Fiction Book Review: Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post

About the book: 

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore---much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant's fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home...

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed Jami and Grant's story. The beginning seemed a little slow, but picked up about a fourth of the way in. I'm glad I stuck with it. The beauty of North Carolina shined through as the story developed. The small town setting was perfect. I liked Jami's character. She appeared to be care free, but in reality was quite responsible. I loved her walks in the woods and her connection to God through nature. Grant is a sweet man damaged by life. I appreciated his changes throughout the story. The theme of forgiveness, threaded through the story, was refreshing and insightful. If you enjoy a good romance featuring regular people, you'll like Trust my Heart. I received this book for free from Litfuse.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fg7WKG

About the author:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post's résumé reads as if she hasn't yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children's publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers' Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn't writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping---almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

Connect with Carol J. Post:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Carol J. Post’s ‘Trust My Heart’ $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway

Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Trust My Heart
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog.

What is Unseen

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The music from the chimes on my back porch tinkles through the air. Dried leaves bustle across the lawn. The bush's branches sway and shake. All of this happens because of an element of nature I can't see. A crisp autumn wind plays a note as each tube strikes the chimes' clapper with its own note. The flowing air whisks brown, yellow, and red leaves about like children playing tag. A brisk breeze shakes the almost bare branches. The current of air that flows through on this fall day moves all of these objects. I can't see the breeze, but I know it exists.

The Apostle Paul shared with the Corinthian church his thankfulness for the unseen. He understood that whatever happens on this earth is temporary. He appreciated the grace that was given by the sacrifice of Jesus. As a result he kept his eyes on the unseen, on eternity. I can't see the breeze that moves my chimes, nor can I see eternity in life on earth. But I can place my hope in and fix my eyes on Jesus, the King of life. Today I am thankful for God's plan for eternity. I'm thankful God loves his people enough to prepare a home in heaven. Praise God for his sovereignty!

Nonfiction Book Review: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: A Countdown to Christmas by Ace Collins

About the book: 

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year's Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

My Thoughts:
Christmas can be a hectic time. I try to keep up with everything I want to do, but in reality I long for time to sit and reflect on the reason I celebrate Christmas. Ace Collins has created a lovely devotional book for the month of December. I like that each read for the day includes a devotion, a song and a little bit of fun. Some of the fun includes things you can make as gifts. This would be great to share with the family. I think my favorite part is the history behind the songs. Music is such a big part of the Christmas season and for many they've never heard what the songs mean or where they originate from. Grab a copy of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year to enhance the holiday and bring cheer to the season.  I received this book free from Litfuse.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2frWQG8

About the author:
Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.

Connect with Ace Collins

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Ace Collins’ ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ Giveaway

Make this upcoming Christmas holiday a Christ-filled season of joy and wonder with the help of Ace Collins' new devotional, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the Christmas season with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas. Download a free sampler of the book by clicking here.

Join Ace's Christmas festivities by entering to win the Magic of Christmas Prize Pack. Create new traditions this holiday season with your family and friends with the goodies included in the giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
• A button-wreath craft kit
• Pass the Ugly Christmas Sweater card game
• A gingerbread tree kit
• An advent calendar

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 21. The winner will be announced November 22 on the Litfuse blog.

Thankful

My dad served in WW2. He never talked about his service much. When he did we knew he spoke with a humble heart. No matter what role a service person plays, they have chosen to sacrifice their life. Be it a life given in war, or a life given in time away from family. Each person who serves chooses to sacrifice so much.

I'm thankful to all who have and still serve our country. My dad, husband, and brothers and the many friends and extended family who gave their time and energies to keep America safe. It's time to honor the ones who put their patriotism on the line. With a thankful heart and prayer for peace.

Book Review: NIV Holy Bible For Girls, Journal Edition

Book Description:

The NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition is the perfect way to apply Scripture to your everyday life. Designed with the thoughtful writer in mind, a whimsical cover and journaling lines inspire reflection in God’s Word. This Bible contains the full text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) translation. 

Features include:

• Lines on each page for journaling and notes
• Thick paper perfect for any writing utensil
• A presentation page for gift giving
• A “How to Use This Bible” page to get started on the right foot
• Ribbon marker
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) 

My Thoughts:
The hard cover of the The NIV Holy Bible for Girls is decorated in pretty mandala designs that are popular right now. The little pink butterflies and lovely blue background will appeal to pre-teens and teens. Inside on each page there's plenty of room for notes. This would be great for anyone wanting to write thoughts as they read the scripture. The product is marketed to teen girls, but I believe adult women would like it too. Another nice feature is the elastic band that keeps the Bible secure. This would be a great gift for Christmas or at baptism. With so many pretty Bible's for girls, this one stands out because of the space for journaling. I received this book free from Zonderkidz. 

Children's Book Review: The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker & Activity Book

Book Description:

The Berenstain Bears come to life this holiday season with puzzles, activity pages, and more than 50 reusable stickers in The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Fun Sticker and Activity Book.

Featuring Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey and the rest of the Bear Country gang, kids are sure to find lots to do helping Honey Bear find the missing piece of the Bear family Nativity scene, doing crosswords and word searches with Brother and Sister, and even helping out at the Christmas Eve service at Chapel in the Woods.

My Review:

The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker & Activity Book is a fun way for children to learn about Jesus birth. Jan and Mike Berenstain created activities that will keep children busy while they enjoy the holiday. The book will entertain kids for hours while mom and dad prepare for Christmas or would be a great family time activity to do together. Either way your child will enjoy this colorful book. This would be a great gift before Christmas. I plan to share it with my grandchildren and have some holiday fun. I'm tempted to work a few of the puzzles myself. So get out the crayons and pencils and have fun with your little ones with this fantastic book. I received this book free from Zonderkidz.

Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Some of my friends have taken the November challenge. They're writing a thankful post each day and sharing on Facebook. This is a great practice and I find it uplifting considering the negative and controversial posts I've seen. As I follow along and read all the wonderful things people appreciate, I can't help but consider my own blessings and trials. Yes, I said trials.

Jesus' brother James penned these words in James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” As I am thankful for the good God pours in my life, I'm appreciative of the trials that make me stronger. Without them I wouldn't be as satisfied with life or able to struggle through day-to-day challenges. Because God strengthens me, I want to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Praise God for the opportunity to show gratitude and grow in him!

What are you thankful for?