Eats with Sinners ReShare

Vertical Reach = 5

I loved the transparency and break down of the importance of a vibrant relationship with Christ as a foundation and basis for evangelism. The author lays out why and how it is important to have a thriving love of God's word, prayer life and posture of worship as part of a body of believers commissioned to "go ye and make disciples"

Ministry Message = 5

The ministry message is to invest time and share something as simple, effective and nonsexually intimate as a meal with people as a way of "friendship evangelism." Instead of tracks and an invitation to church, be the "church" and spend time with those seeking to know the God you glorify with your life each day at work, school and other recreational settings. 

Craft = 5

Chambers offers an easy conversational "manual/workbook" that delivers what it sets out to do in helping the everyday disciple of Christ build relationships with those around them. The exercises are simple and  effective. Stories and examples are entertaining and understandable. A great overall book about going beyond knocking doors and handing out pamphlets. 

Aesthetics = 4

The cover is vibrant and it matches the tone of the book but does contain just a bit too much white space. Other than that it is inviting, simple and effective matching its contents. 

Dollar$ & Sense = 4.75

This book in my personal opinion should be read by EVERY believer who is ready to begin sharing the gospel with those around them or who has lost their passion for sharing Christ with those around them. It impressed and impacted me so much I shared it with my pastor. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

Originally Published 2011

0

Finding Home

Nook             Kindle

What happens when you're so desperate for things to go your way, that anything goes? Jessica Wilson Arnold is a superstar professional speaker whose husband and friends fret about the strain of her ambitions, while she hungers for more. When a medical crisis and some poor decisions bring her fast-track success to a screeching halt, Jessica is forced to admit that her life isn’t as perfectly packaged as advertised. Her quest to restore her health and prioritize what matters most leads her to a crossroad. Will she revive her faith and learn to love herself and others more deeply, or cling to a path that threatens disaster? Jessica’s desperate choices and gripping fear will take readers on a literary ride that’s both shocking and familiar, mostly leaving them rooting for her to win big – with family, faith and finding her way.

A few words from FINDING HOME author Stacy Hawkins Adams:

When you reach the end of Finding Home, I hope you'll have a greater compassion for those living with any kind of chronic illness. I also hope you'll believe that whatever curve balls life throws us, we can overcome, and even thrive, when we trust God to see us through, rather than trying to fix things with our limited, human understanding.

As both a novelist and nonfiction writer, Stacy Hawkins Adams uses the written word to inspire readers to recognize their relevance, use it for good and enjoy the journey. She has penned 10 nationally published books, including fiction that fosters personal growth, illuminates journeys of faith and empowers women. Stacy also writes a parenting column for the daily newspaper in Richmond, Va. and curates LifeUntapped.com, a blog through which she celebrates the power of women's stories and their unique journeys.

Visit her website today to connect online.

0

Lead Me Home

Shiloh Griffin has no identity outside of her roles as pastor’s wife and mom. Some days that is enough. But not always. Particularly when she is partnered with the always confident, always gracious Jade Smith on a church ministry project. Rather than shying away from God in her nervousness, Shiloh clings to Him, seeking every day to redeem herself. When an opportunity arises for her to teach music at a local high school, she thinks maybe it’s just the thing to give her more significance.

Then Shiloh begins mentoring Monica, a fifteen-year-old student. When Monica learns she is pregnant, Shiloh must confront her own darkest secret in the desperate decision facing the teen. If she turns away, this teen’s life―and her soul―could be in jeopardy. If she decides to stand up and help, she knows she’s the one who risks losing everything.

Stacy Hawkins Adams’s second book in the Winds of Change series finds Shiloh at a life-changing crossroads: keep her halo intact, or lose her honor to save the girl’s.

"Elegantly emotional and intriguing, the story reaches deep to gently touch the soul." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

0

Coming Home Winds of Change Book 1

If forgiving your ex-husband was easy, everybody would do it. Brent had cheated on Dayna and coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having children or growing old with the love of her life. Working hard to make herself successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a new dating relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren. But when Brent resurfaces on her doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara, interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers in Coming Home begin to surface as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of his life. While Tamara’s heart brims with guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage to love unconditionally, leaving the consequences to God.

Available on Kindle and Nook 

0

One Wish

An orphan at three years old, a low chance of ever carrying a child, and in her second marriage, Iman is afraid she will die alone. Everything that has ever gone wrong in her life, happened during the Christmas season. Needless to say, Iman isn’t thrilled about celebrating Christmas. Finally married to the man of her dreams, Micah Carrington, a successful oncologist who’d do anything to make her happy. But even he can't give her the one gift she most desires. Determined not to put too much trust in Micah’s promises, she ignores his plea for her to trust in God’s plan. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands. Will Iman’s trust issues and need for control jeopardize her dream of having her own child with the man of her dreams?

A few words from One Wish author Cassie Edwards Whitlow:

Cassie Edwards Whitlow is the author of two novellas, Temptation and One Wish. She creates relatable characters who grapple with issues she herself has a passion for: women’s mental, intellectual, and physical health issues. Cassie A native of Arkansas, wife of an Air Force Sergeant, and mom of two, Cassie currently resides in a small village in England. To learn more, visit Cassie at www.cassieewhitlow.com

0

End of Genesis

It's 2003. America's at war, and nineteen year old Amanda Preston has just lost her husband, the father of her infant son, to an IED explosion in Iraq. With no money, no job, and no family she can depend on, her near future looks bleak as she is forced to move out of military housing.

In walks Damian Brinkley. An older and well-traveled man, he invites Amanda to a tent revival his ministry is leading. She's introduced to both God and prayer, and a relationship between the two immediately follows. Is he the solution to all of her problems, or is her already shattered heart about to be broken into even more pieces?

A few words from the author of End of Genesis author LaShanda Michelle:

I want you to feel shocked and alarmed. I want your heart to be filled with compassion, but I also want you to think. Think about your current religious organization. Think about what you're really doing. Are you helping others or hurting them? Are you following God or following man? Are you receiving Christ or something else? What happens when you don't agree? What do you do when someone in your group is hurting? Is God getting glory in any of it?

LaShanda Michelle is a best-selling novelist, a playwright, and an inspirational speaker. She has published several novels and short stories. All of her work has received favorable literary reviews. Before launching her writing career, LaShanda spent her younger years in Huntsville, Texas, where she was born and raised. After high school she studied journalism at Sam Houston State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. She currently lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband, Vincent, and is working on her eighth novel.

Connect with LaShanda Michelle on her website.

0

Under the Overpass #FF40 Reshare

Vertical Reach = 5

Mike Yankoski is very transparent in the way he reaches out to and relies on God to help him as he delves into the part of society many people ignore or choose to ignore. He prays, worship and studies for guidance and direction throughout the book.

Ministry Message = 4
What would your faith look like if you were homeless? How does your faith help those who are homeless if you are not? This book opens the eyes of the more sheltered into the truth of millions of American's daily reality.

Craft = 4
With an amazing amount of grace and finesse Mike Yankoski paints pictures of horrible conditions without using disgusting or shock based tactics to guilt readers into seeing the "invisible". Description is crisp and the narrative is engaging. Very well done.

Aesthetics = 3
It's gritty, raw and appealing to those interested in something gritty and raw. I'd like to see a cover more refined to draw the sect of Christians who wouldn't see Mike and Sam on their journey.

Dollar$ & $ense = 4
I think everyone who professes Christ would do well to read this book because we can all do better in the area of loving the poor.

Just saying. When you feed one of these you have fed me, when you have clothed one of these you have clothed me. Remember that guy...

0

The Sacred Scarred

"Beauty can indeed come from ashes."

Calysta Daniels met Brendan Keefe at a time when she was embracing the true meaning of beauty and he was becoming the embodiment of a beast. Several years later, their paths crossed once again, and she agreed to a strange request to save her father from imprisonment: to live under the beast’s roof for four years. 

