Tuesday, December 31, 2019

When Love Finds You (Amish New World #2) by Virginia Wise






This is the second book in this series that I have read, and yes, they can be read alone.
The story takes place back when the Amish first came to America and their first settlement in Pennsylvania, and we see exactly how hard life was, what we take for granted.
With this book, a young weaver has come to the community and the people are thrilled, now some new clothes can be made. There are sheep her for wool, and flax planted for linen.
A young Amish woman with a checkered past, and the weaver, with guilt that he is unable to let go of, have a romantic spark. With all the problems, these two have you have to wonder whether they can ever overcome all the obstacles.
I did find some chuckles here in some of these characters and there is more than one couple with romance in the air.
I enjoyed reading about these early settlers to this country!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington. and was not required to give a positive review.

Amazon


About The Author


After Virginia’s oldest son left for college and her youngest son began high school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels. Virginia dusted off the keyboard she once used as a magazine editor and journalist to create a world that combines her love of romance, history, and Plain living.

Her Amish New World series takes readers on a journey into the 18th century Pennsylvania wilderness and the pioneering days of the first American Amish. Each carefully researched novel brings a bygone era to life and connects readers to this forgotten time by weaving familiar Amish romances into an historic frontier setting.

Virginia Wise's favorite pastimes include wandering Lancaster County’s Amish country and exploring history museums that inspire her stories and help her connect readers with the past. When she’s not writing, Virginia enjoys painting and taking long walks in the woods.


My Review





This is the second book in this series that I have read, and yes, they can be read alone.
The story takes place back when the Amish first came to America and their first settlement in Pennsylvania, and we see exactly how hard life was, what we take for granted.
With this book, a young weaver has come to the community and the people are thrilled, now some new clothes can be made. There are sheep her for wool, and flax planted for linen.
A young Amish woman with a checkered past, and the weaver, with guilt that he is unable to let go of, have a romantic spark. With all the problems, these two have you have to wonder whether they can ever overcome all the obstacles.
I did find some chuckles here in some of these characters and there is more than one couple with romance in the air.
I enjoyed reading about these early settlers to this country!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington. and was not required to give a positive review.



Rosanna's Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson

n Southern Maryland's serene Amish country, one young woman's life is changed by an unexpected request . . .

"She's yours." Until now, Rosanna Mast's hopes for the future have all revolved around handsome Henry Zook. But when a young Englisch girl places her newborn daughter in Rosanna's arms and utters those words, shock quickly turns to fierce, protective devotion. Between helping her midwife mamm and caring for her own siblings, Rosanna has plenty of experience with babies. And who wouldn't love a sweet-natured boppli like little Mollie? Yet to her dismay, Henry has no intention of ever taking on another man's child. Instead, it is steady, thoughtful Paul Hertzler who becomes Rosanna's staunch supporter.

Paul knows he should have acted sooner on his feelings for Rosanna. Now, as her dream of adopting Mollie meets unexpected hurdles, he sees a way to help. Rosanna would do anything to keep baby Mollie--perhaps even agree to marriage. But will Rosanna continue to hold him at arm's length, or see that he longs to offer her the love and family she deserves?


Amazon


About The Author







Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words led her to earn a degree in English/Education from St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City, Maryland. She has taught students from pre-kindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Southern Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She's also a member of ACFW. When not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework. 


My Review




I enjoyed this read, especially after reading a really heavy heart in your throat, this one is sweet, and almost unimaginable, but then!
Made me think how desperate this young mother had to be, but as the story unfolds, you begin to understand her reasoning,
Will Ms. Kane succeed? Will Roseanna see what is before her eyes, or pine for what she thinks she wants? Her Amish training takes in as she has been taking care of little ones almost her whole life [being the eldest daughter] and now a midwife.
Come along and see how this all works out, maybe not how you thing!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.



Matchmaking Can Be Murder (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower







Matchmaking can be murder . . . 

