First and foremost I want to praise the author for her courage and humility in sharing her story. She faced the embarrassment and shame to help others not fall into the same trap. For many, premarital sex is no big deal in our day and age. How wonderful Ms. Rust felt convicted and saw it as God does: sin. That was her transgression but the book can apply to ANY sin one might find themselves a part of.
Being a pastor’s wife for over 2 decades, I never quit cringing when I heard a Christian say, “I’ll never …..” because I knew they were in danger of doing that very thing. I must add the majority of the time that the people uttering those words did exactly what they believed they never could. Whether it is pride or feeling one has reached a level of supreme Christian that prompts these declarations I do not know but I believe it puts a target on our backs for Satan.
Ms. Rust not only warns us that anyone can fall but if they do, it is not a “death sentence” to our Christian walk. The same God that saved us and forgave our sins can heal and restore. She gives sound scriptural advice on how to protect ourselves from this flawed thinking and actually falling into sin. Ms. Rust doesn’t leave the reader there. She guides them with encouragement and God’s Word on how to move forward. I liked the chapter on the Amour of God, a very important gift from the Lord that is often overlooked as a means of protection. I felt it was outstanding that she told about the practice of true church discipline; holding the person accountable in love with the purpose of restoring them. That is something that is rarely seen today. It is very scriptural and much needed in churches today but rarely applied. This was a book written from the author’s heart.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.

I love it when I love learning something new about history. Not just facts and dates but unusual subjects I would not have dreamed of. This novel truly did that! I never thought of the sponge business and the divers or how they risked their lives.
I felt as if Ms. Miller took be back in time and dropped me into the early 1900’s in the town of Tarpon Springs. Zanna Krykos and her friend Lucy Penrose are challenging the norms of the day. Zanna is a lawyer and Lucy is the town’s doctor. They are very close friends. When Lucy’s father suddenly dies she finds herself inheriting a sponge diving business he had arranged and she knew nothing of! She wants zero to do with it and asks Zanna to help. There is no way out and on top of that, 50 sponge divers are coming from Greece to be housed and fed! Lucy hands it ALL over to Zanna to manage. Heading the crew is Nicos Sevdalis. He and his men are unaccustomed to women filling any management capacity or giving them directions. Nicos and Zanna are forced to work together. He knows no English and depends on Zanna (Greek also) for translating. Their beginning is pretty rocky, but they become a team.
I am absolutely fascinated by the details about diving during that era. Having seen the big heavy diving suits I never thought of how difficult and dangerous it was. Not to mention the medical problems should something go wrong. My knowledge of sponges was zero. It impressed me how incredibly hard the work was for something I am sure people during that time took for granted.
The Greek customs, food and family dynamics was wonderful. There were times I felt I was hiding behind chair listening. I would love to try some of the food mentioned. When I pick up books by Judith Miller I know without a doubt I will enjoy them! She checks all my boxes for a good read: Christian, historical, suspense, and a dash of romance!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

The title says it all! We go through life fretting because we are not okay in so many areas; like something is badly wrong with us. Instead of turning to the Lord, we try to stuff our perceived failures and limitations under the rug, which only stresses us more. Media, magazines, books everything around us shouts that we can and should reach some sort of perfection. This lie has become so ingrained in us we are blinded and view it as “truth”. Ms. Walsh’s book blasts fib to pieces with the real truth.
I found the book to be comforting, inspirational, and helpful. The author’s openness and honesty were a blessing. I could relate to her frustrations, depression and struggles. I wasn’t happy she had them but it was nice to know I wasn’t the only one. Someone else was facing the same thing plus sharing their insights to overcome. Also it was a reality check that even the most successful and spiritual people face the same conflicts.
We can’t be perfect in any area because we aren’t; only Christ is, and we live in an imperfect world. No wonder it all seems so impossible! God is always there to help, heal, love, pick us up…everything. Trying to fix ourselves is doing it in our own strength and we don’t have that kind of power, only God does. She reminded my past doesn’t irreparably break me nor does my present defeat me! The 8 steps she shares to move forward so simple and clear! We have to get our focus off of circumstances and self, plus trying to make our world “just” right and focus on the One that can! An outstanding book!
I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I have always loved trivia! There is always something to learn and I enjoy unusual facts. This book adds another bonus, the Bible! It can’t get better than this! Every page is full of interesting things. Each day of the year has a page with interesting facts, events, topics, or a little know “national day” to be celebrated. Included is a scripture that links the subject to the Bible. Some contain additional verses. (Something I really like!) I was disappointed it was not in the KJV but always read from mine when references are not the King James. The black and white illustrations also added to the page. Also an added plus is another piece of trivia for that day.
This is the ultimate family devotional book! I know older children, teens and adults will have no trouble paying attention. It opens the door for all kind of discussion. I would have my children make the scripture of the day part of their memorization. Something unusual I also liked was that the Table of Contents was arranged in scripture order from Old to New Testament. If you were doing a study of a particular books of the Bible or wanted do your devotionals in this order it makes it very easy. I also see this as a wonderful book for Sunday school classes or youth groups. You could have one before each lesson or expand on it turning it into a longer study. It holds so many possibilities! This is definitely not your ordinary devotional book!
I received this book from Lifeway Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

By Tyndale
With adult coloring books and journaling all the rage, this book is perfect for both!
It is super sturdy so I can carry it anywhere with me and not have to worry about pages or covers being bent or torn. It’s perfect!!
The pages vary. They might have a subject of gratitude to focus on, a prayer, or a scripture. The coloring pages also have bits of color already in them which I found very appealing. Some pages are very simple leaving an area for you to add your own drawing. Others are more detailed. All are creative and fun. This is a very unique book that will bless you in three ways, coloring, journaling, and God’s Word. I would have preferred the scriptures be in KJV instead of NLT but that is just my preference. When you are done you will have a beautiful keepsake of encouragement to look back on again and again.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blogger Program for an honest review

