The Christmas Prayer

I know.  I know.  I should wait to read Christmas-themed books but I just can't help myself!  When you go to stores and you're already seeing Christmas decor out it reminds you that the holiday season is just around the corner.  Besides, who doesn't love being in the Christmas spirit!

The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a heartwarming tale that take you back to 1850.  Cynthia Cooper, her mother Mabel, and Cynthia's fiancée Walter Prentice missed the wagon train they had originally intended to join in Missouri and are instead having to travel with two other families that are also headed to California.  Jack Simpson is traveling with his two young children, Alan and Amelia, and Cole Edwards is traveling with his sister, Virginia.

Cynthia is with Mr. Prentice, a much older man, not because she loves him but because he will be able to financially care for her and her mother.  In all actuality Mr. Prentice is stuffy, pretentious and almost unbearable to be around.  He is of no help to any of the other men during their trying journey and Cynthia finds herself fighting feelings for another man in the group and wondering how she will ever be able to share a life with Mr. Prentice.

When the team reaches the Sierra Nevada mountains bad weather, along with even more wagon issues, lead Jack and Cole to search for shelter, and they soon find a little log cabin in the middle of nowhere.  The group is forced to stay in the cabin for months while winter rages on outside and patience and hope begins to wear thin as it nears Christmas.  It is this, along with their dire situation, that Cynthia sends up a prayer on Christmas, and the group does what they can to make Christmas as special for the children as possible.

As you read you fall in love with the characters, with the exception of Mr. Prentice, who quickly gets on your nerves.  You find yourself rooting for Cynthia and hoping that she ends up with anyone else but Mr. Prentice, as well as a happy ending for everyone in the group.

Wanda Brunstetter has a wonderful, fluid writing style that is easy to read and you find yourself getting lost in the story.  It takes no time at all to read and it leaves you with a sweet smile on your face.  It's the perfect story to kick off the holiday season.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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Fall Into Books 2018 Reading Challenge - Part 3

Hello fellow fall readers!  How are you guys liking the #FallIntoBooks challenge so far?  Personally, I am loving it, even if I am falling a little behind and having to play catch up. ;)

Don't forget that this challenge runs until October 10th so there's still time to participate!  It is a short challenge that is fun and rewarding!  Check back daily for each day's challenge and even if you can't do the challenge you get one free entry just for logging in!

09.24 #Bookstore

What is your favorite bookstore

Lately I've been on my Kindle almost 24-7.  I love the feel of a book in my hand but the convenience of carrying your entire library with you is so appealing.  I love supporting independent businesses but unfortunately I do not have one that is close to me so I shop at Half Price Books and Barnes & Noble for all of my tangible books.

Photo Credit: Half Price Books - Burleson

I love Barnes & Noble because they have Starbucks inside my store.  There is nothing like sipping a vanilla or pumpkin spice latte, sitting in a cozy chair, and reading a good book.

Photo Credit: Freebies Frenzy

09.25 #ReReads

Share a book that you have read more than once

I know this is going to sound horrible but I could not think of a book that I have read more than once.  There have been books that I've went back and referenced or read a chapter or two, but to reread the entire book?  There is not one that crosses my mind.  Sad, huh?

09.26 #Series

Share a favorite book series

There have been several series that I have enjoyed in the past but my most recent has been the Pine Valley series from Heather B. Moore or the Timeless Regency Collection.  

They are all such sweet stories that are easy to get lost in.

09.27 #Wishlist

Share a book or two on your wishlist

This is definitely a challenge for me.  I have so many books on my wishlist it's not even funny (I know all my fellow readers can relate) but one that is at the top of my list is Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber.

The premise sounds so good and the reviews are wonderful.  I can't wait to get my hands on it!

09.28 #FavoriteGenre

What is your favorite genre to read?

This one is a tough one for me to answer.  Honestly it depends on my mood.  Lately I've been into historical romances, autobiographies, and suspense.  Other times I will grab nonfiction or even cookbooks to peruse.  It really does depend on my mood.

I am again all caught up!!  This challenge is going by SO fast but I am excited to announce that there is another challenge in the works!!  Sign ups for the Thankful for Books Reading Challenge are going on NOW!  Go check it out and join me for this November reading challenge!

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This is the Day

I have always been a fan of Tim Tebow.  I remember watching him play as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos and loving his style, but what I have always admired is watching him live his faith.  Seeing him take a knee in prayer (also known as "Tebowing") is such a beautiful example of seeing his faith lived out.

"Tebowing"

Tim's latest book This Is the Day is a call to action!  To again find our dreams, our passion, and our purpose.

You can feel from the very first page that this book is different.  I instantly grabbed a pen and highlighter because I knew I would find little gems throughout that would speak to me and I was not disappointed.  You can feel just how much Tim poured his heart into this book.  Granted, the ideas given of reclaiming your dreams and re-igniting your passion are nothing new, but they are presented with personal stories of Tim's own journey to living his own purpose, which makes them real, and speaks to you on a very personal and authentic level.

I remember everyone being shocked that Tim wanted to go from playing professional football to minor league baseball and he tells about this choice in the book.  I mean, who does that?  Who chooses to make less money and go into a sport that you haven't done since high school?  Tim Tebow does.  After coming to God in prayer, he realized that his passion was no longer in football but in baseball.  It wasn't about the money.  "It mattered more what was in my heart than what others wanted me to do."  And so he did.  He chose passion.  Tim reminds us that our identity is not what we do but who we are in Jesus and it is something we need to always be reminded of.

This is just one small example that Tim gives us.  This Is the Day is full of stories from his personal life and from his refreshing perspective.  This book is a quick read but it packs a powerful punch.  You feel more like you're conversing with a friend than reading a book which is something I always enjoy.

This Is the Day is a call to action!  It is motivational, uplifting, and a wonderful resource!  Highly recommend!!

*I received an advanced, complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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Fall Into Books 2018 Reading Challenge - Part 2

I have been sick with what I can only assume is an incredibly bad cold this past week so I've gotten far behind on my fall reading challenge.  I'm still not better and see a doctor's visit, antibiotics, and lots of rest in my near future.  But anyway...onto the challenge!!

Don't forget that this challenge runs until October 10th so there's still time to participate!  It is a short challenge that is fun and rewarding!  Check back daily for each day's challenge and even if you can't do the challenge you get one free entry just for logging in!

09.15 Debut Author

Share a book by a debut author 

Finding a debut author was harder than I had originally thought but I eventually stumbled upon this little gem that has wonderful reviews and has been added to my reading list.

It is classified as a romantic comedy but does not list if it's deemed a clean read or not but the premise is so charming that I think I'm going to take my chances. 

09.17 Books to Movies

Share a favorite book that has been made into a movie 

There have been numerous books that have been made into movies that I have enjoyed but The Hunger Games has to be one of my favorites.  Both the books and the movies are amazing!

Photo Credit: Steam

This is also a series that I can read as well as watch over and over again.  Wonderfully done!

09.18 Favorite Character

Share your favorite character from a book

When I read this challenge I decided to go old school and go back to one of my favorite characters of all time.

Photo Credit: The Misadventures of Mub

Ramona Quimby from the infamous Ramona series by Beverly Cleary.  I think I've read the entire series about twenty times in my childhood alone.  I always admired how bold and crazy Ramona is and her creativity is unmatched.  She will forever be a classic and one of my all time favorite characters.

09.19 Happy Endings

Share your favorite book with a happy ending

The book I chose for this challenge is a classic that many, like myself, absolute adore.  It has an ending that never gets old no matter how many times you read it and Mr. Darcy will forever make me swoon.

Photo Credit: Hoopoe Quotes

Pride and Prejudice...enough said...

09.20 TBR

Tell us about or share your to-be-read pile or list

Being an on the go gal means that the majority of my books lately have been digital.  My Kindle as of right now has over 200 books that I have yet to read and I add at least 2-3 books per day (it's a sickness, let me tell you).  My Goodreads list has about 85 books at the moment and I have even more on my wish list on Amazon.

These are just a snapshot of what's on my list on Goodreads.  When I look at all the books I want to read it is beyond overwhelming but I'm just taking it one book at a time. :)

09.21 Bookmarks

Favorite bookmark or how do you mark your place in a book?

When I do not have my nose in a book you can also find me at my papercrafting table.  I don't get to stamp or scrapbook like I used to but it's still nice to get in there every once in awhile. 

I actually made this bookmark last year for a friend of mine but ended up falling in love with it so now I use it!  There is a magnet on the inside to help secure it in my books though sometimes, depending on the size of the book, I cannot use it, but I still love it.  When this one is too big I will use these small little magnetic bookmarks that I got at Mardel's.

09.22 TearJerker

Share a book that made you cry

When I started The Best of Us I had a feeling it was going to be a true story with a heartbreaking ending and I was correct.

It is not a clean read by any means but it is an incredibly powerful and raw story of love and the true meaning of "til death do us part."  You can read my full review HERE and if you decide to read it have some tissues nearby.

OK I am all caught up!  Now it's your turn to play along!  If you are doing the challenge with me please comment below and tell me where you're participating so I can give you some love. :) 

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Giveaway on a Sunday

An amazing group of authors has joined together to bring you one great prize! Just think how many books you could buy with $100! Or maybe you need a new Kindle! Or maybe you want to try Kindle Unlimited! So many possibilities!! Please show these amazing authors some love! Visit their sites. Sign up for their newsletters. Download their books. Review their books. Follow them on Social Media. There are so many ways you can support them!

Giveaway Sponsors

Bree Livingston Crissy Sharp Debra Erfert Elana Johnson Evangeline Kelly Heather Gray Heidi Kimball Jenna Brandt Jennifer Griffith Jewel Allen Jo Noelle Joanna Barker Joyce DiPastena Kaylee Baldwin Kennedy Larsen Kristen Ethridge Laura D. Bastian Lorin Grace Marie Higgins Tiana Smith

Now it's time for the giveaway! One winner will be awarded $100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon Gift Code! Winning entry will be verified! Make sure you actually subscribe and confirm your entries so you don't get disqualified. If you already subscribe to an author's newsletter you can, of course, claim the entry!

Giveaway Details 

$100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter, Amazon, Paypal or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader/Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Life Giving Leader

Many of us do not consider ourselves as leaders.  I am one of those people that is more comfortable being apart of the group as opposed to standing out.  There is always someone else who is better fit to lead than me and I will gladly step aside and let them take the reins.

When I picked up The Life Giving Leader by Tyler Reagin my entire perspective of what it truly means to be a leader changed and I realized that it is a gift for me to be a life giving leader.

In the past I have co-led group Bible studies in my home and have volunteered in the church to help with Vacation Bible School as well as teach Sunday school classes but I've never viewed those as true "leadership roles."  After reading The Life Giving Leader I have realized that I have been, and am, a leader in the church, as well as in my personal life, and that I need to lead the way that God wants me to personally lead, which might not be the way that others lead.  I've always viewed leadership in a cookie-cutter fashion (which is why I've never seen myself as a leader) but when you are living the authentic life that God created you to live it is from that place that you lead.

This is Tyler Reagin's debut book and I have to admit that I am pretty impressed.  I found myself constantly grabbing my highlighter or pen to highlight a passage or to jot down a note.  His writing style is easy to read and understand and feels like a conversation with a close friend.   Each point that he is makes sticks with you long after you've read it which truly helps to solidify each concept and lights a fire inside to take action.

Even if you do not see yourself as a leader reading this book is a must.  It guides you into better understanding of what it means to be give life to those around you.  The principles shared are nothing new but they are told in a way that will refresh your passion to serve and put your focus back where it needs to be.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from WaterBrook Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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Road to Gretna Green

If you've read my reviews of A Night in Grosvenor Square or Falling for a Duke then you know that I adore the Timeless Regency Collection.  Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the tenth installment, Road to Gretna Green.

Three love stories, three elopements, all to Gretna Green, which is a famous town in Scotland where many went to elope, starting in the mid-1700's.  You would think knowing how each story ends would take away from the stories themselves but if anything it adds to the charm.

Saving Grace by Lucinda Brant is the story of Helen, a heartbroken widow, and Royston, the man who broke her heart long ago.  They are back in each others lives, each with their own lot of unanswered questions, journeying together to Gretna Green to stop the elopement of Royston's youngest sister, Grace.

