Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Fascinating! 'Jesus Revolution' - by Greg Laurie & Ellen Vaughn

Cover Art

About the book:

How the Jesus Movement transformed the church--and can transform you
God has always been passionate about turning unlikely people into His most fervent followers. Prostitutes and pagans, tax collectors and tricksters, the pompous and the pious--the more unlikely the people, the more it seems to please God to demonstrate His power, might, and mercy through them. America in the 1960s and 1970s was full of many such unlikely characters--young men and women who had rejected the conformist religion of their parents' generation, iconoclasts who didn't follow the rules and didn't fit in. It was the perfect setting for the greatest spiritual awakening of the twentieth century.

With clarity, humor, passion, and purpose, Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn tell the remarkable true story of the Jesus Movement, an extraordinary time of mass revival, renewal, and reconciliation. Setting intriguing personal stories within the context of one of the most tumultuous times in modern history, they draw important parallels with our own time of spiritual apathy and outright hostility, offering hope for the next generation of unlikely believers--and for the next great American revival.

Because God can always bring a new Jesus Revolution.

My review:

This book was incredibly fascinating!  I had heard of the Jesus Movement but didn't know much about it, which was why I wanted to read this book.  I was not disappointed!  I loved learning about what was happening culturally, politically, spiritually, etc., that led to the hippies and then ultimately to the Jesus Movement.  Almost all of these names were new to me; it was incredibly interesting to learn about Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee, key figures in the movement, and especially Greg Laurie, who was mentored by them, and also played a big part.  He had a very tough childhood, which makes for an even more amazing redemption story.  His life story was encouraging, surprising and interwoven very well with the broader story Laurie and Vaughn were telling.  The writing was well done, easy to read and moved along nicely.  I was never bored.  I loved the references to music; Larry Norman was actually the only name I knew from this period because of DC Talk's remaking a couple of his songs and he was talked about here, along with other musicians, some Christian, some not.  Finally, there was a chapter about how it could happen again and we can pray for it but ultimately it's up to God.  I laughed, I cried, I learned so much!  I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, the '70s in particular, Greg Laurie's story or one of the most amazing revivals in our nation's history!

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this.  All opinions are my own.

           The Authors

  1. Greg Laurie
    Photo by: Josh Del

    Greg Laurie

    Greg Laurie is senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, with campuses in California and Hawaii. He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19, leading a Bible study of 30 people. Today, Harvest is one of the largest churches in America. More than 5.6...
    Continue reading about Greg Laurie
  2. Ellen Vaughn
    Photo by: Jonathan Whitten

    Ellen Vaughn

    Ellen Vaughn is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker who has written or co-written more than 20 books. Former vice president of executive communications for Prison Fellowship, she collaborated with Chuck Colson on a number of...
    Continue reading about Ellen Vaughn 

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Choosing the Extraordinary Life - by Dr. Robert Jeffress

Cover Art

About the book:

Your roadmap to a life of eternal impact

Too many of us settle for a listless life of mundane routine. We long to discover a greater purpose for our lives, but we don't know how. Dr. Robert Jeffress has an encouraging message for those looking for something more: God not only wants us to enjoy an extraordinary life but has provided a roadmap for doing so.

In this inspiring and motivating book, Dr. Jeffress reveals seven secrets from Elijah that result in a life marked by significance, satisfaction, and success, including

· discovering your unique purpose in life
· waiting on God's timing
· learning how to handle bad days
· and more

For the overworked parent feeling trapped at home, the businessperson feeling unfulfilled in a stagnant career, the Christian worker ministering in obscurity--for anyone who wonders if there's more to life--God's Word reveals seven secrets for experiencing a truly extraordinary life.

My review:

This was a very interesting book with a lot of wisdom.  I thought the chapter about discovering your purpose was eye-opening, especially that what you desire to do might be what God wants you to do; if you're in a growing and personal relationship with God your desires are being conformed to His.  The chapter about waiting on God's timing explained different reasons God may have for us to wait and really made me think and reminded me there is a purpose to it all.  It was also encouraging to read about how to handle bad days, some ways we make them worse and how to combat those actions or attitudes.  It was fascinating learning more about Elijah and I loved the personal stories he told from his own life and the lives of others.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference and live a life of purpose!

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author
  1. Dr. Robert Jeffress

    Dr. Robert Jeffress

    Dr. Robert Jeffress is senior pastor of the 13,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is a Fox News contributor. His daily radio program, Pathway to Victory, is heard on more than 900 stations nationwide, and his weekly television program...

Monday, November 19, 2018

Wonderful and Challenging! 'Into the Deep: Diving Into a Life of Courageous Faith' - by Lauren Gaskill

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About the book:

Develop enduring faith for the turbulent waters of life.

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.

Into the Deep is an invitation to dive headfirst into a life of courageous faith. With endearing warmth and authenticity, Lauren Gaskill shares how she and others have learned to swim with Jesus in the deep waters of life—facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and chronic illness—only to discover a more authentic, enduring faith that cannot be shaken by circumstances. In addition to examining the character of God and the lives of women and men of the Bible who chose to dive deeper with God, she provides practical examples and tools that help us take our faith to the next level by learning to make decisions by faith alone, control our reactions to overwhelming situations, and live a life rooted in love.

Get ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage, and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy!

