A great read for kids and adults -- Prayers that Changed History

Tricia Goyer shares her passion about the value of prayer in Prayers that Changed History.  Although the book is aimed at young readers, it contains interesting information and valuable insights for adults as well.

Tricia has compiled stories of 25 people whose lives and prayers played important roles in history.  Along with each account, she also shares a Biblical example of someone who  influenced their world through prayer.

This book is interesting and inspiring just as a simple read.  But as I read through the stories, I could see its value as a starting point for something much more.  The introduction to each historical character could be a catalyst for further study into the person and events surrounding their story of prayer.  This could be a great way for parents and children to learn together history that might not appear in

typical history textbooks.  It also helps bring to life the stories of Biblical characters and may encourage children to want to learn more from God's Word.

I recommend Prayers that Changed History to readers young and old who would enjoy being inspired and challenged to learn from and participate in the important practice of prayer.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

One prayer can change everything, says bestselling author Tricia Goyer in Prayers That Changed History.

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In Prayers That Changed History, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with how prayer changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

About the author:

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published more than fifty books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

"Everyone's journey begins somewhere" -- The Imposter (UPDATED POST WITH GIVEAWAY)

(Read to the end of the post for a giveaway.  Hurry, it's only available for a few more days!)

"Everyone's journey begins somewhere" -- just one of the words of wisdom from a minister in The Imposter, Suzanne Woods Fisher's newest book.  This visit back to Stoney Ridge just may be her best story yet!

The Imposter definitely ranks high among the excellent Amish stories I have enjoyed reading over the past 20 years.  The characters come off the page as you join them through their joys and struggles . . . and there is an abundance of both.  Their stories keep the interest level high as they learn to put the past behind and move on to new relationships and new experiences.

Suzanne has crafted a tale that is both inspiring and entertaining.  The conclusion of the story offers hope and promise . . . and it leaves plenty of questions to be answered as the series continues. I highly recommend this story to fans of great Amish fiction and anxiously await the next installment.

Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.

You can buy the book here.

About the author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.


Suzanne is graciously giving away a Kindle 7.  Click here to enter.

Travels with God -- Signs in Life

In her second book, Signs in Life, Deanna Nowadnick shares lessons from her day-to-day travels with God.  She uses the idea of road signs to point out warnings and instructions -- some of which she learned from by obeying and some (the hard way) by ignoring.  She also brings those lessons around to match up with important truths Moses and the Israelites encountered on their travels through the wilderness.

Deanna has a very personable style of writing, one where she shares openly and honestly in the form of friendly conversation.  She gets right to the "heart of the matter" without being forceful or "preachy."  Her descriptions of her own experiences provide encouragement for her readers to look for God's guiding road signs as we make our individual journeys.

Thank you, Deanna, for the reminders to slow down and follow God's direction.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.