"looking for lovely" by annie f. downs

I have long been convinced that if Annie F. Downs and I met, we would be friends. After reading her new book, Looking for Lovely, I'm sure of it. If you read the book, you'll probably feel the same way. Annie has this way of writing that makes you feel like she's sharing her heart with you over a cup of coffee.

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"I want you to take every step of your life with excitement for where you are headed. And I want you to feel beautiful and confident as you do."

But how? When the enemy whispers lies that we are not smart enough, pretty enough, or rich enough? Or are you too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too thin, too fat, too much or not enough? What if you don't have what it takes to be who you really want to be?"

In Looking for Lovely, Annie F. Downs shares personal stories, biblical truth, and examples of how others have courageously walked the path God paved for their lives by remembering all God had done, loving what was right in front of them, and seeing God in the everyday—whether that be nature, friends, or the face they see in the mirror.

Intensely personal, yet incredibly powerful, Looking for Lovely will spark transformative conversations and life changing patterns. No matter who you are and what path God has you on, we all need to remember the lovely, fight to finish, and find beautiful in our every day!

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I absolutely love the message of Looking for Lovely, which is outlined in the subtitle: Collecting the Moments that Matter. Annie challenges readers to look for the beautiful, the moving, the spectacular in the simple, in the mundane, in the hard. To look for lovely when things are going great and when your world feels like it's falling apart. These lovelies can be anything—a beautiful sunrise, a song that moves you, a roll of sushi (though for me, I'd have a hard time calling sushi "lovely!"). These are signs of God's presence.

I've become hooked on looking for lovely! Though I admit some days are harder to find lovely in than others, I think it's in the hard times that it's so important to look for these glimpses of God. Won't you join me in looking for lovely? 5 stars.

Because I loved the book so much, I'm giving away a copy! Enter through the Rafflecopter below. (Rules: Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. Contest is open in the US only. Winner will be selected at random using Rafflecopter.com and will have 48 hours to respond to email notification, or another winner will be chosen.

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Buy the book.
Read my review of Downs' Let's All Be Brave (5 stars).

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Annie F. Downs is an author and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God. By weaving together personal stories, humor, and Scripture, she invites those reading to experience fulfilled lives with a God who made them on purpose and loves them deeply. While she loves writing—books, blogs, articles, thank-you notes—Annie also enjoys traveling around the world speaking to young women, college students, and adults. Annie is a huge fan of bands with banjos, glitter, her community of friends, boiled peanuts, and football games.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of Annie F. Downs' book launch team, I received a free copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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.”

"dancing through life" by candace cameron bure

Growing up in the 90's, I, like many of my peers, absolutely loved Full House. Though I was closer in age to Stephanie, I identified with D.J., and I really admired her portrayer, Candace Cameron. After the show ended (which crushed me, by the way), Candace married and stepped out of the spotlight. I sort of loosely kept up with her throughout the years, and then she began appearing more regularly on Hallmark films (which I'm a sucker for!), so I started paying more attention to her and her faith. Then she signed onto Dancing with the Stars, and I faithfully watched. Dancing Through Life details her time on the show.

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Candace Cameron Bure has grown up before our eyes, and we've watched as she's balanced life in Hollywood with her faith for many years. But that all reached new heights when she was given the opportunity to join the cast of Dancing With the Stars. Being on the show was one of her dreams come true; and with that dream came the opportunity to display her Christian faith in front of millions of people, through an intense season of stretching beyond her limits, and to run the race God gave her with joy and perseverance.

Join Candace as she reflects on the self-discovery that came through leaping out of her comfort zone. Go behind the scenes and experience the highs and lows, the roadblocks, and the personal victories. Hear straight from her heart on tough lessons learned about grace, rejection, perfectionism, disappointment, accountability, dealing with criticism, and more. Through God’s strength, and with the help of endless support from her family and friends, see how Candace stayed true to herself and publicly lived out her faith in Christ all the way to the finale.

