Thursday, November 22, 2018

YouTube Thursday

It seems like time has sped up and I'm struggling to keep up with the day to day stuff.  Anyone else out there feel this way? 

The good news is that today we get to take a brief break to stuff our faces and remind ourselves about all the things we have to be thankful for in our lives.

I hope you have the happiest of Thanksgivings and get to spend it with the people you love the most!



In honor of those going shopping and risking the crowds, this is what I have to say about that...

You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch- Lindsay Sterling and Sabrina Carpenter







Thursday, November 8, 2018

YouTube Thursday

I'm sure you've heard Tauren Wells many times on the radio--especially if you listen to Christian music.  He has a very unique sound and the words of his songs resonate with me. 

Known gets me every time.  The thought that God knows me so well that there's nothing I can hide from him.. He does see through my mess of a life and loves me anyway.  His love is just amazing! 




Do you have God's love?  You can.  When you decide to become a believer in God, you just need to pray to Him and say so.  There's nothing fancy to say--no special words.  You just talk to God like you're having a conversation with a friend.

The main principles of becoming a believer are:
1. Admit that you're a sinner and nothing but the grace of God's love can change that. 
2. Then, you have to believe that Jesus Christ, God's son, died on the cross for your sins, rose three days later from the grave, and now rules over us all.
3. Finally, confess your sins to God.  Let him know that you know you're a sinner and that nothing can change your life except for Him. That you want to live with Him as King of your life.

You probably won't feel too much of a difference after you pray, but know that your life has completely changed.  It's time to get set up and connect with a church.  If you're local to my area, I go to Idlewild. (Yes, it's huge. Let me know and we can meet up so it won't seem so overwhelming.)

If you're not local, contact your local church and let them know that you'd like to get connected.  If you need help, hit me up in the comments section and I'll help you find one.

Congratulations and welcome to the family!

Thursday, November 1, 2018

YouTube Thursday

Happy All Saints' Day!  
I hope your Halloween was plentiful as we think about those we lost on this day.  Here's a great explanation of today and tomorrow (All Souls Day) from the Catholic standpoint.  But hey--Legos!


Thursday, October 25, 2018

YouTube Thursday

You may have noticed that yesterday's picture was just another version of last week's Wordless Wednesday.  We recently found out that my brother-in-law has a very aggressive form of cancer and it has taken over his body.  The prognosis is not good. 

However, I know that we have a very powerful and almighty God who can do miracles every day.  I know that he can completely heal Kevin's cancer and remove it completely from his body so he has a very long and healthy life to spend with my sister and niece.

If you would, please pray for Kevin.  He started his radiation and chemotherapy yesterday and had his port put in since they will be dousing him with these poisons for multiple weeks at a time while also doing immunotherapy.  Tomorrow he goes in for his spinal tap. 

I can only imagine the overwhelming feelings he has right now.  What do I do? Who do I turn to?  What should I do? Will it work? And so forth.  This week's song is dedicated to Kevin and his ongoing fight.


You're Going to Be Okay by Brian and Jenn Johnson






Thank you for praying for Kevin.  If there's anything I can pray about for you, please let me know in the comments or fill out the form in my sidebar.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Summer Plans and Other Disasters by Karin Beery




I received this book for free from the author, the publicist, and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and review.


About the book

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track.
Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right?
Trying to figure out God’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best laid plans were truly God-inspired. 
Now available from Elk Lake Publishing!




About the author

Karin wrote her first novel in 2007 to cope with her husband’s cancer diagnosis (no worries – he’s cancer free now!). With the support and encouragement of her family, she submitted that manuscript. That particular manuscript has not been published yet, but Summer Plans and Other Disasters, her first published book, releases in September 2018.

