Stranger No More by Annahita Parsan, Craig Borlase

Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus

by Annahita Parsan, Craig Borlase 

Although I love to read, it is rare that I read a book in one sitting! This is such a book- I began it Sunday afternoon and read it straight through without a pause! This autobiography is gripping, heart-rending, eye-opening and uplifting. Despite the difficult first portion of the book, the account culminates in hope and peace and joy. I am astounded by the faithfulness of Jesus in this woman's life. It is a miracle that she lived through what she did, but obviously the Lord had a plan for her life! 

I don't agree with everything doctrinally in this book. However, I thought Annahita had a Biblical approach to salvation and healing through prayer. I highly recommend this powerful book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Annahita Parsan was born into a Muslim family in Iran and grew up with the simple hope of one day finding a good husband, having children, and doing some good in the world. Married and a mother before she turned eighteen, Annahita found herself unexpectedly widowed and trapped for years in an abusive second marriage that she later fled—discovering instead a God who might love her.

Stranger No More is the remarkable true story of Annahita’s path from oppression to the life-changing hope of Jesus. Fleeing Iran across the mountains into Turkey, she spent months in the terrifying Agri prison before a miraculous release and flight to Europe, where she and her two children knelt in a church and prayed, “God, from this day on we are Christians.”

Filled with unthinkable circumstances, miraculous rescues, and the quietly constant voice of Jesus, Stranger No More leads readers deep into the heart of God and draws them toward the same call that Annahita heeds today: using her past to save others from theirs. As the leader of two congregations in Sweden, Annahita has baptized hundreds of former Muslims since her own conversion, has seen firsthand the powerful ways God is at work among those who have left Islam behind, and is reminded every day that saying yes to God is always worth the risk.

Devotions from the Mountains

I am absolutely delighted with this book! I love mountains so much and this devotional is perfect. 

I love how it is filled with breathtaking, high-quality photographs of mountains and verses focusing on God's incredible creation!

 I highly recommend this newly published devotional for men or women! It will make the perfect gift for friend or family member. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. —Psalm 121:1–2

The mountains can seem like heaven on earth—the peace, the freshness, the grandeur. Devotions from the Mountains invites you to spend a quiet moment in reflection each day, finding peace and drawing closer to God—the Creator of heaven and earth. Inside you’ll find 90 inspirational readings, Scripture verses, prayers, and breathtaking imagery of God’s mountain handiwork sculpted and brought to life by His hand.

Lift your eyes to the mountains. Be refreshed and inspired at our amazing God who is more majestic than the mountains and yet cares for every detail of your life.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

Christy

by Catherine Marshall

A classic for so many years, it is time for a new generation to fall in love with the setting and tale of Christy. 

This is a reprinting of the beloved novel in celebration of its fiftieth anniversary! It is a large hardcover featuring an old photograph on the cover. Honestly, I had never read this book although I had heard about it for years. The book really brings to life the setting- a close old-fashioned community in Asheville North Carolina. Although this wasn't one of my favourite books, I appreciated some of it and found myself interested as I read it. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

Staying Stylish: Cultivating a Confident Look, Style, and Attitude by Candace Cameron Bure

Staying Stylish: Cultivating a Confident Look, Style, and Attitude

by Candace Cameron Bure

I was excited to receive this book to read and review! I love fashion and think Candace Cameron shows excellent and youthful yet appropriate taste in her appearance! Although this book can be especially inspiring for women a little older than me, say in their 30's, I learned from this book. Candace fills Staying Stylish with ideas and advice and wisdom for women on the topics of clothing, hair, makeup and health. I liked her balanced approach as well as her Biblical backgrounds on different topics. This was quite a fun book to look through and many women will appreciate it. Candace's style is fun yet basic and classy as well and thus will appeal to a variety of styles. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Join Candace Cameron Bure, actress best known as D.J. Tanner from Full House and a New York Times bestselling author, whose faith and wit have delighted audiences for decades, as she lets you in on her best-kept secrets for Staying Stylish. This gorgeous manual for beauty, style, health, and spiritual wellness will be your one-stop shop for everything you need to live your most stylish life.

