52 Original Wisdom Stories by Penelope Wilcock

My Thoughts:

52 Original Wisdom Stories, written by Penelope Wilcock, begins with Advent and goes all the way to Feast of Christ the King with 52 easy to read stories. The tales are told by way of Sid and Rosie, an older couple that have lived through divorce and experienced much of life. They relate modern day happenings to the Bible and bring topics such as adversity, falling in love, illness and home-making to life. I was touched by Advent 4- The Judge. It spoke of criminals being judged for their actions by someone who potentially may have a bias toward them. It also mentioned couples going through divorce and how people could be judged unfairly due to the fact that we are human. Then it brought up the fact that one day we'll all be in judgement with the Lord. It was a comfort to know that He loves us and knows our hearts, struggles and life experiences and will be just. At the end of each story there are questions to ponder and a shared prayer. I found it a bit difficult to begin this book as the main characters, Sid and Rosie, are... unusual. For example, Sid sleeps on the floor and Rosie throws her little grandson's toys away when he's naughty. I suppose the author wants us to see that people are people and everyone needs to know the Lord. Sid and Rosie's beliefs appear to be eclectic and not completely from one religion, as far as I could gather. The book has some sweet moments but it's not one I would recommend to friends. 

About the book:

These 52 loosely related fictional stories about the large themes of life, nature, and faith follow the liturgical year and are an ideal resource for public worship.

Sid and Rosie are an older married couple with several children and grandchildren. Through a series of short, engaging narratives, we learn about their faith, their feelings for one another, their hopes and dreams, and their perception of how God speaks to them through the events of their lives.

Each story stands on its own; their sequence follows the rhythm of the church's year from Advent through Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest Thanksgiving. With an open tone of wonder and reflection, author Penelope Wilcock explores the ordinary and extraordinary topics of daily life: falling in love, marriage, birth, education, illness, farming, adversity, hospitality, homemaking, and work.

This beautiful large-format paperback is suitable for personal reflection or as a refreshing resource for church and small group discussions.

*I was given this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love- Full of beauty, history romance & intrigue!

My Thoughts:

Beauty, history, romance and intrigue all come to mind when I think of Dorothy Love. Her books never fail to entertain and draw you into the depths of a richly fulfilling story. A Respectable Actress is a gorgeous, compelling tale that begins on the stage in Savannah and rushes along to St. Simons Island when the main character, actress India Hartley, is accused of murder. Her handsome lawyer, Philip Sinclair, wants India to feel safe at his home, Indigo Point, but ghosts from the past exist in this haven and not everyone can be trusted. I'm always impressed with how Dorothy Love's incredible ability to paint pictures with her words...

"The path grew more narrow, the trees more dense and overgrown as she approached the charred reminds of the chapel that Philip's grandfather had built. Though it was not yet noon, a deepening gloom blotted out the sky. Beneath her feet the dead leaves and brittle vines seemed to whisper a warning. Gazing at the blackened bricks and crooked chimney, India shivered. She couldn't give it a name but she could feel something dark and foreboding gathering there, waiting in the shifting shadows."

I can almost hear the leaves whispering, feel the chill and see the shadows. Don't you?

A Respectable Actress is engagingly enjoyable with delightful characters, a fabulous historical location and a story line that will keep you captured until the very end. Highly recommend!

About the book: 

A Respectable Actress (Thomas Nelson, October 2015)

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father's death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah's Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night's performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best---and handsomest---lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can't go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip's dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1MUVRqX

About the author:

A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. When she isn't busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.

Find Dorothy online: website, Twitter, Facebook

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.- Medical Thriller!

My Thoughts:

Miracle Drug is a fast paced medical thriller involving a mysteriously evolving infection, a former U.S. president and a doctor compelled to place his faith in God when pushed to the limit of his own abilities.  It's a wildly entertaining rush of adrenalin! I really enjoy how Richard Mabry uses his medical expertise (the author is a retired physician) to educate and entertain his readers. His characters are well developed and a pleasure to read about. I particularly relished the powerfully capable Karen Marks- no one gets in her way! I also loved the vulnerability shown by Dr. Josh Pearson- a knowledgeable doctor that wears his heart on his sleeve. Miracle Drug is just what the doctor ordered for a chilly night by the fire. 

