Always Know...

GIVEAWAY

ESTABROOKS, MELINDA

ALWAYS KNOW...a collection of inspiring words & stories from See Hear Love guests and friends

Listening. Learning. Leaning In. Amplifying. Authenticity. Courage. Inclusion. Faith.

This is what See Hear Love is all about. It's not just a TV show or a podcast, but a community of brave women and men who long for justice, peace, inclusion, hope, and love. Their voices matter. Their stories and lives are inspiring, wise and life-changing.

This collection of stories is made up of more than just words. It's made up of experiences and learnings that have been held open-handed to God, the master storyteller of life and transformation.

In this collection, host Melinda Estabrooks and fifty guests and friends share encouraging and practical ways to:

Know that you are loved and valued by God.

Live an open-handed life.

Overcome shame and find hope.

Choose joy and freedom.

Be brave.

Love your neighbour.

Lead well.

And as you read these stories, Always Know...that you are seen, heard, and deeply loved by God. 

My Review:

What a beautiful, thought-provoking, faith-lifting collection! And I am so not a non-fiction kinda reader. Give me a story any day -- especially when it's infused with inspiration as within the Christian Fiction genre -- but Always Know... has convinced me that real stories can be just as compelling. 

There's something so raw and real about someone sharing from their own faith journey. Finding the light in any situation and then holding it up for others to share in its warmth. That's what fifty contributors do in this inspiring compilation. And I love the diversity -- in both participants and content! 

This could easily be read as a daily devotional since each short chapter includes Reflection and Takeaway questions with space to jot down personal notes but, I confess, I devoured it in a day. Oops. :-) Though I do intend to reread it at a slower, more thoughtful pace as part of my bible study now because I learn best through stories and these are powerful.

Book provided courtesy of Crossroads Christian Communication Inc.

*If you're not familiar with the Canadian podcast / TV Show See Hear Love -- it's an amazing talk show led by a diverse group of women who bring God's truth into all the aspects of our complicated 21st Century lives. I really love the Canadian content (though you don't need to be Canadian to enjoy the program!) 

https://seehearlove.com/episodes/

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Always Know..., leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday March 20  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

The Powerful Purpose of Introverts

 

GERTH, HOLLEY

THE POWERFUL PURPOSE OF INTROVERTS

Our world needs what introverts have to offer more than ever before

Introverts make up half the population, yet more people still don't truly understand what it means to be one. In this eye-opening book, Holley Gerth shares everything you need to know, from brain science to the psychological, relational, and spiritual aspects of being an introvert. She also reveals exactly what will help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.

If you've ever questioned who you are as an introvert, or if you love, lead, or share life with an introvert, you need this empowering, insightful book.

My Review:

First off, I have to say how excited I am to find a book that's all about celebrating my introvert-yness instead of trying to banish it! I gave up on self-help books years ago because I'd become overwhelmed by the pressure to transform from introvert to extrovert -- as if that was the only way I could find true happiness and fulfillment. 

I'd try and fail and try and fail and, with each failure, I lost some of myself until I wasn't only an introvert but bordering on becoming a recluse. Really, what would be so bad about living out my life in the company of my non-judgmental book friends? I'll admit that fiction is still one of my coping strategies. There's nothing like a little bibliotherapy to soothe away the harsh demands of the extrovert masses who all think their way is the only way! :-)

And here comes Holley Gerth with the rather stunning declaration: "I am an introvert, and I will imperfectly and courageously offer my strengths of strategic solitude, meaningful connection, true well-being, hard-won resilience, sharp thinking, insightful perception, and intentional energy as I live with purpose and grow for a lifetime." (p 171) And I'm aglow because she gets it. She gets me! And she wants me to still be me! Which doesn't mean I can't learn and grow, just that I can do that while loving on my introvert self!

She gets a bit text-book clinical in places and I'll admit to skimming those sections because -- hello 99% fiction reader here! But there are also plenty of relatable stories and insightful surveys and pointed questions and tons of suggestions and examples to learn by and reflect on. I'm especially excited about the book club questions at the back of the book. Yes, they are great for a group but I'm going to dive in and work through the questions on my own. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Comm. Inc.

Home Made Lovely

 

ACHESON, SHANNON

HOME MADE LOVELY

Create the Home You've Always Dreamed Of

Everyone wants a home that is beautifully decorated and clutter free, but most of us are unsure how to get there without breaking the bank. In Home Made Lovely, popular interior designer Shannon Acheson takes the overwhelm and guesswork out of styling and organzing a lovely home.

Home Made Lovely is a mind-set: Decorating your home should be about those who live there, rather than creating a magazine-worthy spread. Shannon will help you.

