handbook.

McGrady shares,

“The years I spent working in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, Windsor and Balmoral Castles cooking for the British royal family taught me the fundamentals of cuisine and trained me as a chef. But being a chef is my job; being a cook is who I am. For me it is about beauty, nourishment, friendship and love. While I like to cook for myself, it’s sharing food with family and friends that brings me the greatest satisfaction.”

McGrady’s heart for family, friends, and food, is evident on every page of this new cookbook. Each category of recipes is preceded by a note from McGrady, presented in his conversational, uplifting writing style. The book is organized by season with some events highlighted, including: Thanksgiving for a crowd, Christmas celebrations, Valentine’s dinner for two, proper Sunday dinner, Mother’s Day and “fire up the grill”.

McGrady provides ingredients, substitutions and alternatives, making this a convenient resource for individuals and families with unique dietary needs. The Royal Chef At Home also includes a section called “Notes on Entertaining” with tips and tricks to help lighten the load and make even the largest of celebrations come off without a hitch.

My Reflections:

Chef to the British Royal family, Darren McGrady shares some of his favorite, most desirable meals, desserts and more in his newest book, "The Royal Chef at Home."

Entertaining can be a simple, yet elegant affair, and we don't have to be a royal chef to do it either!  Chef McGrady will teach you how to present gorgeous dishes, with a British flair. 

This book is easy to use, the index is divided into seasonal dishes and fun ideas, very cleverly laid out!

I loved some of the titles, An elegant tea, Mardi Gras Dance and Drink, Graduation Celebration, Superfoods and Healthy Cooking to name just a few.
My favorite section was, "An Elegant Tea" My grandparents were British and had "tea time." I grew up loving this simple, yet indulgent time of the day! 

Mind you there were no potted shrimp dishes. Shortbread occasionally made an appearance though! 

Grandma would approve of this book, of that I am sure!

I really enjoyed that this is not your everyday cookbook, it is so much more. It is a guide to entertaining and not merely preparing the dishes but also the presentation of them. All this ensconced in a beautifully presented package of glossy decedent pictures and hardbound with a dust jacket, very proper, indeed!

This is the second book Darren McGrady, has published, the first I have read by this author. I can honestly say, Yes, please! Wonder if he makes house calls? I need a personal chef too!

"You don't have to be Royalty to eat like one," I liked that quote!

 So if you are looking for that perfect gift this holiday season, the one for the person who has it all, this cookbook will most certainly be a treat.
Get ready to salivate all over the glossy yumminess of this cookbook!


About the Authur:
Darren McGrady was personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Princes’ William and Harry for fifteen years and has cooked for five US Presidents. He is an author, culinary consultant and public speakers and runs Eating Royally, Fine Dining Catering Company in Dallas, Texas. His first cookbook titled ‘Eating Royally; Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen’ is now in sixth print with all of his advance and royalties donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation.