REVIEW OF SHE'S GOT ISSUES BOOK AND DVD BY NICOLE UNICE

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been reading and watching a new DVD curriculum called She's Got Issues: With Seriously Good News for Stressed-Out, Secretly Scared Control Freaks Like Us: A DVD Group Experience by Nicole Unice. It is designed for small group settings and is a six week course. The DVD includes a leader's guide and group handouts.


About the Book and DVD

We’ve all got our issues! Maybe you feel like life just isn’t going your way, or you’re afraid that you don’t measure up to other people’s expectations. Perhaps you have a hard time managing your temper or have someone in your life you just can’t forgive. We deal with our “issues” every day in one form or another; the problem is, after a while, they start to feel . . . normal. Unchanging. Just part of who we are. And we forget that we have access to the power of Christ—a power that can transform our everyday weaknesses into our greatest strengths and gifts.

In She’s Got Issues, Christian counselor, ministry leader, and regular mom Nicole Unice explores the ordinary issues that are keeping you from the full and free life you were meant to have. Applying years of counseling with practical scriptural teaching and a fresh and authentic voice, Nicole shows you how to let God freely shape your character—and transform your life from ordinary to abundant.



 My Thoughts:

The DVD and book are fantastic and full of information that is essential for all of us stressed out women. Nicole has a way with words and is able to bring faith into the book in a way that is not pushy and she made me think about my life. Chapter 7 "The Comparison Game" is an excellent chapter and discusses how we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people. She includes a assessment to find out where we fit in and how we can change our lives. According to the scores Nicole is able to provide us with insight and wisdom on how we can change the way we look at our selves and others.
All of the sessions on the DVD are short, easy to follow and just makes sense. The DVD discusses six major topics that include: Control, Insecurity, Comparisons, Fear, Anger and Unforgiveness. The DVD complements the book and I utilized the book when watching the DVD. I recommend that you obtain both the book and the DVD so you can get more information on the topic she is discussing.


Purchase the Book: Amazon
Purchase the DVD: Amazon
Books Site
Author's Site

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book and DVD from Tyndale House for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF THE UNCOMMON LIFE DAILY CHALLENGE BY T. DUNGY.

Now that the New Year has just begun and many of you have New Year's Resolutions and need motivation to follow them. I want to introduce you to a remarkable book full of inspirational stories, thoughts, quotes and  tips for everyday life called The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy and N. Whitaker.

About the Book:

Strengthen the core of your life and faith on a year-long journey with beloved Super Bowl–winning former head coach Tony Dungy! The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge contains 365 reflections from the #1 New York Times bestselling author on living an “uncommon life” of integrity, honoring your family and friends, creating a life of real significance and impact, and walking with the Lord. This year, step up to the challenge—and dare to be uncommon every day.

The book focuses on several themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence and Faith. Each theme is repeated every seven days.

About the Authors:

 Tony Dungy:

 Tony Dungy is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Quiet Strength, Uncommon, and The Mentor Leader. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years.

He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of seven children.

 Nathan Whitaker: 

Nathan Whitaker is an attorney who lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters. He graduated from Harvard Law School and has worked in football administration for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His firm currently represents NFL and college coaches.

 

My Thoughts:

I am not a football fan and I did not even know who the author was until I had the opportunity to read the book. The book is full of inspiration, hope and encouragement to be a better person. Each day begins with a passage of scripture followed by a devotion that includes a story taken from the authors family life or athletic career. I have read many devotionals and have found many of them boring or they do not relate to my life but this book is quite different. Even though I do not follow sports or football, the stories about the sport were very easy to understand and the author was able to relate it to everyday life. The book was easy to read and understand. At the end of each page is a "Uncommon Key" to think about during the day. One of my favorite is on May 22nd and speaks about family. "Spend time with your family and loved ones- for no reason at all but to be there. You will witness miracles you might otherwise miss forever." Boy is that so true. There are times that work always interferes with our family and I have missed so many important events that occurred. So if you need a little motivation to keep your resolutions or just to make your life better this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed.

Connect with the Authors:

AUTHOR WEBSITE: Tony Dungy
FACEBOOK: Tony Dungy
TWITTER: Tony Dungy
GOODREADS: Nathan Whitaker

www.tyndale.com

Would you like to win a copy of the book? 

