tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63198409554985230712024-02-18T22:01:08.857-07:00The Loose ScrewLangworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.comBlogger993125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-28654675488750536472018-04-12T16:16:00.003-06:002018-04-12T16:16:36.494-06:00Book Review~Words from the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book: </span></u></b><br />
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<i>Her fingertips brushed against something else in the box of doilies. She lifted a bundle of letters, neatly tied with a thin red ribbon . . .</i></div>
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<i>Ivy Yoder hasn’t heard from John King in over a year. She knows it’s time to let go of the idea that they will one day marry, but she’s humiliated to be one of the oldest single women in her Amish community of Birch Creek. When quirky Cevilla Schlabach asks her to help clean out an attic, Ivy is grateful for the distraction.</i></div>
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<i>Noah Schlabach isn’t from Birch Creek, or even Ohio. His job as an auctioneer takes him around the country and away from a typical Amish life, but he still remains devoted to his family. So when his aging aunt asks him to help clean out her attic, he agrees. Plus, who knows what curious items he might find up there?</i></div>
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<i>As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a different kind of treasure: a packet of letters written during the Korean War. Soon they are swept up in the story of two young people falling in love—even as they remain determined not to fall in love themselves.</i></div>
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<i>Words from the Heart is a moving story of lost love letters, fragile fears, and the beauty of taking another step forward.</i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">My Review: </span></u></b></div>
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<i>Words From the Heart</i> is the third book in author Kathleen Fuller's Amish Letters series. I had read the first two in the series, <i>Written in Love</i> and <i>The Promise of a Letter</i>. They were very enjoyable, and Words from the Heart was a great addition to the series. Although these stories intertwine characters, they can be read alone. </div>
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Ivy Yoder was a single Amish woman, old by Amish standards to not have married yet. Noah Schlabach was also older and single, with no plans for marrying anytime soon. Ivy, on the other hand, yearns for marriage and children. The two had known each other for years, and when Noah's aunt pulls them together on a project, its the perfect chance for them to get to know each other better. The discovery of old love letters brings in mystery to this sweet romance. </div>
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I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in <i>Words From the Heart</i>. It is a book I recommend, along with the other two books in the Amish Letters series. Kathleen Fuller is a talented author of Amish fiction. </div>
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. </div>
Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-29886372777137836382018-04-12T15:10:00.001-06:002018-04-12T15:10:44.556-06:00Book Review~In All Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a Bible study called <i>In All Things: A Nine-Week Devotional Bible Study On Unshakeable Joy</i>, by Melissa B. Kruger. Joy is something we all strive for our entire lives, and unshakeable joy is even better! This Bible Study uses the book of Philippians to learn how to have unshakeable joy.<br />
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Included in the book is an Introduction, the nine weeks of study, a study guide for group use (although this is fine to do by yourself), the book of Philippians (handy to have right there for your use), acknowledgements and notes. The nine weeks of study are titled:<br />
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1. We Need More Than a Spiritual Experience: Joy in Salvation-Acts 7-16<br />
2. A Shared Joy: Joy in True Fellowship-Philippians 1:1-11<br />
3. Unshakeable: Joy in Christ's Lordship-Philippians 1:12-30<br />
4. The More of Becoming Less: Joy in Humility-Philippians 2:1-11<br />
5. With Hearts Set Free: Joy in Obedience- Philippians 2:12-30<br />
6. A Friend Like No Other: Joy in Knowing Christ-Philippians 3:1-11<br />
7. Something Better is Coming: Joy in Heaven-Philippians 3:12-4:1<br />
8. A Heart at Peace: Joy in the Inner Life-Philippians 4:2-9<br />
9. Upside-Down Living: Joy in Giving-Philippians 4:10-23<br />
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For the most part, each week is broken down like this: Day 1-Observation, Days 2 and 3-Interpretation, Day 4-Application, and Day 5-Devotional. Each day contains reading and questions to answer.<br />
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I enjoyed <i>In All Things</i> and would definitely recommend it. I think it would also make a great group study so that you could discuss your answers with others.<br />
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.<br />
<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-80922104487080089842018-03-19T15:26:00.000-06:002018-03-19T15:26:10.384-06:00Movie Premiere Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The family-friendly story of "Ice Dragon:Legend of the Blue Daisies" is coming to cinemas nationwide on March 24th and 26th only. Moviegoers of all ages will enjoy this thrilling adventure, along with the short film and music video. You can get tickets at <a href="http://www.fathomevents.com/" target="_blank">Fathomevents.com</a> .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on a short story by Canadian director and producer Bruce Stacey, his faith-based adventure features the voice talents of Rheal Rees (Melody), Justin Debe` (Leif) and Bill Bray (Niicholai). Fathom Events, Chelsea Road Productions and Tricord Media present this special event in more than 700 select movie theatres across the US.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafafa; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melody, a gifted young dreamer and her feisty friend Leif, must set aside their differences and use the power of magical Blue Daisies and an ancient Song to save their world from an evil Ice Dragon. When the blue flowers that once bloomed all around her village begin to disappear, Melody and her eccentric grandfather recognize this as a sign of great danger… but no one believes them! Racing against time, Melody must convince Leif and the other villagers before it’s too late. Great songs and engaging characters highlight this inspiring, animated adventure for the whole family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm so excited to take my grandson to see Ice Dragon:Legend of the Blue Daisies next weekend! To learn more about the movie and watch trailers, click <a href="https://www.fathomevents.com/events/ice-dragon?utm_source=telling+ministries&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ice+dragon&utm_term=telling+ministries+bloggers" target="_blank">here.</a> Remember you can only see this movie March 24th and March 26th, so get your tickets now! You can buy your tickets at <a href="http://www.fathomevents.com/" target="_blank">Fathomevents.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-9316334655928222072018-03-18T16:12:00.001-06:002018-03-18T16:19:41.249-06:00Book Review~His Risk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>About the Book:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>About the Author:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>What I Thought: </b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>His Risk</i> is the third book in author Shelley Shepard Gray's series <i>The Amish of Hart County.</i> I read the first three books in the series and enjoyed them. The Kentucky location is different from your typical rolling farmlands of the Amish in Pennsylvania or Ohio. In this series, each book has had some sort of criminal activity that a member or members of the Amish community is affected by. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. She is such a talented storyteller, and I always feel like I really get to know the characters in the book. His Risk was another great story with excitement, suspense, and a little romance. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something I really like in most of Shelley Shepard Gray's books are the P.S. section at the back. It contains About the Author, A Letter from the Author, Discussion Questions, and a Sneak Peak at the next book in the series. I can learn a lot of background into how the story came about and the research that went into it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although<i> His Risk</i> is part of a series, I think it can be read by itself with no problem. For maximum enjoyment, though, I suggest reading all of <i>The Amish of Hart County</i> series. I highly recommend <i>His Risk</i> and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can read more reviews of His Risk at <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/SGray" target="_blank">Litfuse.</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To learn more about the book, the author, and where to purchase your own copy, visit Shelley Shepard Gray's <a href="http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/" target="_blank">website.</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<strong>Enter to win a copy of <em>His Risk</em>. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 28 on the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/category/blog">Litfuse blog</a>!</strong>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/his-risk-shelley-shepard-gray"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22339" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/his-risk-400.png" height="300" width="400" /></a>