My review:

This was a wonderful book full of a lot of great advice!  Lauren used a lot of examples from her own life to show where she'd been and how she crawled out of the pit of despair.  I really admired her honesty when she talked about how she'd messed up or that it took her a long time to get to a place of surrender and trusting God and she still has to work at it!  She starts out by saying we need to put our faith in the only one who's trustworthy and will never let us down, Jesus.  Some of my favorite sections were when she pointed out six things you need to know if you're going through a hard time, such as 'you're never alone' and 'God is not punishing you.'  Then she talked about trusting God and how we need to spend time with Him, to really get to know His character.  There were also wonderful chapters on finding His will, overcoming fear and building endurance by putting on the armor of God.  Each chapter had questions to think about where you are on the journey and a prayer.  There were also some wonderful testimonies in the back.  Part of the reason I wanted to read this book was because I could relate somewhat to Lauren as I, too, am dealing with chronic pain and feeling discouraged.  It was very helpful to read about someone I felt could relate a little more to my situation but this book would be great for anyone who's gone through a hard time or is going through one now or will in the future, so everyone could benefit from this book!  I highly recommend it!

I received this book from Abingdon Press.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.


About the author:

Lauren Gaskill Lauren Gaskill is an author, speaker and host of the Finding Joy podcast and Finding Joy Ladies Night Out events. After being diagnosed with an incurable connective tissue disorder, Lauren made it her life mission to encourage others to fight for faith and find joy — no matter what life’s circumstances might bring.

Gaskill is a storyteller who believes stories are powerful and loves how God uses them for His good. She writes and speaks to motivate and inspire others to experience abundant life in Christ. She is particularly passionate about encouraging women to fight for faith and go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Gaskill also writes and speaks about what it looks like to walk with Jesus through pain and suffering.

She lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Find her online at LaurenGaskillInspires.com or on Facebook (lauren.gaskill.inspires), Twitter (lauren_inspires) and Instagram (lauren_inspires).  


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Book Spotlight (and a Giveaway!): 'Teal Paisley Tights' - by Barbara Brutt



Book Spotlight (and a Giveaway!): Teal Paisley Tights by Barbara Brutt



TealPaisleyTights_Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Teal Paisley Tights by Barbara Brutt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Happy Release Day to this debut author!

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About the book:

Title: Teal Paisley Tights
Author: Barbara Brutt
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: November 15, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Life post-graduation was supposed to see the launch of paisley-loving Jadyn’s art career, or at least an art gallery showing one of her watercolor paintings. Instead, this Pittsburgh native is locked into a low-paying, buttoned-up consultant position with an impossible boss. When another colleague is dismissed, Jadyn inherits extra workload, including the company’s biggest client. If she loses him, she’s fired.
Jadyn people-pleases her way through life, resulting in extra work opportunities and a community classroom of art students. But when two guys appear on her doorstep, she just might not be able to people-please her way out of this love triangle. At the end of the day, she can’t please everyone.
Then, because of a small spending problem, Jadyn is evicted from her apartment, and she must move in with her know-it-all sister. Jadyn needs to decide between a job transfer that would place her near her love interest, or a full-time art career with all its risks.
Stretched like canvas between responsibility and dreams, she must choose. Will practicality always win?





About the Author:

barbara brutt

Barbara Brutt, a born and raised Pittsburgher, spent her growing-up years with her nose in a book. After claiming her bachelor’s degree in English, she plunked down hard into a smattering of jobs from shop girl to communications director with a healthy dose of nanny and house-cleaner. Flying to new adventures is her favorite, especially on an airplane or aerial silk. Barbara adores ice cream and only buys purses that provide room for a book or two.
Barbara talks books, aerial silks, faith, and travel on her website and blog at barbarabrutt.com.

CONNECT WITH BARBARA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

teal paisley tights blitz giveaway
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive (US only)
  • a pair of teal paisley tights (one size fits most)
  • $15 Starbucks gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 15, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 22, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Free for Kindle!

LADY OF CONQUEST: A Medieval Romance by [Leigh, Tamara]



















Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Know You More: Multiracial Christian Romance (Savannah Sweethearts Book 1) by [Thompson, Jan]



















Free for kindle!

Amazon

Enjoyable! 'The Christmas Remedy' by Cindy & Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Remedy: An Amish Christmas Romance by [Woodsmall, Cindy, Woodsmall, Erin]



















About the book:

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of "big box" stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface--and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene's Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community--a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can't marry and hold onto her professional job. She's Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases--like the one that claimed her father's life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene's Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what's happened and find the "missing" patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

My review:

I liked this love story about a unique Amish woman.  I've never heard of an Amish woman with a GED who was planning to get more education so it was interesting to learn about her passion for teaching the Amish to take better care of their health.  I admired her dedication and selflessness, though it would be very hard if you met someone you could see a future with.  I really liked her sister Ivy, too; she was fun, smart and told it like it was.  I also liked Joshua and admired his willingness to help Holly find the patient even though it was painful to be around her.  I liked that we got both of their viewpoints along with Brandon's, the pharmacist's son.  He came to help out at the pharmacy so there was a sub-plot about him trying to decide where he wants to spend his future, reconnecting with his dad and finding a little bit of romance.  I liked learning more about pharmacies and the way they work and I liked the mystery as they try to figure out who the patient was.  The cozy Christmas setting was wonderful!  I  would recommend this story if you like Amish fiction!

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and the author.  I was not compensated for this review;  all opinions are my own.