EmpowerMoms

Genre: Devotional

Devotional Inspiration from Mary Lennox’s Beautifully Mysterious Secret Garden

The Secret Garden Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel, cherished by generations of readers.

Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as you are becoming His new creation. With themes of growth, spiritual nourishment, God’s love and care, and His transforming power, this beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

MY REVIEW

“The Secret Garden” is beautifully written devotional with unique artwork. It’s been a long time since I read The Secret Garden novel but after reading this devotional I’ve been inspired to read it again.

Each chapter includes a brief recap from the fictitious novel, quotes, scripture references, spiritual thoughts, personal application, and then ending with a prayer for the day. There are 30 total chapters corresponding with the chapters of the novel which makes this a 30 day devotional.

I enjoyed reading the welcome chapter at the very beginning of the book. The author shares that she received a copy of The Secret Garden from her grandmother in fourth grade and that she loved it immediately and continued to read it into adulthood. I love how she uses scriptures and the analogy of God being our gardener and we as his children are the garden.

I have read other devotions by this author and she’s done a wonderful job with all of them. Highly recommend!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Rachel’s newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen’s World blog. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God’s Word. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns.

Connect with Rachel by visiting racheldodge.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of The Secret Garden Devotional and a hardcover illustrated copy of The Secret Garden along with a bookmark and stickers.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 30, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Returning to small-town Texas was her fresh start.

She never expected a ready-made family.

What could be better than running a rustic wedding venue? Event planner Laney Taylor has it all laid out…except for the serious renovations her inherited property needs. Rancher Ethan McCaw will help—but only if she’ll nanny his toddler twins. Laney’s all about planning weddings for others and shielding her own heart, but Ethan, Zoe and Tori might be just the ones to change her mind…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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MY REVIEW

Ethan and his mischievous twins were likeable, fun characters in this small town Texas romance story.  Ethan had trust and abandonment issues because of past relationships, but he didn’t let that stop him from caring deeply for his twin daughters and providing for them and his family. I really liked his strong work ethic, personality, and integrity.

I had a hard time connecting with the other main character Laney because I felt like she was selfish and unwilling to compromise with Ethan about her newly inherited land. I felt like she took the entire book to prove that she could be independent that she pushed people away. It also felt like she was stringing  Ethan along with accepting his help but seemed unwilling to have an adult conversation about future plans by always changing the subject which I felt was very childish.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this sweet Christian cowboy romance from beginning to end but I wouldn’t read it again. I like to be able to connect and like the main characters of a story, and this one didn’t do it for me. I adored the small town, Ethan’s neighbors and his parents; and how their faith and community kept them together.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Main writes sweet inspirational romance novels set in small towns. Though she lives in central North Carolina’s suburbs, she dreams of acreage and horseback riding, which is why her novels include wide-open ranches and horses. Before starting her writing career, Heidi worked with computers and taught Jazzercise. A perfect Saturday is lounging on the deck with her husband and watching the many birds in their backyard.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidimain.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of A Nanny for the Rancher’s Twins.

(1) additional winner will receive a $10 gift card and a print copy of the book.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 9, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

She keeps finding trouble…

He keeps finding her

Adele Blackwell Kane can’t seem to not get arrested. In fact, the pretty widowed mom of twin girls might be Sheriff Grady McMillan’s favorite not-quite-a-criminal. But keeping Adele out of trouble is hard work—especially when Grady wants out of Wyoming for good. When Adele decides to rescue the town from developers, Grady wonders if his quirky felon might be stealing his heart, too…

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

MY REVIEW

Oh my goodness, I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Adele, her twin daughters and Sheriff Grady where the BEST, most likeable characters. This was such a feel good, happy, sweet, fun to read romance. It’s been a long time since a plot and town characters left me smiling this much! I can’t wait to read another Blackwell of Eagle Springs story!

Of course the main characters had personal, past issues to work thru in order to move forward in a relationship; and there were also lots of town drama with Adele being arrested and seemingly picked on by particular neighbors. I also loved the holiday element to the story with the decorating and family meals.

I truly can’t say enough good things about this book and series. Each one can be read as a stand alone story and this story was probably my favorite!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and The Blackwells of Eagle Springs ebooks.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 2, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 9, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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