BOOKS I'M GRATEFUL FOR BLOG HOP!

Each participating blog has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This giveaway is open internationally.

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A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

About the Book

From “New York Times” best-selling author, “A.D.30” is a sweeping epic set in the harsh deserts of Arabia and ancient Palestine.

A war that rages between kingdoms on the earth and in the heart.

The harrowing journey of the woman at the center of it all.

Step back in time to the year of our Lord … A.D. 30.

The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors--Saba who speaks more with is sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.

But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life, which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people--and herself.



Book Details:
Published by: Central Street
Publication Date: Oct 2014
Number of Pages: 432
ASIN: B00IMN2VWC
Purchase Link: AMAZON

My thoughts...

I truly love Ted Dekker's writing, what an amazing talent. "A.D. 30" is an exceptional story told through the characters of Maviah, a slave, and Judah, who is in search of Yeshua. Judah is assigned to accompany Maviah on her journey to speak to King Herod to ask that her people be saved. Judah's tenderness and mercy carbons that of Jesus.

This is an incredible experience in understanding the teachings of Jesus, told in a way that brings fresh light to your perception. He cares about the lowest of the low and His love is unmatched. From the first word to the last this book kept me wanting more. I loved the surprises within its pages.

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



About the Author

Ted Dekker is a “New York Times” best-selling author of more than 30 novels with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.

He is known for thrillers that combine unforgettable characters, adrenaline-laced plots and incredible confrontations between good and evil.

Dekker was named Best Inspirational Suspense Author in 2012 RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice. His book, “The Bride Collector,” was named one of NPR’s “Top 100 Killer Thrillers” of all time. Two of his novels, “Thr3e” and “House” have been made into movies with more in production.

Dekker and his wife, Lee Ann, live in Austin, Texas.

The New NKJV Study Bible from Thomas Nelson

The NKJV Study Bible, the most comprehensive study Bible available, now in a full-color edition with added features! The acclaimed NKJV Study Bible is the most complete study system for all who desire accurate study in God's Word. The Second Edition includes more features to make it the best all-purpose study Bible. Using the trusted New King James Version, The NKJV Study Bible has "the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor." Nelson's skilled team of scholars has produced the system to reach for when study in God's Word is the goal.

My thoughts...

When the bible arrived I immediately explored the pages and passages and was very pleased with all the additional information provided. I found it easy to read and got more out of it with this information.

NEW attractive full-color page design
NEW stunning Bible-land photos and graphics
NEW in-text maps and charts
Full cross-references with textual notes
Word studies and indexes
Bible Times and Culture Notes
Book introductions, outlines, and timelines
Reader-friendly notes and articles ideal for extended study
Deluxe NKJV Concordance including proper names

It definitely makes reading the bible more interesting. It's a great study tool. The only thing I disliked is that it's hard cover and is heavy, it's not one I would carry with me to church or Sunday School.

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

THE PROMISE

Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal---to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she's desperate to fill. Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she's dreamed of. But she'll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory's free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last.

In a bold move---and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her---Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn't who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she'll make it out alive.

My thoughts...

This is an intriguing book based on actual events, unbelievably intense, I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Whoever said truth is stranger than fiction was surely right about this one. The characters are certainly bizarre and put in jeopardy but it's all explained in the end.

Mallory is determined to do all she can to save someone's life even though it's dangerous. Things don't work out as planned and a great story begins. I'm so thankful Mallory made it out alright.

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

the SEASONS OF GRACE Sweepstakes

In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling's new novel, To Everything A Season, the tight-knit town of Blessing, North Dakota faces change and challenge at every turn.

In the middle of the maelstrom is young Trygve Knutson. He's devoted to his family and his community, but he sometimes dreams of other horizons--especially since meeting Miriam Hastings.

Miriam is in Blessing with one goal: to complete her training as a nurse, and get back to Chicago to support her siblings and her ailing mother. But the town of Blessing has a way of drawing in the most reluctant visitor, and soon Miriam's attachment to Trygve and his family has her questioning her entire future.

To celebrate the release of this heart-warming novel, Bethany House and author Lauraine Snelling are pleased to present the SEASONS OF GRACE Sweepstakes. This sweepstakes features three special prizes, each closely connected to the book: One prize to sweep you back into history, one prize to enable you to give to someone else, and one prize to help you celebrate a little of the story's romance, in your own home.

This giveaway starts October 14, 2014 and ends November 3, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday November 4, 2014, and announced at laurainesnelling.com.

GRAND PRIZE:

SEASONS OF GRACE Grand Prize

RED RIVER RAILWAY ADVENTURE

In To Everything A Season, new visitors, old friends, and important supplies are transported to town on these rails, and the arrival platform is a place of warm greetings and new beginnings.

