Healing is a Choice

Healing Is a Choice 10 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life and 10 Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them

By Steve Arterburn
Published by Thomas Nelson


Do you want to get well?

The power to heal—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—is in God's hands. But the choice to be healed is ours. Everyone, at some level, needs healing. In this book, Stephen Arterburn outlines ten choices crucial to receiving healing and ten lies that can prevent us from making them. Readers will find the wholeness God desires for them in a practical and prayerful way through this book.

Now including the full workbook, this combined release emphasizes the fact that we must choose to let the hurt go and let the healing begin.

The book asks the participant, "Do you want to be healed?" If the answer is yes, then ten choices are provided to make the path toward healing a restorative experience.

My thoughts:
I heard Stephen Arterburn speak at a Women of Faith event I attended not that long ago. His story, in some ways, was similar to mine. A heart betrayed, a marriage bond broken, a person trying to make the best out of what she had been given. I was impressed when he spoke about his bonus children from his "new" marriage. Because of his sharing, I chose this book to read and review. 

Have you ever gotten a book and thought about all the people the book could help - if they would only just pick it up, read it and follow through with the steps? That is how I felt about this book. It's not just a self help book - but more of a guide for having your hurts healed in a God honoring way, written by a man who writes about his own experiences. 

Brother or sister - do you need to heal? Then allow the material in this book to help guide your path. It's well written and enjoyable to read.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson!

Tangled Ashes

When Marshall Becker arrives in Lamorlaye, France, to begin the massive renovation of a Renaissance-era castle, he unearths a dark World War II history few in the village remember.  The project that was meant to provide an escape for Becker instead becomes a gripping glimpse into the human drama that unfolded during the Nazi occupation and seems to live on in midnight disturbances and acts of vandalism.

Populated with a cast of complex characters, “Tangled Ashes” follows Becker’s exploration of the castle’s shadowy past as he seeks to cope with an unbearable present.  From the virtually mute recluse who lives in the gatehouse to the feisty and enigmatic nanny of the owner’s children, every one of the château’s inhabitants seems to have something to hide and something to survive—but none more so than Becker himself.

Behind the Story

(Spoiler alert—if you haven’t read the book yet, you might want to save this until after you’ve finished!)

Though some elements of this novel are fictional, many of the places featured in it are not.  The Meunier manor, hidden away in the hills above Lamorlaye, does indeed exist, and it really was the site of France’s only Lebensborn until the Germans evacuated in 1944.  Unlike other “Founts of Life,” Lamorlaye’s seemed to have been devoted just to “willing” mothers who entered the program voluntarily.  Others, across Europe, were much more sordid, their babies the product of rapes and kidnappings committed to expand the Third Reich. Most of the documents that might have helped to reconstruct the WWII period of the manor’s history were destroyed as the Nazis left, but historians have proven that well over a hundred children were born there during the final months of the war.

When I was thirteen, I started attending... for more information - go to Tangled Ashes' site!

I enjoyed this book due to the character development and the descriptive scenery. I also enjoyed learning about a time about which I know little. I look forward to seeing more by Michele. If you're looking for a good read - then you should pick this one up. You can purchase this book from amazon.com.
 
I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book. Thank you!

Son of the Underground

Son of the Underground: The Life of Isaac Liu, son of Brother Yun, the Heavenly Man

In the months before Isaac's birth, Brother Yun was in prison. His mother was about to be forced into having an abortion, though seven months pregnant, because she was carrying the child of an enemy of the state. After desperate prayer, the night before she was due to go into a hospital for the operation, she miraculously gave birth. Isaac met his father for the first time at the age of four. With Brother Yun constantly on the run, and his mother working to feed the family, Isaac's grandmother cared for him. One day his mother was also arrested. Isaac and his sister were swiftly taken by local Christians to another town, where they registered at a school under false names. The family finally managed to flee to Burma, then to Thailand, and ultimately to Germany. (Read an excerpt here http://www.kregel.com/Media/MediaManager/SOFTUExcerpt.pdf ) (Buy the book here: http://www.amazon.com/Son-Underground-Isaac-Brother-Heavenly/dp/0857211994)

 

 It's hard to imagine, when you live in the United States and you don't see persecution, such as seen in other parts of the world, that people are still persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. I believe everyone should be made aware of the persecution and we should pray, pray, pray for these people. May we have a faith that would stand up against persecution - in Jesus name!

Thank you, Kregel Publications, for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies of the Heart

Breaking Free from the Four Emotions That Control You

Written by Andy Stanley

Break free from the destructive power of guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy.

Divorce. Job loss. Estrangement from family members. Broken friendships.

The difficult circumstances you are dealing with today are likely being fed by one of four emotional forces that compels you to act in undesirable ways, sometimes even against your will.

Andy Stanley explores each of these destructive forces—guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy—and how they infiltrate your life and damage your relationships. He says that, left unchallenged they have the power to destroy your home, your career, and your friendships.

In Enemies of the Heart, Andy offers practical, biblical direction to help you fight back, to take charge of those feelings that mysteriously control you, and to restore your broken relationships.

Includes a six-week discussion guide—a valuable resource for small groups!

Previously released as It Came from Within

My review:
Andy Stanley is a great speaker and he's a great writer. His writing (like his preaching style) is laid back and easy to understand. He tackles the tough topics - not just a portion of the gospel, but the whole gospel. This book is good for anyone to read, whether they are looking for a biblical approach to the enemies of the heart or not. While I was reading, I kept thinking of people who could benefit from this book (when, in fact, I was benefiting!)

I highly recommend this book to anyone. (I highly recommend Andy Stanley to anyone.) 


Thank you, Waterbrook and Andy Stanley for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for my review. It was such a great book!

Medical Error

A doctor who writes Christian suspense/thrillers? Yes! Dr. Richard Mabry can write more than prescriptions.

Dr. Anna McIntyre's life was going along just fine until someone else started living it. Her patient died because of an identity mix-up, her medical career is in jeopardy because of forged prescriptions, and her credit is in ruins. She thought things couldn t get worse, but that was before she opened the envelope and saw a positive HIV test with her name on it. Her allies are two men who are also competing for her affection. Dr. Nick Valentine is a cynic who carries a load of guilt. Attorney Ross Donovan is a recovering alcoholic. The deeper Anna digs to discover who's behind the identity thefts, the higher the stakes. Finally, when her life is on the line, Anna finds that her determination to clear her name might have been a prescription for trouble.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There were many twists and turns and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend reading Dr. Mabry's books if you enjoy medical thrillers. I look forward to more of his books!

Thank you Abingdon Press, Dr. Mabry and Netgalley for the complimentary advance reader copy (which I received in exchange for an honest review).

Along Wooded Paths

Great new book from Tricia Goyer! Have you read any of her books? I don't typically read Amish fiction but I really enjoyed this book. It was written by someone who is learning what it means to love Jesus, regardless of what "religion" you are. 

Along Wooded Paths

Buy this Book
Read an Excerpt

Although proud of living apart from the world, Marianna Sommer's newly relocated Amish family is discovering that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together with the Englisch.

As Marianna pours her life into helping those around her-and receiving their help-her heart further considers two directions. She's torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a close walk with God like she’s never seen before.
Who should have young Marianna's heart? What is God asking of her through ongoing family struggles and this romantic and spiritual tension? The answer is found along the wooded paths.

This is a series that follows an Amish family. I am looking forward to the next installment - I want to know what Marianna's been up to!

Thank you B&H Publishing Group, Netgalley and Tricia Goyer for the advance reading copy, which I received free for my nook in exchange for an honest review.

The Oxbow Report

As an author of one book and now with a second book coming out next year and four other manuscripts as you said waiting to see the light of day, what prompted you to start this project, and where can the reader get more information on the series? And I guess a follow up question would be, why do you think you’re qualified to write on such a controversial subject and to undertake such a project?

For information on "The Oxbow Report" and the series they can visit my website at mikepurington.com. To answer the rest of your question, I think a little background on me would probably help.

From the time I was old enough to read, books became a way of life. I grew up in northern Minnesota, and at that time we had no television or radio, so reading was the only outlet we had. My grandmother who raised me was a huge fan of Zane Grey so I started out reading westerns. From Zane Grey I went to reading books by Louis L’amour. At some point I came across the comic strip Buck Rogers and then found a copy of "Armageddon 2419 AD.," and its sequel, "Airlords of Han,” by Philip Francis Nolan and became hooked on science fiction. As a side note, a lot of my report cards from school had the following comment, ‘if mike would get his nose out of his books long enough to listen he would be a good student.’ So reading came early for me. Later on I discovered H. G. Wells and started reading some of his novels. Some of his books are among the classics of science-fiction, like, “The Time Machine”, “The Invisible Man”, and “The War of the Worlds”. I think it was his writing that influenced me that while still in high school I wrote my first very bad novel, but I think that’s where my love for writing really started. Later on I read George Orwell’s, “Nineteen-Eighty-Four” and “Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World”, “A Space Odyssey” by Arthur C. Clark, and later “Battlefield Earth” by L. Ron Hubbard, just to name a few.

In 1966 came Star Trek, and the list goes on. In all of these sci-fi thrillers evolution is talked about as fact and not what it really is, a theory. I was fortunate in that while reading fantasy I had a Christian Mother and Grandmother that taught me the difference between fantasy, reality and the scriptures. They soon realized that what I was reading could not corrupt me any more than television, hence shortly after leaving the country life and moving into town my mother bought our first television and we entered the age of electronics. That teaching is not happening to day, and that’s one of the reasons for the writing of these novels. Science fiction for me was just an updated western, good guys against the bad guys, cowboys against the Indians, thus I became a John Wayne fan. Today the lines of science, religion, and fantasy are blurred as in the case of the religion of Scientology. With all that being said, it brings us to the answer to the question. For years I had looked and asked the question, why someone doesn’t write a good book in the form of a novel that would use the argument of evolution verses creation as the background for the novel. I had just finished reading the first “Left Behind” book by Jerry Jenkins when the thought struck me. Why don’t you do it? And I did. After eleven years of part time writing the first book hit the stores.

