The Quotable Tozer by A.W. Tozer and edited by James L. Snyder ~ Review

My Review:

This year I "discovered" A.W. Tozer and went on a multiple book long reading spree of some of his more famous works, favorites being Attributes of God, The Counselor, Delighting in God, and Of God and Men. 

A.W. Tozer was a pastor, writer, and magazine editor, who had a strong passion for Spiritual truths. This volume is a collection of quotes from his various works, books, essays, and articles, arranged alphabetically and topically.

This book is a hardcover of about 360 pages, a good end table book, as it isn't exactly one that is easily read straight through but is better digested a bite at a time. It would make a great gift.

I will admit it was harder to read in nuggets as I missed the context and the reading flow of a book. But it is still a worthwhile read. Tozer is never a bad idea in my book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Amish Hideout by Maggie K. Black ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Jonathan Mast left the Amish when he was eighteen, because he felt that God was calling him away from his Pacifist upbringing to protect others by serving in law enforcement, and now he is a US Marshall.

Celeste Alexander is a computer programmer who uncovers a scheme to steal millions from unsuspecting people. She is placed in a safe house under witness protection, but when her cover is blown repeatedly, Jonathan decides to take her to his hometown without telling her of his Amish past.

Will Jonathan and Celeste be able to take down the company that is after Celeste's life?

Coming home brings up past wounds for Jonathan, and he must face his brother and father whom he not spoken to since he was eighteen years old. He finds himself opening up to Celeste, but he doesn't want to have feelings for a woman that he will have to say goodbye to once the case is over.

Celeste struggles to trust God through the hurricane that has swept through her life, she is surprised to find that life without technology is actually relaxing, even though before it was how she made her livelihood. I admired her faith, she it isn't easy for her to have her life turned upside down and but she holds to her faith, and works to put away the people who are after her.

Overall, a fast paced read with well developed characters and a fantastic plot. I loved how Celeste and Jonathan got to know each other, and helped each other while they were working together. Celeste has a strong faith and is a good listener. I loved everything about this book, and it ends with a bang! You won't want to miss this Inspirational Suspense!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Courting Her Prodigal Heart by Mary Davis ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Eli Hochstetler is a blacksmith, on his trips to town he has noticed her bright multicolored hair in the past, but today he sees her crying. He stops to help her offering advice and a sandwich, not recognizing her as his childhood friend, Dori Bontrager.

Dori is pregnant and her boyfriend has kicked her out, when Eli advises her to go home, she takes his advice and goes back to her Amish community. She is dead set on leaving as soon as soon as she can, but she stays because she knows that the Amish will help care for her child. Her grandfather, the bishop, welcomes her whole-heartedly, and just requests that she take the discipleship classes.

Will Dori go back to the English world or stay with Eli?

Dori is hardened and unrepentant when she first comes home to stay with her grandfather. Eli's business has been slow, so Dori offers to help him set up a website to attract more business. As they spend more time together Eli can't help but fall for the beautiful Dori, but she is still bent on leaving.

I has a hard time liking Dori, but perhaps that's more realistic, because she is hard to love and acts that way intentionally. Eli seemed to love the idea of Dori in his head, and their relationship felt one-sided. My favorite character was Dori's grandfather, though she remembers him as stern and judgmental, he is the only one who welcomes her, and he doesn't hassle her about her past or current situation. He opens his home to her, and let's her choose.

Overall, this was a tough one for me to like, I really wanted to but I found the situation frustrating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield ~ Review

My Review:

Deceptively simple sounding. Radical hospitality is what we are called to as Christians.

I'll be the first to admit that I fall far short of the mark. But as Mrs. Butterfield explains, hospitality isn't pristine houses with perfectly prepared meals and well planned activities. It's not that hard, and it's not that easy.

Our homes and earthly belongings are the Lord's, he blessed us with them entrusting us to use these resources for the furtherance of His kingdom. While hospitality doesn't sound like much at first glance, it is so much more. It is sharing the lives of our neighbors, friends from church or unbelieving neighbor, inviting them to see our lives with its joys, failures, and imperfections. She explains how genuine hospitality takes away the pressures of entertainment, “Hospitality shares what there is; that’s all. It’s not entertainment. It’s not supposed to be.” 

