Glittering Promises by @LisaTBergren | Win an Italian feast delivered to your door & RSVP for Facebook Party!

Lisa T. Bergren is celebrating the release of her new book, Glittering Promises, by giving away a $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma and hosting a fun Facebook party on October 29th.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma delivered to your door
• The three-book Grand Tour set

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Glittering Promises" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 29th. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, European trivia, and prizes, and get an exclusive look Lisa's next book.

So grab your copies of the Grand Tour series and join Lisa on the evening of October 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 29th!

MY REVIEW!

Have you ever taken a great vacation and hated to see it end but at the same time glad it was over? That's a bit how I felt about reading the last book of the Grand Tour series. I enjoyed reading about the wonderful places the family went and yet, knowing the tour was winding down was a bit of a relief. They were finally headed home to explore their future as different people. Hopefully, better men and women.

Cora faced a lot of challenges through-out this whole tour. The biggest one was finding out who she really was, what her strengths and weakness were. Did she really trust in her relationship with God and would her new position in society effect that relationship. She also had to trust God with her relationships with her siblings and friends, including William.

William had his own set of challenges, one of them being able to accept Cora's wealth. He also had to trust God in his relationship with Cora. After all, he wasn't the only one in love with her. Who would she chose to spend the rest of her life with?

Vivian and Andrew had their own problems and I found it quite intriguing how that rocky relationship wove throughout the plot of the whole story. Things take quite a turn.

Lisa wrote another wonderful book and her characters are still as alive as the first book. Her plot is tight and very intriguing. I have to say things didn't turn out the way I had expected. She threw in some very wonderful twists that I think her readers will enjoy discovering.

This review was made possible by Litfuse Publicity Group. They provided me with a free review copy.

 

TOO BAD TO BE TRUMAN By Chris Well

MY REVIEW

Okay Truman fans, here is another installment that is worth reading. Chris Well has written another comical story about down-and-out Truman. This time Truman finds himself trying to get out of writing a biography about a really bad man and trying to stop a murder-for-hire. 

Well throws in lots of humor, laugh-out-loud scenes and lots of twists in this crazy story. 

This is definitely a "guys" book, not that women wouldn't enjoy it. However the humor is "guy" humor and may not be appreciated by most women. I did enjoy the story though it is a bit out of my usual reading genre.  

If you haven't read Too Good To Be Truman, I suggest you get a copy of it before you read Too Bad To Be Truman. It isn't a stand-alone book. The characters you will meet in Too Good To Be Truman are carried over into the second book. So reading the second book would be like jumping into the middle of the story. 

Chris has a great dialog, strong plot and equally strong characters. I believe you will enjoy reading these books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Here's the deal: When I was in the first grade, my life goal was that I would grow up to be Batman. Because I thought it was a vocation -- you know, policeman, fireman, Batman. Once my first grade teacher crushed the dreams of that little boy, I guess I decided I would do the next best thing and make up stories about Batman. And then somewhere after that I learned about things like "intellectual property" and "copyright law" and "cease and desist" and decided that I would have to make up stories about my own characters.

So today, I do just that: Write stories about my own characters -- whether it's a doomed

hitman named Solomon Long or a grumpy old amateur sleuth named Earl Walker or an

out-of-work smart alec crime reporter named Truman.

My novels include the crime comedy TOO GOOD TO BE TRUMAN, the Earl Walker whodunit

NURSING A GRUDGE and the Kansas City crime shoot-em-up FORGIVING SOLOMON LONG.

Check out his website

Chris Well provided me with a free advance reader's copy for the purpose of writing this review.

 

 

DEATH BE NOT PROUD (The Secret of the Journal - Book 2) by C.F. Dunn

ABOUT THE BOOK

---

Following the vicious attack by a psychotic colleague, and reeling from the suspicion that Matthew Lynes is not all that he seems, Professor Emma D’Eresby flees her college teaching position in Maine to her hometown in England— taking the mysterious seventeenth-century journal she stole from the college’s archives with her.

Broken physically and emotionally, Emma drifts until, fearing for their daughter’s sanity, her parents invite a family friend to assess her. In the course of their conversation, Emma discovers that he spoke to Matthew over thirty years before.

This finally spurs her into action and soon, when she finds what certainly must be a reference to Matthew in the journal, she begins to understand Matthew’s profound secret.

But when Matthew arrives to confess his love for her, she must decide if she can trust him—and he must decide if he can share his extraordinary secret with her. Drawn by a deep connection that both feel but don’t quite understand they find they must set aside their doubts and trust each other.

Readers will be thrilled by the second installment in The Secret of the Journal from British author C. F. Dunn. Mixing suspense, romance, and the supernatural, Death Be Not Proud explores the profound moral implications of a life seemingly invulnerable to time.

WATCH THE TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YPwiAnZefs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUIaEHeBFvlcwnS_9L0B-5Dw 

 

READ AN EXCERPT HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.F. Dunn runs a specialist dyslexia and autism school in south-east England. She is the author of Mortal Fire, book one of the Secret of the Journal. 

Learn more about her at her website

MY REVIEW

Not all authors can maintain the same momentum they began with when writing a series. However having said that, I believe C.F. Dunn not only maintains that momentum but exceeds it in her second book of the The Secret Journal series, Death Be Not Proud. Powerful and moving, Dunn continues the story of Professor Emma D'Eresby and Matthew Lynes. 

I found myself completely engrossed with this book just as I was with Dunn's first book, Mortal Fire. Many times I found myself holding my breath as I turned to the next page, in anticipation of what would take place next. 

Dunn's characters are strong and intriguing. Her story-line is flawless. She intertwines romance with mystery and suspense leaving her readers wanting more at the end of each story. 

I wait with great anticipation to her third book of this series, "Rope of Sand," and I believe her fans will also, after reading her second book, "Death Be Not Proud."

This review was made possible by Kregel Publications providing me with a free review copy. 

   

 

DEFENDING THE FAITH: Apologetics in Women's Ministry by Mary Jo Sharp

ABOUT THE BOOK

Women want answers!

A busy twenty-first century woman who has not taken the time to think through exactly what she believes about God, even why she believes in God, tends to live as a practical atheist. Today's Christian woman needs the transformation that having a reasoned belief in the reality of God's existence can bring, the intellectual confidence that will empower her to speak boldly on faith issues, with love and self-control.

It's not that women need different or special apologetics arguments; they simply need to be encouraged and instructed in the importance of apologetics in their daily lives. Women who are exposed to apologetics find themselves energized and excited about sharing their faith with family, friends, and coworkers.

Popular apologist Mary Jo Sharp issues a personal challenge for sisters in Christ to approach their faith on an intellectual level, along with a compelling call for women's ministries to help women love God with their minds by incorporating apologetics into their programs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Mary Jo Sharp is director of the nonprofit apologetics ministry Confident Christianity, Inc. She holds an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University and is Assistant Professor of Apologetics at Houston Baptist University. Sharp maintains a rigorous speaking schedule throughout the year.

See more about her at http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com/

MY REVIEW

Proverbs 4:5-9 says,

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her and she will watch over you. The beginning  of wisdom is: Aquire widsom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty (NASB).

Wisdom and understanding are the foundations of apologetics. Without those two important things our growth in our knowledge of God and His wondrous works is greatly stunted. 
 
I was a skeptic for many years and it wasn't until I took some Christian apologetic classes I found reason to stand firm in my faith and was able to convey to those I knew why I am able to stand in my belief.

I believe Mary Jo's book is very timely. She causes the reader to ask searching questions and she points the reader in the right direction to find the answers. Christian apologetics for women is not just necessary but vital in the church and in home. It is generally the mother who nurtures the child until they are of school age, unless she is homeschooling. It isn't enough to tell a child what to believe because that's what mom and dad believe. And unless the woman has a deep understanding of why she believes, she makes a poor witness to her neighbors, coworkers, and even her family. 

This book is one that I will refer to again and again. And I will definitely refer it to my friends and pastors.

This review was made possible by Kregel Publications. They provided me with a free review copy.

 

 

 

TIMES OF TURMOIL: The End Times Saga by Cliff Ball

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this prequel to Times of Trouble and Times of Trial, we follow how the Evans family gained their riches and eventually their power to influence events in the United States. We see important events that the Evans family gets themselves involved in: such as the return of the Israelites to Israel, the assassination of President Kennedy, the terrorism of 9/11, and eventually events that lead to gun control and other types of government tyranny in the United States.

