Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women

Spiritual Seasons are like Natural Seasons

Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and oceans on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features and attributes that are common.

As Christ-followers we experience spiritual seasons. Though these seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also.

This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.

This book is a part of the four-book Glimpses of God devotional series.

my point of view:

This is a lovely devotional, I am so blessed to have been given this ebook for review. I found myself truly able to get more out of my daily bible reading and more thought provoking insite into my devotioans as well. I truly found myself thinking about bits and pieces of what I read all day long, and even days afterward something would trigger my memory.

I also enjoyed the way it was based on a season of the year, we all go through seasons in our life, and this brought the devotional even more to life for me. I look forward to reading more of these devotionals from these lovely authors!

About Shirley Crowder     

The Crushing Depths 

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

my point of view:

This is my first book by Dani Pettrey – but I can promise you, it will not be my last!. There was a lot of action packed suspense throughout the entire book, and this really kept me on the edge of my seat. One of the main things I liked about the story is the element of faith in every aspect. Nearly all of the characters are Christians, and they show that in their daily lives.

Rissi and Mason make for a great romantic component to the story. For me, the romance did not seem over powering, the suspense and mystery took precedence with the romantic entanglements more of a side story. Don’t get me wrong, the romance is sweet, and the glimpses into their shared childhood simply touched my heart. I really adored seeing their relationship come full circle.

The mystery of the “cursed” oil rig was quite interesting and complex, I kept thinking it was headed in one direction, then the author turns it around on you, which is a great thing for me. I am not much of a fan if I can figure out the plot too early, and this story had me going to nearly the very end! The author does leave openings for future stories involving this group of co workers / friends, and I am looking forward to reading about them when they come out!

About Dani Pettrey    

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.

my point of view:

Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how excited I was to finally get to read this story! I just love the whole series Liz Johnson has done for Savannah – one of my favorite places in the world!

This third installment truly is one of the best! I adored both Penelope and Tucker from the very first page, and they are the sweetest of friends together. The beauty of their shared history and love for one another is just heart warming. They way they would do anything for one another is so special, I can almost see why they’d be afraid to lose this amazing friendship by bringing romance into the relationship, lol! But, hey, this is a romance novel, sooooo…..

Now, add to this delicious mix a real life treasure hunt through historic Savannah! What a treat this novel is! Reading how they explore all the historic streets and squares throughout Savannah makes me want to plan my next trip to this beautiful city! I love history, and I love family ancestral plots, so getting a glimpse of what life was like for a Southern family during the Civil War in the diary and letters they find was almost like getting two books in one.

I highly encourage you to grab this new release as soon as possible, you do not need to have read the previous two in the series, as this stands alone quite well, but they are a treat to read too!

About Liz Johnson      

• Second Helpings: A Humorous Contemporary Novel

Can her marriage be saved?

Today is Jocelyn Johnson’s forty-fifth birthday. Unhappy with her marriage of twenty-two years, she has planned a noonday tryst with her talk-show cohost. A phone call from her college daughter, a peek into her teenaged son’s journal, a sick preschooler, a Goth daughter’s identity crisis, a middle-school son’s prank, and her husband’s inflamed suspicions, not only interfere with her hopeful birthday plans but throw her family into more chaos than a circus on steroids.

In desperate need of counsel, Jocelyn invites a Christian, her guest from her morning talk-show segment, to dinner. However, the evening holds little promise of calm. In the midst of bedlam, a forgotten faith rekindles causing Jocelyn to rethink her life and her marriage.

You will laugh and you will cry from the first page to the last as you journey through the day’s events and Jocelyn’s search for Second Helpings.

my point of view:

I want to start off by telling you this is my very first post for Celebrite Lit Bloggers and I am honored to be here, I thank you very much for the opportunity. I was a little surprised by the start of the story, not having read anything by this author before.

This story is fairly fast paced, and other than the epilougue, it all takes place in one super jam packed day. The chaos of the main characters 45th birthday is a lot to take in, and in all honesty, I was a little nervous about the beginning of the story. A woman married for 20+ years contemplating having an affair with a co-worker is truly not my “cup of tea”. Getting to know her husband and children in the middle of all the conflict is intense and you find yourself caught up in all the drama quickly! However, once you get pulled into this family’s dynamics, you find yourself invested in what is happening with her marriage and children and needing to know how this will come about!

