Review of "Crash the Chatterbox" by Steven Furtick

Quite possibly one of the best non fiction books I have ever read. I am pretty sure I don't know anyone who doesn't (at least from time to time!) struggle with overcoming the negative thoughts that are so subversive to an emotionally healthy life - and this book gives clear understanding of why and how we can overcome, or Crash the Chatterbox.

In his conversational style writing mixed with stories, the author dissects four main areas that what he has named The Chatterbox (internal dialogue) will negatively impact your life: insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement. He describes how accurately understanding what God says about you will overcome the voice of insecurity. Overpower the lies of fear with the truth about what God says He will do. Squelch the lies of condemnation with the fact that God says He has. Kick to the curb the lies of discouragement with the truth that God says you can.

This book will help you to understand your enemy, to realize that you indeed do have a choice, and gives specific ways to win. I can't recommend it enough.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Lady Unrivaled" by Roseanna M. White

The third and presumably final novel in the Ladies of the Manor books, author Roseanna M. White provides an interesting and satisfying conclusion to this beautifully written Edwardian series. This installment focuses on Lady Ella Myerston, sister of the Duke and Duchess Nottingham (The Reluctant Duchess) and good friend of Duchess Brook Stafford (The Lost Heiress). Although her family and friends have long considered her to be unfailingly cheerful, she is certainly not shallow or unintelligent. Via her brother, she unwittingly takes the "Fire Eyes" with her on a trip to visit her friend Brook. While there she begins to spend time with Lord James Cayton, a former cad who has left a string of broken hearts, relationships, and trust behind him....but who has now had an enormous change of heart and longs to be honorable. Ballerina Kira Belova also joins the cast of characters - as a spy, posing as a ladies maid for Kitty.

To add to the suspense, brother and sister duo Kitty and Rush are back on the scene with (always) questionable motives. Who is the real villain here? Will the Fire Eyes cause even more death and destruction? Will they and their loved ones ever be truly safe?

If this is truly the last of the series, I'm sad. It is easy to recommend this book, as well as the entire series. Although A Lady Unrivaled can be read as a standalone novel, you will have a greater understanding and enjoyment if you read both The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess prior to this one.

With so many Edwardian novel choices out there, this author has found the perfect combination of this time period, romance, and mystery. One of the best - well done!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Catching Heat" by Janice Cantore

The third and final book in the Cold Case Justice trilogy, we pick back up with Detective Abby Hart and PI Luke Murphy just as their new task force is getting off the ground. They receive their first cold case and are simultaneously continuing to seek justice in the Triple Seven murders. And, Abby and Luke are both emotionally free to explore how they might work personally (finally!). The story is also interspersed with the point of view of recently convicted and disgraced police officer Kelsey Cox, who may not be done doing the bidding of the Governor and his wife.

A satisfying ending to this series, I enjoyed both the closure and the suspenseful storyline. We are finally able to understand some of the motivation of the criminals, and the story maintains a strong level of tension throughout. I recommend this entire series.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "The Promise of Jesse Woods" by Chris Fabry

A coming-of-age story that bounces back and forth between the 70's and 80's, baseball aficionado Matt Plumley is challenged to find the depth of strength to stand up for what he believe in - and that life will not always turn out as expected.

The book opens with Matt and his family having just moved to Dogwood, West Virginia, where his dad (who grew up there) has been recently hired as the pastor of the local church. Matt quickly learns that not everyone in Dogwood is considered an "appropriate" candidate for his friendship. He also discovers that there are some severely prejudiced folks with a serious agenda that exert their control, not only over the area but eventually his father; and there will be some long term consequences rooted in that issue.

Dealing with some serious social and justice issues that still resonate today, The Promise of Jesse Woods is well-written and thought provoking. I am very glad to have read it and can definitely recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "They Danced On" by Carre Armstrong Gardner

The third book in the Darling Family series, this installment focuses on Jane Darling and her husband Leander, in their valiant struggle against his diagnosis of ALS. Laura Darling also is featured prominently in this book, as she comes to grips with the real depth of her addictions. As before, the author bounces back and forth between the perspectives of multiple family members, yet still weaves the entire story together in a way that is both cohesive and beautiful.

One of Jane's biggest challenges is meshing her belief that God can and WILL heal her husband with his conviction that although he is sure that God can, he believes he won't....and he wants to move forward in faith, as best they can. Compounding Jane's life is her difficult relationship with her sister; the youngest child moves out and Jane feels at loose ends and without purpose; and, she has a long-held secret she must make some decisions about.

This entire series has been a bright spot in my fiction world, as the author is a wonderful storyteller. The characters seem real and people you would want to know and have as friends. I was delighted to be a part of their world for these three books. More, please.

I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "An Elegant Facade" By Kristi Ann Hunter

Book two in the Hawthorne House series, here we are given the back story on Miranda's challenging sister, Lady Georgiana. Told with a method I haven't seen before (and I read A LOT), a fair portion of this book overlaps with the author's debut book (and first in the series, "A Noble Masquerade"). I actually loved it! The author provides a note of explanation, and truly, being written in this way crated an extra layer of depth. You can easily read and understand this book independently of the first one, but it does provide a unique perspective - one that I appreciated.

Lady Georgiana, on the surface, appears to be extremely vain and conniving. Her single focus is to make the perfect match in her debut season, which she has worked tirelessly for years to prepare for-all so she can feel safe.

A friend of the family, investment manager Colin McRae, is successful-but not titled-and although Georgiana initially intrigues him, he is convinced she is too shallow. However, he soon begins to see glimpses of the real Georgiana behind the mask...and once he inadvertently learns her secret, realizes she is in his heart. And he isn't sure he wants her to get out.

I greatly enjoyed both of the books in this series and it is easy to recommend them highly. In no way do they "read" like they are from a new author! The characters are interesting and believable. Both books are incredibly well-written and a wonderful take on this time period of history.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "From This Moment" by Elizabeth Camden

I have truly enjoyed all of this author's books - but this one by far is my favorite. Stella West (nee Westergaard) and Romulus White are professionals with somewhat interconnecting lives - Stella is an acclaimed artist, and Romulus has been pursuing her for years to provide illustrations for the science magazine that is his pride and joy. He is thrilled to discover that Stella is now in Boston, but her reason for crossing the pond is tragic - Stella's sister died under somewhat mysterious circumstances, and she is determined to discover what really happened.

Although she was initially reticent to work for Romulus, when she is opposed at every turn in her investigation, she decides that his relationships and connections with people in positions of power within the city may provide her with the answers she needs. However, the truth goes much deeper than either of them could have imagined, and evidence suggests that the continued investigation will have far reaching consequences that neither of them would have imagined.

Note: If you have not already read the companion short, "Summer of Dreams: A From This Moment Novella" I suggest you read that first. It will greatly enrich this novel and give deeper context to not only Romulus' motivation but also the subplot of the relationship with his cousin and her estranged husband.

It is very easy to recommend this book! I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.