EmpowerMoms

The Reluctant Guardian (Love Inspired Historical) by Susanne Dietze

This book had an interesting plot full of mystery and historical intrigue about smugglers and spies. The story also included some clean regency romance. I loved Gemma’s relationship with her two nephews, her determination, wit, and her banter back and forth between Tavin. Fun story, great characters, very well written-I really enjoyed it!

I was sent a copy of this book as part of the Just Read Blind Tour blogger program. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Under the Spy’s Protection

When Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her English village, she’s rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy. Now with criminals after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with protecting her…

Covert government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think she can identify them—a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he ever imagined. Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the family man he never dreamed he’d be.

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Living Lies (Harbored Secrets Book #1) by Natalie Walters

Great story, great characters and a steady interesting plot! I really enjoyed book 1 in this new series. This story had suspense, mystery, romance and dealt with some tough topics like depression, suicide and mental illness. I felt like the author did a great job addressing these tough topics and how people can lie or keep their struggles and conditions hidden from others.

I absolutely loved the talk that Ms. Byrdie gave Lane towards the end of book about seeing her worth and flaws the way that God sees her. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the small town of Walton GA and can’t wait to read book 2 that’s coming out in November.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret. At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

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“Living the Parables: Applying Christ’s Teachings to Our Lives” by Hank Smith & Kathryn Jenkins

I have read other books by Hank Smith, so I was looking forward to reading this one. The author states in his introduction: “The parables of Jesus Christ will help you with your problems. They can bring the solutions and the peace you are seeking…The Savior never did anything on a whim of by accident.” The author wrote this book in hopes of giving readers insight into the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), why Jesus spoke in parables, and how they can help us today.

Chapters in this book include; What are Parables and why did Jesus use them?, Loss and Redemption: What was lost is found, Love Forgiveness and Repentance: Three things everyone needs… to name a few.

Very easy to read and very well written with lots of references from the scriptures and from our Apostles and Prophets teachings. This book is a WONDERFUL reference tool-I highly recommend getting it! I enjoyed the chapter about Love, forgiveness and repentance since I need to work on those qualities the most.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
As the world’s greatest teacher, Jesus Christ used His skills as a storyteller to teach and inspire His followers. The parables of Christ contain a wealth of guidance, but the deeper meaning of His words can sometimes be difficult to decipher. Now, best-selling authors Hank Smith and Kathryn Jenkins—known and loved for their ability to approach gospel topics in a clear, light, and understandable way—take a careful look at the finer points of the Savior’s stories. They uncover the profound spiritual lessons hidden within and illustrate practical and accessible application for our day. In Living the Parables: Applying Christ’s Teachings to Our Lives, readers are presented with commentary from generations of Church leaders and religious scholars, as well as modern-day interpretations of the underlying significance of each account. This volume will inspire followers of Christ to draw on the power of His Atonement by embracing a deeper understanding of His parables.

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“The Intimate Connection: Secrets to a Lifelong Romance” by Dr. Kevin Leman

I have read several books by Dr. Leman so I was really excited to get his latest book.

“Whether you are new to marriage or have been marries a long time, Dr. Leman’s time-tested strategies will create the kind of exciting intimacy, mutual respect, and fulfilling communication that will keep you in each other’s arms for a lifetime.”

This book includes 13 chapters/”secrets” to lifelong romance, including some bonus sections. The chapters include things like, “Sex is important…but not for the reasons you might think”, “Outside forces have shaped your relationship (without your permission), “For your spouse to truly hear you, you have to talk in a way that encourages them to listen” and “There’s no reason to settle for blah, less-than, or a battlefield”. Don’t those chapters sound really good??!

The introduction from the author was good to read, and specifically spot on for me. “If you’re reading this book, you picked it up because you crave a more satisfying marriage. You don’t want to be just roommates who only intersect over the basic necessities of life…”

I really enjoyed reading the principles in this book and the examples and stories throughout as well. They were really helpful and I’m looking forward to re-reading this book slower so I can implement the marriage secrets in my own 10 year marriage. I highly recommend this book as well as others he has written!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Creating a happy, lifelong marriage is about much more than physical compatibility. It’s about a lifestyle of 24-7 intimacy that bonds couples in a mutually satisfying relationship. In The Intimate Connection, bestselling marriage expert Dr. Kevin Leman explores key secrets to the love life couples crave. He helps readers

– understand each other’s needs, backgrounds, and personalities (and how those factors influence every marital interaction)
– talk so their spouse really listens
– turn negative game-playing into positive behaviors that help couples grow closer
– create deep, long-lasting intimacy that’s divorce-proof

Whether couples are new to marriage or have been married a long time, Dr. Leman’s time-tested strategies will create the kind of exciting intimacy, mutual respect, and fulfilling communication that will keep husbands and wives in each other’s arms for a lifetime.

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“Powerful Prayers for Your Son: Praying for Every Part of His Life” by Rob & Joanna Teigen

This book includes 77 different sections of prayer topics. Each topic like “When He’s Angry” includes a couple scriptures to read and then a prayer to God about that specific topic. There are also different stories throughout this book.

As a mom to 2 boys, I enjoyed reading this book and all the different scriptures and prayers. I especially liked the beginning 2 sections from the authors as to the reason they wrote this book and their journey with their own children. I could tell they were very passionate and prayerful with writing this book.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Parents know that their children need their prayers. But sometimes, they aren’t sure where to start. For moms and dads who long to lift their kids up in prayer, Powerful Prayers for Your Daughter and Powerful Prayers for Your Son offer hope, encouragement, and practical help.

Rob and Joanna Teigen assure parents that just because they don’t always understand their son or daughter, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t. Collecting specific prayers parents can use, along with stories from other parents about how God has answered their prayers, Rob and Joanna give readers a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of praying for their kids. They also explain what boys and girls need to learn as they grow up, including character, courage, modesty, self-control, forgiveness, and more, so parents can pray for every part of their kids’ lives.

Purchase your copy here: