BOOK REVIEW- THAW: Winter Queen

BOOK- Thaw: Winter Queen Book 2- Ilise is a slightly pampered princess  who allows her avoidance behavior to isolate her from the world... and it's only when she takes the final step that she realizes the wall she's built in the name of safety is also the one that will hold her prisoner forever... unless she discovers how to destroy it. The only one who can break a neurosis... is the one who has it.  Amazon Link

This book carries the story on from where the first book started.  The first one being, " Thaw: Winter's Child" which I have already read.  I enjoyed this one more because while the first one was the background basically, this one took off with all kind of action.    Political maneuvering was also  something going on in the background, as well as the developing story of Ilise and Girta.  They both had struggles, but in one part of the book pointed out that both sisters had similar problems that they had to overcome.  It had to do with  selfishness and emotions.   Girta was impetuous, giving way to her unchecked feelings.   She was easy to love and even in the story when she met with trouble she was able to turn it around with her smiles and  friendliness.   But she needed to grow up too.  Ilise was afraid of her feelings of emotions and she controlled them by silencing them, stuffing them under.  I like the words that were spoken to her during one encounter: " Strangling something is not controlling it.   The purpose of is not to suffocate anything that makes you uncomfortable."  This is something that I felt would be good for all of us to remember from time to time. I also liked that at different times, Bible scripture was used from time to time, in a gentle way.  Like when Ilise was told:  To whom much is given, much is required.  What she had seen as a curse was in fact a blessing.  That she was a gift and had a purpose to be bring in the harvest. 
I also agree with other reviewers that there were plenty of gems in this book that had to do with life lessons.   The Discussions Guide in-between chapters are nice too.  They aren't too many, just enough without being intrusive. 
If you are looking for a fairy tale with action, yes this one did have it. 
I can't wait to see what is going to happen in Book 3. 
Ah, and I don't have to wait long because I have that one also and will be reading and reviewing it as well...soon.  


I was given this book FREE in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- HER FAVORITE HONEYMOON

HER FAVORITE HONEYMOON- Hard to keep your head on straight in Italy. Even harder to keep your heart. The wedding might be off, but the honeymoon? No way will Amy miss one week in Tuscany. Travel Chums pairs her up with Mallory. But Amy expects a woman, and the man from Savannah doesn’t expect her surprise. 
Lots of surprises along the way as Amy and Mallory savor fresh pesto in La Cinque Terra and a tango on the Piazza San Marco.    Amazon Link

A charming, sweet read.  There is friendship that develops between Amy and Mallory , food and really good description of the different places of travel.  You almost felt like you were there because of the in depth sketching with words of them.   Amy's family was also fun, enjoyable and quirky.  Especially her mother and aunt; it was easy to see how others might appreciate them too.  I like how the relationship between Amy and Mallory began as a slow appreciation for each other. Of course it didn't take too long before they began to appreciate each other on a physical level.  Amy has always been scheduled, organized, nose to the grindstone. Maybe its time to let loose and have some fun?   Mallory had been doing some fancy dancing around the truth of why he was on this trip.  And you just knew it was going to bite him in the butt, you just weren't sure exactly when.  Ah, but when you get to a certain point in the book, and certain things start coming together, you just know, "that would be now".   Of course, Amy had a few things that she kept to herself too.   Good epilogue at the end of the story. 
Also, an excerpt to the Book, "Her Favorite Hot Doc" was included as well. 


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

God's Accuracy - List of His Perfection

God's Accuracy

            When GOD solves our problems, we have faith in HIS abilities;

            When GOD doesn't solve our problems HE has faith in our abilities.

            God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs. . . . .
            -those of the canary in 14 days;
            -those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;
            -eggs of ducks and geese in 28 days;
            -those of the mallard in 35 days;
            -The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

            (Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of
days in a week!)

   

           God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant.

            The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the
same direction.

            No other quadruped is so made.
            God planned that this animal would have a huge body,

            too large to live on two legs.

            For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can
rise from the ground easily.

   

            The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first.

            A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.

            How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

  

            -Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.
            -Each orange has an even number of segments.
            -Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
            -Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
            -Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even
number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has
an even number

            and the next row an odd number. Amazing!

            -The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the
minute in all kinds of weather.
            -All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks.

   

            God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified
times during the day. Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if
he had a conservatory

            containing the right kind of soil, moisture and
temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers
that were open and those that were closed!

   

            The lives of each of us may be ordered by the Lord in a
beautiful way for His glory, if we will only entrust Him with 0ur
life. If we try to regulate our own life, it will only be a mess and a
failure.
            Only God, who made our brain and heart, can successfully
guide them to a profitable end.

   

            I Pray God Bless You In Ways You Never Even Dreamed. I
didn't think twice about forwarding this one.

   

         ***   When you carry "the Bible" Satan has a headache; when you
open it, he collapses; ****  (CHECK MY NOTE BELOW)

            when he sees you reading it, he loses his strength, and
when you stand on the Word of God, Satan can't hurt you! And did you
also know...

            that when you are about to forward this email to others,
the devil will probably try to discourage you, but do it anyway.