• decorate in a way that suits your family's real life
• declutter in seven simple steps
• perform a house blessing to dedicate your home to God
• be thankful for your current home and what you already have
• brush up on hospitality with more than twenty actionable ideas that will make anyone feel welcome and loved in your home

In Home Made Lovely, Shannon meets you right where you are on your home-decorating journey, helping you share the peace of Jesus with family members and guests.

My Review:

When I'm not reading fiction I can often be found with my nose buried in decorating books and magazines so i was excited to discover Home Made Lovely with it's uniquely Christian elements. 

I appreciate the way the author opens the dialogue on the differences between current trends and creating a 'showy' home versus creating one that is both beautiful and welcoming while comfortably lived in. And that includes decorating choices that reflect my beliefs. There's a great chapter featuring ways home decor can actually embrace our faith by incorporating scripture as art. Acheson includes a pretty nifty list of bible verses (sorted by room and theme) that has me itching to get creative!

The book is chock-full of professional interior decorating know-how parsed out in digestible bite-sized pieces. The author is a blogger and that concise, list approach is reflected here. And she covers every topic imaginable from discovering your decorating style to room dimensions and furniture placement and everything in between. There are also a multitude of worksheets to help a reader discover and prioritize their decorating needs. 

My only disappointment in this coffee-table sized book is the lack of of significant illustrations. There are some, both diagrams, sketches and photographs, but not nearly as many as I usually see in home decor books of this caliber. It was particularly frustrating where a decorating idea was described in word only. In this age of Pinterest and Instagram, I've come to expect the before and after shots to provide a visual that helps me understand. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Fight Your Fears : Trusting God's Character and Promises When You are Afraid

WETHERELL, KRISTEN
FIGHT YOUR FFEARS : TRUSTING GOD'S CHARACTER AND PROMISES WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID

What are you afraid of?

We all have fears, and many of us struggle with very real anxiety caused by our fears. Fears about the future; fears about health, job, and family; fears about inadequacy and failure; fears about how much fear itself seems to affect our decisions, plans, and growth in this life. In his Word God commands us not to be afraid, but how is this possible?

Kristen Wetherall is in the fight with you, day-by-day making strides in this battle. In Fight Your Fears she carefully explores and unpacks ten of God's great and precious promises, equipping you with truth and practical tools to help you overcome the fears and anxious thoughts that rob you of your joy.

My Review:

So, admittedly I'm not in the "goody -- another non-fiction book to devour!" reader camp but something drew me to this book. Or should I say Someone?

 Ever since I chose my 'one little word' for 2020 -- Courageous -- I've been challenged on so many levels. And then my church small group chose to study Fear and Faith by Trillia Newbell and I figured God was trying to tell me something. So when I was offered a copy of Fight Your Fears I actually rolled my eyes and laughed. Seems like God isn't leaving anything to chance this year...and we're only three months in!

Things I loved about this book:

Eeeep! It has purple font with blue headings! Seriously shallow observation, I know, but it thrilled my artsy side and eased my non-fictional anxiety.

It's also a a beautiful book -- thoughtfully laid out with full page illustrated scriptures. Makes me want to pull them out and frame them but, wait, I don't have to do that (not that I would ever deface a book!) because the author has included mini versions as scripture memory cards.. The instructions say to cut them out so you can memorize these key scriptures. I'll admit I'm experiencing mild angst at the thought of taking scissors to page but I'm pretty sure I will!

I love the amount of scripture references that address each theme -- there are ten aspects of fear -- each one has a key scripture (illustrated) but there are tons more and lots of biblical applications. I read one chapter a day but I'm going to go back over the book and take more time -- maybe focus on one subheading a day as part of my study and devotions in the morning.

Love the no nonsense plain speak. In the When You Fear Not  Being in Control chapter Wetherell says: "We fear what we can't control because we have tried to control it but simply can't because we are not God." (p 60) I might have to live in this chapter for a while because I'm all about being in control. :-)

Love the Learning to Trust section at the end of each chapter which poses some really thought provoking questions and challenges and includes a topical prayer.

I'm delighted to be able to add Fight Your Fears to my modestly growing non-fiction shelf. Definitely a book I'll refer to again and again.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Marting Communications Inc.

Praying Women : How to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say

GIVEAWAY

WALSH, SHEILA
PRAYING WOMEN : HOW TO PRAY WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY

Praying women change the world!

Prayer is one of the most powerful, life-changing things we will ever do. Yet we often struggle. It's hard to find the time. It's repetitive. We get distracted and sometimes, even bored. And the answers often feel few and far between.

In Pray Women, bestselling author Sheila Walsh shares practical helps directly from God's Words, showing you have to:

know what to say when you pray
understand how to use prayer as a weapon when you are in the midst of a struggle
pray as joy-filled warrors, not anxious worriers
let go of the past and stand on God's promises for you now

Prayer changes you and it changes the world. You may have tried before, but if you're ready to start again in your relationship with God, let Sheila Walsh show you how to become a strong praying woman.

