Halo Found Hope

Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless... or could she?

Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles.
Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo’s story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn’t need to be recognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Helo did, and that is how she found hope.

Helo was once told that the chapter titles of Halo Found Hope outlined an inspiring journey. God’s titles to the chapters of our lives captivate us when we pay attention. Every individual journey is designed by our Heavenly Father. We need to listen to Him when He says, “Beloved, I am with you every second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year.” Sometimes when things get hard, we need to remember that He will not abandon us.
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My thoughts: This is an incredible story of one woman's amazing blessing! In some ways, it is a hard story to read, since she is so open about all that she went through. It is a scary journey that must of been horrible for her and her family to go through, and yet they came out of the surgery, scare, and rehabilitation with the knowledge that only God could do the incredible.
I received this book from Lit fuse in exchange for my honest review.

More than Just "theTalk"

The old ways of having the "sex talk" just won't cut it anymore. Sadly, the number one place today's young people go to for answers about sex is Google. Meanwhile, kids view nearly 14,000 sexual references a year on television, and 70 percent of teenagers have encountered pornography on the Internet. If we want our children to know the truth about healthy sexuality, we need to create a comfortable climate of continual conversations.

Jonathan McKee will show you how to move beyond the initial awkwardness of this subject into an ongoing communication with your kids about God's amazing gift of sex. He equips you with what you need to talk openly about dating, temptation, porn, and purity, and you will find answers to tough questions and relevant Scripture on sexual issues.

It's normal for kids to be curious about sexuality, and they need to know that their parents are the most reliable source of information. Be the one your kids turn to on this crucial topic.

My thoughts: Where was this book ten years ago? I think this is a great resource for parents, since it shows what kids are exposed to now a days and how to help counter all the misinformation on sex that is out there. In an age where most kids have some sort of electronic stuck in their hand, it is so easy to be exposed to a lot of vile music and TV shows (among other things), and for parents to not even realize it. So much is able to come to their attention, it's horrible. I wasn't exposed to most of the stuff in the book until an adult, but I know I am not the norm. This is a wake up call to parents, to become more involved so that kids aren't going to Google or the media for their information.
Just a side note, I know a lot of people try to excuse the lack of morals in TV and movies (I know I am guilty of allowing more than I should in our home!), but this book reminded me of something I once heard: that TV/movies either portray life how it is, or how we want it to be. Think about it. Do we really want that sort of promiscuous lifestyle for our children? I hope this book will serve as a wake up call for all of us!
I received this book from Baker in exchange for my honest review.

Better All the Time

Seraphina Darling has always struggled to stand out. With her weight issues at the forefront of her mind, Sephy prefers to place herself comfortably in the background. But when Sephy’s best friend and older brother announce their engagement, she vows to make a permanent change in her appearance and her life.

Meanwhile her younger sister, Amy, lands her dream job: coordinating the restoration of the community theater’s arts programs. As the deadline for the project’s completion approaches, Amy continues to run herself ragged, struggling to delegate and trust anyone but herself.

As the Darling sisters move through tragedy and triumph, between shadows and the limelight, each must find a path into the freedom of who God intended her to be.

My thoughts: I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, since the writing was fresh and the story an interesting one about a couple who deals with infertility. I love that the author writes very realistic stories that are easy to relate to. Better All the Time is an excellent follow up story! I love that it focuses more on Seraphina and Amy, one who hides her talents while the other tries to overachieve. I love that all the siblings are so different, so it's easy for every reader to sympathize with at least one of them.;) The writing is wonderful, the characters wonderful, and the story comes alive.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

What is Lost

Angry at his failure to exact vengeance on the prince, mask maker Joch flees Venesia to find his lost love. When a red-cloaked assassin promises answers, he has little choice but to trust her-though he may be walking into a trap. Unravel the deception in this dazzling story of second chances that will keep you guessing to the last page.
My thoughts: I would imagine that it would of been helpful had I read the first book in the series, What is Hidden, since I would suspect that some things would of made more sense had I done so.;) That said, I think this book works okay to just jump right in, since it doesn't give away the story of the first book, which has different main characters.
I very much enjoyed this book, which is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, set in an interesting Japan meets Venice style world. I love that the author put a lot of thought into creating the islands to be unique, and yet somewhat familiar to what we know. I thought the characters were well developed, and there is an interesting mystery that is woven into the story. That said, the ending left me feeling unfulfilled. I feel like some things needed more of an explanation than what was given. I just hope we will meet up with some of the characters again and that the next book (is there one? Please say yes!) will give us some answers.;)
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

An Uncertain Choice

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice-if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights-the one who appears the most guilty-had not already captured her heart.

My thoughts: I was blown away by this book! It is a fun story of knights, fair maidens, and old fashioned contests. I love how Jody Hedlund brought the time period to life with her compassionate heroine who thought her adult days would be spent sequestered in an Abbey to fulfill an ancient vow. The characters are wonderful, and I love that the story has some competition, romance, and a bit of a mystery. This book is an incredible new addition to the YA world. Be sure to check out the author's site for more info on her wonderful books!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

Spring TBR list

This week's Top Ten topic is the top ten books on one's Spring "To be read" list. Because it is almost Spring! (we are over joyed in our house) So, without further ado, here is my list for the week!

1. What is Lost

Okay, so I have already started this one, so it might be done by the time the first day of Spring rolls around. It's a winner!

2. Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

I adored the first book in this series (though I am not sure if it really is a series, so much as loosely connected?), so I can't wait to finally start this one!

3. Chance of Loving You

I'm super pumped about this one! Sometimes, it is just nice to have a few short stories on hand, especially with the warmer weather making me want to spend more time outside.;)

4. Better All the Time

I loved that the first one in this series was such a wonderful, unconventional tale of a couple who deals with infertility. I can't wait to get to know each of the siblings better!

5. Finding Me

This one just looks amazing!

6. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest

This one just looks gorgeous!

7. Sisters of Blood and Spirit

This one looks interesting!

8. The First Principle

I won this one recently, and can't wait to start it!

9. Enough Already:Winning Your Ugly Struggle With Beauty


10 Wilderness Rising

I couldn't put the first one down, and now the second one is finally available!

So, what's on your TBR list for the Spring?

Miracle at Higher Grounds Cafe

After a very public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea Chambers retreats behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage and cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help—or a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine, and for answers to life’s biggest questions.

When catastrophe strikes, Chelsea finally finds the courage to ask her own questions…and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story! It's an easy one to get into, and I like that it is a smaller book and easy to get through quickly, which is a plus for this mama.;) I love reading what others think of angel ministry, and this one is slightly outside the box, which is fun. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and loved the coffee shop! Two thumbs up.
I received this book from Lit fuse in exchange for my honest review.