From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Rachel Hauck

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

"Jesus -- The Reason For the Season" by Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is "Love Lifted Me" with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for "The Wedding Dress." www.rachelhauck.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Guest Posts : Margaret McSweeney | Suzanne Woods Fisher | Sibella Giorello | Sandy Ralya | Elizabeth Musser | Deborah Raney | Shellie Tomlinson | Tricia Goyer | Susan May Warren | Tracey Eyster | Debora M. Coty | Robin Dance | Rachel Hauck

Related Posts :

Guest Post :: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!	Blog Tour - Feasted On: Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck \| Review & Giveaway	Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015	It's Christmas time in Elizabeth City ... 2008

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Disappointmentville: Mystique Antiques Series, Novella 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 167 KB | Release Date: November 23, 2011 | Publisher: Tholden Press | Obtained: Amazon.com

"A Love Soul Deep" [Mystique Antiques Series, Novella 1] by Amber Scott

My Book Summary : Sara has been trying to move on from Crew, her boyfriend who has passed away quite a few years ago, for some time. However, since he invades her dreams every so often, which just makes her miss him even more, it's really hard for her to do so. Therefore, when she comes across a locket that has a picture of him inside of it, and then her dreams of him start to feel even more real, Sara starts to think that her love just might be able to bring him back ....

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, this novella is clever, sweet, and very intense. I really liked the fantasy aspect of it, especially how just by wishing and her love Crew came back for short periods of time.

The only reason I didn't give this a better rating was because I wasn't happy with the way it ended and the plot itself got slow or annoying at times making me want to stop reading. However, like I said, I am glad I finished reading it since it was an interesting read.

I recommend this to anyone who likes a good fantasy read.

My Previous Review(s) for these Author : Fierce Dawn | Soul Search

Book Teaser(s) :

I got pegged as a tomboy, or worse, as just one of the guys.
Crew saw me as sultry. Deep. Enigmatic.
Stop! I had to stop allowing him to creep into my thoughts like some addict plotting how to get a fix. Crew was gone.
I was still alive and kicking. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Amber, then please check out her Amazon Page.

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: ParaRealm Series, Book 1	Teaser Tuesdays: Soul Search	IBC's Bestseller for a Day [November 30th]: Soul Search by Amber Scott	Disappointmentville: Drink of Me by Jacquelyn Frank	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ S ~ Authors

Made the Grade: The Sabbatini Brothers Series, Book 2

Format: Paperback | Pages: 185 | Release Date: June 2011 | Publisher: Harlequin | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"One Last Night" [The Sabbatini Brothers Series, Book 2] by Melanie Milburne

My Book Summary : When Maya and Giorgio got married they did so not for love, at least Giorgio didn't love Maya at that time, but because of his responsibility to his family and to produce an heir. Now five years later and after a couple of miscarriages, Maya is trying to divorce Giorgio as it seems that after all these years and no children between them they have grown further apart instead of closer together. Nevertheless, Giorgio is making it harder than ever to get a divorce, then after six months apart they indulge in one hot night together that produces a big surprise. However, the only way Maya will agree to getting back together is by having Giorgio's heart, yet will Giorgio be willing to give his heart away to anyone??

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! This book deals with what it takes to hold a family together while dealing with plenty of tragedies going on around them. It's a very sweet book. I enjoyed Maya's newfound independence, in addition to how Giorgio and Maya build back their relationship.

On a personal note, I liked this book more because I could relate to the uncertainty of being pregnant and not sure if it would last, but still hanging on to the hope of it. The way Maya's struggle was written made this book more humbling and relatable to me.

I recommend it to anyone who likes to read quick, sweet, and spicy romance books!

Book Teaser(s) :

It was just a spare bedroom, a rather beautifully appointed one with Parisian-style furniture.
'It's very...nice,' she said as the silence swirled around her. She turned and faced him, pasting a smile on her face that made her muscles ache. 'You've done a good job. No one would ever think it was once a...' she forced the word out '...a nursery.'
Giorgio reached for her and she stumbled forwards into his arms, burying her face against his chest. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Melanie, then please check out her Amazon Page.

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: St. John Brothers / Talisman Ring Series, Book 3	My #BookTuber June 2018 Update	Made the Grade: Compass Brothers Series, Book 1	What was I thinking?: The Lourdes Brothers of Key Largo Series, Book 1	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ M ~ Authors

Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Robin Dance

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

"The Panhandler's Breath" by Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was nowhere to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***
In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

12 Pearls of Christmas - Guest Posts : Margaret McSweeney | Suzanne Woods Fisher | Sibella Giorello | Sandy Ralya | Elizabeth Musser | Deborah Raney | Shellie Tomlinson | Tricia Goyer | Susan May Warren | Tracey Eyster | Debora M. Coty | Robin Dance | Rachel Hauck

Related Posts :

Guest Post :: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!	Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Rachel Hauck	Guest Post :: Priceless Treasures by Cindy K. Stiverson \| Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl & Giveaway	Sharing My #Genealogy Excitement! \| #BookTube: My Christmas "Haul" 2017 Highlights

Friday, December 23, 2011

Blog Tour Review -- Feasted On: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

This review of "On a Dark Wing" by Jordan Dane was through Trisha Wolfe's YA Bound Blog Tour and sponsored by HarlequinTeen. This Blog Tour kicked off on December 19th and it'll end on January 2nd, followed by a live chat with Jordan Dane on January 5th at 7:00 PM EDT!!

GRAND PRIZE : Jordan Dane is giving away a Kindle Fire to one lucky person!!! Contest rules are posted using the Rafflecopter entry form located here. Please click along the form to enter.

PRIZES : Ten blog stops along the tour will be hosting giveaways for signed copies of ON A DARK WING with a secret gift from Abbey Chandler.

WINNERS will be announced at the live chat with Jordan Dane on January 5th, so make sure you're there!

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 312; Kindle Edition - File Size: 465 KB | Expected Release Date: December 20, 2011 | Publisher: HarlequinTEEN | Obtained: NetGalley

"On a Dark Wing" by Jordan Dane

My Book Summary : Abbey was in a major car accident when she was young, it changed her life, and even though she was the "lucky" one, since she cheated death, her mother died. Nevertheless, she can still remember the iridescent blue-eyed shadow of a boy that saved her life, even though no one believed her when she told them after the accident.

Five years later in some ways, it feels like it's her best friend, Tanner, and her against the world (or more correctly their school). They are each other’s consistent companions and always seem to know what each other needs. As summer hits, Abbey goes on her annual trip to her family's cabin with her dad (even though she'd rather stay home and keep an ear out on her secret crush--Nate--mountain climb on Tanner's radio).

Soon, though, Abbey finds Nate is on "her mountain" instead, which couldn't be right since he should be climbing, right? In a strange turn of events, Abbey will find just what it meant to be the "lucky" one from her previous accident all those years ago and what really happened that day. However, what she learns and what she decides to do with that knowledge could put someone else's life to hang in the balance. What will she choose to do??

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this novel is thought provoking and has a unique take on dealing with near death experiences. When I first started this novel, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, as it starts out very dark, gloomy, and it wasn't what I expected at all. Nevertheless, the further I went into the novel the more I got into it. From the intense mystery surrounding the novel, to the friendship between Tanner and Abbey this novel was one that I quickly got very addicted to and was curious to see how it would end!!

In addition, it was cool getting to read about Nate's mountain climb! Then to read from all of those POVs really gives you the full experience of this novel, and makes you really endeared to everyone you read about. You just want to root for them all!

I recommend this novel to those of you who enjoy mysterious YA novels!

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

He grabbed his flashlight and turned toward Josh. While he'd been passed out, Nate was deathly afraid that he'd lost him. He shined the light onto his friend's slack face. When he saw him still breathing, he heaved a sigh of relief.
"Josh, you've gotta wake up. If you can see me, maybe I'm not dead." ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jordan, then please check out her Amazon Page.

Click HERE to sign up for Jordan's giveaway and to check out the other blog tour stops!!

Thank you to Jordan and Trisha for having me to apart of the tour!! =0)

Find Jordan Dane :

Related Posts :

Teaser Tuesdays: On a Dark Wing	Feasted On: Wing Slayer Hunters Series, Book 5	Made the Grade: Heart of Darkness : The Darkest Angel [Lords of the Underworld Series, Novella] by Gena Showalter	Spreading the Word: BLACK WINGS by Iryna K. Combs	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ D ~ Authors

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