Review of I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard with Laura Neutzling

Encourage your children’s sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. This beautiful picture book will capture your family’s childlike faith and imagination. 

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

Fun and vibrant illustrations offer a vivid visual and will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day.

I think about heaven as I look up at the sky

And watch the fluffy clouds roll by.

The more I imagine, the more I wish I knew.

I wonder, would God like pancakes with extra syrup too?

And if God and I spent the day together, what exactly would we do?

The Christian worship song “I Can Only Imagine” touched countless lives with its glorious representation of being in the presence of God, and this beautifully illustrated picture book invites you and your children to imagine those same wonders. Share the joy of a personal relationship with the Lord with your family today through the creative, faith-filled book I Can Only Imagine.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

(affiliate link)

**My thoughts**
Bart Millard of Mercy Me has taken their hit song "I Can Only Imagine" and turned it into a beautiful children's book where a young boy is trying to imagine what life might be like up in heaven. And of course, it's completely from a child's point of view, which is sweet and endearing: swimming, baseball, giant ice cream cones, and more. The child is also enjoying life here on earth with friends and family and a very adorable dog.

What I love best about this story is that it applies the concepts of God being all around us and that there is a heaven in a way that is going to make more sense to kids than just reading verses out of the bible. It brings the ideas more to life in a more concrete way. And the illustrations are truly beautiful.

This will make a great addition to your child's library at home and could also be used in Sunday School. It's really pretty.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Stories Jesus Told: Who Is My Neighbor? by Tim Ladwig

Help Kids Develop Kind Hearts

In our increasingly mobile and fragmented society, how do we instill the values of community and family into the children we care for and love? The biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Who Is My Neighbor? can help you explain the values that Jesus desired for His followers.

Illustrator Tim Ladwig displays the emotions of each character so children see the contrast of the priest and Levite’s cold hearts against the compassion of the Samaritan. Those universal emotions are brought to life in characters who actually look Middle Eastern and with detailed imagery and costuming that accurately reflect the time period of the New Testament. Paired with text from the New International Version of Scripture, the picture narrative helps children understand the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” An application page encourages meaningful discussion for a life rooted in Christian values.The Stories Jesus Told series beautifully illustrates biblical truths, inviting children to consider how those truths can be applied in their own lives. Who Is My Neighbor? from Luke 10:25–37 is the second in the series, following The Lost Son Comes Home, the story of the prodigal son.

Special Features:

• Share Jesus's words from the Bible with beautiful illustrations
• the Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches little hearts compassion, kindness,and what it means to be a good neighbor
• Children will learn to show God's love through Jesus's story and apply simple Bible truths to their everyday lives

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**
This is a retelling of the parable of the Good Samaritan, with Jesus emphasizing what it means to be a good neighbor. The more realistic illustrations help to bring the story alive, which may help children better understand it. The questions that Jesus asks also lays a foundation for discussion with a young child, Further questions for parents to ask children are provided in the back of the book. I think Sunday School teachers will also find the questions useful if they read it in class.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for honoring my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Stay With Me by Becky Wade

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Becky Wade has a new series started! And it's on tour the next 10 days. For my stop today, I'm offering up my honest review of this book. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for even more. And best of luck entering the giveaway at the end!

Stay with Me
(A Misty River Romance #1)
By Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
May 5th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Loving her is a risk he can’t afford . . . and can’t resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents’ past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge mountains to chase down her family’s secret. However, it’s Genevieve’s own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of an historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she’s worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He’s spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet, can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | Christianbook

**My thoughts**

I went on a bit of a roller coaster ride of opinions on this book. I kind of liked how Gen and Sam met, though it was actually under relatively bad circumstances. I applaud Gen for wanting to finally wanting to work on her opioid addiction and completely understand her desire to do so out of the public eye as much as possible, given her celebrity status as a Bible study author. I applaud Sam for agreeing to help her and completely understand his hesitation based on his own history.  

I had a hard time with the recovery part because it felt way too easy for reality, though she is still having some struggles. I do love her therapist! Those sessions were fun.

The slow burn romance between Gen and Sam was totally expected and worked well. They really do compliment each other and are good for each other. They accept each other for where they are and who they are and actually grow.

Gen's family mystery was absolutely fascinating. I would have bits of figuring it out that would ebb and flow as Gen and her sister were doing their research. I cannot imagine unearthing such a story! I honestly think that part gripped me even more than the romance itself. And it really does help to explain a lot about the personalities of Gen's parents. Her mom was honestly making me nuts! But I better understand why now.

Her mom is also overbearing because of the Miracle Five story, which is sprinkled throughout the book as little segues in between chapters. This part felt a bit disjointed to me, as it is told from the points of view of all five characters, while the main book primarily focuses on Gen and Sam. I understood wanting to share that whole story but felt like it could have been in its own short book as a prequel or supplement or something, because it is alluded to in enough detail in the main story to make sense. 

There's also one other scene that felt thrown into the book just to be a foreshadowing moment into what is likely to be another book in the series. Again, this part felt out of place because it comes from the point of view of a different character and interrupted the flow of this current story.

