Praying for your addicted Love ones Book review, blog tour, and giveaway by Sharron K. Cosby

I read Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Sharron K. Cosby and published by Recovery. I received a paperback copy of the book. This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link.

About the book: (from media kit)

Watching someone you love self-destruct hurts. Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90 tugs at the reader's heart in 90 days of candid devotions aimed at offering strength, hope, and encouragement to families in the throes of living with an addicted family member. Families get left behind in the recovery process, but their support is crucial. Realizing you are not alone in your family's struggles brings comfort and confidence to face day-by-day challenges. Reflection prompts and spaces for journaling encourage the reader to pen their thoughts on the verses and devotions. Each day's entry ends with a prayer.

The Cosbys, a middle-class family, lived the nightmare of addiction with their son for 18 years. Their lives were turned inside out and upside down as his dependence on painkillers escalated. The descent into a living hell challenged their faith as the addiction claimed more and more control. Sharron's middle-of-the-night reading of Jeremiah 30 and 31 changed the course of their lives and restoration became a reality.

The overall message of Praying for Your Addicted Loved Oneconveys hope to families caught in the addiction cycle. The various stages of the disease: abuse, recovery, and relapse, take their toll. Hopelessness grabs a family's heart and wrings it out with each slip of clean or sober time. The verses in Jeremiah 30 and 31, the foundation of the book, offer the promise of restoration and redemption.

90 in 90 reflects the 12 Step model of an addict attending 90 meetings in 90 days. While your loved one attends meetings, you will read a daily devotional to lend spiritual support to your addict.

"Today I pray for other lost addicts to find the hope of recovery. I pray the families reading this book will continue to have hope that an addict---any addict---can stop using drugs and find a new way to live. If there is one thing I can say to family members it is, never quit fighting. There is always hope. With hope, I---a once hopeless dope addict---am now a dope-less hope addict." ~Josh Cosby

About the Author: (From media kit)

Sharron Cosby is married to Dan, a Certified Addiction Professional, and together they have three adult children and five grandchildren. She works for an international charity by day and writes by night. Her passion is to share God's message of hope, strength, and encouragement with families living in the shadow of addiction.

My Review:

I chose this book because my family has dealt with addiction. From drug addiction, pain pill addiction, sex addiction, and alcohol addiction. I personally have dealt with pain pill and sex addiction. I do have an addictive personality--from books to online games to phone apps. I can go overboard until I get bored and move on to something else. 

The book provides spiritual support to help someone going through addiction. The book is a 90 day devotional, based on a Christian perspective. The chapters are also short (3 pages long). Each chapter has a bible verse, story, prayer and reflection. The reflection poses a question and has space to respond to the question. One of the first reflections, which stood out was What is the difference between discipline and punishment?(p. 39). 

The book teaches people how to deal with the pain, redirect behavior, incorporating accountability, not giving up, and having a good spiritual foundation. Chapter 3, Release your fears, stood out first. The author said she handled fear by bottling it up. I hold it close like a security blanket. It's tattered and worn, but it's comfortable....I learned that fear will eat me alive if if unchecked. Most of what I feared never came to past. (p. 24).  This describes me very well. I hold on to things. I bottle things up. I don't want people knowing what's really going on. I don't want to let people in. I don't trust too many people. Sometimes I feel that if I let them in, then they will share my thoughts, issues, and secrets, with everyone else. How would people feel if I was more open and honest? I have things I have been through and thought of that no one still knows about because I don't know how they will react or think or do. 

Anyway, the book is a good, great read. Check out the social media link and the giveaway below. 

Social Media:

Website

Giveaway:

 

Watching someone you love self-destruct hurts. Sharron Cosby's Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90 provides ninety devotions of strength, hope, and encouragement to families coping with addiction. Realizing you’re not alone in your struggles brings comfort and confidence to face day-to-day challenges.



Sharron is celebrating the release of her book with a Kindle Fire giveaway.


