Give Books Not Roses - Valentines Day Book Giveaway! #valentinesday #giveaway

Give Books, Not Roses this Valentines Day!

That statement is so up my alley since I love books so much. Why gift flowers that wilt and die within days when you can gift your valentine books?

Exactly. Every book lover can relate :)

The team at Hachette Book Group certainly understands this and they've graciously put together a fabulous Valentines Day Giveaway for the book lover;

Two books (Love Falling Softly & Keys of Heaven) and a yummy chocolate bar from Olive & Sinclair in Nashville!

___________________________

Here's a little about the books....

Sarah Yoder is learning to help the people in her Amish community as a Dokterfraa, creating teas and tinctures from the herbs she grows. But her latest patient seems to have a problem that can't be resolved. Meanwhile, Sarah's relatives attempt a little matchmaking between her and a new visitor. This is the second book in the Healing Grace series (the first, Herb of Grace, received a 4 stars from RT Book Reviews!).

PUCHASE HERE:

KEYS OF HEAVEN

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/13yw0BI

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1uTtqMg

Amazon:http://amzn.to/1uGiYJ9

Rita Jansen is living her dream in Hollywood when her father calls with news that her mother is sick. When she gets home to Chicago, Rita finds her mother is facing a long recovery and could lose the family-owned salon. As Rita takes her mother's place at work, she also finds herself renewing a friendship with her classmate Johnny and is surprised by how far he will go to help her.

PUCHASE HERE:

LOVE GENTLY FALLING

Books-A-Million:  http://bit.ly/1xu5YKK

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xX5cWD

ChristianBook.com: http://bit.ly/1yuAhiW

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F7LXvY

Because this is a Valentines Day giveaway the giveaway wouldn't be complete without some candy so the winner will also receive a chocolate bar from Olive & Sinclair! YUM!

Now for the fun part!

GIVEAWAY TIME

• Leave a comment below with which book interests you more and why. 

Make sure to leave a valid email address so I'm able to contact you if you win!

- EXTRA ENTRY -

• Tweet about the giveaway and include "#ValentinesDayReads and @FaithWords" in your tweet and come back here and leave a second comment letting me know you tweeted!

• Follow @FaithWords on Twitter and come back and leave a third comment

__________________________

Open to U.S. residents only, sorry international friends. Ends February 13, 2015 at midnight.

Disclosure: I received a book in exchange for being a part of his lovely campaign for review purposes only by Hachette Book Group. Thank you!

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REVIEW -Chasers of the light - Poems from the Typewriter Series - Tyler Knott Gregson

I've been a huge fan of Tyler Knott's poetry for years.

I stumbled across a haiku on his Tumblr and it was love, immediately.

He is an incredibly gifted writer and there is such a rawness in his writing that is refreshing.

He started what he calls the "Typewriter Series". Which is essentially a lot of poems typed out on a vintage typewriter he found at an antiques shop. What makes them more special is he types them poems on random loose pieces of paper; receipts, restaurant menus, old book pages, really anything paper that's in reach. On top of that they're unedited, which makes them even more fabulous and whimsical!

Chasers of the light is his first published book (2014) of his Typewriter Series and it's gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. I highly recommend buying if for yourself. Or buy two! It would make a really exceptional gift.

A peek at a few of the poems in the book.

Tyler Knott Gregson

Chasers of the light 

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"I'll Give You The Sun" - Jandy Nelson - Book Review

I'll Give You The Sun

Jandy Nelson

371 pages

............

HOLY SMOKES.

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A little about the novel via Amazon:

"Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world."

This is my first time reading Jandy Nelson and will not be my last. Her writing is gorgeous and this story is one you'll remember long after you've finished the book. This is her second novel. Her debut novel The Sky Is Everywhere was published in 2011 and I will be picking it up soon, crossing my fingers it will be as good as this.

"I'll Give You The Sun" centers around twins Jude and her brother Noah. The novel reads from their viewpoints; jumping back and forth between them. It's a riveting story of these two lives, heartbreaking one minute, magical the next. It twists and turns throughout, but Jandy has a glorious way of bringing the story full circle at the end.

