Thursday, September 24, 2015

Fall TBR











Fall is finally here!! I can not wait for sweater weather, boots, Halloween, and bonfires. Fall and Winter are my favourite times of the year and I always look forward to reading some books set during these seasons. I have come up with a list of books I plan to read this Fall because they just scream Fall to me.




                                              































                                            

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

#VerseMapping








Courtesy of Proverbs31.org





Ever heard of ‪#‎VerseMapping‬? Me neither, until recently. If you don't know what it is I'll link a blog post explaining what it is. If your interested in verse mapping I'll also link to ‪#‎VerseMapClub‬. In October we'll be verse mapping our way through Romans.




Wednesday, September 2, 2015

REVIEW: Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon












{About the Book}


After cheating death, Veronica Welling is determined to savor every moment in her idyllic kingdom with both her true love and best friend by her side at last. At the same time, Mackenna Reid is enthusiastically building her new life and a theater with her prince. But just as their dreams of happiness are within reach, the world Vee and Kenna have chosen is ripped away, leaving them to face their most horrific challenge yet—their old lives.

Thrust out of Doon, the best friends are confronted with tormentors from their past and no way to return to their adopted land. When the MacCrae brothers rush to their rescue, the girls' situation turns from nightmare to modern-day fairy tale. But their happiness could be short lived: unbeknownst to them, someone in their closest circle is aiding the witch of Doon in her bid to destroy the kingdom once and for all.












{My Review}

Rating: 5 stars!
My Preciousssssss!!


I absolutely LOVE this series, but Shades of Doon is my favourite of the series thus far. The Doon series just seems to be getting better and better with each new installment. The covers also keep getting better and better.

Some of the setting of this book was set outside of Doon. While I didn't mind it, after a while I was really itching to get back into the world of Doon. Doon is such a beautiful, magical, and magnificent place that I want to spend as much time in that world as possible.

World building is top-notch, the writing is amazing, and great character growth. I also love the alternating POVs. Veronica and McKenna's voices are so different and fun to read. I really enjoy reading from both perspectives.

Another thing I love about these books is the wonderful Christian messages woven through each book in this series, but I did notice it was much more prominent in this newest installment. I love that Carey and Lorie aren't afraid to add it to the series.

Basically this book was almost flawless in my opinion and I am eagerly and impatiently awaiting the fourth and final book in this series.







Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Inspire or Fire!

















    

    So often we hear the phrases "That's so inspiring." or "You inspire me." And they are great compliments, but lately I've heard similar phrases coming from Believers. Phrases like, "That verse is inspiring." or Jesus inspired me." Again they're nice compliments, but when it comes to Scripture and especially Jesus we should want to be more than just inspired. Don't get me wrong being inspired and inspiration is an important thing and it's wonderful. However, I believe that we shouldn't just be inspired by Jesus, but we should be on FIRE for Jesus. Completely and wholly on fire for Him. In Scripture we don't just see people being inspired by Him. We see people being transformed by Him. We see people who lives radically changed after their encounter with Christ. They were never again the same as before. He came to save you. Jesus was beaten, hung on a cross, and left there to die. For you! And those of you reading who are not believers I'm not trying to sell you religion. Christianity is a relationship. A relationship with a God who loves you far beyond than what our minds can even fathom. But choosing Jesus and being on fire for him is a choice you have to make for yourselves. I can't make it for you. And the road with Christ will not be any easy one, but it's all worth it in the end when you stand before Him and He speaks the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Today I'm encouraging you to make a choice to choose Jesus and be utterly on fire for Him. Jesus is the best choice you will ever make in your life. Trust me.





John 3:16






Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Top 10: Carman Music Videos











If your like me and you grew up in church in the 90's then I am sure you listened to Christian music artist, Carman. I know I did. Still to this day I sometimes go back and watch these videos and listen to these songs. So today I'm counting down my top 10 favourite Carman music videos.



10. Mission 3:16


Not my favourite song or video so it takes the lowest spot at number 10.



9. The Champion








8. R.I.O.T









7. Lazarus Come Forth









6. No Monsters








5. Sunday School Rock









4. Revival in the Land








3. Witch's Invitation









2. Great God









1. America Again








What's your favourite Carman music video? Did I leave it out? Hit me up in the comments!




Tuesday, August 25, 2015

REVIEW: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin











{About the Book}

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them. 














{My Review}

4 stars.

In 1941 the US is on the brink of joining the WWII effort.Naval Officer escorts British convoys and Mary Stirling is a quiet Naval Yard Secretary. But soon enough it is discovered that the USS Atwood has been sabotaged and Jim and Mary work together to find out who can be so bold. And while looking for the culprit they also begin to discover that their falling for each other.

Through Waters Deep is probably my favourite Sundin work yet. Sarah gave me exactly what I wanted and was hoping for in this novel. The writing was almost flawless, and the romance was a big part of the story and didn't seem to be an after thought. If your a fan of Historical romance I would recommend you pick up this book.

Monday, August 24, 2015

COVER REVEAL: The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan













{About the Book}


In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
 






{About the Author}




Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.



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