THE DEVOTED LIFE CREATIVE JOURNAL

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Religion and Spirituality/Christian

Imitation Leather: 208 pages

• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (December 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226879
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

Synopsis: Come Experience It for Yourself. . . Life Is Good with a God Who Is Great!

This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great!  

Review: This journal is marketed as a 30-day journal for teen girls. However, as a 57 yr.-old woman, I found it inspirational and instructive...and I'm using each section as a five-day study.  The journal prompts are especially helpful in applying the scriptures to your daily life. Topics discussed include relationships (friendships, family), identity, God's authority, prayer, reading the Bible, etc.  At the end of the book, there are 9 pages with simple borders to “Create Your Own Hand-Lettered Scripture Art.” The book looks a little bland when you first look through it, but once the reader colors some of the pictures and writes about the journal prompts, there will be a lot of color, and each book will be unique.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Rating: Five stars

#BELOVED:365 DEVOTIONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN #FlyBy

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian Devotional

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 2, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780310762775
• ISBN-13: 978-0310762775
• ASIN: 0310762774

Inspire young women to be all they can be

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women is a topical devotional that uses the inspiring stories of girls and women in the Bible—such as Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Abigail—to encourage faith and confidence as well as provide insight into topics like relationships, inner beauty, and chasing your dreams.

Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse about a biblical girl or woman, as well as journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives. Perfect for everyday use, Beloved will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, two-color interior pages, and a ribbon marker.
Find it and buy it: http://www.zondervan.com/p/beloved-devotional/ 

Review: I enjoy devotionals like this which speak specifically to women. While this is geared for young women, aged 16-25, it is also appropriate for women of all ages. Using stories of women from the Bible, it encourages women to live in faith and confidence. A variety of topics are covered throughout, including relationships, inner beauty, pursuing goals.

Each day includes a short passage of Scripture about a girl in the Bible and a devotional that helps girls think about the passage. It also includes a couple of journaling lines so girls can respond or pray in writing.

The cover is beautiful and sturdy, the pages have a cute floral design, and it includes an attached ribbon bookmark.



Rating: Five stars

BLOG TOUR: Going For Broke--How To Suffer Well by Shannon Medisky

Title: GOING FOR BROKE: HOW TO SUFFER WELL
Author: Shannon Medisky
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 61
Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Devotional

Synopsis: Hardship hurts and suffering sucks.

But there’s very important work—and rewards—we need to be occupied with in the middle of it all.

Suffering has a way of stretching us beyond ourselves. It prompts us to stretch outside of our current comfort zones. But no matter how we feel, we don’t have to be buried by our challenges and circumstances. Instead, we can recognize that God has planted us right where we are for a reason: It’s time to get growing.

Here’s how.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon / B&N

Watch the Trailer!

Review: I was very impressed by the positive attitude of the author throughout this book. She reminds the reader that suffering is a part of our human experience, but we don't have to let it break us. She provides anecdotes from her own life, as well as talking about the suffering of such Biblical figures as Noah and Moses, to show how you can grow closer to God during your times of suffering. 

The author has a very unique writing style which makes the reader feel this book is written just for them. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from her in the future.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

“Shannon’s writing is infused with an abiding passion, a marked sensitivity to the needs of her readers and a tangible wisdom gleaned from real life experience,” Danielle D.

Shannon Medisky is a leading expert in struggling with stress, screwing up and seeking God in the midst of it all. Sometimes funny but always real, Shannon’s writing is infused with practical ideas designed to help others create positive, real change in their daily lives. In short, Shannon writes about how to intentional move from simply “going on” to growing on—by God’s grace.

