When I Fall Please Grab My Hand by Christine Z. DeWitte

This is a review long over due, but, I hope you won't be disappointed. When I Fall Please Grab My Hand is a book that was written for me. At least I think so. After you read it, you may think it was written just for you!

Eighty-nine days of a simple, child-like look at the word of God and His love, this book moved my heart and spirit, filling me with the joy of His love and grace. 

I was more than appreciative of the way Christine presented each day with her heart open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. At the end of each day she leaves a place on the page where I could write down the one thing I could commit to the Lord. Just one thing. Sometimes we get so caught up with trying to commit so much to Him that we become lost in all we see wrong with ourselves and the world around us. Many times I have called out to my Savior to grab my hand when I fall down.

Christine reminds us that Jesus will do the work in us in a simple, unhurried fashion. Just as we live our lives one day at a time, if we commit one thing to Him one day at a time, He will finish the work in us that He has begun.

Through her own trials, Christine pours her heart into the Lord and those around her, being light and salt, dispelling the darkness and causing others to thirst for the relationship she has with her Savior.

In using humor, personal examples and baring her heart, Christine has written a book filled with lessons that lead, prod, and pull each reader closer to a child-like faith and walk with the Living Lord.

I would most definitely recommend this book to every one I know. I was able to review this book through the generosity of Christine DeWitte who provided the book for the purpose of review.

About Christine DeWitte:

Chrissy DeWitte has been married for 20 years, and has two grown children and two grandchildren. Although Chrissy accepted Christ when she was 24, it was not until 17 years ago that she began to attend a Bible believing church. To view her webpage go to: http://whenifallpleasegrabmyhand.com/.
Chrissy's pastor likes to joke that he had no idea how God would use this lady with big hair and a big laugh when she came to their church!

Over these past 17 years, learning and applying the Bible to everyday situations has transformed her life! She has learned through life's imperfections, divorces, deaths, challenges, mistakes and victories, that the Lords joy can always be present when we seek His will.

She has served in the USAF and went on to be a financial counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling and then as a civil servant for the military. She now works full time for her husband and also does bookkeeping for contractors. Chrissy teaches a weekly ladies Bible Study and is very involved in serving the Lord at her church.

Win a Nook Tablet and RSVP for FaceBook Party!

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}! Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen and Kindle Fire Giveaway

A Little About The Book, THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL:

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.

As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?

Here is some information about the author, Julie Klassen:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

Want to buy the book? Click here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170


My Review:

This is the first time I have ever read one of Julie Klassen's books, so I was pleased with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. 

Julie's characters are strong without being overwhelming. Her plot was solid and I was easily caught up in the story. Using just the right amount of details and historical background, I could "see" Margaret and her fellow servants in Fairbourne Hall. 

I enjoyed how at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the book, Julie used various quotes from Jane Austin (one of my favorite authors) and various sources that were apropos to the time of the story. One of my favorite quotes she used was:

"A good character is valuable to everyone, but especially to servants. For it is their bread and butter and without it they cannot be admitted into a creditable family, and happy it is that the best of characters is in everyone's power to deserve."    [pg 86]

In following the story, I watched a spoiled girl in a bad situation change into someone who was deserving of a good character. I found myself cheering Margaret on when she was faced with difficult situations in her new position as a maid. 

Filled with danger and romance, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, opened to doors to the belowstairs world of a 19th century English manor. Julie wrote a wonderful book that kept me intrigued and hopeful and rooting for Margaret. 

Julie Klassen is a fine writer and I will be looking forward to more of her work. If you are looking for a book similar to Jane Austin's style, then you definitely won't be disappointed in Julie Klassen and her work.

This book was provided free to me for the purpose of review through Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House.  

CONTEST INFORMATION!

Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.

One fortunate winner will receive:

*A brand new Kindle Fire

*A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14. Winner will be announced at Julie's "Fairbourne Hall" Facebook Party on 3/15 . Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek at her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack!

So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456522/julieklassen

 

EMBRACED BY GOD by Babbie Mason

[About the book]

Have you ever wondered, "Does God really love me? Do I really matter to him?"

HE LOVES YOU.

As a matter of fact, God loves you just as much as he loves His own Son.

In the pages of this heartwarming, thoughtful and life-affirming 21-day journey, award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and teacher Babbie Mason reminds you, when you know you are loved by God and that you are in His eternal plan, you’ll never again wonder if your life matters.

