We’re looking for women who love to read! Come hang out with 27 authors and hear their stories. You are invited to the fun book club WordGirls is hosting. We are enjoying pre-book chat right now, getting to know one another.
October 3rd, we will start discussing “Live & Learn: Unexpected Lessons from God’s Classroom.” Each day we’ll read a new essay together and hear from the author. We’re giving away lots of great gifts, too! Our reading schedule will be five essays a week, with the weekend for catch-up. Click on the link below to request to be added to the group. Be sure to answer the question, how you heard about the group (from me!).
My article will be featured Oct 11
(NOTE: If you don’t have a book yet, you can get one from me or any of the authors in the collective, or you can purchase from amazon.)
Potiphar’s Wife is the untold story of the woman who accused Joseph of rape. Looking at Joseph’s life through Zuleika’s eyes, we begin to see the backdrop of politics, people, and power struggles, and how they collide to ruin the lives of all caught in their path. Or, so we thought.
The author is no stranger to calamity. When Mesu was diagnosed with chronic illness, bedrest led to rest in God’s Word, and her love for writing biblical novels awakened. Now, “Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers.”
As one of her avid readers, I was immediately pulled into the story by envisioning the choppy sea and tasting the salty mist. Descriptions and dialogue convey surroundings and scenes in Zully’s story world, and I was drawn to the woman who was torn from her homeland in a time of crisis and despair.
Potiphar’s Wife tackles the age-old question of “Who does God favor?” His promise was made to Abraham’s seed, but what about the rest of us?
Mesu says she opened a hornet’s nest in researching Joseph, and research she did. Intricate details unlock the life he might have lived in Egypt. The story arc is one from her own imagination, but the tenants are true to both. Through the crises of living in times of war, to secrets inside the palace walls, Joseph’s growth continues to astound. The God of Truth Joseph knew is the same God who sees me and you. We can be confident He knows and He cares about every detail that concerns us.
Potiphar’s Wife is an excellent tool for better understanding of the Biblical narrative.
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Do you want to be published? Chandler Bolt gives you the tools in his book, Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold. Actually, rather than feeling like you’re reading a long tome, it’s more like sitting down with your own manuscript coach. Chandler’s writing style comes across as a conversation loaded with practical tips. Chandler’s approach is “Let’s move away from getting your book done someday and have a discussion about making it happen now!”
“Chandler Bolt is the CEO of Self Publishing School and Selfpublishing.com, the author of six books, and the host of the Self Publishing School podcast. He believes that ‘Books Change Lives’ and has helped 6,000+ aspiring authors publish a book.”
Published promises:
How to write a quality book and save time in the process
How to produce a quality book on a budget
Proven launch strategies and marketing methods
How to sell books and get booked for speaking opportunities
Three ways to grow your business with a book
Publishedcame through on fulfilling those promises by showing how to have a clear vision for your writing, providing a strategy for organizing words, and tackling limiting beliefs. Chandler says when you have an outline, you create your own GPS that will help you navigate the writing process. He not only shows you how to map out an outline, but to also use it to create your rough draft.
I like the down-to-earth way Chandler works through the nuts and bolts of putting together a book. Checklists and Next Steps provide clarity and ingenuity. From mind mapping your outline to marketing your finished product, Published gives you a sound vehicle to arrive at your destination. Chandler’s contagious enthusiasm makes you believe you can do it and want to tackle the work to make it happen.
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jesus Followers conveys a legacy of love from the Graham family to our families. Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, the granddaughter of Billy & Ruth, writes with her mom, Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy & Ruth. Their desire to pass the baton of faith to the next generation reflects the unique impact of our witness, worship, walk, and work.
“Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible Study and shares God’s Word at numerous events around the country. She serves on the Board of Directors for AnGeL Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry.”
“The New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She’s been profiled on 60 Minutes, and has appeared on TV programs such as Larry King Live, The Today Show, and Hannity Live. Her Just Give Me Jesus revivals have been held in more than 30 cities in 12 different countries, to hundreds of thousands of attendees.”
Jesus Followers will equip you to create your own legacy as you vulnerably share a listening ear and the stories of your own heartaches. Rachel-Ruth reminds us to share our hardships with others and tell them how God brought us through them, “He will be glorified through the pain in our lives.”
Rachel-Ruth tells how her grandmother, Ruth Bell Graham, saw treasure in broken items and upcycled them before recycling was “a thing.” She also saw treasure in people who were hurting and broken, and reminded them they were priceless in God’s eyes.
Continuing with the witness, worship, walk, and work theme, Anne says, “An authentic witness is inextricably linked to a heart devoted to worship.”