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I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-30828292314773039272018-03-10T14:46:00.001-07:002018-03-10T14:46:44.868-07:00Book Review~Beneath the Summer Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Book Description: </span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I<i>t’s been four years since Jennie’s husband died in a farming accident. Long enough that the elders in her Amish community think it’s time to marry again for the sake of her seven children. What they don’t know is that grief isn’t holding her back from a new relationship. Fear is. A terrible secret in her past keeps her from moving forward.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Mennonite book salesman Nathan Walker stops by Jennie’s farm whenever he’s in the area. Despite years of conversation and dinners together, she never seems to relax around him. He knows he should move on, but something about her keeps drawing him back.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> Meanwhile, Leo Graber nurtures a decades-long love for Jennie, but guilt plagues him—guilt for letting Jennie marry someone else and guilt for his father’s death on a hunting trip many years ago. How could anyone love him again—and how could he ever take a chance to love in return?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>In this second book in the Every Amish Season series, three hearts try to discern God’s plan for the future—and find peace beneath the summer sun.</i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My Review: </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Beneath the Summer Sun </i>is the second book in author Kelly Irvin's <i>Every Amish Season</i> series. I did not read the first book in the series-<i>Upon a Spring Breeze</i>-but had no problems following the story. I think<i> Beneath the Summer Sun</i> can be read alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt so much compassion for the character of Jennie-she has been through so much, and is afraid to open herself to the chance to love again. With seven children to care for, one of whom is experiencing a lot of emotional pain, she barely has time for herself. She has two men interested in her who are both loving, caring men. But she also thought her husband was loving and caring before they married. Things quickly changed after their marriage vows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As domestic violence is a main topic in <i>Beneath the Summer Sun,</i> it could be a trigger for some readers, so I think its important to know upfront. Domestic Violence is not often a theme in Amish fiction, as Amish are generally thought of as non-violent, gentle people. It was an interesting story that kept my attention from start to finish. At the back of the book are Domestic Violence resources, as well as discussion questions about the story. </span></div>
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I received a copy of this book from <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/" target="_blank">BookLook Bloggers</a> in exchange for my honest review. </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><i></i><i></i><i></i><br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-9997945295767999022018-02-28T13:50:00.001-07:002018-02-28T13:50:08.493-07:00Book Review and Author Giveaway~Keturah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjyx24Opx27aFnkGJxz8ZlhuNsdM0muY7X4CrVT4-kPkbwFv3uKBjSrI0T9u3PnezLScwcEs88BaHgbXGzFEV16ARa5Z_4yoQOl2K25FhOGq_Qvuy3C4NizF9iL43-9wo_fL-Pr3zqMI/s1600/Keturah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjyx24Opx27aFnkGJxz8ZlhuNsdM0muY7X4CrVT4-kPkbwFv3uKBjSrI0T9u3PnezLScwcEs88BaHgbXGzFEV16ARa5Z_4yoQOl2K25FhOGq_Qvuy3C4NizF9iL43-9wo_fL-Pr3zqMI/s320/Keturah.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>About the Book: </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Keturah (The Sugar Baron’s Daughters)</span> (Bethany House, February 2018)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father’s estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Although it flies against all the conventions, they’re determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined–and that’s just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?</i></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author: </b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children. Visit her website <a href="http://lisatawnbergren.com/" target="_blank">http://lisatawnbergren.com</a></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I Thought: </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Keturah </i>is the first book in author Lisa T. Bergren's new series, <i>The Sugar Baron's Daughters</i>. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when the main character is a strong woman who is willing to do whatever she needs to do, even if it doesn't fit society's view of women for the time period. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The settings of the story were exciting-first the long, grueling trip on the ship, and then the lush, tropical islands. I could not imagine being a woman wearing all the long skirts and petticoats in that tropical humidity! I was both fascinated and saddened by the treatment of the slaves, and how women were disregarded and disrespected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keturah was determined to provide for her sisters and not lose what their father had worked for, but she also struggled with letting down her walls to let God lead her path. This is a lesson many of us can learn from. Having suffered an abusive marriage, she also must learn to open her heart to love again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the back of the book are Historical Notes, which I found very interesting. When reading a Historical Fiction story, I'm always amazed at the amount of research that the author must do to write the book. I strongly recommend reading <i>Keturah,</i> and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can learn more and purchase your own copy of Keturah at the author's <a href="http://lisatawnbergren.com/books/keturah/" target="_blank">website.</a> More reviews of this book are available at <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/LBergren" target="_blank">Litfuse.</a></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Author Giveaway</span></u></b></div>
<strong>Enter to win a copy of <em>Keturah</em>. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/category/blog">Litfuse blog</a>!</strong>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/keturah-lisa-bergren"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22339" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/keturah-400.png" height="300" width="400" /></a>
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* I received a copy of this book free from <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/" target="_blank">Litfuse</a> in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-68981756431963985662018-02-28T12:19:00.002-07:002018-02-28T12:19:41.231-07:00Book Review~Out of the Ashes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Book Description: </span></u></b><br />
<i>After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925. When an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel arrives, it seems like the perfect opportunity.</i><br />
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<i>Young widow Katherine Demarchis is also travelling to the foot of Mt. Denali with her grandmother-a last trip before she retreats into a quiet and solitary life, finally free of the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Yet when she encounters there a Frenchman from her past, her plans for the future are thrown into question. </i><br />
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<i>Both haunted by the violence of their pasts, can Katherine and Jean-Michel rediscover the bond they once had? Or, when Jean-Michel's nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will it be impossible to heal what's been broken for so long?</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Review: </span></b></u><br />
<i>Out of the Ashes</i> is the second book in the <i>Heart of Alaska</i> series by authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. Although I had not read the first book in the series, <i>In the Shadow of Denali</i>, I was told this book was able to be read by itself. I definitely agree with that, but now having thoroughly enjoyed <i>Out of the Ashes</i>, I want to read the first book to get more background on the characters and the hotel.<br />
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I enjoy historical fiction, and have read a few books by Tracie Peterson, and loved her writing style. I had not read anything by Kimberley Woodhouse before this book. I've never been to Alaska, but I'm fascinated by it and hope to visit someday, so <i>Out of the Ashes</i> was very intriguing to me.<br />
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<i>Out of the Ashes</i> captivated me from start to finish. I felt like I personally knew the characters and was travelling alongside them as they experienced Alaska. My heart hurt for Katherine and Jean-Michel, both with such good hearts but broken by past experience. As a Christian, I appreciated the focus on God and the use of scripture in the story. In both A Note from the Authors at the front of the book, and Dear Reader at the end, the authors explain much of their journey researching for this series. They also open up their hearts and share difficult times they encountered during the writing of <i>Out of the Ashes. </i><br />
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I highly recommend <i>Out of the Ashes,</i> and I look forward to reading the other books in the series, as well as more books from the authors!<br />
