A Moment to Breathe: 365 Devotions That Meet You in Your Everyday Mess

A Moment to Breathe: 365 Devotions That Meet You in Your Everyday Mess by the (in)courage community aims to nurture, strengthen, and encourage women. I almost cried when I started reading the introduction because it just felt so welcoming. There are no assumptions or pretense that my life is at a certain level of cohesiveness. This book doesn't expect me to have it all together. It isn't trying to tell me how to do it just right so I can be the perfect wife, perfect mom, perfect girl, perfect Christian. This devotional about acceptance, starting where you are, and focusing on what matters most in your own life.

I have really, really liked A Moment to Breathe so far. Since the publisher probably doesn't want me waiting a full year to write my review, I'm going to admit that I haven't finished reading the book. Therefore, here is what I have found so far. The devotions are written by eighty different writers and cover many topics. The devotions invite you to come as you are, to think about what the writer is saying, and give a small call to action that is sometimes as simple as smiling at stranger and saying hello. The devotions cover a range of topics. I liked that the writers are all about meeting you where you are and not wearing a mask of perfection, but they also don't encourage wallowing in mediocrity and feeling constantly sorry for yourself. The devotions take only a few minutes to read, though reflecting on the topic or call to action adds a little time. I recommend A Moment to Breathe: 365 Devotions That Meet You in Your Everyday Mess by the (in)courage community to any woman looking for a daily devotional book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

January 2018 - The 5 Star Book Month!

So, as far as books are concerned, January has been an outstanding month! I've read three amazing books by three different authors:

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
Troubled Waters by Susan  May Warren

... and The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers (my absolute favorite author) blew me away!

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia, is Williamsburg's bride. Her planned future includes marriage to Miles Roth, master of Roth Hall, and a life as its mistress. Love is not necessary. However, Williamsburg turns perilous for Elizabeth as tensions rise daily between the British Loyalists and American Patriots. When tragedy strikes in her own home, Elisabeth finds herself on a new life path that involves intrigue, independence and the handsome Noble Rynallt, cousin to her fiance and a leader of the independence men. Torn between family and the future, Elisabeth must decide which side to stand with. Read more in The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz.

I'm not sure how many of Laura Frantz's books I've read, but The Lacemaker is my favorite. This stand-alone novel is permeated with history, courage, faith, and romance. Being set on the eve of the American Revolution, plenty of action keeps the story moving and the reader devouring its beautiful narrative. Liberty and Noble's relationship grows and matures throughout the book and it was a pleasure to observe. Laura Frantz's writing is amazingly beautiful and practically effortless to read. She makes writing a book look easy, though I'm sure it's not. I recommend The Lacemaker to fans of historical romances. If you've read and like Laura Frantz's other books, you'll probably like The Lacemaker as well.

Read an excerpt from The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren

For years, Ian Shaw and Sierra Rose have danced around the invisible, but very real obstacles, that prevent them from having a relationship. However, when both find themselves in crisis, they are pushed together. Ian's received a massive fine that has crippled his finances. Sierra may lose her job if PEAK Rescue is shut down due to damages the team's chopper has incurred. With no chopper, PEAK is no longer. Ian offers Sierra the use of his yacht to raise money from his very wealthy friends. However, a rogue wave sinks the ship, sending its passengers to fight for their lives. When Ian and Sierra are stranded on a island together, the obstacles between them shrink and they begin to honestly engage each other. Still secrets, lies, and danger threaten their tenuous relationship. Read more in Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren.

Troubled Waters stands as the fourth novel in Susan May Warren's Montana Rescue series. I think it could be read alone, but the entire series is amazing and I recommend reading them in order, beginning with the free prequel, If Ever I Would Leave You. The prequel is where Sierra and Ian's story starts and they feature prominently in Wild Montana Skies.

I read Troubled Waters in two long sittings. It was so, so good. It seems that Susan May Warren likes to commence a story by dropping the reader right into a tense situation. It's a pretty effective hook and the tension continues throughout the story both externally and internally for the characters. I stayed engaged, wanting more, turning pages late into the night. I enjoyed the development of Sierra and Ian individually as well as a couple. There were twists that I didn't see coming and secondary characters that added more to the story. Overall, Troubled Waters is a great read.

I recommend Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren to fans of contemporary Christian romance. The Montana Rescue series is permeated with themes of redemption and plenty of romance. They occupy precious space on my bookshelf and will be read again.

Read an excerpt from Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."