A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen A Review

With Winter upon us I am pleased to know a few moms like me who love to read AND talk about the books they've read. We love to share books we have enjoyed that are shaping our lives! Winter in Maine is taking on new meaning for me...

BOOK CLUB SEASON!

We read fiction and non-fiction and learn and grow from each book chosen and discussed. Before our next book club meeting begins and since we are now in a new season of Winter, I was pleased to be chosen to review this book for CWA, A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen.

Hope for all seasons. Encouragement for all times. Love from God for all year. “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) 

ISBN: 978-1621417705| List Price: $13.95|Format: Softcover | Page Count: 110

My Thoughts on this book:

I really loved this book. It is a quick read but jam-packed with wonderful words of wisdom from Patti as she shares her life's lessons in different seasons while weaving scripture though out.

The book begins in Winter with December and coincidentally that is right where I am at in the calendar month! What I liked about this book was it isn't just another book about the "seasons of life". As I read along with the author she not only describes the different seasons of life but she walks you through each MONTH of the seasons bringing hope and inspiring her readers to keep looking for God every day no matter what season He is bringing you through! In Winter's darkest days, "Hope, renew, and wait on the Lord". In the Spring she encourages the reader to "change, plant, and trust". In Summer, we should "give, celebrate, and rest". In Autumn, we should practice "harvest, believe, and thank".

I think this is a wonderful little book every woman should read to inspire and reflect on life, no matter what season they are experiencing right now!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtBpV4bVWag

About the author:

Patti Tingen is an award-winning author and speaker. She also serves as an elder at her church and is involved in various ministries including prayer and teaching. Patti’s nonfiction inspirational books have offered hope and encouragement to many. Her book, A God for All Seasons: Inspiration and Reflection for All Times, won the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal for Christian Non-Fiction. Patti’s prayer is that her words of personal experience, humor and testimony will continue to bless and inspire others. Patti lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her husband Doug and their cat Braveheart. Please visit http://pattitingen-author.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

Patti's BLOG

A God for All Seasons at AMAZON

Follow Patti on TWITTER

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

When Chicks Hatch by Heather Randall A Review

ASIN: B00OZQP3OS| List Price: $2.99 kindle (on Amazon) or $10 print (on author website)|Format: Softcover or Kindle |

I write reviews for Christian Women Affiliate and when I saw that our very own Heather Randall, the CEO of the company was offering up her own book for review, I jumped at the chance to deviate from Day Planners and historical fiction to a good "chick book"! I was not disappointed!



"She had prayed for it in secret, exposing her loneliness only to God. She knew God had heard her, just as he’d heard every other prayer, whether it was a silent prayer from her heart or spoken out loud. Could it be that a door was opening and her life would soon be moving at a faster pace with love front and center?"

This is just one of the heart cries of the five women in this book who come to realize that life has ups and downs. No one is perfect. But there is a God who forgives and when we walk in God's amazing grace, we can find hope once we break free of our shells and cast our cares on Him.

In When Chicks Hatch we meet Nicky, who finds out her boss is having an affair. Sydney, a college student, who gets involved with a married man and lies about it and has to pay the consequences for her actions. Then there's Alexis who's marriage is falling apart and has no happy ending in sight. Alexis' sister, Kristen, a nurse, who has always had guy friends but has she pushed them all away leaving her to be alone the rest of her life? And don't forget the "princess", Jennifer who desires one thing that her husband hasn't been able to give her but maybe her friend can?

At first this book was a little hard to follow because of the five different story lines. But I quickly found it amusing as I learned to follow the lives of these five different women as their stories began to slowly intersect. I won't give away much but I was in tears near the end. The author has written this book so beautifully that you feel so much love for the characters that you wanted to hate in the beginning of the book. There are a lot of life lessons learned in this book. One of my favorite lines comes from the mother of Sydney, Mrs. Flannery.

“You'll learn. It takes time to kill the flesh, honey. It's kind of like those candles your father used to put on Mitchell's cake--the ones that relight when you think they're out. You've got to keep huffing and puffing and maybe even use the help of water before it's over, but eventually it's over, and that candle can't be lit even if you try
-Mrs. Flannery”
― Heather Randall, When Chicks Hatch

That line really drove home the lesson for me about how we don't change overnight. As much as we would love to see others make a 180 in their life or see a 180 in our own life, it takes time to see the results we want. Often God has a bigger plan and the answers to our prayers may not be at all what we were expecting!

If you like a fairly quick read and a good, clean, Christian, chick book, full of twists and turns and want a greater sense of how God works out every last detail of your own life for His greater purpose, you might want to pick up a copy of this book! Better yet, download a copy, now!

About the author:

Heather Randall began her writing career with baby steps, literally. In 2003 she started blogging about her mommy adventures and connecting with like-minded women online. During this time she was also preparing the final bits of a novel that had been written with pen and paper. A friend typed it all up properly for her and, at last, in 2011 When Chicks Hatch was published.

In 2013 He paved the way for her to purchase Christian Women Affiliate.