Our Grand Prize winner will have the chance to experience some of the same warmth and excitement with an authentic taste of the golden age of railroad travel:

A $200 value Scenic Steam Train Ride for Two (Location and dates available nationwide and will be specific to the winner's state).

SECOND PRIZE:

SEASONS OF GRACE Second Prize

DINNER DELIVERY FROM INGEBORG

In the story, the inventive Ingeborg Bjorklund is well-known for her cooking, bread baking, and cheese making, and now she's pondering another new idea to help her hometown: a delivery service!

Like the hard-working people in Blessing, many of our friends and family members carry heavy workloads and health burdens, and could use a helping hand and a comforting meal.

While we may not be able to deliver Ingeborg's cooking, our Second Prize winner will win the next best thing, to be used for themselves, or as a gift to brighten the day of a friend facing chemo, a military spouse, a lonely senior citizen, or other worthy recipient:

$175 meal delivery gift card for MagicKitchen.com - Provide a full Thanksgiving meal for 6, or an extended selection of meals for 1 or 2. Gluten free, low sodium, and dialysis-friendly meals available.

THIRD PRIZE:

SEASONS OF GRACE Third Prize
STEAL AWAY DATE NIGHT PACK

The peaceful farming community of Blessing faces an unexpected threat when robbers target banks and businesses in towns nearby. As the town comes together to find a solution to the thieving problem, Ingeborg notices another kind of stealing going on: the new nurse in town, Miriam Hastings, has completely stolen the heart of her nephew, Trygve.

Soon Trygve and the dark-haired nurse with the sad eyes are regulars at the Blessing Soda Shop, sharing thoughts and dreams over Rebecca Valders' famous fizzy concoctions.

Our Third Prize winner can share their own thoughts and dreams, and enjoy a taste of Blessing's Soda Shop at home, with the Steal Away Date Night Pack.

This $100 value package includes: The UnGame Couples Edition, the Soda Stream Fountain Jet Home Soda Starter Kit, and the Homemade Soda Recipe Book.



How to Enter:
Go to http://www.laurainesnelling.com/html/giveaways.html and complete the entry box, anytime between October 14 and November 3.

Book Summary: Trygve Knutson is devoted to his family and his community. With his job on the construction crew, he is helping to build a future for the North Dakota town of Blessing. Though he loves his home, he sometimes dreams of other horizons--especially since meeting Miriam Hastings.

Miriam is in Blessing to get practical training to become an accredited nurse. She's been promised a position in the Chicago women's hospital that will enable her to support her siblings and her ailing mother. Although eager to return to her family, Miriam is surprised to find how much she enjoys the small town of Blessing. And her growing attachment to Trygve soon has her questioning a future she always considered set in stone.

When a family emergency calls Miriam home sooner than planned, will she find a way to return? If not, will it mean losing Trygve--and her chance at love--for good?

NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women

You spilled coffee on your shirt before walking out the door. Ran late to your appointment. Snapped at your children, then regretted it all day. And spent an hour at the grocery store with no dinner on the table to show for your efforts. A typical day has come and gone. Life is full of obligations, emotions, and relationships. Some are life-giving, yet sometimes the weight and responsibility of everyday life is heavy to bear. As wives, mothers, friends, and daughters, we need to know we’re not alone. We long for someone who understands—someone to help us find perspective.

When our days are long, and our nights are restless, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle things on our own. Or that no one struggles like we do. And that’s when we need a friend … to encourage us, to understand us, and help us become the woman God wants us to be. You’ll find that friend on the pages of the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women.

Filled with insightful daily devotions written by Lysa TerKeurst and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries, the devotions in this Bible will meet you right where you are, in the good days and in the hard days, in the car pool line or the doctor’s office. With God’s truth as the foundation, this Bible will help you maintain a peace-filled place of balance in spite of your life’s hectic pace.

Features: The beauty and clarity of the New International Version (NIV) Bible, 366 daily devotions from the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries inspire you to live authentically as a woman of God, Author biographies, and a helpful subject Index.

My thoughts...

First off I have to say I love the two tone teal color of this Bible, fits my style perfectly and the compact size is ideal for any woman . It fits easily into my hand and just about any bag. Next I love the daily devotions which seem to fit every time I read one. Very inspiring! There are 366 devotions along with a good subject index, the print is small but yet it's a good size for me.

Love the clarity of the New International Version and again I will say the color is awesome, what a pretty Bible!

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

THE MASON JAR

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk, letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante named Savannah. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar: A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.

My thoughts...

This is a beautifully written story about a first love that ends in heartbreak and how Finn heals by turning to family. I love the letters between him and his grandfather, there were tears in my eyes several times. Bits of wisdom are offered throughout, insight on the male perspective.

I really enjoyed reading this uplifting book and finished in one sitting. A sweet story.

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