It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Jul 7

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are, and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit, comment, and add to that ever-growing TBR pile! So welcome, everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and was then taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Welcome to July! Hope you enjoyed your weekend. We had a fun-filled first week on the Outer Banks. Here are some photos.

NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Tried a new bakery

Visited the cat cafe

Latest visit to The Outer Banks Christmas Shop & General Store

Theo loves the beach

Visited two local farmer's markets

Fireworks in Manteo

Sunset in Nags Head

I haven't done as much reading as expected, but I finished this true crime novel and reviewed it on Thursday. Check it out here.

I also reviewed this one at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. You can read it here.

I've read all of these before we left. My reviews should appear at TC&TBC soon. 

I also finished this one. My review should appear at Laura's Little Houses soon.

I've been reading this historical account on my Kindle.

These are next.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books they added to their shelves the previous week. This weekly meme is now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach. 

New additions to my Kindle thanks to Smashwords and a Christmas in July event.

Upcoming Events

• My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift by Harold Phifer Jul 8 (Book Spotlight)
• Shooting Stars Above by Patricia Leavy, PhD - Jul 24 (Author Interview)
• Arabesque by M G da Mota - Jul 31 (Book Spotlight)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Aug 12 (Author Interview)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Sep 15 (Review)

New Christmas... in the news, sharing videos of decorating trends, elegant holiday decor, and a Christmas in July thrifty decor haul. Check it out at Christmas Year Round here. 

The Children's and Teens' Book Connection has my review of Saving Piku (link above). 

Laura's Little Houses has nothing new, but I will feature my review of the Three Faces of Nellie soon. 

That's it for me. Hope you enjoy your day!

Series Spotlight & Book Excerpt: Soul Stirrings by Anita Hackley Lambert

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages Through Revelation (Book 1)

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Pages: 317

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

BOOK BLURB:

Soul Stirrings invites you on a transformative journey, offering devotions rooted in God’s timeless Word. This heartfelt series is designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, embrace His boundless love, renew your spirit, and walk boldly in His light. Whether seeking clarity, hope, encouragement, or a deeper connection with God, this book will stir your soul and renew your spirit.

What’s Inside:

●      Uplifting Inspiration: Thought-provoking devotions to uplift your heart and nurture your faith.

●      Practical Wisdom: Encouraging insights to overcome trials, find clarity, and deepen your walk with God.

●      Spiritual Renewal: Messages of hope to align your life with God’s divine plan and empower you to live with grace and purpose.

Why You’ll Love Soul Stirrings

●      Rooted in Scripture: Every devotional message is guided by the truths of God’s Word.

●      Life-Changing Perspective: Encourages growth, resilience, and spiritual healing.

●      For Every Season of Life: Soul Stirrings provides wisdom and encouragement tailored to your journey, whether in a storm or on the mountaintop.

Perfect For:

●      Daily personal devotions.

●      Gifts for friends and loved ones seeking hope and inspiration.

●      Small group or Bible study reflections.

Begin Your Faith Journey Today!

Let Soul Stirrings be your companion as you discover the life God has designed for you. Every page brings renewed strength, peace, and a deeper connection to His promises.

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages Through Revelation is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Have you ever stood in the silence of your soul, staring into the abyss of unanswered questions? Have you ever whispered into the darkness, Why, Lord? —only to be met with silence? Life often presents us with trials that shake our foundation, moments that leave us bewildered and searching for meaning. We grapple with the weight of adversity, the sting of suffering, and the seemingly relentless storm clouds that overshadow our joy.

The human heart longs for understanding. It seeks reasons, explanations, and clarity. Yet, there are moments in life when the answers we crave remain just beyond our grasp. In these moments, we are left with a choice: Will we succumb to the gnawing doubts that seek to unravel our faith, or will we surrender to the wisdom of the Almighty, trusting that His unseen hand is guiding us through even the darkest valleys? 

Faith calls us to trust in a God whose perspective far exceeds our own. Instead of demanding explanations, we are invited to rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). In the face of trials, our posture should be one of surrender—choosing trust over comprehension, faith over fear, and confidence in divine wisdom over reliance on our own limited understanding. 