She now serves as the CEO of Christian Women Affiliate, LLC and all of its divisions including the CWA Radio Network and The CWA Review Crew. She especially enjoys serving fellow writers through her company. Heather still leaves time for God to fill her up with stories and she is currently working on a second novel.

Heather's hobbies include spending time with family, writing, reading, creating and trading mail art, homeschooling and blogging. Heather and her husband, four children, Mom, three cats, a dog, and a frog all reside in Oklahoma.


Website: http://www.heatherrandall.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRandallBooks

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWAreviewCrew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMRandall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/heather-randall/19/8bb/b61

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HeatherRandallCWA/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heathermrandall/

Instagram: instagram.com/cwaheather

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11475687-when-chicks-hatch?ref=atw

I received a free Kindle download of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Faith Joseph's Story A Novel and Christian Bible Study A Review

A novel, a Bible study, a leader's guide all in one book?! Yes, it's true! Faith, Joseph's Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage has beautifully crafted the Bible story of Joseph's life written as though it is from his own perspective, while adding a full Bible study AND a leader's guide right in the book!

About the book:

"At the age of seventeen, Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, faces the wrath of jealousy, hatred, and deceit from his own brothers. He is thrust into a world of slavery, lust, and power. Joseph experiences a culture so different from his own that he must adapt quickly just to survive. He learns to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and be content in the difficult circumstances that challenge him far too often.

Narrated by Joseph himself, FAITH Joseph’s Story communicates the power of this young man’s faith-faith that began in the midst of a plot to murder him and ends with his rise to power in Egypt. It show the perseverance one must find to overcome the negative experiences that happen in life, and it provides a testament to the importance of placing complete faith and trust in God."

About the author:

Sandra Hardage considers Jesus Christ her Savior and her family including husband, children and grandchildren the chief blessings in her life. She has been married to her husband Jim for forty-four years, has three grown children with Christian spouses and eight grandchildren between the ages of two to fifteen.

From the age of ten, God began to stir a desire in Sandra’s heart to become a teacher.  She did in fact fulfill that desire and has worked in education all her life. Positions she held in pursuit of teaching include: public school teacher, coordinator of a televised GED-ONTV program, coordinator of an Adult Education Learning Center, coordinator of Technology, Distance Learning and Media for an education cooperative, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, associational women’s ministry director and online Bible teacher.

During years as Sunday school teacher, the Lord placed on her heart the sensitivity for the feelings of Biblical characters. As a result, she began writing stories of God’s people.  After retiring, the Lord placed Joseph on her heart and over a four and a half years period, she wrote FAITH Joseph’s Story, a novel and Bible Study.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Science in Education degrees and has taken many courses along the way to hone the skills needed for the jobs that God placed in her path including computers, web design, distance learning, curriculum and much more. She feels that every area in teaching and learning were in preparation for her current role as creator and founder of the online ministry: My Journey of Faith. http://myjourneyoffaith.com

The ministries website is a gathering place for encouraging Christians women in their daily journey of life. It is her desire for this ministry to be used by God to encourage Christians and uplift the name of Jesus Christ by sharing stories through CWA Radio, My Journey of Faith magazine, Bible studies, blogs and more.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a great book! I really enjoyed revisiting the story of Joseph from the Bible and reading it again from a fictional perspective of none other than Joseph himself! I love historically accurate fiction and I thought the book captured Joseph's story in a way that draws the reader in to really consider what it must have been like to be one of twelve sons, and favored by his father. It helped me consider Joseph as a real person and not just a character in a Bible story. I had never given much thought to how many years Joseph was in the Pharaoh's palace before the story reaches its climax. I recommend anyone could read this book and gain a little bit more insight to the real Joseph of the Bible from a fictional perspective.

The other great part about this book is the fact that it is actually three books in one! The novel begins on the opening pages but is a quick read and ends on page 67. The rest of the book is a Bible study followed by a Leader's Guide as a companion to the Bible study. This is a great way to take the history of the story and go really in depth into a Bible study of the history of Joseph's family, their family traits, family life, the study of Joseph's dreams, and many more topics. Along the way Sandra also shares a bit of her own faith walk and truths of the Bible regarding the salvation message.

If you re looking for an in depth Bible study on the life of Joseph this would be a great one to choose!

You can order your copy over at Amazon here.

Order at Barnes and Noble here.


ISBN: 978-1-4627-2783-4(sc) |List Price: $14.99 |Format: Softcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-4627-2785-8 (hc) |List Price: $33.95 |Format: Hardcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-462-72784-1 (e) |List Price: $3.99 | Format; E-Book | Page Count: 206



For more information about Sandra Hardage come check out her sites!

http://sandrahardage.com/


https://twitter.com/myfaithjourney


https://www.facebook.com/MyJourneyOfFaith


http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandra-hardage/75/812/529

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Esther Queen of Persia by Jim Baumgardner, A Review

I've been busy homeschooling my kids and getting ready for our oldest to graduate from our homeschool, but thought I might get another review in for you, my readers! I read a couple of books over the winter that were really great and inspiring. I was looking for something inspiring again, maybe empowering too as I conquered oodles of paperwork to get my son ready for college. Something historical I thought, because I love history, since history is after all, His Story. So something also biblically based, but not necessarily a dry history book sounded just right. When I read about this book Esther Queen of Persia I was excited to dive in and see what it was all about. It did not disappoint.