The premise of Saving Grace is sweet, and I really wanted to love this story, but it was a dry read for me, and a story that I struggled to get into the entire time I picked it up.  I loved all of the characters but with the majority of the story taking place inside the carriage on their way to Gretna Green the story lacked that spark I so desperately craved.

Fools Rush In by Julie Daines was hands down my favorite story of the three.  Richard needs a wife to collect his inheritance and Eliza needs liberation from an arranged marriage.  When Richard overhears Eliza's plight, and recognizes the similarities with his own, he proposes a scheme to Eliza that will save them both from their predicaments.  Before either of them realize they are off on a crazy journey that has them both wondering who exactly are they fooling: everyone else or themselves.

I have to say that I loved everything about this novella.  The story line, the character development, action and adventure, and of course the love were all perfect.  This was one of those stories that had me literally signing at the end and even though you can predict the outcome quickly the journey getting there is not what you'd expect at all.

A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore starts off with a bang.  Literally.  Bridget has only been married four hours when her husband accidentally shoots and kills himself, making her a widow before she is even a wife.  You soon find out that this death is a blessing in disguise since their marriage was one of convenience and not of love.  Her late husbands family detests Bridget, including his cousin and best friend, Lord Hugh, whom has never met Bridget, and blames his cousins death on her.

When Bridget's young sister runs away to Gretna Green with a man who is believed to have questionable intentions, Bridget turns to Lord Hugh to help her stop the elopement.  It is on this trip that the truth is finally revealed and takes both Hugh and Bridget by surprise.

This was another adventure that I adored.  Your heart goes out to Bridget and everything that she's endured and the story does have a few twists that are unexpected.  The characters are developed, the premise is interesting, and the way the story began was so unexpected.

All in all, Road to Gretna Green was a great installment in the Timeless Regency Collection and one I think many will enjoy.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Mirror Press in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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Fall Into Books 2018 Reading Challenge

How would you like to participate in a reading challenge that is fun, easy, and includes some pretty awesome prizes?  Well, then look not further than the Fall Into Books Reading Challenge!

Each day from September 10th through October 10th there is a short challenge that is fun and rewarding!  Check back daily for that day's challenge and even if you can't do the challenge you get one free entry just for logging in!

Now I am going to get caught up with all the challenges so far!

09.10 "Reading Goals"

What are your goals for this challenge? 

During this challenge I would love to get more caught up with my review books.  There are so many books to read and so little time!  I also would love to comment more on my fellow bloggers blogs and social media sites.  I know that everyone is busy and sometimes commenting falls by the wayside but I also believe that it's important to show support when we can and I would love to share the love.

09.11 "Bookish Quote"

One of my favorite books of all time is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.  I read it when I was in junior high and Maya Angelou immediately became one of my favorite authors, so it's no surprise that one of my favorite quotes is by her.

09.12 "5-Star Reads"

Here are a few of my favorite 5-Star Reads that I've read since starting Only By Grace Reviews.

09.13 "Cover Love"

One of my 5-Star reads is also one of my favorite book covers!

09.14 "Jumping Genres"

Despite reading the whole Twilight series when it was all the rage, vampire stories are not normally my cup of tea, but I do think that it's cool that there is a paranormal series out there that is on the clean list as well.

Bite Me by Louise Cypress is getting some good reviews on Amazon AND if you'd like to review it for free check out THIS POST.

OK I am all caught up!  Now it's your turn to play along!  If you are doing the challenge with me please comment below and tell me where you're participating so I can give you some love. :) 

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If You Love Me

The bond that a mother shares with her child is unspeakable.  For most mothers there is nothing their child can do that will break that bond.  Moms stand with their child, through thick and thin, even if it kills them.  You don't ask a mom if she loves her child, you as a mom how much she loves them.

Maureen Cavanagh is a divorced mother of four, adjusting to the life of an empty nester.  Her youngest child is off to college and Maureen is trying to figure out the next phase of her life.  It takes one seemingly ordinary night and one missing pair of diamond earrings to turn Maureen's world upside down.

