EmpowerMoms

The Innocent
by Ann H. Gabhart
She longs for peace–for her land and her heart–but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?

This story is set after the civil war in 1865. Carlyn is waiting to hear news about her Union soldier husband after being missing for 2 years. She gets kicked out of her house because she can’t afford to make the payments and wonders where she should go since she doesn’t really fit in anywhere in town. She begins to make new friends like a dog and the Sheriff, and decides to find her new home among the Shakers. She doesn’t feel like she fits in there either and questions their beliefs. When people start missing, Carlyn starts to wonder if she will ever find peace and God’s love.

I haven’t read anything by this author so I’m unfamiliar with the Shakers and their religion, and other Harmony Hill books. The story was well written but it didn’t particularly interest me. I didn’t like the Shaker religion and some of the things they believed, and although there was some mystery, it was at a slower pace. I did finish the book because I wanted to see if Carlyn had closure and a happy ending.

If you are familiar with this author and her books, you will probably enjoy this one as well!

Historical Christian fiction with some romance and mystery.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books, a division of of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the Book
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

You can buy the book here:

Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella Book 7) Kindle Edition
by Melissa McClone

They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

This novella (short story) was cute but I had a hard time getting into the flow of the story because of how the dialogues between the characters went back and forth. It just seemed awkward to me. I also didnt’ feel that the main character, Jenna, was a strong enough character in the story.

I did like that Jenna overcame a very personal break-up and relied on her faith in God to renew her love for life and other people.

This romantic, christian, book is about love, forgiveness and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book:
When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God’s plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton’s heart still hasn’t recovered.

It was me. His younger sister’s three words turn Ashton’s world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

About the author:
Melissa McClone has published more than thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

You can purchase the kindle copy of the book here:

Beyond the Ashes: The Golden Gate Chronicles – Book 2 – by Karen Barnett

This story takes place in California is the early 1900s. The main character, Ruby, decides to join her brother in his effort to help people in the hospital after the big San Francisco earthquake and firestorm. At first she has a hard time fitting in because she wasn’t use to the devastation, sickness, and poverty of the area. It was interesting to read about Dr. Gerald’s-a fellow doctor-work with xray machines and early cancer research and treatment.

I didn’t really care for Ruby because one minute she would be likeable and calm, and then the next minute totally rude and emotional. I had a hard time getting into the flow of the story and I didn’t particularly like the ending. I did like reading the medical and history part of it though.

This was book 2 if The Golden Gate Chronicles but can be read as a stand alone book. Clean, romantic, christian book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book:
Beyond the Ashes (Abingdon Press, June 2015)

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?

Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love.

Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed.

Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

About the author:
Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

You can purchase the book from Amazon here:

*32 pages long with pictures
*Used NIV bible references
*recommended for ages 4-8
*Level 2 for developing readers (reading with help)

My 5 year old loved reading this book with me! We have read it several times before bed and have also brought it to church as one of our “sunday quiet books” to read.

The words are big enough for smaller readers with pictures on every page which kept my sons interest. I am so glad that they make reader books from the scriptures! It makes it easier for children to learn bible truths and for them to understand at their level.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

Book Description
Noah’s Voyage tells the story of a brave and faithful hero of the Old Testament. Written in the I Can Read level two standards, with age-appropriate vocabulary and concepts, young readers read about Noah, a simple man with great faith and trust in God. When God asks Noah to follow his directions, build an ark, and put two of every animal on it, Noah and his family do what they are asked, knowing God would not steer them wrong.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Did You Know ”.

About the Author
Born and raised in Michigan, David spent his childhood sloshing through creek beds, climbing trees, and creating numerous baked goods. That spirit of adventure and curiosity often finds its way into his illustrations through quirky characters and hidden surprises. After spending a decade in Philadelphia and New York pursuing his artistic dreams, David has moved back to the familiar surroundings of Michigan. Now, when he’s not drawing and painting he still enjoys a good romp through the woods.

You can buy it here:

Some of you know that I became a No Excuse Mom local group leader back in May and I have been having such a fun time meeting other moms in my area and working out with them!

*WHY* did I decide to become a NO EXCUSE MOM local group leader?
I have been following Maria Kang on social media for a couple of years and I have been impressed with her determination, courage, and example of what kind of mom she is to her family. I have also been impressed with her health and fitness posts and jumped at the chance to review her book on my blog when it came out a couple of months ago.