Shannon’s articles, insights and ideas have been featured in Exceptional Parents, Adoptive Families, Hybrid Mom, Mothering and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. For the past nine years, Shannon’s also worked as contributing writer and curriculum designer for OneHope, a global nonprofit ministry devoted to sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel with youth and children worldwide. To learn more, visit GraceToGrowOn.com.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 1

Book Feature & Tour KickOff at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, October 2

Book Teaser Feature at PUYB Book Teasers

Wednesday, October 3

Book Feature at The Writer’s Life

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Monday, October 8

Book Feature at An Imperfect Christian Mom

Tuesday, October 9

Book Feature at Book Bloggin’ Princess

Wednesday, October 10

Book Feature at A Title Wave

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Monday, October 15

Book Feature at I’m Shelf-ish

Wednesday, October 17

Book Feature at Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic

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Monday, October 22

Book Feature at My Bookish Pleasures

Wednesday, October 24

Book Feature at Write and Take Flight

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Wednesday, October 31

Book Feature at Nuttin’ But Books

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Monday, November 5

Book Trailer Featured at Blogging Authors

Tuesday, November 6

Book Feature at Lori’s Reading Corner

Wednesday, November 7

Book Feature at As the Page Turns

Friday, November 9

Book Feature at Bound 2 Escape

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Monday, November 12

Book Feature at The Literary Nook

Wednesday, November 14

Book Review at Sefina Hawke’s Books

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Monday, November 19

Book Feature at Book Cover Junkie

Wednesday, November 21

Book Feature at Jody’s Book Reviews

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Monday, November 26

Book Feature at SheWrites

Tuesday, November 27

Book Review at The Book Connection

Friday, November 30

Book Review at Book Babble

Book Review at Books for Books

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Stepparenting With Grace: Encouragement For Blended Families by Gayla Grace

BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Christian living; Devotional; Family

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Inspired (August 7, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683972686
• ISBN-13: 978-1683972686

Synopsis: These devotions provide companionship, encouragement, understanding, and biblical insights from a veteran stepmom. This trusted resource will help you gain strength, wisdom, and comfort as you navigate the rocky terrain of creating a blended family.  You will learn how to:
Trust a loving God when the kids do not.
Find unity in your new marriage and parenting through grace and understanding.
Explore your worth in Christ amid rejection.
Gain confidence in the stepparent role as you take on the armor of God.
Persevere through challenges and obstacles toward healthy, thriving relationships.
Each devotion begins with Scripture along with an encouraging thought for the day and closes with prayer.

Review: This is a resource I would highly recommend for any blended family. The devotions are relatively short, and each one is practical and filled with encouragement. The author writes from her own experiences and does so with understanding, love, and knowledge. The index is arranged so that the reader can easily find a devotional about a specific topic or immediate need.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Gayla Grace is the leader and co-founder of Sisterhood of Stepmoms, a non-profit organization designed to create community and a retreat for stepmothers. She holds a master's degree in Psychology and Counseling and founded StepparentingWithGrace.com more than a decade ago to offer coaching services, resources, and other encouragement to stepfamilies. Gayla and her husband, Randy, have five children in their blended family, ages sixteen to thirty-two, and reside in Bossier City, Louisiana, with an ours child still at home.

Too Blessed To Be Stressed. . .Inspiration for Every Day: 365 Devotions for Women by Debora M. Coty

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian Living, Inspirational, Devotional

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (January 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1634098102
• ISBN-13: 978-1634098106

Synopsis: Thousands of women have had the pleasure of reading the wit- and near-wisdom-filled books from beloved inspirational humorist, Debora M. Coty. Her Too Blessed to be Stressed has become a perennial favorite, selling upwards of 46,000 copies since its 2011 release. Now, ready to rescue you from the joy-sucking dully-funks, is an all-new 365-day devotional featuring just-right-sized, truth-filled readings (gift-wrapped in humor) for your heart. The Too Blessed to be Stressed daily devotional touches on everyday life topics like relationships, love, boundaries, hope, brokenness, and praise, while helping you to arrive at healing, refreshment, and revitalization of spirit, body, and faith.

Review: I'm always on the lookout for a good devotional book for the new year, and this one is amazing. I've read a few other books by this author, and enjoy her insight and humor, so I had high hopes for this devotional. After spending time with it each morning for thirteen days now, I am not in the least disappointed. 

Each day's entry is a quick read (less than five minutes), but it will leave you with things to think about for the rest of the day. Each entry has a short catchy title, a Bible verse which shares God's love for us, a short story that feels like a friendly conversation with the author, and a short one or two sentence prayer to start your daily conversation with God. 

