Monday, July 30, 2018

The Return (non-fiction review) + Reader's Choice of any Christian Fiction Novel in Print

Today I'm reviewing a non-fiction book but since this blog is all about promoting Christian fiction, 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.

STURM, LACEY
THE RETURN

Have you ever asked yourself, "What's the point?"

Of this life. Of the same everdayness that can weight on us. Is life really a gift from a loving God? If so, shouldn't our souls burn to love him back with our lives? What does that look like?

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It's a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven's glory.

Are you striving to make this happen? Waiting to get to the real purpose of it all? Coasting in limbo or heading down the wrong path? Then may this openhearted take on responding to God's love give you hope and direction.

My Review:

An eclectic mix of poetry, prayers, journal entries, art and even recipes -- a refreshing break from the typical non-fiction format. Sturm is candid and engaging as she bares her soul and shares her love for God and what that means in her life. This is the kind of book you can pick up and start reading anywhere and come away with something thought provoking and uplifting. It's like intro night at a church small group where you get to dig deep into people's stories -- really get to know their struggles and challenges and how their faith plays a role in all that. I love stories so this is the perfect kind of non-fiction read for me!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

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 August 5 2018 


Offer open to International Readers


149 comments:

  1. Thank you for that thoughtful review of The Return.
    I am such a blessed woman when it comes to books, but I do have a few on my list I haven't bought yet. I'd like to read Best of Intentions by Susan Mason. The plot looks interesting.

    As ever Kav, thanks for the giveaway!
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really looking forward to this new series too -- set in Canada! Woot. Good luck, Tracey.

      Delete
  2. Colleen Coble’s The House at Saltwater Point
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beth Vogt’s Things I Never Told You
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  4. Lisa Carter’s A Vast & Glorious Tide
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    THANKS so much, Kav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you must read A Vast & Glorious Tide! I have Things I never Told You on hold at my public library...slowly coming down to my time to get my hands on it. Eeep. Good luck, Jackie.

      Delete
  5. Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two powerhouse authors! Good luck, Tracey.

      Delete
  7. I'm hoping to read Sons of Blackbird Mountain this month! Good luck, Kate.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the sound of The Return in that that one can pick it up and come away with something uplifting. I am going to look for the book. So, for the fun and surprise wish list event today....
    More Than Meets The Eye, Karen Witemeyer. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Falling For You, Becky Wade. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. We'll Meet Again, Melody Carlson. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not a huge non-fiction reader so I like this format for sure. I'd forgotten about Melody Carlson's We'll Meet Again -- isn't it a World War II novel? Must recheck my TBR lists. Good luck, CC.

      Delete
  11. 1. A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  12. 2. When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  13. 3. Then Came You by Becky Wade

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  14. 1. Keep Holding On, Melissa Tagg
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

    ladepooh AT hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's on my must-read list for August. Good luck, Lea.

      Delete
  16. 2. More than Meets the Eye, Karen Witemeyer
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  17. Accidental Guardian, Mary Connealy
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes to the first one and I've had the pleasure of reading the second one. Two great authors. Good luck, Nicole.

      Delete
  18. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

    ReplyDelete
  19. Where the fire falls by karen barnett

    ladepooh AT hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those are high up on my list too, Lea. Good luck!

      Delete
  20. Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility by Hillary Manton Lodge

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. We'll Meet Again by Melody Carlson mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. A Vast & Glorious Tide by Lisa Carter mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read Lisa Carter's and it's AWESOME! Looking forward to the other two as well. Good luck, Melanie.

      Delete
  26. Great giveaway, Kav! My first choice is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. 2nd choice - The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. 3rd choice - Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, wow, Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson sounds fabulous. I don't know how that missed my radar for over a year! Good luck, Cheryl!

      Delete
  29. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Tracie Peterson's In Places Hidden!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Never Forget by Jody Hedlund


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Tracie Peterson's In Dreams Forgotten!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  33. A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Tracie Peterson's Out of the Ashes!

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Piggyback entries! Good luck, Sylvia and Kristin.

      Delete
  35. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof. It seems many of us want to read this book, probably because Joanne never disappoints!

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano comes out tomorrow, so does that count? It will be out by Sunday! :D

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Where Hope Begins by Catherine West. I keep hearing it is such a great book!

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Sons of Blackbird Mountain is the most anticipated release in a while. I'll be reading in next month -- woot! Good luck, Laura.

