The Christmas Joy Ride

                            

Summary: Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

   

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80+ year old Joy goes on her last big trip right before Christmas, her younger neighbor Miranda decides to come along last minute to help. Things go smoothly at first, but with bad weather approaching, and time running out, they wonder if they'll be able to finish their last  Christmas Joy surprises. 

The cover and summary intrigued me. A decorated RV for Christmas? An older woman and younger woman together on a cross country journey? Just seemed like a book I should read. And I'm glad I did. This fun read brought me to my favorite holiday, Christmas, and having just gotten back from a 9 week RV trip across the country, this seemed like an adventure my family and parents will do in their 80s. :)

Picking up Melody Carlson's newest book was such a treat. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed the story. The writing kept me turning page after page. Joy and Miranda were wonderful characters, bringing the old traditions with the new technology of today. The way Joy gives in her story makes you want to go out and do the same. Sharing love with everyone in need, and bringing joy to those who are down. 

The Christmas Joy Ride will bring a smile to your face, and is sure to give you some Christmas cheer.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free from the publisher for a honest review.

The Chase

                                     

  











Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky couldn't have dreamed a better love story for themselves had it been scripted by a bestselling novelist like Kelsey's mom, Karen Kingsbury. In fact, if you asked them, Kyle and Kelsey would name God as the author of their story. And they're glad they trusted him to write it for them.

Unfortunately, too many girls hoping for their own happily-ever-after have taken matters into their own hands, chasing after boys when they should be chasing after God. And that inevitably leads to heartache, low self-esteem, and poor choices as girls give in to pressure from media and peers to look and act a certain way to attract guys.

Kyle and Kelsey want girls to know that it's never too late to trust God with their love lives, that wherever they are, there's always hope for the future. Through their own story and the stories of others who long for love, they show girls how to put God first, how to value and protect their purity, how to deal with loneliness and bullying, and how to see themselves as God does--a one-in-a-million girl who deserves no less than God's best.

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I was super excited when I was able to get this book. The summary was interesting, and I am so glad I read this book. Kyle and Kelsey have written a story that you'll treasure. One that will encourage you, and you will want to pass along.
I love when I find books talking about saving yourself for your future husband, and telling you how God is your true love. The Chase is definitely one of those books. Kelsey and Kyle explain in each of  the chapters what it's like to be single, how they stayed sexually pure until their wedding night, how they waited for each other, the difficulties of waiting for their spouse, and more. Not to pursue constantly after guys, and the let them lead you. To pursue God first. It is full of how scripture tells us to wait ("Women....do not awaken love before it's time. -Song of Songs) and the stories of those who have made mistakes, and those who have waited. A must read for any single girl, I definitely suggest you go and get a copy.

Their website is kyleandkelsey.com

The following links will bring you to some interviews about The Chase and marriage:
What to look for in a future spouse with K and K Kupecky
Video: Trusting God with your happily ever after


I would rate this book 10 out of 10 stars.
I received this book free from the publisher for a honest review

Lazarus Awakening Bible Study

                

Summary:
Journey to the Tomb of Lazarus…and Hear Jesus Call Your Name
 
Mary worshiped. Martha served. But what did Lazarus do to experience Jesus’s lavish love? 
 
Filmed in the Holy Land, this DVD companion to Joanna Weaver’s book Lazarus Awakening explores the incredible truth that Jesus loves us apart from our works or our worthiness. He wants to call us out of our tombs and into friendship with Him.
 
Designed for use with the book and companion study guide, this three-disc DVD Bible study is formatted for both individual and group use, with content suitable for both men and women.
·         In-depth Bible study: Features eight 15- to 17-minute video sessions.
·         Bonus “Israel Moment” videos explore the life of Christ and the Holy Land.
·         Designed for use with the study guide and book.
·         Leader’s guide, promotional material, and retreat format included.

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This is the first Bible study I've done by Joanna Weaver. I was excited to get this study, and surprised at some of the lessons she made. Joanna has some great pieces of wisdom. In the videos, the insight she gives is eye opening. Joanna shows you the "Behind the Scenes" to Israel, letting you get a glimpse to the meanings behind Scriptures, and how it applies to us.
I've really enjoyed Lazarus Awakening. This study will offer many gems of wisdom to you. As the author guides you to see the many miracles and lessons in Israel, you will see how amazing God is.


I would rate this study 4 out of 5 stars
I received this study free from the publisher for an honest review