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*I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-76102118426010151242018-01-30T19:05:00.000-07:002018-01-30T19:05:09.368-07:00Book Review~Faithful Finance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4X-DwIp81iJTe7AQZgjJmvU68n8XC14FYZzHwu8N8MEUDOBMg7nAkRX__iNb1PD0VDOhMbGxLTW7mvKDtAIIyhf0Es0lirJ7R_qUXr2MEHVkkXY7pN1JKctmTUxD87l-TSSFcHKt7No/s1600/Faithful+Finance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4X-DwIp81iJTe7AQZgjJmvU68n8XC14FYZzHwu8N8MEUDOBMg7nAkRX__iNb1PD0VDOhMbGxLTW7mvKDtAIIyhf0Es0lirJ7R_qUXr2MEHVkkXY7pN1JKctmTUxD87l-TSSFcHKt7No/s1600/Faithful+Finance.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book: </span></u></b></div>
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From the back cover: <i>Learn how to handle your money so you can have more of it. Financial advisor Emily G. Stroud is a mom, businesswoman, and entrepreneur who has two decades of experience helping people make smart choices about money. In Faithful Finance, she shares ten secrets she's learned along the way and will help you to: </i></div>
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<i>*Develop a personal savings plan based on your unique goals</i></div>
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<i>*Make a monthly budget that actually works for you</i></div>
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<i>*Reduce your overall debt burden</i></div>
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<i>*Plan for your children's college years</i></div>
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<i>*Insure your life without fear</i></div>
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<i>*Leave a lasting and generous legacy</i></div>
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<i>*And most important, discover the source of true wealth</i></div>
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<i>With engaging stories and practical examples, Emily empowers you to make choices that will give you and your loved ones financial freedom for years to come. </i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b></div>
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Written from a Christian perspective with plenty of scripture throughout, <i>Faithful Finance:10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control</i>, is a great all-around lesson on finances. The author has many years of experience as a financial planner and touches on everything from insurance to retirement. Although I didn't feel the author went into any subject very deeply, she gave the basics on a lot of topics. I feel like I have quite a bit of knowledge on finances, but it is always good to get a refresher course on things! As a Christian, tying finances in to my life biblically is important to me as well, and the author does delve into this. Ms. Stroud included great information and I would recommend <i>Faithful Finance</i>. I look forward to checking out the resources at the back of the book, with several websites to help with different areas of your financial life. </div>
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*I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review. </div>
<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-24938111263345103032018-01-21T15:12:00.000-07:002018-01-21T15:12:33.583-07:00Book Review~A Place at our Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WF5l1gQ2kHCZ77MmVhJFhbiRRSWlPY205-02L1BU14vWwC2gTOOG5rB3QPEV4u8GCI5mUx7nGJNS6ZV8mVo3hcUAZGteKCvkEG1TwV6NtDNEoHZBOCTzkltB51WH1SZRScqvNti5FVM/s1600/A+Place+at+our+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WF5l1gQ2kHCZ77MmVhJFhbiRRSWlPY205-02L1BU14vWwC2gTOOG5rB3QPEV4u8GCI5mUx7nGJNS6ZV8mVo3hcUAZGteKCvkEG1TwV6NtDNEoHZBOCTzkltB51WH1SZRScqvNti5FVM/s1600/A+Place+at+our+Table.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Along with his volunteer work at the local fire department, running his Amish farm keeps Jamie Riehl busy. He barely has time to eat at the family table, never mind find someone to date. But when he meets Kayla Dienner, he is smitten.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Kayla tries hard to deny her attraction to Jamie. After all, she’s spent the last year discouraging her younger brother, Nathan, from becoming a firefighter. The death of their older brother in a fire a year ago is fresh in her mind—she can’t bear the idea of putting her heart on the line every time the sirens blare.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Then tragedy strikes, and Jamie wants to extinguish any flame between him and Kayla. Can Kayla set aside her own fears to save the love she was determined to deny?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The first book in the Amish Homestead series, A Place at Our Table invites us to a quiet community in Lancaster County where love burns brightly no matter the cost.</i></span></div>
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<i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><i></i><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought: </span></u></b><br />
<i>A Place at our Table</i> is the first book in author Amy Clipston's new series, <i>An Amish Homestead</i>. I have read several books by this author and always enjoy them. <i>A Place at our Table</i> was very easy to get caught up into immediately because of the action going on with the fire at the Dienner's. The story continues on with lots of activity, mostly because Jamie is a firefighter. His occupation definitely added some energy to the book. Both Kayla and Jamie's families having suffered tragedy in the loss of a close family member pulls them together. The story focused a lot on grief and the different ways people deal with it. It was inspiring that people can feel like their lives cannot go on, yet they manage to continue and even be happy. The characters' strong faith was definitely the reason for their strength.<br />
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I definitely enjoyed and recommend <i>A Place at our Table</i>, and I look forward to the next book in the series. Along with the story, <i>A Place at our Table </i>includes a helpful glossary of Amish words, a family tree relative to the story, discussion questions, and an excerpt from the author's book <i>The Forgotten Recipe</i>, the first book in her <i>Amish Heirloom</i> series.<br />
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*I received a copy of this book from <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/" target="_blank">BookLook Bloggers</a> in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-42719752333884116472018-01-10T15:58:00.001-07:002018-01-10T15:58:38.004-07:00Book Review~Fliers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIluyrZRuNeCwOmivs5wwmlhNQG1FrGsQuzHTQL_H79PwjKkzl3I3q_n_e7uq58Viz6UpJ4ZH3hhiqOR0LXGiuKvhuQqQAYJIoHaUWs-N9pkHm60ZykKJ1YDj2WbpB86lywsoiLvQbjw/s1600/Fliers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIluyrZRuNeCwOmivs5wwmlhNQG1FrGsQuzHTQL_H79PwjKkzl3I3q_n_e7uq58Viz6UpJ4ZH3hhiqOR0LXGiuKvhuQqQAYJIoHaUWs-N9pkHm60ZykKJ1YDj2WbpB86lywsoiLvQbjw/s320/Fliers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Book Description: </b></u></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The perfect present for buds and dormroom inhabitors, this collection of viral fake fliers is at once strange, thought-provoking, and hilarious. Printed on heavy, cardstock-like paper, these 20 "fake" fliers both celebrate and embody surreal posters--like the kind plastered all over college campuses, only taken to the next level. As a bonus feature, the sturdy paperback comes with a french-fold jacket that, when removed, opens up to reveal a larger poster. Images include a photo of a found duck mistaken for a dog that the poster is now keeping and an anonymous group posting about a quiet universe. There is something in this collection for everyone who ever looked at a postered telephone pole or coffee house bulletin board and wondered "is there more out there?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>My Review: </u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>Fliers: 20 Small Posters with Big Thoughts</i> sounded intriguing to me. I thought it would be full of funny fliers. As it turns out, I only thought a handful were kind of funny. Maybe its that I'm from an older generation and just didn't get it. I just didn't find the fliers that interesting. Things I did like were the heavyweight cover, the heavy cardstock used for the fliers, and the pretty pastel color assortment used for the posters. If one really enjoyed a poster, they could pull it out of the book to keep, which is a nice feature. This might just be a great coffee table-type book for the right person, it just wasn't for me. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. </span></div>
<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-85917599000173930272017-12-20T12:54:00.000-07:002017-12-20T12:54:05.543-07:00Book Review~Seeds of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_ZpLz1WLxiy9tdA5zra4Hf7Mz4UeWFAQEyy-nIPQohOn5NtUXVUuEg1tsyiODVWGxKHDaSLmQ-UTZv99HVGJbCXaOmFh-NvVfK8KvhpB11NaY9RcmFUJw9goIhzMmpBP55Oy_3yHP2E/s1600/Seeds+of+Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_ZpLz1WLxiy9tdA5zra4Hf7Mz4UeWFAQEyy-nIPQohOn5NtUXVUuEg1tsyiODVWGxKHDaSLmQ-UTZv99HVGJbCXaOmFh-NvVfK8KvhpB11NaY9RcmFUJw9goIhzMmpBP55Oy_3yHP2E/s320/Seeds+of+Hope.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>About the Book:</span></u> </strong></div>
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<i>Miriam Troyer has had a secret crush on Mark Byler since she was a teenager, but she knows they can never have a relationship: Mark is a big-city attorney and an Englischer. Her Amish community is too far removed from all he knows–and she loves her quiet way of life.</i></div>
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<i>Mark has always loved his visits to his grandfather’s farm, but he’s convinced the Amish life isn’t for him. There’s so much of the world to see and experience, and the excitement of his successful law practice can’t be matched by the slow pace of life found back home in the country.</i></div>
