Surviving Death by Leslie Kean

::Book Description::
While exploring the evidence for an afterlife, I witnessed some unbelievable things that are not supposed to be possible in our material world. Yet they were unavoidably and undeniably real. Despite my initial doubt, I came to realize that there are still aspects of Nature which are neither understood or accepted, even though their reality has profound implications for understanding the true breadth of the human psyche and its possible continuity after death.” 
  
So begins Leslie Kean’s impeccably researched, page-turning investigation, revealing stunning and wide-ranging evidence suggesting that consciousness survives death. In her groundbreaking second book, she continues her examination of unexplained phenomena that began with her provocative New York Times bestsellerUFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record. 

Kean explores the most compelling case studies of young children reporting verifiable details from past lives, contemporary mediums who seem to defy the boundaries of the brain and of the physical world, apparitions providing information about their lives on earth, and people who die and then come back to report journeys into another dimension. Based on facts and scientific studies, Surviving Death includes fascinating chapters by medical doctors, psychiatrists, and PhDs from four countries. 

As a seasoned journalist whose work transcends belief systems and ideology, Kean enriches the narrative by including her own unexpected, confounding experiences encountered while she probed the question concerning all of us: Do we survive death?


::My Thoughts::
This was a very well written book. It captivated me. This book is well researched, well written, and very insightful. The stories in the book are very compelling and some gave me chills!
As this is a very controversial topic I won't speak much on it other than:
While I am still not one hundred percent sold on reincarnation I do believe there is life after death with God. I also believe we do not have all the answers and anything is possible.
I have read a lot of stories about people coming back from death, and there are things I have witnessed that are unexplainable. But this book gives even more than just those stories. There are chapters about children remembering past lives, psychic and physical mediums, etc. It definitely would make a great read for those who seek to know more about such topics. Definitely don't pass this book up as there are some powerful stories in it.
I would rate this book a 5 out of 5.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

A Light On The Hill

::From The Back Cover::
Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her. 

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.


::My Thoughts::
This is an exceptional novel. I have read a couple of Connilyn Cossette's novels before, but this one so far is my favorite. This was nicely researched, the characters are alive on the pages, and the story overall will have you on with your finger ready to turn the page to see what will happen next. This book took me completely by surprise. I didn't want to put it down. I really loved Moriyah because despite all of her circumstances she never let anything break her. She was a very brave character. I also greatly enjoyed the character of Darek because he believes in justice, and does not judge harshly on others.
The author vividly describes everything so you can see everything with ease as you read. It more so played out like a movie in my mind while I read it was that vivid. There is a great message of salvation within this book's pages, and I think a lot of biblical fiction readers will greatly enjoy this one.



My Rating:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book is available today on Amazon


Click Here to see my review on Goodreads



::Product Details::

• Series: Cities of Refuge (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764219863
• ISBN-13: 978-0764219863
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Masterpiece

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I could barely put it down, and when I did put it down (because, well...life) I couldn't wait to pick it back up and read again.

The story is completely unpredictable and is a real life type of story. It is very realistic. A very wealthy artist, Roman Velasco, comes from a very troubled past. He doesn't believe in people, God, and barely even himself. He leads a secret lifestyle that nobody knows about as the Bird, an unknown graffiti artist that has tagged buildings all over. If anyone found out his secret he could lose everything. Then comes along Grace Moore who also has quite the past of her own including a disastrous failed marriage. She becomes Roman's personal assistance and dislikes his personality at once. But as she gets to know Roman their lives begin to intwine.
I feel that many people out there in many different situations could even relate to this book.
It is a great read for believers as well as non believers. I love that this book shows that hope should always be there, and God is always waiting and ready to forgive. God's work with us is never done whether we realize it or not. We all have our pasts. This is not a book that will sit and preach but rather a book that will open your eyes the fact that God loves you and is only waiting. It is a very powerful and motivating book. 
I had never personally read a book by the author, Francine Rivers, before this book and I can't wait to read more by her. Nevermind painting, the writing and story itself is truly a masterpiece. It has everything from romance, bitterness, suspense, drama, tears, happiness, etc. 

I have been recommending this book left and right. It truly moved me and kept me guessing right until the very end. The characters just came right to life and no situation got sugar coated. I applaud this author for keeping things real especially in this day and age. 
Now, if you want to see what all the fuss is about first hand then do yourself a favor and go read this book! 
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. 


::From the back of the book::
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece. 

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison. 

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever.

::Product Details::

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496407903
• ISBN-13: 978-1496407900
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 1.8 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds 

Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

The Whispering of the Willows

::About the book::
This book is about a family that runs a hog farm, and lives deep in the holler in the Appalachian Mountains. The father is a war veteran that has been wounded in the war, and is left bitter by life and the hand he was dealt. All the girls in the family are named after gems, and the book is mostly centered on Emerald. Girls are married off young and often without choice. Often in poverty stricken families deals are struck and little thought is given to the girls. Unfortunately Emerald was betrayed by her father due to their poverty and his bitterness.


::My Thoughts::
I really enjoyed this book. God is definitely seen in every chapter. There are old Appalachian sayings at the beginning of each chapter which are enjoyable as well. Emerald was my favorite character because despite all the bad that had befallen her she still persevered through it all and clung to her faith. It was amazing to see God's work in every chapter.
I will admit some of the story was predictable, but the majority of it did surprise me. I would love to see a sequel to this book. It definitely drew me in and had me captured. It left me wanting more in the end.