[About Babbie Mason]

Babbie Mason is a Dove Award-winning and Grammy nominated gospel singer, songwriter, author, creator of the Embrace: A Worship Event for Women ministry, professor of songwriting at Atlanta Christian College and Lee University, and a television talk-show host. She was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs. Babbie has been honored perform for Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell, Steve Forbes among many others. Babbie performs a holiday special at Carnegie Hall every year. Babbie lives near Atlanta on a farm with her husband Charles. 

[Link to buy the book] http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?id=141&pageid=677  

[About the Giveaway and Party]

Embraced by God is a 21-day encounter that shares the unconditional love of God. "If you watch what the media says as to where we should find our identity--" says Babbie, "--money, beauty, power and technology--you'll just be confused about who you are and what your purpose is. As a culture we are trying to buy or sell what can only be administered to the soul by Jesus."

Celebrate with Babbie by entering her Nook Tablet Giveaway!

 

One beloved winner will receive:

• A Brand new Nook Tablet with Wi-Fi
• Embraced by God by Babbie Mason
• Babbie's Embraced by God Music CD
• Babbie's Embraced by God Notecards

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/5/12. Winner will be announced at Babbie's "Embraced" Facebook Party on 3/6

. Babbie will be hosting an evening of chat, music, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, Embraced by God music CDs and Notecards, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club.) 

 

So grab your copy of Embraced by God and join Babbie and friends on the evening of March 6th for an evening of fun.

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun! RSVP today and tell your friends via Facebook or Twitter and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

[My Review]

Embraced by God: Celebrating Who and Whose You Are is a 21 day devotional. There are seven themes that are broken down into three days. Each theme covers a specific subject: God's Passion for You is Unconditional, God's Picture of You is Beautiful, God's Presence in You is Perpetual, God's Provision for You is Immeasurable, God's Plan for You is Exceptional, God's Power in You is Accessible, God's Promise in You is Incomparable, and then The encore: A Legacy of Love.

I don't know which theme or day was my favorite. I loved it all. Just reading about how much God loves me and thinks I'm beautiful and His favorite... I was overcome. Sometimes we women need to hear from our Heavenly Father those very things and Babbie has certainly been His voice to our eyes and ears and hearts.

Each day ends with an Embrace. Here I had the opportunity to pray about what I read, think about what He was saying to me, and read a scripture about the particular topic that was covered. I also was encouraged to apply it to my life.

Embrace by God is a wonderful devotion for women of all ages. Though there really isn't anything new being said here, Babbie has brought the love of the Father for His daughter forth in a clear, warm, embracing manner.

This is one devotional I will truly recommend to any woman I know who is looking for one that will bring encouragement to her heart and soul.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publishing for the purpose of review. I am not under any obligation to present a positive review.

 

  

Reasons for Hope: In the Mosaic of Your Life by Carl Kerby

An interview with Carl Kerby, author of

Reasons for Hope in the Mosaic of Your Life

“The two most important pieces of information I will take away from this book: stay bold and be prepared to give a defense of your faith. This book will inspire Christians to do just that. Your story, from your checkered childhood to your resistance to God’s path for you, is a strong reminder that God has a plan for us all. Your explanation of how the Bible fits into the modern-day world, tackling issues such as evolution and race, is crucial to today’s Christian.”

~ Rich “Ace” Franklin, three-time UFC MMA Champ

Life is often not picture-perfect, and difficult times can make it hard to see a plan or purpose for our lives. In this inspiring story of one man’s journey, you will learn to see life from a different perspective. No matter what your circumstances, God can gather up the broken pieces and random elements of your life and form them into a beautiful mosaic—making you a useful vessel for His glory.

Questions and Answers with Carl Kerby

Q: In what ways are our lives like mosaics?

To me, a mosaic is a fitting illustration of the way God can take the broken pieces of our lives and create something beautiful from them. My life has been filled with boulders and broken stones. Yet God, in His grace, has put those stones together in a mosaic to make me into a useful vessel for His glory.

I once saw a large mosaic but was too close to understand the design, so I backed up to get a better view. Just as the mosaic picture didn’t make sense until I got a broader perspective, I had to do the same thing with the struggles I’ve encountered. As I look back over my life from a different perspective, I can see why God has allowed me to undergo some of the challenges I’ve had.