Any book by Ann Spangler gets my attention. She has a talent for making Bible study interesting and personal. I liked the title of the book as that explains me exactly; less than perfect. Every person mentioned in the Bible was put there for us to learn from, be it their successes or mistakes. I liked that this book took a closer look at those who messed up just like us today.
Ann brought these people to life for me, not just names on the pages of my Bible. With each of the 30 “less than perfect” Bible man or woman, she shares their story in her own words. This is followed with a section called “The Times”, my favorite part. Bible scripture references of when the character’s story is listed, even ones they are just mentioned it. That impressed me! Here the reader learns of the historical times the person lived during. For me this created a whole picture of the character and helped me see them as flesh and blood people. Lastly is “The Takeaway”. Approximately 4 to 5 questions to answer and reflect on. I found these to also encourage me to do a self-check as to if I was possibly making some of the same mistakes. It also aided me relating the temptations and faulty decisions to this day and time.
A wonderful devotional/study or lessons for a group. Thank you Ms. Spangler for another exceptional book! I always acquire so much from your writings!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This book was very different than what I expected and I like it! My grandson is only 7 months old now but when he is old enough this book is going to him and his mother. This is a very unique book.
Packed into this one book you have a neat, easy 3 year journal. On the front cover is a place to insert the child’s picture. I would make a collage of 3 pictures representing each year the journal was used.
Inside are 365 questions, one for each day of the year. These have 3 sections of 5 lines each to record the child’s answers, and a place to write the year. Some are spiritual questions and some are just for fun.
The book is beautiful. It is well made, sturdy and perfect as a lifelong keepsake. I liked the fact that a child who could read and write would be able to use it alone. Or a young child who does not yet have those skills could answer the questions with the parent writing. I love the idea of the parent helping the first year or two and the child doing the last one. Either way it is a great way for the parent and child to spend time together.
Everyone likes to see pictures of them when they were young and hear stories about their escapades. The Daily Question for You and Your Child provides an extraordinary memento that will allow them to look back, seeing their ideas and thoughts at those ages. It will be fun to see how my little man progresses and matures in his thinking as the years go by.
I think every parent should have this book! What a wonderful baby gift too!
I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program. The opinions I have stated are my own.

On cuteness scale from one to ten this book and the recipes get a 12! Cute! Cute! Cute! But it doesn’t stop there. This cookbook is a treasure trove of yummy Lilliputian recipes. Their size makes them even more of a delight. Everyone wants to cut back on eating sweets but face it, the craving is still there. When we go to have a “serving” it is more than we need plus we usually have the tendency to super-size it or go back for seconds. With these mini desserts you can go back for thirds and be okay! They are just enough to satisfy hankering for something luscious.
Recipes include muffins, cakes, yeast rolls, yippe pies instead of whoopee pies, cupcakes, brownies, pies, donuts, and some extra special ones in the “Fancy Stuff” chapter that will surprise you. There is also a section with frosting, fillings, toppings and drizzles for your masterpieces!
Muffins are made in mini muffin pans of course but the instructions to use a one inch cookie scoop made me chuckle. A recipe of 2o or 24 servings is all baked in a 9 inch pan. Cakes are baked in mini Bundt pans. You get the idea of the scale.
Even more than the tininess of the recipes, I was impressed with how good they were! The variety is amazing!
My mind ran with idea in ways to enjoy this book. You could make several different recipes for a ladies meeting and every one get a plate full of the small goodies. I know they would delight children, and what about a little girl’s tea party. I can also see making a variety of recipes and give in a special box as a gift for Christmas, birthday or any special occasion!
I received this book from Ulysses Press in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

To be honest, when I saw the adult coloring books come out I was elated! Now I didn’t have to hide that I still enjoyed coloring as a grown-up. This book takes it up a notch!!! Another great childhood pleasure made available to adults and with challenges equal to our abilities.
I found it a stress reliever just like the coloring books, but with the bonus my concentration was heightened therefore engaging my mind even more. Not only was it fun to do, but I never knew for sure what my picture would become once all the numbers were connected. It was always a surprise especially how intricate they were. I counted approximately 43 pictures, a nice number to keep me busy for a while!
The book is printed on thick quality paper so if my attention to my work leads to a little too much pencil pressure on the picture, the paper didn’t tear. After I was finished with my masterpiece, I could then color it for a little more relaxation. Yes the numbers were small, but I did fine with my dollar store glasses. The book is small enough I can easily take it with me while waiting and pass the time.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to others, who enjoy challenges and would like something different,
I received this book from Ulysses Press in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Boy was I surprised when I received this book! It was so more than I was anticipating. I was expecting a smaller book (and there’s nothing wrong with that) but this one is 8” x 10”! This storybook is for snugging in a chair with your little one in your lap and your arms around them as you hold the book. Love it!
The stories are literally short enough to be read in 5 minutes; minus my sound effects of course! With each page having just a few lines, it is just right for young attention spans. It is my opinion with the large bright colored pages your little one will want to linger over the pages after you finish reading. This part impressed me. Every of page is filled with vivid colors of their favorite Veggie Tales characters and scenes depicting the story.
Just as with the Veggie Tales videos, each story is humorous, fun and always shares a special message about biblical truths especially for children. These zany vegetables have become a beloved tradition among Christian parents and children. A quality book not on in construction and materials but also in content. I cannot wait to share it with my grandson and even in my Sunday school class.
I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.