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As one who has served adoptive families for a decade, I've had countless parents ask me, "How do I talk to my children about adoption?" Now, after all these years, I finally have a go-to answer: "Read Katie Cruice Smith's Why Did You Choose Me? to them, over and over."Dan Cruver, Co-founder of Together for Adoption, Author of Reclaiming AdoptionMost adoptive and foster children struggle at some point in their life with knowing who they are and where they belong.After searching for adoption storybooks to read to her own adopted children, Katie Cruice Smith decided that there was a need for more books that parents could read to connect with their adopted and fostered children and address these struggles.In Why Did You Choose Me?, Katie Cruice Smith answers that question in a way that young children can understand. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mom to three children, Katie uses the questions her own children have asked to help them see there never really was a choice-she knew right away that they were hers.Why Did You Choose Me? lovingly demonstrates the uniqueness that each child brings to a family, and is a valuable resource for adoptive and foster families to have in their home.EndorsementsWhy Did You Choose Me? explores a familiar adoption theme, but is pleasantly unpredictable. The illustrations are sure to put a smile on your child's face, and your own. Though the book is written in rhyme, the verse is not sing-songy and the book has just enough sophistication to be enjoyed by everyone.Dr. Daniel Nehrbass, President of Nightlight Christian AdoptionsWhy Did You Choose Me? is a perfectly simple way to make any adopted child feel like they are exactly where they need to be! When our daughter asks why we chose her to be a part of our family, even though she looks different than us, this book will be invaluable to communicate our love for her.Shannon Patterson, Adoptive mom and President of Bethany Christian Services Board in Greenville, SCAs a foster parent myself, I believe Why Did You Choose Me? is the perfect emotional journey to answering the very sensitive question all foster/adoptive children want to know and would recommend families add it to their library.Robert Whitney, Thornwell Foster Care RecruiterAs any adoptive parent will tell you, our adopted children do ask many times, "Why did you choose me?" Now my clients who adopt have a fun and colorful resource to touch on and answer this all-important question. Katie Cruice Smith and Sarah Strickling Jones have prepared a learning tool adaptable to a child's early years, which allows an adopted child and her parents to connect on different levels with the topic of adoption. Your child will laugh and smile while learning about adoption, love, and acceptance. I will be buying Why Did You Choose Me? for all my adoptive couples!Raymond W. Godwin, Father of two adopted daughters and adoption lawyer in Greenville, SC, Co-author of The Complete Adoption BookWhy Did You Choose Me? is tender, genuine, and refreshing, and it does this adoptive mom's heart and soul some good. Our daughter, from India, is now asking this very same question proposed in the book. This thoughtfully written and charmingly illustrated book is a great reminder to her of how special and unique she is, and it is a great reminder to her mom (me) of the beautiful gift of adoption. Any family, adopting or not, will be blessed by this sweet story.Kelly Parkison, Adoptive mom and author of He Knows Her Name

Middle school is tough. Especially when you tower over all the other girls in your grade. Fiona just wants to fit in when all she ever does is stand out. And when you're a Christian, fighting against peer pressure is a constant battle. All Fiona wants is another Christian friend at her public school. But all the other kids in her seventh grade class just seem to care about fitting in, too. When Fiona meets Mitchell, she finally meets someone else who shares her faith. But how can the tallest girl in class and the shortest boy in class ever be friends? When Fiona is given the opportunity to be on the cheerleading squad, she wonders if this is her opportunity to make friends with some other girls and to finally belong. But when the other girls want to pull some pranks, will Fiona finally give in to peer pressure? How can a teen girl stand strong in her faith in Jesus Christ with the pressures of middle school? Is it worth it to remain godly if you never make any friends? Fiona has a choice to make that will affect her future in middle school and in life.

Cece Burbin thought she knew what love was-people using you to get what they wanted. Until she met Jason Porter. But on what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Cece wakes up on a riverbank cold, alone, and in pain. After realizing she lost her voice, Cece becomes desperate to find a way to communicate with someone that she needs help. Freeing herself, she sets off in search of the only man she has truly loved. But as she struggles to find her way back home, her past quickly begins to creep back. The gang she thought she had left behind was never that far away, and the crimes she has committed are coming back to haunt her. Can God truly love and forgive her for all she has done? Jason is just as frantic to find his missing bride. But when he receives a note saying she left him for another man, his world is shattered. How had he missed her change of heart? Jason struggles to trust God in this heartbreak, battling uncertainty about the future he thought he had. But when he meets a strange woman who claims to be a private investigator, he discovers a clue that could change everything. Unaware that time is running out, the abandoned bridegroom sets off in search of love's lost star.