   

            Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point.

My Note-  I don't totally agree with that statement. 
 He might be worried if you open your Bible  (maybe even sweat a bit)
BUT he only collapses in fear when you actually  begin to apply it.

GIVE ME BOOKS (p)

FUNNY..Spring Forward Pic (p)

POLISH PROVERB (p)

James Goll

Six13 - Uptown Passover

"God is Love!" Richard Crisco

BOOK REVIEW- MORE

Book-" MORE"- As a child, Ava Michaels used to think she was special. As a child, she fantasized about having magical powers and making things happen. But Ava soon grew out of that, knowing she's just like everyone else...normal.   
In college  Ava meets Caleb Foster, who becomes her tutor in Physics, because she sure isn't going to pass without his help.  She needs to pass to keep her scholarship.  But being her tutor isn't the only mission on his mind.  They will have to work together to survive the threat from an ancient race, who protects humans but also can be lethal in keeping their existence secret.  Caleb Foster has more going on that you can see at first glance.   Yep,  and Ava's more than she ever knew.  Normal, PLUS equals MORE. 
 AMAZON LINK

This book opened with heart stopping action right away.   Its a real attention getter.  I really liked Ava, she literally has her life flipped upside down but she still asks questions and faces things head on. Some of the methods that were used by others to keep her in the dark, were quite interesting.  The way the story was written it caused me to question other people's motives right along with Ava. Caleb ended up making you wonder right along with Ava, but you just had to like him even though he was being torn back and forth in the story.  The nightmares that Ava had, of being chased and caught by a scary hulk of a man with two different colored eyes was brilliant.  Especially how the two different colored eyes figure in several different times later in the book. 
The cover picture was impressive enough all on its own, but also represents the story so well.  I loved how simple but compelling it was. The science fiction part was done really well.  I do have to admit when Caleb was doing some of the tutoring and they got into different theories that she was studying for physics, my eyes started to glaze over.  To be honest though, it didn't go on too long and I think it was necessary to show how hard the subject is.  
The world building of several different cultures/belief systems was well done.    As well as several different villains, each with different motives.  Each thinking they were acting for the good of their own people.    The story does come to an end but with an opening to follow through on more adventures.  After all they Ava and Caleb know that those who know about her aren't quite through with her.  They didn't like her decisions.   To that end there is an excerpt of another book, " The Guardians (Book 2 in the Trilogy), in the back of the book.  Sounds interesting. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- BRENTWOOD'S WARD

Book- Brentwood's Ward- Nicholas Brentwood is a Bow Street Runner (a lawman) and he has been hired as a guardian.  He's been on some dangerous missions, in some tough spots; after all he is a seasoned professional.  But being the guardian to Emily Payne may just be a job that is way over his head.  At least he's beginning to wonder what he's got himself into.  She's a spoiled, beauty with a mind of her own.  Her mind is on finding a husband this season. She's more trouble than Brentwood bargained for.  Brentwood only signed up for this because he desperately needs the money to help his critically ill sister.  They both come to find, that in the midst of all the trouble they manage to stir up, this one statement became clear.  God is in charge.   

Oh my.  There was so much more to this story, than I first thought.  Twists, turns, mysteries, theft, murder,  kidnappings and love.  It looked at first like it might be a light, fluffy story but its way more than that, like I said.  It was so much fun to watch Emily as she tries to outsmart Nicholas and the way that he challenges her on so many different levels.  Yes, she did manage to briefly get away with a few things, but because of Nicholas' detective skills, she got caught out time after time.  He could just look at her and often read her like an open book.  In no way was she ready for that.  Do you want to have a good villian in your story?  Well, you'll be happy to know there is more than just 1 or 2. Well done, author.  Well done.  There is a completely surprising change of heart towards the end of the book too!  

The author included a brief bit of information at the back of the book about the Bow Street Runner; that was a nice touch.  It gave a short background about what kind of job Nicholas had.  In fact the author said from this information she was inspired to write this story.

For people to want to know, yes God is part of the story. There is also a section with discussion questions in the back of the book too.  
Please don't let that put you off, this is a really good book.  Sorry to say sometimes some Christian books can be written in a way that it sacrifices the actual part of the story.  Not the case here.   


I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc through NetGalley.

Crazy Faith by John Waller

Love this!

Without the Presence of God, what do you have?

“When the manifest presence of Jesus is absent, 
we turn instead to programs, methods, organizations,
 and an assortment of activities to occupy our time and attention. 
Our programs, events and activities have become 
substitutes for his Presence.”

