Book Review *And Giveaway Link!* for Delayed Justice

About the Book

Book Title: Delayed Justice  
Author: Cara Putman  
Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense  
Release date: October 15, 2018  

She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard. Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart. Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child. This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31. Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana. Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com

Guest Post from Cara

Delayed Justice was a hard story to write. I’d known from Beyond Justice that Jaime had a hard story, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. She tried to hide from her past. She tried hard, but in the end it slowly spilled out. A young girl wounded deeply by someone who should protect her. And now as a professional young woman, Jaime is still fighting the shadows. She believes she’s okay, or as okay as she’ll ever be. Instead, she has to learn that there’s so much more waiting for her. Freedom from the chains of a past she didn’t choose. A love that will never end. And a God who has always loved her even when she questions His existence because of her past. I think we’ve all lived that. There’s a place in our hearts that seems beyond His reach. For some of us, it’s a barrier to knowing Him. To others of us, it makes us question what we thought we knew about God. And for others of us, it presses us deeply into Him. Jaime’s book, Delayed Justice, explores this space. The space where some days we scream at the heavens Where are you, God? And the days we just curl into ourselves because life is too hard. And in that space of shadow and light, God ultimately shines brightest. This is a truth that is slowly revealed through friends and The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize package that includes a Courage Dear Heart bracelet, a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe print, a copy of Delayed Justice, and a box of Turkish Delight!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c4/delayed-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Personal Review (LeAnne)

I have always found that the mark of an excellent series author is their ability to move seamlessly from one novel to the next, while at the same time having each novel so full of depth, detail & integrity that it can stand all on its own. Cara Putnam is this type of writer. Delayed Justice is the third novel in her Hidden Justice Series. I read the second book prior to reading the first, which let me judge better how truly 'stand alone' each novel can be...and I went back to read the first book due to how much I enjoyed the second! Each novel focuses on one main protagonist; the other characters then provide the 'filler' aspect within the novel. So, while having your own personal knowledge about the various characters when they are mentioned, this is not a critical aspect of diving in and enjoying each novel on its own. Jaime Nichols is the protagonist in Delayed Justice, and the novel continues with the focus on a female lawyer. Jaime is a criminal defense attorney; she is taking her skill set & drive and turning it towards something (and someone) she has been hiding from since childhood--her own past & her own sexual abuse. Due to this content, some readers may have difficulty reading this, but I still recommend it. While this novel holds less 'mystery' than some of Putnam's other works, it is still quite suspenseful. 

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.

Review of Children's Book: The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

I had such incredibly high hopes for this book, and while it still was good it wasn't quite as solid as I had hoped. First, it probably should be considered a "Bible Storybook" rather than a Bible; I feel that is typically the best route to go with a Children's Bible book (but, as I think that's the general assumption regarding a book for children, this could be considered a picky point for me to make). And, because it jumps around a bit & views very specific circumstances & situations, I think it's very important as you teach your kids that you also incoroprate a kids' Bible that gives the full picture.

But, as for positives, I love the illustrations within The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible! And I truly appreciate the verses found throughout the pages that reveal the Holy Spirit throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Finally, it is very cool to read the stories chosen that show the Holy Spirit as present & active since the beginning of time!

I'm not aware of any other books geared towards children that provide this same perspective, and for that I really appreciate this book. I only wish the book itself showed a little more discernment in following the text to 100% accuracy.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.

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About the book:

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139: 7–10

About the author and illustrator:

Doris Wynbeek Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and also works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.

link to purchase from Amazon

My Obsession {or Confession} over Culver's "Flavor of the Day"

photo of Culver's Crazy for Cookie Dough taken from Culver's website.

For those of you who enjoy a Culver's Concrete Mixer, with their wonderful vanilla (or chocolate) custard & your favorite two mix-ins, I'm here to share with you what I've known for several years:

You are totally doing it wrong.

Now, I can't exactly explain what made ME, the girl who won't tell the oil-change guy he forgot my 'next service date' sticker, or decides that she is willing to eat a chicken sandwich when she ordered burger because it's "not a big enough deal to ask for them to correct it" the following question at the Culver's Drive Thru, but I did and it was a game-changer:

Can I order the Flavor of the Day as a concrete mixer and still have the two additional mix-ins added?

The answer (while it may have held the slightest pause) was "Yes"; I knew I had landed onto something glorious. And while I have no recollection of the concoction I brought home that night, I know it was gooey, chunky, chewy, and simply wonderful. And while Mike held a bit of a "shock & awe" response as I would request these things for our "Culver's Dessert Night at Home Together" dates that take place once the kids go to bed, he finally asked a very hesitant, tentative, yet hopeful question:

They really let you do that? Each time you've ordered? And have no problem putting in whatever two additional things you request & the price stays the same?

