Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 9

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson - Book Review & Tour

About the book: A Lone Star Brides book.
Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.Answering an advertisement for a "Lone Star bride," she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn't know.Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake's yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty's dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters. What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways . . . and dreams and secrets collide?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/vlp1S

About the Author: Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. 
Learn more about Tracie at: www.traciepeterson.com Follow the Tour!
My Thoughts:"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive" ~ Sir Walter Scott had it pegged. While there are many underlying issues and themes we can get from this novel, the major is that a little lie goes a long way in hurting others - but especially yourself. Most of us make excuses for our actions and even convince ourselves that it's not really lying if we pretty much tell the truth and just leave a few important details out. That it'll all work out in the end. But God has a way of calling us out for those actions we thought were hidden and were sure wouldn't hurt anyone else.

Marty has had more than her fair share of trials and troubles and there were times I could almost feel her pain and hesitation. Nor did I ever blame her for the decisions she made. I probably would have done the same had I been in her shoes. Leaving Texas under false pretenses between her sister Hannah and herself, Marty can't wait to shake the Texas dust off her shoes and never return. But she doesn't realize what she's giving up and hurting by telling half truths and only with the gentle prodding and leading of the Holy Spirit does she realize that relationships are worth telling the truth and nothing but the truth.

Most of the time, when the heroine is a strong, take charge kind of woman, I don't much care for her. It seems that they're written as hard and uncaring; almost hostile and hateful. This isn't the way Marty is written and I appreciated it. She had a strong inclination to be kind, yet was strong and caring toward others. Those are some difficult traits to write into one character and have them dovetail so nicely together to make them believable.

Jake was the perfect gentleman and I only wish more would have been said regarding their blossoming romance.

This is a promising beginning to a new series by Tracie Peterson. I enjoyed spending my time in its pages and wouldn't hesitate recommending it to any of my Christian friends.

*My thanks to the publisher and LitFuse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.* 

Win a NEW Spring Wardrobe from @TheQuiltsofLove

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Maybelle in Stitches, by Joyce Magnin. Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it.


Joyce is celebrating the release with a $200 Modcloth giveaway. Enter today for a chance to spruce up your spring wardrobe!




One winner will receive:


A $200 ModCloth.com gift cardScraps of Evidence by Barbara CameronA Sky Without Stars by Linda S. ClareMaybelle in Stitches by Joyce MagninEnter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced on April 21st on the Quilts of Love blog !



Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

Tracie Peterson celebrates 100 books with an iPad Mini Giveaway & A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT

Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement  launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.


Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 
One winner will receive:


An iPad MiniA Sensible Arrangement by Tracie PetersonEnter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.



So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

MOM SEEKS GOD Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Moms’ May Day” Facebook Party

Mom Seeks God  by Julia Roller offers a highly relatable story and useful advice to help new moms grow in their faith as they address life changes with grace, patience, and prayer. As readers discover ten essential faith practices, they’ll learn that motherhood itself is a spiritual discipline and can be God’s most effective technique for forming a more Christ-like life.


Julia is celebrating the book's release with a fun giveaway and connecting with moms during a live Facebook author chat.




 
One winner will receive:


A Kindle HDXMom Seeks God by Julia RollerEnter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 1st. Winner will be announced at "Moms' May Day" Facebook Party on May 1st. Connect with Julia for an encouraging discussion on spiritual discipline and finding joy in the middle of motherhood. Win prizes, connect with other moms, and be inspired.



So grab your copy of Mom Seeks God  and join Julia on the evening of May 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

Rodeo Song by Shannon Vannatter - New Book Release

JENNA WENTWORTH FOUND THE MAN OF HER DREAMS 

But when silken-voiced Garrett Steele set out for stardom, he left Jenna—and his cowboy past—far behind. A chance encounter at one of his concerts propels him back into Jenna's life. But, once burned by love, Jenna must guard her heart against the captivating singer. 
Once upon a time, Garrett vowed he'd be a success, no matter what. But that path shattered his soul. His reunion with Jenna makes him long for things he once took for granted. Now he must show her that he's found what he was looking for all along…right here in his hometown.

 



About the Author:
Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/award winning author. She lives in rural central Arkansas in a town with a population of around 100, if you count a few cows. Shannon writes inspirational contemporary romance and it took her nine years to get published in the traditional market. 

Shannon hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as her characters struggle with real-life issues. Their journeys, from ordinary lives to extraordinary romance through Christ-centered relationships, demonstrate that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and doing craft projects.
  
Connect With Shannon:
Website: http://shannonvannatter.com
Blog: http://shannonvannatter.com/blog
Facebook: http://facebook.com/shannontaylorvannatter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29672798-shannon-vannatter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stvannatter/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stvauthor

Read a Snippet of Rodeo Song!



Follow the Tour and say Hi!