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<i>But when things go wrong and his firm distances itself from him to try to save themselves, Mark finds himself back at his grandfather’s farm. Could life in this simple world be worth living after all? Especially when the teenager he remembers has grown into a woman that could be his future. Suddenly, these two people whose lives seem so far apart may get a chance to really see each other for the first time.</i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author: </span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-PhTk6VDKEBXvN0JMK6NZib8BHOIatrvpsLNPvADMpTrkKAnei2rUCFjQt4LRVN-B0EjQm1Pu2VwBMICeyZc372-zbOoJ_UZbYs6f6h5E0yr3_RvK3D4a3b6BI7GMRRSU2izLCxEQlU/s1600/Barbara+Cameron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-PhTk6VDKEBXvN0JMK6NZib8BHOIatrvpsLNPvADMpTrkKAnei2rUCFjQt4LRVN-B0EjQm1Pu2VwBMICeyZc372-zbOoJ_UZbYs6f6h5E0yr3_RvK3D4a3b6BI7GMRRSU2izLCxEQlU/s320/Barbara+Cameron.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award from RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Visit her website at <a href="http://barbaracameron.com/" target="_blank">http://barbaracameron.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>What I Thought: </u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Seeds of Hope</i> is the first book in author Barbara Cameron's new series, Harvest of Hope. I've read a few other books of hers and have enjoyed them, but <i>Seeds of Hope</i> is definitely my favorite book that this author has written. Miriam is such a sweet young Amish woman, dedicated to her family and community. She will do anything for anyone, always putting others first. She takes wonderful care of an older Amish neighbor, John, who has no family nearby. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Miriam has always had a crush on Mark, John's grandson who would visit every summer when they were children. Now an attorney in the city, Mark doesn't have much time for visiting his grandfather. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mark returns to the farm for an extended visit, and Miriam's crush turns into much more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I really enjoyed <i>Seeds of Hope</i>, and read it quite quickly because I had to find out what happened! When two people from different worlds fall in love and being together seems impossible, of course everyone is rooting for them to end up together. Miriam and Mark had to learn to trust God to pave the way for them to have a future together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Seeds of Hope</i> was a beautiful story of love, faith, family and community. At the back of the book are a glossary, discussion questions, and a recipe. I look forward to reading more from Barbara Cameron in this new series. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #666666;">Learn more about <i>Seeds of Hope </i>and purchase your own copy at the <a href="https://www.barbaracameron.com/harvest-of-hope-series" target="_blank">author's website. </a> Read more reviews at <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/BCameron" target="_blank">Litfuse.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span><span style="color: #004000;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">*I received a copy of this book free from <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/" target="_blank">Litfuse</a> in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. </span></span></div>
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<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-5925661653855785702017-12-10T19:06:00.001-07:002017-12-10T19:06:07.585-07:00Book Review~Home All Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBJhVvd7HEZ-ewSTrdZav4fOGaHo5VTFUG3ZcifftsqIeQ3-wCDuMcwJB07rVqemrZdUz3QX6nwMaCwpPgOnrrsjVqrB6QnKPReUaX2D-TIt5iEkz3jnGE8fTa3vPhFjkCjVybRMDhoI/s1600/Home+All+Along.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBJhVvd7HEZ-ewSTrdZav4fOGaHo5VTFUG3ZcifftsqIeQ3-wCDuMcwJB07rVqemrZdUz3QX6nwMaCwpPgOnrrsjVqrB6QnKPReUaX2D-TIt5iEkz3jnGE8fTa3vPhFjkCjVybRMDhoI/s1600/Home+All+Along.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b> <br />
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.<br />
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b><br />
<i>Home All Along</i> is the third book in author Beth Wiseman's Amish Secrets series. I did read the first two books in the series, and have thoroughly enjoyed all three books. Charlotte and Daniel come from two very different worlds, English and Amish, but have found love together. Their lives are turned upside-down with the people they love going through life-threatening crisis, and through it all they must decide if their love is strong enough to withstand their differences. One of them has to make a life changing decision if they are willing to live a different lifestyle to stay with the person they love. Although I think <i>Home All Along </i>could be enjoyed by itself, the reader will get much more from the story if they read all three books in order.<br />
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There are discussion questions at the back of the book, making <i>Home All Along</i> a great choice for your Book Club.<br />
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*I received a copy of this book free from <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/" target="_blank">BookLook Bloggers</a> in exchange for my honest review. </div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-63076771219749172682017-12-10T18:52:00.000-07:002017-12-10T19:20:31.936-07:00Book Review & Author Kindle Giveaway~All Things Now Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrgh6Ax0HwDdX3jUVLOpoCLHpEC1IjSsQKrYyizq4l42dbA63XaVum9BLwm0xRGrRWygfCw8et3Xb0sp63LXDW4fmlVhDzeLNN1oJrFOwMUG1_VMRmzPqz_rgQr52ZRu25OU2i6wm5fA/s1600/All+Things+Now+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrgh6Ax0HwDdX3jUVLOpoCLHpEC1IjSsQKrYyizq4l42dbA63XaVum9BLwm0xRGrRWygfCw8et3Xb0sp63LXDW4fmlVhDzeLNN1oJrFOwMUG1_VMRmzPqz_rgQr52ZRu25OU2i6wm5fA/s320/All+Things+Now+Living.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>About the Book:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn’t like anything to die, she won’t even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can’t let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it’s God’s will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God’s curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amy’s feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn’t end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome’s collapse, but if Amy doesn’t find her father’s contact in time, she’ll die, along with everyone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><u><b>About the Author: </b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu4nj6eavasfIk0FUXzzPYnkSsh0GRVkSbsorl6ezTMWt8Mv1Ysg4_oIM9Igm9-uouSh8c-q7DtEHmXRcN93nnpt0kXhpbqorB0-OPvLXe1pdKyyevzSfmETZozhIjoBlKyHWgByRA_0/s1600/Rondi+Bauer+Olson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="528" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu4nj6eavasfIk0FUXzzPYnkSsh0GRVkSbsorl6ezTMWt8Mv1Ysg4_oIM9Igm9-uouSh8c-q7DtEHmXRcN93nnpt0kXhpbqorB0-OPvLXe1pdKyyevzSfmETZozhIjoBlKyHWgByRA_0/s200/Rondi+Bauer+Olson.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rondi Bauer
Olson is a reader and writer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives
on a hobby farm with her husband, Kurt. She has four grown children, works as a
nurse, and also owns a gift shop within view of beautiful Lake Superior.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Author's website:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> <a href="http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com/" target="_blank">http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com/</a></span><br />
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<i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought: </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although for the most part I read historical fiction, Amish fiction, and mystery/suspense, occasionally I enjoy a YA Dystopian story. <i>All Things Now Living</i> was a perfect story to fulfill that dystopian craving. At 253 pages, it was a quick read. This is the first book in the Seventh Daughter series, and I will definitely be continuing to read the series as the books come out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amy is a likeable character, a sweet girl who learns much about herself as the story goes on. Having lived quite sheltered, ending up in New Lithisle is quite eye-opening to her. She meets Daniel, who is genetically altered, something she is very much against and believes that those altered do not have souls. Through lots of action and suspense, with a little romance, the story continues with Amy trying to save the people in the dome with a computer program her father wrote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>All Things Now Living </i>was a fun read-exciting and suspenseful, with very interesting characters. It is a story of self-discovery, and things not always being what they seem or what you've always believed. I look forward to more books in the series. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Learn more about All Things Now Living, and purchase your own copy at the author's <a href="http://seventhdaughter.weebly.com/" target="_blank">website.</a> Go to <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/ROlson" target="_blank">Litfuse</a> to read more reviews. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At the book's <a href="http://seventhdaughter.weebly.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, there is a Teachers Guide available for the classroom, a Common Core State Standards Aligned Discussion and Project Guide for grades 7-12. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">* I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway!!</span></u></b><br />
<strong><u></u><span style="font-size: large;"></span>While on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle in Rondi Bauer Olson's <a href="http://seventhdaughter.weebly.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>All Things Now Living</em></a>.</strong> At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are. Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer. Time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else.