Yes, my darling, I'm certain. Welcome to my Rabbit Hole.

Now, many things factor into our what and when plan for sitting on the couch right after the kids' 'lights out' and not too awfully long before my own bedtime, but since tonight is lining up as a perfect night, I'll share my current situation:

• Sundays are long days--always longer for Mike, as all the pastors are present before during & after all 3 church services--but I put in a decent amount of time both as a mom juggling kids and trying to do the best I can as my own job as Nursery Coordinator (I don't work every evening service; hence time for the current blog post).
• Culver's Flavor of the Day in my town? eh. But a town over? very good potential. PLUS...
• I also have a bit of an obsession with Starbucks. This has drastically improved as Mike figured it was cheaper to get me a very nice Breville Express espresso machine for my birthday this past March. Of course, it quit working this week, so while we await the whole 'warranty thing that should lead to a fixed or new machine', tonight is also leaning to be a Latte Machiatto with a quad shot right before bed kind of night.

So, tonight, during the time I should be folding laundry & making sure we have items for the kids' lunchboxes on Monday, I'm scrolling through the world wide web and checking all the Culver's Flavor of the Day listings throughout the surrounding towns. And sending texts to my husband (while he's at work) that contain important information:

Pekin Culver's is 'Crazy for Cookie Dough' if you want that and Starbucks.

What Mike reads? "LeAnne wants custard and coffee tonight".

And, because he is such an awesome husband, Mike will leave one town, drive to another, and then head to our town with a white and blue cup in one hand & a white and green cup in the other.

Because that's how much he loves me. And, quite frankly, I'm a pretty cheap date.

In case you need help seeing how beautiful the best concrete mixer can be created, here you go: AKA: THIS IS MY NIGHT TONIGHT:

Crazy for Cookie Dough, as described on the Culver's website: Our creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard swirled together and mixed with thick fudge, ribbons of old fashioned salted caramel and cookie dough pieces.

• vanilla custard
• chocolate custard
• fudge
• caramel
• cookie dough

Do you see where this is headed? I mean, take all those things and add 2 more?!

Tonight, at a time when I shouldn't be eating anything and indulging in only water, I will be eating the above things, swirled and chopped together, alongside Reece's Peanut Butter cups and Snickers. And in the morning, I'll regret it. But until then, I'll enjoy every last "packed full of absolutely everything" bite.

Because it's JUST THAT GOOD. 

Book Review of Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee

Dangerous to Know wasn't quite what I was expecting, so I feel it's important to write my review in a way that gives some insight on the book without giving away anything specific. Although the novel didn't meet my preconceived assumptions regarding the path I thought the storyline might take, I do believe the writing style and the way the narrative affects the reader is worthy of a 4-star rating.
While the cover led me to think it is a romance novel, the book jacket of the novel made me think it would also be a mystery novel (I've ready many books of with a blended-type genre, which is probably where I got my impression of the book); the book definitely leans more as a romance novel. And more specifically, I think a reader should know it's a book that does not lead to the typical "happily ever after" ending. It wasn't until I completely finished reading the book and read the author's notes at the back of the book that I discovered Whitson Lee's novel is based upon poet Lord Byron and his marriage to Annabella Milbanke--for me personally, as an English major and someone who enjoys history, I believe I would've appreciated the novel more to know that many of the details within the characters and key storyline held many accurate aspects when compared to the life of Lord Byron.

The final thing that came through very strongly in the novel is what it means to put God first in your life--and also what the possible consequences are when you choose to put self first. The distinction "Christian Fiction" often cues a reader that a book will be clean and appropriate--things I believe many readers especially like to seek out when choosing a Christian Fiction Romance novel. Whitson Lee does not shy away from keeping faith front and center of her characters and the storyline; this boldness sets her apart from many Christian authors, and is another reason I feel that readers who are seeking this genre of book will enjoy Dangerous to Know.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.

About the book:

“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.” 

Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?

About the author:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director's Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women's contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women's contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

Website:              www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:           https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:            https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

The Success of Simply being a Mom {Goodbye, Jones's}

I always knew I’d be a mom—never pegged myself as one who’d grow up to have 6 kids, but that pretty much sums up my job title.

And I don’t mind at all. 

Don’t need no side hustle. No trajectory plan to build success. To prove success. No push to ‘have it all’. No reason to get my Masters because I’m not even utilizing my Bachelors degree. No declaration that I’m going to simplify or go ‘off the grid’. Everyday is ‘no-makeup day’. Also, I use bleach (There. I said it).

