Happy January, A Book Review AND a GIVEAWAY!

How is your January going so far? I know many of you, including our area here in Idaho have gotten some snow this week - and I'm hoping before the end of the week to be able to get out and go cross-country skiing in our back acreage.  We got about a foot of snow overnight, but it is very sticky and wet - not the best kind of snow to ski in.  But - this weekend, we are supposed to get sub-zero temps and beautiful sunshine - and this is great skiing weather, so I look forward to it all. In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some beautiful pictures I've taken - AND then something exciting! I am doing a book giveaway today! I will introduce you to the author, and the book, share my review of the book, and then you'll get a chance to win the book. Your heart will be VERY blessed by the message of this book! 

I snapped this picture with my cell phone out my office window - this little guy has been a very consistent visitor to our suet feeders. It is interesting to watch him through the window!

Beautiful snowy scenes captured on my morning walk! 

Yesterday, just before a winter storm arrived, the skies were ablaze with color! 
Glorious skies to walk with! 

I'm treated to such beautiful views as I walk! 

I wanted to share this with you - I found this beautiful lantern on Amazon, and sent it to my Mom for Christmas.  As many of you know, my Dad passed away in June, 
in his rocking chair, on his front porch. He loved his rocking chair, and lanterns too. 
Wasn't this a special way to honor his memory! I have also ordered one for myself.  

And NOW I want to introduce to you the author of this wonderful book! I met Jennifer Self through an online writing group that I am a part of.  Jennifer kindly sent me a copy of her book to review!  

This is my review: 

Venture is a story of one family's determination in the face of many disappointments, financial obstacles, and turmoil.  While this story tells how they overcame those obstacles, there is a greater lesson to be learned - and that is to depend on the Lord, pray and seek the Lord, and be willing to work hard with what He has given you. All members of Jennifer's family share their insights and experiences in the book, and it is a beautiful picture of a family working together to overcome hardship in the face of great adversity. It left me feeling very encouraged by the goodness of the Lord.  Jennifer is an excellent writer, as are all her children, and husband.  You will be blessed to read this book, and its message of hope will be a source of encouragement to you. 

Here is a little more information about Jennifer and the book she wrote: 

Venture is the story of a father who went from losing his job to creating jobs in seven years, the family he chose as his team, and the God Who led them faithfully through it all.

At 5:30 on that March morning, Jennifer wrote, “When we look back over our life, we see only the peaks of the mountains. The valleys, then out of sight, were the pathways to the mountaintops.” Five hours later, all she and her family could see was the valley. Determined to reach the mountaintop again, they created an unlikely team and began the climb.

Their story gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a business while also building relationships. It shares how working together as a family has highs and lows and how they often occur in the space of 24 hours. Most of all, it shows the power of family teamwork and an abundantly good God.

The Self family is living proof that nothing is certain except God’s faithfulness and the hope He gives. Loss taught them to hold on to hope when circumstances threatened to shake it from their grip.

Whatever personal venture readers may undertake, this story offers hope. The mountain top is just ahead.

If you'd like to know more about Jennifer, you can visit her website here: 

www.jenniferlself.com 

Because I fell in love with the book and its message, I want to offer a copy of this book to one of my readers! 

 If you will leave a comment below, you will be entered into the drawing, which will take place sometime next Monday, January 15.  I will announce the winner here on this post, and also email the winner, as I will need your shipping address to ship the book to you from Amazon.  

Stay warm and dry my friends, and also - if you are looking for a good book to read during the cold winter months - I have some great recommendations on my website HERE   Please visit and bless these authors who are personal friends of mine.  I love to encourage authors who have just published and be a blessing to them, and their families.  If you know of any other good authors who have published books, please also share in the comments.  

Sharing a couple of videos that I've shared recently on my YouTube channel... 

Many blessings to all of you today! Please comment to join in on the giveaway :)