Book Review of Hidden Agendas by Steve Brown {Excellent Resource!}

Here are some "titles" I carry: Pastor's Wife, Small Group Leader, Women's Bible Study Small Group Leader, and Children's Ministry Nursery Assistant. So to say my life contains leadership roles within the Church at times feels like an overwhelming understatement. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate the phenomenal resource that Hidden Agendas [Dropping the Masks that Keep us Apart] is for Christian leaders. Whether you hold a leadership position within the church or within a Christian setting via pastorship, lay leader, paid position, counseling or simply by default (and don't we all feel that way sometimes?), Hidden Agendas is a "must read". Steve Brown brings a very honest and refreshing look not just at the masks we wear, but also addresses which masks we may want to leave & the importance of timing when we decide to take off a mask. The authenticity that Brown brings to this work is to be commended; it strips away our tendency to "muscle it" when we are dealing with various situations because we know what our Christian outward response 'should' look like. It's hard as a leader to find resources that allow you to view your life from a different angle. Brown's work allows you to adjust your perspective, shift your spiritual focus from merely spewing head knowledge to examining your need for a heart transformation. I appreciate the way Brown includes many areas of Scripture throughout Hidden Agendas, and he even has me wanting to do an in-depth study on Paul.

I will, however, say that this book could be "dangerous" in the hands of those who are arrogant or ignorant (this is a slightly tongue-in-cheek comment, by the way...but once you read it you will understand what I am saying). But I definitely recommend it to those who lead in any capacity, and also think it would be a great discussion book for those in leadership to walk through together.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review*

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hidden Agendas: Dropping the Masks that Keep Us Apart (New Growth Press, May 2016)

We like to pretend that hidden agendas are just for self-important bosses or egotistical politicians, but we all have them. Deep down, we all have a secret plan for getting from where we are to where we want to be, even if we refuse to admit it to ourselves.

And if our hidden agendas aren’t enough, we wear masks to obscure the truth even more. We put on these masks—like religion, appearance, power, politics, or protection—to drive our agendas. But all of this leaves us feeling phony, ashamed, guilty, and afraid. It’s killing us and hurting those we love. But for most of us, it will be a cold day in a hot place before we will be fully honest with anyone else.

There is so much more to life than hiding, pretending, and never being loved. In fact, there is already one person who sees behind the masks we wear and the hidden agendas that drive us. It does no good to tell God that you’re sick when you’re drunk, that you love him when you don’t, or that you didn’t steal and eat an apple (with apple juice dripping down your chin). God always recognizes and loves the “you” behind the mask.

So what can we do about the hidden agendas we have and the masks we wear? How can we gather the courage to be real? “Being real” has to start with your relationship with your heavenly Father. God already knows you inside and out. But God doesn’t know you in order to “out” you to your friends. His unconditional love for his own is reason we can pray to our Father without fear of rejection or judgment. Knowing God’s love, knowing that your heavenly Father is for you not against you is the only reason to give up your masks and develop the type of authentic relationships you never thought you could have.

Learn more and purchase a copy

About the Author:

Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, author, and the founder of Key Life Network. A former pastor, he also sits on the board of Harvest USA and devotes much of his time to the radio broadcasts "Key Life" and "Steve Brown, Etc."

Book Review of 'The Seed' {Mythical Fiction}

It's been a while since I've read a book best described as 'mythical fiction', so I thought I'd take a gander back into the realm I would consider Tolkien-esque. The Seed is full of wonderful imagery and description, but I had a difficult time connecting with the book and it's characters. I began very intrigued and liked the initial quick-pace of the novel, but as it went on I knew I was missing some connection to the characters and the symbolism. I think if this is a genre you enjoy and are able to sit and read the book in one sitting (or fairly close to it), then you will probably connect with this book more than I was able. But as a mom of 6, who gets interrupted while reading or had a few days in between readings, I had a trickier time (part of this is due to the main characters names changing throughout the novel--which I completely understood, but made it harder for me to see them in a more personal way). I'm still glad I read this and tried something different! It just wasn't for me.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review*

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Seed (New Growth Press, May 2016)

Young Madeline and Roark are desperately running from the shadow that destroyed their home and is threatening their lives.

One day, they encounter Tatus, an older man who has sworn to avenge the death of his family at the hands of the shadow, and they form an alliance with him. Tatus promises that he can keep them safe from the shadow if they will help him build a fortress. So they build.

But as fortress-building consumes their lives, Madeline and Roark are increasingly filled with anger and fear, and an unseen evil threatens to ultimately destroy them. When they finally face the shadow, he presents them with an unthinkable offer that will reveal shocking secrets of the forgotten past, the unseen present, and the unimaginable future.

We’ve all had the feeling that something’s not quite right with our lives. It’s bigger than any specific failure or disappointment. It’s bigger than any person. No matter what you achieve or how much you drink or sleep, you can’t shake it. It haunts you-night and day-and propels you to do something. So you build. You build and build the maze that is your exhausting life. Sound vaguely familiar?

The Seed: A True Myth is a journey into the personal labyrinths we create to protect ourselves and those we love from the pain of living in a broken world. Guzman’s “true myth” takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that is, in essence, the grand narrative of God’s redemptive work in the world. This page-turning Christian fantasy tale is packed with mystery and drama, and readers will feel the weight and power of redemption as they journey alongside Guzman’s characters in their epic battle. The Seed deftly communicates the heart of Trinitarian theology through story-without using theological language or Christian terms-and reinforces biblical themes such as God’s character and man’s true identity and calling.

Learn more and purchase a copy

About the author:

A

Erik Guzman is Vice President of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network. He’s the cohost of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc. and announcer for "Key Life." His writing has been featured in Key Life's magazine and online at KeyLife.org, Liberate.org, Burnside Writers Collective, and Sojourners (sojo.net). He is also a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a drummer, and a 5th degree black belt in Aikido. Erik, his wife, and three children live near Orlando, Florida.

Review of 'Whispering to Horses' {And a link to a Giveaway!}

Whispering to Horses is a delightful novella, and a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I have not read any previous works by Thomas Nye, but it is clear he writes both from the heart as well as from first-hand knowledge about Amish to non-Amish friendships. It is extremely refreshing to read a fictional work that contains so many authentic elements!

The novella begins in the past, when life on the Amish farm wasn't very different from life on the neighbor's farm...neighbors who aren't Amish. If you love history, you'll enjoy the transformation that occurs over time, with one farm gaining a tractor, electricity, television, and many other conveniences. The differences become more apparent, and the Amish farm takes on a more isolated environment--it is the quiet among the busy, bustling neighborhood that has replaced the surrounding farmland.

Present day arrives, and the reader gets to see the interaction between Matt, who now lives in the modern home where his mom was raised, and the young Amish boy Eli, who lives on the farm where his grandparents and mom have lived. In many ways, Matt represents the future while Eli represents the past. Nye takes a deeper look at the "past v future" element, and flips it--as Matt's viewpoint changes (modern=cool past=lame), the reader's viewpoint changes, too. In addition, Nye adds a surprise twist that opens the door not just to potential romance for Matt, but also the potential for this novella to be the first in a series involving Matt and Eli. I don't want  to spoil any of that plot, but I do hope you get this book and discover the fun twist yourself.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review*
Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Thomas is giving away an entire set of his Amish Horses Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9b7f

About the Book

To purchase your copy, click here

An old fence separates a modern community from their Amish neighbors, until a little boy opens the gate and breaks down barriers between them. Main characters, Matt and Eli, find friendship, hope, and a future through a mutual need, which creates an opportunity for them to learn to understand each other. Eli and his little sisters will touch your heart by Whispering to Horses.

