Overcoming Fear by Dawna de Dilva

I was not sure what to expect from this book as the subject matter can be overwhelming at times. This book was not like that. It is filled with encouragement. The author, Dawna De Silva shared about discerning the voice of God so we can hear and be healed by Him. This leads freedom from fear. Much of her teaching uses personal stories as a counselor. There are also questions throughout to help the application of the teaching to life. Along with this there are quotations from other well-known authors and Scripture to help guide.
I highly recommend this book, but I would suggest reading a chapter at a time and letting it sink in.
I was given this book by Chosen Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

From Junk Food to Joy Food by Joy Bauer

.From Junk Food to Joy Food caught my attention because I am always on the lookout for meals that are good for me but yet don't taste that way. This book shows you how to do the exchanges, yet not feel deprived. The author, Joy Bauer, shows where there are hidden calories in the food that you choose. It also gives choices of foods that allow you to feel energized and healthy.
There are recipes from Chicken Parmesan to Key Lime Pie.
This book is very useful if you need to eat healthier but don't want to give up on comfort food. Each recipe gives the calories for the food we are used to eating and then the lower calorie equivalent.
I may have to get the hard copy of this book so I don't make my Kindle too messy while preparing the meals.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The Secret Letter

This historical fiction is set during WWII in Germany and England. Magda, one of the main characters lives near Augsburg, Germany on a farm. Her brother, Karl, attends Oxford University. Magda misses her brothers so much, so when she received a letter telling about the war she kept it, even though he asked her to destroy it. This action leads to danger for her family. Magda has also been encouraged to join a German Girls League. Another of the characters, Imogen, who lives in England with her friends. They have all been sent away from home to live in other towns. The story grows by telling each girl's story as the war goes on. Including their plans when they grow up. This story is so moving. It caught at my heart from the beginning. I recommend this book highly. This book was sent to me by NetGalley, and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

Hearing God by Nathan Finochio

This book spoke to my heart from the first page. The author, Nathan Finochio, approaches different myths then shows us how to confront them and to look at things differently. He also tells why God speaks to us. It is not to fulfill our inconsequential needs but to help us be transformed into Jesus' image, without the barriers that keep us from hearing him.
I liked this book because it tell us to take our own responsibility for hearing God. He includes stories, humor and suggestions to help us to understand his teaching.
I was given this ARC by the publisher. All comments are my own words and thoughts. This is my honest review.

The Woman in the White Kimono

The author of "The Woman in the White Kimono" has a gift of choosing words that drew me into the book quickly. This historical fiction fascinates and captivates. The story takes you into the lives of Japanese women during WWII. These women were ostracized because they found love in nontraditional places. They were cut off from family and loved ones.
The story is written in a beautiful style that shows the author has researched the topic well. I highly recommend this book to those who love historic fiction.
Thank you NetGalley, Legend Press and the author for allowing me to have an advance copy of this book to review. The opinions of this review are entirely my own.

Tom Gates Extra Special Treats (Not)

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book is so much fun to read. I love when I read a book and I catch myself laughing out loud at parts. Tom Gates wants to receive a Star Pupil badge. Along the way he comes across other special treats such as days off because of heating problems at school, visits with the "Fossils" (his grandparents) and hidden treats.
Throughout the story L. Pichon places little illustrations that would catch every kids imagination. The doodles and drawing are as much fun as the story. I could see this book being ideal for 4th through 6th grade students.