International Women's Day...

 

 

Today is a day for CELEBRATION!

Traditional Russian Women are most proud of their roles as Wives and Mothers and do not feel threatened by their core identity or have the need to temper their desire to genuinely nurture their loved ones. 

What a refreshing view!

 

Celebrate the 'YOU' in 'YOU'! Today is YOUR day!

Remember, YOU are SPECIAL!!

BE ALL YOU CAN BE!!

A special word of thanks to a lovely young lady for her most gracious e-greeting card reminding me TODAY is OUR DAY!!

С наилучшими пожеланиями к Вам, а Мария!

Outrageous Courage by Kris and Jason Vallotton, Book review

Publisher: Chosen Books (January 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800795542

Synopsis:

(From the Back Cover)
Contained in these pages is a story that will change your life.
Consider yourself warned.

Dear Reader,

This is the story of one of the most courageous, radically obedient people we know.

Tracy Evans, a physician assistant, has treated rebel guerillas while captive on an Asian island. She's sipped tea in a Mozambican hut while bullets whistled through the grass walls. She's cared for 900 HIV-positive orphans.

In these pages you will find not only gripping, unembellished true stories of Tracy's exploits around the globe, but the more amazing account of what God can do with--and through--one person's raw faith and obedience.

Tracy's life has had an unbelievable impact on us, our families and our friends. We pray that you, too, will be inspired to radical obedience, faith adventures and wild trust in God's power and purpose for your life.

Put on your seatbelt and let the journey begin!

Love in Christ,
Kris Vallotton
Jason Vallotton

My thoughts:

Based on the synopsis alone, I believe you will agree with me the title was well chosen: 'Outrageous Courage: What God Can Do with Raw Obedience & Radical Faith!  
Kris and Jason Vallotton (Father and Son) write a dramatic story about a real life follower of Christ, following a compelling introduction of Kris' first meeting with Tracy Evans almost thirty years ago. 

A Christian Medical missionary Tracy Evans is indeed a remarkable person if you consider her exodus through 64 countries, from the tough streets of L.A. to North California's mountainous area, the Philippines, Kiribati  and finally the Mozambique bush (see website @ iReachAfrica!) and always making a difference.

But as remarkable as Tracy's story is, I cannot agree with the authors' suggestion we can become just like her 'with a little courage and belief'.
Just a reminder of course: Paul the Apostle teaches (1 Corinthians Chapter 12:8-10) not all of us display the same selfless abilities, and regardless of our courage and beliefs, not all of us can be as passionate as Tracy Evans in our quest to make a difference in the world!

Never the less, this missionary's inspiring deeds are described in such a heartfelt way you know immediately this is a courageous person who systematically walks in Christ's footsteps no matter the hazards. 
Kris and Jason Vallotton shows through this account Evans' work and how her unwavering faith has touched many and relieved suffering and poverty, always in His name.

Understandingly at times sad but always hopeful, this real life account is perhaps not for everyone but worth at  least 4 stars.

Note to readers: Additional information on the Ministries of IReachAfrica can be found (HERE)

About the Authors:

 
Kris Vallotton (seen above with wife Kathy) is the senior associate leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California; the cofounder and senior overseer of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry; and the bestselling author or coauthor of eight books, including Spirit Wars, Heavy Rain, and The Supernatural Ways of Royalty.

Jason Vallotton is the author of The Supernatural Power of Forgiveness and coauthor of Moral Revolution with his dad, Kris Vallotton. A pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, he helps oversee the School of Supernatural Ministry. Jason currently serves on the board of Moral Revolution and is a sought-after counselor and speaker.

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.   

Roma Downey's Little Angels, Prayers For Every Day, Book review & GIVEAWAY

 

NOTE TO READERS: Courtesy of FLYBY PROMOTIONS and the author, there is a lovely GIVEAWAY included! Scroll down for additional information!