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<strong>Stay up all night reading this thrilling new book from Rondi and enter to win a Kindle Fire!</strong>
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<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/c6fe" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22043" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/atnl-400.png" height="150" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<strong>One grand prize winner will receive:</strong>
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<ul>
<li>A copy of <em>All Things Now Living</em></li>
<li>A Kindle Fire</li>
</ul>
<strong>Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 14.</strong> The winner will be announced December 15 on the <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/category/blog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Litfuse blog</strong></a>.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/c6fe" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22045" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/atnl-enterbanner.png" height="100" width="400" /></a></div>
Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-14395069208383926022017-12-05T18:12:00.000-07:002017-12-05T18:12:04.413-07:00A Record of My Vinyl: A Collector's Catalog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsvhvwhJJD2AI3SMpwzGK_iwgJukG1szVK2H3toRIxIBe2cs7WvtlL5HXWxF87XP4pmZblzMli0l1Pqsv5kWWBJF9Z8keKyfZMG6LGZqPemR244V_aCay9bTdlLhaON17iMceo843tpY/s1600/A+Record+of+My+Vinyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsvhvwhJJD2AI3SMpwzGK_iwgJukG1szVK2H3toRIxIBe2cs7WvtlL5HXWxF87XP4pmZblzMli0l1Pqsv5kWWBJF9Z8keKyfZMG6LGZqPemR244V_aCay9bTdlLhaON17iMceo843tpY/s320/A+Record+of+My+Vinyl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My twenty-six year old son recently purchased a record player and his first record. He is excited to begin a vinyl collection. Oh, how I wish I hadn't thrown away my records from my childhood. I believe there are some he would appreciate. Hindsight is always 20/20, right?<br />
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Since my son is a brand new collector, <i>A Record of My Vinyl</i> seemed to be a perfect gift for him. It is a softcover, and the cover looks like a record was wrapped around the book. It even feels like a record! Inside is an introduction to why vinyl is cool, and how to use this book. Next is the bulk of the book-the place where you record your vinyl collection. Each space contains Artist, Label, Album, Country, Catalog No, Year, Grade, and Liner Notes. There is room for recording four albums on each page, and at the top of each page is a place to write the category. There is space for records. Next is a section on How to Care for Your Collection, How to Value Your Vinyl, and Understanding Record Speeds. Last are several perforated sheets where you can list your most wanted vinyl. My only negative feedback for this book is that one of the perforated sheets had already come out, so they must come out very easily.<br />
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I think <i>A Record of My Vinyl: A Collector's Catalog</i> is a must-have for any record collector. Especially once your collection gets sizable, it may be hard to remember all that you have. This would be a great gift. It looks (and feels) cool too!<br />
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I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review from Blogging for Books.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-41423671603483436462017-12-05T15:45:00.002-07:002017-12-05T15:52:08.378-07:00Product Review~Let the Little Children Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb6fRSGx87JEvJaiF8HDzWTy6yZw3ShkpjKcQeIta-WI6SgiiCa_6EI1tGhCyyM2TJbWkzPYVsLGWM3KcLPa1gdsMfzU2AmdXcx28-V9_27nsvRDaV8CRA2ZaWLS5dnDkTSOsOwVseLE/s1600/Let+the+Little+Children+Come.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb6fRSGx87JEvJaiF8HDzWTy6yZw3ShkpjKcQeIta-WI6SgiiCa_6EI1tGhCyyM2TJbWkzPYVsLGWM3KcLPa1gdsMfzU2AmdXcx28-V9_27nsvRDaV8CRA2ZaWLS5dnDkTSOsOwVseLE/s1600/Let+the+Little+Children+Come.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/" target="_blank">Let the Little Children Come</a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e32400; margin: 0px;"> </span>aims to provide effective gospel tracts and
evangelism tools and resources for children. </span><span style="margin: 0px;">It is the hope that these tools and resources will help you
in conveying the powerful gospel message to children. T</span><span style="margin: 0px;">hese gospel tracts are all specially designed to capture
and hold the attention of children, while not distracting them </span><span style="margin: 0px;">from the core message of salvation through Jesus
Christ.</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Wonderful tools to use in Sunday School, VBS and
outreach programs. Easy for children to understand and talk about </span><span style="margin: 0px;">to their friends!</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">The <a href="https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/child-evangelism-tools/gospel-tracts-and-evangelism-tools-sampler-pack" target="_blank">Gospel Tracts and Evangelism Tools Sampler Pack</a> contains 10 Gospel Tracks and Evangelism
tools:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0A2iaqVsrUzHYUGMqi6fq1kuRk-0lrg2oaR07b2S-idiuQQBXqh5NlJla0CZCCQUTzQQfRXyB2FSo7Qe_KhmSAu5KO80INrpBppxzEpVoN3h7wAPdGXBQkNwD9PB-ltpIfjIgfx16o8/s1600/gospel-tracts-A101-main-b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0A2iaqVsrUzHYUGMqi6fq1kuRk-0lrg2oaR07b2S-idiuQQBXqh5NlJla0CZCCQUTzQQfRXyB2FSo7Qe_KhmSAu5KO80INrpBppxzEpVoN3h7wAPdGXBQkNwD9PB-ltpIfjIgfx16o8/s200/gospel-tracts-A101-main-b.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">Animated Tracts:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;"> John 3:16, The True Story of Christmas, and Where's Everybody Going?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZYfaMiEyVgvRZUceeAEc9_kCLy31PVcTY81RzwwY-pmi9aWb-rdFCW2nWO6WRhskQMHwk_Ly7plwxmOHh0-z7YB2Wqleq_TCbYitpl1cLwKplcClyNpvsUUcdU7uZPtMbxcc40FLk54/s1600/gospel-tracts-A101-main-d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZYfaMiEyVgvRZUceeAEc9_kCLy31PVcTY81RzwwY-pmi9aWb-rdFCW2nWO6WRhskQMHwk_Ly7plwxmOHh0-z7YB2Wqleq_TCbYitpl1cLwKplcClyNpvsUUcdU7uZPtMbxcc40FLk54/s200/gospel-tracts-A101-main-d.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">Pop-Up Tracts:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;"> The Most Amazing House, The Lost Easter Egg</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiN0zv2Qw3W2Pu_PUQGjsa81abDITZc0hVWSFR5vdeWrW1S3uXi-oojMvdPCePsbl94m0B0b8eMN2nkL98xNcU-_sp2jmULVz_JvEZEFUq9w33mCoR33tU0DEwhqbwdfdVn983rtjhgew/s1600/gospel-tracts-A101-main-c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiN0zv2Qw3W2Pu_PUQGjsa81abDITZc0hVWSFR5vdeWrW1S3uXi-oojMvdPCePsbl94m0B0b8eMN2nkL98xNcU-_sp2jmULVz_JvEZEFUq9w33mCoR33tU0DEwhqbwdfdVn983rtjhgew/s200/gospel-tracts-A101-main-c.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">FlipAbouts:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> Gospel Buttons, John 3:16 </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinQdEK2epxxe__yqG1jRan5nEJmL6q_FvHvBdhyZrVaS0ndNDjxcPLeg74X2ZLfikwxIxmJfCpAhshGi4iCDK5sJ3V_B3LUvTugq-CdujN-1Sx1ja56zZylvTMnMFfAEN72RbI75aSuM/s1600/gospel-tracts-A101-main-e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinQdEK2epxxe__yqG1jRan5nEJmL6q_FvHvBdhyZrVaS0ndNDjxcPLeg74X2ZLfikwxIxmJfCpAhshGi4iCDK5sJ3V_B3LUvTugq-CdujN-1Sx1ja56zZylvTMnMFfAEN72RbI75aSuM/s200/gospel-tracts-A101-main-e.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Wordless Bracelet Kit, </span><span style="margin: 0px;">Silicone Salvation Bracelet, </span><span style="margin: 0px;">Wordless Book</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></strike>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>I was so impressed with these gospel tracts! Most people think of Bible tracts as boring, but these evangelism tracts and tools are fun! If you want to share the gospel with children, the Let the Little Children Come <a href="https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/" target="_blank">website</a> is the place you need to go! These tools would be great for Sunday school, VBS, and more! As anyone who has spent time around young children knows, they are fascinated by things that move and pop-up. <br />
<br />
At the website, there is a resources section full of different ideas on using each of these great gospel tools and tracts, as well as articles and Child evangelism tips. The Let the Little Children Come sampler pack is the perfect way to try out some of these great gospel tracts and tools! The prices are very reasonable as well.<br />
<br />
By far, my family's favorite tool from the sampler pack was the Animated Tracts, with the FlipAbouts a close second. All you do is slide the striped plastic card from left to right, and the pictures come to life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_NofLFd2eoHxO75I3DHwgW-KjWE1Ybc7zeR2l7Co34ui06zhbefZNxxF_-2dguH3XtItoFkyyAFMtTEEquWLdl6cooNLE9y0iF23gAjwAH_gMNcubLXEoHOg-OLTzKM___DTsuRRJWY/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_NofLFd2eoHxO75I3DHwgW-KjWE1Ybc7zeR2l7Co34ui06zhbefZNxxF_-2dguH3XtItoFkyyAFMtTEEquWLdl6cooNLE9y0iF23gAjwAH_gMNcubLXEoHOg-OLTzKM___DTsuRRJWY/s200/IMG_3121.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Visit <a href="https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/" target="_blank">Let the Little Children Come</a> to check out all that this great company has to offer!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 14.66px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part
255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising”): </b>Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing
this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my
