Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour for "Grace Revealed" (book)

This is my last book review for Litfuse Publicity Group because they are closing their doors.

Sad news aside, I hope that you will enjoy this post about Fred Sievert's book Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis.

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Discover the God who is present in our time of need and who delivers His unmerited gift of grace in His perfect timing in Fred Sievert’s new book, Grace Revealed. Whether you’re facing health problems, emotional issues, career challenges, gut-wrenching losses, or other failures, these experiences can destroy your morale and lead you into despair. Some crises may be a result of your own choices, while others may be completely out of your control. Whatever the source, there is a lasting solution that comes to you free of charge from above: God’s amazing grace. Read these undeniable, modern-day examples of God’s loving grace and its transformative power, and discover that God is always present in your time of need.

Trust in the unmerited gift of God’s grace
You can’t escape the inevitable crises that will face you throughout your lifetime. Whether it’s health problems, emotional issues, career challenges, gut-wrenching losses, or other failures, these experiences can destroy your morale and lead you into despair. Some crises may be a result of your own choices, while others may be completely out of your control. Whatever the source, there is a lasting solution that comes to you free of charge from above: God’s amazing grace.

In Grace Revealed, you will:
—Experience real-life stories of others who discover they are not alone and that relief is within their grasp.
—See how devastating afflictions can be overcome through faith in Jesus and His love, mercy, and grace.
—Learn how God’s grace transforms lives and leads you into enduring and rewarding Christian service.
—Be inspired to encourage others who are suffering but cannot seek help on their own.

Read these undeniable, modern-day examples of God’s loving grace and its transformative power, and discover that God is always present in your time of need.

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Author Bio:

Fred Sievert is a speaker, author, and former president of New York Life Insurance Company. Following his early retirement at age fifty-nine, Sievert attended Yale Divinity School and received a master’s degree. 

Sievert remains actively engaged in his greatest passions, which include speaking and writing about his faith, mentoring young executives, and serving as a lay leader of his church and on the boards of several organizations with missions well-aligned with his beliefs and values. 

Fred and his wife have five grown children, three grandchildren, and reside in East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Find out more about Fred at https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com.

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Excerpts from Grace Revealed:

Teresa's Story: God Puts People in our Paths to lead us to Him

https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com/site/2018/1/18/teresas-story-god-puts-people-in-our-paths-to-lead-us-to-him

Skip's Story: How the Nativity Story in the Bible Changed a Despairing Attorney to a Hope-Filled Minister
https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com/site/2017/12/19/skips-story-how-the-nativity-story-in-the-bible-changed-a-despairing-attorney-to-a-hope-filled-minister

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My Review of Grace Revealed:

This book is not for the faint of heart.

It's a collection of real-life stories about real people who deal with deep pain in the forms of abuse, alcoholism and a myriad of other serious life-threatening situations.

However, the stories in this book are not without hope because the author shares how God's grace entered these stories and changed the people involved from the inside out.

The reader may be drawn into each person's story and find comfort in each person's unique testimony of how God helped them to rise above their circumstance and receive healing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through a crisis or know someone who is in a crisis. It may be just what the doctored ordered to help them survive their darkest days.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis. My opinions in this book review are my own.

Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour featuring Real-Life Romance

Happy Valentine's Day! What better way to celebrate this special day of love than with a book filled with real-life stories of romance?

So with that in mind, I'd like to welcome you to my blog's stop on the tour for Rhonda Stoppe's book, Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love!

See my review of Rhonda's book below then read on for further details such as information about the content of the book, the author bio and fun giveaway details from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Enjoy! :)

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My Review of Rhonda Stoppe's book, Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love:

This was a delightful collection of real-life stories of romance, heartbreak, and hope. But most importantly, the characters in these stories show the reader how having God at the center of their romance made all the difference. God is the Creator of humankind and He has a heart filled with love for all of His children. The stories in this book show how God cares about our hearts and covers every detail of our lives. As a reader, I was reminded by these stories that God created romance so my first priority should be to seek Him and ask Him for wisdom in choosing who I should date and marry. I like how most of the people in these stories turned to God through every stage of their journey whether it included heartbreak, tragedy, pain, hope, love and other life experiences, they sought God and because of their faith in Him, God blessed these people beyond their wildest dreams.

I like the fact that this is not a fictional book filled with fairytale romance or endless happily-ever-after endings for the characters. Instead, the pages in this book are filled with real-life situations, hopes, worries, fears, dreams and plans that did not turn out how the characters expected. The stories vary in plot and structure. Every couple’s real-life romance was different in the details but one thread remained the same and that was evidence of how their faith in God carried them through tough times and blessed their hearts.

I don’t have a favorite story from this book but if I were to choose three that stood out to me the most, it would be the author’s love story, the one about the author’s daughter and the one about the fighter pilot who found romance with the feisty woman who refused a former date’s invitation for a one-night stand (she was determined to honor God by waiting until marriage to have sex).

All of the stories in this book—not just my favorites—were told in a way that captivated my heart and inspired my mind. The stories reminded me why God’s plans for us are better than ours and His way of conducting ourselves in romantic relationships are the best and much more pain-free.

The author’s sense of humor and heart for helping her readers keep hope alive for a love story that lasts is evident throughout this book. Her storytelling skills are second to none. The pacing of the stories in this book will keep you moving from page to page in a timely fashion to the point where you may finish reading it in only about five hours.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s given up hope of finding a real romance that lasts. It’s a very inspiring read that reminded me of God’s love and encouraged me to seek His plan for every aspect of my life because He as my Heavenly Father knows best.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (writer@heart) with a complimentary copy of this book, "Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love". My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Blurb for Rhonda Stoppe's book Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love (Harvest House, February 2018):

Do you believe in true love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache—that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn’t worth the risk.

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us…we just have to look for it!

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to

—rekindle the romance in your love story
—trust in God’s providence and timing
—faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after
—celebrate true romance
—believe in life-long love

Don’t let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

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Author bio: 

Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a pastor’s wife, mom, mentor, author, and speaker, Rhonda uses humor and honest communication to help women build No Regrets Lives. 

She and her husband live their real-life romance in northern California. They have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

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Connect with Rhonda:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NoRegretsWoman/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rhondastoppe
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/rhondastoppe/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhondastoppe/

Website - http://www.rhondastoppe.com

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A Special Message from Litfuse Publicity Group about Rhonda Stoppe's book and blog tour:

Whether you’re single and looking for a reason to believe in love or a parent watching your own child fall in love, Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe will inspire you to believe in life-long love. This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Join Rhonda and other real-life romancers on March 6 for a Facebook Live party, plus enter to win the Make Your Own Real-Life Romance prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Real-Life Romance
• A $50 restaurant gift card
• A $25 movie gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6. The winner will be announced at Rhonda's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rhonda and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour featuring "Sacred Rest" (book) by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Welcome to my blog's stop on the book tour for Sacred Rest!

It's a riveting read penned by a true expert with a heart for helping humankind. 

Read my review of this wonderful nonfiction book after you read the following information about the book and its awesome author!

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About the book:

Staying busy is easy. Staying well rested— there’s a challenge.

How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life? In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional.

Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative—and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect.

By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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About the Author: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an author, speaker, and board-certified physician. She has an active medical practice in Alabama (near the Birmingham area). She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. 

Dr. Dalton-Smith is a national and international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection and has been featured in Women’s Day, Redbook, and First For Women magazine. She is the author of “Set Free to Live” and “Come Empty” (winner 2016 Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of the Year and 2016 Illumination Award Gold medalist). She is a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association and a repeat keynote speaker at their annual gathering. She has shared her tips on merging faith and medicine with over 16,000 health care professionals to encourage the current and next generation of doctors to treat the whole person.

Find out more about Saundra at http://ichoosemybestlife.com.

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My Review of Sacred Rest:

This book was everything that I expected yet exactly what I did not expect!

With a title like "Sacred Rest" and an author with impressive credentials as a doctor and media favorite, I expected this book to be a well-informed, enlightening read with a spiritual thread. But I did not expect it to grab me by the hand at the first page and fully captivate my attention like a good fiction story as the author used the power of words, real-life stories, medical resources and Bible-based truth to help me discover the reason why we all (humankind) need to learn how to truly rest.

I loved everything about this book and did not find anything that I did not like! The author has an authoritative voice but it's not overbearing and it won't cause you to become bored. She uses her authority as a health professional to effectively guide you through the ins and outs of "rest" as a concept and gives you a well-thought-out guide how even the busiest of persons can make true "rest" a reality in their life.