Enter today. One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Praying for Your Addicted Loved One by Sharron Cosby

Enter today by using the widget below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 31st. Winner will be announced at the Litfuse blog on November 1st. Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on the 1st to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to their blog {enter your email in the blog sidebar} and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox)!
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Return to Me Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway (Litfuse)

I read Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles Book #1), in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Lynn Austin and published by Bethany House. I received a paperback copy of the book. This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.

About the Book:(provided from Media Kit)

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose toleave everything toreturn---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

About the Author: (From Media Kit)

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Review:

One of the reasons I chose the book was because of the description. The book is also based in biblical times. The book starts off with Daniel, 82 years old, been summoned to the palace by Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar to help determine the meaning of mysterious writing on the wall. The grandson summoned all of the mystical people, but had no success. This sounds similar in the bible, when Nebuchadnezzar summoned Daniel to translate a dream or was it Pharoah and Joseph. Babylon was falling quickly and people needed to change their ways. 

The book then moves into Iddo, a priest,  and his wife, Dinah. Something has happened in the city and a death has occurred. God's hand is in the midst of the crisis. Babylon is falling and no one is safe. The Jews have a desire to move back into the promised land. 70 years of exile is almost up. Some people's faith is shattered because of the long wait. Some have turned to false gods and astrology for answers, instead of God. 

The book was well-written and moved at a decent speed. It combines biblical history with fiction, similar to the Left Behind series  by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. or the Babylon Rising series by Tim LaHaye and his co-authors. 

Giveaway (from media kit):

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect 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 today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

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Not Quite Healed Book Review and Blog Tour

I read Not Quite Healed, by Cecil Murphey and Gary Roe, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was published by Kregel Publications, another review site I am on. The book touches on a sensitive topic: male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The authors were both victims of childhood sexual abuse. The authors want to help people seek the healing needed. The book is written from a Christian perspective.

My Review:

I have never been sexually abused as a child. I am not a male. I have had problems with sexuality and abusing God's purpose of sex. I chose this book because of the topic it focused on. I have read books written to males to help overcome sexual issues (Clean by Douglass Weiss, for example).

To me, the book took on a different approach than other books I read. The first chapter deals with Shouldn't I be healed by now? The author discusses even though the abuse happened over 20 years ago, he still is not fully healed. He still has issues, he is working on and working through. I liked the honesty in the first few pages. Somethings, in life, we still have remnants, which are lingering behind.

Another passage, which stood out, was first, we need to realize our sexuality involves our total selves-mind, body, emotions, and spirit. God created us that way, and sexuality is a powerful force in our lives for good or for evil (p. 9)

Chapter 2 focused on Why am I still not healed? healing isnt an easy process. healing isnt quick. the authors also discussed how people look to others to fulfill unmet needs. people seek healing from others, but are left disappointed. We look to people for acceptance and love, but sometimes we do not receive it back in the way, we like, still being disappointed. People need to seek God and put God first.

The book presents 40 short chapters ranging from forgiveness, flashbacks, compassion, accountability, responsibility, emotions, pornography, and acceptance.

Some things I learned:

• We can use pain for good and learn from it. We can help others, who have gone or going through it. OR we can take the pain and let it define our total behavior and attitude(p. 17).
  
• Healing is a journey, not a quick trip (p. 18). 
• Humans need affection. We will seek it out, even if it's coming from the wrong source. 
• All actions are not evil, but the motives behind the actions can be. 
• People have a need to be protected, a need to feel safe. 
• To heal, we must be willing to peel back the deep layers of ourselves. Staying at surface level will not bring us acceptance. 
• Abuse does not affect individuals only, it affects families and relationships. It can affect intimacy as well (p. 53). 
• Be honest and open, when you are healing from pain. Name your pain. Call out your pain by it's name. If you are dealing with abuse, say abuse. If you are dealing with a porn addiction, say it. Trying to subdue it (if that's the right word to use) or minimize it, seems like denial, lying, or ignorance (p. 55). 
• God is there for us for strength, grace, mercy, and love. If we fail in our progress, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. 


The book is a great read. Each author discusses how the abuse affected him. The book denotes Cecil or Gary, when they are talking, so you won't get confused. I love the honesty of Not Quite Healed. The book does provide practical knowledge, which can be applied to anyone going through pain and who desire healing. 

About Cecil Murphey: (from Litfuse)

• Cecil Murphey has written and coauthored more than 100 books, including the autobiography of Franklin Graham. 
• Murphey speaks on writing, caregiving, sexual abuse, and recovery. 
• He previously served as pastor of Riverdale Presbyterian Church in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area. 
• Cecil also worked as a volunteer hospital chaplain and was a missionary in Kenya for six years. 

Social Media

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Ragged Hope By Cynthia Ruchti Book Review, Book Tour, Giveaway (Litfuse).

I read Ragged Hope, in exchange for review from Litfuse. I received a paperback version of the book. The book was written by Cynthia Ruchti and published by Abingdon.

About the book:

First, the book is Christian-based. One of the sentences, which grabbed me, from the back of the book was Where is God when you are doing everything right, but because of someone else, everything is wrong. But through it all, God is always there, no matter what you are going through.


My Review:
The book talked about choices. Your life is not only affected by your choices, it is also affected by other people's choices. What if your kids, left your grandkids on the doorstep to start a new relationship? What if you are being stalked? or what if the person, you think you are in love with, lies about being single or having kids? (that happened to me before). or your child or husband, has an addiction, which affects finances and stability.

The first story focused on Don and Lila, who was raising their grandkids because their daughter had an addiction. Their plans for a quiet life was quickly halted. Their finances shaken, but they agreed to give their grandkids love and stability, instead of regret and hatred. At the each of the chapter, there is discussion questions, which would be perfect for personal or small group bible study. One of the questions is what sacrifices are you making for someone, you love, but sensing the taint of victimization? Followed by applicable bible verse. Each story is short: like maybe 5 to 6 pages. Each story is a quick read.

Other stories, I liked included:

1. Danielle's husband left her for another woman, leaving her raising 4 kids alone. She did not let her ex-husband bring her additional sadness and distress. She called on God during her time of need. 
2. Olivia was dealing with a death of a child (suicide). Her child committed suicide during a family dinner. 
3. Charla was a teenage mom, but was forced to give up her baby. The father was married.  She got married and had kids later, but had a fear someone would take her kids. I cried reading this story
4. Deana dealt with trust issues. 
5. Marisa dealt with postpartum depression (I been there before). 
6. Tasha's husband gave her the gift of HIV. 

Giveaway:
Cynthia Ruchti  is celebrating the release of Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices (Abingdon Press) with a $200 Visa Cash Card "Hope" Giveaway and Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card
• Ragged Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at the "Ragged Hope Author Chat Part on August 1st. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of encouragement, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also share an exclusive look at her next project and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening. So grab your copy of Ragged Hope and join Cynthia on the evening of August 1st for a chance to connect 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 today. Hope to see you on the 1st!

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A Bride for All Seasons Book Review, Tour, and Giveaway

I read A Bride for All Seasons, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was written by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher. The book was published by Thomas Nelson.

About the Book: Paraphrased from the media kit. 
The book started with an ad in a mail order bride catalogue. Melvin Hitchcock, owns the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog. Hitchins sometimes is a little dishonest when editing ads. The book takes place in 1870. The book presents four novellas from Brownley, Clopton, Connealy, and Hatcher. 

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley (copied from media kit)

Mary-Jo travels across the country to find love, but he ends up dead. 

An ever-after summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie wasn't what her husband expected. She was a Christian. She is willing to prove to her husband she is the right one for him.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Clay wasn't expecting Luvena to come with kids, but he lacks funding to send Luvena and her kids back.

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David wants someone to take care of his boys, once he dies. Can Megan help him live, instead of dying.

About the Authors:(copied from media kit)

Margaret Brownley is aNEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley 

Robin Lee Hatcher is aChristy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher 

Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy 

Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mL2Ln

My Review:
I liked the book, especially Autumn's Angel by Robin Hatcher. Clay Birch requested a mail order bride, who can help him in business. He did not want widows or children. Luvena never been married, but she came with three kids--her sister's kids. The kids were never mentioned in the letters sent to him and Luvena assumed he knew from the letters he sent to her, but as I said before--Hitchens did some editing work in the letters. 

All the stories in the book flowed well. It was easy to get lost in the book. I started the book with Autumn's Summer and was halfway through before I knew it. I definitely sympathized with both Clay and Luvena. On one hand, I used to be a Clay. I did not want to date men with kids. I did not like children. I was the one, who never wanted kids, but got two beautiful children now. On the other hand, I understand Luvena. She is unmarried, but has three kids to raise. The kids parents died, while at sea, and Luvena was the only relative left to support them. She has limited income and was hoping marriage would provide a place to stay and a good life for the kids. It was a beautiful story. Giveaway:

Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with. 


Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.

 The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!

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Stealing the Preacher Book Review and Blog Tour

I read Stealing the Preacher, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Karen Witemeyer and published by Bethany House.

My review:
The book started off good. Crockett was on his way to interview for a preacher position, when his train was stopped by bandits. The bandits did not come for money or jewelry, but for the preacher (as a gift for woman, turning 21. Those first scenes were intense and riveting. Joanna (Jo) Robbins enters the book in Chapter 3. She wanted a preacher for her birthday, in hopes he will handle a simple request. Joanna wanted him to recommend a pastor for their church. She also wanted her father saved. Her mother, before passing, instilled the love of Christ into Jo. Jo's father, Silas, used to led a bandit lifestyle, but living honest for the last 16 or so years.

The book is Christian-Based. It was a good read. Easy to get lost into. I love Bethany House Books. I also liked Joanna's spirit. She did not ask for much and Crockett just wanted to spread the Gospel, in a stable church home.

About the book:

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind. On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request. For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be? With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/lnKcM

About the author:

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com

Find out more about Karen athttp://www.karenwitemeyer.com

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Barefoot Summer Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

I read Barefoot Summer, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Denise Hunter and published by Thomas Nelson. I received a paperback copy of the book.

My Review:

I loved the book. I read over five chapters during the first read. Madison is a veterinarian. She is active in her community.  Madison is still grieving over the loss of her brother, who drowned. She wants to win a boat race, in memory of her brother, but she is afraid of water and do not know how to sail. Madison wins a raffle for sailing lessons, but due to a last minute instructor change, stuck with a person, she does not like (Beckett). Her family is divided on her racing. Beckett is battling his own demons, but still works to teach Madison, even though he will be her competition in the race.

The book is Christian-based. The scenes were descriptive. Had to read some scenes over because they was hard to handle. This was a good read and I enjoyed the book. This book was definitely not what I was expecting.

About the Book:
Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother's tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God--or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother's dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison's determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. Maybe then she can finally find closure.

But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O'Reilly, a man who already has two strikes against him in Madison's eyes. Being on the water terrifies Madison. But Beckett's calming presence and unwavering confidence eases her fear. And as much as she'd like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying.

As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. With Beckett, Madison feels alive for the first time in years--carefree and confident she can win the regatta, maybe even find love.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison's faith. Will their love survive summer's challenge? And will achieving her brother's dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?


About the Author:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Learn more about Denise athttp://www.denisehunterbooks.com

Giveaway:

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa

 

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.



Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

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Bare Naked Truth Book Review, Facebook Party, and Giveaway

I read the Bare Naked Truth, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book is written by Bekah Hamrick Martin and published by Zondervan.

My review:
I chose this book because it focuses on purity, waiting, and abiding by God's plan for sex. It is also National Celibacy Month. Yay.  I downloaded this book to the kindle as soon as I got it. I also downloaded a copy for Adobe Digital Editions. I did not expect my laptop to not charge anymore (need a repair person). When I went to get another copy a week or two ago, it was already archived on Netgalley. So, I had to hunt down the book on the Kindle. Could not find the book. Went to Amazon. The book was in my Kindle files, but Mrs. Kindle kept freezing up when I tried to search for it. Went to kindle for pc. kept freezing as well.  Either way, the book was in one of two folders, I hoped. Netgalley or Litfuse. It was not in Litfuse, which meant it was in Netgalley. Over 200 books in Netgalley. I found the book. Yay. I definitely want a paperback now.

