Moonlight Masquerade

Moonlight Masquerade

by Ruth Axtell

About the book (from the back cover):

Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need -- or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London's West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham's spell. Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, what then will he do? With sharp wit, fast-paced dialogue, and infectious intrigue, Ruth Axtell deftly creates a world where black and white burst into a confusion of colors -- and no one is who they seem.

My take:

I was drawn into the book at the very beginning as Rees ("Mr. MacKinnon") is searching through Lady Celine's dressing room for evidence that she is a spy. I felt my heart beating faster and faster as it became certain that he was going to get caught. I was eager to keep reading, but was kind of disappointed when the chapters to come failed to keep my attention. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this sort of book at the time, but I never did find the same excitement as I did at the beginning. I thought the idea for the story was great, but it didn't intrigue me the way I thought it would.

I give this book a "3."

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


About the author:

Ruth Axtell is the author of thirteen novels, including Wild Rose, one of Booklist's Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands.









Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

When the Heart Heals

When the Heart Heals

by Ann Shorey

About the book (from the publisher):

Readers are invited to travel back to 1867, to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love's tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition. With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey tells the story of Rosemary, a sympathetic but strong woman determined to thrive in a world that doesn't always understand. Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and downright vulgar. Although she would like to put her experiences as a nurse behind her, she must support herself. She takes a position with Dr. Elijah Stewart and a mutual attraction begins to develop. But when a sophisticated woman arrives in town claiming to be Elijah's fiancee, a heartbroken Rosemary decides to leave Noble Springs and start fresh. Can Elijah convince her of the mystery woman's deception before he loses her forever?

My take:

This was a wonderful read! I have always enjoyed novels written around the Civil War era, so I really enjoyed this one. I found Rosemary's character to be very interesting. I had no idea that female nurses were considered "vulgar" in that time period. I found myself sympathizing with her character and all of the non-fictional heroic nurses of that era who gave up their reputations and "soft" lives to serve wounded soldiers and civilians. 

Towards the end of the book I found myself irritated with Rosemary's refusal to listen to Elijah's story. I suppose there has to be some romantic tension, but at that point I just found myself annoyed with her character. I guess it comes back to the fact that we all have faults and irritating qualities. 

I would give this book a "4" and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially around the Civil War era.


Available February 2013 at  your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Company.



About the author:

Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in The Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect

by Janice Thompson

About the book (from the publisher):

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neely, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers -- a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

My take:

I really loved this book. From the very beginning I felt drawn into Hannah's story and her "rivalry" with Drew Kincaid. I love photography, so all of the photography references struck a chord (or should I say "hit the shutter"?) for me. I also loved how "Irish" this book was. Being Irish myself, it was fun to read about an Irish-American family. 

I think my favorite part of the book was the aspect of forgiveness. This wasn't just a romantic comedy. It hit on some real issues that people have, including jealousy and unforgiveness. I really liked how the author made these issues a part of the storyline.

I also enjoyed reading about Bella Neely. She and her family were fun characters. Now that I know there are 3 other books with her in them, I will make sure to read them. I am also looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I give this book a "5" and recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic comedy with a message.


Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


About the author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and former screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson afford an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and Stars Collide. She lives in Texas.







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Vanished

Vanished

by Irene Hannon

About the book (from the back cover):

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes - but it's too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road. A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can't get anyone to believe her story - except maybe a handsome ex-homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case. As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want this mystery solved - and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

My take:

I really, really liked this book! I have read several of Irene Hannon's other books, namely her Guardians of Justice series (see my reviews here and here) and loved them, so I knew I probably wouldn't be disappointed upon reading her latest book, which is also the beginning of her new series Private Justice. From the very beginning, Hannon drew me in with Moira's story. She opens the book with the main character, Moira Harrison, being lost on a dark, stormy road. I hate being lost, especially when it is dark out, so I identified strongly with Moira from the beginning.