I appreciated the author's transparency in sharing scenes from her real-life story to enhance the storytelling. Early on in this book, the author made me laugh when she mentioned how she'd written a "birthing plan" and made copies for her husband and the medical professionals in the delivery room. She noted their response to her handing the papers of the birthing plan to them (they were not impressed and pushed the papers to the side to prepare to help her birth her baby). Later on during her labor when the pain became unbearable and unexpected situations occurred, one of the nurses asked the author, "Now what does the plan say we do about this?" Hilarious! But clearly at the time the author who was the expectant first-time mommy-to-be in the situation was not amused.

My heart softened and sympathized with one of the people the author mentioned who she was treating, a young lady who cut her wrists. The author noted that she could not heal the girl's pain, she could only suture the skin back together. The author touched on how medical professionals are trained to detach themselves from the patient in a professional manner as to not get emotional or draw into the intensity of what they're facing. She also talked about a conference in which she was the keynote speaker to a room filled with medical professionals and the first thing she realized is that she had to break the ice and teach them how to open up emotionally so that they could get the most of the healing experience she was there to facilitate.

There are many more wonderful examples in this book that spoke to my heart and enlightened my mind. But in the interest of time and keeping your attention along with not giving away the whole message in this book, I'll only mention a few more highlights...

Favorite line: "I'm convinced heaven must smell like hazelnut coffee" (page 7).

Most interesting interactive tool: The self-diagnosis that used several questions and a checklist to help the reader determine if you're experiencing a "mental rest deficit" or several other types of deficits such as "emotional rest deficit".

Most helpful feature: The section starting on page 129 that outlined and explored "Sacred Rest Boundaries" all the while emphasizing the importance of drawing and maintaining healthy boundaries.

Best Bible-based advice: "Cease fighting to have your way" (page 143). It's advice that's based on Romans 9:20 which is a Bible verse and it spoke most profoundly to me because that's a real-life struggle for me. The author said: "When we don't understand what God is doing, we journey into the battlefield of the mind and wage a war against our circumstances in the hopes that if we try hard enough and fight long enough, we will overcome the difficulty. But this is not the gift of freedom. Freedom is this: Instead of trying harder, trust more. Cease fighting, and with hands raised, bow your will to His. Assume a position of peace even in the midst of unfavorable circumstances or unknown outcomes. One way you know you've surrendered and ceased fighting is when you don't immediately react to adversity or challenging circumstances with fear and anxiety. You let go of your need to struggle and allow God to fight on your behalf. Some battles were never yours to fight standing, but the Lord's to fight while you rest."

...And the author could "drop the mic" right there and end the book on that note! But no, there are almost 100 more pages after that section to enjoy and explore!

If I could give this book a rating higher than five stars on Amazon.com, I totally would. It's worth its weight in gold and star power! If you have not read this book, you should.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of "Sacred Rest". My opinions in this book review are my own.

Book Review for Litfuse Publicity Group: The Gift of Christmas Past

Welcome to my blog's stop on this book tour coordinated by Litfuse Publicity Group!

Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on a book called “The Gift of Christmas Past.” It’s a fiction story that's co-written by New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall.

Here's a blurb from Litfuse Publicity Group, about The Gift of Christmas Past:

Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them. 

Promises shattered.

Lies spoken.

She was arrested.

He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

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My Review:

“The Gift of Christmas Past” is a Southern Romance fictional story written by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall.

Despite being a work of fiction, this story touches on real-life issues and desperate situations. The story’s heroine (Hadley) is a victim of the foster care system. Her anger issues to me, as a reader, were totally understandable given all that she’s been through as a foster child. However, it was her anger issues and alleged arson that caused her foster mom to reject her and landed her in jail at age 17. Hadley’s boyfriend (Monroe) at the time tried to rescue her but his wealthy parents stepped in and blocked him from seeing Hadley. So she carried that confusion of being abandoned by a young man she loved with her…for ten years. The story opens with these scenes (Hadley at age 17, being accused of arson and arrested along with Monroe’s failed attempt at rescuing her from a hard life).

The story continues ten years later with a reunion in the works: Hadley and Monroe now work as therapists at the same clinic. Only problem is, Monroe is now her boss and Hadley is having trouble forgetting and forgiving him. Monroe is conflicted—he’s happy to see Hadley again and has so much that he wants to tell her but their decade apart has caused pain in their hearts, the kind of pain that you can’t just easily forgive or forget.

The authors did a delightful job of digging deep into the characterization of Monroe and Hadley. I liked how they layered the backstory especially in how they involved Monroe’s parents. The authors painted a vivid picture of the wealthy and luxurious world Monroe grew up in and they gave a good hook to his story because he wants nothing to do with it. He’d leave it all behind for Hadley if only she would find it in her heart to hear him out and forgive him.

As a reader, I was often on the edge of my seat, wondering if this would be the moment where Hadley listened to Monroe’s side of the story, forgave him and rekindled their romance. The authors are really good at thickening the plot with the turn of every page and keeping the reader’s attention. As a reader, I cared about these characters and wanted to see them all live happily ever after…including Hadley’s best friend from her foster care years, Elliott and her love interest Trent.

Speaking of Elliott and Trent, I liked how the authors showed another side of Hadley and Monroe through the lenses of their best friends (Hadley + Elliott and Monroe + Trent). There were scenes where Elliott came to Hadley’s defense when talking to Trent and Trent vouched for Monroe when talking to Elliott because both Elliott and Trent saw a different side to their best friends. I like that they were not too pushy in their viewpoints but allowed room for debate. It was great to see how the authors used these lenses of the best friends in this story to soften Monroe and Hadley’s hearts.

The way that the authors wrote Elliott and Trent’s love story for the subplot was downright adorable! I loved the witty banter and their date scenes. It was lighthearted and refreshing but not without challenges because Elliott was playing worse than hard to get, Trent had to knock down brick walls to get close to her heart. The authors kept me as a reader, on the edge of my seat with this subplot romance!

The sweetest part of this story is the Epilogue, which takes place at Christmastime. I’d tell you more, but then I’d be giving away the story!

As a truly sweet treat from the authors, readers in real-life can enjoy making some of the recipes that the fictional characters make in this story because the authors included a few recipes on the few pages following “The End” of this story. This fun feature reminded me of Hillary Manton Lodge’s books which I also love!

I’d like to conclude my review by saying that this book is worth a five-star rating. I’d recommend it to anyone who deals with tough issues and needs a glimpse of hope.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of The Gift of Christmas Past. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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About the authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is the "New York Times" and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's "Nightline" and the "Wall Street Journal." Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA. 

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.

Book Review and Giveaway for "Ordinary Graces"

Book title: Ordinary Graces
Author: Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Book Review by Alexis A. Goring

Ordinary Graces is a delightful devotional book written by Lucinda Secrest McDowell.

The author grabs the reader’s attention from the first page with this line: I was “that girl.” She then continues to describe how she used to be: “Striving. Enslaved. Rigid. Yes, a Christ-follower. Carrying around God’s gift of grace, but never bothering to open it and embrace its richness as a way of life.” She then states that she was the “last person you’d expect to be writing a book offering the many gifts of God’s ordinary graces.” But then she was "transformed by an encounter with Jesus" and He enabled her to write. And boy, can she write!

Ordinary Graces is a lovely, lighthearted gift that will point you to Jesus and encourage your soul. McDowell debunks the idea that you have to be perfect before coming to Jesus and exhorts the reader to realize that God loves them just as they are, without conditions.

This book is divided into three sections packed with devotionals that focus on core concepts of grace, strength, gratitude and life. The author’s tone is gentle yet firm, kind yet not afraid to correct. Every devotional in this book is backed by Bible verses. The readings on each page are clean in content, crisp in feel and comforting to the soul.

I’d recommend this book to everyone who needs a dose of encouragement!

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of Ordinary Graces. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Book blurb for Ordinary Graces: 

Everyone loves to receive a gift.

And God has given us many, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.

Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.

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About the Author: 

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is passionate about embracing life - both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. 

A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she offers "Encouraging Words" to all on the journey. 

A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, Cindy is the author of 13 books, including "Ordinary Graces," "Dwelling Places," "Live These Words," "Refresh!," "Quilts from Heaven" and "Role of a Lifetime." Whether co-directing the "reNEW - retreat for New England Writing," mentoring young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Find out more about Lucinda by visiting her website, http://EncouragingWords.net.SaveSave

Book Review: "She's Got the Wrong Guy" by Deepak Reju

About the book:

The control freak. The angry man. The lazy guy. The unteachable guy. The promiscuous man. The unbeliever. The lone ranger. The unchurched guy. The new convert. The commitment-phobe.

For any woman who has struggled with failed relationships, this may seem like a familiar list. These are the men your friends and family have in mind when they think, "she's with the wrong guy." And while the reasons women choose these types of men are complicated and varied, ultimately, they will all let you down.

In She's Got the Wrong Guy, Deepak Reju offers a different kind of dating book, discussing the types of guys women should not marry and offering biblical reasons why they aren't suitable spouses. Writing from his years of experience as a pastor and counselor, Reju shares with women his perspective on how to assess a relationship's strengths from the beginning, how to identify possible pitfalls, and how to have the courage to wait for a relationship that will be a blessing for both of you. Using stories that single women can relate to and highlighting contemporary issues in the modern world of dating, Reju gives readers clear, biblical direction on how to have positive, life-giving relationships with members of the opposite sex.

With a strong, Christ-centered focus, women will better understand why they "settle" for less than what God intends for their romantic relationships and learn to put their hopes and find their happiness in Jesus, not marriage.

Learn more, read a sample, and purchase a copy.

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Author bio: 

Deepak Reju, MDiv, PhD, serves as the pastor of biblical counseling and families at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) in Washington, D.C., as well as president for the board of directors of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. 

He is the author of several books and articles, including "Great Kings of the Bible: How Jesus Is Greater than Saul, David and Solomon," "The Pastor and Counseling," and "On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church." Deepak and his wife Sarah have been married since 2001 and have five children. 

Find out more about Deepak at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/.

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My Review of Deepak Reju’s book, She’s Got the Wrong Guy:

She’s Got the Wrong Guy by Deepak Reju, MDiv, PhD, is like a well-planned, detail-oriented roadmap to romantic relationships.

Reju uses his expertise and experience as a pastor of biblical counseling to paint a clear and focused picture of how single women can avoid Mr. Wrong and instead, marry Mr. Right. However, this is more than your typical “Meet Mr. Right” book on dating and relationships. The author brings God into the roadmap and points the reader to God as the Ultimate Guide.

This book is divided into three sections. Read my comments underneath each part, which I’ve highlighted in bold type:

Part One: From Problems to Faith

My favorite quote from this section is this: “Instead of worrying about how to put yourself in the path of an eligible man, put yourself in the path of Jesus and listen to him.”

It’s a powerful point because in our day and age, single ladies are wondering where “all the good men” are and they’re going to great—and sometimes dangerous—lengths to find true love.

However, the author of this book encourages you to go to God’s Book (The Holy Bible) to seek out His plan for your love life. It’s a good reminder that Jesus Christ is the lover of the human soul and only He can complete you. No man—no matter how perfect—can fill the God-shaped hole in your heart, only Jesus Christ can do that and until you realize that and seek after Him you will never be satisfied.

I like the author’s emphasis on encouraging the reader to seek counsel from their Creator (God) on who to date and who to dump and to value sound Biblical advice when you’re ready to get married.

Part Two: Am I Dating the Wrong Guy?

The author lists 10 types of “wrong” men in this part of his book. His list includes everyone from “The Promiscuous Guy” and the “Unchurched Guy” to “The Angry Man” and “The Commitment-Phobic Man.” It’s an intensive list because he spends several pages in his book identifying each type of man and giving real-life examples why they’re all wrong for you.

Part Three: The Quest for A Godly Man 

In this section, the author gives good answers to the universal question among dating couples everywhere and that question is, “How to know if you should break up?”

The author asks several thought-provoking questions in answer to that universal question. Some of his questions for the reader to think about are:

- Does this relationship lead you to love Jesus more or less?

- Does this relationship lead you to sin more?

- What do those around you say about your relationship?

- What does the Bible say?

It’s a comprehensive list of questions that when answered, can direct you to the best decision.

Conclusion: Don’t Compromise

This final section of Reju’s book is a succinct wrap-up of his deeply layered reasons about why some women choose the wrong guy and it reinforces his sound advice on what to do about it.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and valued the author’s advice.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of She’s Got the Wrong Guy. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Book Review: Thomas Nelson's "KJV Know The Word Study Bible" AND Kindle Fire Giveaway

Happy Friday, friends!

You're in for a special treat because today is my blog's stop on Litfuse Publicity Group's KJV Know the Word Study Bible book tour.

Below, you can find details about this special book, you can read my review of it AND you can enter a giveaway for your chance to WIN a Kindle Fire device!

So let's begin reading this blog post, shall we?

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About the book:

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text

-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic

-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture

-Words of Jesus in red

-Beautiful two-color interior page design

-Comprehensive list of theological notes

-Concordance

-Full-color maps

-8-point type size

Learn more and purchase a copy. 

About the publisher: In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word. Find out more about Thomas Nelson at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

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My Review of the KJV Know the Word Study Bible:

I’ve been looking for a new study Bible for about a year now. So when this opportunity to read and review the KJV Know the Word Study Bible arrived, I took it and it’s been a great blessing to me.

While I have not read this Bible from Genesis to Revelation yet, I have spent time in this version of God’s Word and I love it!

This Study Bible is well organized. The layout is user-friendly. I love the attention to detail.

The publishers have produced an impeccable product with no editorial mistakes. The content is accurate. The study materials allow the reader to go deep into God’s Word with topic-by-topic articles throughout the entire book! The topics include but are not limited to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Love, Salvation, Christ Follower, Obedience, Purpose, God’s Will, Relationships, Suffering, Faith and Works.

There are “Study the Book” inserts in every book of the Bible. These features highlight the lessons within each book and give the reader insight into what the writer of that book meant. This tool provides an in-depth look at the context of those Bible verses. It gives the reader a mini-history lesson that helps the reader to understand the “why” behind the “what”. This is a great way to go deeper into your understanding of Bible times and God’s character.

Footnotes fill the bottom of every single book in this Bible from Genesis to Revelation. These footnotes are helpful because they explain details that you may have missed when reading this on your own which brings me to my final point.

My final point is a word to the wise—Always ask God to send His Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you before you start reading His Word (The Holy Bible) because if you read without a prayerful attitude and God’s guidance, you may miss what He has to say for you.

I’d give this Bible a 5-star rating on Amazon.com for it is a wonderful read that’s precise, concise and allows the reader to go deep into God’s Word.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of KJV Know the Word Study Bible. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Giveaway details from Litfuse Publicity Group:
Diving deeper into God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book-by-book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.

Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour for Lee Wolfe Blum's book about beauty

Book: Brave is the New Beautiful
Author: Lee Wolfe Blum
Reviewed by: Alexis A. Goring

Author Lee Wolfe Blum’s heart of love shows in the stories that she’s shared in this book as she tries to encourage women to embrace all God’s created them to be in this life.

Brave is the New Beautiful was not an easy read. The author shares perhaps too many stories from different women. While each story has inspirational and life-changing qualities, the overabundance of viewpoints and glimpses into a variety of real-life situations made the flow of this story a bit choppy and difficult to follow. The reader can become a bit lost between the pages of this book.

The read may have been easier to digest if the author focused on a few stories and elaborated her points for each instead of sharing so many and having takeaway points for each one. It was overwhelming for this reader and at times, confusing.

However, this book is still worth reading. It’s a good collection of stories that will make the reader think and evaluate their own life story. The messages in this book will encourage their heart because the author proves her point that in God’s eyes, women are valuable, they are worthy, they are brave and they are beautiful. 

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided Alexis A. Goring with a complimentary copy of "Brave is the New Beautiful" in exchange for an honest review.

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Author bio:

Lee Wolfe Blum is an energetic and passionate speaker who loves to help women find hope in healing from perfectionism and addictions. She works as a mental health practitioner in the field of Eating Disorders and Chemical Dependency. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three boys. Find out more about Lee Wolfe at leewolfeblum.com.

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Book blurb for Brave is the New Beautiful: In a culture that bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection, women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are? 

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives—and found true beauty in the process. 

In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. 

Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who they really are and the beloved that God knows they are.

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Buy Lee's book on Amazon.

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Connect with Lee:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LeeBlumAuthor
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lblum/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/blumtown/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlumLee

Litfuse blog tour: Chasing Famous

Book: Chasing Famous: Living the Life You’ve Always Auditioned for
Author: Lisa Lloyd
Review written by Alexis A. Goring

Actress Lisa Lloyd wrote this book. As an author, she shines.

