Crossway ESV Journaling Bible Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

One of the things that I’m getting braver about is marking up my Bible. Aside from the normal underlining and making a little sidenote here or there, typically most Bibles don’t offer enough room in the margins to actually write extensive note. I don’t know about you, but my notes from church are ALL over the place: a bulletin here, a small notebook here - so much depends on what I happen to grab at the time.

Crossway has an ESV Journaling Bible (aff link) that may be exactly what you are looking for to merge your devotional time and give you a little space to breathe and jot down your thoughts or sermon notes.

 

One of the things that makes the ESV Journaling Bible stand out the blue flora cloth hard back cover (so soft!). Otherwise, the interior layout is very simple: a two inch lightly-lined margin on the outside of each page for note-taking. The Bible also comes in a hard cardboard case - perfect in case you don’t want to damage it when traveling. The version itself is ESV (English Standard Version), one of my personal favorites.

Features:

• Size: 6.25” x 7.25”
• Cream-colored paper
• 2" ruled margins
• One-Year Bible reading plan
• Book introductions
• Ribbon marker
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Packaging: O-wrap, clamshell box, or permanent slipcase

My only note on the Bible (I absolutely love the cover and layout!) is the text size. My 42 year old eyes love a pretty cover, but the text size may be a little bit smaller to focus on, especially early in the morning if the light is dim. I’m not quite ready for reading glasses, but sadly, this is making me feel like I might (grins).

Win an ESV Journaling Bible

The ESV Journaling Bible is available for purchase here, and through 11/15 you can enter to win a copy from the publisher. Leave a comment letting me know why you’d like to win (for you or a friend?), and I’ll select a winner via Rafflecopter when the giveaway is over.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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 did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Thirty One Gifts ~ $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Last year one of my friends gave me the cutest little cooler bag from Thirty-One Gifts. It was the first that I’d heard of the company and I immediately starting browsing their many bags for organizing and fell in love with the different fabrics and styles available. Not only can you get organized, you can do it with some fun and coordinating fabrics. The Thirty-One product line features purses to totes and everything in between.

Two of my favorite Thirty-One bags have been the Large Utility Tote {we have 2 of these} and the Organizing Utility Tote. Our Large Utility Tote {Aqua Circle Spirals pattern} is working wonderfully as our pool tote. All six of our large beach towels are rolled up inside. The bag measures 11.75” H x 21.5” W x 10” D and has 14” handles. It also collapses practically flat when not in use.

Our swim goggles, swim caps, and sunscreen are stored in a Cinch Sack {Circle Spirals pattern} and that drops into the bag nicely. Having the goggles in a separate bag is handy, especially when they are wet!  The Cinch Sack can be used as a backpack and also has a zipper on the front of the bag for easy access into the bag.

 

The Organizing Utility Tote has been a FABULOUS bag and is currently my teaching tote. It holds so much more than I expected and the little side pockets on it are endless. :) One of the front pockets holds an entire 12-pack of the large dry erase markers. The other pocket hold various pencils, scissors, sharpies, a stapler…and so much more! I dropped in a file folder holder to divide out the inside a little bit, but love this bag.

  

What I LOVE about Thirty-One Bags

• Easy to clean ~ Not that I ever spill anything {my kids are the only ones that make messes ~ ahem}, but the fabric is a breeze to clean up!
• Many of the bags collapse for compact storage ~ when I’m not using them I can fold them down and slide it under a car seat, etc…
• Large variety of colors and prints ~ the catalog has a wide variety of fabrics to choose from and different ones coordinate with each other.
• They are sturdy! The handles and fabric are not flimsy, making them easy to carry around and hold lots of stuff. We’ve used our large utility tote to carry around everyone’s roller blades with no problem. The handles are also nice and long, making the bags comfortable to carry.
• Bags can be personalized ~ if you are giving the bag as a gift or maybe want to label bags with your child’s name, you can choose from a variety of fonts/colors to make it your own.
• Great sales ~ each month Thirty-One runs a special. The special for March 2012 is the Mini Utility Bin ~ for every $31 you spend, you can order a Mini Utility Bin for $8 {a $14 savings on each bag}.