My Review:

"Prayer activates the power of God." (p 27)

I'm a fiction lover at heart. I learn and grow by feeling my way through a story which is why I read Christian Fiction almost exclusively. I'm very selective about the non-fiction books I read and even then, I need a storytelling approach to capture and hold my attention. Just the way my brain is wired, I guess. But  this title intrigued me...especially the "how to pray when you don't know what to say' part so I decided to be brave and wander into the pages of another non-fiction selection. And am I ever glad I did!

I've been living with Praying Women for a couple of weeks -- admittedly not reading it cover to cover but randomly discovering sections on whim -- or, dare I say, divine guidance? It has become a part of my morning bible study and even though I've read the whole book through in my higgedly-piggedly fashion, I'm not ready to put it aside. I know I can go deeper if I let Walsh's words really settle and take hold.

So -- what this fiction aficionado loves about this -- gasp -- non-fiction book:

First  and foremost, Sheila Walsh is a storyteller. Praying Women reads like she's sitting across from me at my kitchen table. She's authentic. Honest. Real. Vulnerable. And she's created a safe place for her readers to be too. I found myself having imaginary conversations with her, stripping away some of my hurts and daring to be real right back. Very cathartic -- even if the only one listening is God...which is kinda the point of the book. :-)

And I so appreciate how she validates my worries and fears. I'm broken. I have a messy past. Experienced a lot of pain. Sometimes I've failed more than I've triumphed. Walsh reminds me that I'm not alone. That my struggles are real. That it's okay to be so overwhelmed that you can't find words to pray.

"Whatever your challenge is, let me remind you that God is not looking for perfect words or perfect people. He just wants our hearts." (p 15)

I love the way each chapters has a graphic depicting a powerful prayer statement in bold cursive in-your-face-not-to-be-ignored audacity. Like "Praying Women trust God in the silence and not knowing" and "Praying Women know that the greatest breakthrough is in their own hearts." I can't tell you how many times I've flipped through the book looking for these reminders. Enough so that I've printed them on index cards and plastered them all over my house!

I love the easy flow of Walsh's writing style. The way she weaves in and out from personal story to scripture and back again.

I love the prayer reminders at the end of each chapter -- simple starting points that help me focus on my relationship with God.

And for those times when I can't dredge up a single thought or know where to begin praying, she has included a simple prayer at the end of each chapter. A starting off point, maybe? Or a place to mediate from. I found such a release when I read some of them. Knots of tension and strain snapping free with every word I couldn't have found on my own.

My copy of  Praying Women has a place right next to my bible and my devotional as I will continue reading from it daily.

This book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy which releases March 20 2020.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Praying Women, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 22 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Next Right Thing

FREEMAN, EMILY P.
THE NEXT RIGHT THING

When we have a decision to make, what we want more than anything is peace, clarity, and a nudge in the right direction. If you have trouble making decisions because of either chronic hesitation or decision fatigue, Emily P. Freeman offers a fresh way of practicing familiar but often forgotten advice: simply do the next right thing. This simple, soulful practice will help you

-- clear the decision-making chaos
-- quiet the fear of choosing wrong
-- find the courage to finally decide without regret or second-guessing

Whether you are in the midst of a major life transition or are weary of the low-grade anxiety that daily life can bring, Emily helps create space for your soul to breathe so you can live life with God at a gentle pace and discern your next right thing in love.

My Review:

Ha! Love the author's dedication -- "To anyone who's ever made a pro/con list in the middle of the night." With terms like 'chronic hesitation' and 'decision fatigue' I knew this book might have been written just for me. :-)

This quote really grabbed me -- I had to read it a couple of times before I got it. "It doesn't matter what the specific decision is. Unmade decisions hold power. They pull, they push, they interrupt where they aren't wanted and poke us awake at night." (p 12) Reading this book was like getting a huge, comforting bear hug. What sweet relief!

Because I'm surrounded by those annoyingly decisive types who sail through life making the right snap decision every time. Meanwhile I'm the waffler floundering in ambiguity. Always worried that whatever decision I make will be the wrong one and that leads to our friend procrastination which leads to putting off the inevitable decision making and just goes to prove that point about unmade decisions holding power. Now you see why I need this book. :-)

 Love the way the author brings prayer into the decision making process. Each chapter ends with a kind of prayer starter/guideline that really helps me focus my intention and brings clarity to wayward thoughts that thwart my decision making efforts.

Freeman has an easygoing writing style which is helpful to reluctant nonfiction readers like me. Easy to understand, inviting to read and lots to ponder. I've read it through once so that I could write a review but now I'm going to start over, using this book as a kind of devotional with specific decision making goals in mind. I'm actually kinda excited at the thought of ...dare I say it...making a decision!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Marting Communications Inc.

