In Sickness and In Health: The Physical Consequences of Emotional Stress in Marriage by Dr. David Hawkins [Read an Excerpt & 2-Winner Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780736974202
Harvest House Publishers
Pages 240
Buy it on Amazon

During his more than 30 years of counseling, Dr. David Hawkins has witnessed many patients who describe to him intense physical ailments—from weight loss or gain, to elevated blood pressure, to the development of autoimmune disorders—all stemming from a common problem: the stress of living in a marriage that has become toxic.

In his latest book, In Sickness and In Health: The Physical Consequences of Emotional Stress in Marriage, Dr. Hawkins, explores with his two sons—an internist and a surgeon, the effects relational stress and trauma can have on our bodies.

“When stress hormones get out of whack, signaling the brain there is lurking danger, we either change our world and cope effectively,” says Dr. Hawkins, “or experience debilitating health problems.”

Often, he sees that patients tend to live in the second category of debilitating health problems. This usually occurs because they do not fully recognize their marriage is causing them stress, or because they are embarrassed to admit something as seemingly trivial as stress has resulted in such intense physical pain. Dr. Hawkins has found that it can be a struggle for these individuals to move forward in freeing themselves from the stress that is ailing them.

In Sickness and in Health helps readers to recognize the physical manifestations of their stress and provides ways to free themselves from a life in this state. “You may wonder, So what? How is this book any different from hundreds of others on the topic? The difference,” Dr. Hawkins says, “is that we focus on how your relationships may be making you sick—literally—and what you can do about that.”

Join Dr. Hawkins and his two sons, both medical doctors, as they explore the effects relational stress and trauma can have on our bodies. Readers will learn to recognize:

• The connection between the mind and the body
• The connection between an unhealthy marriage and an unhealthy body
• Feelings of exhaustion and being “emotionally hungover”
• The negative effects (as well as the benefits of) anger
• How to take responsibility for your health
• How to heal from the damages that have been done to you

Join Dr. David Hawkins and his sons, an internist and a surgeon, as they explore the effects relational stress and trauma can have on our bodies. You will learn to . . .

• recognize the link between emotional and physical pain
• embrace the power of choice to become empowered by hope
• find a path forward to ultimate restoration and regain your life

No matter what kind of pain you’re experiencing, or how long your health has been in decline, you don’t have to stay stuck. Discover hope and healing when you take control of your life.

DOWNLOAD A PDF EXCERPT - CLICK HERE

Author info: With more than 30 years of counseling experience, David Hawkins, PhD, has a special interest in helping individuals and couples strengthen their relationships. Dr. Hawkins’ books, including When Loving Him is Hurting You: Hope and Healing for Victims of Narcissistic and Emotional Abuse and Dealing with the CrazyMakers in Your Life, have more than 350,000 copies in print.

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A Fearless Leader: A Bible Story About Deborah (Called and Courageous Girls Series) by: Rachel Spier Weaver and Anna Haggard

My thoughts:  Who knows why the story of Deborah is used so little in Sunday school materials. Is it because she was a strong woman, fearless, and a leader? Up until recent years, women is most societies have not been appreciated if they exhibited these strengths and characteristics.

Not so in the Bible. God used Deborah as a courageous leader. In this publication, A Bible Story About Deborah: A Fearless Leader, young people will all learn about the strength  she had and how she was used by God.

Published by Harvest Kids an imprint of Harvest House Publications the book is beautifully illustrated using intense browns, golds, yellows, and purples. There is an exotic feel about the illustrations which coupled with the fierceness of the drawings depicting battles render an understanding of the turbulent times in which Deborah lived.

I highly recommen this book for homes, schools, libraries, and especially church libraries. (Read the story in Judges 4 and 5 of the Bible.)

About the book: Learn the story of Deborah, an imaginative and perceptive young girl who grows up to be a natural leader, sharing God's will with His people and helping them solve difficult problems. With God's help, you can be just like Deborah—called and courageous!

Rachel Spier Weaver is a recruiter at HOPE International and has worked as a career counselor at the University of Florida and Dickinson College. She is passionate about sharing stories of women of God who led in extraordinary ways. She lives with her husband, Shane, and their two children, Norah and Jack.

