Saturday, October 27, 2018

Book Review: Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth About You by Donna Gibbs


Purchase HERE

Title: Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth About You

Author: Donna Gibbs

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living

Audience: Adult/Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Insecurity is easily the most pervasive struggle of women in America today. We have more ways than ever to compare ourselves to others - who are all prettier, thinner, smarter, more successful, and more put together than we are - and our sense of self-worth takes a serious beating on an almost daily basis. We're tired of simply commiserating with writers and bloggers who share their own struggles - we want real, workable solutions about how to find peace with ourselves.

This is what professional Christian counselor Donna Gibbs gives women with Silencing Insecurity. Drawing from her twenty years of experience counseling women, she exposes the many lies that produce insecurities in us starting from a young age, the result of letting those insecurities get the best of us, and, most importantly, the way out of insecurity - for good. Anyone who is tired of letting insecurity snatch away the joy from her life will welcome this practical and freeing book.

~ MY REVIEW ~
**5 stars**

What at truly wholesome, informational, and healing read. Silencing Insecurity: Believing God's Truth About You by Donna Gibbs is an excellent book on insecurity and self-worth. One that I one-hundred percent recommend! It dives into the gritty details of insecurity. It probes and reveals. And it continually points us back to Christ. And our identity in Him.

I think that is what makes Silencing Insecurity stand out from other books on this topic. It is so richly rooted in Biblical truths and identity found in Christ Jesus. I was impressed and refreshed. I learned a lot and I found renewed healing within these pages! I'm truly thankful that I picked up this book, and am excited to share it with my fellow women.

This self-help/Christian Living book is divided into three parts: IDENTITY THIEVES // UNNECESSARY PROBLEMS // and THE NECESSARY SECRET. It talks about the different insecurities we struggle with, the deep problems they cause ( emotional, mental, relational, and developmental ), and the way we can find freedom and embrace healthy self-worth.
One section I found especially interesting was on the mind. Thought patterns, talking negatively to yourself, and embracing harmful, false identities.

If you are a woman who struggles with insecurity and identity crisis, I encourage you to go buy a copy of this beautiful book right now. It's an inspiring, thoughtful, and interesting read. It's a book you can read again and again, and page through to find practical, insightful passages (use your highlighter while reading!) when you find yourself struggling with the same old problems. The author is a wife, mother, counselor, and former victim of insecurity. I think her story and her insights will help you break free from your lifestyle of bondage.

I received a copy of Silencing Insecurity from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
 

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Book Review: Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette


Purchase HERE

Title: Shelter of the Most High

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Shelter of the Most High #2

Genre: Biblical Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**

Connilyn Cossette pens another exciting Biblical Historical novel! Book Two in the CITIES OF REFUGE series, I enjoyed diving into Shelter of the Most High and reconnecting with Moriyah and her lovely family.

This book focuses specifically on her adopted son, Eitan. As well as a wounded and guarded maiden, Sofea, from the island of Sicily. Back in the city of Kedesh, we learn more about cities of refuge and the accidental killers that flee and find safety there. I find this such a heavy, but fascinating topic. And I just love being with the children of Israel. Connilyn Cossette brings to life Old Testament times and people with such authenticity and grace.

Though we didn't spend much time in Sicily, it was intriguing to explore Sofea's seaside home just a little. The emotional and spiritual journey Sofea and her cousin went on was profound. I enjoyed meeting all of Darek and Moriyah's children ... and other characters! And the unexpected twists - I found myself quite shocked at times! It was a well-done story that explored Moriyah's predicament more, while unfolding Eitan and Sofea's story. There were some truly heart-touching moments of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.

I didn't love the romance in Shelter of the Most High as much as I loved some in this author's other books. It pretty heavily focused on physical attraction. Which is a good thing, but cannot be the foundation of a marriage. While it didn't say that it was, there just seemed to be more emphasis on physical attraction than friendship and such.

That all being said, I really enjoyed this book and can hardly wait to read Book Three, Until the Mountains Fall! We got glimpses of the girl who is to be the main character in this next book, and I am so intrigued!

I received a copy of Shelter of the Most High from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

New Cover Pretties!

Hello, folks! It's Saturday. Hurrah! And I have access to a computer! Hurrah! Ready for a new laptop, but unfortunately, I don't have the extra funds for that. Need a new car, first!!

*ahem* I finally replied to all the comments on my previous two posts. Due to some somewhat unexpected life circumstances, I'm feeling more relaxed and able to focus on blogging.

Also, I got an email saying that this blog of mine is in the top 100 Christian book review blogs to follow in 2018. I'm not sure what this is all about, but here's the link if you want to view the post and search through one hundred Christian book review blogs! Maybe you'll find some awesome new ones to follow. ^_^
(And maybe this explains why I've all suddenly begun to get all kinds of emails and comments asking if I'd like to review so-and-so's book. Thank you to all who emailed/commented, by the way! At this moment, sadly, I don't feel I have the time to take on any extra "review books".)

