Book Review ~ A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

 

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Title:  A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

Series:  N/A

Pages:  225

Date Published:  August 1, 2011

Publisher:  Revell

 

 Blurb:

 

    Often the biggest obstacle to living out our faith is our own doubt--about our worth, our abilities, our relationship with God, and situations in our lives. A Confident Heart gives voice to the questions, doubts, struggles, and hopes so many women have. Author Renee Swope shows women how to identify, overcome, and even use doubt in order to live confidently in God's power, truth, and grace.

 

Perfect for women's small groups or individuals, A Confident Heart is an authentic, insight-filled and encouraging message for any woman who wants to exchange destructive thought patterns with biblical truth that will transform the way she thinks, feels, and lives.     

My Thoughts:

 

I started off my "10 Books of Summer" Challenge with a non-fiction read and decided to end it with another non-fiction book.  Yep, I finished a challenge!!!

 

This is a book that I had on my shelf for quite some time.  As you can see above, it was published in 2011.  I'm not sure exactly when I got it but it has been a while.

 

With everything that has been going on my life and the lives of my family members, I really liked the title and felt like I really needed to read about "How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises".

 

Although I didn't agree with all of the author's beliefs (See Way of Salvation in my header), I enjoyed her take on the subject of becoming a confident woman.  That confidence being a confidence that God created us to be exactly who we are.

 

I particularly like the fact that Ms. Swope wasn't afraid to show her own insecurities, fears and doubts.  I related to so many of the chapters.

 

I think I picked this book up to read at just the right time in my life.

 

 

 



Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading ~ 8/19/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

 In Life

 

Summer.  Vacation.  Is.  Over.

 

My oldest daughter started College today.  I don't know how I feel.  Nervous?  Excited?  Old?...

 

We also have "Meet the Teacher" this evening for my youngest daughter.  She's starting 7th grade on Wednesday and has mixed emotions.  She has the same schedule as one of her friends, but the other 3 friends of their "group" have another schedule...together.  She is loving Volleyball (I secretly hoped she would!).

 

In other news...I didn't get much reading done this week.  Luckily I had a few good weeks and was able to schedule out a review for tomorrow.  After that review posts, I can officially say that I completed the "10 Books of Summer" Challenge!  Whoohoo!

 

Anyone know of a Fall/Autumn Reading Challenge?

 

Onto the books!

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 I didn't finish anything last week.  Bummer!

 

 

What I'm Reading Now:

 

I'm hoping to get "A Lady Unrivaled" finished this week.

 

 

 

 

What's Up Next?:



 

Still planning on this read next!

 

 

 

Last Week's Posts:

~It's Monday!  What Are You Reading?
~Review:  Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock
~Weekly Weigh In - Week 3
~Books from the Backlog
~First Lines Friday and 56


Colletta

P.S.  I hope you come join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge.

 Also linking up to the following:

 

 

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 8/18/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

The person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.

1 Corinthians 8:3

Colletta

Saturday 9 ~ Where You Lead ~ 8/17/19

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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Where You Lead (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is the theme of The Gilmore Girls, a TV show that ran  from 2000 to 2007. It recently enjoyed renewed popularity as a reboot. Were you a fan?

I've watched a few episodes but wasn't a hard core fan.  Maybe I need to check it out on Netflix.  What do you think?  Should I?

 2) The show is about thirtysomething Lorelai Gilmore, her teenage daughter Rory, and her parents, Richard and Emily. The four of them had dinner together every Friday night. Who did you have dinner with on Friday? What was on the menu?
Every Friday, we too, have a Family Dinner.  Last night was in celebration of my Brother's birthday so we had Pizza and Cake :)  Happy Birthday, Dan!

 3) Lorelai is outgoing and talkative. How about you? Are you seldom at a loss for words?

As a young child I was VERY shy.  I wouldn't say I'm "talkative" now but I've come a long way, baby!