Mrs. Butterfield tells of how she and her husband have blessed and been blessed by the practice of practical true Christian hospitality, praying for their community, moving into undesirable areas, not flinching away from messy situations using the real world to show their children God's grace in the midst of a post-modern world. She shares how the way they practice hospitality has brought many people that they may not have otherwise had a chance to encounter into their lives, sharing most prominently the story of their neighbor Hank. Hospitality isn't always easy. Sometimes it's messy. Sometimes we must turn a Judas away.

Overall, a highly thought provoking read that invites us to live as lights amid the mess. Not above or away from the mess in our own little houses, or from a position of power over the mess as a saviour to dive in and fix everything. Instead we need to emulate Christ who dined with sinners, but did not sin with sinners. Our homes and lives can become hospitals and incubators, serving others with what God has given us. God can use hospitality to turn strangers into friends, and friends into family in Christ.

Highly recommend, a meaty read, challenging, and heartfelt. One of my favorite reads of the year that I hope to re-read in the years to come.

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Continuing to follow three childhood friends, this book picks up where the last one left off.

Jane is reluctant to chance her future to another marriage, knowing that it will be childless. Gabriel has made his ardent devotion clear, will Jane take a chance on love?

Meanwhile, Mercy has lost her school due to the marriage of her brother, and she takes up a governess position teaching her former pupil. Her new job has that advantage of putting her in a position to resume her friendship with Joseph.

Rachel is trying to help her sister-in-law get out from under her controlling mother, and help her prepare for her upcoming wedding.

There is also a new dressmaker in town, who may not be who she says that she is.

A satisfying conclusion to this engaging trilogy. A series that you truly should read in order to fully appreciate the growth of the characters and grasp what is going on. This book was especially satisfying because the previous books left me wanting more and left many loose ends that were all resolved in this final installment.

There is so much going on in this book, I loved coming back to Ivy Green and all the bustle and small town drama. There is a strong sense of community throughout this series, and while it does focus more on the three friends, there is a kind of feeling that you are reading about everyone in Ivy Green.

Mercy is my favorite character, her grave and faith in the face of hardship is always so inspiring and she makes the most of what she is dealt in life, putting her trust in God to see her through.

Overall, a vibrant read about a close knit community in Regency Era England, I loved reconnecting with all of my favorite characters, and seeing all of their stories come to a satisfying new chapter of life. Mystery, community, love, faith, and everyday drama bring Ivy Green to bustling life, a fitting ending to an enjoyable series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Searching For You by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

Sophie Neumann struggles to take care of young Nicholas and Olivia on the streets of New York City, going from place to place. Sophie finds herself in a risky relationship, and the witness to a brutal crime, so she and the children take the quickest way out of the city, on the Orphan Train headed west.

Reinhold Weiss has been fighting to keep his small farm afloat, and even with his brother Jakob by his side, he wonders if they will last. Reinhold is shocked to see Sophie again after so many years, she has grown into a beautiful woman, not the little girl that he remembered. Sophie and Reinhold's shared past draws them together, they must fight their doubts and feelings of unworthiness to trust God and find home.

I've been waiting for Sophie's story for a long time, but I was even more thrilled when I learned that it would also be Reinhold's story, as he has long been one of my favorite characters.

Seeing everything through Sophie's eyes, helped make more sense of why she made the choices that she did in the past. She has a big heart, and loves Nicholas and Olivia fiercely, she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them. Sophie doubts that her sisters will forgive her in the light of how far she had fallen living on the streets, and she struggles to accept the undeserved kindness shown to her.

I absolutely loved Euphemia Duff, she holds the dairy farming Duff household together, and takes Sophie under her wing. Euphemia has an enormous heart, caring tirelessly for her large brood of boys, while also finding time to lend a hand and look in on her neighbors. She is an exemplary wife, mother, Christian, friend, her honesty, kindness, and flaws show a genuine heart following hard after Christ.

Reinhold is a hardworking man, fighting to make his dream of making a living for himself as a farmer and providing for his family come true. Yet demons of doubt haunt him, making him wonder if he has escaped the shadow of his father. He has grown so much over the course of this series, and he is possibly one of my favorite characters of the series because of that fact.

