tweet of the week

"Never forget or doubt the love God has for you. It is not conditional but a constant love that never fades or ends. Jn 17:23" - John Bevere (via Jon Marshall)

book review: "sunrise on the battery" by beth webb hart

About the book: "An emptiness dogs Mary Lynn Scoville. But it shouldn’t. After all, she’s achieved what few believed possible. Born in the rural south, she has reached the pinnacle of worldly success in Charleston, South Carolina. Married to a handsome real estate developer and mother to three accomplished daughters, Mary Lynn is one Debutante Society invitation away from truly having it all. And yet, it remains—an emptiness that no shopping trip, European vacation, or social calendar can fill.

While her husband commits social suicide and the life they worked so hard for crumbles around them, Mary Lynn wonders if their marriage can survive. Or if perhaps there really is a more abundant life that Jackson has discovered, richer than any she’s ever dreamed of."

The main reason I wanted to read this book is the reason why Beth wrote it. I was reading the info for this book tour and after Beth read David Platt's book Radical, she was inspired to write about it. I've also read Radical and was excited at the idea of characters tackling the challenge David gives in his book. I enjoyed the story of Mary Lynn and Jackson. They had reached a place that they'd spent the last ten years trying to attain but then they realized, it wasn't really where they wanted to be after all. They found something better - though Mary Lynn had a hard time making the choice to follow her husband. Though their life looked perfect and as if they had it all together, by reading from Mary Lynn, Jackson and their oldest daughter's point of view, I learned that wasn't the case. This was a refreshing book and a great read!

I received a review copy of this book from The B&B Media Group for my honest review.

You can learn more about the book and read an excerpt.

book review: "God makes lemonade" by don jacobson

About the book: "In God Makes Lemonade you'll read stories from everyday folks - people like you and me who discover unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances."

This is a great book when you need encouragement. Reading of how God came through for other people is a great boost to my own faith. One of my favorite stories was "Little Norma's Dress" - story about God's perfect timing. I highlighted a line in the story "Waiting to Ripen": Since we don't know where life will take us, let's push on and chase our dreams, even if we can't yet see how they will turn out."

You can learn more about the book and the author as well as purchase the book.

I received a copy of this book from Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review.

book review: "love on the line" by deeanne gist

About the book: "Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line."

My review: I enjoyed this book! I've read several of Deeanne's other books and have liked them all! I really liked the contrast of Luke and Georgie. Reading the conversations of them bantering back and forth was highly entertaining, especially when Georgie thought she would be able to have her way and Luke thought he would get his way. Deeanne also caught me off guard with a one or two unexpected twists (but I'll keep those to myself) - it all came together wonderfully. I read the last line of the last page with a smile on my face - it's a great way for me to end a book.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.

You can visit other blogs on this blog tour, buy the book and learn more about Deeanne on her site.

Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link to RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:
- a brand new iPad2
- an autographed hardback copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

saturday spotlight: kim with "today's creative blog"

Today's Creative Blog is one of my favorite blogs to visit when I need creative inspiration. Kim has so many great ideas and it's not just for crafts! She has decorating ideas, kitchen ideas, plus she normally has a Fabulous Friday Giveaway each week. Kim also will post about other blogs she likes which I like because it allows me to connect with awesomely creative people I wouldn't otherwise happen across. Head over to Kim's site and find something to inspire you!

free stuff

I wanted to share some free things I've recently discovered and since I love free things, I'm thinking you will too. There are several places who will be super cool and give you something free - the only requirement is that it be your birthday. My birthday was this past Sunday (a topic I will address in a later post this month) and it was very exciting to receive post cards in the mail for me to redeem my free items. I'm sure there are more that could be added to this list but here's what I have:

- Starbucks - free drink (ANY size)

- Aveda - free Personal Blends Pure-Fume Spirit product

Also, if you're a Bath & Body Works fan and haven't gotten on their mailing list, don't wait another second! They frequently send out coupons for either a free product or a percentage off your whole purchase. You can also get coupons via email as well. If I'm unaware of more free things, please share your wisdom!

tweet of the week

"That awkard moment when you find out that all these years your toys have secretly made three movies behind your back." - Will Ferrell (via Braden French)