 4) Rory dreamed of going to an Ivy League school and then becoming a broadcast journalist. When you were in high school, what were your ambitions?
I've always wanted to be a wife and a mother.  Guess I'm living the dream!

5) Rory's grandfather (and Lorelai's dad) went to Yale and performed with the Whiffenpoofs, Yale's famous a cappella group. Have you ever sung in front of an audience?
I belong to our Church Choir (mostly a Ladies Choral these days).  So, yes, I've sung in front of an audience.  My Aunt Donna wants me to sing a solo but I'm just not into that.  I'll sing with a group but not by myself :) 

6) Rory's grandmother (and Lorelai's mother) Emily was very active in civic organizations and worked hard on the Hartford Zoological Society's Annual Silent Auction. Have you ever attended an auction? 
Does a White Elephant Sale count?

7) Alexis Bledel, who played Rory, went on to appear in Mad Men and The Handmaid's Tale. Of these three shows -- Gilmore Girls, Mad Men and The Handmaid's Tale -- which would you prefer to binge watch?

I didn't know she was in The Handmaid's Tale.  I think I'll have to start binge watching that one.  I love period pieces, so that would be my pick.

8) Carole King originally wrote this week's song, "Where You Lead," for her Tapestry album. Do you have a favorite Carole King song?
Can't say that I do.

9) Random question: If zoo animals could talk, which animal do you imagine would be the rudest?

 The monkeys.

 

 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Colletta 



First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 8/16/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:
 

I'm still reading " A Lady Unrivaled" so I'll give you the first line from the page I'm on and a different line from page 56.

First Lines

 

Paris, France

 

Kira Belova tucked her hand into the crook of Andrei's elbow, made sure her prettiest smile was in place, and prayed her knee didn't give out.

 Page 56

 

 
Cayton went to work on the little fingers nearest him.  "I daresay she is simply intrigued by the shade, my lady.  I don't know that she's ever seen red hair before."

 

Colletta 

P.S. I hope you come join in the Fall Into Reading Challenge!

 

Also linking up to:

 

Books from the Backlog ~ 8/15/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Rand Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

 

 

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Series: Belmon Mansion
Publication Date:    March 25, 2014  
Publisher: Bethany House
 

Blurb:

 

 Plain, practical Eleanor Braddock knows she will never marry, but with a dying soldier's last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes/ AS work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.

 

 

Why did I add A Beauty So Rare to my bookshelf:

 

Tamera Alexander is one of my absolute favorite authors.  Everything she writes, I love!  I've read the first book of this series and loved it.  I might dig into this one soon :)
 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 3 ~ WW Freestyle

My goal for August is to lose 3% of my starting weight which is 8.8 lbs.  As you'll see below, I've already met that goal.  Now my goal is to keep on keeping on to see just how much I can lose in August!

When I input my new weight into the WW App, they took my daily points down to 31 total.  That is only a difference of 2 smart points per day so I think I should be able to handle it pretty well this week.  I do worry that the more I lose, the less daily points I'll get.  I'll just have to adjust as I go.

My Fit Point goal is still set to 52 points.  I once again met my goal with a total of 53 Fit Points for the week.  I've been doing a mixture of Leslie Sansone's Walking DVD's, The Firm Cardio Dance and walking outside.  I get the most bang for my buck with the Cardio Dance but I'm still learning the moves.  I'm glad no one with watching when I exercise to it! 

On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 8/3/19 ~ 285.6 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 8/10/19 ~ 281.2 lbs

This Week's Total:  -4.4 lbs

 
Grand Total: -9.6 lbs


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

Book Review ~ Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

 

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Title:  Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Series:  The Moonlighters Book 1

Pages:  352

Date Published: February 12, 2013 

Publisher:  Zondervan

 

 Blurb:

 

    Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on local homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she's about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief ... until her brother is caught in the middle of a murder investigation---the victim is his ex-wife.

 

As her brother is tried and convicted in the media, and bloggers and commentators like her have a field day, Cathy wonders if she should have taken the threat more seriously.