Loving My Actual Neighbor : 7 Practices to Treasure the People Right in Front of You

GIVEAWAY

KUYKENDALL, ALEXANDRA
LOVING MY ACTUAL NEIGHBOR : 7 PRACTICES TO TREASURE THE PEOPLE IN FRONT OF YOU

As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbor. But how do we do that? Where do we start? What does this look like in our increasingly isolated world?

Following practices outlined in the first chapter of 2 Peter, Alexandra Kuykendall lays out the framework for where to begin. From practicing humility to listening with understanding to being generous in our relationships, Loving My Actual Neighbor offers practical, start-nw steps you can take to love your actual neighbors.

My Review:

"Our neighbors -- the people right in front o us -- are not those we choose, but those we can choose to treasure." (p 21)

Back-to-basics advice that hits home in the hustle and bustle and technological detachment of the 21st century. At the same time it's both commonsense practicality and a refreshing approach to the modern-day dilemma of not just loving our neighbors, but knowing who they are.

The author uses a mix of stories, ideas and practical tips to challenge readers to embrace the concept of loving our neighbors. I'm not a huge non-fiction reader but I loved the concept of this book and the very approachable way the author has laid it all out. Seven practices = seven chapters -- 1) Holding a posture of humility 2) Asking questions to learn 3) Being quiet to listen 4) Standing in the awkward 5) Accepting what is 6) Lightening up 7) Giving freely -- and each chapter includes personal reflection points at the end with questions, challenges and a scripture. The questions are great conversation starters so I think this book would be a perfect selection for group discussions.

Love the phrase "hope-bearers' which is what the author is inviting readers to become -- demonstrating the hope Christ can bring to a broken world.

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love, but well." (Phil 1:9)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Loving My Actual Neighbor, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 4 2019. Offers open to International Readers. Good luck!

Hope by the Book Launch Issue

GIVEAWAY

I just happen to have an extra copy of the launch issue of Hope By the Book -- a periodical dedicated to avid readers. It's a celebration of all things bookish created by "book nerds who love Jesus and read past their bedtime." (Carrie, Seekerville, Oct 12, 2018) This is the kind of thing that happens when bookish friends gather together and start talking books...and aren't we glad?!

I've read my copy cover to cover -- and believe me when I say this is the first time I've read every single word in a magazine. It's full to brimming with the kind of content that will send avid readers into a tailspin of giddy delight. Articles, reviews and images that promise to "feed your inner bookworm."  

Thanks to a glitch in their delivery system, I ended up getting two copies of the first edition so I'm offering up the extra copy as a giveaway. If you haven't subscribed to this new book-centric magazine here's a chance to check it out.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hope By the Book : Launch issue, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 9 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Bathed in Prayer : Father Tim's Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series

KARON, JAN
BATHED N PRAYER

"In Mitford, a reader may find sorrow and disappointment, sickness and loss, but there will always be connection and community, a safe place to run." Jan Karon

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mitford series comes a must-have collection of prayers and inspiration from Father Tim and from Jan Karon herself.

Millions of readers have fallen in love with the faith and encouragement at the very heart of a universal small town called Mitford. In Bathed in Prayer, the prayers, sermons, and inspirational passages from the fourteen novels are gathered together in one remarkable collection. Here we will walk with Father Tim through favorite Mitford moments -- Christmas sermons, humble prayers, marriage ceremonies, funerals, and everything in between. Thankfully, fans will hear directly from author Jan Karon in a brand new essay about her faith journey, and the ways the Mitford novels have impacted her.

This beautifully designed compilation is a staple for any Mitford reader, and a perfect gift for the ardent Mitford fan.

My Review:

There are fourteen Mitford books and I've only read one -- #13 -- and I remember feeling totally lost because this is definitely a series to read in order. But that's a lot of catch up to do so I haven't gotten around to it yet. Anyway, I've been intrigued by the series for awhile now so when I saw Bathed in Prayer in my public library I scooped it up. And guess what? It's actually the perfect introduction to the series!

Karon sets up each scene from her books perfectly, so it was easy for me to get the most out of them without feeling lost or confused (as I felt when trying to read that 13th book!) I got a real feel for what the series is all about and understand now why Mitford has so many fans! Stunning, touching, sweet and tender and poignant -- this book touched my heart. I can only imagine how much more of an impact it would make on Mitford fans. A revisiting with old friends at pivotal points in their lives.

Inspirational quotes and Karon's new essay on her faith journey bring an extra depth and I could totally see using this book as a daily devotional. An ingenuous celebration of a much-loved series.

It's Okay Not to Be Okay

WALSH, SHEILA
IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY

Not self-help, God help.

We've all experienced that moment when we wish we could start all over again. Failed marriages, lost friends, addictions, lost jobs. This is not the life we imagined. Yesterday can sometimes leave us stuck, sad, shamed, scared and searching. Sheila Walsh encourages readers to face the pain head on and then start again, right from where they are. She shares that when she discovered "I'm not good enough and I'm okay with that," everything started to change.

