Revealing Jesus: A 365 Day Devotional by Darlene Zschech

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Powerful Encounters With the Heart of Our Savior For Every Day

Do you long for more of God's presence? Do you ache to see Him at work in your life? Do you desire His peace and rest? Renowned worship leader Darlene Zschech invites you to gather with her around the Word of God. Born out of her own yearnings that she poured onto the pages of journals, these meditations and Scriptures reveal Jesus and speak of His finished work--how He tenderly cares for you and wants you to know Him.

Honest, raw, and beautifully written, these devotions will inspire your journey and encourage you in every season. Come, sit at the feet of our Lord, be strengthened in your weakness, embrace His love for you, and breathe in His peace.
 

Review:

Revealing Jesus is a decent devotional. I wasn't thrilled with it, however it did have some good things going.

Pros:
-Each devotional is based on a Scripture passage.
-I enjoyed the songs throughout the devotional. The author write praise and worship songs, so it was nice to see uplifting songs through the book.
-It has a prayer at the bottom of each devotional, to help us in our own prayers.
-The author loves Christ and it's clear that she wants to help the reader discover Jesus for themselves.

Cons:
-There were no Scripture readings. It has one verse at the top, and that's it. I would prefer to read a passage of the Bible and then read the devotional...
- The messages tended to be somewhat shallow. There was not really any depth in content. It seemed to just skim the surface of the Bible verse.
-The author uses different translations of the Bible. I think this ok for some translations, however she also used the Message, a paraphrased version of the Bible. This may be alright for some, though some may like to use a literal translation of the Bible for devotionals and Bible study.

It's a simple devotional. If you are looking for easy messages to read, this is for you. However, if you're looking for something to aid you in your study of the Bible, I would look else where.



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

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It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley.

The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas, and meeting and falling in love with surgeon Tom Peterson is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce Tom to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested, and in a way she didn't expect. The results will soon transform her entire family.

Review:

Jennifer was a lovely prequel to Dee Henderson's O'Malley series. I had read all the books in the series, but Jennifer never had her own story. It was lovely to read how Jennifer met her husband and came to the Lord.

Dee Henderson has a wonderful gift of developing characters in a way that you fall in love with them and their story quickly. The characters are believable, honest, and live regular lives and deal with regular problems.

Jennifer ended right before the first book in the series started. I'm definitely going to have to reread the O'Malley series soon.



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

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When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?

Review:

I didn't really know what to expect from Sweet Mercy. Gangsters? Prohibition? Well, why not? Not my usual type of book, but sure, I'll give it a try.

I really enjoy trying different types of books. You get to experience a different type of story than your regular run-of-the-mill romantic chick-lit books. (If you can't tell, I quite enjoyed Sweet Mercy). :)

I haven't read a lot of books about the prohibition or gangsters, so this book was a bit of a learning curve. The reader was shown different sides of issues: the law against alcohol, gangsters, the depression and how it affected people. The main theme of the book was to show the reader that things are not always black and white.

The main character, Eve is a "good" girl. She has never broken the law, she honors and obeys her parents, she reaches out to her lonely cousin. But her life changes when she realizes that not everything is so crystal clear.

Sweet Mercy is an enjoyable, page-turning book. It combined not only romance, but mystery, and action - the makings of a great book.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A Place to Belong by Lauraine Snelling

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As winter settles over the ranch, the Engstrom brothers are much on the mind of Cassie Lockwood. The way Lucas smiles at her should set her heart to tripping. But it doesn't. Shouldn't there be some attraction to him if they are going to be married? His vow to make her love him does not seem to be working, no matter how considerate and charming he is.

Ransom Engstrom is another matter. After Cassie's train trip to a shooting competition, she realizes she misses Ransom more than Lucas. And then there's the look she caught Lucas sending Betsy Hudson at church one Sunday. Are she and Lucas drifting apart?

Meanwhile, Ransom has discovered that he cares for Cassie but can't bring himself to express his true feelings to her. When she leaves to join a Wild West show for the summer, will Ransom summon the courage to go after her?


Review:

A Place to Belong was a lovely finish to Lauraine Snelling's Wild West Trilogy.

Brought right back into the wonderful setting of a small town in South Dakota, the story picks up where is left off. It took me a little bit to get into the swing of things, but quickly fell back into the story.