own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample
of the product in exchange for this review and post.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-79524946514922997722017-11-16T15:20:00.001-07:002017-11-16T15:20:10.047-07:00Book Review~The Delusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsiJmy6ryWgb5RDppubh791qxNUA4jHG0iBxaE6cc1sYH1iw7RX261-6bqUr_vaXIpGjc-xR4ErpzVMAK2dJtQ3tvcCqbxE7Qtc5nrsihr8I1ao7anb1O_qboN7eP51P6df5f3xeGH4A/s1600/The+Delusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsiJmy6ryWgb5RDppubh791qxNUA4jHG0iBxaE6cc1sYH1iw7RX261-6bqUr_vaXIpGjc-xR4ErpzVMAK2dJtQ3tvcCqbxE7Qtc5nrsihr8I1ao7anb1O_qboN7eP51P6df5f3xeGH4A/s1600/The+Delusion.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book</span></u></b>:<br />
<i>By March of Owen Edmonds’s senior year, eleven students at Masonville High School have committed suicide. Amid the media frenzy and chaos, Owen tries to remain levelheaded—until he endures his own near-death experience and wakes to a distressing new reality.<br /><br />The people around him suddenly appear to be shackled and enslaved.<br /><br />Owen frantically seeks a cure for what he thinks are crazed hallucinations, but his delusions become even more sinister. An army of hideous, towering beings, unseen by anyone but Owen, are preying on his girlfriend and classmates, provoking them to self-destruction.<br /><br />Owen eventually arrives at a mind-bending conclusion: he’s not imagining the evil—everyone else is blind to its reality. He must warn and rescue those he loves . . . but this proves to be no simple mission. Will he be able to convince anyone to believe him before it’s too late?<br /><br />Owen’s heart-pounding journey through truth and delusion will force him to reconsider everything he believes. He both longs for and fears the answers to questions that are quickly becoming too dangerous to ignore.</i><br />
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<i></i><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b> </div>
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<i>The Delusion: We All Have Our Demons</i> was a little different from the types of book I usually read. I found it very suspenseful and exciting. Spiritual warfare was the main topic, and many heavy topics are included. Recommended as a Young Adult book, as a parent I would be very careful letting my teen read The Delusion because of the subject matter. The chains and shackles were such a great representation of all the baggage we carry. </div>
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Author Laura Gallier is a talented writer who I look forward to reading more from. Her website is <a href="http://www.lauragallier.com/" target="_blank">www.lauragallier.com</a> . </div>
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*I received a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. </div>
<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-56303147559362339722017-11-16T14:43:00.001-07:002017-11-16T14:43:21.644-07:00Book Review~The Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE8uM3-dKrkZBVRs6XHx6cebnuXScatgygO24c9a8OlE70GvszlcFreAT66pntx8UKutfvOVomJRlvvbzcL3zoCTonA3YFqMn-By5d7iwyU2NAqtDF6Alh4tNz9ydEQfc4NqcK9ig6Oo/s1600/The+Gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE8uM3-dKrkZBVRs6XHx6cebnuXScatgygO24c9a8OlE70GvszlcFreAT66pntx8UKutfvOVomJRlvvbzcL3zoCTonA3YFqMn-By5d7iwyU2NAqtDF6Alh4tNz9ydEQfc4NqcK9ig6Oo/s320/The+Gift.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series. The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.<br />
Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.<br />
Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzk5xCq0jd7PqL_n9_KKG22Gmiy4l922SgBvLl15bxMIq2KzRxhicaWlzLooeaUJjjxON8_hctE8Qak_0t8YZAQENpZnskSl-kzmksto8gJa5VM3uWxYY68rmsnEuk-SvaQRJxI205Ig/s1600/SSGray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzk5xCq0jd7PqL_n9_KKG22Gmiy4l922SgBvLl15bxMIq2KzRxhicaWlzLooeaUJjjxON8_hctE8Qak_0t8YZAQENpZnskSl-kzmksto8gJa5VM3uWxYY68rmsnEuk-SvaQRJxI205Ig/s1600/SSGray.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b><br />
<i>The Gift</i> is the third book in author Shelley Shepard Gray's series <i>The Amish of Hart County</i>. The three books all take place in the same county, but do not continue a story, so they can be read on their own or out of order. I did read the first two books, <i>Her Secret</i> and <i>His Guilt</i>. The other books in the series were excellent, so I had high expectations for <i>The Gift</i>-and once again, the author did not disappoint. Shelley Shepard Gray has been one of my favorite authors since I began reading Amish fiction. She is a talented writer, and I always read her books quickly because I cannot put them down.<br />
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There is a great amount of suspense in <i>The Gift</i>. The Schwartz family is being targeted by someone in the community, and Susanna is determined to figure out who before life is lost. An unlikely romance between her and Neil Vance emerges during this time, and Neil has some hard facts to face about his own family. <i>The </i>Gift was a great balance of romance and suspense!<br />
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At the back of the book is a PS section, including About the Author, About the Book, Questions for Discussion, two Christmas recipes for giving, and a sneak peak into the next book in the series, to be released in March 2018.<br />
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Visit the author's <a href="http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/the-gift/" target="_blank">website</a> for more information and to purchase your own copy of<i> The Gift</i>. Visit <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray" target="_blank">Litfuse</a> to read more reviews of this book.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Author Giveaway!!</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPGqIz7QeyLdlcP7bEaqhXi1O3L1GVuRoT7gEtoR8TTtPEHrinMfFuPpgOHmxNIXPzOW1Aon1r1AAwZR6NzMm3cKiTOcwL-MlEak4kYW6OU0R28C_knBODSoQcvwPYGEGVLUK4RtvHJw/s1600/the-gift-400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPGqIz7QeyLdlcP7bEaqhXi1O3L1GVuRoT7gEtoR8TTtPEHrinMfFuPpgOHmxNIXPzOW1Aon1r1AAwZR6NzMm3cKiTOcwL-MlEak4kYW6OU0R28C_knBODSoQcvwPYGEGVLUK4RtvHJw/s320/the-gift-400.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/c558" target="_blank">here </a>to be taken to the entry form.<br />
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*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-38832396200936828182017-11-15T11:48:00.000-07:002017-11-18T17:51:24.610-07:00The Star Movie!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9NjvYZtwk00" width="560"></iframe><br />
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You guys-watch this trailer! This movie looks so adorable.<br />
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<i>In Sony Pictures Animation's The Star, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a loveable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told.</i><br />
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Just in time for the holidays, <i>The Star</i> is being released at theatres nationwide this Friday, November 17th! The trailer above is so cute! Watching the story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of the animals is definitely going to catch kids' attention. This movie will be great for the entire family to see-I can't wait to take my grandson to it! The characters look like lots of fun to watch, and the music is spectacular! Lots of famous actors and singers were part of The Star! Of course, coming from Sony Pictures Animation, you know it will be the highest quality.<br />
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At the website for the movie, <a href="http://www.thestarmovie.com/site/" target="_blank">http://www.thestarmovie.com/site/</a> , there are tons of resources and activities-even an animated coloring book! You can learn more about the movie, the characters and how the movie was made. You can even buy tickets. In the Menu under Videos, you will be taken to YouTube, where there are lots of videos to watch behind the scenes.<br />
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Here's a great review from someone who got to see the movie before the release date: <a href="https://www.christianquotes.info/star-movie-review/" target="_blank">https://www.christianquotes.info/star-movie-review/</a><br />
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I'm very excited to go see <i>The Star</i> with my family, and to get the soundtrack. Be sure to check The Star out starting 11/17/17, and let me know what you thought!<br />
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*This is a sponsored post. I am a featured contributor of The Star Influencer Program. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-17905662499216475482017-11-07T12:49:00.002-07:002017-11-07T12:49:42.147-07:00Children's Book Review and Giveaway~God's Great Love for You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01-tOYIey0kBO_pJ06c-uthslQnrAWZjXP3a9nI5knIrU7pTyl2l_Xy7BojZISO4BX1OgiHRsoUJ-aMFfId-55r4qHcK6AczBmAmACa6Hc5KL487ELSmHvrXMyPC1eP1H_xU0Bluk-Tk/s1600/God%2527s+Great+Love+for+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01-tOYIey0kBO_pJ06c-uthslQnrAWZjXP3a9nI5knIrU7pTyl2l_Xy7BojZISO4BX1OgiHRsoUJ-aMFfId-55r4qHcK6AczBmAmACa6Hc5KL487ELSmHvrXMyPC1eP1H_xU0Bluk-Tk/s1600/God%2527s+Great+Love+for+You.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<u>About <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s Great
Love for You</i>:</u></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s Great Love for
You</i>, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor
Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them
know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations
by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys
to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and