It didn't take long for him to realize that there was something about her that a part of him hated - something sacred threatening to expose all his scars. Scarred as they both were, she was holding on to a secret that kept her sacred, while he was holding on to a past that kept him scarred. Thus, the battle of wills raged within the beauty and the beast over what price had to be paid to make a person truly beautiful.

A few words from THE SACRED SCARRED author JOANNA ALONZO:

There's so much brokenness in this world and it's easy to get discouraged, but amidst all of it, if anything, I pray this book will help you remember that there's hope. I pray you feel hope, knowing that in the midst of brokenness, God can create beauty. I pray you remember that even the deepest scars can turn into a sacred story that creates hope and beauty in the brokenness of others.

Joanna Alonzo is a walking paradox. She is a beautiful, albeit messy, mixture of thought and emotion, expressed in the form of hopefully readable – and relatable – stories. She is a kingdom kid, who looks forward to being a writer and storyteller even when she reaches heaven. She is passionate about the unreached, about those who have yet to know the Love she found in the arms of the Almighty. She is intrigued by the world and its people, who day by day, continue to convince her that God is the greatest Storyteller of all.

JOANNA has been spending extra special time growing closer to God for Lent 2017. Connect with her on her website and her FACEBOOK page to learn more. 

0

Descended

Kindle

Loria Daniels has found the man of her dreams. Literally. When they’re together in that misty world, she’s sure he’s too good to be true, but what does she do when he steps out of her dreams into her everyday world? Is he a demon? A magician? Things like this just don’t happen in real life. 

Ulrick Helmore needs to find the mysterious woman that calls to him from her dreams. Night after night is spent with her in ethereal passion, but she refuses to tell him her name or where she may be found in the waking hours. 

His search for her leads him to unanticipated discoveries, including multiple murders and sexual slavery, three men who share his unique DNA, and learning firsthand what disloyalty looks like.

Hard choices must be made ~ choices that could have devastating consequences for everyone.

A few words from DESCENDED author Dana Pratola.

I'm hoping you'll come away with the realization that we're all on this earth for a purpose. Finding that purpose is often not easy, and it's important to remember that our destiny can't be determined by someone else's opinions of us.

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic children, all of whom are destined to make wide, colorful splashes in this world. We share our New Jersey home with three dogs. I have no hobbies to speak of, unless you include writing. I don't. "It's not your mother's Christian Fiction."

Connect with Dana on her website to find out more about her and her books.

0

Jesus in the Present Tense 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 4
 The emphasis is on the role of living with God in the here and now. There is a good amount of discourse about the importance of recognizing and embracing Christ in the present day as opposed to relating to him as someone from the past.

Ministry Message = 3
The intended message is to encourage the reader to look to God and a relationship with Christ as a viable relationship with life applicable rewards in modern times. When the author is not gently rebuking the trend of popular Christian pastors and other public figures or giving reason why he is qualified to make the insights he is offering it is an enjoyable read.

Craft = 4
Wiersbe writes well. His tone is direct and authoritative about the subject matter. His style is informative with a mix of subjective opinion.

Aesthetics = 3
The cover is bold and pretty and I would pick it up just to see how the fireball related to the actual content. I think I get it but I'm not fully sure so that is why I gave it a 3.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.5
Warren Wiersbe offers a persuasive argument for why we can and should look to have an active and life applicable relationship with the true and living God and accept Christ's promises for our lives today. 

0

Love is a Flame 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 2
The stories show how one spouse in a relationship draws on having, starting or rekindling a relationship with God. Beyond scripture reference there is not alot of detailed examples of relating to God.

Ministry Message = 4
Love is a flame that can burn up any and everything that tries to stand in its way. It requires maintenance to continue to grow. When tended to properly it can warm your home.

Craft = 3
The editor who picked the stories selected well thought out effective and inspiring stories many couples will be able to relate to and learn from.

Aethetics = 4
I love purple and pink. So if trying to attract women who like to read, love purple and pink...mission accomplished. Beautiful cover. The contrast of the colors caught my eye if I saw it in a store I would pause. If I saw it on a site or blog I'd click on it.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.25
Readers who learn better from the examples and lives of others than from direct instruction this book is perfect. For those who like devotionals, and don't want to hear about others lives...you may not enjoy this as much as something more structured or formal.