I guess this is a twofold question. Are you writing a series where one book builds on another or just a series of Christian science fiction novels, and if you are what do you hope to accomplish?

For me that question could take a whole book, but I’ll try to answer it in a couple of paragraphs. Mark 16:15 says, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel.’ In some translations it says ‘in your going.’ So I think a better question would be, how does this book or a series of books differ from typical creation and evolution books? Let me answer the question in reverse. There are many Christians who really haven’t given this subject serious thought and accept what is being taught through a theory called theistic evolution, or the blending of science and religion to make scripture fit the science book rather than science fitting scripture. There are also the teachings of young and old earth creation who continue to fight over who’s right and who’s wrong. On the other hand there are those who believe in Darwinian evolution and would not darken the door of a church, because to allow a deity into the evolutionary process, that deity could also show up in other areas, so the question is, how do you, ‘in your going’ let them know the truth? The problem as I see it, is a lot like Count Dracula. You kill him off in one movie and he comes back in another. We have a lot of groups with good intentions, each of these groups are trying to drive the proverbial stake through the heart of evolution. But evolution like Dracula will always be around, so what is the answer? I’ve, as well as those who are hard core Darwinian disciples And the answer is in a book, or a series of books that allows the characters in the story to discuss points of view and the arguments of the day without the reader going on the defensive, and at the same time giving the reader enough good stuff to read and puzzles to figure out that even when they disagree with the theology of the book they will like the substance and continue to read to find out what happens in end. So, to answer your question, it is Christian, and it does include futuristic technology, so in a sense you could call it science fiction. But it also includes the mystery of where did we come from? There are puzzles that need to be solved, and relationships that include people falling in love. An yes it is a series where one book builds off the previous one. My goal is to write a series of books that people will enjoy, and like one person said in their endorsement, "Mike Purington has brought to his readers a gripping novel. The excitement grabs you from the first chapter; the events keep you turning the pages and the characters keep you enthralled in the plot. You will find yourself living between the lines of the text as you identify with the characters." But the goal is also to build the kingdom. For throughout the story ground is plowed up and seed is planted. And in time I or others may plant, water, and harvest. In the end the goal is to place enough doubt in the mind of the reader that they may check the facts for themselves rather than relying on those who teach a theory based on an assumption.

Can you give us an idea of where the series is going and some of the subject mater?

I can give you the lead-in as found on the website. A 100 years ago the greatest mystery was about to unfold, M-Theory was being discussed, reality ... well it just may be an illusion … and parallel universes were possible. In 2040 Oxbow had been discovered and string theory had now become reality. One of the questions confronting science and the Challenger Crew was, which reality were they in? Discover how choices made by the Challenger crew and those they come in contact with not only effect the present, but the past and the future. Can choices made alter not only the present, but the future and the past? Can a statement alter reality?

Find out along with the crew of Challenger as they try to unravel the mystery of oxbow. What does it mean, does the ancient language that oxbow was translated from hold the secrets of creation, will they finally answer the age old question that all have asked? Did we evolve or were we created? Are the ancient scriptures valid in the creation account, or are we just a product of random selection as Darwin suggested? Did the ancients actually know the secrets of creation, or were they lost in time and if so which time? Do the scriptures reference the original creation or was man created in a re-creation? Are the secrets to creation hidden away just waiting to be re-discovered? Are we just the product of an elaborate hoax, or is God who he said is and was? For Paul La Baugh, a seeker of truth and a believer in the scriptures, and now assigned to the Challenger as counselor to the Captain he must use his knowledge of scripture to help solve the puzzle of Oxbow.
At book signings and other events one of the most common questions asked, was one that I covered earlier. How does this book or series differ from typical creation and evolution books? The answer is the series explores the question “what if” through its characters.

• 
  
  
  What if religion is just that…a way for man to explain what he does not understand?



• 
  
  
  What if evolution happened as many scientists believe?



• 
  
  
  What if we are the product of alien intervention?



• 
  
  
  What if the Bible is indeed true and God does exist?



• 
  
  
  What if man was created by God and through free will or the right to choose man denies God to the point God honors their decision and ceases to exist?



• 
  
  
  If indeed God did create and God ceases to exist what happens to the universe He created?



• 
  
  
  Does this all take place in reality, or does man move from reality to an alternate reality where that man speaks becomes reality?



• 
  
  
  Does all this take place in our universe or in a parallel universe?



• 
  
  
  And the ultimate question, if man has moved from reality to an alternate reality or a parallel universe how does he get back to the reality he left?

These questions and more confront the crew of Challenger as they seek to understand and resolve the mystery of Oxbow.

Now that we have covered the book and the series to come, can we get to know a little bit about the author?

