live second: release

This is the second of four posts about the new book Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First. See my first post here.

Week seven in Live Second is about relationships. The video is of Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs.

I chose to focus on Day 2: Release. The daily Bible reading is Matthew 18:21-35, the parable of the unforgiving servant.

I don't know about you, but I've been that servant. I know that God has forgiven me, and I know what Ephesians 4:32 says, but it's sometimes hard for me to extend forgiveness to those who've hurt me. This was especially true a few years ago. Someone close to me hurt me more deeply than I'd ever been hurt before. She asked for forgiveness, and I told her I forgave her, but I didn't. Instead, I hung onto the pain and bitterness, and I let it fester inside until I had not only practically severed my relationship with my friend, but I also had pushed so, so far from God. 

Finally, God used a sermon preached by my pastor to get my attention. (I blogged about the sermon here.) I finally truly forgave. I would say that, more than three years later, I'm still reaping the consequences of my bitterness, and I don't know if my friend and I will ever again experience the closeness we once had. But I've also learned a powerful lesson about the perils of unforgiveness, and every time I'm tempted to hang onto something, this example from my own life comes to mind. I truly believe what Doug Bender says in Live Second: "Forgiveness is what lets hurts heal, relationships begin recovery, and life to move on."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book for review purposes from the author. I was not required to give 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 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.”

live second: undeserved

Over the next several days, I—along with many other bloggers—will be blogging about the new book Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First. Rather than giving my thoughts on the book right now (I'll do that later), I'll be responding to different readings in the book. In the book, each week has a different theme, and each theme has an "I am Second" video that goes with it. I will be writing about one reading from weeks six through nine.

Week Six in Live Second is called "Struggles." The video is of Brian "Head" Welch, former Korn guitarist.



I am focusing my attention on Day 7, "Undeserved." The day's reading is Psalm 104:1-6 (ESV):

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
  and all that is within me,
  bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
  and forget not all his benefits,
  who forgives all your iniquity,
  who heals all your diseases,
  who redeems your life from the pit,
  who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
  who satisfies you with good
  so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord works righteousness
  and justice for all who are oppressed.

I'll admit it: often I forget just how undeserving of salvation I really am. As someone who grew up in the church, whose entire teenage rebellion consisted of sneaking into my parents' basement to watch shows like (gasp!) Friends, and who is inherently a rule follower, it's easy to get sucked into thinking that I am and have always been a pretty good person.

But the reality is that before Jesus saved me, my heart was black with sin. No, God didn't redeem me from the pit of drug or alcohol addiction, from a life of promiscuity, or from any of those other so-called "bad" sins. But he redeemed my selfish, proud, angry heart that was just as deserving of Hell as any murderer, prostitute, or addict (Romans 3:23).

Each December, I sing in the Singing Christmas Tree choir. SCT is my church's Christmas program, and we have 12 performances over three weekends. As I sing the songs, especially by this point in the season, I usually don't think about the meaning of the lyrics; in fact, I often am not thinking about much of anything as I sing ... unless I'm debating whether or not I'll drive through Starbucks or stop at Walmart on my way home! Last weekend was different, though. As I drove to our first performance on Saturday, I was listening to my practice CD. One of my favorite songs, "Jesus Saves," came on, and while I sang, I actually thought about what I was singing. Suddenly, I couldn't even get the lyrics out, as I was completely awash in wonder that Jesus would save me! After that, each time we reached this section of the song, I'd get a hitch in my voice:

"It is done!" will shout the cross
Christ has paid redemption's cost
While the empty tomb's declaring
Jesus saves!

I did nothing to deserve salvation. I did nothing to earn it. And yet He freely offered it. That's Grace!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book for review purposes from the author. I was not required to give 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 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.”

"darkness rising" by lis wiehl with pete nelson

About the book (from the publisher): The evil in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes—and the darkness—are rising.

Dani Harris thought there wasn’t much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn’t overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status.

But as they race to uncover what’s really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian’s Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don’t interfere.

When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not just murder and betrayal—but angels and demons.

My take: Darkness Rising is the sequel to Waking Hours ... and yes, you really do need to read Waking Hours first! Both books are incredibly quick, captivating reads, but Darkness Rising really kicked things up a notch. Waking Hours really just laid the groundwork for the battles to come, and Darkness Rising kicks off with a bang and continues at a frenetic pace until the end.

One thing you should know: Darkness Rising doesn't just deal with the battle between good and evil, involving angels and demons, but it also depicts a Christian who is demon possessed. If you're sensitive to that type of thing (as I am...) you may want to think hard about whether you want to read it.

So in the end, I'm torn. On one hand, I loved the book while I was reading it. On the other, it left me dwelling on things that aren't healthy for me to be thinking about (and it really stuck with me). Because of the subject matter and how it affected me, I'm giving it 3-1/2 stars. But if you enjoy supernatural thrillers and aren't bothered by reading about demon possession, you'll probably really like this novel.

Read my review of Waking Hours.
Read my reviews of Wiehl's "Triple Threat" novels (these are crime novels that do not deal with the supernatural): Hand of Fate, Heart of Ice, and Eyes of Justice.

About the authors: Lis Wiehl is a New York Times best-selling author, Harvard Law School graduate, and former federal prosecutor. A popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel, Wiehl appears onThe O'Reilly Factor and was co-host will Bill O'Reilly on the radio for seven years. 

Pete Nelson is the author of I Thought You Were Dead. He was listed in the Esquire Register of Best American Writers, the recipient of the 2003 Christopher Award, and nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award. He lives with his wife and son in Westchester, New York.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher 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 disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"stand-in groom" by kaye dacus

About the book: Business couldn't be better for thirty-something wedding planner Anne when she lands a client with an unlimited budget. The problem? The groom is George, a man she finds herself incredibly attracted to. However, things are not as they seem, and Anne may yet have a chance at love. But will the hurts of her past keep her from embracing the future?

My take: I first heard of author Kaye Dacus about 18 months ago. At the time, I was attracted to her writing because she featured women like me—women who had reached the age of 30 unmarried and who often had never even had a significant romantic relationship. The first Dacus book I read was The Art of Romance. I devoured it ... and promptly purchased all of Dacus's other contemporaries. (She has a historical series, too, but I prefer reading contemporary novels.) Then I got bogged down with all of my review books, but I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm beginning to read some of the books that have sat on my "to be read" shelf for over a year.

Stand-In Groom is Dacus's debut novel, and reading it showed me just how far she has come as a writer in the years since it was published. That's not to say that Stand-In Groom is bad; it just isn't written as well as her more recent books are. There are a few plot threads left hanging, and while they may be resolved in the following books, the way the characters ended their discussion about the topic made it seem pretty final. And the bad guy's transformation to a sympathetic character didn't ring true.

That said, I did enjoy the plot quite a bit. Dacus took the concept in a different direction than I expected, resolving the conflict between Anne and George much earlier than I anticipated, and then she brought in a whole new conflict to occupy the second half of the book. I enjoyed the twists the plot took, and I'm looking forward to reading books two and three in the series, as they feature some of my favorite supporting characters from Stand-In Groom. 3 stars.

Read my review of Dacus's The Art of Romance.
Buy the book.

About the author: Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances. To find out more about Kaye and her books, please visit her online at kayedacus.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it of my own accord. I was not compensated in any way. 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 breath of dawn" by kristen heitzmann

 About the book (provided by Litfuse): Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the "success guru," has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he's living for—until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.

Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.

Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?

My take: I began reading The Breath of Dawn with high expectations, as I've really enjoyed all of the other Kristen Heitzmann books I've read. Happily, this book lived up to my expectations!

Heitzmann has weaved an intriguing tale of love, trust, betrayal, and second chances. The plot is full of twists and turns, but it never seems contrived. And the characters seem like people you could actually meet in real life.

The Breath of Dawn is Heitzmann's third book featuring the Spencer family (A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night are the first two), yet it functions well as a stand alone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! 4-1/2 stars.

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
See my reviews of Heitzmann's Indivisible and Indelible.

About the author: Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including Freefall, Halos, A Rush of Wings, and the Christy Award winner Secrets. She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church.

Find out more about Kristen at http://www.kristenheitzmannbooks.com/.

About the giveaway: Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 26th. Winner will be announced at the "The Breath of Dawn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/27. Connect with Kristen, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

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. 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 guest book" by marybeth whalen

About the book: When Macy was a child, her family traveled to Sunset Beach and stayed at Time in a Bottle guest house each summer. One year, she drew a picture in the house's guest book, and when she returned the next year, she found a response—another drawing and a picture of the boy who drew it. For several years, Macy and this boy corresponded only through drawing in the guest book, and Macy fell more in love with him each year. But then her dad died, and the family stopped visiting Time in a Bottle.

Ten years later, Macy, now a single mother, returns to Time in a Bottle with her mother, brother, and daughter. She prays a desperate prayer, begging God to allow her to meet the boy she knows only as "the artist," having no idea how radically that prayer will change her life.

My take: I requested this book from Vine because I'd become familiar with author Marybeth Whalen through the website Southern Belle View. (Though Whalen no longer writes for the site, I'd still encourage you to check it out.) Because of what I'd read on the site, I was fairly certain I'd enjoy The Guest Book—but I had no idea just how much I'd love it!

The Guest Book is one of those novels that you could easily see being made into a movie. (Are you listening, Hallmark Channel???) Though it starts off a bit slowly, the pace is nice. It's a thought provoking, gentle book that deals with some weighty issues without being heavy handed or overbearing.

I loved Macy's quest to find the artist, and, like Macy, I was thoroughly confused as to who he might be. Though it is a romance, the book is more about Macy finding her way back to God than about finding a man, and I like it that way. (I also wish that God would drop three incredible men into my lap, as happened in this book. What a problem to have!) This is one of the most enjoyable books I've recently read! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.
Watch the book trailer.

About the author: Marybeth Whalen is the wife of Curt and mom of six children. She is the director of She Reads, an online book club focused on spotlighting the best in women's fiction. Marybeth is the author of The Mailbox, She Makes It Look Easy and The Guest Book. Marybeth spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She's always at work on her next novel. Marybeth and her family live in North Carolina. You can find her online at www.marybethwhalen.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free for review from Amazon.com through it's Vine reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

"no safe harbor" by elizabeth ludwig

About the book: She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend—Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother-but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?

My take: I did not expect to enjoy No Safe Harbor. The cover is gorgeous, and the book summary is intriguing, so why was I prepared to dislike this book? Because I did something I never do with books I'm reviewing: I read another reviewer's take before picking up the book. My mistake was innocent enough—I forgot I'd requested the book. After reading the lukewarm review, I planned to stay away from No Safe Harbor. (This particular reviewer often enjoys books more than I do, but I'd never seen him give a negative review to a book I liked.) Then a few days later, the book arrived on my doorstep. I put off reading it as long as possible, and when I started reading, my fears seemed to be confirmed.

But then ...

I kept reading, and soon I found myself swept into the story. The mysteries regarding Cara's brother and Rourke's father kept me guessing, and I couldn't wait to figure out who was really calling the shots. I also enjoyed the romance between Cara and Rourke, as well as the relationships Cara built with the others in her boardinghouse.

The other reviewer's criticisms are valid (you can see his review here), but these issues did not diminish the enjoyment I got from reading No Safe Harbor. In fact, I'd expect all of those questions he had to be answered in upcoming books. (No Safe Harbor is book one in Ludwig's Edge of Freedom series.)

No Safe Harbor is well written, engaging, and full of intrigue. Reading this book reinforced my belief that while reviews are important—especially for building buzz about a book—they should be taken with a grain of salt. (As a book blogger, should I even be saying this???) We all connect with books—or fail to connect with them—for different reasons. A book I love, you may hate. And I book I pan, you may think is the greatest book ever written. But that's part of the joy of reading fiction—discovering great stories for yourself. And if you hate a book? Well, no one said you had to finish it! (Unless, of course, you're a book blogger...) 4 stars.

Buy the book.
See what other reviewers are saying.

About the author: Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from Romantic Times. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas.

Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.

About the giveaway: Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the "No Safe Harbor" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

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. 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."