0

Amy Inspired 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 3
Amy believes in God and expresses the importance of his existence in her life but does nothing more to reveal how she relates to him beyond attendance at a local church.

Ministry Message =3
There is not a true defined ministry message in the book. There are great philosophical questions about chasing dreams and following ones heart but the romance is bigger than any concrete spiritual takeaway.

Craft = 4
Though a bit wordy and rooted in a style reminiscent of the classic literary romances Pierce has a solid grasp on the ability to tell a story. Her dialogue is smooth and fluid, her description crisp, vivid and picturesque. Her characters are fleshed out well enough to picture them in the world she creates in this story.

Aesthetic = 2
So I get the leaves but I don't get them and well honestly the cover puts me in the mind of historical fiction instead of a post graduate romance with Christian elements. More than romantic it comes across as wistful and very autumn themed.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3
Readers who love an old fashioned love story sprinkled with modern trappings and academia will enjoy this read. I'm not sure how well it would fare for more contemporary readers...it waxes almost a bit too romantic.

0

Broken Like Glass

Home is not always where the heart is.

Lillian Louis James built herself a good life, but when a quick weekend visit with her daddy turns violent she finds herself on the wrong side of the law. Stuck in the small town she would rather forget, Lillian is forced to attend therapy and try to figure out where it all went wrong. Her high school crush showing up on the scene doesn’t help either as unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. Will Lillian let Jesus heal her broken past before her chance at love is gone?

A few words about BROKEN LIKE GLASS from E.J. McCay:

I hope you identify with Lilian, and desire a better relationship with Christ. 

Connect with E. J. on her Facebook page. 

0

Blondeva's Boys

Kindle         Nook       Paperback

In the fictitious small town of Nona, Alabama, Blondeva Turner is known for three things: her bluntness, her baking, and her boys. Alongside her husband, she raised four sons, but her baby has always been her heart.

Unlike his successful siblings, Isaac failed in college, failed in marriage, and failed to answer God’s call on his life. Twenty-five years ago, he moved from Nona to escape the constant reminders of his many mistakes, including the one that sent the woman he loved into the arms of another man.

Isaac left home with no intent to return, but Blondeva’s prayers (and ploys) have lured him back to the hometown of his heartbreak. He’s come to renovate his parents’ home, but Isaac is the one who’s in for a total makeover—heart, mind, and soul. But before the victory, comes the fight. And the devil messed with the wrong one when he chose one of Blondeva’s Boys.

A few words from Blondeva's Boys author Kendra Norman.

Everyone who takes this story to heart will gain a greater understanding of the power of forgiveness; not just forgiving others, but forgiving themselves. "Blondeva's Boys" is a family drama, and it covers everything from racism to guilt and shame to family secrets and love lost and love found. Most of the underlying issues that the key family in this book is dealing with have lingered unnecessarily for years because of the lack of forgiveness and the lack of communication. Those who read this story should walk away with a better understanding of how important it is for family members to talk--not just to God--when they have problems, but also to talk to each other. Ignoring an infection in our family ties don't make them go away; instead it allows it to spread and do more damage. And running away from problems is no solution either, which is a huge lesson between the pages of "Blondeva's Boys."

Kendra Norman Holmes (writing as Kendra Norman) is the 8-time national bestselling author of 20 Christian fiction novels and 2 nonfiction/ministry books. She is the founder of Royalty Publications, the visionary of P.O.W.E.R. (Prayer-Oriented Wives Exemplifying Royalty), the creator and host of Royal Pen Network radio show, and the pastor (alongside her husband, Michael) of Deliverance Revival Church. Kendra and her husband are currently working on a faith-based relationship devotional that is slated for release October 2017.

Connect with Kendra Norman on her website and be sure to catch her weekly radio show on Wednesdays 7PM on Joynet Radio.

0

Escape the Pain to Survive

Kindle     EPub

YOUR CHOICE . . . YOUR LIFE . . . YOUR FREEDOM?