::Product Details::

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Capture Books; Second Edtion ed. edition (February 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0997162546
• ISBN-13: 978-0997162547
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash member. All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

Judah's Wife: The Silent Years ~ A Novel of the Maccabees

::From the back cover::
To Be Silent Would Be to Deny Their God, To Defy Would Bring the Wrath of the King.
Seeking quiet and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she'll have peace. But the very nation Judah was named for has been conquered by a cruel king, who decrees that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws or risk death for following the laws of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands Judah to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of Israel. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.


::My Thoughts::
Okay, let me just start out by saying I LOVED this book! Seriously, I have recommended this book to so many people. This book has many things I haven't found in a book in a long time. I felt a mixture of emotions while reading this book, and I just plain could NOT put this book down. You know it's a great novel when you are rushing through to get time to sit down and read again. I can honestly say I was hooked from the first chapter, and only a few books have captured me that quickly.
Angela Hunt is a great author. I have had the pleasure of reading a couple of her novels, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Giving biblical characters lives and stories outside of the bible can definitely be tricky, but Angela Hunt did a fantastic job for the Maccabees.
My heart broke for Leah's mother, and Leah who had to live in a house filled with such physical abuse. My heart hurt for them, but the love that Judah and Leah had for each other was amazing. And Judah's entire family just honestly had my heart. Judah was such a surprising character for me. The gentle giant who put God above all, and loved his family with his entire heart as well.
The war parts in this story were difficult to read at times, but a must. It gives you a bit of insight on what things were like in biblical history. As graphic as it is, that was just how it was at times.
This is definitely a great read to show that no matter what is going on in life just trust and hold fast to God. Never let your faith waver. It is also a great show that everyone in life has a purpose for God. Even if you feel you have no purpose or you don't think you found your purpose you just might have and not even realized it. Leah felt often lost in life, and she was confused. Growing up the way she did she didn't fully talk to God and even though she believed it was clear that it was hard to put her complete trust in Him. Her growth as a woman, and a wife was amazing to read.
I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to spoil the novel for anyone. However, if you are looking for a novel that has war but love, despair but faith, loss but gain, then this book is definitely for you. It had me on the edge of my seat, and it gripped me in many ways. Highly recommended.



::My Rating:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book is available on Amazon

Click here for my review on Goodreads


::Product Details::

• Series: The Silent Years
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 2, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764219332
• ISBN-13: 978-0764219337
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

PARENTS, would you or your KID enjoy a $50 Giveaway?

Hello Everyone! I am super excited to be bringing you all a really amazing Boutique Giveaway today!
This giveaway is for The Picket Fence Boutique. And it is for $50.00! This is an amazing boutique for kids that also offers items for babies, women, and even items for your home!

I was honestly blown away by the variety of items you can find on their website! There is something for all to enjoy, and what is better it is mostly all one of a kind items that you can't just go out and find at your nearest stores!

I personally picked out the McKenna Dress in Seaside Summer Print for my daughter. 
I know she will love it as it's one of those dresses a girl can twirl in, and it is has the most gorgeous patterns on it. I just know she will be so excited to wear it, and I can almost guarantee it's going to fast become one of her favorite dresses this summer!

I just know you all will love the items this boutique has to offer as much as I do. I can't wait to see what you choose!

Now let's go ahead and dive right in to what you are all anticipating! The giveaway! Woo Hoo!



Picket Fence $50 Credit Giveaway



Make sure you follow my social media accounts to stay in the know about all future posts and giveaways. I have a lot planned for 2018, and you definitely won't want to miss it! I cannot wait to hear from you all on what items you are hoping to get soon! :)


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnpeterson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mommysmusingsblog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mommywonderland
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mommywonderland/



Disclaimer: You must be 18 years or older to enter this giveaway. You must be a US resident. The winner will be chosen at random. This giveaway is not sponsored by or in partnership with Picket Fence. This giveaway is in partnership with Nakturnal. Mommy's Musings is not responsible for prize nor shipment of prize.

kid

God Gave Us Family

::From the back of the book::
Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special. 
 
Even the members of Little Pup’s pack make up an important role in his family, although they sometimes pester him. Papa gently reminds his son…
 
“We need to love the family God gave us.”
 
A heartwarming and colorful addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, this tale will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love.


::My Thoughts::
This is a wonderful book for children! Especially really young children who have questions about other types of families. There are so many different types of families, and sometimes that is hard for children to understand. Occasionally children may ask questions about those families because every family is different. Some families have moms and dads while some only have one parent. Sometimes a child lives with their grandparents. Sometimes there are families who adopt a child. Some families have many children while others only may have one. So many differences, and sometimes that is hard for some young children to understand. This book is wonderful for those questions. It not only answers a child's question about why other families may not be like theirs, but it shows God's love in each family. God is what brings family together, and that is so important to realize.
This book is not too long so it definitely captures your children's attention and holds it. The illustrations are wonderful. The pages are colorful and the illustrations are very well done and detailed. My children loved looking at the pages and noticing so many little details here and there.
I would highly recommend this book. 




::Product Details::

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Series: God Gave Us
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook; Ill edition (October 17, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601428766
• ISBN-13: 978-1601428769

::Find this book::

Hardcover    Kindle

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a Blogging for Books member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.