The novel also follows the Atwood family, starting with the Great-Grandfather of Brian, Charles, as he fights in World War Two and ends up helping liberate Buchenwald shortly near the end of the war. Charles returns to the States and gets married to the love of his life, Betty. Eventually, the family ends up in Delaney, Nebraska, where we watch Aaron, the father of Brian, join the Army to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan after 9/11. Later on, we get to see how Brian and Lynda finally get together and get married.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 
Cliff Ball was born in Arizona, but has lived in Texas for most of his life, and currently resides outside of that massive sprawl known as the Metroplex. He became a born again Christian at the age of five, and is a member of his local Baptist church. Cliff is also a Conservative and rejects both National Parties. Cliff has two Bachelor’s of Arts: one in English and the other in History, and a Technical Writing Certificate from the University of North Texas.  Cliff felt the call to be a writer when he was ten years old and first became published in high school in the early 90′s through his Creative Writing class when he won third in a young adult Methodist magazine for a short story he wrote called “Role Reversal.”
 
Even though he wrote a lot during the intervening years, and submitted to various contests such as the Writer’s of the Future and the Star Trek New Wolds contests, Cliff didn’t publish anything again until he went online and it enabled him to self-publish through Kindle in 2008 and subsequently to other platforms later. His first novel was Out of Time, and since 2008, Cliff has published nine novels and two short stories. Cliff’s genres are varied, he has written science fiction/alternate history/time travel, political and End Times thrillers, and even a western short story. His novels are clean reads and can be read by anyone.
 
Cliff’s life verse is from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

MY REVIEW

What can I say, I am a Cliff Ball fan for life. His End Times Saga has entertained me, caused me to think, and look deeper at what is happening around the world and even around my own small place in it.

Times of Turmoil is Cliff's prequel to the End Times Saga. It was real interesting in reading about how his main characters came to be. In reading Times of Turmoil, I gained a much better understanding of how Evans and the Atwoods paths crossed and the reasons for Evans hatred of the Atwoods and all they represented. 

Cliff took many of the historical events, past and present, and wove them through this third book. It certainly makes a person take another look at what is happening around them. 

There is a real force of evil at work in this world. At the same time, there is the real work of God's grace at work. We can look at the Atwood family and can come away with the knowledge that God is Sovereign and nothing happens that He isn't aware of, including the work of the evil one. God's grace and mercy sustains us in these difficult times. 

Many thanks to Cliff Ball for writing this book along with his other works. He made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy.

Keep writing Cliff, and I will keep reading!

  

PREPARED BY GRACE, FOR GRACE: The Puritans on God's Ordinary Way of Leading Sinners to Christ by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

ABOUT THE BOOK

Few teachings of the Puritans have provoked such strong reactions and conflicting interpretations as their views on preparing for saving faith. Many twentieth-century scholars dismissed preparation as a prime example of regression from the Reformed doctrine of grace for a man-centered legalism. In Prepared by Grace, for Grace, Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley make careful analysis of the Puritan understanding of preparatory grace, demonstrate its fundamental continuity with the Reformed tradition, and identify matters where even the Puritans disagreed among themselves. Clearing away the many misconceptions and associated accusations of preparationism, this study is sure to be the standard work on how the Puritans understood the ordinary way God leads sinners to Christ.

Authors  Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Paul M. Smalley is a teacher’s assistant for Dr. Beeke.

MY REVIEW

Prepared by Grace, for Grace is a book that is to be taken in small bites in order to be appreciated. Though I am still reading this book, I am encouraged in the Puritan view of how God leads sinners to Christ Jesus. 

One of the reasons I chose to review this book was because the authors, Beeke and Smalley, include one of my favorite ministers, Jonathan Edwards, in their work. Through he technically wasn't of the Puritan era, his theology closely reflected the Puritans. Having read many of his sermons, today he is still a breath of fresh air in this time of confusion in the church at large. 

In spite of some the differences the various Puritans had, they still maintained that true conversion, those professing of faith in Christ, had evidences of being broken to repentance. That is still how God works today. 

I will write another review when I have finished this book, but in the meantime, I encourage all who want a better understanding of how the Puritans thought and believed about God's grace for the sinners, to get a copy of this book and start reading.

This review was made possible by Cross Focused Media, Cross Focused Reviews, by providing me with a free review copy.

