We Cannot Be Silent by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

In today's culture, it seems like the definition of marriage is getting defined and redefined and expanded constantly. Our culture does not have the same view of marriage as the Bible teaches and so anyone who holds to the biblical view is normally seen as unloving and intolerant and judgmental, among other things. I loved how this book help to lay a solid foundation of truth for anyone who is trying to gain some footing as to what they believe when it comes to marriage.

I was blown away in the first couple of chapters at the amount of in-depth research Albert Mohler has waded through and condensed for his readers. I had my eyes opened on a few things that I never knew happened and the church's response to it when it did, such as birth control pills. I was also very surprised at how clearly he connected the dots to show how the moral revolution happened. I've heard of these events separately but I never connected the dots until I read this book. There was a lot of information but it never felt like a heavy read to me.

With 10 chapters, Mohler lays out the revolution, what started it, how the homosexual movement happened, where the transgender revolution came from, how marriage has dissolved and then he goes back to the Bible. He shows his readers what the Bible really has to say about sex and then he discusses religious liberty and the right we have to be. Christian. And then he gets to the chapter that I think so many Christians have difficulty with: The Church and the Challenge of compassionately speaking out in truth. It has to be done in love, but it does have to be done. Lastly, he doesn't shy away from those hard questions that we wrestle with daily or that we get asked or accused of often.

This book is a wealth of information and it is one that I'll be keeping on my shelves as a great resource in these times that are changing so fast. I definitely want to read it again because I know I missed some things. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Albert Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He does not take this issue lightly and takes his readers back to the Bible as his ultimate authority.

 

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

I had never heard of the KonMari Method until a few weeks go when I saw a video tutorial of her folding socks and other clothes to fit into a box. I couldn't stop watching because I was so amazed at how neat and tidy it all looked. And it didn't take up much room and looked like it would make things so much easier to find. So when I saw this book coming out, I was interested enough to grab it!

My first thought as I flipped through the book was "Wow!" I enjoyed seeing the illustrations on how to fold certain items. They were perfect instructions and not one step was left out. I was easily able to figure it out. Believe it or not, it was a lot of fun to do. Who knew that about tidying?!

The theme of the book is about sparking joy, as indicated on the title. Everything she says about cleaning up goes back to joy. She even hits on the sore spot for book lovers--decluttering books and how to choose which books to let go of and which ones to keep on your shelves. My heart may have skipped a few beats as I thought about going through my own shelves.

The book breaks the sections up into very specific parts, including your recreational things, seasonal things, kitchen items, photos, books, etc. If it takes up a spot in your house, you can pretty much guarantee there's a spot in the book that discusses it.

I've kept this book out on my kitchen counters so I am reminded to do just a little bit every day. It is a little time consuming in the beginning, but I am so looking forward to having everything neat and tidy in my house. Well, at least the places where my children aren't located. I went ahead and bought the first book because I wanted to know even more about this method and why so many people are talking about it.

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I received this book free from Ten Speed Press through the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

I had completely forgotten how much I enjoy reading Regina Jennings. I had completely forgotten she had written of my top books, such as Sixty acres and a Bride, Love in the Balance, and A Most Inconvenient Marriage. I always find myself laughing throughout the book and she just knows how to make her readers enjoy her books.

The opening pages of this book had me engaged from the start. I couldn't go a few pages without laughing.. In fact, it was the parts of humor that made me flip to the back to remind myself of what books Regina had written. I love that laughter triggered that memory for me.

Miranda Wimplegate is just a fun character. She tries to restrain herself and stay "in her place" but she keeps finding herself in situations where she needs to intervene. No matter what she does, Cornelius continues to pursue her in marriage. If only Miranda felt the same way about him. She's resolved to the fact that he's probably who she will end up with, but her heart just isn't in it. To prove Cornelius wrong, and to right a wrong, she travels with her grandfather to find something that should have never been sold by their auction house.

Wyatt Ballantine just added more humor to the situation, I think. The poor man had to deal with two people who had no clue about livestock or how to make that business run. Miranda isn't afraid to speak her mind and her grandfather has been having more "episodes." Imagine trying to make something work with these three characters! Antiques and livestock don't really have a lot in common!

I cannot wait for Jennings to write more books. She can't write them fast enough, in my opinion. I got done and wished there was another book I could read by her already! In the midst of stressful days, her book was just what I needed to wind down with.

Read more reviews on this book at: http://litfusegroup.com/author/Rjennings.

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At Love’s Bidding (Bethany House, December 2015)
She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of "A Most Inconvenient Marriage," "Sixty Acres and a Bride," and "Caught in the Middle," and contributed a novella to "A Match Made in Texas." Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

I first saw Trim Healthy Mama posts on Facebook and disregarded them, thinking it was another health fad that would come and go. If it wasn't that, I was pretty sure it would be either too difficult to do or would require me eating some pretty nasty, and unenjoyable foods. Come on, now. I know all of you are wondering just how tasty the food can possibly be.

After some research into Trim Healthy Mama, I decided to give it a try. While I waited for the cookbook to arrive, I went out to purchase the main book so I could have a better understanding about what Trim Healthy Mama was and how it worked. Okay... so I also planned on giving it a rather skeptical try with my busy life.

Once the cookbook came, I opened it up and perused it and loved it from the beginning. At least I loved the pictures and the layout and the foods didn't seem crazy. It all looked like things I would cook on a monthly basis or things that were similar to what I already cook. Convinced I should start small, I started with a Crockpot recipe. I decided to try the chicken recipe. Oh my goodness. It tasted just like the recipe I have for chicken wrapped in bacon that I'm pretty sure is a ton of calories... especially when you put it over rice. This recipe tasted the exact same. I put it over the rice (which is made from cauliflower) and it was a huge hit with my 7-year-old and my 5-year-old. Even my husband liked it and he doesn't normally like cauliflower. I was sold.

