Julie Arduini's Blog, page 130
March 14, 2015
Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path
As we settle into life taking this route on a daily basis, we still feel more change is to come as we seek “revive” on a personal level.
It’s easy to get caught up in the questions.
What kind of change?
When?
How?
Will it benefit all of us?
And on and on I could ask.
But as I drive this road full of twists and turns, snow and clear, smooth and pot holes, one thing keeps coming back:
He always directs our path.
We’ve decided to trust in Him, and He’s never let us down.
He’s given answers in His way, His time.
And even if our address changed, He hasn’t lost us.
And if you’re feeling out of sorts, know He hasn’t forgotten or lost you.

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March 13, 2015
Saturday Confession: Like Ice Grips
I have the worst knees. Since sixth grade both knees dislocate with no notice. I’ve ripped ligaments and stretched everything possible. Although I haven’t seen anyone recently, the last doctor said before Lady Gaga ever did, that I was “born this way.” No surgery would help, I just had to exercise it daily to strengthen them.
With each year, my fear during the winter reached new heights. As a new mom I was terrified I’d fall and drop my baby. With child number two I was scared when she’d hold my hand that I’d fall and hurt her. When she became independent I worried she’d fall before I could get to her. It reached a point that when I heard ice was in the forecast, I lost sleep trying to plan how I was going to navigate the day.
Last year the weather was terrible and I was so anxious that 80+ year old people in the church lot were passing me on heels while I wore my heavy boots. I stiffened out of fear and that made me all the slower. I decided I couldn’t do this another winter.

Foxnovo® Ice Traction Universal Slip-on Stretch Fit Snow Ice Spikes from Amazon
I finally found a pair of “ice grips” on Amazon that I felt confident I could figure out and use in the toughest condition. I’m not known for patience so if I couldn’t put them on with ease, they’d sit in a closet. Trust me, it’s happened.
At first I started slow. I got used to the feel and tested the conditions. With snowstorm after snowstorm and then melting and freezing turning to layers of ice, I walked for the first time at a decent speed in winter conditions. I even kept them on my boots full time, sounding like a tap dancer when I walked inside a store.
My husband wondered if my breakthrough was all in my head. He’s probably right. All I know is those little cleats kept me upright on the ice and snow. My knees survived. I rated those miracles 5 stars on Amazon.
Funny thing is, I’ve thought about those ice grips more than ice cleats. They are to me a reminder of Christ in my life. He’s that sure foundation that gives me the confidence to face the storms of life. On my own, I’m an accident waiting to happen. Leaning on Jesus, having Him cover me as I go about my day—my walk is secure.
There are so many unknowns right now. Our daughter and her lab work. A parent in need of extra medical attention. A son nearing the end of high school. A hint that more change is in the air. I don’t want to face any of this unprepared. Underprotected. Those ice grips are more than my winter lifeline. They are my reminder.
Do you have a visual that reminds you of your relationship with Christ?

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March 12, 2015
Book Review: Texas K-9 Unit Series by Shirlee McCoy, Margaret Daley and Sharon Dunn
Book Description
Love Inspired Suspense authors Shirlee McCoy, Margaret Daley and Sharon Dunn will get your pulse racing with tales of Texas cops and their loyal K-9 dogs tracking down a crime ring. Enjoy three action-packed Texas K-9 Unit romantic suspense novels in one box set!
When a boy goes missing from his bedroom, a police detective must assure a desperate single mother that he and his trusty bloodhound will find her son.
A woman with amnesia has to rely on an officer and his border collie to stay alive when she can’t remember who tried to kill her.
An FBI agent is called in to protect a single mother when the rookie K-9 officer witnesses a murder and becomes the killer’s target.
This box set includes:
TRACKING JUSTICE BY SHIRLEE MCCOY
DETECTION MISSION BY MARGARET DALEY
GUARD DUTY BY SHARON DUNN
Look for more Texas K-9 Unit books sold separately:
EXPLOSIVE SECRETS BY VALERIE HANSEN
SCENT OF DANGER BY TERRI REED
LONESTAR PROTECTOR BY LENORA WORTH
TEXAS K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS BY SHIRLEE MCCOY AND TERRI REED
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and as soon as I saw two of my favorite authors in this genre were part of the series, I knew I wanted in. I’m not as familiar with Sharon Dunn’s work but this is a perfect series for those that enjoy high stakes, romance, law enforcement and of course, K-9 dogs.
Each book has a great cover and an action packed story featuring the K-9 dogs. I found them to be quick reads with the right amount of romance against all the peril. Shirlee McCoy is my go-to for this genre and Tracking Justice was as enjoyable as I thought it would be. Margaret Daley is a talent no matter what genre she writes for so I had fun with Detection Mission, too. Guard Duty is a perfect fit for the series and gave me an author in Sharon Dunn to look for more from.
To purchase the Texas K-9 Unit series, click here.
I received the Texas K-9 Unit series in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: No Longer a Slumdog by K.P. Yohannan
About the book:
139 pgs / Forward by Francis Chan
Those with no voice—the suffering children of Asia—tell their stories. And as you listen to them, you share their anguish and rejoice in their triumphs. The whole world seems to stop as you look on.
“You girls stay here. I’m going to get something to drink.” But after a few minutes, the train started moving again, and Mom still wasn’t back! Our hearts were racing. The train kept going faster and faster. Where was Mom?
Hope is growing in the hearts of those who never knew such a thing existed. In this truly gripping narrative, K.P. Yohannan shares their stories— stories of lives transformed, of families learning to love, of entire communities flourishing with new life. Witness as this next great wave of transformation sweeps the nations.
About the author:
P. Yohannan
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director for Gospel of Asia, has authored more than 200 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 3 million copies in print. He is on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and his Road to Reality radio program airs on more than 900 stations worldwide. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.
S O C I A L • C O R N E R
Official WEBSITE
Official FACEBOOK
Official TWITTER
K.P. Yohannan’s FACEBOOK
K.P. Yohannan’s TWITTER
Official Hashtag #NoLongerASlumdog
As far as books go, No Longer a Slumdog isn’t a big read. It’s a book you can finish in one setting. But don’t be fooled, it’s also a book with lasting impact.
K.P. Yohannan is the founder of Gospel for Asia and he gives sobering statistics on life in India. For those of us who live in the United States, the most impoverished situation here would be wealthy in India. He paints such a picture of abuse and hard work that I could almost smell the places he was talking about. Kids are often taken to work the streets and disfigured simply because that brings about more money. Stories like this, filled with precious pictures of the children, brought a lump to my throat as I turned the pages.
Thankfully, No Longer a Slumdog isn’t about gloom. It’s about hope that Christ brings. The author shares how Gospel for Asia is helping and wonderful statistics about how things are changing. Even better, there is a call to action for the reader to partner with them.
This book stirs compassion and gives the majority of the world a glimpse into life we could never imagine. I challenge readers to pick up a copy and pray.
Purchase No Longer a Slumdog here.
I received a copy of No Longer a Slumdog in exchange for an honest review.

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March 8, 2015
COTT: The Salt Covenants by Sylvia Bambola
Clash of the Titles is excited to announce this year’s Olympia
Finalists!!
Please congratulate:
*Kelly Goshorn
*Madelyn Herbert
*Mary Vaitkevicius-Vee
All three authors’ entries will go to our Round 3 judges:
Karen Ball, Becky Philpott, and Becky
Wade.
The winner will be announced on April 8th!
Learn
more about these authors.
Learn more
about the Olympia Awards.
And now, for our featured
novel!
