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Sunday, December 30, 2018

New Growth Press: Prepare Him Room Family Devotional and A Better December Reviews

Advent Season is over, but we are currently in the 12 Days of Christmas. Here are a couple of books that you might want to purchase now during the "After Christmas Day Shopping Season" to put away for next Advent Season. 


About the Book: 



Guide kids and their families into the heart of Christmas with this gospel-focused, four-week Advent curriculum. 

Prepare Him Room by children’s best-selling author Marty Machowski takes a biblical, theological approach to the Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillment in Christ in a way kids can understand.

With age-appropriate instruction and activities for three different learning levels—preschool, lower elementary, and upper elementary—Prepare Him Room builds gospel hope and enduring theological depth into each child’s celebration of Christmas.

Prepare Him Room is a tool for families hoping to focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will find a whole Christmas story—from the prophecies concerning Jesus to his birth, death, and resurrection; culminating in the return of Jesus.

Readers will have the resources necessary to counter the commercialism, materialism, and sentimentalism our culture celebrates each Christmas.

Four weekly lessons feature a New Testament Bible story, a look at Old Testament promises, an object lesson, a craft, a coloring page, and a Christmas carol to sing together. 

Prepare Him Room will change the way kids and families at your church celebrate Christmas. The corresponding curriculum Prepare Him Room is sold separately. Challenge your family to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.


My Thoughts and Review: 

Every year I always see my friends looking for an Advent book to use with their family. A few are out there, but none like this. Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski is a COMPLETE Advent Study Book. The book is very hands on with activities to do, songs to sing, verses to read and remember, and Bible reading time. I really appreciate that the activities are geared toward all ages. 
One of my favorite activities in the book is the very first one, making an Advent Wreath. The Advent Wreath is an important part of Advent and to have one that is made by your own family is special! 

If you are looking for a GREAT Family Advent Devotional, I HIGHLY recommend Prepare Him Room. 

Where to Buy: New Growth Press  Amazon



About the Book:

Know someone frazzled, sad, or lonely this Christmas? A Better December by Steve Estes applies Solomon’s Proverbs to holiday stresses. Playful and tiny, this illustrated work would be a good gift for your unbelieving friends as it gently introduces Jesus during a month when they are more receptive.  

Combining true, heart-warming stories with pen-and-ink illustrations, the book uncovers and answers our December longings. Beginning with bite-sized chapters of Solomon's advice to frazzled, lonely people at Christmas, Steven Estes presents the ancient sage as penning his blockbuster Proverbs to help future readers through holiday stress and even sadness. Meant to be shared with all who long for a better December, it points the way to true comfort and a true home.

My Thoughts and Review: 

December is a month that I have come to loathe. We are supposed to be celebrating the Advent season, but for many, like myself, it just brings added stress and loneliness. For some it also brings anxiety and/or depression. For me, I get major anxiety during December because I want everything to be PERFECT for my boys and to be able to get them what they want. Sometimes it isn't possible to get them everything they want and I fear they are going to "hate" me. For some people, it is they are missing a loved one or are lonely during the Holidays. 

A Better December is an EXCELLENT book for anyone who experiences the fear of December. Steven Estes, the author, gives examples of why some experience the fear of December. He then uses Proverbs to give encouragement on how to put aside the specific fears and be able to enjoy the Advent Season and the month of December. 

I can honestly say I truly wish I had this book a few years ago and been able to enjoy more holiday seasons with my boys and family! 

I HIGHLY recommend this book for those who fear December and are looking for encouragement to be able to enjoy the Advent Seasons going forward! 

Where to Buy: New Growth Press    Amazon




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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Celebrate Lit: A Sabotaged Christmas by Carole Brown Promo Blast



About the Book: 

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubling history—but the first man in years who's interested her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin's own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

Buy the Book HERE   

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About the Author:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

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My Thoughts and Review: 
I LOVE Christmas time and I also LOVE reading Romantic Mystery, so this book caught my attention right away.

Toni, the owner of a Construction company she inherited from her dad, feels she is being watched. Toni is sensing that it could possibly be the "new guy in town", Perrin. She is also having a growing romantic attraction towards Perrin, so she is hoping he is not the one trying to sabotage her company.

I really enjoyed reading this book, the mystery and romance all in one is wonderful. The book was very easy to get caught up in and once I started reading I didn't want to stop. The characters and storyline are very intriguing and capture the reader from the beginning.

GREAT book!! 

Where to Find Carole Brown Online:
Google+  




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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Celebrate Lit: Escape by Glenn Haggerty (Intense Book 1) Promo Blast

About the Book: 


“I’d never seen a dead body before, but I was pretty sure the guy in the car trunk was dead.”

Middle school's tough, and Tyler Higgins just wants to hang with the cool kids. But Dustin’s idea of quality entertainment is spying on parked cars on Lover’s Lane. When two creeps show up with a body, Tyler doesn’t want to stick around. Then again, he might not have much choice.

Buy the Book HERE  (FREE Ebook)



About the Author: 


Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven. Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author with short stories published in Splickety, Havok, Cadet Quest and Partners. Chase, the third book in his Intense series was released on April 1, 2018.

My Thoughts and Review: 

Escape is a short book that focuses on an important topic for todays young kids, bullying. The main character, Tyler, wants to fit in but may be hanging with the wrong crowd to do so. It took me a bit to get into the book, but once I got a couple chapters in, the reading picked up. The book is meant for young kids and teens, but for some parts it might be a little to much for kids under 14.

Fast, easy read. GREAT book that covers a topic that necessary for today's Christian youth!

Where to Find Glenn Online: 




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Monday, December 17, 2018

Worthy Publishing: Ellie Claire 365 Devotional Journals Review



About the Journals: 

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus:


When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget to spend time with God. This 365-day devotional journal offers encouraging meditations to help you spend a few moments turning your eyes on Jesus before your hectic day begins. After short devotions and Scripture for each day of the year, you will also find light journaling lines and ample space to record your thoughts, hopes, and prayers—just what you need to start each and every day with the reminder that God is always by your side.

MSRP: 16.99

Page Count: 368

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Format: Paperback - Flexible plastic/vinyl cover

Where to Buy:  Amazon  Barnes and Noble  


Peace Begins With Me: 


We pray for peace. We beg for it from others. We make speeches about it. But in the end, the only peace most of us can control is that little portion we display for the world to see. If we are at peace, the chaos around us seems to calm down. Our peace affects others. And the giver of peace awaits to give us the gift that can change our world. It begins with a prayer. It begins with me.


MSRP: 18.99

Page Count: 368

Release Date: October 16, 2018

Format: Paperback - Flexible plastic/vinyl cover


Where to Buy:  Amazon  Barnes and Noble 


The Earth is the Lord's and Everything In It:


From the small whisper of a snowflake to the large circumference of a baobab tree, all of nature is the creative expression of God. When we embrace His creative nature by taking the time to stop, notice, and connect, our hearts are encouraged and souls refreshed. Respond to the devotions, add your own creative writing, or keep track of prayers on the journaling lines.

MSRP: 16.99

Page Count: 368

Release Date: October 31, 2017

Format: Flexibound


Where to Buy:  Amazon  Barnes and Noble 



About the Publisher: 



Ellie Claire produces beautifully crafted journals, devotionals, and other creative gift and paper expressions. These remarkable products are sold in such national accounts as Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Sams, Costco, and LifeWay Stores.


My Thoughts and Review: 



The best part of my day is when I sit down for my Devotional and Prayer time. I usually have a Devotional book and a Prayer Journal. Well, these Devotional Journals combine the 2 into one. Each devotional has a theme for it and has 365 Devotionals, one for each day of the year. I really like that the Journals have strong and sturdy coverings, the pages are thick to prevent "bleed through' of pens and markers. Each journal comes with a Ribbon for a bookmark and an elastic band to close the Journal. 

My favorite theme Journal of the 3 was Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. My life has been BUSY for a few years and the theme of this Journal is something that I much needed. I went through a time of letting the busyness of life lead me astray from spending time with God. When you focus on God, he gets you through the busy times with ease! 

Some Features of each Journal that are excellent: 
• Lay-flat binding
• Archive quality, non-bleed paper
• Daily devotional with lightly ruled space for responses, lists, or journaling
• Full-color interior design
• Presentation page for personalization
• Foil, ribbon
• Closure band

EXCELLENT Devotional Journals. I want to get some for some friends for the New Year! 

The Journals can be purchased at Various Retailers both Online and in Book Stores. Check your favorite Retailer for the Journals! 




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Friday, December 14, 2018

JustRead Tours: Silent Days and Holy Night by Phyllis Nichols Blog Tour and Giveaway

Silent Days Holy Night blog tour

Let's all get in the mood for Christmas with this blog tour and giveaway for Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

silent days, holy night Title: Silent Days, Holy Night  
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols  
Publisher: Gilead Publishing  
Release Date: October 30, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Christmas  

The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house...  

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.

Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.

She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.

Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.  

CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter
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My Thoughts and Review:

I thought I knew what the storyline of this book would be, a Christmas themed novel that would focus on the reason for the season. Although, as I got into the book, I was totally and pleasantly surprised. Silent Days Holy Night is a story told through the voice of a child.

Julia Russell reminisces back to when she was 10yrs old and formed a friendship with Mr. Lafferty, who is the town recluse and shut in elderly man. Julia is the one person in town, at age 10, who Mr. Lafferty allows to get into his heart and space. The friendship they form over the years is precious and wonderful.

Silent Days and Holy Nights is a story that tugs at your heart and really shows the true meaning of the Christmas season: Humanity, kindness and love and friendships in a way that is so precious. A real "feel good" book!

Grab the book, your favorite Hot Drink for winter, and a blanket and cuddle up for a worthwhile read! GREAT BOOK!

Book Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

silent days, holy night giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive (US only):
  • a print copy of Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols
  • a print copy of Sleigh Bells Ring by various authors
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 10, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 17, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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