Jerusalem's Queen

GIVEAWAY

HUNT, ANGELA
JERUSALEM'S QUEEN

Her rise to the throne defied expectations and then she proved to be one of Judea's greatest rulers.

Born in the small village of Modein, a place made famous by the arrior Maccabees, Salome Alexandra knows better than to harbor grand dreams for her future. She pales in comparison to her beautiful older sister, and though she learns to read at an early age, girls are not valued for their intellectual ability. However, when her father and sister are killed, John Hycranus, a distant relative, invites Salome and her mother to live with his family in Jerusalem, where her thirst for knowldege is noticed and indulged.

When her guardian betroths her to a pagan prince, she questions HaShem's plan. When Hycanus finally marries her to a boy half her age, she questions her guardian's sanity. Though Salome Alexandra spends much of her life as a pawn ordered about by powerful men, she learns that a woman committed to HaShem can change the world.

My Review:

Angela Hunt has the uncanny ability to bring biblical history to life. Her lyrical style entices me to keep reading, even when the subject matter isn't always that palatable, which is often the case when it comes to fictional biographies. My happily-ever-after loving heart can't always be satisfied the same way it can when I'm reading pure fiction.

So, that was a real challenge for me because Salome Alexandra did not have an easy life! Trials and tribulations aplenty and I was seething over the unfairness of the patriarchal society that dictated every aspect of her life -- without any consideration to her wants and needs or happiness. But that is historically accurate and I appreciate the meticulous detail this author gives to her research. And I really feel that Angela Hunt is called to write this kind of fiction. Her words are inspired and they make me, in my' 21st century entitled bubble' examine what really defines strength and courage and even faith.

Jersualem's Queen is the third book in Hunt's Silent Years series -- the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. I didn't even realize there was a gap until I read Judah's Wife (the second book.) So kudos to the author and publisher for challenging readers with fictional biographies that make a difference.

Book provided by Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please note: winner will receive a gently read copy of this book

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Jerusalem's Queen, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 23 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

I Will Not Fear : My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire

GIVEAWAY

BEALS, MELBA PATTILLO
I WILL NOT FEAR : MY STORY OF A LIFETIME OF BUILDING FAITH UNDER FIRE

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But her story of overcoming didn't start -- or end -- there.

While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes you on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith we all need to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can chance our families, our communities, and even the world.

Encouraging and inspiring, her story offers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

My Review:

An inspiring memoir of a courageous woman.

I was familiar with the Little Rock Nine and the integration of Central High School, but reading Melba Pattillo Beals' first hand account has made a powerful impact on me. I really don't have words to describe the horror and anger and sheer disbelief I felt as I read of the ordeal these students went through. And the fact that no one in the country seemed to be inclined to help them. Politicians, officials, law enforcement, even the principal and teachers entrusted with their well being were culpable in the torture of these teens.

This is definitely a tale of overcoming as Melba's entire life was shaped by those few years. I appreciated her honest account of a complicated life, including her walk of faith. Life is messy but God will always see us through -- that's the core takeaway for me. And the author illustrates that over and over again in examples from her own life.

Melba Pattillo Beals went on to become a journalist and reporter, breaking barriers as both an African American and a female in a male dominated profession. There's a wealth of wisdom in what she shares on so many topics, giving readers an opportunity to dig deeper into controversial issues. Each chapter closes with an inspirational quote which would make a great starting point for discussion in a book club group.

"Our relationship with God in faith is a two-way street -- we cannot ask for help from Him without being available to render help when called upon" (p 146)

By sharing her own personal struggles, triumphs and failures, I feel like the author has challenged me to take stock of my life, my thoughts, my actions, my relationship with Christ. I've come away feeling stretched and recommitted and determined to live with greater intention and deeper faith.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of I Will Not Fear, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 1 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

All She Left Behind

GIVEAWAY

KIRKPATRICK, JANE
ALL SHE LEFT BEHIND

Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s is an unforgiving place -- especially for a single mother. To support herself and her young son, Jennie finds work caring for an older woman. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a many many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal -- but the road forward is uncertain.

New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to leave behind your preconceived notions about love and life as you, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred -- but they never really die. Based on a true story.

My Review:

Jane Kirkpatrick finds the most interesting true-life heroines to highlight in her fictional biographies. Lesser known women who have lived exemplary lives. Women who define the pioneering spirit. Women like Jennie Pickett.

I'm astounded at everything she went through and what she accomplished despite so many hardships. An intelligent woman with a learning disability that made reading difficult who becomes a doctor? That's something to shout about in this day and age but in the late 1800s it's inconceivable. And Jennie's story is rife with emotional ups and downs though she remains steadfast in her faith.

Captivating, compelling and mind boggling. If you enjoy biographies of strong women who make a difference while overcoming insurmountable odds then this is definitely the book for you.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of All She Left Behind, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 26 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story

GIVEAWAY

CHAPMAN, STEVEN CURTIS
ABRAHAM, KEN
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND THE REAL WORLD : MY STORY

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that he has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Review:

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but this is one I wouldn't have wanted to miss. So grateful I moved out of my comfort zone and picked up Steven Curtis Chapman's biography. And once I started reading I couldn't stop. Amazing. Moving. Inspiring. I ran through a gamut of emotions as I worked my way through the pages of  Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story.

Chapman bears a powerful testimony as he candidly shares the experiences that shaped his life, his music and his faith. His brutal honesty really touched me. He offers encouragement and hope in the midst of darkness and pain.

One of the many amazing things about our God is how He can take even the broken parts of our stories and bring about something beautiful as we trust Him with them. (p 30)

The kind of book that has the power to make a profound impact on readers. A definite must read for fans of this Christian music icon.

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

Giveaway Opportunity:

Please note: Winner will receive a gently read copy of this book.

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story please leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address please be sure to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!