Maureen's youngest daughter Katie has been acting strange lately and it doesn't take long for Maureen to put the pieces together.  Missing spoons, missing jewelry that is worth thousands of dollars, and a daughter that is not acting like herself.  There is no way the thoughts swirling in Marureen's mind could be true could they?  Katie is a normal young adult with her whole life ahead of her!  But once confronted Katie confesses: she is addicted to heroine.

Katie's parents immediately get her away from the boyfriend that they blame for getting her addicted in the first place, and put her into a detox program thinking this will be the end of the ordeal.  They soon realize this is just the beginning.

If You Love Me is Maureen's fight for her daughter's life.  She tells of the crack houses that she found Katie in on various occasions, the trips in and out of multiple rehabilitation clinics, and the numerous overdoses that should've killed Katie but thankfully didn't.  This is truly is a mother's worst nightmare and Maureen Cavanagh is living it.

I could not put this book down and finished it within a few hours of starting.  Your heart aches for both Katie and Maureen, as well as the other heartbreaking stories of others who have had to deal with addictions and their consequences.  Having two teenage boys myself I can only imagine going through what Maureen, as well as countless other parents, have had to endure in dealing with a child with an addiction.

If You Love Me is a must read for everyone, even those whose lives have never been touched by drug  addiction, so that light can be shown on the truths of Substance Abuse Disorders, and that people in our society will realize that no one is immune.

Maureen has done so much, not only for her daughter but for those who struggle to fight for themselves.  She has started a wonderful organization called Magnolia New Beginnings that helps people with Substance Abuse Disorders get help and hopefully break their addictions and get back on their feet.  You can find out more about Magnolia New Beginnings on their website as well as Facebook and Twitter.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Henry Holt & Co. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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#FallingInLove $100 Kickoff Giveaway

Falling In Love

A Clean Romance Event

Hosted by I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance

September is going to be an AWESOME month for clean romance lovers! I'm excited to kick-off this month-long celebration with this $100 Giveaway. Before we get to the giveaway...

Just look at this amazing list of authors who are participating!

Elizabeth Johns 
Julie Wright 
Jo Noelle 
Laurie Lewis 
Bria Quinlan 
Beth Labonte 
Sariah Wilson 
D.E. Malone 
Delaney Cameron 
Donna Hatch 
Kimberley Montpetit 
Rachael Anderson 
Mylissa Demeyere 
Daniel Banner 
Danielle Thorne 
Aubrey Wynne 
Kimberly Krey 
Jennifer Griffith 
Jen Geigle Johnson 
Cindy Roland Anderson

Are you excited? I hope so because it's going to be a great month!

Each Monday through Friday for the rest of the month one of these authors will be spotlighted. There will be a $25 giveaway along with each spotlight which means there will be $500 given away in addition to this $100 giveaway! That's a total of $600 being given away plus you will have the chance to learn more about 20 AMAZING authors!

So let's start this off with the $100 Kick-Off Giveaway!

 

Giveaway Details:
One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash. Ends 10/1/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, PayPal, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Discipleship

A.W. Tozer was one of the most well-known Christians of our time.  He was a pastor and writer, penning more than 60 books and articles throughout his career.  He received 2 honorary doctorates from both Wheaton College and Houghton College which is amazing considering the fact that he had a humble upbringing and was completely self taught. A.W. Tozer's writings are the authority on many Christian topics and one of those is discipleship.  What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Discipleship is a collection of various known writings of A.W. Tozer that, once read, will leave no doubt about what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  Convicting from the first page, Tozer is unapologetic in his scrip, laying bare every aspect of being a disciple.

Discipleship is beautifully written and despite having a style that many are not used to reading, the book has a wonderful flow, and I was able to get through it quicker than I expected.  Many of Tozer's points gave me pause and I found myself constantly reflecting on what I'd read hours after reading it. He really had an incredible way of piercing the heart and you can feel his passion for the subject leaping off of the pages.

This was one of those books that will be cherished and used as a reference and guide for years to come.  If you've ever wanted to know what it truly means to be a follower of Christ, or if you want to deepen your relationship with Him, this is the book for you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.

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