Gail Kittleson’s latest is a heartbreaking and inspirational novel that occurs during the American Civil War era and the trek West. Multiple losses anGail Kittleson’s latest is a heartbreaking and inspirational novel that occurs during the American Civil War era and the trek West. Multiple losses and grief beset Abby, a young woman who loses her beau and family in tragic events. She chooses to marry and head West with a man who turns out to be unloving and abusive. What she endures adds shame to her grief as she comes to view herself as worthless.
The author’s Christian message holds out hope when there appears to be none. That’s her greatest literary strength, along with a beautifully written narrative and in-depth character development. I found myself feeling all that Abby feels, my heart aching for her. And as her faith grows, I realize I felt uplifted too.
I highly recommend this redemptive tale for Christian historical fiction fans and readers who love compelling stories that inspire. Out now.
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
THE HAPPINESS JOURNAL reminds me of popular books with daily meditations for recovering people. A few minutes pondering a simple story sets the tone fTHE HAPPINESS JOURNAL reminds me of popular books with daily meditations for recovering people. A few minutes pondering a simple story sets the tone for the whole day. The book compiles posts from the author’s blog, and guides us to be more mindful, grateful, and thoughtful about life choices. Uniquely, it includes QR codes throughout. When scanned, they provide guided meditations, writing prompts and other helpful exercises. Inspiring!
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 28 Nov 2019
Thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I love the cover and the beckoning figure of Bizah. He came to the author when she was writing on vacation, as stories about him, his Master, pets, anI love the cover and the beckoning figure of Bizah. He came to the author when she was writing on vacation, as stories about him, his Master, pets, and friends filled page after page. She sensed this message too:
“Please enjoy this collection of stories in the silence of meditation, aloud in gatherings, before or after yoga, or while wrapped in a blanket at bedtime. Let Bizah remind you of your own innate truth – of the innocence, wisdom, and goodness that exists inside all of us.”
So she shared these stories as she taught meditation classes, and soon came to believe the world needed to hear them as well. Hence this collection of 186 short spiritual fables.
I’d suggest pruning some of the stories so the charming inside illustrations can shine. They bring Bizah to engaging life in the way prose alone cannot.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020
Thanks to the author, Namaste Publishing Inc., and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
I adore Rumi and his impassioned spiritual poetry. My fave piece by this 13th century Persian mystic is one I posted online one Election Day:
“Out beyoI adore Rumi and his impassioned spiritual poetry. My fave piece by this 13th century Persian mystic is one I posted online one Election Day:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
So many people responded, because Rumi resonates at the soul level.
That said, I was drawn at first to this carefully curated book of 120 poems because of the gorgeous cover. Alas, I found that the clumsy internal design detracted from the elegance of the poetry itself.
Nonetheless, Rumi’s power overcomes awkward layouts every time. Still highly recommended for avid fans and newbies alike.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Through mindfulness, spirituality and science, the author says, we can better understand ourselves and the Universe. This original application of awarThrough mindfulness, spirituality and science, the author says, we can better understand ourselves and the Universe. This original application of awareness in the moment is intriguing and ultimately brings hope to the reader. Includes helpful meditations and surprising scientific facts to broaden our vision, providing a life-changing exploration of our interior and exterior worlds. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
Thanks to the author, to Quarto Publishing Group — Leaping Hare Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
This is a lovely book for artists of any kind. It includes 25 wise reflections with mindfulness at the core. Chapters cover such helpful elements as TThis is a lovely book for artists of any kind. It includes 25 wise reflections with mindfulness at the core. Chapters cover such helpful elements as The Inner Critic, The Process Not the Product, Artful Silence, and Painting with the Breath. My art is writing and I found myself growing deeply peaceful as I read, immersed in the tranquil illustrations while finding inspiration for my own creative process. Highly recommended!
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
Thanks to the author, to Quarto Publishing Group — Leaping Hare Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
I was stopped in my tracks reading the end of Kendra Adachi’s THE LAZY GENIUS WAY: “Hear this now, friend. You are loved. You are seen. You are enoughI was stopped in my tracks reading the end of Kendra Adachi’s THE LAZY GENIUS WAY: “Hear this now, friend. You are loved. You are seen. You are enough.”
What does this profound reassurance have to with the book’s focus: Living a more fulfilled life? Because the author, a Christian, reminds us that God is in charge and we don’t have to be. Just figure out what matters most and do only that. No apologies!