Anna Haggard is coauthor of The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good and Mission Drift, a 2015 Christianity Today Book Award winner. A writer and editor for the Brethren in Christ U.S., Anna previously was a staff writer for HOPE International. She is delighted to write for children (her favorite people).

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Harvest House Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

The Bishop Needs An Alibi by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

In a book I previously reviewed for author, Vannetta Chapman, the following quote really stood out to me...... and I came across it toward the end of When The Bishop Needs an Alibi when the Amish bishop and two others were in the midst of dire danger. It bears repeating.

"Courage is fear that has said it's prayers."

(pg. 129 A Wedding for Julia by Vannetta Chapman)

My thoughts: We met the Amish bishop, Henry Lapp recently in What the Bishop Saw and we learned that he is a gentle, kindly man who is the over shepherd and leader of the community of Amish. He also has quite an unusual talent of being able to subconsciously recall and draw in minute detail scenes he has visited or witnessed. This is because he is an "accidental savant."

Previously the Bishop was involved in solving a mystery using this unusual talent and now he is again embroiled in the terrible situation where a young woman loses her life.

The story locale is the beautiful Colorado San Luis Valley and Bishop Henry is an avid "birder" who loves watching the cranes that frequent the area that has marshes, mountains, and huge sand dunes. But all is not beautiful in this lovely place.

As the kindly and gentle Amish folk gather in the local diner for coffee or a meal or as they gather at the local bakery run by three Amish widow ladies, they pursue clues with their chatter, curiosity, and somewhat meddlesome way. But though fraught with danger, it's all good on their part and the outcome is good. You see, much is afoot in the world of evil and crime and these dear folk seem to get themselves stuck right in the middle of it.

You'll fall in love with the bishop because he is insightful, kind, and full of wisdom which he graciously shares with any and all. Even though falsely accused, he holds no animosity. Even though a pacifist, he knows when to act to protect. And dear Bishop Henry has a precious dog by his side, Lexi which we met in the first book about the Bishop.

I highly recommend this new book by Vannetta Chapman and you can always depend on her books to be clean reads that are "full of grace."

About the book: A Terrible Secret Hides in the Bulrushes

Amish bishop Henry Lapp eagerly awaits the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado. But his visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge reveals more than just a miracle of God's creation. Hidden among the bulrushes and cattails is the deceased body of a young woman.

As the local authorities attempt to unravel the mystery, Henry feels God's calling to use his extraordinary talent to aid in the investigation. His ability to draw from memory in photographic detail could help solve this puzzling case.

Henry's closest friend, Emma Fisher, has always urged him to embrace his gift. As their relationship deepens, Henry realizes his involvement could put him and those he loves in the direct path of a killer, one who is willing to do anything to cover up a brutal crime, including framing the bishop.
When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is a compelling story of faith, friendship, and finding courage only God can provide.

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What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  The author has begun a new series - The Amish Bishop Mysteries - with a delightful story about a group of Amish who settled in the San luis Valley area of Colorado. I don't know if the series will feature Bishop Henry Lapp in all of the books, but I just love his gentle guidance that carries a bit of humor and a lot of strength for the members of his community. I hope to read more about him in future stories.

As a peaceful, pacifist group they find themselves embroiled in and the target of murder and arson when one of their own's home is burned out and left murdered in the fire. This is only the start of a series of violent arson acts that seem connected. Yet, the arsonist also strikes a couple of non-Amish establishments leading to questions about how they, too, would be the object of the serial arsonist's attention.

Characters' experience with special gifts of intelligence are brought forth and it is shown how their gift can affect personality and development. Henry is considered a savant because of his unique ability to draw detailed images from his subconscious memory. A good link on savant syndrome is at the NIH website. A concise definition could be....

Savant syndrome is a rare, but extraordinary, condition in which persons ... have some ‘island of genius’ which stands in marked, incongruous contrast to overall handicap. ...Whatever the particular savant skill, it is always linked to massive memory. 

I found one of the warm-fuzzy charcters to be the little puppy that Bishop Henry Lapp adopts added a layer of warmth and joy to the story. Delightful. Heartwarming. And the young girl, Katie, is so loveable. I am thinking she would be a strong interest to follow should the author continue the series with the same characters.

Vannetta Chapman writes an easy to read story and her mysteries are interesting and just suspenseful enough to keep one's attention and yet not get too convoluted. Character development is always a plus with Chapman's books and the story line is always well developed.