About the book: 
Miracle Drug (Abingdon, September 2015)

Overcoming these odds will take more than a miracle drug---it will take a miracle.

The infection wasn't supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn't. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why---his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

As if treating the President of the United States isn't stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation's eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1L8pNgx

About the author:

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart." His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers' debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and Romantic Times' Reader's Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. "Miracle Drug" is his ninth published novel. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Find Richard online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Richard Mabry’s new fast-paced medical drama, Miracle Drug, will keep you turning pages until you find out if the experimental drug can cure the fatal disease the former President of the United States has contracted. The situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Dr. Josh Pearson is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation’s eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

Enter to win a copy of Miracle Drug—five winners will be chosen! Click the image above to enter to win. The winners will be announced November 2 on Richard’s blog!

*I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High- You'll want to live among the pages of this book...

My Thoughts:

The Splendor of Ordinary Days, written by Jeff High, unfolds around you like a warm blanket on a chilly night. It just makes you feel. good.  Cedar Cove, Gilmore Girls and Mitford fans will want to get their hands on this book as well as the rest of the series! I'll admit that I was originally charmed by the cover of the book but I was further enchanted by the vividly captured residents of small town Watervalley, Tennessee as well as the clever, heartfelt and entertaining dialogue. I'd love to step into the pages of this book and take up residence...

I have to confess something, though. (I'm only half-way though this book.) I don't want to rush through the story! I'm thoroughly enjoying every page and also deciding who I'll cast for each character. Yes, indeed. The Splendor of Ordinary Days should be, needs to be, created into a movie. Get your hands on this book and you'll see why. The book has mysteries to be solved, wounds that need to heal, love stories that must be told, and lives that long to be lived. The delightfully quirky characters: elderly Beatrice McClanahan who rides around on a mower, irritable Luther Whitmore who can't speak a kind word to save his life, Vietnam veteran Gene Alley who converses in song titles as well as multiple endearing town members will take hold and steal your heart. Take a peek at how I see a few of the characters in my mind. :)

Luke Bradford- main character, local doctor, very attractive, good hearted, righter of wrongs

Christine Chambers- Luke's girlfriend, teacher, classically gorgeous, intelligent, independent

Leyland Carter- The reason I first fell in love with this book. Older gentleman, lives alone, wise, good listener "It's always by a thousand cuts. A half truth, an unspoken word, an overlooked injustice; they float by us like falling leaves. We ignore them, become blind to them. But we don't forget them, and as the years pass, we lose sight of the splendor of ordinary days."

Luther Whitmore-"Villain", publisher of the town newspaper, fabulously developed antagonist (you'll love to hate him), enigmatic, long suffering? (this remains to be seen)

Rebecca and Levi- Young Mennonite couple inadvertently involved in "ghosts" from the past.

 Karen Davidson- The new town vet, tomboyish, petite, shy, ex-military, animal lover, begins book by saving a man's life

I need to catch up on my reading, sweet friends! I hope you get a chance to read The Splendor of Ordinary Days as it's perfectly delightful! Taking a peek at Christine's diary entries from when she was a little girl will take you back to the days when you used to have a lock and key of your own and the banter of sisters Connie and Estelle will have you laughing out loud! Off I go! The second half of the story is calling my name and I must seize the moment. :)

(Thank you for writing this wonderful story, Jeff High, and for signing my copy!)

One grand prize winner will receive:

• Signed copies of all three Watervalley books
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 27th. The winner will be announced October 28th on Jeff’s blog.

About the book: 
The Splendor of Ordinary Days (NAL, October 2015)

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennessee, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he's caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict.

After a rocky start as Watervalley's only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans' emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting "Keep Out" notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.