everywhere, and will never end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBQsqbuik2L5234qlUc2me9I4Hw-D1E5sdcpCNXsfbuiAjvaZ8ZDpmh5908L0Q_NWmwVQjiA_39AYKZiSEJ3nEBy59a4SiogYnuDsJipfaF3skvIV1QSYU50PCI2ZtFChX7Yp8DTSjdo/s1600/Dan+reading+God%2527s+Great+Love+for+you.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBQsqbuik2L5234qlUc2me9I4Hw-D1E5sdcpCNXsfbuiAjvaZ8ZDpmh5908L0Q_NWmwVQjiA_39AYKZiSEJ3nEBy59a4SiogYnuDsJipfaF3skvIV1QSYU50PCI2ZtFChX7Yp8DTSjdo/s320/Dan+reading+God%2527s+Great+Love+for+you.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><u>My Thoughts:</u></b> <br />
<i>God's Great Love for You</i>, written by Rick Warren and illustrated by Chris Saunders, is a beautiful 32-page hardcover children's book published by ZonderKidz. This is a simple yet beautiful book, reminding young children how great God's love for them is. There are only a handful of words on each page, making it a great book for very early readers. There is a nice presentation page at the front of the book, which makes it a perfect gift for any occasion. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful, easily capturing young ones' attention.</div>
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The recommended age range for <i>God's Great Love for You</i> is 4-8, which I think is a little off. The picture above is my six-year-old grandson reading the book. He enjoyed it, but it was a little too quick for him. If he were to choose a book to read, he would choose something that would last longer. I think younger toddlers would enjoy having this book read to them as well. Personally, I think the age range is more like birth-5. </div>
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<i>God's Great Love for You</i> is a wonderful reminder for young children how very much they are loved by our God. I think it would make a great addition to a young child's bookshelf.</div>
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Learn more and purchase your own copy: <a href="http://info.zondervan.com/rick-warren-childrens-books/"><span style="color: #386eff; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">http://info.zondervan.com/rick-warren-childrens-books/</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>“Disclosure (in accordance with the
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-88811659655535226232017-11-07T12:04:00.004-07:002017-11-07T12:04:53.723-07:00Book Review~The Gift of Christmas Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiwtdYQAZVdxh1ZV8OBjwBVusYdlqmfmGsBHkDlUDmVyIhQHnzKUWOmK5j1oMQWT0z-cyqX6RqcI8oRhAY0ZPYYZjZkuXDcyZNbixUYMFvFdlmRw728SKF3pG_UOKXiYtzB2zGgN0vOM/s1600/The+Gift+of+Christmas+Past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiwtdYQAZVdxh1ZV8OBjwBVusYdlqmfmGsBHkDlUDmVyIhQHnzKUWOmK5j1oMQWT0z-cyqX6RqcI8oRhAY0ZPYYZjZkuXDcyZNbixUYMFvFdlmRw728SKF3pG_UOKXiYtzB2zGgN0vOM/s1600/The+Gift+of+Christmas+Past.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></b></u><br />
<i>At twenty-seven, Hadley is still trying to get free of the weight she's carried all her life-entering foster care at age five, getting arrested at seventeen for arson, and losing her boyfriend, Monroe, when she needed him most.</i><br />
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<i>Monroe never wanted to walk out on Hadley. He'd understood her, from her desire to help children with speech issues to her intense temper. But when she was arrested, he became haunted by what he knew and convinced his only choice was to end their relationship.</i><br />
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<i>Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again...thrown together to help a four-year-old girl who's been rendered mute after being rescued from an apartment fire. </i><br />
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<i>Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized young girl and her family. </i><br />
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<i>Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?</i><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Authors:</span></u></b><br />
Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. She can be found online at <a href="http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/" target="_blank">www.cindywoodsmall.com</a> .<br />
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Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book. How could a Southern gal not enjoy research time in Asheville, North Carolina, as part of the job?<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b><br />
I am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall, and have read all of her books. I was excited to read something other than Amish fiction that she had written, and with her daughter-in-law Erin also writing the book, it was even more interesting.<br />
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<i>The Gift of Christmas Past</i> was a fun romance to read. I enjoyed the characters-as usual, with Cindy Woodsmall books, I felt like I really got to know the main characters by the end of the story. The authors did a good job of giving enough background of the main characters' teenage years to make the rest of the story understandable. Although I didn't feel that there was as strong of a Christmas presence as I expected by the title of the book, there were many aspects of the book that I enjoyed.<br />
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Having been a foster parent for many years, stories involving foster care always interest me. It was good to see foster kids who succeeded as adults and went on to get college educations. The speech therapy part of the story was also very interesting and educational, especially Apraxia, which one of my nieces was diagnosed with years ago.<br />
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There are a few recipes and discussion questions at the back of the book. <i>The Gift of Christmas Past</i> would be a great book for a book club, as there are many interesting topics to discuss.<br />
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*I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-78502854458699427552017-10-29T15:56:00.001-06:002017-10-29T15:56:44.961-06:00Book Review~Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDkbFey0-6M2aag19tf8DJpWqwYrKZALp6q2P3lsSkDWM9D4qMmDh24BiHpFUCF6kiq1qtbSxLe98c1BAc9piYK9DqADntWSqt_S_30U0ZFDZNO5KvddAcNruB7w3s_HXUoJkjzwsCUY/s1600/Abiding+Mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDkbFey0-6M2aag19tf8DJpWqwYrKZALp6q2P3lsSkDWM9D4qMmDh24BiHpFUCF6kiq1qtbSxLe98c1BAc9piYK9DqADntWSqt_S_30U0ZFDZNO5KvddAcNruB7w3s_HXUoJkjzwsCUY/s1600/Abiding+Mercy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b> </div>
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<i>Abiding Mercy</i> is the first book in author Ruth Reid's Amish Mercies series. </div>
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Sixteen-year-old Faith has worked full-time in her parents' restaurant since she finished eighth grade. She loves her Amish community and the romantic attentions of her longtime friend, Gideon. </div>
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When her sister seems to be getting too friendly with Englischers, and her parents are in a buggy accident, Faith wants to escape into her dream of joining the church and getting married. </div>
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But then a local newspaper runs a story about a child named Adriana who was kidnapped fifteen years earlier, and everything Faith has held true comes into question. </div>
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Suddenly the community Faith has known her whole life seems unreal. Can she even trust her own family? And how will she ever find home again if she no longer belongs in the world she knows best?</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></u></b> </div>
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Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life. Visit Ruth online at <a href="http://www.ruthreid.com/" target="_blank">www.ruthreid.com</a>, on Facebook at Author Ruth Reid, and Twitter at @AuthorRuthReid. </div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></b></u> </div>
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I've read several of author Ruth Reid's books and always enjoy them. I find it especially exciting when I'm reading the very first book in a series and it turns out to be a really great story, like <i>Abiding Mercy </i>did. Now I know that there are more good books coming in the series!</div>
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The main character Faith is a very sweet Old Order Amish young woman. Her boyfriend, Gideon, is charming, and they have a blossoming romance. Faith is a very hard worker, and besides her rough relationship with her sister, life is full and good. After an unfortunate accident turns the family upside-down, Faith throws herself into saving her family's beloved restaurant, The Amish Table. Soon a secret is uncovered about Faith's past, and her life is forever changed. </div>
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I enjoyed reading about the conflicting emotions everyone had regarding Faith being found by her birth parents, and how they were resolved. God definitely throws some curve balls in our lives, and this story emphasizes trusting Him to get you through these hard times and following His lead. <i>Abiding Mercy</i> was a heartwarming story that I really enjoyed. There are Discussion Questions at the back of the book, making it a perfect choice for a book club!</div>
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*Disclosure: I received this book free from <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/" target="_blank">www.booklookbloggers.com</a> <i></i>in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.</div>
