I recently received a copy of the book Discovering God’s Will for Your life: Your Journey with God by Mike Lutz to review.

From the back cover:

At one time or another most Christians ask, “How can I know God’s will for my life?: Discovering God’s Will for your Life helps answer that question. In his book, author Mike Lutz takes a deep biblical approach, although using the simplicity of the teaching style of Jesus, and he mixes character studies with biblical principles to help the reader make personal and practical applications.

Lutz address the questions that plague believers in seeking God’s will for their lives. How can you be sure yo’re hearing God? What do you do when you don’t understand the path God is leading you on? Why is it taking so long, and how do you grow your faith to be a able to see how God is working? What about the detours and obstacles along the way?

Author  Bio:

Michael Lutz came face-to-face with the Bible for the first time in 1994 at the age of 24. He began reading the Bible and was overwhelmed with a sense of the deity of Jesus. It was then and there that he knew he had to make a choice:either Jesus was who He said He was or He wasn’t. His ministry began right away at a church in Connecticut. He began helping with the youth and later became their youth pastor. He and his wife moved to California in 2001, where he was asked to be a Pastor’s Assistant at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He has held a variety of pastoral positions, and in 2008, he became Senior Pastor of Revive Christian Fellowship in Ladera Ranch, CA. Mike is heard on a program called The Reviving Word in the US and Belize. He lives in California with his wife, Collette.

My Book Review:

Many times, it can be hard to determine if we are following God’s will or our own. Using Joseph and Moses as examples, the author guides us through their stories and how they followed God’s will for their lives. From their examples, we can see what it looks like to seek God’s will and follow it.

Knowing your spiritual gifts is very important for a Christian. So I was happy to see a chapter on spiritual gifts, with biblical references, and how to identify yours.

My favorite thing about this book was that the author put the Bible verses he was talking about right on the page. He uses many verses, almost on every page. There are a few places where he just lists references, but the majority are the full verse. A lot of reading takes place on the go, where it is hard to juggle a book and a Bible, having the verse right on the page is really convenient.

If you are seeking God’s will for your life, and a deeper relationship with Him, Discovering God’s Will for Your Life will be a great help to you.

Link to buy the book: (Affiliate Link) – Discovering God’s Will for Your Life: Your Journey with God

Thanks to the author, Michael Lutz, I get to giveaway a signed copy of Discovering God’s Will for Your Life  Your Journey with God. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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and buy something, I will receive a commission.

I recently received the book A Big Year for Lily to review. A Big Year for Lily is book three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. The first two books in the series are titled  Life with Lily and A New Home for Lily. The books are written by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher. Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish, and Suzanne Woods Fisher is a best selling author of Amish fiction.

A Big Year For Lily – Book Review & Giveaway

A Big Year for Lily continues to follow Lily as she leads her normal Amish life. For Lily, that means lots of family time, school, troubles with friends, and, of course, her church.

Lily turns 10 in this book. When she turns 10, she begins to wear adult clothing, instead of little girl dresses. That means instead of her loose comfortable dresses, she now wears dresses with a waistband, and an apron held on by straight pins. As Lily finds out, straight pins hurt when they poke you!
Written for children ages eight to twelve, A Big Year for Lily is a very entertaining book that shows kids what it is like to live in an Amish family and community. Lily gets into many of the same predicaments as other children her age. When she has done something wrong, Lily expresses that she feels guilt. And then does what she can to make the situation better. So different from many books written for this age group.

If you’re looking for a wholesome book for your children to read, or for you to read aloud to them, A Big Year for Lily is the perfect book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Big Year for Lily myself, even though it’s written for kids. 🙂

Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the release of A Big Year for Lily, book three in the beloved Adventures of Lily Lapp series, with a giveaway extravaganza!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Adventure Pack (includes a fun stand and an art kit)

Twelve winners will receive:

• Special prizes specially picked by Lily (something new each day)! Suzanne will announce the winners on July 29 on her blog!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 27th. All winners will be announced July 29th at Suzanne’s blog.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne’s blog on the 29th to see if you won one of the fun prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

I recently received a copy of the book Pennsylvania Patchwork by Kate Lloyd to review. Pennsylvania Patchwork is book Two in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy.

About PennsylvaniaPatchwork:

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what — and who — really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/lG7GU (Not my affiliate link)

My Pennsylvania Patchwork Review

Pennsylvania Patchwork is different from most Amish fiction books today. Holly didn’t even know she had Amish family, now she’s living with her grandmother and her mother in Lancaster County. The story line of Holly adjusting to living Amish held my attention. She has a hard time giving up her cell phone and her computer, like most of us would. The relationship of Holly to her mother Esther and her grandmother Anna grows and changes over the course of the book, and there are very heart warming moments between them all. I like that the author shows Holly and Esther learning to turn everything over to God, including their choice for a husband.

When I signed up for this review, I thought I had read book one in the series. Turns out I haven’t. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pennsylvania Patchwork. You will be able to follow the story line and enjoy this book even if you haven’t read book one. Of course, now I want to read it, it’s now on my wishlist.

Meet Kate:

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She’s worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Learn more about Kate at http://www.katelloyd.net

Kate Lloyd is celebrating the release of book two in her Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Pennsylvania Patchwork, by giving away an authentic Amish-made quilt!

One “grand” winner receive:

• An authentic Amish-made Quilt
• Pennsylvania Patchwork and Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 29th. Winner will be announced on July 1st at Kate’s blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

I recently received the new book The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer to review.  The Promise Box is the second book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. I reviewed book one, The Memory Jar, last year. It is not necessary to have read book one to enjoy book two, The Promise Box. The main characters in each book are different, while secondary characters, such as store and restaurant owners, are the same.

The Promise Box is set in West Kootenai, Montana, where young Amish men from other states come to live for 6 months so they can receive resident status for the hunting season in the fall. Lydia Wyse grew up in this small Amish community, but left her parents and her Amish faith to become an editor in Seattle. She is now returning to her parents home after the death of her mother. Lydia ends up staying with her father to help him. Her father gives her her mother’s Promise Box, that Lydia never knew her mother kept.

The promise box contains Bible verses, and letters that her mother wrote. As Lydia reads through all the letters in the promise box, she discovers a side of her mother that she never knew. Lydia also learns to accept God’s promises for herself. And to follow God’s plan for her life.

The Promise Box is a great read. The perfect book for a restful summer day.

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One “promising” winner will receive:

• Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
  
• Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc…)
• Sherry Gore’s Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
• The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer 
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the “The Promise Box” Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun – book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

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 12th!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I received no other compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I recently received the book The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd to review.

The Heiress of Winterwood tells the story of Amelia Barrett, a young woman whose parents have died. Her uncle and his family live with her on her estate, and mange everything for her. It is 1814 in England, and Amelia has no say in the management of her estate, or her life.  Amelia must marry by the time is is 24, or she will lose the entire estate left to her by her parents. Her uncle has arranged a marriage for her, that would benefit himself more than Amelia.

Amelia had brought a friend to her home, who eventually gave birth to a little girl. On her death bed, the friend asks Amelia to take care of her little girl. Amelia promises that no matter what, she’ll take care of the baby. Amelia’s finance, however, has told Amelia that when they wed, the baby must leave. Amelia is torn by doing what her family expects of her, and keeping her promise. When the baby’s father, a sea captain, returns, Amelia proposes marriage as a way to keep the baby with her. Before this marriage can take place, the baby vanishes. While tracking down the baby, Amelia and the baby’s father are also put in danger.

This book grabbed my attention at the very beginning of the story, and held my attention until the very end. There is a lot of action, adventure, and intrigue, as well as romance and tender family moments. The Heiress of Winterwood is a great read about love, family, and putting your trust in God even in the worst of the storms in life.

Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Join the online Bible study here. Just LIKE the page and then follow along. There will be a launch party for Ephesians on April 11th and the online Bible study will begin the following week on April 15th.

Each week you will find quotes, links to articles and other resources, and videos to help you as you study. Complete the lessons at your convenience. Then visitFacebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries any time of day to comment or ask questions. Sue will be there frequently to respond, encourage, and equip!

Meet Sue: Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose for Christ.
Join the online Bible study (4/15 -5/7) with Sue Edwards! And invite your friends to join you.

Between April 15 – June 17 Sue Edwards will be posting weekly on the Year of Discovery Facebook Page and interacting with groups and individuals around the country going through the study at the same time. Women will be able to discuss the study with each other and ask questions via Facebook.
Completing each lesson requires about one-and-a-half hours. Readers still receive in-depth Bible study but with a minimum time commitment. For those who desire a more thorough study, including an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and geography related to the Bible, Edwards has provided “Digging Deeper” questions. Answering these questions may require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary or concordance and challenge readers to examine complex theological issues and differing views more closely.
More about the Ephesians study: This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos.

Purchase a copy of Ephesians (not my affiliate link) and join the on-line Bible study today.

If you join the Ephesians Bible Study – add this button to your blog: (just copy the code and paste it into a blog post or your blog sidebar)
“Ephesians” Online Bible Study – JOIN ME!
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