Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson

The final piece of the puzzle: Jennifer O'Malley. The story of how Jennifer meets her Tom. If you've read the O'Malley series, you'll definitely want to pick up this book!

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley.

The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas, and meeting and falling in love with surgeon Tom Peterson is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce Tom to her family - she's the youngest of seven - and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested, and in a way she didn't expect. The results will soon transform her entire family. 

Just 154 pages - you can have it read in a weekend! I couldn't put this book down! Dee Henderson is an amazing writer. She pulls you into the story as if you belonged. The O'Malley siblings become family; their friends become your friends. Reading about Jennifer was like catching up with a friend who I hadn't seen in a few years. It's a short but very sweet book, and it'll make you want to reread all the other O'Malley books! 

After reading this book, the story of the O'Malley family is finally complete.

Bethany House supplied a copy of this book for me, but the review is completely my own opinion.

The Full Armor of God by Larry Richards

Paul describes this armor in Ephesians 6 and draws an analogy between the pieces of the infantryman's armor and the spiritual armor God provides so that we can stand against demonic enemies.

Paul explains each part of the armor throughout the entire letter to the Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:1-23 explains the helmet of salvation
Ephesians 2:1-10 explains the shield of faith
Ephesians 2:11-4:16 explains the sandals which is the preparation that comes from the gospel of peace
Ephesians 4:17-5:7 explains the breastplate of righteousness
Ephesians 5:8-6:9 explains the belt of truth
Ephesians 6:10-24 is a summary of everything which includes the sword which is explained as the Word of God

The Full Armor of God is divided into six parts. After the introduction, Richards begins each part with a scheme of Satan - a lie Satan uses to keep us away from God and in sin.

Then he explains a relevant piece of armor. Each piece has an important role for the soldier. And each piece of the armor of God has an important role for us. We need to understand these pieces so that we can stand against the Devil and his lies.

Next he looks at the lesson Paul is teaching and then moves on to how you can claim it and put it into practice. This is a very important part of the book. If we don't learn how to use the armor of God then what good is it to us. We must learn how to use the pieces so that we can become strong soldiers for God.

Although it took me a while to read this book - as does any informational book - I did enjoy it. There is a lot of information in this book and would make for a great small group Bible study. Richards also includes two Appendixes in the back of the book. One is information about Christian counseling and evil. The other is lesson plans for a "Live Free Support Group".

Richards conducts Freedom Workshops where he teaches about the concepts in this book. The lesson plans are used as resources for those who have attended one of his Freedom Workshops.

Chosen Books did supply me with a copy of The Full Armor of God; however, this review is 100% my opinion.

Submerged by Dani Pettrey

*sigh*

I love a good suspense romance book! I haven't taken the time to read a good book in a while. Bethany House Publishing Group provided me with a copy of Submerged, and it was wonderful!

The story takes place in Alaska - which makes reading it even better because I've always wanted to go there! Bailey Craig promised herself she would never go back to Alaska. She has a reputation there that isn't the best. However her aunt's death brings her back, and her knowledge of Alaskan history keeps her there even longer than she expected.

Cole McKenna has tried to forget about his feelings for Bailey for years now, but seeing her again and having to work so closely with her to solve a growing number of murders is almost too much for him. He's not the same guy she left so many years ago, and she doesn't seem to be the same girl either.

Maybe they do have another chance, that is if they can overcome the obstacles facing them and accept the forgiveness Christ offers us all.

There's just one problem: I almost wish that this book stood on its own - that it wasn't a part of a series. Because now I have to wait for the second book to come out! And I'm terrible at waiting..... but I just have to find out what happens next! : )

Overall, the book was incredible and full of suspense! I didn't know what was going to happen next. I very much enjoyed the first book of the Alaskan Courage series by Pettrey. There was just enough romance, suspense, and faith throughout the book without going overboard. I'm definitely looking forward to Shattered which according to Pettrey's website will be coming to stores (as of writing this review) in 215 days, 16 hours, 37 minutes....

That's too long!!

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

     *sigh* I love a good suspense book. And The Baker's Wife is just that! I could not stop reading! Audrey beings her day like any other until she finds herself the suspect in a seemingly fatal car accident with no body to be found. To make matters worse, a leading detective - who hasn't had the friendliest of relationships with Audrey and her family - is the husband of the missing victim. Audrey must solve the mystery herself before the detective crosses the line.
     I enjoyed this e-book very much! It was easy to read, and it really got me thinking about my relationship with God and how far I would go to help someone in need - especially someone whom I don't get along with very well. Audrey is a great character to look up to. She is strong and passionate about her work for the LORD. Although, like the rest of us, she does fall and stumble at times, but she gets right back up and keeps running this race called life.
     I believe we could all use a spiritual check-up every once in a while, and a good Christian book is a nice way to do that. You get to enjoy a nice read, and you get tid-bits of information that make you think about and analyze your own walk with the LORD and how your relationship is growing.

*BookSneeze did provide a copy of this e-book for me to review; however, the opinions are 100% my own.

First Book from Booksneeze

I got my first book in from Booksneeze!

It's called God's Love Letters to You: A 40-Day Devotional Experience by Dr. Larry Crabb. Here's the back cover of the book:

What if you had a letter from the Lord of the Universe, written specifically to you with unique insight into who He is and what He has planned for you? What if you could enter into a real conversation with the God of the Bible? 

WELL, YOU DO. AND YOU CAN.

The greatest love letters of all time did not come from the pen of a playwright or the mouth of a poet. They weren't formed on warped sheets of music or with t he quills of romantics. These letters come from the Word of the Almighty God.

Based on 66 Love Letters - Dr. Larry Crabb's intimate conversation with God - this devotional experience offers the chance to completely change the way you think about love.

Give yourself forty days to fall head-over-heels in love with the Savior who calls you by name and welcomes you into a sweeping, incredible relationship with Him. Discover the language and story of true love as it was originally intended - personal letters from God to you.

Dr. Larry Crabb is a well-known psychologist, seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author, and founder/director of New Way Ministries. He is also Scholar in Residence at Colorado Christian University, is visiting professor at Richmont University, and serves as Spiritual Director of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
www.newwayministries.org

After reading the book, I'll be posting a review so remember to look for that! Have a good day!