Five years ago, The New Waiver Program was founded, offering teens of ages 15 to 17 the opportunity to sign up for a secret military based training project without parental consent. The program provides the perfect opportunity for troubled youth to leave their pasts behind and discover a promising future serving their country . . . or does it?

Seventeen-year-old Sam Jones of Denver, Colorado, escapes an abusive home to join the cause. Already lost and confused, seeking to find her way, she believes nothing could ever compare to the past she left behind. It doesn’t take long before she realizes that with one simple signature, she signed her life and soul away to a living nightmare designed to transform her into a “human killing machine.” Worse, as more dark secrets and mysteries are revealed, it appears clearer than ever that there’s no way out. Haunted by her violent past, the only answers may lie with the one she fears the most . . . a mysterious, faceless tyrant. Will she take a leap of faith and trust before it’s too late? Could that same leap of faith cost her everything?

A few words from ESCAPE THE PAIN TO SURVIVE author KATHERINE NELSON. 

I hope your journey into the New Waiver Program is not only exciting and suspenseful, but also spiritually uplifting and offers a unique, inspiring story of conviction, salvation, and personal growth.

I grew up a curious, homeschooled, preacher’s daughter, always questioning everything about life and wanting more than just scripted answers to the hard questions. I was always a skeptic, especially when I was diagnosed with a rare, painful childhood bone condition at the age of eight that continued through my late teens. Unable to just be a “normal” kid, I became depressed and secluded. Though I accepted Christ as my Savior at age fourteen, I learned quickly that salvation alone wasn’t just the quick fix answer to all of my problems. Soon I found myself in the dangerous spiral of anorexia, bulimia, and other self-destructive attitudes and behaviors. It was a long, hard road before I learned that the power of Christ imparted in me by His Spirit when I was saved is more than just a statement of doctrine . . . it’s a reality far stronger than any trial or struggle I could ever face in this life. I learned day-by-day to rely on His strength and not my own, leading me to live a life of fulfilment and purpose rather than one of fear and sadness. These experiences serve now as my inspiration to reach out to others, particularly young people who are looking for hope and answers to the hard questions in life.

I graduated with a B.A. in Mathematical Sciences at age 20, and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics at age 24. Meanwhile, I decided to switch career paths, earn an A.A. in Criminal Justice, and pursue a career in law enforcement, though I recently became an adjunct instructor for The University of Delaware. Along the way, I held many roles, including tutor, substitute teacher, fitness trainer, and an internship working with the technology behind automatic license plate reader systems. I am still fascinated by the power and capability of technology, even in my current, not so mathematical career field.

My real passion in life, far beyond career and education, is ministry. I am a member of Cokesbury Church and serve on the missions’ team and praise and worship team. In the past, I have been involved in ministry efforts to help individuals struggling with eating disorders and other self-image related issues. I currently work as a CrossFit Level I Trainer as a side hobby and enjoy inspiring those who struggle with body image and exercise related issues. My husband, a four-year USMC combat veteran, is in the process of becoming a military resilience counselor for the Army National Guard.

Feel free to check out my resources and blog or contact me any time.

Together with our six month old daughter, we are in the process of becoming foster parents. These two passions, military veterans and at-risk youth stand as my primary inspiration behind The New Waiver trilogy, my first literary work.

Connect with Katherine Nelson on her website. 

0

Embraced

Kindle             Nook 

An encounter with her changed his future. An encounter with God changed him.

People don't set out to fail. Sometimes failure happens spectacularly with plenty of notorious attention. Other times, it comes quietly, almost with a sigh of relief. When my wife asked me for a divorce hours after my father's funeral, only the timing was a surprise. I believed the failure of my marriage from beginning to end, along with heartache it caused, especially to my father, was unredeemable.

I was wrong.

My father was one of the finest men I ever knew. He left me a great example and a cherished legacy, one I couldn't run from, no matter how ashamed I was to face it.

Every step I took brought more trouble, though. In those months after my father died, my uncle Nolan helped me discover I needed to make peace with a lot more than Phil Shannon's memory. So I did what any prodigal would do.