~~~~~~~
“In her historical novel, The Salt Covenants, Sylvia Bambola paints a
masterpiece with words.” Micki Sorbello, artist and free lance
writer
The Salt Covenants
by Sylvia Bambola
About the book:
“But these plans they have laid out for me like an embroidered rug, showing
me where my feet must travel, is to me an awful penance for sins I did not
commit.” –Isabel
Spain 1493: Millions of Jews are forced to convert to Christianity or flee
their homeland or die. Caught in this web is young Isabel, who has broken
her mother’s heart by her sincere conversion to Christ. But her conversion
is not enough to shield her from the eyes of the Inquisition, and in order
to save herself, she is forced to marry a man she does not love and flee to
a faraway land with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage. Here she
struggles to make a life in this wild new land, struggles to adjust to her
new faith, and struggles to find love. But how is she to survive? With all
the risks and hardships? And can she find love with the sophisticated
Antonio Villarreal who unexpectedly enters her world? And what of the
dangerous Enrique Vivar? Will his hidden agenda cost her her life?
Purchase Book
What others are saying:
“Bambola (Rebekah’s Treasure) elevates a simple historical tale into
something transcendent, in this beautifully written novel about a young
Jewish noblewoman, Isabel, who flees the Inquisition on Christopher
Columbus’s second voyage to the New World.” Publishers Weekly starred
review
“This is not a quick read, but Bambola (Rebekah’s Treasure) adeptly depicts
a time and place not often explored in Christian historical fiction. Her
theme of loss of ethnic culture suffered by the Jews and Native Americans
should resonate with readers. Isabel is a well-developed character living
in a cruel world, who never succumbs to becoming cruel herself. There may
be some crossover appeal to readers of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir.”
Library Journal 1/1/15
“Bambola’s gift for storytelling in this work of historical fiction is
noting short of remarkable.” Sallie Yusko, pastor, founder of Women of
Worth and Destiny, conference speaker and writer
“In her historical novel, The Salt Covenants, Sylvia Bambola paints a
masterpiece with words.” Micki Sorbello, artist and free lance writer
What COTT voters had to say:
–It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything set during the Spanish
Inquisition. I would LOVE to get my hands on this book.
–Sylvia
this looks very interesting!
–I really love the cover of “The Salt
Covenants”! I have a thing for beaches and the model really makes an
eye-catching cover. Plus the book description sounds really unique.
–I love books that touch the heart. By Chapter 3, I cried about the
injustice of the Inquisition period. Sylvia must have spent hours
researching the data given. Excellent and spell-binding !
–Sylvia is
a very talented author. Her books are ones you don’t want to put down.
–Sylvia this sounds fascinating.
–I totally enjoyed this book. I
hated to put it down and was sorry when I reached the end. Great Job
Sylvia!
–This is a fantastic book. Very impressed with this author!
Well written as she takes you along the journey of the Inquisition and
travels to the new world. Highly recommended!
–Sylvia your next book
looks wonderful!!!
–Historical fiction is a challenge for an author
to fit the characters to the time in a believable manner.. Sylvia Bambola
does it!
–I’m sure God has given each of you such talent that you are
pleased to share with us. However, I based my vote on the novel historicity
displayed in The Salt Covenants. Rosie
–Your novels are always well
researched and address interesting issues. This one is of particular
interest to me because of the time period…amaangela
–Creative,
ingenious, captivating…your books always take me With them! Looking
forward to going on the Salt Covenant journey.
A moment with Sylvia:
What is the one take-way you’d like to leave your readers?
Answer: Well, there’s actually two. The first is that forgiveness is
paramount. Both getting it and giving it. Without it we will never heal
those deeply buried wounds. The other thing is that as Christians we must
not allow history to repeat itself. The ill-treatment of Jews by the Church
and the rabid anti-Semitism during the Spanish Inquisition was troubling.
But now that anti-Semitism is once again rearing its ugly head, we,
Christians, must take a stand against it, as well as to stand with God’s
chosen people.
What do you find most challenging about being a writer:
Answer: For me, the most challenging thing is the marketing. I’m not a fan.
But I do it. I suspect that’s a problem with most writers. Still, I’d like
to be like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote, whose only responsibility
(regarding writing) seemed to be to write novels while someone in the
background handled all the p.r. and marketing for her. I guess one can
dream.
