Contentment Reading Challenge 2013 - July Update

Here we are at the end of another month! I can't believe how fast this year is going.

This month I added 5 books to my total for the year, taking me to a total of 39!

• True Honor by Dee Henderson
• True Courage by Dee Henderson
• Every Little Thing About You by Lori Wick
• A Texas Sky by Lori Wick
• City Girl by Lori Wick

I hope you are enjoying re-reading some of your old favourites if you are doing this challenge!

ACRBA Tour - An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer DeLamere

July 22 - 26

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

Is Introducing

An Heiress at Heart

(Grand Central Publishing)

By

Jennifer DeLamere
2013 Rita nominee

About the Author:

The youngest child of a Navy pilot and a journalist, Jennifer acquired a love of adventure and an excitement for learning that continues to this day. She’s lived in three countries and traveled throughout the United States. An avid reader of classics and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was chosen by Grand Central Publishing to be the first inspirational romance for their Forever imprint. She resides with her husband in the southeastern United States--where, when not writing or dreaming up romantic adventures for her characters, she can be found fantasizing about her next ski trip or international vacation.

Website: http://www.jenniferdelamere.com/

About the Book:

A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she's finally returning home, but she's still living a secret life. Her best friend Ria's dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again . . .

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville's world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he's invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother's young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

My Thoughts:

I liked the story, but I have to say that so many elements of it reminded me of other books I've read. It was kind of a compilation of all those elements rolled into one story.

I found the end was a little rushed, and I had to read it a couple of times to work out how everything fitted together.

 

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Wake Me Up

This song gets stuck in my head and keeps my toes tapping!

ACRBA Tour - All In 2 Night by Lynne Burgess

15 - 19 July

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing

All in 2 Night

(Even Before Publishing March 2013)

by

Lynne Burgess

available at Light the dark

About the Author

Lynne and Chris have raised five children who are now adults. Lynne's practical experience comes from the quality time spent with her own children. She successfully implemented her All-In Night for over 16 years using simple yet productive activities that included the whole family. She now shares these ideas at speaking events and through her book.

About the book
All-In Night is a family routine. For one night of the week everyone stays home. By spending ten to twenty minutes together, you can learn and talk about the things that matter. Following on from Lynne's original book this set of new activities is designed especially with Christian families in mind. An activity or discussion point each week. The book includes 40 weeks of activities, designed as 1 per week of the school year.Activities include love languages, listening for God, self-esteem, the fruits of the spirit and many more. These fun and simple family activities provide an opportunity to grow values, goals, hopes, feelings and the foundation for a Christ led life. All-in Night works with two kids or ten. Let it become the heart of your family's life.


My Thoughts
I think I needed to read Lynne's first book, "All-In Night" to fully understand what is in this book.
While this book is not totally relevant for me right now (being a single woman with no children) it is one that I hope to be able to share with friends who are married and have children.
Having time with your family and opportunities to teach your children is so important. In my job, I see families and children falling apart because everyone is too busy to spend time together.
When I was growing up, we didn't have structured nights like this, but we did spend time together as a family. I still remember the ways my parents encouraged us to learn Bible verses (getting Lego boards was exciting - for each dot we learned a new verse)!
Even now, we still spend time around the dinner table as a family and talk about a whole range of topics - serious and funny.
If you have a family (or are planning one) get these books and start having family All-In Nights!

Faithfully

I have been reading 'When God Writes Your Love Story' by Eric and Leslie Ludy, who also wrote this song. A lot of the ideas from the book are wrapped up in this wonderful song.

Made Alive!

I Will Rise!!

Contentment Reading Challenge 2013 - June Update

June had some new reads and some old favourites!

• What Katy Did Next by Susan Coolidge
• Clover by Susan Coolidge
• In the High Valley by Susan Coolidge
• True Devotion by Dee Henderson
• True Valour by Dee Henderson

So 5 books for the month takes me to 34 for the year!