As a professional for many years in the technology sector, I have tried to use my ability to make the complex uncomplicated and to create a futuristic technology understandable to my readers. Fifteen years of research and writing allowed me to bring “The Oxbow Report” the first in the series to be published in 2006. It is now 2011 and we are reintroducing the book along with book two “Two Dimensional Man” that should be out sometime early summer of 2012. The series “The curse of the serpent” deals with a subject we are all familiar with. As we are all aware the Evolution vs. Creationism debate has been and will always be in the forefront of discussion.

I was born and grew up for the most part in Northern Minnesota. I spent three years in the military working on the army’s largest nuclear weapon, the Pershing Missile System. After college I spent 17 years in the computer industry working on large computer systems and 17 years working in the medical field on chemistry and hematology instruments. There was a lot of travel and a lot of time spent away from home. It was during that time that the story started to germinate. I retired in 2005 due to a company reorganization and the first book, “The Oxbow Report” was published in 2006. I have a daughter who just finished college and am married to my beautiful wife of 32 years. I enjoy fishing the East Texas lakes and I look forward to deer season every year.

Where can my blog readers find out more about this blog tour and free copies of this book?

For more opportunities for a FREE copy of The Oxbow Report, please follow this CSS Virtual Book Tour on Twitter (@Christianspkrs) or Facebook.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com)

God's Story, Your Story by Max Lucado

God's Story, Your Story
Be inspired to see how your day-to-day story intersects with God’s grand, overarching epic of everlasting redemption. Your journey of faith will come alive as you explore the divine narrative through New Testament and contemporary characters, and discover how the Bible reveals God’s plan for you today.

Description: 
Carpools and car crashes, job switches and joint custody, moves and motionlessness. Is there a cohesive storyline to the chaos, confusion, and clutter of your daily life?

According to well-loved author Max Lucado, the answer is a resounding yes!

So what is the text of your life?

With his unequaled warmth and honesty, Lucado plumbs the depths of your storyline and comes up smiling.

“Your story indwells God’s,” writes Lucado. “This is the great promise of the Bible and the hope of this book … Above and around us God directs a grander saga, written by his hand, orchestrated by his will, unveiled according to his calendar. And you are a part of it …”

Join Max for an unforgettable journey woven with New Testament stories and contemporary examples of God’s beautiful story-making skills. The beginning of the narrative is legendary, the middle unfolds with surprises still in store, and the ending of your final earthly chapter ushers in a reunion that almost defies description.

It’s time to see what your life looks like when God’s story becomes your story.

My review:
He writes in a way that I can understand and apply to my life. I am never disappointed. I love the way Max Lucado writes. I feel like I'm sitting down and having a conversation with him. His messages are relevant and easy to understand. I highly recommend any of his books. If you're looking for a book to help give you direction in your Christian walk, then Max Lucado is the author you want to pick.

For more information about how to purchase this book or information about Max Lucado, click on this link.

Thank you, Zondervan, for providing me with a free review copy, which did not sway my review. 

The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Linamen

Ready to Make Some Sweet Changes?
Karen Linamen dishes up a satisfying blend of moxie and mocha, sharing stories from dozens of women who reveal savvy strategies for embracing a sweeter life—even while traveling rocky roads. If you’re hungry for more joy, reasons to laugh again, ideas to help you heal, and reliable hope leading to a sweeter future, this journey will leave you satisfied.

Funny, transparent, and uplifting, The Chocolate Diaries is like taking a road trip with good friends who are wise about life. And while you’re at it, indulge (just a little) in the quirky recipes for concocting chocolate delights out of whatever ingredients you can round up in your kitch. The road may still be bumpy, but you’ll be having too much fun to care.

My review:
This book was quick and easy to read. I thought it might include more scriptural references and how to rely on God during the times of trials and tribulations. If you want a book that will help you strengthen and grow your Christian faith, then I think you'll want to look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for a quick easy read that will give you chocolate recipes and share other people's stories, then you will want to pick this one up.

Thank you, Waterbrook Press for the review copy of this book! 

Mine is the Night (Vol. 2) by Liz Curtis Higgs

SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.

HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

When more than one worthy hero steps forward to woo Elisabeth, she makes a bold choice, then must confess her heart’s desire. Will he refuse her out of pride, or surrender to her love?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration, set amid the velvet landscape of eighteenth-century Scotland.

This was the second book by Liz Curtis Higgs that I have read. I selected this series because it's based on the book of Ruth. I love the story of Ruth and I enjoyed the similarities in this book. If you like books by Jane Austen, then I think you'll enjoy this book.

*This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.*

The Muir House by Mary DeMuth

Willa Muir can’t say yes to the love of her life … until she explores her past and solves the mystery of a haunting dream. But when Willa’s desperate search unearths unthinkable secrets, her heart collapses. Can Willa shake her past to embrace a love that could finally lead her home?

“You’ll find home one day. Sure as sweet tea on a hot afternoon.”

Words from Willa Muir’s sketchy childhood haunt her dreams and color her days with longing, regret, and fear. What do the words mean? Willa is far from sure.

When Hale Landon places a ring on her finger, Willa panics, feeling she can’t possibly say yes when so much in her past is a mystery. Bent on sorting out her history, Willa returns to Rockwall, Texas, to the Muir House Bed & Breakfast, a former funeral home.

But the old place holds her empty memory close to itself. Willa’s mother utters unintelligible clues from her deathbed, and the caretaker of the house keeps coveted answers carefully protected. Throw in an old flame, and Willa careens farther away from ever knowing the truth.

Set in a growing suburb of Texas, The Muir House explores trauma, healing, love new and old, and the life-changing choices people make to keep their reputations intact.

To read the first chapter, buy the book or find out more about Mary DeMuth, click this link.

 I have enjoyed Mary DeMuth's books for a couple of years now. I was given one of her books and have been hooked since!

I enjoyed this book. It was different than what I expected. The plot threw me for some loops, as I thought it would be a semi-straightforward storyline but I was pleasantly surprised. If you're looking for a book that you cannot put down and one with a well-developed storyline, then this is one you'll definitely want to get. The main character has to learn to let go of what she thought she knew and find out what is really the truth.


To view other books I've reviewed by Mary DeMuth, click here!

I was provided a copy of this book for free by Mary DeMuth in exchange for an honest review.

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy

The Promises She Keeps
Erin Healy

It's her destiny to die young. The man who loves her can't live with that. 

Promise, a talented young singer with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging sorceress and art collector in search of immortality. 

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that she may hold the key to eternal life. 

Enter Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and fascinates her with his mysterious visions and drawings.

Soon, all are plunged into a confrontation over the mystery and the cost of something even greater than eternal life...eternal love.

"Heart-pounding suspense and unrelenting hope that will steal your breath."--Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author (for Never Let You Go)

I really enjoy a book that keeps me in suspense and this book delivered! Full of more twists and turns than a roller coaster, you won't know the whole story till the very end. I highly recommend this book. It was a great read!

You can buy the book from Amazon by clicking the link, or see more reviews. Find out more about Erin Healy by visiting her site.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.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.”

People of the Book by Kathi Macias

Interview with Kathi Macias

People of the Book is the fourth and final book in your Extreme Devotion series. Each book is set in a different country, with the theme of first devotion and commitment to Christ above all else running through all four. How is People of the Book different, and who/what inspired you to write this book?

People of the Book was the most difficult of the four Extreme Devotion series books to write, but it is also the strongest when it comes to a call to personal commitment to Christ and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. With each of the books, I began drafting the manuscripts through Internet research, since I had never lived in any of the four countries and had only visited one of them. After the original draft, I worked with someone who either currently lived in the country or who had recently spent many years there. People of the Book was the toughest because the Saudi women I connected with via the Internet were understandably apprehensive about associating with me. Most, in fact, were terrified to do so. I was therefore quite pleased to meet a young woman named Dolly Dahdal here in the States who, until just a few years ago, had spent the majority of her life in Saudi Arabia and understood perfectly why I had chosen to write this book. We shared a passion to help expose the fallacy of “honor killings,” a horrific crime perpetrated primarily against women and girls who in some way bring “dishonor” on their Muslim families, and Dolly was a major contributor to the authenticity of this book.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?

Eighteen-year-old Farah, who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, wants nothing more than to develop a deeper, more meaningful devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and she pursues that goal throughout the holiday. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. At the same time, her only brother, Kareem, who has never liked Farah, actively seeks an opportunity to expose her for the sham he believes she is.

Meanwhile, Farah’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Nura, has begun to frequent an online chat room where former Muslims gather to discuss their new faith, based on their belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. While there, Nura becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian named Sara—and a friendship quickly develops. However, Sara has problems of her own due to her fifteen-year-old brother Emir’s involvement with a gang.

The lives of Farah, Nura, and Sara ultimately dovetail until each finds herself at a place where her faith is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to the end? Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution and treachery? Or will they be required to pay the ultimate price for their faith?

Kathi, how did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?

I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.

I understand you’re running a special contest that has to do with this book. Can you tell us about it?

Not only are there several opportunities to win a copy of the book on various blog sites included in this tour, but I’m giving away the entire four-book series at the end of the tour to someone who leaves a comment on one of the blogs, so be sure to check them all out and leave comments on each one!

In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?

They can find me at one of my websites (http://www.kathimacias.com; http://www.theTitus2Women.com) or on my Easy Writer blog at http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com. There is a “contact” button on my Kathi Macias website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!

 

 I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

After two decades plus of marriage, Jane Lindsay assumed she and her husband Brad would always be a couple. Thus when Brad walks out on her to move from Manhattan to Manchester, New Hampshire, she is stunned as she never even remotely saw it coming. With their son away at school, Jane struggles with the end of her emotionally comfortable life.

At her East Village antique shop, amidst a box filled with alleged relics sent by her English friend Emma Downing, Jane finds an old ring. On the inner band is etched a phrase in Latin with one English word: Jane. With a need to know more about the ring that came from a British estate sale, she investigates who the original Jane was. She soon learns about sixteenth-century dressmaker Lucy Day who worked for ill-fated innocent Lady Jane Grey; at a time when the country`s tumultuous divide placed her in the deadly middle. Connected by the ring and their first name, Lady Jane and Manhattan Jane have more control over what they want out of their lives than either originally had thought.

