My Bookshelf: Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton

        Everyone has a story, but not everyone has their story straight—and teenagers are no exception! Today’s selfie culture fuels ongoing confusion about identity and purpose, and teens are left to assume that they are ultimately responsible to make life work, find meaning, and hope for the best when they mess up. When it’s all about you, it also all up to you. Right?

        Let’s get the story straight. Seven years in the making, Get Your Story Straight is a unique, 52-week devotional book to help teens and young adults discover the incredible news that God really is the hero of their story. Forged out of one Bible study leader’s ongoing quest to see the gospel penetrate the hearts of the teenagers in her small group, Get your Story Straight builds a year’s worth of personal reading and interactive exercises squarely upon the gospel. The three-part book starts with creation and works outward, so teens not only see the unending story of Christ, but also why it matters in their lives. Teens spend a week in one Bible passage—exploring, asking and answering questions, and journaling—to establish the habit of interacting carefully with the Scripture and making life applications.

        This one-of-a-kind devotional book rescues teens from the selfie culture, inviting them to live with Jesus in his gospel story—where they can know that their sins are forgiven, their future is assured, and their lives have meaning.

        I have a confession to make. I haven’t finished this book. But that doesn’t keep me from accurately reviewing it. I really love this non-fic. So why haven’t I finished it, and how can a possibly love an unfinished book? The answer is simple: Kristen Hatton designed Get Your Story Straight to be a one-a-day devotion that lasts for a year, and I haven’t had this book for a year. But it’s obvious that I love it when I’ve added it to my daily devotionals even though it’s mostly designed for teens (okay, okay, maybe I still fall into that category by some standards, but still). By the time I had finished the devotion for day one, I knew I was going to take a year to do this devotional. Because there is simply no other way to get everything out of it without taking your time to get through it.

        I haven’t gotten very far into the book yet (clearly since it will take me a year and I haven’t even had the book for a month) but I know that I am going to learn a lot as I make my way through its pages. It is just so full of substance, all about how God really is the hero of the Bible, and of our stories. It’s about applying Scripture to our lives, and about getting our story straight with God. So far as I can tell, Kristen does an amazing job of relaying her message in a way that is relatable and interesting for teens, and really families of any ages.

        At this point in my reading, I can easily give Get Your Story Straight all five bookshelves, and I know I am looking forward to continuing to enjoy this devotional. I’ll have to give you an update on what all I glean from it by the time I’m finished. Needless to say, I would definitely recommend this book to any family with teens—or anyone in general—who is looking for a good year-long devotional. You cannot go wrong with this one.

        Happy reading!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Linking up at Women with Intention Wednesdays, Thought Provoking Thursday, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis—which I found on Amazon—goes to Kristen Hatton, New Growth Press, and Amazon.

Quarterly Round-Up: July-September

        Here are all of the novels I have read this quarter!

  

How to Catch a Prince

        How to Catch a Prince, the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series, is one of my favorite books I’ve read this quarter. It was such a sweet, romantic novel that was the perfect conclusion to this series. I already cannot wait to read it again!

The Brickmaker’s Bride

        Although I did enjoy this novel to a certain degree, there were quite a few things that bothered me about the storyline, characters, and way that the book was written. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it unless those type of things don’t bother you, if you’re already a fan of Judith Miller and want to read this and find out for yourself, or if you don’t mind reading books like that anyway.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

        This was the first novel I had ever read by Regina Jennings, and I loved it! It made me an immediate fan of her writing. This book was funny and sweet and left my heart melted in a puddle by the end. I would definitely read it again, and know that I am anticipating reading more of her novels in the future!

For Such a Time

        Kate Breslin’s debut novel, For Such a Time, was another book that made me an immediate follower of the author. This World War II based version of Esther was by far one of my new favorite novels, and I would recommend it to anyone. It is intriguing, mysterious, and sweet, and I just know you would love it.

A Worthy Pursuit

        Since I have already read almost every book by Karen Witemeyer, I knew I would love this novel, but I didn’t realize it would quickly become another one of my favorites. I was captivated by every page, loved the mysterious aspect to it, and completely fell for the characters and their love story.

Lady Maybe

        I love Julie Klassen’s work. Everything she writes is amazing, and this novel was no exception. It had so many unexpected twists and turns, and I just loved the happy ending. Besides, the characters and setting were absolutely amazing.

The Curiosity Keeper

        Sarah E. Ladd is another one of my favorite authors. She does an amazing job of spinning captivating historical romances that are impossible to put down, and this book was no exception. Add to that the mysterious aspect of it, and you’ve got yourself a book you’re sure to enjoy.

The Colonel’s Lady

        This was the first book I had ever read by Laura Frantz, but it quickly became one of my favorite novels, which added her to my list of favorite novels. This book was super intriguing and sweet, and I loved all of the twists and turns it took. It easily became one of the best Revolutionary War era novels I have ever read.

The Decision

        Although I have been a fan of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s work in the past, I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this novel. At all. The plotline was slow and a bit uninteresting, the characters were extremely difficult to like, and the ending—while unpredictable—was not at all happy or enjoyable. I was very disappointed with this novel, so I would not necessarily recommend it.

Not By Sight

        Kate Breslin’s sophomore novel, Not By Sight, wowed me just as much as her first. It was such a sweet, intriguing novel that had one of the best love stories I have ever read. And the mystery aspect of it just put this book over the top for me.

The Captive Maiden

        I love, love, loved this book!!! Melanie Dickerson writes THE BEST fairy-tale retellings that are always full of gripping scenes and breathtaking romances, and this novel was one of the best examples of that. I read the entire thing in one sitting simply because as soon as I would try to put it down, I would pick it right back up!

Murder Freshly Baked

        As the third book in Vannetta Chapman’s Amish Villiage Mysteries series, I knew coming in that this would most likely be an excellent book, since I read the first two that is. I didn’t expect, however, that it would be as intense as it was, or that they mystery would be quite that hard to figure out. I definitely enjoyed this book, and was sad to see the series come to an end.

Sweetwater Gap

        I recently became a huge fan of Denise Hunter’s, and this book reminded me just why I love her writing. It had such a heart-wrenching storyline that captivated me from the start and made me weep for the main characters as the story went on.

Brightest and Best

        Although this book started out very slowly for me, I really did come to enjoy it, especially as I got deeper and deeper into the heart of the Amish’s struggle with the public school system. The history that filled this novel was wonderful, and I loved the romance that went along with it.

Your Best Happily Ever After

        This was the first non-fic I had ever reviewed, but I must say I enjoyed it immensely and loved having the chance to review such an inspiring book. Ginger Kolbaba’s tips on how to have your best happily ever after were all things I immediately wanted to put into practice, and her funny quips and stories made this a book I know I will read again and again.

The Prayer Box

        This was the first book I had ever read by Lisa Wingate, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with her writing style, the storyline, and the characters, and knew that I had found another author for my favorites list.

The Lost Heiress

        Roseanna M. White has been one of my absolute favorite authors for quite some time now—ever since I read her Culper Ring series—so I knew that I would really enjoy this book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. This novel was absolutely amazing, every last bit of it was captivating and swoon worthy, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out.

A Lady of Esteem

        A Lady of Esteem is the e-short prequel to Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, and was the first book she ever published. I stumbled upon it by chance one day, and immediately fell in love with Kristi Ann’s writing and the Hawthorne family. This short novel was super cute and funny, and I really felt like it told the whole story without rushing it too much, although I would have loved to hear more about its main characters.

A Noble Masquerade

        The first book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, I began anticipating this novel as soon as I began A Lady of Esteem. When I finally got a chance to read this novel—right before it released—I was ecstatic, and I immediately fell in love with the story. I already loved the Hawthorne family, but as I got to know the other main character, I loved him as well. This book was the perfect debut novel for Kristi Ann, and I cannot wait to read all about the rest of the Hawthornes.