How do you stand with conviction in your world? Where does your courage come from when faced with challenges? How do you live out your faith on a daily basis despite opposition? Your stage probably isn't in Hollywood and the challenges you are facing may not be on live television, but they are no less real. Come along with Candace as she shares how she found the courage to stand with conviction on one of the largest platforms of her life.

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I really enjoyed Dancing through Life. While a portion of each chapter traces Candace's Dancing with the Stars journey, the rest of each chapter is dedicated to the lessons Candace learned each week, and she shows how those lessons applied to her own life and can apply to other Christians.

I thought Candace came across as very relatable. Yes, her life is far different from mine, but the way she opened up about her struggles made her feel like any other Christian woman who is trying to do the right thing. I also found myself challenged by her; if she can share her faith and stand by her convictions in Hollywood, surely I can do the same in small town Nebraska!

Of course, I very much enjoyed the behind the scenes look at Dancing with the Stars—I've been watching off and on since the first season, so it was fun to see some of the inner workings of the show. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read Dancing Through Life, and I highly recommend it, especially for Christian women who love Full House or DWTS! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.

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Candace Cameron Bure, actress, producer, New York Times’ bestselling author and inspirational speaker, is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith. Known to millions worldwide from her role as “D.J. Tanner” on the iconic family sitcom “Full House,” Candace continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as role model to women of all ages. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband and three children.

Follow Candace on her website and Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Icon Media Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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 big picture interactive bible"

About the book (from the publisher): Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead. The Big Picture Interactive Bible (B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind—the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible.

Other features included are:
~Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.
~Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.
~Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.
~Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.
~Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.
~Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.
~Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.
~Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids.

My take: The Big Picture Interactive Bible is exactly the kind of Bible I would have loved as a child. With an attractive cover (what kid doesn't love the story of David & Goliath?), full-page illustrations, introductions to each book, and helpful notes throughout, this Bible would be great for elementary students (or perhaps even advanced preschoolers).

The one thing I didn't like (and actually found quite frustrating) was the "interactive" part. Basically, you go to the Apple or Android app store and download the B&H Kids Augmented Reality app, which will then allow you to "bring to life" certain pictures in the Bible. When it works, it's great—not only do parts of the pictures become 3D, but there's also narration that goes along with each picture. Unfortunately, I had a horrible time getting the app to work. (I have a Samsung Galaxy S4; perhaps the app works better with other phones or tablets.) I spent about 30 minutes trying the app, and I was only able to get it to work with two pictures in the Bible.

Fortunately, you don't need the app in order to enjoy this Bible. Overall, it's a great children's Bible, and I definitely recommend it.

My rating: 4 stars
Buy the book.

About the publisher: At B&H Kids, we believe Every Little Word Matters®. B&H Kids creates Bible-centered, age appropriate, engaging content for kids. Our resources are designed to help kids develop a lifelong relationships with Jesus and empower parents to guide them in their spiritual growth. For more information visit: BHKidsBuzz.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."

"shadowed by grace" by cara putman

About the book: She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper's assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel's real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.

My take: Shadowed by Grace is a story of love, war, longing, and family. Rachel's search for her father is touching, and I especially enjoyed the times we got to glimpse her mother's journal and see the man through her eyes.

I didn't find the search for art or the romance to be particularly gripping, though the entire book is well written. Sometimes a book grabs me, and sometimes it doesn't. Unfortunately, Shadowed by Grace fell into the latter category.

I do think that many fans of World War II fiction will enjoy this book, as will those who enjoyed the film Monuments Men.

My rating: 3 stars

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About the author: Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women's ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.

Learn more about Cara at http://caraputman.com.

About the giveaway: See here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."

"god is able" by priscilla shirer

About the book (from the publisher): Got an IMPOSSIBLE situation? The anxiety it brings can wake you in the middle of a needed night’s sleep and then stalk you in the middle of broad daylight. It can sneak up on you and cast a cloak of fear and concern over your shoulders that you can’t seem to shake no matter how hard you try. It can take you down. Squash all hope. Stop you in your tracks.