Susan Meissner has a great website with info about her, her books, writers, readers, etc. You'll want to go visit her site.

I've read several of Susan's books. Picket Fences is the only one I have reviewed. I believe I won Shape of Mercy, which is why there is no review for it. This was one of my favorites. I read this book in a day; it was just so good I had a hard time putting it down. I could really relate to Jane, the antique shop owner, which is probably one reason I enjoyed the book so much. I was fascinated with Lady Jane's story and the history surrounding the era. Who knew royalty had their own tailors and dressmakers?

I would highly recommend this book. If you like to read fiction (and especially historical fiction), then no doubt you'll enjoy this book.

You can purchase this book from Amazon or any other retailer who sells Christian fiction.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. It was my privilege.

Chazown - Craig Groeschel

 Chazown

Define Your Vision. Pursue Your Passion. Live Your Life on Purpose.

Written by Craig Groeschel

Chazown (pronounced khaw-ZONE)
from the Hebrew, meaning
a dream, revelation, or vision.

You were born with your own Chazown.
Do you know what it is?
 You’re invited on a most unusual odyssey—to find, name, and live out your personal Chazown. It’s a journey you’ll never forget because it’s impossible to return unchanged.

Practical, fresh, and biblically sound, Chazown is a one-of-a-kind life planning experience. Perhaps for the first time, you’ll clearly understand what you’ve always suspected:

I have been created and put on earth for a unique and important purpose.
And God intends for me to know it and live it with passion and fulfillment for His glory.

Craig Groeschel will help you get under the surface of your life to discover your life purpose in three often overlooked areas: your core values, your spiritual gifts, and your past experiences. He’ll help you turn it into a highly motivating credo—complete with short-term goals, action steps, and a supportive network to make your big dream a reality.

And then Craig will show you how to apply your own chazown to five critical areas of your life: your relationship with God, your relationships with people, your finances, your health and fitness, and your work.

Are you living someone else’s dream for your life, or no dream at all? Get ready for Chazown.

For resources, visit The Chazown Experience at www.chazown.com
 
Praise for Chazown“It is depressing to consider how many people will go to bed tonight never having thought of how God wanted them to spend the day. As Craig points out, this is a deadly cycle that quickly culminates in a wasted life. Chazown reminds us of the brilliance of our God who carefully created us and empowered us for a life of purpose. I pray it rescues many from an eternity of regret and leads them toward the satisfying and meaningful life God intended.”
—FRANCIS CHAN, best-selling author of Crazy Love

My thoughts:
I appear to have a recurring theme with the books I am choosing to review. They are all about how to make my life mean something and how to make a difference. Just looking at the title of the book lets me know I'm on the right path (for reading). This book helps set you on the right path for knowing your purpose. I love this quote from the book,

I have been created and put on earth for a unique and important purpose.
And God intends for me to know it and live it with passion and fulfillment for His glory.

Yes!


You can purchase this book from Amazon or any other retailer which sells Christian non-fiction books.


Thank you Waterbrook for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Mercy Rising by Amber Robinson

Mercy Rising: Simple Ways to Practice Justice and Compassion

About This Book:

The needs are real: Children are dying from lack of access to basic nutrition and health care. Human slaves are trafficked in our home cities and around the world. Racial injustice continues to fester in America.

It s not that I don't care, I just don't know what to do, is the heart cry of many American women. Daily life threatens to send us on emotional overload. Can I care for social justice when I feel broken and am in debt? Is it even possible for a middle-class, exhausted family to do anything meaningful for others?


About the Author:

AMBER ROBINSON is an ordinary woman seeking to bridge the gap between the needs for justice and balancing family, work, and service. Her life’s passion is to write and advocate for children with Compassion International. She speaks to groups who want to incorporate justice pursuits in simple, practical ways. She is an imperfect Christ follower and reluctantly optimistic.


Amber began this journey when chronic illness forced her to reevaluate her priorities and learn to serve with limitations in everyday life. She networks with leaders in the justice movement as well as everyday women with various limitations in time, resources, and energy but long to serve in simple, practical ways. What can we do at home, shopping, in business, or with family and friends? Not everything, but we can find our “one thing”.

What Others Are Saying:

In Mercy Rising, author Amber Robinson offers the tools women need to make the impact their hearts desire to make. Filled with helpful hints, stories of real women making a difference, and solid biblical wisdom, this organized resource makes finding your compassionate feet easily accessible.

With clever charm and earnest exploration, Amber will help even the busiest of women find their one way to help.

