A Confident Heart by Renee Swope
934715
Just purchased this book for an online bible study.  Looking forward to learning about how God sees us through his eyes.
3372477
This book is amazing.  I used to be big on Proverbs 31 Ministries Renee Swope's book "A Confident Heart" and not to knock hers, but this one by Robin goes so much deeper!! It's so great and her insight is applicable to every walk of life-a college student, mom, etc... I wish I had seen this book earlier, but God had strategically place people into my life and lead me into the ICOC ministry in His timing.  There's time I had thought it was a cult, but I have never seen such an amazing body of people so devoted to living to the higher standards he calls us to!  The beauty is the body who knows everyone plays a part and this book really has helped soften my heart to the truth of his word, and the lies leading to my insecurity.  Glory to God and all he has brought me through!
111033
A delightfully sweet romance novel set in Fort  Lauderdale, FL, between a pediatrician and male supermodel. Both are enormously successful in their careers, reasonably happy and hopeful to fall in love someday.

Rowan lives in New York but visits his sister, also a physician and her family in Florida. His most recent visit is for a physical and blood work done at the clinic his sister works at. He returns on a weekend for his blood work results, but his sister wasn't working. Vera was covering the shift and provided him with results.

Vera is recently divorced, mother of a feisty one-year old girl, pediatrician during the week and clinic volunteer M.D. on Sunday's at the clinic.

The clinic treats predominately low-income people and those that can't afford health insurance. A wide variety of people but many work the fields, labor jobs or are prostitutes. After a long day at the clinic filling in for her friend, she has one final patient. Before calling the patient from the waiting room, she reviews the file and sees the clinic code for blood work results for a prostitute or escort. She calls Rowan from the waiting room and is first astounded that Rowan is a male and secondly how gorgeous he is. She provides him his results and a reminder about safe sex. He doesn't correct her about his employment, instead going with her assumption that he sells his body & sex to women for money. He checks her out head-to-toe and is impressed with her boldness. He also notices that she appears lonely. He can relate and the need to help her somehow tugs at his mind. As Vera leaves the clinic for the night Rowan approaches her from his waiting car, then asks her out to dinner. It's impromptu, but she accepts. His plan is for one date and to see her smiling again. Over conversation & dinner, they both realize how wonderful the other is and he asks her on a date for the following weekend.

As Vera waits at home for her ex-husband to pick-up their daughter for his weekend (joint custody arrangement), he calls and says he has to cancel. Realizing that Rowan is on his way over to take her out, her daughter also needs dinner, bath, etc. Rowan, takes the change in plans in stride and they have a wonderful night in. It also gives Rowan a chance to bond with the child and get to know her mom better. His attentiveness to them both and his ease w/ the child ensnares Vera's heart. This is the beginning of their romance, but it's not easy street. Lots of ups & downs, regret for making poor choices, not communicating and a bitter ex don't exactly help.

Overall, this is a good & quick read. A HEA ending awaits the reader along with hints of mystery. Well written & easy to recommend.
1448063
This was a very good book, reading about love, faith, and trust was refreshing.  This is the second book I have read by Mitch Albom and again I applaud his ability to pull on my heart strings with compassion.
I loved this book tremendously.
2328675
I have always loved a good prairie romance. A HOPEFUL HEART goes beyond good and into great!
A group of eastern girls being taught on the open prairie how to be good prairie wives-- that alone snagged my attention, but once getting into the book you are opened to a world beyond the setting. The characters are real and alive, worming their way into my heart. Tressa, the heroine is a young woman searching for her place in the world and through each circumstance she must learn to stand strong in God. I loved her journey on all counts.
I can think of nothing I did not like about this book. I truly believe it is the best book by this author to date. The setting was vividly described, bringing me right there. The characters danced upon the screen of my imagination with a real life persona and the love story was sweet and complete with a lovely sigh from this reader when the book was closed.
Even the secondary characters were vivid in their portrayal and I hope to someday rejoin a few of them in another book. Please?
A HOPEFUL HEART will definitely be going on my best books list for a long time to come and is highly recommended!!
Thanks the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
3976998
Jessica Morgan is running away and starting her new life when suddenly she finds herself in a car accident.  She is immediately found and rescued, but her first day in her new home is spent in the hospital recovering from her injuries.  Jessica Morgan becomes Jessica Fenton, starts her new job as a high school English teacher, moves into her rented home, and is determined to make friends but keep them at arm's distance.  However, with money running low, attempts to keep her past secret, and figuring out how to pursue this new life on her terms she quickly realizes things are moving out of her control.  Will she finally surrender to Christ or will she keep running?

