The First Gardner

The First Gardner
By Denise Hildreth Jones

About the book:
Jeremiah Williams has been tending the gardens of the Tennessee governor’s mansion for over twenty-five years. And like most first families who have come and gone, this one has stolen his heart.
Mackenzie and her husband, Governor Gray London, have struggled for ten years to have a child and are now enjoying a sweet season of life—anticipating the coming reelection and sending their precious daughter, Maddie, off to kindergarten—when a tragedy tears their world apart. As the entire state mourns, Mackenzie falls into a grief that threatens to swallow her whole.
Though his heart is also broken, Jeremiah realizes that his gift of gardening is about far more than pulling weeds and planting flowers. It’s about tending hearts as well. As he uses the tools that have been placed in his hands, he gently begins to cultivate the hard soil of Mackenzie’s heart, hoping to help her realize what it took him years to discover.
A Southern tale of loss, love, and living, The First Gardner reminds us that all of life is a gift, but our heart is the most valuable gift of all.

My Thoughs:

After reading this book I feel like saying "WOW". Denise Hildreth Jones is such a gifted writer and improves with each book. Denise has a way of crafting characters that reach out and grab your heart whether they are in good or bad situations.




"The First Gardner" has sadness hanging over it and yet it held such inspiration and wisdom, ending with a great sense of hope.



On the outside it may look as though Mackenzie and Gray have it all as the Governor and First Lady of Tennessee but inside their hearts are broken. The two are desperately searching to restore what used to be, but God has other plans and uses unexpected people to show them the way.



My favorite character of "The First Gardner" was just that, the gardener, Jeremiah. He worked so diligently at keeping the garden and was always there to give a kind word. His knowledge grew out of his own heartache and may not have been what Mackenzie and Gray wanted to hear but always seemed to be what they needed to hear.



Favorite Quote:

“Grief aint' sump'n you wanna rush. It be God's way of helpin' us get out the pain. He know if we ain't got some way to get it all out, we gon' explode. So He give us grief, He give us tears. All of them things we need to get it all out."





*I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*
Rating: 5 carats

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Story Engineering

Story Engineering

By Larry Brooks

About the book:

From story concept to character development to scene construction and beyond, this blueprint for dynamic storytelling makes putting together a strong novel, memoir, or screenplay easier than ever. Beginning writers in all genres?from fiction writers to nonfiction writers to screenplay writers will learn how to wrap their heads around the big picture of storytelling at a professional level through a new approach that shows how to combine six core competencies: the four elemental competencies of concept, character, theme, and story structure (plot); and the two executional competencies of scene construction and writing voice. You'll discover how to achieve the greatest potential in your story through mastering the way these six factors combine and empower each other on the page.

My Thoughts:
Story Engineering sets out to show that there is a basic model that any story can be built upon. This is not a how to book but a book on writing that shows six core concepts to writing a great story.




This book was hard to read, most of it was analogy after analogy. It tooks three chapters of basically repeating himself before you ever find out what his supposed “six core competencies” are and nearly 150 page before he gets to explaining how to execute them.



If the author cut down on all his babble this book would probably be half the size it is and much more effective. That being said, once he finally got to the point he had a lot of valuable advice for anyone interested in writing a great story.

*I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*

Favorite Quote:

“We can work hard or we can work smart. Hopefully both. A killer story development model doesn’t take the hard work out of writing, but in any case it infuses the process with a heavy dose of smart.”

Rating: 4 carats

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Flirting with Disaster

Flirting with Disaster
By Sandra Byrd
About the book:
n a shocking turn of events, all writers for the Wexburg Academy Times will cast their votes for next year's editor - and it looks like Savvy's vote will be the tie breaker! She must choose between a nasty-girl-turned-nice, with a sudden interest in letting Savvy get what she wants, and the prickly Hazelle, who promises nothing at all. Savvy then finds herself wrapped up in a new, seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous activity. It's all at risk in this book: her position on the paper, the boy she likes, the ministry she wants to go well. At a critical moment, Savvy must figure out how to rely on God rather than luck and to overcome temptation before it is too late.

My Review:



Flirtng with Disaster is the fourth and final book in Sandra Byrd’s London Condfidential series (read about1,  2, and 3 here). Savannah Smith has finally settled into her new hometown outside of London, England, is nearly part of the popular group the Aristocrats, as well as settling into to her duties at the paper. Everything is going along swimmingly until she starts getting forwarded emails and text messages saying that is she doesn’t pass them on to some many people in a set amount of time bad things will happen. As a Christian, Savvy knows not to be superstitious but the pull of playing the game is strong when it can mean the difference between fitting in the Aristocrats or not.



I really liked how this series wrapped up so sweetly. Savvy has a way entering into your heart and I couldn’t help but continually root for her to make the right decisions.

Sandra Byrd did an awesome job of tying up all the loose ends from all four books. It was a lot of fun to learn bits and pieces of English culture as well as the way Savvy weaved what she was learning in youth group and Bible study to her weekly newspaper column.

All four books were a quick and fun read. I“d love to see more of Savvy Smith in the future!

Favorite Quote:

“But every good thing only comes from God.”