As her story continued to unfold, I was truly mystified as to how everything was going to turn out. Who was the mysterious figure on the side of the road? And who was the guy who stopped by without calling 911? I also enjoyed the story line between Cal Burke (the private investigator) and Moira. I found myself yelling at the book at one point when Moira did something I considered incredibly stupid. This is the stuff of great suspense, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel. I would rate this one a "5" and can't wait to read the next books in the series.



About the author: Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellersAgainst All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, In Harm's Way and Fatal Judgment. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America (she’s a five-time finalist), the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer's Choice Awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website atwww.irenehannon.com.





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

When a Heart Stops

When a Heart Stops
by Lynette Eason

From the back cover:

As a medical examiner, Serena Hopkins is used to dealing with death. But that doesn't make it any easier when she's called to the eerie scene of a murder - especially when Serena realizes that she knows the victim. Nearly as unnerving is the presence of FBI agent Dominic Allen, her childhood crush. As evidence mounts and points to a serial killer with disturbingly familiar methods, Serena and Dominic must work to find a pattern and stop the killings before the murderer strikes again. And when Serena's own life seems at stake, she must decide if the secret she has been keeping has put her next on the killer's hit list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

My take:

I was glued to each page of this suspenseful novel. I definitely stayed up too late one night so I could discover the startling conclusion of this book. The only thing I didn't really like was some of the gruesome details. They definitely weren't as bad as they could have been, but my overactive imagination saw them crystal clear. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think anyone who loves suspense, or medical suspense, would love it.


This book is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


About the author:

Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, A Killer Among Us, and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a Master's degree in Education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina. Visit her website at www.lynetteeason.com and follower her on Twitter at @LynetteEason.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

A Love Surrendered

A Love Surrendered

by Julie Lessman

From the back cover:

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy has moved to Boston and is embracing the city life, with a new name and a wide-open future. When she gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier -- one that includes the handsome Steven O'Connor -- she is pulled deeper and deeper into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers. She finds herself drawn to Steven and the whole O'Connor family. But a secret Annie is keeping has the power to destroy her best-laid plans. Will Steven ever see her as more than a sweet country girl who needs protecting? And will he break her heart when he finds out who she really is? With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and the emotional twists and turns Julie Lessman fans have come to expect, A Love Surrendered will ignite your senses and inspire your spirit.

My take:

I absolutely loved this conclusion to Julie Lessman's Winds of Change series. I remember when I finished reading A Heart Revealed last year, I didn't know how I was going to go a whole year to read the next book! And now that the series is over, it is hard for me to believe that the O'Connor family saga has concluded. However, I am looking forward to reading the prequel to the O'Connor family story, A Light in the Window, which is coming out on November 9 and will feature Marcy and Patrick O'Connor's story. I would highly recommend this book, and the entire O'Connor series, to anyone who enjoys inspirational historical fiction!

This book is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, andA Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010's Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri. Visit her website at www.julielessman.com. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Lethal Legacy

Lethal Legacy

by Irene Hannon

From the publisher:

Kelly Warren is on a mission to prove her father's death wasn't suicide, but Detective Cole Taylor doesn't put much credence in her claim. Nothing in his case review suggests foul play until Kelly ends up in the emergency room with a suspicious life-threatening medical condition. The incident strikes him as more than just coincidence. Digging deeper, he discovers she's linked to a long-ago crime. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?

My take: 

I absolutely loved this book. I was so excited to see it was up for review and anticipated reading Irene Hannon's latest suspense novel. Hannon certainly didn't disappoint with this one! I love how she is able to weave a romance in with the suspense. Each page had me eagerly turning to see what would happen next. I found myself really caring about what happened to the main characters, Kelly and Cole. I also loved finding out what happened to Liz and Jake from Fatal Judgment and Alison and Mitch from Deadly Pursuit (see my review on Deadly Pursuit here. Overall, this was a wonderful ending to the Guardians of Justice series. 

About the author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellersAgainst All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, In Harm's Way and Fatal Judgment. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America (she’s a five-time finalist), the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer's Choice Awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website atwww.irenehannon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People

Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People

by Elizabeth B. Brown

About the book (from the publisher):

Let’s face it. Some people just don’t listen, don’t care, and aren’t willing to compromise. And you probably work with some of them - the incomprehensible supervisor, the person in the next office who chats more than works or the customer who, by the way, isn’t always right. For all those you come across at work who drive you crazy, there’s a solution.

Working Successfully with Screwed-Up People offers healthy ways to have good working relationships with those around us. Author Elizabeth B. Brown covers everything from daily annoyances to serious workplace issues. Brown, the bestselling author of Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People turns her insightful eye to the workplace, showing readers how they can get along with and work successfully beside the people who drive them up the wall. “It doesn’t take two people to change a relationship in the workplace,” says Brown. “It takes one—me!” Her expert advice will help workers in any profession learn how to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered when dealing with the difficult people in their workplace. The majority of our waking life is spent at work.  Don’t let difficult people drive you crazy.  With Brown’s help and encouragement, you can make the changes that will improve your work environment and enhance your life

The title of this book grabbed my attention right away. Who hasn't worked with people who drive us up the wall, or make us think there is no way to get along with them? Elizabeth B. Brown offers practical solutions for figuring out how to work with these people in a loving way, and without losing your mind. I enjoyed reading this book, and I think anyone who works anywhere - so, that would be everybody! - would benefit from reading this, even just to use as a reference guide for the future.


About the author:

Elizabeth B. Brown is a teacher, speaker, and the author of the popular Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People. Her books offer practical helps for healing hearts, as well as tools to turn around ailing relationships. She offers hope and suggestions that shine light in the chaos swirling around difficult life issues. Elizabeth assures you that you can find JOY, in spite of curves life may throw at you. When dealing with someone who causes your emotions to spin, she assure you that the person who is obtrusive, uncooperative, and unreasonable chooses his behavior. You, also, can choose - choose to be unflappable, imperturbable, and unflustered. Elizabeth has provided workshops on grief around the country. "Today," she laughs, "the seminars are on a much lighter subject - SUPS, an unfortunate label our emotions scream when we are trying to be heard, appreciated, or seek cooperation with a difficult person in our workplace or family." The great news is through her books and seminars, you can find tools to free you to find humor, joy, and freedom in the midst of relationship strangleholds or life tragedies. Find out more about Elizabeth B. Brown at http://www.elizabethbbrown.com/.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

You're Already Amazing

You're Already Amazing

by Holley Gerth

From the back cover:

Pssst...pull up a chair and I'll tell you a secret. You'd better lean in close for this one. 

Ready?

You don't have to do more, be more, have more.

I'm sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over. And this could be the makings of a Sunday morning scandal. 

But it's true. 

It's the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that's what it did for me (and believe me, for this non-morning girl that's nothing short of miraculous). I've seen it happen to a lot of other women too. I've read it in their words through thousands of comments on my blog. I've seen it in their faces on the couch in my counseling office. I've heard it in a new kind of laughter over coffee with friends. 

So watch out, sister. If you keep reading, you just might be next.

Even if we've never met, I know this about you: you're a daughter of God, a holy princess, 

a woman created with strengths you've yet to fully grasp and a story that's still being written by the divine Author Himself. And if you really take hold of who you are and what you're called to do, there will be no stopping you. That's because there's no stopping him in you - and he's got bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined. 

Okay, you've been warned. 

If you're feeling brave, I dare you to keep reading...

Doesn't that make you want to keep reading? This book was such an encouragement to me. Holley Gerth's open and encouraging writing style made me feel like I already knew her, like I could sit down for a cup of tea with her and be very comfortable. The book made me think about my gifts and strengths, and how I could better use them for God's kingdom. This is definitely a resource that I will hold onto and reference in the future!

I rate this book a "5" and highly recommend this as a "must read" for every woman who needs some encouragement!

This book is available March 2012 from your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

About the author:

Holley Gerth is a cofounder of (in)courage, author, counselor, life coach, wife to Mark, follower of Jesus, and friend to YOU. She'd love to have coffee with you. As the next best thing, she hopes you will stop by and say hello at Heart to Heart with Holley. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Summer of Promise

Summer of Promise

by Amanda Cabot

From the back cover:

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. When her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Ethan Bowles, save the day. Abigail plans to marry when she returns to Vermont, just as soon as she attends to her sister. As the summer passes, she finds herself drawn to this rugged land and to a certain soldier determined to persuade her to stay. When summer ends, will she go back East, or will she find her heart's true home?

This book had my interest in the beginning, even with the standard stagecoach hold-up scene - what kind of western romance would this book be without a scene like that? I found myself interested in the budding relationship between Abigail and Ethan, and wondered what was going on with Jeffrey, Abigail's sister Charlotte's husband. But I have to admit that the book seemed to drag in the middle. I don't think there was ever really a time where I was glued to the action in the book so much that I couldn't put the book down. But I would still give this book a 4, because somehow anything less wouldn't seem to do the story justice. Cabot did craft an interesting storyline - but I do wish that it had been wrapped up quicker. 

All that to say, the things I enjoyed about the book were Ethan's and Abigail's characters, and the funny antics with Charlotte's puppy, Puddles. If you enjoy western romances, you would probably like this book.

This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Amanda Cabot is a popular speaker and the author of Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, and Tomorrows Garden as well as a number of novels under various pen names. She's an avid traveler who finds inspiration for new stories in her travels and enjoys sharing new parts of the country with her readers. A former Easterner, she now lives in Wyoming. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Chasing Mona Lisa

Chasing Mona Lisa

by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

From the back cover:

One enigmatic smile. Two passionate protectors. And a relentlessly ticking clock. August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, the ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all - the Mona Lisa - as a postwar bargaining chip. 

But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands? 

With nonstop action and intrigue, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh Swiss chateau, the race is on - and the runners are playing for keeps.

I wanted to like this book. The cover makes it sound very intriguing - and with my love for the World War II era, you would think this would be a book I couldn't put down. But try as I might, I could not get into it. Whether it was the fact that there were too many characters to keep track of or the fact that there was so much going on it was hard to figure out what was what, I had a hard time reading Chasing Mona Lisa. I can't say it was horrible, but it wasn't very enjoyable for me either. This is the second book in a series, sequel to The Swiss Courier. Perhaps if I had read that book first, I would have understood the characters more.

I would have to give this book a 3.

This book is available January 2012 from your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the authors:

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas.

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

7 Money Rules for Life

7 Money Rules for Life

by Mary Hunt

I am currently taking a class on finances and debt at my church, so I am very interested in reading books about financial freedom. Mary Hunt's book 7 Money Rules for Life is one such book that would be very helpful to anyone who is interested in learning how to live life debt free. Hunt starts out with her personal story of how she incurred $100,000 worth of debt and how she rid herself of it. She then goes through 7 guidelines for financial freedom.

I very much enjoyed reading this book and know that I will refer back to it in the future. There are many helpful tips in this book, and many more can be found on Mary's website, Debt Proof Living. 

I give this book a 5.

This book is available January 2012 from your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Mary Hunt, award-winning and bestselling author, syndicated columnist, and sought-after motivational speaker, has created a global platform that is making strides to help men and women battle the epidemic impact of consumer debt. Mary is the founder of Debt-Proof Living, a highly regarded organization consisting of an interactive website, a monthly newsletter, a daily syndicated column, and hundreds of thousands of loyal followers. Since 1992, DPL has been dedicated to its mission to provide hope, help, and realistic solutions for individuals who are committed to financially responsible and debt-free living. As a speaker, Mary travels extensively, addressing conferences, corporations, colleges, universities, and churches at home and abroad. A frequent guest on radio and television, she has appeared on dozens of television shows including Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Dateline. Mary lives with her husband in Orange County, California.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

The Names of God Bible

The Names of God Bible

Edited by Ann Spangler

From the back cover:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Name of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.


The Names of God Bible restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God - like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay - to help readers connect with the Hebrew roots of their Christian faith and experience a deeper understanding of God's character. Perfect for personal study, prayer, and reflection, The Names of God Bible includes these special features: 

• More than 10,000 names and titles of God restores to their Hebrew equivalent and printed in brown ink to stand out within the biblical text
• Names of God reading paths lead readers to the next reference of the name so they can pray and study the names of God throughout Scripture
• Name pages feature
• background information associated with the most important names and titles of God
• key scripture passages in which the name is revealed
• devotional readings for each of the featured names
• specific Bible promises connected to each of the featured names
• Calling God by Name sidebars shed light on the relationship between biblical people and the specific names they called God

When I first heard this Bible was available for review, I quickly responded to review it. Several years ago I was in a Bible study that went over the names of God in depth. I realized that this Bible would help me to utilize the names that I learned several years ago.

Each book of the Bible includes a short introduction that includes the key names of God that are used in that book. For instance, the key names in the book of Proverbs are Yah and Yahweh (Lord), El, Elohim, and Eloah (God), and Migdal-Oz (Strong Tower). Then, throughout each book, instead of using the name "God," the specific name of God is used. For instance, here are the names of God used in Job 19:25-26:

"But I know that my Go'el lives, and afterwards, he will rise on the earth. Even after my skin has been stripped off my body, I will see Eloah in my own flesh." 

When I read that passage, it was my first time reading the name Go'el, so I looked it up and discovered that it mean "Redeemer/Defender." I also found a devotional reading on it, which gave me even greater understanding of its use. 

Now that I have The Names of God Bible, I am confident that I will be able to remember and use the names of God in prayer. I believe this Bible is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to know more about the names of God throughout Scripture.

About the editor, Ann Spangler:

Ann Spangler likens herself to the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to address themes of profound interest to many readers. Praised for the freshness, depth, and honesty of her writing, Ann writes in ways that reveal not just her intellectual curiosity but her desire for a deeper connection with God. An award-winning writer, Ann published her first book in 1994. It became an instant best-seller. Since then she has followed up with several best-selling books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda), Praying the Names of God, and Praying the Names of Jesus. Together, her books have sold nearly 3 million copies.

By paying attention to the spiritual and emotional hungers that animate us and by finding creative ways to explore God's self-revelation in Scripture, her writing surprises by revealing a God who is far often bigger and better than we might imagine.

In addition to writing, Ann has enjoyed a lengthy career in Christian publishing, working for William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Servant Publications, and Zondervan Publishing in marketing, editorial, and management roles. Her broad experience in publishing has convinced her that readers are looking for well-written books that explore the connection between spiritual experience and everyday life, books that engage the mind and strengthen the heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Remembering Christmas

Remembering Christmas

by Dan Walsh

Rick Dalton's life is set with a comfortable job in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he can do and have whatever he wants. He hasn't spent much time with his mother and step-father, Leanne and Art Bell, who live in Florida. In fact, he really can't stand his step-father. When he receives a call that Art is seriously ill, and that his mother needs him to help run their Christian bookstore, he is more worried about himself and his own business than he is about how Art is doing.

When he first arrives at the bookstore he is a cynical and almost a Scrooge-like character who plans on staying for a few days just to help out his mom. What he doesn't plan on is how the bookstore customers will affect him, and how love will find him.

I really liked this book. It was a fast, easy read that was perfect with a cup of hot tea on a cold day. I could truly picture the characters and the little bookstore, and found myself wishing that they were real! I hope someone adapts it into a movie someday!

This book is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.












Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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 Am in Here

I Am in Here

by Elizabeth M. Bonker & Virginia G. Breen

In I Am in Here, Virginia Breen writes the story of her daughter, Elizabeth, who has severe autism that has left her literally speechless. She does, however, write using a "writing board," which allows Elizabeth to type out, letter by letter, her feelings through poetry. 

It was inspiring to read this book about a mother who never gives up on her daughter. I like how she describes the difference between people who see their struggles as problems, and people who see them as opportunities: 

I have come to see the world as divided into "Why People" and "How People." Why People cannot be at peace until they answer the question of why suffering has befallen them. They look backward and ask, "Why me?" How People, on the other hand, ask, "How can I move forward?" Having been dealt their hand in life, their focus shifts to how they can find whatever healing and wholeness is possible. -Virginia Breen, 18-19

She sees her daughter Elizabeth as being a "How Person," someone who keeps going even when things get tough. 