I highly recommend this to any woman of faith who is looking for a resource which will aid your walk with God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

A poster child for "It's never too late to chase the dreams Papa God places in your heart,"Deb began writing professionally after her youngest chick flew the coop back in 2002 Since then, Deb has been blessed with over 140 published articles, and 15 award-winning inspirational books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed; More Beauty, Less Beast; Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate; and Too Loved to be Lost. She loves to swat a tennis ball around a court and hike in the mountains. Deb lives, loves, and laughs in central Florida with her husband of 36 years, Chuck, and her desperately wicked pooch, Fenway. Debora would love to visit you at http://deboracoty.blogspot.com/

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: My Mother's Quilts by Ramona Richards

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian Devotional

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Inspired (March 8, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1617956120
• ISBN-13: 978-1617956126

Synopsis: Inspired by thirty family heirloom quilts, each devotion in My Mother’s Quilts shares the enduring legacy of faith, family, and tradition in our lives. Rich, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, readers will find their own lives reflected in the author’s memories and the lessons and encouragements drawn from the quilters whose legacy lives on in their work. Woven through it all is the message of God’s grace and faithfulness, as strong as the bonds of the generations and as comforting as the oldest and softest quilt that your grandmother ever sewed. Beautiful, four-color photos of each quilt are included.

Review: As you can see below, the pictures in this book are amazing. That alone would have been enough reason for me to enjoy it...just to flip through and look at all the wonderful pictures. 

But this little book is so much more than just the pictures. Each devotional tells the story of an individual quilt, and includes a prayer starter of a sentence or two, as well as a Bible verse. I read through the entire book in one sitting, but will also go back and use it as a daily devotional guide.

My grandmother was a quilter, and I have a couple of her quilts in my home, so that makes this book even more special to me. It will have a place of honor on our coffee table, where it will no doubt get picked up often and looked at by visitors.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**


Rating: Four stars

About the author
Ramona Richards is an award-winning editor, speaker, author of nine books, and a frequent contributor to devotional collections. An avid live music fan, Ramona loves Nashville, which she’s called home since she was ten. Sensing her mother was near the end of her life, Ramona documented her mother’s stories and lessons behind each family quilt. These stories form the devotions in My Mother’s Quilts. Find out more about Ramona and her books by visiting her online at ramonarichards.com.

CONTEST OFFER!

Win one of the quilts featured in #MyMothersQuilts by Ramona Richards. Also up for grabs: loads of other prizes including quilting hand warmers, coloring books, and 25 signed copies of Ramona’s book. Winners will be emailed after the contest ends on June 30, 2016. Click the link to get started!
http://www.sharethesebooks.com/#!mymothersquilts/l83ip

A Walk In The Valley: Christian Encouragement For Your Journey Through Infertility, by Julie Arduini, Heidi Glick, Elizabeth Maddrey, Kym McNabney, Paula Mowery, and Donna Winters

Synopsis: Everyone's journey through infertility is different. Even women who have the same physical problems will have different courses of treatment, different responses, and different emotional ups and downs as they walk this path. But we also have so much in common: the hurt, anger, frustration, pain, sorrow, hope and joy that we have experienced along the way.
We are women who have experienced infertility. Some of us have gone on to conceive, others have adopted, and others remain childless. All of us have found peace in the loving arms of our Father God at the end of our journey. We want to share our experiences and thoughts with you. It is our hope and prayer that you'll be encouraged.

This devotional workbook starts with how each woman discovered her infertility, then explores the diagnostic testing pursued, how they processed the official diagnosis, what decisions had to be explored regarding treatment, their experiences during infertility treatment (including pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth), and finishes with their experiences in remaining childless, adoption, foster care, child sponsorship, and the emotional healing regardless of the outcome of their infertility journey.

Each devotional has a Scripture focus and questions for thought and discussion.

Thoughts: I have never dealt with infertility personally, but reading these stories and devotionals from ladies who HAVE been on the journey gave me a great deal of insight into their situations.

Each of the ladies lead you through their personal journey, being totally honest about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Each of them has had a uniquely personal journey, so it's not as though you are reading six accounts of the same thing. If you are going through infertility, or know someone who is, you can find the segments which apply to your/their situation and read those, or you can read the whole book to find out what others go through as well.

The most important aspect of this book for me is that it lets women know they are never alone, and that they are never "less" as a woman for coping with infertility.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Five stars