Stop back tomorrow during the New Years Resolution Blog Carnival to enter.There will be so many blogs participating and they will try to help you keep your resolution.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF BLUE SKIES TOMORROW BY SARAH SUNDIN

In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?

 

When her husband becomes a casualty of the war in the Pacific, Helen Carlisle throws herself into volunteering for the war effort to conceal her feelings. But keeping up appearances as the grieving widow of a hometown hero is taking its toll. Soon something is going to give.

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit. His stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life--and a convenient excuse to ignore his deepest fear. When the beautiful Helen catches his eye and captures his heart, he is determined to win her hand.

But when Ray and Helen are called upon to step out in faith and put their reputations and their lives on the line, can they meet the challenges that face them? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Filled with drama, daring, and all the romance of the WWII era, Blue Skies Tomorrow is the captivating final book in the popular Wings of Glory series.

 About the Author-

Sarah Sundin followed an unusual career path for a novelist, receiving a bachelor's in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. She now lives in northern California with her husband, three children, an antisocial cat, and a yellow lab determined to eat her manuscripts. When not driving kids to soccer and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches women's Bible studies and fourth- and fifth-grade Sunday school. She has been writing since 2000 and belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Authors Network, and Diablo Valley Christian Writers Group.

Author's Website.

Read an Excerpt

My Thoughts-

I have had the pleasure to have read the first two book in the series "A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us." The series follows the lives of the three Novak brothers who were pilots in the Air Force during WWII. Although the book is a stand alone novel, I recommend reading the other two books in the series to understand some of the history involved. Blue Skies Tomorrow is a fascinating story that made me feel that I stepped back in time and entered the WWII era. There was deceit, spousal abuse, romance, love and danger that was incorporated in the storyline perfectly. There were even updates on some of the main characters from the first two novels.The two main characters Ray and Helen had a relationship that was romantic as well as turbulent. Helen was in an abusive marriage and after the death of her husband she had to keep it quiet to protect the family name. Can Helen find love? I guess you have to read the story to find out. I did not want the series to end because I had learned so much more about the WWII era. I recommend the book to any one who likes historical romance. You may even learn something new about WWII.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Revell Publishers for my honest review. I was not compensated for the review.
Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF FEAR NO EVIL BY PASTOR BRADLEY BOYD(USA/CAN)

I can remember the tragic events that occurred on December 9,2007 when a gunman invaded the campus of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado killing two teenagers and injuring many other people of the congregation. I asked myself why would anybody do such a terrible thing and how can you get over such a horrible event? Reading Pastor Boyd's book Fear No Evil: A Test of Faith, a Courageous Church, and an Unfailing God helped answer those questions for me.

In the years following the senseless and tragic shooting on the campus of New Life Church. Senior Pastor Brady Boyd has received countless questions from the faith-filled and faithless alike. As the nation watched the suffering congregation reel from the gunman's rampage and, later, steady their stance once more, the one question on everyone's mind was, 'How has New Life weathered such a horrible storm so well?' In Fear No Evil, Boyd answers with eloquence and grace, paving a path toward hope to anyone walking through the 'valley of the shadow of death' and is tempted to camp out there. This story of tragedy and triumph will release you from life's common traps of doubt and despair. Whether you are a parent who has lost a child, a single mom who feels overwhelmed, a middle-aged man starting over after bankruptcy, a student trying to make sense of life and the world at large, or simply someone who wonders where God is in the midst of your suffering, the considerations and counsel offered here will serve as a lifeline for your soul. 