About the Author

Thomas Nye, author of the Amish Horses Book Series, Lives near an Amish community where he grew to know and respect his Amish neighbors. During grade school Thomas developed an interest in history and loved reading anything he could find about the 1800s. His love of farm, history, and horses all came together in real-life experiences with his Amish friends, who also happen to share his Christian faith.  He purchased draft horses from Amish farmers in his neighborhood and set out to learn the art of working with horses in harness.  After years of buying, selling, and trading work horses with Amish farmers in his community, Thomas had many wonderful memories of those experiences. His novels based on those adventures. Learn more about Thomas Nye on his website.

Review of 'The Amish Firefighter' {And enter to win a Prize pack!}

Click Here to enter to win a prize pack from Laura Hinton!

Arson. Attempted murder. Sex. A hidden past. A current banishment. Confusion. Betrayal. Mistrust.

These aren't words typically used to describe a Christian Amish Fiction novel, and yet they are just a few of the amazing ways that Laura Hilton draws the reader into the complex plot she has created in 'The Amish Firefighter'. Not only does she create a very detailed and complex storyline, but she executes the final chapters in brilliant fashion, wrapping up the mysteries, plot lines, hidden secrets, and potential romances fully and completely.

The novel focuses on two main characters-Abigail and Sam. Abigail has just been shipped off to live with relatives she has never met. She is confused, hurt, and grieving. All she wants is a friend and a quiet life as she waits for her mom to let her come back home. Sam is living life on the wild side, with half his heart connected to his Amish community, and the other half half enjoying the pleasures of the world. When their worlds collide due to a fire, their hurt and distrust collide, too...and that initial collision causes each of them to examine themselves as well as the other person, and begin shifting their perspective on the people around them.

There is one final thing that Hilton does that adds another tremendous element to 'The Amish Firefighter': she adds God to the mix. Seeking and following God has been an area in which Sam has been growing, and the more chaos that enters his life, the more He turns to God for wisdom, guidance, and forgiveness. For Abigail, God has feel cold & distant. She has felt betrayed not only by her family, but by Him as well. But the darker Abigail's situation becomes, the more she begins to see the changes in Sam. Can she, too, see God in a more personal way, and accept Him as her Lord and Savior?

I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to reading more of Hilton's works.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review*

About the Book

Purchase your copy of The Amish Firefighter here

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home

Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own

Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated

When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.

 About the Author

Laura V. Hilton

 Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Birdhouse concluded Laura’s 2015 series, The Amish of Jamesport, includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.

For more about Laura, her latest book, the books she’s written and those she’s reviewed:

Laura Hilton’s Website:  www.lauravhilton.blogspot.com.

'A Daughter's Dream' {A Terrific Amish Fiction Read!}

'A Daughter's Dream' is the 2nd book in Gray's "The Charmed Amish Life" series, and I have to be honest....I really enjoyed the first book, but I like this second book a lot more! My liking it more took me by surprise, as I had anticipated who the main characters would be for book 2, and was disappointed when I was wrong. My disappointment did not last long! While the recently married Darla & Lukas (book one followed their journey) are still very solid characters in "A Daughter's Dream", it's Lukas's sister Rebecca (a rather minor character in book one) who takes center stage in this most recent novel. Jacob Yoder joins Rebecca front and center in creating the major storyline, and Jacob's niece Lilly takes her spot within a very solid 2nd storyline that overlaps nicely with Lukas & Rebecca.

Loss, Love, and Life pursuits drive all of us, and Gray expounds on that beautifully within 'A Daughter's Dream'. Many characters have experienced the loss of one or both parents. Some have experienced the loss of a sibling, either through death or leaving the area. One character, school teacher Rachel, is preparing for loss as she will have to step away from her teaching job as she is expecting a baby. Love--either already established or growing throughout the novel, allows a chance for bravery in following dreams, learning new things, or discovering contentment in what one already has...and love mixed within those life pursuits brings a depth to the characters in unique and personal ways.

I really don't want to say much about the storylines...you can gain insight from Gray's own highlights of the book within the description she provides. But as far as recommending....Christian Amish Fiction was not previously a genre I read, but after reading "The Charmed Amish Life" series, I am absolutely hooked on Shelley Shepard Gray's writings. A very good balance of Amish living and the similarities found within my own life.