No spoilers here. Just a tremendous recommendation to read this book. It's breathtaking. Memorable. I absolutely loved it!

__________________

I'll Give You The Sun 

The Sky Is Everywhere 

-

Jandy Nelson

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Grace by Max Lucado Book Review

I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Max Lucado is such a gifted writer. I had the pleasure of reading his newest book Grace recently and was thrilled since it's a wonderful read! His gift of crafting words and storytelling captures the readers attention and doesn't let go. It's easy to get lost in his words. He leads his readers through a journey of learning what true, all-consuming, drenched-to-the-bone grace is through our savior Jesus Christ. It's revelation and insightful. Once you begin reading this book, you'll find it hard to put it down; at least I did. I read it in three days and will definitely read it again, and again.

Only Max could write a whole book on the subject of Grace. His God given, inspired words flow flawlessly across the pages without glitches, breaks, or hiccups.

Grace by Max Lucado really is a book I highly recommend to any book lover. It's a winner!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am enclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16CFR, Part 255“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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God Loves Broken People by Sheila Walsh Book Review

 

 This was such an encouraging book for anyone who's gone through a difficult time that leaves you broken. And let's be honest here, that's most of us. Most of us have experienced at some time or another in our lives a time that left us wounded and unable to heal and move forward as a whole and restored human being. This book steps in the gently walk you through the process of leaning on the Lord for that healing and reinforcing to the reader that God deeply, madly, loves us all, even the broken ones, with an all consuming love that doesn't end, quit, lessen, or run out. And often that's just what we need to be reminded of. 

The book  is written well and Sheila's voice carries the reader through with her kind and effective approach. I'm blessed with the gift of encouragement, so this book really spoke to me. I loved it. I could relate in what she was sharing, both having been repeatedly broken myself, but also from the encouragement side of things as well. This book couldn't have come at a better time, as I a sister and close family friend that are going through very trying times and are feeling broken and helpless. This book has helped give me insight and tools to pass on to them, to help them through their difficult times. I would recommend this read to anyone who is or was broken or knows or is close to someone who is currently hurting, it will truly give you hope.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am enclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16CFR, Part 255“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer Book Review

LOVE this devotional. You really can't go wrong with Joyce Meyer. She nails it every single time and she gives it to you straight. Sometimes it's the hard stuff that makes you squirm a little inside, other times it's an uplifting 'shot-in-the-arm' inspirational message that make your heart sing and puts a spring in your step. This is one her inspirational bests. Loving God, others, and yourself is one of the biggest tasks we are called to do and Joyce explains and helps readers WANT to delve more into making loving a permanent part of who they are.

I look forward to opening this book everyday and soaking up the scriptures and the practical life application Joyce infuses along with it. It helps me keep an eternal perspective and  remember that "the JOY of the Lord is my strength"(Nehemiah 8:10)! Such a great book to add to your daily reading pile. I read my devotionals in the morning while I sip my coffee and it totally sets the tone for my day. Spending time in the Word and with the Lord is the only way I like to start my day.

You can purchase this fabulous devotional here.

FaithWords kindly gifted me this book to review. Thank you!

Love,

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The [expanded] Bible Book Review

Bibles are treasures to me. Bibles that are the TRUE word of God that is. Not bibles where things have been added, subtracted, or belong to particular groups of people that have their own "interpretations" of the bible, I'm talking the honest-to-goodness, raw, real deal, TRUE word of God. With that said, I was cautious and really curious to receive and pour over the new The Expanded Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It claims to help the reader understand and comprehend the bible in a deeper more meaningful way, by providing a more modern language translation to the scriptures. To my delight it has passed the test! I am always wanting to dig deeper and learn more from God's word and this helps that! I read it slower than I do my Max Lucado NIV bible, since there are multiple expanded translations next to the traditional(original wording) text and I want to make sure I'm understanding what I'm reading. Something else I really enjoyed were the comments next to some of the words explaining what they were, and the wide margins for note taking. This would be a great bible for a new born-again believer, or someone who wants to learn more about God's word on a deeper level!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. 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.

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Living Beyond Your Feelings By Joyce Meyer Book Review

Joyce Meyer. Where do I even begin? I am a huge fan and sister in Christ to sister Joyce! I watch her show every morning while drinking my cup of jo and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would LOVE to attend one of her conferences someday! She's always so encouraging and real, so it's easy to relate to her and what she's teaching. She also doesn't mince words, which I love - because really, we all need truth, so why skirt the issue, candy coat it, or dilute it? Why not just deliver the truth in a loving direct way? Enter Joyce Meyer! I own many of her books, some which I have read multiple times, and really love them all. Her new book Living Beyond Your Feelings is no exception. I didn't want put it down, but when I had to, I found my mind wandering and thinking of what I was going to read next! To me, that's confirmation of a good book - when you catch yourself wanting to pick it up when you have a free moment. So much of this book spoke to me. I think we all could learn, benefit from, and work on, managing our emotions. Her voice in this book is uplifting, and encouraging, and she gives lots of insight into self examination, which I think is something else I know I'm guilty of not doing or giving too much thought too. Slowing down, and reflecting on where we're at in our season of life we're in, and how we're doing in our daily walk is such a healthy thing to do! This is a book I will most definitely read a few times, and would encourage you to buy or borrow it and experience the positive message it brings!

I would like to kindly thank Faithwords for my copy of this book! 

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The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado Book Review

      I've said it before many times and I'll continue to say it, Max Lucado is my absolute favorite author hands down.  He's anointed by the almighty that's for sure.  He has a way of capturing the reader instantly with his approachable voice through his words, and keeping their full attention with his unassuming, but dead-on one liners.  That's one of my favorite things about Max's writing.  He is one of the few authors who can write one-liners that are packed with such truth, such relatability, that if you didn't know better, you'd think he wrote it just for you!  You may be going through something difficult, then you read something in his book, and BAM!  It's like it was meant just for you.  It was just what you needed to hear, in the way you needed to hear it.  That is this book.  It's chock full of uplifting and encouraging excerpts from many of his books, all compiled into one beautiful, and most definitely gift-worthy book.  It is quite a substantial book - being hardcover, and almost 500 pages.  No skimping here.  It is also very well organized, and indexed to find exact passages on specific topics.  I will be buying a few copies of this book as gifts for women in my family, as well as girlfriends for Christmas!  YES, it's that GOOD!

Visit Amazon to purchase yours!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. 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.

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Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn Book Review

     
      I'm currently going through a difficult and hurtful time in my life and have been searching for books, specifically Christian based books to help guide me and help me through what I'm currently walking through.  Even as Christians, we have bumps in our path sometimes.  Jesus never said we'd have a problem free life.  Quite the contrary actually, but we can take heart knowing He's with us every step of the way during that hard time, and that nothing can separate us from Him or His love and care!  AMEN!

      I had high expectations of "Healing is a Choice" by Stephen Arterburn, and I can say that I wasn't let down.  Although what I'm experiencing is emotional pain, this book covers it all from physical, to mental, emotional, and spiritually pain and hurt.  This book is also really substantial - it's super thick and includes lots of places in the chapters for the reader to answer questions and work through lots of workbook sections which I found to be really helpful!  

      This book particularly spoke to me because of the authors beginning paragraph in the preface, "This book was originally published in 2005, and there have been many changes, developments, and new insights since its publication.  Before I wrote Healing Is a Choice I was a strong advocate for marriage, and I believed that no matter what, the first response to marital problems and even betrayal needs to be steps toward reconciliation and saving the marriage.  I am more convinced than ever that even in the case of betrayal, reconciliation needs to be the first focus when a marriage is broken apart."  I burst into tears after reading that.  This is what I'm currently facing(not my choice), and it's traumatically painful when the other person chooses to not go the reconciliation route. It's the most painful experience of my life.  

      If any of my readers are also facing divorce, I feel for you.  I more than feel for you, and I would highly recommend buying, reading and doing the workbook in this book, or if you know someone who would benefit from this book, give it as a gift.

      Visit Amazon to purchase and/or read more reviews and more about the book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. 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."

