Friday, August 26, 2016

Review & Giveaway: The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson


Heidi Reads... The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.

Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest.


My Review

The Beautiful Balance is an inspiring and helpful book written with LDS (Mormon) readers in mind, but other Christian faiths can definitely appreciate the insight and wisdom the author shares. I found myself highlighting several passages and quotes that resonated with me. I highly recommend his book and plan to refer to it over and over as I continue to seek a more balanced life.


The book is written in two parts: claiming personal control, and giving the rest to God. She breaks down the concept of self-control into four aspects- control over our priorities, actions, attitude, and beliefs. I especially appreciated how the author explored the subtle differences between them and it was easy to apply each to my own life. Other topics examined are what's behind the quest for control, and the distinction between influence and control.

In the second part, the difficult task of letting go is handled reminders of God's nature- full of compassion, love, and grace as well as expectations of faith and obedience. My favorite part was the importance of seeking and receiving personal revelation, refocusing and aligning our desires with God's in "the perfect companionship". The ultimate blessing of a balanced life is peace. "We think we want control, but what we really want is peace." When we understand that we control ourselves and trust in the Lord to take care of the rest, we can have peace through our trials and adversity and the power to overcome them.

While her own experiences and struggles are a major part of the narrative, the author also explains other personality types and includes anecdotes for them as well. There are examples from members of her family and those she has come to know in church and life. She includes inspiring quotes from real-life heroes such as Elizabeth Smart, Viktor E. Frankel, modern-day prophets and apostles, plenty of stories from the scriptures, and best of all, words from our Savior Jesus Christ.

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)


Aug. 22nd
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Fire and Ice Reads
Aug. 23rd

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Thursday, August 25, 2016

Review & Giveaway: Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall


Heidi Reads... Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

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Synopsis

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way ...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After his failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?


My Review

Starving Hearts was more suspenseful than I anticipated, and I had an overall feeling of trepidation as I read the novel. The villain was despicable and his evil plans were made apparent from the beginning. Annette and Peter were likeable enough, but I wished more character development in the beginning had been balanced with the details of the events occurring. The dialogue was formal and felt historically accurate, yet sometimes made it hard to follow or maintain interest. I was relieved when Annette's repetitive bemoaning of the lack of intelligent people to converse with tapered off. A large part of the book focuses on the African slave trade, with both Annette and Peter supporting its abolition. I didn't feel a great connection to the story or characters, rather more removed as an observer. I think fans of historical fiction might appreciate the setting and topic, but since I tend to enjoy books of a more romantic nature, I didn't find that this one was for me.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

starving hearts - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Excerpt & Giveaway: Pre-order The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson!



The Fall of Lord Drayson

The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Who is he really? A high and mighty lord or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?  

Publication Date: Monday, August 29th
pre order on amazon

Excerpt 

He stared at her incredulously, as though she had escaped Bedlam. “Are you in your right mind, woman?” Lucy leaned forward and planted her palms on his bed so that her eyes were level with his. “My name is Lucy Beresford. I have lived in Askern all my life. I’m the sole daughter of a vicar and a seamstress who lived most happily despite their differences in station. When my father passed away, I came here, to this dower house. So yes, I am in my right mind. It is you who are not.” The earl’s jaw clenched, and Lucy took some pleasure at the sight. Perhaps he would come down off his high horse and show at least a small amount of kindness or respect. “I may not know who I am or where I came from,” he finally said, “but at least I do not feel the need to tell tales.” “Tell tales?” Lucy gaped at him. Was he accusing her of telling untruths? Her, of all people? What untruths? How dare he! Lord Drayson glanced down at his fingers, frowning when he spotted grime under his nails. He began to scrape it out as he spoke. “Claiming to be the daughter of a vicar and seamstress is all very romantic, but it cannot possibly be the truth.” “And why not?” she asked. His gaze returned to hers. “In my experience, the daughter of a vicar would behave with more decorum, would know how to make a palatable broth, and would never allow herself to be alone in a room with a man who is not her relative. If there is one thing I know with absolute certainty, it is that you are no relation of mine.” Lucy’s jaw clenched as she fought to control the rage building inside her. Ever so slowly, she pushed herself up to standing and glared down at the earl. “You are correct in thinking I am no ordinary vicar’s daughter. I do not love unconditionally. I show decorum only when I wish to. And I despise those who care for no one but themselves. But I do not tell tales.” He actually chuckled, but it was more of a scoff than a show of humor. “Did you learn those traits from your father?” “Do not speak of my father.” “I would prefer to speak of myself, but you do not seem to share that preference, so perhaps we should speak of your father instead. Where is he, by the by? I would very much like to meet him.” Lucy’s fingers became fists while her conscience became a battleground between all that was good and evil inside her. It was a short battle, with evil making a quick triumph. Ever so slowly, her body still trembling with anger, she lifted her chin. If he was going to accuse her of telling tales, then tell them she would. “Very well, Collins. If you must know, I am your employer. And though you may not remember me, or this house, or your position in it, or the fact that you are perfectly susceptible to coming off a horse, just like any other human, I still expect some kindness and respect from you.” “What on earth are you talking about? What position?” There was not a hint of hesitation in her voice when she answered. “You are a servant in this house.”

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Rachael
Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/18/16 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 will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Cover Reveal: Heart Strings by Donna Hatch




We are so excited to have Author Donna Hatch with us once again to feature her newest book! For those who haven't yet met Donna, let's get to know her:


Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.





Connect with the Author:

      

   

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And now, let's check out her fantastic new book!

Synopsis: Gently bred young ladies don’t run away from home to find employment, but when forced to choose between marrying a brutish oaf or becoming another man’s mistress, Susanna makes an unconventional decision. Following her passion for music, she flees to London with dreams of securing a position as a harpist. Becoming entangled with a handsome violinist who calls himself Kit, but who seems too aristocratic for a working-class musician, may be more problematic than sleeping in the streets.
Kit's attention is captured by Susanna’s breath-taking talent, admirable grace, and winsome smiles…until a lawman exposes the new harpist as a runaway bride and a thief. With peril lurking in the shadows, Susanna’s imminent danger not only forces Kit to choose between his better judgment and his heart, but he must also embrace the life to which he swore he would never return.

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And now ... are you ready to see the wonderful new cover??


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