And for those who are looking for a contemporary romance with a hint of mystery, please note that this is Christian fiction about a woman who is a Bible study writer. There are a lot of references to God and struggles with faith. It's very much a part of the story, but I know people are going to read the blurb and for some reason not quite get that. If you can't handle straight talk about God, His plan, and struggles of faith while you're enjoying the romance and mystery unfolding, then this is not the book for you.

So overall, did I like this book? For the most part, yes. I did enjoy the story. Will I read more in the series? Quite possibly. I have already downloaded the prequel about Sam's best friend Eli and will be reading it. I will likely keep an eye out for the future installments to find out what happens to the rest of the characters.

Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

Take a Chance on Me
(A Misty River Romance #0.5)
By Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance, Novella
ebook, 97 Pages
February 25th 2020

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade!

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Currently FREE

About the Author

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. Her humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won three Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

There is also a bookstagram tour with its own giveaway. Follow on Instagram.

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive:
- A $100 gift card
- A paperback copy of Stay with Me
- A hand-knit scarf
- A pair of earrings
- A package of “Georgia Blues” coffee
- A package of apple oatmeal muffin mix

ENTER HERE

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Ends 5/31

With all the chaos going on right now everyone needs a little perk in their lives or something to uplift them. Maybe a new empowering book or a pretty new journal for writing and thinking? New meditation music? That's why I've teamed up with some great blogs to bring you a fun giveaway. Here's your chance to get a $25 Amazon gift card to get something fun over at Amazon. Will it be something for you or someone else? Here's your chance to win! Head below to enter. Giveaway is open to US & Can and ends on 5/31 at 11:59pm EST. Must be 18+ to enter. Good luck!    

 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Amazon , Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to US & CAN , must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact  Elia At Conservamom

Tenacious Trudy (Mail Order Brides Rescue Series 10) by Jo Grafford

Dr. Rory Jude is tired of coming in second — second in his father’s affections, second-in-line to run the family business, and the second choice of the lady he is courting who always seems to have her eye on a wealthier suitor. He responds to an advert to open his own medical practice in Arizona, determined to change his stars, and finds himself in a town desperately short of marriageable women. Until a chance encounter with a mail-order bride agency owner opens his eyes to new possibilities…

Convinced she is destined for greater things, Trudy Crandall skips her debutante season in lieu of attending the Boston School of Nursing. When her family pressures her to enter an arranged marriage following her graduation, she pleads with the Boomtown Mail Order Brides Company to help her take control of her destiny. To her surprise, they claim to have the perfect groom in mind to make all her wishes come true!

Read an excerpt:

Dr. Jude easily lifted Trudy into the carriage and climbed in after her, taking a seat across from her. Then he tapped the wall of the carriage to signal to his driver they were ready to depart.

“This is really nice.” She glanced around the enclosed space, impressed with how comfortable the upholstered seat was, albeit the blue velvet was a tad faded.

“I rented it from the livery,” he confessed with a wry smile. “I have not yet gotten around to purchasing my own carriage and team, though I suppose I will need to, now that I am getting married.”

“Many happy congratulations!” she murmured, though his announcement was unaccountably disappointing. For the briefest of moments, she’d actually hoped Dr. Rory Jude might be single and eligible since she was in the market for a husband, but it was a foolish hope on her part.

A young, handsome doctor like him would have no reason to send for a bride through the mail.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

 

About Jo Grafford

Jo writes sweet romance stories — with humor, sass, and happily ever-afters. She loves to visit with readers in her Cuppa Jo Readers group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders/. Join her New Release Email List at JoGrafford.com, follow her on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford, or check out her Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Jo-Grafford/e/B00G56XKS2.

7 Days to Clarity by Nicole Stephen, PhD

Especially right now, we are seeking clarity and peace in our upside-down lives. Nicole Stephen, PhD is here to help. Read an excerpt from 7 Steps to Clarity and then download your own copy. Be sure to let her know what you think as you follow the rest of the tour!

The sheer amount of decisions in life can become an overwhelming burden. Sometimes we just want to know the answers to our questions. We want to know we are making the right choices. It can be hard to see the right path with the noise of the world. There are voices and media all around us, influencing everything we do. In all that noise, where is the true voice, the one that knows? You can call it God or Source or the Universe or your Higher Self, but it is contained within you. Accessing it and giving it room and silence to speak to you is the real key to achieving your best life.

In seven steps, Nicole Stephen shows the way to a happier, more peaceful daily life. To reclaim yourself, you need to shut out the "shoulds," but in order to do that, you need to notice them. Exploring the questions and challenges that Nicole includes in this book will open your eyes to the pressures that you may have been submitting to unknowingly. In clearing up the way you see the world, you can clear a path to knowing yourself, and with that true voice guiding you, you will always find the way.