I been reading and reviewing more books on purity lately. Currently reading another one for review from another company.

Tempted, Tested, True by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross

1. What are you waiting for by Dannah Gresh
2. Dating and the single parent
3. When the roof caves in

I have not had sex since 2010, so this book was perfect for me. I started having sex at 18. My family did not talk to me about sex. Sex was taboo. Everything I learned at first was through experience. Later on through erotica, porn, and other people.  I did not truly know the effects of sex until later on in life. Sex is more than a physical connection, it is also emotional. Sex can cause problems. Had sex with two people before meeting the soon-to-be-ex husband (#3). Very limited sexual experience.  Had sex with him only from 1999 to 2005. In 2005, I cheated on him. Felt bad at first (more bad) because I never thought I would cheat. But He was also cheating as well. In 2004, I was diagnosed with Genital Herpes. Yay me. He was the only one I been sleeping with. Anyway, Fast forward, sex with him was routine and monotonous, but I didn't know how to communicate what I needed and wanted. When I cheated, it started a sexual revolution for me. It also started an addiction. I wanted sex and more of it.

The book provides an open and honest approach to purity, according to God.  The book focuses on the benefits of waiting, masturbation, disadvantages to waiting , and my favorite: getting all the information before making a decision. The author talked about how after 9/11, she was flying on a plane. Someone dropped a phone, a commotion ensued. The author didn't have all the information and ducked under her seat.

Another thing, which stood out, was the disadvantages of having multiple partners:

1. Losing your ability to bond with your future spouse
2. Sexual baggage can cause fear and distrust
3. Increases risk of divorce
4. Increase Emotional problems

Information about the book: (copied from litfuse)
The Truth About Sex and Waiting . . . Uncovered Purity.

Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers. Is there something wrong with me if I don't kiss a boy after a date? Or am I doomed if I DID? What if waiting is just a one-way trip to life as a crazy cat woman? And what if I tend to, um, think about a certain boy in a certain way? It seems that the lady at church and your friends have two very different opinions on the subject. And 'Your Budding Womanhood: Staying a Beautiful Flower for Jesus' just isn't cutting it. Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare NakedTruth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest,naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see thebare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk.

Information about the author: (Copied from litfuse)

Bekah Hamrick Martin was born in Savannah, Georgia, in an event which her brother keeps reminding her was completely unnecessary. She spent the better part of her high school years vacationing on the north end of her mattress due to an illness, where she developed a deep taste for chocolate and sarcasm. Today Bekah shares with teens about tough times, healing, and surviving their high school years---no matter where they spend them. Learn more about Bekah on her website:http://misswritebrained.wordpress.com/

Facebook Party and Giveaway
Debut Author Bekah Hamrick Martin is celebrating the release of her book, The Bare Naked Truth, with a $150 Visa Cash Card giveaway and "Bare Naked Truth" Facebook party! Save the date for 6/20!

 One winner will receive:

• A $150 Visa Cash Card
• Five copies of The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin
  
• A live Skype small group chat with Bekah

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Bare Naked Truth" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 20th. Connect with Bekah for an evening of frank and encouraging chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Bekah will also be giving away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Bare Naked Truth and join Bekah on the evening of June 20th for a chance to connect 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 today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

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The Face of the Earth Book Review and Facebook Party

I read the Face of the Earth, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was written by Deborah Raney.

My review:

The book starts off with Mitchell heading home from work (principal at at a school). His wife, Jill, supposed to be on her way home from a professional conference. The voicemail said she be home around 5, but she never showed up. This was supposed to be their staycation weekend. Their daughter just left for college. Jill is missing and no one knows where to find her. Was it an accident? death? ran away from home? You also have Shelley, the next-door neighbor, who has feelings for Mitchell. Shelley helps with the search of her best friend. Jill also had recently been in contact with an ex on facebook.

The book was excellent. gripping, intense. The first day, i opened the book, I read more than 60 pages on Adobe Reader Editions.

About the Book:
When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill's car isn't inthe garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours' drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. "Hey, babe, I'm just now checking out of the hotel, but I'll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you."

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o'clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn't shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven't heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch's irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they've found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid's possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill's best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill's disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer--and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill's whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

About the author:

Deborah Raney is theaward-winning author ofseveral novels, including "A Nest of Sparrows" and theRITA award winning "Beneath a Southern Sky" and its sequel, "After theRains". Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish", was theinspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, "Playing by Heart", was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, "Yesterday's Embers", appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayalof family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences aroundthe country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

 One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect 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 today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

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The Offering by Angela Hunt

I read The Offering  by Angela Hunt, in exchange from Litfuse. The book is published by Howard Books.


My Review:
I chose this book because I liked the description. Mandy Lisandra is a wife to Gideon and a mother to Marilee. Mandy works part-time at a Cuban grocery store for Mama Isa (father-in-law's sister) and her father-in-law. The family has bills to pay, especially for private school for Marilee. She is also worried about her husband, getting deployed at anytime, not to mention getting hurt or killed. Mandy wanted to earn money as a surrogate for a childless couple. Mandy got the idea from a customer, who visited the grocery. The customer was a military wife, who learned military wives make good surrogates or gestational carriers. (I think surrogacy is a good idea to help out infertile couples. I am also thinking of selling my eggs to help out others.) At first, Her husband and family thinks she is nuts for wanting to carry another couple's baby, but her husband thinks it's a good idea later.

Her husband, who is in the military dies, while she is pregnant. She gives up the child, but wonders later, if she gave away her own biological child, versus the surrogate's child. A question arises: if the baby is hers, will she take the baby from the only family the baby knows?

The family Mandy chose was from France. Simone and Damien Amblour want to have a child, to inherit the family's winery. Damien's other kids do not want to take over. Simone and Damien have used gestational carriers before, but each resulted in early miscarriage (that was hard for me to read. I had two miscarriages). I almost really lost it when Mandy was spotting, shortly after getting pregnant.

The book was a good read. I liked the scenes. Very descriptive. Easy to get lost in. I love the family dynamics between Gideon, Mandy, and Marilee. I also love the dynamics between Mandy and her in-laws, and the customers at the store. Like the nudist, who frequents the store.  There is also a river reference, which is not explained until a few chapters later. I got confused at first because I had no idea what it meant. The river reference is another way for saying goodbye. I also like how the book is Christian-based. God is mentioned multiple times throughout the book. The book is very good. I read over 100 pages immediately.

About the book: copied from Litfuse
After growing up as an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family. But since she and her soldier husband can't afford to have more children right away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child she dreams of having her own son and maybe another daughter. Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude, unexpected tragedy enters Mandy's world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened---could she have inadvertently given away her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what's best for the little boy she has never known.

About the author:copied from Litfuse

With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including "TheNativity Story". Hunt is one ofthe most sought-after collaborators in the publishing industry. Her nonfiction book "Don't Bet Against Me", written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela's novel "The Note" (with sales of over 141,000) was filmed as the Hallmark Channel's Christmas movie for 2007 and proved to bethe highest rated television movie in the channel's history. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including theRITA, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the Holt Medallion. She often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers' conferences, and she served as the keynote speaker at the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers' national conference. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs. In 2001, one of her dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest dog in America.Facebook Fan Page:
Website:
















Angela Hunt is celebrating the release of The Offering with a Nook HD Giveaway and an Author Chat Party on Facebook {6/5}.

One winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
  
• The Offering by Angela Hunt 
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 4th. Winner will be announced at the "The Offering" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 5th. Connect with Angela for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Angela will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Offering and join Angela on the evening of June 5th for a chance to connect 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 today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

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Get back up. trusting God when Life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht

I read Get Back Up: Trusting God when life knocks you down by Sheryl Giesbrecht, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book is available in Kindle and Print Editions. This book is geared towards women primarily. I chose this book because I need to rely on God more during tough situations, instead of relying on myself. I don't trust a lot of people with my problems, issues, and concerns because I don't think they will keep it secret or they will use it against me. By the time, most people find out about something, I have already went through it and learning from it.