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<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-82930874341895598342017-10-19T13:34:00.000-06:002017-10-19T13:34:12.571-06:00Book Review~What We See in the Stars:An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU6uu34aRYkhcohfjfML3kc4_pZoANbNDJ70PxJQ6ARGmXg5tmayyOo7QQ9BzWZbLTu3WuVDNHDOyX2cWSlDx7iFjqOPBVp5Y3WCCae-UUnT4RKaGEh8x0d5UTNDtNEkscCpl7atfyRE/s1600/What+we+see+in+the+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU6uu34aRYkhcohfjfML3kc4_pZoANbNDJ70PxJQ6ARGmXg5tmayyOo7QQ9BzWZbLTu3WuVDNHDOyX2cWSlDx7iFjqOPBVp5Y3WCCae-UUnT4RKaGEh8x0d5UTNDtNEkscCpl7atfyRE/s1600/What+we+see+in+the+stars.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have often looked up into the sky on clear nights and wished I knew more about what I was looking at. Recognizing the Big Dipper is the extent of my knowledge. So when I saw <i>What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky</i> available for review, I was excited to have this book as a resource at home for the entire family.<br />
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Kelsey Oseid is both the author and illustrator of the book, which is a beautiful 160 page hardcover. There is a detailed index at the back of the book, which is extremely helpful with the amount of knowledge contained in the pages. Topics covered are the Constellations, the Milky Way, the Moon, the Sun, the Planets, Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors, and Deep Space.<br />
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I learned so much reading <i>What We See in the Stars</i>! It is easy to understand, and of course the gorgeous illustrations helped to keep my attention throughout the book. This book will stay on our bookshelf to grab when we need it, and for our children and future grandchildren to enjoy. I think it would make an excellent gift.<br />
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I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-14494299987547413622017-10-19T11:53:00.000-06:002017-10-19T11:53:18.872-06:00Book Review~The Proving by Beverly Lewis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP9YJy8czGZYIGgWphmV9gyX3xdKUxLpPjp7SNpSAWKCAXApDfx8AAOyU5LW5tgcZ6Uxs22o7vn_mRm_23rN0l-pBUqktOoN-TIHG8qn3Xm7_6TotbgClpzpslz3MpzRSpR9CCwRPJXw/s1600/The+Proving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP9YJy8czGZYIGgWphmV9gyX3xdKUxLpPjp7SNpSAWKCAXApDfx8AAOyU5LW5tgcZ6Uxs22o7vn_mRm_23rN0l-pBUqktOoN-TIHG8qn3Xm7_6TotbgClpzpslz3MpzRSpR9CCwRPJXw/s1600/The+Proving.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
After five years as an Englischer, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind-or that the inn's clientele expect an <i>Amish</i> hostess? Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></u></b><br />
Beverly Lewis penned her first story at age nine while living near Lancaster County Amish farmland, where she grew up. She welcomes her many reader-friends each day on Facebook and personally replies to fan mail. Lewis lives with her husband in Colorado near their family. Visit her website at <a href="http://www.beverlylewis.com/" target="_blank">www.beverlylewis.com</a> .<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></b></u><br />
Beverly Lewis never disappoints with her Amish fiction. <i>The Proving</i> was no exception. This story was unique with Mandy coming back to the Amish after years away. She then pretends to be Amish to make her guests happy, but it becomes comfortable for her over time. Although so much had changed with her mother's death and her sister's estrangement, the inn seemed to bring comfort to her. I enjoyed the relationship between Mandy and her sister and watching it be repaired. Although Mandy is determined to do her twelve months and move on, God had different plans for her and she has to realize that. It is a good lesson for all of us, to be open to God's direction for our lives.<br />
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I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review..Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-19133854658796688252017-10-04T18:11:00.001-06:002017-10-04T18:11:15.566-06:00Book Review~Many Sparrows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCy-39tMfwZlymhUVbTV-yaHk2KzHjOE0MyZhQFghF-AIzFdBIqlUQtx2cdw4Gj5kXcErh1pAxcXAeXabLxnOlTV95DCJjEjVUZveKTOO-svGdKm64HwOyyacDiCrGk-rdYglg8ZcZNM/s1600/Many+Sparrows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCy-39tMfwZlymhUVbTV-yaHk2KzHjOE0MyZhQFghF-AIzFdBIqlUQtx2cdw4Gj5kXcErh1pAxcXAeXabLxnOlTV95DCJjEjVUZveKTOO-svGdKm64HwOyyacDiCrGk-rdYglg8ZcZNM/s1600/Many+Sparrows.png" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
<i>In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife, Clare, and their four-year-old son, Jacob, on a remote mountain trail. </i><br />
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<i>When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare finds herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can recover her son...especially when her second child is moments away from being born. </i><br />
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<i>Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob's life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do-be still, wait, and let God fight this battle for them?</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></b></u><br />
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of <i>Burning Sky</i>, recipient of three Christy Awards,<i> The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn</i>, Christy nominee <i>The Wood's Edge</i>, and <i>A Flight of Arrows</i>.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b><br />
<i>Many Sparrows</i> is the first book I have read by Lori Benton, and I am incredibly impressed by her talent. She brought this time in history to life-I would have loved History class in school if I could have read her novels instead of the dry textbooks! <br />
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I felt so horrible for Clare and all she was going through. It is every parents worst nightmare to lose a child. Ms. Benton does a wonderful job of getting the reader to really feel the emotions of the characters.I learned quite a bit about the Indian tribes during this time, and felt compassion for them, while also feeling compassion for the Colonists. I will definitely be reading more of Lori Benton's books, and recommend <i>Many Sparrows</i> highly.<br />
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I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319840955498523071.post-49467365683185003822017-09-09T18:22:00.000-06:002017-09-09T18:22:09.378-06:00Book Review~The Promise of a Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">About the Book:</span></u></b><br />
<i>A letter brings him back to his Amish family. It will take someone truly extraordinary to make him stay.</i><br />
<i>Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish ways. Feeling confined by the strict rules, he longs to do something more with his life. But when things don’t go as planned, Roman’s prospects outside of the community dwindle. Upon learning that his beloved grandmother has died and left a letter urging him to reconcile with his brother in Birch Creek, Roman decides to return home. But he doesn’t plan to stay for long.</i><br />
<i>Leanna Chupp has always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek. Though some may call her unconventional—strange, even—Leanna is happy. Her unique outlook on life has meant she’s never had many suitors pursuing courtship, which Leanna doesn’t mind. She is content being single.</i><br />
<i>But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again, everything changes. Though neither fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, their differences could be the very thing to help them form a deeper connection to their community and to each other. The question remains: will this strengthening bond be enough to make Roman stay for good?</i><br />
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<i></i><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I Thought:</span></u></b> </div>
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<i>The Promise of a Letter</i> is the second book in Kathleen Fuller's Amish Letters series. I've always been a fan of the author, and she did a great job once again. I did read the first book in the series, <i>Written in Love</i>, which mainly focused on Jalon and Phoebe. They are still a strong presence in this book, but the focus is on Leanna and Roman mostly, with quite a bit about Daniel and Barbara as well. While readers would get the most enjoyment reading the books in order, I feel like <i>The Promise of a Letter</i> could be read by itself without confusion. </div>
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Forgiveness and trusting God to make your path in life are strong themes in this story. Daniel and his brother Roman had a rough childhood and many hard feelings between them, but a letter from their grandmother asking them to reconcile tugged at their hearts. Leanna was not your typical Amish woman, and figured she would never get married. Roman had always rubbed her the wrong way. But God had his own plan and things started to change. </div>
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I really enjoyed reading <i>The Promise of a Letter</i> and highly recommend it! I look forward to the third book in the series, <i>Words from the Heart</i>, coming out in February 2018.</div>
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*I received a copy of this book free from <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/" target="_blank">BookLook Bloggers</a> in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.</div>
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<br />Langworthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271734007932727034noreply@blogger.com0