Mary Beth, a Thirty-One consultant, offered to give one of my readers a $25 gift certificate to shop in the Thirty One catalog with her! You can order Thirty-One Gifts online and items will be shipped directly to your home. If you see something you like or have a question, feel free to contact Mary Beth directly.

I know that you won’t have a problem finding something to use in your home, so just follow the directions in the widget below {feed readers will have to click over to the blog to enter}. There are several ways to earn additional entries, so pay attention to those too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a product credit in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I have purchased Thirty-One bags in the past and will continue to purchase them in the future as well. My honest opinion is they are wonderful.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall {Book Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Margaret Macy is just a few month’s away from her twenty fifth birthday and a rather large inheritance. Her new step-father intends to marry her off to his nephew and get his hands on the money that she inherits. In a rash decision, she runs away with her recently discharged servant. With little funds to support her, she is forced to disguise herself and is hired as a servant.

Reality sets in at 5:30 am each morning and Margaret attempts to learn the ins and outs of a life in service. Unfortunately for her, she has been hired to work in the house of one of her former suitors and there are numerous people looking to discover where she is hidden. Will she be able to keep her identity a secret or will she be discovered and forced to marry someone who only intends to take her inheritance?

My Thoughts

Right now one of my favorite tv series focuses on the differences between the lives of servants and the society families. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen was a fun look into the life of a girl who is thrust into the role of servant ~ when she is far from accustomed to doing any bit of work and her attitude has been anything but thankful. As her character adjusts to the new circumstances and her attitude changes toward others, you are pulled into the story and the lives of those that surround her.

I truly have not read a book by Julie Klassen that I have not loved or would not recommend. When this book showed up in my mailbox early one Saturday afternoon, I immediately pulled it out of the envelope, sat down on the couch and read it cover to cover.

I only stopped to make dinner for my family. Even then, I had the book in my hand while stirring the cooking food. {ahem}

Hopefully, that will give you some indication of how much I enjoyed it! Here are a few more books by Julie Klassen that I have also enjoyed: The Girl in the Gatehouse,  The Silent Governess, The Apothecary's Daughter, and Lady of Milkweed Manor. If you enjoy period fiction, you will really enjoy her books!

Find Out More

~ Visit Julie Klassen’s website

~ Buy The Maid of Fairbourne Hall at Amazon.

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall ? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, February 21st at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

A Mile in His Shoes {Movie Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

On his way to recruit a new player for his minor league baseball team, coach Arthur 'Murph' Murphy {Dean Cain} runs off the road and uses the phone at a local farmhouse to call for help. While there, he witnesses their son’s ‘golden arm’ and convinces the family to allow Mickey {Luke Schroder} play for his team. His parents remains unsure about the situation, since Mickey has Asperger’s syndrome, but the coach is convinced that it will work and benefit not only Mickey but the team as well.

A quick video clip from A Mile in His Shoes:

My Thoughts

Our girls are getting to the age where they want to watch movies that are more ‘real life’ based and often I am at a loss to find movies that are clean and provide a redeeming story line. A Mile in His Shoes is one that I am happy to add to our collection and am not worried about the kids watching without me there. This is a movie that will also encourage conversation about how we treat others and encourage others who may not be just like us, and also how they may influence and change our view of things.

Find Out More
A Mile in His Shoes is now available for purchase through Amazon for $9.99 or as a rental for $3.99.

The Giveaway
Would you like to win a copy of A Mile in His Shoes? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Use the widget below {blog feed readers will need to click over and visit the blog to enter}.  The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, January 25th at 12:01 am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: This movie was provided for review by Fly Propeller. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own. I do not need to return this movie, nor was I paid for this review.

