Synced Book Review and Tour (LitFuse)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

Are you living a synced life, connected to the heart of Jesus the same way He lived synced to the Father? Get ready to be challenged in Jennifer Kennedy Dean's new book, Synced. What was the secret to Jesus’ life of power? How do we see His life of power emanating from His life of prayer? How do we see Jesus walking in a flow of power as He found Himself in the right place at the right time with the right resources? See what the Scripture has to show us about living connected to the heart of Jesus, and hear from present-day believers who have experienced the power of living synced.

Join Jennifer in celebrating the release of Synced with a blog tour and a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Synced
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on March 25th. The winner will be announced March 28th on Jennifer's blog.

My Review

I read Synced by Jennifer Kennedy Dean,  in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book teaches us how to sync into Jesus just like he was to his father. Jesus's focus was on fulfilling the father's will. He didn't do anything, which took away from his purpose. Jesuss "made a choice to surrender", even at the cross.

The book said man has natural desires in our heart, but we should still submit to the will of the father. One way Jesus stayed synced to the Father was in prayer. Jesus prayed alone and he prayed in public. He welcomed others to pray with him, even during his final moments. Jesus also taught others how to pray. Jesus lived a prayerful life. He didn't pray only during the bad times or when it was convenient. The author provides some good information about how to pray and how to live a praying life.

Next, Jesus was also obedient without any hesistation. There has been plenty of times, where I strugged to be obedient. The flesh won over the spirit many times and I regreted it.

The book was an excellent read.


You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format.

500 Hats of a Modern Day Woman by Joyce Ellis Book Review (Litfuse)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About the book (From Litfuse)

In The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you'll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles-and gain insight into the roles of women around you. With honesty, humor, and practicality, Joyce Ellis helps you see how your roles can fit together to make a difference in your world. Questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter make this book suitable for book clubs and small-group Bible studies as well.

About the Author:

Joyce K. Ellis, award-winning author of more than a dozen books, speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country and internationally. She and her husband enjoy reading by lakes and rivers and oceans, and spending time with their grown children and delightful, too-quickly-growing grandchildren. They live in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota.

My Review

I received 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman: Strength for Today's Demanding Role in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I received a PDF copy of the book. I wanted to read the book because we, as women, wear different hats or roles.

For example, I am a:

• Mother and caregiver
• Daughter
• Sister
• Blogger
• Student Journalist
• Friend
• Confidant
• Woman practicing celibacy
• Crazy woman
• soon to be divorced woman

I have many roles. Some I like. Some I love. Some I disdain. Some I despise. Yet, I still have to take time out and teach the kids something. Take those precious minutes and take a long shower. Read Kalen a page out of  whatever book he brings me. Make sure to give Brad his meds. Wake up in the morning to make sure Brad gets up for school.

I liked the chapter about marriage. Sometimes women get married and don't have a clue what they are getting into. I definitely had no clue. I didn't like being married. Wasn't sure if it was for me. It lost its appeal quickly. We lasted through one session of pre-marital counseling. I was not comfortable telling another human being my problems, especially when the pastor/counselor was my ex's uncle. I am a natural introvert and counseling was painful for me.

Ellis discussed instead of competing with her husband for time and whatever else, she cooperated and helped him along. For example, she said she was not a fan of football. Could not understand her husband's obsession. Then, she decided to cooperate with his interests. She watched games with him. She bought t-shirts for both of them. He also started learning to accommodate her interests. Steve would gather up the kids after church, while Ellis sung in the choir for second service.

Then Ellis discussed one of my biggest joys, biggest frustrations, motherhood. I have another level: special needs motherhood. I never imagined I would have kids, let alone special needs kids. Many night (and days), I wonder why God blessed me with special needs kids. I lack patience. I'm slightly off. I'm anal when it comes to certain things. I don't always like to talk to myself because my kids don't comprehend the words.I definitely was not expecting a 13 year old and a two year old in the same year lol. Some of my latest blessings and let downs included;

1. Kalen learned to say the word NO
2. Kalen learned how to move a chair to get what he wants, including climbing on top of the freezer.
3. Kalen kicked me in the eye last night, while sleep, knocking off my glasses
4. Brad tosses his diapers wherever, instead of the trash bags or diaper pail. 
5. Brad has not had any complaints from school in a few weeks. 

Ellis said mothers need God. We can't do it alone. We need to seek him. Seek out his wisdom. Set limits. Write things down in the calendar (because I will forget).

At the end of each chapter, Ellis provides websites and books for future reference. She also presents discussion questions for personal or small group bible study. What sets the discussion questions apart is many refer back to the bible. Read a verse, then answer the question. I also like the thoughts to ponder. 

99 stories from the bible (Kregel Blog Tours)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

I read 99 Stories from the Bible, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was published by Candle Books.The book was written by Juliet David and illustrated by Elina Ellis.

I wanted to review the book for my sons and great niece. Every now and then, I choose a book, which would be perfect for them, versus me. Nothing is more perfect than a book of bible stories.


The stories in the book are one to two pages each. The stories are presented in a simple manner. Each page also does not contain too many words. Just enough to read for a few minutes. If your kids are still attentive, you can read another one.

Next, the graphics in the book is excellent. Ellis did an excellent job illustrating the stories.

