The Promise

The Promise

Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfi ll her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

My thoughts: I enjoyed that this story is loosely based on a true story, and that it seeks as a warning, since Mallory's dilemma is not an uncommon occurrence (I don't know that I want to give away part of the story! Suffice it to say that, if a man over seas want's to marry an American woman just as a "good deed", be on your guard!) in today's world. I thought that it was well written and quite engaged! The only thing that I disliked about the story is that it was insinuated that some of the couples weren't waiting for marriage. This disappointed me, since this book is labeled as Christian. Otherwise, it is a wonderful story that is engaging and interesting. I found it quite enjoyable, while being educational as well!
I received a copy of this book from litfuse in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts on the book are my own.

The Sacred Year

The Sacred Year: Mapping the Soulscape of Spiritual Practice How Contemplating Apples, Living in a Cave and Befriending a Dying Woman Revived My Life

One searcher’s honest and fascinating journey to encounter God, love others, and discover his true self through a year of spiritual practices.

Frustrated and disillusioned with his life as a Christian, motivational speaker Michael Yankoski was determined to stop merely talking about living a life of faith and start experiencing it. The result was a year dedicated to engaging in spiritual practices, both ancient and modern, in a life-altering process that continues to this day. Whether contemplating an apple for an hour before tasting it (attentiveness), eating on $2.00 a day (simplicity) or writing simple letters of thanks (gratitude), Michael discovered a whole new depth through the intentional life.

Stirred on by the guiding voice of Father Solomon, a local monk, Yankoski’s life is slowly transformed. Both entertaining and heart-wrenching, Yankoski’s story will resonate with those who wish to deepen their own committed faith as well as those who are searching – perhaps for the first time – for their own authentic encounter with the Divine.

My thoughts: I was excited to get this book, since I read Michael Yankiski's other book, Under the Overpass, which really changed the way I look at homeless people (it really is a must, if you haven't read it! One of my top ten favorite non-fiction books). This book is very different. I don't mean that in a bad way either.
The Sacred Year challenges us to apply our faith to our lives. To unplug from a busy world and focus on the Lord and His beautiful creation. This book is beautifully poetic and will challenge and strengthen you as you seek the Lord in the everyday and the mundane, discovering that nothing is really mundane.

Take Ten

Top ten books on my Fall to read list

1. The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate
I have this one started and everything! I just need to sit down and finish it.;) The story is rather engaging so far.

2. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers
I just got this one in at the library, and I look forward to reading it! I enjoyed her Mark of the Lion series and Leota's Garden, so I look forward to giving this one a go.

3. Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
This is really at the top of my list.;) I really just need to bump it up to the top of my pile!

4. Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
This looks like a fun mystery surrounding a quilt and one woman's silence.

5. The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts
I received this one from Litfuse. It looks heartbreaking, and yet, full of hope.

6. Citizen by Rob Peabody
Another title from Litfuse.

7. The Brickmaker`s Bride by Judith Miller
I haven't read one of her books in ages, but I remember her stories as being rich with historical detail. So, I look forward to this one!

8. Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes
This one intriques me.

9. Sophia by Paula Kremser
I think, personally, this looks like a cutr story!

10. The Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
I haven't really cared for her other books, but this one looks promising.

Before Amen

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn't we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren't the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn't we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.


I thought this book was an excellent call to pray. A reminder to Christians of the importance of prayer and how we need to go to our closets and pray for the concerns and needs we have. I appreciated (as a young mother) that this book is easy to pick up and read quickly, while having a lot of depth to it.

Thief of Glory

Jeremiah Prins enjoys life in the Dutch East Indies in 1942. Life is comfortable as the son of a school headmaster. But, all that comes tp a sudden halt when the Japanese invade and split his family apart, sending his father and step brothers off to a work camp, leaving Jeremiah to care fot his mother and younger siblings in their camp.
As the war brings out a brutal side of some people, it also draws the best out of others, as they reach their hands up to God. Will Jeremiah find peace in the middle of strife?
This book shows some interesting history, which is also a bit nasty. It is horrible what went on in the camps! I was a bit surprised at some of the story. It's not one of favorites, due to some of the very realistic scenarios it portrays. I think it is well written though, and I like that the author includes some of his own family history at the end.

Bible Bands

Rubber band jewelry is all the rage right now. With this fun book, parents and teachers can incorporate faith and life lessons into rubber band jewelry. Filled with fun designs, this book is sure to delight kids!
My cousin enjoys making rubber band jewelry, so I got this book for her. I haven't seen most of the designs before, so I think she will have a blast making something new.
Two thumbs up!

Raising Kingdom Kids

Parenting is tough, and life today is busy. Creating a kingdom mind-set in your home may sound like more than you can handle. But by starting small and starting today, you can produce benefits that last a lifetime!
I thought that this book was excellent! It has a lot of practical wisdom from those who have raised children to adulthood and tthat wisdom is backed up by scripture.
I also like how the chapters are divided, they start out with talking about establishing a kingdom mindset, then cultivating a kingdom atmosphere, than finally, to installing kingdom attributes.
With a young child of my own, I was thrilled to read this book and review it for Tyndale.
I think that this book is perfect for kids of all ages, and in many situations.