 

Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators, working to solve their brother's ex-wife's murder. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne'er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear and lack of confidence to learn the art of investigation.

 

But will it be too late to save their brother from a murder conviction, or his five-year-old son who's the killer's next target?     

My Thoughts:

 

I really wanted to like this book.

 

I've read one other book by this author, "If I Run", and really liked it.  I thought I would try one of her older books and was able to get this one from paperbackswap.com.

 

However, the book was just "OK" for me.

 

I think my problem was there were too many POV's.  There were at least 5 different POV's happening throughout the book.  I understand that this is the first book in the series and the characters needed to be introduced but it just felt like I was jumping all over the place.

 

Also, I figured out "whodunnit" about half way through the book and I had trouble holding interest after that.

 

I really wanted to like this author as she's a very popular author with many fans.  I just don't think it is for me though.

 

Bummer...

 



Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 8/12/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

This is officially the last week of Summer Break.  My oldest daughter starts College next Monday and my youngest daughter starts 7th grade next Wednesday!  I'm not the type of parent who counts down the days until the kids go back to school.  I enjoy having them home with me.  We've been slowly working on getting back into a "school-time" schedule.  Earlier to bed and earlier to rise and all that jazz.

 

What about you?  How do you feel now that Summer is winding down?

 

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 

 

 

What I'm Reading Now:

 

Digging in to "A Lady Unrivaled" and loving it!

 

 

 

 

What's Up Next?:



 

"Shadows of the Past" is the first book in the Logan Point Series.  I love me a good romantic suspense :)

 

 

 

Last Week's Posts:

~Weekly Weigh In - Week 1
~Review:  Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren
~Weekly Weigh In - Week 2
~Books from the Backlog
~First Lines Friday and 56




Colletta
 Also linking up to the following:

 

 

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 8/9/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:
 

First Lines

 

The Cotswolds, Ralin Castle

March 1913

 

Lady Ella Myerston knew more than everyone thought she did--and more than they thought she should.

 Page 56

 

 
Ella chuckled.  She would NOT be bothered by Lord Cayton--neither by his nearness nor his life of heartless infractions.

 

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Books from the Backlog ~ 8/8/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Rand Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

 

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

Series: N/A
Publication Date:    May 31, 2014   
Publisher: Bethany House
 

Blurb:

 

 When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you."

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby...

 

 

Why did I add Until I Found You to my bookshelf:

 

I really can't remember specifically why I added this book to my shelf other than I liked the premise and wanted to try this new-to-me author.

 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 2 ~ WW Freestyle

My goal for August is to lose 3% of my starting weight which is 8.8 lbs.

I currently get 32 Daily Points and 42 Weekly Points on the WW Freestyle Plan.  If you'd like to know more about how the Point system works, let me know in the comments and I'll elaborate in a future post.

My Fit Point goal is set to 52 points.  I'll post more about my activity points in a future post also.

I worked really hard.  I tracked all my food and activity.  I met my activity point goal (barely = 53) and the results were well worth all the work !


On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Current Weight ~ 8/3/19 ~ 285.6 lbs

Total:  -5.2lbs

 
Grand Total: -5.2 lbs

-5.2 pounds!   That is so exciting!  I "only" need to lose 3.6 lbs more to reach my August goal!  AND...I got my 5lb Charm!


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

Book Review ~ Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

 

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Title:  Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

Series:  The Sugar Baron's Daughters Book 1

Pages:  352

Date Published: February 6, 2018 

Publisher:  Bethany House

 

 Blurb:

 

    In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of
what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's once-great plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?  

My Thoughts:

 

 This was an epic story!

 

From a mansion in England, to a ship on the high seas, to the Caribbean island of Nevis!

 

I was captivated by the details of the sea voyage and by the captain of the ship (hope to see more of him in later books!)

 

I was not prepared for the imagery of the island of Nevis herself!  The author did an AMAZING job with the description and narrative.