As an actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author, and inspirational speaker, Candace Cameron Bure has spent her entire life in the spotlight, and she is well aware of the pressures and forces many women face. Throughout her career, Candace has balanced her faith, family, and passion for work and found her spot as role model to women of all ages—and as a style icon.

In her brand-new book Staying Stylish, Candace invites you behind the scenes of her day-to-day life and shares over 100 tips and tricks for looking and feeling your best—both inside and out. Nurture your body, style, and soul as you read through this beautiful book full of photos, insider secrets, and exciting ideas to revamp your own life into its best possible version. She offers her insight into balance, spiritual growth, and looking great while doing it all.

Staying Stylish topics will include personal style, fresh hair and makeup for any age, a well-balanced diet and fitness regime, and a well-nourished spirit.

Jesus, I Need You: Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart

Jesus, I Need You: Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart
The first thing one will notice about this book is it's lovely cover and beautiful interior design.
With its perfect design, this small hardcover book will make an especially nice gift to give to a friend. Of course the exterior of a book is not the most important part. This book contains wisdom in the forms of prayers to help with every day. This book is organized perfectly with enough text for daily devotional times.

Personally, I am not a fan of books with written prayers but I liked the devotional aspect of each chapter. Each chapter also ends with half a page for the reader's own thoughts and prayers. This book is especially pretty to give as a gift.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Good times. Bad times. In-between times. When your daily ordeals threaten to overwhelm you, the simple prayer “Jesus, I need You”offers peace and rest.

Whether you’re experiencing a season of heartache or a season of joy, a time of questioning or a time of deep gratitude, the vulnerable prayers featured throughout will meet you where you are. With space for journaling, Jesus, I Need You will quiet your mind and heart as you discover the Lord’s faithfulness and lovingkindness.

Find the comfort, hope, and celebration you seek as you ground your faith in the Savior who can be trusted in all circumstances.

31 Proverbs to Light Your Path by Liz Curtis Higgs

31 Proverbs to Light Your Path

by Liz Curtis Higgs

Take Heart, Beloved
His Light Is Shining,
And Your Path Is Clear.

This is a book specifically designed for women because it is full of proverbs chosen by women. The reader will find the choices and selections perfect for various seasons-both good and bad- of life. This is a very well put together book, perfect for personal or group study. the book of Proverbs is such an essential book in the Bible for continuous reading. Personally, I didn't find this book life-changing. I don't expect books to always be life-changing but this one didn't really teach or inspire me as much as I would have liked. It was very basic.  However, there is always an audience for every decent Christian book, and this one will help and inspire some. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 


Wherever you are on your journey, here is the wisdom you need for the road ahead. Maybe you’re stuck and want to move forward. Or you feel anxious and long to know what’s next. Or you’re ready for an uplifting reminder that God holds your future in His loving hands.

Chosen by hundreds of women as their favorite verses in Proverbs, these thirty-one nuggets of truth reveal how faithfully God honors His promise, “I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11).

Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs examines each word with care and adds a sprinkling of humor through her honest stories and personal examples. For each verse you’ll find a unique “One Minute, One Step” challenge—a do-it-now task that requires one minute or less. You’ll soon discover how practical and meaningful the book of Proverbs is as you apply its ancient wisdom to your thoroughly modern life.

With a study guide included, 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path is a daily devotional and a small-group Bible study, wrapped in a beautiful gift book brimming with encouragement!

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life by Hayley DiMarco

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life

by Hayley DiMarco

I just finished reading this book and really benefited from it. The author's honesty and openness definitely helped me to face my own mind and heart concerning life. I was surprised by how similar I am to this author. This book was easy to read, not too long yet full of truths and worthy of thinking over. I liked how each chapter ended with ''thoughts to ponder'' and I look forward to re-reading it as a daily or weekly book study. The author, Hayley DiMarco is a best-selling writer and I certainly will read more of her books from now on! Not only does she speak from experience and with sound Biblical truth, she writes with a great sense of humour which I enjoyed. I highly recommend this book for any woman who consistently feels overwhelmed and/or out of control of life! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

"A Woman Overwhelmed" is a phrase with which many women can relate. But what would happen if we could see the insanity in our pace and embrace our overwhelming God?