In It's Okay Not to be Okay, Walsh helps women overcome the same old rut of struggles and pain by changing the way they think about God , themselves, and their everyday lives. She shares practical, doable, daily strategies that will help you move forward one step at a time knowing God will never let you down.

It's never too late to start again...and there is healing and freedom in just taking the first step.

My Review:

We're not supposed   

to have enough.

We're supposed to bring

what we have,

our clearly not enough,

to Jesus and ask Him 

to meet us where we are.

(p 121)

I loved the easy, approachable style of this book! Walsh teaches through story -- both biblical and personal -- and that's the only way I seem to be able to learn from a non-fiction book so this was tailor-made for me! And I so appreciated how she stripped everything down to the basics. We humans tend to make things so much more complicated than they need to be. Add onto that the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and then the inner turmoil that comes when we fail...phew it's enough to boggle the mind!

"It's okay not to be okay,

because Jesus has made us 

right with God."

(p 62)

Such a brilliantly simple concept so why is it so hard to remember? I have lived with this book for weeks now and I'm still not ready to let it go. I read and re-read snippets, applied myself to the One Step at a Time encouragements at the end of each chapter and have felt blessed every step of the way. My big takeaway is that there is freedom in knowing there is no end in sight to our ability to begin again...and again...and again...

"When our hearts are free 

to love with abandon, 

knowing that we're not being 

judged for every failure, 

our behavior changes." 

(p 193)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Hope By the Book

GIVEAWAY

Psssst!!!! Have you heard the buzz? About the magazine launch of Hope By the Book -- a periodical dedicated to avid readers? It's a celebration of all things bookish created by "book nerds who love Jesus and read past their bedtime." (Carrie, Seekerville, Oct 12, 2018) This is the kind of thing that happens when bookish friends gather together and start talking books...and aren't we glad?!The first edition comes out November 13 2018. Full to brimming with the kind of content that will send avid readers into a tailspin of giddy delight. Articles, reviews and images that promise to "feed your inner bookworm."  I'm so excited about this new enterprise that I'm giving away a a year's subscription for Hope By the Book. Giveaway details are below and I've included the link to Carrie's blogpost over on Seekerville in case you are consumed with a burning curiosity to know more. :-)

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2018/10/finding-hope-by-book.html

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a one year subscription to Hope By the Book, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 28 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Return (non-fiction review) + Reader's Choice of any Christian Fiction Novel in Print

Today I'm reviewing a non-fiction book but since this blog is all about promoting Christian fiction, I thought it would be fun to host a Reader's Choice Giveaway of any Christian Fiction title in print (already released.) Scroll down to the GIVEAWAY graphic beneath this review to get full details.

STURM, LACEY
THE RETURN

Have you ever asked yourself, "What's the point?"

Of this life. Of the same everdayness that can weight on us. Is life really a gift from a loving God? If so, shouldn't our souls burn to love him back with our lives? What does that look like?

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It's a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven's glory.

Are you striving to make this happen? Waiting to get to the real purpose of it all? Coasting in limbo or heading down the wrong path? Then may this openhearted take on responding to God's love give you hope and direction.

My Review:

An eclectic mix of poetry, prayers, journal entries, art and even recipes -- a refreshing break from the typical non-fiction format. Sturm is candid and engaging as she bares her soul and shares her love for God and what that means in her life. This is the kind of book you can pick up and start reading anywhere and come away with something thought provoking and uplifting. It's like intro night at a church small group where you get to dig deep into people's stories -- really get to know their struggles and challenges and how their faith plays a role in all that. I love stories so this is the perfect kind of non-fiction read for me!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY

WINNER'S CHOICE OF ANY CHRISTIAN FICTION NOVEL IN PRINT (ALREADY RELEASED)

State the title and author of the book you want to win in the comment section

-- up to 3 suggestions per person

BUT

each title/author must be in a separate comment

(makes it easier for me to tally)

MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION ALREADY RELEASED

Remember to add your email address in one of your comments

(no need to do it each time)

but remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers

Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 5 2018 

Offer open to International Readers

I Will Not Fear : My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire

GIVEAWAY

BEALS, MELBA PATTILLO
I WILL NOT FEAR : MY STORY OF A LIFETIME OF BUILDING FAITH UNDER FIRE

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But her story of overcoming didn't start -- or end -- there.

While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes you on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith we all need to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can chance our families, our communities, and even the world.

Encouraging and inspiring, her story offers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

My Review:

An inspiring memoir of a courageous woman.

I was familiar with the Little Rock Nine and the integration of Central High School, but reading Melba Pattillo Beals' first hand account has made a powerful impact on me. I really don't have words to describe the horror and anger and sheer disbelief I felt as I read of the ordeal these students went through. And the fact that no one in the country seemed to be inclined to help them. Politicians, officials, law enforcement, even the principal and teachers entrusted with their well being were culpable in the torture of these teens.