"Derrick's book, masterfully titled, is more timely today than ever before. Given the Church's wholesale abandonment of discipleship and decreasing appetite for following the life-giving way of our Messiah, Derrick's voice is a refreshing call to reclaim what's been lost and give our lives fully to Him."-Rev. Biz GaineySenior Pastor, Pillar Community Church, Vero Beach, FLThe Jews expected a Messiah to come Who would ride in like a white knight and destroy their enemies. But they never expected a humble Carpenter Who chose a rag-tag bunch to follow Him and lead His Church.In The League of Pardoned Rebels, Derrick West takes a closer look at the league that Jesus created, demonstrating how each one reflects something that is part of all of us. From Matthew's infamous role as a tax collector to Peter's impulsiveness and James' and John's tempers, each apostle demonstrates a sinful nature that we can all relate to.But from this motley crew, Jesus chose twelve men to lead His followers after He returned to Heaven, demonstrating that He can use the basest of sinners to accomplish His purpose.A concise but thorough expose of the original disciples, The League of Pardoned Rebels is a fantastic read for laity who want to better understand the message of the Bible and their place in God's redemptive story. Theological educators and Bible teachers in a variety of settings will also benefit from West's scholarship and application of each disciple's story for contemporary life.

Could his deal be the one to make her stay?Dakota Manning is on the run after years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Bobby. Her desperate flight comes to an abrupt end outside the small town of Snowy Springs. With her car broken and Dakota in Snowy Springs Hospital, she suddenly finds herself in need of employment and a place to stay. Aaron Bakker, the town's hardware store owner and mechanic assistant, offers her a deal-a place to stay and a way to pay for the repairs in exchange for helping him out at his store. The Deal with Dakota is a story of hope, reconciliation, and renewal. It is a reminder that even the biggest mistakes can be forgiven and that a new life can be made from the ashes.

"People drink coffee on the go; you take a moment for tea." Teatime in Ireland pays tribute to the delightful ritual of "taking tea," both formal and informal, and invites you on a tasting tour of Ireland where tea-drinking serves as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and pleasure. From her first visit in 1984, Margaret Johnson has forged an indelible bond with Ireland and Irish food, and she shares her continued passion in her latest cookbook devoted to the special relationship Irish people have with tea. You'll learn a bit of Irish tea history; be amazed that not even the Easter Rising could keep the ladies of Dublin from their tea and cakes; and discover a treasure trove of recipes for hosting your own special occasion afternoon tea. From homespun recipes like Egg and Tomato Sandwiches and Buttermilk Scones to more ambitious sweets such as Battenberg Cake and Millionaire's Shortbread, Teatime in Ireland provides a delicious culinary and cultural experience. From country castles and Kerry kitchens to casual tearooms and Dublin drawing rooms, this colorful collection offers more than seventy recipes that will take you seamlessly from a morning cuppa to an afternoon tea party. Bain taitneamh as do bhéile . . . Bon appétit! Praise for Teatime in Ireland "Pull up a chair, pour yourself a steaming cup of your favorite tea, and then settle in for a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes. From custards to creams, cakes to éclairs and dainty sandwiches to tartines, Margaret Johnson's latest cookbook is an encyclopedic, lavishly illustrated journey through the celebrated custom of teatime in Ireland. Learn the fascinating history behind Ireland's iconic beverage, the time-honored repast that complements it, and learn about the shops, hotels, and castles that do it best. Teatime in Ireland is essential reading and a valuable addition to your cookbook collection." -JEFF MEADE, Editor, irishphiladelphia.com "Teatime in Ireland is Margaret Johnson's most glorious book yet. Full of rich history and traditional sayings, every page will make you want to put on a kettle of water to make a rich, soul-satisfying brew. Visit legendary tea spots through her pages or create your own specialties for friends and family. There is absolutely no better way to create a bit of peace and joy in your day." -ROSEANN TULLY, CEO & Founder, Intermezzo Magazine "Margaret Johnson's Teatime in Ireland brings us the best of Irish cooking with a visual presentation of Ireland that creates a longing for home. And this latest volume, like its predecessors, is literate and entertaining, as well as informative and practical." -PETER MCDERMOTT, Arts Editor, Irish Echo Newspaper "With her latest book, Teatime in Ireland, Margaret Johnson proves again to be one of Irish gastronomy's most fervent, accomplished, and artful ambassadors. She presents scores of recipes-and stories-each practically arranged, sourced, and delicious, along with lustrous photos that literally beckon the appetite. For this reader, at least, the book now stands as the definitive guide to the rich culture of Irish tea rooms. Indeed, as the book highlights, what other ritual could inspire its devotees to their cupán tea at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel on Easter Monday 1916, as the bullets flew in and around them!" -GERRY REGAN, Editorial Director, thewildgeese.irish Social Network