Karin writes contemporary and speculative fiction stories with a healthy dose of romance, but she’s also expanded her repertoire: she writes feature stories for the local paper, copy material for businesses, and blog posts for herself and others. She even edits (offering copy editing, fiction editing, and critiques through Write Now Editing Services) and teaches (she’s the Substantive Fiction Editing instructor for the PEN Institute and can be found around the country teaching writing and editing courses at conferences and at her local college).

When Karin’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys cooking and baking. She plays the piano and sings (the key of E, please). She kayaks with her husband in the summer, watches football in the fall (Go Blue!), and enjoys Christmas lights all winter long. Shy but extroverted, Karin adores her nieces and nephew and loves spending time with her family.  Learn more about Karin at: karinbeery.com.
You can also follow her on:


Dynamic Uno here:

Summer Plans and Other Disasters sounded like the perfect book when I read the excerpt and I wasn't disappointed.  

Callie is a music teacher, major klutz, and plans her life in advance.  She decided to spend the summer with her brother Jack, and his best-friend and roommate Ryan, as a part-time helper to make a little extra spending money, while trying to get back together with her ex, Kyle.  At least, that was the plan...she thought.  

Needless to say, there's a lot of testosterone which leads to drama--especially in the dating department.  To top things off, her best friend Mae is pregnant again and offering her lots of words of wisdom and dating advice.

What's a girl who is a walking disaster and wants God's will for her life to do?

The characters were very realistic and down-to-earth.  I enjoyed the fact that Callie is a teacher, klutz, and plans her life too.  (I somehow think that we would get along great in real life because we are so similar--at least in those respects.)  I also appreciate her musical talents because that's something I only dream about.

I loved how Callie ran to God when she had no place else to turn.  Isn't that how it usually works?  We all plan our lives according to the way we think they should be orchestrated and when things start tumbling downhill we finally decide to look up?  (Or am I the only one?)

This may be Karin Beery's first published novel, but I for one, cannot wait to see what else she has planned for books in the future.  If you enjoy contemporary romance with a sweet message, this is the book for you!  

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!




Thursday, October 18, 2018

You Tube Thursday

TobyMac is amazing anyways, but his new release Elements is AWESOME!  Here's the title track from it:

TobyMac-Elements



Let me know what you think!

Thursday, June 28, 2018

You Tube Thursday

In my part of the world it's dreary and raining so I needed a little pick-me-up song and Crowder's Run Devil Run definitely fits the bill.  Have a great day!




Thursday, June 14, 2018

You Tube Thursday

Welcome to day 1 of the FIFA World Cup (Soccer) 2018!  While I'm not a fan of grown men being big babies and pointing fingers at other players when they think it will benefit them (their acting coaches must get millions), I do enjoy watching the fast paced action on the field.  So, no matter what team you're rooting for, enjoy this year's song!

Live It Up (Official Video) - Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi (2018 FIFA World Cup Russia)



Thursday, May 31, 2018

YouTube Thursday

It's been quite a crazy couple of weeks between my niece graduating, my other half's birthday last week, and our anniversary this week.  And I didn't even really post pictures--unless you watch my Twitter feed at the side of the page, or follow me on Instagram.   I know, I know...bad blogger.  In any case, with all of the craziness I'm trying to remember to count it all joy, which leads me to today's video:

Joy by For King and Country




P.S.  Happy #NationalSmileDay

Friday, May 18, 2018

Congratulations Cutie Pie!

It's hard to believe that today is the day you're leaving high school and starting the next step of your life--college.  I still remember hanging out at amusement parks when you were younger,


going to chorus concerts,


cheering you on in robotics,


taking trips with you,


and even having our girl's nights.


While we haven't been able to get together quite as often the last few years due to distance,  I still love that we can pick up right where we left off and be our goofy selves together.  

I am very proud of the young lady you've become and can't wait to find out what you're going to do next for others.  

Kind.  Caring.  Compassionate.  Intelligent.  Beautiful.  

These are the words that come to mind when I think about you.  Congratulations on finally getting out of school and graduating so you can continue to pursue your dreams.  I love you!




Thursday, May 17, 2018

You Tube Thursday

It's been twelve years and now the end is finally here.  My niece is graduating from high school tomorrow and I can barely believe it.  I've watched her from the time she was born blossom into the young lady she is now.  I can't believe it's time for her to start the next step in this adventure called life. 

I had so many things I wanted to do for her before we reached this point, but life has a way of sneaking up and past you.  All I can say is enjoy it while you can because it is brief. 

Today, I realized that the Sidewalk Prophets have already mentioned all of the things I want for her in their song "The Words I Would Say." 

So, Cutie Pie--this one's for you!  I'm very proud of all you have accomplished so far in your life and can't wait to see what's to come!  Congratulations!!  You finally made it!









Sunday, May 13, 2018

Friday, May 11, 2018

Love Inspired Book Tour

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books for free from the publisher through a book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive 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.” 


What exactly is Love Inspired?  Here's the word directly from the publisher:

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are 12 new books each month! 6 from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and 6 from Love Inspired Suspense who like some danger with their romance stories.


Dynamic Uno here:  While very saddened to hear that the LitFUSE Publicity Group is no longer in business, I was happy to hear that the publisher, Harlequin, decided to continue with their Love Inspired book tour.

Yes, Harlequin publishes books with a Christian slant.  The tag line is "Heartwarming Inspirational Romance" and they do not contain all of the other "stuff" that the Harlequin name is know for in their books.  I've spoken with several people this past month who were surprised to see me reading a Harlequin romance and when I started telling them about the books, they were immediately impressed. (Yay!!)

Enough about me though-you're here to hear about the books!  I was hoping to have read all of them before the tour, but alas time was not on my side.  I was able to read two of them, even though I only had to read one.  Hopefully I'll be able to read the others within the next few weeks.



Primary Suspect 
by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend---and then attacked at the crime scene---fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence---and in his promise of love?

Primary Suspect by Laura Scott (Love Inspired Suspense)
I have to admit that I hate finding out that the book I'm getting ready to read is part of series that I haven't read yet.  However, that was not a problem with this story.  The action started on page one with a murder scene being discovered with several murder attempts made and a couple on the run.  The action continued throughout the story and the whole time I kept questioning why all of this was happening to the characters, just like they were.  I enjoyed reading this fast-paced thriller and now want to read the other books in the series while waiting for the next one.



Bound by Duty 
by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she's secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she's not in league with the criminal---she's in danger. It's up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

Bound by Duty by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense)
I was immediately drawn in to this story since the main character was being followed by Military Police surveillance because of the murders her brother committed.  Talk about drama from the first page!  This story kept me guessing throughout because the events kept getting crazier and crazier--I can only imagine how helpless the characters felt.  I  also enjoyed reading as the sparks started flying (in a good way) between Linc and Zoe.  Happy endings are my favorite!  If the other books in the series are as good as this one, then I'll definitely keep reading them!





The Wedding Quilt Bride 
by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King's offer of assistance---but she isn't prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret---or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

The Wedding Quilt Bride by Marta Perry (Love Inspired)
Yes, I know...another book about the Amish.  I'm hoping to get to this one in the next few weeks because it looks really good.  If you've read it, let me know what you thought!





The Rancher's Secret Child 
by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo's simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had---and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she'd only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad---but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

The Rancher's Secret Child by Brenda Minton (Love Inspired)
If you've been with me for any length of time, you know that I love me some cowboys--whether fictional or real. This one is another one I'm hoping to get to within the next few weeks.  I can't wait to read about what happens with Marcus and his son.


Since you've stuck with me for this long, let me tell you about the $100 Visa gift card giveaway!

https://gleam.io/gLe4I/love-inspired-blog-tour-sweepstakes

Love Inspired Blog Tour Sweepstakes!
I mean, who couldn't use $100 right now?  (If you don't need it, then you can always donate it to your favorite blogger...am I right?  Bueller...Bueller...)


Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!


Thursday, May 10, 2018

You Tube Thursday

Y'all know how I love me some NeedToBreathe.  When their Hard Love album came out, this is one of the songs that I immediately fell in love with...

Let's Stay Home Tonight


I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  Let me know what you think in the comments section!


Sunday, May 6, 2018

International Bereaved Mother's Day

http://stillstandingmag.com/2016/06/international-bereaved-mothers-day/
I first became away of this day through a former co-worker who lost her child before birth.  I grieved with her through the distance and I watch the amazing things that have come out of her grief through the foundation established as a result of her loss.  Never did I think that I would be joining this day of remembrance.


Only our mothers, doctors, and a couple of my current co-workers knew that we were walking through this same heart-break earlier this year.  It was such a nightmare, and despite all of the tears that I'm shedding as I attempt to type, I think it's finally time for me to share our story of loss.

I found out in January that I was pregnant.  Definitely not planned, and quite a surprise given that neither of us thought we could conceive, but a miracle blessing.  I went to my PCP a few days after my home test to confirm and she was so happy for us.  I was completely inundated with information and overwhelmed, but excited and trying to figure out how best to tell Handsome Uber Marine.



I decided to meet him after work at the place where we had our first date.  He actually beat me there, but I was still able to let the staff in on the news and what I was about to tell him--they were excited as well.



Handsome Uber marine asked me why I had a gift bag and I told it was a present for him because I had been so moody lately (pregnancy hormones are no joke) but that I would give it to him afterwards because it was a little personal.  He just nodded and we shared about our days.



After he had eaten, I finally gave him the gift bag to open and to say he was shocked is an understatement.  He even had to read the card twice before it actually sank in.  We. Were. Pregnant.  About 4 weeks along.


The next couple of days were a blur as we tried to decide how to tell our mothers because Handsome Uber Marine is incapable of keeping a secret.  We finally decided to take them out the following Friday  to dinner under the guise of Valentine's Day since it was just around the corner.  We scoured Pinterest and decided to give them a cute little birthday announcement with the September 30 potential due date.  Sadly, on Wednesday of that week, I started bleeding heavily and went to the ER.

After hours of waiting to be called back, they determined that I might be having a miscarriage, but to talk to my OBGYN and she could keep track of my levels, etc.  Of course everyone there kept telling me about how they had a miscarriage and now have x number of kids living healthy lives.  There were even pictures shown to me to try and give me hope.  It just made me pray harder to keep "Jellybean."

On the Friday we were supposed to meet our mothers for dinner, we managed to get an appointment with the OBGYN for the first time.  She was not as sympathetic as I had hoped, but she did confirm that I was having a miscarriage and that we would just have to wait it out.  "But don't stress out about it."  (Yeah, I wanted to punch her.  I'm losing my child, but I shouldn't stress out about it--right.)  She told me to go back to the doctor in a couple of days since they could test my HCG levels again and that I would becoming into the office every couple of days for blood work and to test my levels to make sure they were dropping adequately.

We went through this nightmare for weeks.  Me, bleeding heavily, praying that  Jellybean would just hold on because I had been told that some people bleed during their first trimester, especially if this is their first child and they're of "advanced maternal age."  Finally, after all of the ultrasounds and blood work, they still couldn't find Jellybean and had decided that Jellybean was gone.  On Valentine's Day no less, the OBGYN told me to either schedule surgery to have the remains sucked out or to take a pill and continue bleeding with really bad cramps.  I figured I had lasted this long with cramps and bleeding that a while longer wouldn't hurt.

Handsome Uber Marine and I continue to grieve the loss of our child.  The miracle blessing that God decided to raise for us. And while we won't know the why until we meet Him one day, we both rest knowing that we are able to have kids and will try when we are ready.  We have hope.



There will be some that will say that God is punishing us because we're not married yet and living together.  While others will blame it on me, my stress levels, my health... (I only mention these because they are the hurtful things that family members have already said.)

