EmpowerMoms

“The Proposal at Siesta Key” is book 2 of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray. These books take place in Florida and center around the Orange Blossom Inn. I read book 1 and although some of the characters are mentioned in book 2, I don’t feel they need to be read in order.

I enjoyed reading about Penny’s story with her new job at the Inn and taking care of her new friend Michael. I felt sad to hear about Penny’s childhood and the tragic events that happened to her and her family. I liked reading how courageous Penny was in making more life decisions and her friendships with others.

Michael was a famous Mennonite man who traveled with his family sharing his story about his faith and his accident that cost him his leg. He ends up in Pinecraft Florida where he meets Penny and others who touch his life.

This was a great heartwarming story that I really enjoyed reading! I would definitely recommend book 1 and book 2 of this series. If you purchase this book you can also read a sneak peek of book 3 at the end of the 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:
A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

About the author:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

You can buy book 2 here:

You can buy book 1 here:

Go here to WIN a copy of this book by the author!

Are you familiar with Good Morning Girls FREE bible study groups? They typically do them several times a year. It’s a great resource for free support and motivation to get your daily scripture study and upliftment! Who doesn’t need that?!

I decided to become a group leader so I can help others with their Good Morning Girls studying.

This group is for those wanting to follow the Good Morning Girls Bible study programs through out the year and to have daily support.
http://womenlivingwell.org/

SUMMER SCHEDULE:
June 15th – July 24th:
The Book of Proverbs
one chapter a day

July 27- July 31st:
The Proverbs 31 Woman
a 5 day, in-depth study of Proverbs 31

August 3rd – August 12th:
The Book of Song of Solomon
one chapter a day

These are our values at GMG:

* We value deep conversation seasoned with grace.

* We value trust and privacy.

* We value respect of one another and different convictions.

* We value unity and encourage private discussion outside of the group to resolve matters.

* We value gentle input and encouragement.

* We value patience and grace with one another.

* We value honesty. If you need to depart the group please let the group know rather than be silent.

* We value you and your walk with the King!

I will only be accepting requests into the group until SATURDAY JUNE 13th so we can get ready to start for Monday June 15th.

You can join the private Facebook group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/696011637191694/?pnref=story

 

Summer . . . a time that kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of “I’m bored” or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months stretching before their family. Focus on the Family’s Odyssey Adventure Club offers an answer, encouraging parents and kids to embrace faith and fun with the Take the Plunge Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse magazine’s Summer Challenge.

Take the Plunge

The Take the Plunge challenge features:

• Master Mind Monday — commit God’s Word to memory
• Ways to Play Wednesday — spend active time with your family
• Faith Sharing Friday — share God’s love with others

The Take the Plunge challenge helps families memorize at least five verses, engage in five activities together and share their faith with five people before the school doors swing open again. Those who sign up will receive an 11-week plan with suggested verses to memorize, activity ideas (such as visiting a war memorial) and ways to witness (such as passing out popsicles at the park with an invitation to your church), making this challenge the perfect tool for parents who want summer to be a time of spiritual and social stimulation for their kids.

“Research tells us that the more senses we involve when teaching children a principle, the more likely it is to stick,” Plugged In editor and Adventures in Odyssey podcast host Bob Smithouser says. “Bible memorization by itself is great, but it becomes even more powerful when put into action. Know it. Share it. Live it.”

Families who sign up to take part in the challenge at www.whitsend.org/summer will have access to weekly verses to memorize, ideas for family fun and suggestions for service projects that allow a family to share their faith. Additionally, anyone who signs up to participate in the Take the Plunge challenge will receive a free scene from the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, as well as a free story from the book Strange Journey Back.

A Bonus Contest

From June 1–5, tell us in 30 words or less how you are going to take the plunge to deepen your faith this summer for a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the theatrical release of Beyond The Mask June 5th weekend and free access to the Odyssey Adventure Club all summer long (June, July, August—total $85 prize value)!

Send your entry to contests@whitsend.org. Two winners will be chosen to win each day June 1-5 and announced on the Adventures in Odyssey Facebook Page.

Entries will be chosen based on creativity and writing skill. Rules are available at whitsend.org.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since the title of the book says “Never Say No” but I enjoyed reading this book. Saying NO refers to building a sand castle, taking a walk with your kids, climb a tree-being available to accept your child’s invitation and not saying no all the time or not now. Of course it doesn’t mean to say yes to every child’s wish and demand. “God is one big YES for us, and we want to pay it forward to our own kids.”

I liked in chapter 2 that it addressed creating a new family map-taking how you were raised, how your spouse was raised, and piecing those things together to create your own family “map”. The author explains that what is familiar is not always best for your home. It takes courage, honestly, and persistence to create a new set of family rules and map for your home.

Another thing the author addresses is TIME. Time spent with your kids is showing how much you love them and want to take care of them. Both the authors believed that if they invested their time heavily in their children it would benefit them in the long run. I truly believe that!

Since I work full time outside the home, I spend the majority of my evenings and weekends doing things for my kids and with my kids. We do workbooks, exercising, crafts, going to the library, going to the park, etc. Yes after a long week at work I would rather stay home and do chores and relax, but spending time with my children and enjoying my time with them is how I show them that I love them.

An important question asked at the end of chapter 3-“Do we enjoy your children? More importantly, do we know the delight of God’s love for us so we might purely enjoy our children for who they are?”

I love that at the end of every chapter, there are thought provoking questions that are asked, as well as space to write down your thoughts and answers.

This book was good resource to read! Reading the whole book, or picking and choosing chapters to read will hopefully benefit you and your family.

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:
The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids?

Mark and Jan Foreman’s adult sons Jon and Tim Foreman of Switchfoot have influenced their world not only by a successful music career but also through their positive impact on communities around the globe. The Foreman parents instilled in their sons a belief that they could make a difference by living beyond themselves.

This powerful book gives readers an inside look at the process. It begins with both parent and child finding their identity in God. It then explores practical ways to encourage holistic learning while cultivating specific gifts, nurturing creativity in a media-saturated culture, and balancing structure with individual choice. Never Say No inspires readers to raise children to live in the wonder of life by loving others well. Parents will find encouragement for their own parenting journey as they guide their kids to live out God’s purpose in radical ways.

About the author:
Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus, and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher, artist, and she also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.

I enjoyed this story about Marisa and her adventure with moving back to her hometown in Texas. I loved her friendships with those around her and how kind and genuine she was.

I could sympathize how hard and how emotional it was for her to forgive and truly move forward with someone who had betrayed her trust. It is very hard to trust and forgive people who struggle with addictions. You try to protect your heart from getting hurt and disappointed again, but only God can change a person and help you heal.

I really liked her friendship with Blake and his journey about trying to get past his writer’s block. I loved getting to know his personal story and family dynamics as well. I loved hearing about his writing and the books that he writes.

This was a great christian romance with elements of forgiveness, God’s love and trust. I haven’t read book 1, so I would consider this a stand alone book that can be read separately and not part of a series.

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.

Book Description:
She’s lost her dream job–but has she found the man of her dreams?

Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa’s dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake’s real identity?

This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, and At Bluebonnet Lake. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

You can buy it from Amazon here: