Monday, November 26, 2012

Book Review: Christmas Uncut

I recently had the opportunity to review "Christmas Uncut: What Really Happened and Why It Really Matters..." by Carl Laferton, and I have to say, this was unlike any book I've ever read before.

Starting each chapter with a scene from a children's Christmas play and fun little drawing, this book was written for adults. It looks like it would be cute for kids, but there are certain parts that parents might want to use caution about.

After the cute little rendition of Christmas plays gone bad, the author covers what really happened during that first Christmas season. After he retells the story he gives the reader the verse reference so that they can look it up for themselves if they wish before plunging into the "Why it really matters" section.

I think my absolute favorite part of the book was the closing remarks. Mr. Laferton covered what to do with the information he presented, whether it was all made up, how we could know that Jesus was the Christ, and  the truth of the Resurrection.

All in all, this was a neat little book. You can get yourself a copy on Amazon.com
You might also want to watch the following video:



















As I mentioned, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Cross Focused Reviews. You can read what other reviewers had to say at: http://crossfocusedreviews.com/2012/11/christmas-uncut-blog-tour/

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Book Review: Courting Cate

In the country outside of Paradise, Pennsylvania  Cate's life is anything but a paradise - but it could be, if only her father wasn't dead set on her finding a husband. Sure, it's the Amish way for women to wed, but there are those who are known to stay single, and that's what Cate has in mind. Besides, if she doesn't have to worry about the tedious jobs that come with being a homemaker, she can focus on her real dreams and interests. Will Cate be granted the life she dreams of, spend life slaving away to please her father, or will her true paradise be found where she least expects it?

You'll have to read "Courting Cate" by Leslie Gould to find out. You can get a copy from Amazon.com, but I got my copy free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - and honestly, this novel was simply wonderful! I was captivated from the very beginning and finished the rather thick book in just over 24 hours. Where most novels give you insight to more than one character's POV, this one stuck with just one. I liked the simplicity to that. It left me in suspense to what was going on on the other side of things and really helped me relate more to the main character. Leslie Gould did an awesome job with this book.

Oh, and besides this book being awesome, LitFuse publicity is giving away a Kindle Fire on Tuesday. Find out more below:

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!



One lucky winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Courting Cate by Leslie Gould
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Accidental Pharisee: Book Review

The Accidental Pharisee - We're all guilty of it in one way or another at one time or another. I know I am. But what is the accidental pharisee (other than a book by Larry Osborne, of course)?

It's judging other people because they aren't at the same point in life as you. It's that simple. We all grow at different rates, and God works in us in His time not ours, but where does that leave those who are a step down from us on the ladder of holiness? That's what really drove home for me in this book. Mr. Osborne did is an amazing writer, and I almost read this entire book in one sitting - I just had to stop because it was so convicting! It couldn't have came at a better time either. God most certainly used this book in my life, and I think it will do great things for Christ.

The Accidental Pharisee by Larry Osborne is a book that every Christian needs to read!

Here's what the author had to say about it:

 

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. You can read what other people had to say at: http://crossfocusedreviews.com/2012/10/accidental-pharisees-blog-tour/

Friday, November 9, 2012

Guest Post from Vicki Tiede

I love being invited into someone’s home for the first time. Having the opportunity to join your blog today is a little like that. I get to meet new people, share a little bit about my book, and hopefully make some new friends. So, thank you, Heather, for inviting me to your home blog.


A friend recently asked, “What makes When Your Husband is Addicted to Pornography different than other books written for women on this subject?” I explained that this book is not meant to give her tools and skills to fix her husband. It is for and about her, not her husband.


When I speak for a women’s conference or retreat, I always share my story. As a result, I meet many women who share their own stories. Too often they tell me that after their husband revealed his addiction, he went to counseling, joined an accountability group, used filtering software … in other words, he did all the “right” things, but she is still hurting, doesn’t trust him, feels betrayed, won’t let him touch her, is angry … There are great books that will help a woman understand her husband’s addiction, but I wrote my book to help her deal with her heart and these issues.

I’m not a counselor, but I am a wife whose heart has been restored after experiencing the betrayal associated with a husband addicted to pornography, and I have a deep love for the Wonderful Counselor. I feel strongly that Jesus is best equipped to tend to a broken heart and offer hope and healing to a woman regardless of her husband’s daily choices about pornography.

A husband’s use of pornography is not about the wife. I hope he has told her this, but I suspect that even if he did, she isn’t sure. She should believe it. Pornography is a selfish act meant to meet his own perceived needs. That means she is not in competition with digitally enhanced images of other women. This is not about her appearance, her sexual availability, or her competence in the bedroom. She does not need to be a size 8, get a tummy tuck, or engage in sexual acts that make her uncomfortable.

I want my reader to know that this is not her fault. In the end, we are all responsible for ourselves and how we walk in obedience to God’s Word—or don’t. She can’t control her husband’s choices. I also want to assure her that Jesus can and will take the broken pieces of her heart and make something beautiful of it. Psalm 147:3 confirms that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”



If we believe the statistics, 50-70% of Christian men are struggling with pornography. As I said on the video, it stands to reason then that the women who love them (wives, girlfriends) are also hurting. How has this been handled in your circles of influence? Do people (women) talk about it? Why/Why not?

~~~~~

More about Vicki: I am an author and speaker who has a passion for opening the Scriptures and pointing women to their true source of grace and faithfulness. For the past ten years, I have been honored to speak for numerous women at conferences, retreats, and women’s events. I am the author of three books including When Your Husband is Addicted to Pornography (2012), Plug Me In and Let Me Charge Overnight (2009), and Parenting on Your Knees: Prayers and Practical Guidance for the Preschool Years (coming January 2013). I live in Rochester, Minnesota, with my husband Mike, daughter, and two sons. Visit her on the web.


You can access Sample Chapters from When Your Husband is Addicted to Pornography: Healing Your Wounded Heart by clicking above.
  
Links to buy the book:
NGP 
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble (BN’s processing times are lagging, but it will eventually be available there as well)
CBD