All I can say is, I don't wish this nightmare or heart-ache on anyone.  And if you've been suffering through the loss of your child too--I understand, and I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you for letting me remember my little one, even though our time together was brief.



Friday, May 4, 2018

Love Inspired Book Tour Giveaway


Enter now for the Blog Tour Sweepstakes by following the directions below.  Winners will be contacted via the Harlequin Love Inspired division, I'm just giving you the opportunity to enter the giveaway.  Stayed tuned for my reviews of several of the Love Inspired books.  Good luck!




Love Inspired Blog Tour Sweepstakes!


Thursday, May 3, 2018

You Tube Thursday

I've had to face a lot of decisions here lately that I've been scared to come to grips with and every time I've gotten into the car, Zach Williams' song Fear Is A Liar has come on.  While the video deals with other forms of fear--suicide, bullying, etc.  I still think the words apply to any difficulties that occur when you're afraid.  I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.








Let me know what you think in the comments section.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

You Tube Thursday

2018 has been quite the year so far, and I don't mean that in a good way.  Between financial issues, medical issues, and family drama, I have decided that I need a mulligan for the last couple of months.  Can I get an "Amen" from someone out there?

As a result, music has become even more of a soul-soother because that's the time I have to connect with God without anyone interrupting.  Me.  Worship. God.  Nothing else--except maybe traffic because I'm usually driving.

It seems like every time I get in the car here lately, I hear Natalie Grant belting out More Than Anything, just at the time I need to be reminded to focus on what's important and not the little distractions.  (Isn't that amazing when God works that way?!)




Hopefully you're having a better year than I am, and if not--chin up because God's got this!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thursday, April 12, 2018

You Tube Thursday

I cannot wait for NeedtoBreathe's next album release in July!  Until then, here's audio of one of their new songs-Bridges Burn.



Let me know what you think!

Thursday, April 5, 2018

YouTube Thursday

If you listen to any of the Christian Radio Stations in your area (ours are Joy FM and Spirit FM), I'm sure you've heard this song numerous times already. 

Reckless Love by Cory Asbury has become one of my favorite songs here recently, not because it's played frequently, but because the more I hear it and actually listen to the words, I am struck by the magnitude of God's love for us. 

I urge you to actually listen to the words.  Cory even reads the scripture and gives a brief story about the song itself.  I pray you feel the same overwhelming and reckless love of God that he sings of in this song.







Thursday, March 29, 2018

YouTube Thursday

It's been quite the week and most days you just have to believe that It Is Well despite how you may be feeling--myself included.




The good news is that Easter is coming.  If you don't have a place to celebrate join me at Idlewild Baptist Church!  You don't have to live in the area--they actually live stream as well. 

Sunday, March 25, 2018

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive 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.” 



ABOUT THE BOOK:
An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.
Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother's illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he's finally found.
Alice shouldn't like-or want-Calvin. He's English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can't help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he's worthy of her, she's torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.
When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can't help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she's lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.



Dynamic Uno here:  His Risk is book #4 in The Amish of Hart County and it is amazing!  One of the main characters, Calvin, appeared earlier in the series and I'd been wondering what had happened to him and now I know.

Calvin's double-life and its complications had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath in several spots.  One of my friends had to ask me if I was breathing when I curled myself up into a ball gnawing on my knuckles, anxiously reading to find out what was going to happen to the characters in their situation.

I really admired Alice's boldness with her words and her actions.  Even when she was afraid she still stood her ground and said what she needed to say.  I also appreciated how she accepted Calvin as a friend, even though he was an Englisher and no longer Amish.  Her sweet spirit and caring attitude towards her students/scholars made her an endearing character.

Despite the fact that there was heart-break, the touches of friendship and romance sprinkled throughout the story made His Risk one of my all-time favorites.  Even if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, definitely pick this one up! 

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!




Enter to win a copy of His Risk. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 28 on the Litfuse blog!




Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Happy Spring!

https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-spring-vernal-equinox

I'm a day late on this whole Spring thing.  I know most of the country is shaking its head in denial because of the horrible weather taking place, but in my part of Florida we're enjoying a little bit of cooler weather with lots of sunshine for the time being. 

Don't start hating--SUMMER IS COMING.  (Said in my best Game of Thrones voice.) That's when I'll be dreaming of living in a place where it snows year-round because it gets so unbelievably hot and muggy here.  That's when I'll try not to hate on you northern folks with your cooler weather and enjoyable sunny days.

All this to say--May the flowers start to bloom and bees start to buzz wherever you are in the world.  Happy Spring!

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Oh My Goodness! I Can't Wait!!!

Yes, I do tend to stick in my little bubble of work and sleep, but every so often I stick my head out to see what Disney is doing and today I can't stop squealing in delight!  My FAVORITE character, Winnie the Pooh, is being made into a live-action film and is being released during my birthday month.  (Thank you Disney for this Ah-Mazing present!) 

The movie is actually called Christopher Robin but let's get real--Pooh Bear is the real show stopper.  I'm parking the trailer here so you can squeal over it too!




Let me know what you think!



Thursday, March 8, 2018

You Tube Thursday

In honor of International Women's Day, here's the song that seems to be the girl anthem across the world (or at least in my part of it).  Remember to honor the women in your life today--you wouldn't be who you are without them!





Thursday, March 1, 2018

You Tube Thursday

Ever have those times in your life where you wish you could just run away to a quieter and slower-paced place?  That's where I am right now with all of the changes taking place both personally and professionally. 

I just want to run away and not worry about anything for awhile.  I'm tired of having to make decisions non-stop and I'm tired of having to interact with people because that costs me a lot of energy.  My energy has been depleted and I need a chance to restore for awhile.  Sadly, since I'm not able to run away right now, I listen to this song by the Dixie Chicks--Cowboy Take Me Away.

I don't agree with their politics, but every time I hear this song I think about a place where I can escape and things are good for awhile--just me, my cowboy, and quiet.  If that's where you are today, then, please--enjoy!


Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive 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.” 

About the Book:

Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love(Harvest House, February 2018)
Do you believe in true love?
In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache—that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn’t worth the risk.
But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us…we just have to look for it!
This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to
—rekindle the romance in your love story
—trust in God’s providence and timing
—faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after
—celebrate true romance
—believe in life-long love
Don’t let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.



About the Author:



Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. With more than 20 years of experience as a pastor's wife, mom, mentor, author, and speaker, Rhonda uses humor and honest communication to help women build No Regrets Lives. She and her husband live their real-life romance in northern California, and have four grown children and eight grandchildren.
Find out more about Rhonda at http://www.rhondastoppe.com.







Dynamic Uno here:  February is the month of love, so what better book to read than a book full of romance stories?  I must admit, this isn't just any romance book.  It's about real-life couples, how they met, and how they have worked on their marriages to stay together with God's help.

I have enjoyed reading the brief snippets into other couples lives-mainly because it makes me realize that we are all in this crazy-big world together and that no relationship, no matter how rosy it looks on social media or in person, is without its struggles and hardships.  We are all dependent upon God, whether we realize it or not, and it is with His grace and mercy that we are able to walk together and do this thing called life.  

Reading about how God influenced relationships even when some of these couples were younger and met briefly, to reconnecting much later in their lives as adults gives me hope for those out there looking for their "other half."  It also made me appreciate my own relationship struggles because I know that the ups and downs are how we grow closer together as a couple-especially when we have God connecting us.

If you are single and wondering if your true love is out there, this book will give you hope to trust in God's timing for your own romance to be written, or even rewritten.  If you're in a relationship, this book will spark inspiration for your own relationship and let you relive your own romance!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!