The cookbook easily lays out the recipes and gives you some other alternatives to try. I love that real butter is used and coconut oil. I'll admit... I'm still a little skeptical on the drink section, but I'm working up the nerve to give it a try. I just don't see how some of those ingredients can make for a tasty drink.

Needless to say, for Christmas I purchased the main book for my mom and then she went out to get the cookbook too. Here's to 2016 and becoming a Trim Healthy Mama.

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I received this book free from Harmony Publishers and the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Imagine a wedding chapel that was built for the love of your life who isn't in your life anymore. In fact, you've spent your own time building this chapel just for her. Considering your past and how your mother walked away and you watched your father wanted to build a dream home for her in case she returns, you would think you'd be jaded a bit when it comes to love. However, when you find the one, there's no taking them out of your life. Well... except for a misunderstanding that leads to unforgiveness and bitterness. That's exactly what happens in Hearts Bend.

Now what would happen if a young photographer was able to bring these two people together? Sounds impossible, I know. Especially when you add into the mix that this young photographer just eloped and is dealing with her own marriage issues. To say that she knows it all in the romance department is a huge understatement. She had no desire to get married. When she did, she apparently chose the one person who had a lot of his past to work though and a lot of forgiveness to deal with. Of course, that would mean that her husband wasn't was strong as he wanted everyone to think he was, so she's left wondering if her marriage is even going to make it past the 6 month mark.

My favorite part about this book is that it is told from the perspective of different people. I always enjoy books like that because I don't have to guess at what the characters are thinking. I had no idea where the story was going in some parts because Rachel Hauck did a wonderful job at keeping her readers guessing. Secrets were revealed at just the right time and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire story.

Once again, one of my favorite authors didn't disappoint. I always know that I can read a book by Hauck and enjoy it from start to finish. Read other opinions on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/RHauck.

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The Wedding Chapel (Zondervan, November 2015)
For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.
Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ‘49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.
Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.
When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.
When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

        

Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly and Tenderly," one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this group.

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense books, but I really enjoy Shelley Gray. Since I have come to like Gray, I knew that I had to at least give this series a chance or I would always wonder if I would like it or not. I have only ever read her Amish fiction, so to break out into genre of mystery felt like a huge leap for me. After finishing this book, I now want to read the rest in this series, A Chicago World's Fair Mystery.

I'm sure if someone loves mystery with lots of suspense and twists and turns, then this book may not be one of the top suspenseful books you've ever read. However, for me, it was the perfect amount of suspense and mystery. Lydia and Sebastian both have a lot of mystery surrounding them. Sebastian hides a lot and very slowly more of who he is really is exposed throughout the story. The relationship between Sebastian and Lydia's ex-fiancé also holds a bit of mystery for a while. Even Lydia doesn't quite know all of who he is.

The mystery book seems perfectly fitting to take place in a library. It was the perfect setting for this story. Gray did a wonderful job in crafting a story that leaves the reader turning page after page, anxious to understand who Sebastian is and what decisions in the past have lead to who he is now. I also found Lydia's mom fascinating because she has just faded away ever since her husband's death. She has different idea of what Lydia's life should be like because she so desperately wants Lydia to marry for wealth and society.

Not only is there the mystery surrounding who Sebastian Marks is, there is also a mystery surrounding a death.

All throughout the book, I wrestled with which characters were being honest, which ones were hiding things, and tried to narrow down those who could be trustworthy and those who could be lying or manipulative.

I am quite impressed with Gray's ability to write Amish fiction and then to turn around and write this series. I really think that is quite an accomplishment to cross such wide genres.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Whispers in the Reading Room (Zondervan, November 2015)
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), "The Protector," recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Another Way Home by Deborah Raney

Deborah Raney has written a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed from book 1. I love how the Chicory Inn has remained a center piece through each book, although it changes roles throughout each book. For example, in this book it is mostly featured as the place where the family gets together for Tuesday meals. It is where announcements are made and tears are shed and joys are shared.

Danae and Dallas are the central characters in this book. Their situation is one that so many can relate to so easily. Danae desperately wants to have a child, but she isn't able to get pregnant month after month. It's all her heart wants and it's so hard for her to focus on much else. Add to that having a sister that can have baby after baby whether she wanted to have one or not. Those announcements just never get easier because Danae can't help but wonder when it'll be her turn to announce baby news, or if it'll even ever happen.

I loved how Danae chose to pour her heart into a new passion--volunteering at a women's shelter. My heart broke over the children, though. Just knowing that many of the kids in these situations have experienced what was written or even so much more is heartbreaking.

I felt like so many issues were incorporated into this book. Difficulty getting pregnant, marriage issues, abuse, adoption and that's just to name a few. Even with all of the heavier topics brought up, the book was an interesting one and it didn't feel so weighty that I didn't enjoy it. In fact, it was extremely hard for me to put this book down. I'm looking forward to the next book coming out soon!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/draney.

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About the Book

Another Way Home (Abingdon Press, October 2015)
Sometimes God’s ways are not at all what we expect . . . and exactly what we need.
Grant and Audrey are adding grandchildren to their family left and right, but middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight.
Though Danae is ready to consider adoption, Dallas will not even discuss it. Despairing of ever having a family of her own, Danae decides to pour her passion and energies into volunteer work with a newly opened women’s shelter in town. Looking for a good cause to fill her lonely days, she never expects to give her heart to the hurting women she meets there. She’s finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil—and leave them all forever changed.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Deborah Raney

Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deborah’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.