In the final book, we finally get some answers, and issues resolved. Most importantly, we finally see the relationship between Cassie and Ransom, destined from the beginning of the series, finally grow and blossom. Ransom also finally dealt with issues he had been struggling with through the series.

Lauraine Snelling did a great job through the entire series, building characters, the setting, and story. I have really enjoyed getting to know each character. By the end of the series you really understand how each character thinks, and what you can expect of them. The small town of Argus, South Dakota is totally come to life in my mind. I can walk down the main road and envision the general store, church, and houses that make up the town. The story kept me on my toes, and threw my curve balls I didn't expect. It didn't progress as you would assume, which made it fantastic.

I would recommend this series to anyone who loved historical novels and looking for a good read.


This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Dance by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

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Love’s recovery starts with a single step . . .
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs-a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.
After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she’s too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons-something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.
Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn’t anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him-starting with himself.


Review:

I didn’t really know what to expect when I got this book. The cover intrigued me with the basic plot – how a couple rebuilds their relationship and find love again. I haven’t read any books like this, as far as I can remember. So I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did.

I really enjoyed The Dance. Marilyn walks out of her marriage and former life to start something new – to find happiness. I was rooting for her for being brave and for trying something different. Jim, her husband, comes home finding her gone, and becomes angry.

The book is about how Jim learns to love Marilyn properly – in a godly manner. It’s about Marilyn reaching out and trying new things, but also learning to be willing to reconcile with Jim.

I found The Dance to be a great book. It is the first book in a series, but thankfully it left off with all the questions answered, and the next book in the series being more about Marilyn and Jim’s children. I can’t wait!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.

Review:

I do really have a thing for historical romance novels. I admit it. I also will admit that Sweet Sanctuary was a total hit with me.

Taking place during WW2, Lydia Eldredge is raising her son in Boston. In New York, Dr. Micah Hatcher is ministering to the poor immigrants fleeing to America. Their paths have crossed before, when Lydia was a nurse. And now they are thrown together again.

The storyline was great, albeit a wee be far-fetched, but still easy to believe. There was one part of the story where we watch a man dealing with drug withdrawal. It was an eye opening scene, as I had never read in detail what a drug withdrawal was like.

The characters were enjoyable to discover. Micah fits the hero description perfectly, and Lydia the strong-willed, but lovely heroine. They captured my attention and drew me into their world.

Kim Vogel Sawyer did a great job with this novel. (Also, I loved the fact that it was a single novel! I have been reading way too many series these days – I love a happy ending with no cliffhangers!) Sweet Sanctuary will be staying on my shelf for a future re-read!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You by Holley Gerth

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Hello, you . . .
The one looking for more purpose and listening for God's plan.
Here's what that restlessness is really all about: there's a God-sized dream knocking on the door of your heart.
Before you think that sounds too big, let me assure you, God-sized dreams aren't really about size at all. They're about the desires God places within you that perfectly fit your heart.
God-sized dreams are an essential part of who you're created to be and what you're called to do. They lead to more meaning, joy, and connection with the One who gave them to you.
In the busyness of life, it's easy to ignore them or let fear shut them out.
But this is your moment.
Now is your time.
The "more" your heart is longing for has been there all along.
Let's open the door to all God has for you together.

With this life-changing message, Holley Gerth invites you to discover the dreams God has given you--and then dare to pursue them. She takes you by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this!" and guides you forward with a loving hand. Along the way, she provides insightful questions and offers action plans that will help you take the next steps toward making the deepest desires of your heart a reality.


Review:

I don't usually read "self-help" books. But I when I saw this book, I immediatley thought of a dream I had been holding on to and not knowing what I should do with it.

Holley helps the reader by focusing on what your skills and strengths are, and showing how dreams align with God's purpose for your life. She helps builds self confidence, and reminds the reader to trust in God.

The book also works through your God-sized dream: why do you have this dream, where do you want to go, how to overcome fear, and how to deal with your dream when things don't go as planned.

You are not alone in your dreams: God is always there. He has chosen you - you belong to God. He has called you to do something with your life - to put your dream into action.

The book is great motivation for those who need a extra push, but also a helping hand when things don't work out the way we want them to.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.