LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUGARCREEK, OHIO by Serena Miller

Rachel Troyer a police officer tries to convince her aunts Bertha, Lydia and Anna to stop taking in guests at their inn, Sugar Haus.  She feels they need to retire since they have gotten older, and cannot handle the upkeep any longer.

Joe Matthews has left Los Angeles with his son Bobby, because he wants to escape the media sensation surrounding the murder of his wife Grace, who was an actor. He wants to find a quiet place for him and his son to live in peace. Joe did not plan to stop in Sugarcreek, Ohio, but had no choice since his truck broke down and needed repair. He ends up staying at the Sugar Haus Inn for a few days and is not that impressed with the Amish way of life.

Being a cop, Rachel immediately becomes suspicious of Joe, thinking he has something to hide or is hiding from someone. One thing that sends a red flag is Joe looks disheveled with his long hair and unshaven beard. She decides it is a good idea to stay at the inn with her aunts to keep an eye on Joe until he leaves. Rachel runs an identification check on Joe and finds no information. With the help of an assistant in the office, she finds Joe’s true identity. He and Bobby have been missing for months and their location is exposed, forcing Joe to run away again.

After receiving a threatening call to leave Joe alone, Rachel must now decide whether to help Joe run or convince him to stay in Sugarcreek and face the media. The questions in her mind are did Joe kill his wife? Should I help him to escape?

Serena B. Miller’s novel is a story of love, loss, and grievance. It moves from a father's love for his son to a murder mystery. The pace is steady and an easy read. The characters are likeable and the story line is serious, yet humorous in parts. The chapters describing Joe’s experience working in the Amish community could have been condensed through editing. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I recommend to romance and mystery novel lovers.

I received this book free from Summerside Press through the Litfuse Reviewer Program for an honest and unbiased review.

STEPPIN' INTO THE GOOD LIFE by Tia McCollors

Sheila Rushmore dated Scott Bowers, better known as ‘Ace’, for three years. Today she is sitting in the back of the church as Ace marries his ex-wife. What happened? She cannot believe it is not she who walked down the aisle with Ace.

Just before the happy turns to face the crowd, Sheila with her teary eyes jumps up to leave. Her friend Constance is waiting outside to pick her up. Sheila is dropped off and walks into the bookstore, Eden’s Gates, not far from the church. There she finds solace and Eden, the owner, and immediately takes to the older woman who gives advice like a sage. Sheila begins to visit the bookstore frequently. Eden invites Sheila to Bible Study at her church. She is a little reluctant to go, but once the program starts, the tears freely flows.

With Sheila being on the singles scene once again, without a job, little money, having a car in much needed repair, and living with her crazed roommate Constance, she decides to reach out to ex-boss Clive for help. He helps Sheila, but wants be her ‘Sugar Daddy.’ Sheila is not having it, says no and tells him she will pay the money back.

Meanwhile, Sheila meets Reggie, Travis, and Lee. She is hoping one of the three will replace the love in her life since Ace re-married. She also has a problem with Cassandra’s boyfriend and his unwanted advances. Sheila has to handle her family problems as well. Since she has been going to church, she must work on herself first. Being the self-serving, Fashionista diva and materialistic woman that she is, Sheila turns to the only One who can really help her.

Tia McCollors Christian fiction novel deals with common situations in everyday life nicely. Everyone probably knows someone like the characters Sheila, roommate Cassandra, and Eden. The only piece missing was the back-story on Sheila and Ace’s relationship that led up to his re-marrying the ex-wife.The book could have been edited a little more, cut by a chapter or two. I recommend this book to readers who like Christian fiction novels.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.

Emily T. Wierenga's A PROMISE IN PIECES BLOG TOUR

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. 

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

About the book: A baby quilt touches many hearts as it travels from family-to-family and through generations. After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women's Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier's last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she's not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier's baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child's name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie---and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt---years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

About the Author: Emily Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and staff journalist, a monthly columnist for The Christian Courier, and the author of Save My Children(Castle Quay Books, 2008), Chasing Silhouettes (Ampelon Publishing, 2012) and Mom in the Mirror(Rowman & Littlefield, 2013). Emily resides in Alberta, Canada. This is her first novel.

