Courting Miss Amsel

Edythe Amsel arrives in Walnut Hill, Nebraska, after receiving her first teaching offer. Leaving behind a troubled past, Edythe is determined to focus on her students and move on. However, some of Miss Amsel's teaching methods and beliefs, especially those on the sufferage movement, do not sit well with many of the members of the community. And there is the issue of the feelings developing towards the guardian of two students. Despite her determination to focus on her teaching, Edythe finds her heart pulling her in another direction.

This story was your typical historic romance. I enjoyed the detail paid to the women's sufferage movement and to the then unique teaching methods used by the main character. That being said, I found the book to be quite predictable. If you are looking for a warm your heart romance, without many twists and turns, this is your book. However, if you are looking for something deeper, keep looking. All in all, an alright read, but nothing spectacular.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am required to mention that Bethany House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. This in no way influenced my review.

When the Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur

Have you ever asked yourself why is this happening to me? What have I done to deserve this? How can God let this happen? Using stories of those that have hurt, Kay Arthur shares with us how to work thruogh these questions, looking to the only one who can heal, God. Through it all, Kay refers to God and his love for us. Although we may not understand, Kay shows us that God does and is here to carry us through the valleys.

I found this book to be biblically sound and full of helpful insights. Having experienced valleys of my own, I only wish this book had been available to me soon. This is not only a must read, but a must keep. I can see myselft rereading this treasure as I experience the valleys that are yet to come. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing their own valleys. It will help to see you through.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am required to mention that Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. This in no way influenced my review.

Life Promises for Success by Jim Tressel

Life Promises for Success by Jim Tressel

Life promises for success is a short book made up of three sections; The Essence of success, The Elements of Success, and The Epitome of Success. In each section, New York Times best seller and Ohio State Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel, breaks the subject down into more detailed readings. Each reading is no more than two pages long and addresses such themes as attitude, focus, integrity, and persistence. Included in each reading are several bible verses which he calls life promises.

I initially bought this book for my husband, thinking the sports angle would interest him. I was pleased when he continued to read after the first two pages. Then it was time for me to read so that I could write my review. What I found blew me out of the water. This book is not just for sports fans, but for everyone young and old, male and female. It is rare to find such a book. Each page is short, perfect for daily reading and meditation. That being said, I do not think it would make a great choice if you are looking for a book to sit down and read all at once.

Mr. Tressel also does a wonderful job of sharing his faith throughout the book. Although he does not directly address God in each commentary, there are also several bible verses on the second page that relate to the theme of the day. Along with this, Godly character traits are instilled in each reading, making it a great book for teenagers and young adults. I plan on reading this book regularly with my preteen son as another way to instill such values in him. Overall, this is a great book and I would recommend it for all readers.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I must mention that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review of the book.

God's Promises Devotional Journal by Various Authors

God's Promises Devotional Journal by Various Authors

The first thing I noticed about this book was how appealing the cover was. I found myself hoping the content was as good as the cover and I was not disappointed. Each page includes a devotion made up of three parts. First is a bible verse pertaining to the day's promise. Next is a short (5-6 sentences), but inspirational blurb by various authors. The rest of the page is devoted to a space for the reader to write their thoughts on the reading and the included question.

I absolutely loved this book. Although short, the devotions were great and left me feeling encouraged and ready to face whatever the day held. But my favorite part was the journaling space. Many times I read a devotion and think for a moment, then move on to the next activity. This book compelled me to reach deeper and absorb what I was reading before writing what God spoke to me in that moment. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone for their own library or as a gift for someone else.

I am required to let you know that I received a free copy of this book from booksneeze.com. In no way does it affect my review of this book.

Same Life, New Story

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

Same Life, New Story is a 10-week bible study about changing your life situation. Jan Silvious uses biblical characters along with modern day women to show how to stop settling for the life you have and start working towards a new one. She brings to light several roadblocks that may be holding you back and then discusses how to move past them with God's help. Included in each chapter are personal reflection questions, a journal entry topic, and group discussion questions to help you delve further into the topic at hand.

I found this book to be thought provoking and enlightening. Although I was not looking to change my life story, I found myself becoming aware of places I have settled for what I have instead of reaching for what God wants for me. I enjoyed the way the author interwove bible characters, biblical based truths and stories from modern day women to make her point. Her use of humor and antidotes captured my attention and kept it. I hope to bring this book to my woman's bible study. I would recommend it to all women, whether you are looking to change your life story or just want to be inspired to be the woman God intends.

By agreeing to post a review of this book, booksneeze.com provided a free copy of this book.

While the World Watched by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

This is a memoir by Carolyn Maull McKinstry, a black child growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, during the civil rights movement. Carolyn experienced the civil rights movement firsthand, including surviving the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and a participating in the children's march in downtown Birmingham. She also shares the many atrocities she witnessed to simply because of skin color. Carolyn shares how her faith carried her through the turmoil she experienced and made her into the woman she is now.

This book is touching and eye opening. Growing up, I remember hearing about the civil rights movement, but found myself disconnected. This book opened my eyes to the injustices that were endured by blacks in the south. I found myself experiencing anger, frustration, disgust, sadness, and many other emotions as I read. Once I started, I could not put the book down. I was confused at times by the way the author jumped around instead of telling things in chronological order, but this is my only fault with the book. I would recommend it to anyone who was not a firsthand witness to the brutality of that time. It will change the way you view history.

According to FTC guidelines, I need to inform you that Tyndale Publishing provided a free copy of this book for review.

Voices of the Faithful, Book 2 by Kim Davis and Beth Moore

First, I must share that I am writing this book review as part of the booksneeze.com blog review. The website provides free books and in return, I provide a review of the book. I am not required to give a good review, just an honest one. How cool is that?

Today, I am reviewing the book, Voices of the Faithful, vol. 2, by Kim Davis and Beth Moore. The book is a compilation of 365 devotions based on the experiences of missionaries around the world, one for each day of the year. Each devotion also includes a bible verse and a prayer based on the reading.

At first I was leary of this book, thinking it would be interesting, but not something I would normally purchase. Much to my surprise, I loved the book. Each devotion is short (less than a page for most), making it easy to stick to a daily reading plan. The stories are inspiring and you can see God actively working through each one. Most surprising was the way I found myself applying the writer's experience to my own life and feeling God speaking to me through them.

I also love the prayer at the end of each day, which helps to give a direct area in which to pray instead of just praying for the missionaries around the world as a whole. I love that I can be more specific in my prayers and requests to our Father in Heaven.

The daily readings also help to bring the world mission field to my heart and home. I plan on integrating them into our daily family devotion.

I would reocmmend this book to anyone who is considering it and to those who are not.