100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry & Anxiety

Title: 100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry & Anxiety
Publisher: BethanyHouse
ISBN: 978-0764-238383

“Walking in God’s forgiveness and knowing that he holds you in his hands is one of the greatest weapons that you have against fear and worry,” the application section notes in Bethany House’s book, 100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry & Anxiety.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-eight-page paperback targets those who want to stop worrying and having anxiety and learn to trust in the Lord more. With no introduction or instructions, there are one-hundred Bible verses with context, meaning, and application divisions. Using mainly the New International Version of the Holy Bible, the Christian Standard, ESV, GNT, NASB, NLT, NKJV, the Passion Translation, and KJV are also referenced.

Focusing on anxiety or fear that all of us feel, the book that is written by twenty-five contributors concentrates on uplifting and encouraging Bible verses to consider during times of stress and distress. Each short one-to-three verses are written out, followed by its context. A paragraph or two discusses the meaning behind the chosen verse or verses, and an application describes how to look to God for the answers. Each ending has additional verses noted.

~ Why ~
In these complicated times, it is hard as a Christian to not feel anxious or worrisome in everyday life. I appreciate the explanations and how the applications encourage us to bring the Lord foremost into our thinking and acting. One example I liked was from Psalm 46:1 about God being our refuge. The context shows how the verse is a song of confidence in God’s power and deliverance. The meaning behind the verse expounds that although life is unpredictable and full of strife, it reminds us that God is our strength when in trouble. The application challenges the reader to pray and lean on Him instead of ourselves. Psalm 46:10, Psalm 145:14, and Deuteronomy 31:6 are additional reading.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not understand why we need to seek God for calmness and peace. Others may wish specific Bibles were not used as they may not be concise.

~ Wish ~
It would be helpful if there was a reference section or a way to have all verses listed in the front or back of the book. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you are stressed out and tired of being tense, this short read will recenter you to look to Christ for help and assurance that He is in control.

Thanks to Bethany House for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

#BethanyHouse #100BestBibleVersestoOvercomeWorryandAnxiety #StopFreakingOut #FocusOnChristWhenAnxious

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3wlIHN5

Chasing Her Dream

Title: Chasing Her Dream
Author: Jennifer Slattery
Publisher: Love Inspired
ISBN: 978-1-335-56722-2

“She needed to wisen up before that man broke her heart for the second time,” Rheanna reminded herself in Jennifer Slattery’s novel, Chasing Her Dream.

~ What ~
Part of the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance series, this two-hundred-and-eighty-eight-page paperback targets those who like contemporary Christian romances. With no profanity, topics of divorce and animal abuse may not be appropriate for young readers.

In this current-day tale set in a small Texan town, divorced Rheanna is ready to start over when she inherits a rundown ranch from her uncle. With her six-year-old daughter and close friend in tow, she feels overwhelmed at the disarray and disfunction of the horse ranch that had given her so many fond memories as a teen, especially when it came to a boy named Dave.

When Dave arrives in the same town for a wedding and sees his long-lost love Rheanna, he has changed for the better due to his relationship with Jesus and his adoptive parents. After being asked to board many abused horses, they agree to work together for the love of the animals. They quickly learn there is more behind the emotional toll their past played out years ago for them to start anew.

~ Why ~
This is a fast read about forgiveness, faith, and hope between two broken protagonists who have to move on to understand how their pasts affected them and others. I enjoyed learning about the care and love of quinines. Forgiving others and oneself is a hard lesson to learn at any stage of life.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like romantic stories about small town living and horse ranches, but the story moves fast as the main relationship is tested. Others may not enjoy books that include horses or their care. The story is very predictable with few surprises.

~ Wish ~
I wish the eternal plan of salvation were explained more in depth.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a short relaxing weekend afternoon read, this cowboy story will have you chasing one girl’s dream of rekindled love.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Thanks to Love Inspired and the author for this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.

#LoveInspired #JenniferSlattery #ChasingHerDream #CowboyRomance #TexasRomance #InspirationalRomance

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/2UW4Ioz

The Daily Question Conversation Card Set

Title: The Daily Question
Publisher: Ink & Willow
ISBN: 978-0-593-23182-1

“100 meaningful questions to start discussions around the table or anywhere,” the side of the box lid states on Ink & Willow’s, The Daily Question Conversation Card Set.

~ What ~
This approximately 5 by 4 by 2 inch designer box contains 100 index cards with rounded corners that are divided into 5 sections of questions that cover Friends & Family, Travel, Faith, Just for Fun, and Then & Now. With each section having 20 cards that are color-coded, there are 5 dividers with tabs stating their themes. The concept of the cards is to stimulate conversations by asking questions and answering them.