As Luke struggles to understand Luther's past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life's toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Pl62pi

About the author:

After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner, in fiction and poetry, of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years, and throughout the country as a travel nurse, before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth and Each Shining Hour.

Connect with Jeff: website, Twitter, Facebook

*I was given a copy of this wonderful book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Just Show Up by Kara Tippets and Jill Lynn Buteyn- The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together

My Thoughts:

Just Show Up is a refreshing, inspiring, and extremely helpful read for dealing with life's most difficult moments. It was written by two dear friends who walked this road together- with God's help. Most of us don't know what to say or do when illness, divorce, death and disappointment strikes friends/family. Averting the eyes, avoidance, quoting cliches are automatic responses, not intentionally hurtful but certainly not helpful. Yes, we want desperately to be a friend- to be a beacon of light. It's not easy but it is SO necessary. 

Just Show Up is a celebration of friendship. A sincere effort to guide those of us who are stumbling along not sure what to do when tragedy strikes us or our loved ones. I felt encouraged while reading the honest words of Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn. Their "dance of walking through suffering together" is captured with honesty, love and hope. Each person is different so there's not one secret formula for walking the road of suffering. The main idea is the JUST SHOW UP and be present. I certainly needed help in this area of my life. What a blessing this book is! Here are a few thoughtful ideas:

1) Go grocery shopping. Ask for a list and then place items in a cooler on the front porch.

2) Pack extra lunches for children. If your friend is ill she may not feel up to this task.

3) Attend doctor appointments with your loved one. Take notes.

4) Bring friend's child/children shopping with your child to get school supplies/clothes, etc. It will be fun for both child.

5) Sort mail. 

6) Sit with friend while the rest of the family does something outside the house.

The key is to be SPECIFIC in in your offers of help. I can't tell you how many times I've said, "Let me know if you need anything." and have been told the same thing. The sentiment is sweet but we often don't know what truly need in the midst of suffering. Offer one of the ideas above and you'll more than likely be heading down the right path.:)

What does friendship look like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry—and even cancer? Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn teamed up to write Just Show Up, a story of their close friendship and walk through Kara's battle with terminal cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.

Celebrate the gift of friendship with a Tried & True Friendship giveaway—a prize for you and for a friend!

 


One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Just Show Up

Two Ombre Layer Necklaces—one for you and one for a friend

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 23rd. The winner will be announced October 26th on Jill's blog.

Is one of your friends going through a tough time—maybe you need some encouragement? Stop by Kara and Jill's author page, click on the reviews bar, and read through some bloggers' stories of how their friends got them through suffering.

About the book: 
Just Show Up (David C Cook, October 2015)

Kara Tippetts's story was not a story of disease, although she lost her battle with terminal cancer.

It was not a story of saying goodbye, although she was intentional in her time with her husband and four children. Kara's story was one of seeing God in the hard and in the good. It was one of finding grace in the everyday. And it was one of knowing "God with us" through fierce and beautiful friendship.

In Just Show Up, Kara and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Guvl0N

About the authors:

The late Kara Tippetts was the author of "The Hardest Peace" and blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Cancer was only a part of Kara's story. Her real fight was to truly live while facing a crushing reality. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, is parenting their four children and leading the church they founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read Kara's blog.

Jill Lynn Buteyn is the author of "Falling for Texas," an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill: website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

*I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No there compensation was given. *

For the Love by Jen Hatmaker- THE book to give your best friends and sisters for Christmas!

My Thoughts:

Jen Hatmaker- just seeing the name makes me smile.:) For the Love is a treasure- a book that will make you laugh out loud (in Starbucks with your 17 year old daughter), ponder your faith as well as your life (in an encouraging and constructive way) and will also touch your heart as the author has been where you are (as a woman/mom/Christian) and gets you. I loved this book almost as much as chips & salsa (super high praise- just ask my family). 

