Classy- Diana (p)

 
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2 year old praising God with Chris Tomlin Our God

NOT FOR MI. ONLY (P)

PRAY FOR MICHIGAN
Walk in the authority that you have been given! Take back that which the enemy has stolen! Rise up and fight for what is rightfully yours! Fight for your family, your health, your courage, your nation! We must pray and we must act!

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Bethel Music Moment: You Made A Way + Spontaneous // Kalley Heiligenthal...

BOOK REVIEW- THE SELECTION

BOOK REVIEW- THE SELECTION-  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. AMAZON


This is the first book in a Series, something that I forgot when I started reading this book. So, of course I was somewhat dismayed when it didn't finish in this story. 
The author did a really good job of painting the picture of the people of this culture. A very clear line between the "have's" and "have not's". America's caste is somewhat near the middle, although she has had her share of hunger, lack and worry. Her boyfriend, Aspen has it so much harder and almost works himself to death helping his family. And he often goes hungry so that his family can eat. America smuggles left over food to him when she can. That's bad enough, but there are other caste of people who have it even worse than Aspen. Then, there is the Prince. Maxon really has no idea of how people suffer in his family's kingdom, he's been so protected.   That's not something that is that hard to believe.  As the story unfolds you find out that Maxon has so much more to offer than the stiff formal person he appears to be.  America had a kind of culture shock when she went from the plainess of her families life to the richness of the palace. One of her main goals though was to still remain herself. Now, that's something that she really does do pretty well. And along the way, she makes friends because of it. And yes of course, enemies too, because this is a competition where winner takes all. 

On the downside- The story is often slow moving.  

BOOK REIVIEW- GIDEON

BOOK REVIEW- As the local preacher, Gideon Fraser often talks about the many virtues of a good marriage, but that doesn't mean he has the slightest inclination of claiming a bride of his own. No, he's been burned before, by greedy women who only want the prestige and money the Fraser family name can provide. When his mother's devious matchmaking results in his unexpected wedding, Gideon looks at the beautiful face of the woman who has sworn to be his and wants nothing to do with her. But Gideon is in danger of losing his heart until he discovers the truth. His new wife lied to him...about everything. 
Ruby Haller needed a husband and fast. A treacherous man promised her the world, took her virginity, and left her without a father for her unborn child. When her father, the town minister, found out she was expecting a child, he offered her hand in marriage to the meanest man in town. Becoming a mail-order-bride appeared to be a safer choice. But instead of a rancher, she ends up the wife of a stubborn, bull-headed preacher and he's none too pleased when he discovers her duplicity. Worse? The local town beauty, who had been courting him for years, is determined to make her life a living hell. 
But Angel Springs, Colorado is a small town that can inspire big dreams. It's nearly Christmas, and as these two hearts heal, a holiday miracle just might be within reach.

AMAZON

This is a sweet, homey, story.   Gideon's mother, although loving came up with that such a manipulative plan to marry off her sons to women that they don't know.  Yes, there has been communication but not between the sons and their prospective brides.  What a set up for failure.  Well, if even not failure but troubles for sure.  One point in his favor is how loving his family is.   But they are strangers, trying to build a marriage; one that quickly develops trust issues.  Its a clean story, with tensions from other people that quick brings more trouble between them.   Ruby hasn't been shown very much love in her love, at least not the healthy kind.   She doesn't share at first that her father is a preacher and one of the worst kind.  So, when Ruby sees Gideon in action she isn't sure that his kindness is real.  And even as she begins to trust it a little, she still isn't sure that she won't get tossed aside.   I enjoyed the fact that Gideon's mother was so quick to step into the gap and become Mama to Ruby, as well as all of her new "daughters".   She had a warmth and caring that Ruby so desperately needed.
The woman who has been chasing after Gideon, married or not, was just the perfect Villainess of selfishness and nastiness. 

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

Light on the Cross (p)

 
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