When we wonder why, we do not necessarily require answers but rather an unwavering faith in the divine wisdom that guides our journey. We are prompted to shift our focus from pursuing answers to pursuing wisdom. Unlike mere answers, wisdom offers us greater insight into life's complexities. It equips us to navigate the storms with grace and resilience, aware that even within the darkest nights, a glimmer of light beckons us homeward.

– Excerpted from Soul STIRRINGS: INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES THROUGH REVELATION by Anita Hackley Lambert, HLE Publishing Co., 2025. Reprinted with permission.

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages with Grace to Restore

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: February 22, 2025

Pages: 320

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

 

BOOK BLURB:

 

FIND HEALING, STRENGTH, AND RENEWAL THROUGH GOD’S GRACE. Life’s challenges can leave us weary and searching for hope, but God’s grace is a refuge, a healer, and a restorer—lifting us from brokenness into wholeness.

Soul STIRRINGS: Inspirational Messages With Grace to Restore is an uplifting collection of faith-filled reflections, biblical wisdom, and transformative messages designed to strengthen your spirit and renew your faith. Through deep scriptural insights and real-life encouragement, you’ll discover:

✔ Strength in hardship as faith is tested and refined
✔ Healing from past wounds through God’s unfailing love
✔ Clarity and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges
✔ The life-changing power of grace to transform and restore

Each chapter serves as a spiritual awakening, reminding you that God’s grace is abundant, unshakable, and available to you right now. Whether you’re in a season of waiting, healing from past struggles, or seeking a closer walk with God, this book will stir your soul, uplift your heart, and inspire you to embrace His grace with bold faith.

Restoration is always within reach—let His grace renew your life today!

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages with Grace to Restore is available at Amazon.

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Message with God On Your Side

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: March 12, 2025

Pages: 243

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

 

BOOK BLURB:

 

DISCOVER STRENGTH, PURPOSE, AND VICTORY IN GOD’S PRESENCE. Life is filled with storms and uncertainties, but one truth remains unshakable: God is always on your side. Soul STIRRINGS: Experience the Unshakable Presence of God delivers powerful, faith-filled messages that will strengthen your spirit, ignite your faith, and deepen your trust in God’s promises.

Through compelling real-life testimonies and biblical wisdom, this book will help you:

✔ Overcome life’s challenges by standing on God’s Word
✔ Step boldly into your divine calling with faith and confidence
✔ Embrace gratitude, trust, and hope in every season
✔ Walk in God’s anointing and spiritual purpose
✔ Find renewal and rest in His ever-present love

Each chapter offers scriptural insights, spiritual reflection, and practical guidance to help you align with God’s will and step into your victorious destiny. Whether facing trials, seeking renewal, or desiring a deeper connection with God, this book will equip you with strength, encouragement, and divine assurance. You are never alone, never forgotten. With God on your side, victory is already yours. 

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Message with God On Your Side is available at Amazon.   

Become Who You Were Meant To Be by Dr. Myles Munroe

 

It's Time to Unlock Your Potential and Discover Your Destiny!

Do you long to make a difference with your life only to find yourself burned out by unfulfilling work? Have setbacks and failures and criticism stolen your joy and left you questioning your worth and purpose?

The truth that the enemy doesn’t want you to know is that you were created with a purpose and destiny. And not just any purpose or destiny―a world-changing, history-making role only YOU can fill!

Known for activating potential and igniting purpose in those he ministered to, internationally beloved pastor Dr. Myles Munroe takes you on a 40-day journey that will transform your life―and your heart―calling forth who you truly are, unlocking the gifts inside of you, and releasing the fullness of your destiny.

Weaving the most impactful, life-changing teachings of Dr. Munroe with powerful, life-giving Scriptures, this interactive journal empowers you to: 

• Awaken to everything God created you to be.
• Activate dormant abilities, dreams, and the treasure trove of giftings you possess.
• Discover your unique place in God’s eternal storyline.
• Experience the excitement and joy of new possibilities.
• Put your gifts and unique abilities to work.
• Know the deep satisfaction of fulfilling your God-ordained purpose.