**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.**

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Daughter’s Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Learn more and purchase a copy.HELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Hunting Hope by Nika Maples is a Terrific Read

Hunting Hope is a perfect blend of tender honesty, raw emotion, sweet humor, emotional & physical struggles and eternal triumph. I'm not quite sure how she does it, but Nika Maples writes in such a way that you simply feel like a friend with whom she's having a deep and personal conversation. Nika does not shy away from the fact she has experienced seasons of depression in her life. But through the hardships, Nika remembers to rely on and trust in God, and gives continual examples throughout the book of when God has lifted her, sustained her, encouraged her, challenged her to press on, and continually gives her the hope to move from the winters in her life to the joys of spring. Hunting Hope is a fantastic book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.*

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hunting Hope: Dig Through the Darkness to Find the Light (April 2016, Worthy Inspired)

Hope is not an accident. Sometimes it has to be hunted, and hunting it takes courage.

Hope hunters know how to excavate hope from hardship. There is dirt underneath their fingernails and sweat on their shirts. They rake through the rubble of an unwanted situation, digging into difficult circumstances because they have come to expect that adversity will produce good. They believe that light always triumphs over darkness. They have learned to walk through winter with their eyes on spring.

Nika Maples became a hope hunter after suffering a massive brainstem stroke that left her quadriplegic in her twenties. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and-if she lived at all-she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.

Whether you or someone you know is going through a situation that feels hopeless, you will find encouragement in Hunting Hope. Whether you are experiencing a medical trauma, a financial hardship, or a relational crisis, you will find empowerment in Hunting Hope. As you read, you will cling to 20 truths about God’s character and practice 5 daily disciplines that will develop your own character in crisis.

You will become a hope hunter.

Maybe it doesn’t matter what causes suffering in our lives as much as it matters what suffering causes in our lives. Maybe we were all meant to be hope hunters.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the AuthorNIKA MAPLES

Nika Maples is the author of Twelve Clean Pages, the memoir of her survival of lupus and a stroke that left her quadriplegic at age 20. After learning to walk and talk again, she became a public school teacher, winning 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. She holds an MA in English Education from Columbia University and currently is pursuing an MDIV from The King's University. When she is not traveling to speak, she lives, writes, and laughs as much as possible in Fort Worth, Texas.

Review of 'Sister Dear' {by Laura McNeill}

'Sister Dear' is the first novel of Laura McNeill's I have read, and she is now an author to which I will turn when I'm wanting to read something dark, mysterious, and intriguing. The plot starts out simple enough--after spending 10 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit, Allie is gaining her freedom and returning home. But home is in a town where everyone still believes her guilty, her parents remain distant, her high school daughter Caroline considers her a stranger, and her sister Emma wrestles with helping her and staying away.

McNeill has layered the past & present with secrets. While the secrets have had the biggest toll on Allie's life, they mix and mingle and truly affect the entire town. Just when the reader begins to put the puzzle together, another secret is revealed and the reader finds himself or herself wondering once again, "who committed the murder"? Another dynamic of the book comes within the character development, as one character who appears to be a protagonist starts looking more and more like an antagonist, and minor characters begin to become complex major characters within the various storylines.

The novel did hit a point in the middle where the storyline to drag just a bit, but it could be that I was just getting more anxious to get to climax of the plot line and see not only who committed the murder 10 years ago, but also to see all the storylines come together and present a common resolution. While the ending chapter was just a tad rushed, overall I was very pleased with the pace of the novel and the final outcomes.

*Please note; if you are looking at this book because it is from Christian publisher Thomas Nelson and are searching for a Christian book, I do not feel this one qualifies. But if you want a murder mystery with suspense and some adult content, 'Sister Dear' is a good choice.*

*I received a complimentary copy per my honest review.*

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

Learn more and purchase a copy.AURA MCNEILL

Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.