RHONDA HUGHEY, “DESPERATE FOR HIS PRESENCE”   Apostle John Eckhardt

Love these Braids (on Book Cover)

Italian Wedding Soup recipe from a friend

Joyce K.  1/30/13
This is the Italian Wedding Soup recipe that many of you asked for:

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 Tbls. grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbls. snipped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef ( I use ground turkey 7% fat)
1/2 tsp. salt & 1/4 tsp. black pepper

In a large bowl combine all of the above ingredients and shape into small 1" meatballs. I bake them for 30 min. @350 degrees on a cookie sheet or you can cook them in a large skillet with 1 Tblsp. oil until browned on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.

8 cups reduced sodium Swanson chicken broth (2-32oz. boxes)
(I usually add 3-4 boxes)
3-5 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 Tbls. snipped fresh oregano or 11/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
3-4 large curly kale leaves, cut off the stem and chopped into 1/2" strips
1 cup dried acini di pepe pasta
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper

In a large soup pan combine broth, carrots, oregano, salt, pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer until carrots are tender. Add add pasta, meatballs and kale and simmer until pasta is cooked about 20 minutes.

Walmart Funny Letter- to fictional person

Something I found somewhere (can't remember where).
But it's funny!  

Dear Mrs. Woolf, 
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Woolf, are listed below and are "documented by our video surveillance cameras": 

1. June 15: He took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5- minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted in management getting involved causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to reserve a bag of chips.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers they could come in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department - to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' Emergency Medics were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose. 10. September

10: While handling guns in the Sports department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the Store suspiciously while loudly humming the ' Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 22: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed the fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!

15. Took a box of condoms to the checkout clerk and asked where the fitting room was. And last, but not least:

16. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, and then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the Staff passed out.

BOOK REVIEW- RASMUS and the VAGABOND

Book- Rasmus and the Vagabond- 
After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he meets an extraordinary tramp called "Paradise Oscar."  Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined,  .  All Rasmus really wants is a family; a mother and father who will love him.. Astrid Lindgren, who gave the world Pippi Longstocking, sets this action-packed classic of children’s literature in the Swedish countryside before the age of automobiles. AMAZON LINK

Oh boy, this was another story that I wasn't sure I was going to like.  I found before too long, that wasn't the case.  It was such a sweet, charming story with more than one subtle character building points.  Rasmus is tired of being passed over for girls with curly hair.  He has two strikes against him when it comes to getting a family.  He's a boy.  AND he has straight hair.   So when he innocently gets in trouble several times in one day, he hightails it out of the orphanage.  He tries to be brave, but he is cold, hungry and just a tiny bit afraid (okay, maybe more afraid at times than he wants to admit.)  That is until he meeets, Paradise Oscar.   Oscar becomes a buddy over time, someone who helps him, while still helping Rasmus keep his dignity.   That part is so well done, that it made me smile every time it happened.   That and the fact that Rasmus so often found himself less acceptable because he had straight hair.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't smiling because he felt somehow flawed but I smiled at the many times, in innocence he wove it into different conversations.  
The crooks in the story, give both Rasmus and Oscar a lot of grief but in the end, justice is served.  But the mystery of the chase is enjoyable.    There is a lazy day kind of wandering that Oscar and Rasmus did, that gave it a warm feeling but it also had adventure, and some challenges.  Just in case anyone thinks its a snoozer, its not. 
Oh and brace yourself, you might not see the end coming the way it does.  I like that a lot too!

The cover is a bit old world style and I didn't really care for it at first but I found it grew on me.  The same could also be said of the black and white sketches that are inside the book.  This kind of illustration is not normally a favorite with me.  Its probably because I've gotten spoiled with the more elaborate ones we see in most books.    BUT, not only did this style grow on me, it seemed to fit with the fresh, innocent simplicity of the story.  This story really surprised me.  I went from doubting I'd like it,  to loving it and wanting to put it into my Keeper Library.     


I received the book in this post compliments of Plough Publishing via Handlebar Marketing for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

IN & OUT THE PRAYER ROOM (P)

BOOK REVIEW- MY HIGHLAND LOVER

BOOK- My Highland Lover-

As the proprietor of a homeopathic store in rural Kentucky, Trulie Sinclair knows that her neighbors think she’s strange. And she is. Trulie was born in Scotland in the thirteenth century to a line of time-traveling Highlanders. When Trulie’s grandmother convinces her to return to their homeland, Trulie jumps back in time, right onto the powerful chest of Gray MacKenna.

After his parents are murdered, Gray is consumed by thoughts of revenge.He is not the new chieftain of the MacKenna clan, he has reason to believe that there’s a traitor in his midst, and nothing—not even the bonny lass who suddenly drops from the sky—can distract him from his single-minded pursuit of the culprit. But when Gray learns that this sassy beauty possesses gifts beyond her spunk and beauty, he is interested just the same.  While he hunts for the murderer, Gray finds he wants to keep Trulie with him always.  Even though she is drawn to Gray,  she's not sure she wants to stay in his time.      Amazon Link 

Action right out of the gate; I liked that.  Both of the meetings (in the beginning,) between Trulie and Gray were memorable and dramatic. In the first meeting, I was saying right along with Trulie, "What the heck just happened?" I really love time travel stories.  When they are well written that is.  And I found that to me, this one was.     