This is definitely a tale of overcoming as Melba's entire life was shaped by those few years. I appreciated her honest account of a complicated life, including her walk of faith. Life is messy but God will always see us through -- that's the core takeaway for me. And the author illustrates that over and over again in examples from her own life.

Melba Pattillo Beals went on to become a journalist and reporter, breaking barriers as both an African American and a female in a male dominated profession. There's a wealth of wisdom in what she shares on so many topics, giving readers an opportunity to dig deeper into controversial issues. Each chapter closes with an inspirational quote which would make a great starting point for discussion in a book club group.

"Our relationship with God in faith is a two-way street -- we cannot ask for help from Him without being available to render help when called upon" (p 146)

By sharing her own personal struggles, triumphs and failures, I feel like the author has challenged me to take stock of my life, my thoughts, my actions, my relationship with Christ. I've come away feeling stretched and recommitted and determined to live with greater intention and deeper faith.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of I Will Not Fear, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 1 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Amish Community Cookbook : Simply Delicious Recipes from Amish and Mennonite Homes

GIVEAWAY

GIAGNOCAVO, CAROLE ROTH
AMISH COMMUNITY COOKBOOK : SIMPLY DELICIOUS RECIPES FROM AMISH AND MENNONITE HOMES

with contributions from Amish and Mennonite families across North America

Discover real comfort food with these authentic country recipes.

Filled with favorite recipes gathered from Amish cooks across the United States and Canada, Amish Community Cookbook will have you preparing delicious, down-to-earth dishes your family will request again and again.

The Amish people are renowned for their rich agricultural heritage, strong community spirit, and good old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. This treasury of beloved recipes expresses their close connection to the land and reliance on fresh, natural ingredients.

The Amish Community Cookbook offers an endless array of traditional appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes, casseroles, breads, and desserts. Beyond the delicious, hearty taste, this is food that offers something to nourish the soul. One taste and you'll see why these recipes have been bringing families and communities together at the table for generations.

My Review:

I have borrowed this cookbook so many times from the library that I finally bought my own copy. And while I love the simple but oh-so-delicious recipes that are family and church potluck friendly, I also love the beautiful layout and all the extras that make this the kind of book I just want to pore over.

Gorgeous illustrations -- and not just of food but of the Amish life style provide a fetching backdrop to oodles of recipes. Like this:

And then there's the Amish proverbs that never cease to put a smile on my face. Like this:

And this:

And there are tons of handy cooking tips, the kind your grandma might have shared with you but you never paid attention and now you're wishing your remembered -- things like: "A way to make lettuce or celery crisp again is to place it in a pot of cold water with slices of raw potato." Who knew????? Plus there are inserts that share some of the Amish culture. Not to mention nearly 200 pages of recipes...including Whoopie pies and Haystacks...which I've read about in countless Amish stories. This is definitely a cookbook I'll be referring to again and again.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Amish Community Cookbook, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on March 2 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

Sacred Rest (Non-Fiction Review) + Reader's Choice of any Christian Fiction Novel in Print

Today I'm reviewing an intriguing non-fiction book about what it means to find sacred rest. Now, since I'm a fiction fan, I thought it would be fun to host a Reader's Choice Giveaway of any Christian Fiction title in print (already released.) Scroll down to the GIVEAWAY graphic beneath this review to get full details.

DALTON-SMITH, SAUNDRA, MD
SACRED REST : RECOVER YOUR LIFE, RENEW YOUR ENERGY, RESTORE YOUR SANITY

How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life?

In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional.

Dr.Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research -- physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative -- and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirutality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect.

By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

My Review:

An eye-opening look at what rest really means. And it's not just getting adequate sleep. In fact, Dr. Dalton-Smith is quick to point out that sleep is not the same thing as rest. You could sleep eight hours a day and never feel rested.

"A well-rested life is a secret hidden in plain sight. It is a life at one with God, self,and others. It's life strengthened by winding down the expectations of others and charging up your expectations for yourself." (p 118)

I kept thinking of the scripture "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) as I read through this book. And I think that ultimately, that is the key -- to feel God, to see Him in every aspect of our lives. It's only then that a sacred rest is truly possible.

My favourite section of this book is Part II -- The Gifts of Rest.There's a lot of meat to this part of the book and it really got me thinking...and marveling over all the gifts available to us. And not the ones you'd automatically think of -- at least I wouldn't have. Like the Gift of Boundaries, of Acceptance, of Permission and so many more. Dalton-Smith has encouraged me to explore each of these gifts and how they relate to me. This isn't the kind of book you just read through. It's the kind that makes you pause and ponder and want to come back to time and time again.

Book provided courtesy of Faith Works and Litfuse Publicity Group.

