"The 500 Hats of the Modern Day Woman" by Joyce K. Ellis

Ladies, did you ever sit down and count the different "hats" you wear each day? Did that count make you tired and wonder how you made it through each day? Joyce K. Ellis offers practical advice and humor on how to combine your hats and make them work well together.

Life can get complicated for anyone, but a woman can especially find her life unbalanced as she tries to do everything. Being a wife, mother, career woman, etc. creates many jobs or hats for her to wear. Carpool driver, nurse, seamstress, cook, teacher, employee, friend, being a servant, and the list goes on. How can accomplish what you need to and feel good about it? Joyce Ellis talks about creating priorities with God as the center. That is what will enable any of us to accomplish the things we need to do at different stages of our lives, and do them well.

This is a great book for all women to read. I enjoyed the humor combined with practicality and Scripture, and that Joyce Ellis hits all stages of life. I don't have small children at home anymore, but as an older woman, I still have daily responsibilities to manage. This is a book I will keep handy for the times when my life seems to go in a thousand different directions and I need some reminding. This would make a great book for ladies' groups to study and discuss together. I really think it is meant to be shared. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: Strength for Today's Demanding Roles In The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman you'll find strength, purpose, and perspective to balance your many roles-and gain insight into the roles of women around you. With honesty, humor, and practicality, Joyce Ellis helps you see how your roles can fit together to make a difference in your world. Questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter make this book suitable for book clubs and small-group Bible studies as well. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ujOPt  About the Author: Joyce K. Ellis, award-winning author of more than a dozen books, speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country and internationally. She and her husband enjoy reading by lakes and rivers and oceans, and spending time with their grown children and delightful, too-quickly-growing grandchildren. They live in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more about Joyce at: www.joycekellis.com

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"The Devil Walks in Mattingly" by Billy Coffey

Philip McBride died twenty years ago, but that death has a horrifying secret. Three people know there is secret about his death that they have kept all these years. Is Philip really coming to haunt them now? Is one, or all of them, responsible for his murder? Will the riverbank in Happy Hollows give up its secrets?

Mattingly, VA is the setting of this haunting book. A young man died, supposedly a suicide, but three people have spent the last twenty years in agony over their knowledge of what happened. Each of the three feels responsible for the murder of Philip McBride. Jake is the Mattingly sheriff who should know better than to keep the information to himself. His wife, Kate, also knows the truth. Then there is Taylor who can't live with himself, the information, and other people. But something is happening, and dreams and footprints fuel their terror that Philip is coming back from the grave to get them. Is any of this real, or are they simply letting their guilt lead them? Did one, or all of them, really kill Philip? If so, who, and will they be caught? Is there any forgiveness to be found?

What a great book! This book will keep you glued to the pages until you find your answers. If you like suspense and mystery, this book is for you. I also think book groups would have some wonderful discussions around the topics (like guilt, fear, and forgiveness) presented here. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive. It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since---Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered. Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred. Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . Between truth and lies. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ux3hc About the Author: Billy Coffey's critically-acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Learn more about Billy at: http://billycoffey.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/bcoffey

"101 Color and Sing Bible Stories" by Stephen Elkins

 Children enjoy learning about the Bible especially when there are colorful pictures, interesting stories, and fun activities for them to do. In this new book by Stephen Elkins, the Bible comes alive with fun songs, beautiful illustrations, and artwork to color. Each of the 101 stories has a read-a-long section, a coloring page, a fun fact, and a song to sing. This is a package that will appeal to children of all ages. 

This book is perfect for families with small children, grandparents, and for use in children's ministries. Children have recorded the songs, which in turn encourages the listeners to sing a long, and the printable coloring pictures are beautifully done. I really love the cover. It is thick and covered with wonderful drawings that encourage the touch of children. The two CDs enable the music to play for singing as well as for background. The joy this book brings is highly contagious! I highly recommend it and will be purchasing it for gifts. I received my free review copy from Tyndale PR in exchange for an honest review.

"Blades of Valor" by Sigmund Brower

In this final installment of his "Merlin's Immortals" series, Sigmund Brower pulls all of the pieces together to answer his readers' questions. But, do those answers include Thomas and Katherine actually finding the treasure? learning the truth? Come along on this final journey to see!

Thomas and Katherine may be traveling together, but they still aren't sure about trusting each other. The Holy Land is a very dangerous place filled with those who seek to do them harm, and a desert sun that would scorch anyone. Do they dare let down their guard even for each other? Now is time for the Druids and the Immortals to battle for the ultimate power using whatever devices they want to employ. Nothing seems to be off limits and trickery abounds. How will the battle end? What will be the fate of each group? Why is Thomas called an Immortal?

I have really enjoyed this series, pulling for those I thought were the heroes and looking for the demise of those who were not. There are life applications that can be found inside the cover of this book, ones of faith, trust, love, and hope (to name a few), and I recommend this fun series to readers of all ages. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"A Sky Without Stars" by Linda Clare

Quilts tell stories, and Frankie Chasing Bear is making one that will keep her family's Lakota heritage alive for her son. Each piece is infused with her love, her singing, and her prayers. She believes that a bed without a quilt is like the sky without stars and wants Harold's to be extra special. His father had died and they had moved to Arizona through the government's relocation program. So, now he needs to make new friends in a new school. Will the quilt help Harold learn and remember the history of his family and heal his heart? Will it help him gain more pride and respect for his Lakota heritage? In the meantime, Frankie is taking advantage of the opportunity to pursue her high school diploma. She meets a man named Nick Vandergriff who is a Christian but also half-Lakota. Can she put aside her bias and get to know him? Can Nick earn her trust? Will love find a way into any of their lives?