Learn more about Emily at: http://www.emilywierenga.com

   http://litfusegroup.com/author/EWierenga

EAT RAW, NOT COOKED by Stacy Stowers

“Two things about nutrition that I absolutely believe to be true:

                    1. We must let go of processed foods.

                    2. Raw food heals.”

Stacy Stowers “struggled with chronic pain and fatigue, after being diagnosed with Valley Fever, at the age of twenty-two. She took numerous medications, pain pills, sleeping pills, antidepressants, coffee and alcohol.”

She traveled the country teaching and cooking in several family homes, bringing awareness of incorporating raw food into your diet. In her book, she transforms your favorite comfort foods to a raw version.  Ms. Stowers explains acidity is an enemy to the body, if it is not properly balanced with alkaline needs. It is stressed she does not promote becoming a “raw foodist, but to incorporate more raw food into your diet.” Raw agave, apple cider vinegar, cacao powder, kalamata olives, and first cold pressed olive oil are considered staple items.

Each raw recipe is pitted against its processed version. I was surprised to see a few items I regularly use, such as Newman’s Own Salad Dressing turned raw. McDonald’s French fries and ketchup are replaced with jicama and homemade raw ketchup.

There are some good raw recipe substitutes that I would try, one being the Chinese Egg Rolls. It consists of sliced avocado, romaine lettuce leaves, red bell pepper strips, carrots, zucchini, and yellow summer squash julienned. After slicing all the vegetables, they are rolled in rice paper wrappers. I would also try the following dessert recipes: Key Lime and Almond Joy, and Cheesecake pies. I must not leave out the Chocolate Mousse raw dessert.

I understand the need for a raw food diet is very healthy, but it is also an expensive diet. The substitute ingredients can become quite costly. I recommend this book for persons who have special diets, and those wanting a gradual change to a healthier eating lifestyle. 

I received this book free from Gallery Books through the Net Galley Review Program, for an honest and unbiased review.

POSTPONED:

'I LOVE BOOKS'

IS  

POSTPONED 

UNTIL 

MONDAY

APRIL 29, 2014

3:00 pm (pdt)

Thanks for your patience!

'I LOVE BOOKS' - Live On-Air Interview - May 3, 2014 - 3:00 PM (PDT) - KARTIKA R. ANDERSON, Author of 'TURNING BLUE TO BLUE'

About 'Turning Blue to Blue'

I had to ask myself: what did succeeding look like and what did failing mean. Initially, I reasoned that failing was not being able to replace my income within 12 months. So then success was simply the opposite of that? While financially security is obviously important, along the way to wellness I am learning so much about myself, the world and my Savior. Failure is starting to look like just not trusting God and His spirit inside me. Trying to plot, plan, and schedule, and dealing with the anxiety and disappointment which that most often brings, is no longer necessary. So is success the opposite? Yes, but it is so much more. Knowing that I am in the will of God is the greatest confidence builder I have found.

About Kartika R. Anderson

 Through social media, her artwork and book, Turning Blue to Blue: How God Used Art to Overcome My Depression, she has begun a conversation with hundreds of women on the subjects of depression, medication, suicidal ideations and loss within the context of Christianity. As a graduate of Wellesley College, she has pondered and researched issues affecting women around the world, in particular the continent of Africa and the United States. Kartika’s passion is assisting women to release unproductive behaviors and beliefs in order to discover their voices.

NIGHTLINE’S Dan Harris’ 10% HAPPIER Kindle HDX Giveaway!

       

4/22-5/10!

10% Happier by Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.

Dan has teamed up with his publisher, Harper Collins, for a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway. 


 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• 10% Happier by Dan Harris

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 12th on the Litfuse blog. Learn more about the 10% Happier backstory and read an excerpt here.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on May 12th to see if you won.

Available Now! - PEPPERPOT - Best New Stories from the Carribean, Akashic Press

Pepperpot is a collection of short stories written by authors of the Caribbean. There is a mixture of everything to make an afternoon of reading exciting and fun. A few of my favorites are

“REVERSAL OF FORTUNES” by Kevin Baldeosingh (Trinidad & Tobago): Sukiya is a corporate secretary and accountant for a successful business. One of her duties is to deposit checks into the business account, and bank her own payroll. Sukiya not paying attention, realizes at the bank her payroll is too much. She makes an appointment to see her boss and things are not what they seem.

“ALL THE SECRET THINGS NO-ONE EVER KNOWS” by Sharon Leach (Jamaica): A teenager tells the story of her dysfunctional family. Her father has a girlfriend; her mother is none the wiser; one of her two brothers commits suicide. She has an unnatural affection for her father. As she paints the picture of the family’s problems, she also comes to grip with her own circumstances.

“AMELIA” by Joanne C. Hillhouse (Antigua & Barbuda): Amelia is an eleven-year-old girl wondering how she made it to Devil’s Bridge. She is confused, panicky and naked. Amelia sees a truck full of men drive up and wants to ask for help, but she is afraid. They are there to fly kites from the roadside cliff. When she works up the nerve to scream, the men do not hear her because of their own noise. Will she ever be rescued?

“FATHER, FATHER” by Garfield Ellis (Jamaica): One of two young boys is regretful for engaging in a verbal disagreement with a group of poor boys. When the free-talker is abandoned by his friend, he’s left to fend for himself. He dearly wishes that his father would come and rescue him, from the mess he has gotten himself into. One must learn to be ever so humble when you have more than others.

Pepperpot is an eclectic mix of adventure, humor, the spirit world, family relationships, and other subject matters which gives you something to think about. Only two short stories were hard for me to decipher because of the dialect used. I recommend this collection of short stories to readers who enjoy a mixture of subject matter in a single sitting. (Publication date April 22, 2014)

I received this book free from Akashic Books through the Edelweiss Reviewer Program for an honest unbiased review.

$200 “Women Helping Women” Shopping Spree Giveaway from Quilts of Love | “A Promise in Pieces” Giveaway!

The latest Quilts of Love release, A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga is receiving glowing reviews.

Emily is celebrating the release of her debut novel with a "Women Helping Women" shopping spree giveaway.

4/21-5/10!

One winner will receive:

• $200 to spend at Emily's favorite shops, Noonday Collection & Vibella (Click through to learn more about how these companies exist to make a difference in the lives of women!)
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. 

Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog on May 12th. Then be sure to stop by the Quilts of Love Facebook page on May 29th for the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily and other Quilts of Love authors. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips & tricks, prizes, and more!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Available Now! - SHARDS by Allison Moore with Nancy Woodruff

At age fifteen, Allison tried to commit suicide. She shares the outer forces which led up to the day she drove off a cliff in Tijiras Canyon.

After becoming an officer, Allison became involved with a married fellow officer, Keawe. Ten months into the affair, Allison becomes pregnant. She and Keawe decide to terminate the pregnancy. Keawe never knew it was twins she was carrying. Allison become depressed about her situation with Keawe.

Allison is promoted to the Narcotics Department. During one of her busts, out of curiosity, keeps a small amount of meth seized. She tries meth for the first time and had the urge to clean her apartment. She did not sleep, went to work, had not eaten in three days, and was not tired. 

Her addiction becomes worse and her co-workers are concerned. Her boss jokingly says to her one day, that she looked sick as if she were dying. Allison took this opportunity to make this lie a truth and answered, “yes.” She told him that she was dying from cancer to cover up her appearance. This gave her an out for receiving sick leave for doctor appointments. But Allison not realizing her boss had spoken to anyone, her fellow officers donated sick leave to her. The lies became bigger and she eventually wound up living with a drug dealer. And that was not the end of her troubles.

Allison gives an in-the-face account of her training as a Maui Police Officer. She shares her promotion to the Narcotics Division, gives a straight forward account of her addiction, rehab, and a grueling account of abuse at the hands of the drug dealer. Allison’s book regarding her journey from police officer to drug addict and back is well worth the read. I recommend this book to non-fiction readers. It will very well hold your interest until the end. It definitely held mine. (Publication Date: April 22, 2014)

I received this book free from Touchstone Publishing through the Net Galley Reviewer Program, for an unbiased review.

A PROMISE IN PIECES by Emily T. Wierenga

Clara is married to Oliver, mother to Shane, and the grandmother of Noah. They are on their way to New Orleans for a family vacation. The rest of the clan will meet them there.

Clara begins her story of how she became a nurse for the Army Nurse Corps. She speaks of war and wounded soldiers. Clara tells her grandson Noah, some men died because they could not be treated in enough time. She continues her story reminiscing about one soldier in particular, Gareth. Before he dies, he asks Clara to help in writing a letter to his wife, Mattie. She is to deliver this letter to Mattie when she is relieved of duty.

When Clara delivers the letter to Mattie, before she can leave Mattie gives her a quilt in remembrance of their meeting. Mattie told Clara she was never able to start a family, since Gareth enlisted in the Army. Their friendship blossoms and Clara decides to use the quilt to swaddle newborn infants and embroider their names onto the quilt. The quilt will be given to Mattie as a gift, as a way to give Mattie the family she never had.

During their road trip, Oliver becomes ill and is hospitalized. Noah encourages his grandmother to continue her story while Oliver sleeps. Clara is tired, but resumes.

Emily Wierenga tells a story of love, faith, and strength of a woman full of determination. She is giving of herself to others in need. This novel is emotionally charged. It will make you happy, and yet bring tears to your eyes.  I recommend to readers of World War nostalgia.

I received this book free from Abingdon Press through the Litfuse Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.

TEA AND PRIMROSES by Tess Thompson

Does love really last forever? Sutton Mansfield will find out the answer soon enough. She is returning home to handle the estate of her mother Constance, a novelist, whom was killed in a hit-and-run accident. As of yet, there are no clues in the unfortunate tragedy.

Declan returns home from Italy to be by Sutton’s side. He is a childhood friend and ex-boyfriend. After Sutton turning down his proposal of marriage, Declan had left and traveled abroad.

Peter, police officer and longtime family friend, believes Constance was murdered but has no solid proof. He knows there have been other homicides that somehow connect, but cannot put his finger on it.

Sutton finds a key which does not fit anywhere in the house. This is seems unusual, since her mom is meticulous about everything. Declan helps her search for the keyhole that fits the key. He finds a secret drawer inside the desk and sees an unpublished manuscript within.

As Sutton and Declan begin to read the manuscript, in between visits from family and friends, it reveals secret truths her mother kept for all of her life. Constance leaves her best-unpublished novel ever.

Tess Thompson’s story of past love lost is a winner. The novel is a love story within a love story. Get your snacks and hankies ready for a book you will not be able to put down, until it has finished.

I received this book free from Booktrope Editions through CLP Tours for an honest and unbiased review

What Am I Reading?

 

SINCERELY YOURS by Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes, and Ann Shorey

A Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes

Year of 1895. Camilla Renfrew has been invites to join her best friend, Joanna, for a journey to the Great Lakes. She has been offered a position in Joanna’s household. She must find a way to reach her before they leave from Albany. Camilla jumps onto a rising gangway, almost missing it. Captain Black, co-owner of the ship Marianne, is not at all pleased with her antics. Camilla has a secret that puts her life in danger. Captain Black has his problems keeping the Marianne afloat. Both having personal issues, try to keep their faith alive as they overcome obstacles at every turn.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey

Year of 1858. Merrie Bentley writes articles for Kipler’s Home Weekly. Merrie has received payment for her article, along with a note from her editor who requests to meet with her. Merrie panics because the editor believes her to be man. She convinces Colin Thackery, her piano teacher, to pose as her husband Mr. Bunting and take the meeting with her editor. Colin thinks she should tell the truth. After all, he is the son of a preacher. The farce continues until another meeting is requested. Colin has resigned and Merrie’s twisted truth is about to unravel.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot

Year of 1892. Lorraine Caldwell must marry by September 14^th or she will lose her inheritance to her cousin, Alan. She takes a trip to visit her brother, Mike. Maybe he can help her sort things out. When Lorraine arrives to Lilac Hall, the hotel where her brother lives, she meets his friend, Jonah. They form a friendship which becomes much more. Things become complicated when Jonah admits his love for Lorraine. He cannot marry her because of family traditions. She is heartbroken and returns home. Jonah goes after her, but will not go against his parents. Is there another way they can be together?

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick

Year of 1911.  Grace Hathaway’s godchild, Caroline, needs to be comforted. Her father died in a drowning accident and her mother, Rebecca, has been in a sanitarium ever since. Grace meets a pharmacist, Dr. Milliken who works at Wilderness Heights, but is not sure he is to be trusted. After visiting Caroline, Grace goes to Wilderness Heights to see her friend, Rebecca. Rebecca weak from starvation, is being brainwashed into staying at the sanitarium. In the attempt to save her friend, Grace slyly gets herself admitted to the hospital. Grace knows she has made a mistake, especially after she and Rebecca are caught while trying to escape. Grace’s worst fear is happening; no one knows they are locked in a dark room in the basement.

These four stories are well written, have interesting plots, and are easy reads. My favorite was A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick. The story line is based on a real sanitarium, Wilderness Heights. In a note to the readers, it is explained what happened to the owners, their patients, and the facility. I recommend this four-story novella for readers of historical literature.