Publisher: CandyCane Press, an imprint of Ideals Publications; Brdbk edition (March 1, 2013)

 ISBN-13: 978-0824956523

Synopsis:

From executive producer Roma Downey comes a faith-affirming brand created just for preschoolers. This new book of prayers features twins Alex and Zoe and their guardians, the Little Angels. More than 50 simple rhyming prayers cover a typical day and the typical worries of a young child. 

From waking in the morning to going to sleep at night, from thanking God for a meal to praying for His comfort when afraid, the prayers here will help little ones to see that any moment is a good moment to talk to God. Relevant Bible verses are scattered throughout the book as well. 

This book is the perfect way to teach children about prayer and the ways God cares for us each day. 
Ages 3-6. 

About the series: Little Angels is a faith-based series created just for preschoolers. The stories focus on eight Little Angels who are guardians, teachers, and companions to twins Alex and Zoe. Throughout each book, children will learn practical lessons, values, and Biblical truths in an engaging and appealing manner.

My thoughts:

I was very happy to be chosen as a reviewer of this lovely book! Roma Downey*'s 'Little Angels' series is an amazing collection of lessons for little ones! (*The lovely actress is best known perhaps for her role on telly's series 'Touched by an Angel')

50 prayers, each single one addressing a concern or a need toddlers might indeed have. Let's remember children these days are far more advanced than they used to be, as our world has progressed dramatically in electronics and they too experience insecurity and anxiety!

With simple colourful illustrations of little angels and small children and a soft cover, we find rhyming Prayers for Morning, of Praise, of Thanks, for Mealtime, for Others, for Help, for Guidance, for Forgiveness, Comfort, Bedtime, each one addressed to God or Jesus, and including for adults a bible reference as an introduction for children to the Word in the Bible!

An example:

Dear Jesus,
The world is very big,
and sometimes I feel wary.
When I take comfort in your name,
the world is not so scary.
Amen!

On the bottom page in a corner is a little blurb:
The Bible says:

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
-1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

This was my first experience with Roma Downey's Little Angels series and I only wished we had these when our children were growing up! She very obviously has taken the time to see this world through little ones eyes! 

A comfort for little tykes and parents or guardians alike, this is a beautiful book to help little ones know God a little more by communicating their feelings.

5 Stars!!

About the Author:

Roma Downey is a multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress, and starred for almost a decade as the angel "Monica" in the hit CBS television series, Touched By An Angel. She is also producer of the children's DVD and book series "Little Angels" and its companion Little Angels Storybook Bible. 

About the Illustrator:

Lisa Reed has been drawing pictures since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She began her career as a graphic artist for a screen print company and has been illustrating books for the past 15 years, including dozens of children's books. 

 AND NOW FOR A VERY SWEET GIVEAWAY!

Courtesy of FLYBY PROMOTIONS and the Author, I have the opportunity to offer you your own copy of this lovely book! Ideal for parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers...

Here is what to do:

Place a comment on this post and include an email i.e. c123[at]yahoo[period]com before Midnight on 14 March 2013! 

Using Random.org a winner will be selected and I will contact her/him for postal address. 

FLYBY PROMOTIONS will then send the selected person their very own copy!

That's it, nothing else! Easy, right?

Giveaway open to International entries as well!

I received this book free from FLYBY PROMOTIONS  as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Shattered by Dani Pettrey, Book review & GIVEAWAY

 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)

 ISBN-13: 978-0764209833

Synopsis:

With All the Evidence Against Him, Only a Sister's Trust Can Save Him Now

When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

My thoughts:

In 'Shattered', Book 2 in the Alaskan Courage series, you immediately get a sense of the closeness of the McKenna's family. Against the beautiful Alaskan background, this gripping 'Who Dunnit' with its intricate twists and turns proved to be a page turner, I will admit right off! Dani Pettrey knows how to build the suspense, she writes a good story and her characters are enticing!

Living the great life in such amazing surroundings turns dramatic when Reef, the youngest member of the family is arrested for the murder of a young athlete and the arresting officer turns out to be a close friend. Piper McKenna does not believe in her brother's guilt and will stop at nothing to prove his innocence. In turn, Deputy Landon will do anything to keep the spirited young woman out of harm's way.