Come back  Friday for an interview with Sandra Byrd!


Rating: 5 carats

Visit Sandra's website Buy the book

Life Promises For Success

Life Promises for Success
By Jim Tressel

About the book:
Everyone wants to succeed—at work, at home, in relationships, and in life. But sometimes the road to success can be difficult, and even the most seasoned leaders can find themselves in need of some motivation.


In Life Promises for Success, NYT bestselling author and Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel shares a collection of inspiring readings and Bible promises designed to encourage those seeking to succeed in every area of life.

Filled with easily applicable Bible verses, motivational quotes, and engaging and inspiring readings, Life Promises for Success is the perfect daily reader for anyone looking to reach their highest goals, achieve greatness, and inspire others to do the same.


My Thoughts:


Everyone wishes to be a success and each person has his/her own definition of what success is. With so many definitions who could ever really know what success is? We can know by understanding God’s view on what success is.



Jim Tressel does a good job in compiling an encouraging devotional filled with promises from God’s word, personal experience and inspiring quotes. This book would be a wonderful resource tool for anyone mentoring others.



Favorite Line:

“Success is a journey that we all take, and it affects every phase of our lives.”


*I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*

Rating: 4 carats

View Jim Tressel's website Buy the book

Bound By Guilt

Bound By Guilt
By C.J. Darlington

About the book:
Roxi Gold has been shuttled from one foster home to another for most her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in even if it's against the law. Soon she's traveling the country in an RV, stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. She knows it's wrong, but if she refuses, she'll be put out on the streets.


Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. Her ex-husband wrested her daughter away from her in a bitter custody battle. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn't any safer, and there's no joy in her life.

One fateful night a man's innocent blood changes both Roxi's and Abby's lives forever. One searches for justice; the other finds herself on the run until a first edition of The Great Gatsby catches up with her. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?

My Thoughts:


Bound By Guilt isn’t typically a book I would read but it was good. The depth of all the characters was great. I really enjoyed how easy it was to tell whose life was whose as each scene began even though scenes alternated characters. Every scene and character had a purpose which ultimately came together at the end. What amazed me the most was how much I felt for the main character, Roxi. Roxi was hurting and made some mistakes. Roxi was broken and it made me happy to see wise, loving people come to her aid.




Bound by Guilt is C.J. Darlington’s second book and I have a feeling there are many great ones to come!

Stay tuned for an interview with CJ later in the week.



Favorite Line:

“For one moment Roxi let herself enjoy the store’s ambiance. The potbellied stove in the corner, the rainbow of book spines crowding every shelf, the ticking of the antique clock she now saw sitting above the front door. If things were different, if she were different, every book in a store like this could be a potential treasure. As it was, everyone was a target.”


* I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*

Rating: 5 carats

Visit C.J. Darlington's website

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Coming Back Stronger

Coming Back Stronger
By Drew Brees with Chris Fabry

About the book:

When a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team—and facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again—coaches around the NFL wondered, Will he ever come back? After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leaving more than 80 p

ercent of the city underwater, many wondered, Will the city ever come back? And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned, Will the Saints ever come back? It takes a special person to turn adversity into success and despair into hope—yet that is exactly what Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees has done—and with the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. Coming Back Stronger is the ultimate comeback story, not only of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but also of a city and a team that many had all but given up on. Brees’s inspiring message of hope and encouragement proves that with enough faith, determination, and heart, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and not only come back, but come back stronger.

My Review:
This book was really inspiring and uplifting. It begins with his career with the San Diego Chargers and really takes off when Drew injures his shoulder and begins to put his faith into practice as Dr’s tell him he may never play again. He is very open about his prayer life and how He turned to his faith in the Lord to overcome his injury and how he set goals to as the title says, come back stronger.




As Drew recounts his journey you can’t help but be encouraged. Anyone who is interested in sports or a good comeback story won’t be able to put this book down!

I received this book free for review from Tyndale House publihsers

Rating: 5 carats

Don't Kiss Him Goodbye

Don't Kiss Him Goodbyre
By Sandra Byrd

Don't Kiss Him Goodbye is the third installment of Sandra Byrd's London Confidential series(read the first two Asking For Trouble and Through Thick and Thin). Savvy Smith has been living near London, England for almost a year now beginning to settle in and feel like she is making friends. As spring arrives she learns of the annual May Day Ball and longs to be asked. Savvy makes a list of all her potential dates only to see they already have asked someone. All except for one that is, the mysterious and good-looking Rhys who seems interested in her but who also has a reputation for trouble. What will Savvy do? Follow her heart? Or follow what she knows to be true?




Each Savvy Smith book draws me in more and more. I have really begun to not only like Savvy but to care about and root for her to make the right decisions, intrigued how she is so easily torn between two worlds.



This is a light and fun read written so descriptively you’ll keep turning the pages.



Favorite Line:

"We locked eyes for a moment and felt the bond of the sisterhood between two Christians who has hopes and dreams that seemed to have stalled over the Bermuda Triangle."


