Runaway Emotions by Jeff Schreve

Emotions. We all experience them but when the negative emotions hit, it can wreak havoc. They are similar to a fire alarm that continues to blare. We can try and keep them locked inside but unless we are willing to look at the real issue at hand, the situation will not get better.

Each emotion has an offsetting fire alarm. The trick is being able to find the source and address the problem. And not allow your emotions to get out of control. One such emotion is worry. As Jeff points out, “You anticipate the loss of something you value, and worry has you tied up like a mass gnarled fishing line.” Isn’t that the truth? We worry about something that may never happen. The warning is “your God-given sense of security is on fire.” We are told in the Bible, “Do not worry” but we do it anyway.

Throughout the book and for each emotion, Jeff gives sound advice directly from the Bible. He touches on the most common emotions such as embarrassment, frustration, loneliness, worry, anger, guilt, discontentment, and depression. I would venture to guess that you’ve all felt these emotions from time to time; however, there might be one or two emotions that you’ve struggled with the most. You do not need to read this book in the order that it’s written. If you struggle with anger, start with that chapter.

We all have negative emotions from time to time. But there is a way to turn off or turn down the sound of the fire alarm. Pick up this book and find out how.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Learning by Karen Kingsbury

Although this is book 2 of the Bailey Flanigan Series, it can be read as stand-alone.

Bailey and Cody are separate but continue in each other’s hearts. They may long to be together, but will it happen? Bailey begins to live her dream in New York as a dancer. New York is wonderful or is it? Bailey’s faith is put to the test when the dancers shun her for being selected because she was in a Hollywood film. Bailey has to work harder than ever to prove that she’s cut for the part. She is seeing Brandon Paul who was the co-star with her in the film Unlocked. He is spontaneous and is falling in love with Bailey. Can Bailey return the love?

In the meantime, Cody is a coach for a high school and he has his work cut out for him. The team hasn’t been successful with the last coach. Can Cody who relies on his faith turn the team around? Cody released Bailey due to circumstances beyond his control. He does it because he truly does love Bailey. But, did he make a mistake? He is now seeing Cheyenne who is tugging at his heart as each day goes on.

There is a glimpse of Landon and his health issues in this story and I wanted to know more. But, this is Bailey’s story not Landon’s. I believe the heart of the story is being able to live out your faith in the real world. It’s easy to do that when you are home or amongst your own friends. What about in the middle of being a star? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the glamour and forget who brought you to that place.

I recommend this book to all of Karen Kingsbury fans. And don’t forget there is another book – Longing to continue with Bailey Flanigan. What will happen next? Guess we’ll have to read and find out.

I was given this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. To learn more about this book, check out http://zondervan.com/9780310276333 .

Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud

Do you ever wonder why some leaders can motivate, lead, and retain their employees while others do not?

Boundaries for Leaders is a book for any leader who has employees who report to them. At first glance, I thought it was book to whip their employees in shape. It’s quite the opposite. It’s a leader’s bible on how leaders can take a look in the mirror, see how they can change, and then be able to motivate their employees to succeed in their jobs.

When employees are motivated and feel like they can make a difference, they perform better. I do believe the supervisor/leader does make or break the employee. If a leader is constantly on a short fuse, sends rude e-mails, and never takes time to listen, employees will become less apt to perform at their peak. Since they are berated no matter what they do, why try?

The key points in the book is being able create connections to your employees, motivate your team to perform at its peak, and leading in such a way that not only does the team excel but you remain ‘ridiculously in charge.’

I would recommend this book to any leader or anyone who wants to be a leader. The best leaders are not dictators but ones who take the time to learn how the brain works, build relationships, and create results.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On The Threshold - Interview with Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry Tarabochia!!

 After fourteen years of hard work, Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry Tarabochia are thrilled to announce the release of their novel, On the Threshold. Interested in how a mother and daughter can write a book together? Want a chance at winning a Kindle and a business card design from a top-notch company? Keep reading!

Why did you ladies begin writing this book?

Both of us had always talked about writing a book, but fourteen years ago Sherrie said if we were ever going to write, maybe we should work on a book together. It would hold us accountable. We lived on different sides of the state of Oregon at the time, so we did a lot of it via e-mail, and once a month Sherrie would make the 250-mile drive to Christina's house and we'd work on it in person. We wanted to share a real look at depression and trying to be good enough to please God--what that might look like in a family's life.

Fourteen years? Really?

That's from the first word penned. The very first contest we entered, we actually talked about how we needed to decide how to fight off all the editors who'd be making offers. Instead, we found out we had a lot to learn! Attending writing conferences and reading craft books brought our writing to a higher level.

Tell us about On the Threshold.

We loved having the chance to tell this story! In fact, we have a few more stories to tell about these characters  if readers love this one. Here's what the book is about.

Suzanne—a mother with a long-held secret. Tony—a police officer with something to prove. Beth—a daughter with a storybook future. When all they love is lost, what's worth living for?

Suzanne Corbin and her daughter, Beth Harris, live a seemingly easy life. Suzanne has distanced herself from her past, replacing pain with fulfillment as a wife and mother, while Beth savors her husband’s love and anticipates the birth of their child. But all that is about to change.

Like a sandcastle buffeted by ocean waves, Suzanne’s façade crumbles when her perfect life is swept away. Tragedy strikes and police officer Tony Barnett intersects with the lives of both women as he tries to discover the truth. Left adrift and drowning in guilt long ignored, Suzanne spirals downward into paralyzing depression. Beth, dealing with her own grief, must face the challenge of forgiveness. Can these two women learn to trust each other again? Will they find the power of God’s grace in their lives?

 And a little about you?

Mother/daughter writing team Sherrie Ashcraft and Christina Berry Tarabochia bring a voice of authenticity to this novel as they have experienced some of the same issues faced by these characters. They like to say they were separated at birth but share one brain, which allows them to write in a seamless stream. Both live in NW Oregon and love spending time together. Many years ago, they were both on a winning Family Feud team!

Sherrie is the Women's Ministry Director at her church, and loves being the grandma of eight and great-grandma of one. Christina is also the author of The Familiar Stranger, a Christy finalist and Carol Award winner, and runs a thriving editing business.

Please sign up for their Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter at Ashberry Lane for a chance to win cool prizes.

What about this contest?

If you help get the word out, you can earn different points for each thing you do, and every point represents an entry in the contest.

Say, for example, you name your next child “Threshold” in honor of our book. You would earn 100 points (entries), which would greatly increase your likelihood of winning.

Fine print to be read as quickly as those medical side effects are glossed over on TV: A certified copy of the birth certificate must be sent to Ashberry Lane proving the child was born between now and when the contest ends on June 30rd at 10 PM, PDT. Some restrictions apply, such as you must also promise not to change the child’s name to anything else for at least the next fifteen years. You are, however, allowed to use “Thresh” as his or her first name, and “Hold” as the middle.

If that seems like we’re asking a little too much, there are other ways for you to enter the contest.

~ Post about On the Threshold on Twitter or LinkedIn, or share the cover on Instagram or Pinterest, and you’ve doubled your points to TWO.

~ Refer someone to sign up for the newsletter. If he or she notes you as referrer, guess what? You just earned THREE points.

~ Blog about it and reap FOUR points. (We’re available for more blog interviews.)

~ And for those who buy the book (e-book or print copy), you will gain FIVE points.

~ Leave a review—positive or negative—on a retailing site after reading the book, and TEN points to you!

All you have to do to enter is drop us an email to Christina [at] ashberrylane [dot] net with a description of what you did. We trust you.

Here is a sample email:

Dear Sherrie and Christina,

Fortunately, my last name is Hold, so when my triplets were born yesterday, all I had to do was name them "On," "The," and "Thresh." (Yes, that makes a double "h," but without it, the name just looks silly and I don't want a kid with a funny name.) I also got the cover of On the Threshold tattooed on my arm, took a picture of it, and posted it on every possible social media site, including Facebook, though I understand I don't get points for anything done on there. Next, I forwarded the Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter to a few of my friends and ALL of my enemies. After reading the book in two hours, I posted an honest review on three different retail sites. Please enter my name 349 times.