The "Quilts of Love" series is excellent. The stories are well written with wonderful descriptions and characters, and this book adds another layer to the group. I love the idea of the story telling through the quilt, and how each book in the series deals with a specific problem. "A Sky Without Stars" deals with the relocation of Native Americans and their desire to keep their history and culture alive. Linda Clare does this with love and care, weaving a story that will draw readers of all types in. If you are looking for an enjoyable read, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. TheQuilts 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. About the book: In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed. After his father's killed in a barroom brawl, Harold and Frankie move to Arizona, where she begins a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it. She distrusts Christians, as her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian School, until she meets BIA agent Nick Vandergriff, a half-Lakota who's also caught between cultures. Nick must convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren't all bad as he tries to win her heart in order to put the stars back into her sky. Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author: Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them(with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World, and Making Peace with a Dangerous God (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She is also the author of The Fence My Father Built. She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia! Learn more about Linda at: http://www.lindasclare.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/a-sky-without-stars-linda-clare

"Real Women Leading" by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder

What does the term "real woman" mean? Does it mean that you can do it all? Does it mean you sacrifice some things to get other things? In this new book by List Troyer and Dawn Yoder, the answers come from the Bible, specifically Proverbs 31. Come take the journey with them and learn about leading with Proverbs 31 values.

Many women don't like the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 because it is so hard to live up to her example. She truly can do it all, rising early and getting it done. Her family trusts in her and calls her blessed. How does a woman become a leader (example) of others and keep basic values of trustworthiness, loyalty, honesty, etc.? The only way is to follow God's principles. This study helps each woman honestly look at this passage, learn the values, and apply them to her life. Values include: forgiveness, responsibility, and restraint; and each chapter has questions and action steps to help the value stick in your life. It is a study well worth doing whether you are home raising your children, are the president of a corporation, or balancing parts of both worlds.

This is a thought-provoking, convicting study. It has made me think and work on things, and is something I want to start again and do more in depth. I think this is an invaluable tool to all Christian women who want to be the best they can be without compromise and settling. I highly recommend it. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: Today's marketplace is not always a "values-friendly" environment. Business leaders Lisa Troyer andDawn Yoder show you that you can live and thrive in a "valueless" workplace when you live by biblical values and principles. Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today's Christian woman. Written by women in the marketplace, Real Womencultivates biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten foundational principles. Once women embrace these ten principles, they will soon discover the multiple attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman in today's marketplace and learn practical ways to implement the wisdom from that timeless Scripture passage. Women will be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts and talents in the marketplace as they live out the principles that invite others to embrace the equality-inspiring values they live by. Knowing that we are not the end users of the gospel message, the Proverbs 31 leader will find the initiative to inspire the upcoming generation to view womanhood as a gift and continue the learning process that will impact generations to come. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/u238U About the Authors:   Lisa Troyer Sometimes referred to by friends as the "singing executive," wife, mom, radio personality, recording artist, speaker, and author. Her Circle of Friends women's outreach, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence, and her resources to open doors for women to discover their significance and belonging. She and her family currently live in Ohio.  Learn more about Lisa at: http://www.lisatroyer.com Dawn Yoder is passionate about developing people to discover their strengths and reach their leadership potential. As CEO of a 500-plus employee company, she seeks to bring values and principle-based thinking into all aspects of society through a round table environment. Dawn is a member of the John Maxwell coaching team, an international trainer, a speaker with the Circle of Friends ministry, a contributing writer, a songwriter, and a frequent worship leader. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for more than 20 years and have four children. Learn more about Dawn at: http://dawnyoder.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/troyeryoder

"One Realm Beyond" by Donita K. Paul

To be a realm walker means to have a dragon beside you as you jump into different worlds. It sounds great, and the job is profound for the walker must be a protector as well. Is this really Cantor D'Ahma wants to do? Does he understand that there are dangers awaiting him?

Cantor can't wait to get started protecting the realms. It has been his goal for a long time. There is a problem though. There is a lot of crime and corruption around and it may have even infected the Realm Walker's Guild. Those who are supposed to protect other worlds may be harming them, and Cantor needs to find out who he can trust to help him find the source. As he searches, Bridger (dragon) comes into his life, but he has a lot to learn about being a dragon. Then he meets Bixby who hasn't fully committed to becoming a realm walker yet. Can Cantor, Bixby, Bridger and his sister find the sources of the corruption and put an end to it? Come along on the journey and find out.

I love Donita K. Paul's writing! She totally creates characters and stories that pull me in and make me want more. I also love dragons and absolutely love the bumbling Bridger. If you enjoy fun fantasy with a story that has twists and turns, this book is for you! I received my review copy from the Book Look program in exchange for an honest review.