There is a reason they say that a woman's work is never done-- because it isn't! As women, we often are overwhelmed by the demands and circumstances of life, resulting in stress, fear, worry, impatience, fatigue, frustration, and even depression. The truth is that we were created to be overwhelmed . . . not by life but by God! When we learn to be overwhelmed by God, the fruit in our lives goes from rotten to fragrant--filling our days with peace, hope, love, and joy.

In A Woman Overwhelmed, best-selling author Hayley DiMarco shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power

Be empowered to find freedom in becoming overwhelmed with who God is--by learning to focus on what we know about God so that we can hold onto faith even when it seems that all is lost. For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of me and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing.

Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel by Jana Kelley

Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel

by Jana Kelley 
Although this is the second in a series by the author, and I hadn't read the preceding book I found this novel easy to understand and interesting as well. From the opening chapter, I was drawn into the world of these three women: Mia, Halimah and Rania. One can tell that the author knows what she is writing about. In truth, she grew up in Southeast Asia and during her adult life has lived in Sudan and the Middle East for thirteen years! I have greatly enjoyed studying about the history and culture of Africa and the Middle East and although I have never been there, I found that the cultural details were perfectly accurate in this book! Thus, this book is more than a novel. It is a look into the life of an American woman in the middle east and also the life of native Sudanese living as Christians amongst their Muslim family and friends. For literary quality, there are a little too many details however I found these necessary for teaching the reader about the setting and cultural differences.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God. Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it. Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul by Hannah Anderson

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul

by Hannah Anderson 

   What an excellent book this was! The author uses examples from nature to explain biblical truths. Personally, as one who has always loved nature and cultivating the earth, the thoughts and word pictures in this book really interested me. Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoors person this book had a fresh perspective on humility that I think every woman should experience. In fact, I did not expect this book to be one of the best I'd ever read but was happily surprised. I was convicted and taught throughout the chapters of this easy-to-read book. The author uses simple examples from nature paired with life-changing truths from the Bible which will really change your perspective on life. This book is a must-read, especially for women! 

Find abundance in a humble life.

A lot of books these days are trying to diagnose our discontentment—too busy, too distracted, too hard on ourselves, too (fill-in-the-blank).

While many of us could do to simplify, peace is not about productivity, saying no, or any other external. It’s about saying yes to our dependence on God. This is what Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul is all about.

Exploring Jesus’ “Come unto me” invitation, Philippians 2, and various texts from the Gospels, Hannah Anderson reveals:

The cause, nature, and dangers of busyness and self-dependence 
The myriad benefits of humility
What humility is (and isn’t), and why it’s essential to our identity
How Christ modeled humility through His incarnation
How humility plays out in our salvation and sanctification
How to learn humility and walk in dependence on God
The reason many of us feel so unsettled is that we are attempting to be something we were never intended to be—it’s an internal issue. We need to recover a theology of creaturehood that leads to true abundance, and Humble Roots is the perfect place to start.

Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion by Sanya Richards-Ross

 

Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion

by Sanya Richards-Ross

For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.

Another autobiography about famous athletes from this publisher, Run With Me is as excellent as the others. This one is about Sanya Richards-Ross and is incredibly inspiring. I absolutely loved reading about this talented runner's life. I appreciated how the book included much about her faith. in fact, the whole book is written around key points of living a life of faith. Readers of all ages will greatly enjoy this book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s incredible success is matched only by her spirit both on and off the track.


From her early days running in Jamaica to her final race, Sanya shares the importance of determination, courage and faith. She uses the 4 Ps—push, pace, position and poise—a model created by her coach, Clyde Hart, to approach and tackle every obstacle. In her book, Sanya reveals how these strategies have helped her and will help kids learn how to run their best race in life

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

 This is one of the most humorous and real books on motherhood I have ever read! Throughout the whole book, I laughed aloud. Yet I also was impressed that each chapter finishes with deeper thoughts and applications. The author seems to have a balanced perspective on life and motherhood! She knows (for the most part- none of us are perfect!) when to laugh and when to ponder what God is teaching her.