 

The Muir House ~ Book Review & Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Willa Muir has been haunted by vague dreams and memories for years. Little by little she has attempted to piece together the memories, but until she can bring resolution to the mystery of her past she refuses to make decisions that will impact her future ~ including marriage to Hale Landon.

With her mother close to death, Willa returns to her childhood home, a former funeral home, to find answers and closure. The current owner of the home has converted the house into a bed and breakfast and although she holds keys to the answers Willa is looking for, she refuses to divulge any information.

When an old boyfriend of Willa’s returns, it throws her emotions into even more of a tailspin. Will the dreams and memories that haunt her come together and bring closure to her past or will she just be unearthing more pain for herself and others?

My Thoughts

I love a change from the typical inspirational romance. While there is a romantic underlying plot, the bulk of the book focuses more on past trauma, the impact it can have on lives for years to come and the possibility of healing. We all make choices in our lives and desire to protect ourselves and others, but when those choices affect the lives of others as well, where do you draw the line?

Overall, I loved this book by DeMuth although the thought of growing up in a funeral home gives me the shudders. :) The mystery of Willa’s past kept me guessing until the end and her characters were very real-to-life. If you’re looking for a book to give you a little bit of mystery, romance and food for thought, The Muir House is a great place to start.

Find Out More

~ Visit Mary DeMuth’s website

~ Buy The Muir House from Amazon

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Muir House? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, .

This book was provided for review by Zondervan. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

We Choose Virtues Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Even if you are not a homeschooling family, the We Choose Virtues program would be a great addition to your family.

Find out more about the program {and enter to win a great giveaway} by clicking the banner below…

Ransome’s Quest by Kaye Dacus {Book Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

When Commodore William Ransome’s sister, Charlotte, is kidnapped from the Tierra Dulce Plantation by a well-known pirate, he sets off in search of her. While on his search, word reaches him that his wife Julia has also been kidnapped by the violent pirate Shaw.

Ransome is put in a position no man should face ~ should he attempt to follow and rescue his wife or his sister? Ned Cochrane offers to help search for Charlotte so that William is free to search for his wife. William finds help in an unlikely source ~ a man considered an enemy of the Royal Navy, but one whom he must trust if he wants to see his wife alive again.

My Thoughts

To say that I was anxiously waiting for the release of this book, would be an understatement. I loved the first two books in this series and couldn’t wait for the conclusion. Although I had a few things figured out in my head as to where the story was headed, Dacus added in some wonderful twists to the story.  Ransome's Quest is full of action and suspense and will leave you wondering what will happen until the end.

Even though  Ransome's Quest is a part of a  series, it can be read independently…but I think you should read all three in order! Be sure to set aside some extra time though, because you won’t be able to put them down.

Find Out More

~ Visit Kaye’s website

~ Buy Kaye’s book on Amazon

~ Read an excerpt from Ransome's Quest

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of Ransome's Quest? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, October 18th at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Harvest House Publishers. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Shunning ~ DVD Review & Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

If viewing in a reader, see the video clip for Beverly Lewis' The Shunning here

From the website release:

Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead.  Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.
The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.

My Thoughts

I have read so many of Beverly Lewis’ books and was excited to see this come to video. This video more than met my expectations and is truly a wonderful production! The filming and acting were more than I expected and I was so glad to hear that they are currently working on the screenplay for the next book in the series {The Heritage of Lancaster County series was three books}.

While some viewers may be disappointed in the ending, it is a part of a series and they did not cram all three story lines into one movie ~ which I am grateful for. There are a few things that would be inconsistent in the Amish society {the wearing of makeup, for instance}, but I understand the world of making people look good on film! :)

The film is listed as unrated, but I would give it a PG rating, although I do not recall any language or other material in the film. One of the main characters does talk about her past when she was an unmarried, pregnant 16-year-old, but everything is handled really well and would be suitable for older children to watch. This is definitely a movie I’ll be holding onto!