Granny the matriarch of the family, was quite a hoot with all of her scheming and plotting for Trulie's good of course. After all Trulie is the oldest daughter of Time Runners.  That position has with it even more gifts than just being a regular time runner and more responsibility. Something that Trulie isn't so sure she wants. Granny also has plans for the good of Gray and the MacKenna clan too.  Yes, Gray MacKenna believes there is a traitor in their midst.  I don't want to spoil it for other readers so I will only say this.  There is more than one evil person in the castle and it sure kept things hopping.       

I have to admit there was more than one time, the story made me laugh out loud.       

The story had a good ending with the opening of more adventures for the family.  Trulie does have more sisters and Trulie starts plotting something similar to her granny. The thoughts of Kenna and Colum brought a matchmaking smile to her face.  Colum has been Gray's faithful friend, confidant and guard.  Hmmmm. 

ARC generously provided for an honest review by Random House Publishing Group- Loveswept via NetGalley.

BOOK REVIEW- DAUNTLESS

(Book) - Dauntless- Lady Merry Ellison, has lost everything. She is now an enemy of the throne after her father, (a Baron) tried to kill King John. She is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." 
Timothy Grey, wants to earn a title of his own.  Because he is the ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, he won't inherit one. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance to do something noteworthy. But will he carry out his mission when he meets their dauntless leader face to face?  Amazon Link

I wasn't sure when I started reading this book, if I was going to like it or not.  I found that as I got further into the book, I did like it.  I also liked the gentle weaving of God being present in the story as well.  The story was so well written that even people who don't necessarily read something with Christian content I believe they would enjoy it as well.  I know this was written for mainly a younger crowd.  As an older adult, I still enjoyed it.  The M.C.'s, Merry and Timothy were both well written and managed to draw you into the story.  And the orphaned children were so likable and pulled together as a team, even down to the youngest.  You could really feel their love for each other and their struggles to survive.  You could also feel the weight of responsibility that Merry felt towards those she loved.  Not in a depressing way, which I was glad to see because I'm sure that's a hard balance to keep.  As I got further into the book, I kept thinking, "How is Merry ever going to get out of this alive?", "How in the world is this going to end well for everyone?" Because Merry and her band had several different enemies, not just King John. Stick with it friend, for a few more twists and turns. You'll be glad you did.
On a side note-   
The artwork on the book was lovely; the back cover was unique. 
The author also included a note in the front of the book to her readers.  It was sweet, unexpected and I believe inspirational.  
It was so good I just have to include it here:

"My prayer is that you will be strong and courageous.
Follow the path God has laid before you, wherever that might lead.
Be a doctor, a lawyer, a professional athlete, a wife, a mother or even
a president.
Chase after your dreams, and if a handsome Knight in shining armor should happen alongside you, headed in the same direction, and you 
should happen to fall in love..then join together and become partners
in your quest. 
But please remember- you are complete, you are beautiful, and you are dearly loved by God, just the way you are".  (end)

I could almost hear a shout that said, " Be Dauntless with Your Love".  

I received a FREE copy of this book from Bethany House.






..

FUN- YOUR NAME IN JAPANESE (P)

BOOK REVIEW- LAVENDER DREAMING

Lavender Dreaming-
For most of her life Violet James has been half in love with a man she's never met. The people she knows best are those she meets only in her dreams of a 1908 Texas community called Lavender. Less real are those in her own time, 1940's London, where she serves as a scullery maid in an aristocratic household where she was abandoned as an infant shortly after birth. But when the London house is bombed during the blitz, she finds herself facing the man from her dreams, Warne Chapman, in long ago Lavender. (Fifth book in the Lavender, Texas series. The Lavender books follow the stories of members of the same family in the time-locked community, but each book tells a stand-alone story)  Amazon link  

I had mixed feelings about this book. This is the first of the series that I have read and the blurb on Amazon was true. You can read it as a standalone story. This is Book 5 in the series and I really didn't have that much difficulty in reading it. I really liked the people in the story, well especially those from Lavender, Texas at least. Warne and Violet were such good characters and the interaction between them was so science fiction. Violet had such a bad childhood, so unwanted that it made you ache for her. Between trying to survive her life at the estate as a lowly kitchen maid, her disability and that she was unwanted, was kind of depressing at times. I kept thinking, "Can't this girl every catch a break?" Warne's upbringing was so much the opposite. Loved, wanted and respected. They have been friends since early childhood. Warne was Violet's ONLY friend. And since people couldn't see Violet in Warne's time, they thought at times he was odd, talking to an imaginary friend. 
There were a lot of mysteries that come out, later in the book, when it comes to Violet's connection to Lavender, Texas.  Plenty of twists and turns in the story. 
The ending? Kind of bittersweet. I'm kind of happy for Violet when it comes to romance, so I'm somewhat satisfied with the ending. Just so people know, since most of the time they are in two different times, they are separated, the story isn't strong on romance as most of us would imagine. But the friendship you could feel. But I'm also kind of bummed with what she lost at the end.
Since this is a series, maybe it might be resolved along with another story.