Ruth taught Rachel-Ruth that worship is the best way to fight discouragement, and offered practical tips:
Focus on the blessings.
Carry a song in your heart.
Keep a sense of humor.
Jesus Followers is very relatable as the authors share stories of caring for a family and navigating the daily chaos of life. They remind us God is able and willing to walk through life with everyone who calls out to Him. A precious legacy, indeed!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Scandal of Christmas asks how we handle our difficulty to understand God’s ways when He doesn’t answer prayer. It’s one thing to praise God when things go as we desire, but what happens when God is silent?
Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. chose four unlikely personalities to highlight the weeks of Advent—the approach to Christmas. Teacher and then pastor for 19 years, Bill’s “command of the dictionary often stretches our understanding and challenges us to the depth of word meanings.”
Take a look at Zechariah. He remained faithful through years of service, but seemingly had no answers to his plea for an heir. Or, Joseph, an unlikely candidate whose story remains hidden in the shadows. What did he sacrifice for the young bride’s reputation? Obedience was the hallmark of his life.
Bill says Mary is not an object of our faith to be worshipped, but a pattern of faith to follow. “From confusion to amazement to surrender, she offered her willingness for whatever God wanted.”
And then, there’s Jesus—The One of mystery and revelation who defies all protocol.
Take a step back from Christmas this year to consider what it means to prepare for Christmas. Bill says God used ordinary people in the Christmas story to remind us we can do the exceptional to bring His message to a needy world. When we grant God access to our lives, He reminds us He has not forgotten about us, but remembers us and His word.
The Scandal of Christmas has great applications for our culture today, stunning illustrations from artist Dave O’Connell, and personal takeaways to implement. It will encourage you to use prayer as “a personal approach to an approachable God!”
I am giving away a copy of The Scandal of Christmas to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday, December 10. Tell me a tradition that draws you into Christmas. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of The Scandal of Christmas from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In Farm to Film, the lens of an old camera provides a fun way to look at life on the farm. Author and illustrator, Hannah Miles Pierrou captures childlike wonder as she meanders through the barnyard.
Hannah Miles Pierrou is a lifestyle photographer, designer and artist. She views the world around her from a treehouse cabin in the Colorado foothills. “Hannah loves sharing the concept of capturing the beautiful creation found in everyday experiences. She utilizes her experience as an artist to expose her readers to various design elements such as detail, contrast, movement, composition, shape and rhythm.”
Step back in time to a simpler lifestyle, where there’s ample opportunity to visit the animals and explore the barn. Children of all ages will enjoy the lyrical storyline and pictures, stirring up the imagination in pursuit of the next image caught on film.
Virtues of family (at Pop and Gram’s farm), wonder (to view the world through the lens), and a sense of humor (the Alpaca eats with funny little teeth) lead the way. From A to Z, the animals play their part in farm life and the humans who tend them benefit with honey, milk and eggs.
I can’t wait to share Farm to Film with my grands. They’ll love the cow pies, splatters from the galloping horse, and the old truck in the muddy field. Truly, child’s delight!
I am giving away a copy of Farm to Film to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What is your favorite farm animal?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Black Friday, November 26. I can’t wait to hear about your barnyard friends!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions didn’t make it a full year for me. Instead, I devoured Sarah Philpott’s anecdotes as fast as I could. Sarah describes farm life, calving season and adapting to challenges we face daily, whether we’re a farm gal or a city gal.
Sarah Philpott is the author of Loved Baby, a book I cherished on finding comfort in the midst of grief. She and her family live on a farm in Tennessee. Sarah finds life lessons in manure spreaders and mudcaked boots, and opens our eyes to the beauty of the fields beyond her window.
The Growing Season is broken into segments of seasons, following the cycle of life. Walk the furrows of the field with Sarah while you plant, cultivate, prune and meditate. Sarah starts with a recipe for hot cocoa (one of my go-to beverages), a challenge to tackle (I’m task oriented), and an invitation to look for the blessings in the mess of life (I need that perspective), and gives practical advice for every gal to “meet people where they are.” Farmer Perry even chimes in with tips for planting seeds, harvesting watermelons and chopping down a Christmas tree.
Farmer Perry Tip
Sarah says taking care of God’s land is holy work, and reminds us we are all stewards. Maybe not of a farm, like she and Perry, but “Stewards of our home. Stewards of our family. Stewards of God’s land. And most importantly, stewards of God’s Word.”
Sarah sees joy in the canvas of the farm horizon and says we can find it, too, when storms dot our landscape. She says, “We don’t always choose change—sometimes change chooses us… We know we can bounce back from anything when we walk with (God). In an ever-changing world, the one thing we can trust will never change is the great I Am.”
