Hope In a Hurricane - CS Golding

Hope In a Hurricane: How Much Must a Man Lose Before He Finds Himself? Synopsis: In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey barrels into Houston, leaving behind the wettest disaster in Atlantic history, and upending the life of nurse Shawn Murphy. Already weighed down by a fractured marriage built on deception and the haunting memory of a lost love, Shawn now finds himself caught in a storm that threatens not only his city but everything he thought he could hold together.

When an old friend calls in a life debt and troubling news about his grandfather surfaces, Shawn is pushed to his breaking point. A colleague witnesses him unraveling under the strain, while a voice of wisdom urges him toward the truth he has long resisted. Torn between duty to his family, the desperate needs of his patients, and his own crumbling convictions, Shawn must make a choice that will define his future.

How much must a man lose before he finds himself?

In the chaos of the storm, both outside and within, Shawn discovers that survival is not only about weathering the winds, but about surrendering to the grace that can redeem even the most broken heart.

Buy "Hope In a Hurricane" on Amazon.

csgolding.com

My Review: Riveting! I love "Hope In a Hurricane." The characters, the plot, the background, the location, and the use of an actual event all came together in a book that was both entertaining and thought-provoking! While there was no character that I could really identify with, the exploration of the individuals brought them to life and gave deeper insight into the circumstances that shaped each person. The varying stories of healing, hope, and redemption in the midst of Hurricane Harvey with flashbacks to scenes from their pasts makes you realize that what we observe on the surface does not even begin to help us understand each other. "Hope In a Hurricane" is listed as Book 1 in the Journeys to Grace series. I can hardly wait to meet the characters CS Golding has planned for Book 2! In the meantime, I recommend this book highly. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and Hardcover.

C.S. Golding grew up in the small town of Belton, Texas, where the quiet countryside and the companionship of horses offered comfort amidst a turbulent home life. Fueled by determination and grit, she built a successful career in civil engineering, but even achievement couldn’t quiet the deeper ache in her soul.

After years of striving, stumbling, and silently searching for more, she finally fell to her knees and let Jesus in. That moment became the turning point. Redeemed and renewed, C.S. now writes to uplift others walking through storms of their own.

Her heartfelt words speak to the weary and the wandering, inviting both believers and seekers into stories of hope, healing, and the freedom only Christ can give. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in the garden tending vegetables, laughing at her clumsy missteps, and giving thanks for the grace that sustains her.

csgolding.com

Radiant - Priscilla Shirer

Did you know that God’s light can shine through every facet of your identity? Radiant is an invitation for teen girls and young women to enjoy a candid conversation on identity with bestselling author Priscilla Shirer. You’ll hear reflections on life lessons she’s gathered from her teen years until now. She’ll show you how the light of God’s Word shaped her identity, and she’ll teach you how it can change and shape your life as well.

The book is less than 150 pages, but each page will touch the heart of the reader and make a positive impact. Priscilla Shirer is one of my favorite Bible teachers and this book appeals to me in spite of being well beyond the age of the intended readers. I wish there had been a similar resource available during my teen and early adult years. It is divided into 4 parts to walk you through various seasons and each ends with something To Think about and To Take Away. There are also paragraphs encouraging you to Read This, Say This, and Believe This. The outer beauty of the book (I love the purple cover with the gold lettering!) makes me smile, but the inner beauty being taught within the book makes this an excellent book for a young woman.

Radiant is published by B&H Publishing as a resource for further study with the film, Overcomer, by the Kendrick Brothers. Priscilla has a role in this film as a caring high school principal. I also highly recommend you see the movie!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Restoration Year - John Eldredge

Whether you have had a great year or one filled with many difficulties, the thought of a new year always brings to mind that there are changes we can make to transform us and to restore anything that needs healed or made whole. Restoration Year by John Eldredge (Ransomed Heart) is a 365-day Devotional designed to guide you on a year of restoration as you follow God for a richer experience with your relationship with God, and with other people in your life.

Each day provides Scripture and a short daily reading and ends with a prayer, a challenge or an inspirational message to further guide you along your journey. The steps you take will make a remarkable difference in your relationship with God. And, this will lead to a richer relationship with family and friends as you seek God first.

This is an embossed hardcover book with thick, easy-to-turn pages and an attached ribbon bookmark. It's easy to hold while reading, and since it's one page per day, most people should manage that well. My one complaint is no room for writing my own thoughts; there is some room in the margins of the book, but I would like a bit more space. This is a great devotional for a man, but also suitable for a woman or for a couple to read together. Published by Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Links:
Resoration Year - Thomas Nelson 
Ransomed Hearts website
John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart Ministries

Life in Season - Vanessa Hunt/Heather Patterson

‘Life in Season: Celebrating the Moments That Fill Your Heart and Home’ by Heather Patterson and Vanessa Hunt. Heather and Vanessa are sisters who created At the Picket Fence, a website dedicated to providing a place where women can share, care, and inspire one another.

It's a nice "coffee table" book or gift for a friend. The outside cover is beautiful and it is filled with beauty inside also. The book is divided into the four seasons and is filled with stories to fit each, along with recipes and crafts. I enjoyed reading the stories. Using personal anecdotes, and Scripture, they each contained a message that was inspirational and educational---in a fun way. I loved the lessons to be learned from them.

The recipes included looked like they were probably doable. I do not enjoy cooking, so there were none that tempted me. But, I have friends who love cooking and would love making these special treats to share with family and friends. There are also several craft projects that look adorable. My craftiness is solidly in the pre-schooler's art project class, so none of them are for my limited skills. But, I am not the potential market for this book, so I can't speak for how easy they are.

If you or a friend love crafting, cooking, and stories that inspire and are completely relatable and relational, I recommend this book.

I did receive a copy of this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group. 

66 Ways God Loves You ~ Jennifer Rothschild

The Bible is a book that is actually 66 books in one volume. It contains history, poetry, instruction, but it is also God's love letter to his people. In 66 Ways God Loves You, Jennifer Rothschild goes book by book as she walks with you through the 66 letters from God. 

• In Genesis God Fashions Me With His Hands
• In Proverbs God Offers Me Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies
• In Revelation God Receives Me as His Beloved and Treasured Bride

Those are just 3 examples of how God speaks to His people through His Word. Rothschild gives a short reading that sums up each book, along with Scripture that brings a deeper understanding. Using only a couple of pages for each book, this is a wonderful small devotional to use daily or to use as you read through the Bible. You can begin each book with this concise overview to gain a better understanding of what the Author is saying.

I love it! It is a small book, but it contains a powerful message of God's love for us. It's great that it also reminds me of a favorite song: "He Is" by Aaron Jeoffrey! This book has the same impact, letting me know the different ways God reveals Himself to me. Whether it is used as a reminder, a reassurance or balm to a broken spirit, I highly recommend this. It is also a wonderful gift for a friend or yourself. Definitely 5 stars.

Many thanks to Icon Media Group for providing me with a copy of this book at no cost to myself. I was not required to give a positive review.

Rich in Years

Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life by Johann Christoph Arnold

Why shouldn’t growing older be rewarding? Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life’s challenges, wants us to rediscover the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the trials that come with aging. But he knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. (from the website)

My Review:  I do love the basic premise for the book---encouraging people to continue to find ways to serve others even as they near the end of their lifespan. I have long held the belief that the need to feel needed and useful are essential, and the author gives stories about people who never quit looking for ways to  be used. As a Christian, I also appreciate the use of Scripture and the demonstrations of lives dedicated to serving God. I would recommend the book to those who feel they (or an older relative) has reached a point that they are not essential. Depression and bitterness are not the way to spend the remainder of your time on earth.

However, as far as a book just to read, it was only ok. Each story told and the people involved were good as individual stories, but this is not a book to read in just one or sittings. This is more of a personal choice of reading material than a criticism toward the book itself, but it just wasn't one that kept my interest for long.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

52 Little Lessons from "It's A Wonderful Life"

52 Little Lessons from "It's A Wonderful Life" by Bob Welch is quite simply....a wonderful little book. There are probably few people who have not seen this classic 1946 film by Frank Capra. The fictional Bedford Falls is a small town whose inhabitants are a part of our culture and revisited each December. Mr. Welch uses the hero, George Bailey (Jiames Stewart), quiet with an inner strength Mary (Donna Reed), forgetful Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell), mean Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), helpful angel Clarence (Henry Travers)...along with a multitude of other unforgettable characters to teach simple life lessons we can learn from each.

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Of course, I read this book quickly, but it is one that could and should be savored slowly. In fact, there is one lesson per week that the It's A Wonderful Life aficionado can use as part of a time of reflection and application to one's own life. The memories evoked as I read each short chapter brought with it a visual of the film that re-enforced the lesson being shared. This is a delightful little book that is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves this timeless tale. There were a few tidbits of trivia included in the stories that I enjoyed. My one complaint was that I would have enjoyed even more...but that is not the purpose of this book. It is written from a Christian worldview, but not overly preachy. It is simply a reflection of what the reader can learn and even a non-reader will enjoy this visit with familiar friends.

"Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." ~ Clarence



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unstoppable

People all over the world immediately recognize the smiling face of Nick Vujicic. Although he was born without arms or legs, Nick has not let this get in the way of  spectacular adventures, an inspirational ministry and a fantastic family wife. In fact, he recently announced he and his wife are expecting their first child next year. Relating stories from his own life and from others, Nick wants to share a message with others that they, too, can live a “ridiculously good life”! By putting your faith in action, Nick says it is possible to overcome adversity and difficulties. Learn how to become Unstoppable.

Take a peek at the first chapter of Unstoppable here.
You can also take a look at the video below:

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Unstoppable will be available on Tues, October 2, 2012. Make sure you pick up your own copy. Nick Vujicic is an incredible and dynamic person who is certain to be an inspiration to you. I loved his last book, and I know I look forward for the chance to read this one too!!