Everybody Fights: So Why Not Get Better at It? by Kim Holderness, Penn Holderness

 

My wife drives me crazy sometimes. My husband should already know what I need. Is our marriage in trouble if we fight all the time? Is it possible to learn how to fight?

For the last several years, Penn and Kim Holderness have done the hard maintenance and the research. With the help of their marriage coach Dr. Christopher Edmonston, they break down their biggest (and in some cases, funniest) fights. How did a question about chicken wings turn into a bra fight (no, not a bar fight; a bra fight)? How did a roll of toilet paper lead to tears, resentment, and a stint in the guest bedroom?

With their trademark sense of humor and complete vulnerability, Penn and Kim share their ten most common Fight Fails and how to combat them. Throughout the book, they offer scripts for how to start, continue, and wrap up hard conversations. Couples will emerge equipped to engage and understand, not do battle—and maybe laugh a little more along the way.

In Everybody Fights, couples will learn how to

• conjure the magic of metacommunication
• break free of secret contracts
• banish the three Ds—distraction, denial, and delay
• carry their own individual baggage while helping each other deal with theirs

Penn and Kim metacommunication want people to know they’re not alone. Marriage is messy. Marriage is work. But marriage is worth it. Fight for it.

My Thoughts:

Everybody Fights is a great book on marriage. Kim and Penn write a solid book on marriage. They are honest in the struggles of marriage, finances, listening, and so many more topics. This book is a great read as you read what marriage is really like. This is an honest look at marriage and the things that are good, hard and amazing about marriage. 

Kim and Penn don't claim to experts on the topic, but they give an honest look of what it was like to go through marriage counseling and the tips that worked for them. They give the reader a first look into their fights, so the reader doesn't feel alone. 

If you are married, this is a great read for your relationship. This book would be a great read in different seasons of marriage as well. I highly recommend it and can't recommend this book enough. Pick up a copy today, it might save your marriage! 

No Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn't Come Easy by Chip Gaine

 

No Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn't Come Easy

by

Chip Gaines likes to sweat. 

That’s been true ever since he was a little pint-sized hustler selling candy and Capri Suns down at the public tennis courts in northeast Texas. You’ve probably seen him sweat on his television show, Fixer Upper. Deep in his bones he has always known that hard work yields great results, even when there’s little observable evidence of it. On the cusp of launching into what might be the hardest work he and his wife, Joanna, have ever done—building a network—Chip realized that none of it would be possible without his network of people.

Call it a network, a community, a home team. We’ve all got one. Today it might be made up of your family, your neighbors, the people you work with. But if you want a network that will pull you into a life of meaning, a life of joy and connection, you need to be intentional about choosing the people in it. People who are enlivened and electrified by the power of living according to their purpose, who are always in pursuit of lifelong learning, and who have a sincere belief that relationships are more than transactions. Chip Gaines has been building that kind of network his whole life, and he can tell you, it doesn’t come easy.

To say it requires sweat equity would be an understatement. It requires faith in people. It requires hope. And it requires a willingness to grow even when it hurts. From hard-won lessons and personal stories from Chip, No Pain, No Gaines is a by-the-bootstraps manual for building a network you can count on.

My Thoughts:

This memoir written by Chip Gaines is one that will inspire and motivate you. I don't watch Fixer Upper, the television show by Chip and Joanna, but I do love home renovations and feeling inspired. This book is about hard work and how it pays off. This book is about how if you take control of your life, and live it the fullest. You are the only one who can make your life count. 

I really loved this book! It's a simple message of authenticity and living out your dreams. You are the only person who can make it happen. Chip adds humor and writes the way he sounds. It felt like I was sitting at a coffee shop with him, as I was reading this book. It's a very transparent and conversational read for the reader. I highly recommend reading this book! It's a great read! 

Purchase Links

Thomas Nelson | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Chip

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

It’s Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford

Former Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford draws on stories from her remarkable life to weave together a beautiful reminder that whatever circumstances we face, God is still dreaming big for our years ahead.

When Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down as cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show with Hoda Kotb, you might have thought her best days were behind her. It turns out, she was just getting started. As Kathie Lee says, “I’m not retiring; I’m refiring!”

Taking us from her Chesapeake Bay childhood when she first heard God’s calling, to her skyrocketing fame with Regis, to her decision to leave television for Nashville, Kathie Lee inspires us to pursue what really matters. Because it’s never too late to forgive, to dance the cha-cha, or to make a difference in the world.

God placed His dreams in your heart for a reason. And like Kathie Lee, you might just discover that the best is yet to come. Whether you’re an empty nester, newly single, navigating a career change, or just eager for any change, Kathie Lee helps you hear God’s loving calling because It’s Never Too Late to . . .

• Begin Again
• Make Sparks Fly
• Leave a Good Thing
• Have a Party
• Change the Ending, Then Change It Again

Is it time for you to rewrite your story, unearth your hidden passions, and live with a renewed purpose? It’s never too late.

Purchase Links

 Thomas Nelson | Amazon |Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Kathie Lee

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My Thoughts:

It’s Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford is a beautiful biography that tells the story of Kathie’s life. She is real, raw, honesty, funny and filled with compassion as she tells about her life and passion for the Lord. She writes with simplicity and purpose, as she encourages women of all ages to step out and dream again. She shares her highlight reels and deepest valleys. She isn’t afraid to make mistakes and clean from them. Her passionate faith is encouraging. 

I found this book to be heartfelt, encouraging and a oasis from the current world. This is a book for anyone who loves to read about real life people. I promise you’ll be encouraged by her story! Pick up a copy today! 

Dream Big, My Precious One by Jill Roman Lord

Dream Big, My Precious One

by 

Jill Roman Lord

Celebrate the hopes and dreams you have for your little one with this rhyming picture book that inspires children to dream big, work hard, and trust in God.  In Dream Big, My Precious One, a narrator wonders what a young child will enjoy as he or she grows up—sports, art, music? The narrator imagines all of the incredible things the child could become, from "a doctor or zoologist, a nurse or archaeologist" all the way to "a preacher sharing God's good news, a captain on a sailing cruise, a vet to cure sick kangaroos!" Upbeat and playful, this book will inspire children to passionately pursue their dreams, knowing that God will be with them every step of the way.

My Thoughts:

Dream Big My Precious One is a beautiful story to engage the child's mind about dreaming big and trusting God. This book is a beautiful adventure for children to dream big, work hard and know that God is with them every step of the way. This book has beautiful verses and illustrations to keep children interested. I love how beautiful the picture are and the children are so adorable in this book. I highly recommend getting this book to read with your child. They will love it.

The Miracle Collectors: Uncovering Stories of Wonder, Joy, and Mystery by Katie Mahon, Joan Luise Hill

The Miracle Collectors: Uncovering Stories of Wonder, Joy, and Mystery by Katie Mahon,  Joan Luise Hill 

Do you want to believe that miracles can happen? 

Perhaps you need something greater than yourself to hold you, safely guide your way through a desperate situation, and answer your fervent prayer.

Have you wondered if something you experienced could be considered a miracle? Perhaps, at just the right time, you receive an encouraging text from a friend across the country. Or maybe it was much more dramatic. Something life-altering such as a split-second decision, an instinct, to slow your car just before the vehicle in front of you lost control. Regardless of its nature, once you have a miracle experience, big or small, you are never the same. You are changed by your miracle.

By exploring their own experiences, searching out religious texts, and collecting stories shared by others, the authors have compiled what they believe is the truest meaning of miracles. The Miracle Collectors offers inspirational stories of miracles that ripple through time and space changing the lives of others.
Readers will learn to recognize and celebrate miracles for the gift of grace that they are. 

My Thoughts:

The Miracle Collectors book is for everyone who needs to be encouraged. This book reminds me Chicken Soup. It is a collection of stories where miracles have occurred, thus inspiring the reader. In this season of life, everyone needs hope and encouragement. If you have experienced a miracle or have never, this book is a great read to give you deep faith that all things work together for good. This is a book worth re-reading. I love the short questions and reading guide to help engage my mind. I highly recommend this book ! It is an awesome encouragement! 