Throughout this book, she bares her soul. She’s not afraid to be transparent because she knows from experience that God can use your true story to help someone. So she bravely puts her heart on the line from the start of this book to the end, with bold determination to tell her story in the most honest, raw and real way. As a reader, I think that her bravery is admirable and her story was impactful. Her words gave me hope and reminded me of God’s power to redeem.

Lisa’s storytelling style is engaging. I thought it was quite clever and fitting that as a seasoned actress, she chose to use terms from her industry as the titles for each chapter such as: “The Cast List,” “Method Acting”, “Projection”, “Encore”, “Find Your Light,” “The Go-See,” and “Wait for Your Cue.” Each chapter peels back another layer of Lisa’s experience and gives the reader insight into the world of Entertainment.

There are three sections in this book. Section One covers using your story to bring God glory. Section Two shows the reader how they can use their gifts for God’s purposes and Section Three teaches the reader how to live a life that makes God famous worldwide.

Lisa’s concept of looking at your life as an audition is catchy. She backs it up page by page as she reminds the reader that regardless of their station in life, they are a key witness for God. She taps into every reader’s inner self and touches on their need to feel accepted, affirmed and loved. She reminds the reader that God accepts you. He affirms you and adores you better than any human can.

In writing this book, Chasing Famous, Lisa achieves her goal of encouraging the reader to take the focus off of themselves, and refocus it onto the glory of God. She effectively teaches the reader how to turn the spotlight on God and make him famous to the world.

This book deserves a five-star rating and the author deserves an encore!

*Alexis A. Goring received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for an honest review.

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About the book: Have you ever considered your life as an audition?

Regardless of who or where we are, we are constantly, often unconsciously, auditioning for a part. Loving wife. Amazing employee. Crafting queen. Socialite. All we really want is to be loved, affirmed, and accepted. What if we could learn to live the life we have always been auditioning for without all the stress?

Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life. 

Once you've mastered these issues, and you can, your story will turn the spotlight on God where, you'll soon discover, what it means to truly live.

Learn more and purchase a copy here.

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About the author:

Lisa is a speaker, emcee, actor, and writer. 

Since receiving her bachelor of fine arts in theater from Southern Methodist University, Lisa has been featured in many major performance mediums. 

Her television credits include What Would You Do?, Prison Break, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. You may see her on television commercials, highway billboards, or TV screens at the local airport. She has performed with many theaters, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Montana Shakespeare, the Dallas Theater Center, and Casa Mañana Theater. 

She is a highly sought-after speaker at women's retreats, conferences, and events across the country. She and her husband Markus live in McKinney, Texas, and have two boys.

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Here's the link to the Landing Page for this tour, http://litfusegroup.com/author/llloyd
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A Special Message from Litfuse Publicity Group:

Did you know you're constantly, often unconsciously, auditioning for a part? Learn how to master these issues and turn the spotlight on God with the help of Lisa Lloyd's new book, Chasing Famous. Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life.

Discover what life really means when the focus is on God and enter to win Lisa's Spotlight on God Prize Pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Chasing Famous
• A $50 Fandango gift card to see a current or upcoming movie that puts God in the spotlight
• A print to remind you of God's renown

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 28. The winner will be announced May 1 on the Litfuse blog.

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Litfuse Publicity Group's blog tour stop for "Unsinkable Faith" (book)

Let's welcome the famous Tracie Miles to the blog today! She's written this beautiful book, Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies to Transform the Way You Think, Feel, and Live.

She's been on tour all month (April 2017) with Litfuse Publicity Group, stopping by a different blog each day to tell people about her new book. Today, she's stopping by my blog!

I hope that you will learn more about this wonderful author and enter the giveaway contest (details are toward the end of this blog post) for your chance to win cool treats from Tracie!

God bless you!

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Book: Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies to Transform the Way You Think, Feel, and Live 

Author: Tracie Miles

Book Reviewer: Alexis A. Goring

The Review: Whenever I read a new book, I make marks with my ink pen on its pages. I mark the words, phrases, quotes and anecdotes that stand out to me. Often, I’ll underline entire passages and I’ll circle the page number for the section that I highlighted so that I can easily find it and refer to it in the future. The more marks I make in a book show how much the author’s message impacted me.

