What Matters Most-Kellie Coates Gilbert-Book Review

                                                  
About the book (provided by Baker Publishing)...
Just when she can't take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break. But when things seem too good to be true, they often are.
Finding her dream job went right out the window when Leta Breckenridge had to quit school to help care for her mother suffering from dementia. When a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta is thrilled to land a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her seemingly ideal job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition organization--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she's swiftly falling in love with.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty woman hold the key to his heart--and his future?

With emotional depth and keen insight into what drives us, Kellie Coates Gilbert offers a salient story that calls us to consider what we value most in this life.


About the author . . . 
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, and the author of A Woman of Fortune and Where Rivers Part. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.

And I thought . . . 
Refreshing.  I was very excited to get the opportunity to read and review this book.  I was not disappointed. 
This is the first chance I've gotten to read any of the works by Kellie Coates Gilbert.  I look forward to many more including others from this series. What Matters Most is book 4 in the Texas Gold series. 
I enjoyed the storyline.  And it was a bit refreshing.  I expected the typical love story with a conflict ending in a happily ever after. 
What Maters Most is much more than a sweet little romance.  There's a little bit of intrigue. There's a villain that causes trouble for the couple.  There are some twists and turns leaving the reader interested.  Bringing to light the 
struggle of aging parents was an interesting sub story in the book.  And gave me something to ponder. 
I actually was surprised who the villain was.  Which made refreshingly  unpredictable. 
Ms. Gilbert gives the reader and inside view of dirty politics and the effect it has on everyone. 

All the characters are fun and believable.  I enjoyed getting to know them.  

I look forward to reading more by Kellie Coates Gilbert!

This review is posted at My Journey Back and linked at appropriate blog parties.  (see the list on my parties page) 
This review is posted on Good Reads.

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

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CBC. 

                                                            
About the book (provided by Baker Publishing) . . . 
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.


Praise for Always Watching 

"A thrill ride from the first page until the last. Set aside some time, because you won't want to put it down."--RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, Top Pick

"A stellar beginning to what promises to be another terrific series from this inspirational author." --Bookpage 

"With each new novel, Eason continues to get better. Always Watching is among her best."--LifeIsStory.com


Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

And I thought ...
This was another page turner.  A very hard book to put down.  Full of Twists and turns. A thriller of sorts.  
Ms. Eason's talent for taking a suspenseful fictional story and adding faith elements is unequaled. 
While the characters question their faith do to past hard ships they are thrown together and have to run for their lives and find out just who the villain is.  
Each character in this story is like able.  Even the villain(s). 
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in suspenseful thrillers.
Possibly a great book to introduce someone to a new faith in God. 
Although Without Warning is part of the Elite Guardians series it is a stand alone book. (I encourage the reader to read book 1 it was great too.  My review is here)
I'm adding Lynette Eason's Without Warning to my list 
of 5 star books.  

I received a complimentary copy from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble 
and Good Reads. 
This review will also be posted at
MyJourneyBack-TheJourneyBack and linked at:
The Art Of Homemaking, Create With Joy, Share Your Cup

Dwelling Places--Lucinda Secrest McDowell-Devotional Review

About the book (provided by the publisher). . . 

What if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day?

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word - such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace - to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.


PRAISE FOR DWELLING PLACES:
“As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In Dwelling Places, Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” ~ Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read Dwelling Places. Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year.  Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” ~ Carol Kent, speaker and author of Waiting Together and Unquenchable

“In Dwelling Places, Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” ~ Tessa Afshar, Christy, award winning author of Land of Silence and Fields of Grace

“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth, and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! Dwelling Places offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.”  ~ Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of What Women Should Know About Facing Fear

“Dwelling Places is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I'd finished reading them.” ~ Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of Still Life and Stones for Bread                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        And I thought . . . What a great devotional book.   The subtitle Words to Live in Every Season explains the essence of  the book.  It's divided into 4 sections: Dwell Fall, Shine Advent, Renew Lent, and Grow Summer and ending with a section titled  Gratitudes followed by the Epilogue: Secrets Of The Nest.    Each devotional begins with a scripture and then a short story with some thoughts to ponder.  I loved the end of each devotional.  Instead of a prayer for the reader to pray each devotional ended with a word from our Father.  These thoughts blessed my spirit.  Here is an example: from #26 Faithful... My child, you can trust Me. I have been faithful to countless generations before you, and I shall most certainly be there for those who come after you.  You see. I never change.  While my ways and my will are not predictable in time and manner my character remains.  Faithful. True. Loving. Merciful.  Count on it.  

I enjoyed this little book.  It is small and will fit nicely into a tote back.  It's a great devotional to even take on vacation.  I liked the small size.  I had no trouble reading it.  I also like the graphics that made it pretty.                                                                                                                                                                         I would recommend this devotional to anyone.  It would make a great gift for anyone anytime of the year or any season.                                                                                                                                                                                                              This devotional is worthy of my 5 star rating.   My thanks to Miss McDowell,Abigdon Press and Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.                                                                                                                                                            This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads.  click on the bold type to purchase or read additional reviews.  The review is posted at My Reading Journeys and linked to The Art of Homemaking, Create With Joy and Share Your Cup and may be linked to other available parties.  See my parties page for a complete list of blog parties.     

Book Review--He Blew Her A Kiss

Book Review--He Blew Her a Kiss

Re-post.  My original post is here. 

This book is available at Amazon. Here's a link to the authors website for more info. A little info. I copied over there . . .
Filled with touching accounts that will make you smile and cry at the same time, He Blew Her a Kiss is required reading for anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one and needs a little help to carry on.

This book was really easy to read. Each chapter is a different story. There are 163 pages of stories.

The author's are compiling stories for a second book visit the website here.

Info about the author's:

Angie Pechak Printup & Kelley Stewart Dollar
Angie Pechak Printup and Kelley Stewart Dollar, being lifelong friends of thirty-five years, have teamed up to compile stories intended to help others heal after losing a loved one. This idea originated from an amazing story that happened to a friend named Tom, after his wife and soul mate of forty-two years past away from cancer in 2008. The first story in this book portrays their amazing love affair. Angie has an extensive background in health and fitness, earning a master’s degree at the University of Memphis in 1991. She has been teaching CPR and first aid for more than twenty years and was a volunteer EMT for five years. Kelley has twenty-five years of experience in printing and graphic arts. She has always enjoyed creative writing and has written poetry for thirty years. Because of her ability to empathize with people, she is able to capture the essence of their emotions and experiences in each story. Because they were best friends, it was only natural for them to work together, and combining their talents has allowed them to bring this wonderful book to you.

Format:
5.5 x 8.5 paperback white
ISBN:
978-1-4327-6092-2
Cover Price:
$16.95
Trade Discount:
50%
Also Available:
Ebook Edition

Category:
SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational
Available at:
www.outskirtspress.com/heblewherakiss
Distributed via:
Ingram, Baker & Taylor
Published by:
Outskirts Press, Inc.
Receive up to 50% off at:
www.outskirtspress.com/bookstore

This book was provided for review by the author's.