by admin | Feb 3, 2017 | Christian CDs, Giveaways, Music, Worship
MY REVIEW:
Since Kari Jobe’s Majestic album is one of my current favorites, I quickly agreed to review her latest “The Garden”. Lyrically, the songs are excellent as is Ms. Jobe’s beautifully pure voice. At times, however, my husband and I both thought that the studio background music nearly overpowered her vocals. I suppose that this is definitely a matter of our personal taste but we agree that we much prefer her live worship albums.
“The Garden” is undoubtedly a much more personal and introspective collections of songs than “Majestic” which is such a powerful worship CD, Despite not being overly fond of what I considered to be overproduced background music, I did find several of the songs to be quite meaningful, especially “Heal Our Land”.
I am positive that as I listen to “The Garden” more and become familiar with its songs, it will grow on me as is often the case. I would, however, love to hear this album in a live setting.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this CD that was provided by Flyby Promotions. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
THE GARDEN
Grammy nominated Kari Jobe is the premiere female worship leader in Christian music. Coming off her last live album, Majestic, which featured the worship anthem “Forever” and radio hit “I Am Not Alone,” Kari Jobe has returned to the studio to record her new album, The Garden, full of brand new worship anthems for the church and for personal reflection. Finding inspiration from life’s joys and hardships, Kari leans into the firm foundation of Christ through it all.
Read more about Kari Jobe and The Garden HERE.
Purchase a copy of The Garden HERE.
Stream The Garden on Spotify.
GIVEAWAY:
For a chance to win a copy of The Garden, please leave a comment about your favorite Kari Jobe song. Entry deadline is Wednesday, February 8.
Giveaway is open to residents of continental U.S and Canada only.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Feb 2, 2017 | Books, Dystopian
MY REVIEW:
Rachelle Dekker’s final book in her Seer series has recently arrived and what a conclusion it is. Taking place twenty years after the end of the second novel “The Choosing”, “The Returning” depicts the final confrontation between the Seers and Authority City. Darkness and evil have grown within the city threatening to overtake the surrounding area but the Seers have a secret weapon within the walls of the city but even they are unaware of the power that is waiting for her obedience.
As expected, the plot moved along at a pretty good clip with plenty of action tempered with wise and uplifting dialogue as well as intimate views into the minds of several characters. This novel has a very strong yet subtle spiritual message from beginning to end. The theme of light against darkness was vividly portrayed in a way that just made me say “WOW!”
I have read and enjoyed this entire series but I found “The Returning” to be most meaningful to me. Perhaps it was Aaron’s frequent reminders to Elise to remember who she is to the Father. I found that to be very encouraging as a reminder to myself to remember who I am in Christ and that although I may feel abandoned at times, He is always with me.
I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of “The Returning” For your best reading experience I suggest that you read the entire series in order. I eagerly anticipate seeing what Rachelle will offer readers next!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They say the Awakening is coming.
That she’s the key.
But can she find her identity in the light
Before she perishes in the dark?
“She will risk everything to lead them out of Darkness.”
Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant’s baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they’ve never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he’s ushered the city into a new era of “peace” — one where the Scientist Roth Reynard’s Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.
But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned – a truth she’ll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Jan 29, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
An unlikely romance set during the days leading up to the Civil War, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” was a delight to read. With a wealth of historic facts that included the lifestyle of the Quakers of that era as well as details about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, the story held my attention throughout.
Maclaren’s characters were excellent and I was easily drawn into their lives. Rebecca was a young woman to be admired for her dedication to her family and friends as well as her values. Clay was a likeable hero and I was impressed by his instinctive goodness despite his memory loss.
An exciting story of faith and love and learning to follow the Lord’s leading, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” is sure to be a favorite of those who are already Sharlene MacLaren fans and a good book to begin with for those unfamiliar with her work.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sheriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
BLOG STOPS:
January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 19: Giveaway Lady
January 19: A Reader’s Brain
January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 20: The Power of Words
January 21: Bigreadersite
January 21: just the write escape
January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 22: For The Love of Books
January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
January 23: Genesis 5020
January 24: Pause for Tales
January 24: His Grace is Sufficient
January 25: Book by Book
January 25: A Simple Life, really?!
January 26: A Greater Yes
January 26: Connie’s History Classroom
January 26: A Baker’s Perspective
January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
January 27: Splashes of Joy
January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 28: Christian Bookaholic
January 28: History, Mystery & Faith
January 29: Stuff & Nonsense
January 29: Bibliophile Reviews
January 30: cherylbbookblog
January 30: Daysong Reflections
January 31: Blossoms and Blessings
January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 1: Reader’s cozy corner
February 1: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize
Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets
and
Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)
Second Prize
“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Third Prize
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af21
Save
by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Maybe It’s You” is one of those medical suspense novels where the reader can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. Primary character ER nurse Sloane Ferrell thinks she has left her past behind – a stepfather in prison who she can’t forgive and an ex-fiance whose questionable dealings have put her in danger. But a campaign to improve the hospital image may just undo everything even if she manages not to lose her heart to handsome Micah Prescott, the hospital marketing expert. When her past and present converge, Sloane finds herself in danger for her life and learns some very valuable lessons about love and forgiveness.
Not only is “Maybe It’s You” an enjoyable romantic medical suspense but it also tackles some pretty weighty subjects such as alcoholism and sex trafficking. The suspenseful plot escalates with each chapter but is relieved at just the right times by a bit of romance or humor. Sloane was such a caring person despite her own problems that it was easy to like her character and Micah just improved with every chapter. I loved how he gently led Sloane to faith. This novel left me with plenty to think about. I would recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past – new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?
Read an excerpt from “Maybe It’s You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!
A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.
Save
Save
