Among the Gods by Lynn Austin

Fleeing King Manasseh's tyranny, Joshua leads the faithful remnant to their new home in Egypt. But as years pass, Joshua's desire for vengeance becomes an obsession. Blinded by hatred, he makes rash decisions, placing his loved ones in jeopardy. Amid Joshua's turmoil comes an unexpected awakening of love-a love that burns so intensely it draws him from the dark inner seclusion where he often retreats. But what will it take for him to grasp the great love his Heavenly Father has for him.and for the chosen people of Judah? (Chronicles of the King Book 5)

My review - I love Lynn Austin and her writing! Saying that, I think I'm glad in a way that this series is over. I was so frustrated with Joshua in this book because of his hatred. But I loved how it was still a type of love story because with Miriam always helping Joshua. This book shocked me in some of the incidents that happened (Joshua's parents passing away) but also amazed me in the way that God finally got through to Manasseh! Now moving on to the NEXT Lynn Austin book!

Faith of My Fathers by Lynn Austin

FROM BOOK COVER: Constant companions in their youth, Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, and Joshua, son of the palace administrator, have been primed for leadership of the kingdom of Judah. But anger toward God begins to smolder in Manasseh's heart upon his father's unexpected death. As Manasseh comes to power, his insecurity leads him down the path of sorcery. Fearing a conspiracy, he lashes out at the leaders of his father's regime. As the mayhem of Manasseh's reign begins to unfold, Joshua and his family suffer devastating loss. The battle lines are drawn as Joshua seeks revenge against his boyhood friend. And with the future of God's faithful remnant at stake, Joshua struggles with whether to run from Yahweh... or to Him. Chronicles of the Kings Book 4

My review - This has been my favorite of the series so far. I loved the story of Joshua. But Manasseh's actions and thoughts made me what to jump right in the book and hurt him. Miriam's love for Joshua and her need for someone to love her made my heart ache. Hoping the fifth and final book in the series is just as good as this one was.

Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food? Not really sure...Probably funnel cakes
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes...but I'm working on it!
3. What is your favorite gift to receive? Gift cards...I know everyone thinks they are a cheesy gift but I love them cause then I can get WHATEVER I want...
4. When was the last time you tried something new? Been a while...
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre? My least favorite would have to be Romance...Or anything that is predictable!
6.Silver or Gold? Definately silver.
7. What makes you sigh? Being tired!
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? In my early 20's
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? Hum...I'm not use to breaking laws but for a loved one I'd do some pretty crazy stuff!
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be? Children! haha...Cause I work at a daycare.
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? Change the subject and quickly!
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love? WOW, I took the quiz (http://www.5lovelanguages.com/) and I always thought my Love Language was Gifts BUT it's Words of Affirmation and then Gifts...Hum...Gonna get the Hubby to take this quiz as well...
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation

Managing Your Moods (A Devotional)

Filling the needs of today's women, we offer the next 4 titles in the best-selling Women of Faith series.

These topical guides deal with issues that women wrestle with today, such as friendship, encouragement, managing moods, finding contentment, and how to live out your faith.

Reaching an audience across racial, socio-economic, denominational, and age boundaries, these guides will enhance the lives of women as they empower them in their weekly devotions. The study guides can be used for both individual and group settings.

Women are asking good questions about their faith. With our study guides, we want to join them in their quest for knowledge and lead them in finding the answers they are seeking.

My review - Finished this devotional book today and I loved it. I've gone through it before and loved it then too. Makes you realize how many emotions God gave us and how we need to put our emotions and feelings in His hands!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Rhythm:: Music
2. Baby:: Want one
3. Sanctimonious:: Don't know this word... 
4. I like:: to read
5. Constipated:: thankful I'm not
6. Sleep late:: Every chance I get! Love it!
7. Over easy:: Is that how you like your eggs?
8. Erratic:: Dunno
9. Umbrella:: is for rain...
10. You don’t:: wanna mess with me! haha

Please remember to use http://subliminal.lunanina.com when linking to Unconscious Mutterings. Thanks!

The Strength of His Hands

Chronicles of the Kings Book 3- God has rewarded Hezekiah's faithfulness with great wealth and power, but the godly king has no heir. In desperation, his beloved wife takes forbidden measures to ensure fertility.With all that is going on in his kingdom- and with the Assyrians approaching- Hezekiah does not discover his wife's idolatry until it's almost too late. Her betrayal cuts to the very core of his being and belief in God. Will his faith sustain him in the face of this deceit, and against an overwhelming enemy?

My review - I don't know if I'm just getting burned out on Hezekiah and the series or what. But this book kind of dragged for me. Until I got to about the third part of the book I was dragging through it. I'd decided I was going to finish it no matter what but whenever Shebna was put in his place was when it got good to me again. On to the fourth book now...

Six Word Saturday

Just found a new favorite verse!
So I was doing my devotions a while ago and found a new favorite verse...It's Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. Love it!

Friday Fill-Ins: #189

1. Music is a big part of my life...LOVE music!.

2. A shower is what I like first thing in the morning.

3. The first thing I said this morning was: CRAP I overslept! (by like an hour and a half!).

4. BBQ at a birthday part; it's what's for dinner tonight.

5. It's all been a blast!

6. Being lazy is what I feel like doing right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to one of my kids birthday party, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to spend some time worshiping and then some time with my family!

Thursday 13: 13 things I love!

Doing Thursday 13 for the first time...check it out http://thursday-13.com/

1. God
2. My Husband
3. My Parents and sisters
4. The extended family that I got when my husband and I got married...So my husband's family! :)
5. Chubby - my cat
6. Reading
7. Staying at home
8. Sleeping in late
9. Eating good food
10. Chocolate
11. Being on the computer
12. The beach
13. Blogging