One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Description:
MP3 CD– Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged - Read by the Author
    What it means to be … deeply human … deeply spiritual … deeply and authentically fulfilled Like most listeners, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. “How,” Voskamp wondered, “do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark? What is God providing here and now?” A beautifully practical guide to living a life of joy, One Thousand Gifts invites you to wake up to God’s everyday blessings. As Voskamp discovered, in giving thanks for the life she already had, she found the life she’d always wanted. Following Voskamp’s grace-bathed reflections on her farming, parenting, and writing life, you will embark on a transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling gifts. Along the way, you will discover a way of seeing that opens your eyes to gratitude, a way of living so you are not afraid to die, and a way of becoming present to God’s presence that brings deep and lasting happiness.

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     Instead of purchasing this as a book, I got this as an audio book to listen to on a long road trip.  The Author's voice and reading are soothing and poignant.  Her writing style leans towards the poetic.  For some this may be an issue, for others they will see the beauty in her writing and her view on life.  While I have listened to many great examples and truths from this book, taking and applying them to my life... I find that I wish I would have rather purchased this as a book or study.  Not that this hasn't been good.  But that rather, I wish I had the ebook with the audio added.  Just so I could, if I chose, read the words and even read faster than the audio.

    Ann Voskamp writes poetically and speaks from deep truths and trials based on her own life experiences. She bears forth, from the simplicity of life and everyday examples these deep hidden truths that point us continually to God's love and a heart overflowing with thankfulness. She shows us that even in moments where there is deep hurt and uncertainty, we should look to God and remember His goodness, His faithfulness, Him sovereignty in control and planning and working all things together for our good.  We are to give thanks and then as she says "comes the miracle". Believe, give thanks and then taste and see that -yes, God is good. Yes, He does work all things together for our good.  The question is, will we believe Him; will we believe His promises even amidst the hardest circumstances?

    One Thousand Gifts is filled with poignancy, truth and experience pouring out and encouraging you to live life to the fullest.  To live in thankfulness and to experience the wonder of God.  I do recommend this book and hope that you will let it touch and awaken you to living out the truths found within.

    "...give thanks is an action and rejoice is a verb and these are not mere pulsing emotions. While I may not always feel joy. God asks me to give thanks in all things because he knows the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving. " - Ann Voskamp

The Redeeming (Age of Faith Series, Book 3) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:
    The Unveiling and The Yielding, the first two books in the Age of Faith series, introduced readers to the formidable Wulfrith family during Duke Henry’s battle for England’s throne and his succession. Now that Henry wears the crown, he is more determined than ever to bring the Wulfriths to heel.

IN THE EYES OF THE CHURCH AND MEN, HERS IS NO SMALL SIN

Lady Gaenor Wulfrith is a woman scorned. And King Henry’s pawn. After three broken betrothals, she is ordered to wed her family’s enemy, a man she has never met and has good reason to fear. Faced with the prospect of an abusive marriage that will surely turn worse when her sin is revealed, she flees her family’s home with the aid of a knight—a man who could prove her ruin.

Christian Lavonne, the only remaining heir to the barony of Abingdale, has thrown off his monk’s robes—and God—to minister his lands. Determined to end the devastation wrought by his family’s feud with the Wulfriths, he agrees to marry his enemy’s sister, a woman no man seems to want. When he learns she has fled with a knight who has broken fealty with the Wulfriths, he pursues her, knowing that when they meet his own sin will be revealed and he will be as much in need of redemption as the woman who may carry another man’s child.

 

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    Ms. Leigh's 3rd book in the Age of Faith series was another captivating, page- turner! The characters and their story leap off the page and have you eager to read more.   Gaenor Wulfrith and Christian Lavonne must learn many lessons along the way, one of them being to learn to trust each other and even more importantly to trust God.  They must also learn lessons on giving and receiving forgiveness.  I found the spiritual messages and truths nicely tucked throughout this tale, were great reminders for us in our everyday lives.  As well as a reminder of our Lord, Who first loved us, even when we were still in our sin.

      I have truly enjoyed this series and I am VERY eager for Book 4 to come out! Also, I am secretly hoping Leigh might add a few more books to the series.  I can think of three other characters right now, of which I would like to see the rest of their stories unfold.  I think that says something good about her writing.  So, if you are interested in a good, clean, medieval romance, dashed with some action and suspense, then look no further, this is the series for you!

The Yielding (Age of Faith Series, Book 2) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:
     The Unveiling, the first book in the Age of Faith series, introduced readers to the formidable Wulfrith family during Duke Henry’s battle for England’s throne in 1153. Now, four years later, Henry wears the crown, but the Wulfriths are no less defiant—and no more amenable to forging alliances through king-decreed marriage.

SHE HAD KILLED A MAN. OR SO IT WAS SAID…

Convent-bound Lady Beatrix Wulfrith is determined to aid her sister in escaping marriage to their family’s enemy. Unaware of the sacrifice that awaits her, she leads their pursuers astray only to meet with an accident that forever alters her destiny and takes the life of a young knight whose brother vows he will not rest until the lady is brought to justice.

Lord Michael D’Arci is a warrior and a womanizer whose foul mouth and impatience bode ill for all who trespass against him. Falsely accused of ravishment years earlier, he refuses to believe Lady Beatrix’s accusations against his deceased brother. However, when he finds himself at the mercy of that same woman who clings to her convictions and faith even when it threatens to prove her undoing, his quest for justice wavers.

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     Leigh has once again created a masterfully woven, medieval tale!  This one not only held my interest but has planted seeds and excitement for the next book in the series.  Since I had already read the description of Book 3, I kept trying to figure out how the circumstances in this book were leading into the next.  I am sure you will find this book to be a page turner, just as I did. It is exciting, romantic and dashed with suspense, a sure crowd pleaser.

 

    Lady Beatrix is a strong and likable main character.  Leigh has no problem writing good characters, with depth and the ability for you to care about them and see them come to life off the page.  I liked seeing the character development of Lord Michael D'Arci and the way Leigh wove the seeds of faith and truth throughout this novel.  There was one point in the story, where I thought Leigh might take the relationship between the two characters in a direction I was not comfortable with but needless to say just a few paragraphs later my fears were relieved.  I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next book... I see where a book 4 is in the works but it isn't listed online yet for pre-order but I have a feeling once it is I will be placing my order!

The Unveiling (Age of Faith Series, Book 1) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:

12th century England: Two men vie for the throne: King Stephen the usurper and young Duke Henry the rightful heir. Amid civil and private wars, alliances are forged, loyalties are betrayed, families are divided, and marriages are made.

For four years, Lady Annyn Bretanne has trained at arms with one end in mind—to avenge her brother’s murder as God has not deemed it worthy to do. Disguised as a squire, she sets off to exact revenge on a man known only by his surname, Wulfrith. But when she holds his fate in her hands, her will wavers and her heart whispers that her enemy may not be an enemy after all.

Baron Wulfrith, renowned trainer of knights, allows no women within his walls for the distraction they breed. What he never expects is that the impetuous young man sent to train under him is a woman who seeks his death—nor that her unveiling will test his faith and distract the warrior from his purpose.

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    Well, I have to admit in my "former" reading life (prior to reading Christian fiction), although I liked several genres, one of my favorites was historical novels set in Medieval times.  So when I stumbled upon this book by Leigh, I was excited!  I am glad to say I was also not disappointed!  Leigh's novel captivated me from the beginning and relentlessly held me captive, eagerly devouring the pages.  I am sure there must have been a "Do Not Disturb" sign upon my forehead.

 

    This novel contained some intrigue, suspense and of course romance.  I might add it was a bit spicy romance too.  Nothing bad, just sizzling for Christian romance.  Our main characters are neither perfect, but aren't we all flawed, and that actually adds to the story.  It not only makes the story more realistic but interesting.  I love seeing characters develop, grow and find a deeper walk with God. 

 

    Wulfrith while in so many ways was admirable, and one you easily like as the manly hero, there was one instance that just didn't fit with his character.  Again, no one is perfect and yes, Christians do make mistakes.  I found the fact that he seemed to be so strong in faith and yet his admittance that he was not a virgin a little shocking.  I know during that time period it may have been deemed acceptable to sleep with those of the lower class/help & unmarried okay or even normal. Any way this wasn't a big deal in the story but I just wanted to throw it out there for you. 

 

    While Annyn might be a little too vengeful and reckless in the beginning, you will come to really like her character and enjoy the journey she is on.  Both the main characters and the secondary characters are well written, the plot is good AND I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

   

 



Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Book Description:

     On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

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     If you are looking for a lighthearted, romantic, Christian fiction read - then this is it! Witemeyer writes wonderful characters, that you not only admire but that worm their way into your heart.  A great example of this is found in Jackson, one of the secondary characters.  The main characters of course are a delight.  You can't help but enjoy their tale and seeing how, through God, all things work together for good.

 

Delightful!

 

Lacy's Lane (Book 1) by Patricia Strefling

Book Description:

     Lacy Lee Lane has just learned that Thad Gannon is coming back to town. She’s been taking care of his grandfather’s farm since he left four years ago to become a popular television star on the Hollywood soap, Malibu Mansion. When her younger sister, Allison made the announcement Lacy felt her stomach twirl. Thad Gannon had been her high school crush, until he dumped her for another girl at her first prom. She had never fully forgiven him for that, nor the fact that he had abandoned his grandfather who lived next door. Seeing him would mean digging up the past and that was not going to happen. She had buried some memories long ago deep inside and worked hard every day to keep them that way. When he arrived, Lacy was going to give him a piece of her mind . . . if she could even look him in the eye after what happened that night after the prom. - Inspirational Romance -

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     This is the first book by Patricia Strefling I have read and I really did enjoy it.  I picked it up last night and stayed up way too late finishing it.  The story plot lures you in and keeps the pages turning quickly, especially towards the end.  The characters and their story come to life and the tale is one that is not only moving but timely.

 

    Lacy's Lane tackles several subjects: loss, rape and human trafficking, to name a few.  Not only does Lacy's Lane advocate for these women but also, this book is raising money to help women trapped in human trafficking.  So not only are you purchasing a good read but also one that helps a good cause.

 

    If you read some other reviews on this book, you may notice several mentions of needed editing and such.  I read this as an ebook, so I am not sure how much of it was glitches in the conversion to ebook or just missed when going through the editing process. I have had similar issues with other ebooks.  However, a few of the areas were editing mistakes but I did not find that this was a big distraction to the story.  I did skim some through the book.  It could have been a little shorter but either way the premise and storyline was good.  The characters were well written and the subject material handled very well.

 

    I am looking forward to continuing Lacy's story in Book 2!

 



The Breath of Dawn (Book 3) by Kristen Heitzmann

   
     To say that I loved this novel does not even begin to touch how I feel about it.  I have to say that, not only is this my favorite book in the series, but also it has to be my favorite book of Heitzmann's yet.  And it has made it into my favorites list. Honestly, this book can be read as a stand alone book, but I am glad that I read the previous novels too.  I have so enjoyed getting to know all of these characters, who have come to life in my mind and whom I find it incredibly hard to say goodbye to.  I really feel as if I could pick this book up again and read it right now.  It is that good.  The Breath of Dawn is one of those books that still lingers with you after the last page.  You keep thinking about it and enjoying it ... I am not ready to start another book yet, if that tells you anything (I am an avid reader, who usually goes right from one book to another).

    I am glad that Book 2, was more of a journey story for Morgan and Jill, than a big romance book or it would have made Book 3 almost impossible to read.  As it is you really liked Jill and it is sad ... But you see Heitzmann working out some good spiritual truths through out these novels and showing God's love, healing, grace and sovereignty.  Morgan is a character that you just can't help but to love.  And Book 3 brings him not only a chance at love again but so much more. Quinn is adorable, special and very lovable. 

    This story had just the right recipe, a mix of romance with spice, faith, hope, and dashes of mystery and suspense.  It all blended together into an unforgettable story that is sure to be one you find hard to put down and one that finds a place on your keeper shelf!  Buy this one, so you can enjoy it again and again!