~ Why ~
Having received the book with the same title plus the one for parents to do with their children, this is a phenomenal way to communicate when the ice needs breaking at a party, one wants to get to know another person, or as a game during a group setting. Including the spiritual aspect is wonderful as this was helped our 6-year-old granddaughter to eventually accept the Lord by us reading the corresponding book to her.

Here are 2 questions from each section:
Friends & Family:
* What about your family are you thankful for?
* What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Travel:
* If money were no object, where would you go?
* What’s one exotic food that you’d like to try?
Faith:
When did you first believe there was a God?
What helps you replace your fear with faith?
Just for Fun:
* What’s the last movie that made you cry?
* What’s your favorite thing to do that’s free?
Then & Now:
* What is a risk you have taken?
* Do you have a scar that could tell a story?

~ Why Not ~
Some of the questions are quirky, superficial, or mundane, yet some of the more thought-provoking ones may help the person answering explain their thoughts, expectations, or dreams. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not be interested in it or appreciate some of its soul-searching questions.

~ Wish ~
Since the cards contain the topic about one’s spiritual stance, it would be more helpful if a Bible verse was given and a question asked about it instead of random questions that sometimes have nothing to do with spirituality.

~ Want ~
This card set would make a nice gift for a family, group gathering, Bible study, or party to help discuss personal happenings, emotions, or feelings without being too uncomfortable for those who participate in it.

Thanks to WaterBrook and Multnomah Book Launch Team for this complimentary product that I am freely reviewing.

#InkandWillow #InkandWillowGifts #TheDailyQuestion #TheDailyQuestionConversationCardSet

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3xp9EQQ

Penguin and Moose Brave the Night

Title: Penguin & Moose Brave the Night
Author: Hannah C. Hall
Illustrator: Stacy Curtis
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-1508-6

“He’s survived, and he hadn’t ended up needing the night-light or the slingshot or the bug spray or anything,” states Hannah C. Hall in her children’s book, Penguin & Moose Brave the Night.

~ What ~
This thirty-two-page hardbound targets children four to eight years old and focuses on trusting God, even when we are afraid. Simple illustrations by Stacy Curtis cover the pages with an easy-to-read font size.

Reiterating that God is always with us, the tale is about Moose who invites Penguin to spend the night at their house, but the animal that cannot fly is afraid of the dark. Thinking he had brought along the right things to stave off his worries would subside his fears, the Penguin is prompted by Moose’s reinforcement that God is always with them.

~Why ~
This is a charming book that does not make fun of a young one who is afraid of the dark, but it encourages working through the problem and realizing that God is always there. It may help those who are insecure and need encouragement by relying on God, not themselves or objects.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not want to promote God being omnipresent will not want to read this book to their young child. Beginner readers may have trouble with some of the two and three-syllable words.

~ Wish ~
I wish there were more detail and emotion in the drawings as often they are against a white background. I could vision a series of helpful books about these two animal friends.

~ Want ~
If your child is scared of the dark, this may help them realize that God is nearby, always keeping them safe and secure, especially as they drift off to dreamland.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #HannahCHall #StacyCurtis #PenguinandMooseBravetheNight

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3pcjy5H

A Lady in Attendance

Title: A Lady in Attendance
Author: Rachel Fordham
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3973-7

“Her sentence might always mar her record, but was there a way to escape the fear, to leave free and honestly?” Rachel Fordham writes about Hazel in her novel, A Lady in Attendance.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance set in the late 1890s in New York. With no profanity or sexual content, topics of drugs, abuse, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes ten discussion questions, a chapter of another book by the writer, author’s note, biography, and advertisements.

In this tale, twenty-five-year-old Hazel has finished serving her time at a reformatory and arduously wants to forget the pain she has caused to others and herself. When she takes a job working as an attendant for a kind and quiet dentist named Gilbert, she remains secretive, afraid to let anyone know her past. As the two work closely together, not only must she learn about forgiveness but also allow others to help her to clear her name.

~ Why ~
I enjoy novels about how people lived over a hundred years ago and their relationships. I appreciated the way the writer blended the two opposite personalities, learning to be themselves with each other as their friendship developed. The handling of forgiving oneself and those who harm was tender and thoughtful.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories about dentistry may want to avoid this read, but it approaches the vocation with gentleness and care. Others may not like there are a few stereotypical characters. I found the story rather predictable.

~ Wish ~
I was surprised that blatant lying was done to accomplish a goal. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. It would have been nice to incorporate God and His love as the most powerful link to forgiving one another.