Using hilariously honest stories (she's the real deal and makes no apologies. ie. She rocks) from her life, Jen Hatmaker frees us to stop the comparisons, to love fully and be ourselves. Talk about refreshing! Fashion (leggings, anyone?), cooking (book club!), parenting, the church, marriage, school, and more are covered in a humorous way with a wonderful message. Did I mention I love this book? I need to buy copies for all my besties so they can laugh, love and be blessed as much as I was while reading this. Thanks, Jen Hatmaker. I wonder if Simon Le Bon would've followed me on twitter, too- back in the day. ;)

Book Description 

The popular writer, blogger, and television personality reveals with humor and style how Jesus' extravagant grace is the key to dealing with life's biggest challenge: people.

The majority of our joys, struggles, thrills, and heartbreaks relate to people, beginning first with ourselves and then the people we came from, married, birthed, live by, live for, go to church with, don't like, don't understand, fear, struggle with, compare ourselves to, and judge. People are the best and worst thing about the human life.

Jen Hatmaker knows this all too well, and so she reveals how to practice kindness, grace, truthfulness, vision, and love to ourselves and those around us. By doing this, For the Love leads our generation to reimagine Jesus' grace as a way of life, and it does it in a funny yet profound manner that Christian readers will love. Along the way, Hatmaker shows readers how to reclaim their prophetic voices and become Good News again to a hurting, polarized world.
* I was given a copy of this AWESOME book by Booklook bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Pass It On by Jim Burns & Jeremy Lee- What Will Your Family Legacy Be?

My Thoughts:

Pass It On is an amazing book filled with creative Rite of Passage ideas designed to help pass down your faith to your children. I wish I had read this when my children were younger! Broken down by grade they are as follows:

-Kindergarten: An Invitation to Generosity

-First Grade: An invitation to Responsibility

-Second Grade: An Invitation to the Bible

-Third Grade: An Invitation to Rhythm

-Fourth grade: An Invitation to Friendship

-Fifth Grade: An Invitation to Identity

-Sixth Grade: Preparing for Adolescence

-Seventh Grade: The Blessing

-Eighth Grade: Purity Code Weekend

-Ninth Grade: Driving Contracts

-Tenth Grade: Money Matters

-Eleventh Grade: Family Tree

-Twelfth Grade: Manhood/Womanhood Ceremony

I was incredibly impressed with the planning and thought that went into designing these milestone experiences! All the details are in the pages of Pass It On, you only need take the time to read and follow through. 

Each chapter includes 1) The Rite of Passage for that year 2) What You Need to Know about that particular age (Physically, Emotionally and Relationally) 3) Personal Stories and Examples

I was particularly interested in the Ninth Grade chapter on Driving Contracts. It was detailed and thorough and included a sample Driving Contract. It covered what and how to talk to your teen about responsibility and consequences. Excellent! I'll absolutely be using this book in the near future!

Parenting can often be daunting and even intimidating but Pass It On gives you a plan for sharing God with your children. It's a wonderful tool for guiding the direction of your family's legacy. Highly recommend! 

About the book:Pass It On (David C. Cook, September 2015)

Parents often experience a "freak out" moment when they realize their children's view of God will primarily come from what they learn at home.
Most parents spend more time helping their kids succeed at academics or athletics than infusing shared spiritual experiences into the rhythm of everyday family life.

While the idea of strategically passing down our faith can seem intimidating, the annual Rites of Passage Experiences contained in Pass It On make it easy for your family to celebrate milestones from kindergarten through high school graduation. Forever change the direction of your family's spiritual legacy . . . starting now!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1jCKyrU

About the authors:

  

Jim Burns is president of HomeWord and executive director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. He has more than 1.5 million resources in print and a radio broadcast heard on 800 stations a day. Jim resides in Southern California with his wife Cathy and their three daughters.

Connect with Jim online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Jeremy Lee is the founder of ParentMinistry.Net, a subscription-based service for children and youth ministry workers. He was on the writing team for the Simple Truth Bible from Group Publishing and the Ignite Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Jeremy lives in Nashville with his wife and children.

Connect with Jeremy online: website, Twitter, Facebook

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*