About the Author-

Pastor Brady is a gifted communicator and teacher with a passion for speaking practical, relevant messages that equip and inspire. He is responsible for leading all the staff and ministries of New Life Church. Before coming to New Life in August, 2007, Pastor Brady served as the Associate Senior Pastor of Gateway Church in the DFW Metroplex. While there, Gateway grew from 100 to over 12,000 active members in just six years. Pastor Brady is a Louisiana native and is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. He is married to Pam and they have two children - Abram and Callie. Pastor Brady enjoys golf, hunting, fishing and spending lots of time with his family. Follow Brady on Twitter: @pastorbrady 

 My Thoughts-

Pastor Boyd wrote a book that was full of love, sadness, hope, and tragedy. In reading the account of the shooting, I became very upset and I asked my self  "Who would do such a bad thing?"  Pastor Boyd's candor and use of scripture throughout the book has taught me that God is always there to assist you in your journey. He opened up his heart to us and showed us his true emotions and how he was able to overcome them. I am not a spiritual person and only attend mass on holidays, but I have learned a lot from reading the book. In the beginning of each chapter, Pastor Boyd included quotes from famous people. My favorite quote was by Thelma Wells "God does not always heal us instantly the way we think. He is not a jack-in-the-box God. But God is walking with me through this." Boy is that so true because we live in a society where we want things instantly and that is not how God works. I highly recommend this inspirational book to everyone. Would you like to win a copy of the book?

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Extra Entries-

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4. Follow Pastor Boyd on twitter.

Contest ends May 7th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be picked by Random.org. The winner will be sent an email and has 48hrs to respond or another winner will be announced.

GOOD LUCK!

  Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book from Zondervan for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF MPIRE: IN SEARCH OF THE LOST BY T.L. JAMES (INT)

I would like to welcome T.L. James to Books R Us. She is virtually touring the blogosphere with NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™

The trilogy of The MPire starts with, In Search of the Lost which is the story about Mallory Towneson Haulm, a sexy financial powerhouse, who lives in a quasi paradise in Austin, Texas. His opulent world is decorated with expensive toys and women more exquisite than an exotic candy shop.

After fourteen years of separation from his family, Mallory is summoned to return back home to join The Family Business. Poised for success, Mallory is focused on turning around the ailing business, not realizing that taking his assigned reigns will put him in a position of unrelenting power which he is unaware he even has. His world crashes as he reunites with his brothers and becomes Death, the forth horseman of the Apocalypse.

With every complication popping up in his life, the biggest one by far is in the form of an old love from the past coming back to reclaim the spot in Mallory’s heart.

About the Author-

TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, James cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, but her love for research would become an integral thread in her writing style.

After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side.  She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and Mythology). The MPire Trilogy was born.

In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry.  James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans. 

Author's Website. 
Tour Stops.

My thoughts-

I have never read a book like this one before. All of the characters in the Haulm family were unique and each had a hidden agenda that is revealed throughout the book. I have not read the precursor of the book, The Chronicles of the Haulm Boys and I wish I had. I had some difficulty figuring out who the brothers unique qualities were until the middle of the book. Then it all fell into place and the book came alive. The relationship between Mallory and Matthew was sweet as well as troubled. Mallory was a sexy, wealthy and intriguing individual who has to make a choice between life and death. He has to live up to his destiny of being the Forth Horseman (Death) and continue the family legacy. Throughout the book, there were supernatural beings and images surrounding Michael that kept me thinking. Who were these spirits and why are they after Michael? I guess you have to read the book to find out the answers. The author's descriptions of the supernatural was fantastic and the ending was unpredictable. I did not want the book to end and I wanted more. I look forward to reading the all of the books in the series.  I have to warn you that this book is only suitable for the adult reader due to the erotic and sometimes violent scenes in the novel.

Contest- International

Thanks to the author, I am able to give away ONE copy of the book.
EBook copy only- Worldwide
Print- USA only (You may Choose the Ebook version if you prefer)

Main Entry- LEAVE ALL ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT.

Leave your name, email and where you live.

Extra Entries-

1.  Follow me via GFC +2
2. Follow Books R Us on Twitter.
3. Like Books R Us on Facebook.
4. Follow MPire on Twitter.

Contest ends May 1st at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be picked by Random.org. The winner will be sent an email and has 48hrs to respond or another winner will be announced.

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review.

Blog Tour and Review of Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith

Bathsheba is a woman who longs for love. With her devout husband away fighting the king's wars for many months at a time, discontent and loneliness dog her steps--and make it frighteningly easy to succumb to King David's charm and attention. Though she immediately regrets her involvement with the powerful king, the pieces are set in motion that will destroy everything she holds dear. Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God--and David--forever?

