“The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul” by Carla Gasser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Before & After!

Do you feel sort of adrift, are you looking for a new beauty regime, or are you finding it hard to exist in your environment?  You need a makeover, but not the common every day sort that involves clothes, hair stylists, or beauty routines.  This one starts somewhere else.

Make yourself over by using the nine fruits of the spirit. Take the time to really apply them to your life, and watch what a difference you will see in yourself! Filter them through the lens of your SOUL–the author’s acronym that is. In the book, Carla uses SOUL to stand for search, observe, use and lean–and she will tell you how to use each one.Be ready to roll your sleeves up, have a Bible ready, and follow the instructions in this volume.  You are embarking on a beauty cleanse for your soul, and it will take some elbow grease.  But when finished, you will have gained tranquility and contentment in your life.  In fact, you will have activated in yourself the nine fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5: 22-23–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Wouldn’t you like to be like this woman which the author describes in her book:

 “Have you ever met a woman with a sparkle in her eyes and a brilliant glow on her face that does not come from a costly and elaborate skin care regime?  Upon closer examination, you may see crow’s-feet, age spots, and even a dull skin tone (Lord have mercy!).  But no one notices.  Why?  Because she brings brightness to every one she meets with genuine goodness that shines deep from within her soul.”*

You, too, can be like that, and experience a makeover from the inside out by following the author’s instructions!  Colorful illustrations add to the beauty of this hard-bound volume.  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who wants a fresh re-do!

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul, 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.

* Pages 81 & 82.

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

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

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“Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You’ve Always Wanted” by Shannon Acheson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create Your Refuge!

Want a home that is a peaceful sanctuary, sheltering you from the cares of the world, and looks nice, too?  The author can easily help you do that.

Our surroundings can evoke either positive or negative emotions, depending on the shape it is in. This book has tons of tips to get you going, and help you love where you live right now.

While walking through your rooms, make a balanced list of positive and negative things, pausing to thank God for everything you like.  Also, note any repairs needed, and fix those before anything else is done.  Make a budget.  Everything does not have to be done at once, work on one room at a time.

Your home will have a cohesive flow if five colors are used throughout, with different amounts in each room.  Follow the sixty-thirty-ten rule.  The main color is 60%, the secondary color 30%, and 10% for the accent color. Not all five colors need to be used in every room.

Decorate according to the stage your life is in, for instance, rooms will look different if toddlers are in the home.  Decorate with your family’s comfort in mind, not what a magazine cover looks like. A section of the book helps you determine your style.

As a Christian, the author, Shannon, decorates for your spiritual side. Additionally, she includes recipes that you can share with others while you enjoy your happy home.

I love this 5-plus-star book because it shows how simple it is to create a wonderful environment, and highly recommend it to everyone.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You’ve Always Wanted, 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/HomeMadeLovely1/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/home.made.lovely/

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.ca/homemadelovely/

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

The Author’s YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCul3HLMJUc8eoUCODtkcfdQ

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“What is Happening to Me? How to Defeat Your Unseen Enemy” by Jeannie Ortega Law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Rich and Satisfying Life!

Although a Christian today, Jeannie was brought up in a home that believed in dark things, along with having their future told. Additionally, her godmother was a witch. Because the occult was a part of her everyday life, it seemed normal.

Jeannie’s singing voice brought her money and fame, but did not do anything for the empty part of her life, or the dysfunction in her home.  After going to church with a friend, she gave her life to God.  But being a baby Christian, with no one to help her in her faith, she had a lot to learn in her walk with God.

Jeannie tried to know God more, and attended church.  She had some misleading teachings there, and a couple of unfortunate incidents that she felt were attempts to destroy her faith.  Despite it being devastating, Jeannie did not give up on God.  Today, she and her husband minister together.

Throughout her life story, Jeannie reveals the many times the devil tried to keep her from becoming a Christian, or remaining one after she chose Christ.  Sprinkled throughout her book are scriptures that would apply to anyone in similar situations.  Each chapter has questions to ponder, Bible references, and prayer.  After what she has been through, she has complete confidence that everything can be overcome with the word of God!

This is an interesting book because of Jeannie’s life story, but also the help she offers for anyone feeling oppressed.  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, What is Happening to Me, 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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“Road Trip! A Whiskers Hollow Adventure” by Steve Light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Go!

Three different animal friends set out for Elephant’s Old Junk Tree to find a broken part for their truck.  They have an adventure getting together for the trip, and going there. But the best thing is when they arrive. The junk tree provides lots of exploring fun, including a chance to get very dirty, but not the part they came for—or does it?

Despite each of the animals having distinct personalities, they are all able to be friends, and have lots of fun with each other.  In the end, working together provides what they need.

Little ones through second grade will like this over-sized, hard-backed, five-star picture book. The author, who is also the illustrator, provides intricate drawings about each of the animal’s homes, the road trip, and the Junk Tree.  Children who enjoy detailed or mechanical things will be delighted with this imaginative tale.

Candlewick Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Road Trip, 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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“My Dear Miss Dupré” by Grace Hitchcock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Husband Hunt!

Imagine, unbeknownst to you, your parents set up a competition with thirty eligible bachelors to win your hand in marriage.  Willow Dupré is shocked to find out that is what her parents have done—and she must marry one of them in six months’ time.  It is the bachelorette meets 1882 high society, with some crazy twists!

