Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig | Re:View

This beauty is book 2 in the Book of the Wars series and DANG it is awesome! I expected nothing less from Ronie Kendig (one of my favorite authors of all time) and I was so excited to get approved for a digital copy of it! Keep reading to find out my thoughts!

At Home Teeth Whitening: Does it Work? | Review

Have you ever thought about teeth whitening? I had—for a long time. In fact, I’d considered buying those strips that people always talk about or something else you could find at any store, but I never did.

100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson | RE:View

Couples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say, "I love you" rather than those that say, "I love me." 

SmileBrilliant Ultrasonic Toothbrush | RE:VIEW

Have you ever used an electronic toothbrush? Have you wanted to?

A big thank you to SmilieBrilliant for gifting me a free CariPro ultrasonic toothbrush to try out and share with you all! In this post I'll talk about the pros and cons I've observed while using this toothbrush and I'll be offering an awesome GIVEAWAY opportunity too!

Unraveling by Sara Ella | Re:View

Another layer is revealed in a beautifully complex story of hope and the fight for good to win over evil in Unraveling, the second book in the Unblemished series by Sara Ella.

Elyana is now queen but living like a shadow of her former self. Joshua, strong and left in charge, can obviously feel the weight of his responsibilities. The tensions rise between the two when something happens that disrupts the almost-happy ending and sends El to make a drastic choice.

On a race through the reflections, El joins with an unlikely partner to bring and end to the voids rule. But can she do it in time to save the ones she loves?

I really enjoyed this complex book filled with twists, turns, secrets, and surprises! I love Sara’s writing and had such a fun time being shocked by her ever-widening plot. Her creativity is also a highlight in this book as we get to see new reflections and meet different characters that add a lovely dimension to an already fantastical book.

KJV Know the Word Study Bible | Re:View

Including Topic by Topic text, detailed introductions at the beginning of every book, and detailed notations and notes, this study Bible is truly a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to study through the Bible.

At the beginning of every book there is something that says "How to Study" and then lists the book. I think it's such a fantastic idea because you can go into each book with a plan. It's too easy to look at the Bible of a bunch of verses rather than a cohesive book made up of smaller books. This portion of the Study Bible helps you to understand what questions to ask as well as what questions you'll find answers to in each book.

The next awesome feature is the "Study the Book" portions that break up portions of each book into sections/chapters with notes. For example, in Genesis the first instance of this breaks it up into Genesis 1:1 to 2:3 and talks about how "God declares everyone 'good!'". Including in the books as well are notes which include references to other scriptures in both the old and new testaments.

You'll find helpful, full-color maps, a concordance, and weights and measures diagrams. All helpful to further your study. Plus, the outside cover beneath the dust jacket is also beautiful! (See the photo below).

This Study Bible is incredible and would make an amazing gift for anyone who is already loves to study the Word or who is looking to dive in more deeply. I think the only thing of note is the fact that it is in the King James Version which, (to me) isn't always the easiest to read or understand. I think if you grew up with this version or are very familiar with it, this edition would be perfect for you!

From @createexplorereadwww.instagram.com/createexploreread

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Know the Word Study Bible

Book Description

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.
The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text
-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
-Words of Jesus in red
-Beautiful two-color interior page design
-Comprehensive list of theological notes
-Concordance
-Full-color maps
-8-point type size

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I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Intermission by Serena Chase | Re:View

A sweet tale of musical romance and growing up. 

*** 

When I got my hands on this lovely book I was so excited! I've long since been a fan of Serena Chase and knew it was going to be good--if not different from the other books she's written. I was totally right!

This engaging story of teenage love and the struggles that come along with that was so sweet. I really liked Faith and Noah and could really believe in their story. I also loved the musical references and the passion that these two had for theater. I too was once a part of theater productions and I love music so these elements were not lost on me.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this story is the "realness factor" (as I shall hereby deem it). For the most part (see my next point), I felt like the struggles put forth in the book were real. I would say Intermission falls squarely in the Christian category, but not in the way overly preachy books sometimes tend to lean (at least in my opinion). Serena has put Faith in a very real high school setting with all that comes along with that and she shows us the way that Faith copes with all forms of pressures as well as the good and bad parts of being a girl in high school. Her personal journey is beautiful to watch.