Film Specifics

This film is unrated and has a running time of 88 minutes.

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Shunning on DVD?  Fly Propeller has offered a copy to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Monday, September 26th at 8pm.

This movie was provided for review by FlyPropeller. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

To Win Her Heart ~ Book Review & Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Levi Grant has high hopes of starting his live over when moving to Spencer, Texas. He takes over a blacksmith shop, ready to earn an honest living and walk away from the time that he spent in prison for a crime he didn’t mean to commit.

But secrets have a way of catching up to a person, no matter what his intentions are.

Eden Spencer is puzzled by the new blacksmith in town. His size alone is intimidating and at first she doubts his intelligence. As he begins to visit the library she owns, they discuss different books and her affection for him grows and deepens. His faith in God is sincere, but when his past becomes common knowledge, will Levi be able to win and keep the heart of the town librarian?

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. One of the things that I was most impressed with was the effort that she put into the development of Levi Grant. The character has a speech impediment and has difficulty with saying certain letter sounds. Throughout the entire book, the way that Karen Witemeyer directs and rephrases his speech is absolutely amazing {and no small feat}.

It’s because of Levi’s speech impediment that he learned to love literature {to expand his vocabulary} and then comes to develop a relationship with Eden. That same impediment was the root of his past crime ~ both a blessing and a curse at the same time. The true wonder is the redemption of his past and the integrity that he develops as a result of all that happened.

Find Out More

~ Visit Karen Witemeyer’s website

~ Follow Karen on Facebook

~ Buy To Win Her Heart from Amazon

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of To Win Her Heart? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, August 30th, 2011.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

An Unlikely Suitor {Book Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Forced to quickly find a new place for herself, her sister and mother to live, Lucy Scarpelli happens upon a dress shop that has an apartment for rent and room for help in the dress shop. Lucy quickly proves that she has an eye for design and she befriends one of the young socialites, Rowena, that is a customer of the shop.

The unusual friendship results in Lucy traveling to help with some design work at the family’s home in Newport, Rhode Island where she meets an intriguing man while out for her daily walk. Their meetings become more frequent, but a relationship seems out of the question due to their social standings.

Rowena is expected to marry the son of her father’s business partner and is trying desperately to love him and be loved in return. She sees little chance for marriage otherwise because of a childhood accident that left her crippled.

Each person holds secrets that they are unwilling to share with others, but all are entwined in ways they have yet to discover. Will they be able to open their hearts and discover true love and honesty with each other or return home broken-hearted?

My Thoughts

I have to admit that I’m a sucker for book covers, and An Unlikely Suitor was one that caught my eye. While the book cover was what first drew me to the book, the story line kept me awake for hours reading at night. Nancy Moser pulls together the stories of three young girls: Lucy, Rowena and Lucy’s younger sister, Sofia, and weaves a wonderful story set during the Gilded Age {last third of the 19th century} ~ from the tenements of NYC to the mansions of Rhode Island.

It wasn’t until the end of the story that I realized that the characters in this story were actually introduced in another one of Moser’s books, Masquerade, as the family that helped provide shelter to Lottie when she arrived in America {I love it when books tie together like that!}.

About the Author

Nancy Moser is the author of over twenty novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Christy Award finalist Washington's Lady. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She paints canes, kills all her houseplants, and is a fan of anything antique--humans included.

~ Visit Nancy Moser’s website

~ Follow Nancy on Facebook

~ Buy An Unlikely Suitor from Amazon

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, June 29th, 2011.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Israel Gets a King ~ What’s in the Bible 6 {Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

I do believe that out of all of the What’s in the Bible? dvds….we have a favorite one now. Israel Gets a King! has been seen and repeated verbatim in our household a LOT over the last week, thanks to the creativity of the Phil Vischer and friends.

