Love Finds You in Glacier Bay (Book Review and Giveaway!)

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Beth C. for winning a copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay!

 

I haven’t read very much fiction since leaving college (about a decade back)…I think my repertoire has included primarily parenting, homemaking, Christian living, and organizational books. As good as these are, I realized recently I need to get back into the fiction realm, because sometimes one’s brain just needs a break, and also because sometimes stories just do a better job of conveying life lessons.

One of my favorite Christian fiction authors, Tricia Goyer, just released a great new book with her coauthor, Ocieanna Fleiss: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay.  Needless to say, once I received the book in the mail, I couldn’t put it down.  Thanks to a good coffee shop, carrot cake, and chai, I finished it up while in sweet heaven in one day.

Summary: Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

My Review:  As I mentioned earlier, I just couldn’t put the book down.  It’s a story that is easy to get swept into.  Redemption, second chances, history, and one feisty grandma are all wrapped together to create a heart warming book that reminds us of what is truly most valuable in life-fighting for the ones we love, and facing our past and hurts head-on to discover the healing and hope that God can deliver through them.  If you’ve read alot of Christian fiction before, or if this is your first go at it, I offer a huge thumbs up for this book.
Giveaway:  If you are interested in winning a copy of this great new book, leave a comment on this post and see below for more chances to win both the book and other stuff.  Meanwhile, check out Tricia and Ocieanna’s other books and websites!


Seeking to fully live,

Tricia Goyer and Not Quite Amish

I love learning about the Amish and Mennonite.  Having lived in two states where they have large populations, I’m intrigued by their lifestyle, simplicity, and love for tradition.   It’s easy in some ways to almost idealize them, even though like any group of people, they have their own issues and problems.  But, on more than one occassion during storms where we lost power or needed to run to the store for last minute staples to get through a snowstorm, I’ve kind of wished we had the Amish life that wasn’t dependent on electricity and modern day conveniences.

One of my favorite shows on TV is Amish Out of Order, and although it focuses more on Amish leaving their communities, I’ve learned alot about the people in each episode.  Besides this show, I love reading Amish fiction and enjoyed reading Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler.

Tricia Goyer is a well known Christian author and has written her own set of Amish fiction books (I recommend!).  She also shares a fascination for many of the wonderful qualities of Amish communities, and started a website for all of us who love the Amish and their ways, yet are Not Quite Amish.  I urge you to check it out.

Also…big news…Tricia  and her co-author Ocieanna Fleiss are releasing a brand new book in 2013, which you can already pre-order.  If you know someone who loves their books, or love haven’t tried them yet, I urge you to give both a go.  Check out the link below to read a preview.

Stay tuned for a giveaway of Tricia and Ocieanna’s new book, Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, coming soon!


 

Help For the Fractured Soul (Review) and GIVEAWAY!

This GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED.  Congratulations to Brandy on winning a copy of this book!

Trauma in childhood can wreak havoc on one’s life, especially when that trauma is the result of ritualistic abuse.  In her book Help for the Fractured Soul, Candyce Roberts explores dissociative personality disorders, and gives valuable insight on how to minister to people who are struggling to recover from terrible soul wounds.

Before reading this book, I had a rather limited understanding of dissociative personality disorders, and was aware of only the former name: multiple personality disorders.  Furthermore, I always assumed that these “multiple” personalities were simply the result of demonic habitation that required deliverance ministry.  Finally, I was shocked at the frequency that ritualistic abuse occurs in our society according to Roberts.

Roberts’ book was eye opening, incredible insightful, and inspiring.  She reveals that when someone’s personality dissociates, it is a defense mechanism to help them cope, rather than demonic possession.  Roberts committed her life to helping people be set free from the damages caused by ritual and Satanic abuse, and goes into detail about the need for extreme grace and long term dedication required when working with people suffering from this kind of trauma, whether it be lay counselors or licensed therapists.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with mental health issues, knows someone who has and desperately needs help, or who is considering a vocation in counseling.   She offers wisdom, hope, and the reminder that Jesus can heal the deepest wounds.

Because I feel this book is such a valuable resource, I am sponsoring a giveaway of a copy.  To enter, leave a comment on this post, like Discovering Jubilee on Facebook, or send me a tweet to @discoverjubilee.  The recipient will be chosen at random,, and notified when the giveaway entry closes Sunday night (12/9/12).

Seeking to fully live,



 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to review from Chosen Books.

Linked up at:

 

 

ALLUME…Been There, Done That….Will Do It Again!

Allume Community

The third Allume (used to be known as Relevant) blogging conference is over, and can I just say that once again….it was AWESOME!

But then, what isn’t awesome about meeting amazing women with incredible God stories, being exposed to wisdom of long time mom bloggers (oh, and also the Problogger himself, who obviously isn’t a mom), connecting with new ministries that are reaching out to the world….and essential coffee and chocolate that makes every get together for women complete.

This past weekend was that recalibration that I needed, and though physically exhausting, it helped remind me of what my priorities really are.

How does any of this apply to you?

1. If you blog, or are even thinking about it, consider attending Allume next year because you will be blessed.

2. There will be giveaways in future posts. Who doesn’t like those? So, stay tuned….

Seeking to fully live,

C. Belly Belts Giveaway Winner Announced!

And the winner of the

C. Belly Belts Giveaway

is:

Leslie!

(Congratulations, you’ll be receiving an email from me shortly!)


Even if you didn’t win, I really encourage you to give these belts a try if you’re little ones can’t keep their britches up.  I’m about to order another one for my oldest son.  Thanks to Lynn Crist at C. Belly belts for sponsoring this great giveaway!

Seeking to fully live,


Giveaway winner chosen using random.org