I kind of got lost for a bit when it came to the explanation when it came to how some of the time-walking went on; but I don't want to say to much in a review that might spoil the story for anyone thinking of reading the book. 

BOOK REVIEW- GLASSFORD GIRL

Glassford Girl,  Emily Heart  Time Jumper Series, Book  1
Emily Heart is homeless and living on the street, fighting to stay alive in Glassford Park. But it won’t be easy, even when time slows and she gets fast. Not when any burst of emotion could send her randomly jumping across time and space, arriving naked and alone. 
Emily doesn't quite know what she is, or what she's capable of, but she knows what she can't afford to do -- feel anything. 

And she can't afford to make any mistakes.  Amazon Link

Loved this story...Really had me going!   Great twists and turns

Ok, so it didn't finish with all the the details all wrapped up in a pretty bow.  Not something that I generally like.  This time, I liked the story so much, I just want to read about the next adventure.  I almost passed this story over.  Well, actually I did pass over it several times, but I like some of the other things the author wrote so I finally said to myself, "Okay, not sure I'm going to like reading about a fairly  young teenager but the the plot seems just so different, so good".  Whew.  I'm glad I went for it.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and as much as I want to say more, I don't want to give too many comments or details that would take away from the unfolding of the story.  I know it could.  Its one of those stories that part of the fun is the unfolding of events to the reader.  I am curious what happened to Jim, that's all I'll say about that.

Last words?  Great science fiction as far as I'm concerned.  

And Emily?  Great, spunky gal.  I know you're a fictional character, but I'm pulling for you!!  

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

God SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE- PSALM 125

Biblegateway- Psalm 125:2

Psalm 125:2New International Version (NIV)

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

    so the Lord surrounds his people

    both now and forevermore.

I just reconnected with this Bible Verse. 

I remember reading a book where the person prayed this scripture like this:

" Lord, as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so surround my family, and me, both now and forevermore".

 
Yes, I prayed this today but also prayed it for friends & their families as well.....

Verse 1 was good as well...but I didn't want to take away from this point right now..

 If you want to read more, you know where to go. smile emoticon

WORDS WILL TRANSFORM (P)

I just really like the title of this Book..
A Inspiration Phrase.   Amazon Link

Its only 42 pages and was FREE at the time of this posting.  
I have noticed that many of this author's ebooks come up as Free
quite often.  

Queen Thinking (p)

Il Volo sings I BRING YOU TO MY SENSES

3 Italian young men- 

What a beautiful sound they make.

I happened to catch them on a PBS Special as I was rolling through the channels on TV.  

BOOK REVIEW- KICKER'S LEGACY

Guilt now rules Dillon Kane’s life. He’s the one who should have died, not his father’s favorite son. Plus, he carries added guilt of silently watching his brother live a lie with the one woman Dillon could never forget.   Lauren Kane.    Her attraction to and dependence on Dillon during her marriage still haunts her long after her husband’s tragic death, especially since her biggest wish was that her husband could be more like his brother, Dillon. Facing the man after more than ten years is the last thing Lauren wants to do. 

Yet when Lauren and her son are threatened, Dillon pushes his way into her life to protect them. As he tries to figure out the mystery of who and why, Lauren and Dillon’s earlier attraction resurfaces. At this point, neither can ignore their actions of the past. 

I liked this story, it had family drama a plenty.  Years of lies hidden, to protect an image that wasn't real. Everyday people, okay RICH and Powerful people with relationship problems and misunderstandings. Evil plots coming from several directions.  The more you dug into the story the more evil people you found.  One really nasty step-mother, that really lived up to the belief that all step-mothers were hateful.  (We know its not always the truth, but boy did Sophie work it).  I think this author did a good job when it came to the present things Dillon and Lauren and even her son DJ were dealing with.  Kicker also had to face some things and had to see some painful truths.  He was wrong about a lot of things.  I liked Kicker's youngest son too; I think  Rory was meant to be seen as strong, likable, fair young man, wanting his family back together.  That really did come across.   The past, was something that had to be dealt with as well, because there were mysteries that still existed and were affecting the present.   It was good to see Dillon and Lauren stop running from each other, and I liked their romance.   There was a lot of anger, fire and attraction between them; but it wasn't the only part of the story of course.  


I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Amazon link

NEVER Settle 4 Normal Again

It happens all the time.
People get born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Then they go back to living what the world might call a “normal” life. They have no idea of the magnitude of what's happened to them.
Learn why you weren’t meant to live a “normal” life 
in this article by Kenneth: http://bit.ly/1FXU9OH

DOMINATE CIRCS/REIGN

 
Say this out loud right now.

Love this Phrase (P) Faith Erupts

This event is passed but I love this phrase!!!

Let Faith Erupt!- Kenneth Copeland Ministrires

When we gather

FAITH ERUPTS

In church and conventions 
but not only in those places.  