Read an excerpt:

You have so much more potential than you realize. You are not your body. You are not the roles you play. You are not the jobs you hold. You are a soul having a human experience and you always have access to higher guidance. You do not have to believe this for it to be true. But you do need to find a way to understand this at a deep enough level, in order to accept the magnificent implications of it. Your soul is an individuation of God. You are a part of God and God is part of you. Because of this, you have access to your higher potential in each moment. Now some people prefer not to think of God and so it is equally appropriate to think of your connection to Source, to the Universe, Life, or even your Highest Self. It matters not what your belief system is. If you are focused on the brain, then know that the brain is like a muscle that will continue to grow and get stronger as it is exercised. If you are focused on the body, know that you have only barely begun to see what your body—made up of 11 interdependent systems—is capable of. If you are focused on your senses, know that the 5 senses you use on a daily basis are just the tip of the iceberg for what is available to us—most of us know about our unrealized 6th sense, but the more likely number is 9, and some people believe there are upwards of 20 senses! Are you consciously tapping into all these potentials each day? I know I am not, but how amazing if we started to move in that direction. By expanding your view of what is possible, you will invite opportunity to use new ways of thinking and being which will create a virtuous cycle. Unfortunately, for many of us, we create a vicious cycle by using less and less of our minds, bodies, and senses, and drawing the square around us so small that we barely believe we can get through the day. This sense of limitedness is not how we are meant to live.

Buy on Amazon

Paperback * Kindle

(affiliate links) 

Nicole Stephen is the founder and principal consultant for Miramar Group. During her 20-year career as an executive coach and organizational development consultant she has worked to help individuals, teams, and organizations accelerate growth and realize their potential. She holds a Masters’ and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Nicole lives on the coast in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband, two children, and dog Henry.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20026975.Nicole_Stephen

https://www.miramarconsultinggroup.com/

Nicole will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pamper Yourself #Giveaway Ends 5/28 @FreakyHealer @las930

Now more than ever, it's important that we are taking care of ourselves, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many of us are turning to books for advice and trying to apply it to our lives. This giveaway offers another book to add to your arsenal plus a few bonus products. Best of luck entering! And stay well!

Welcome to the Pamper Yourself Giveaway!

1 Winner wins the Pamper Yourself Bundle

Host is Michigan Saving and More

My co-hosts for this giveaway are Deliciously Savvy, This Frugal Family, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, Ice Cream n Sticky Fingers, Miki's Hope

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This giveaway's Sponsors are:

Author Jacqueline Pirtle/FreakyHealer.com

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ YOU TUBE ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM

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What it Means to BE a Woman

In this practical and exciting book, Jacqueline Pirtle – a female powerhouse – presents unique and easy ways for women to align with their powerful purpose, truth, and their natural zest for life.

$24.99 ARV total

See review HERE.

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and

SurfsUpEssentialsLLC

This great Etsy Shop is known for it's natural and safer products for your skin and body.

Etsy

A Surprise Bundle of Products to Pamper Yourself

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 5/28/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

If you are a blogger interested in our gift guides sign up here or more information is HERE.

Get blogger opps just like this by signing up to receive blogger emails HERE.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

 

Entry-Form

Discreetly Matched by Jenna Brandt Kindle Countdown Sale 5/6 - 5/11

What’s an heiress’ to do when her fiancé dies suddenly? Ask her aunt, who is the premier matchmaker in all of the West, to discreetly match her with a new suitor. What could go wrong?

Edwin Clarke is aimless. A fault his father insists can be corrected by way of a wife of substance, financial that is. Ed stands to inherit the family ranch, and the thousands of acres that comes with it. The problem is, the family's money has been depleted by his mother’s outrageous spending habits. A rich heiress can solve all their problems, but how does he go about finding one?

Julia Bennett's life is perfect, enjoying the spoils of being the darling of the upper crust of society. She’s an heiress with a handsome fiancé, set to marry within weeks. When tragedy strikes, however, her future crumbles around her, forcing Julia to make new plans. With her father’s imminent death looming, Julia must find a new man to marry in order to inherit. She is forced to turn to her aunt, a seasoned matchmaker.

Can Ed find his way to be the man Julia needs? Can Julia find her way to open her heart after her loss? And will the two of them agree to marry before the clock runs out for both of them?

Available on Amazon

Read an excerpt:

The music began to play and dance partners claimed the women around Ed. Realizing he better seize his opportunity to dance with Julia as quickly as possible, he asked, “Would you care to dance with me?”

She nodded, extending her hand to him as he pulled her onto the floor. He gathered her into his arms and placed her in his hold. They swayed to the music, following the steps of the waltz.

Ed loved holding Julia, the smell of her honey and vanilla perfume causing him to want to draw her closer. She looked up into his eyes, and for a moment he almost forgot where they were; the urge to kiss her was so great he could barely contain it.

“I can’t believe how much I’ve grown to care for you,” he whispered against her cheek. “I never thought I could care for anyone the way I do for you, but you’ve shown me otherwise.”

“And I never thought I could care for another man after Timothy, but I was wrong. You’ve found a way into my heart, despite my best attempts to keep you out.”

“I’m glad,” he said with a smile. “I want it to stay that way forever.”

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

Jenna’s Joyful Page Turners Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

Heroes and Hunks Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Check her out on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.