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“Maid to Match” by DeeAnne Gist is another wonderfully romantic read from a gifted Christian fiction novelist. Tillie is trying to win the position of ladies maid to her wealthy and wonderful employer. She aspires to make lots of money that she can donate to help less fortunate children at a local orphanage. Mack is a rugged mountain man who accepts a position with the Vanderbilts to earn enough money to get his sister out of the local orphanage, where the girls are being beaten by the director. This charming romantic tale takes the reader deeply into the world of domestic servitude. I learned so much about the servant caste system, the goals and aspirations of domestics, and what they could hope to achieve. Gist develops and intricate plot and colors her story with incredible detail. I am never disappointed when I pick up a novel by this author. I highly recommend this novel.

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Genesis. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Genesis Chapter 47. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 47:9 – Compared to Abraham’s 175 years and Isaac’s 180 years, Jacob’s 130 years had been few. 47:10 – As Christians, we must seek out opportunities to make a difference in others’ lives. 47:11-12 – How do you need Christ’s help this week to provide for those in your care? 47:14 – see 1 Corinthians 15:24. 47:25 – see Philippians 2:10-11. What attributes of God have you observed in your study today? How will this change your relationship with Him?

What happens when the boy she loved to hate becomes the man she hates to love? The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever? Endorsements "Lessman writes my favorite kind of book: the kind I can't put down--a book that has a heroine with unforgettable spunk, a romance with undeniable sparks, and a family that will remain in your heart long after you turn the last page."--Siri Mitchell, author of She Walks in Beauty "Captivating character...

Mary Connealy’s “Wildflower Bride” is another entertaining and potentially life-changing read from a wonderful author of Christian Western romance. Wade Sawyer is going home. Summoned by his battered, but not broken, father, Wade finds himself heading to the ranch he swore he would never see again. Glowing Sun has just lost her home. After a raid against the Salish people leaves everyone but her mother-in-law and a young boy dead, Glowing Sun is forced to leave. Now going by Abby, she travels with Wade to Mort Sawyer’s ranch. Will her strength empower Wade to grow into the man that God intended him to be? Will Wade’s kindness break through Abby’s heart and show her a path to love? Will their example have a righteous influence on Mort Sawyer’s bitter and angry nature? This is an amazing novel! All of Mary’s novels are incredible, but this one is saturated with a maturity that adds a great deal of depth to the story. Mary, I must thank you because I have struggled with the ques...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Genesis. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Genesis Chapter 46. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 46:2 – For what recent major decision are you seeking confirmation from God? 46:3-4 – God promises to make Jacob a great nation, He would be with him, that His promises stand and Jacob will be reunited with his son. 46:8-25 – shows how dramatic this move was for Jacob and the family. 46:30 – To what life adjustment is God calling you? What attributes of God have you observed in your study today? How will this change your relationship with Him?

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Jim Daly and the book: Stronger: Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010) ***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jim Daly joined the Focus on the Family staff over 20 years ago, initially in the ministry’s public affairs division. Since that time, he has worked extensively in the formation a...

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: T. L. Higley and the book: Petra: City of Stone B&H Books (September 15, 2010) ***Special thanks to T.L. Higley for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracy started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. After attending Philadelphia Biblical University, she earned a B.A. in English Literature at Rowan University. She then spent ten years writing drama presentations for church mini...

Coffee Shop Conversations by Jonalyn and Dale Fincher . A 2008 study released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life notes that the number of people creating their own interpretations of faith and culture is growing. Seems like there are as many different styles of faith as ways to order your latte. How does a Christian have normal conversations about Jesus without accidentally sounding offensive, bigoted or intolerant? In Coffee Shop Conversations (April 2010) by Dale Fincher and Jonalyn Fincher, readers will find the tools they need to speak plainly and honestly about their faith, avoid speaking “christianese” and have meaningful, tolerant and respectful conversations with friends who don’t share their views. Coffee Shop Conversations is written to an audience of 18-35 year olds interested in articulating their faith throughout their everyday activities. About the Author: Jonalyn and Dale Fincher Dale Fincher and Jonalyn Fincher speak and write nationally as a husband-wife team...

Outlive Your Life You Were Made to Make a Difference By Max Lucado Published by Thomas Nelson These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did. Here is my review of this wonderfully inspiring non-fiction read: First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Max Lucado and his publisher for sending me a copy of "Out Lie Your Life" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it tak...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Genesis. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Genesis Chapter 45. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 45:1 – Joseph now calls them “his brothers”. Notice he previously called them “the men” in 44:1. 45:3 – “I am Joseph!” – one of my favorite moments in scripture! Did tears pour from his eyes? Did the brothers think this was another cruel deception? It did take them a few moments to embrace him. “they were terrified” – bahal – used to denote terror due to God’s power or thoughts of God. (Keyword SB Lexical Aids) The brothers weren’t necessarily terrified of Joseph, but that God’s punishment for their sin against him was at hand! Did they perh...

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Tom Harper and the book: Leading from the Lion’s Den: Leadership Principles from Every Book of the Bible B&H Books (September 1, 2010) ***Special thanks to Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Harper is president of the online church leadership community Church Central as well as Net World Alliance, a leading business-to-business media communications company. He lives...

DIVAS' Top 10 Necessities for a Fulfilled Life 1. A Great Bra! (Prayer Foundation) – Even though many women don’t enjoy wearing this undergarment, it is the most critical aspect of any DIVA’S outfit! Why? It is the foundation—just like a relationship with God that offers support and is always uplifting. 2. Mirror (Real Beauty) – A DIVA looks into the mirror to check hair and lipstick but more importantly to make sure what she sees is real—to make sure her beauty is reflected from within, transparent and authentic. 3. Shoes (God’s Purpose) – The perfect designer shoes guide her daily walk with Christ. Must fit her style as an individual and accentuate the relationship that is uniquely hers in order to make every step count. Little steps help her go the distance. 4. Sunglasses (Priorities) – Oh, how important to filter the harmful rays and the worldly view of the sunlight so she is only exposed to the pure Son and all of His benefits! 5. Chocolate (Time Out) – Every DIVA’S little pie...

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Genesis. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Genesis Chapter 44. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 44:2 – What kind of emotional baggage are you carrying that hinders reconciliation with others? (Explore the Bible, Adult Learner Guide, Spring 2008, Genesis 28-50) 44:12 – Can you imagine the brothers’ panic building? Maybe some of them prayed, others just “knew” Benjamin was doomed to have the cup and be singled out. Their hearts most definitely plummeted after the cup was found after this massive build-up of tension. Their worst fear was realized. 44:16 – Judah acknowledges his and his brothers’ sin. 44:18-34 – Judah came forward to take Ben...

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Cindy Trimm and the book: The Art of War for Spiritual Battle Charisma House; 1 edition (August 3, 2010) ***Special thanks to Anna Silva of Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cindy Trimm is a motivational speaker and preacher and a multifaceted executive, life coach, and success mentor who travels up to forty-eight weeks a year, speaking and empowering people from all walks of life. She has publishe...