I received this book free from Revell Books through the Net Galley Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.

SPOKEN FOR by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke

Rejection can be painful for those who see only one side of a situation: theirs.

Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are begins with stories personal rejections by Robin and Alyssa. They explain how they felt and what recourse was taken to heal.

To help you realize who and whose you are, questions from ‘What Do You Think?’ are at the end of each chapter. The questions evoke you to answer and understand what true love is. Answering the questions gives measure as to where you stand on this issue.

Robin and Alyssa share experiences from their live and use Biblical references as their answer to handling each occurrence.

In Chapter 7 (my favorite)-You Are a Peculiar Treasure, Robin shares a story when she was young. Her friend, Natalie came to visit and expressed her disappointment when her parents did not let her go to the movies with her friends…”it was not the kind of movie she should see.” Robin’s response was to read 2 Timothy 2:21 (TLB), “You are a fine china plate” that needs protection. Have you ever considered yourself to be so precious? I did after reading this section.

Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke have collaborated on an easy to follow study guide revolving around true love. The true love they write about is the love of God has for his children (us). We learn to give this same love back in return. I recommend this book to those who wish to challenge themselves to fully love God.

I received this book free from Multnomah Books through the Blogging for Books Review Program for a honest and unbiased review.

A CAUSE TO BE THANKFUL

Being thankful is a definite cause. In this study guide you learn the meaning and importance of thankfulness. Ms. Shanks encourages thankfulness as an avenue to bring one closer to God.

Ms. Shanks refers to the Bible and the story of the ten lepers (Leviticus 13:1-46; 12:47-49; 14:33-57). These three passages references are use for study starting Chapter 3 of this seven chapter book.

Good points are made regarding the the lepers. One aspect points toward the isolation lepers were subjected to, and is compared to her life experience as a pregnant teen. She was sent to a Catholic girls’ facility to live and receive her education. The other point, only one of the ten lepers return giving thanks to the Lord for his healing.

Chapters begin with a personal testimony, continue with Biblical references, instructional guidance, and ends with prayer.

There is also mention of attempted suicide from her previous book, Destined to Live, Despite Me-Biblical Truths for Suicide Survivors.

Being a study guide, I felt there was too much personal testimony and reference to her previous book. This could have been replaced with additional study references. The Biblical references were helpful and easy to follow. I recommend this book for a defined Bible study group, along with her previous book for a more complete understanding of the references made to the attempted suicide..

I received this book free from Believer’s Press Publishing through the Book Crash Review Program for a honest unbiased review.

What I'm Reading Now.....

BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES by Debbie Macomber

A little turbulence turns four lives upside. Four friends are determined to resolve a different personal dilemma that has arisen in their lives. Lauren, Bethanne, Elisa, and Lydia have no idea their problem will be partially solved, by reaching out amongst themselves.

Lauren is single and has been dating Todd for three years. His promise of marriage keeps her holding on, until her younger married sister becomes pregnant. Lauren calls it quits with Todd, whom refuses to give her up. Lauren meets Max’s best friend, Rooster. After dating for almost three months, they marry. Lauren finds information on Rooster that leads to a separation right before the honeymoon.

Bethanne is married to Max. She has two children Andrew and Annie, by her ex-husband, Grant. He is trying to get her back in his life by any means necessary, including using their daughter for bait.

Elisa has her hands full with her college age daughter, Katie. She is expecting a child with her college boyfriend. This sends Elisa into a total frenzy causing her daughter impulsively to elope.

Lydia and her husband, Brad, have two children, their son Cody and Casey, their adopted daughter. Casey has been in and out of numerous family homes from an early age. Lately, Casey has been having terrible nightmares that are becoming increasingly worse, and does not want to talk about it.

Lauren, Bethanne, Elisa, and Lydia have situations that need solutions. Deciding how to approach the problem is the main issue each face.

Debbie Macomber’s novel of four women and their dilemmas is very entertaining and is an easy read. The story line has issues dealt with in a real world, causing readers to identify with the character’s situations. I recommend this book to readers who love everyday life and story lines without fantasy.

I received this book free from Random House-Ballantine Publishing through the Net Galley Review Program for a honest unbiased review.

