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Thursday, November 7, 2019

An Old-Fashioned Texas Christmas

An Archer Family Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve, 1893, and the entire family has gathered to celebrate the holiday. This day is always bittersweet for Jim and Cassie, who lost a child on Christmas Eve three years earlier. Cassie has devoted herself to being the favorite aunt of the Archer children, whisking her nieces away to a nearby schoolhouse to create decorations for the Christmas tree that the men and oldest boys are venturing out to chop down.

When an unexpected knock at the schoolhouse door reveals a desperate pregnant woman on the run from a dangerous outlaw, it’ll take a Christmas miracle—and the entire Archer clan—to make sure no danger befalls the child born on this beloved holiday.

Gift of the Heart

A widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start, but with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?

My Rating: 5 Stars

This is a perfect Christmas novella collection! Of course, Karen is my favorite author so it's possible I may be slightly biased, but these stories are top notch. in the first, we get a new visit with the beloved Archer family. It's a fast paced and exciting Christmas Eve story with a couple of sad bits but a happy ending. I loved getting to see the Archers again! The second story is actually one that released last year as part of a novella collection with three other authors. I read and loved it as part of that collection. With an adorable little girl and a spunky cat, it is a lot of fun and full of Christmas spirit. If you enjoy sweet Christmas novellas, check out this set! 

Hidden In Amish Country

Can she unlock her memories…so she can stay alive?

Find out in this Amish Country Justice page-turner

There’s a bull’s-eye on her back, and Englischer Sadie Standings can’t remember why…but she’s sure she can trust Amish widower Ben Mast. With the single dad’s help, she’ll hide in Amish country while trying to figure out why someone is after her. Because unless she uncovers the secrets of her past, both their lives will be forfeit.
 

My Rating: 5 Stars
This was a FANTASTIC mystery! I really enjoyed this read about Sadie and who is after her and her brother with the added twist of Sadie having amnesia after a car wreck. There was an added layer of mystery about Sadie's past and her memories that made this read extra intriguing for me. Simply put, once I started this book, I did not want to put it down! Very, very well done!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Strong Brave Loved

Bestselling author Holley Gerth feels like your best friend, your supportive sister, and your biggest cheerleader. She understands that you want to be a woman who looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." A woman who knows love is a risk and reaches out anyway. A woman who understands kindness takes real courage. Who doesn't fake it or try to hide her scars. Who fights to believe she is who God says she is and helps others do the same.

Strong, Brave, Loved offers 60 short devotions to empower you to be that kind of woman. It's simple, personal, and practical, with room for you to journal your own responses and reflections. With these concise and compassionate devotions, Holley leads you on a journey of discovery as you learn to live in freedom, hope, and holy courage.



My Rating: 5 Stars
This is a FANTASTIC devotional/journal. I really identified with Holley and this book. With an easy to read format and a charming design, this is half devotional and half journal with a question for each day and space to write your answers down. I really love having the space to write my answers/thoughts down. Considering I read this over a couple days, I will be planning a reread of reading it the "proper" way very soon. My favorite chapters were days 31 and 34. They really spoke to my heart specifically.  This is headed straight to my keeper shelf!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Monday, November 4, 2019

100 Ways To Love Your Husband/Wife

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Couples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say "I love you" rather than those that say "I love me." When we put the other person first, even in little ways, we find true fulfillment.

This book offers husbands practical, hands-on advice to start applying immediately. Maybe you are just entering into marriage and want to start off on the right foot. Maybe you have made some mistakes along the way and are struggling to connect. Or maybe you want your marriage to go from good to great. Wherever you currently are in your relationship, let Matt Jacobson help you learn how to love your wife well.
 

My Rating for each book: 4 Stars
A quick easy read, full of practical tips to show your spouse that you love them. In the busyness of kids, jobs, and all the things clamoring for our attention, it can be dreadfully easy to forgot to show your spouse they are still the love of your life. This book is a good reminder to show love and with a few example stories thrown in, it makes for a must have for most any spouse. Speaking as a wife myself, the tips in Matt’s book were pretty spot on.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own

Words Of Hope/Words Of Comfort For Women



When we get out of bed in the morning, we don't know what the day ahead holds. It could be routine. It could be amazing. It could be devastating. No matter what each day holds, one of the biggest influences on the direction our days take is our own attitude. We can live in fear, worry, and anxiety, or we can choose to live with purpose, trusting God in every circumstance.

Compact and concise, Carolyn Larsen's Words of Comfort for Women and Words of Hope for Women each offer you 90 inspiring devotional readings that will help you remember God's presence in your days and see your world from a positive perspective. These short, to-the-point readings illuminate God's promises and show you just how they apply to your everyday life. Beautifully designed, these devotionals are the perfect gift for a friend--and for yourself.
 

My Rating: Words Of Hope 3 Stars, Words Of Comfort 4 Stars
These are lovely collections of quick and easy daily devotionals for women. The topics covered in these books are all things we as women face on a daily basis and can’t we always use reminders of how to deal with or face these issues? These are simple truths and these books packages them in such a format that reading one a day takes NO time. Great little books for my keeper shelf. I have already passed them on to my Mama for her to enjoy. Recommended.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

She Prays


One of the most wonderful things about walking with God is that we can have an intimate and real relationship with him. He wants us to know him so well that we are comfortable talking to him about anything and everything. Yet, there are times when we feel disconnected and insecure. We desire to grow in prayer, but we don't know where to begin, what to say, or how to listen for his voice.

In She Prays, Debbie Lindell invites you on a 31-day journey to experience a confident and conversational relationship with your heavenly Father. She shows you how to replace the pressure to perform in prayer with a faith-filled expectation--trusting that God is delighted with every conversation and every word we whisper to him. Her desire is that your soul will be transformed as your confidence in prayer grows, and that your faith will be strengthened as you see God work through your prayers in ways you never imagined possible.


My Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful devotional.I really enjoyed this prayer devotional by the pastor of a church I have attended in the past, Debbie Lindell. She has a good and easy to read writing style, and these devotions are short but still full of good “meat” to chew on. At the end of each day she has a prayer and a thought/question to answer, so perfect for daily prayer/journaling time. This would be great for teens and young women starting out on their prayer journey or new Christians. It’s also good reminders for those who have walked the faith road for a long time and maybe need a reminder about the importance of prayer. All in all, a solid devotional. Will be passing this on to one of my besties who is currently attending Debbie’s church.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Hope’s Highest Mountain

On her way to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, Ingrid Chastain never anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man, she's hesitant to trust him, but the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.



My Rating: 4.5 stars
This was a lovely introduction to Misty’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Micah and Ingrid were likable characters and the others we met along the way were great additions to the book. The storyline was an interesting and it moved well. It’s a quick easy read. Honestly based on the characters, there would be an easy next book,and it’s one I would enjoy as well. I will definitely be reading more of Misty’s books in the future! 

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.