The Chase

        A super sweet book about trusting God with your happily ever after, The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky was the second non-fic I finished/reviewed this year. I really enjoyed reading about how Kyle and Kelsey advise young girls to trust God, chase after Him, and then when the time is right let their Prince Charming chase after them. It really was a God-inspired book, and I really applaud them for taking the time to write something that will be such a great source of inspiration for young women around the world.

Falling Like Snowflakes

        As I said earlier, I am a HUGE fan of Denise Hunter’s. So, when I heard she was coming out with a new series, I practically jumped up and down with excitement. I almost immediately hurried to preorder this novel, and I anxiously waited for it until it released a few weeks ago. I devoured this book, loved every single bit of it, and promptly ordered another copy to send to my friend for her birthday. This book is that good.

The Selection

        Although I typically stick to Christian novels when it comes to any type of fiction, I took a chance on Kiara Cass when it came to this novel, and I ended up enjoying it immensely. Because there was a little bit of language in this book, I would not necessarily recommend it, but I definitely did like the way Kiara set up her futuristic version of our world.

The Elite

        Since I enjoyed the first novel in the series, I picked up this second book in The Selection series by Kiara Cass, and I have to say I liked this one as well. Although I’m not entirely sure I agree with all the twists and turns she took throughout this book, I am looking forward to being able to finish this series.

When Mercy Rains

        I have been a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer for quite some time now, so I was sure I would enjoy this series. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how touching this novel would be. It was so sweet and inspiring, and I absolutely loved the storyline.

When Grace Sings

        I (obviously) loved this second novel in the series as well, and was very pleased with how Kim Vogel Sawyer continued the previous themes in this book, while still creating this novel a story of its own. I really loved getting the chance to continue to get to know the Zimmerman family, and I cannot wait to read the final book in this series as soon as I get the chance.

The Governess of Highland Hall

        Another debut novel, this was (obviously) the first book I had ever read by Carrie Turansky. I immediately fell in love with her early 20^th century historical, and with the many characters she introduced in this novel. It was such a sweet, interesting story that made me a definite fan of Carrie’s.

The Daughter of Highland Hall

        As the second book by Carrie Turansky, I knew a little more about what I was getting into when I picked up this novel. I already loved one of the main characters—I had met her in the previous novel—and I quickly fell for the other, and their story together. Now I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

The Promise of Palm Grove

        This was such a cute, sweet little book that was such fun, fluffy reading to fill my summer. I really enjoy the way Shelley Shepard Gray spins her Amish stories, and that, added to some loveable characters, made for a wonderful series that I have been enjoying.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

        The second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, The Proposal at Siesta Key is my favorite one so far, even though I’ve only read two. It was just as sweet, cute, and fluffy as the one before it, but I liked the love story just a little bit better. Or a lot. Either way, this was another enjoyable summer read.

        And those are the books I’ve read this quarter! What about you? How many books have you read the last three months?

        Happy Fall!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday's Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the photos featuring the wonderful outdoor scenery goes to my awesome sister Allie. Check out her blog here.

My Bookshelf: The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky—Plus a Giveaway

        Only God could have written a love story as beautiful as Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky’s. from their teenage days thousands of miles apart when they separately wrote letters to their future spouses, to a chance meeting backstage at a concert, their story brings inspiration and hope to every girl.

        It’s easy to get impatient for the future to play out, especially when it comes to love. Before long you find yourself chasing the perfect guy and trying to write out your own happily ever after. But the truth is, your best future won’t be found chasing boys—it’ll only come by first chasing God.

        In The Chase, Kyle and Kelsey take turns telling their story—with Kelsey sharing secrets to a Godly relationship and Kyle revealing the truth about what guys really think. Together they’ll show you how to put God first, protect your heart, deal with the loneliness and peer pressure that come along with purity, and see yourself as God does.

        Are you ready to trust God with your very own happily ever after? Let the chase begin!