 

Keturah (love that name) was strong and stood up for "me and mine" throughout the entire book.  There was one scene which especially showed her vulnerabilities, though.  She had much to work through from her past which at times led her to seem very harsh.

 

Gray (don't you just love that name for a hero) was everything you would want in a best friend.  Sometimes Keturah treated him abominably but (spoiler!) it all works out in the end :)  I really liked Gray's character, flaws and all.

 

I loved getting to know the Banning Sisters.  All three were equally interesting.  I'm already eyeing up "Verity"; "Selah" actually won't be published until Spring 2020.

 

I'm looking forward to both! 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 1 ~ WW Freestyle

My last Weekly Weigh In was in January.  Since then I've gained weight instead of losing.

After some self-evaluation, I decided that I do best when I'm following the WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) plan and using the WW tools (trackers, points, Connect, etc.).

So on July 27, 2019 I decided to rejoin WW and attended my first workshop (formerly known as meeting).  I'm counting it as Week 1 because I feel that with a new start, I need a clean slate.

I'm going to be brave and put my actual weight out there.  It took me a long time to be comfortable doing so.  I now believe that I'm much more than a number on the scale  :)


On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

 
Total: 0

I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey from the beginning, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 8/5/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

I haven't gotten much reading done this week.  I've just been in a funk for a few days.  My Uncle John is still in the hospital in Sacramento and is unresponsive.  My Aunt and cousins have some tough decision to make this week.  Please keep them in your prayers!

 

 

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 

 

The review for "Keturah" will be posted tomorrow :)

 

 

What I'm Reading Now:

 

 

I'm still reading "A Confident Heart".  I'm enjoying it but my mind has been preoccupied lately.

 

 

What's Up Next?:

 



 

I've read the first two books of this series and can't wait to dig in to this one!

 

Last Week's Post:

~Review:  "Fatal Mistake" by Susan Sleeman


Colletta

Book Review ~ Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman

 

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 Blurb:

 

 An FBI agent must protect the woman who can identify a terrorist bomber in bestselling author Susan Sleeman's riveting romantic suspense novel. 

 Each day could be her last...but not if he can help it.

Tara Parrish is the only person ever to survive an attack by the Lone Wolf bomber. Scared and emotionally scarred by her near death, she goes into hiding with only one plan--to stay alive for another day. She knows he's coming after her, and if he finds her, he will finish what he started.

Agent Cal Riggins has had only one goal for the past six months--to save lives by ending the Lone Wolf's bombing spree. To succeed, he needs the help of Tara Parrish, the one person who can lead them to the bomber. Cal puts his all into finding Tara, but once he locates her, he realizes if he can find her, the Lone Wolf can, too. He must protect Tara at all costs, and they'll both need to resist the mutual attraction growing between them to focus on hunting down the bomber, because one wrong move could be fatal.    

My Thoughts:

 

 Wow!

 

I absolutely loved this book!

 

Susan Sleeman is another new-to-me author that has fast become a favorite.  One book and I'm a major fan!

 

From the very first line of the book I was gripping the edge of my seat (or bed...wherever I happened to be reading :)  When they called it a "romantic suspense" it was an understatement in my opinion!  The suspense was there full-time with hardly any lulls in action.  I was hanging on for dear life! :)

 

I loved that Tara was pro-active and didn't sit around waiting for a man to save her.  (Except that one time...)  She had a plan for survival and she was above prepared.  She made an excellent romantic suspense heroine.

 

Super Agent Man, Cal, was an amazing hero.  He was methodical and strong and very capable.  He was the not-so-perfect hero who worked through his own life struggles.

 

Even though the book took place in such a short period of time, the story...and the romance...didn't feel rushed at all.  It felt very "organic".  (Isn't that the new word for natural??)

 

I loved getting introduced to the "White Knights" and am oh-so looking forward to reading more about them and anything else written by this author!

 

A must read Inspirational Romantic Suspense!

 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!