'I LOVE BOOKS' - On-Air Internet Radio - April 19, 2014 - 3:00 PM (PDT) TESS THOMPSON, Author of 'Tea and Primroses'

Tess Thompson is a novelist and playwright with a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California. In 2011 she released her first novel, Riversong, which subsequently became a best seller.

Like her main character in the River Valley collection, Tess is from a small town in Oregon. She currently lives in a suburb of Seattle, Washington with her two young daughters, Emerson and Ella, and their puppy Patches. She is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window.

Tess is working on her next novel and regularly blogs about her journey as a mother, author and friend at www.tesswrites.com.

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo

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MISSION DRIFT by Peter Greer and Chris Horst

Mission Drift begins with the mission history of two infamous universities, Harvard (1636) and Yale (1701).  Their original mission foundation was based on Christianity. They soon drifted from their primary mission of Christianity to secularization. This informational book is not afraid to name names of such Mission Drifters.

In Chapter 4, there is discussion on the challenges Dr. Albert Mohler faced when he was elected president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before his appointment, the staff openly questioned the resurrection of Christ, his birth of the Virgin Mary, and did not believe in the Holy Trinity. And so it began, either you believe or you don’t. As a staffed employee, if you were a non-believer, you were dismissed. I believe Dr. Mohler’s actions were justified. How can one teach at a Christian Seminary and not believe in Jesus Christ?

In addition to discussions in this chapter, there is a Mission Drift Survey to determine if your organization has fallen off the path in regards to their mission. The grid is sectioned into three parts: Mission True, Mission Drift, and Mission Untrue. It is a guide to help your organization redirect to its initial mission.

Further information included is hiring of board members and staff, and the acceptance of donor contributions. The board and staff members beliefs should match that of the organization they are considering employment. It is communicated how many donors try to convince Christian organizations to tone down the Christianity upon which it is based, in exchange for contributions.

This book has high-quality information for Christian organizations seeking to safeguard their original mission. It gives examples of faith-based organizations that drifted and never returned. I recommend this book to faith-based organizations and companies to be used as a reference guide. It could be distributed to board members and staffers as a gifting opportunity as well.

I will end with my favorite quote from the book, Mr. David Wills, president of National Christians Foundation stated,

“Crystal clear vision is the starting point for

avoiding Mission Drift….If you don’t know

where you are going, any road will get you

there.”

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for an unbiased and honest review.

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GUILTLESS LIVING by Ginger Hubbard

After reading the Introduction and first paragraph from the first chapter, I put it down. Ms. Hubbard immediately states why she wrote the book and leaves nothing to second guessing. At this point, you will either continue reading to the end, or put the book down and never go back to it. I chose to continue reading.

Ginger Hubbard discusses being a fault-finding destroyer, a controller, and miser amongst other things. Each everyday sin she has committed is shared with the reader. In addition, there are references from the Bible in which Jesus Christ gives encouraging words on how to handle certain situations.

You can appreciate her candor in expressing sins she struggles with on a daily basis. Even though Ms. Hubbard gives references to Bible quotes, she does not preach as you might find in other books of this nature. I was able to see myself being proud and a fault finder in many situations. It definitely gave me something to think about. The end of the book includes a Bible Study Guide for each chapter. I found this book to be worth the read without the preachy sermon. I recommend this book to all who wish a better understanding of what everyday sinning entails.

I received this book free from Shepard Press through the Cross-Focused Review Program.

GUILTLESS LIVING Blog Tour by Ginger Hubbard

Through captivating stories, edgy humor, and shocking confessions, Ginger Hubbard drops the act and gets real in this brutally honest look at the seldom admitted, rarely talked about sins of the heart. Removing her “good Christian” mask, Ginger opens the dark chapters of her heart in order to share about the glorious grace of God toward repentant sinners. Get ready to laugh. Get ready to cry. Get ready for a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what real Christianity is all about.

About the Author:
Ginger Hubbard, founder of Preparing the Way Ministries, is the author of Don’t Make Me Count to

Three! and Wise Words for Moms. She is a contributing author to several books and many magazines. She has been interviewed on television and radio shows, including The 700 Club, The Harvest Show, Primary Focus, Family Life Today, Revive our Hearts and Focus on the Family. While Ginger enjoys reading, writing and spending time on Lake Martin with her husband Ronnie, her primary passion in life is to glorify God. Ginger is a veteran home schooling mom of two fabulous children, and stepmom to two much adored sons.

Here’s where you can find Ginger on the web: gingerplowman.com