My review of the book:

I do like how the book gives chapter summaries before starting into the book. I am one of those folks, who sometimes starts a non-fiction book on a specific chapter before reading the rest. I want to know how a particular topic can apply to me right now. How do I resolve a specific problem I am dealing with now? Some of the topics included in the book are letting go of grudges; responding to God's invitation; finding your true identity; isolation, flexibility; dealing with death; and finding balance.

Some things I learned from reading the book:

• Casualties, mistakes, and accidents are apart of life. Each time something happens, you can learn from it. You also can know what not to do, if and when it occurs again. I had a miscarriage in 2005. I was hurt, isolated, and devastated. My body was rejecting the baby (fibroids, herpes outbreaks, and stress). I lost the baby four months later. I never wanted to experience that type of pain again. In 2009, once again, I am in the same situation, but I approached it a little differently. I still was in mental and physical pain, but I made some serious changes. I deleted phone numbers. I stopped having sex as much. Eventually, I became celibate a year later. I found out I was pregnant in 2010. I did not want another miscarriage, so I started eating healthier. I started cooking more foods. I also did not tell too many people to reduce stress. I also tied my tubes in 2011. I did not want more kids, but I also never wanted another miscarriage again. I fell, but got stronger as time went by. 
• When you fall down, get back up again. Whether it's addiction, depression, despair, destruction, etc. Learn from it and get back up. God will help us through the good and the bad. He is waiting for us to call on him and ask for his help. 
• Man is flawed. Man can not always help you through your problems, let alone fix your problems. We can not rely on man alone. We need to rely more on God. 
• Our sins (mine and yours) are not too much for God to handle. 

Sheryl also added personal experiences to her book. She talked about getting into trouble as a youth. She discussed her drug addiction.  She discussed getting rejected by a boy, she liked, at the school dance. She talked about falling deep, wanting God's help, but still wanted her own way as well (I been there lots of times.). 

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Undeniably Yours By Becky Wade Book Tour

I reviewed Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was published by Bethany House.

About the book: Copied from Litfuse:

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship-and their belief that God can work through every circumstance-survive?

About the author: Copied from Litfuse: 

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.

Visit her website at www.beckywade.com

My Review: 

The book starts out with Meg reminiscing over her father. She does not want to be an oil tycoon. Her father, William just died. Meg never expected to be in this position. She does not want to run her father's business. She just spent weeks going through company financials, especially Whispering Creek, a large plot of land, which houses a horse farm. Meg hates horses. The advisors had encouraged Meg to fire employees, who may not fit into the company's future. She already had started firing people (the chauffeur, the kennel manager, and the gun range manager). Meg also wanted to fire Mr. Porter, who managed the horse farm. Meg wants to shut down the horse farm, even though it is close to making a profit. She gives Bo Porter 6 months to close the facilities

The first few pages are very descriptive. It does move kind of slow at first. Yet, the character is in grief, under stress, anxious, and not feeling her new roles. Then, boom, as Meg is reflecting on the last few weeks, Bo walks back into the office and says he is not closing down the horse farm. This was a scene changer for me. The book moves from focusing solely on Meg to now putting some focus on Bo. He wants to help make decisions concerning the farm, since he invested time and energy into this venture. Meg gave Bo six months to either break even or make a decision on what to do with the farm. The farm will also stay open until Bo breaks even. After this major impetus, the book gets good-real good. Bethany House offers a great selection of books and I knew this one would be great as well. 








Facebook Party and Giveaway:

Becky Wade is celebrating her latest swoon-worthy novel, Undeniably Yours (Bethany House), with a Kindle Fire giveaway and hosting an Author Chat party on Facebook {5/29}!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Undeniably Yours and My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Undeniably Yours" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 29th. Connect with Becky for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Undeniably Yours and join Becky on the evening of May 29th for a chance to connect 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 today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

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