Kendra offers 13 principles to get stuff done, including:
• Decide once • Start small • Find out what you value most • Go in the right order • Schedule rest
The title and her bracing ideas made me relax instantly. They reinforce what I’ve been doing the last 10 years. Life is rich and I feel free!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 11 Aug 2020
Thanks to the author, WaterBrook & Multnomah, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
I love Quarto’s Leaping Hare Press’ series on mindfulness, and found the latest so apropos for our times. Home is where we’re spending more time due tI love Quarto’s Leaping Hare Press’ series on mindfulness, and found the latest so apropos for our times. Home is where we’re spending more time due to COVID. Author Kate Peers helps us better inhabit this space through 25 strategies to feel more peaceful and content there.
Being more present, reducing stress, embracing the simple, making small changes in décor, layout or aura, repairing and cleaning, eating healthfully, sleeping better, and just plain doing nothing can help us relax more deeply into ourselves and our lives. 5 of 5 Stars!
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group — Leaping Hare Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
A feel-good, faith-filled story of two woman, Joan and Lauren, and one homemade table. Joan’s husband made it for her in 1972; Lauren finds it in 2012A feel-good, faith-filled story of two woman, Joan and Lauren, and one homemade table. Joan’s husband made it for her in 1972; Lauren finds it in 2012, filled with recipes cards containing notes from a mother to a daughter. The dual timeline, which seems de rigueur these days, works well in The Christmas Table, especially as it poignantly ties the narrative together at the end. For readers who love simple inspiring stories of relationships, faith and giving. The latest in the Christmas Hope series by this NYT bestselling author.
Pub Date 06 Oct 2020
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Such an encouraging book! THE DAY GOD MADE YOU comforts young readers and adults too, with the message that God created every detail about them for a Such an encouraging book! THE DAY GOD MADE YOU comforts young readers and adults too, with the message that God created every detail about them for a purpose and with love. Diversity and differing abilities are celebrated! Beautiful illustrations and tender text assure that we are all in God’s caring hands. Author and country singer Rory Feek dedicates this newest book to daughter Indiana, born with Down syndrome, whose mother died of cancer when Indiana was just two. 5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 16 Jun 2020
Thanks to Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN'S and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Barbour captivates with this trio of novellas set in a Pennsylvania Amish community — each focuses on love and faith, each deeply touches the heart. 5Barbour captivates with this trio of novellas set in a Pennsylvania Amish community — each focuses on love and faith, each deeply touches the heart. 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jun 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
A Victoria cameo figures large in these four entrancing historical romance stories, in which faith plays as essential a part as the heirloom jewelry. A Victoria cameo figures large in these four entrancing historical romance stories, in which faith plays as essential a part as the heirloom jewelry. 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jun 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
A sextet of historical stories featuring women uncertain of love, with faith an important element, fully engages the reader in this latest offering byA sextet of historical stories featuring women uncertain of love, with faith an important element, fully engages the reader in this latest offering by Barbour. 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
Barbour sure sewed up my heart with amour in this collection of four historical stories that intertwine faith, love, and stitching. A beautifully sewnBarbour sure sewed up my heart with amour in this collection of four historical stories that intertwine faith, love, and stitching. A beautifully sewn quilt of tales that happily capture the imagination! 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
Such a creative quartet of historical faith-influenced romances, set in the American West. Another win for Barbour, another delight for the reader! 5/Such a creative quartet of historical faith-influenced romances, set in the American West. Another win for Barbour, another delight for the reader! 5/5
Pub Date 01 Aug 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
Another Barbour gem, this time a group of five historical romances all centered around farming in the Midwest with faith an essential thread of the coAnother Barbour gem, this time a group of five historical romances all centered around farming in the Midwest with faith an essential thread of the compelling narratives. 5/5
Pub Date 01 Aug 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
For one who loves romance and all things Brit, this Barbour collection hit my sweet spot! There are nine amazing tales, covering 500 years of history For one who loves romance and all things Brit, this Barbour collection hit my sweet spot! There are nine amazing tales, covering 500 years of history in atmospheric London, spectacular English gardens, majestic Scottish castles, taking inspiration from such beloved writers as Austen and Dickens, with faith woven through each compelling story. 5/5
Pub Date 01 May 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
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