Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are mine.

So, there was a little bit of an fixation on The Beautiful Pretender. I wasn’t able to finish it in one sitting, because…..life. So I carried The Beautiful Pretender in my purse for days. Whenever possible, sneaking a little bit of a chapter or even a page. I may or may not have hidden in a bathroom to read it for a few minutes. It’s just that good of a book! After a particularly busy day, the book fell out of my purse into my car. I tore the house apart looking for it, before I realized where it was. Melanie Dickerson, I blame you for this obsession! [Read more…]

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I find that it’s easier — and more fun — to live a healthy lifestyle in the summer.  With sunshine and a cool breeze, it feels great to go for a walk or a swim.  Are you trying to live a healthy lifestyle? Here’s your chance to help advise the health and wellness industry, and get rewarded while you do it!  Click here to see if you qualify.   (Link removed – opportunity ended) [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Sarah Sundin has found her niche in the WWII genre, creating heroines and hunky main men who can’t help but steal your heart. I’ve had the chance to read several of her stories; if you want to catch my reviews just click here. Out of all these titles, Anchor in the Storm has been my favorite. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains my referral or affiliate links; I may receive a small bonus or commission if you join.  Opinions shared are mine!

If you’re a new blogger and want to review products but don’t know where to start, here is a helping hand. A couple of review opportunities are linked below. Feel free to check them out! [Read more…]

If you enjoyed Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett, buckle your seat  belt.  She has a new historical fiction titled Through the Shadows. It arrived for review but, sadly, I didn’t have time to read it with the end of the school year looming. Thus my dear sister came to my rescue and helped me out.  Here’s Allison’s review of Through the Shadows.

Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett is thought provoking Christian fiction. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive a Yonanas inspirational desserts product sample. Opinions shared are mine.

This summer, there will be no dessert-fueled guilt.  Instead, I’ll go straight for the Yonanas to create inspirational desserts that taste like frozen yogurt.  Finally, something other than banana bread can come of our overripe bananas! I’m thrilled that other fruits can be used in the Yonanas dessert maker, too. We purchase a lot of fruit at the farmer’s market (blueberries, strawberries, apples, and more). Since it’s not covered in preservatives and shellac, the fruit must be consumed within a day or two. Freezing it to use in the Yonanas machine will be a big moneysaver, but will seem like a treat! [Read more…]

Disclosure:  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received this book in exchange for this review and post.

The danger of being a missionary wasn’t real to me until I went to college.  During my summers at church camp, we always heard from an African missionary, or perhaps someone serving in Haiti. We heard the stories of poverty, saw the painful images of hunger, and were moved by the stirring testimonies given by these Christian families who had given up their comfort for the sake of bringing others to Christ.  Even as a child, I was willing to give money to the cause, but never considered going into the missionary field. When I went to college, I heard about the modern martyrs.  Those men and women who served in faraway places, where peril was only balanced by the need.  One couple stands out in my mind — Jim and Elizabeth Elliot. The selfless love of this couple cost a man his life, and his wife stayed to continue his ministry despite the fact that the people she was trying to save were the same people who killed her husband.  That’s serious grace!!  The book Bearing Witness reminded me of those stories that show the harder side of discipleship.

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Becky Wade is one of those authors who makes Christian fiction fun. She throws a little twist in the almost-predictable, making it seem fresh and new. Her clean romance novels aren’t always sugary sweet, either. When Litfuse sent me a copy of Her One and Only, my heart was happy!! Isn’t the cover cute? Incidentally, it’s a real-life married couple who posed for this cover. Super cute!
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In 2012, I was asked to represent my school by attending the “Straight to the Top” conference. Most of the meeting was familiar territory — slideshows, guest speakers, and data. One of the speakers really caught my attention that day. Nika Maples, Texas Teacher of the Year for 2007, stood out because she could stand. Her message spoke so loudly to my heart that I remember her to this day (and believe me, I’ve heard a lot of guest speakers!) She encouraged teachers at the meeting to find their joy again. Although we often get bogged down with the bureaucracy of paperwork,  testing, and other minutia, it’s the love of teaching children that drives us every day.  When I had the opportunity to review her book Hunting Hope, I was thrilled.  I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say this time!

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Disclosure: The post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Excuse me if I make a few blunders in this post. I just got back from a 3-day camping trip with over 200 6th graders (including my own 6th grade child!)  We had a great time — lots of swimming, learning, and laughter.  Here are some things that are still fresh on my mind. I hope it helps you to pack what your kids need for year-end activities and summer camps.

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