     

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Abundant Life Day Book Review

If you enjoy daily devotionals, like I do, you will go crazy for this new 365-day devotional from Nancy Guthrie!  It is geared towards women, but I think even men would benefit from it as well.  The book is small and sturdy, and the design is so beautiful! Black, white, and lovely bright green accents inside with a hot green ribbon marker too!  Ha!  I notice things like that. I know it's silly, but I adore beautifully designed goodies.  Maybe it's because my dad is in marketing that I notice how well designed things are.  Regardless, besides being a dynamite devotional book, it's well and beautifully made.

What sets this devotional apart is each day has it's title with a scripture below it, then Nancy writes an excerpt expounding on the scripture as if it's God speaking directly to you, to your heart.  It's hard to explain exactly how she's written them, but I'm telling you, you will not be disappointed with this book, you may even want to order an extra to give as a gift to your mom, girlfriend, or sister!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you so much!

A Year With Jesus by R.P. Nettelhorst Book Review

 

I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again; devotionals are one of my favorite types of books in the whole wide world!  So when I got the chance to receive and review this new devotional by R.P. Nettelhorst titled, "A Year With Jesus", I was stoked!  It's a 365-day devotional which I also love since that way I get a bite sized surge of encouragement every single day! 

Here's an excerpt from Amazon about the book - 

"A 365-day devotional featuring the actual spoken words of Jesus as presented in the Bible.
Too many times the impact and grandness of the actual words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the Bible, are lost in the telling of the story. In A Year with Jesus, the primary focus is to allow the scriptures that contain Jesus' dialogue to uniquely speak to the reader. The author follows each reading with insights and applications to help explain the context and nuances of the text. The unique titling of each meditation and the nontraditional themes and organization help bring Jesus to our daily lives. Topics include:

• Love and Hate
• Truths and Lies
• Arrogance and Humility
• Friends and Enemies
• Belief and Disbelief
• Patience and Impatience
• Deserved and Undeserved
• Good and Evil
• Fidelity and Treachery
• Life and Death"

The back cover reads, "The Greatest Person Who Ever Lived Wants to Spend Time With You.  There's no one like Jesus in all of history.  He touched hearts and changed lives everywhere he went in his thirty-three years on earth.  Each person who spent time with him was never the same.

Jesus' words and actions, which have spanned the centuries, are just as relevant and important for you today.  When you spend time with Jesus, you'll soon discover that what matters to him most of all is you.

A Year With Jesus is an unforgettable 365-day revelation of Jesus' love through his actual words, plus reflections and insights to encourage and inspire you.  Let his words comfort you and fill your heart and life.  As you connect more deeply with the Greatest Person Who ever lived - this Person Who knows you and cares about every detail of your life - you'll find yourself living and loving with greater peace, promise, and purpose."

WOW.  Just WOW.  Jesus' words are where it's at, and what it's all about so naturally I'm drawn to books that center on His words, and this book nails it!  

I la la LOVE this devotional, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to grow in their relationship and daily walk with Jesus.  A very powerful and resourceful book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. 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.

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Living CloseTo God by Gene Edwards Book Review

 

My Review/Thoughts

There's so much to say about this book! I loved every page of it! Gene Edwards is such a gifted and anointed writer. This book is primarily for those who feel the 'aren't very spiritual', who feel they have a 'spiritual disconnect', but long to learn how to press in and grow in their spiritual walk. The book is broken in attainable chapters with tons of scripture references and lots of bits of encouragement too.  There is also a 7-week guide for personal growth at the end of the book that's fantastic! I highly highly recommend this book to those seeking to grow and stretch in their spiritual walk with the Lord!

Here's an excerpt from Amazon:

"Have you tried harder to have a consistent time with the Lord—but failed?
Does your mind wander during prayer, and do you run out of things to say?
Do you question why it is so hard to fellowship with the Lord?
Stop feeling like a failure at daily devotions

Gene Edwards faced these same questions and struggles. And he found a better way to walk with the Lord than merely trying harder to pray and read the Bible.

and start walking every day with the Lord who loves you.

In Living Close to God (When You're Not Good at It) you will discover that loving God means much more than doing your best to serve Him. You will find ways to start your day with Christ, beginning with your first conscious thought in the morning. You will learn how to fellowship with Him during even the most demanding days. And when you go to the Scriptures, you will talk with Him in a two-way conversation—just as His first followers did.
Includes a small-group discussion guide and a guide
for your own relationship with God."

Conclusion
I la la LOVED this book and give it 5 stars! Buy it don't hesitate, then pass it on to a friend or family member!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multonomah books in exchange for an honest review.

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The Love & Respect Experience by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs Book Review

 

My Review/Thoughts

I a devotional fanatic! I love them and read multiple everyday! I think it has to do with how short but to the point they are. They pack a mean spiritual punch to your gut and heart every morning. Since I'm a girl, most of mine are women related; I know, surprise surprise right? But I'm branching out! When I got the opportunity to review "The Love & Respect Experience" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs I jumped at the chance! It states right on the cover, "A Husband Friendly Devotional that Wives Truly Love", and I'm telling you it's nothing but the truth! I LOVE this devotional! 

The chapters are short and sweet but full of substance to help couples grow together in their walk with Christ and each other. The exercises are all very doable and practical for a modern couple. Seriously, whether you are newly married or a veteran couple pick up this devotional, it will shed new light on the time you spend with the Lord together!

Here's an excerpt from Amazon:

"Through the millions of products sold on Love & Respect, Emerson Eggerichs has transformed marriages around the world with his biblically based approach to understanding the love that she most desires and the respect that he desperately needs. Now, in this long-awaited release, Emerson has created an experience for couples that is effective, flexible and life-changing.

To build this couples devotional, Eggerichs has taken the top concerns that surfaced in a survey of thousands of couples and has developed 52 devotionals around the three cycles that are at the heart of Love and Respect. On one occasion the couple will be talking about how to stop the Crazy Cycle or keep it at bay. The very next devotional will talk about a concept built upon the Rewarded Cycle, which stresses the ultimate purpose for marriage. And the next may have both people talking about ways to use the Energizing Cycle in their efforts to love and respect each other.

Some may ask, "Why 52 and not 365, like other couples devotionals I have seen?" The author's research shows that married couples don't want to deal with that much material, that often.  Therefore, the specific devotionals, which can be done weekly or at any chosen pace, are specifically guided to what couples say they most need.  And this is a husband-friendly devotional, having been written and designed in such a way that the husband can feel comfortable in the entire process.

With this wealth of new material and video devotionals available online to support the product, The Love & Respect Experience will be indispensable to anyone wishing to better their marital relationship."

Conclusion
I give this book 5 stars! I think it's such a great tool for couples in the walk and growth with each other and the Lord!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. 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.

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When the Bottom Drops Out by Robert Bugh Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review, "When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment" by Robert Bugh courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.  Here is a description of the book via Amazon.com:

"Nobody is immune to disappointment. Unfortunately, at some point all of us will face that horrific moment when the bottom completely drops out of out of our life, leaving us broken, devastated, and desperately searching for God’s grace.

Pastor and theologian Robert Bugh has experienced unthinkable pain and disappointment firsthand, having lost both his wife and his best friend to cancer within a year and a half of each other. Though devastating, Bugh’s tragedy also brought him into a stronger, deeper relationship with God.

When the Bottom Drops Out chronicles Rob’s journey from loss to restoration and shows readers how to find and hold tightly to Christ through even the most painful episodes of life. Bugh’s story is proof positive that while pain and disappointment are an unavoidable part of life, God is nonetheless faithful, holding us close at all times and in all circumstances."

 My Review/Thoughts

I thought the book was a powerful account of Rob's grief which stemmed from cancer diagnosis and death's of Rob's friend Tom and his wife Carol.  I thought there would have been more self-help encouragement for others in the book, but it was mostly an account of Rob's experience with dealing with grief when life throws it your way.  Although I completely and fully sympathize with him, I wish there would have been more references to the Bible and tools for others who are experiencing similar grief to help and encourage them in their walk.

Conclusion

I give this book 3 stars. It is well written, but I feel like there was so much more potential to reach others through it.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you so much!

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