When widowed Millie Fisher moves back to her childhood home of Harvest, Ohio, she notices one thing right away—the young Amish are bungling their courtships and marrying the wrong people! A quiltmaker by trade, Millie has nevertheless stitched together a few lives in her time, with truly romantic results. Her first mission? Her own niece, widowed gardener Edith Hochstetler, recently engaged to rude, greedy Zeke Miller. Anyone can see he’s not right for such a gentle young woman—except Edith herself.

Pleased when she convinces the bride-to-be to leave her betrothed before the wedding, Millie is later panicked to find Zeke in Edith’s greenhouse—as dead as a tulip in the middle of winter. To keep her niece out of prison—and to protect her own reputation—Millie will have to piece together a patchwork of clues to find a killer, before she becomes the next name on his lis.


Amazon


About The Author





Amanda Flower, a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio. 

Website


My Review



I loved being back in Harvest, Ohio, and with familiar characters, this time the focus is not on a well-loved pig, but on two adorable goats. Now, these goats sure do play a great part in the story, but unfortunately that is another murder, and the sleuthing now happens with Aunt Millie, aka Amish Marple and her friend Lois. What a pair, and with a few chuckles, these two set about solving a crime.
The author keeps your attention from one suspect to another to another, and we start to worry if something will happen to Millie.
A different Amish story, and one that will make you glad you turned the first page!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.


 

Monday, December 23, 2019

Celebrate Lit Presents: Darling Hedgehog Goes Down A Foxhole by Auralee Arkinslky


About the Book

Book: Darling Hedgehog Goes Down A Foxhole
Author: Auralee Arkinsly
Genre: Early reader chapter book
Release Date: September 13, 2019

Darling Hedgehog 
 
Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. This childhood story reads a bit like Aesop’s Fables or a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, for children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book.
Pictures similar to the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book.
This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, be discrete, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Auralee Arkinsly 
Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. She is a strong believer in right and wrong but knows that getting onto the right path can mean falling down a slippery slope. She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done her job

More from Auralee

I’m so excited to launch my children’s book, Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole with the Celebrate Lit crew!  You are a river of hope for a new author.
 
So, here’s the story behind the story.
 
My friend and fellow author, Kathy Joy, left me a small hedgehog in a tutu as a going away gift on her guest bed after she had been visiting. I put it on the windowsill in my bedroom, and every morning, I would see it when I awoke.
 
I don’t know if you can relate to this experience, but I often wake up from a good night’s sleep with the gift of a problem being solved.  Sometimes, I wake up with a creative idea.  Well, one day, I awoke to find that I had the beginnings of a child’s story about where the hedgehog found her tutu.
 
Initially, it was a simple story about Darling Hedgehog finding a foxy friend who helps Darling find her calling.
I wrote out the story and then asked a talented neighborhood girl if she would like to draw the pictures for the tall tale. Having seen a lot of Julia’s sketches as she grew up, I thought that she might like to know what it felt like to earn money from her talents and at the same time, learn about the process of creating a book with an author to propose to a publishing company.
 
She agreed. Julia was in ninth grade. She was at the age where she was beginning to think about high school jobs and even to make plans for college and a career.
The same day we wrote out our contract, Julia sent me her first image of what she imagined Darling to look like. It clearly was not a mistake to hire this young artist!
When I awoke another morning, I believed God had given me another bit of advice. I needed to do better research on the nature of hedgehogs and foxes, their habitats and characteristics. The outcome caused the story to take a turn towards intrigue.  It became a fable. It became an action-adventure animal story. It became better.
 
A librarian encouraged us to continue with it no longer as a picture book for very small children but as an early reader chapter book for second graders learning about similes.
I hope that we can teach children to notice facts and objective truth as they are being trained for life. So, I’ve accepted that my child’s fantasy had to grow some legs of gravity and wisdom.  I’ve trusted my editors and beta readers that this is true, but I’m not above being told off.

