My 12 Favorite Reads of 2016

Reading is probably my most favorite thing to do, outside of spending time with my family. I love reading Christian fiction for the fun, the story and the imagination. But I also love reading devotional books as well. I have read dozens of books this year and my heart and soul have been blessed by many of them. Today I wanted to share my top 12 favorite books and Bible studies of 2016 with you. If you haven't read these books or done these studies, I encourage you to pick them and get started for 2017!

To head over to Amazon to read more on the books and to order, just click the titles. Here we go!

She Reads Truth's Open Your Bible: God's Word is For You and For Now. This 6 week study was incredible! I did it with the gals at my church and we loved learning about why God's Word is relevant to us and why is is for us right now. Raechel and Amanda know exactly how to encourage us and lead us to get into the Word.

Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. This is one of the meatiest studies I have ever done. Priscilla has so much information and shares the Armor of God in a away I have never known. The video teaching is incredible. You get to hear Priscilla share stories from her own life as well as bring the Bible to life.

Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory. This book is a full of encouragement and tips for restoring sanity and getting your calendar and life in order. Overwhelmed isn't even available yet, it releases January 1st, and it is already Amazon's #1 new release! That's amazing! If you preorder Overwhelmed by December 31st, you get 5 of Kathi and Cheri's ebooks for free PLUS you get their new Get Out From Overwhelmed Planner. This planner is awesome. You download and print to fit your needs. Click here to get the preorder goodies.

Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears by Kelly Balarie. We all live with fear. Sometimes that fear can be crippling. Yet the Word tells us to fear not. Kelly shows us how to overcome our fears and life with courage.

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic For a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequis. Sometimes we seek perfection in everything we do and sometimes that means we are not really living. I was so excited to read this book because I want to live in the present. To be present. Shauna shares her own real life stories all the while encouraging you to be present.

The Broken Way: A Daring Path to The Abundant Life by Ann Voskamp. I love Ann's poetic way of writing and she always knows how to reach right into our soul and lift us up. We all have been broken at some point and Ann teaches how to use that for God. There us a study guide and dvd that go along with The Broken Way that is amazing!

Listen, Love, Repeat: Others-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World by Karen Ehman. Everything about the world today screams me me me! Karen teaches us how to think of others, how to bless others and how be hospitable to those around us. There is a study guide and dvd that go along with Listen, Love, Repeat.

Fervant: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer. Technechally I read Fervant at the end of 2015 but this is one of my all time favorite books so I had to add it to the list! Priscilla reminds us of the truth that we have a real enemy who is dead set on destroying us. She teaches us strategies for praying and helps us create a battle plan. This book will change your prayer life forever!

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst. Many of us have felt the sting of rejection in our lives. Maybe we even think God Himself has rejected us when He doesn't answer our prayers they way we think He should. Lysa shows us how God is not only not rejecting us, but welcoming us with open arms. There is a study guide and dvd that go along with Uninvited. The dvd sessions were recorded in the Holy Land!

She Reads Truth Book: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That is Passing Away by Raechel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams. Raechel and Amanda show us how to stay close to the Word of God even through hard times. They share their own real life hardships and how God would draw them close to His heart through the Word.

Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy by Emily Ley. This book is on my list, yet this one I have not read yet! It has been sitting on my desk calling my name! I have been aching to catch up on some book reviews so that I can dive into it. Emily realized through her crazy busy life that she just couldn't do it all. She decided grace was better than perfection.

Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard by Jennie Allen. Jennie understands what many of us feel, that we are trying so hard to prove that we are enough. Enough of a wife, mom, employee, sister, friend, woman. But the truth is, we have nothing to prove. Jennie tells us how to find freedom and stop trying to prove ourselves. With every turn of the page I was crying out, "Yes, yes, yes!" Nothing to prove is available for preorder and comes out next month.

What was your favorite book in 2016? Have you read any on my list? Share in the comments!

Casey's Bright Red Christmas {Giveaway}

I have 2 sons and 7 nephews. Our family is full of boys and we love all things boy. Even tractors! Today I want to share a super cute Christmas book that has a tractor.

Casey's Bright Red Christmas is fun book that helps kids see that on the farm, there is still work to do, even on Christmas. But when everyone pitches in and helps, the work gets done and Christmas can be fun!

Casey & Friends books help kids understand that modern farming involves science, technology and a lot of hard work from many people. Readers follow Casey the farmer, Tillus the worm, Big Red the tractor, and a whole cast of cartoon equipment characters who teach important life lessons gleaned from the farm, like thinking ahead and working as a team.

To win a copy of Casey's Bright Red Christmas, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

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Christmas Books

On a typical December night I will find my kids with the lights off lying on blankets underneath the Christmas tree. Yes. Underneath it. Though, they are getting bigger now, so it's mostly just their toes under the tree. What are they doing under there? Using the lights of the tree to read Christmas books. This scene always melts my heart.

Our family loves Christmas and we love reading. So Christmas books are always a must. Today I want to share a few Christmas books that your children will love.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie is the heartfelt story of a young boy who he misses his daddy. Afraid he won't see his dad for Christmas, his mom tells him the story of the Christmas cookie. This book even includes a delicious cookie recipe for your family to try.

My Christmas Stocking tells the story of Saint Nicolas and how he filled stockings to give to children so long ago. This is the book my 18 month old nephew always goes to because he likes the stocking shape of the books.

The Berenstain Bears The Very First Christmas is a family favorite for us. We love the Bear family and all of their stories. This one is no different. Papa Bear shares the Bible story of Jesus' birth with his cubs. The end of this book gives discussion questions to get your family talking.

The Beginner's Bible A Christmas Celebration is a fun activity and sticker book your child will love. They will learn about the Christmas story while being interactive.

Goodnight, Manger is the precious story of Jesus' birth, noisy animals and all. Sometimes Mary even had to say, "Shh!" Your child will love this story.

Each of these books would make a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift or even just a great way to build up your family's Christmas library. What is your family's favorite Christmas books?

Love Inspired {giveaway}

I love reading! It is my way to relax, unwind and even refresh my soul. As much as I love reading, I am careful about what I put into my head and heart. Not everything out there is appropriate. Not everything out there  is uplifting.

About six years ago my husband went to the store to buy me a book. He likes when I read because they he gets the remote. {smiles} All of the books at this store I had already read. So he found a new book for me, Love Inspired books. This are short novels that have a romance theme. But don't let the romance part scare you! These books are clean and appropriate! My 13 year old daughter even reads them after me! These books are also Christian themed. Love Inspired books show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.

Each month Love Inspired puts out 6 new books. They also have Love Inspired Historical books, which my daughter and I love, and Love Inspired Suspense books for those who love a little mystery too. These books are inexpensive and you can even join and have the books automatically shipped right to your doorstep each month.

Last night I finished reading A Firefighter's Promise. The story of a widow and her adopted son, who is causing some trouble, seeking out the firefighter that found the boy. Through forgiveness and healing, they just might find love.

I am so excited to bring you an amazing giveaway of 6 Love Inspired books! To enter to win, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

PLUS, for a $1 off coupon, click HERE.

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Think On These Things {giveaway}

Everywhere we turn, we are faced with things that are engraved in our hearts and minds. Things that are inappropriate. Things that are not pleasing to God. From movies to tv shows, from wesbites to magazines, from billboards to books, it's everywhere.

What does the Word of God say about this?

It says to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. So much of what is going on in our world is not praiseworthy. We must choose to think on the good and turn our back to what is not.

Take this verse. Print out the image (for FREE printable link, click HERE). Memorize this verse and strive to apply it to your life.

Let's be a community that thinks on things pleasing to the Father.

Review/Giveaway

I love to read. Reading is what relaxes me and helps me unwind. I can do without the tv, I can even do without the computer or phone, as long as I can read. My girls are the same way. We love reading. Our favorite kind of books? Inspirational. We especially love inspirational romance. Gasp! I said romance books! But I promise you, I am not reading, nor letting my teen girls, "smut." I am very picky about what we put into our hearts and minds when we read. Our family strives to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

The inspirational romance books we read are just that, inspirational. We love the Love Inspired books. They are encouraging, Christian, inexpensive, clean, and entertaining. Love Inspired puts out 6 regular books, 2 suspense books and 2 historical books each month.

The Love Inspired 3 book suspense series, Texas K-9 Unit, is another great series my girls and I love. Authors Shirlee McCoy, Margaret Daley and Sharon Dunn will get your pulse racing with tales of Texas cops and their loyal K-9 dogs tracking down a crime ring. Enjoy three action packed Texas K-9 Unit romance suspense novels in one box set! When a boys goes missing form his bedroom, a police detective must assure a desperate single mother that he and his trusty bloodhound will find her son. A woman with amnesia has to rely on an officer and his board collie to stay alive when she can't remember who tried to kill her. An FBI agent is called in to protect a single mother when the rookie K-9 officer witnesses a murder and becomes the killer's target. To check out the Texas K-9 Unit series, click HERE.

Shirlee McCoy's, author of book 1 in the Texas K-9 series, has a new book, Protection Detail, Another great book! For a $1 off coupon on Protection Detail, click HERE. To win a copy of Protection Detail, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

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Stuff the Stockings with Books!

I love reading and I love when my kids read. In this world of technology, reading books seems to take a back seat. I am always thrilled to push books!

Today I want to share some incredible Christmas books with you that would make great stocking stuffers. So as you begin your Christmas shopping, consider adding some books to the list!

The First Ever Christmas is the retelling of the birth of Jesus. With beautiful illustrations and a price of less than $2, this book is a perfect stocking stuffer for your little one's Christmas!

Yuletide Ice Cube Fair is the fun, fast-paced story of the Christmas fair for the Veggie Tales. Each veggie is out to win a prize in the Ice Cute Fair. But they learn Christmas isn't about the big, bright and new. It's about Jesus and His love for you!

The Legend of St. Nicholas is a wonderful story of young Nick who wants to use his money on himself instead of buying gifts for his family. Until he hears the story of St. Nicholas. He then realizes the joy in giving. What a great lesson for any child!