Philippians: A Biblical Study by Joyce Meyer

Philippians: A Biblical Study

by 

Joyce Meyer

Internationally renowned author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer provides a close study on Philippians, emphasizing the true joy that comes from serving others through Christ.

Paul's letter to the people at Philippi serves as a reminder that if we search for joy in possessions, places, or people, we will always come up short. True, lasting joy comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, living in harmony with His followers, and serving others in the name of Christ. The life lived by the Philippians is still attainable today. In her comprehensive approach, Joyce Meyer takes a deep dive into well-known and beloved verses, identifying key truths and incorporating room for personal reflection.

Joyce's Philippians provides a key study tool that will help you develop a stronger relationship with God. If you take time to examine His word, you'll see how much He loves you and how much He desires that you live a joyful, content life on earth!

My Thoughts:

Do you study God's word, but aren't really sure what you're studying or maybe struggle with staying guided in His word? Philippians is a great commentary Bible Study and tool that helps the reader live on the Bible in practical ways. This book has space for you to record your notes, thoughts, or prayers as you read the book of Philippians. This study is a fantastic tool whether you are new to the Christian faith or you have been in a relationship with the Lord for years. You will grow in your walk and learn so much more about the Bible! This is a great, practical tool! Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy. A review was not required. #sponsoredbyfaithwords

About the Author:

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

The Confident Woman Journal by Joyce Meyer

The Confident Woman Journal

by 

Joyce Meyer

Live boldly in the love of Christ with Bible teacher and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer. For women who have tried every solution imaginable to be the best version of themselves, but nothing seems to be working, Joyce Meyer has the answer: Confidence. 

Joyce explains that confidence stems from being positive in your actions and living honestly, but most importantly from having faith, in God and in ourselves. By using the characteristics outlined in Confidently You, this journal gives women a place to write out their concerns and prayers.

With encouragement from Joyce Meyer to guide us, we can work towards becoming the confident woman we were created to be.

Ellie Claire's LeatherLuxe® material plus a four-color interior design combine to make The Confident Woman a stunning journal. The rich feel of leather is finished with round corners to make this journal an extraordinary gift for any time of year.

My Thoughts:

This gorgeous leather journal is beautiful and perfect for daily prayers or journaling. I love the spacing in this journal to write and the ribbon marker is perfect for daily use. This journal has quotes throughout the pages with beautiful color. This journal is light enough than you can throw it in your purse or laptop bag. If you are looking for a beautiful journal, that is decently priced, I recommend this one. 

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

To fulfill her mother's dying wish, Moira Doherty moves from Boston to the rolling green hills of 1921 Ireland to teach in a village school. She doesn't expect to fall in love--or to uncover a scandalous family reputation her mother left behind years ago.

This debut novel by author Jennifer Deible, is one not to miss. I found this book to be very enjoyable and a wonderful historical adventure as I traveled to Emerald Isle where I enjoyed the beauty of Ireland and all of its rich history. The places were exciting as Jennifer penned the culture and the people along the way.  I love the themes of love, repentance, forgiveness and romance woven throughout this novel. 

This is a wonderful read and a debut author not to miss. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend picking up a copy today! You'll be glad you did.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

God Made Us Just Right by Allia Zobel Nolan

God Made Us Just Right

by 

Allia Zobel Nolan

About:

"How come puppies get to bark, but kittens can't? Why do elephants have such long trunks when other animals don't risk tripping over their noses? What's the point of all these differences? Through playful illustrations of animals and warmhearted words in rhyme, young children will see God as their loving creator. God Made Us Just Right helps them realize that God has a reason for creating us just the way we are. Kids who are always asking, "Why, Mom?" and "How come, Dad?" will easily relate to the back-and-forth question-and-answer format. It's a book the whole family will enjoy"

My Thoughts: 

God Made Us Just Right is the most adorable book on how God created His children. Reading this book, made me tear up as an adult. This little hardcover book is so sweet and touching. The illustrations are beautiful with rich colors and adorable animals. Your child will love this touching story and it will become a favorite. I love this little book. It is the perfect conversation between a child and their parent about how we are uniquely created by God for a purpose. This would be such a sweet book to purchase for your child to read before they go to bed. I love this book, it is so cute! Grab a copy today. 

Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce by Tracie Miles

Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce

by Tracie Miles 

Unlike other books on divorce, Living Unbroken takes a deep dive into understanding and overcoming the emotional toll divorce, separation, and the loss of a serious long-term relationship has on a woman’s well-being. As someone who has walked this path, Tracie Miles leads women on a powerful, life-changing journey that provides much-needed hope, encouragement, and practical guidance for living their best life even if it’s not the life they once imagined. Her biblically sound approach teaches readers how to trust in God’s promises and restore their self-confidence and hope for the future.

My Thoughts:

Living Unbroken is the story of a woman who tells a story of hope after divorce. As someone who has walked through divorce, Tracie offers the reader compassion, empathy, understanding and connection through the devastation of divorce. This book offers the reader, the truth of God's word as they walk through a difficult season. 

If you have walked through divorce, this book will help you as you heal, trust God and reclaim the dream that God has for your life. If you know someone who is going through a divorce and has been through one, this is a real encouragement. 

Burying Daisy Doe By Ramona Richards

Burying Daisy Doe

No cold case is more important than the one that destroyed her own family

Every small town has one unsolved case that haunts its memory, festering for generations below the surface with the truth of humanity's darkness. Star Cavanaugh is obsessed with the one that tore her family apart.

Over sixty years ago, Daisy Doe was murdered and discarded outside Pineville, Alabama, buried without a name or anyone to mourn her loss. When Star's father tried to solve the case, he was also killed. Now a cold-case detective with resources of her own, Star is determined to get to the bottom of both crimes. But she'll have to face an entire town locked in corruption, silence, and fear--and the same danger that took two other lives. The only people in town she can trust are her grandmother and the charming Mike Luinetti, and both of them trust a God Star isn't sure she believes in. Can Christians so focused on the good really help her track down this evil?

With an irresistible combination of sharp suspense, faith, humor, and authentic regional flavor, Burying Daisy Doe will draw fans of Terri Blackstock, Margaret Maron, Jaime Jo Wright, and J. T. Ellison. 

My Thoughts:

Burying Daisy is the first time I've read a book by Ramona Richards. The dual time line with a southern charm made this book suspenseful, fun and kept me on my toes as I turned each page. The small town feel of this novel, will capture the reader until you finish the book. I enjoy this book and recommend picking up a copy today. 

In Search of Wisdom: Life-Changing Truths in the Book of Proverbs by Joyce Meyer

In Search of Wisdom: Life-Changing Truths in the Book of Proverbs

by 

Joyce Meyer

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer takes us on a journey through the wisdom of Proverbs to leave us transformed and equipped to face daily choices and challenges.
The book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of both spiritual and practical wisdom that gives us what we need to guide our steps each and every day. Knowledge is important, but if it isn't turned into action, it fails to help us on an earthly level. Because of this, it is important to gain understanding of the seven foundational principles frequently seen in Proverbs:

Wisdom,
Understanding,
Prudence,
Knowledge,
Discretion,
Discernment, and
Fear of the Lord.



If we desire to have these qualities, we must make a commitment to slow down. We will need to stop multi-tasking and learn to enjoy times of solitude and blessed quiet. We must give sincere thought regarding action to be taken, remembering that each action produces a result.

Featuring inspiring questions and space for thoughtful reflection, In Search of Wisdom will enlighten you with God's understanding and teach you the foundational principles and secure God's help in practicing them.

My Thoughts:

In Search of Wisdom by Joyce Meyers is a great book with practical wisdom to the reader on gaining understanding from the book of Proverbs. It is simple, profound and truthful. This book is life changing for the reader as you sink into the truths of God's word from this book. Joyce emphasizes how wisdom is important for living a Godly life. I think this book is so important to any readers collection as you apply the wisdom of Proverbs to your life. This book is powerful and I highly recommend it.

About the Author:

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives. 

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries. 

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ. 

When Anxiety Strikes: Help and Hope for Managing Your Storm By: Jason Hobbs

When Anxiety Strikes: Help and Hope for Managing Your Storm

By: Jason Hobbs

Manage or prevent anxiety using faith-based methods

"Fear not." "Do not be afraid." "Peace be with you." Phrases like these appear in the Bible more often than almost any other proclamation. We long to follow these commands. Yet for many, something inside us is wary, ready for anything and everything to go wrong. In fact, a quarter of Americans struggle with anxiety disorders--and Christians are not immune.

Jason and Dena Hobbs are familiar with this struggle, professionally and personally--Jason as a clinician, Dena as someone with anxiety, and both as pastors of congregations full of anxious people. They also know the shame and confusion that so often accompany these disorders, especially for people who think their faith should be strong enough to overcome these struggles. With their deep understanding, they've written When Anxiety Strikes, an eight-week guide to managing anxiety, grounded in both Scripture and research.

Structured for daily reading, with integrated practices for everyday life, the book addresses seven themes: breath, body, movement, mind, change, spirit, and community. Concise stories, readings, questions, and activities guide readers to tackle the realities of living with anxiety. When Anxiety Strikes offers real solutions to find a solid landing place when the storm of fear looms.

My Thoughts:

When Anxiety Strikes is the perfect book for the time we are all living in. Nothing like a worldwide pandemic to strike anxiety. Whether you anxious about basic living needs or whether you'll have a job next month, this book will help every reader to learn new ways to tackle anxiety. This book is a great tool that I recommend everyone read and keep on their shelf, while referring from time to time. The techniques are great and are founded on biblical principles, which I appreciate in terms of helping the reader. I highly recommend this book. It is a very simple read, but important read. I especially think this book is important if you have children. It is such a great resource! 

All That We Carried By Erin Bartels

 

All That We Carried By Erin Bartels

Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. Over the years, they grew apart, each coping with the loss in her own way. Olivia plunged herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world--what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life-coaching business around her cafeteria-style spirituality--a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.

Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.

Michigan Notable Book Award winner Erin Bartels draws from personal experience hiking backcountry trails with her sister to bring you a story about the complexities of grief, faith, and sisterhood.

My Thoughts:

I have read two other books by Erin Bartels and I enjoy her books. They are different in a positive way and I always find them to touch my heart. She writes with well constructed plots that bring me into the story as the characters find themselves into my heart. This particular book is just the same. It is stunning to say the least. This book is written in Michigan, which I truly enjoy as a Michigan resident. She does an amazing job of capturing the Upper Peninsula and it's gorgeous backdrop. The plot between two sisters who have lost touch with one another, is an engaging read and gives the reader a lot to think about. This book is a great read in my opinion and allows the reader to explore the depths of their own heart. I highly recommend reading this book. 

ERIN BARTELS is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things—a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, winner of the 2020 Star Award from the Women’s Fiction Writers Association in both the debut and general fiction categories, and a 2019 Christy Award finalist—The Words between Us—a 2020 Christy Award finalist—and All That We Carried (coming January 2021). Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest. Her poems have been published by The Lyric and The East Lansing Poetry Attack. A member of the Capital City Writers Association and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she is former features editor of WFWA’s Write On! magazine and current director of the annual WFWA Writers Retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She lives in Michigan, where she is never more than six miles away from a body of water. She grew up in the Bay City area waiting for freighters and sailboats at drawbridges and spent her college and young married years in Grand Rapids. She currently lives with her husband and son in Lansing, nestled somewhere between angry protesters on the Capitol lawn and couch-burning frat boys at Michigan State University. And yet, she claims it is really quite peaceful.