~ Want ~
If you like a historical novel about finding romance after feeling hopeless, this is a light read that focuses on forgiveness.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #RachelFordham #ALadyinAttendance

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2SCDz94

God’s Always Loving You

Title: God’s Always Loving You
Author: Janna Matthies
Illustrator: Airin O’Callaghan
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-1504-8

“When the sun is under wraps, darkeness creeps and thunder claps, shower flood and sirens warn–who is BIGGER than the storm? God, that’s who,” rhymes Janna Matthies at the beginning of her children’s book, God’s Always Loving You.

~ What ~
This twenty-four-page board book with rounded corners targets newborns to children three years old. This read focuses on God always loving and being there, no matter what happens. Expressive and charming full-color illustrations by Airin O’Callaghan grace the pages with an easy-to-read font size.

This short book reiterates that no matter what the situation one experiences, God is always there to help, encourage, and comfort. Usually, there are four rhyming lines that ask a question, with the answer that it is God, that’s who. The scenes cover a stormy day, going to bed, enjoying the beach, dealing with bad news, playing outside, helping others, and learning about love.

~Why ~
If you have a curious child who is dealing with emotions, this book hones in on trusting God as He is always there unconditionally. I liked the fanciful drawings and that there was enough content visually for a young child to view. The book may help those who are insecure and need encouragement by relying on God, not themselves.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not want to promote God’s love and how much He cares for us will not want to read this book to their young child. Others may think it is not geared toward those under three years old but directed to toddlers instead who can comprehend some of its content. Beginner readers may have trouble with some of the two and three-syllable words.

~ Wish ~
I found that some of the rhymes about floods, sirens, under-the-bed objects, bad news, loneliness, and quitting may make a sensitive child more concerned and fearful if they are naiive or immature.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a board book that promotes God is always there and always loving us, this is a good read although it may bring up some negative feelings that may need further discussion.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #GodsAlwaysLovingYou #JannaMatthies #AirisOCallaghan #GodLovesYou

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3uojwbz

Along a Storied Trail

Title: Along a Storied Trail
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3721-4

“Maybe she was destined to be another Aunt Perdie with nothing but maybes or might-have-beens,” Tansy ponders in Ann H. Gabhart’s novel, Along a Storied Trail.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in a tale of finding love and contentment in a small rural community. With no profanity, topics of abuse, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes two chapters of another book by the author, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements.

In this story based in the Kentucky mountains during the Depression, unmarried twenty-year-old Tansy takes her job seriously as a packhorse librarian who delivers books to remote homes. Being a lover of words, she wonders if she will find true love, especially when an outlier from New York appears, wanting her to show him the history of the area. As she visits from house to house passing out books, many of the residents visited must make decisions that alter lives and she must decide what she truly wants.

~ Why ~
This is a fast read that sucks the reader in as Tansy goes from house to house delivering books to the young and old. A local boy who has always had his eye on one girl, an old woman who finds peace, a young girl in need, and a woman who is seeking answers focus on trusting the Lord to find happiness. I deeply appreciate how the Word of God was naturally intertwined among the residents’ lives.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like tales about the Depression, heartbreak, or losing loved ones may want to pass on this read. Non-believers may not care for its religious content, yet it is core to living life. Others may not prefer its many characters, but the writer does an excellent job describing their different personalities, problems, and hopes.

~ Wish
With many Bible verses added, it would have been nice to have the eternal plan of salvation clearly stated. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like reading a story of learning to be confoundedly content, this is an engaging read about sparking romances in the beautiful mountains full of chestnut trees in the Appalachians.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #AnnaHGabhart #AlongAStoriedTrail

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2QUnc7h

Never Miss

Title: Never Miss
Author: Melissa Koslin
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3839-6

“Neither of us can do this alone. I don’t have your knowledge of science, and you don’t know how a terrorist mind works,” Kadance informs Lyndon in Melissa Koslin’s novel, Never Miss.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback is for those who enjoy current-day romantic suspense about trying to stop a dangerous virus from being potentially spread in America. With slang words such as heck and darn, topics of abuse, torture, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a chapter of the writer’s next book, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements.

Set in the United States, former CIA sniper Kadance becomes involved with Lyndon, a smart scientist with a photographic memory, when she saves his life. As they look for the reason for the attempted assassination, not only are they both targeted, but they try to stop the mastermind who wants to emit an Ebola virus at the upcoming State of the Union address. As the two get closer to their goal, they struggle with their paths of loneliness and heartbreak while searching for redemption.

