Friday, January 19, 2018

Sacred Rest (Non-Fiction Review) + Reader's Choice of any Christian Fiction Novel in Print

Today I'm reviewing an intriguing non-fiction book about what it means to find sacred rest. Now, since I'm a fiction fan, I thought it would be fun to host a Reader's Choice Giveaway of any Christian Fiction title in print (already released.) Scroll down to the GIVEAWAY graphic beneath this review to get full details.


DALTON-SMITH, SAUNDRA, MD
SACRED REST : RECOVER YOUR LIFE, RENEW YOUR ENERGY, RESTORE YOUR SANITY

How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life?

In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional.

Dr.Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research -- physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative -- and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirutality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect.

By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

My Review:

An eye-opening look at what rest really means. And it's not just getting adequate sleep. In fact, Dr. Dalton-Smith is quick to point out that sleep is not the same thing as rest. You could sleep eight hours a day and never feel rested.

"A well-rested life is a secret hidden in plain sight. It is a life at one with God, self,and others. It's life strengthened by winding down the expectations of others and charging up your expectations for yourself." (p 118)

I kept thinking of the scripture "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) as I read through this book. And I think that ultimately, that is the key -- to feel God, to see Him in every aspect of our lives. It's only then that a sacred rest is truly possible.

My favourite section of this book is Part II -- The Gifts of Rest.There's a lot of meat to this part of the book and it really got me thinking...and marveling over all the gifts available to us. And not the ones you'd automatically think of -- at least I wouldn't have. Like the Gift of Boundaries, of Acceptance, of Permission and so many more. Dalton-Smith has encouraged me to explore each of these gifts and how they relate to me. This isn't the kind of book you just read through. It's the kind that makes you pause and ponder and want to come back to time and time again.

Book provided courtesy of Faith Works and Litfuse Publicity Group.


GIVEAWAY
WINNER'S CHOICE OF ANY CHRISTIAN FICTION NOVEL IN PRINT (ALREADY RELEASED)

State the title and author of the book you want to win in the comment section
-- up to 3 suggestions per person
BUT
each title/author must be in a separate comment
(makes it easier for me to tally)
MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION ALREADY RELEASED
Remember to add your email address in one of your comments
(no need to do it each time)
but remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers
Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 20 2018 
Offer open to International Readers


174 comments:

  1. Would Bringing Maggie Home count as one?
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  2. "The Sea Before Us" by Sarah Sundin is the book I really want to read.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one doesn't release until February, Cindy so it doesn't count for this giveaway. Book must be in print already.

      Delete
    2. Sorry. How about The Writing Desk by Rachael Hauck.

      Blessings,
      Cindy W.
      countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

      Delete
    3. Ooooh -- loved that book. Good luck, Cindy.

      Delete
  3. "The View From Rainshadow Bay" by Colleen Coble.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one releases on the 23rd so it'll be in print by the time I'm ready to order so this one is a go. Good luck,Cindy.

      Delete
  4. "If I Live" by Terri Blackstock.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one doesn't release until March so it's not eligible either. Feel free to try for two more titles -- must already be out though. Good luck,Cindy.

      Delete
    2. Sorry again, how about Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke?

      Blessings,
      Cindy W.
      countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

      Delete
    3. No worries, Cindy, I don't think my instructions were all that clear. Fixed it now. Good luck!

      Delete
  5. The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this one! Good luck, Caryl.

      Delete
  6. The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops -- this one doesn't release until February so feel free to add another title that is already released. Good luck, Caryl.

      Delete
  7. The Writing Desk by Rachael Hauck
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That one is awesomesauce! Good luck, Caryl.

      Delete
  8. The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep. (it's in the CBD catalog in print, bt doesn't release for another month or so.) Does that count?

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah -- so I see my library lingo is confusing people. To us folks in the biz 'in print' means published...so already out and available to buy but I think you Kindle readers are thinking ebook vs print book, right? Sorry about that. So, I've added 'already released' to my rules above. Phew. So, no, according to Amazon, this book doesn't release until March. So, choose another one.