      Delete
  38. Looking forward to Susan Mason new series too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is such an awesome author. Good luck, Kim.

      Delete
  39. Hello, Kav. What a great break from your reading norm. The Return sounds like some of the non-fiction I used to sink my teeth into on a regular basis, but have drifted away from in the last couple of years. It also sounds like a nice book to read along with a friend.

    As for a fiction choice in your generous giveaway, I'm first going with a retro-read that's a third in a series that I haven't yet read:

    Then Came Love by Louise M. Gouge

    tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really a neat format -- in a haphazard way. Made me realize that I could create something similar myself. Looking forward to getting started on a journaling/scrapbooking/inspirational thoughts book for myself. Way more fun then straight journaling.

      And you have introduced me to a new author, Terrill. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Remember that friend I told you about who I had given the devotional too that you had reviewed? After I read this review, I felt like it was the next perfect book for her. She tends to be a "haphazard" kind of person (in the most perfect and fun way) and I think she could appreciate a book like this. She would probably feel like someone speaks her language. Lol!

      Delete
    3. It's totally artsy and whimsical -- I'm excited about using it as a template for my own haphazard collection. :-)

      Delete
  40. Karen Barnett - Out of the Ashes

    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good grief, I meant BEYOND the Ashes. LOL, I combined two of her titles.

      Delete
  41. Karen Barnett - Out of the Ruins

    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  42. And, to complete the trilogy I will ask for Through the Shadows - by Karen Barnett! I love this series but do not have hard copies. I have all her others in hard copy and adore her writing!
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must complete your collection! I've only read the first book in this series...how did I miss the second and third books? Gah! Good luck, Susan.

      Delete
  43. For my second choice, another retro read:

    Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

    tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE that series! Good luck, Terrill.

      Delete
    2. I know! I really need to finish this series. :)

      Delete
  44. Best of Intentions by Susan Anne Mason
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  45. A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  46. And my third and final choice:

    Before I Saw You by Amy Sorrells

    tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep -- that one is on my list too. Good luck, Terrill.

      Delete
  47. A Soft Breath of Wind by Roseanna M White
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't go wrong with Roseanna M. White. Good luck, Mindy.

      Delete
  48. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jamie Jo Wright

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. 1. Together Forever by Jody Hedlund
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We even have twin wishlists! I'm picking that one up from the library tomorrow. Woohoo! Good luck, Lucy.

      Delete
  50. The Best of Intentions by Susan Anne Mason

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. A Vast and Glorious Tide by Lisa Carter
    Thank you so much for another give away!

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two popular titles today. Good luck, Pam.

      Delete
  52. 3. The Lady and The Lionheart by Joanna Bischof.
    Thank you for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow! Thanks for the impromptu contest!
    #1 Dani Pettrey Cold Shot.

    ReplyDelete
  54. #2 Dani Pettrey Still Life
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  55. #3 Dani Pettrey Blind Spot
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    Thanks! Kav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sensing a pattern here, Paula. :-) Good luck!

      Delete
  56. 1) A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  57. 2)The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  58. 3) A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Historical fiction seems to be the genre of the day. Good luck, Pam.

      Delete
  59. The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  60. A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  61. Fierian (Abiassa's Fire Book 3)Mar 6, 2018
    by Ronie Kendig
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  62. 1. The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble
    Thanks for the chance!
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. 2. The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
    Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  64. 3. Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
    Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't go wrong with Colleen Coble! Good luck, Jana Leah.

      Delete
  65. This is so fun!

    #1 Foundation of Love by Kiah Stephens

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. #2 The Divide by Jolina Petersheim

    ReplyDelete
  67. #3 The Color of Justice by Ace Collins

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your first choice is a new-to-me author. Must check her out. And I haven't read anything by Ace Collins though I've heard of him. Good luck, Samantha.

      Delete
  68. 1. Minding the Light - Fisher

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. 3. The Lacemaker -Frantz

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. 2. Sons of Blackbird Mountain - Bischof

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. 1. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  72. 2. Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren

    ReplyDelete
  73. 3. Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

    ReplyDelete
  74. Love your review of an inspiriting read - ty, Kav!

    1- The Spice Bride [Karen AMinadra]

    ReplyDelete
  75. 3- Until We Find Home [Cathy Gohlke]

    faithhopecherrytea atg mail dotcom
    Thanks so much, Kav !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your first two are very interesting, Sharon. I haven't heard of the first author and didn't know Michelle Griep wrote a Medieval romance. I'm gobsmacked at all the books I don't know about! Good luck.

      Delete
    2. Karen Aminadra is a lovely uk author writing continuations of Jane Austen works with excellence [+ awards] - recommended reads for Austen fans! Then wrote The Emberton Brothers series - goodreads has a preview available to read - and it'll hook you for more ;) Thanks for this amazing offer, Kav!

      Delete
    3. OOohhhhh -- now I'm really intrigued. Thanks for the info. Heading over to Good Reads now.

      Delete
  76. How fun! There are soooo many books I'd love to read.

    1. More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

    whthomas13 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  77. 2. No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. 3. Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the first one on hold at my library and have read your other two -- totally awesome selections! Good luck, Winnie!

      Delete
  79. 1. "Keep Holding On" by Melissa Tagg

    ladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  80. 2. "With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin

    ReplyDelete
  81. 3. "Troubled Waters" by Susan May Warren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent books -- all of them! It makes me giddy just thinking about all the wonderful books out there in the big, wide world. Happy sigh. Good luck, LSA

      Delete
  82. So many books, so many choices!!!! I'll pick three that I want to complete my collections with :-)

    1. If I Live by Terri Blackstock

    ReplyDelete
  83. 2. Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett (The Golden Gate Chronicles book 3)

    ReplyDelete
  84. 3. Firewall by DiAnn Mills (FBI:Houston book 1)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TRIXI!!!!! Tell me you've read If I Live, you're just looking to get a print copy. Right???? I read the first book in The Golden Gate Chronicles and totally missed the rest of the series! Gah...we need an eigth day in the week dedicated to reading. Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
    2. KAV!!!! No, I have not read this series yet...I have print copies of If I Run & If I'm found but do not have If I Live. I was under the impression that these stories left cliffhangers at the end so I studiously waited until they were all out to get them. It's not like I don't have thousands of other books grabbing my attention while I wait :-)

      Yes, I agree, we need an extra day dedicated to reading. Maybe then some of us can catch up on our TBR pile...lol!

      Delete
    3. Cliffhangers! Yep, and those of us who read them as they came out had to wait a year between each book. But I never lost track of the plot or characters and when I started reading I knew exactly where we'd left off...that's how memorable this series is. You've gotta read it soon!

      Delete
  85. 1.) Thirst of Steel (The Tox Files Book #3) by Ronie
    Kendig

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. 2.) A Song Unheard (Shadows Over England Book #2) by Roseanna M. White

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  87. 3.) Bride of a Distant Isle: A Novel (the Daughters of Hampshire) by Sandra Byrd

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com


    Kav, Thanks so much for another fun Reader's Choice Giveaway!! Woo Hoo! Love these! :)
    ~Alison Boss

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's crazy fun isn't it -- to pour over your lists and pick just a few on the off chance to a win. We avid readers are a kind of crazy group! Good luck, agboss.

      Delete
  88. Thank You for the chances 😊
    Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel
    by Kim Vogel Sawyer 💕
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Thank You for the chances to win 😀
    Sworn to Protect (Call of Duty Book 2)
    by DiAnn Mills
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💞

    ReplyDelete
  90. This is my #3 😀
    If I Live by Terri Blackstock 💖
    Thank You for the chance 😊
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com 🐝

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about this one for a laugh 😄
      Presumption Of Guilt - Sun Coast Chronicles, Book 4
      by Terri Blackstock
      Paperback
      $1568.28
      Only 3 left in stock - order soon.

      Delete
    2. Bwahahahaha! Thank you for showing restraint over that last one. I've seen those crazy prices too and wonder who does that? And why? And do they ever sell anything? And how do they come up with the wonky prices? Good luck, Linda!

      Delete
  91. # 1 Choice is "No Way Up" by Mary Connealy.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  92. # 2 Choice is "Keeper of the Stars" by Robin Hatcher.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  93. # 3 Choice is "Trusting Grace" by Maggie Brendan.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  94. A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  95. His New Amish Family by Patricia Davids
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  96. Portrait of a Sister by Laura Bradford
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Squeal...Portrait of a Sister looks really good. I did I not know it existed? Good luck, rubynreba.

      Delete