As the plot intensifies with each new event leading to yet another proof of guilt, readers will feel drawn in this romantic suspense novel with its vivid locale descriptions and the protagonists' treacherous journey across the North American hemisphere to find the real murderer! The ins and outs of snow boarding are even included for avid fans of the sport! 

Families values in this Christian adventure however merits a special mention and I would recommend it to any teen and above!

5 stars!

 Link to buy the book: 

 http://ow.ly/hLsy9

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dpettrey 

About the Author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance.

Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.  

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate, Book review & GIVEAWAY

 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764208232

Synopsis:

At thirty-four, congressional staffer Mallory Hale is about to embark on an adventure completely off the map. After a whirlwind romance, she is hopelessly in love with two men--fortunately, they're related. Daniel Everson and his little boy, Nick, are a package deal, and Mallory suddenly can't imagine her future without them.

Mallory couldn't be more shocked when Daniel asks her to marry him, move to Texas, and form a family with him and motherless Nick. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying.

Mallory takes a leap of faith and begins a sweet, mishap-filled journey into ranch living, Moses Lake society, and a marriage that at times reminds her of the mail-order-bride stories. But despite the wild adventure of her new life, she discovers secrets and questions beneath her rosy new life. Can she find answers on Firefly Island, a little chunk of property just off the lakeshore, where mysterious lights glisten at night?

My thoughts:

Lisa Wingate's novels are described as 'Fiction Good For The Soul' and rightly so! Once again we discover what it means in 'Firefly Island'. There is something about her light and airy style which brings to mind fluffy white clouds in a deep blue sky, gurgling clear water in a stream, the wind playing softly with the tree canopy and a child's happy laugh in the background...
Poetic? Perhaps. Let me just say her writing brings such a warm feeling, it inspires happiness!

At times witty, at others verging on emotional, delving even in the mysterious, the plot line is witty, hopeful and reflects wholesome goodness! If I had to describe its colour, I would chose bright yellow...sunny!

When Daniel proposes Mallory tells us: "I met his gaze, tumbled in and saw the future. Not in the crisp clarity of photos - because I couldn't picture this over-the-rainbow life he was describing, or me in it - but in shades of colors. The soft grays of mornings, the muted rose and violet of sunsets, the stark, blinding yellows and  whites of middays. I saw holidays and seasons and years. Growing up, growing outward, growing old. I didn't want to live one year, one season, one day without Daniel and Nick."

Congressional staffer Mallory Hale is on her way to Moses Lakes, Texas after a whirlwind romance with the two men who won her heart: Husband Daniel and his three years old son Nick. Leaving her job, her family and hauling a U-Haul requires a leap of faith but armed with her Grand-Mother's wedding quilt and Fostoria glasses, she is certain the future is going to be bright until she sees her new surroundings and she fears losing the modicum of self control she is hanging on to!

Scientist Daniel anticipates James West's offer to participate in crops advance research on his ranch, his only opportunity to make a difference in the world but it is soon apparent there are conditions to the position. Amongst those is Firefly island's forbidden access and a mysterious disappearance.

The lamentable housing conditions offered by his new employer has his bride on edge as well. Armed with steel wool and bug bombs, Mallory fights mice, bugs and even scorpions whilst taking on Nick's care who takes to their new surroundings like a fish to water! 

Trying to retain some measure of sanity Mallory relies heavily on emails and texts to keep in  touch with family and friends for support, leading her sisters to suggest writing her considerable adventures (o.k. corral stand off betwixt brown mouse and scorpion?) in a blog to release some of the tension.
In doing so, Mallory uncovers a dangerous secret and must decide how far she will go to protect her new family and this ranch life she has come to love.