My review of her book is here:
http://empowermoms.net/2015/04/the-no-more-excuses-diet-by-maria-kang-book-review.html

For the past several years, I have personally made health and fitness a priority in my life and I am very passionate about encouraging and educating others-especially moms and kids. I hope to become a personal trainer in the next couple of years; but for right now I stay busy with working full time, spending time with my 2 boys, and blogging.

When I read that Maria Kang encouraged and helped coordinate free local NoExcuseMom fitness groups, I contacted them for more information. I love how organized and “hands on” they are with their local groups. I am a member of a private Facebook group for my specific geographical region with a regional group leader; as well as a private Facebook group for all NEM group leaders. As a group leader I get monthly support with regional conference calls, weekly newsletters, and daily contact on the Facebook groups.

I have a local NEM Facebook group that has over 170 local moms now since May. I am the Admin for that group and I coordinate weekly fitness meet ups, as well as fun fitness challenges and get togethers. We mostly meet at local parks in the area for 60 minutes, which includes a full body workout and play time with the kids. I use online resources and books to help me plan out weekly fitness routines for myself and for the moms/kids.

I love that I can help promote different ways to exercise and ways to be healthy without taking time away from my kids or by being gone alot during the week. I have enjoyed meeting new people in my area and my son has enjoyed making new friends and playing at the park weekly. I absolutely love leading my group and can’t wait to see how the group progresses this year.

*WHAT* is a NO EXCUSE MOM?
She’s a mom who makes no excuses for making her health a priority.

She’s someone who prioritizes her health, her family’s health and understands the ripple effect their role plays in the health of their community.

These moms chose to transform their lives by consciously deciding every day that their health was worth it. When they were tired they trained. When they were lost for time to exercise, they found the time. When they were busy, they purposefully planned and prepared their daily goals and meals to coincide with what they wanted out of life.

Some work outside the home, some have multiple children, some dealt with depression and some are raising a family on their own. They are true examples of real every day women – whose fitness manifests in different sizes, shapes and ages. These women made No Excuses for not prioritizing the body that brought their babies into this world.

No Excuse Mom is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit program through Fitness without Borders. No Excuse Mom offers thousands of members online support and encouragement and boasts over 350 free workout groups in over 25 countries worldwide.

You can find a local NEM group here.

What diet and fitness plan do we follow?
We follow many of the guidelines that are based off the founder, Maria Kang’s “No More Excuses Diet” book.

Suggestions include:
*Eat Breakfast every morning.
*Write down everything you eat
*Workout 3-4 times a week (or more)
*Drink ONLY water (or straight black coffee/tea)
*Stop eating 3 hours before bedtime
*Eat small meals throughout the day (calories are dependent on current weight)
*Each meal must have a protein and carbohydrate. Include healthy fats as needed.
*Measure your progress weekly via measurements and strength/endurance tests. Weigh yourself once a month.
*Plan your splurge meals, which you can have once a week.

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program as well as making any nutritional changes in order to determine if it is right for your needs.

Want to win a copy of your own No More Excuse Book?
I have an extra copy that I want to mail to one of you! I hope you will enjoy reading this book and use it as a reference in your own daily life, like I do.

Enter below-USA mailing address only. Winner will be picked Monday July 20th. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Don’t let excuses stop you from having a body and a life that you love!

We all know that we should exercise and eat right, so why is it so hard to follow through? We make excuses for why we aren’t taking better care of ourselves, saying things like, “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have time,” or “I’m just not built to look that way.” But Maria Kang, the mother of three behind the viral “What’s Your Excuse?” mom photos, is here to say that the excuses stop now.

The No More Excuses Diet combines short term goals with healthy habit-forming behaviors to create permanent lifestyle changes. Using a specially designed transformation calendar, readers set clear, personal goals and make an easy-to-follow plan for each day. The program uses a balanced diet of 30% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fats, and includes a 10% flexible portion that can be customized depending on your goals— whether it’s extra protein for building muscles, or a sugary treat at the end of the day. The No More Excuses Diet also provides a completely customizable workout guide, with over 50 illustrated exercises designed to build strength, flexibility, endurance, and to shed fat. The program also includes 7 weeks of worth of exercise programs that can be done at home with no extra equipment. Packed with meal plans, grocery lists, lots of encouragement and a clear plan of action, The No More Excuses Diet is a must-read book for anyone who is ready to bust through the excuses the hold them back and take their health and fitness to the next level.

You can buy the book here on Amazon:

Go here to visit the NO EXCUSE MOM website and to find a free group near you!
http://www.noexcusemom.com/