Unsinkable Faith is an unforgettable book that was skillfully written by Tracie Miles. I marked nearly every page from the start to finish.

As an author, Miles knows how to captivate her reader’s attention and take them on a journey that ends in a satisfying destination. She knows her target audience and she’s not afraid to speak to them directly by sharing scenes from the struggles in her own life story.

In this book, Miles wears her heart on her sleeve as she details her heartbreak caused by with divorce and describes her battle against negative thinking. She’s openly honest. The reader can infer that she believes that her transparency and straightforward talk will help to heal hearts.

Miles opens the door for readers to get a front seat view of the silent battle she’s faced against negative thinking. But she doesn’t just open her heart up, she shows readers solutions in Bible-based strategies that they can use defeat the enemy and overcome negative thinking.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, she’s passionate about sharing her faith in God on the pages of this book. It’s clear to the reader that through years of practice and pressing forward, she’s learned how to take her thoughts captive and allow God to transform her mind. Romans 12:1-2 is a key text that is referenced in this book. Look it up. It will breathe life into your soul.

Life is hard. But it’s not impossible to win at life. They say if you change your mind, you’ll change your life. In this book, Miles does more than support the cause for positive thinking, she shows how the reader how they too can achieve unsinkable faith.

As a reader who has struggled with overcoming negative thinking, I found this book to be very inspiring and encouraging. The author’s storytelling style in this nonfiction narrative is fluid and carries the ability to touch your heart. I love how the author kept God in the center of the story and showed me how I can overcome anything—negative thinking included—with His help.

Miles encourages the reader to get into God’s Word and rise above the challenges in the battlefield of their minds by applying Biblical principles and utilizing God-given tools to win the battle against spiritual warfare. She shows the reader that when your heart is anchored in God, you will not sink. No matter how strong the storms of life rage around you, you are safe in His arms. She proves that in her words, “When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life.”

Women all over the world should read this book. It’s so encouraging and contains a message that has the capacity to help you change your thinking and in turn, improve your life story as you journey through this imperfect world.

The message in Unsinkable Faith will bring joy to your heart. It will enrich your life, if you are persistent in applying the Bible-based words of wisdom. Miles is now one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading more books by her that encourage and inspire!

*Alexis A. Goring received a complimentary copy of "Unsinkable Faith" from Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for an honest review. 

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About the book:  For many people, remaining optimistic and feeling positive about themselves and their lives is a constant battle - especially when circumstances are difficult and life is hard.

For others, negativity is something that only sneaks up from time to time, yet still wreaks havoc in their hearts. Regardless of the root causes, once pessimistic thoughts permeate our minds, our feelings and emotions begin to control us instead of us controlling them. 

Eventually it doesn't seem possible to stay positive, happy, and full of joy, and negative thought patterns shake our faith, causing us to sink emotionally, mentally, and spiritually over time. But it doesn't have to be that way. Despite what storms roll in, hearts anchored in God don't sink. When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life, because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life.

In Unsinkable Faith, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Tracie Miles offers hope for women who struggle with negativity. Each chapter explores Tracie's and other women's personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds. 

Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you to:

-Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;

-Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;

-Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;

-Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; and

-Discover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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About the author: 

Tracie Miles is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and a bestselling author who's spent the last twelve years inspiring women to become who God called them to be. 

She's the author of "Your Life Still Counts" and "Stressed-Less Living," and a contributor to Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotions.

Find out more about Tracie by selecting this link.

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A Special Message from Litfuse Publicity Group: Tracie Miles' "Unsinkable Faith" Prize Pack Giveaway! 

Have negative thought patterns overtaken your life and shaken your faith? Learn how to anchor your heart in God despite what storms roll in in Tracie Miles' new book, Unsinkable Faith. Each chapter explores Tracie's and other women's personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds. Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life.

Join Tracie and other readers on April 25th for a fun Facebook Live event and the Anchored in Faith Prize Pack Giveaway (details below)!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Unsinkable Faith
• Two pillows
• Desk decor
• A journal
• An anchor necklace
• A nautical scarf

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 25. The winner will be announced at the Unsinkable Faith Facebook Live event. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and others searching for unsinkable faith, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word! Tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 25th!

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