Kyle is a firefighter and the first on the scene when Jessica totals her car.  He patiently stays with her until the ambulance arrives and makes sure she is properly settled.  The attraction between them is instant and intense, but will Jessica be able to open her heart to him before it's too late?

I really enjoyed this book, but I couldn't figure out what caused Jessica to be so secretive.  I was deeply touched by the kindness of strangers, the loving welcome Jessica instantly receives in this small town, and every gesture of grace given to Jessica.  The love of Christ is evident in every chapter of this book despite Jessica's deception.  I also enjoyed the man Kyle turns out to be in the story even though he is rejected by her more than once.  My favorite parts of the story are the students, Jessica's time in the classroom, and the missions trip to Mexico.  There was definitely a smile on my face throughout those chapters :)

The most delightful part of this story is Jessica's newfound salvation and how her heart is changed by God.  I don't like deception in any perspective, but the story was worth all of it to see Jessica reach that point of desperation and surrender.  She is a great example of what happens to so many of us on our journey of searching.  I recommend this heartwarming book to anyone looking for a cute story with a charming town, delightful characters, encouragement, God's unfailing mercy and grace, and anyone who enjoys Dove ice cream bars.

I want to thank Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for the copy they sent.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions expressed are my own.
4504136
Small-town Billionaire is a beautiful book that is a part of a series but does well on its own. I love the dialogue between the main character and his love interest, and the clothes significance. There was not anything about this book that I didn't like, other than the fact that it did end, but it's part of a series so I would be surprised if these characters found their way in books yet to come as well. This book also has nice life lesson, ones to live by and to be followed. Can't wait for more from Renee Andrews!!!
3349657
Teresa Adams is shy, so shy, the very thought of public speaking makes her feel queasy. But it's only around other people that this unbearable shyness rears its head; from the safe haven of her bedroom, Tere has no problem pretending to be a radio DJ for Miami's hottest station The SLAM, coincidentally owned by her stepfather. Music is the only thing that makes Tere feel like herself, so it's no surprise when Tere volunteers to fill and empty slot for her stepfather's station when it opens up. Now, it's goodbye shy Tere and hello Sweet T. if only Tere could take Sweet T's on-air confidence home and to school, when Tere could really use some support in standing up to popular queen bee Stacy and the mom Tere can never seem to please. Of course, it also wouldn't hurt if Tere were able to hold a normal conversation with her crush Gavin. But now Tere has other things to worry about; her dual personalities are about to be put to the ultimate test when Tere becomes the grand prize in The SLAM's latest contest, or rather, her as a prom date. Will Sweet T be victorious, or will Tere's shyness rule once and for all?

Shrinking Violet is one of the sweetest stories I've ever read as well as one of the cutest music romances. Cuteness can only go so far though. This novel also is one of the most predictable I've ever read. Shrinking Violet held absolutely no surprises for me, and thus earned no points in the suspense department. I guess it's a good thing then that I enjoyed this predictable romance as much as I did. It also helped that Tere's character is well developed and realistic. Her painful shyness makes it easy to understand her reactions in various confrontations, such as with her mom, evil bully Stacy, cute Gavin, and even Pamela, the Mary Kay lady. It's Tere's poor self esteem that causes this shyness, and thus it makes the story all the more sweeter when Tere, predictably, gains even the smallest degree of self confidence. Lastly, I must really hand it to Joseph for her superb incorporation of music into Tere's life and this novel. As a girl who can't live without her iPod, I greatly appreciate this importance given to music and even found myself wishing Joseph's fictional bands, such as Shrinking Violet, were real. Without a doubt, Shrinking Violet is a sweet story for music lovers that can cheer anyone up.