The only thing that I didn't really connect with was the Faith's mother. I won't give anything away here, but the way in which she acts seems implausible. I understand she's supposed to be a tough character and I totally get that, but it just seemed like a little too much from my perspective. I also didn't like the resolution with regards to this...but, on that point, I can concede that things don't always work out exactly like we want them to. 😉

I definitely recommend this to those of you who like YA Contemporary. It'll make the perfect Spring/Summer read and will leave you with a big smile on your face!

My rating: 4*
Purchase: Intermission

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Sixteen-year-old Faith Prescott eagerly awaits the day she will exchange her small Iowa hometown for the bright lights of Broadway, but her success-driven parents want her to pursue a more practical career, labeling “artsy” people—including their daughter—as foolish dreamers worthy of little more than disdain.

When Faith meets nineteen-year-old Noah Spencer she discovers someone who understands her musical theatre dreams . . . because he shares them.

Faith’s mother despises everything about Noah—his age, his upbringing . . . even his religious beliefs—and she grasps at every opportunity to belittle his plans to study theatre and pursue a stage career. When those criticisms shift further toward hostility, resulting in unjust suspicions and baseless accusations, an increasingly fearful stage is set for Faith at home, where severe restrictions and harsh penalties are put in place to remove Noah Spencer from her life.

But Faith has never connected with anyone like she has with Noah, and no matter how tight a stranglehold her mother enforces to keep them apart, Faith will not give him up. Behind the curtain, Faith’s love for Noah continues to grow . . . as does her determination to hold on to her dreams—and him—no matter how high the cost.

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I received this book for free from the author but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof | Re:View

Charming, enchanting, and romantic! Joanne Biscof creates a world and a romance that will forever leave its imprint on my heart.

***

Sometimes a book comes along and just makes you go *ahhhh* in a happy, contented sigh type of way. The Lady and the Lionheart was that book for me. It just made my end of 2016 favorites list (even though I cheated and finished it in 2017) but maybe that was because it needed to be on my favorites list for 2 years in a row.

I had heard such amazing things about this book - not to mention its rather impressive 5 star pick by RT Book Reviews, so I knew I was in for a treat when I first began it. But soon none of that mattered because I was lost in the world and falling in love with Ella, Charlie, and Holland's story.

In many books that I read, I find myself wanting more from the male characters portrayed--not so with The Lady and the Lionheart. Charlie is a wonderful, solid, complex, and masculine protagonist and I absolutely loved that about him. Ella was also complex and layered in a wonderful way that left me feeling the freedom to connect with her on a deep level. I felt sympathy, excitement, happiness, and curiosity with her as she made her way through the story.

@createexploreread

I absolutely LOVED the story world as well. Joanne did such a fantastic job of portraying the circus in such a complex light. It wasn't all popcorn and happiness. She delved into the other, sometimes darker, sides of a later 1800s/early 1900s circus and what it would have been like for her characters. I will also admit that I fell in love with the lions (aka Charlie's brothers). Their personalities added so much to the book even though they played a smaller role.

I won't say much more because I don't want to spoil any of this enchanting story for you. Suffice it to say that you should read this. I highly recommend it to historical fans, fans of wonderfully crafted romance, and circus fans (like me), but I would also say that--if you aren't a huge fan of history--you will feel right at home reading this because the world is so well crafted. It's believable in that the historical context fits the story but isn't the sole focus of the story. I enjoyed that fact very much!

I am so thankful to have experienced this story. It will truly live on in my mind and my heart.
That...and my crush on Charlie 😉

My rating: 5*
Purchase: The Lady and the Lionheart

Book Description
(from Amazon)

"Heartachingly beautiful" - RT Book Reviews, 5 Star TOP PICK!

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it's away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet--freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice. As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella's own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl--boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

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I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers | RE:View

"Prayer is a privilege." 
- Dave Veerman, Pocket Prayers

I love the reminder from the introduction of this handy little book. It is a privilege to come to the Lord in prayer, though I admit that sometimes I forget that. Sometimes I roll out of bed without a thought to the fact that I woke up at all.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers is a wonderful collection of prayers and scripture, one for each day of the year--even though they are not marked by date, just day. I like this because it means you can start at any time of the year and read through, no feeling like you've "missed" something. I also enjoy the diversity in topics of the prayers and the fact that there is a topical index at the end.

@createexploreread

The book itself is of great quality and has a soft, leather-like cover that bends smoothly to read any portion of the book with ease. The writing style is personal and yet instructing. One thing I would have like to see done differently would be to put the verse at the top. This is really only for the sake that some of the prayers reference the verse but the verse comes at the end of the prayer. It just didn't make sense to me but it's not hard to remember to read the verse first and then the prayer.

I would recommend this little prayer book for those who are looking for a way to encourage a habit of prayer in their daily routines (um, I suppose we all could use that). It would also make a great gift! The prayers are short as are the passages of scripture, but it can be a great jumping-off point for the rest of your devotional time.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: 365 Pocket Morning Prayers
Book Description
(from Amazon)

Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal from Tyndale | RE:VIEW

This colorful and imaginative prayer and praise journal will launch you into a creative devotional time with the Lord!

I'm seriously in love with this journal! From the moment I unwrapped it I was smitten with the colors, style, and creative appeal. First off, this beauty is well crafted with solid front and back boards that give stability to your coloring and journaling no matter where you take it.

Moving to the inside you'll find beautifully created pages that take you through devotional concepts with a fresh approach. There's room to draw, prompts for journaling, and, of course, pages for coloring! I love that some of the prompts even suggest drawing visual expressions of the verses.

I highly recommend this amazing journal for those who are looking to do devotions in a new and refreshing way. I also recommend this as a great gift option for friends in your life who like being creative or love coloring. It's not only relaxing, but it will also lead you to dig deeper in your relationship with the Lord.

My Rating: 5*
Purchase: Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Jornal

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

The Progeny by Tosca Lee | RE:View

The Progeny by Tosca Lee delivers question after unanswered question through shocking twists and turns with answers that dance just out of reach. 

One girl is the center of mystery, she just doesn't know it yet. Emily Porter is the descendant of a serial killer. She's smart, intuitive, and gifted, and she would do anything to save the ones she loves.

I loved this book! I mean...I didn't expect anything less from Tosca because anything she writes is fabulous, but I wasn't sure what I would find hiding in the pages of The Progeny. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. From the start the reader is kept guessing as we're dropped into the mind of Emily. I liked Tosca's use of first person present tense - it's a popular POV right now and I think she did a great job with it. Emily isn't whiny, annoying, or trivial like so many main characters can become. I enjoy how fresh, focused, and smart she is.

@createexploreread

I also loved the setting and infusion of history! It's set in modern day just slightly in the future (close enough to be realistic in my opinion) but the flavor of the 1600s is present with a fun, modern type flair. I also personally love anything that has to do with history affecting present day in a mysterious, slightly supernatural type way. So much YES!

Do I recommend it? Absolutely! I think fans of Tosca's other writing will love it despite the fact that it is different than anything else she's written thus far. I also think YA readers will enjoy the fast paced plot, historical fans will like the interwoven backstory, and readers of thrillers and suspense will get their action kick to. Oh, did I mention there's romance too??? So, I guess I'm saying that say pretty much any reader who likes a good book will enjoy The Progeny.

I will caution you readers that there is a slight bit of language for some of you who aren't expecting it, just know it's there.

But really, you'll love this and the end will leave you satisfied but begging for book 2.

Buckle up for this wild ride!

My rating: 4.5*
Purchase: The Progeny

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Emily Porter is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self amidst centuries-old intrigues and Europe’s underground scene…and one woman’s mission to survive.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Pocket Prayers by Max Lucado | RE:View

Hope, refreshment, wisdom, so much wrapped up into these six little prayer books! 

Whether you're a grad, a dad or mom, teacher, in the military, or looking to deepen your friendships through prayer, these pocket prayer books by Max Lucado and guest writers are for you.

@createexploreread

The first thing I liked about these books is the fact that they are small, compact, and of fantastic quality. They feel good to hold and are perfect for gifts as much as they are for reading. Another thing I really enjoyed was the fact that the prayers are short, simple, and yet so meaningful! Each book has different sections that help focus the prayers.

The only thing I wish they had was a table of contents because the prayers are broken up into sections and it would be nice to reference a section you wanted to pray through. It's not difficult to thumb through and find what you want though, so not really a negative.

I would definitely recommend these books, whether that is for your self to jump-start your morning (or whenever) prayer time or whether it's to give as gifts. It's obvious they were created with thought and specified toward each category of people. I'm reviewing them here as a whole set from Litfuse, but you can purchase them separately from Amazon.

Find inspiration, thoughtfulness, and guidance for your prayers through this wonderful little books!

My rating: 4.5*

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I'm also offering to give away four of the books I received seeing as I think they will bless others. They are only gently used for my review purposes (and to make that fun bookish-heart above). Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

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I received free copies of these book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey | RE:View

Cold Shot will take you on a ride you won't soon forget with shocking turns, compelling characters, and a threat lingering at every corner. 

This was my first introduction to Dani Pettrey's writing and woozah! Awesome! I was immediately drawn in by her writing style. I really enjoy her descriptions and use of imagery to draw the reader in.

Cold Shot mainly focuses on Griffin McCray and Finley Scott, but the story is filled with other intriguing characters like Griffin's childhood friends Declan and Parker, among others. I loved Griffin and his somewhat grouchy exterior--give me a tough hero any day--but I also liked the other sides to him that are revealed through the book. If we're talking favorite characters though, I think Parker may take the cake...I mean, come one. That Irish accent? *swoon* I also enjoyed Finley's character and her tough, yet delicate sensibility. At first I was a little confused as to what her actual "job" was, because of where we come in at the beginning, but that got cleared up pretty quickly.

As for the plot, loved it! I will say there were a few parts I was almost lost...there is a lot of information given at certain times and, though it's necessary, it felt a little overwhelming at times. It wasn't a distraction though, just a speed bump for me. I also enjoyed the location--hello backyard! She mentioned Severna Park and I was like "woohoo" because I often go up there for photo shoots. But I digress.

@createexploreread

The only things I noticed that I was less a fan of were a few "leaps" the characters made at one point. More like assumptions, I guess? I felt they were a little to convenient for the case. And I felt like Griffin was a little bit too enamored with Finley at the beginning...now, this I would almost not mention, but I'm just being honest here. I can see where there is a foundation for it, but I felt like his thoughts were very...overt? But eh--not a real "issue" to me, just a passing thought. It in no way affected my enjoyment of the book.

As a whole, I really enjoyed Cold Shot and I definitely recommend it. I feel like it was a solid, "team based" romantic suspense. I also loved the approach of multiple viewpoints--it heightens the tension and gives depth to the story. Dani's writing is so solid and I am definitely a fan. Excited to go back and check out her Alaskan Courage series (since a sweet friend just gifted me Submerged, book 1). Dani - you've made me a fan!

Rating: 4.5*
Purchase: Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor Book 1)

Book Description
(from Dani's website)

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper.

When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker | Re:View

Spend any time on my blog and you'll know I'm a not-so-secret Science Fiction and dystopian fan. I may love romantic suspense and many other kinds of fiction, but give me a great dystopian future or perhaps some special power/gifts set in another, future world with some sciency stuff (technical term) and I will be a happy camper.

Fast forward and here we have Rachelle Dekker--daughter of one of my favorite authors Ted Dekker--writing a Christian dystopian and it was a no-brainer. I had to read it. Now, to be fair, I've had this book for a while and really didn't go through it as fast as I thought I would. That has some bearing on my review because if I'm not hooked enough to put aside things I *should* be doing to read, then it's not going to be my favorite book. That said, I was also very busy so that accounts for this late review. Ok, I'm done with the preamble though. Here's my review: 

In my mind The Choosing is one part Matched meets one part Ted Dekker, meets one part crime drama, meets one part YA Dystopia. I know, that's a lot of parts but I feel like that was the different waves of thought I had for this book.

I'll start off by saying I wasn't sure what to expect. Per usual, I didn't read the back cover or blurbs about the book. I knew it was dystopian and I knew it dealt with identity, but that was about it. I dove in with anticipation and a little bit of wariness, unsure of what I'd find coming from such high expectations of Ted Dekker's writing and what I'd heard others say about the book.

To start off, I initially got a good feeling for the world. Ok, I thought, this could be interesting. I'm always curious to see how other authors create their dystopian worlds. But, the more I got into the book the less I discovered about the world. I am a huge fan of rich description and I didn't really find that here. I need something to help shape my mental images of the world and characters and, though I had some clues, I wished for a more. For total immersion.

Carrington Hale (first off, awesome name--and while we're on that subject, awesome names in general!) was a mellow chracter to me. I understood her plight and felt sorry for her at times, but I felt as if I couldn't get a firm grasp on who she was beneath the fact that she wasn't chosen. Granted, that's a large part of the book, but it felt a little like I wanted to shout at her and say do something. She was not brought into sharp contrast to me and instead kind of floated through the book and her relationships. Speaking of relationships, I really liked Remko! I won't spoil anything, but, though he doesn't say much, he was a firmer character to me. Though I would have loved to see even more of him!

As for the plot, I would say it was interesting yet understandable. That's where the Ted Dekker/Crime Show feelings came in. The villain was very "Dekker" in my opinion (not that this is a bad thing). I can appreciate a really bad guy doing bad things. Not that it was too graphic, but part of me always wishes for more from villains. They are often times too weak to really be "bad" and then you have to wonder, why were we scared in the first place? I digress...

The romance was...eh. I mean, the parts where the romance was described were great but the foundation to it was slightly contrived in my opinion. I personally didn't feel like they were on the page together enough to make it believable.

The rest of the cast of characters was well chosen (no pun intended)--with exception to Carrington's family. I just really didn't get a read on them aside from mom=bad and dad=nice, but both very weak in their roles. I did like Aaron's character (again, he felt very Ted Dekker-ish if I can use that as a descriptor). Obviously, I approve of Aaron's message and the way in which it's delivered was...interesting.

All in all, I'd have to say this book didn't wow me. I was easily distracted from it and wished there had been...more. More action, more compelling plot movement, more emotion, more feeling, more tension. Oh, and less name usage--maybe I'm just being nitpicky but I felt as if there was an overabundance of first name's used throughout the novel which made the writing feel stiff and choppy in points.

I will say I am interested in reading the second book because I'd like to see what Rachelle decides to do with the series. If you like YA Dystopian and are looking for a good message, I would recommend it to you--it may go over well with teen readers, though there are hints of violence to be aware of. Oh, and the cover is lovely. You all know I can't help but notice amazing covers!

Rating: 3.5*
Purchase: The Choosing

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Love in the Details by Becky Wade | RE:View

Could lost love find itself again?

I jumped into Love in the Details not sure what to expect (as usual, I didn't read the book description). I was definitely pulled in right away wondering what was going to happen. Since it was a novella, I was able to find out pretty quickly and definitely enjoyed the journey.

Holly was easy to relate to for me since she is a writer and living in a small town. Both things I can identify with. I enjoyed seeing the side of her life that involved her writing, but also her routine's in the town. I would say her friend Sam was...interesting? I didn't agree with her advice to Holly most of the time, but Holly was strong enough to make her own decisions.

