"40 Days to Better Health: Weight Management" by Dr. Scott Morris

The Church Health Center in Memphis is a faith based clinic that specializes in helping people apply all aspects of their lives to health, and Dr. Scott Morris is its founder. In this new book, those areas are examined so that individuals can be more in control of their weight. What are the areas? Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends. When taken as a whole individuals will not only be able to work on themselves, but find the support system to stick to their plan. Reading the personal stories provides inspiration to continue the lifelong goal of weight management. The challenge is to try this for 40 days and see how your life and health change. Amazing things happen when we combine all the areas! Come on, why not try? Be amazed in just 40 day.

 

I love to read books that will help me with weight loss/management. This book especially spoke to me because it combines all areas of my life and gives me more tools for success. The daily goals are attainable, and I loved the personal stories, morning reflections, and daily practices sections. I recommend this book to anyone who would love an extra nudge, or just wants more practical suggestions on weight management. I received my free copy from Net Galley and the publisher, and thank them for it.

"Listening to God" by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz

Do you like devotionals that make you think? This new on by Bruce and Stan will do just that. They present seven major themes (one for each day of the week): God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, Christian living, the world, and the church; in a way that draws you in and makes you want more. The devotions are presented as if God were speaking to you, encouraging and sustaining you throughout the day. Each daily thought/topic is accompanied by Scripture and a short devotional. While it doesn't take much time to read each day, the words pack a punch! Come on, pick up this book and your Bible and create a deeper, more wonderful relationship with God. Your life will radiate the change and it will show in the way you impact the lives of others!

 

This is a wonderful devotional for individuals, but even more so for couples and groups. There is so much to discuss each day, so much I want to share. It will make a great gift. I received my free copy from Net Galley and the publisher, and thank them for letting me read it on my Nook. Now, I will go buy a copy for home

GIVEAWAY! =)

Good morning. I have three books to give away, and the winner could be you! Simply leave a comment on this post and on Feb. 10, 2012, I will pull the winning names at random. Here are the books:

"Alienation" by Jon Lewis

About the book:

After his parents were killed in a car accident, Colt McAllister was drawn into a world he thought only existed in comic books-one where mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles don't even scratch the surface.

Along with his best friends Oz and Danielle, Colt is now training at the secret Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural academy. But strange accidents seem to follow him. . . even with the security of the school grounds. What first seems random soon turns deadly. But who is targeting Colt?

As the alien invasions increase in frequency and force, C.H.A.O.S resources are taxed to the limit and they're forced to utilize the new recruits. In the midst of battle, Colt will discover some startling revelations . . . about himself, his friendship with Oz, and why he has been chosen to defeat this alien attack against earth.

"Mornings With Jesus"

About the book:

"Be still and know that I am God.” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible, but it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that—“be still” in Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence. For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means for day-to-day life. With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year. Each day’s selection includes: • a Bible verse • an entry based on Jesus: His words, miracles, and parables; His wisdom, compassion, and comfort; His mystery, power, divinity, and humanity • a “faith step” that will inspire and challenge readers to apply the day’s message to their lives

 

"Beyond Molasses Creek" by Nicole Seitz

About Beyond Molasses Creek

Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.   Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.     As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.    A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.

"Chasing Mona Lisa" by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

War, intrigue, and a little romance come together in "Chasing Mona Lisa." The year is 1944, and the people of Paris are tired of being trampled on, but more than that, they are tired of seeing their precious art work stolen by the Germans. The Underground tries to stop things, but... 

Gabi and Eric are trying to bring supplies to Paris, but quickly become embroiled in the conflict and work with the resistance.  What happens when Gabi finds papers that incriminate someone from their ranks in the disappearance of the Mona Lisa? Bernard (a resistance fighter) isn't at all pleased to question Collette's loyalty. As these four race to find and secure the Mona Lisa, others are as well. They meet danger, death, suspicion, and even a little romance along the way. Who will find the famous painting? What will become of Gabi, Eric, Bernard, and Collette?

This is a fast-paced, sometimes violent thriller. It hooked me from the start and I didn't want to put it down. The premise of the story was plausible and the characters lifelike. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey do a good job telling the story, and I think, have a hit on their hands. I wish I had read the first volume of the story, "The Swiss Courier," to have more of the background, but the book was well enough written to stand alone. I received my free review copy from the Litfuse Group, and thank them very much for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour.

About the book:

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

 

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ChasingMonaLisa  

 

About the authors:

 

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com 

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike  and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com 

 

Link to buy the book: ow.ly/8sRzd 

 

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in book one in this stand alone series, The Swiss Courier). This time they are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world  - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)

Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)

Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)

Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. Winner will be announced at Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away copies of Chasing Mona Lisa and The Swiss Courier and a book club prize pack (10 copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike). 

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

 

Blog tour schedule:    http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13449999) 

"Every Body Matters" by Gary Thomas

We all know that exercise and moderation in eating will help us get into the physical shape we need. But is that all we need to be fit? In his new book, Gary Thomas takes a look inside the spiritual side of our lives as it relates to fitness and service. God provides what we need, but when things get out of balance, our health can suffer. Getting relationships, and all the pieces of our lives in their correct places is an important step in getting healthy. But that health includes physical, mental, and spiritual components. Mr. Thomas uses Scripture and personal stories to show how our attitude toward our bodies affects the way we serve God. Do you want to be more effective in service? Do you want to influence others in a more positive way? You may just find the answers you need inside the pages of this book.