Anyway, on to the purpose of this post. Another cover love day! *cheers happily*


The Siren and the Scholar {Faraway Castle #2} by J.M. Stengl

Published: May 2nd, 2018 (Rooglewood Press)


The Rose and the Briar {Faraway Castle #3} by J.M. Stengl

Published: 2018 (Rooglewood Press)


A Worthy Rebel {An Uncertain Choice #5} by Jody Hedlund

Published: September 4th, 2018 (Northern Lights Press)


All Made Up by Kara Isaac

Published: September 28th, 2018 (Bellbird Press)


The Profile Match {The Mission League #4} by Jill Williamson

Expected Publication: October 15th, 2018 (Novel Teen Press)


A Wind From the Wilderness {Watchers of Outremer #1} by Suzannah Rowntree

Expected Publication: October 29th, 2018 (Bocfodder Press)


The White City {True Colors #1} by Grace Hitchcock

Expected Publication: March 1st, 2019 (Barbour Books)


To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

Expected Publication: March 5th, 2019 (Thomas Nelson)


The Golden Bride {Daughters of the Mayflower #8} by Kimberley Woodhouse

Expected Publication: April 1st, 2019 (Barbour Books)


Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Expected Publication: May 7th, 2019 (Thomas Nelson)


Number of Love {Codebreakers #1} by Roseanna M. White

Expected Publication: June 4th, 2019 (Bethany House Publishers)


A Reluctant Bride {Bride Ships #1} by Jody Hedlund

Expected Publication: June 4th, 2019 (Bethany House Publishers)


The Noble Guardian {The Bow Street Runners #3} by Michelle Griep

Expected Publication: June 2019


Until the Mountains Fall {Cities of Refuge #3} by Connilyn Cossette

Expected Publication: July 2nd, 2019 (Bethany House Publishers)


King's Shadow: A Novel of King Herod's Court {The Silent Years #4} by Angela Hunt

Expected Publication: September 2019 (Bethany House Publishers)

Monday, October 1, 2018

September Wrap Up 2018

Hello, lovelies! Life has been a little crazy for me right now. Not sure what path I'm going to take next. But the good news is, my God is a faithful guide! I'm thankful for the provision and blessing and the work He's done in my heart in the month of September.

I'm learning to trust. Not to fear. To let go. Surrender. Stop trying to please and impress people. And find joy even in the wait and in the questioning.

Here's a little glimpse of last month in pictures ...


(This was technically August 30th ... but does anyone really care?)
A trip to Chick-fil-A! I went with two of my sisters and one of my brothers. Love them! <3 And this restaurant! *laughs*


It was so refreshing to get out and do something fun after a long, exhausting week at work. I had serious jet lag after getting back from vacation!!


One morning before I left work. The house is quiet when I get up in the mornings. I quickly get ready, then sit down and do my devotionals while eating breakfast. It's sweet getting to spend a little time in God's Word and prayer before facing my day.


Chick-fil-A again! *laughs* (Did someone say "addicted"? I protest!) This time it was Mom's idea. We swung by there for lunch one Saturday before heading to clean a spec house.


Cleaning ...



I imagined living here with a husband and some little kids. Taking care of my own home and having people over for dinner. I like to dream while I work. *winks*



We went to the city for sister's 18th birthday! Just me, my mom, her, and the next sister in line. It was such fun! I love those ladies. ^_^

At the mall.


Eating out!


And then to antique shops and thrift stores!
 



I'm in love with vanities and old-fashioned accessories! *dies* My mind is whirling; busy imaging the people who once used these things. 


My favorite! Synergy organic kombucha ... Watermelon Wonder! I'd take this over soda any day, folks. It tastes so good!


And it gives me energy. So every now and then I buy a kombucha to take with me to work. This brand, Humm, is delicious, too. It might have more sugar than Synergy.


A perfect way to spend a Saturday morning! Re-organizing the bookshelf. It really needed it, haha!


Sunday morning before heading off to Sunday school at my church.


Picture with my pretty books. ^_^


Last minutes of lunch break at work.


Training required with my job.



Tired me. Gotta savor those lunch breaks.


How I love Friday evenings!! (It's Monday night, Shantelle, stop thinking about Friday nights... ) This particular Friday night I bought myself a gluten and dairy-free pizza and had the whole house to myself. So I enjoyed Bible study, music, pizza ...


And reading! This book is amazing, by the way, folks! Yankee in Atlanta - the third book in a Civil War series by Jocelyn Green. I'm really loving it.


Happy and free on the weekend. :p Work tends to be anxiety-inducing and lonely (and oftentimes exhausting) because I spend about eight hours a day caring for infants ... talking to no one. And I'm a people person, believe it or not! At least, I love talking, haha.
So not talking to anyone for that long wears on me emotionally. So do crying babies.


Sister time! Spending the day with three of my sisters. Shopping and laughing and walking downtown.


Happy about sister time and warm fall evenings in town and my raspberry Italian soda (which was gone at this point... )


Last day of September. I missed church, sadly. But I listened to a great sermon online, and then sat out in the sun with my book and a Chocolate Chip Larabar.

I took a nap. And then that evening I went to Bible study with family and friends.

It was a good day.

And now here we are in October ... Monday evening. I had a pretty good day at work. I'm going to go write a blog post on Lady Grace now ... make my lunch for tomorrow ... and go to bed, I guess.

Looking forward to seeing what God does this new month. What an awesome Lord I have. My life is nothing without Him.

beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1-2