Josh, on the other hand, was a little harder to identify with. At times I was surprised by the motivation of some of his actions since we weren't able to get a look into how he made some of the decisions he did, but I understand time (and word count) is limited in a novella.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, though I would have liked to see more of Holly and Josh together on the page. What pulled me toward the end the most was the fact that they had more interaction and we could see the internal workings of their hearts. All those lovely things that make you swoon! That said, I still enjoyed the story a lot and could easily recommend it to lovers of romance and weddings.

This novella would be a perfect "take a break" read from the busyness of life.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Love in the Details

 
Book Description
(from Becky's website)

Eight years have passed since Holly last saw her high school sweetheart Josh. Now the wedding of Josh’s best friend has brought Josh back to Martinsburg, Texas. His duties as best man and Holly's as the church's volunteer wedding coordinator link them together. As they work behind-the-scenes to plan a beautiful November wedding for their friends, they're forced to confront painful reminders of what might have been.

Holly broke up with Josh all those years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. However, she never told him the true reason behind her actions and now must decide whether to keep her secret hidden. She's terrified of letting herself fall for him because she barely managed to piece her life back together after losing him the last time.

Not a day's gone by since Josh parted from Holly that he hasn't thought about her. The pain of the past eight years has been too much to bear and he doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to her again. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to deny the love he still has for her.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Intersect: Where Your Story and God's Story Converge | RE:View

Ever wanted to have a tool to engage your neighbors and friends in deep conversations? Worried about how to start those conversations? Intersect by Rob Peabody and Cris Rogers creates the perfect opening for those very conversations. It's a great resource for anyone interested in hosting a small group that goes beyond the surface and that opens the door for spiritual discussion.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first popped this DVD in but I was pleasantly surprised by what it had to offer. With sections dealing with things like disappointment and trust, I appreciated the fresh approach to starting a conversation.

The short videos, well done and creative, each follow a shared story told with honesty and openness. The diversity of backgrounds of those who share spans from a stay at home mother to an ex-con. It's about realness and the truth of what we all face in an easy to understand context that isn't overly Christian (in respect to the language used). I liked this fact because, living in a spiritually-adverse city like Washington, D.C. I can see how these videos could be helpful for opening doors to talking about faith and personal beliefs.

A few gems I took on my first listening:

"Real life is not a dream." - Rest

"The suffering that we experience might not be the wrath of a divine being but the chaos and evil of the broken world." - Disappointment

I'd definitely recommend these videos to small group leaders. They discuss topics that are relevant to most ages and people of all walks of life. I would recommend that the small group leader listen to them first. Because of the nature of the videos, the elements of faith are less overt (though not ignored) and I would advise being prepared with a few scripture references to go along with the stories that are told in the videos. You can also check out the Intersect website for more interactive material and more information.

Rating:  4*
Purchase: Intersect DVD

Video Description

Follow the journey of five individuals as they tell authentic stories of circumstances that have forced them to examine how God might fit into their lives.

This five-week small group resource helps spark spiritual conversations. Starting spiritual conversations with those outside of the church is a worthy, yet often difficult and intimidating task. Intersect was designed to help overcome those barriers. It is an easy-to-use resource, perfect for sharing with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family to enter into meaningful conversations.

Each film is accompanied by thought-provoking questions designed to encourage participants to examine the world in which they live and the life they are pursuing, always ending with a conversation on how Jesus intersects the current topic. Allow this powerful new film resource to engage those you are in relationship with and then propel them forward in their next step with Jesus.

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I received a free copy of this DVD for review purposes, but was under no obligation to watch it or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Adventures in Odyssey and the OAC Club App | REVIEW

So, when I was growing up my mom always had the radio on. Come to think of it, she still keeps the radio on a lot ;) But, the best part of that was Saturday mornings and Adventures in Odyssey. I couldn't wait to hear what the next adventure would be! Then we ended up buying the tapes (yeah, no CDs at that time) for some of the series adventures.