In Mercy Rising, Amber Robinson presents the issues of justice through personal and powerful stories, encouraging women of all ages to actively live out their faith in a hurting world --Dr. Wess Stafford, President and CEO Compassion International

Amber strikes the perfect balance of kindness and conviction as she encourages young women to step outside of their comfort zones and be their faith in the world - one act of love and compassion at a time --Joan Ball, author of Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life

Amber Robinson s Mercy Rising is a quick and powerful read. She doesn't avoid the difficult questions surrounding poverty and testifies to facing her own fears and obstacles. Packed with practical information and inspiring stories this read is a must for anyone diving into changing the lives of the least of these. --Craig Hilton Dyer, President, Bright Hope International 

What I Say:

I am missions minded and I really appreciated all the resources which are available in this book. There are great ideas on how to make a change, one step at a time, from your computer to you where you shop and how to research the places you frequent. Also included there are stories about real people making a real difference. If you are interested in making a difference in your home or across the globe, this is a great book to help get you started.

To purchase this book, go to Amazon.com. Also, check out Amber's website for a variety of resources.


Thank you Beacon Hill Press for providing me with a complimentary review copy of this book.

Inspired Design

Inspired Design by Roxanne Hughes Packham and Hannah Packham (Inspired Designs Publications, 2010)

What is Inspired Design?
A book about three aspects of the home and how it's power to touch the souls of those within. Those three aspects are Designing for warmth and beauty to nurture others, meaningful touches and gestures to celebrate and honor your loved ones on special occasions and ordinary days, and lastly that it is not what we have or do not have that blesses others, and changes lives, but how we use what we have. It is about incorporating YOUR family heritage, and your unique gifts, into making a beautiful, family home.

Why did you write Inspired Design with your daughter?
My grandfather (Silversmith Allan Adler) passed this love of design to me, so it just seemed a natural, alongside a book about the design and subsequent use of our homes, infused with family heritage that my daughter who lives along side me take a large part the powerful subject of "the home". I also wanted to create a place where we could initiate, create, and complete a project where my daughter, Hannah, could learn along side me both the practical and the ethical implications of a project this size, where all the profits go to a charity that is dear to our hearts, Heart of Hope Ministries, Intl. I wanted show her an example of using our talents and gifts for the enjoyment of others, while benefiting others, not ourselves. It wasn't to be pious, but just a fun way to give back and truly make a difference while doing something together that we loved!

I know that a mother-daughter ministry, "Inspired 31", has begun along side of Inspired Design, why do you think it has resonated so powerfully?
Especially in this economic climate so many women are more resolute than ever that their families are the most important thing in their lives and their daughters, or close friends, should be celebrated and cherished. Without exception our gatherings (3 so far, in it's first 3 months) have attracted hundreds of mother/daughter/sister/friend combinations wanting to come, for 2 hours, and celebrate what is good, pure, worthy of praise especially each other. Inspired 31's mission is to teach girls (and now even woman of all ages) to find and follow God's unique path for their lives. We have inspiring speakers, and a wonderful positive/uplifting program. We have people inquiring about beginning a chapter in their area, in many cities.

Where can we purchase a copy of Inspired Design? Also, we heard this book is helping orphans and teenage girls as well.
Inspired Design makes a perfect gift with so many ideas for making Christmas, or any holiday, more special with all kinds of thoughtful little details. 100% of the profits go to Heart of Hope, which benefits orphans in Romania, and Inspired 31, a Mother-teenage girl ministry. With each purchase you are helping all kinds of different children.
Please visit my web site at http://inspireddesignpublications.com/.


My thoughts
I would love to be able to pull a room together and have it look as pretty as a picture but I can't! This book, though, has wonderful ideas and great pictures. It would make a very nice "coffee table" book or a nice gift for that hard to buy for person in your life. It's a double bonus that when you purchase the book, you're helping a great cause too!

If you would like the opportunity to win this book, check out the links below to enter random drawings conducted by Christian Speaker Services:

CSS Blog (please see blog posts for details)

CSS Virtual Blog Tour on Facebook (please see EVENTS pages for details)

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Inspired Design Publications in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

Sun Stand Still

About This Book

If you're not DARING TO BELIEVE GOD for the impossible,
you may be SLEEPING THROUGH
some of the BEST PARTS of your Christian Life.

"This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years.
   In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential."
    —STEVEN FURTICK, from Sun Stand Still
Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, named by Outreach magazine as one of the top 10 fastest growing churches in the nation. In four years, Elevation has grown to more than 6,000 people in regular attendance in three locations. Steven holds a degree in communication from North Greenville University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Holly, have two young sons—Elijah and Graham—and make their home in the Charlotte area.

For more information:
SunStandStill.org
www.StevenFurtick.com

Thank you WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing for the free review copy of this book.

A Woman and Her Workplace

Handling Workplace Gossip - 

Publisher: Beacon Hill Press
of Kansas City
ISBN-10: 0834125234
ISBN-13: 978-0834125230
Released: September 2010
Paperback: 192 pages
Retail: $14.99 

BOOK SUMMARY:

For most people, the workplace is their home-away-from-home. We spend most of our waking hours with coworkers and employers. No blood relation, but yet we must build healthy relationships with them if we hope to excel at our work and enjoy our careers. Just like families, our work families are disturbed by dysfunctional issues. Interactions at work are often anything but ideal, let alone godly.