I can highly recommend What the Bishop Saw.

About the book: Somewhere in the Embers Lies the Truth

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone—Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Could the clue to solving the case be locked somewhere deep in his memory? Will Henry find the courage to move forward in faith and put the right person behind bars? Is his friendship with Emma becoming something more?

What the Bishop Saw is a story of extraordinary talents, the bonds of love and friendship, and the unfailing grace of God.

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ENDS June 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated. Winner's copy is provided and shipped by author or publisher.

Sarah's Orphans (Plain and Simple Miracles #3) by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: I knew when I cracked the spin of Sarah's Orphans I was in for a good read. I have enjoyed every book from the pen (well, computer) of Vannetta Chapman. She has recently ventured into genres other than the gentle Amish fiction for which she is probably best known. The "Plain and  Simple Miracles" series is definitely about the Amish, yet we are seeing them in other settings and in situations not usually seen in stories about the Amish way of life.

We had met Sarah in a one of the earlier Plain and Simple Miracles books as the young Amish teen who was dealing with anorexia. Much of her personal emotional struggles were a result of her home with its many problems and her way of dealing with these issues.

Sarah's Orphans opens with the unusual situation of an Amish family near destitute because the irresponsible way the father has provided for them due to his mental illness. The mother, herself, is emotionally devoid of caring. The father dies, the mother walks out on the family of five children - two which are grown. So the tale of Sarah begins. An orphan herself, though she is grown, she struggles to hold home together for the four brothers. The older two brothers work valiantly to maintain the farm.

Into this dire situation, two very young Hispanic children are found and taken in. How this comes about is itself miraculous. How Sarah takes them in and, despite her own very needy life, begins to love and care for and provide a loving home for them.

True to Amish community ways they come together to provide assistance and support for Sarah and her family - her "orphans."

The characters in Sarah's Orphans will tug at the reader's heart strings. I just loved Sarah's brothers from the oldest to the youngest. Each had strong personalities with strengths that compliment each other. Mateo and Mia are the two little orphans that Sarah found. Mateo is full of energy, is smart, and very protective of his baby sister, Mia who is the charmer of the cast of characters.

And then we have the wonderful grandmother who unexpectedly appears on the scene and saves the day for all of them.

A sweet, blossoming romantic attraction develops between Sarah and their new Amish bachelor neighbor, Paul. He is a rock of strength and comfort to her, but unassuming on Sarah.

There are some real hard-hitting issues dealt with in this story: bipolar (the father), depression (the mother), abandonment (Sarah's mother and the mother of Mateo & Mia),  and anorexia (Sarah). Yes, these serious issues or conditions exist in every segment of society.

I heartily recommend Sarah's Orphans. In fact, I encourage you to acquire the others in this series Anna's Healing and Joshua's Mission.

About the book: Orphaned...But Never Abandoned by God

Sarah Yoder belongs to a Plain community in Oklahoma, but her days are far from simple. Life  suddenly gets complicated when a series of tragic events unfold, leaving her in charge of the household.

Alone with her younger siblings, Sarah is exhausted but finally at peace. Then she nearly runs over a small Hispanic boy with her buggy...and somehow finds herself sheltering two more orphans.

Paul Byler moved to Cody's Creek to help his brother in a time of need. But now that Joseph has recovered from his heart attack, Paul's ready for a quiet place of his own. The only problem? His new property lands him next door to the orphaned Yoder family—and a calling from God he can't seem to ignore.

A story of extraordinary grace and love in the face of desperate need, Sarah's Orphans is the third standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection by Vannetta Chapman.

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DEEP SHADOWS (The Remnant Series - book One) by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780736966535
Harvest House Publishers
$14.95 Paperback
A dystopian novel

My thoughts: Vannetta Chapman has again honed her skill as an author and brought forth another engaging read for her avid followers. She has deviated from her tried and true Amish novels into an altogether different contemporary story embracing the frightening possibility of a world gone amok amidst the aftermath and continued horrors of a massive solar flare that wreaks havoc on all things electric.

In Deep Shadows you meet an array of interesting people of all ages and temperaments. And each of them is impacted by this perilous situation. Seniors in the senior home are dying. Banks and gas pumps don't work. Cars don't work. Medicine is in short supply and the possibility of acquiring more virtually non-existent. Food? Can you imagine.