I have enjoyed this book because it provides practical, Scriptural advice to meeting the dilemma of getting and staying fit. We can't just concentrate on one thing, but need to put it all together to have the strength to continue on. This book will make a great addition to church libraries, as well as homes as well. I think it would also make a great discussion/direction book for groups trying to lose weight and keep it off. I received my free review copy from Zondervan, and thank them for it.

"Taft 2012" by Jason Heller

It's 2012 and former President Taft wakes up within the White House gates, ambles over to a press conference and is shot. Positive identification means that there is a big shake up in Washington and there are lots of questions to answer. But, what about President Taft? What happened to him almost one hundred years ago? How will he cope with living in a totally different world? Jason Heller paints a wonderful picture of what it might be like if Taft showed up today. He presents real situations that fit into today's world, and brings President Taft to life with his words. You will discover things like; what happens when Taft finds real family; and  what it be like to be his bodyguard, especially when he wants to take a road trip. You will also discover who the "Tafties" are.  Come on, pick up a copy of "Taft 2012." You won't regret the moments of fun, joy, and sadness; and you might even enjoy the politics.

I really enjoyed this book, perhaps more so because I was able to discuss the book with the author in "The Next Best Book Club" here on Goodreads. The characters seemed very real to me, and I wish I could meet the Taft of this book. There was plenty to keep my attention as I watched the former President and those he contacted on a daily basis go through pretty normal reactions. I found it to be a quick, interesting read. Thank you to Jason Heller for joining our group to discuss his book, and to Lori (Super Mod.) and the others who joined the discussion. It was a pleasure!

"The Shadow of Your Smile" by Susan May Warren

LITFUSE BLOG TOUR

Noelle and Eli have been married for twenty five years, but that marriage is falling apart. What caused them to drift apart? Much of their trouble goes back to the death of a child and the horrors that brings. But, are they really ready for separation and divorce? Noelle is very unsure of what the future holds for her and her family, so she takes a trip to the city. Maybe a change of scene will help. But she is involved in an accident that leaves her with minor physical injuries, but no memory of her family. How will Eli react to this information? Could this be the chance for them to learn to love again? Can this marriage be saved and the memories be erased or dealt with so that they can move on?

As their story unfolds, Noelle and Eli have to deal with subjects like the death of a child and the grief it brings, the failure of a marriage and finding the will to start again, and how to learn to trust again. It is a compelling story that will have you rooting for the family. It is a story filled with pain and healing, distrust and anger, hope and forgiveness. You may also wonder what it would be like to lose your memory and have to build your life over again. I found the story and its characters very compelling and recommend it to readers who love a thought-provoking story. Reading groups will find a great deal to discuss within these pages. I am happy to be part of the Litfuse Blog Tour for this book.

About the book:

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 

Blog tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13448479)

"The Big Book of American Trivia" by J. Stephen Lang

Think you know a lot of American trivia? Want to match your wits against your friends? This book is the resource for you. There are over 3,000 questions/answers to enlighten and entertain you, your friends, and your family. Questions encompass areas like Presidents, states, writers, and composers. Time periods range from early American history to today's world, so you will never be bored or unchallenged. Sample questions include: "What visual contribution did cartoonist Thomas Nast make to American politics?" and "Little Rock, Arkansas's tallest building was named for what yogurt?" Come on, learn some American trivia and amaze your friends!

I really love this book. It is fun to read alone, but more fun to use as a game with family and friends. It will make a great gift for trivia buffs and is a wonderful learning tool for anyone. I recommend it to everyone. My free review copy came from Tyndale House, and I thank them for the opportunity.

"The Corruptible" by Mark Mynheir

Ray Quinn is retired. Being a cop is in his blood, so the next season of his life logically progresses to "the adventure of becoming a private investigator." But no one really prepared him about the pitfalls or what would happen when he finds his suspect, but the man is dead. How will he recover the information his client hired him to recover? Ray does have help in Crevis and some of the officers he worked with in the past. One big problem. Who are the good guys, his wealthy client or the man he found dead? This classic detective story takes many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

I love a good detective story and this book has all the elements necessary. The story drew me in and kept my attention. It is a great book for those who love suspense, especially when it is read with the first book of the series, "The Night Watchman." I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Mynheir. I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program and thank them very much for the opportunity.

"Alienation" by Jon S. Lewis

An Alien invasion, flying motorcycles (among other things), and training at the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural Academy (C.H.A.O.S.), are just a few of the things that are part of this new book by Jon S. Lewis. Building on his first novel in this series, "Invasion," Mr. Lewis brings back Colt, Oz, and Danielle to battle the aliens bombarding the earth. But some very strange things and accidents keep happening to Colt, making him more on edge than normal. There are so many times he would love to ask questions of his parents, but can't. But, Colt is not alone. Who can he trust? What will Colt find as he delves into the cause of the accidents? Why is he fighting aliens in the first place? Will his friendships survive? Come along with Colt and his friends to discover the answers to these and other questions.

I enjoyed this book, and read the first one as well. I like the characters and think they will appeal to the YA audience. It will make a great gift, but I also think it is best read after the first one. I received my free review copy from Net Galley and the publisher, and thank them very much.