When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams - Jill Eileen Smith

When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women of the Bible by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some stories in the Old Testament, we tend to skim over. Others we read with interest, but never take the time to really think about the characters spoken of, especially the women. We never take a moment to pause and think of what their day to day lives were like, what their hopes and dreams were, what they feared, or what they loved. Jill Eileen Smith does all of this and more in her newest book "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams". Jill has a unique talent for making even the obscure characters come to life. She takes you into their very hearts and brings them to life and light. In this latest book, she not only brings them to life, but she molds your thoughts around how their lives parallel and reflect our own. She pulls the deep truths from their stories and shows you how to apply them to your own life in very practical ways. Each book I've read by Jill Eileen Smith has registered among my all-time favorites, and this one does no less. In fact, I believe she's out done herself this time, and this book may quite possibly become my "forever" favorite. I highly suggest reading this if you're even the least bit curious about how some of our Old Testament favorites lived, and what they believed. Men and women alike will benefit from this book!

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Inspire Catholic Bible NLT: The Bible for Coloring & Creative Journaling - Tyndale House Publishers

Inspire Catholic Bible NLT: The Bible for Coloring & Creative Journaling by Tyndale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredibly beautiful Bible! The first thing to catch my attention was the beautiful artwork which makes up the gilding on the page edges. The colors are beautiful and vibrant, and something you want to continue looking at, over and over. A sewn binding makes it especially durable, and should last through many years of daily use. The rose-gold binding and matching ribbon, along with matching elastic closure make it a keepsake of beauty that will be treasured through the years. Adding to it's beauty is the fact that it is published in the NLT (New Living Translation), which makes it easy to read and understand, and will draw one read and study God's Word on a daily basis. This Bible is truly a joy to look at, hold, and read. Well done, Tyndale House. This will quickly become a favorite journaling Bible. The illustrations are beautiful drawn, and will be a joy to color while meditating on the Word.
While Tyndale House provided me with a copy of this Bible to review, they have in no way attempted to influence my review. My review and praise of this beautiful Bible is freely and willingly given. Great job, Tyndale House!!

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Inspire Bible for Girls NLT - Tyndale House Publishers

Inspire Bible for Girls NLT by Tyndale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this Bible is marked for pre-teen, teen and tween girls, I can't help but think many adult women would love this Bible as well. The color combination of pink and turquoise make it appealing to our feminine side without being overly "girly". The illustrations inside are beautiful, artistic and thoughtfully chosen for their relevance to a particular verse, and would be a joy to color while meditating on the Word. With a sewn binding, this Bible is sure to last a good long while, and should withstand the handling and jostling that could be afforded by a busy teen. The NLT translation is perfect for the demographics to which this Bible is geared, as it is easy to read, understand and remember. Tyndale House has a winner with this Bible. While Tyndale House gave me this copy to review, they have in no way sought to influence my review. My review is freely given, and reflects my true feelings about this wonderful product!

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Hidden Among the Stars - Melanie Dobson

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I'm normally not a fan of dual story lines, Melanie Dobson has woven the two together beautifully and seamlessly. Her portrayal of Austria and her struggles to survive under a Nazi regime is both beautiful and terrifying. I am normally not a fan of any sort of war retelling, this book was riveting. We must all strive to keep the horrors of war ever at the forefront of our minds, lest we repeat the same mistakes. While interweaving Callie's modern day story, it was done with simplicity and beauty so as to not take away the focus on the Austrian past. And who doesn't enjoy a tiny smattering of romance. Again, this is not my normal cup of tea as far as reading goes, but it was enjoyable and told with skill and compassion. Thank you Tyndale House for allowing me to review this book, and for supplying my copy free of charge. While having been asked to review this book, I can assure you that my review is with complete honesty.

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Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"A life without purpose is a story without ending." - Jane Kirkpatrick

I have to admit that when I first began this book, I wasn't sure I could/would finish it. I'm typically not a fan of historical fiction, even though this book is based on fact. But after the first page, I was hooked. Jane Kirkpatrick has gone above and beyond to do her homework on what the old west was really like. Today we tend to romanticize the settling of the west, but this book brings home the stark realities of what life was truly like back then. It is honest and "in your face", yet the stories are interwoven so beautifully as to soften the edges of the harshness. I admittedly had done little reading or research concerning the building of the railways out west, but Jane Kirkpatrick has portrayed both the hardships and successes in such a way as to make you want to know more. If you've ever had even the slightest interest in how the west "was won", and/or how our railway system spread west of the Mississippi, you'll love this book. It is riveting to the degree that I could hardly put the book down long enough to tend to my daily activities. Very well written and highly recommended.

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Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place - John Ortberg

Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place by John Ortberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What an inspiring and encouraging book! John Ortberg has done a phenomenal job of explaining just what eternity is, and when it begins. So when do you think eternity begins? When you die? Surprisingly that is the view many have of eternity. It seems to be something so very far away, something to be hoped for and attained, yet if we read the scriptures, we find that eternity begins the very moment we believe in Christ for salvation. Once we grasp that realization, we become more motivated to "lay up treasures" in heaven. We may also find ourselves looking for a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS, afterall, the very reason we're offered eternity with Him. This book brings to light the realization that we should be striving toward eternity, as something we already have, yet want to add to. While Tyndale House Publishers has provided a copy of this book to me at no charge, they have in no way tried to influence my review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion and mindset. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper insight into what eternity really is.

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Praying God's Promises - Linda Evans Shepherd

Praying God's Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures by Linda Evans Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Linda Evans Shepherd has hit the ball out of the park with this one. While this was my first time reading anything by this author, it most assuredly won't be my last. Mrs. Evans has gone above and beyond, collecting scriptures pertinent to basically every area of our life. It is an invaluable resource of hope and comfort, and a tremendous aid to finding God's incredible promises in His Word, and highlighting them. As the author shares in the introduction, God is truly a God of promises. This book will show you what they are, where they are, and will guide you to specific promises to meet your current situation. I highly recommend having this book in your library.

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