The Spunky Diva

A Heart Most Worthy , by Siri Mitchell {published by Bethany House}, promises to cover a lot of ground, and it fulfills that promise. Covering the lives of three young ladies and their families around the turn of the century. While I am normally not a fan of multiple main character novels such as this one, I found myself loving this novel. Each character is developed beautifully, and I did not have any troubles following along with the author on their individual and joint journeys. Another point that I found entertaining, was that I loathe books that have a list of characters either at the front or the end. This always seems to be a crutch used by the author to shortcut character development. Not in this case. Each character was well developed as I stated before, and I did not have to refer to the character list even once while reading. My favorite character in this book was Luciana, the daughter of the assassinated Count of Roma hiding with the Countess her grandmother. Who does...

The Lightkeeper's Ball (A Mercy Falls Novel) , by Colleen Coble, published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. This Story was fantastic! Colleen Coble is definitely being added to my favorites list. In fact I have ordered book 1 and 2 of this series from amazon, LOL! Yes... This is the third book of the Mercy Falls series, and her eighteenth book to write. In general, I truly dislike reading novel series. I prefer standalone storylines now that my attention span has been dramatically shortened by motherhood. But this novel does standalone from the others in the series, which made starting the series with book 3 okay. I could really relate with the main character in her strong loyalty to her family. The plot development was unique with several unexpected twists and turns {no spoilers here} that kept me very intrigued. The hero was droll worthy of course. One of the main themes she illustrated throughout the story was how a little white lie of omission can affect those around you and ...

I am very excited to be receiving a copy of this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishers via BookSneeze .  This will be the second Max Lucado book I have received for review.  He has to be one of my favorite inspirational writers of all time.  I just love him! Book Description courtesy of BookSneeze: We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones. In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter. Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really l...

I can’t wait to start reading what sounds like a fabulous book by Colleen Coble.  This is the first book of Colleens that I have read, and I hope that she will become another author on my must-have list.  This is the third book in the Mercy Falls series.  I received an eBook copy to review from Thomas Nelson Publishers via BookSneeze . Book Summary courtesy of BookSneeze: Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more. Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt—and the more she is drawn to him herself. When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, ...

How many times have you looked back and realized that you have made a huge mistake? Did it cost you several thousand dollars? A broken heart? All of the above? If so, you will certainly relate to the topic of this book.   Left at the Alter , is my first book to read by Kimberly Kennedy, and I have to say I really enjoyed reading it. This book was about so much more than 'just' being left at the alter.   Kimberly takes lessons she learned through this life changing experience she went through and shows how and when she should have put God in the drivers seat of her life. How many times have you shoved God aside and continued on your way? I know that I have charged past when I should have been pausing to pray and seek God's opinion/plan for a specific situation. As I have mentioned before, one of my goals for this year (besides losing the baby weight left over from Ms. T) is to have a more active and consistent prayer life. This book has confirmed this goal, and given me more...

City on Our Knees , by TobyMac {published by Bethany House Publishers} As this book is tied into one of my favorite Toby Mac songs; City On Our Knees , I was very excited to read it and bring it your attention. This book did not disappoint in any way! It was a quick read, with well laid out chapters/sections. I definitely recommend this book as an addition to any library. I really enjoyed the motivational/inspirational stories Toby Mac shared in this book. I read the book in December over the holidays, and it motivated me to make some changes this year (still waiting to see if I will continue following through with these changes). One change I was inspired to make was increasing my prayer time. Toby Mac included stories on the strength of prayer that I had not heard before. This is an area I would like to improve on in my own life. And the stories of how specific people handled their prayer time, and the answers they saw were amazing. It gave me a few new ideas that I can put into ...

I have finished up all the books I had to review (the Toby Mac book review will be posted this coming Sunday) .  Now I have another on it's way!  I am very excited to be reading this one.  I have included the publisher's description below: Left at the Altar - My Story of Hope and Healing for Every Woman Who Has Felt the Heartbreak of Rejection - By Kimberley Kennedy - Published by Thomas Nelson Fascinatingly insightful and hopeful page-turning account of one woman's encounter with ultimate rejection. TV journalist Kimberley Kennedy went from having it all to complete devastation, rejection, and public humiliation when, like a Lifetime movie scenario, her fiance left her at the altar. But her story did not end at the church. With candor and humor, Kimberley shares the personal details of her life as she journeys from devastation to a deeper understanding of what happened and how she found not only healing but hope to someday find her Mr. Right. The intimate woman-t...

How would your faith fair if you were suddenly uprooted from your comfortable home and thrust into the middle of your father's unsavory ministry?  In Love's First Bloom, Delia Parr explores this question with artistic storytelling. Ruth Livingstone leaves New York City in the middle of the night on board a packet ship with a baby and an assumed name. She finds herself struggling with the request her father has asked of her. When her father becomes the center of a controversial murder case keeping her mouth shut about who she is becomes harder and harder. When the case takes a turn for the worst the media starts hunting for the 'missing' daughter. Ruth learns more the affect of her father's ministry has had on the lives of the family she is living with as she helps in the family store. Their support helps Ruth make it through this difficult time. A stranger appears in town. Will he be a friend or enemy? I really enjoyed Delia Parr's writing style. The situ...

What a fun way to check out what others think about books, and see what they are reading!  I linked up my review of Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist  to this weeks link party.    Do you write reviews?  Maybe you just want to check out what books others are reading.  Either way take a moment to hop on over to Frugality is Free and check out the blogs and books linked up!

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado, Published by Thomas Nelson How can you outlive your life? How can you transform your faith? Take a look at Max Lucado's latest book, and you may be surprised at what you find. One thing you learn right off the bat with Max, is what his personal stand on the subject is. As part of the dedication for this book, Max dedicates 100% of his proceeds to benefit children and families through faith based organizations. Throughout the book Max brings the Old and New Testaments to life, and he shows you how what God said hundreds of years ago applies to my life today. We go along for the ride with the Ethiopian Enuch as he learns about God first hand from Philip. How does this story show us how Philip outlived his life? It shows that by obeying God and sharing both his time and his with an immigrant he outlives his life. How much affect could your college student be having on someone's life while away at school? There is an interesting twist in C...

The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris, published by Bethany House. This historical fiction romance begins during 1884 in the wilds of the untamed Montana Territory, and has everything a good American Cowboy romance should have. Cowboys, cattle rustlers, Indians, a mail-order bride, shot-outs and a saloon fight. Emily McCarthy is dislodged from her place at the Girls Home when she is unable to find work in Chicago to earn her keep. The board members of the Aldersgate Home for Girls accept, on Emily's behalf, a request for a mail-order bride. Emily is told of the boards' acceptance, and is given no choice regarding leaving the civilized world of Chicago for the wilds of the Montana frontier. Upon arriving in Repton she finds herself engaged to the town bully who is old enough to be her grandfather. As if that wasn't enough, she also finds out that her fiance is harassing the local Foundling and Orphan Asylum, of which he is a board member. The hero of this story face...

I got in four books at one time to review, and then a fifth one showed up!  I am certainly set for reading material on my trip.  Here is what I have in.  I expect to have all the reviews posted by the end of October.  Wish me luck! I just finished reading Masquerade by Nancy Moser.  The unofficial review is that it was a wonderful read.  Here is the link to it's page with Bethany House Publishers:  Masquerade Now I am reading Loves First Bloom by Delia Parr.  Published by Bethany House Publishers. Then the next three I have to read are: The Vigilante's Bride , by Yvonne Harris; published by Bethany House Publishers City on Our Knees , by Toby Mac; published by Bethany House Publishers and (one I was very excited to receive!) Out Live Your Life , by Max Lucado; published by Thomas Nelson

Are you looking for some reality in your walk with God? Do you want to read a book that tells it as it is rather than one that tends towards a preaching tone? In her book, Bittersweet, Shauna Niequist shares thoughts on change, grace, and learning the hard way. No preaching tone in this book! In an easy to read style (and easy to relate to) Shauna's second book, published by Zondervan, shares a period of her life full of change. Each chapter shows another thought on life, family or God by way of a situation she is facing or a realization she is making. Shauna bears skeletons from her closet, and lets you in where even your best friends may not let you enter. Her down to earth writing style was very easy to follow, and full of wit and artful illustrations. The reality of the situations she shares can and do happen to everyone. I was deeply touched by her story. It showed me how others can have similar doubts and questions about their lives. No matter how 'together' they s...

Who isn't a fan of Max Lucado?  He is one of my favorite inspirational authors.  I just love sitting down to read any of his books after Ms. Diva is off to bed.  What a blessing his writing is.  I am receiving a copy of his new book, Out Live Your Life , through BookSneeze to review and share with you.  I can't wait!!!!!  Can you tell I am just a "little" excited to be receiving this book? Here is the book summary provided by Thomas Nelson: These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a...

{I received a FREE copy of this book from NavPress Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.} ~ Seventeen and Homeless ~ What would you do if you and your mom moved to a new town, and then your mom skipped town leaving you alone to fend for yourself? That is the problem that faces the main character of this book. It shows us how many times we look at others with blinkers on. We want to see the pretty side to everything, and oftentimes we fail to see beneath the surface to the chaos. In this, the first book of her new series "Secrets", Melody does a very good job of taking us below the surface of Adele's life. This story begins with Adele's bi-polar mom getting a new job in a different town. She and Adele pack up everything and move hoping for a fresh start. Adele begins her Senior year of High School as part of the “in” crowd, and begins to live a life of fiction. Using the difficult situation that Adele faces, Melody explores the difficulties in main...

{I recieved a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson to read and review.  The opinions in this review are 100% my own.} “No One is beyond the reach of a loving God.” Dr. David Jeremiah compares the life journey's of Paul and John Newton in this book focused on the far reaching power of God's grace. If God can accept and extend His grace to a slave trader and a radical Jew intent on arresting professing Christians of the early church, what is keeping you from accepting this same grace? I recommend this book very, very highly to you. It was an engaging read that held my attention and my wandering mind (quite an accomplishment these days, LOL). There are so many interesting tidbits about Paul and John Newton, that it really helped to flesh out my understanding of their lives. It was also very interesting to see the influence of these mens' Christian walks on others, and how that affected the issues of their times. John Newton's conversion had a far reaching affect that ...

I am receiving Captured by Grace , by David Jeremiah, from BookSneeze  to review.  I am very excited to have this opportunity to receive books for FREE, in return for honest reviews!  Here is another company { see my post about SocialSpark } that wants honest opinion in the reviews they receive from their readers.  So, any books that I review for them will be what I think of the actual book.  Now just like movie reviews - just because I love a book and can't recommend it enough, does not mean that everyone is going to love it, LOL!  Take my reviews as you will, and I would love to read what you think of these books too!

What a fun weekend! We spent Saturday at Lake Georgetown with our church picnic. Lots of food, lots of fun, and plenty of toddlers running around to keep everyone busy, LOL! There was water skiing, tubing, sea-doo’s, and of course a place to swim. I had more than my share of the M and M cookies I brought (can’t keep my hands off of those things), and some of the best home made potato salad ever! A milestone I accomplished this weekend was getting the Embird software for my embroidery installed and running. I have been trying out different embroidery programs since the beginning of the year, and decided that this was my favorite of them all hands down. Great price, and does all that I could want at this point! I will be able to post more of the designs that I have available to put on Burp Cloths, Tissue Cozies, and Stay-Put Towels. This also gives me the ability to create a customized design just for you, and then e-mail that design to you for approval before any stitching is ever do...