        The Chase is a wonderful book all about trusting God with your happily ever after. As someone who has yet to find mine, this book was a big deal for me. Reading great advice about chasing God, staying away from unhealthy relationships, and always building your guy up were inspiring, and I loved the insight into how guys think. With chapters like “God First”, “The List”, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”, and “Just Haven’t Met You Yet”, this book really did cover all of the bases, and it was full of examples of how things were done differently and how painful that was for the couples involved. I felt like that gave girls another reason to try their hardest to do things the right way, and I am sure it was super encouraging.

        Along with all of the great advice and ways to apply it to your life, I really enjoyed getting to learn all about Kyle and Kelsey’s story. They really do have a fairy-tale relationship, and it was super sweet to read about how much they love each other. I know you are not supposed to compare your relationship to anyone else’s, but I hope I have a fairy-tale too someday. They both really chased the Lord leading up to the day they met, and I don’t think their relationship would have worked out so well as it did, if they even started dating at all, if it weren’t for their dedication to Christ. It was inspiring to hear and actual success story, as it made it so much easier to believe that what they were advising was actually doable. And I also just love that they took on the project of writing a book like this.

        I cannot help but give The Chase all five bookshelves, because it is such a good book for girls, and women, who are waiting for their princes. It is sure to strengthen their relationships with the Lord, inspire them to wait until the right man chases them, and show them how to go about having a Christ-filled relationship with the man of their dreams. I applaud Kyle and Kelsey for a job well done, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for the both of them, especially when it comes to their ministry!

        And now for the giveaway! Today I am hosting my first ever giveaway in honor of The Chase! In fact, that’s what I’m giving away! So scroll on down and enter by doing the things in the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review.

Linking up at Let it Shine, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky and Revell Publishing.

My Bookshelf: Your Best Happily Ever After by Ginger Kolbaba

Cinderella. Snow White. Sleeping Beauty. Rapunzel.

        These beloved stories all conclude with, “…and they lived happily ever after.” We sigh, smile, and know there’s an amazing story of love, adventure, and redeption coming.

        We all yearn for a fairy tale life, but too often our existence feels less like the pages of a storybook and more like a bad reality TV show. From poisoned apples (sin) and Ugly Stepsisters (joy-stealers) to magic mirrors (real beauty is more than skin-deep) and glass slippers (God’s perfect calling for us), the truth is that as daughters of God, we can live the perfect story the Author has written for our lives. We can experience the happily ever after that He has penned for us, now, regardless of our circumstances!

        Surrogate fairy godmother Ginger Kolbaba offers encouragement, challenges, biblical insights, and a little humor on how God wants us to live and love our stories in the here and now.

        Although I typically stick to fiction (except for devotionals of course) I took a chance on Your Best Happily Ever after, and I’m so glad I did. I read it as a devotional—which it sort of is in a way—and I absolutely loved Ginger’s comical way of putting things and all of the points she made about real-life happily ever afters. Choose to take a Sabbath rest. Don’t compare yourself with others. Don’t let grouchy people steal your joy. This book is chock full of wonderful advice for making your life the happiest it could possibly be, and the best part is, all of it really is doable! Ginger shows you reasonable things you can do to make your life the best that it can be, all in a humorous way that makes this book that much more enjoyable.

        Something I really loved about the way Ginger put together this book was how she gives plenty of practical applications for every idea she presents. She even gives stories of how either she or someone she knew did—or didn’t—do as she suggests. As a side note, I loved her stories. They were funny and relatable and interesting, and I loved that aspect of this book. Many times non-fiction titles are boring, repetitive, and tiresome, but I fortunately did not find that to be the case with this one. Rather, I really loved all that I learned in the course of reading this book.

        All in all, I enjoyed this book very much, and happily give it all five bookshelves. Even though, up until this point, I had never reviewed a non-fiction title, now I can say I have, and I am really glad I gave this book a chance. I would recommend it to anyone and am sure I will be reading it again in the future!

        Happy reading!

Photo creds go to my wonderful sister, Allie. Check out her blog here.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Ginger Kolbaba and Shiloh Press.