Overall, a fitting, and thoroughly satisfying conclusion to this series, I have immensely enjoyed reading about the Neumann sisters as they make their way in the world. I could not put this book down, and I'm gonna say that it is my favorite of the series. I just loved how everything came together, the chemistry between Sophie and Reinhold, and how we finally get to see Sophie's side of the story. Strong themes of grace, compelling characters, and heartfelt storytelling. HIGHLY recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Cowboy Christmas by Linda Goodnight and Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A Snowbound Christmas
Caleb Girard ranches with his adoptive father, Greg, who has recently been having health complications requiring him to get a new kidney. He needs help taking care of his father, so they hire a home nurse, who turns out to be his highschool crush, Kristen Andrews.

Kristen has come home to heal from a broken leg, but she still wants to be useful so she takes on the job of calling on people as a nurse, she stays upbeat despite everything, and helps Caleb start a fundraiser to help with Greg's medical expenses.

Kristen gets stranded on their ranch by a snowstorm, so she and Caleb have time to reconnect. Kristen is a strong woman who won't compromise her beliefs. Caleb is a good man, but sometimes his past still haunts him. Greg's strong faith and good sense of humor help him deal with his sickness, he is a well of sound advice, and he wants the best for his son.

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy
Ty Carrington's family has a ranch near Shepherd's Crossing, and they just bought some houses in town for back taxes. Jessica and her 4 year-old daughter move into one of the houses that she had inherited from her aunt, she is surprised to find that actually Ty owns her house.

Instead of kicking them out, Ty helps them. Dovie, Jessica's daughter attaches herself to Ty, and her enthusiasm for Christmas melts his heart.

I loved how both Jessica and Ty have suffered loss in the past, and neither is expecting to find a second chance. Jessica and Dovie's strong faith convicts Ty, and makes him look at how he has distanced himself from God.  I love how involved Jessica gets with the town, and how the community comes together to save the town.

Two Christmas stories tell of strong women of faith and the cowboys that they fall in love with at Christmastime. A highly enjoyable read that would make for an excellent stocking stuffer. Both stories make the most of their short length, with great characters, and strong faith.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock ~ Review

My Review:

Finn Parish is a cab driver, when an elderly woman has him take her to the doctor, Finn finds his life changed forever. It's a busy time of year, and the last thing he wants is to be tied to his elderly client, Miss Callie, taking her shopping, to the doctor, and assisting her with her errands--after all he's only the cab driver. But she keeps requesting "that sweet boy" and Finn doesn't have the heart to refuse, especially when she reminds him so much of his own late mother.

Sydney is a law associate at a high powered law firm that has been laying off lawyers due to cuts, her job is dependent on the outcome of a no-win case involving that irresponsible son of one of the firm's biggest clients. She is under a lot of stress, juggling her demanding job and caring for her failing grandmother.

Finn became a cab driver after losing his restaurant, he is just trying to make it to the next month, living paycheck to paycheck. He loses money driving Miss Callie, so at first he tries to get out of driving her, but despite himself he finds himself enjoying her sweet nature, cheerful spirit, and determination to give her granddaughter a great Christmas. Finn has been through a lot in the last few years, he has his regrets, and he hates that Miss Callie is alone most of the time, he doesn't want to get involved, but he rises to the occasion to help Miss Callie and finds her joy rubbing off on him past his gruff exterior. Finn was my favorite character, I could picture him perfectly from the first time we meet him, and I love the begrudging (on Finn's part) friendship between him and Miss Callie.

Sydney loves her grandmother, and wants to spend more time with her, but she can't afford to lose her job. Her bosses have thrown her under the bus, with a high-stakes, no-win case.

Overall, a heartwarming Christmas read with memorably characters that capture your heart, with touches of humor that made me laugh out loud. I could just picture the spunky Miss Callie making her all too honest observations, and scouting out eligible men for her granddaughter. A satisfying Christmas read that hits all the right notes, with a message of hope and love.  

Ellie Claire 365-Day Journals ~ 3 Journal Review ~ Makes a Beautiful Gift!