For me, Naomi is the bright light and shining star of the novel….I absolutely adored her! In the midst of the storm, she is the anchor that manages to right the ship and set Jocelyn and her family on the right course. Seeing the turn around and how Jocelyn embraces her faith once again is truly inspiring. I was quite pleased with the journey.

About Linda Wood Rondeau   

A Single Christian Mother Romance

With a life marred by painful experiences, Abigail Walsh is just a good single mom trying her best. Though she has made her share of mistakes along the way, she trusts that God has a plan for her life and with the broken pieces of her heart. When she meets a man who stirs the depths of her soul, Abby hopes that he’s a gift from God, and not just another heartbreak waiting to happen.

For Wyatt Fuller, the last five years in Lincoln City has been a game of hiding from the heartache endured by losing the only woman he had ever loved. When he is not hiding, he longs to understand the real meaning of life. He longs to discover lasting beauty in a world that is passing away. A chance encounter with a man on a beach leads to meeting a woman who would challenge him to the core of who he is and what he knows to be true.

One Chance At Forever is a realistic Christian story filled with romance and deals with difficult subjects such as: grief over losing a spouse, unbelief, and a Christian learning to trust in God’s timing. Inspired by the Word of God and real-to-life people, this story shines a light into the darkness.

my point of view:

First off, let me say I am a weakling when it comes to single mom stories, maybe becasue I was a single mom for many years, but really, anything with children in a story goes straight to my heart strings.

I adored Abigail and how ard she tried to hold herself together to be a parent for her little girl. It’s not easy when everyone around you thinks they know best how you should raise your own child…she works hard and she gives to the Lord, sure she’s made mistakes, but who hasn’t?

Enter Wyatt – what a tough nut to crack he turned out to be! I truly love reading books where the main charachter takes a faith journey, and Wyatt’s was certainly one of the best I have ever read. Reading how he truly researches God to determine His existance was beautiful to me.

I was taken in by all the characters in this story and am so very blessed to have been able to read it, I sincerely encourage you to take a look into reading it for yourself!

About T.K. Chapin                                        

Let these three sweet romances sweep you away to a small town where neighbors care about each other and love awaits three unlikely couples.

SEASON OF HOPE. Redemption and opposites-attract romance! A single mother’s quiet life with her little daughter is disrupted when a notorious former football player moves next door. Angry and lost after forced retirement, he surprises himself by getting involved in a small community and falling for his redhead neighbor. Can they help each other heal, or will their hearts be broken again?

SEASON OF FAITH. Second chance and best friends to love romance! Meeting her high school sweetheart, whom this small-town girl left nearly a decade ago, opens old wounds—and rekindles old feelings. While her insecurities war with the hope for a second chance, she gets a great job offer—in Germany. Can she believe that love exists even for geeks like her? Or will she leave her heart behind in her hometown again?

SEASON OF AMOR. Mistaken identity and woman in jeopardy romance! Dumped by her boyfriend on the way to their vacation without her purse or ID, a workaholic doctor lands in a puddle of beer and sprains her ankle. A local nurse helps her, considering her a homeless drunk. Soon he realizes his mistakes and is drawn to an attractive doctor with a tragic past. But when deadly threats start, will they find love or danger together?

SEASON OF HOPE and SEASON OF AMOR were previously published as solos. SEASON OF HOPE was also published in IN LOVE BY CHRISTMAS set.

my point of view:

I know this will come as no surprise to many of you who read this blog, but, in case you didn’t know – Alexa Verde is one of my favorite authors! These three stories all together in one set is too good to pass up, and at only .99 cents or free in Kindle Unlimited, you don’t have to! I promise you will fall in love with this Small Town and be looking for more of these stories set in rios Azules. 

Alexa Verde’s books are always filled with amazing romance and are Full of Faith in every sense of the word! I get such an inspiration while reading these great books, makes me wish I could live in a small town and have an amazing community to live in. You will be swept away by the characters and the place so much so that everything around you fades away. I don’t just become swept away, but fully immersed in these characters lives that they feel like true friends.

About Alexa Verde                    

Alexa Verde is offerring a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky commenter on this post! So tell us what “sweeps” youo away when reading an inspirational story to enter! The contest will run for two full weeks, ending on 07/27/2020 at 6pm. Winner will be notified via email, good luck to all of you!

Just out of college and completely alone in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayer and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie’s whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp?

Keith Ayer despises his life. As the son of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayer and the fiance to a Senator from Texas’ daughter, it looks great on the outside, but inside, he is dying. He would vastly prefer to manage and train his father’s racehorses. However, everyone else thinks that is beneath him. He needs to get into industry and build on his father’s success. Suffocating under the constrictions of his life, he meets Maggie who begins to teach him that wealth and power is not everything in this life. But can Keith defy the most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart?

my point of view:

I have had the privilege of reading many of Staci’s novels, and I so enjoyed this one from start to finish! Staci has a way of developing such depth in characters that you feel you know their very soul. Maggie is a beautiful character, inside and out, and she has such a heart for God! Her childhood was so painful, but she never gives up her faith and hope for her future.

Keith is a walking mess, lol, wanting to please his father and gain approval for so long that he is ready to give up all his hopes and dreams to win the favor of his father. You cannot help but love him and want him to find his way. Keith has suffered a huge loss in his childhood as well, and when he and Maggie meet they find in each other a kindred spirit. One of my favorite things in stories is children, and the adorable Peter and Isabella will melt your heart!

Watching Maggie and Keith grow close and seeing how they both learn to truly open their hearts to the doors God has ready for them was a joy. I am so pleased I was able to find this story and write this review! I hope you all will take a chance on reading this amazing novel – it’s only 99 cents on Amazon right now, and I promise you, it is well worth it!

About Staci Stallings             

 Before Summer’s End (The Mosaic Collection)

Home should be the place you run to for shelter from the world, but what if the family members who should love and protect you are the ones who have hurt you the most?

Johnnie Alexander — A Stranger Comes to Springlight
Brenda S. Anderson — Hot Cocoa Summers
Eleanor Bertin — Grounded
Sara Davison — Ten Bottles of Sand
Deb Elkink — Blue Genes
Stacy Monson — A Summer of Reckoning
Marion Ueckermann — In an English Vintage Garden

When trust is shattered between brothers and sisters, parents and children, or husbands and wives, will God bless their tentative steps back to each other by healing and restoring the most important relationships in their lives?

my point of view:

This is by far one of the best collection of unrelated stories I have read. These authors are all so inspiring and bring such different styles of writing to us in one incredible book. I have been blessed to ‘know’ and read several of these authors in the past, but there definitely new to me authors in this collection as well. I am always thrilled when I get to meet a new Christian writer. I am certainly looking forward to reading more stories from all of these fantastic authors!

Each book in this collection is unique and brings you new characters, locations and struggles. Reading the journeys of these heroes and heroines as they face difficulties in their lives was very touching for me. I so enjoyed each novella in the collection that I was sad to see them end….but was happy to start the next one in line, lol! The best thread of the whole collection, is of course, always being able to lean on our Lord for guidance. All of the stories are based on relationships, mother – daughter, sibling, friends turned to romance….they each take you on a journey through a period in their lives that they have struggled through. I am so grateful to have found this amazing anthology!

About The Mosaic Collection          

A long-kept secret is finally revealed…

Maddie Cutler loathes her status as baby sister to her three rugged brothers. Her zest to prove she’s equally capable of running the family business leads to an accident that shuts down Clover Cove’s business district and makes her the laughingstock of the entire town.

Gunner Holt has a secret…a mistake from the past that nearly stole his future. Not a soul in Clover Cove knows his transgression, and Gunner plans to keep it that way.

Until Maddie Cutler plows through his garage, nearly demolishing the life he’s worked to rebuild—and the wall he’s erected around his heart.

Will the truth drive Maddie away…or draw her closer?

my point of view:

I truly enjoyed this story of Mary Manners! She has such a fun way of writing, that you feel taken into the story from the very beginning. Getting to know Maddie and Gunner made my heart smile…they are an awesome couple, and how can you not smile at how they meet? The title of this story won me over immediately, my favorite flower is gardenias and, hey, who doesn’t need to receive (or give) grace at any given time? We all have issues from our past we need to face and work through, going on this journey with Gunner and Maddie was a sweet ride, and a great reminder we always need to follow where God leads us – especially if He makes us ‘crash’ into a building to get our attention!

About Mary Manners