Just A Second

Sunday, October 1

Bookshelf Review - September

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September's Books Completed and Reviewed

The Lightkeeper's Ball (A Mercy Falls Novel) by Colleen Coble - Olivia moves from New York to California to find out more about her sister's death, and she suspects the man her sister was supposed to marry. As she gets to know Harrison, she grows to trust him, but she is still in danger, and if he's not the villain, who is? (Read my full review HERE.)

Though she wanted to shake her head at what she knew was coming, she couldn't move. He was right. Marriage was the only thing that could save her reputation now.

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden - a librarian at the Library of Congress and a promising young Congressman find friendship, and eventually love, while trying to find the truth about a Navy ship that had carried the young woman's father. (Read my full review HERE.)

"We don't have to keep discussing this, do we? I would be a terrible wife for a congressman. You really ought to know how unsuitable I would be."

The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson - the final novel in the Fairy Tale Romance collection I was reading, featuring the younger sister of the heroes of two previous novels. (Read my full review HERE.)

Colin's head was spinning, partly from sitting up too abruptly a few moments before, and partly from his maddening inability to convey to Lady Margaretha the danger they were all in. He couldn't expect her to understand. She was a sheltered, wealthy duke's daughter. What could she know of intrigues and murders and people who were not as they seemed?

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar - Mac is Lily's new neighbor, since he's bought land that she thought was hers. Their friendship grows into love, but Lily may be forced into marriage to her overbearing guardian. (Read my full review HERE.)

"Everett is no fool," Mac said. "He senses our attraction to one another and he doesn't like it. I suspect he has much to gain if he marries you."

During September I started reading:

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller - Just about to finish this captivating novel that had many themes that were similar to Pride and Prejudice, but different enough to be a very enjoyable read.

"I might never aspire to write poetry, but I can appreciate the gifts of others." He smiled. "You may be many things, but a fool you never will be, my dear Miss Ellison."

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa De La Cruz - I started on this novel about Alexander Hamilton and his lady, but haven't gotten very far, and I suspect it may wind up going back to the library unfinished. It's just not grabbing me the way I'd hoped.

He needed to prove himself once and for all. For himself. For his country. But above all, for Eliza.

Isaiah's Daughter: A Novel of Prophets and Kings by Mesu Andrews - I started on this ARC as soon as it arrived, but I'm also trying to pace myself so I can promote when it's closer to the release date. It's wonderful so far!

My cheeks burned as I watched him go. Master Isaiah turned me to face him and spoke quietly. "Hezi will be king one day, Ishma. Guard your heart."

This Side of Murder (A Verity Kent Mystery) by Anna Lee Huber - This is a new series by a favorite author, set right after the Great War. It arrived just a couple of days ago and I am having trouble putting it down!

With a disquieting certainty that this was what I was supposed to find, not just the typewritten note, I slowly set the book aside and began to unfold the paper.

During September I shelved:

Lady Susan by Jane Austen - I just couldn't keep up with this when I had so many other books coming at me from all directions!

Coming Up in October!

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert
A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

This post will be linked at:

5 Minutes For Books - What's On Your Nightstand? September 26
The Book Date - Reading Month In Review - September

Scripture and a Snapshot - Bread of Life

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."

~John 6:35~

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.

Glimpses is hosted by Embracing Every Day, a lifestyle blog by Barbie Swihart.

Sunday Scripture Blessings is hosted by Peabea Scribble Pad.

Wednesday, September 27

Glory Song by Matt Redman - Review and Giveaway

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Glory Song by Matt Redman - For the past couple of days I've been listening to the latest CD from singer/songwriter/worship leader Matt Redman. The album is scheduled for release on September 29th, so this was a very special preview opportunity!

Redman is a well-known name in Christian music, having penned many of the worship songs popular in churches over recent years. Songs like 10,000 Reasons, Blessed Be Your Name, and Better Is One Day are among the most familiar. He has been leading worship at Passion Conferences for years, and is a founding member of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

With this release, Redman partnered with several other worship leaders who join him on some of the cuts. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard, and Kim Walker-Smith provide beautiful harmonies on "Gracefully Broken", "All Glory", and "Place of Praise". Newcomer Madison Cunningham is featured on "Redemption Ground", which is one of my favorites on this CD. And Guvna B contributes a bit of rap to "Gospel Song". Redman's inclusion of the enthusiastic gospel choir providing background vocals, and his choice of contributing artists add gospel R&B flavor to this album on many of the songs. The theme of whole-hearted worship of God is woven throughout, and there are joyful anthems, powerful testimony songs, and several intimate songs of worship.

All Glory (featuring Kierra Sheard)
Gospel Song (featuring Guvna B)
Greatest Hallelujah
Gracefully Broken (featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard)
One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)
Redemption Ground (featuring Madison Cunningham)
It Is Finished
Questions (You Are Faithful)
Still I Will Sing
Place of Praise (featuring Kim Walker-Smith)
Hope Is Marching On
Simple Pursuit/Glory Song
Your Ways

The highlights for me include the catchy Gospel Song, which has a much-too-simple melody, but the full gospel choir and celebratory feel makes up for that. Redemption Ground is another favorite that moves from contemplating the "cross of grace" to a bold declaration of praise. One Day combines Redman's verses about the comfort of knowing that one day "we will see Your glory revealed" with a fresh take on the chorus of the familiar camp meeting hymn "When We All Get To Heaven". I absolutely love that one. "Greatest Hallelujah" also vies for a spot on my favorites list with its beautiful simple melody and accompaniment and the lyrical reminder that the greatest praise we can offer the Lord is giving him our lives.

Enjoy a preview of two of the songs from "Glory Song", and then scroll down to enter the giveaway for your own copy of this CD!

Glory Song can be purchased through Amazon or on iTunes.

FlyBy Promotions has made it possible for me to offer a giveaway for this CD - please keep scrolling to the end of this post to enter!

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Monday, September 25

What I'm Reading - September 25, 2017

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This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next!

I finished reading . . .

The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson - I finished this almost two weeks ago, and only posted the review until this last week. (Read my full review HERE.)

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar - Very enjoyable historical romance I reviewed for Barbour Publishing. (Read my full review HERE.)

I'm currently reading . . .

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller - Just a couple chapters in, and noticing a lot of similarities to Pride and Prejudice. Not sure yet whether that will be in its favor or not.

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa De La Cruz - Saw this novel about Alexander Hamilton mentioned on several blogs and picked it up to read myself. Interesting, but hasn't really grabbed me yet.

Isaiah's Daughter: A Novel of Prophets and Kings by Mesu Andrews - Just received the ARC for this and am already hooked!