Personally, I could never relate to Jessica's personality motherhood-wise. Sound confusing? Simply: Jessica never dreamed of getting married and having babies and wasn't really attracted by infants or children. I am quite the opposite. My 7th birthday party was a cute ''baby shower'' theme, with things for my baby doll. Somehow, I've always felt the need to marry and have children. Nevertheless, I was able to chuckle over Jessica's unusual character. I loved how she allowed God to change her and make her a fun and loving mom. In this book, she is honest and humble and gives mothers a new perspective on what parenting is all about.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finding grace and laughter when motherhood gets real

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend's Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.

In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an "unmom"-a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Jessica Kastner is an award-winning journalist and a contributor for the Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN.com, Beliefnet.com, and the Huffington Post's Christianity blog. As Connecticut's coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, she shares God's message of hope by leading Bible studies in juvenile detention centers. When she's not on the trampoline with her three boys in Connecticut, Jessica shares her unapologetically "real" commentary on the Christian life at www.JessicaKastner.com.

Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul by Mark Gregory Karris

Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul

by Mark Gregory Karris

     This was a very interesting book since it is written by a neuroscientist who has been able to examine the brain's reaction during emotional stress and trauma. He fills the chapters of this book with facts which have been learned concerning what happens to the brain when under stress emotionally. When I ordered this book to review, I did not have a full understanding of the topic. I thought it was a book to help people going through any type of relational failure, such as I have experienced in the past. However, it is specifically for actual breakups as in boyfriend-girlfriend, or husband and wife. Thus I wasn't as interested in the book but here is my honest review for any interested reader:

Much of this book was interesting but it was not well organized or well-written. Also, I was confused by the Christian stance taken by the author. One of his recommendations for a person going through a breakup is to repeat the name of Jesus or other Biblical good things over and over for 20 minutes. I think Scripture meditation a must, and relaxation wonderful. I also think ''holy yoga'' beneficial if worship music is playing or Scripture being read. But the repetition gets a little strange as that is not in any of the Bible. Look at the Psalms- the best example of praising and meditating on God- for one thing.

I believe the main problem with this book is that it is very technical and factual which is not what will necessarily always help someone dealing with deep emotional trials. I recommend this book for counselors and psychologists and therapists.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Life I Live by Rory Feek

This Life I Live: One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life and the Woman Who Changed It Forever

by Rory Feek

The love story that captured the heart of the nation

Joey and Rory Feek were enjoying a steadily growing fan base in country music when Joey was diagnosed unexpectedly with a rapidly spreading cancer. This vibrant and beautiful young woman would soon be on a unique journey for which no one is ever fully prepared. Her husband, Rory, and children, Heidi, Hopie, and Indiana, were beside her each step of the way. Rory, a prolific songwriter, entrepreneur, farmer, and overall tender man, has seen God bless his life in countless unexpected ways and had started a blog, thislifeilive.com, not really knowing its purpose other than he needed to write. That purpose soon became clearer when Joey’s cancer battle hit.

By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life, this astounding couple captured the hearts of millions with their powerful love story, the manner in which they were handling the diagnosis, and the inspiring simple way they had chosen to live their lives.

In this vulnerable book, Rory takes us into his own challenging life story and shows what can happen when God brings both his presence and the right companion into our lives. He also gives never-before-revealed details on what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end and taking advantage of it. Feek shows how we all are actually there already and how we can learn to live that way every day. He then goes into detail toward the end of the book on what it’s like to try to move on with your life once you’ve “had it all.”  

 I had never heard of Rory and Joey Feek (having only become interested in country-style music recently) so I began this autobiography/memoir excited to get to know this couple. From the first few chapters, I was deeply interested. As I continued in the book, I couldn't wait to listen to their music and watch their videos. This book is a remarkable and touching story. But it is more than that. It is a wonderful testimony to God's work of salvation in Rory's life and the strength and faith which resulted. I love how this book shows a distinct Before and After. And it is obvious that the Rory in the Before was a totally different man than the Rory in the After. His testimony of salvation is bold and victorious. And he has so much joy and hope even after the loss of his beautiful and loving wife Joey. This book is a must-read. Men and women alike will love and learn from the story in this new book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Brave Is the New Beautiful by Lee Wolfe Blum

Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You
by Lee Wolfe Blum

 Women of all ages need to read books such as this one. Brave is the new beautiful is eye-opening, inspiring, and encouraging. With all the stories of women who have fought through trials and tragedy, it is also convicting. It puts our personal disappointments in perspective when compared to women's stories of losing a child, health, etc. I love how the author, Lee Wolfe Blum masterfully blended all her thoughts and convictions into a sensible and rock-solid book for women. I appreciated how the author was open with her own story and thoughts. I was humbled and encouraged as I read this book! Basically, it gently tells women to look beyond the surface and the image the media tries so hard to ingrain in us as ''the right image''. We need to realize there is more to ourselves than our outward appearance. Because truly, brave is the new beautiful!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Our culture bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection. 

Women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are?

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives-and found true beauty in the process. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You by Natasha Bure

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You

by Natasha Bure

foreword by Sadie Robertson

    This is an autobiographical/conversational/inspirational book from YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure. Whether you are already a fan of Natasha or like me, got to know her through this book you will benefit from and enjoy reading this book. I am so excited that famous and admired women and girls are making a stand for being real in this world where people think they have to copy famous people to be happy! In this book, Natasha Bure (who, by the way is Candace Cameron Bure's daughter!) is honest and open and humble. Teenagers especially will grow from reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

From singer, model and YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure, the daughter of Candace Cameron Bure, comes a real, honest conversational book that doesn’t hold back. Everywhere she goes and every video she posts has one basic message: this is real, this is life, and we all go through it. Whether it’s acne, boyfriends, faith, stress, or having fun, Natasha’s view is to simply be honest, simply be real, no matter what you face. Natasha’s real and relatable tone paired with personal notes and stories will help readers see that living a “real” life is the best life.

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection

by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

This book was important to me because I have struggled with self-image for years. This book from mother-daughter team Chris and Megan Shook had such a balanced and Biblical perspective on the subject of beauty. At first I thought it would be just another book on the topic, and I have previously read (and reviewed) excellent and sufficient publications focused on the subject. However, as I read further into the book I realized I could really glean from the words of wisdom within. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of would be personal accounts/lessons experienced by the authors. On the other hand, this book is wonderful and will definitely help a variety of women of all ages. I loved how the authors pointed back to the Creator, and put our opinions of ourselves in perspective. (this may not make sense here, so read the book). They do a marvelous job explaining the difference between a joyful believer satisfied in Christ and knowing it is the beauty of the heart that matters, and someone who places their hope in this world and the unsatisfactory and temporary pleasures it offers.

I hope to add more to this review later.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

You are, and always have been, beautiful.

“Beauty begins. That’s the point of this book. Our understanding of beauty got started somewhere and somehow, and probably due to someone. Now that may have been a good start, but then again it may not have. But regardless of what your past looks like, we want to offer up this word of hope: it’s never too late to make peace with your reflection.”

We live in a culture that’s obsessed with beauty. Walk by any magazine stand, turn on a television, or visit the local shopping mall, and you’ll be bombarded with the images and ideals that our culture believes are the epitome of what it means to be beautiful. And if you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to measure up to this standard of beauty whether you realize it or not.

But if you don’t make peace with your reflection, you’ll end up declaring war on yourself.

That’s where mother-daughter team, Chris and Megan Shook, want to help. In Beauty Begins, they explore the origins of beauty (hint, it didn’t start with a fashion magazine) and challenge each of us to trade the pressure of perfection for God's perfect love.

Poignant, relevant, and relatable, Beauty Begins is for every woman who wants to reclaim what it means to be truly beautiful.

Do you feel beautiful?
 
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.
In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.

review of book Chasing Famous by Lisa Lloyd

Chasing Famous: Living the Life You've Always Auditioned for

by Lisa Lloyd

I was very interested in reading this book as a woman who has struggled with self-esteem and purpose in life. The subtitle of this book is ''Living the Life You've Always Auditioned For'' and is sure to capture the curiosity of most people. The author is Lisa Lloyd, an actress who can speak from experience. I love the point she makes through all the chapters of the book: turn the spotlight on GOD! And then you will discover what it means to truly live. It sounds simple enough, but in reality we know that is hard to do. Thus, the author carefully explains throughout her book how we can do that. I found her book interesting. It wasn't the most life-changing book I've read but it was good.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Have you ever considered your life as an audition? Regardless of who or where we are, we are constantly--often unconsciously--auditioning for a part. Loving wife. Amazing employee. Crafting queen. Socialite. All we really want is to be loved, affirmed, and accepted. What if we could learn to live the life we have always been auditioning for without all the stress? Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life. Once you've mastered these issues--and you can--your story will turn the spotlight on God where, you'll soon discover, what it means to truly live.

