EmpowerMoms

“Holy as You Are” by Christie Gardiner

As a full time working mom of 2 boys, I often find myself struggling for balance and wondering if I’m doing enough to raise my boys as upstanding, loving, christian boys.

The title and book description of this book caught my eye since the focus is for women and how we can live a holy life. (I want that!) The author shares a personal, hilarious story in the into as to why she feels she’s not qualified to write this book or her last book about motherhood. I loved her writing style in this book-easy to read and it was like we were friends chatting around the kitchen table discussing things as women.

“What if, because of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through his Atonement, your ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are holy as you are?”

“We know that the real definition of holiness isn’t a state of piety but a choice to set our life apart from what the natural woman would choose, opting instead for a life of sacred purpose. This is what holy is. This is what we choose.”

I especially enjoyed the chapters called “holy relationships”, “finding holiness in change” and “taking time and finding quiet”. This specific chapters really resonated with me. I find myself on a daily basis trying to balance my time with relationships, saying no and finding balance with using social media. Alot of what I do for my full time job and 2 part time jobs requires being online and on social media; so sometimes I am reminded that I need to take a step back to breathe and enjoy the quiet.

I really liked all the personal experiences and scripture references the author included in this book. I found it easy to read, funny, down to earth and relatable! I really enjoyed it and found many things applicable to my life and some ideas on what I can change for the future. This would make a great book for a womens book club!

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

About the book:
When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to “set apart for a sacred purpose.” It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy as You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap, reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy as You Are?

Purchase your copy here:

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Her Colorado Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Heroes) by Mindy Obenhaus

Another amazing Rocky Mountain Heroes-Cowboy story! I LOVE this series and the Stephens family! Great characters, small town, romance, feel good story… all wrapped into one.

This story (book 3) continues with one of the Stephens brothers-Noah-as the main character. Along with his other brothers mentioned in books 1 and 2 and his dad; they continue to expand the ranch to help the community and people around them. Out of town Lily and her children come to visit the ranch for the summer to take horse riding lessons. Along the way they all learn a lesson in patience, love, forgiveness and faith.

I truly can’t say enough great things about this story and this series. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put the book down until I was finished. I felt like I was there on the small Colorado ranch with the family experiencing the same things they did. I hope there will be several more books in this series to feature all 5 brothers but other town people as well.

Reunited in the Rockies (Rocky Mountain Heroes #4) will be released in Sept 2019.

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

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Her Colorado Cowboy by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Colorado Cowboy
Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes, Book 3
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 19, 2019

Lassoing the single mom’s heart…
A Rocky Mountain Heroes story

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses.

But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school.

As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up, but once God called her to write, she never looked back. A three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch.

CONNECT: website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | goodreads | bookbub

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win:

• a signed copy of Her Colorado Cowboy
• $15 Amazon gift card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 25, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 1, 2019. US only. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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In the Doctor’s Arms (Seasons of Alaska Book 6) by Carol Ross
I haven’t read any other “Seasons of Alaska” books or any books by this author, but I found it easy to read this book so I would consider it a stand alone story.

I loved the setting of this book-a small town in Alaska. The author was so descriptive with all the sights and activities that the characters did, I felt like I was right there with them.

I really wanted to like the main character Iris, but for most of the book I found myself frustrated with her because of her lack of interest in her hometown and family’s interests and complaining. For most of the book she was constantly comparing her life to one that she hoped she would have in the big city and couldn’t wait to leave. I found her discontentment towards her life very frustrating. Towards the end of the book, we as readers find out why she doesn’t enjoy the outdoors as much as her family and why she had left fear rule her life. I still had a hard time liking and connecting to her character which made it hard to finish the book, but I did.

Overall it was a good book with a good message about love and our life journey. I loved all the other family members, town characters, and especially the setting in Alaska.

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

About the Book:
Can he stop the one who got away—from getting away again?
Everyone in her Alaskan town hopes Iris James is back for good. Including Dr. Flynn Ramsey, who stole her heart when they were awkward teenagers. She realizes he’s planning an encore, but a prestigious job in Washington, DC, is calling to her. Only, ever since their kiss at her brother’s wedding, Iris isn’t sure about anything. Except her reignited feelings for Flynn…

Purchase your copy here:

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