A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

Over the past year or two, I've really begun to like historical fiction. "A Beauty Refined" by Tracie Peterson was no exception! This is the second book in the Sapphire Bride Series, but it is not necessary to read them in order since each book is about a different character.

Phoebe Von Bergen accompanies her father on his long business trip to America. First to the East Coast, then to Montana, and eventually onto the West Coast so her father can purchase Sapphires. However, she has no idea of what her father is actually doing with these Sapphires or his dishonesty in his business.

There is so much more going on in Helena, Montana that Phoebe is not aware of. Things that could cause danger to both her and other people she has grown close to.

In the meantime, she has also grown close to a young lapidary named Ian Harper. This, among other reasons makes her decide that she is going to stay in America regardless of the consequences.

I enjoyed this Historical Fiction so much! From the very beginning, it was a page turner that I just could not put down. The characters are well developed and the story didn't seem to lack anything! Going into the story, Phoebe didn't have any faith in God after growing up in her father's care. That all changes when she learns that God is truly the only one who can help her out of her situation and keep them all safe. I can't say enough positive comments about this book. I would highly recommend it! I rate it as 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.


Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Beauty Refined
• A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn

This week I had the privilege of reading and reviewing "Pumpkin Patch Blessings" written by Kim Washburn with illustrations by Jacqueline East!

I was pretty excited to receive this adorable little book in the mail. It's a board book approximately 5" x  8" in size. The front cover features two adorable bunny rabbits sitting on a pumpkin in preparation for fall. Each page includes an adorable little rhyme about Fall.

It includes the leaves changing colors, wearing warm sweaters, eating roast ears of corn, going on a hay ride, wandering through the pumpkin patch, and choosing the best pumpkin! The book is fairly repetitive, repeating certain phrases over and over again, but I think this is a fun way to get children involved! The book is aimed at children between the ages of 4-8 years, but my 2 year old eagerly sat on my lap listening to the story so I think it's definitely appropriate for younger audiences as well.

It's not a very long book, at 18 pages long. It takes only a few minutes to read through the entire book...perfect for a quick story before bedtime. The illustrations are absolutely adorable! You can't help but love them. My 2 year old and 4 year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed looking through the book while I read to them. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I rate this book as 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If my Husband Would Change, I'd be Happy by Rhonda Stoppe

I have to admit, I initially requested this book because the title made me giggle. It's one of the most common myths you hear from woman who are having marriage problems. Rhonda Stoppe shares with humor how to enrich your relationship with your husband even if he doesn't change.

Rhonda shares twelve common myths that wives believe about their marriage. She explains how to get past those common misconceptions and to truly show love to your husband even if you feel like you're the only one working on your marriage. Some examples of these myths are:
-"I'm Falling Out of Love with Him"
-"Happily-Ever-After is a Fairy Tale"
-"He Would love Me More if I Were Prettier"

Each chapter ends with a "Thinking it Through" which is a summary of the chapter just read and reading through some Bible verses. "Living it Out" includes a series of questions on how you can better yourself as a wife.

One thing I thought was neat about this book was the fact that Rhonda's husband Steve gave his point of view at the end of each chapter. I think this is interesting because then we see just how differently men and women perceive topics.

Rhonda Stoppe definitely has a way with words! She writes with humor and yet is very knowledgable in marriage topics that every woman should be reading. She seems like a very down to earth type of friend that I could relate to! I would definitely recommend this book to married women of all ages and in all walks of life. I rate this book as 5 stars!

I received this book for free from Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

Don't Go to Bed Angry by Deb DeArmond & Ron DeArmond

"Don't Go To Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight" by Deb DeArmond & Ron DeArmond is a new book written to help couples resolve conflicts in their marriage. They say that of course conflicts are normal for a marriage, but the way that we respond to those conflicts can make or break our marriage.

Since everyone grows up in different types of households, we all bring our own baggage into our relationships. We must learn to leave that baggage behind to make conflict a learning experience about one another.

The authors dive a little into conflict styles and how to create a balanced playing field. It's important to remember that you are allies with your spouse and not adversaries. Once we've gotten rid of the baggage and built bridges, it's important to create some boundaries for fighting fair.

I think this book is very interesting. It lists many statistics and deep looks into how each couple functions. (Since every couple is vastly different.) Each chapter includes questions to discuss with your spouse, to get communication flowing and to understand one another better. It is encouraged to use a journal along with this study book, so as to keep track of thoughts and special notes readers found beneficial. The chapters then end with a prayer.

My husband and I have never really had a problem with conflict in our marriage. We tend to agree on most subjects and resolve issues quickly when they do arise. However, I think this book would be beneficial for any married couple at any stage of life. It's great to know the tools to use when and if you ever need them. I rate this book as 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

I Believe in Jesus by John MacArthur

"I believe in Jesus: Leading Your Child to Christ" by John MacArthur is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book which helps parents lead their little ones to Christ.

The book begins with the creation of the world and how everything was perfect. Then God created Adam and Eve and sin entered the world. MacArthur goes on to explain that because sin is in the world and we are sinful people, our sins should keep us out of heaven. But instead, God invites everyone to come to Him and ask forgiveness for those sins so that we may live in Heaven someday too.

The book goes very in depth for little readers who have lots of questions. MacArthur explains why God forgives us, the Trinity, and what kind of life He lived while He was here on earth. We also read about Jesus dying on the cross, in the most terrible way just because He loves us so much. The end of the book includes 3 pages on how to accept Jesus as your Savior. Each page also includes a Bible verse which supports the message, and then a few other additional Bible references to look up.

I really enjoyed reading through this children's book. Two of our children have already accepted Jesus as their Savior but I still think this book is excellent for us to read together. I believe it helps refresh their decision in their mind, and makes it a topic they can easily share with their friends. I normally enjoy all of John MacArthur's books, and this is the first children's book I have seen of his, but I was especially impressed! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with little ones. I think the aim of this book should be for ages 3 on up, but younger children will also enjoy looking through the beautiful pictures.

I rate this book as 5 stars. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Between us Girls by Trish Donohue

"Between Us Girls: Walks & Talks for Moms & Daughters" by Trish Donohue is a easy to follow guide on how to disciple your daughter. There are 26 chapters to read, which the book lists as "walks". The idea is to teach your daughter the importance of gospel truths, all while building a stronger bond with her.

In each chapter, the mom and daughter read a key Bible passage, ask each other questions about real and imaginary things, answer questions about struggles with sin, share how the two can better live out their faith, and build a better mother/daughter relationship.

Each chapter is fairly short, at approximately 5 pages each. I would recommend this book for Mothers with daughters who are at the tween age of around 9-13. The description of the books says that it is not necessary to prep for any of the chapters, but I would still recommend reading it ahead of time just to get a feel for what type of book it is.

The book itself is not very big, so reading it does not feel like a daunting task! As a mother of three girls, I would highly recommend it. I rate this book as 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.