I also realized that the more broken pieces in the mosaic, the more beautiful the picture and the greater its value. The more we’ve gone through, the more amazing the picture our lives can be when we have God’s perspective.

Q: How can Christians use the mosaic of their life to bring hope to others? 

People are often encouraged by my story, when they realize that God can use anyone to do His work—even the messed-up son of a professional wrestler who ended up earning his livelihood as an air-traffic controller and then a public creation speaker. Growing up I struggled with a lot of things other people do: an absentee father, my parents’ divorce, alcohol and drugs, run-ins with the law, even being homeless at one point.

No matter our background, we can all share our own life stories, our mosaic, to tell others how God has taken the broken pieces of our life and made something beautiful and valuable. Those rocky areas in our life can be steppingstones for sharing the love of Christ with others.

Q: You address the topic of racism in Reasons for Hope. Why was that issue important to include?

Sadly, evolutionary teaching promotes the idea that people are divided into different “races” with some “races” better than others, leading to all sorts of prejudice, hatred, and bloodshed. I know I was wrong in my racist attitudes when I was young, and many still believe the same way I did. That’s why I take such a strong stand on this issue today.

Ultimately, the issue of racism comes down to this: where did humans come from? When you reject what the Bible says about man’s origin, you will end up with all kinds of wrong beliefs. But biblically and scientifically, there is only one race of people—Homo sapiens—all made in the image of God. So we need to abandon the term “races” and instead talk about “cultures” or “people groups.”

We have to teach people the truth about racism, but what bothers me the most is that the church has dropped the ball on this issue. In fact, the church (in some instances) is one of the last bastions of racism and prejudice in America. And if we, as Christians, cannot grasp the need to eradicate racism, how can we expect the world to do that?

Carl Kerby's Bio...

Carl’s passion is to proclaim the authority and accuracy of the Bible and to engage the minds and hearts of believers and unbelievers in today’s culture so that they may experience the realities of the Word of God.

This happens whenever Carl speaks. Whether he speaks to youth or adults, large or small crowds, churches or schools, Carl has a way of connecting with almost everybody; and that is one of the reasons he is a much sought-after speaker both in the United States and abroad.  He has spoken in Bermuda, Canada, England, Greece, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico the Philippines and Wales just to name a few.

Carl was a founding Board Member of Answers in Genesis for 10 years and served there for over 15 years before stepping out in faith to become President and Founder of Reasons for Hope.

Though Carl has played many roles in his life, (son of a professional wrestler, air-traffic controller at O’Hare International Airport, Founding Board member and widely known speaker for Answers in Genesis), his most cherished accomplishment is his marriage to his wife, Masami, for over 28 years, and his role as a father to his daughter, Alisa, and his son, Carl, Jr., and grandfather to his grandchildren, Trey and those he’ll meet in 2012.

Carl's website

 

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading Reasons for Hope. I found Carl's writing style easy to follow, clear and direct. One of my favorite parts of the book is found on pages 28 and 29. Here he is talking about when the Hebrew children were crossing the river Jordan. (Joshua 3:15-17)

...As a reminder to the current and future generations of what a great thing God had done for His people, God commanded Joshua to build a memorial. Twelve men (one from each tribe) went to the riverbed, and each removed one stone. They carried these stones to where they camped on the western side of the Jordan and piled them up as a memorial.... The stone memorial on the riverbank testified to His faithfulness and served as a reminder to them and future generations that only God is their deliverer and their source of strength. The stones "cry out" the message to every generation that God is steadfast in His promises to deliver and bless His people.

Reading how God had His hand on Carl was insightful. I caused me to stop and look at how God has kept His hand on my own life even when I didn't realize it.

Being familiar with Answers In Genesis, I hadn't realized how close he worked with Ken Hamm and the organization. That was quite informative, especially since it caused Carl to step out of his comfort zone and begin public speaking.

A well written book, Reasons for Hope, is one I would chose to read again and recommend to those who may be struggling to find hope in their lives. Carl does a wonderful job in pointing his readers to our Great Hope, Christ Jesus. He also gives great arguments in why we should place our hope in the one true God, Jesus Christ.

This book was provided for review purposes by The B and B Media Group, Inc. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.