About Sylvia:
Born in Romania, Sylvia Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven
she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and
America for the first time. But the memory of those years in post World War
Germany inspired her to write Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel
Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Her frequent moves as an “army brat”
gave her an opportunity to see America and fall in love with her new
country. Bambola has authored seven novels, has two grown children, teaches
women’s Bible studies, and is learning the guitar.

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March 7, 2015
Sabbath Sunday: He Will Direct Your Path
As we settle into life taking this route on a daily basis, we still feel more change is to come as we seek “revive” on a personal level.
It’s easy to get caught up in the questions.
What kind of change?
When?
How?
Will it benefit all of us?
And on and on I could ask.
But as I drive this road full of twists and turns, snow and clear, smooth and pot holes, one thing keeps coming back:
He always directs our path.
We’ve decided to trust in Him, and He’s never let us down.
He’s given answers in His way, His time.
And even if our address changed, He hasn’t lost us.
And if you’re feeling out of sorts, know He hasn’t forgotten or lost you.

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March 5, 2015
Book Review: What’s A Foster Family by Anne Garboczi Evans
Alex’s an only child who’s used to having Mommy and Daddy all to himself. So when his parents start doing foster care and little Malik joins their home, Alex’s not so sure he’s happy about sharing.
This is a very quick read that does a good job explaining the role of a foster family. Alex has a new foster brother, Malik, that he has to get used to. Just as he does, Malik has to return to his “Tummy Mommy.”
I think the book is a great way to introduce fostering to a child and how to prepare for the transition. I didn’t love the illustrations, in some cases I found them a tad scary for a young child.
With a parent available to read the book and explain, I believe What’s a Foster Family? is a picture book little ones can return to again and again.
To purchase What’s a Foster Family, click here.
I received a copy of What’s a Foster Family in exchange for an honest review.

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March 4, 2015
A Call to Praise Blog Hop Starts Today by Jennifer Slattery
Julie’s Note:
This post first appeared at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud.

A Call to Praise Blog Hop Starts March 5th at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud
I’m a firm believer in the power of praise. When I’m sad, anxious, or upset, nothing lifts my heart quite like singing praises to my Heavenly Father. I think there are many reasons for this, perhaps the most important of which being that it centers my heart and mind in God’s peace-giving, ever-loving presence. As some of you may know, I battle chronic illness, which means, I often battle negative emotions as well. One week, when going through a particularly difficult time, I felt as if God led me to Psalm 103, calling me to focus not on my struggle but instead on Him–who He is and all He’s done. Ever since, I’ve found praise to be my life-line, so I thought I’d share this precious gift God showed to me with each of you.
Starting March 5th, a group of bloggers and I have decided to dig deep into Psalm 103, passage by passage. I hope you’ll join us by following the links below.
March 5 Jennifer Hallmark will launch our series with a beautiful post on gratitude on my blog.
March 9: Sarah Ruut will visit Carol McClain’s to share her thoughts on what it means to praise God will ALL that we are.
March 11: Allyson Carter will visit on Sarah Ruut’s to talk about those things that hinder our praise.
March 13: Julie Arduini will visit Allyson Carter’s blog to talk about “Discerning Satan’s Tactics and Living on the Offense.”
March 16: Carol McClain will visit Susan Aken’s to share her thoughts on the importance of remembering all God has done.
March 18: Maria Morgan will visit Sarah Ruut’s blog to expand on Psalm 103:2, especially focusing on what it means to “forget not all His benefits.”
March 21: Allyson Carter will discuss Psalm 103 verse 3, hosted on Carol McClain’s blog
March 24: Sarah Ruut hosted on Marji Laine’s blog, discussing how God’s Blessings in our lives can give us strength.
March 26: Delia Latham will visit Carol McClain’s blog to talk about verse 6 and how God’s justice makes a difference in our lives
March 30: Susan Aken will visit my blog to discuss Psalm 103:9-12, focusing on God’s underserved grace
April 2: Marji Laine hosted on Allyson Carter’s blog, discussing what it means to live anew in God’s grace.
