Why Motherhood Matters

Mama, Your Work Has Deep Worth

Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference?

Take heart. Whether you're struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, September McCarthy's story offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own mothering journey.

As a mom for 25 years who continues to raise young children and love her young adults, September imparts words of wisdom and grace in key areas of Christian parenting, including...

faith—getting honest with your family about your need for Jesus

wellness—learning to take care of your kids...and yourself

education—raising a new generation with creativity and character

relationships—speaking to the heart of your children in unique ways

In these pages you'll find sweet anecdotes and gentle guidance for those moments you need both a breather and a lifeline. Motherhood is an incredible labor of love—and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know.

I love that September lays out the whys of motherhood. This is so important for moms to remember and keep in the forefront of their minds. Hard days and dark days will come. Reading this book is like having a mentor mom to come alongside you to cheer, encourage, instruct and gently correct you. What we do as moms matters and it's never too late to stop where we are and change direction. She is constantly pointing us back to God and the truth of His Word. As September says, "Motherhood is an incredible labor of love- and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know."

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

IMAGINE... The Great Flood

IMAGINE...
The ocean swirled around the boy and pulled him down with unrelenting power. Heavy water churned and tugged at his flailing body like unseen hands yanking him into the watery depths. The fight was finally over. Even though he’d tried to stand up to the enemy, the waves were about to swallow him whole.

The last thing ten-year-old Corey remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) was the searing pain in his head after falling while chasing his dog Molly into the woods. What happens next can't be explained as Corey wakes up and finds himself face-to-face with not one but two lions!

Join Corey and experience the excitement. . .the wonder. . . the adventure. . .as the epic story of Noah’s ark comes to life.

Imagine. . .The Great Flood is the first release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher and missionary, Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

This book focuses on a well-loved story from the Bible. The book is a pretty accurate account of the Biblical story. The book covers things kids will be able to relate to such as moving, making decisions, thinking about others, forgiveness, and knowing God. It is filled with mystery, action, adventure and Biblical truths! Each chapter ends with a little cliff hanger that makes you want to keep reading. It also makes you think about the oppositions and problems that Noah and his sons may have encountered while obeying God. 

I enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

#truth

This daily devotional from Josh McDowell unpacks spiritual truths that will inspire, challenge, and fuel your soul every day of the year--from January 1 to December 31.
Practical and relevant, each month of devotional readings shares a common theme—

January: THE TRUTH THAT GOD EXISTS
February: THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD'S WORD
March: THE TRUTH ABOUT ORIGINAL SIN
April: THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD BECOMING HUMAN
May: THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRIST'S ATONEMENT FOR SIN
June: THE TRUTH ABOUT JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
July: THE TRUTH ABOUT LIVING THE TRANSFORMED LIFE
August: THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS' BODILY RESURRECTION
September: THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TRINITY
October: THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD'S KINGDOM
November: THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CHURCH
December: THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRIST'S RETURN.

Truth Is. . . 365 Youth Devotions Connecting Life and Faith will lead you to understand the truths of God and how living them out is beneficial in your everyday life.

I like how the devotions are organized by a different topic each month. It gives a nice flow to the book. Josh McDowell starts with the truth that God exists, to Christ's Atonement for our sins, and finishes up with the truth of God's Return.  Each day has a Bible verse that reinforces that month’s theme, then has a short section engaging in thoughts or example and end with a Truth is section and short prayer. I would recommend this book to teens. I think they will really enjoy it.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.                     

A Treasure Concelaed

Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

If you have any interest in history or gold mines, this book is definitely for you. There is just enough suspense to keep you turning pages and just enough romance to keep the romantic at heart satisfied. This book is the first in a series of books called the Sapphire Brides. Tracie sets the story for A Treasure Concealed in beautiful Montana during the aftermath of the gold rush days.

 Tracie Peterson did a wonderful job in describing gold mining life in Montana. I could picture the town, the people, the Carver’s home, and the difficulties these people faced. I really enjoyed this book. I think you will like it if you enjoy historical fiction.

**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

The Atonement

A Must-Have Novel from the #1 Name in Amish Fiction

The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, who years ago stopped attending the activities for courting-age young people in her hometown of Bird-in-Hand. Now twenty-five and solidly past the age of Amish courtship, Lucy has given up any hope of marriage, instead focusing her efforts on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard Lucy strives, she feels uncertain that she'll ever find redemption.

Dale Wyeth has a deep mistrust of modern-day "advances" and the dependency they create. The young Englisher's interest in living off the grid is fueled further when he meets Christian Flaud, Lucy's father. Dale appreciates the self-sufficient ways of the Old Order Amish, and Christian invites him to learn more about them by staying at the family farm.

As Christian and Dale grow closer, developing a father-son rapport, Lucy begins to question what Dale's being there might mean for her. Could God be testing her? Or is it possible that even the most unworthy heart--and two people from very different walks of life--can somehow find a new beginning?

This is a heart-warming story about love and forgiveness and being able to forgive one's self.  This is a gripping story about the struggles of a young Amish woman, Lucy, who made some bad choices in the past and appears to be unable to move past the consequences of those choices. Almost every relationship Lucy has is affected by her inability to get past her past. I felt that the different elements of forgiveness - forgiving the 'other person', forgiving yourself, and, most importantly, dealing with the 'wrongs' you feel God dealt you - were well-developed and very relate able.

I heartily recommend this book!

I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishing for review purposes.

A Haven on Orchard Lane

Much-Loved Lawana Blackwell Delivers Another Charming Victorian-Era Tale

In difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career--only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.

Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it's a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching--and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?

Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.

This is a novel that will show forgiveness and God's love. The main character goes through a lot and uses her situations to give very good advice to younger ladies.  I think this is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more books by this author. The story takes place in 19th century England so this would be a perfect book for those who enjoy historical fiction.

A Haven on Orchard Lane is the tale of 50-year-old woman who thinks she has aged beyond usefulness and wishes, at one point, that she could just die. Can she find life again and learn that when bad things happen, good can arise from the ashes of her younger soul? Will Charlotte’s new home on Orchard Lane be the haven that gives her a new life with a reluctant daughter? Can the daughter build a relationship with her mother and still have a life of her own? Read the book to find out.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

   

Treasured Grace

Tracie Peterson Begins Compelling New Series Set on the 1840s Frontier

Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters became her responsibility. A hasty marriage to a minister who is heading to the untamed West seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start, but a cholera outbreak along the wagon trail has left Grace a widow in a very precarious position.

Having learned natural remedies and midwifery from her mother, Grace seeks an opportunity to use her skills for the benefit of others. So when she and her sisters arrive at the Whitman mission in "Oregon Country," she decides to stay rather than push on.

With the help of Alex Armistead, a French-American fur trapper, Grace begins to provide care for her neighbors, including some of the native populace. But not everyone welcomes her skills--or her presence--and soon Grace finds herself and those she loves in more danger than she imagined possible.

Before reading this book it would be good to read up on Whiteman Mission and the massacre of 1847 It will help you understand and fill in the missing details so you can enjoy the story more. You will get to know and see photographs the many real people that are also characters in Tracie Peterson’s rendition of the lives of Native Americans and Pioneer Americans, their struggles, their hopes, their deaths, their loves, and their faith. Online you get photos and drawings of the mission, from 1847 and today. It is now a national historical site. . Prayer and faith are prevalent themes throughout the book. It emphasizes how important it is to have faith that God is there for you in the bad times and the good.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

This book was given to me by BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS per their blogger program.

A Beauty Refined

Tracie Peterson Delivers Bestselling Historical Fiction with Romance and Adventure

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.

This is the second book in the series Sapphire Brides, but these novels stand alone. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Tracie always has such interesting characters and this novel was no exception. "A Beauty Refined" included some interesting history. You won't be disappointed!  This book deals with serious issues including honesty, betrayal, deceit, love and faith. This is a fast moving story with enough twists, turns and surprises to hold the reader's attention to the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book!

I received a complimentary book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where Courage Calls (Return to the Canadian West Book #1): A When Calls the Heart Novel

Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected...

Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

This is a book of hardships that school teachers in remote areas at the turn of the century and more importantly of the hardships of the mining families. Their ability to persevere in the face of disaster is a true inspiration. We can learn a lot from their perseverance.

 I would recommend this book. It is filled with a bit of mystery, a little romance and a lot of love, faith, hope and inspiration. This book has something for everyone. If you’ve read and enjoyed the When Calls the Heart books, you’ll enjoy this. It is a standalone novel, as there are only passing references to the earlier books and locations, and this is set in a new time and place so you can enjoy the story without having read any of the other books.. 

I was given a complimentary copy to review by Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinion is my own.

The Wish

A Compelling Story of Friendship from the Top Author in Amish Fiction

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own.

Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leona--it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other's families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona's pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind.

When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona's fiancé, the deacon's son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

Beverly Lewis was the first Amish writer I was introduced to. I love all of her books. I pass each book onto my mom to read.  This book focuses more on friendship, choices and realizing things may not always be like we think then it does romance. We all desire friendship but it doesn’t always look the way we think it should.  It can be hard to make the right decision/choice at times. I think this is something we can all relate to.

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I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one. 

From This Day Forward (Song of Blessing Book #4)

Deborah MacCallister, head nurse at the Blessing hospital, has loved Toby Valders since her school days, but she's had enough of their on-again, off-again relationship. Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he's never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family.

When Anton Genddarm, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, the young women of Blessing see a chance to force Toby's hand with a little strategic matchmaking. But real sparks fly between Deborah and Anton, and she finds herself in an even more complicated situation. The attention she gets from Anton makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?

Then Deborah receives an invitation to study the latest advances in nursing at a hospital in Chicago, and she faces a hard choice. To leave or stay? Should she give up on the dream of Toby and accept the interest of Anton?

Once again Lauraine Snelling does not disappoint with this new book. As with her entire Red River Valley series Lauraine makes you feel like the characters are people you would like to be friends with. Her characters seem like they truly are the people who homesteaded this region of North Dakota. I hope she will continue to tell the story of Ingeborg Bjorklund and all the other inhabitants of Blessing, North Dakota. I have fallen in love with her characters. Lauraine does an excellent job of fleshing out her characters so they seem real.

I highly recommend this book.I would recommend that you read the previous books in this series before you read this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Bethany House. The review is my own, honest opinion without any outside influences or requirements.

The Women of Easter: Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene

This Season of Grace,
Deepen Your Faith in God
Who So Loved the World
that He Gave Us His Son.

You’re about to meet three women named Mary, each of whom has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord’s burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours, then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection.

What a trio. What a Savior!

 Liz Higgs explores three women and how their lives changed because of Jesus. They all happen to be named Mary and each have a great story. This book is only 8 chapters long and with a study guide included at the back this is a tremendous resource for walking through the events leading up to Easter and experiencing the emotion of the occasion.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books, as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”