Blog Stops

A Diva’s Heart, December 11
For Him and My Family, December 12
Older & Smarter?, December 13
Emily Yager, December 13
Just the Write Escape, December 14
Blogging With Carol, December 14
Bigreadersite, December 15
janicesbookreviews, December 15
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 16
A Reader’s Brain, December 17
Remembrancy, December 19
Inklings and notions, December 19
Lighthouse Academy, December 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Live.Love.Read., December 20
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 21
Maureen’s Musings, December 23
With a Joyful Noise, December 23
Texas Book-aholic, December 24

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Auralee is giving away the grand prize of a set of Darling Hedgehog greeting cards!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


My Review


The author has provided a darling book that is suggested for kindergarten to second grade, or ages 4 to 8.
The illustration draws the eye, and quickly got my 4-year-old nieces attention, she could hardly wait for me to turn the page!
There are life lessons here, with cute facts are offered, and without even realizing it they know a lot about hedgehogs!
This has quickly become a requested book, and we are reading it on our own!
I received this book Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Celebrate Lit Presents: Counter Point by Marji Laine


About the Book

Book: Counter Point
Author: Marji Laine
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 2016
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Someone is determined to finish the final assignment of a murdered hitman.
Her father’s gone. Her diner’s closing. Her car’s in the lake. Cat McPherson has nothing left to lose.
Except her life. And a madman’s bent on taking that away.
Her former boyfriend, Ray Alexander, returns as a hero from his foreign mission, bringing back souvenirs in the form of death threats. When several attempts are made on Cat’s life, she must find a way to trust Ray, the man who broke her heart.
Keeping Cat safe from a fallen cartel leader might prove impossible for Ray, but after seeing his mission destroyed and several godly people killed, he knows better than to ignore the man’s threats. Cat’s resistance to his protection and the stirring of his long-denied feelings for her complicate his intentions, placing them both in a fight for their lives.
How can a small-town girl survive when ultimate power wants her dead?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

__MarjiLaine730ed
Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet or at www.MarjiLaine.com.

More from Marji

COUNTER POINT takes place in a small town in East Texas. A family-owned diner provides the backdrop for many of the scenes. The owner, Cat McPherson, makes a point of smiling and chatting with everyone who stops by. Even the superior and difficult Mrs. Heath—of the Heath’s Point Heath’s, make no mistake. Mrs. Heath might think she’s all that, but she is still dependent on Cat’s diner for a slice of her favorite Magnolia Pie.
Have you ever had a piece of this custard paradise? Smooth, creamy, and with the minutest crisp of a glazed caramel on top of it. I can practically taste one now. This favorite of mine had to go into my book. I first tasted a Magnolia Pie (my adopted grandmother called it Buttermilk Pie because Magnolia Pie sounded too southern and she was from New Jersey) at a Christmas Eve celebration. It was my instant favorite.
I’ve searched for my grandmother’s recipe through old books that she gave me and a collection that she and several others put together when I got married. Sadly, I cannot find that original recipe that she used. But I think it must have been something like the one I was thinking of when I included Magnolia Pie in my book.
Let me know if you make this recipe! I’d love to enjoy a virtual slice of pie with you!

Magnolia Pie

Ingredients:
3 eggs at room temperature
1 stick of softened butter
1½ cups white sugar
3½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Whisk the eggs until foamy.
  3. Cream together sugar, butter, nutmeg, and flour. Add the eggs and other ingredients, beating until smooth.
  4. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool completely or chill before serving.

Blog Stops

Betti Mace, December 12
For Him and My Family, December 12
Daysong Reflections, December 14
Texas Book-aholic, December 17
As He Leads is Joy, December 18
Maureen’s Musings, December 19
Blogging With Carol, December 20
janicesbookreviews, December 21
A Reader’s Brain, December 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 22
Inklings and notions, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away the grand prize package of a “reading S’mores” Christmas Ornament, a book light, and copies of COUNTER POINT and the first book of the Grime Fighter series, GRIME BEAT!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


My Review





This story shows a lot of love and compassion for our fellow man, but there is also evil lurking, determined to take it all away.
Talk about wolves in sheep’s clothing, well this story sure has one, but you will be guessing right to the end whom the culprit is.
There are a lot of people hurt here physically, and you will wonder who will survive until the end, even when you think it is over, watch out!
I loved how obstacles happened, and then the Lord provides, and wow! How he provided!
A little bit of romance and trusting here, but a lot of family love, and friends that are like family!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review. 


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast






Will a baby girl bring them together at last?