      Delete
    2. I kinda thought so, but wasn't 100% sure. Sorry, Ms. Librarian. (wink) So I like the sound of the one Tracey mentioned below: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.

      Delete
    3. Sorry for the confusion. Good luck, Diana!

      Delete
    4. Not a problem, Kav! I figured that's what you meant and I should have simply asked!

      Delete
  9. Falling For You by Becky Wade (if this doesn't count I'll pick another)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same thing -- this one doesn't release until May. So pick another book that has already released.

      Delete
    2. Ok, here's another pick. Thank you!

      A Stranger at Fellsworth by Sarah Ladd

      Delete
    3. You can't go wrong with Sarah Ladd!

      Delete
  10. Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

    Thanks for the fun giveaway, Kav! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. "The View From Rainshadow Bay" by Colleen Coble.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. "If I Live" by Terri Blackstock.

    THANKS, Kav, for this wonderful giveaway. And love your review of the non-fiction book. Have heard so much about it and want to order it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only the Lacemaker qualifies as If I Live and The View From Rainshadow Bay haven't released yet. My in print reference is library lingo for already published but I see that in this Kindle age it could look like physical book versus ebook. Sorry about that.

      Delete
  13. Sacred Rest is such a fascinating topic to discuss. It makes me think of the verse in Timothy, "But godliness, with contentment is great gain". Sacred rest equals contentment because my focus is centered on Him. Thanks for sharing this.
    For the giveaway I had to go to my backlist wish list. I have heard this historical is excellent and am determined to get to it this year.

    Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
    Thanks Kav
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh -- love that word 'contentment' -- that's exactly what this book is about. You summed it up in one word. Sigh...and I have a lot of work to do on that. Good luck, Tracey.

      Delete
  14. Another one I want to read this year is Roseanna White's new series, A Name Unknown.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Also the second book in that series,
    A Song Unheard.
    Hope you have a great weekend Kav,
    and happy reading to you and all my Best Reads friends!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Roseanna White as well. Excited for that second book that just released. Woot! Good luck, Tracey.

      Delete
  16. Ooh, an opportunity to get all (and by all, I mean potentially one) of the books I didn't get get for Christmas!

    1. The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you don't win it and you are a kindle reader, I just saw it's on sale for $1.99

      Delete
    2. lol -- yes, much catch up with those Christmas lists. And that's a great tip from Tracey. Good luck, Rachael.

      Delete
  17. The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. Dying to read it!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. 2. When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. 3. A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two awesomesauce books! Good luck, Rachael.

      Delete
  20. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate for my second choice.

    ckbarker at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck.

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have Before We Were Yours on my TBR pile! I will be reading and reviewing soon. Good luck, Cheryl.

      Delete
  22. Never Forget by Jody Hedlund

    nina4sm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark

    nina4sm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. The Buck Stops Here by Mindy Starns Clark

    nina4sm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am trying to get all those Mindy Starns Clark's mysteries from my library...they only have two and I think they need to be read in order. Anyway, good luck, Sylvia.

      Delete
  25. 1. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  26. 3. The First Gift by Ruth Logan Herne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved The First Gift -- Ruth Logan Herne is such an awesome author. Good luck, Melody.

      Delete
  27. All This Time by Melissa Tagg

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sorry for the confusion, Kav....I will list two others:
    Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Replies
    1. No worries, Jackie, it was my inept wording that confused people. :-) Good luck!

      Delete
  31. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

    Thanks so much Kav! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am about to dive into this one so if you don't win it here keep an eye out for a future giveaway. Good luck, Heidi.

      Delete
  32. The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Kav!
    Sacred Rest sounds like great book for my spiritual reading wish list.😊

    All This Time by Melissa Tagg
    Worthy2bpraisedATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  34. The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hearts Entwined by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connelly, Regina Jennings; Melissa Jaguars

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Merry! First and third are good but your second choice, The Saturday Night Supper Club doesn't release until February so it doesn't work for this giveaway. Feel free to choose another one that has already been published. Good luck!

      Delete
  36. The Redeeming by Tamara Leigh
    Elly -Indiana-
    jcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  37. The Kindling by Tamara Leigh
    Elly -Indiana
    jcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom
    (As you may have noticed, I'm trying to collect the whole series, lol)

    ReplyDelete
  38. The Longing by Tamara Leigh
    Elly -Indiana-
    jcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom
    (And yes, I did make sure that these books are available in print through Amazon beforehand, so you wouldn't have to look it up 😉)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It definitely looks like I need to read this series! And thanks for checking on Amazon, Elly. Good luck.

      Delete
  39. You know how we love these readers choice giveaways!

    #1 The Lacemaker - Laura Frantz

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. #2 The Esther Paradigm - Sarah Monzon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oohhh -- the Esther Paradigm - I totally want to read that one. It is on a ton of best of 2017 lists. Good luck, Patty.

      Delete
  41. Fascinating non-fiction book! Appreciate the review of it. Also is fun to do a retro "keeper shelf wish list". So, my first one is A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears, 2016. Is still available on Christianbook and will check that on others as am using that as my reference point.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can never keep up with all the books out there -- retro or current. Love Melissa Jagears. I have Love So True from last year on my TBR pile right now. Good luck, CC.

      Delete
  42. #3 A Name Unknown - Roseanna White

    ReplyDelete
  43. True to You by Becky Wade 2017

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't go wrong with a Becky Wade book! Good luck, CC.

      Delete
  44. Okay, so it was way to hard to choose ONE book in print, so I'm just now commenting.....Kav, are you out of your mind crazy....LOL!!!

    I'm going to pick some "retro" ones, ones I've had on my MUST READ list forever, lol!

    1.) The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

    ReplyDelete
  45. And the second book in this series:

    2.) A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

    I've heard SUCH good things about these two books :-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. My third choice to complete my set on the shelf is:

    3.) Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Epic choices! It's hard to keep up with all these great books, isn't it? Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
  47. 1. High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  48. 2. Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. 3. A Song of Home by Susie Finkbeiner

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one looks awesome! I've never heard of this author before. Good luck, Pam.

      Delete
  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sorry....got really excited about the three fiction books that I totally messed up my comments. Thanks for introducing an awesome non-fiction book today; I’m not a big fan of non-fiction, but it’s good to stretch my reading borders.

    Now onto the fiction selections....
    Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol -- I know, we get a bit giddy when it comes to books. Hard not to. Good luck, Mindy.

      Delete
  55. The One True Love of Alice Ann by Eva Marie Everson, 2017. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a new one to me -- haven't read anything by Eva Marie Everson in a while. Must put this on my list too. Good luck, CC.

      Delete
  56. The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a good book!!! Good luck, Mindy.

      Delete
  57. The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  58. The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauk

    ReplyDelete
  59. Replies
    1. An awesome selection right there. Good luck, Lori.

      Delete
  60. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  61. Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  62. A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna White.
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing
    by Wanda E. Brunstetter
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  64. Change of Heart (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel)
    by Molly Jebber
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  65. An Amish Winter: Home Sweet Home, A Christmas Visitor, When Winter Comes
    by Amy Clipston,‎ Kelly Irvin,‎ Barbara Cameron
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So many great Amish books out there. I haven't read any of these either. Good luck, Kay.

      Delete
  66. Ok so I LOVE these giveaways, but this one's narrowing down was slightly painful! LOL!

    So my first on is :
    Many Sparrows
    by Lori Benton

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is an excellent book! Good luck, Amada.

      Delete
  67. 2 is Sweetbriar Cottage
    by Denise Hunter

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  68. And 3 is Her Cherokee Groom
    by Valerie Hansen

    I am all over the place with my genres! LOL!

    Many Blessings,
    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're an eclectic reader, Amada! Good luck.

      Delete
  69. 3. Before We Were Yours...Lisa Wingate
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think this one has been one of the most requested today. Good luck, Lucy.

      Delete
  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  71. A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. The Lacemaker by Laura Franz

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi Kav!My #1 is Imperfect Justice by Cara Putnam
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  74. A song Unheard by Roseanna White
    Thanks, Kav, these giveaways are always fun.

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  76. A Place at Our Table by Amy Clipston
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Thanks for the fun giveway Kav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just read When the Bishop Needs an Alibi so look for that one in a week or two on this blog. Love that series. Good luck, Maryann.

      Delete
  77. So much fun to look for books! Here are 3 on my wishlist:

    1. A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

    (Dianna - dedezoomsalot at yahoo dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  78. 2. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

    (I've read this already, but gave my copy away and would love to read it again!)

    ReplyDelete
  79. Replies
    1. I've read your first and third choices, Dianna, and they are definitely good reads. A Time to Stand sound intriguing...don't know how that one missed my radar in 2017. Good luck.

      Delete
  80. Hi Kav. Your's is the second review I've seen of this book. Rest is becoming a real theme this year. I think it has come just in time. :)

    Now for my should I win choices.

    1 - The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

    kellyblackwellwrites(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  81. 2 - The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron
    Don't you just love her?

    ReplyDelete
  82. Oh and 3 - The House on Foster Hill by Jaiie Jo Write. :)

    Thanks!

    kellyblackwellwrites(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes -- rest seems more essential than ever before. So thankful for great Christian Fiction that helps brings some of that sacred rest into my life! Good luck, Kelly.

      Delete
  83. #2
    Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
    I wasn't sure that this would qualify
    Thanks
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  84. #3

    Change of Heart (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel)
    by Molly Jebber
    Thank You very much
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just checked Before We Were Yours on Amazon -- it has over 4000 reviews and 80% of them are 5 star!!! I'm familiar with Lisa Wingate's writing, of course, but didn't realize that this is published with Ballantine but it's available on Christianbooks so....yes, it qualifies. I have a copy from the library on my TBR pile. Must get reading it. Good luck, Linda.

      Delete
    2. Great Thank You
      Those are My 3 Choices then
      :)

      Delete
  85. Hi Kav, thanks for your amazing reviews. Your blog is one of my favourites!
    My first choice is I Always Cry At Weddings by Sara Goff.
    Thanks for this opportunity.

    -Lydia

    ReplyDelete
  86. My second choice would be The Colonel’s Lady.
    Thanks!

    - Lydia

    ReplyDelete
  87. My final choice would be The Queen by Steven James.

    Thank you so much.

    - Lydia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lydia. I've never read anything by Sara Goff or Steven James before. Must check into them. Good luck.

      Delete
  88. Before We Were Yours, I heard so much about this book.

    cenya2 (at)hotmail (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know -- that one that created quite the buzz, hasn't it? Good luck, Marjorie.

      Delete
  89. #1 Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. #2 A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna M. White

    ReplyDelete
  91. #3 As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti

    ReplyDelete
  92. Trouble Water by Susan May Warren

    Amanda T. - ladysnowangel AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Oops, messed my own email address up...

    ladysnowangelphotos AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of great contemporary reading there, Amanda. Good luck.

      Delete
  94. I've been so busy lately with my daughter returning home after being gone for 6 months, that I almost forgot to swing by. It's always so fun and generous of you conducting these giveaways. :-) My first choice is:

    1.) The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner. (only because I loved it so much and want my own copy to read again.)

    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. My second choice is a book that is a third and final book of a series, I have the first two and have yet to read the last.

    2.) Surrendered by Kariss Lynch

    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Third and final choice:

    3.) Buried Secrets by Rachel J. Good

    Thank you, Kav. I enjoy you so much and the time you invest towards our love of reading.

    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Terrill. Enjoy time with your daughter! How exciting is that?! And I've never heard of Karissa Lynch before. Going to check her out. Good luck.

      Delete
  97. 1. Katie In Waiting by Erynn Mangum

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  98. 2. Deadly Exchange by Lisa Harris

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  99. 3. View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  100. I enjoy reading mysteries so any book that is a mystery would be fine with me.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete