“The Power of Thank You” by Joyce Meyer

I Want to Thank You!

Are you discontent, do you feel unhappy? I have two words for you: thank you.

When was the last time you thanked God, not in a rote way, but from your heart? God tells us over and over again to be thankful. Not so much that He wants to hear it, but because it will help us.

Our words carry a lot of weight and can change things for good or bad. As Proverbs 18: 21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who love it, and indulge it, will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” Speak life (positive things), not death when you talk.

Do not take blessings for granted, feel entitled, or that you are better than others. Get rid of pride, and be humble. As the author says, “a thankful heart opens the door for blessings from God, but a proud one blocks them.” Our worth and value are in Christ, not in our own abilities.

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – Psalm 103:2

The devil knows the power of thankfulness, so he will try to discourage us from being appreciative, to not thank God or others. Instead, trust God, be thankful and stress levels will drop, while more gladness will come into your life. Keep God first in all that you do. When praying, instead of just going down your list of wants, ask God what He would like you to pray for, and your happiness will increase.

Follow the advice in this five-star book, and add thankfulness to your life. Thank God and thank others. Don’t speak negative things, and stay humble. After making a practice of that, see if you, and those around you, start to have more pleasure and joy in life!

“Thank God in everything (no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks), for this is the will of God for you….” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Faith Words Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Power of Thank You, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/joycemeyerministries/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JoyceMeyer

The Author’s Website:  https://joycemeyer.org

 

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“Juneteenth” by Dorena Williamson

Celebrate!

Juneteenth is a day to be celebrated because it reminds us that no one can be a slave again.

At one time, people owned other people—they were called slaves.  People who were slaves could never do what they wanted.  Instead, other people told them what to do, eat and where to live.  Sometimes, they hurt the slaves.

Over one hundred years ago, the Civil War was fought so slavery would end.  Many people lost their lives to give slaves their freedom.

President Abraham Lincoln ended slavery January 1, 1863, but it took until June 19, 1865, for everyone to learn no one could be a slave again.  That is the day we rejoice!

This five-star, chunky board book explains history in a way children can understand, with illustrations that clarify it even more.  I recommend this for toddlers through eight-year-olds.

“If we don’t know our history, we are doomed to repeat it….”

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Juneteenth, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dorenawill/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dorenawilliamson/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/dorenawill

The Author’s Website:  https://dorenawilliamson.com/

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“Elysium Tide” by James R. Hannibal

Thrills & Chills in Paradise!

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is an up-tight know-it-all. He is a brilliant British surgeon who has no problem telling everyone how wonderful he is. A workaholic who drives the staff crazy, he is sent to Hawaii by his employer for a much-needed rest for himself and a break for his fellow workers.

After discovering Kelly Alana on the edge of death, and unable to save her life, he becomes obsessed with finding who killed her.

Peter finds answers, but nobody believes him, least of all the local police. Not used to people hanging on his every word, he continues telling the police his theories until they are surprised that they start coming true. Detective Lisa Kealoha reluctantly lets him be a part of the investigation, but that is only the beginning. This intricate case is a complicated web that includes lots of people, deceit and spoils.

They face gangs, kidnappings, and threats to their lives. Lisa deals with the constant wrath of Jennifer Fan who is trying to take over her job, and will stop at nothing to get it. She also has to handle the anger of her superiors for letting Peter into the investigation. The boss is starting to believe Jennifer’s accusations that Lisa is not qualified for this.

There are twists, turns, and surprises along the way. You will be glued to this book. Just when you think you know how it will end, you will be wrong. This story deserves my rare five-plus star rating. It is an amazing tale, clean, and told with a Christian viewpoint. It is one of the best I have read–and I read a lot. This is a stand-alone thrilling mystery, but could easily be made into a series. Let’s hope that happens. In the meantime, give yourself a treat, get this book and indulge in some very satisfying me time!

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Elysium Tide, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesRHannibal/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/JamesRHannibal/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JamesRHannibal/

The Author’s Website:  https://jamesrhannibal.com/?fbclid=IwAR3VFsIXMbU7DKhsia5gR_G2-K1yVPaAKt1oVJz9a0w5uJfsbbanpuQer64

 

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“Season of My Enemy” by Naomi Musch

If We Met in Another Time…..