Unusual for a female at that time, Willow has helped her father run their profitable sugar company, with the idea she would be in charge someday.  But his serious health condition is forcing him to retire in six months, and the board of directors refuses to work with a woman.  If Willow doesn’t have a husband by then, they will lose the company.

How can she get to know any of them well enough to marry?  She discovers some of the men in the competition are spies to get newspaper stories, others are there to destroy Willow and her family. Because of that, she finds herself in dangerous situations. How can she tell who is trustworthy?

Additionally, the stress of the competition causes some of the men to crack and behave badly.  Others truly do love Willow, but she doesn’t feel the same, and is put in the position of breaking their hearts.

This was a good read, with lots of excitement, along with surprising danger and suspense.  The author took the bachelorette subject, made it fresh, not predictable, and kept you wondering how it would turn out.  It is a clean story with a Christian viewpoint.  I recommend this 5-star book to those who enjoy romantic tales with a twist!

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, My Dear Dupré, 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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“No Buddy Like a Book” by Allan Wolf

Illustrated by Brianne Farley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready for a Daydream?

Look inside the gorgeous cover of this book and enter the wonderful, fantastic locations reading takes you.  Each page will open your child’s eyes to the amazing places awaiting them.  This beautiful picture book is sure to capture young one’s interests with its dialogue and incredible pictures.       

From animals and clouds, to places around the world–or in other worlds–this book will delight children with all the places they can go without leaving their home.  Whether taking a magic carpet ride, piloting a rocket ship, or steering a robot, little ones can do anything their mind can think of.  Measuring in at over ten by twelve inches, this over-sized, hard-backed volume shows how large a place the imagination can be.

This 5-star book will charm both girls and boys up to age eight as they explore the adventures awaiting them.

Candlewick Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, No Buddy Like a Book, 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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“Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover)” by Helen Yoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Change of Menu!

The Big Bad Wolf dreams of having sheep for dinner.  Join him as he decides the way to do that will be to disguise himself, and to go under cover with the sheep.   Through text and pictures, we can track the wolf’s progress. Convinced he has them all fooled, he thinks he is ready to make his move—only to discover he has had a change of heart.

Children will find the things the wolf does to fit in with the sheep funny.  They will really like the ending when they find out how much the wolf was able to fool them!

This delightful picture book is over-sized and hard-backed.  Cute illustrations that add more laughs to the story, appear on every page, and are done by the author.  The tale can even become a lesson about what it means to be a “wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing.”  This 5-star book will be enjoyed by smiling children up to age eight.

Candlewick Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover), 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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“Unknown Threat” by Lynn H. Blackburn

Time is Running Out!

A small office of eight Secret Service Agents has had three of their people killed and two others wounded.

Despite FBI Agent, Faith Malone, working around the clock, there doesn’t seem to be any reason for the killings.  Nothing makes sense.  What had that office done to cause mass shootings and explosions to take place?  This exciting story will use all the resources of the local police, FBI and Secret Service in an attempt to solve it.

As Faith tries to piece together the puzzle, more death attempts take place.  Will she be able to uncover the guilty one before anyone else is hurt or killed?

This fast-moving tale has a twist at the end that reveals the mastermind behind it all.  Told from a Christian viewpoint, this is a clean 5-star story.  It will be enjoyed by those who like thrilling mysteries with a touch of romance.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Unknown Threat, 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/LynnHBlackburn/

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

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

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

Panning for Gold!

Come explore the book of Proverbs in a new way with Joyce Meyer. She has written an account about each chapter of Proverbs, and recommends you read the corresponding chapter in the Bible before reading each one of hers.

Joyce examines every verse, discussing what each one means.  She adds her opinions along with examples from her own life that illustrate some of the situations found there.  Those things bring insight to the book, and help to comprehend the full meaning of the verses.

Some nuggets of gold include that the most important things in life are faith and trusting God.  In our walk with the Lord, we must remember to have patience.  That is because we will not always understand why things may, or may not, happen.  We must rely on God to take complete care of things, even when it seems like He is not.  Trust God even when we do not grasp how circumstances can work out.  We will never have total knowledge of everything.

Remember from Isaiah 55:9, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, God’s thoughts and God’s ways are higher than yours,” and 1 Corinthians 13:12, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror…”

The author has written a work that will open your eyes to the knowledge and treasure to be found in the words of Proverbs.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who wants to get more out of reading this book!

Hachette Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, In Search of Wisdom:  Life Changing Truths in the Book of Proverbs, 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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“Shadows of the White City” by Jocelyn Green

Kidnapped or Runaway?

All her life, Sylvie, has taken care of other people.  For years, she was the sole care taker of her father.  While in that role, she adopted, Rose, who she raised as her own daughter.  Now, at 17, Rose is pulling away, and chafing against normal teenage rules.

Rose viciously lashes out at Sylvie, claiming the rules are used to keep her from enjoying life, and that Sylvie isn’t her “real mom” anyway.  Because of Rose’s rebellion, Sylvie relaxes some of the rules, and suddenly, Rose disappears.

Has she left of her own free will?  Or has she been kidnapped? Clues appear that can support either scenario.  What is the truth?

Set against the background of the fabulous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, this story is exciting, and is a mystery right up to the very end.  The real descriptions of the fair transport you to that thrilling time, while the puzzle of what happened to Rose will keep you turning the pages.

Faith and God plays an integral part of the tale, and Sylvie, a self-sufficient woman, finds a long-time friendship might be something more.  I highly recommend this 5-star book.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Shadows of the White City, 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/jocelyngreenauthor

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jocelyngreen77

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

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