It’s ok to go after those things if you want. And they aren’t bad! But for those of you who feel you can’t “Keep up with the Joneses”?

Seriously—it’s ok to take a pass. Because then you have more time to look at your life. Your blessings. Your goals. And if that means your life is summed up with the words “Mom of 6”?

Then you’ve found your success.

Tribute to Orphan Sunday {November 12, 2017}

Here's the thing about adoption; once you've done it, you forget. You forget you didn't birth them until you are asked if it was a full-term pregnancy. You forget when you tuck them in at night & when they crawl into your bed in the morning. Your soul knows you would die for them just like you'll die for the children who carry your DNA. You even forget they don't look like you until someone asks you "where they are from". Every day you forget. And every day there is a reminder.

Someday, 1/2 my kids will understand they were birthed by someone else. I pray that never matters. And I pray this is the best example of God's timing and His perfect plan in the lives of ALL my children. Because my life would not be perfect without them. #orphansunday#nationaladoptionmonth #foster #adopt #serve #thankyouGod

The Blessings of an Authentically-Mundane Life {Love is Key}

Remember that Spring Break where we didn’t go to the lake house because Kait had clinicals & Connor had track, and the grandparents wouldn’t be there anyway? 

It was good we stayed, or we would’ve missed discovering a leak under the upstairs bathroom sink Sunday night...which led to a broken faucet in the downstairs tub (fix one thing, might as well fix the other, right?), which led to keeping the water turned off for the day. But hey, at least we drove to Peoria twice for showers at Aunt Laurel’s! All on Monday, which made Mike’s “extra” day off of work a day full of mess and projects. #blesshisheart

And Tuesday was fun in that it’s STILL raining (#forthelove!), kid #5 has 4 cavities, so I’ve added that to my list of reasons I’m failing this #momgig. BUT thanks to our friend we forgot was a plumber, we now have a working shower (even if there’s a hole where the shower head is because improving it actually meant preferring demo over the previous setup) #oldhousefun

Kids #1 & #6 have just finished meds for walking pneumonia. Kid #2 might have a broken finger, but we are “keeping an eye on it”. Kid #3 can finally see, thanks to getting an updated eye exam & new glasses. In two weeks, kids #4 & #5 go to Chicago to see geneticist due to discoveries from recent testing. #physiciansarewonderful

It’s so easy for me to complain—to feel almost defeated. But I told Mike the best part of our “Money Pit” home and daily “What the What?” situations is this: I AM SO GLAD WE ARE IN LOVE. Because we’ve known too many couples over the years who seem to have it all, yet they can barely tolerate each other. All the outward appearance stuff masks the mess inside. And I’m pretty sure that can’t be an enjoyable way to spend your days. #fakeislonely

So, here’s to our boring, blah spring break, in our tiny old house that I absolutely adore even though it’s sometimes a kick in the teeth. Here’s to true love that lives within our messy home. Here’s to kids who find happiness in simple living, even if they are tired of eating Tombstone pizzas. And here’s to embracing authenticity, because somehow, life is easier when you embrace it honestly. #authenticliving #lovecomesfirst #gratefulhearts

Smack in the Middle of Motherhood {Raising & Releasing}

Today’s kids: Senior. Junior. Freshman. Five. Four. Three.

Tomorrow: Charlie turns 6. Kaitlin begins her job as a CNA; her first step on a path to further medical degrees.

Two weeks: Connor gets his license. The possibility of him going into the Air National Guard is a mere 10 months away.

Three months: Kylie turns 14 the 1st day of high school. Charlie goes back to the school & teachers we adore.

Four months: Brynlee turns 4. She and Kolbie will start preschool with the best teacher (who was taught by the best, and she was taught by the best) 35 minutes away because it’s exactly where I want them.

Five months: 21st wedding anniversary. A strong marriage that has never wavered.

It’s a strange season of life; I’m a young mom and an old mom all at the same time. It’s a mix of beginnings and endings. Chapters of life that seem to land smack in the middle right at this very moment in time. A time where I assumed we’d have more money & a bigger house, and yet we are richer than I ever dreamed. Because it’s a life of love. A life of kept promises—both by us, and always by God. It’s a life that continues to rack up faith & trust, and raising up & releasing kids.

Today, I am aware. And I’m very grateful. #everyperfectgiftisfromabove

(Photo by Aleshka Grusy).

Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis(Broadstreet Publishing Group, January 2018)

Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis(Broadstreet Publishing Group, January 2018)

Trust in the unmerited gift of God's grace

You can't escape the inevitable crises that will face you throughout your lifetime. Whether it's health problems, emotional issues, career challenges, gut-wrenching losses, or other failures, these experiences can destroy your morale and lead you into despair. Some crises may be a result of your own choices, while others may be completely out of your control. Whatever the source, there is a lasting solution that comes to you free of charge from above: God's amazing grace.