Fannie can’t believe she is working on her family’s farm beside German POW’s (prisoners of war). Her mother said they couldn’t get their crop harvested without help. Since her brothers are away in the war, and her dad has recently passed away, the only help available are the POW’s. Is Fannie the only one who is afraid these men might turn on them, and try to kill them? Aren’t they being unpatriotic having them on their property?

As time passes, Fannie begins to get to know some of the POW’s. Wolf, an officer and a teacher before the war, has a lot in common with her. But she fluctuates between getting to know him, or feeling she needs to be on guard because he is the enemy and distance herself.

Their crops do get harvested, but things on the farm have disappeared, a fire has broken out in one of their fields, and now, Fannie has been grabbed in the barn. Will she be killed? Can her brother, Calvin, recently home from the war due to injuries, have a normal life again? Does the presence of the POW’s prevent Calvin’s healing? What is Fannie to do with the feelings she has developed?

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Since we did have POW’s here during the war, and some were used to make up for the loss of manpower, this could have been a true story. The fear of them would be real, and the author captures all that in a believable story.

This five-star book asks if forgiveness can take place with an enemy who has taken so much. Everyone will like this story, but it will especially be enjoyed by fans of relationships, historical tales, or World War II.

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Season of My Enemy, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NaomiMuschAuthor

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/naomimusch/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/NMusch

The Author’s Website:  https://naomimusch.com/

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“When the Day Comes” by Gabrielle Meyer

What Time is It?

Libby lives in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, right at the beginning of The Revolution. She also lives in 1914 New York City. She is a time traveler. Every night while Libby sleeps, she lives her other life. The day she turns twenty-one, Libby must pick one and stay there.

Life in Williamsburg is not easy. It is a constant struggle for the family to support themselves with the money that comes from their printing business. But Libby has always planned on choosing that period for her permanent life. In that time, her mother loves her, and she has two adorable little sisters. Plus, the love of her life, Henry, is there.

Libby’s other life is one of privilege, and living in 1914, she enjoys some modern conveniences. But in that time, her mother has always been as cold as ice to her. Libby’s only use to that mother is to advance her social standing. To that end, Libby has been constantly paraded in front of New York society, especially the eligible bachelors. Now her mother has set her sights on having a son-in-law with a title, so she has forced Libby to go to London.

Will Libby be able to stay in Williamsburg permanently? Does Libby’s family lose their source of income because they print things supporting The Revolution? Will Libby break the rules and cause history to change? If she did that, what consequences will she face? Must Henry become just a memory of her great love lost?

I loved the ending of this story, it was completely unexpected, and also left room for another installment in this series. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of time travel, historical tales or well-written yarns–all with a Christian point-of-view.

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, When the Day Comes, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle_meyer/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle

The Author’s Website:  https://gabriellemeyer.com/?fbclid=IwAR05JVuFPAfnsJ0AXNlJGhwlLTCGIRB5uNF8HsOUAb5aLkp9xtaNJ6p-rAY

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“Lily Leads the Way” by Margi Preus

Don’t Give Up!

Illustrated by Matt Myers

Lily, a little sailboat, is very excited because some special ships are coming, they are older and very tall.  To see them, Lily must get out of her harbor, but to do that, the bridge must go up so she can sail out to the lake.  Every time she tries, a bigger boat scoots in front of her, and the waves they make almost topple her over.

Even though Lily doesn’t give up, boat after boat continues to block her.  Just when it looks like all is lost, Lily makes it through.  Not only does she get to see the boats, something very special happens to Lily.

This story will grab children’s attention when the bigger boats won’t let Lily through.  Little ones will identify with Lily because they know what it is like to have someone bigger make it harder to do something.  It would be a good time to ask a child if they have ever had something like that happen.

The book’s message of not giving up is a great one for small ones to hear, and put into practice.  Since Lily doesn’t stop trying, she has something wonderful happen.

I like this five-star, hardbacked picture book.  It has beautiful illustrations on each page, and making the point to not give up can never be made too often. Children preschool age through third grade will enjoy this tale!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Lily Leads the Way, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“When the Meadow Blooms” by Ann H. Gabhart

A Dream’s End or Beginning

Sisters, Calla and Sienna, have been forced into an orphanage for two years, where they have been mistreated.  At the same time, their widowed mother, Rose, has been a patient trying to recover from TB.  Penniless, still not well, and without family, Rose reaches out to the one person who might help get her daughters back, her brother-in-law, Dirk.

