Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships by Jana Duggar, Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar

About Book

It's All About Relationships!

In this delightful and very personal book, the four oldest Duggar girls share their hearts and their core beliefs, explaining that it's all about relationships! 

Relationship with self: The girls share their own personal journeys to self-acceptance and navigating the difficult stage of adolescence. 

Relationship with parents: You'll find revelations about how Jim Bob and Michelle keep the lines of communication open with their children. 

Relationships with siblings: Here, you'll get a peek into the Buddy system, how the siblings handle conflict, and how the loss of little Jubilee (their sister) affected their relationships with each other. 

Relationships with friends: You'll find principles on how the Duggar kids deal with peer pressure and how they interact with friends outside their family. 

Relationships with boys: You'll learn the Duggar view of dating and courtship, and these four sisters will address the often-asked question of when one of them will get married. 

Relationship with God: And woven throughout the book, the girls talk about their most important relationship of all their relationship with God and their own personal faith and beliefs. 

This candid look into what Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger believe and why they believe it will give you practical insights into your own life and will inspire you to evaluate principles that will work for you.

Read Except Here

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

My Thoughts

This is definitely a book for young women of faith.  I would like my granddaughters to read this book. Starting new relationships with the intent of marriage in the future is a an exciting yet difficult time for young women of faith.  Following the rules of parents and church is not always easy unless you have been raised with Christian values. The Duggar parents have not slacked on raising their children with Christian values. 

The book is a short fast read but I suggest you slow down and enjoy the inspired advise and experiences offered by these lovely young women of faith.

I highly recommend this book for young women.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/SimonSchuster for an hones review.

Permanent Resident at the Purse Table, a COTT Feature

"Keisha's debut novel is a sweet reminderof the redeeming power of love, along with a dose of drama between goodfriends! Her characters are so relatable because they're imperfect peoplewho've made some serious mistakes--just like the rest of us!"

-Michelle Stimpson,nNational Bestselling Author

About the book:

If you're size six, you dance. If you're Ava Alexander, you watch thepurses while your girlfriends dance. Each man that passes her by takes alittle of her self-esteem. After escaping a mentally abusive relationship,she promises God she will wait on Him to bring her the right man. And shemeans it--Until Ishmael. When her best friend's fiancé throws a fewcompliments her way, she travels down the path of betrayal. Ava's choicestrains her friendship and sends her into a depression. Ava receives spiritual guidance from Dr. Glory Moses. Through God's Word,there is a glimpse of hope for a restored friendship, and a newfound lovefor the woman she is. In addition, a man she meets at the counseling centeroffers her a glimpse of what could be if she lines up with God's will forher life. Will Ava be able to overcome her insecurities and step into the life Godplans for her, or will she continue to self-destruct?

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnesand Noble

What COTT voters had to say:

* I'm happy to see a novel with a plus-sized woman as the main character.Thanks, Keisha!
* I voted for Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! Good luck Keisha!
* Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! You won't be able to put itdown!
* Keisha Bass, Your book sounds like a must-read! We've all soughtvalidation in a way that brought trouble. Can't wait to see how all turnsout! Lana K.

About the author:

Keisha Bass has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Englishand holds teaching certificates in

English, Speech, and Physical Education. She has been a teacher and coachfor fourteen years, and currently teaches middle school physical educationand coach girls' volleyball and softball. She grew up in Houston, Texas,but now resides in Arlington, Texas. Keisha is also Vice President of theDFW Ready Writers, a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers,and a member of North Texas Christian Writers.
Permanent Resident at the Purse Table is Keisha's first novel. Shehas published non-fiction articles in magazines and two onlinepublications, TheChristianPulse.com and sober24.com. Her article, "HeartProblems", was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book ofMiracles.

Keisha, when is your next book due out and can you tell us aboutit?
"My next book, Permanent Resident at the Altar, is due out November2015. It takes a closer look at my main characters' lives from the firstbook and how they are moving forward in their newfound situations. There'sdrama, laughter, and definitely more chances to learn how to lean on God inevery area of their lives."

Connect with Keisha:

keishabass@att.net 

www.keishabass.org 

;

www.twitter.com/BassKeisha 

;https://www.facebook.com/KeishaBassAuthor

;

Find more great reads every week at Clash of the Titles.com!

WINTER IN FULL BLOOM by ANITA HIGMAN ~ Litfuse Group Tour

About Winter in Full Bloom: 

Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her---a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades---Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily---with her fear of flying---boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

Purchase the Book: http://ow.ly/nIIcx

Meet Anita: 

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at: www.anitahigman.com 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman

Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just released. She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.

 
  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD
• Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.

So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!

My Thoughts

Lily is overwhelmed with the many changes in her life.  After having a confrontation with her estranged mother she decides to take an unexpected trip to Melbourne. She knew her relationship with her parents was not normal  and that she needed to find that missing link.  No sooner than she arrives in Australia she becomes depressed and not sure where to go or even what to do next.  As she sits crying on a park bench a man shows concern for her well being.  As their friendship grows throughout the day he offers to help her with her family mystery.  She begins to wonder if he would play an important role in restoring her relationship with her family.

It was really hard to put this book down.  The author created a tragic tale about Lily that appeared to be irreconcilable and writes of how God has a plan if only she has faith in Him.  People were put in Lily's path to help fulfill His plan.  I know people can't see God's plan when facing trials and tribulations but as time goes by he shows us his plan.  The author put her heart and soul in this story.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group and River North/Moody Publishers  for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate by Debora M. Coty

About Book

Wit and Wisdom for Sidestepping Life's Worries

  ~Debora M. Coty~

Are you ready to strip fear’s power over you and become the confident woman you were meant to be? Have you found that tolerating your personal fear monsters only makes them growl louder?

Okay, sister – take my hand and let’s boldly step up and yank the masks off those shadow-lurking, anxiety-churning, worry-generating beasts.

With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women worn down by everyday fears – financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, the what ifs …

With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL’s along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate!

Purchase a copy here.

Tour schedule here.

About Debora

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She’s also involved in the children’s ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled “Grace Notes: God’s Grace for Everyday Living.”

Celebrate the release of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate with Debora Coty by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 7th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Debora Coty Library (Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate, More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed To Be Stressed, and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good thing begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/6/13. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" Facebook Party on 3/7. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)

So grab your copy of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 7th for an evening of fun. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

* * * 

My Thoughts

How can fear be humorous?  In this book it does make you look at the funny side of dealing with fear, what ifs, the unknown, pain, and loss in your life.  Your imagination can be an enemy sometimes causing us to fear the unknown.   

At age sixty-two with prayer and faith in God I am able to control most of my fears.   When my daughters were still at home I felt as if I was responsible for what everyone did or should do, ,yet I felt like I had no control over the situation.  Well I learned the hard way that I can advise and set rules but it was still up to the individual to follow through with what was right hopefully. If not then we would deal with it the best we could.  It would have been helpful to have had this book back then.

The author writes that you will end up making a nervous wreck out of yourself.  It can cause sleeping problems, anxiety and insecurities.  More health problems than I wish name.  Humor is one her antidotes, but most important is having faith in God's and His Word.  Putting on God's Armor.  You will love the authors interpretation of God's Armor. 

Chapter 15, This Helmet Is Worth Hat Hair

(Helmet of Salvation: Grace)

God's grace has set us free.

Romans 6:15

In Chapter 6, Who Wants to Be a Worry Wart?

(Curbing worry)

Don't worry about anything, 

instead, pray about everything, 

tell God what you need, 

and thank Him for all He has done.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

I would love to share so much more of her book with you but then you wouldn't have to read the book yourself, would you.  Grrrr!  There I go again trying to control.

You should check out some of her other books, too!

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: 

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group/Barbour Publishing for review

JOIN THE FLOCK

GIVEAWAY ~ Ryan's CROSSING ~ Crossing series #2 by Carrie Daws

About Book

After ten years, Ryan’s parents found his runaway sister, Amber. Now, as he drives to meet up with her and his parents before her wedding, his mind fills with the changes coming. Besides figuring out where she will fit into his life, a job change is on the horizon for him. But should he stick with small town life? Or should he move to Portland, Oregon? Meeting the family his sister is marrying into only brings more questions. Maybe moving to nearby Portland is the better choice.  But something about the town of Crossing calls to him. Is it the friendly people who openly accept him as Amber’s brother or the cute brunette who happens to be sister of the groom? As Ryan weighs the pros and cons, He decides to put God to the test. Will He answer? Will He let him know which choices to make? And what if Ryan doesn’t like the answer?

A 7-day Devotional for "Crossing" series here.

Published by Ambassador International

ISBN: 9781620201022

176 pages
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Carrie Daws

Over the years, God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being a stay-at-home mom and a writer. Originally writing weekly devotions as a way to share what she learned with women from various military bases, Carrie decided to enroll in the Christian Writer’s Guild. While there, seeds were planted and cultivated. After almost ten years in the military, Carrie’s husband medically retired and they now live in central North Carolina with their three children. She stays busy with homeschooling all three and driving them to field trips and extra-curricular activities. Besides writing fiction novels, Carrie works part time in her church’s office and volunteers within two military ministries.

You can also learn more at CarrieDaws.com, facebook.com/CarrieDaws or Twitter.com/CarrieDaws.  

Q & A with CARRIE DAWS

Q. Your background is in writing online devotionals. Why did you decide to enter the world of fiction writing? 

A. Well, truthfully, I never thought I’d want to write fiction. But I took a course by the Christian Writer’s Guild that included lessons on several different kinds of writing outside of my comfort zone. I found I loved creating fiction.

Q. Who do you think readers will relate to most in this book? 

A. Ryan’s Crossing includes fairly ‘normal’ characters. No one is really in crisis, no one’s life is falling apart. Life is just happening and causing people to consider some new opportunities because of it. While I think many people will want to think of themselves more as Brittany – stable in her life, solid in her relationships and career – I hope many will also consider where Ryan is, including having a blind spot or two they may need to let God work on.

Q. Courting and purity are addressed in this book. Why did you decide to include those topics? 

A. Courting and purity seem like such old-fashioned ideas, yet to me it makes a lot of sense. Protecting my children’s hearts takes as high a priority as protecting their bodies. If true love waits for the marriage bed, then why shouldn’t the heart also wait until the person is ready to be married?

Q. How does the main character Ryan feel about courting? 

A. Courting, as well as the concept of not being in a closed space with someone of the opposite gender who is not related by blood or marriage, are new ideas to Ryan, but it’s important to the girl who has caught his attention so decides to play along.

Q. Do you have plans for additional books in the “Crossing” series? 

A. Two more books are coming for Crossing! Romancing Melody will be out in the spring of 2013. It will focus on a military wife trying to survive the Army and a catastrophe while her husband is deployed. About halfway through the book, she makes a journey to Crossing where she is loved on by Ryan, Brittany and the entire Yager/Griffin family. The final book will be Crossing’s Redemption, which will tell more of the life of Mrs. Guire – Melody’s aunt and Crossing’s town hotrod. Amber will also come full circle and deal with a bit more of the pain in her past.

CARRIE, THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH US 

ABOUT YOUR "CROSSING" SERIES!!!

GIVEAWAY

Win a Paperback Copy of 

RYAN'S CROSSING by Carrie Daws

 1 Winner

Just leave a comment with your email.

(I need your email to contact you if you are the winner)

Ends Sunday, January 8th, 2013

Winner announced on Monday, Jan. 9th, 2013

My Thoughts

When Ryan received an invitation to his sister Amber's wedding he did not know what to expect.  He had not seen her since she ran away when she was in her teens. He had also been avoiding his parents and would have some explaining to do about missing so many of the holidays with them.  Being an EMS and also attending school was the excuse he gave them over the years.  In his own way he too has been running away from his family?

When he arrives in Crossing, Oregon his whole family is together and seem to be functioning like a normal happy family and that is not what he expected. He assumed the big change was in thanks to Amber's future in-laws.  

He is introduced to Amber's future in-laws and their extended family which included Allie the grooms sister. After one look at Allie he knew his life was fixing to be turned in a totally different direction than he had planned.  He even started hearing a voices which was either God or an Angel by the name of Matthew.  They seemed to be guiding him on a new path.  

Where was all of this leading him?  It seemed to be a little clinic in Crossing and the beautiful nurse named Allie.  It was slowly becoming clear to him where God wanted him live, work and start a family. But what does Allie want?

This book was as heart wrenching and inspiring as book one. With the visitations of the Angels overseeing the family I would get goosebumps. In both books at first I struggled with their rules on courting but I totally agreed on the rules of purity and how the two are connected. It would be wonderful if more parents would adopt this for their children.

I am ready to read book three.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free book from Ambassador-Emerald International for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

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