Let There Be Light may not be a Christmas story, but it's a great story of creation. The illustration is simply gorgeous! A great gift for sure!

The Case for Christmas is something for you! This great book is from journalist Lee Strobel. Have you ever wondered why Christmas matters in the first place? Strobel investigates four important things. Eyewitness evidence, can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Scientific evidence, what does archaeology reveal? Profile evidence, did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God? And fingerprint evidence, did Jesus uniquely match the identify of the Messiah? A great read this Christmas season!

Books, Books and More Books!

My daughters and I love to read. From the Bible to devotionals to fiction books for fun. I have been praying that would rub off on my sons. So far it hasn't. Bummer. But we are working on it! Today I want to share a list of great books with you. Some fiction for fun, some for kids and some great resources.

My Amish Boyfriend is a novel about 16 year old Shannon who is ready for a great, fun filled summer. After all, 16 year olds always plan great summers out of school, getting their driver's license and hanging with friends. But things change when her ill mother relocates them to the heart of Amish country. Now Shannon has to learn family, God and what is really important in life.

My own 16 year old and I both enjoyed My Amish Boyfriend!
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The Calling is the second in the series Inn Eagle Hill. Bethany has been betrayed by
the one she thought would become her intended and life has changed. She is hanging onto her faith by a thread. Bethany isn't sure what she wants out of life but she is restless to find it.

I enjoy books about the Amish and The Calling doesn't disappoint!
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As I said above, my boys dislike reading. So when we come across faith-filled, action books for boys, I am thrilled!

The Way of Things: Book One - Giants in the Land is the first book in the Giants in the Land series. Humans and giants live in the land and work side by side in peace. Until one day the giants suddenly disappear. Someone needs to find the giants and bring them back. But only the brave, young Thomas volunteers.

My 11 year old loved The Way of Things: Book One - Giants in the Land!
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The Prodigals: Book Two - Giants in the Land is the second in the Giants in the
Land series. Thomas is now a older man and caught in a struggle along with his two grandchildren. Though tragedy is all around them, they have to stand up for all they hold dear.

My 11 year old loved also loved The Prodigals: Book Two - Giants in the Land.

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Million Little Ways by the precious Emily Freeman is, as always, such an encouragement. God created each of us and created us with unique gifts and talents. Emily encourages us to stop being our biggest critic and start moving into the world with courage to be who God made us to be. I would never, ever consider myself an artist. My stick people look like they've been hit by a bus. But Emily shows us how God has given us each artistry gifts. Each gifting is different and we need to honor God with these gifts.

Check out Million Little Ways!
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Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe is a great resource for moms by Jenny Sulpizio. Jenny shares real and practical tips for moms. Sometimes as moms we feel as though we are alone in the things we struggle with. Sometimes we feel like we are failing or just not doing a good enough job. Jenny shares real life experiences and encourages us that we are not alone.

For great tips on being that wonder woman mom check out Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe.

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I pray you have enjoyed these book reviews as much as I enjoyed reading each of these books. What is your favorite book, fiction, devotional, anything?

Bible Heros

Let's talk about heroes. What makes a hero? Many look to athletes or celebrities as a hero. But the true heroes, in my opinion, are those in our military putting their lives on the line for us. Those who put themselves in harms way for me and my family.

Another kind of hero are the every heroes who stand up for what is right. Those who step up to the bully, those who are honest with the cashier when she gives you too much change, those who help the elderly across the street or carry groceries, those who do right. Those are every day heroes.

God uses every day people. We don't have to be perfect, physically strong or where a uniform. We can be a hero just as we are. God uses those who are willing to be used.

Like Daniel and Noah. These men loved God and wanted to be used by Him.

Are you willing to be used to by God?

Daniel and Noah wanted to be used by God. Check out these great hero story books: My Story Daniel and My Story Noah. These storybooks are great for kids of all ages and include really cute stickers and a color page.

To enter to win a copy of My Story Daniel and My Story Noah, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

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FREE Rewards Program? YES Please! A Deal You Don't Want To Miss!

I am so excited to tell you about a free rewards program today! This rewards program lets you earn points toward Bibles, non-fiction books, Christian fiction, and Children's books.  Tyndale Rewards is not your typical rewards program.  It is a Christian program designed to help you earn these Bibles and books absolutely FREE! You don't even pay for shipping! What's not to love about it?

These Bibles and books are yours to keep! No returning after a certain time or if you don't like them, nope, they are yours!  So read and enjoy or even gift to friends!

How does it work? You earn points for completing surveys on Bibles and books, for reviewing books you have already read right on their website (no need to be a blogger) and much more. You can earn free books for as little as 30 points!

Just for signing up, you get 25 points! How great is that?

To sign up now and start earning points toward FREE Bibles and books to KEEP or to giveaway to your friends and family (hey Christmas is right around the corner!) click HERE. Once you have signed up, you can invite your friends to join and earn 10 points for each friend who joins!

Check out some of the other books and Bibles you can earn for FREE:

There is no reason to not sign up for this incredible program. Sign up now by clicking HERE.