This book shed a lot of light on the inner world of autism for me. While I did know that people with autism could have very high IQ's, I did not know that such complex and beautiful thoughts  could be expressed through poetry the way that Elizabeth writes. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about autism, or anyone who works with autistic children.

This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the authors:

Elizabeth M. Bonker is a thirteen-year-old young lady with autism who cannot yet speak but who writes deeply revealing poetry, which was featured on PBS's Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. She excels in school with an educational aide.

Virginia G. Breen is the mother of three beautiful children, two of whom are profoundly affected by autism. Besides working to heal her children, Virginia is a venture capitalist investing in high-tech companies, and she sits on both corporate and nonprofit boards. She studied computer science at Harvard, business at Columbia, and philosophy in Singapore. 

Elizabeth and Virginia live in northern New Jersey.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

A Necessary Deception

A Necessary Deception 

by Laurie Alice Eakes

Lady Lydia Gale lost her husband, Charles, 7 years ago in the French Revolutionary War. She lives with her controlling father, her sickly mother, and her sister Cassandra, who is near-sighted, bookish, and engaged to Jeffrey Whittaker, and her sister Honore, whose only interest is catching a man during her "coming out" season. 

Christophe Christien de Meuse is the man she helped release from prison. Christien had helped her husband during the war, and Lydia felt she owed it to him to help him. Shortly after helping Christien, Lydia is visited by a stranger who claims that Christien is a French spy. The stranger blackmails her, threatening Lydia's family if she doesn't comply.

I struggled with this book a bit. Though I was really interested in the story and loved Christien's character, I disliked Lydia's character throughout most of the book. Her obsession with keeping her sisters in line and "toeing the line" got old after awhile, and I wanted to yell at her to wake up to discover all the good she had in her life. 

Though I didn't enjoy Lydia's character, I am looking forward to reading Cassandra's and Honore's stories in the rest of the books in The Daughters of Bainbridge House series.

This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Company.  

About the author:

Award-winning Laurie Alice Eakes wanted to be a writer since knowing what one was. Her first book won the National Readers Choice Award in 2007, and her third book was a Carol Award finalist in 2010. Between December 2008 and January 2010, she sold thirteen books to Barbour Publishing, Avalon Books, and Revell, making her total sales fifteen. Recently, she added two novella sales to that collection. Her first book with Revell, Lady in the Mist, was picked up by Crossings Book Club, and three of her books were chosen for large-print editions by Thorndike Press. She has been a public speaker for as long as she can remember; thus, she suffers just enough stage fright to make her sharp. In 2002, while in graduate school for writing fiction, Laurie Alice began to teach fiction in person and online. She lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs, and probably too many cats.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."

Hello, Hollywood!

Hello, Hollywood!

by Janice Thompson

Athena Pappas is the head writer for the sitcom, Stars Collide. When she finds out the show wants to add a fourth writer, she starts getting anxiety, thinking she may be about to lose her job. When she meets the fourth writer, Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse, she finds herself being torn between liking him and resenting him. When it seems that Stephen has betrayed her and their fellow writers, will he turn out to be the real deal, or a disappointment?

I really liked this book. It was a fast read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading not just the love story between Athena and Stephen, but the dynamics and antics of Athena's huge Greek family. It had a sort of My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibe. There were so many cute elements to the story, and laugh out loud moments with Athena's family, Stephen's daughter, Brooke, and Zeus, the dog Athena inherited from her great-aunt Athena. I also thought it was interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes of television writing. The author's background in script writing lends an authenticity to the writing scenes (though I know they're shortened and exaggerated a bit for the story). Of note, this book is the second in this series. The first is Stars Collide, which features Kat and Scott's story. 

I give Hello, Hollywood! 5 stars.

This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Company. Click here to read more about Hello, Hollywood, or to read a portion of the book.

About the author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and former screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson afford an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and Stars Collide. She lives in Texas.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."