Book Review: The 40 Day Soul Fast

This is a Study Book.
Its a 8 Week Journey, to remove toxins in our soul, to heal. 
 Its not just something you read; but its meant to involve you.  Your interaction is part of the process.  Part of the Soul Fast discipline is not allowing everyday distractions to deter you from cultivating the inner life of your soul.  

Authenticity is the degree to which one is true to ones own personality, spirit, or character despite (external) pressures.  
In this book you are encouraged to keep a Journal- about what is keeping you from fully embracing each characteristic or living it out more fully in your daily life.  Then with Holy Spirit's help you can begin to get rid of those little foxes and extra weights that you might not have been aware of before. 

A Few Points to remember:

• Until you make the unconscious, conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate-  Carl Jung
• Give yourself adequate time and space to focus on nurturing your inner self.  
• Calm/Quiet yourself
• Press into the Presence of God- stay connected to that crucial lifeline.  

What is the atmosphere around you?  It impacts you.  What kinds of thoughts are you thinking?  Are you sabotaging your success the thoughts you think? 
Many of these things some of us already know.  But are we taking the time to do it? For some this will be new ideas for others a renewal or going deeper. There is scripture as part of the process, which I liked.   
I really like to listen to Cindy Trimm, on TV or the internet but I am finding reading her book just a bit drier, a little more difficult to get into.  I have picked up this book several times before and neer got to far.  But then again, maybe I just haven't been ready for it.  There is a time for these things, you know.  I did find that she did have some good questions for the person to ask themselves about Who they are? What do you Like?  Where will what you are doing take you?  Those kind of inner questions. 
My final answer is the same that I said before- 
Its good as a study book but I think I prefer listening to her as a speaker instead.
 Just something feels like its missing when it comes to reading the book. 
Maybe because its about work I have to do? *Smiling*

BOOK REVIEW- Instructing an Heiress

Book 2, A Cinderella Heiresses Novella by bestselling author Judy Teel. 

When a hard-nosed CEO must get married or lose everything, she hires her womanizing best friend to teach her about men, but as the lessons progress so does her alarm as she finds herself falling in love with him. 
“Get married or you’re cut off without a cent!” 

Her entire life, CK put her family’s business first. She didn’t go to dances, never had a boyfriend, never even went out on a date. There wasn’t time. So when her eccentric grandfather tells her she has one month to find a husband or she’ll lose the company, she turns to the only person who can help her learn how to attract a man—her womanizing best friend, Ryan Anderson. If anyone can teach her what makes men lose their minds over a woman, it's him. Now if only she can get through the lessons without falling for him. 

To protect the innocence he treasures in his friend, Ryan reluctantly agrees to help before setting out to prove to CK that she deserves to marry for love. But as every effort to sabotage her plan to become a man trap backfires and her frumpy facade crumbles away, Ryan finds himself wishing that he could be the guy for her.   Can he win her heart before he loses her forever?

I really really liked this funny, sweet story.  CK was such a strong businesswoman.  She had been given quite the nickname when it came to her business dealings.  Clever, smart and creative but when it came to men, she was totally clueless.  And why not?  She never had time for anything else BUT business.  She was shy and hid herself.  But she wasn't the only one that was clueless when it came to her friendship with Ryan.  As smart as he was about business and people (women especially) he was kind of clueless about his feelings for CK.  I liked how the story ended and there was no cliffhanger.  It was a fun read with just a  few sex scenes that weren't over the top detailed.  At the end of the book, there is an Excerpt of "Deceiving an Heiress".  

By the Way...CK's real name?  Now I know why she went with just her initials!!!  

BOOK REVIEW- EMERALD SILK

This story is set in autumn, 1448 at England’s Applewood horse fair in Wessex. The midnight peace is shattered when monastic knights invade the camp to reclaim a treasured chalice stolen by a Gypsy. The attack sets in motion a string of deadly pursuits, a mystery murder, and a political crisis involving the most prominent bishop in England. 
In the center of the chaos, the beautiful half-Gypsy, Kadriya, yearns for true love. Raised by English nobility, she has passed the threshold of womanhood. Spurned for her mixed blood, she is now twenty and longs for acceptance. With one foot planted firmly in each of her ethnic shorelines, Kadriya struggles to find her place in the world. Teraf, an impetuous Gypsy tribal king of surpassing charm, proposes she choose her Romani legacy. When Kadriya accepts, she starts a wild journey that challenges her loyalties and tests her courage. 
This historical adventure unfolds when Kadriya arrives at the horse fair, where Teraf will announce their betrothal. Kadriya stands at his side, basking in the warmth of her realized dream. 

The dream becomes a nightmare, though, when Teraf is accused of stealing an emerald chalice and a powerful knight, John Wynter, delivers her fiancé to the gallows. Sir John hates foreigners, but it is this man alone who holds the key to Kadriya’s freedom. His bigotry blinds him, and if this fierce knight cannot regain his vision, he may fail in his duty. This adventure is as tantalizing as the arousing love story within for, in a single bell’s toll, their life and happiness rest on finding the power of love—and one elusive chalice. 

