DEVOTIONS FOR THE HUNGRY HEART

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, the Belle of All Things Southern, is back with a devotional guide for the Jesus-hungry heart. Grounded in scripture and offered in the author’s signature storytelling style, this devotional invites you to God's table for a continual feast. With six prominent themes including Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering, and Being Intentional, you'll be challenged and encouraged to develop God-honoring traits in your spiritual life.

​My thoughts...

A small hardcover devotional with a pretty cover I found the author's love of food shown in the pages of the book. Full of personal stories and lots of humor she gives a true to life scenario with a verse of scripture each day, several southern recipes are also included. It's more of an inspirational read. Not exactly my style of devotional but for those who enjoy food as much as the author I think you would enjoy it.

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

EXTRAORDINARY

EXTRAORDINARY tells the amazing story of ultra-marathon runner and college professor David Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their attempt to finish their marriage race well. Although proud of his incredible athletic accomplishments and the impact he has on his students, David's family continuously pays a high price for his years of competitive running. Following his open-heart surgery and irreparable damage to his knees, Nancy is ready for Dave to hang up his racing shoes for good and focus his boundless energy on their family. Instead, feeling called by God to "inspire people one last time," Dave sets off for a 2,900-mile race across America.

​My thoughts...

EXTRAORDINARY is about a college professor who is good at inspiring people and that he does. Setting out for one last race against his wife's wishes doing irreparable damage to his knees, it is a difficult journey.

I enjoyed the wife's story much more and that of her friends, they are such fun, likeable, people who enjoy laughing and encouraging each other (even if it means getting into trouble with the cops). She is more inspiring. To me, there just wasn't much depth in Dave's character and I felt disappointment. He does have stamina and completes the race but not without troubles.

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

Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity

Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative-and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. SACRED REST combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect. By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, SACRED REST gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

​My thoughts...

A very insightful book for anyone but especially those who never seem to slow down. Rest is important for every area of our bodies including mentally and spiritually. I like that the author points out the signs that indicate the need for rest, some of which we've all seen but maybe not recognized and also one thing she brings up is the need for creative rest....never thought about that before. I enjoyed the journey with this book and appreciate what I've taken away from it.

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

A SONG OF HOME

Pearl Spence is finally getting used to life in Michigan. She’s made her peace with the piles of snow that come with winter. She and Ray are making friends and figuring out how to fit in. Pearl has even discovered the library, a place she’d never heard of back in Dust Bowl Oklahoma. In fact, a chair in the stacks, surrounded by books, might be her new favorite place on earth— until she discovers swing dancing.

Now Opal Moon, the family’s hired help and an expert in swing, is teaching Pearl the steps to this new style of dance. The sheer fun of the moves and music is a distraction from the fact that Mama is still missing, too caught up in her own grieving to spare a thought for her family.

When Mama unexpectedly returns, it isn’t a happy occasion. Pearl must decide between forgiveness and bitterness—and when calamity strikes again, there are no easy answers.

Finkbeiner’s portrayal of both tragedy and everyday life in times of great change is charged with a raw beauty that will haunt the reader. Fans of the two prior Pearl Spence novels won’t be disappointed!

​My thoughts...

The third book in the trilogy is so very good. I can't pick just one thing I liked best about the book, it's got everything you could want in a heartfelt story with awesome characters and realistic storyline that tugs at your emotions. A sad story yet delightful and authentic. The sadness and hardness faced can make you stronger and yes, joy does come in the morning. I liked Pearl's character so much, she reminds me of just how much inner strength we have that is unrealized until the depths of the soul are reached. Definitely worth the read!

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

The Lifestyle of a Watchman: A 21-Day Journey to Becoming a Guardian in Prayer

What does it mean to be a "watchman on the wall"?

Join prophetic leader and bestselling author James W. Goll for a powerful, 21-day journey into the heart of being a watchman--a mature intercessor called to wait, to be at the ready, alert to the presence and plan of God and confident of His will. With reflection questions, devotional prayers and practical applications, this book will help you move to the front lines of prayer. You will learn how to

· discern the spiritual atmosphere around you
· discover the strategies of God for specific times
· find your assignment
· pray more effectively for others and the nations
· understand how to intercede for current events
· partner with heaven and step boldly into your calling

Embark on this journey of faith, and become the strong sentinel that God created you to be!

​My thoughts...

If only we would realize how important and powerful intercessory prayer is we'd be doing more of it...I enjoyed this book on prayer and how God uses His people to bring about change in other's lives and the world when we pray according to His will. The author uses prayer warriors from the bible as examples of the different types of prayer such as Abraham and Daniel...two people close to God's heart. He goes on to show the reader how to be effective and also included questions to ponder as well as interesting commentary. This is a very helpful book to anyone who has questions about prayer.

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

Spiritual Warfare for the End Times: How to Defeat the Enemy

As the time approaches for Jesus' return, the spiritual battle between good and evil is heating up. Evidence is all around: shootings, genocide, civil wars, increased persecution. Our enemy is real, and it seems as if he is winning.

The good news is that God is at work in powerful ways--and that Satan is not winning. But we need to know how to wage war against him and his plans for these turbulent days. We must understand not only the intensified warfare environment of the end times, but how we can walk in our authority in Jesus Christ. Here are the practical insights you need on how to fight using the spiritual weapons God has given us: the blood of Jesus, the Word of God, our own testimony, and more. When we learn how to wield these weapons, we will see victory over Satan and his kingdom and bring hope to these dark days.

​My thoughts...

I found this author's story of depression and the healing power of Jesus to be inspiring and the signs of the times that lets us know His return is imminent are right on. The world is turning further and further away from God and our morals are declining rapidly. What Derek reminds us of though that God is in control and He is not at all surprised at what is happening. The book is one that makes you stop and think about the deep things of God and how Jesus could return at any time. Interesting read.

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

THESE HEALING HILLS

Francine Howard has her life all mapped out until the soldier she planned to marry at WWII's end writes to tell her he's in love with a woman in England. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he's at a loss when it comes to envisioning what's next for his life.

When Francine's and Ben's paths intersect, it's immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.

​My thoughts...

The story of a broken heart and how love can be found a second time is one of my favorites by this author, she has made Francine a very likeable character and you can see her heart as she gets to know the hillbilly locals her mother warned her against. She's finding out these people may be very different and poor but they are hard working and genuinely care about others.

When Francine meets Ben, who has returned from war, their story takes off on a journey that is sweet and a bit comical. I totally enjoyed the setting and the people in this book.

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