WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES

About the book...

There is one story that novelist Josephine Bourdillon shirked from writing. And now she may never have a chance. Trapped in her memories, she lies in a coma.

The man who put her there is just as paralyzed. Former soldier Henry Hughes failed to complete the kill. What's more: he never received full payment--funds that would ensure surgery for his son.

As detectives investigate disturbing fan letters, a young but not-so-naïve Paige Bourdillon turns to her mother's turbulent past for answers. Could The Awful Year be worse than the one they're living now?

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina and the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean Sea, When I Close My Eyes tells the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that love is stronger than death.

My thoughts...

Oh, how I LOVED this book! Such a great storyline and an attempted murder that threw me off track as to who may have been behind it…exactly the kind of book I like to read. I love how the author tackled topics that are disturbing to some (mental illness, suicide) with such honesty and clarity.

The hired hitman was someone I didn’t want to like for obvious reasons, but I found myself having compassion for him. I have a deep respect for Paige with her continued interest in him and his family.

An outstanding novel by an outstanding author!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

THE GIRL BEHIND THE RED ROPE

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

My thoughts...

Want to see how the enemy uses fear to paralyze Christians or to totally mislead them? Read this book! An allegory of how people can be so fearful that they are of no use to each other or furthering the gospel, this is evil at it’s best.

Living behind a roped area the entire village, which consists of members of the Holy Family Church, are so fooled by wolves in sheep’s clothing they can’t even think for themselves.

The prophetess is strange to begin with and then we find out why. She’s totally taken in by a cunning visitor. Like Dekker’s other books this one is weird but good!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE

​About the book...

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it "changed the trajectory of my life." Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith.

In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, "Where is God in the middle of suffering?" "What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?" and "What do I believe about eternal suffering?" Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel--to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

​My thoughts...

Wow, I just finished reading the last page and like every other David Platt book this one left me feeling I had to do something to help, the stories of those he met on this trek in the Himalayas breaks your heart. There are so many people that need to hear about Jesus Christ, people who don’t have and greatly need medical care or decent food to eat. The young girls sold into slavery leave the mountain scared but thinking they’ll be able to help their families financially by going with “the man” and working in town only to be used as sexual playthings for evil people and never seeing their families again.

The unreached in the world need to hear the gospel and what we can do is pray, send financial donations, or even take a mission trip to assist one on one. Your heart will be changed after reading this book and you’ll want to help. You’ll get to see David Platt’s heart on each page. A must read for the church!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.​ ​

THE PSALMS AND PROVERBS DEVOTIONAL FOR WOMEN

Women are searching for wisdom beyond themselves, for discernment that makes God’s will and way clear for daily living. No books in Scripture hold more instruction for how to live according to divine wisdom than do Psalms and Proverbs, and these daily devotions mine their riches with choice, seasoned counsel. Blessed will be the woman who pursues this path to wisdom with passion and commitment.

​My thoughts...

Love this devotional, the content fits perfectly into my day leaving me with thoughts to ponder and scripture to read. Love the cover and size as well, it’s overall a beautiful book that will take you through the year with Psalms and Proverbs and the richness of the Word of God. It leaves me feeling encouraged, there’s also room for notes & prayers. It’s definitely my favorite.

I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

IN HIS IMAGE

After first teaching women to go deeper in their study of the Bible in Women of the Word, and then unpacking why our limits are a good thing in light of God’s limitlessness in None Like Him, best-selling author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin helps readers see what human beings are to be like as they reflect the image of their Creator. In His Image explores 10 attributes of God that Christians are called to reflect—they are called to be holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise. This book calls readers to discover the freedom and purpose in becoming all that God made them to be.

​My thoughts...

Another informative and biblically based book on the characteristics of God, a loving, holy, faithful, patient, and merciful Father. What struck me the most is His holiness…if we could just understand what this really means and strive to be holy. This is a big part of Christianity the church is missing. Too often we become too worldly and grieve His heart which should break our hearts. Jen understands how to write the words in a way that is understandable and definitely makes you stop and think about your life. I truly enjoyed this book.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.​ ​

THE PRAYER MAP FOR WOMEN

This engaging prayer journal is a fun and creative way for you to more fully experience the power of prayer. Each page features a lovely 2-color design that guides you to write out specific thoughts, ideas, and lists. . .which then creates a specific "map" for you to follow as you talk to God. Each map includes a spot to record the date, so you can look back on your prayers and see how God has worked in your life. The Prayer Map for Women will not only encourage you to spend time talking with God about the things that matter most. . .it will also help you build a healthy spiritual habit of continual prayer for life! ​

​My thoughts...

What don't I love about this prayer journal? I can't think of a thing! From the size to the prompts on each page I love everything about it! Helping keep my thoughts organized and keeping me focused with the perfect space for noting scripture or things God gives me during my prayer time. This journal holds so much yet takes up little space. I knew when I saw it for the first time this was going to be my prayer journal!

I received a copy of this book free from the Barbour publishers in exchange for an honest review.​

IF YOU ONLY KNEW

This book is that story. It’s stepping out of shame and insecurity into gospel freedom. It’s letting God turn our failures and frailties into testimonies of His faithfulness. I’ve discovered that when we quit hiding, God gets the glory and we are able to fully embrace not only our relationship with Him, but also with one another. Transparency brings freedom, and in every moment, we'll find that God can absolutely be trusted.

​My thoughts...

I love the way Jamie writes as though she's talking face to face with you, it's a really good book for someone who is experiencing the guilt of past sins and cannot let go. She teaches you how to see yourself as God sees you and that you are forgiven, and how to take a stand against the accusing darts of the enemy. Jesus is enough to wipe away our sins, His sacrifice on the cross removes them as far as the east from the west. If you are feeling the shame of bad choices this is the book for you.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.​ ​