~Why ~
This is a rapid story that zig-zags across America in a race to find who wants to lower worldwide population via releasing a deadly virus. The sharpshooter and geek’s connection is well-tested and tried as they work through their inadequacies and insecurities. I appreciated the scientific input and logical intelligent design discussions regarding a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like Christian suspense will pass on this story about a trained sniper dealing with her skillset and a shy brainy guy who thinks too much. Others may think some of the scenarios were far-fetched, the traveling times incorrect, and the access to secured areas a bit unbelievable. Kadance’s pet cat was a unique addition to the tale but perhaps a bit unrealistic.

~ Wish ~
Although the story has threads of Christianity and praying, it would be thoughtful to include the eternal plan of salvation. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a romantic read involving two hurt and damaged individuals who want to do all in their power to save others, this is a fast read but you may find it a little over the top in some areas.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #MelissaKoslin #NeverMissNovel #SniperRomanticSuspense

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3vu8Jh2

Present Danger

Title: Present Danger
Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3798-6

“God, help us to catch him before someone else dies. Help us find him. Help us dig up the root of this whole mess,” Terra prays in Elizabeth Goddard’s novel, Present Danger.

~ What ~
The first in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, this three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page book targets those who enjoy a contemporary Christian romantic suspense involving stolen archaelogical artifacts, past love, and family secrets. Using no profanity, topics of murder and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes author’s notes, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements.

Set in Montana, twenty-nine-year-old Terra Connors is a US Forest Service special agent who is thrown together with detective Jack Tanner when a body is found in the national forest. Due to their romantic past, Terra is overly guarded while Jack feels like a failure for having walked away from their relationship unexpectedly six years ago. The couple tries to tamper down their growing reconnection while trying to track down a killer with ties to dangerous trafficking of archaeological objects.

~Why ~
This romantic story is filled with suspense and drama as the pair works as a team to link stolen items to those involved, especially when Terra feels targeted and others are murdered. I liked the historical aspect of how relics can be stolen and illegally resold. The theme of forgiveness is poignant and tender.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like Christian romances will pass on this story that promotes praying to God while learning to forgive oneself and others. Although no eternal plan of salvation is discussed, it does have sporadic prayers to God. I found the ending complicated and a little confusing.

~ Wish ~
I wish the protagonists were not so indecisive on their feelings for each other.

~ Want ~
If you like a suspenseful Christian series that begins with two past lovers having to work together to catch a murderer, this is fast-paced with a surprising twist.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #ElizabethGoddard #PresentDangerElizabethGoddard #RockyMountainCourageSeries

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2PaHZms

Ellie Claire Prayer Warrior Journal

Title: Prayer Warrior
Author: Ellie Claire
Publisher: Hatchette
ISBN: 978-1-633-262191-4

“It will help you surrender your frustrations, and rest in the assurance that your prayers are powerful weapons against the world’s forces that God hears and works through every one,” Amazon states regarding Ellie Claire diary book, Prayer Warrior.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-sixty-page book with a brown LeatherLuxe and canvas soft jacket targets those who enjoy writing down prayers in journals. After an ownership page, the book contains blank lined pages with short sayings placed randomly at the top of some of the pages. Referencing mainly the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible, the NIV, NKJ, NASB, and The Message versions are also used.

The idea of this journal is to write down and keep track of prayers and their outcomes. Some of the Bible verses are from Psalms, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Romans, Ephesians, and James, as well as quotes from popular writers such as Kim Boyce, Margaret Cropper, Charles De Foucauld, Elisabeth Elliot, Richard J. Foster, Gloria Gaither, Billy Graham, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Marilyn Jansen, Soren Kiekegaard, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Martin Luther, F.B. Meyer, Mother Teresa, Andrew Murray, and Michael Quoist.

~ Why ~
Those who like writing in a journal will appreciate this one dedicated to one’s prayer life. I like that that there are plenty of lines nicely spaced on each page, allowing ample areas to write. The book’s design has a clean unisex look with a leatherlike and canvas finish. It is compact so can be carried in a large purse or backpack and has an attached ribbon marker.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not be interested in a book promoting writing down prayers, but the book could be used as a simple journal for note-taking. Others who write in a large font may wish the spaces were further apart, but they are decently laid out.

~ Wish ~
It would be helpful if the book’s binding would allow it to lay flat for writing, yet it is workable as is.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a lovely, sturdy canvas journal to help you become a sincere prayer warrior, this would be a great gift for a guy or gal.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, FaithWorks, and Ellie Claire for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#HatchetteBookClub #FaithWorks #EllieClaire #PrayerJournal #JournalforPrayers

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/2OhjSBV