The Family of Jesus By Karen Kingsbury

If you've seen many of my book reviews before, you probably know by now that I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan. I own almost all of her books and have read the entire Baxter Family Series several times. The Bailey Flannigan Series even more. So when I was given a copy of her new book to review before it was even released, I may have squealed. 

The Family of Jesus releases tomorrow on July 1st, you can purchase it through amazon for $9.78 right now on their pre-release kindle price (hardcover print $13.00).  

This book is a historical biblical fiction account of the family members of Jesus. It gives fictional (but biblically accurate) accounts from the perspectives of Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James and Mary. With bible study sections for each to look further into the biblical context and implications. 

I really appreciated Karen Kingsbury's careful way of sticking to biblical truth and her explanation of how she went about her construction of the stories. Inserting biblical truth first, then researching culture to ensure accuracy then lastly filling gaps with fiction. Obviously the most accurate accounts are those found in the bible itself, but I loved seeing it come to life through stories in the Family of Jesus as Karen Kingsbury has certainly been gifted with story-telling. 

I don't think it was my most favorite book written by her, I am not a particular fan of historical fiction. But it was definitely my favorite historical fiction book by far. I also loved the bible study sections with each perspective, that was a huge highlight. I look forward to going back and spending more time in those sections. 

Hope you enjoy! Have you read anything good lately?



Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for review, however all views expressed are entirely my own thoughts and opinions

A Gift On a Monday.

Today was my day off this week.

I spent it running errands and cleaning our home. The usual.

While out running errands, I was looking around a new store I've never been too looking for some camping things for our upcoming trip this weekend.

(Prep may or may not have involved trying to put the tent up in the living room this afternoon haha!) 

While looking in this new store, I came across the one book missing from my Karen Kingsbury collection, and it was at a clearance price.

I will admit that it floored me and felt like a gift from the Lord. Sounds silly but I just had a real sense of His love and that He cares about those little details.

Even in the middle of a busy season in life. 

He cares about silly little things that we may be looking for. Things that we may desire.

Even a book.

Seeing God in the everyday. 

Thanking Him for those little things in life.

Joy in the mundane. 

How have you guys seen the Lord in the everyday lately?

Much Love!

L

And then there was a giveaway........

Its crazy how amazing this past nine months of blogging have been.

How the Lord has grown this space and allowed me to meet so many amazing women.

How by obeying His leading to blog publically, amazing things have happened.

I'm so thankful He is continuing to grow me at boldly sharing my faith and the work He is doing in my life.

So I thought a celebration was in order.

In seeking to encourage you guys, I couldn't really decide what I would want to offer as a first

mini-giveaway.

I wanted it to be something meaningful, as fun as it is to win other things.....

I wanted to offer you guys something encouraging. 

Something that might be fun to win but help you continue to trust the Lord.

I decided to giveaway one of my favorite fiction books.

Just in case you didn't realise, these books are so encouraging to me.

They are easy to read. All about how the Lord provided for the main character, Bailey Flannigan.

Disclosure: They are about romance, about how the Lord brings the guy He has planned for Bailey into her life.

After speaking with several wonderful single ladies in my life, we agreed that hearing about beautiful God-written love stories is encouraging. 

It brings hope to those who are in waiting for their earthly prince and also reminds those of us who are married about how the Lord has provided for us in the past. 

How He will continue to do so in the future.

So believing that the Lord has beautiful plans for each of us, 

I want to give one of you the chance to win book one in this amazing series.

Where you will meet the characters brought to life in YouTube videos:

And see how God works all things for our good, how His plans are perfect. 

In His timing.

Much Love,

L

This giveaway will remain open until Sunday, 11th November. 

A winner will be announced shortly after. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Loving By Karen Kingsbury

So if you're a fan of Karen Kingsbury's books, like I am.

You've probably been estatic about the release of the Loving trailer.

This is a series about a young girl called Bailey, played by the author's own daughter in the trailers.

Such an encouragement to young women.

Wonderful reminder of how God truly knows the plans He has for us.

As readers, we have been able to follow Bailey through many tough decisions she has faced post graduating high school. 

A character I can so relate to, because I have been there. 

A positive role model in a world so set on applauding things not in line with God' kingdom.

Her book is set to be released on March 27th....I'm SO EXCITED!

So excited to find out how Bailey's journey continues.

If you missed the previous trailers, you can find Longing and Learning here.

There was no trailer made for the first book which was Leaving.

You may remember the post about the real life engagement of the girl who plays Bailey, Kelsey to Anthem Lights' Kyle, who plays Brandon in the trailers.

Loving the example of these men & young woman setting a wonderful example of living for Christ.

What a wonderful series full of purity & seeking God's will for your life.

Praise Him!

Much Love,

L