365 days of devotions are contained in each of these beautiful and high quality journals from 

Ellie Claire Gifts.

As we are quickly approaching gift giving season and the beginning of a new year, what could be better than getting closer to God and encouraging others to do likewise?

Each of these three journals beautifully presented, with eye-catching graphics and a simple and effective format, with a scripture or quote, narrative, and concise prayer, with half a page of lined paper to write thoughts and nuggets of wisdom.

They make an excellent gift for a loved one, or even for yourself! 

The journals are of excellent quality, with smooth, medium weight paper that doesn't bleed through or indent easily from the previous day's entry. 

The Peace Begins with Me journal is themed with devotions and readings focused on finding peace, contentment, joy, and shelter in Jesus. Casting our worries and care on Him, trusting in His sovereign grace to comfort and protect us through everyday trials and challenges in life, as God through Christ Jesus is the only true source of lasting peace. 

The Earth is the LORD's, and Everything In It journal praises God as the sovereign Creator, Father, Protector, and Lover of My Soul. The devotions talk of God's love for us as His creation, and how we can take comfort in knowing that He is in control.

The Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus journal is my favorite of the three, with its cheery floral design and title that borrows its name from one of my favorite hymns. This journals encourages to continue to look to Jesus in the midst of heartaches and troubles, for strength, endurance, and and shelter, praising His name no matter what the day brings. Everyday has a quote from a hymn, a devotion extolling God's attributes, a scripture reading, prayer, and half a page of lined paper to journal.

So whether for a loved one, friend, or for yourself these lovely journals invite you to grow, meditate, and praise through study of scripture. 

A wonderful gift to give or receive as we come upon the new year!

The journals can be purchased on Amazon, CBD, Books a Million or Barnes & Noble.

Peace Begins with Me

Amazon: http://bit.ly/PeaceonAmazon

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/PeaceonBN

CBD: https://bit.ly/2LjSPA2

Books-A-Million: https://bit.ly/2SMhwYn

The Earth is the LORD's and Everything In It

Amazon: http://bit.ly/EarthonAmazon

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/EarthonBN

CBD: https://bit.ly/2rC6klB

Books-A-Million: https://bit.ly/2Qw9XYZ

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Amazon: http://bit.ly/EyesonAmazon

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/EyesonBN

CBD: https://bit.ly/2SMp517

Books-A-Million: https://bit.ly/2zYBPdY

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Nurse Practitioner Thea Anastas loves her job, she truly cares about her patients, often going out of her way to help them especially if children are involved. Through her work she meets Shannie, a young girl suffering with appendicitis. Shannie only has a forgetful great-gran to care for her, so Thea goes with them to the hospital to make sure that she gets care because she is afraid that she might get lost in the system.

Dr. Ethan Brandenburg works at the Wishing Bridge Clinic with Thea, he has plans to return to the city to join a research team at a top hospital. He took a year off to care for his niece and nephew after the death of their parents, they are still adjusting to living with him, and Mara especially is having a hard time.

Thea and Ethan find themselves spending more time together after the clinic gets flooded ruining all of their equipment. Shannie is a friendly girl with a joyful spirit, she is very outgoing she keeps trying to be Mara's friend despite Mara's rebuffs.

Thea is strong and compassionate, she has a strong faith and she enjoys getting to know Ethan more, but doesn't believe that it will last. She's lived through pain in the past and doesn't believe that she'll ever marry.

Ethan is an excellent doctor and a good man, he is a man of science and doesn't give faith much credence. However, Thea has him thinking more and more about his late sister's faith, and how much he enjoys having Thea and Shannie in their lives.

I love the way that Thea and Ethan grow to known one another better, there is great dialog, with plenty of give and take, but also caution because they both know that the other is leaving soon.

I also really liked how this book followed Jazz as well, she is Thea's roommate and former model. She runs frequently and knows that if she goes back to modelling that it would be too easy to slip back into her eating disorder. Wishing Bridge has been good for her and her faith is strong.

I loved returning to Wishing Bridge and catching up with all of my favorite people. Ruth Logan Herne always does an excellent job of weaving together warm and welcoming communities with her books, bringing characters to life in memorable ways. A highly enjoyable read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."