On This Foundation by Lynn Austin

I knew the story of Nehemiah from the bible, where he worked for the King of Persia, who noticed that Nehemiah was unhappy and he asked why. When Nehemiah told him he was upset about the destruction of the walls around Jerusalem, his home town, leaving it defenseless - the King gives him permission to go home and rebuild the walls - providing a guard and materials, and making him the governor.  What I didn't know was the background on Nehemiah and his brothers that led him to work for the King.

There are other character's lives within the story as well. Can you imagine being put into slavery for 6 years because your family is about to lose their home and land? There was a drought, and people were forced to pay taxes and mortgage their property even though they were starving.  For many the only thing they could do was go into bondage to pay their debt - which happens to a young girl.

And then of course Nehemiah is not popular with everyone, and there are plots to remove him. There is another young girl whose family wants her to marry into a political family entrenched in this part of the intrigue. The story is beautifully woven, with fabulous messages of God's faithfulness.  This is a book I highly recommend - especially if you think you already know the story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

From the book:
The Powerful Concluding Novel
to The Restoration Chronicles

When news that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire, Nehemiah, Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, seeks God's guidance. After fasting and prayer, he's given leave to travel to Jerusalem and rebuild the city wall, not anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.

The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and halt the work. A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving.

Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is a powerful exploration of faith in the midst of oppression, and hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

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A Texas Christmas, Six Romances from the Historic Lone Star State Herald the Season of Love

 

 

Christmas bridal stories from some of the best authors - with a Texas theme (by Cecil, Dooley, Franklin, Griffin, Hake, Y'Barbo).

As I said before, I'm not usually a fan of short stories. I like a book that I can hang on to and continue the story for several days. I've come to realize the talent in a really good short story - one that still has that richness of tale. This book combines both. With four novellas by different authors that have characters that overlap, you get the best of each. The depth of these Christian Historical Romances and that connectiveness makes it feel more like you're reading a series.  I highly recommend this! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

From the Publisher:
Spend Christmas in the Old West with six unconventional women who take on Texas-sized challenges—and unexpected romance. Bridget falls for a man opposed to her teaching Indian orphans. Polly is trying to hold her family together when her childhood love returns to town. Rugged rancher Charlsey is inexplicably attracted to a tenderfoot accountant. Vivian shuns marriage until meeting a nomadic photographer. Lacey’s cooking draws a quiet blacksmith out of his shell. Tracker Bessie Mae helps a ranger hunt down a villain.

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NLT Illustrated Study Bible from Tyndale

 "The Word of God is alive and powerful." Hebrews 4:12 is on the front inside jacket, and this Bible completely lives up to that. "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions." Psalm 119:18 inside the back jacket. What a beautiful way to illustrate just that with this Bible. 

Fabulous illustrations, definitions and timelines throughout, the Word in the New Living Translation, with a Study guide and illustrated topics on each page. This is a large, heavy volume that you'll want to keep out and refer to.  Great for a "coffee table" book. It will take a long time to go completely through this book, and I haven't compared this translation to the strict King James Version, but I am sure that there are fabulous lessons to learn within.  A fabulous gift - any time of year - for yourself or someone you love. 

From Tyndale: The Illustrated Study Bible brings Scripture’s message to life by giving readers an entirely new visual study experience. Hundreds of information-rich windows to the Bible world instantly communicate foundational truths and complex information in an understandable, compelling way for today’s visual generation. The who, what, where, when, and why of the Bible come alive with stunning photos, illustrations, infographics, and full color maps integrated seamlessly with background material, study notes, and theme articles. The Illustrated Study Bible empowers readers to draw closer to God by opening their eyes to Scripture’s living, powerful message.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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The Heirloom Brides Collection by Tracey V. Bateman, Joanne Bischof, Mona Hodgson, Kim Vogel Sawyer

Treasured Items Bring Couples Together in Four Historical Romances

What a pleasure to read! Four Christian Historical Romances set in the early 1800s. I'm not usually a fan of short stories. I like to set my stakes and settle in for a long read. This book completely fulfilled that expectation. I enjoyed every bit of each story. Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't want to continue to read more. I'm hoping that there will be continuations of each individual story and they will all be series. Another book that I'm so glad I was able to read! Each girl has her own special situation, each has with a perfect ending.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising.” .

From the cover: Meet four women whose lives are in transition and watch as something old, new, borrowed, or blue brings them joy, romance, and renewed faith. Betsy's something old is a lost family watch. Wren's something new is a home built with her in mind. Clara's something borrowed is a farmhand from the neighbors. Darla's something blue is her mother's missing cameo. Will each woman find the treasure her heart is intent upon in these four historical romance novellas?

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A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

Christian Historical Romance at its best. Lady Miranda tries to be a Lady and live up to her mother's expectations, but she has a rather wild streak that she likes to indulge. She is very close to her brother though. Having growing pains in this struggle and after four unsuccessful seasons, she decides to write letters to her brother's closest friend, a Duke, whom he speaks highly of - but only to vent and bare her soul, not to really send. These letters are kept in a secret place in her room. But somehow, she starts receiving responses to these letters. After her mortification wears off, she feels close in reality to her former fictional friend. But at the same time she is drawn to her brother's new manservant, which is really against all rules of society. Something mysterious is going on and there is more depth to the story than is apparent on the surface - and something dangerous. The unfolding story is very entertaining and enjoyable to read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising.” 

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Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings (Eagle Harbor Book 2)

Christian Historical Romance. I didn't read the first book in the series before reading this. It might have been helpful for insight into some of the characters, but I don't think it was necessary to have read it to enjoy this book. I found it quite interesting to read about this great-lakefront town Eagle Harbor and its residents. There have always been great storms on the great lakes, but not always someone dedicated to go out and rescue storm-wrecked passengers. There have been lighthouses - and before electricity it was a huge job to keep that light lit. 

Elijah lost his father in a shipwreck, but he wasn't there at the time to try to save him. It affected him strongly though, so he's vowed to help save as many as he can - even without the resources that he is applying for to increase their safety. His best friend Mac (like a brother) is in charge of the lighthouse, but sometimes has to go out on the rescue team.

In the lead story in this book Mac left his wife in charge of the lighthouse light, but she is pregnant and became ill, so the light went out. As a result, another boat was lost with some extra valuable items on board - owned by the wealthiest people in the area. And of course Elijah and Mac are blamed for the loss. One of these owners, Gilbert, has been a long-time enemy and sparring partner of Elijah's. The other is the father of Victoria, the woman Elijah loves. Victoria is a smart and sensitive woman, but feels she's a failure, doesn't feel attractive, and she has a stutter. Her family is a large part of the reason she feels this way - but she will learn that they aren't as wonderful as they think they are. The only one she's ever been comfortable enough around to not stutter is Elijah. But she is expected to marry Gilbert - who is of her class - and it is a great coup for her father's business.

Each character has their own obstacles to overcome, and love triumphs over all! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising”. 

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From the book jacket:
Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria's determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed's enemy. Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen's sons don't marry shipping barons' daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks. He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process? Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa) Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria) Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria) Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah)