Woman, Thou Art Healed & Whole by T.D. Jakes

Title: Woman, Thou Art Healed & Whole: A 90 Day Devotional Journey

Author: T.D. Jakes

Pages: 192

Year: 2016

Genre: Devotional

Publisher: Destiny Image

Format: Hardback

Note: I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network. I chose to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Experience freedom from the pain of your past!

     Many women are not enjoying an abundant, full, and satisfying life because they are still imprisoned by the pain of the past. It’s time to get free…and live free!

     In Woman, Thou Art Healed and Whole, Bishop T.D. Jakes shares words of encouragement that will heal your soul and liberate your heart.

     So what is holding you back from living life to the fullest?

     Maybe you have experienced trauma, abuse, destructive relationships, betrayal, pain from poor decisions, unforgiveness, guilt, or shame. These prisons are constantly looking for souls to claim and restrain.

     Even though you may have already received God’s forgiveness, it’s time for you to start walking in the healing and wholeness He has made available to you.

     Get ready to experience Heaven’s healing for your past so you can start enjoying the abundant life today!

My review:

     A great collection of thought provoking devotions.

     Each of these devotions is well written and express one aspect of healing and growth. Some of them do build on the previous day’s thought. Many of them address the hurt caused by abuse. There are a number though dealing with other types of wounds. Some of them even seem to be focused on mistakes that we ourselves make and the guilt that is carried from those mistakes.

     There were a few of the readings that just plain didn’t make sense to me and I struggled a lot with trying to understand what the author was saying. This is the reason that I took one star off from my rating.

     I have decided to give this devotional a rating of 4 stars. I am recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends #5) by Miralee Ferrell

Title: Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends #5)

Author: Miralee Ferrell

Pages: 200

Release Date: October 10, 2016

Genre: Middle School Age

Publisher: Mountain Brook INK

Format: eBook (also available in paperback

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author. I chose to write this review expressing my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Summer is winding down for Kate and her friends when a surprise visitor appears at her family’s stable – a beautiful bay horse wearing a halter and a bad attitude. Dubbing the horse “Rebel,” the friends set out to find the horse’s owner. Where did he come from, and why are horses all over the area disappearing from their pastures and paddocks? It’s a mystery that even the sheriff can’t figure out, so Kate decides to head up the investigation. When Kate’s autistic brother, Pete, develops a strong connection to the new arrival, Kate wonders – did God bring Rebel to them for a bigger purpose?

My review:

     Another wonderful story for “tweens” and horse lovers.

     I consider this to be part of a “true” series since the characters’ lives are progressing in a normal manner. Yet the actual plot of the story does stand alone. Reading these books in order just helps to fill in the spaces as to who the different people are and how they met.

     Kate and her friends continue to grow and mature in this new story. They have learned the importance of prayer and seem to be quicker at taking their problems and concerns to God.

     One of the things that I have enjoyed throughout these books is the fact that these kids are willing to accept new people. They don’t hold the newcomer out at arm’s length. Whenever they are doing something they call and include him.

     I loved the fact that there was a fairly deep discussion between Kate, her friends, and her mom about forgiveness. What it is and why it is important. This is a very important aspect of life that we all need to learn more and more about.

     I appreciate the “life lessons” that are included and am highly recommending this wonderful book. It is getting a 5 star rating from me.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Unbroken Spirit (Mystic Hope #1) by Kelsey Norman

Title: Unbroken Spirit (Mystic Hope #1)

Author: Kelsey Norman

Pages: 250

Year: 2016

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Mountain Brook INK

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the publisher. I chose to write this review expressing my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Her past left her wounded, but he has the power to heal—

     Nina Anderson is lucky to be alive. After years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, she’s finally free. Determined to get back on her feet, she’s left her past behind for a fresh start on her grandparents’ farm is Despair, Kansas. Even though, Jeremy, the man who’d abused her is in prison fifteen-hundred miles away, Nina is still haunted by dark memories.

     Then a mysterious, unearthly man appears, bringing her the respect she’s always want – and maybe even a chance at love. He’s been sent to serve as Nina’s protector and to help her with an event that is to occur in the near future. The catch is, Liam doesn’t know what it is or when it will take place. Will he have the power to save her and restore Nina’s faith in God?

My review:

     A compelling look at life for an abuse victims.

     I am usually hesitant to read paranormal stories. I’m very glad that I chose to read this one though. The non-human character, Liam, is very gentle and caring and only around to help Nina through a terrible ordeal. I thoroughly enjoyed the description of him and how Nina was drawn to him because of his appearance. The way the mystery about his background and where he came from was excellent.

     I found Nina to be very well-developed. I found that I was extremely invested in her and wanted to see her healed from all of the emotional wounds caused by the abuse she had suffered in the past. Some of the sections where she was reliving the abuse either in dreams or in sharing it with Liam were very hard for me to read. That was only because of the great amount of detail that the author provided. They were very eye opening for me.

     I have decided to give this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I am highly recommending it. If you don’t normally read paranormal stories I ask you to consider giving it a try with this book.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Targeted for Murder (Wilderness, Inc. #1) by Elizabeth Goddard

Title: Targeted for Murder (Wilderness, Inc. #1)

Author: Elizabeth Goddard

Pages: 217

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Mountain Pursuit!

     With his dying breath, Hadley Mason’s fatally shot father reveals he’s a CIA agent…and a bounty has been placed on both their heads. Heeding his urgent warning to disappear and trust no one, Hadley flees into the Oregon wilderness, but she can’t shake the string of hired killers on her trail. So when a fearless and too handsome wilderness guide comes to her rescue, Hadley has no choice but to put her life in Cooper Wilde’s hands. The former Green Beret vows to protect her, but beyond steep gorges and treacherous terrain, a ruthless man will stop at nothing to see her dead.

     Wilderness, Inc.: Surviving the wilderness of Oregon takes training…and trust.

My review:

     A heart pounding suspense novel!

     Hadley’s world was turned upside down from the very beginning and I wanted to see her get out of trouble and find safety. No one should have to deal with the things she was facing. I think that it would have been nice if there were a little more information about Hadley and how her father could have kept such a huge secret from her.

     Cooper has more of a background developed and slowly presented than Hadley does. Because of that I was pulling for him to work through his personal issues and move on with his life.

     The danger and action scenes were great. There was plenty of detail and excitement that kept me turning the pages.

     I am recommending this book and giving it a rating of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*