Only Lisa Wingate could have come up with such a witty approach to the insecurities Mallory experiences in the middle of 'nowhere' Texas! I found myself looking forward to what comes next in the 'Wild Kingdom' surroundings of Mallory Hale as ranching takes on a new meaning in this lively tale guaranteed to have you chuckle!
That said, Lisa includes an inspirational  lesson in her warm hearted storytelling sure to leave you with contentment: God is always near!

Firefly Island is Book 3 in Lisa Wingate's Moses Lake series but is one of those (happily) stand alone read!

5 stars for the joyful entertainment and perfect antidote to boredom!
Buy a copy for yourself and a loved one (and check out the other two books, Larkspur Cove and Blue Moon Bay)!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/lwingate 

About the Author:

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction.

For additional information visit her website (HERE)

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).  

  One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.  

Into March...

 March's third day already ...Time flies, Easter will soon be here...

Is Spring truly on its way?

 Rains and cool nights are still with us but I dream of long walks...

My imagination brings to mind paths of flowers everywhere...the colours vivid, their sweet promise of many more blessings to come...

I'll leave you with this quiet pastoral view, just wishing each of you a lovely weekend!

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, Book review

Publisher: Thorndike Press; Lrg Una edition (May 5, 2010)

ISBN-13: 978-1410425867

Synopis:

When Olivia Keene arrives home to find her father strangling her mother, she picks up the nearest blunt object and bashes him on the head. Fearing that she will be charged with murder, Olivia, with her mother’s help, flees.

While en route to a potential position with an old friend of her mother’s, Olivia finds herself caught up in a series of dangerous adventures culminating in her arrival at Brightwell Court, where she accidentally eavesdrops on a conversation between Lord Edward Stanton Bradley and his father, the Earl.

Realizing that the information the now speechless Olivia unknowingly possesses could ruin him, Edward insists that she accept a position in his family’s nursery, never expecting that the silent new governess might be his one hope of salvation.

My thoughts:

Julie Klassen's 'The Silent Governess' has a rich historical background, guaranteed to satisfy even  discerning genre critics with multiple layers to its enticing plot, and providing entertainment for any reader, even gentlemen! And at 707 pages this book was never the less just the ticket for a couple of evenings' relaxation (and very kind to fatigued eyes!). You will deduce rightfully the story grips you and you cannot but read a few more pages...and a few more...

Olivia Keene has always enjoyed arithmetic sums and her father has often bragged about her skills with numbers, enjoying a wage or two as well with his cronies.  She is only a child when she deliberately withheld her answer to a problem, letting a young man shine in his father's eyes but losing her own paternal's approval or so it seems.
Now grown to a fine young woman of four and twenty, she finds herself in the midst of a dramatic event leaving her no choice but to run away, in her reticule a slip of paper, in her ears, her mother's urgent admonishment to reach a school for young ladies where she might find a teacher's post, there to wait for her to join her.

Lord Bradley has little patience for the young woman trespassing on his estate and since he suspects she might have overheard a most delicate revelation, he blackmails her into accepting a post urging her to keep silent at all costs. Olivia hopes to hear from her mother in the near future and is more than happy to hide on Lord Bradley's estate as the law might very well be looking for her!

The heir presumed to Brightwell Court, Edward Bradley finds her a reliable under nurse for his young cousins, that is until a new turn of events reveals a possible connection betwixt his own father and the fetching young woman.

As we have learned to expect Julie Klassen weaves a compelling story full of mysteries and colourful characters, combining Christian Historical fiction with just enough romance to make it an enjoyable read for even the most romantic soul, while describing 19th Century England in all its splendour, both natural and man made and the rules that governed both the lower and the upper classes.

A delightful Regency novel, The Silent Governess is a beguiling story of rights and wrongs which as mentioned earlier, gents might also enjoy whilst reflecting on the do's and don'ts of gentlemanly behaviour, no matter the class!

4 Stars!


About the Author:

 
Julie Klassen loves all things things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her book, The Silent Governess, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois.

For additional information visit her website (HERE).

Note to Readers: Unless stated otherwise, reviews reflects my opinion and only that!