She’ll do anything for her niece…Even marry the man who broke her heart.


Nothing can keep May Bender in her Amish hometown—except caring for her baby niece. But the bishop insists that May also marry her widowed brother-in-law, Thad Hochstedler—the beau who jilted her to wed her sister. Can May risk her heart long enough to learn the real reason for Thad’s first marriage…and possibly rediscover their love?


Amazon


About The Author



ARIE E. BAST is the Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of The Amish Baker, and the first place 2015 contemporary winner of the Ignite the Flame Contest for The Perfect Client. Her stories whisper words of hope, healing, and forgiveness through complex characters and twisting plots. She has published short stories and poetry in book compilations: Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog; Writing So Heaven Will Be Different; and On Golden Wings of Time. She has devotionals published in The Cup Of Salvation: 8 ounces of Jesus, a Lenten Devotional.

She holds a B.A., an M.B.A., and an M.A. in General Theology. When she's not writing, she's walking, golfing or gardening. She loves to bake and enjoys her homemade rolls and bread way too much.


Website


My Review



This book quickly became a story I couldn’t put down, and I didn’t!
My mind was trying to wrap around the circumstances here, some that are presented, but what are they not saying? Yes, I was surprised when the facts unfold, and I had surmised the truth, but wanted it confirmed.
You have to love the little one here, and all seem to cherish her, and she is the glue to all that has happened, and appears to be the future.
What a part the mother-in-law plays here, and I really disliked her, but is she really the main problem here? You will be finding the answers, keep reading, and when finished I wanted more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.


 

The Amish Wedding Promise (Hidden Springs #1) by Laura V. Hilton






The first book in the Hidden Springs Amish romance series from award-winning author Laura V. Hilton.
When a series of storms come through town, Grace Lantz is forced to postpone her wedding. All hands are needed for cleanup, but Grace doesn't know where to start--console her special needs sister or find her missing groom.
When Zeke Bontrager comes to aid the small community, he finds an overwhelmed Grace, and offers to help. As they work together, sparks fly. But when Grace's groom is found and confesses to a case of cold feet, Grace must decide if the wedding will go on or if she'll take a chance on Zeke.


 Amazon 


About The Author

Laura picture

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write. 


Website  


My Review




Looking at the cover of this book is a compelling reason to pick it up, and also, I love reads by this author.
We are given a story of a young woman, and the book begins on the day of her wedding, and she is having cold feet, wishes she the day weren’t here, and no, she does not have power to control the weather, but a devastating tornado hits Arthur Illinois, and thus help comes from all over, including an Amish community in Indiana.
We also get to meet the new arrivals, and especially Zeke, and with a history of his Dad being unhappy with him, he is out to prove himself, or at least stay out of trouble.
When sparks fly between Grace, the bride, and Zeke, they know it can never happen, and with death and destruction all over here, there are a lot of pressing problems.
Love the wise Grandfather, and the sweet special sister, Patience, and then more disasters happen, more focus is put on loved ones, and we see the love of God and the message of Forgiveness.
A don’t miss read that will keep you page-turning!

I received this book through the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.




Monday, December 16, 2019

The Wedding Dress Christmas (The Wedding Collection) by Rachel Hauck

December comes to quaint Hearts Bend, Tennessee, with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.

For JoJo Castle there is no place like home. Her onetime love of adventure ended when her life in the big city came crashing down. Now that she’s home, she never wants to leave again.

Country music sensation Buck Mathews has charmed the world with his smile and his music. However, news of his mother’s illness brought him home to Hearts Bend for the holiday season.

Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.

Busy with his career, Buck hasn’t had time for family and friends, much less love. Seeing JoJo in The Wedding Shop reminds him there are things more important than his career.

But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?

With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might a Christmas miracle.


Amazon


About The Author



New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers..

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

www.rachelhauck.com
 


My Review






While I could have predicted the ending to this story, I still enjoyed the read.
Could just picture some of the happenings that went on here, can you imagine a woman running and then driving with a bridal veil and not any veil, a very long train one!
I would love to be present when that ageless wedding dress is tried on, it is really magic!
Come and watch this smart talented girl share her gifts with her friends and town, but will she be able to shake off the hurts and terror that she is holding?
This is a very quick read, I read it in one setting, and will hold your attention!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Hauck House. and was not required to give a positive review.


Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Write Now Literary Presents: 26 Ways To Inspire Yourself by Sonia Nwajei


 
Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a book tour for 26 Ways to Inspire Yourself by Sonia Nwajei. The tour will run November 18- December 18, 2019. Book your own tour here
Genre: Self Help/Non-Fiction
ASIN: B07DZS4JQF
                      MEET SONIA
            
Sonia A Nwajei is the author of this wonderful book. She began her writing career only two years ago and had since published three non-fiction titles (including 26 Ways) to her credit. 
She is currently working to publish her first fiction, a murder mystery. Which she hopes will captivate lovers of fiction/detective novellas. 
Sonia lives in Brisbane, Australia.
       
             ABOUT THE BOOK
26 Ways To Inspire Yourself - is a powerful self-help book, written with the sole purpose to motivate readers with ideas that'll enable them make positive changes in their lives. The book is packed full of insightful and encouraging messages for those seeking to improve themselves, rebuild their lives and achieve set goals. It's your ultimate self-guide to a Better New You. Get it now.



EXCERPTS
Chapter 9-Letter I-Inspiration:
Inspiration leads us to a course of action that tends to showcase a different and more creative side of us that people may not have noticed before.
Chapter 10 -Letter J-Jealousy:
Jealousy is an unpleasant feeling of low self-esteem mixed with insatiable desire to acquire the same material possessions as some else.
Chapter 13-Letter M-Mother:
Every child feels safe and happy when their mother is around. Every child craves the affections and support of their mother. Even adults run to their mothers when they experience difficulties in life. 
Connect Socially
Purchase Links
Tour hosted by wnlbooktours.com  

Monday, December 9, 2019

Breath of Joy: Winter Whispers by Kathy Joy






The final book in the series, Breath of Joy, Winter Whispers speaks of the deep quiet earth movements that echo human proving grounds and transitions during times of rest.

Winter occurs because the earth is far swung on its axis away from the sun. Although this is true, Kathy Joy has grown thankful for the season of Winter, a staying-still interval and a hunkering-down knoll. Family and friends have provided warmth. Readers have patiently waited for this, her fourth book completing the Breath of Joy series--Three celebrations every day.

Snow, snowflakes, warm nooks, warm drinks, and freeing thoughts show off their joy and hope in a grand greeting card picturebook.

Wintertime includes Advent, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day and Tax Day. A soul can steal bases all over the bleak and bumpy landscape reading this volume. WINTER WHISPERS provides page after page of extravagant footholds, interpersonal springboards with today's words of comfort and joy. Accompanied by exquisite seasonal photographs. For times of reflection.


Amazon 


About The Author



 Kathy Joy enjoyed being a popular Christian radio D.J. in Colorado for many years. When her husband wanted to move to Pennsylvania to take over the family farm, Kathy Joy accompanied him with their two young daughters. Four years later, Kathy Joy found herself a widow raising two teenagers.
To stave off despair, she began writing three every day celebrations in a journal. Friends on Facebook began prompting her to write a book, and so the beginning of the Breath of Joy series began.        Kathy Joy now works in human services, speaking wonder on the weekends to grief therapy groups, motivational corporate meetings, and women’s retreats. Some of her topics include Vision Board workshops, Being a Harbor Pilot, Mirroring the Savior, The Fifth Season, and A Christmas Tea.  


My Review







Ponderings, and thoughts galore, along with pictures, to improve your mood, you will be page turning to see them all.
Whether you read one a day, or peruse the whole book, you will soon be going back and slower as each page is a gem in itself.
Think about catching a scent that carries a memory, yes, many.
How about “An awkward hello and a tearful goodbye”, through the years there are many, or when you have “mismatched mittens, soggy boots, and wayward scarves”.
What a beautiful thoughtful gift this one makes, and it quickly becomes the gift that keeps on giving.
A keeper and a sharer!