The chaos and crises of the world are waiting for you to release your God-given purpose and potential―and become the history-maker you were created to be.

Though Dr. Myles Munroe passed away in 2014, Munroe Global continues his vision to "reach the world with priceless principles of leadership and empowerment." 

Become Who You Were Meant To Be is a 40-day devotional. The number 40 appears in many instances within the Bible, so this might be a subtle reminder of that significance. The format of opening with Scripture followed by a short devotional and discussion questions, allows the reader to focus on the meaning behind the verse and how it applies to daily life. Explore this devotional and unleash your potential. 

Dr. Myles Munroe was a beloved statesman and internationally renowned bestselling author, lecturer, life coach, and government consultant. His legacy continues to impact countless lives―individually launching people into lives of discovered purpose and unlocked potential, and corporately ushering the global church into a greater revelation of demonstrating the Kingdom of God. He, along with his wife, Ruth Ann, served as senior pastors of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship. They have two children, Charisa and Chairo.

Audible Book Review: Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa Terkeurst

If hurtful memories keep you from living your best life; if you're seeking a way to forgive others the way God forgives you; if you yearn for the peace that comes from removing the power that triggers hold over you, then Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa Terkeurst is a good choice.

Using examples from her own life, Terkeurst teaches you how to move on, free yourself from past hurts, discover what the Bible says about forgiveness, and bring you to a place where you can create the beautiful life you seek.

While I almost abandoned this audiobook because the author's imploring voice bothered me, I'm glad I stuck with it because Terkeurst shared so many relatable moments and such good advice that I would have missed otherwise. When an author relays a story and you can nod your head in agreement, knowing you have felt the same way too, then you know they understand your pain. Maybe the best part is hearing that the author isn't saying everything will be perfect after you understand the true meaning of forgiveness as discussed in the Bible, because she still missteps, too. It's called being human. What this book helps the reader to understand is that they are more in control when they embrace this level of forgiveness.

Forgiving What You Can't Forget is the kind of book I will need to purchase in print and go through more slowly to take advantage of all it offers. Highly recommended!

Listening Length	8 hours and 20 minutes
Author	Lysa TerKeurst
Narrator	Lysa TerKeurst
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	November 17, 2020
Publisher	Thomas Nelson
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B08669BBQ3

I purchased this book with an Audible credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Quick Reads

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.    

Welcome to the first Tuesday of February. How are we even here already? This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is such a good one, because sometimes you don't have a ton of time to read, which makes a quick book so enjoyable. Here are my...

Top Ten Quick Reads

Have you read any of these quick reads? What quick read from your list if your favorite?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Nov 21

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.   

Happy Monday, everyone! Are my US friends getting ready for Thanksgiving? Are any of your Christmas decorations up yet (if that is what you celebrate)? And, have you started your holiday shopping? Doesn't it seem this time of year that everything just rushes all the way through to the end of the year? I just sent out my Thanksgiving Day cards, but now it is time to order the holiday ones. 

The Lil' Princess made it home a day later than expected because of her flight being canceled, but we are thrilled to have her with us through to next Sunday. The girls and I went to Salem this weekend. Can't believe I have never been when it is only an hour and 45 minutes away. 

Visitor's Center

Inside one of the local businesses

Shops on the waterfront

Lunch at Brothers Taverna

Waterfront

Reading has been almost non-existent lately, but I am one book shy of meeting my Goodreads goal of 40 books for the year, so I am feeling optimistic. I have been listening to this book on Audible. It is one of those books that everyone recommends, so I figured I would try Audible and listen to it on my drives back and forth. Not a real fan of the narrator, but it's a good book.

I finished this Sheila Roberts book on the plane. You can read my review here. Do we smell another Hallmark movie in this author's future?

I am reading this one as well. 

I need to read these next.

I am reviewing this one in January.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Good thing I didn't buy any books in Salem, but I was tempted. Here are some Kindle freebies I picked up this week.

That's it for me. I will be out the door by 8:30 this morning, so I will be checking in with bloggers after that. Hope you have a great day!