ISBN: 978-0988410718| List Price: $16.95 | Format: Softcover & ebook | Page Count: 304

About the book:

Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

About the Author:

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19thCentury. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.

You can learn more about the author by clicking on the websites below.

www.biblenovels.net

http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/

http://www.sarahbooks.net/

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Goodreads

The Author was also nominated for:

Finalist for Book of the Year

You can purchase your copy on Amazon.

See what others are saying about the book.

My Thoughts:

Before reading this book, I went and reread the book of Esther to brush up on the biblical facts of the life of Esther. I found the book followed the biblical account of Esther but from a fictional perspective. In our homeschooling we have really enjoyed reading historical fiction to gain a better understanding of the time period we are studying. I think this would be a great book to read alongside the Ancient History time period during the rein of King Ahasuerus. It is a very descriptive account of Esther's time in the King's palace and how she is chosen to become Queen and ultimately helps her Jewish people. I have always loved stories of simple people God uses in big ways. While this is a fictional account of the life of Esther, it does follow the Biblical account and is a good read. I would recommend you pick up a copy and check it out!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Are You Playing by House Rules? A Review

Joe's estranged wife has just been involved in a horrible car accident. The doctors want to declare her brain dead so they can harvest her organs for another wealthy patient. But the hospital  soon becomes aware that Joe's wife is actually pregnant. Now more than one life hangs in the balance. A spiritual battle has begun for the life of Mary and her unborn child. In walks Robert. An outspoken Christian man with some strong values and heavy knowledge of the Constitution. He even has strong opinions about social security numbers and birth certificates. The hospital bills are growing, the Christian school where Joe teaches is being threatened with lawsuits. How much more can Joe take and will he be strong enough to make the right decisions to help preserve the life of his unborn child if his wife never recovers? Will his new faith in Jesus Christ really help him trust that God has everything in His control including the very soul of his wife? Will God hear his prayers and save his wife and child?

About the Authors:

Darren Grant, has a B.S.Ed. chemistry,M.S. Science Education, and has been a certified science teacher since 1991. For the first twelve years he taught within the public school systems of Kansas and Missouri. He became frustrated with all of the systematic built in problems inherent in public education. He learned first hand while he was a state representative delegate for the Kansas NEA that the problems in public education exist by design. The NEA exists to indoctrinate students - not educate them. He was tired of being part of the problem, so he left and taught for seven years in a private christian school. Darren is still certified, and continues working as a teacher and presenter for Real Ark Ministries.

Cara Grant, B.S. Vocal Performance, worked as a CPhT until our marriage in 1999. Since that time she has devoted her life to raising our six children. In December 2005 they formally launched Real Ark Ministries as an educational ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of their friends asked what led them to investigate these issues and write this book. It certainly wasn’t an abundance of free time! They had plenty of activity to fill their days with running a small goat dairy, building a debt-free home, raising and homeschooling their six children, and Darren working full time outside the home as a science teacher. In 2000, they began to study freedom, the Constitution, and the Code of Federal Regulations. These topics eventually led them to study socialism, communism, and the New World Order. As they studied, they saw an evil no one seemed to be warning others about: the slavery of the church and the slavery of the common man. After the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, they felt even more compelled to warn others of the dangers of enslaving our churches and our children.

After a wildfire in Aug. 2011 took their home and most of their earthly belongings, they again evaluated what the most important issues in life should be. In this book, Darren and Cara have only provided a small sampling of the body of knowledge that exists on these two topics. Their prayer is that readers will take the time to study not only the dangers of church incorporation, but also the dangers of social security numbers and birth certificates.

Why social security numbers and birth certificates? Because these documents are the foundational documents for the enslavement of this generation and the next. 

My Thoughts:

I could hardly put this book down! It reminded me a little like some of Frank Peretti's writings as this book shared with the reader some of the hidden powers of darkness that were at work effecting the characters lives. There were many ideas in the book that challenged me such as birth certificates and social security numbers as well as church incorporation, three of the main themes running through the book. A few times I even stopped to look up a website or book or author and was impressed that this book, even though fiction, had real research with real websites that I could go and look up for myself.

This book had a great story and was worth the read if you read the more challenging issues like birth certificates and social security numbers with a grain of salt. However, if you are concerned about government and its role in your family's lives and would love to be inspired and challenged to research more, this is a wonderful book to make you think and research for yourself what is really going on in America.  Do you know what the Constitution really says or are you willing to have your life played out by others using "House Rules"? 

Buy the book here!

ISBN: 978-0983835967 | ASIN:  B009XMDY4U| List Price: $17.99/ 9.99 in Kindle | Format: Soft cover and kindle | Page Count: 370

Or at Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.