Dear Daughters

Dear Daughters by Susie Davis is a title I am tucking away to gift to my daughter.  It is a mom's look at life - what really matters in life - by writing letters to her daughters.  What hit me is that this doesn't have to be for your physical daughters - it could be for "daughters" you have mentored in your life.  It's just Godly wisdom that anyone could read and benefit from.  The topics range from Life's Purpose to Loving your Body to Living Wholeheartedly.  They are just wonderful tidbits of wisdom all tied up nicely in an adorable gift book.


Here is what the publisher says:

About the book:

Do you sometimes wonder what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? Do you wish you could find someone a little older who is walking just a few steps ahead who would give you some wisdom and remind you that God is still in control and that everything is going to be okay? Would you like a mentor in your life?

Susie Davis understands the importance of having and being a mentor. In Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation, she will help you:

• Understand God’s will for your life
• Listen to God’s voice through your daily circumstances
• Find contentment and peace right where you are
• Foster friendship and deep connection with other women

No matter your season of life, Susie invites you to join her in pondering things that matter most. And she gently reassures you that you are not alone and that God is still in control.

“Susie Davis invites us into her own story with grace and hospitality, tenderness and courage. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by fear, you’ll be so thankful for the way Susie takes you by the hand and leads you to a better way of living.”

─Shauna Niequist, author of Bread and Wine

Beloved - 365 Devotions for Young Women

Beloved is a new devotional tool for young women.  I found this to be an excellent resource.  It's not too long for short attention spans, it focuses on scripture, and it gives lots of room for thinking and contemplating over the passages.  Every day is spent around a verse or two and it is tied into applicable things in the life of teen girl.  I think it's a great tool - and one that could be used over and over, even if you did choose to write in the book itself.

Scriptures are quoted from the NIV.



*I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog.

Prepare Him Room

As a mom who is a librarian, one of my strengths would be introducing my kids to books.  :)  And every Christmas season, I pulled out the stops - everyday we would read a Christmas book and share the fun together!  But I also loved sharing Advent with my kids.  And I was always on the lookout for new and fun advent books/ideas.  I was asked to review, Prepare Him Room, this fall and am thrilled to share that this is a great one! 

This is one of the best laid-out Advent books I've seen.  It tells you exactly what you need to lead your family each day all the way down to songs to sing.  It is clearly an Advent book that anyone could take and read and put into action....no teaching background required!  And what I loved is that there are some new, clever ideas - and that's big coming from me - we've used A LOT of Advent books over the years!  Enjoy the Christmas season with your family - and start some new traditions this year!

 **I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

Sacred Rest

Sacred Rest - Recover your Life, Renew your Energy, Restore your Sanity - If that doesn't catch your interest, I'm not sure what else will.  This describes most of lives.  We long for energy, restoring sanity, etc.  Saundra Dalton-Smith has written this book that will be a tool many of us can go to again and again.  Dalton-Smith is a doctor and in her practice she has seen seven different types of rest she has found lacking in her patients.  She goes through those and shows how and why they are missing and then gives ways to regain them in our lives.  She uses scripture to bring us back to our Creator and point us to His best for us. 

I thought this book had some great suggestions and ideas for us as we try to make time for more rest in our lives.  I think I will need to re-read it to glean all it has for us in potential, but I was encouraged after my first read through.  I believe she knows what she is talking about!  This book will help you find rest, set boundaries, and seek the sanctuary of our Savior....it's THAT good!



*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

A Woman Overwhelmed

I read the back of the book, "Are you overwhelmed?  Did you know that you were made to be overwhelmed?"  And thought, "Well, I DON'T need that!!!"  But I'm glad I read further.  DiMarco goes on to share that you aren't made to be overwhelmed by the world, but by God!  AMEN!  And what an honor - to be filled to the brim, overwhelmed - by our BIG God.  Hayley DiMarco's book, A Woman Overwhelmed, is such an encouragement with something so many women face.  We are overwhelmed by life in general and we can take that, empty ourselves of it, and let God fill it with Him.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it is funny but yet also full of strong truths.  "For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of "me" and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing."

**I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

A Small Book About A Big Problem

Edward Welch is a master - a master of taking something so big, so meaty - and making it so simple.  His latest book, A Small Book About A BIG Problem, is just that.  It deals with anger - a problem that so many of us struggle with.  His reason is simple, "Anger leaves its mark."  We need to deal with it and take time to make these readings sink in.  Anger hurts us all - and we can make that change in our lives to battle it.  What is the opposite of anger?  "Wisdom," Welch states.  So I hope I am not alone in this, but I need more wisdom and less anger.

This book has 50 short readings on anger.  Welch encourages us to read only one a day - really chew on it - share it with others so you can challenge yourself and others.

I really can't say enough good about this one - it IS worth your 50 days!


**I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog

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Unsinkable Faith

Tracie Miles' Unsinkable Faith is a read that challenged me on many levels.  We struggle with taking negative thoughts captive - that is just truth.  Miles explores this in her book and gives real examples of how to let positivity rule instead of negative thoughts.  She shows through real women's lives how choosing positivity can change your mind and renew your thoughts.

Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you to:

-Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;

-Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;

-Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;

-Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; and

-Discover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

About the author:

Tracie Miles is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and a bestselling author who's spent the last twelve years inspiring women to become who God called them to be. She's the author of "Your Life Still Counts" and "Stressed-Less Living," and a contributor to Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotions.

Find out more about Tracie at http://traciemiles.com.

To see what others are saying about this book, visit the blog tour page.

Have negative thought patterns overtaken your life and shaken your faith? Learn how to anchor your heart in God despite what storms roll in in Tracie Miles' new book, Unsinkable Faith. Each chapter explores Tracie's and other women's personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds. Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life.

Join Tracie and other readers on April 25th for a fun Facebook Live event and the Anchored in Faith Prize Pack Giveaway (details below)!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Unsinkable Faith
• Two pillows
• Desk decor
• A journal
• An anchor necklace
• A nautical scarf

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 25. The winner will be announced at the Unsinkable Faith Facebook Live event. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and others searching for unsinkable faith, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 25th!

**I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Control Girl

What caught me right off on the cover of this book was the title - The Control Girl:  Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible.  Control is a burden - that's what it says - a burden.  Do you think of control as a burden?  If you don't or even if you'd just like to know more, Shannon Popkin's book will challenge you on the topic.  By studying the lives of Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, and Miriam, you can see how much of a burden the need for control can be.  As women, we weren't meant to carry the need for control and Popkin shows how it's selfish and self-protective and it can ruin lives and steal the joy you were meant to have.  I loved the humor Popkin uses to make her point....sometimes I caught myself chuckling out loud!  The book is easy to read, with short chapters that drive the points home.  There are so many ways to apply the challenges to your own life too - the book is practical and applicable.


*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

The Ology

I want you to be aware of a book that crossed my path this week that I think is quite a find!  The Ology is a book that focuses on theology - and shares it in a way that is both understandable to younger children and shared in a fun way.  The book begins with two young children finding a secret doorway in the bottom of a cathedral and upon entering, they find a book called The Ology.  Thus begins chapters that focus on many different truths we find in the Bible told in bite-able chapters.

The publisher says, "Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are on display and easier to understand. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together."

I strongly feel even adults will benefit from the easily-understandable theology presented here.  This isn't a children's book - it's one all families could benefit from reading together. 

When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette

Want to challenge your spiritual life a bit?  Then I'd say to pick up Max Davis' When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette and let the words sink in.  Davis uses real-life encounters and true stories to show how we can draw near to God in the most unexpected ways.  He shows how Jesus is alive and well and STILL doing supernatural things through his in depth look at scripture and life stories.  I am not sure how you can read this and not come away with new eyes to see Christ moving all around you.  He starts off in the first chapter introducing us to the Green-Eyed Brunette who changed his life with her story.  As Davis states, "It's a book about how real He really is and how allowing Jesus to live through us impacts our circumstances and the people around us."

 

*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher in return for an honest review on my blog.

Waiting for Wonder

Waiting is hard - no two ways about it - I can't think of many who enjoy waiting.  And for good reasons.....because waiting is not easy....we can begin to lose hope if the waiting continues too long as well.  I think that is why I so enjoyed Marlo Schalesky's book, Waiting for Wonder.  She shows, through the life of Sarah in the Bible, how waiting can also bring joy and blessing.  There can be wonder in waiting and Schalesky brilliantly points this out to her readers.  The book is well-written and easy to read and FULL of scripture through story.  I was encouraged and challenged through this book...I WILL be recommending it!


*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Getaway with God

Do you long to getaway and spend time with God in quiet and alone?  I think we all do - but how in the world can one make that happen in the world in which we live?  Letitia Suk's Getaway with God shows you exactly how to make that happen - from taking a short break to a weeklong retreat.  She is practical and tries to keep budget in mind as well as busy families.  She explains all different kinds of retreats and how each might be best for you.  I thought this book was genius - much-needed in our fast-paced world.  You can glean from all of her research and study and plan a getaway with God that will be just right for you.


*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Pray A to Z

There is not ONE THING I don't love about this little book!  Pray A to Z by Amelia Rhodes is a fabulous resource for Believers as we attempt to find new ways to pray intentionally.  In Pray A to Z, Rhodes gives us a practical guide for praying for our communities.  Each letter of the alphabet has a few different words that start with that letter that remind us how to pray for the area in which we live.  So, for example, A has entries on Adoption, Abuse, Alcoholism, Abundance, Almighty.  She adds short thoughts on each and a prayer.  I love the whole idea - how to pray for those around us in a strategic fashion and possibly in ways you've never considered before.  Let's use it a guide and take off from there praying for our neighbors!



**I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Experiencing God through His Names

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written a book that will help grow and challenge your faith.  Experiencing God through His Names is a great book that is set up with each chapter being a different name of God.  Giesbrecht uses scripture and everyday life to challenge the reader to go deeper with God by experiencing His names and claiming what they mean to us as Believers.  The chapters are short and easy to digest.  I could see myself going through this short title every year to remind myself of who God is.  This was a great reminder and encouragement to me - would make an excellent gift for a friend as well!