Israel Gets a King! covers the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and looks at the first three kings of Israel: Saul, David and Solomon. It focuses on God’s promise to David and how that promise impacts the salvation story. Through the stories and examples of the kings, children learn the importance of what happens when they make mistakes and what repentance and forgiveness mean.

DVD 5, Israel Gets a King!, features two 25-minute episodes:

Part One: “The People Want a King!” Covering 1 Samuel and the life of Saul as Israel’s first king.

Part Two: “Kings Make Mistakes Too!” Covering 2 Samuel and the first chapter of 1 Kings, including the reigns of King David and his son, King Solomon.

The Man Behind the Series

Phil Visher has been creatively teaching kids {and adults} about the Bible for years, through series such as Veggie Tales and now What’s in the Bible? This new series strives to walk kids through the entire Bible using a fun cast of characters and creative ways, bringing the Bible to LIFE with humor, animation, and fun songs. The What’s in the Bible? series will feature a collection of 13 dvds.

Our Thoughts

You know what has completely enthralled my boys? In the story of David and Saul, Saul turned to the ‘Dark Side’…and there were light sabers involved. My boys are now hooked.  This is just a quick peek for you…

As I was watching along with the kids, I couldn’t stop laughing, especially at the creative use of popsicle stick puppets ~ it will forever make me smile when thinking about Saul chasing David. :)

Find Out More

You can order the What’s in the Bible? dvds from their website, order it through Amazon or pick it up at your local Christian bookstore. Downloads of episodes are also available from the What’s in the Bible? website.

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of Episode #5 ~ “Israel Gets a New King”? Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure to include your email address!  The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, May 24th at 8pm.

I was provided this product in exchange for my honest review of the product. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own…or my children’s.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus {Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

English professor Caylor Evans has a writing past that few people know about and one she isn’t exactly proud of. Although she now writes inspirational romance novels, there was a time when she wrote more ‘steamy’ books under a pseudonym, inspired largely by the model on the cover art for those books. That model still inspires her current writings…and her thoughts of what her ideal man would be.

When Dylan Bradley returns home after losing his teaching position he finds himself immediately drawn to Caylor, but compared to Caylor he feels inadequate. Secrets are hidden in his past that he is hesitant to reveal ~ years ago he put himself through art school by painting cover art for several romance novels.

There is something familiar about Dylan that Caylor can’t quite put her finger on.  Although both are hesitant to take a step toward a relationship, they have grandmothers that enjoy meddling a bit in the lives of their grandchildren…but will they together be able to discover the true art of romance?

My Thoughts

In The Art of Romance, Kaye Dacus introduces two wonderful main characters that you will grow to love as their story unfolds. Dacus tackles some different issues between the two main characters that are not typically addressed: a male that suffered from an emotionally abusive relationship and then an age difference {Caylor is seven years older than Dylan}.  Both of these issues are  handled wonderfully and the characters are deeply developed.

The Art of Romance is the second book in the Matchmaker series by Kaye Dacus and you will love all of the characters introduced in this book, and hopefully we’ll be seeing a spin-off involving all of Dylan’s brothers in the future! I have absolutely loved all of the books that Kaye has written and this one will be put on my ‘to keep’ shelf for sure!

Find Out More

~ Visit Kaye’s website

~ Join Kaye’s Facebook fan page

~ Buy Kaye’s book on Amazon

~ Read an excerpt from The Art of Romance

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Art of Romance? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, May 10th at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Barbour. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake ~ Book Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The prayers of Maggie’s uncle were answered the moment Todd Valmer showed up on Maggie’s doorstep. He had prayed for just that, and it seemed God delivered.

Maggie is also the answer to Todd’s prayers. His mother became ill on the train ride home and they were in search of medical attention. Although Maggie isn’t a doctor, she is known for her healing skills and offers to help Todd’s mother. Soon after his arrival, Todd realizes that Maggie is everything he wants in a wife ~ but he has to convince her.

