Authentic Living

To live an authentic, fulfilled life we need to both understand and practice the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Being intentional about pursuing Christ is often challenging in our confusing, messy world, but like the biblical character Daniel who did not compromise his values, we must take small, deliberate steps to grow in spiritual integrity. The short, inspirational devotions in Authentic Living illustrate how we can be more deliberate in our faith each and every day through small actions like asking forgiveness, offering guidance, praying specifically, and more. With these simple yet profound readings, we can realize a more fulfilling life and faith one thought, one action, one day at a time.

My thoughts: This time of year is the perfect time to start a devotional that goes all year long, so I was thrilled to get a hold of a copy of this book to work through. The devotions are a nice length and help one center their thoughts on a topic, along with a scripture verse and a prayer. I have enjoyed this book and will continue to enjoy the devotions throughout the year!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten

This weeks subject over at the Broke and Bookish is the top ten 2016 releases I meant to read, but didn't get around to.

1. The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Biscof
I keep talking about this one, so I just need to get it on my kindle and start reading it!

2. The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall
I need to read the 2nd and 3rd books first....

3. What Light by Jay Master
I started this one and it's super cute!

4. Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson
I loved the first one, and enjoyed this character (she's a Baker, so I can relate.:)), so I need to make time for this one!

5. #famous by Jilly Gagnon
This one looks adorable!

6. Out of Tune by Gail Ball
Another cute looking story!

7. Baker's Magic by Diane Zahler
Again, bakers.😊

8. It Started with Goodbye by Christina June
I just downloaded this one. I'm super excited!

9. I'll Be Yours by Jenny B. Jones
I've loved her other books, so I need to make the time for this one!

10. Lost in Scotland by Julianne Donaldson
I've loved her period books, so I need to try this one.:)

What books should I add to my list?

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.

Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

My thoughts: I was expecting this book to take a couple of subjects and really working through them, but instead, this book wound up throwing hardship after hardship at Charlotte. Written like a diary, the style gives the reader a chance to know Charlotte, but it also inhibits some development.
I recommend this book for an older young adult audience, due to the subjects dealt within the story.
I received this book from blogging for books on exchange for my honest review.

Let Food Be Your Medicine

Don Colbert, M.D., New York Times best-selling author of The Seven Pillars of Health and What Would Jesus Eat, provides proven tools, based on current research, for good health, an alert mind, and a longer life.

My thoughts: Dr. Don Colbert opens up about his own journey to becoming healthier and overcoming health problems that left his doctors telling him he would never walk again, only to have his muscles heal themselves and prove them wrong.
With the modified Mediterranean diet, Dr. Colbert goes through the basic principles and how changing the way one eats can help promote health and a better way of life. I love that a lot of what he talks about just makes sense, though I don't know that I am totally won over to all aspects of his diet. I do appreciate the recipes that are included in the book to help jump start the diet and give one ideas on what to eat and when.
This is an excellent book to pick up if your new years resolution is to become healthier!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Innkeeperof Ivy Hill

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed many of Julie's books in the past, but all of her other books have been stand alone titles. With this book, she is taking on writing a series. I love how this book is set in a small town and tells the story of several different women, two widows and two single ladies, along with bringing out the stories of several of the secondary characters. I love how quaint this series is, and I mean that in the best way possible! You feel like you have been invited to stay at a lovely small town in Regency England and allowed the chance to get to know a vast array of characters. Since it is a series, there were a few things resolved at the end of the story, but a lot left hanging, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book! The bad news? It doesn't come out until the end of the year...:)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Rescue Me

When Deputy Sam Brooks commits to something, nothing can sway him--not just on the job as liaison between the Mercy Falls sheriff's department and PEAK Rescue, but in his private life. He's the one who stuck around to take care of his mother after his father's accidental death. And he's the one--perhaps the only one--who believes Sierra Rose is the perfect girl for him. Safe, practical, and organized, she's nothing like her hippie, impulsive, bleeding heart sister, Willow.

Willow, however, has been in love with Sam Brooks for as long as she can remember. But she wants her sister to have a happy ending. Besides, Willow has other things to focus on--namely, nabbing the job as youth pastor for her small-town church. Best thing for her to do is to purge Sam from her heart.

Neither can predict the events that will bring them together in a fight for their lives in the forbidding wilderness of Glacier National Park. Stranded, injured, and with the winter weather closing in, Sam and Willow will have to work together to save a crew of terrified teenagers. As they fight to survive, they might just discover a new hope for love.

My thoughts: While I read the first book in this series (and enjoyed it), I think I liked this one even better! The characters in this story were easier for me to relate to, with their insecurities and dreams. I loved getting to know Sam, as he battles with his version of the perfect girl causing him to miss what is right in front of him, and Willow, as she struggles with trying to make up for not having a formal education. While I thought this story would have more about Sierra, I found out that I have to wait for book four to get more of her story.;) I did enjoy getting to know the other members of the rescue team better and look forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Top Ten 2017 Debuts I'm Excited For

I missed last week, with all the holiday get togethers and my husband being off work between holidays, along with a bathroom remodel gone awry.;) I thought I would take a break from the busyness of life to try and come up with 10 debut authors who have me excited this year. This was actually a harder list for me to come up with, since I don't have quite as much time to read as I once did, so I like to stick with authors who I know I like. But, I shall try to come up with ten.

1. The Illusive Miss Ellison

This one is regency and has a gorgeous cover, so it's one I will be looking for!

2. The Thing With Feathers

Having been homeschooled, I can relate somewhat to this book. It looks like it has potential to be amazing!

3. Freedom's Ring

This one looks exceptional! I love that it will be split between 2015 and 1770.

4. In 27 Days

This one looks like it has the potential to be incredibly moving, since it is about a girl who makes a deal with death to go back in time to save a boy from school who committed suicide.

5. Ascension of Larks


6. You Don't Know My Name

Secret agents with falling in love with the boy next door? Yes, please!

7. American Street

A young woman coming to America from Haiti and the cost of the American dream? This one sounds amazing!

8. Daughter of the Pirate King


9. The Color Project


10. Wicked Like a Wildfire


Extra:
11. A Psalm for Lost Girls


12. Gilded Cage


13. Toward A Secret Sky