*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Refresh: Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Sometimes we just need to be encouraged and that is exactly what this book did for me.  Parenting isn't easy to start with, but throw in a child with special needs and those challenges can be overwhelming.  We are going through this in our very own home as we speak...nothing easy about this task that we are called to.  But a breath of fresh air came to me in the form of Kimberly Drew and Jocelyn Green's book Refresh.  It is a compilation of stories about parenting children who have all forms of special needs....the challenges, the joys, and so much more.  It is one of those books that you need to devour slowly and process but I was encouraged over and over through the words of many who have gone before me on this journey.  If you need encouragement today - don't miss this book.



*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

The 10 Myths of Teen Dating

When your kids reach the dating ages, it can be scary!  I am always looking for books that can help guide me as a parent as our kids enter these years.  Daniel and Jacquelyn Anderson's book, The 10 Myths of Teen Dating: Truths Your Daughter Needs to Know to Date Smart, Avoid Disaster, and Protect Her Future is JUST THAT BOOK!

Daniel Anderson and his daughter, Jacquelyn, have co-authored a guidebook for parents as their daughters (and sons) enter the dating world.  I did add sons on there - as I think much of the information would be relevant for boys - but it is very much geared to daughters.  The book is easy to read and well laid-out.  I thought it was a fast read but also one I will go back to over and over as my daughter gets closer.  You can learn more by visiting their website.

Daniel Anderson is a former college All-American basketball player, an expert educator, and a father of two grown daughters and a son. As a veteran high school teacher in the public school system, Daniel was troubled by how his students approached dating and relationships. He and his daughter, Jacquelyn Anderson---a twenty something and also a high school teacher---decided to address this need by equipping parents with The 10 Myths of Teen Dating, their first book together. Daniel and Jacquelyn both make their home in Portland, Oregon.

*I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog.  You can read other blogger's reviews HERE.

If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy

So when I typed this title in for my post, I had to chuckle.  I wondered if I should just leave it at that or go ahead with my post!?!?  Let's be honest, as wives you've thought it.  It's human nature to feel like it's not my fault and pass the blame on someone else. I think that's why this book resonated with me on such a deep level.  I know the truth - I just sometimes need to re-hear it.

Rhonda Stoppe has written If My Husband Would Change, I'd be Happy...& Other Myths Wives Believe.  I have read and re-read parts of this book already because Rhonda's message is truth.  We, as wives, have expectations of what it will take to make us happy but they are only that - unrealistic expectations and not truth.  They are myths and Rhonda's mission is to change those myths into reasons to rekindle that love that was there on our wedding day.  I highly recommend this biblically-centered, challenging but rewarding read. 

Visit Rhonda's Website to learn more about her and her mission.


*I was sent a copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

The Life We Never Expected

You know when you pick up a book and plan to read it and get one to two things out of it....and then you come away with a MILLION!?!!?  That is totally this book!  Andrew and Rachel Wilson have written The Life We Never Expected, and it is a book I plan to read over and over.  This couple KNOWS the struggle of raising not one, but two children with special needs.  Their story isn't pretty - they don't sugarcoat - but they are real and give the ultimate advice over and over - you just need to take it to God.  I love how the book is arranged - in cycles of a lifetime - and how to navigate them.  As a parent to a child with special needs, I cried with them AND I was encouraged.  They get it and they point me to Christ - who is ultimately the only One who can give the rest and strength.  I would highly recommend this book!


*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Unashamed: Healing our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame

Do you need to give yourself some breathing room?  Maybe cut yourself some extra grace?  Then I would highly recommend Heather Davis Nelson's Unashamed.  This is truly one of those books that brings hope and healing if you read it and take it to heart.  Nelson has given numerous examples of where hope can be restored and freedom can be felt if we give it to God and claim the healing that is there.  I was inspired and encouraged and I am sure others will be as well!

 
*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell's "Dwelling Places" Blog Tour and Giveaway

I honestly can't encourage you enough to add this book to your nightstand or coffee table! Dwelling Places is a fabulous daily dose of encouragement and motivation in our daily walk with Christ. McDowell has poured herself into this devotional that gives you timely and seasonal tidbits for every week of the year.    I love that they relate to the seasons and each has scripture to read and encourage as well. This is one I will savor throughout the year!




Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including “Live These Words,” “Amazed by Grace,” and “Quilts from Heaven.” She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry “Encouraging Words.” An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers’ conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in Connecticut.

Find out more about Lucinda at http://EncouragingWords.net.


Drown out the busyness and noise of everyday life and find a deeper faith with something as simple as a single word in Lucinda Secrest McDowell's new book, Dwelling Places. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word—such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace—to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

Join Lucinda in celebrating the release of Dwelling Places by entering to win her Season of Refreshment giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Dwelling Places
• A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
• A kit full of goodies you'll need to make refreshing lemonade this summer

One second place winner will receive:

• A copy of Dwelling Places
• A Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 5th. The winner will be announced July 6th on Lucinda's blog.

*I was sent a copy for review purposes on my blog by the publisher.