I liked this story, the setting with the Gypsies was a little something different from what I have read before.  I liked  Kadriya and her struggle with her being mixed blood.  She was beautiful and kind hearted but her chances of having love, marriage and her own family were slim to none. Until Teraf, King of the Gypsies wanted to  her as his Queen.  Its just too bad for her that on the day their engagement was announced, Teraf is accused of stealing an emerald chalice. The celebration is disrupted by a powerful knight, John Wynter, who wants to deliver her fiancé to the gallows.  He hates foreigners, he hates Gypsies and his bigrotry runs deep. The hate/liking between Kadriya and John was really well done.  The mystery of finding out the true character of Teraf also, well done.  There were several things going on at once.  Like the promo on Amazon says "  The attack sets in motion a string of deadly pursuits, a mystery murder, and a political crisis involving the most prominent bishop in England."  That was a very good description of everything that was going on.  Oh and the romance too.  

I really liked this ebook cover picture, thought it was well done. Goodreads has the same book with a different cover shown.  I like this one better. 

I received a copy of this book FREE in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZON link

FOXe Report: Green Safe Products - Fox 2 News Headlines

FOXe Report: Green Safe Products - Fox 2 News Headlines

A Woman's Testimony about Abortion

Two years ago today I was sitting in an abortion clinic thinking not having Vaida was best for me.
People remember dates for birthdays, and anniversaries. Well this date is forever burned in my brain. It's a day that I will remember and I remember every single detail of that day. I think that is Gods way of showing me that HIS plan is and will always be greater and bigger than anything and everything I've ever known.
I sat in the abortion clinic for nearly 7 hours. I remember wearing a pink t shirt that was soaking wet from crying. Below is my post from that day and I remember crying the entire time I was writing it. I hope that by sharing this that it touches someone.

"Today I was at the abortion clinic. I had my mind made up. My boyfriend was cheating on me. I have small kids, what will people think?? I kept telling myself I'm all alone I need to do this. Sitting there.. I could hardly make out anyone or anything through the tears. People were eating fast food around me, laughing, texting. I on the other hand was a wreck. I kept my face down, my face was drenched in tears. I kept telling and giving myself every reason to go through with this even though I did not believe in it. I kept saying I'm on birth control this could not happen..I kept trying to justify it. But my heart was heavy. I felt like I was about to make a horrible horrible decision and God was giving me signs to not do it.. I woke up this morning, my daughter was sick I had to find a sitter, I got lost, my car broke down for about 15 mins and I got here late but they still got me in. I prayed God would stop and give me a sign, give me the strength to get up and walk out of here..
The lady called me to the desk. Last step before you go back. I fumbled through my wallet to find my drivers license and out fell a card a couple left on the table Saturday night when I was working... It had their church name on it.. On the back was a common verse...

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
I knew God was speaking to me.

Two of my best friends called me just in time and said the most comforting things. "I will be there for you..There's a reason God gave you that gift."

I told the lady I changed my mind. As I was about to walk out. A young girl no older than probably 19 says to me.."Are you going to do it?" I told her I couldn't.. She said.."I wish I could be brave like you.." I told her she was brave and she could do the same thing. She said she had to do it because of some serious circumstances.. As I turned around she said.."When you see your baby's face for the first time you're gonna be so glad you walked out of here today."

Pouring tears I walked out and felt a huge weight off my shoulders. No matter what your circumstances are God doesn't make mistakes and he is here for you.

This is my testimony. If you have any negative comments you can refrain from making them here. I will let it be known that I do not care what people think. Hence this post. My friends and family mean the world to me. And have my back 100%. Even if I have to do this by myself. I thank God everyday for them. "

Most of all I remember the enormous amount of relief and strength I felt when I walked out those doors. No guilt. No shame. No regrets. I remember feeling that this all... This all has to mean something one day. My daughter Vaida Everly has a purpose. Her name means beautiful life. And lord she is just that.. A beautiful life. After a scary pregnancy, and after countless weak moments thinking I just could not do this by myself.. September 12 2013 I welcomed my beautiful Vaida Everly into this world with both my best friends by my side. I remember seeing her for the first time and bursting into tears. And engraved in my head were the words that girl told me before leaving the clinic that day. "When you see your baby's face for the first time you are going to be so happy you walked out of here today.." She was beyond right. 6lbs 4oz of pure perfection and no matter what pain I felt physically and
emotionally... She gave me a feeling of joy that I can't even explain. A kind of joy that if a war was going on outside I wouldn't even know it. I am so in love.
My once tiny 6lb baby is now 18lbs. Full of life. Full of energy. Loves to laugh. Loves to smile.