We find someone to vent about the grumpy boss, that arrogant team member, the lazy coworker who gets by doing nothing, and the undermining woman who makes our lives miserable. Yes, it’s easy to blame them for our workplace woes—but it’s better to look inward at what we have control to change.

A Woman and Her Workplace shows how God can perform a deep heart transformation within us so His love flows through us to the people in our workplaces. By delving into the issues that wreak havoc on our workplace relationships, author Rosemary Flaaten provides readers the help they need to develop and apply strong biblical principles of humility, integrity, forgiveness, grace, and celebration in the workplace.

Through discussing relationships such as boss to staff, woman to man, woman to woman, and teamwork, Rosemary guides women to develop healthy interactions in their workplaces. It makes sense to invest some effort into the relationships where we spend the lion’s share of our waking hours. This book isn’t just for women, though. Men find the book gives them insight into how to make the best of their working relationships with the opposite sex in their offices.

 

CHAPTERS 

1. Building the Relationship Bridge
2. Pride Vanquished by Humility
3. Deception Defeated by Integrity
4. Anger Diffused by Forgiveness
5. Judgment Dissolved by Grace
6. Envy Rejected by Celebration
7. I'm Part of a Team
8. I'm the Boss
9. I'm NOT the Boss
10. I Work with Him
11. I Work with Her
12. Sharing Your Faith

 

ROSEMARY FLAATEN’S successful book, A Woman and Her Relationships helps women process their outside-of-work relationships, so now she’s delving into these 9-5 relationships. She writes from a fully equipped life-experience toolkit. In it we find her varied work experience, a counseling and educational background, and a deep love for God as well as a passion to help others. Her Relationships book won The Word Guild Award, which is Canada's top Christian literary honor. A dynamic speaker—Rosemary challenges women of all professions to view their work as a calling and their workplaces as opportunities to live out Christ’s love. Rosemary lives with her husband and three children in Calgary, Canada.

My thoughts:
This is a great book for us working women. I find the workplace is my hardest "mission field". Thank you Rosemary!

If you're interested in hosting a blog tour or finding out more information, please contact:

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications
1008 Ben Drive Brenham, TX 77833
WillisWay@aol.com | kcwcomm@att.net | 956-642-6319 | www.kathycarltonwillis.com

If I...I will by Debbie Covington (Guest Post)

Thank you for the post from Debbie Covington. She's the author of the new book "If I...I Will" (info below)

The Lord Closed the Door!

I love this image of the doors*. Presently I am reading the Chronological Bible and loved the reading from Genesis 7 about Noah boarding the ark. It is the story of Noah receiving all his instructions from God about what he is to do. A verse that jumped out at me this time was the verse – Then the Lord closed the door behind them.

How often I've wondered why it seemed like a missed opportunity or a chance just went away. Well, it hit me that God probably closed the door behind me! God took care of Noah and his valuable load on the ark and He takes care of us. Whether He is closing a door or opening the door He is in charge, if we allow Him to open and shut the doors.

Don't you love the image above? Place God in your home, office, or other places today and allow Him to open and close the right doors for you. I love the image of some being opened and others closed—after all, only God knows the right way to open and close the next door in our journey!

Happy openings and closings,

Debbie Covington

Debbie Sutton Covington writes and speaks on women in the church. She is also the founder of Journey of Sisters, a ministry that encourages women in their walk in faith through weekly devotionals, monthly newsletters, and fellowship opportunities. Debbie and her husband Kenny and their dogs live in Shreveport, Louisiana.

About If…I Will

If I…I will: simple words, but do we ever move past the “ifs” in our lives? Do we know in our hearts and minds that God indeed will help us to achieve our dreams and goals? If I…I Will is an insightful look at the healing of the suffering woman in Mark 5 whom Jesus healed. And just like that suffering woman, we must step past our suffering, the words we may hear, our own thoughts, and the crowds around us to reach for Jesus. What if we reach Jesus? Will He change our lives forever? Will He heal us? Yes, indeed! Maybe Jesus won’t follow the way we envision the healing or the change to happen, but faith in Jesus will forever change us. So, step out and reach for Jesus’ hand, and begin the adventure of a lifetime.


Purchase If I…I Will on Amazon.


If I…I Will Virtual Book Tour
November 1 – November 5, 2010
Coordinated by Rachel Randolph at RedCouch PR
November 1
A Room Without Books Is Empty
Latte With Me
Nikole Hahn’s Journal
Of Sound Mind Spirit
November 2
Nikole Hahn’s Journal
November 3
MiscMayzee
What You Reading Now?
All Grown Up?
Books+Beach=Escape
Hope & Despair Mingled Together
November 4
A New Kind of Normal
November 5
Life in Review
Mel’s World
Book Reviews by Molly
Double the Blessings
  
Thank you Red Couch PR and Debbie Covington for the preview copy of the book!


*Thank you to this site for the beautiful picture of the door (which is not what Ms. Debbie had in her post, but I couldn't get the copy of it) http://www.mccullagh.org/photo/1ds-14/weathered-red-door.