I received this book through the Publisher Capture Books, and was not required to give a positive review.



Friday, December 6, 2019

Celebrate Lit Presents: Letter From Paul by Mary Weins

Letter from Paul FB banner

About the Book

Book: Letter from Paul
Author: Mary Weins
Genre:  Christian Non-Fiction, Bible study
Release Date: April 5, 2019
Letters from Paul

A devotional workbook on Galatians that gives enough substance for the interactive part of the workbook. It is worthwhile for small groups or individuals.” Dr. Dennis Beatty
Draw closer to God. Revel in the knowledge that you are saved by grace, not works. Discover how Paul addressed the Galatian people when they veered from the truth back into bondage to the rules and customs of their time.
This Bible study takes you verse by verse through the book of Galatians, with insights into what occurred so many years ago yet is still relevant today. Bringing home the truth that we don’t have to perform a certain way to be accepted as heirs to Christ, Letter from Paul offers relief to those who feel pressured to live by the world’s standards.
You will be refreshed and renewed as you lean into the fact that God loves you just as you are. Yes, He has given us the commandments, but He doesn’t pile additional rules on us that we can’t possibly follow. Instead, He gives us grace. And mercy. And love.
“Galatians is about the difference between salvation by works and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not about obeying all the rules versus having a good time. It is about a personal relationship with our Creator and Savior.” – Mary Weins


Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author Mary Wein 
As a Pastor’s kid, Mary has been involved in the church most of her life. She has led many Bible study groups in homes, in the church environment, and in jails; Mary has worked in various women’s ministries, and is a writer, speaker and Bible Teacher.
Currently, Mary and her husband are retired and live in Northern California. They have 3 sons, and 5 grandchildren who live nearby. When not writing, speaking, leading Bible study groups, or studying God’s Word on her own, Mary enjoys entertaining friends, cooking, and playing with her grandchildren…not necessarily in that order.

More from Mary

Letter from Paul: to the Church in Galatia…and Us!
As a preacher’s kid, I was brought up in a strict, structured home environment. This upbringing created a harsh view of Christianity and an overwhelming fear of hell, fire, and damnation for me.
It was not until years later that I found a church emphasizing God’s love. I read the Word and prayed daily and began to develop a close, personal relationship with God. But fear kept haunting me until I really got into Galatians and broke it down, verse by verse. The book of Galatians is a crucial book of the Bible for me because it emphasizes God’s love and forgiveness and provides assurance that, even though I mess up at times, God still loves me!
It is my hope and prayer that you, too, can embrace the beautiful message of love and acceptance contained in Galatians and apply it to your life. When we fully submit and trust God for our lives, an overwhelming peace envelops us. We no longer need to fear Him. He is a loving God who provides all our needs and protects, encourages, comforts, and directs us. He is our heavenly Father, our constant companion, and a friend who really does have all the right answers.
Living in a right relationship with God dramatically changes the way we view ourselves and the world. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17 KJV).
Written in a down-to-earth, easy-to-read approach, the Bible studies contained in Letter from Paul highlight the main points covered in each chapter of Galatians.
It is my hope and prayer that this book will erase the doubts and fears of Christians who question their salvation or fear that they are not good enough to maintain it and to point the way for the unsaved to realize how easy it is to become a child of God.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, December 1
Older & Smarter?, December 2
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 3
The Becca Files, December 4
Maureen’s Musings, December 6
Texas Book-aholic, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
janicesbookreviews, December 9
A Reader’s Brain, December 12
Godly Book Reviews, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card & Paperback of “Letter from Paul”!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

My Review


When I was offered a chance to use this small, powerful book, I jumped at the chance. My goal as with most Christians is to draw closer to God, and after completing lessons here I felt I had moved on in my Faith.
I had been looking for something to do at home, and this fit what I was looking for! It challenged me, and found myself looking forward to the quiet time I would be allotting each day to do my lessons.
I always enjoy personal stories and testimonies, and each chapter of study begins with one. Besides the lesson I enjoyed the reflection at the end with the personal application, really made me think!
I would recommend this for use in your Small Group, or for me that is not possible, I loved the individual study!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

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