Rose has only met Dirk once, he was unfriendly and preferred to stay hidden. Horribly disfigured and scarred in a fire twenty years earlier, Dirk, has lived the life of a broken-hearted recluse.  His fiancé, Anneliese disappeared the same day as the fire.  He has never gotten over her deserting him.

Desperate, Rose begs Dirk to help them and he agrees to bring all of them to his farm, Meadowland.  An inquisitive little girl, a traumatized teenager, and an ailing woman are now living with Dirk.  Can he adjust to having people around him? Or will he keep himself shut off from them, still haunted by Anneliese leaving?

This sweet story will grab your heart.  Sienna has a special gift with animals, it is almost like they can understand her.  Calla can’t help trying to figure out what happened to Annelise.  But by working on this mystery, she may put a wedge between them and Dirk.  Will Dirk allow them to stay, or will their dream of living at the beautiful Meadowland end?

This five-star book is clean, and written from a Christian viewpoint.  With all the turmoil these people face, it has a really wonderful ending, and the tale is very enjoyable.  I recommend it to fans of mystery and true to life stories.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, When the Meadow Blooms, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AnnGabhart/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AnnHGabhart

The Author’s Website:  https://www.annhgabhart.com

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“Super You” by Anne Kennedy Brady

It’s a Bird, it’s a Plane…..

Attention all little superheroes, here is the book for you.  This story tells the things needed to do to be a superhero.  From helping others, to telling the truth, to righting wrongs:  these are all good qualities to have.  Parents will be thrilled to have their child imitate these examples.

This is a large board book measuring in at 7” by 7”.  It is chock full of brightly colored, mini superheroes all busy doing a variety of good deeds.  This tale will be loved by all because it celebrates creativity and pretending.

In this case, doing those things to be a superhero—but one that has only good qualities.  Children will like seeing all fun ways to be a superhero illustrated in this story.

But the very best thing about the tale, is that the book emphasizes the kind of superhero we all need.  Achieving those goals will be no problem for a child, and will make them an “amazing super you!”

I like how the book stressed helping, sharing, and standing by friends.  Young ones will always need role models, let this positive take on superheroes be one.   Both boys and girls through first grade will enjoy this five-star book.

Although young, the author has penned six plays that have been professionally produced and written numerous books—including some Veggie Tales.  She did her first story when she was six-years-old, and it featured a mermaid who loved ice cream sundaes!

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Super You, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“The Rooted Life” by Justin Rhodes

Affordable Organic Eating!

For the sake of his family’s health, Justin wanted to eat organic and free-range foods. But he was suffering severe sticker shock every time he bought those things because they were so expensive.

That is when he saw a package of lettuce seeds at the store. When he looked at it, he discovered that for the small price the seeds cost, he would reap bushels of lettuce. That was a life changing moment.

Even though Justin didn’t have any gardening experience, he claims it wasn’t hard to grow things. As time went on, he has produced more of his own food. He has branched out to raising chickens and other livestock. It is all organic, and Justin declares nothing tastes as good as something fresh from the garden.

The Rhodes have grown things year-round, and often have eaten complete meals containing only things they have produced. Justin chronicles their captivating story, along with easy-to-follow instructions to copy everything he has done. He includes advice about growing extra, selling it, and using that money to eat for free.

Going back to nature, living off the land, these are catch phrases that have been enticing people for years to give the self-sustaining life a chance. But not too many people stay with it because it can be a lot of hard work, sometimes with very little to show for it.

Justin not only thought about this life-style, but did it, and says he has found a way to make it attainable–and he tells you how. This five-star, over-sized book contains beautiful pictures of his family, and their gardens. Enjoy his story, and if it inspires you, start producing your own healthy food. This will appeal to fans of biographies or gardeners, as well as, readers in general.

Hachette Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Rooted Life, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“God Made You Too” by Chelsea Tornetto

Illustrated by Kimberley Barnes

You Are Loved!

Look at the great big world, take note of all that is in it, including incredible animals of every type.  It is amazing.  Think about the marvels in space:  the stars, the moons, planets and comets.  God created each one, and thought them all good.Despite all those incredible things, there was still one thing missing to make everything complete—He needed to make you!

This delightful picture book tells this story with rhyming verse—sure to tickle the ears of little ones.  The highlight of the story is that God does not see everything as perfect until He creates the child.  Small ones will understand how much God loves them, and how  special they are.

This hard-backed, five-star book is a delight to the eyes because of the beautifully colored illustrations that fill it. I recommend this for children through second grade.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, God Made You Too, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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