 

EPHESIANS: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ by Sue Edwards

ABOUT THE BOOK

Women need Bible study to keep balanced, focused and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. However, many find it difficult to set aside the time and discipline needed for an in-depth study. The Discover Together studies offer tiered questions to allow readers to choose a depth of study that fits with their individual lifestyles or schedules, even if they vary by the week, month or season.

This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul's church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God's Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code in the book with a smart phone or visit the series website to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week's lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.

GET YOUR COPY HERE! 

JOIN THE ONLINE BIBLE STUDY HERE! 

Just LIKE the page and then follow along. There will be a launch party for Ephesians on April 11th and the online Bible study will begin the following week on April 15th.  
 

Women crave Bible studies that challenge them to grow in their faith. But after balancing carpools, sports schedules, or work deadlines, you may not be able to commit to another evening out of the house. Now you don't have to.  

Whether studying with a small group or by yourself, you know can join popular Bible teacher Sue Edwards on the Year of Discovery. Sue will be leading women through her studies with online chats and discussions on her Facebook page. All year long. Every week. Any time of day. From the comfort of home. Make-up and hair-do optional. Come as you are!  

Each week you will find quotes, links to articles and other resources, and videos to help you as you study. Complete the lessons at your convenience. Then visit Facebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries any time of day to comment or ask questions. Sue will be there frequently to respond, encourage, and equip!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women's Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.  

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT SUE EDWARDS HERE! 

MY REVIEW

When I was studying to obtain my bachelor's degree in Biblical Theology, I had the privilege to sit under many different bible teachers. Some were great, like Dr. Ron Cottle and some were good and a few left me shaking my head. 

I said that to say Sue Edwards is a great teacher. One of the things that make her great is her love for God's written word. When someone is teaching a subject, whether it be the Bible or any other thing, to be a great teacher there much be a passion about that subject as well as knowledge. Sue Edwards shows and expresses that passion with this teaching on Ephesians. Not only does she have a passion for teaching, she also demonstrates a deep knowledge about what she is teaching. Her research in the history of Ephesians, knowledge she has gleaned from commentators and other theologians flows through with this in-depth study. In fact, she used a lot from one of my favorite people, Watchman Nee. ( I have his book, Sit, Walk, Stand, and it is a great study on Ephesians.)

My work schedule is so crazy that it is difficult for me to join studies, so knowing I could do this study at my own pace was a huge comfort to me. Any time I wanted to see and hear Sue all I had to do was go to her website, THE DISCOVER TOGETHER BIBLE STUDY SERIES, and click on the appropriate link or if I had my cell phone close to hand, I could scan the QR codes. That was way cool!

This study is great for individual studying or small groups. Since I am one of those people who wants to learn all I can, going into the "Digging Deeper" sections was not only fulfilling but gave me a deeper understanding of this precious word of God and why He has done so much for me. My little home has memory verses posted throughout, from this study. It's a comfort to know I am seated in the heavenly places with Jesus, spiritually, even though some days I am running all day long at my job.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ is a study I look forward to going through again, hopefully with a couple of friends. I also intend to look into more of Sue Edwards bible studies. I have to say again, she is a great teacher. She definitely has been given the gift of teaching. 

This review was made possible because Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

 





 



 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS! 

POISON: Bloodline Trilogy 2 by Jordyn Redwood

ABOUT THE BOOK

Five years ago, Keelyn Blake’s armed, mentally ill stepfather took her family hostage in their house in rural Colorado. She and her half-sister Raven made it out alive, but others did not. Authorities blamed the father’s frequent hallucinations about a being named Lucent, but in the end, even the best of the FBI’s hostage negotiators failed to overcome the man’s delusions and end the standoff peacefully.

Now, Lucent is back, and he’s no hallucination. In fact, he is a very real person with dangerous motives. He has kidnapped Raven’s daughter, and--Keelyn worries--maybe has hurt Raven as well. Though she is estranged from her sister, Keelyn feels the immediate need to find Raven and save what family she has left. But when others who were involved in that fateful day start dying, some by mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she can emerge unscathed a second time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jordyn Redwood has specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades. She is a member of both the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Christian Fiction Writers association.

JORDYN REDWOOD'S WEBSITE 

MY REVIEW

Since I had read Jordyn's first book of this trilogy, Proof, I had to read the second book, Poison. I was not disappointed. Scary, chilling and absolutely twisted, Poison, kept me spellbound from the first page to the last.

Jordyn's style of writing draws the reader into the story with her strong characters. Her medical knowledge comes through in a way that is easy to understand for any layperson reading her work. She doesn't use terminology without a quick definition that helps the reader to understand what is taking place.

The main characters in this second book are primarily Keelyn, Lee, Nathan and Keeyln's sister, Raven. Though each one of these people are strong, they all have secrets that can and do cause harm. Some of this harm may have a deadly effect. 

Woven throughout the storyline, Jordyn weaves a thread of hope. Keelyn, Lee and Nathan have a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the various circumstances and trials, they all find their faith tested.

This is not a stand-alone novel. I highly recommend reading Proof before delving into this spine-chilling second book. Proof lays the foundation that Jordyn uses to build on to bring us Poison.

I do highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good thriller. I don't know that they get any better than this one. I do know I am avidly awaiting for the third book of this Bloodline Trilogy.

WANT TO READ A CHAPTER? CLICK HERE!

READ A CHAPTER OF PROOF HERE! 

Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy in order to write this review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

BOUND TOGETHER: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices By Chris Brauns

ABOUT THE BOOK

We are not just isolated individuals. Instead, our lives are woven together with others. We have solidarity with other people—the choices one person makes affects the lives of others, for good and for bad.

Because much of the pain we endure in life is in the context of relationships, this truth often strikes us as unfair. Why should a child suffer because of the choices of his parents? And on a grander scale, why do we all suffer the curse of Adam’s sin? Why should anyone be judged for someone else’s sin?
In Bound Together, Chris Brauns unpacks the truth that we are bound to one another and to the whole of creation. He calls this, “the principle of the rope.” Grasping this foundational principle sheds new light on marriage, the dynamics of family relationships, and the reason why everyone lives with the consequences of the sins that others commit. Brauns shows how the principle of the rope is both bad news and good news, revealing a depth to the message of the gospel that many of us have never seen before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Chris Brauns, MDiv, DMin, is the senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, IL. His other books includeUnpacking Forgiveness and When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search. Chris blogs at www.chrisbrauns.com.

MY REVIEW

When I first decided to review this book I wasn't sure what I would find in the book. Sometimes a book description can be a bit misleading and the book really isn't what you thought it would be about. This book, however, is exactly what it says it is. 

You have heard the saying, "giving someone enough rope to hang or save themselves." Pastor Brauns actually shows how the principle of the rope binds each and everyone of us together. 

This is perhaps one of the best books I have ever read explaining and showing biblically how every single person, from the time of Adam and Eve to the end of mankind on this earth is bound together because of original sin; Pastor Brauns also explains how each one of us who have submitted to the cross of Christ are bound with Christ and that tie is greater than the tie of sin and death. He gives us a very clear and deeper understanding of the gospel.

For those who feel whatever they do doesn't affect anyone else, this book will be eyeopening. For those who are alone because of various reasons, this book will show them they really aren't, especially if they are a believer. They are members of the body of Christ, bound to other members and Christ Himself.

This book will change how you view your relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, even with Christ. Written in a conversational style, Pastor Brauns gives us the bad news and the good news about being bound together, the bad news - original sin, the good news - the cross of Christ.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a better understanding of how original sin, mankind and the cross of Christ bind us together. 

Cross Focused Reviews and Zondervan made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy of this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

 

Ephesians Online Bible Study! Launch party 4/11 – RSVP today

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose for Christ.
Join the online Bible study (4/15 - 6/17) with Sue Edwards! And invite your friends to join you.



 Sue will be posting weekly on the Year of Discovery Facebook Page and interacting with groups and individuals around the country going through the study at the same time. Women will be able to discuss the study with each other and ask questions via Facebook. Edwards will launching the Ephesians study with an April 11 Facebook launch party. The online study will begin the following week.  (April 15 – June 17)


Completing each lesson requires about one-and-a-half hours. Readers still receive in-depth Bible study but with a minimum time commitment. For those who desire a more thorough study, including an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and geography related to the Bible, Edwards has provided “Digging Deeper” questions. Answering these questions may require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary or concordance and challenge readers to examine complex theological issues and differing views more closely.


More about the Ephesians study: This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos.




Purchase a copy of Ephesians and join the on-line Bible study today.




If you join the Ephesians Bible Study - add this button to your blog: (just copy the code and paste it into a blog post or your blog sidebar)
“Ephesians” Online Bible Study – JOIN ME!