IMPOSSIBLE. IMPENETRABLE. UNCHANGEABLE. Maybe so . . . until God gets involved. No matter the details of your circumstance, His raw power potential and immeasurable ability refuse to cower in the face of any challenge. Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing. Not even that thing. This is the uplifting, well-reasoned answer from New York Times best-selling author Priscilla Shirer—not a denial of life’s adversities and troubles, but a biblical reminder that God is always up to great things, even when His great things are greater then instant remedies and visible change. He is a God who cares . . . and a God who CAN. Believe it. Experience it. God Is Able.

My take: I don't often read non-fiction, and when I do, I want it to be something that will keep my attention and provide me with information that I can apply to my life. God Is Able is one such book. Focusing on Ephesians 3:20-21, author Priscilla Shirer takes apart the verses phrase by phrase to show the power of God to do anything.

As I started reading the book, I doubted how much I'd get out of it. After all, I have complete confidence in God's ability to do anything. What I tend to doubt is that He will choose to do what He what He is able to do—that He won't answer prayers in the way I want Him to. Just typing those words makes me feel horribly self-centered and arrogant—like I know better than God. But I'm being honest here ...

In the book, Shirer addresses my doubts head-on. Seriously, it was like she was in my head and knew exactly what I was thinking. On page 62, she says, "You believe in His ability—His power—yet you question His willingness." She goes on to explain what I know in my head but often don't realize in my heart: that I, in my self-centered bubble, have absolutely no idea the ways God has, is, and will continue to orchestrate circumstances in my life. And when He does not do something I long for Him to do, I should continue to trust Him and thank Him for what He will do. He is working everything together for good (Romans 8:28), whether or not I understand it on this side of Heaven.

And that's really just the tip of the iceberg. God Is Able is packed with biblical truth, and its written in such a way that you feel like you're right there with Shirer, having a discussion over a cup of coffee. This book reminded me of truth about God that I needed to hear right now ... and I suspect it's a message that you need to hear, too.

My rating: 5 stars

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Watch the book trailer.

About the author: Priscilla Shirer is a Bible teacher and conference speaker with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Also a popular author, her books include the New York Times best seller The Resolution for Women, One in a Million, and Life Interrupted. Priscilla is married to Jerry with whom she founded Going Beyond Ministries. They have three sons and live in Dallas, Texas.

Learn more about Priscilla at her website.

About the giveaway: The publisher sent me an extra copy of God Is Able to give away to one of my readers. Enter through the Rafflecopter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Icon Media Group.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."

"invisible" by ginny l. yttrup

About the book (from the back cover): Ellyn—chef, café owner, and lover of butter—is hiding something behind her extra weight. While she sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he's attracted to Ellyn, she's certain there's something wrong with him.

Sabina—tall, slender, and exotic—left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in northern California where she says she's come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina's doing more hiding than healing. Why?

Twila has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival.

As these women's lives intertwine, their eyes will open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God's image.

My take: Wow. Just wow. It has been a long time since I've read a book that completely captivated me the way Invisible did. From the first line ("I love butter") to the last ("Even butter"), I was immersed in the world of Invisible.

Invisible deals with three women who are or have been hiding: Ellyn, who hides behind her weight and turns to food for comfort; Sabina, who has run away from her husband, family, and career; and Twila, whose yearning to disappear triggered an eating disorder. As these women connect, they are able to help each other get through physical and emotional trauma, and they learn that they are always visible to and infinitely loved by God.

I especially connected with Ellyn, and I loved reading her story. (Also, I wouldn't mind if God sent me a Miles of my own!) Really, I learned something from all three of these women. Invisible packs some serious spiritual punch, wrapped up in compelling plot. I loved Invisible, and I'll definitely be checking out Yttrup's other novels, as well. 5 out of 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Get the Kindle version of Words, Yttrup's debut novel, for just $2.99.

About the author: Ginny L. Yttrup won a Christy Award and ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award for her award-winning debut novel, Words. Also a speaker and life coach, she ministers to women wounded by sexual trauma. Yttrup has two grown sons and lives in California. Visit her at www.GinnyYttrup.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."