James Hawthorne, a widowed and recently retired minister, has searched for and found his only child, given up for adoption at birth. Leaving behind his congregation, he purchases a house next to his daughter, Marta, now an adult with a family of her own. James longs to reconnect with Marta, but secrets and tragedy force him to question everything.Tracking down the biological mother, he finds a broken woman who is weary of living. Of all the souls he has ministered to, the mother of his child is the last person he ever expected to help.In his quest for answers, she reveals information that both devastates James and sets him free. Beset by uncertainty and doubt, James must rely on faith, love, and his belief in family. Already very attached to Marta and her child, he knows they need him now more than ever.Will he ever have the family he has secretly wept for all of his adult life?

The early 1900s was a time of change and chaos in Ireland-a time when the suffragist movement was stirring up women to fight for their rights and when the Protestants and Catholics were set against each other.When Fred, a Protestant, falls in love with Niamh, a devout Catholic, he finds himself being exiled to America to make a place for himself as a salesman in New York. But Fred has been forced to leave much behind in Ireland, including a strict father, a weak mother, a suffragist sister, and his true love, Niamh. Determined to find a place where everyone is accepted and Protestants and Catholics can marry, Fred works to save money for Niamh's own passage to America to join him.While Niamh waits for the day she can afford to join her love, she joins the suffragists, learning why women need to fight to be heard and questioning all she has been taught. The one thing that keeps her holding onto hope are the letters she receives from Fred through his sister, Hilda. But Niamh will have to decide to leave behind the family she loves and make a future with someone she's known for only a short time.Based on the true love letters the author found in her family's belongings, this twentieth century Romeo and Juliet will have you rooting for an unlikely marriage and longing to read one more letter. Endorsements"Compelling, evocative, shocking and true, The Last Letter is a wonderful debut from Bethan Marshall. She is a natural writer who brings her historical tale of men and women, politics and prejudice to vivid life."Michael BracewellBritish writer and novelist"The Last Letter is a fascinating historical novel based on family papers passed down to the author Bethan Marshall. Part of its strength is found in Marshall's knowledge of the history, literature, politics, philosophy and theology of the times covered. A delightful read!"Rebecca PippertAuthor and international speaker

Shadow is one of many therapeutic horses at Rising Hope Farms. While there are other horses to choose from, many riders specifically ask to work with Shadow given his easy-going spirit and the excitement surrounding his mysterious spots. His life wasn't always as pleasant as it is on this North Carolina farm, though. Shadow's unique spots mystified his former master and brought with them, fear and confusion. Life back then was tough. Lucky for him, Shadow's master finally sent Shadow to auction. A kind woman felt compelled to buy the downtrodden horse with sad eyes and a gentle nature, and she brought him to Rising Hope Farms. Today, riders young and old flock to Shadow. While much mystery about his spots remain, when revealed; they are a reminder to us all that by God's handiwork, we are each uniquely and beautifully made.

With a mom in forensics and a dad on the police force, it's no wonder that fourteen-year-old Bailey McKenzie has her sights set on working in the field of law enforcement as well. When she and her friends are given the opportunity to be junior forensic interns for the summer with her mother leading them, Bailey jumps at the chance to get a start on her career. But investigating a murder scene takes a personal turn when the team, specifically Bailey, comes under attack and their lives are placed in danger. As the team continues to try to put the pieces together, can they depend on God to help them figure out who the murderer is and catch the criminal before it's too late? Or will Bailey's dreams of fighting for justice never become a reality? Bailey must follow the clues to answer these questions. But through it all, Bailey must learn to decide who she can trust and place her faith in the One Who will never let her down.

Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what's happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer-along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him). Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her? God works in mysterious ways-and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama-and it all starts with a dog who comes to church. EndorsementsWho Brought the Dog to Church? by Tracy L. Smoak is a delightful contemporary Christian novel about community, care, and friendship. There is the difficult topic of domestic violence which is sensitively portrayed by Tracy. Her style of writing enables the reader to easily picture the victim and the abuser as we get inside their heads. There is also the theme of loss as women struggle with grief after losing their husbands. Tracy L. Smoak writes in an easy, personable style. Although there are serious themes, her style is easy-going and peppered with humor. Tracy L. Smoak is a new author to me and certainly one that I want to read more from. Her story tackles serious, relevant issues in an easily relatable way while revealing the heart and love of God for His children. Who Brought the Dog to Church? is a charming tale that I can highly recommend.-Julia WilsonBlogger at www.christianbookaholic.comIn Who Brought the Dog to Church?, Tracy L. Smoak has done something remarkable-she's woven serious topics such as death, immigration, and domestic violence, with the laugh-out-loud antics of a bunch of small town church ladies to produce a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking tale. The relationships between Betty, Letitia, Ida Lou, and Elizabeth are darling! Fun connections and revelations sprinkled throughout the book make it a page-turner not to be missed, and the whole story wraps up in wonderfully satisfying and sweet conclusion. This book gives readers hope for abundant joy, even in the midst of pain, and, most of all, points us to the unfailing love of the Savior.-Heather Norman SmithAuthor of Songs for a Sunday, Where I Was Planted, New Wine Transportation Company, and other inspirational southern fiction

Many readers of the Bible assume that when Jesus did a miracle it was, fundamentally, to prove that He was God-Jesus was pulling out His "God Card." What is startling is that Jesus never made the case that this was the primary purpose of His miracles.What if Jesus was intending to reveal something different, something more, something beyond merely proving His identity? Seeing as Jesus' miracles were such a significant part of His ministry, if we miss what His miracles do reveal, we may be missing out on great insights into the One who loves us and came to rescue us.Like the restoration of a great Old Master's painting, Brian leads his readers to a fresh vision of what is conveyed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' miracles. Uncovering what is there, in the text, we see the miracles in a reinvigorated, vibrant way. You will never read about the miracles in the same way . . . and you will catch a renewed and compelling glimpse of Jesus.Endorsements for More Than His God Card:Brian accurately and skillfully helps us to understand and appreciate the meaning of Jesus' miracles. It's profoundly encouraging to apply these truths to our lives. After reading this book, you'll never look at the miracles of Jesus the same.-David K. HodgeSenior Vice President for North American Ministries, Walk Thru the BibleIf joyful, original, logical, and clear enlargement of mind about the miracles of Jesus grabs your interests, this is your book.-Gayle ErwinAuthor of The Jesus StyleInsightful and convicting, this book is a great resource and is most definitely worth the read! Its examination of Jesus' miracles takes you to a deeper understanding of His character as you are drawn into these incredible stories. Expect new insights and a new perspective you may not have seen before.-Matt WilliamsAuthor and Teaching Pastor/Directional Leader, Grace Church, Greenville, South Carolina

A remnant of Jews living in a heathen country . . .A young orphan being raised by her God-fearing cousin . . A self absorbed king in search of a new queen . . .A Jewish woman rising to the throne of Persia . . .A book of the Bible which makes no mention of the name of God . . .Random? Surprising? Chance? Maybe at first glance, but upon closer study of Esther's life, you'll find that nothing is unexpected to the God who knows the beginning from the end. From humble beginnings in a city where she seemingly did not belong, God raised Esther to the highest position imaginable for a woman in her era: Esther became queen of Persia. The series of events which led her to the throne is remarkable; what transpired following her coronation changed history. There is nothing chance or random to be found here: Esther's life was entirely a matter of trust in the providential power of God.Through easily applicable Biblical truths, interwoven with personal and heartfelt stories, Jennifer brings a contemporary relevance to Esther's extraordinary story. Join Esther on her journey to the throne of Persia and beyond. You'll not only discover what powerful deeds God was able to accomplish through the unexpected turns that her life took - you'll discover what He desires to do in the unexpected turns in your life today!

We all go through seasons of waiting, times when God just seems to have closed His ears to us and turned His back. During those seasons, it's easy for us to give up hope and lose heart. But what if we hold on to the hope that God is working behind the scenes, even if we can't see Him? What can we learn from those times of waiting? Shannon Brink has experienced those seasons herself¿after she hurt her knee and was forced to stay in bed for weeks on end, while she was facing possible infertility but longed to be a mother, as door after door closed on her dreams of living in a far-away land, and now as she waits for sleep to come while battling chronic insomnia. As a former nighttime nurse, Shannon knows that the hardest time of the waiting season is at night, when our thoughts take over and worry invades. Drawing from her own experiences and from the examples of God's people in the Bible who also experienced seasons of waiting, Shannon encourages the reader to hold on to the One Who created us and has only our good in mind. While waiting in the dark, cling to the Light.

Alana Candler is on someone's hit list. But why? A stalker is breathing down her neck at every turn, hiding in the shadows, waiting for her to make a mistake- to freeze long enough for him to make his hit. When the stalker kidnaps her from a hotel and leaves her to die, Jaydn Holbrook, CEO and owner of the largest company in Tennessee, saves her life and promises to protect her. But is he enough? Jaydn's high school friendship with Brad, Alana's brother and the City's Police Chief, gives him incentive to protect Alana and shelter her from the growing danger. Alana's trust in God's protection intrigues him and compels him to explore her faith further, but when she mentions her aversion to rich, executive-type bosses, Jaydn keeps his position at his company secret-trying not to destroy their fragile bond. As tensions build, Jaydn and Alana are caught up in a dangerous web of hiding from the pursuer trying to kill them and fighting the attraction they feel for each other.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20 Thirteen-year-old Melanie Cooper can't wait to spend the week at Camp Redwoods. When she arrives, it's even more wonderful than she imagined. She's experiencing amazing adventures with her friends and beginning to understand more about God. But Bethany, Melanie's frenemy, seems determined to ruin camp for her. As Melanie seeks to know God, questions and distractions arise. But God persistently knocks on the door of her heart and shows her what it means to be a child of God. Will Melanie answer and make the ultimate decision which will change her life forever? Discover with Melanie a loving, heavenly Father Who pursues a relationship with His children.

On Monday 23rd February 2009, following a weekend of Bible teaching in County Londonderry, Derick Bingham was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He was given two days to live. An enormous response of prayer arose for him across the world and following incredible care at the Belfast City Hospital, he was privileged to come into remission (although he likes to call it 'permission'). As he lay in an isolation ward for weeks, he began to wonder if people would like to know what his Christian faith meant to him in such a situation. His church set up a website for those who were concerned about his condition, and he decided to write some letters on the website from his isolation ward. The response was phenomenal, including sympathetic interest from the press and, as it turned out, the BBC who then carried his letters.At the request of Derick's publisher and a retired senior medical figure in Northern Ireland who pled that his letters should not be lost, feeling they would be of help to people who were ill, this book has surfaced.Proceeds from this book will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

"It was said Treemoonia had a memory that helped to keep important things important . . . " In the trees of Treemoonia, the people are content, work hard, and help each other. If they follow the Parabole, the book that tells of how they began, then their land is blessed. But not everyone believes in the Parabole or the Winds of Treemoonia, and they must deal with the consequences of their unbelief deep beneath the sheltering trees of their homeland. Tommy is just another Treemoonian child, enjoying a siesta day with his friends, with his sister underfoot. Annoyed that she insists on following him, Tommy does his best to lose her-that is, until he actually loses her for real. As Tommy frantically tries to find his sister, he stumbles across a stepping vine leading beneath Treemoonia. Knowing his sister may have followed the same vine, Tommy soon finds himself going deep down into a dark world, where creatures are not what they appear and where his questions are met with hatred and fear. Will Tommy be able to find his way back home with his sister safely in-hand? Or will the creatures beneath Treemoonia swallow him up for good and keep him captive in his disbelief? The answers can be found only in the Parabole-if only Tommy will believe what he already knows.