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THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN By Wendy Alsup

ABOUT THE BOOK

Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of "Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives" and "By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman's Identity". 

 

Find out more about Wendy at www.theologyforwomen.org.

 

MY REVIEW

I am always looking for a good bible study and one in particular that speaks to me, as a woman. So when I had the opportunity to review this particular study, I think I was the first one to say, "Sign me up!"

Wendy Alsup has a wonderful way of writing that doesn't just get her point across but, speaks to the heart of her audience, women. She obviously has a love for her Savior and His Word, because it comes through from page one to the last.

I appreciate her ability to apply tough theological questions that women have wrestled with throughout the ages, to the light of the gospel. Or perhaps I should say, her ability to shine the light of the gospel to those tough theological questions opens up many locked doors that women have been shut behind.

This study was not just refreshing but one that brought about a change in myself in how I view my own position in the kingdom of God, as His daughter and bride. Life is messy and trials and heartbreaks do occur; and maybe I may not be the Proverbs wife as I was first taught so many years ago in church. However, after going through this study I discovered is not what I do or don't do, or how much I struggle to be the "perfect woman," resting in my Savior and His grace, which covers all, I am centered in Him.

This is a study I would recommend for any woman, or man in that matter, who desires to gain a better understanding of what it means to be gospel-centered. 

Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free copy of this book in order to write this review. 

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE! 

MY VERY FIRST EASTER STORY STICKER BOOK by Lois Rock and Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

ABOUT THE BOOK   

Here is a story and activity book containing a complete retelling of the Easter story presented in a simple manner for young children to grasp. The stickers are used first to complete the illustrations in the main story. Then there are extra activities on each page alongside the story--counting, naming, identifying--with stickers for each. All of the stickers are found in the center of the book where they are grouped and numbered according to activity to make it easy for young children to find the right sticker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lois Rock is the Commissioning Editor for Lion Children’s Books, as well as a highly respected and trusted author in her own right, acclaimed in many different countries for her books of prayers, Bible stories, and non-fiction books about the Christian faith.

Lois lives in Oxfordshire, is married and has 3 children, all of whom are now grown up. She enjoys cycling and walking and has helped to lead church children’s groups for many years, an experience that she draws on when writing books for children.  

MY REVIEW

This is a wonderful sticker book about the Easter Story. Alex Ayliffe uses bright colors and simple graphics that catch a child's eye. Lois's story line is a simple retelling of the Easter Story, about Jesus and His death and resurrection. A child will have no trouble staying attentive to the story. 

A child will also enjoy placing the colorful stickers in their respective places. There are easy activities besides the stickers that include simple math questions,identifying objects and more.

This sticker book will give any child a basic understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection as well as countless hours of joy as they reread the Easter Story.

Kregel Publications provided me with a review copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

  

    

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES: Grand Tour Series Book 2 by Lisa T Bergren

ABOUT THE BOOK

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

LINK TO BUY THE BOOK

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. 

Visit her website here: http://lisatawnbergren.com/ 

MY REVIEW 

Continuing the Grand Tour Series, Lisa Bergren takes her readers through France, Austria and Italy with Cora and Will and Cora's siblings. Lisa's ability to not just create scenes of a different time and place with words but bring alive the emotions of her characters in this second book is outstanding.

She stays true to her characters that we got to know in her first book of this series, Glamorous Illusions. In Grave Consequences, Cora becomes stronger in who she is and what she believes through a series of events that have the potential to tear apart the fragile cord that binds her to her siblings. 

This is another excellent novel by Lisa. My heart would cheer on Cora when it came to her relationship with her siblings and with Will. It would weep with her when she would hurt and laugh with her when she braved to leap..... Oh, wait, I can't tell you that part. You will just have to read the book. 

Written from Cora's viewpoint and from Will's viewpoint, the reader really gets a good look and feel for each of their hearts and fears. I really like how Lisa is able to write in this manner. You get a much better understanding of the workings of Cora and Will's mind and heart.   

Full of twists and turns and suspense, not to mention possible romance, Grave Consequences is another great novel that leaves you excited to read the third book in this wonderful series.

Litfuse Publicity Group made this review possible by providing me with a free copy for the purpose of writing this review. 

  
READ MORE REVIEWS HERE! 

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.