The Study Bible for Women (HCSB)

 Are you looking for a new Study Bible?  Holman Bible Publishers has come out with a new Study Bible (Holman Christian Standard Bible) that is just for Women.  This Bible comes in imitation leather, bound leather or hardcover.  The Editors--General Editor: Dorothy Kelley and Managing Editor: Rhonda Harrington Kelley both have husbands who are presidents of Theological Seminaries.  They along with the Holman Bible Staff have worked together to bring you a quality product that will enhance your Bible study as you learn more about your God.

I thought this Bible was just beautiful.  I received the imitation leather Bible in light blue and maroon.   I loved all the extras included in the books of the Bible such as: timelines, character profiles on women, maps, pictures, word studies, etc.  The inside is just as beautiful as the outside with color and graphics that have been added.  The front of the Bible has a family tree, and family milestones that you can record.  The back of the Bible has additional notes, a guide of how to use the Bible, an index of the extra boxes that were included in the books of the Bible, Concordance and Maps.  This Bible would make such a great gift.  I would highly recommend it!

***I received this Bible free from B&H Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Take This Cup (Bk. 2 in Jerusalem Chronicles series) by Bodie and Brock Thoene

The Thoene's have come out with the next book in their newest series Jerusalem Chronicles.  Take This Cup has a unique perspective on what is going on behind the scenes while Jesus is in Jerusalem. 

From the Back of the Book:
Woven into the fabric of prophecy, a young boy named Nehemiah must choose to embrace his destiny as cupbearer to the King of Kings.
When Nehemiah, the child of Jewish exiles, begins hearing whispers and experiencing portentous visions, it quickly becomes clear to his father and his rabbi that the young cupbearer is meant for a higher purpose...but what?  Certain that the Messiah is alive at that very moment, the family waits for the boy's destiny to be revealed.
From the ancient site of the Garden of Eden, Nehemiah undertakes a perilous journey.  The caravan route is full of danger, hardship and mystery--all of it linked to what Nehemiah has in his keeping.
In due time, his path becomes clear.  It leads to Jerusalem, to a wealthy pharisee named Joseph of Arimathea...and to Jesus of Nazareth.
In Take This Cup, the second installment of the Jerusalem Chronicles, Bodie and Brock Thoene envision more of Scripture's most enigmatic moments and expand their award-winning canon of historical fiction with unprecedented power and depth.


My Review:
When a young boy named Nehemiah is called upon for an important task, he wonders if he is really up to completing what has been asked of him.   Nehemiah is just a shepherd boy who wants to be old enough to help with the sheep, but God has bigger plans for him.

Just like in all fiction, the authors have tried to open your mind up to all the possibilities of everything that could have happened behind the scenes during all of the events taking place in Jerusalem before Christ's death.  I have enjoyed reading about all of the cultural things that were common place to the people of that time.  And it has been interesting to read about the shepherds and their perspective of the events.   The story draws you in and helps you to identify with the characters.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this series thus far and I'm looking forward to reading more. You can read my review of Jesus Wept, the first book in the series by clicking here.

***I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers (the new name for BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest review.  

The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis (Home to Hickory Hollow book #5)

Beverly Lewis' fifth and final book in the Hickory Hollow series has finally released. Read below to find out about the book (including a book trailer to watch) and my review.

From the back of the book:

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?



My Review:
I thought the story line was well written.  It explored the issue of waiting and trusting that the Lord can change hearts verses running ahead with you're own plans.   Tessie wants to follow her heart, but she also desires to please the Lord and her parents.  The conflict that can come when we charge ahead of what the Lord has for us can bring much heartache as seen in the lives of Tessie and Marcus. 
I think that this book was another great addition to the series.  If you love the Amish fiction genre, then make sure to pick up this set by Beverly Lewis.

You can read about all the books from the Hickory Hollow series on Beverly Lewis' website by clicking here.  You can also read my other reviews of the first two books in the series: The Fiddler (book 1) and The Bridesmaid (book 2).

**I received this free book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

DANCING WITH FIREFLIES || RSVP for April 10th Facebook Party and enter to win a Kindle HDX from @DeniseAHunter!

The latest book in the Chapel Springs Romance series by Denise Hunter is now out.  Litfuse Publicity Group is hosting a Facebook Party on April 10th where you can win prizes including a Kindle HDX!  You can read about the book below, my review, about the author and find out how to enter the contest.  
 
From the Back Cover:

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. 

You can purchase a copy by clicking here.

My Review:

This story opens up with a prologue that will make you wonder where this story is going.  It was definitely a shocking beginning, but ends up being an important part to the rest of the story.  Jade has a lot to overcome, and is struggling to understand how she can bear all that has been dealt to her. She is someone who is at the end of her rope and must learn to accept that God really does love her.  Denise has done a good job with bringing "real life" subjects into the lives of her characters that will touch the hearts of her readers.  Her story will pull you in and keep you reading until the very end.
One thing that I was not too fond of was one of the love scenes that was written.  While the characters eventually showed self-control, I think it went a little too far for a Christian novel.  Overall, I think the book was a good read.  I enjoyed reading Jade's story and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series called The Wishing Season coming out in winter 2014.

You can read more reviews about this book through the blog tour by clicking here.  You can also read my review of the first book in this series called Barefoot Summer by clicking here.

***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

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.com

Giveaway and Facebook Party Info.:

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!