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/sacred-rest-saundra-dalton-smith

GIVEAWAY

WINNER'S CHOICE OF ANY CHRISTIAN FICTION NOVEL IN PRINT (ALREADY RELEASED)

State the title and author of the book you want to win in the comment section

-- up to 3 suggestions per person

BUT

each title/author must be in a separate comment

(makes it easier for me to tally)

MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION ALREADY RELEASED

Remember to add your email address in one of your comments

(no need to do it each time)

but remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers

Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 20 2018 

Offer open to International Readers

Fiercehearted : Live Fully, Love Bravely

GIVEAWAY

GERTH, HOLLEY
FIERCEHEARTED : LIVE FULLY, LOVE BRAVELY

Every day we struggle to find more freedom, joy and purpose. What if the solution isn't trying harder or being better but embracing the fiercehearted woman already inside us? A fierceheared woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She lives fully and loves bravely. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. She dares to be who she is -- imperfect and beloved.

In her most powerful and personal book yet, bestselling author, counselor, and life coach Holley Gerth empowers and encourages women not simply through "how to" but by life-changing, heart-freeing "me too." Join Holley on this journey to becoming a fiercehearted woman and discover what she did; the freedom and courage to embrace life, love, and faith to the fullest because your struggles can no longer hold you back.

My Review:

Intense. Sincere. Full of laughter and tears. Holley Gerth has a way of writing the reader into the conversation so it feels like you're sitting across the table in some cozy cafe as you share your story with the best listener in the world. She writes with the kind of heart and candor that has the power to encourage change.

A much needed change where I am concerned. Because -- true confession time -- I'm a scaredy-cat. I've read the fictional accounts of fiercehearted heroines and basked in their glory while knowing deep down that I could never live as fully or bravely. But then Ms. Gerth comes along and starts changing my mind. I start thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could become the fiercehearted heroine of my own story.

Her words are sweet and smooth and encouraging as she candidly bears her soul and invites me to do the same. As I dig deep I find a hidden core of fierceness I didn't know was there. I realize that I can be that woman -- the kind *"who defends like a warrior and weeps like a girl." And I suddenly want to *"chase Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness." And a glorious bubble of joy bursts from deep within me and I'm suddenly aware of all kinds of possibilities. So, yeah, that's the kind of impact this book has made on me.

*words in italics taken from the poem, Fiercehearted Woman, p 9

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fiercehearted : Live Fully, Love Bravely, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Total Christmas Makeover (Review) + Reader's Choice Giveaway of a Christian Fiction Christmas novel published in 2017

Today I'm reviewing a truly awesome little book of Christmas devotions so I thought it would be fun to do another Reader's Choice Giveaway -- this time for a Christmas novel (Christian Fiction) published in 2017. Scroll down to the GIVEAWAY graphic to see info about the giveaway.

SPOELSTRA, MELISSA
TOTAL CHRISTMAS MAKEOVER : 31 DEVOTIONS TO CELEBRATE WITH A PURPOSE

Give your Christmas makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it's important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ's birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

In Total Christmas Makeover : 31 Devotions to Celebrate with a Purpose, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra presents key scriptures, practical ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection that help you grow in faith while spending daily time focusing on God's Word and grace. The 31-day devotional guides individuals and families in rediscovering Rituals and how to reflect on God in the midst of them, Relationships and our call to love and serve others, and Rest, which we must intentionally pursue in order to connect more deeply with Christ during the holiday season.

My Review:

An awesome little book that is both user friendly and thought-provoking and quite possibly life-changing for those feeling overwhelmed by all that bustle of the season. The author asks a pretty probing question at the beginning of the book: "Do you find that you too have been caught up in the 'have-to's instead of the God-centered-love-to's?" (p.2) She's referencing the way we celebrate Christmas and how easy it is to get caught in the trap of activities and shopping and insane busyness.

I love how she approaches the biblical example of celebration which involves Ritual, Relationship and Rest.That last one is probably the trickiest to embrace during the holiday season! This devotional is the perfect guide to help readers bring a new, refreshing perspective -- and it releases early enough to actual read it before the craziness begins!

I also love the Questions for Reflections and A Practical Approach sections at the end of each devotional. They made a world of difference for me as they helped me distinguish my love-to's from my have-to's and identify practical ways to keep my focus on Jesus this season. Tons of creative ideas for any type of family including single, senior and empty nester households. If you're looking for A Total Christmas Makeover consider this book as the first step.

Book provided courtesy of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity Group.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/MSpoelstra

GIVEAWAY

Winner's Choice of any Christmas novel (Christian Fiction) released in 2017.

State the title and author of the book you want to win in the comment section.