I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers
Rating: 5 carats

Visit Sandra's website Buy the book

Through Thick and Thin

Through Thick and Thin
By Sandra Byrd

Through Thick and Thin is the second book in Sandra Byrd's London Confidential series,(read the review of Asking For Trouble) Savannah Smith is starting to settle into her new life near London, England and soon sees the opportunity she has been waiting for - a chance to write a column for the school newspaper. Savvy carefully plots out her plan of action and is determined to execute it but when things start to unravel she is forced to choose between her family and friends or her dream job.




I really liked digging deeper into Savvy's life. Her biggest struggle was wanting to liked with real friends however it seems as though having people like her comes at a price which causes Savvy to dislike herself and hurt some people she cares deeply for.



Sandra Byrd did a great job of showing Savvy's challenges of going after her dreams and staying true to who she is while throwing in dashes of British culture and fashion.



Favorite Line:

"Chic through thick and thin."


Rating: 5 carats

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 Buy the book

Hurricanes In Paradise

Hurricanes in Paradise
By Denise Hildreth

About the Book:
When Riley Sinclair stepped into her new job as director of guest relations at a posh resort on Paradise Island, she felt the final pieces of her once-broken life coming together. But the waters become choppy when Riley discovers that some who come to the Atlantis Hotel are accompanied by paralyzing secrets and overwhelming fears. Riley and three guests are in desperate but unknowing need of each other, eventually forging unlikely yet powerful friendships. With a hurricane headed straight for the island, together they embark on a journey of laughter, heartache, and healing.

My Review:
Wow! I really liked this book. This is Denise Hildreth’s first book in two years and it was well worth the wait. I’ve read her books before but Hurricanes In Paradise is the best yet with a little bit of everything. It’s a beautiful story of fashion, friendship, overcoming pain, discovering who you were meant to be, and of course the beach! The four main characters are easy to fall in love with, flaws and all.




Tamyra, Winnie, Laine, and Riley were all strangers at the beginning of the book only to be transformed into lifelong friends as they vacationed at The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. The book alternates between the four women weaving their stories together. Denise has mastered the art of foreshadowing. With every scene she drew me in and right as I was holding my breath to see what happened, she switched to a different character whom I was equally as enthralled in. Even I wanted to skip pages ahead to see what happened and I am not a page skipper!



There is an urban legend which says the waters at the Atlantis heal and some come searching for it. These women are quick to find the water may not be what heals but are directed to the One who truly does heal. Denise talks about faith in God without being preachy and even through a fictional story can help you see that trusting in the Lord can heal our deepest hurts.



Favorite Quote:

“She was learning that control was an illusion, and she had a feeling that knowing would help her get through the week.”

I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers
Rating: a whole gem parcel!!

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Asking For Trouble

Asking For Trouble
By Sandra Byrd
If adjusting to a new school wasn’t enough, Savannah Smith had to adjust to a new school in an entirely different country. Once Savannah’s family moved to England her friends from Seattle moved too - moved on with life without her! Savannah could feel nothing but left out. Determined to make her new life as fun as it was in the United States, Savannah sets out to find exactly what she can do to fit in. Will it be the art club? The Science club? Gymnastics club? What about the school newspaper with the cute editor-in-chief, Jack? Savannah has always dreamed of being a journalist and just knows this must be it. Some things are easier said than done. Can Savannah fulfill her dreams, make new friends, and stay true to her faith?




Sandra Byrd has written another winner combining faith, fashion, friendships, and the struggles of everyday life into a fun read with compelling characters and dashes of British culture. My favorite part of the book is how relatable Savannah is. As I read the book I could sense the frustration and confusion Savannah experienced striving to find her place in England while sticking to her values. There isn’t much I did not like about this book. I would have enjoyed more information on Savannah’s life and friendships back in Seattle to understand why she felt so out of place in England. Cheerio!

Visit Sandra's website
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Rating: 4 carats

Operation Worship

Operation Worship Pink Camo Bible




The Operation Worship Pink Camo Bible is a special edition New Living Translation Bible for wives, mothers, sisters, friends, and girlfriends of persons in the military.



It’s a small Bible with pieces of pink camo paper to pull out and write simple notes on, a military prayer for peace, a guide to studying the Bible, and excerpts of letters to people in the military at the back of the Bible. It’s cute.

I received this  Bible for a free review from Tyndale House Publsihers



Favorite Quote:

“O Lord, while we are apart, make us instruments of your peace.

When there is hatred let us plant the seeds of your love;

Where the is anger,..restraint;

Where there is brutality,…kindness;

Where there is fear,…courage;

Where there is pride,..humility;

Where there is blindness,…wisdom;

Lord, while we are apart, help us entrust our lives to you.

Where there is loneliness, make your presence known;

Where there is doubt, give us faith;

Where there is despair, awaken in us hope;

Where there is darkness, shine your light;

Where there is sadness, fill us with joy;



Lord, while we are apart, bless us and protect us.

Smile on us and be gracious to us.

Show us your favor and give us your peace.

And use us to plant seeds of blessing

wherever we go, whatever we do,

in everything we say.



We pray all these things

for the sake of your Name and your Kingdom.

Amen.

Learn more about Operation Worship HERE
Buy Assorted Military Bibles HERE

Rating: 5 carats