I’m loving this new book from Sarah Philpott and can’t wait to try out her recipes for Blackberry Cobbler, Fried Apple Pies, Honeybun Cake and more!
I am giving away a copy of The Growing Season to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What are you thankful for in this season of your life?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Sunday, November 7. I can’t wait to hear about your blessings!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book Proposals That $ell brings a whole new understanding of the publishing world. From a look in the board room to a peek at an editor’s calendar, Terry Whalin shows why a book proposal is crucial to an author’s success. Terry says, “Nine out of ten nonfiction books are sold from a nonfiction book proposal.”
W. Terry Whalin is an acquisitions editor with Morgan James Publishing. His articles have appeared in more than 50 publications and he has authored more than 60 books. Terry has a website for writers of all genres called Right-Writing.com.
Terry wants authors to know the book proposal is a tool to sell a publisher on your manuscript. It also gives an editor ammunition to take to the Pub Board, lending passion to the pitch. Even if an author self-publishes, the book proposal serves as a “business plan and a roadmap for your book.”
I found the chain reaction account of a tardy book interesting. When an author is late turning in the manuscript, it backlogs editors, reviewers, sales forecasters and print runs.
Another eye-opening lesson is found in the spine of a book. When an author requests a spiral-bound book, they’re asking the publisher to give up prime real estate for marketing that book.
Book Proposals That $ell is a valuable resource for every writer, providing tips to catch an editor’s attention, secrets critical to success in marketing your book proposal, checklists for pitching the essence of your idea, and twelve maxims for any writer.
Terry admonishes us to “never lose the wonder of the opportunity,” and encourages authors to persist in the industry. “Every publisher is looking for new talent, and they need and want your book proposals.”
Change My Relationship: 365 Daily Devotions for Christians in Difficult Relationships provides more than a daily reading. It is a book that will equip you to live with intentionality every day.
Author Karla Downing is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has written 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, When Love Hurts: 10 Principles to Transform Difficult Relationships, and The Truth in the Mirror: A Guide to Healthy Self-Image. She is the founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com, and is a speaker, author, counselor, and Bible study teacher.
While the subtitle says the book is for difficult relationships, I found it helpful for every connection. The book offers pointers on self-discipline, learning how not to be offended, and a remedy for jealousy. Change My Relationship talks about people pleasing based on a false premise, and measuring progress, not perfection.
This is an important book in a time when we have become more aware of dysfunctional relationships and the damage that can result from them. The Gabby Petito Case has captivated Americans as a real life scenario with tragic results. My prayer is that awareness will create action to safeguard each one at risk.
I am intrigued by Karla’s ministry. Her website is chocked full of sound advice for handling boundaries and managing expectations. The book is also topically indexed for easy reference, with subjects from A to Z, including abuse, acceptance, trust, and vulnerability.
Here’s a list from page 80 where Karla shares things you can do to balance your day.
Do something you don’t want to do.
Do something nice for someone else.
Do something just for you.
Do something that will make you feel productive.
Do something that will make you relax and slow down.
Do something that will make you more aware of God’s presence in your life.
Do something that will add to your knowledge of a subject you want to know more about.
Do some type of exercise or activity to benefit your body.
Do something that gets you in touch with your emotions.
I think that’s good advice for all of us!
I am giving away a copy of Change My Relationship to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Monday evening, September 27. Tell me your favorite tip for self-care. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Carmen’s Journey of Courage takes you into the heart of Mexico City and mysterious family secrets. Carmen is a character who stays with you, long after the last page.
Susan K. Beatty is the mastermind behind the story, and the author of more in the Faces of Courage Series. “Susan is proof you can begin a writing career after age seventy,” and what a legacy that is proving to be. Susan’s books include House of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Isobel’s Mission of Courage: A Faces of Courage Novelette, Courage for Your Everyday Life: A Faces of Courage Flash Fiction Devotional, and Faces of Courage (Book One).
I like the way Susan uses conflict to bring out character flaws. It makes them more relatable in the issues they try to resolve. Carmen’s last interaction with her aunt took place when she was a teenager and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Yet, Carmen finds new layers to the person she thought she knew.
Carmen also struggles with being compared to her successful sisters, choosing to follow her own path in the military. We feel the anguish of never measuring up to her family’s expectations.
Carmen realizes through Mateo, her aunt’s maintenance man, gardener, and driver, that bitterness takes root like the weeds in a garden. It’s hard to get out and harder to forgive.
I enjoyed the story and the lessons intertwined within. Carmen’s Journeyof Courageis a great read and keeps you riveted until the end. Susan Beatty is a master storyteller!
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Help for the Helper: Purpose for the Planner, Respite & Renewal for the Caregiver