Third, 99 stories starts with The Creation and ends with the future return of Christ. The book also discusses the crucifixion without being too graphic. Jesus was sent to die. Nothing more, nothing less. Two pages later, Jesus died. 1 page later, Jesus was buried. At the end, Jesus will return one day.

Finally, the book is padded,which means my youngest can't rip the cover off.

The book is a great read. It is available on Amazon in hardcover only. The book is prime eligible.

Return to Me Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway (Litfuse)

I read Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles Book #1), in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Lynn Austin and published by Bethany House. I received a paperback copy of the book. This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.

About the Book:(provided from Media Kit)

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose toleave everything toreturn---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

About the Author: (From Media Kit)

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Review:

One of the reasons I chose the book was because of the description. The book is also based in biblical times. The book starts off with Daniel, 82 years old, been summoned to the palace by Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar to help determine the meaning of mysterious writing on the wall. The grandson summoned all of the mystical people, but had no success. This sounds similar in the bible, when Nebuchadnezzar summoned Daniel to translate a dream or was it Pharoah and Joseph. Babylon was falling quickly and people needed to change their ways. 

The book then moves into Iddo, a priest,  and his wife, Dinah. Something has happened in the city and a death has occurred. God's hand is in the midst of the crisis. Babylon is falling and no one is safe. The Jews have a desire to move back into the promised land. 70 years of exile is almost up. Some people's faith is shattered because of the long wait. Some have turned to false gods and astrology for answers, instead of God. 

The book was well-written and moved at a decent speed. It combines biblical history with fiction, similar to the Left Behind series  by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. or the Babylon Rising series by Tim LaHaye and his co-authors. 

Giveaway (from media kit):

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, 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 22nd!

Aubrey Bunny Book Review (Flyby Blog Promotions)

I read Audrey Bunny in exchange for review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. The book was written by Angie Smith and illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. The book was published by  BH Publishing. I received a hardback copy of the book. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.

About the book:

Audrey Bunny feels she won't be as loved with imperfections. She eventually learns God loves everyone, including Audrey. 

About the author:

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith, the lead singer of Selah. She is also the author of Mended, I will Carry You, and What Women Fear. Angie holds a Masters in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University. She currently lives with her husband and kids in Tennessee.

My Review:

The book starts out with Audrey sitting in a barrel full of other toys in a toy store, waiting to be bought and played with. She wants to be perfect for a little girl or boy, but she keeps getting overlooked.

How many times have we tried to be perfect for someone, only to be overlooked because of a perceived imperfection? Maybe we changed our behavior and attitudes to impress someone, who was simply not interested.

Audrey was imperfect, but being imperfect does not mean she does not deserve love. We all have imperfections and flaws. We deserve love. Audrey thought if she kept her imperfections hidden, then the little girl, Caroline, would love her because Audrey would be considered perfect. She thought if Caroline saw her imperfection, she would be returned to the store. What happens next..Read the book.

At the end of the book, there is a parent connection, a mini bible study using Psalms 119:73.

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands (Biblegateway.com)

There is a reading, then questions, followed by action. This was a quick read. The book was well-written and had beautiful images. 

Social Media:

BH Publishing
Youtube
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
BH Publishing on Pinterest

Get back up. trusting God when Life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht

I read Get Back Up: Trusting God when life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book is available in Kindle and Print Editions. This book is geared towards women primarily. I chose this book because I need to rely on God more during tough situations, instead of relying on myself. I don't trust a lot of people with my problems, issues, and concerns because I don't think they will keep it secret or they will use it against me. By the time, most people find out about something, I have already went through it and learning from it.

My review of the book:

I do like how the book gives chapter summaries before starting into the book. I am one of those folks, who sometimes starts a non-fiction book on a specific chapter before reading the rest. I want to know how a particular topic can apply to me right now. How do I resolve a specific problem I am dealing with now? Some of the topics included in the book are letting go of grudges; responding to God's invitation; finding your true identity; isolation, flexibility; dealing with death; and finding balance.

Some things I learned from reading the book:

• Casualties, mistakes, and accidents are apart of life. Each time something happens, you can learn from it. You also can know what not to do, if and when it occurs again. I had a miscarriage in 2005. I was hurt, isolated, and devastated. My body was rejecting the baby (fibroids, herpes outbreaks, and stress). I lost the baby four months later. I never wanted to experience that type of pain again. In 2009, once again, I am in the same situation, but I approached it a little differently. I still was in mental and physical pain, but I made some serious changes. I deleted phone numbers. I stopped having sex as much. Eventually, I became celibate a year later. I found out I was pregnant in 2010. I did not want another miscarriage, so I started eating healthier. I started cooking more foods. I also did not tell too many people to reduce stress. I also tied my tubes in 2011. I did not want more kids, but I also never wanted another miscarriage again. I fell, but got stronger as time went by. 
• When you fall down, get back up again. Whether it's addiction, depression, despair, destruction, etc. Learn from it and get back up. God will help us through the good and the bad. He is waiting for us to call on him and ask for his help. 
• Man is flawed. Man can not always help you through your problems, let alone fix your problems. We can not rely on man alone. We need to rely more on God. 
• Our sins (mine and yours) are not too much for God to handle. 

Sheryl also added personal experiences to her book. She talked about getting into trouble as a youth. She discussed her drug addiction.  She discussed getting rejected by a boy, she liked, at the school dance. She talked about falling deep, wanting God's help, but still wanted her own way as well (I been there lots of times.).