Love,

Your #1 Fan

Or something like that. :)

Where else can we find you gals online?

 Buy the book on Amazon or B&N or iTunes or in any other version on Smashwords. The print book will be available shortly--sign up for the newsletter and you'll be among the first to know when it appears on all the big retailing sites OR email us about buying a paperback directly from us. (Christina [at] ashberrylane [dot] net)

www.twitter.com/authorchristina

www.facebook.com/sherrie.ashcraft

www.facebook.com/authorchristina

www.christinaberry.net/

www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com

Thanks for hosting us!

It was my pleasure and I'm looking forward to the NEXT book! :)

New Book! On The Threshold by Christina Berry Tarabochia and Sherrie Ashcraft

When I found out that Christina Berry Tarabochia and Sherrie Ashcraft had a new book published, I grabbed it up. In truth, I buy very few books.

Here's a blurb from Amazon:

Suzanne—a mother with a long-held secret. Tony—a police officer with something to prove. Beth—a daughter with a storybook future. When all they love is lost, what's worth living for?

Suzanne Corbin and her daughter, Beth Harris, live a seemingly easy life. Suzanne has distanced herself from her past, replacing pain with fulfillment as a wife and mother, while Beth savors her husband’s love and anticipates the birth of their child. But all that is about to change.

Like a sandcastle buffeted by ocean waves, Suzanne’s façade crumbles when her perfect life is swept away. Tragedy strikes and police officer Tony Barnett intersects with the lives of both women as he tries to discover the truth. Left adrift and drowning in guilt long ignored, Suzanne spirals downward into paralyzing depression. Beth, dealing with her own grief, must face the challenge of forgiveness. Can these two women learn to trust each other again? Will they find the power of God’s grace in their lives?

It doesn't end here: Stay tuned!! I'm thrilled that this fabulous duo will be featured on my blog this week!!

Days Like These - Even in the Darkest Moments, Light Can Shine Through by Kristian & Rachel Anderson

Kristian Anderson is determined to beat his cancer. He has faith that he will be healed. He chronicles his journey of the fight of his life in this book. He is transparent with his cancer. At times, it was difficult to read because I knew that he did not survive. And then he comes to grips that he’s losing the battle.

I am completely in utter amazement that he fought to write these gut-wrenching moments down. And then I came to the realization that sometimes God uses others to make an impact on another person’s life. I think Kristian’s story is a testament of insurmountable faith. Faith is how he made it as far as he did.

Sprinkled throughout the book are pictures and scan codes for links to videos such as his video to his wife, Rachel. If you missed it, grab your tissue and watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43bxyhG-86s

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the race of life. Slow down. Enjoy the moments because they are few. Fewer than we may realize. Put down your phone, pay attention to your kids. Look at the world through their eyes. Time is short. They are only ‘kids’ for a little while. The video is a reminder of what’s important. And guess what? It’s not money or your stuff. It’s people. People matter. It doesn’t take much to make a difference in another person’s life. A short E-mail, phone call, or even a simple smile can make a difference. This book is a great reminder of this simple concept.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Real Life, Real Miracles: True Stories That Will Help You Believe by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall

The main portion of the book consists of 30 real life stories showing how God showed up in each person’s life. Topics include car wrecks, health issues, safety concerns, etc. Many of the stories can only be explained as a miracle. For example, going up to the front of the church for prayer and being healed of a disease immediately.

While I do believe that miracles do and can happen myself, I found myself not being engaged in the stories. I think it was because I felt like I was being told a story instead of reliving it through the author’s eyes. I believe that if the stories were told in first person, a great connection with the audience would be found. I can see that the book touched several people through the other reviewers. If a story touches another person, then the book is worth a read.

I, myself, had trouble believing a couple of the stories. I was not present so I’d assume that the stories are real. They did seem to be a bit longer. Each story was around eight or nine pages. I think the stories would have had a greater impact if they were condensed and told in the first person point of view.

With all that being said, God is present in our lives and does perform miracles and sometimes they are labeled as coincidences. Keep your eyes open and you will see miracles in your daily life if you keep focused on Him.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions are completely my own.