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.

Becoming a Woman of Excellence: 30th Anniversary Edition

In this 30th Anniversary Edition, Cynthia Heald writes about what it means to become a Woman of Excellence. It's revised and updated from the previous version, with an important "Thoughts and Reflections from an Older Woman" tidbit in each chapter.

Each chapter begins with a key verse to memorize. Most of the Bible verses are common and somewhat short to make them easy to remember. It then leads to a short devotional about what it means to become a Woman of Excellence, whether it's putting your selfish ambitions aside, or just realizing that it's impossible to do these things on our own. God is the source of our strength and we must remember that He is the one who guides our steps.

The next part of the chapter includes a series of questions about the short devotional, and then some Bible verses to look up and explain the meaning of. She also features quotes and short paragraphs by famous people such as A. W. Tozer, C. H. Spurgeon, and Oswald Chambers that relate to each chapter.

Each chapter ends with "Thoughts and Reflections from an Older Woman."

I think this is an amazing book for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God. Unfortunately, I have never read the first version of this book, but I did very much enjoy this one! Cynthia writes in such a way that is easy to understand and follow along. I think it would be appropriate for a Christian in any stage of life, whether they are a new Christian, or have been saved for a long time. It would be excellent as a Women's Bible Study but also just for an individual to do on her own. I think it would be equally great as a Bible Study to do with teenage girls.

I would highly recommend this book and rate it as 5 stars. I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

The Seed by Erik Guzman

"The Seed: A True Myth" by Erik Guzman reminds me of something C.S. Lewis would have written. It's a Christian fiction fantasy story that is based on Trinitarian theology and uses Biblical themes such as God's character and man's true identity and calling.

The book begins with Tatus, who is chasing the Shadow that took his wife and son from him. Wyrm, the serpentine dragon attacks Tatus, but then infects him with worms. When we next read about Tatus, he is healed and appears to be a Christian. He ends up meeting two other young people who plan to help him build a labyrinth to trap the shadow.

Initially it was difficult for me to get into this book. The very beginning (first chapter or two) don't explain much and leave readers guessing what they're reading. However, it gets much better as the book goes on. I love books that can take a story and turn it into a parallel of Biblical facts. This is why I feel like this book is much like something from C.S. Lewis. He mixes fantasy with Biblical truths.

The book itself is not very long. It's a short read good for an afternoon of reading. I would highly recommend it! I rate it as 5 stars.

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

Purchase a copy here! https://youtu.be/2Sw4kMOCX3A

Jefferson's America by Julie M. Fenster

As America was nearing the beginning of the nineteenth century, there were numerous countries vying for the territory surrounding the Mississippi river. Britain, France, Spain and America all had explorers journeying out into the wild to gain what knowledge they could from the land.

We first read about Thomas Jefferson years before he's president. Back when he is Secretary of State, Vice President, a farmer for a short while, and then finally back in politics once again. Readers get to experience a bit of what he was like and his relationships with George Washington, George Clark, Meriwether Lewis and many other prominent figures from history.

Also interesting to me, is the mention of other explorers and their journeys following the Mississippi river meeting many of the Indian civilizations along the way.

Although I am not usually one to read a book on history, I decided to pick this book up to perhaps learn something new about our past. I found it to be very interesting and I learned quite a bit from reading it!

It's written in a way that's very easy to understand. It's not like reading a school history book full of dates and names. The author actually paints a very vivid picture of what life in America must have been like around the time Thomas Jefferson was elected President. The author definitely has done her research with this one and you can tell that she is highly invested in this story and her work. I would rate it as 5 stars!

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

My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson

Life in the South is just what you would expect for Lily Rose Cates. Her family had their share of problems but she knew with certainty that her daddy loved her more than anything. When life suddenly changes for her the summer she turns 16, she sort of loses a sense of her identity.

By the time she graduates college, she meets a handsome young man who offers her things she's always wanted. She immediately falls for him despite the warning flags and sirens going off to all of those around her. She ends up marrying Manny within a few short months, and quickly learns the secret of his ways on their honeymoon. She's devastated with the whole idea of Manny not being who he said he was, but she can't bring herself to leave him. She just knows he will change.

After nearly three years, she finally gets the courage to leave him. She heads back to the South, back to the life she always knew, and hopes to start over. Back in her hometown, she comes to find herself once again, remembering her purpose in life.

I found this book to be quite the inspiring read. I also found it to be very true to life in many ways, especially when it came down to Lily Rose having to leave Manny. He'd make her promises and beg her to stay, buying her some elaborate gift to try to make her forget about the abuse. You would think it would be simple to just get up and leave the relationship, but sadly I know from experience that it is not. Despite the abuse, Lily Rose obviously still loved him, and it was hard to grasp that someone you love could hurt you so much.

This book was full of southern charm and character, and I found it difficult to put down. The beginning of the book is a little slow moving, but it quickly picks up the pace after the first couple of chapters. I don't believe this book is inappropriate in any way, but it does contain sensitive material that may upset some people. I rate it as 5 stars.

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