I’m starting out a new year of blogs with not one, but two book reviews and book giveaways: a fiction and non-fiction book. I think you’ll enjoy both of these books. I did. Read on to see how to enter the book giveaway for these books.I’m starting out a new year of blogs with not one, but two book reviews and giveaways: a fiction and non-fiction book. I think you’ll enjoy both of these books. I did. Read on to see how to enter these book giveaways.
Fiction Book Giveaway
A PromiseTo Return, by Elizabeth Byler Younts, is Elizabeth’s debut novel, a historical Amish romance set in World War II. I’ve always enjoyed this time period of historical fiction, but this story gave a fresh perspective about how war might have affected Amish lives.
Elizabeth’s own Amish roots gave both credibility and believability to this passionate and warm story of a romance caught in a world of conflicting beliefs. The drafting of Henry Mast stirs up even deeper struggles and questions than “to fight or not to fight?” For Miriam Coblentz, the answer to that question could mean a difficult choice regarding her roots and the man she loves: to leave or to love?
I enjoyed how the author created believable and compelling characters that captured my emotions from the very beginning, transporting me into another time and place with great skill. I love reading good fiction, and I look forward to more stories from this talented author. A great debut novel.
* I received this book from Howard Books in return for my honest review. No monetary payment was involved. And I chose to pass on this book in these book drawing giveaways.
Non-fiction Book Giveaway
Last year I reviewed another of Linda Evans Shepherd’s books. Today’s review and book giveaway Is for her book, Experiencing God’s Presence, Learning to Listen While You Pray. I enjoyed reading this book because of my own passion in both writing and sharing with others about finding intimacy with God. And I believe Linda shares that same passion in this book. She combines personal experiences from hers and others’ lives, practical helps on praying and listening to God, and even creates fictional, but believable details in her accompanying biblical stories that bring the characters to life.
But the thing I like most about this and others of Linda’s books are the Scripture based principles and suggested prayers she offers to help others experience God’s presence without hindrances. The prayers are not presented as formulaic or “magical.” Rather they serve as a starting point to increase intimacy, applying the Scripture itself, moving us into the realm of learning how to approach God, to listen, and also to obey. Along with her instruction Linda includes wisdom from others as well: authors like Max Lacado, Beth Moore, and Stormie Omartian.
Linda is a woman of bold faith who takes God at His Word, and recognizes the need and power of both talking–and listening–to God. Through this book she will encourage readers to experience a deeper relationship with the One who wants our fellowship, too.
* I received this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary payment was involved. And I chose to pass on this book as well in these book drawing giveaways.
A New Year’s Prayer
Lord, the past is gone, and we cannot hold onto it or take it with us–only the memories you’ve given us to share. In this New Year, fill our lives and our hearts with all that is good and worthy of praise, that we might honor You in every word, thought, and deed. Thank You for another year to live for You, to love You, and to love others. May we learn from our mistakes in the past, and press forward to embrace the blessings and tasks daily You’ve given to each one. Thank You that Your steadfast love never changes, and Your mercies never end. Great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
Note: The book giveaways have ended.