In Grace Revealed, you will:
-Experience real-life stories of others who discover they are not alone and that relief is within their grasp.
-See how devastating afflictions can be overcome through faith in Jesus and His love, mercy, and grace.
-Learn how God's grace transforms lives and leads you into enduring and rewarding Christian service.
-Be inspired to encourage others who are suffering but cannot seek help on their own.

Read these undeniable, modern-day examples of God's loving grace and its transformative power, and discover that God is always present in your time of need.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT FRED SIEVERT}

Fred Sievert is a speaker, author, and former president of New York Life Insurance Company. Following his early retirement at age fifty-nine, Sievert attended Yale Divinity School and received a master's degree. Sievert remains actively engaged in his greatest passions, which include speaking and writing about his faith, mentoring young executives, and serving as a lay leader of his church and on the boards of several organizations with missions well-aligned with his beliefs and values. Fred and his wife have five grown children, three grandchildren, and reside in East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Find out more about Fred at https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com.

Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe Party and Prize Pack Giveaway

I'll be honest; I expected this book to be a "good-feel" Christian read that I would enjoy, and I assumed I already knew how it would go. But the book delivered in a way I did not anticipate nor expect. And that is a fantastic thing, because Rhonda Stoppe has managed to put together a page turner that is complex yet easy to understand. Honestly, I don't know exactly how to best describe the book. It gives authentic stories of marriages but manages to avoid the "same old, same old" feel that so many books on marriage hold--while those other books are great resources, Stoppe has added a personal element that just makes her book unique. Strength. Determination. Redemption. Fortitude. Tragedy. Patience. Renewal.Family. Loss. Gain. Joy. Salvation. Hope. The book shares the complexities of marriage & relationships in a way that lets you appreciate so very much how God truly DOES make beauty from ashes, carries us through every trial and tribulation, and continually gives us chances to have a solid, joyous marriages regardless of our situations and circumstances.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.

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

Do you believe in true love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache-that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn't worth the risk.

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us...we just have to look for it!

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to

-rekindle the romance in your love story

-trust in God's providence and timing

-faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after

-celebrate true romance

-believe in life-long love

Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people-knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. With more than 20 years of experience as a pastor's wife, mom, mentor, author, and speaker, Rhonda uses humor and honest communication to help women build No Regrets Lives. She and her husband live their real-life romance in northern California, and have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

Find out more about Rhonda at http://www.rhondastoppe.com.

Whether you're single and looking for a reason to believe in love or a parent watching your own child fall in love, Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe will inspire you to believe in life-long love. This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people-knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Join Rhonda and other real-life romancers on March 6 for a Facebook Live party, plus enter to win the Make Your Own Real-Life Romance prize pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Real-Life Romance
• A $50 restaurant gift card
• A $25 movie gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6. The winner will be announced at Rhonda's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rhonda and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD {Book Review}

My new year started off with new pj's I bought for myself, a special Starbucks tumbler from my brother, and a book to read & review--Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD. I had no idea how much insight, clarity, comfort, assurance, education and challenge I would discover within the pages of this book. Dalton-Smith writes from a place of personal insight; not merely as a physician, but as a woman who has struggled with finding balance in her own life. Dalton-Smith doesn't shy away from the fact she is a Christian, and she shares Biblical truths that have strengthened her. It is clear she desires for her book and God's words to bring strength and encouragement to others as well.

The book begins by defining rest, and also showing specific areas where our rest can be found (and also depleted). Answering some questions lets the reader discover his or her own key area. Each detailed chapter brings great insight and understanding. As the book progresses, the reader discovers how various things are gifts to our bodies, minds, and emotions. By accepting those gifts (boundaries, reflection, art, & faith to name a few), it opens wide the realization that we can choose our best life. I have already recommended this book to the women in my small group, and I pray it is a book that will be a life-changer for many people.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.

About the book:

Staying busy is easy. Staying well rested- there's a challenge.

How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life? In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional.

Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative-and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect.

By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an author, speaker, and board-certified physician. She has an active medical practice in Alabama (near the Birmingham area). She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia, and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith is a national and international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection and has been featured in Women's Day, Redbook, and First For Women magazine. She is the author of "Set Free to Live" and "Come Empty" (winner 2016 Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of the Year and 2016 Illumination Award Gold medalist). She is a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association and a repeat keynote speaker at their annual gathering. She has shared her tips on merging faith and medicine with over 16,000 health care professionals to encourage the current and next generation of doctors to treat the whole person.

Find out more about Saundra at http://ichoosemybestlife.com.