Maggie agrees to accompany him to Texas as his wife, but the road to happiness has a lot of bumps. Part of Maggie’s heritage is her knack for bartering and she comes with a lot of baggage…quite literally. Todd isn’t accustomed to the clutter and mayhem that Maggie carts around with her and with his mother still an invalid and tight quarters, it leads to some interesting dilemmas.

My Thoughts

Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake is another book that I’ll keep on my shelves. Hake’s characters always have some fun ‘quirks’ that make them stand out and there is something about that I just love!

I have read at least six of Hake’s books and have loved every single one of them! While Hake doesn’t have a ‘series’ per se, Serendipity definitely has some characters that tie into past books that Hake has written. The wonderful thing is each book is a stand-alone and the other characters just ‘breeze through’, but are not crucial to the new book ~ but definitely more fun when you recognize them!

Find Out More

~ Visit Cathy Marie Hake’s website

~ Buy Serendipity at Amazon.

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of Serendipity? Bethany House has offered one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, April 19th at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

A Heart Most Worthy ~ Book Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Three young women from three very different walks of life have one thing in common ~ their employment in Madame Fortier’s dress shop in Boston. Their lives otherwise seem to be completely different.

Julietta is an impetuous flirt who longs to be more American than her Italian heritage allows. Annamarie has resigned herself to serving her family as the oldest daughter. Luciana, the quietest of the three, lives in fear of her life after her father’s assassination.  While their three lives seem worlds apart, they become intricately entwined in ways they cannot fathom, especially as love begins to weave it’s way into their hearts and lives ~ but are they worthy of that love?

My Thoughts

Overall I loved the plot and time of the book A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell. Set in Boston 1918, it gives a look into the lives of immigrant families longing to take their piece of the American dream. Mitchell uses the backdrop of The Great War and the Spanish Influenza to pull the story together.

The variety of characters {having 3 primary characters} was a little difficult to follow at first, and Mitchell makes note of that in her introduction. Once you get into the book a little, the characters begin to fall into place and their stories are easy to figure out.

Find Out More

~ Visit Siri Mitchell’s website

~ Join Siri’s Facebook fan page

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of A Heart Most Worthy? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Surrender the Night {Book Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Earlier this year I reviewed the book Surrender the Night by Mary Lu Tyndall ~ and it was one that I absolutely loved! To celebrate the recent release of the book, Barbour sent me a copy to give away to one of my readers!

Surrender the Night continues the Surrender to Destiny series and follows the story of Rose, an American who rescues an enemy British officer during the War of 1812. Rose feels obligated to care for him because he is injured, but also knows that if he is found on her property both she and her family will be tried for treason.

As Lieutenant Reed recovers, both he and Rose begin to develop affections for each other ~ a dangerous venture in the time of war. Even though Rose wishes him to stay, the primary goal is to help him recover and return him to his ship.

Read my full review of Surrender the Night here.

Win a Copy

Would you like to win a copy of Surrender the Night ? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, March 8th at 8pm.

This giveaway book was provided by Barbour. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Pirate Queen ~ Book Giveaway & Review

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Saphora had planned to just quietly slip out of her home and life without anyone stopping her…or even caring that she had left, especially her husband. Her bags were packed and moments before she was ready to leave, her husband came home and dropped a bombshell.

Cancer.

In that moment, everything changed as he wanted to retreat to the very place she had hoped to escape and hide. Saphora struggles between knowing she needs to help her husband, but their marriage has been anything but stable. Surrounded by family, she observes changes in her husband that trigger changes in her ~ in their relationship with each other and with God.

My Thoughts

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman was not quite what I expected ~ but in a good way. There are so many sub-stories within the book itself that it would be almost complicated to explain it all, except to say that Hickman did a great job tying everything together, without glossing over messy issues and the impact that they can have on individuals and families as a whole. 

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Pirate Queen? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, December 28th at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.