April 4: Susan Aken will visit Delia Latham’s blog to share her thoughts on Psalm 103:14, discussing the what it means when Scripture says God knows we are weak
April 9: Carol McClain will post on my blog, discussing God’s sovereignty and power.
April 11th I’ll tie up our series on Ginger Solomon‘s blog, calling each of us to be fully present when we praise.

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March 3, 2015
Book Review: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Book Description:
Behind him, beside him, before him, the synchronized cathedral bells began to ring out.
One, two, three . . .
Then she said it first. The words his heart burst to share. “I love you, Stephen. You are my true prince.”
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever?
American heiress Corina Del Rey caught her prince once. But the tragedy of war kept her too long in a fog of grief. Now she’s shifting her life forward, reigniting her career as a journalist. Still, nothing can relieve her of the secret and the love she carries in her soul.
Prince Stephen of Brighton is one of the world’s most eligible bachelors and a star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life. His days in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Command will mark him forever. And he can’t shake their dark shadow.
But when his brother, King Nathaniel, confronts him with a document the prince thought long buried and forgotten, Stephen is forced to face the pain of his past and the love he left behind.
With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?
This is book three in the Royal Wedding series, but like the others, it’s possible to read them as a stand alone. Corina Del Rey is an heiress who gave up the stereotypical heiress life after her brother died. Her family has been paralyzed by grief, Corina most of all, as the person she needed most in the worst time in her life, wasn’t there at all.
Prince Stephen is from Brighton and back from serving in Afghanistan. He’s trying to move forward from all he saw and experienced but like Corina, he has grief he’s yet to deal with. When his brother, the king, shows him official paperwork to further bring the past, he has to bring a lot of his past to the present. And there’s a lot of conflict there.
What I liked about How to Catch a Prince was the modern angle of royal life. Corina’s boss thinks Corina has a Kardashian name or two in her address book. Twitter is a major force to drive the plot forward, and I really enjoyed that.
What I found a little disappointing was there wasn’t as much forward as there was past. As the Del Rey family was stuck in grief, it was brought up a lot about how life stopped after Carlos died. That when Corina was left grief-stricken, she was also left brokenhearted. It came up quite a few times and after awhile, I was ready for the healing process to show itself. It had been five years.
I believe it’s a good read and of course, another escape into a royal romance, which I always enjoy reading.
To purchase How to Catch a Prince, click here.
I received a copy of How to Catch a Prince in an exchange for an honest review.

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March 1, 2015
COTT: Congratulations to The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

A big thank you to all four authors for sharing news of their wonderful new releases!
One voter sums it up
“All of these books sound so good. I would really like to take a vacation where I could just read, read, eat, read, eat, and did I mention read some more? Well, all of your books sound amazing like you! May God bless each of you as you endeavor to do His will. May you shine for His glory.”
Congratulations go to Marissa Shrock for her young adult novel!
Voters had lots to say about The First Principle, many comments from Marissa’s students. It is a wonderful book! I loved it! To God Be the Glory… Really interesting, great book Very good. My favorite book. It was amazin’ This is the best book I have ever read. This book looks so interesting! I look forward to reading it! While all sound like good reads, I love the concept of a young, pregnant girl fighting against mandatory abortion. Great book. Looking forward to the sequel. Great concept! Great book with lots of non-stop action and wonderful character development. It belongs on your must read list. It is inspirational even to a grandma like me to read stories such as this. Bless your efforts! The latest comment from a teen reader: I absolutely loved The First Principle, a dystopian story with a Christian twist….Tear-jerking, heart-racing, and beautifully written. — Tessa, 16
About The First Principle

Purchase The First Principle
Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW. Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel. In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, playing golf, and reading. Her favorite genres are young adult, suspense, and science fiction. Visit Marissa’s web site http://www.marissashrock.com/

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