I decided to go home.

Deciding to go is one thing. Getting there is another matter.

A few words from EMBRACED author PAULA WISEMAN:

Let me ask … • Have you ever wished you could have one more conversation with someone you lost? • Felt like you disappointed the people who matter most and you’re not sure if you can ever undo it? • Suspected you’d blown your chance for God’s blessing? • Thought maybe you were on the wrong path? Michael Shannon wrestles with all those questions in EMBRACED, Book Two in the Encounters series. I enjoyed working with Michael. He has his mother’s genuineness, his father’s keen understanding of people and a sharp wit that almost certainly came from his granny. When you finish Michael's story, I hope you come away with a sense of encouragement that the mistakes we make aren't final, that God loves us, and He has not, will not abandon us.

Celebrating ten years as a writer, Paula Wiseman's bestselling Covenant of Trust series and Foundation series have won wide acclaim. Along with homeschooling her kids and working on new projects, Paula blogs on matters of life and faith at www.paulawiseman.com.

Find out about her other books and ten year author journey when you connect on her website. 

0

God of Chaos

In the lush and verdant land of Khemet, an ancient royal returns after a lifetime away. He brings with him a new god and the worst chaos the land has seen since the beginning of time. Young King Men-Kheper-Re is the only one on earth able to convince the gods to stop the wanton destruction of the land, but is unwilling. 

Not even Hapiseneb, the young king's most trusted advisor, is able to persuade him to allow this new god's only request. A god himself, Men-Kheper-Re instead chooses to engage this newcomer in a battle of wits and wagers, choosing instead to replay the same contests fought millennia ago. 

Everyone in the land of Khemet suffers from the gods' battles. Far away from the palaces and politics, Yered, a foreigner, hears about this god of his ancestor--this god his fathers forsook that had promised them everything before abandoning them to slavery. The ancient royal promised a land flowing with milk and honey, but all Yered can see is mud and straw.

A few words from GOD of CHAOS author R.M. Strong:
Even though we all know how the story ends, it is my sincere hope that you come away from reading God of Chaos with a deeper understanding of the history of the first Passover, and apply it to what you hear, read, and study about the ultimate Passover Lamb.  I also hope you take away, as I did, a better understanding of how God not only meets us where we are, but -- knowing all of our faults and weaknesses -- pursues us and makes His presence compeltely undeniable. He is the "I will Be There Howsowever I Will Be There". He was in the palaces and brickyards of Egypt, and He still is today. 

RM Strong lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, son, dog, cat, 4-H guinea pigs and therapy chinchilla. When she is not volunteering at church or at her son's elementary school, 4-H, fencing club, or helping him with Cub Scouts, she is writing or thinking about writing.

R.M. Strong plans to observe Lent this year and invites you to share how your growing closer to God with her by connecting on Facebook. You can also find out more about her and her book on her website.

0

Restoration

This Christian Urban Fantasy novelette is back-story for Max Johnson, from Protective Instincts and Tough Choices.

Even as Death Draws Near, Hope Rebounds

Though he knew the risks when he joined the Marines to fight in Korea, Lance Corporal Max Johnson never expected his life to end so soon. He certainly didn't think the end would come in enemy hands and a dark hole. Injured, half-frozen, and feverish with infection, he finds himself rescued by a familiar ally who makes him a very unusual offer....

A few words about RESTORATION from D.M. Turner:

We may not be werewolves, or face the exact sorts of trials Max had to contend with, but God's always there and will help us through all the trials of life. We have only to reach out and accept the hand He offers.

Dawn lives in the high desert of Southern Arizona with her husband of over 20 years and a variety of furry and feathered critters. She enjoys photography, crochet, scrapbooking, spinning her own yarn from wool and alpaca, beading and jewelry-making, and lots of reading. When not doing those things, she writes romance, romantic-suspense, women's fiction, and medieval and urban fantasy with a Christian worldview. She took first place in the Contemporary Romance category, as well as winning the Grand Prize, in the 2011 Writers on the Storm Category Five Writing Contest.

Click here to connect with her online.

0