And last but not least she is that beautiful baby girl I was singing to at midnight in the kitchen. The video that has touched millions of people all over the world. Singing to her in our kitchen for a memory keep sake is the reason our entire life is about to change. For the good. For the better. She was meant to be here.   
Kimberly Henderson- Facebook

My Comment-
For those considering abortion, I hope this testimony helps you and this is the sign from God that YOU need today.   For any of you that have already gone through this...God's love for you and the shed blood of Jesus is enough for you to be forgiven and healed.  If you don't know Him, call out to Jesus.  For those who are His, receive what he has already given, if you haven't already(There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! )    

watchman for the house of Israel…(p)

Ezekiel 3:17 
Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel…
” #johnpauljackson

JOHN HAGEE PRAYER 4 ISRAEL

 
JOHN HAGEE MINISTRIES (PRAYER)
Today we pray as David commanded all generations of Christians, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We pray God that your truth will be exalted there; that your angels would surround the holy city to defend the righteous from the wicked. For the enemies of Israel have surrounded them, to destroy them. We lift up our prayers to you God, because only you control what happens there. Therefore, we say, Our Father, YOUR will be done. With our voices raised towards heaven, we release you to accomplish your perfect will. We have now fulfilled our responsibility to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May the Lord's will be accomplished. AMEN!

(Picture from St. Anne's Cathedral in Jerusalem.)

Not only do we pray for Israel,
we need to pray for the Prime minister and the elections on Tuesday.
May the will of the Lord be done.

Reading- Silly Question

DIGITAL BOOK SPOT

"Jehovah Jireh" RIchard Crisco

CONFESSION 4 A MIRACLE IN YOUR BODY-

Confession for those who need a miracle in their body.

Today the power of God flows in my body and drives away sickness and disease. I will be healed and will walk in health because of the stripes that were placed upon the body of Jesus Christ. Every ounce of flesh that was ripped off His body was for me and every drop of blood that was shed was for me so that I can be healed. Sickness, disease, pain and suffering have no place in my body because Jesus paid the price for me to be healed and walk in health. I refuse to not be healed because Jesus Christ once and for all redeemed me from all the power of the wicked one. I do not have to settle for less than a miracle in my body. I will keep a healthily mentality and refuse to settle for less. I see myself healed and not having living with this injury the rest of my life for his touch is all I need to be free. I do not have to settle for second best when it comes to a miracle. I am going to get a full-blown miracle in my body and I will have a testimony that will give Jesus Christ all the credit. Miracles are for today and I will get one! Nothing is more powerful that the healing power of Jesus Christ. Cancer is not greater, no tumor is greater, no sickness or any disease is greater, and nothing attacking my body is greater. The power of God destroys sickness and disease and I am healed by the stripes that were placed on the Son of God. God’s perfect will is for me to get my miracle and walk in divine health. Today is my day for a miracle. My very next step I am going to reach out and touch Jesus and he is going to reach out and touch me. When Jesus walked the earth he never refused to heal anyone and he is not refusing to heal me. His word is for me and His Word never fails. I will not die but live and declare the works of the Lord!

www.preacherinthewild.com     

NEH 1:11- Grant Favor in front of this man-

BOOK REVIEW- CLAIMED BY THE ENEMY

Crown Princess Nindalla knows the terrifying power of Sargon of Akkad’s army: Ten years ago, it destroyed her home city and killed her parents. Now the nightmare is happening again. The Akkadians conquer her new home, Susa; make her a widow; and strip her of her rank. Nindalla vows to protect her children from her enemies by any means necessary, including marrying whoever can shield them best. With plots swirling around her, can she trust her instincts to tell friends from foes? Farm boy Ur-sag-enki was forced to become a soldier in the Akkadian army ten years ago after it destroyed his home and left him with nothing. When the Akkadians conquer Susa, he is awarded its governorship. He looks forward to settling down to the normal family life he craves. First, though, he must keep control of Susa despite enemies who exploit his inexperience, and he must gain legitimacy by persuading beautiful former princess Nindalla to marry him. But can he win her heart when it was his hand that struck down her husband?

I liked the story and the Main Characters as well. There were quite a few other people in the stories as well.  It was helpful to have the List of Characters and meanings of words and places, added to the front of the story.  I really didn't have to look at it more than once or twice in the beginning because the story was pretty easy to flow with.  Princess Nindalla, had quite the life trying to stay alive, keep her children alive and with her. Ur-sag-enki (the male M.C.) may be the enemy but he also has had quite an unpeaceful life and has known much suffering and loss as well.  He had seen Princess Nindalla at a young age, and felt within himself that she is his destiny.  
It was a richly developed story when it came to the different cities and cultures.  Also the power struggles after the city was taken over and Ur-sag-enki was made the governor of it was really well done.  All the plots and plans, the political  maneuverings were believeable. I liked that each one of the MC's had their own P.O.V.   

The only downside for me, was that I didn't realize there would be so many different gods being worshipped when I agreed to read this book.  I really didn't ike all the many different gods, mentioned but at least it didn't get too deep into each one  I could just skim over that part. Other than that I did enjoy the story. 
Amazon link to Book
 “I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”.