The Heart's Appeal by Jenifer Delamere

Julia Bernay is a young nurse who dreams of obtaining her medical degree from the prestigous London School of Medicine for Women.  Unfortunately this same institution is under legal investigation and in danger of closing it's doors forever.  By a strange coincidence Julia is on a train during a horrific accident and saves the life of barrister Michael Stephenson.  Stephenson just happens to be one of the lawyers working on the case against the London School of Medicine for Women.  As the two are thrown together, learn about each other and develop a relationship things get mighty confused.  Not to mention Micahel's sister Corrina's plans to get him engaged to the lovely socialite Laura.  This story shows the class distinctions of the day in the 1880s in London, England and the role women were stuffed into.  Julia is one of the brave few who stepped out of the mold as she dared to dream of greater things for herself and other women.  As Michael delves deeper into his case he can't help but see the remarkable woman Julia is and second guesses himself in his involvement in the suit.  But will he find the courage to stand against his law firm, his family and friends to forge ahead on a new path?

I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review.

Courageous Women of the Bible by Latan Roland Murphy

Perhaps it was because I imagined this book being of a very different sort then it ended up to be, but I had hard time getting into it.  A ten page introduction for a 206 page book?  That was my first hurdle.  It then read too much like a textbook or manual to me.  I was looking for fresh insights into courageous women of the Bible.  I was hoping to "hear" their voices in the narrative but it was not written in the first person style.  The "Courage Quest"s at the end of each chapter were good.  The scripture passage is given for each courageous woman and then there are several questions to help the reader glean more from the story in a person way.  This added a redeeming quality to the book.

I received this book from Bethany but was not required to write a positive review.

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp

Books can impress or inspire you.  This book will revolutionize your heart and open your mind to possiblities you didn't know existed.  Voskamp is genuine.  That is what makes her books so appealing.  She is down in the mire with you but not wallowing!  She has felt devastating pain but she not only suvived she is willing to share so others can truly live.  Her relationship with God comes out in the pages of this book raw, unfiltered and deeply moving.  This book encouraged me so much in my trials and gave me hope to carry on.  Her words are sensitive and yet strong, bold and pack a punch.  The book is divided into six units all about how the brokenhearted can find a way of abundant life.  How the brokenhearted keep going, live like Christ, receive God's grace, find communion, release control, and get to love.  Each unit is divided into chapters.  Each chapter begins with a scripture and ends with questions for your reflection journal.  This book is designed to be a 60 day experience towards abundant life.  It can be a personal study.  I can imagine it also being a great women's prayer group or book club endeavor.  This book will not disappoint you. 

I received this book from BOOKLOOK but was not required to write a positive review.

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

This book was just such a delightful treat!  What fun to go back in time to the 1920s and become a “visitor” to Yosemite National Park.  Barnett writes with such descriptive detail that it was easy to get lost in the wonder and grandeur of Yosemite’s beauty.  Imagining the trails with stubborn donkeys, campfires with Western singalongs and luxurious lodges with ballroom dancing made for a page turning book.  It was fun to read tidbits about famous people such as Ansel Adams.  The plot thickened through the book as mysteries were uncovered from the heroines past and present.  But what really drew me into the book was the relationship that budded slowly between Olivia and Clark.  Two very different people with wounds that only God could heal.  Their path towards God and eventually each other made a very sweet love story.

Sibleys Birds of Land, Sea and Sky

This is as unique of a gift as you could find for bird lovers.  In a decorative yet sturdy box are 50 postcards of birds.  They are divided by tab cards into five categories.  The categories are:  waterfowl, woodpeckers, wading birds, songbirds and owls/raptors.  Each postcard is exquisitely drawn by master artist David Allen Sibley.  On each postcard is the realistic rendering of the bird with its common name and scientific name printed underneath.  The postcards are heavy stock and could just as easily be used as flashcards.  This makes a charming gift for bird lovers as a collector’s item or simply for use to write notes on. 

I received this item from Blogging for Books but was not required to write a positive review.

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Looking for a Biblical historical novel?  This book is a real treat!  You will feel as if you've traveled with Moriyah from Jericho back to her home in Shiloh and then on in her desperate flight to the City of Refuge.  Word pictures of exotic spices, cloths and festivals will fill your mind.  Emotional images of terror, remorse, confusion, conflict, hatred and devotion fill the pages.  As Moriyah battles with a God she thinks has forsaken her the reader will be drawn into Moriyah's questioning of her own faith.  What will Moriyah do when faced with escape with guilt or death with honor?  In this story of conflicting dreams and a path that seems to lead only to more despair God is shown to be a God above all other gods to work His will.  His power will be displayed in ways Moriyah cannot imagine or yet fathom.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

Bright, bold colors infuse illustrations that evoke childhood wonder.  The book starts with proclamations of light from God.  The story told in poetry form describes all the marvelous ways God gives us light.  These range from the summer sun to fireflies to the moon and twinkling stars at night.  The ways the light helps us is explained through word and picture of plants growing and children playing.  Then the book takes a turn to spiritual light.  In terms that are child friendly the author explains how God’s light keeps us safe and free of fear.  The book ends with a promise of the gift of God’s light being in us to shine out to other.

I received this book from Blogging for Books but was not required to write a positive review.