Well, it just got so much easier for parents (and kids) everywhere. Adventures in Odyssey now has a club (The OAC or Odyssey Adventure Club) and a very cool mobile iOS app. I have gotten the chance to test out this app and get to share with you about it! The best part, which comes later in this post, is that it's on a major SALE. $1 for the first month! This only lasts until May 31st though so you'll probably want to get a move on with joining up.

Anyway, in review, I will say that the app is pretty great. Sign in is easy as is navigation through the app. I've already used it to listen to a few episodes (yeah, I'm a grown up and I still listen to Adventures in Odyssey) and found that the quality was great. I like that you can search as well as switch back and forth from Episodes to Podcasts and download them as well. There are even some video's included which is awesome. They also have an "Adventures" section but I'll be honest and say I haven't completed one yet. It looks like fun, I just haven't had the time.

The only issue that I've noticed is that, when coming to the end of an episode, the app will sometimes freeze up before allowing you to go back to choose another. It's happened several times and I'm sure it's likely just a bug.

Over all, I'd say it's definitely worth it to join up--especially if you have kids or, like me, enjoy access to endless episodes of Adventures in Odyssey. I highly recommend it to parents with the advice that, inspiring your children to let their imagination dream up all sorts of awesome things leads to innovation and creativity. I know that as a kid, I loved getting lost in the adventures while coloring or playing with toys, and their well-crafted stories and lessons have long since stayed with me. "And don't you forget it!" (BTV anyone?)

Rating: 4*

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I received  free access to the OAC for review purposes, but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

::Check out this info from the Odyssey Adventure Club::

 

THIS JUST IN: School will soon be out for the summer! Parents, does that fill you with dread, knowing all you'll hear for the next few months is, "I'm bored!"? Keep reading because we have a deal for you—one that will only cost you a buck and that will keep your kids safe online while allowing them to have fun and to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Buck Oliver is back in the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, and to celebrate, you can try the Odyssey Adventure Club for just a buck for your first month. Sign up before May 31st using the promo code BUCK! *This deal only applies to first-time accounts and is good the first month only.

Members receive:
—24/7 streaming access to more than 750 Adventures in Odyssey episodes (a $1500 retail value).
—A new, members-only Adventures in Odyssey episode every month.
—A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine.
—A web quest of video stories and online activities reflecting the biblical theme of that month's episode.
—On-the-go access with the OAClub mobile iOS app.
—Growing access to Odyssey books, a daily devotion, access to select Radio Theatre dramas and more.

Additionally, a portion of each Odyssey Adventure Club membership benefits Focus on the Family partner organizations, such as Carry the Cure and Mission Aviation Fellowship, providing parents with an opportunity to teach children about the value of serving others. The Odyssey Adventure Club hopes to spend another 25 years hand-in-hand with parents seeking to teach biblical truth to their children while inspiring the theater of their imagination.

 

Your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters are also Taking the Plunge in Album 59 and now you can, too! This summer, dive into your faith and grow closer to God by joining the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge. It includes these simple things:

• Learn 5 memory verses
• Get active with 5 family activities together
• Share God’s love and your faith in 5 different ways

When you commit to the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge, you'll receive:

• A promo code for an exclusive Odyssey Adventure Club first month offer (for new members only)
• Adventures in Odyssey special studio message
• “Strange Journey Back” book excerpt
• “Jones and Parker Mysteries” book excerpt

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon | RE:View

One dead body. One hard-working, former Chicago homicide detective. One ex-Navy SEAL.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a recipe for a great romantic suspense novel, and I'm happy to tell you that it is! I jumped into Irene Hannon's latest series, Men of Valor, with gusto and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Trapped and Deceived from her A Private Justice series and was interested to see what Buried Secrets was all about.

Lisa Grant is beautiful and smart. She's got an eye toward being the best police chief the small-town of Carson has seen, and brings with her a history of crime fighting from the tough area of Chicago.

Mac McGregor is a former Navy SEAL and tough as nails. Working for County as a detective, he's all about the case until he meets Lisa. Her stunning good looks and no-nonsense attitude surprise and intrigue him. Is she really as independent and tough as she comes across?

With the case spiraling in a direction neither of them expected, Mac and Lisa are tossed together to find a killer that will stop at nothing to cover their tracks! In the midst of all this, sparks fly and Mac and Lisa realize it's more than the summers heat that's warming them up.

I enjoyed this fun read and would definitely recommend it to all fans of Irene's earlier novels as well as those who like a good romantic suspense read. Though there isn't a lot of nail-biting suspense, there is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you turning pages late into the night. And did I mention the romantic tension? Because there's the perfect amount of that too!

The only thing I'll say is that there was quite a bit of pointing out how "hot" Lisa Grant was. I understand why in the context, but I fond it a little off-putting initially. Nothing that mars the story or creates a bad dynamic, but I really appreciated when those terms dissipated near the middle to end of the book. It definitely didn't stop me from reading, but it did draw my attention. 

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Buried Secrets: A Novel (Men of Valor)

Book Description
(from Irene's website)

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales—and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Simplify:Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels | RE:View

I was drawn to the title of this book. Simplify. Can't we all use some simplification in our lives? I know I can!

Bill approached the idea of "practices to unclutter your soul" with a light and intuitive perspective that I found refreshing. He used real life examples drawing from his own life and ministry as well as the lives of others he's interacted with. I also enjoyed how he included specific action points at the end of each chapter. For those willing to dig in deeper, he has provided a lot of great questions and activities to further growth.

The only thing that knocked it down from a solid 4 stars for me was that it really took me a long time to get through due to some lengthy, semi-surface level things. The overall approach Bill takes is great, but I found some parts dragging. There was definitely scripture incorporated, but I would have liked to see more exposition and drawing from Jesus' ministry to today. That may just be a personal preference thing for me when reviewing faith/theology based books.

I'd still definitely recommend it to any one interesting in decluttering their life. For those willing to take stock and be very practical about approaching simplification, they will find Simplify. a great resource and starting point.

Rating: 3.8*
Purchase: Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Sound familiar? Today’s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That’s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don’t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do.

What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live—and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn’t matter—and start doing what does.

In Simplify, bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living—and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen by Tosca Lee | RE:View

The absolutely stunning tale Tosca Lee weaves through The Legend of Sheba renders me breathless with its intricacy and rich, detailed beauty.

Framed by eloquent descriptions and fueled by romance, The Legend of Sheba will transport you across ocean and land to the oasis of the land of Saba and to a young woman named Bilqis. Her journey to become queen is fraught with turmoil, hurt, passion, and an overwhelming sense of destiny. It is a tale that will touch your very soul.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Legend of Sheba! You can tell the historical background was thoroughly researched, and yet it flows so smoothly that you experience the setting as if it is native to you. The characters are deep and the emotional connection to them is immediate. The plot draws you in and at once submerges you in the land of Saba.

I highly recommend this novel to all. If you enjoy historical fiction it is a must - but, even if you don't, it's still a recommendation because of the skill with which Tosca Lee writes. She is at once a storyteller and a magician of words and descriptions, creating a world her readers can enjoy and experience.

Purchase The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen

Book Description
(from Tosca's website)

There is the tale that is told: A desert queen journeyed north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king and his One God. The story of a queen conquered by a king before she returned to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you are meant to believe.
Which means most of it is a lie.

1000BC. The king of Sheba is dead and Bilqis, his exiled daughter, has gained the crown after a desperate overland march and battle for the capital. Solomon, the brash king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world—or the riches of Sheba. With the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid save her kingdom.

An explosive retelling of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.

The Legend of Sheba releases tomorrow so you only have one day to wait! 

If you can't wait that long, make sure to check out the short pre-release of Ismeni - the story of Bilqis' mother. It's FREE on Amazon right now!

Download  Ismeni: An eShort Prelude to The Legend of Sheba










Check out the video trailer to The Legend of Sheba...

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.