-- up to 3 suggestions per person

BUT

each title/author must be in a separate comment

(makes it easier to tally)

Books must be categorized as both Christmas and Christian Fiction

Remember to add your email address in one of your comments (don't need to do it each time) but use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers

Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 29 2017

Offer open to International Readers

Gracelaced

GIVEAWAY

SIMONS, RUTH CHOU
GRACELACED

This journey is as perennial as the seasons

GraceLaced is about more than pretty florals and fanciful brushwork -- it's about flourishing. With carefully crafted intention, this beautiful volume of seasonal devotions from artist and author Ruth Chou Simons encourages readers in any circumstances to become deeply rooted in God's faithful promises. GraceLaced extends a soul-stirring invitation to draw close to God while...

RESTING in who He is
REHEARSING the truth He says about you
RESPONDING in faith to those truths
REMEMBERING His provision to sustain you, time and time again

Who we are and who He is never changes, even though everything else rarely stays the same. Let this book point you to truth as you journey through the changing seasons of your heart.

My Review:

My passion is for fiction -- Christian Fiction to be precise -- but from time to time a truly stunning non-fiction title comes up for review and I just cannot resist. GraceLaced is just such a book. The extraordinary artwork and thought provoking words in each devotional have really touched my heart -- inviting me to 'be still and know that I am God.'

This is where I confess to sometimes rushing through devotionals in order to get started with my day. Shameful, I know, but that's the honest truth. However, Gracelaced anchors me in the beauty of its pages and invites me to linger, to ponder, to read just a little bit more.

The artwork draws me in. I love the Arts and there are times when only a painting or a piece of music can bring peace to my troubled soul. I know it's supposed to be enough to know that peace comes through relationship with God but I am frail enough to need that conformation illustrated through the inspiration of an artist or composer or writer. And Ruth Chou Simons's art and calligraphy has brought me renewed conviction.

Thirty-two devotionals are arranged by season and I so love the concept that we are all in different seasons -- can even be stuck in one for a time. In this book Winter is about resting in God's character, Spring, rehearsing the truth, Summer, responding in faith and Fall, remembering God's provisions. Each devotional is independent of the others so they can be read in any order allowing the reader to select what best suits their needs on any given day.

GraceLaced would make an amazing gift (if you can bring yourself to part with it). A unique and inspiring devotional collection which will be cherished for years to come.

Book provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of GraceLaced, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstorereadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 17 2017. Please note: unlike my usual giveaways, this one is open to US residents only. Good luck!

Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story

GIVEAWAY

CHAPMAN, STEVEN CURTIS
ABRAHAM, KEN
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND THE REAL WORLD : MY STORY

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that he has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Review:

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but this is one I wouldn't have wanted to miss. So grateful I moved out of my comfort zone and picked up Steven Curtis Chapman's biography. And once I started reading I couldn't stop. Amazing. Moving. Inspiring. I ran through a gamut of emotions as I worked my way through the pages of  Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story.

Chapman bears a powerful testimony as he candidly shares the experiences that shaped his life, his music and his faith. His brutal honesty really touched me. He offers encouragement and hope in the midst of darkness and pain.

One of the many amazing things about our God is how He can take even the broken parts of our stories and bring about something beautiful as we trust Him with them. (p 30)

The kind of book that has the power to make a profound impact on readers. A definite must read for fans of this Christian music icon.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Giveaway Opportunity:

Please note: Winner will receive a gently read copy of this book.

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story please leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address please be sure to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Words of Grace

GIVEAWAY

GRACE, JACQUI
ARRAND, DEE
WORDS OF GRACE

Be amazed by God's grace!

Bring new joy to your time in God's Word by incorporating beauty and creativity. As a gentle tonic for the busyness and worries of your life, this travel-sized coloring book devotional will help you focus your attention and calm your hurried soul.

Each page spread includes scripture, devotional thoughts, and images to color that are all designed to reconnect you with the God who knows your every need. Grab your colored pencils, crayons or markers and set yourself free to create. But most importantly; relax, have fun, and be blessed by God's grace.

My Review:

I'm a word person. I collect them and display them and, of course, read them! I love word art and my walls are peppered with what I call 'power' words. Faith. Joy. Believe. Hope. And phrases like 'Prayer changes things.' So a devotional coloring book that features words is tailor-made for me and this one is a real gem.

It's a small little book -- 6 1/2 " x 6 1/2" but the devotionals are packed with scriptures and encouraging words. Points to ponder. And accompanied by exquisite word art that reinforces the devotion's theme. Some of the images are really intricate so you definitely need a finely sharpened color pencil for them. Others are more loose and free flowing. And the designs are beautiful. I'm thinking of framing some of my 'masterpieces' and adding to my wall art collection -- if I can bring myself to rip a page out of a book! Ack!!

A sweet little book that would make a great Easter gift or just add some creativity to your personal time with God.

Book provided courtesy of Baker's Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications

Giveaway Opportunity:
  If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Words of Grace please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 26 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!