Thursday, November 29, 2018

To Best the Boys


The task is simple: Don a disguise. Survive the Labyrinth. Best the boys.
In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.
Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.
In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.
With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.
Welcome to the Labyrinth.

My thoughts: I loved this story! It was fairly fast paced and hard to put down. Mary does a great job of building a world that is part magic and part old fashioned, I suppose making it more of a steam punk story. I enjoyed Rhen and Seleni and their spirit. I would of liked a bit more to the story, but I enjoyed it tremendously non the less. This is an excellent book to pick up!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

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Stretched Too Thin


Working mothers constantly battle the pull to do all the things well. From managing work and home responsibilities to being impacted by a lack of self-care and time for deep friendships, the struggle is real. At the end of each day, many working moms are exhausted and stretched too thin. But this does not have to be the norm.

In her latest practical and inspiring book, Jessica Turner shows the working mom how to

- work and parent guilt-free
- establish clear work boundaries
- set achievable goals
- discover more flexibility
- develop home management solutions
- prioritize self-care
- invest in her marriage
- cultivate deeper friendships
- feel like a good mom, even while working

Full of compassion and encouragement, Stretched Too Thin will empower women with useful insights and tools to thrive as working moms.

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I really appreciated the tips on creating a home you love and cultivating friendships. It can be so hard to try and "do it all" with working and parenting. This book offers handy tips and encouragement on how to make the most of your time and not feel like the family is falling by the wayside. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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Silencing Insecurity


Insecurity is easily the most pervasive struggle of women in America today. We have more ways than ever to compare ourselves to others--who are all prettier, thinner, smarter, more successful, and more put together than we are--and our sense of self-worth takes a serious beating on an almost daily basis. We're tired of simply commiserating with writers and bloggers who share their own struggles--we want real, workable solutions about how to find peace with ourselves.

This is what professional Christian counselor Donna Gibbs gives women with Silencing Insecurity. Drawing from her twenty years of experience counseling women, she exposes the many lies that produce insecurities in us starting from a young age, the result of letting those insecurities get the best of us, and, most importantly, the way out of insecurity--for good. Anyone who is tired of letting insecurity snatch away the joy from her life will welcome this practical and freeing book.

My thoughts: The funny thing about insecurities is that they take all different shapes and forms in different lives. I thought that this book does an excellent job of calling those insecurities out and giving one the tools to fight back and remember that you and I are God's. I love how the author broke the book up in to different subjects on the same topic, and especially got a lot out the emotional insecurities and developmental chapters. I highly recommend this book!
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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Rediscovering Humility


Foreword by David Wells.
Most of us value humility . . . especially in other people. But Jesus taught that humility is central to the Christian life. Author Christopher Hutchinson invites the church to follow Christ—both individually and corporately—in this high calling.
A systematic and comprehensive treatment of this core tenant of Christianity, Rediscovering Humility is structured around the three times Jesus addresses the topic in Scripture—how it is found, embraced, and applied. This insightful resource should be required reading for all seminary students, so they can understand the pitfalls of leadership before they begin to pastor. Current pastors and church leaders will find Hutchinson’s critiques and suggestions helpful as they seek to create humble and healthy churches. Individuals who have lost an appreciation for humility as a central Christian virtue will be reminded of its value as the best way to grow closer to and more like Jesus.
Humble Christians create healthy churches, but in today’s world of celebrity pastors and widening platforms, our churches are more than ever imitating the prideful methodologies of our culture. Through his critiques, Hutchinson also offers suggestions for how Christians can better practice and promote humility in our time.
Offering a fresh and updated application of humility to our day, Hutchinson calls for a return to the path of humility as the one pilgrimage most necessary for Christian faith and life. By showing humility in in all its truth, beauty, and goodness, it becomes a value worth seeking—if never fully found—on this side of heaven

My thoughts: I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but it certainly wasn't the wonderful, in-depth non fiction that I found! I thought that the message was wonderfully written and so timely. The world teaches us to promote ourselves, but God calls us to go against the norm and become as a servant. This book is an excellent resource to use in that journey.
I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts on it are my own.


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A Bright Tomorrow


Packed with biblical truth, A Bright Tomorrow addresses anxiety about an uncertain future by reminding readers of what they can be certain of–God’s grace, his unshakeable promises, and the hope of resurrection. Jared Mellinger helps readers remember their security in Christ in the midst of parental fears, cultural decline, aging, death, and facing the unknown.
The future is scary, and Jared Mellinger knows we live in a world full of daunting change, frightening uncertainties, and concerning circumstances. Parenting fears, old age, death, and illness are just a few of the common anxieties that weigh on the hearts and minds of most of us at some point in our lives. If you’re a Christian who obsesses over the future or ignores it for good reason, this book is for you. Lasting comfort and peace are found in Christ, who has secured a place for his people and offers a bright tomorrow based on the solid ground of God’s promises.
A Bright Tomorrow equips Christians with biblical truths laid out in Scripture to face the future with confidence. Readers will learn to face their fears and worries about the future by living right now in view of the gospel of hope and the promise of life everlasting.
This life-changing book will lead Christians to grasp onto certain hope, transforming the way they think about God, themselves, and the world around them. True courage comes from knowing the end of the story, and as Christians with forward-looking hope, we can be eternal optimists and fight fear of the future through Jesus our champion, who gives us victory over death.

My thoughts: This whole book was excellent, but I especially appreciated that it addressed the fear that parents can feel in regards to their children and how unhealthy it can be. I needed the reminders that Jared included in the whole book, but in particular that chapter. This book is excellent for those who struggle with fears.
I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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Parenting First Aid


In this uplifting and faith-strengthening devotional book for parents, best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski encourages parents in the midst of parenting trials. Full of Scripture, testimonies of faithful parents, and insightful meditations, Parenting First Aid equips parents to run to God and trust his ability to do what they can’t.
Parenting isn’t getting any easier, especially with the introduction of insta-porn on electronic devices, the ease of access to drugs, and the ever-increasing blurring of sexuality. This parenting resource is for weary parents overwhelmed with parenting, their children’s choices, and the culture that wars against their souls.
For parents with small struggles or weighty parenting trials—such as children involved with drugs, sexual sin, and teenage rebellion—Parenting First Aid is full of personal, real testimonies of God’s faithfulness to parents experiencing hardship.
The easy-to-use format provides parents with encouraging and faith-strengthening words to trust God in his work in the midst of family difficulty. While God does not promise happiness and ease in parenting, all parents can find comfort in God and peace beyond understanding through the Scriptures and meditations found in Parenting First Aid.

My thoughts: I loved this book! It was so insightful and encouraging. I love how solidly it is ground in scripture and the personal stories that Marty shares. I especially appreciated how open and honest he was about his own experiences as a parent, and loved reading about the unexpected twists in his daughter's love story and how God used them in the young man's life. I enjoyed this book tremendously!
I received this book from New Growth. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

12 days of Clean Romance Kickoff Giveaway




12 Days of Clean Romance

December 2018

During the month of December, we will be featuring 12 Authors who write clean romance!

There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books!

You are invited to come join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book!

There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways!

 

Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!

Sophia Summers

Brooke St. James

Lucy McConnell

Melissa McClone

Delaney Cameron

Julie Coulter Bellon

Liz Isaacson

Rebecca Connolly

Donna Hatch

Hayley Wescott

Mylissa Demeyere

Rachael Anderson

 

Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance's Reader Newsletter!

Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here.

Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for my Author Newsletter.

 

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!



Giveaway Details

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway