Tales of the Not Forgotten

We're delighted to be launching Beth's Tales of Not ForgottenCampaign. Beth is celebrating the release of her latest book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Fun Chat on Facebook (7/31). Details coming soon.

We often forget how fortunate we are, the many blessings in our lives, and the extent of human suffering around the globe. How can we teach our children to grow up with hearts for others and to be mission-minded? With the help of missionary and author Beth Guckenberger, parents and Sunday school teachers can introduce children to the wonderful things that God is accomplishing around the world through Tales of the Not Forgotten. 

Beth shrinks the big picture down to approachable, individual stories of real children and teaches about fundamental survival issues. The stories address some of the challenging questions that kids have and weave God's promises to orphans into each one. 

I am behind schedule for this blog tour, but I really wanted to get a post up because I truly enjoyed this book.  It is funny how God uses multiple sources to teach us lessons.  Right now, I am hearing a lot about living like Jesus and living for Jesus by loving Him and His people.  This book shares beautiful true stories of God's faithfulness, and how He uses normal people to truly make a difference in this world.  Our priority needs to be Him and His people.  It seems that Beth lives this way, and she shares stories of others who have made that choice as well.  These stories will motivate you too look for ways around you to serve God through serving others.  The book description ends with this: "Preteens will be challenged to answer the questions:

How do I pray? What can I give? Where can I go? Who will I serve?"  

I have to admit that I was challenged with these same questions!

About Beth: 

Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, are the founders of Back2Back Ministries (based in Cincinnati, OH) which communicates a lifestyle of service by sharing the love of Christ and serving God through service to others. Back2Back Ministries connects willing workers to open hearts through international and local ministry opportunities. Their ministry is currently caring and providing for orphan children and needy people in Mexico, Nigeria, India and most recently, Haiti.

Beth travels and speaks regularly at women's and missions conferences, as well as youth gatherings and church services. Her topics include orphan care, missions, parenting, marriage/intimacy, and faith. Her story-telling style captures audiences, and she draws from her field experience as a missionary and parent for illustrations to biblical concepts. In addition to her latest release, Tales of the Not Forgotten (Standard Publishing 2012), Beth has written Relentless Hope (Standard, 2011) and Reckless Faith (Zondervan, 2008).

The Guckenberger family lives and serves in Monterrey, Mexico where they have hosted thousands of guests on their ministry campus. Between biological, foster, and adopted additions to their family, Beth and Todd are raising nine children.

Learn how you can join Beth in ministry at www.bethguckenberger.com or www.back2backministries.org.

Celebrate with Beth by entering her "Not Forgotten" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 7/31!

One winner will receive: A Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi A Tales of the Not Forgotten small group kit (books and DVD) Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on July 30th. Winner will be announced at the "Not Forgotten" Author Chat Facebook Party on 7/31. Beth and Standard Publishing will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills (how much do you know about kids from around the world?) and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Tales of the Not Forgotten and join Beth on the evening of the July 31st for a chance to connect with Beth and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

Wow...Angela Hunt has impressed me again.  She has to be one of my favorite authors.   You can check out her website here.  Five Miles South of Peculiar centers around the lives of three sisters: Darlene, Carlene, and Magnolia.  Here is the synopsis:

If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

I am such a fan of Hunt's writing.  She is a gifted author.  She uses vivid descriptions and interesting conversations to create down-to-earth, lovable characters and very real settings.  Her use of language is incredible.  I love the tone and lyrical quality.  Here is a sample, the first paragraph of chapter 17:  

Those who say Florida is one long summertime haven't learned to recognize the signs of each distinct season.  Spring may not bring tulips and daffodils, but it awakens the sleeping azaleas and decorates the live oaks with bright green frills.  The indisputably muggy months of a Florida summer are cooled by ocean breezes that frequently drive in showers.  While winter can be blissfully war, periodic cold snaps evoke sweetness from heavy-hanging oranges and remind wintering snowbirds why they came south.  And while blazing maples and golden beech trees may be rare in a Florida autumn, every sunset glows purple and pink and yellow over the west coast's gentle shores.  

  Great writing and memorable characters make this a wonderful book.  I would highly recommend it or any other by Angela Hunt.  I know I have enjoyed every one that I have read, and I look forward to reading the others that I have waiting for me!


I did receive a free copy in exchange for my honest review. 

ENOUGH: Finding More by Living with Less

How much is enough?  How much money?  What size house?  What kind of car?  How many pair of shoes?  Where do you draw the line?     

This book delivers a powerful and much needed message, but it is also one that will be hard for most to apply.  Each chapter concludes with questions "for further reflection" with assignments, scriptures, and thought-provoking questions.  I am still working my way through the book because I really believe that God wants to change me, to change my heart, so it is taking time!  I would definitely encourage you to read this--with a heart and mind open to the Holy Spirit's working in you and through you!  What are you wanting that you can live without?  Can you be content with what you have now...can you be content with less?  What does the Lord want you to do with what He has given you?  

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Amazing Action Alphabet

As soon as this arrived, my son grabbed it and asked me to play the CD.  With a flip book and CD, this is an exciting learning tool.  We enjoyed the fun stories that corresponded with each letter, and we laughed at some of the activities suggested to help remember the sounds.  Each letter is illustrated with an animal in the shape of the letter, and accompanied by a story and action.  You can read to your child or allow them to follow along with the CD.   Check out The See Hear Do Company Website for more products and information, or to purchase your copy of this cool ABC book.  


I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.