Shrinking Violet will be enjoyed primarily by readers who value music and enjoyed novels such as Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and the Violet series by Melissa walker. Those looking for a satisfying romantic read will also want to check out this cute novel.
2950717
This is a story I can recommend to all the women in my life.  The four women who wear this wedding gown are strong and filled with faith. ThIs story left me feeling hopeful and happy. I will definitely read more books written by this author.  A joy to read!
2206697
A very enjoyable story which I read in one sitting.  Elle finds that good character wins over riches and good looks..  The heart knew what her head did not.
A quick read with a happy ending.
823763
There are only a few things that I love more than a good story with intrigue, surprise, fun and romance.  "Song of My Heart" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is refreshing sweet story about trusting the Lord, even in times of confusion and pain.

In "Song of My Heart" by Kim Vogel Sawyer, devoted Sadie Wagner travels to Goldtree, Kansas after receiving a letter from her cousin, Sid.  She is in desperate need of work to support her sick father, mother and sibling and Sid writes with good news:  he has secured her two positions in Goldtree:  as a mercantile clerk and an opera singer.  Sadie heads to Kansas with the most earnest intentions, but finds herself in the middle of illegal operations by a dishonest businessman.  As threats of dismissal ensue, Sadie finds herself trapped in to fulfilling the businessman's wishes.  At the end of her ordeal, Sadie finds herself as a crossroads:  she can either continue to live in fear or she can turn her hope and trust to the Lord.

You know the old saying "Hindsight is twenty-twenty"?  Have you ever experienced this?  I have numerous times.  I know I've caught myself asking "Why is this happening to me?" and then later on realizing that God's hand was it in the entire time.  How often do we go through life wondering where God is in the confusion of life and where you fit in to His master plan?  I've learned over the years that God's ways are not our ways and His timing is always perfect.  Part of being a Christian is putting our faith and trust in Him at ALL TIMES: during the good AND the bad.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one.
2031539
Seasoned author Carol J. Post does a delightful job in creating a beautiful love story between the hero and heroine in her book, "Trust My Heart."

It was a pure delight to discover the backstory and explore the depths of characterization for each of Carols main characters in this fictional tale.

Despite being fictional, there were a lot of real-world scenarios in this story that made it believable and true to life in the real world. Such as the backstory of Grant (the hero) and his struggle to forgive his mom after Jami (the heroine who is a journalist) uncovers a secret to his past. The way that Grant struggled through the process of coming to terms with the past and dealing with the lies his mother let him believe, was admirable and well written.

I enjoyed learning more about Jami as a journalist and found it sweet the way she realized that she was on to more than a good story, she was on her way to falling in love with Grant. I was surprised that Jami had a backstory of dealing with a difficult dad and a mom whose life was claimed by cancer. The tension rooted in negative memories and an unforgiving spirit between Jami and her dad was very tangible. The way that the author wrote these characters made me as the reader care about their welfare and want whats best for each of their fictional lives.

The author really knows how to tell a story thats solid, believable and riveting in the best way. "Trust My Heart" is a story that once read, will not be forgotten.

This book is deserving of a five-star rating!

*I (writer@heart) voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book given to me by Litfuse Publicity Group.
2024133
A.J. Beaber, this is such an amazing story about losing love, having the strength to find love again and learning how to love yourself through the ups and downs of life's relationships. Even more importantly through the inner thoughts that tell us all we are not worth that! It's about trusting ourselves in order to trust someone else again, and through Lenea finding her desire through dancing was very motivating to me. I can relate to finding your passion and your release through music and movement.  You have touched my heart with this book and helped guide me to trust my intuition and embrace in fully trusting myself in order to trust a man or anyone else worth trusting!  This book is creatively written, with so much pizazz and clear pictures. I felt I was right there with Lenea in the studio and sharing these strenghening experiences with her.  I look forward to reading your next book!!! Congratulations and way to go!! <3
411368
Have you ever read a book where you felt like the author must have crawled inside your mind, and read your thoughts? That's exactly the feeling that I had as I read this book. How does she know me so well? I could relate to so many of the things that Renee shared and felt. We all know the feelings of fear and worry that stem from self-doubt, but we know through our relationship with Christ, that we don't have to live in that place. When we are in Christ, we no longer have to live in bondage.

Renee has taken her life's circumstances and her "mess" and used it to bring glory to God through her ministry. She writes from a place of wisdom, insight, and biblical knowledge -- she shows that she is living proof that God can take our ashes and turn it into something beautiful. As a woman with a "mess" of my own, I find it very encouraging to know that I am not alone in my struggles. I don't have to stay down when I fail, I can rise up again (Proverbs 24:16). " . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) I am a work in progress, and praise the Lord . . . He's not finished with me yet!

Through her inspiring book, Renee gives us practical answers and solutions to what we can do to overcome our fears and doubts. She also reminds us that we won't have a confident heart just because it's possible, we will have to take action. She tells us that we have to get intentional about turning to God's thoughts toward us, every day. I especially appreciate how at the end of each chapter she has a scripture-based prayer that leads us to "Praying God's Promises." She also invites us to go deeper by providing helpful reflection and study questions.

By stepping out of the shadow of our doubts and living in God's truth and His promises, we can live with A Confident Heart. I highly recommend this book, and I thank Renee for being so honest and transparent in sharing her story with us.

**Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.**

**Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**
1891200
This is a beautiful story about how the power of love helped Lucy her overcome her fear and anxiety.  Michelle Dare  has such a way with words that you get a true feeling of what dealing with these issues feels like. The relationship between the characters was well developed, and the story line was honest and refreshing I really enjoyed reading it.
4936485
the first time my lips touched yours, I felt the rest of my life.

I feel so fortunate to have been introduced to Prescott Lane and her book, Quiet Angel. Timing. Sometimes it's perfect, sometimes it's not. Quiet Angel is a charming, second chance romance filled with beauty, love, humor, and healing.

As Quiet Angel begins, we are introduced to our two main characters and find ourselves intrigued at what may lie ahead. Two lost people looking for a compass to give direction and finding each other. Layla Baxter as a teenager is shy and a bit awkward. Gage Montgomery is the perfect ten. He has a plan for his future and, according to his family, his future is bright and mapped outuntil her. She is the kink in his chain, and he gives her glimpses of things shes never dreamed of. But, there are obstacles standing in the way that make this instant love seem impossible. Fast forward twelve years and we now engage them as they discover each other and explore the possibilities that could have been.  

Gage and Layla as teenagers were so sweet and innocent, I fell in love with them without effort.  Being witness to their reunion as adults made me giddy with anticipation for what was to come. There were many laugh out loud moments for me as Gage and Layla's sidekicks made their way into the story and burrowed into my heart. They were all fun-loving, down-to-earth, comical, and loyal. Additional characters in the story added to the impact and flow that made Quiet Angel such an enjoyable read.  There were points in the story, especially after Gage and Layla were reunited, that it felt so real, as if it were something I would witness with a friend or family member. It easily captured my emotions and drew me in further. Without revealing too much of the story I would like to mention that Prescott Lane brought in an issue that is prevalent in the world in which we live, but handled it with such compassion and delicacy.  I applaud her for the care which she displayed.  Quiet Angel was definitely a book worth reading and reviewing.  I look forward to, and am hopeful for, more from this author.

The story of my life begins and ends with you.
1117575
Teri McGill wrote a winner! I lived on an emotional roller-coaster throughout the novel. I laughed, cried, yelled and rooted people on. It had me turning pages (well, swiping) as fast as possible.

In Signs of a Quiet Heart, Roberta Bennett, better known as Robbi, is passionate about her career. She teaches K-1 at the Mabel Blanchard Elementary School for Special Children. Along with her TAs Mia and Toby, they captivate their students and engage them in learning activities through sometimes unusual means.

On a class reward trip to Roccos Pizza, Robbi meets Tyler D'Angelo, Tobys uncle. Definite chemistry right away between those two. Tyler is funny during their meeting. It was like watching a high school boy find his tongue to speak with the pretty girl. But he makes it and they begin a wonderful, sweet relationship that is filled with challenges of their pasts.

But its not just about them. There are others who make the story special. A student captures their hearts and brings sunshine to the classroom. Toby and Mia grow close. But then you need your tissues because life isn't all roses.

Signs of a Quiet Heart is a sweet, witty, heart-warming and heart-breaking novel. The story line is amazing and well written. Each character seeps into you and feeling their emotions is automatic. Teri McGill is a gifted author in crafting and delivering a story you won't forget. I look forward to more in the series.