KJV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Cloth over Board, Green, Red Letter Edition by Thomas Nelson

KJV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Cloth over Board, Green, Red Letter Edition

by Thomas Nelson

I was so excited to receive my copy of this Bible to review! As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a favourite. I know what really matters is the text of God's Holy Word. And I have loved reading my classic black leather-bound copy. However, I have needed a new copy which will look decent in public situations and I love beautifully-bound books. As we know, God created beauty and so I think it honours Him when we take care in binding and publishing His Word! And when we read the Bible every day (hopefully more than once a day!) it's good to have a Bible which is decent to look at and which has an agreeable font for our eyes! This publication of the Bible is wonderful. As I've already mentioned, the cover is delightful with a blue-green cloth binding covered with vines and the title Holy Bible. The size is perfect and slim- one would not know this is a large-print Bible! I love the text, which is a new one from Thomas Nelson publishers. Large-print is not just for seniors, people! I know when I read the Bible, I like a text my eyes can easily read in order for my mind and heart to better ponder the truths. This text is perfect. Last but not least, the translation is the traditional and classic King James Version and the words of Christ are in red. Do not neglect to add this Bible to your life. It will make an absolutely perfect mothers' day gift as well!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

review Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together

by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

I was so excited to receive this book to read and review. Nancy Leigh DeMoss made such an impact in women's lives with her books Lies Women Believe and others. For me personally, her book Choosing Gratitude really made a difference in my life when I first read it. In fact, I am currently rereading that very book and making my own book study out of it. Now that Nancy is Mrs. Wolgemuth, I was excited to hear that she had penned yet another book.

It seems natural that Nancy, who has helped thousands of women through her ministry and writings, pen a book such as Adorned which focuses on the Biblical relationship women should have amongst each other. Using such passages as Titus 2, Nancy explains how younger Christian  women should learn from older, more experienced saints and how those older women should invest in younger lives.

I would say this book is especially helpful for older women (of all ages!) in encouraging them to share wisdom with younger ones. Of course this book is directed towards women of all ages. I loved how Nancy opened the book, using a description of her wedding- how it looked and how she felt and the love Robert has for her as a picture of the gospel. It is too hard to explain here, but Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is has been so gifted in writing that the reader understands and benefits from the Biblical wisdom she shares.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Known for her wisdom, warmth, and knowledge of Scripture, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth has encouraged millions through her books, radio programs, and conferences. Now she’s back with a legacy work on Titus 2 and its powerful vision for women.

From Nancy:

"Cross-generational community between women is the biblical antidote for being chronically, hopelessly overwhelmed, as so many of us are.

When older women come out of their protective cocoons to invest themselves in the lives of younger women, whole families and churches feel the blessing. When young moms and singles widen their peer groups to include women who have already braved the same rapids and lived to tell about it, both sides of the relationship are strengthened and grow. We all, in different ways and in different seasons, need to be on both the giving and receiving end of this life-to-life process.

So I invite you to join me as we look to God’s Word for His perspective on the character, commitments, and attitudes of godly women—and His prescribed process for helping us live out these virtues not only today, but from generation to generation."

Book review God Loves Mommy and Me by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

God Loves Mommy and Me by Bonnie Rickner Jensen
God loves Mommy and me, He knows we love Him too, When we pray we always say, “You’re so good, God—thank You!”

This is a sweet children's picture book from Thomas Nelson publishers, just in time for mother's day! Both mothers and little ones will enjoy looking at the delightful illustrations and reading the fun text. Even the youngest of children should be reminded who created them and where the love they receive from their mommy comes from!

I think this a lovely gift for young ones to give their mommy for mother's day!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.