April 10 – Lena Nelson Dooley - http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/April 10 – Jennifer Slattery – http://jenniferaslatterylivesoutloud.comApril 15 – Cherie Burbach - http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/blog/April 16 – Deborah Vogts - http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com/April 17 – Ane Mulligan - http://www.anemulligan.com/April 21 – Kimberly Rose Johnson - http://kimberlysmusings.wordpress.com/April 21- Goodreads – Heartsong Presents Q & A –https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/129196-love-inspired-heartsong-presentsMay 9 – Kristena Tunstall - http://kristenatunstall.com/blog/May14 – Ginger Solomon - http://gingersolomon.blogspot.com/ 

Old Table Redux

I went to an auction a few years ago, and I fell in love.I didn't know if it was an antique, but oooh, when I first saw this baby, I knew I wanted it.I'll admit that I coveted. I lusted after it.I yearned to have it.I prayed that God would allow it to belong to me, and when bidding time came for it, oh yeah. You can believe that I was cut-throat about obtaining this table. 

It wasn't in wonderful shape, I'll admit. The people I was with didn't like it and didn't hesitate to tell me about it either. Loudly.They sneered.They cajoled.They groaned and grimaced.I laughed in the face of their derision.
If there's one thing I know about myself, if I like something, I like it. No matter what other people think. And this table with its Queen Anne legs and scratched off surface that told stories of its own, spoke to me. It had potential to be something beautiful. 

So, after a few years of procrastination, I finally pulled my baby outside and began to make it the way I saw it in my mind. Beautiful. Bold. Refreshed.
The top was really the only thing I needed to refinish as the legs were fine, so I stripped it down until all the finish was off, being very meticulous not to get any goo on the sides. (a.k.a. - I'm a newbie at stripping and refinishing things, and I didn't want to hurt it beyond repair.)

It wasn't enough that I wanted to redo the table. That's all well and fine. But I wanted something different. Something that not everyone else has.Something that had my personality. (Hehehe, this should scare you.) 
Using tailor's chalk, string, and a piece of metal to anchor the string to, I traced two circular patterns in the center of the table, pulled out my wall stencil and a lighter shade of brown, and began stencilinginside the smaller chalk circle, stopping at the edge of the circle.
Because we must be different, right?Unique.

Next, using a smaller stencil that would complement the interior design, I placed it evenly around the perimeter of the table and stenciled the outer edge.
The next step was not the easiest, I'll admit.I had to wait for the stencil paint to dry. ugh.
A few hours later, J and I took the table back outside where I could stain the entire top until my heart was content.
I was happy.I had a paintbrush, a free weekend (very rare), and it was sunny. Oh yeah...!

And this is the finished project. Now all I need are chairs...
 But I wonder. Is this the way God sees us? Drab and worn out when we're in our sins, but having great potential to beSomething Beautiful if we would only ask?What could we be with the gentle touch of the Master's Hand?
Amanda Stephan~Christian AuthorBooksByAmanda.comJoin my Newsletter for *free* members only gifts!           

The Devil Walks in Mattingly Book Review & Tour

About the book:  
For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive.
 
It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since---Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered.
Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred.
Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . Between truth and lies.


Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ux3hc

About the Author: Billy Coffey's critically-acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. 


Learn more about Billy at: http://billycoffey.comFOLLOW THE TOUR!
My Thoughts:
I very much enjoyed this book. I can't explain why some books grab my attention better than others. Maybe it's the way the author writes. Maybe it's the story line or the content. Maybe it's a throw-away phrase on the backmatter that beckoned me. Or maybe it's all the above tightly woven into a complex novel that registers on a deeply emotional level.

This isn't a book that should be read as quickly as possible. This is a deep, rich novel filled with nuggets of wisdom and truth that must be chewed on and thought about. Applied to our own lives. There is so much, so many lessons in this story, it's hard for me to put it all into one single review. This is a read-again, think-again type of novel. One that helps put the past into perspective and allows ourselves to reach out to God and ask for the forgiveness He so willingly offers. Especially when it's so difficult for us to forgive ourselves for our own heinous past.

Have you ever heard someone say, "If I'd do anything in my life over, it'd be..." and out pours some past regrets of something they did or didn't do? Now, what if you had pulled a senseless prank on someone and had to live with the awful consequences for the rest of your life? Would you allow your regrets to consume you and change your future? Or would you know that choice rather than fate governs our lives and those actions are the ones that will define us for what we would become?

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone stumbles and falls. Bad things happen to good people. We all must live with the consequences of our actions; whether good or bad. Such is the case with Jake and Kate Barnett and Taylor Hathcock.

I've read my fair share of scary books, but I am convinced the scariest antagonist of a novel is one who is more than insane (if that's possible) and believes all the evil acts he/she does is God's will and is the right thing. The ones who look like us but who have been pushed or bullied so much and treated so badly that they break into a million scattered, hurting pieces that can only hurt in retaliation. The pitiful ones. The saddest ones who make each of us stop and remember all the terrible things we said or did as kids to others who were a little different.

"Am I good?"
"There is none good. There is only grace. Mercy and forgiveness." <~ No truer words were ever spoken.
Highly recommend.

*My thanks to the publisher who provided me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own and I was not required they be positive.*

Dancing With Fireflies Book Review & Tour

About the book: A Chapel Springs Romance

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.


Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uJ6OD

About the Author: Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.


Learn more about Denise at: http://www.denisehunterbooks.comFOLLOW THE TOUR!My Thoughts:
If I were to sum this whole book into one sentence it would be: 
What Satan intends for evil, God can use for good.

Jade McKinley is full of dreams. Dreams of singing her songs and playing her guitar for others. And, just as in reality, life doesn't always turn out the way we plan, hope, or wish. Sometimes terrible things happen and we must trust that God knows what He's doing and rely on Him to help us through those difficult times. Such it is with Jade.

Picking up the pieces of her life and dealing with situations put upon her against her will, she must learn to go forward and lean on God to get her through the darkest times of her life. I very much appreciated how the author did not go into graphic detail of certain events. If she had, I would not have read this book. Her story could belong to many other women. She never gives up, never takes the easy way out, and decides to do what is right rather than what is popular. Jade is a hero.

Now meet Daniel. Who could resist such a counterpart? Down to earth mayor Daniel Dawson has loved Jade since the moment he first met her and it made me so sad that she couldn't see it for so long. Sometimes it's the tough things that bring people together the best and while I wouldn't wish the situation on any woman, I was glad to see them picking up the pieces together. I only wished she could have come to accept her feelings for him sooner than she did. Watching them grow together to learn and let go of the past and embrace their future was encouraging and uplifting.

*My thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.*

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren - Book Review & Tour

About the book: A Christensen Family Novel.
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits---and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior---on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.


Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan's website.


About the Author: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.


Learn more about Susan at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com Follow the Tour! My Thoughts: It's no wonder Susan May Warren is a bestselling and award winning author. This is a fabulous look at a very complex cast of characters. There's more to each than meets the eye.

I laughed, I cried, I cried some more, and I cheered for the characters. The only one I didn't really care for was Eden's brother Owen - but that was a necessary evil. My short review? Highly, highly recommend. Read on for my long review. 

Eden Christiansen thinks the purpose of her life is to be the cheerleader for everyone else. She has a mediocre job in the obits department, a slew of siblings who each has their own awesome talent, and a superstar hockey brother she feels she has to serve and protect at all costs. Even if it's to her own detriment. Always comparing herself to their accomplishments, she feels that somehow, no matter how hard she tries, she'll never be as good as them. Yet she wants to do something spectacular - she just doesn't see it happening in the obituary department. 

Jace Jacobsen has his own demons to destroy. He, a hockey superstar, has a less than desirable name and past. He knows better than anyone his own faults - and wishes he could change things.

As the story unfolds, both main characters see the other for what they are - hurting people who need someone to care for them. To see that they're worth something. To look past the exterior and see the potential. 

Supported by a stellar cast of characters, this isn't just a story about how two people meet and how they learn to like each other. This is a story about heart conditions, desperation, despair, losing everything important, new beginnings, old hurts, and finally, forgiveness. Love. Mending. Growing. 

Each person has their own story, and no one lives to themselves. I loved the main plot, the secondary plot, and the emerging plot that I'm pretty sure is going to be the focus of another Christiansen family book. And I can't wait to read it.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.*

Making Lip Balm - Tutorial

I love DIY. Being on the rather frugal side of life, (that's what happens on one income. You learn how to squeeze every nickel and dime until they scream. Don't worry. They like it.) ;) I've learned the value of doing it myself. Some people like puzzles. Some people like forensic science (weird, I know ~ jk!) and some people like to figure out how to do things.

I'm the latter.

If there's a way I can save my sweet spouse some money so he can take us to the movies (hint...hint... honey...) then I'm all for it!

SO!
For all you DIY'ers this one's for You.

Lip Balm 
2 oz beeswax
2 oz coconut oil
1 Tbsp Olive oil
Essential oil of your choice ~ Eucalyptus, peppermint, vanilla, lemon
Recycled lip balm tubes ~ cleaned and dried
1 turkey/chicken marinade injector ~ cleaned or unused

Combine the beeswax and coconut oil in a microwave safe container.  Microwave on high, stirring at 45 second intervals. While waiting for the mixture to completely melt, combine olive oil and several drops of essential oil. Cinnamon leaf or Vanilla are great ones to try. WAIT! We could try them together...ARGH! I have no beeswax left! If you try this, let me know how it turns out, please?Stir until blended together. Once beeswax and coconut oil are completely melted, stir in olive oil mixture until well mixed. Using the new, unused Turkey marinade injector (the funny part? Hubby doesn't have a clue where all  his injectors go) suck up some warm liquid. Make sure it's quite warm, or it'll be difficult to suction up.



Insert injector into cleaned and supported lip balm tubes. Inject liquid until it reaches the very top.



 Set on countertop until completely cooled.Once completely cooled and firm, twist bottom up until lip balm is slightly above the rim of the tube. Trim off uneven top and save the cut off part for another use! Hide several in secret places from your husband and children or you won't have any... ;)




Amanda Stephan~Christian AuthorBooksByAmanda.com