The small town has an emergency plan and immediately begins to implement it. Long term? They must plant "victory gardens" just as was done during WWII. Water? They have at hand a wonderful spring bubbling up from the ground. Many towns don't have that.

Faith is stretched and tested as are folks' nerves and tolerance. And as I read I began to think about "what if" this really should occur. Or what if something akin to this should occur. Are we, am I prepared? 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline flowed well. The plausibility of the town's survival plans implementation and how to exist in a world without technology was well worked out and believable. 

About the book: All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology. 

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review on behalf of the author and publisher. Opinions are my own & I was not compensated.

What happens when all the lights go out? Vannetta Chapman brings you into the DEEP SHADOWS with new "Remnant Series" [GIVEAWAY]

About the book: All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology. 

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

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And watch later for Chat With Vera's review soon!

Joshua's Mission by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: Joshua's Mission is a new standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. He brings his brother with him, who needs a change of environment. The last thing he wants for Alton is another brush with the law. He is pleasantly surprised when he hears that Becca Troyer, the bishop's granddaughter, plans on joining their team.

What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A lack of electricity, certainly, which poses little problem for the Amish volunteers as they help restore order from destruction. But a budding romance? A call from God? And a possible healing of his relationship with Alton?

Joshua's Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.

Vannetta Chapman writes fiction Full of Grace!

My thoughts: Cracking the spine of a new Vannetta Chapman book is always a pleasure and an adventure. I always know that I will be reading a satisfying story told within the bounds of Christian morals and priorities. Joshua's Mission was no exception.

Using a technique where two stories in two different locations are running along the same timeline with totally different themes and characters, Chapman tells about the coastal area of Texas bracing for a super horrendous hurricane and a quiet, unassuming community of Amish are going about their daily lives living plain and dealing with personal issues. As each community reaches a climatic event of either meteorologic proportions or Spiritual and family centric, their blending into one cohesive group ministering together becomes a reality.

I grew up in a North Carolina coastal city and we had some devastating hurricanes. Until you've truly experienced the massive destruction these huge and ferocious storms vent, you can not truly comprehend them. Chapman has written a revealing and realistic description of a hurricane impacting a beach community and the people who live there.

I found that the story revolving around a Mennonite Disaster Service organization to be an eye opener. I did not know this existed. It is a real service organization. Again Chapman brings realistic truth into the story.

This is a highly recommended book that you can offer early teens through grandma to read and feel comfortable about sharing with them. And I think you'll love Charlie's dog, Quitz.

Take a peek at the first chapter on Goodreads!

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated for this review. Giveaway copy is provided by the author directly to the winner.

The Healer's Touch By: Lori Copeland HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHER

ISBN: 9780736956536 

About the book: Lyric Bolton desires friendship and acceptance from her Missouri community. Instead, her family is regarded with suspicion and fear because of her mother's mental illness. Resigned to living in isolation, Lyric doesn't see any way out---until Ian Cawley bolts into her life on a runaway stallion. But what will happen when he discovers her secrets?

My thoughts: I do enjoy Lori Copeland’s books and she has written a lot of them. The Healer’s Touch was not a favorite of mine, though. I felt the title somewhat misleading as I anticipated a character who truly had a healer’s touch in that they were helpful with people’s injuries and sicknesses. That was not the case in the story.

Secondly, while folklore is replete with a variety of “lights” and things that go-bump-in-the-night, this story capitalized on a “spooklight” legend from the mountains. I felt it was a bit overplayed and overdone as far as its inclusion into the story.

The characters were nicely fleshed out and seemed to fill the bill of “hillbilly” mountain folks. Lyric was the female lead and a devoted daughter. She was hard working and fell in love with the stranger, Ian, who literally came bolting into her life. My favorite characters were Lark (sister to Lyric) and Boots (friend of Lark’s). There two were into everything, totally preteen-mountain-kids, and so very funny. You’ll literally chuckle at some of their conversations and actions.

So what do I think about The Healer’s Touch? I think it is a good book to read. Clean. Funny. Characters that put God first and who have compassionate hearts. I can easily recommend it for a light, easy read. It just wasn’t one of my favorite Lori Copeland books.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishing in exchange for this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.