With a historian's sharp eye for detail and a novelist's creative spirit, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the passionate and emotional story of David's most famous--and infamous--wife. Smith uses her gentle hand to draw out the humanity in her characters, allowing readers to see themselves in the three-dimensional lives and minds of people who are often viewed in starkly moralistic terms. You will never read the story of David and Bathsheba in the same way again.

 About the Author-

Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests.When she isn’t writing, she enjoys time with her family, reading great stories, trying new recipes, and snuggling her two adorable cats. Jill’s research into the lives of David’s wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Her collection of Bible study helps and books on culture and history, along with an abundance of novels fills at least one shelf or bookcase in nearly every room in the house.

Author Sites-

http://www.jilleileensmith.com/

http://www.twitter.com/jilleileensmith

My Thoughts-

Another fantastic novel by Ms. Smith. I have read the story of King David and Bathsheba in the Bible and Ms. Smith has portrayed the story realistically. All of the characters came alive and there were some parts that were very strong and emotional. There was one scene in the story when the Prophet Nathan confronted David about what he has done. He used a story about the rich man and the poor man (2 Samuel 12) to make David understand the wrong that he has done and how his life could change forever. I could feel David's pain, shame and disappointment. Bathsheba is a wonderful rendition of the Biblical story. This is a stand alone novel but I recommend reading the other two books in the series. You will not be disappointed.

Disclaimer-

Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received a copy of the book from Revell and I was not compensated for the review of the book.

Support Your Indie Author and you may win a Kindle: 30 Pieces of Silver by C. Mc.Cray (Review)

Monday, Monday, Monday. I love Monday

 By C. Mc Cray

No, I’m not a total psycho.

Well, maybe just a little bit of one.

Here’s why: this Monday is a major day in publishing not only for ME but potentially for all indie authors who want to show the NYC traditional big boys what an indie author can do! 

The Indie Book Collective promotion Bestseller For A Day is pricing my thriller 30 Pieces of Silver at just 99 cents to propel it onto the Amazon Top 100 Kindle* List! And with your help I can do it!!

Every 99 cent purchase will drive my book higher up the list but seriously…how realistic is this? Well, I’ve already dipped into the 400’s overall ranking so with YOUR help it’s entirely possible you can help me reach this goal. Remember, you don’t even have to have a Kindle to purchase my book – you just need a smartphone of some type OR a computer! *See this Amazon free Kindle app page for details.

But to give you an added incentive to help me out, I’ve decided to up the ante and the fun! Just for purchasing my book 30 Pieces of Silver, you can enter to win a free Kindle – oh yea. That’s right! Simply purchase my book for 99 cents on Amazon and then head back over to the Bestseller For A day site and enter your email address and the first 5 numbers of your Amazon purchase confirmation code – and viola! You will have 5 entries to win a FREE Kindle!

I think you need more, though. How about a BONUS BUY? Yep, the IBC is offering up Cristyn West’s mystery-thriller Plain Jane for a full rebate if purchased at the same time as 30 Pieces of Silver! PLUS –wait for it --5 additional entries to win the FREE Kindle. Yup. I’m that cool. 

Listen, I love what I do—writing, connecting with wonderful sponsors like Melissa here at booksrusonline.com and with you, my fab readers! Please show your support for ALL indie authors making their way up the ladder by purchasing this 99 cent book and help pave the way for future promotions! Tell your friends, husband, mom, dog—heck, just tell everyone you know. 

And stay tuned for our next promo – The Blog Tour de Force CAGE MATCH April 18-25 where the IBC promotes 12 eBook authors, 12 books, over 6 days – with lots of great prizes and fun for YOU!

Let’s see my book hit the Top 100! (and maybe win a free Kindle) #ohyea

You can find Carolyn McCray on Twitter at @craftycmc, @IndieBookIBC, or @writingnodrama where she teaches writers writing stuff. You can also check out her website http://carolynmccray.com for all of her books and multiple personalities.

Overview of 30 Pieces of Silver.

A Christian suicide bomber.
John the Baptist's bones inscribed in ancient Greek.
A secret carried from the foot of the crucifixion.
Can science solve the world's greatest mystery?
30 Pieces of Silver?

My Thoughts-

Let me tell you that the novel is fantastic thriller full of adventure, conspiracy, romance, history and excitement. I was hooked from page one and was brought on an adventure from the Eiffel tower to the rainforest's of Equador and many exciting places in between.  The way that the author brought us from the past to the present was remarkable and was not confusing. I felt that I was right there partaking in the story line. The main characters were all searching for the same thing the remains of Jesus and they were all realistic and likable. There was a romance developing between the main characters, Brandt and Monroe that I saw coming but there were parts that had me thinking "Will it last." I did not want the book to finish and I wanted more. I look forward to reading the sequel when it is published. So what are the 30 Pieces of Silver? I guess you will have to read the book to find out. I will never tell. So hop on over to the Bestseller For A Day website today and purchase your copy. Hey you never know you may win a KINDLE!

Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

BLOG TOUR OF THE BOOK THE LIFE READY WOMAN (CONTEST)

 The The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World by S. Feldhahn and Robert Lewis is a fresh perspective on life and it's problems. This is what the publisher has to say. 

Whether a stay-at-home mom or an airplane-hopping executive, a student or a senior adult, most women need a contemporary, encouraging vision for what it means to be a godly, biblically guided female in the twenty-first century. A biblical woman takes God’s Word seriously not just at church but also in the everyday walk of life.
But can a significant and satisfying twenty-first-century womanhood really be defined from Scripture? One that can apply to all women and yet not be guilty of cookie-cutter sameness, pressing everyone into a common mold? One that will stay fresh even as a woman grows older? One that can guide her to the best in life? The answer is yes, and the result is a femininity without excesses and regrets that mark those who just go with the flow of the world.
In The Life Ready Woman, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn helps readers take five faith steps drawn from the Bible that will help to define the best life possible. Each one is easy to understand, but requires bold faith to activate. The reward is being ready for the deeper life that God has planned.

About the Authors-

Shaunti Feldhahn is a former Wall Street analyst, best-selling author of the book For Women Only, national speaker, and regular commentator in the media. She has been featured on The Today Show, PBS, TNT and Fox News- to name a few. You can learn more about her many activities by visiting her website Shaunti.com or get some great mom advice from her at MomLifeToday.com. She and her husband live with their two young children in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoy every minute of living at warp speed.
 

Robert Lewis is the best-selling author of Raising a Modern-Day Knight and Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage. He and his wife, Sherard, have four children and live in Little Rock, AR.

My Thoughts-

I enjoyed the book. I was taught by my parents to go out into the world and be independent. My family was not very religious and after reading the book, I realized that the women of the past were similar to the women of today.

In the book, the authors discuss many topics including-

1. I am Woman- What does the Bible say about equality and the roles women play today.
2. A Satisfied Life- Do we have a life that is rewarded with satisfaction and gratitude? The bible can help us work through the issues that we may have.
3. What the Issues actually are- Some of the issues discussed are femininity,Motherhood, the do it all role, and a life full of unlimited choices that can make a women's life difficult.
4. A Biblical Definition of Womanhood, Marriage and Family- The Bible lays out certain patterns that God wishes us to follow.
5. Where it Comes Together- God gives three major callings to the Human Race. How does this effect the way we live and interact with others.

 There are many more interesting topics discussed in the book.I have a career, a great husband and two wonderful teenagers but the book helped me to open my eyes a little more about life. As I read the book, I realized that you can not have everything you want in life. We have to compromise a little to live a full and spiritual life. There were questions posed throughout the book to make you think about what you are doing with your life and there were simple answers that were easy to follow and made sense. I have read many faith based books that I found hard to read but this book was just great, informative and a quick read. It was not boring. Even if you are not a spiritual person, you will benefit from the information contained in it. There is even a Life Ready Woman Training kit (DVD) that helps explain the book and empower you.

Blog Tour Schedule

In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!

Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!!!

Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:

1. 2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
2. 2 Life Ready Woman DVD packs. $149 value each (Two different people will receive this gift.)
3. 5 The Life Ready Woman books. (Book will go to 5 people.)

To enter click one of the icons below then tell your friends. Winner will be announced on March 2nd on the MomLife Today website.

MomLife Today provides encouragement, advice and resources to help YOU with your daily Momlife! Because…every MOMent counts!

For more information please visit the Litfuse website, www.litfusegroup.com .

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.