Book Review: Clutter Free by Kathi Lipp

There are a lot of resources available on clutter.  I've skimmed some, read some and left it at that.  Kathi Lipp's book Clutter Free is a well written handbook on clutter, not just to address your current state of clutter, but to address the issues behind WHY you have clutter.  I have found the techniques and insight in this book to be life-changing.  If you are a tub-buying stasher, you may want to avoid this book.  It will challenge your tub buying stashing efforts in a BIG way - i.e. stop buying tubs!  By the time I reached Chapter 6, I thought Kathi Lipp had some sort of secret access to the thought processes of my mind and shopping experiences.  The book is 25 chapters long with three worthwhile appendices.  The first appendix provides you information you need to get started with Kathi's Three-Box, Two-Bag System.  No, you are not going out to buy new tubs for this system!!!  Although I actually found I had some empty ones that work nicely for the process.  I'm an easily distracted individual when I'm cleaning an area.  The three-box, two-bag system helps me to stay focused and in the same location as my clutter I'm attempting to clear.  Appendix 2 helps you address paperwork clutter and Appendix 3 helps you learn to pack for vacation and business trips without more luggage than you can carry, pull, load and check at the airport.  The 25 chapters will help you identify how much your clutter is costing you, why you buy the things you buy, why you keep the things you keep and approaches to get rid of stuff.  I've recommended this book to many friends.  I don't plan on giving up my copy anytime soon.  If you are ready for a life-changing read - order this book today, it may save you from multiple more costly purchases later. Find it today on Amazon.

I received this book for free in exchange for this review.

Book Review: A Kingsbury Collection by Karen Kingsbury

I recently had the opportunity to read the three novel collection, A Kingsbury Collection, by Karen Kingsbury.  I have read several of Karen Kingsbury’s books and usually enjoy them to tears.  I had not previously read any of the stand alone novels in this collection.  The novels in this collection include: Where Yesterday Lives, When Joy Came to Stay and On Every Side.

Where Yesterday Lives follows Ellen Barrett, a prize winning journalist, as she examines her present, revisits her past and dreams of her future.  When Joy Came to Stay is a story of Maggie Stovall.  A woman who appears to have it all together and finds herself falling apart at every turn.  The novel, On Every Side, tells the story of Faith Evans and her fight to save a precious community statue of Jesus in a city park and the heart of a boy she knew long ago.

I enjoyed each title in this collection.  A couple of the stories included story-lines related to adoption which is very close to my heart.  I love how Karen Kingsbury creates characters and story-lines that are real, relational and relevant.  I would recommend her books to any avid fiction reader.  I strongly recommend the e-book format.  I found the size of this book to be a bit cumbersome to read and carry.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: gods at war by Kyle Idleman

I jumped at the opportunity to read Kyle Idleman's new book, gods at war.  However, my "preacherman" husband received first dibs at reading it and was helpful in writing this review.

I recently read the book “gods at war: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart” by  author Kyle Idleman.  This was a challenging and insightful book that will push even the most devout Christian to reexamine their lives and not only throw out idols but, replace them with a deeper love and commitment to God.  The author’s witty and playful writing style makes this an enjoyable read and a book that I will definitely be adding to my library.

The first half of the book addresses the development of idols in our modern context and the last half of the book addresses specific idols such as entertainment, pleasure, sex and achievement.  At the close of each chapter are probing questions that force you to struggle with whether this is an idol in your life that needs replacing.  This book is based on solid Biblical principles and as a pastor I plan to develop a sermon series later this year based on the concepts I have learned from reading this book. 

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I anxiously awaited the opportunity to review Dani Pettrey's second installment to the Alaskan Courage series.  I previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Submerged, where I was introduced to the McKenna family in Yancey, Alaska and the suspenseful romance of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

The sequel, Shattered, picks up with a focus on the youngest McKenna sister, Piper.  The distant and rarely heard from McKenna brother, Reef, returns to Yancey and is arrested and jailed awaiting trial for murder.  Piper sets out to prove his innocence at all costs.  Deputy Landon Grainger is a long time friend of the McKenna's and desires to believe Reef is innocent.  However, due to the overwhelming evidence that is mounting against Reef, Landon is finding it difficult to believe him to be innocent.  This presents further complications as he is aware of his ever-growing feelings for Piper and his desperate need to protect her from the danger she chases.

My biggest dilemma when writing reviews on fiction novels is trying to convey enough of the story line without revealing too many of the surprises.  My review of Shattered is no different.  This book was a fun and enjoyable read.  I finished it quickly and would read it again.  I enjoy a good, modest, suspenseful, romantic read.  Dani Pettrey is quickly emerging as one of my favorite authors at the top of my list with Dee Henderson, Kristen Heitzmann and Irene Hannon.  I think readers of Submerged will similarly enjoy Shattered.  It provides familiar characters and a new and twisted plot.  If you haven't read Submerged, I suggest picking it up first to get better acquainted with the McKenna family.  If your reading interests are similar to mine, I think Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will find a permanent spot on your bookshelf.  I will now anxiously await the release of book three, Stranded, set to be released in the Fall of 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Bible Study Review: Chase by Jennie Allen

I recently reviewed the dvd-based study, Chase, by Jennie Allen.  The study is published by Thomas Nelson and contains an eight session dvd, member's bible study book, leader's guide and discussion cards for use during group discussion times.  In the Chase study, Jennie Allen leads us to explore the question, "What are you chasing?" by looking into the life of David and the defining events in his life.

The dvd contains eight video segments approximately 10 minutes each of bible teaching from Jennie Allen. The segment titles correspond with the study and include:
1) Chase - the introduction
2) Identity
3) Courage
4) Obedience
5) Belief
6) Repentance
7) Surrender
8) Chased Down

The leader's guide provides tips and information for preparation and leading a small group.  Each session is broken down into two parts: the main idea and the main goal.  The main goal section includes homework discussion questions to help foster direction in small group time.

The medium sized, 156 page member book provides focused bible study and projects designed to be completed individually throughout the week.  Each week includes approximately 15 pages of individual study and projects with plenty of "white space" for notes and answers to your study questions.  I did not find this study to be as intensive as previous studies I have completed by authors such as Beth Moore, but the study will provide many opportunities to respond and grow as you read and study the life of David.

My favorite part of the study is possibly the most unique way I've seen the use of discussion questions in a bible study.  The "ask" question cards.  There are approximately 12 question cards and a scripture card for each week.  It is suggested that you distribute the cards for each week and take turns reading the questions and discussing them as a group.  Also included is a scripture card for the week to help bring home the focus of the scriptural truth for the week's study.

This study is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of your specific group.  It can be used for a one-hour study group or expanded to a longer time frame that allows for more in-depth conversation among group members.

I found Jennie Allen to be real and transparent in her own struggles of what she loves in life and those things that often take priority over God, His kingdom and His word.  She uses personal examples of her life, her children and her family's adoption experience throughout the video segments.  I especially liked how she spoke directly to the camera in her video segments to her viewing audience.

I received this study for free from the Booksneeze blogging program in exchange for my honest review of this material.

Book Review: The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I recently had the pleasure to read Kristen Heitzmann's novel, The Breath of Dawn. This is the third book of a series, following Rush of Wings and The Still of Night.  I have enjoyed many of Heitzmann's novels and I was excited to get my hands on this newest addition. The Breath of Dawn lived up to the high expectations I had for it.

The Breath of Dawn picks up with success guru, Morgan Spencer, adjusting to the tragic loss of his wife, Jill.  After a couple years regrouping at his brother's ranch and learning how to be a father to his little girl in the midst of all his pain, he meets Quinn Reilly.  Quinn has a past of her own she is trying to escape.  When Quinn begins to realize her past is catching up to her, she turns to Morgan for help. Although Quinn is initially offended by the unconventional solution Morgan offers, she soon realizes it is her only real option for safety.  In what maybe one of Morgan's riskiest moves yet, his family steps aside and prays he knows what he is doing. 

If you enjoyed Rush of Wings and The Still of Night, follow Morgan and Quinn on this wild and crazy ride of suspense, romance and healing in this third installment of the series and you will be glad you did.  I enjoyed it so much that I returned to it and revisited the last half of the book before writing this review.  Please be aware that Quinn's character is threatened by a person from her past.  If you are sensitive to violence of any form, you may not enjoy this book.  

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

I recently read my first romantic suspense novel set in the Mennonite community.  Inescapable is the first in the Road to Kingdom series by Nancy Mehl.  Inescapable follows the life of Lizzie Engel as she runs back to her hometown of Kingdom, Kansas.  Lizzie never intended to return to her father or the Mennonite community that wanted to have nothing to do with her and her young child born out of wedlock.  However, mysterious letters and glimpses of a stalker and trouble in her workplace force Lizzie to leave her new life and return to Kingdom, a place so far off the map she hopes no one can find her there.  When Lizzie returns to Kingdom, she is met with a town in limbo.  There are many struggles within the town and the changes people are pushing in the church community.  Lizzie finds friends that help her to adjust to her return and her time in Kingdom presents her with many new options to consider for her and her young daughter.

Inescapable was an enjoyable read.  Two minor things I took note of while reading were the dialogue between Lizzie and her parents and also Lizzie's relationship with her daughter, Charity.  It took a little to get used to the writer's dialogue, especially between Lizzie and her mother and father.  Although Lizzie speaks plainly, her parents speak in a very formal manner, often referring to her as "Daughter" or by her first and middle name.  I also found it difficult to fully identify with the relationship between Lizzie and her young daughter.  Lizzie is a great mom, doing the best she can as a single mom to raise her child. If I recall correctly, Lizzie's daughter is identified as a six year old in the story, yet her behaviors and the mother/daughter relationship make her appear much younger that six in my opinion.

Inescapable is a good choice if you like the combination of modern day romance, suspense and the Mennonite community setting.  The characters are well developed as well as the suspense and desire for reconciliation.  Inescapable also includes 10 discussion questions and a sneak peak of the first chapter of Book #2 of the Kingdom series, Unbreakable, available Spring 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

I recently read The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman.  This book, while not my favorite, was an interesting, captivating and entertaining read to me.

Corrie Saunders returns to her home that had been in her husband's family for generations. Corrie faces some coldness from family members who think she should have returned the home to the family and moved on with her life after her husband died a hero at war.  Corrie feels somewhat out of place in his hometown, yet it is also the place she feels closest to her late husband, Jarrod.  Corrie believes that the spirits she senses belong to her husband and that maybe he hasn't left her after all.  Jarrod's cousin, Eli, is helping with the renovations of the family home.  He is concerned for Corrie and her safety as she begins to open up about the odd occurrences.  Eli begins to witness the spirit occurrences as well.  Eli, a strong man of faith, is aware of the evil that has been allowed to roam the home for generations, invited to stay by his grandparents.  Eli is aware of many of Jarrod's failings and struggles to hide his somewhat ill feelings from Corrie to not dismantle her hero view of her late husband and her delicate emotions.  Eli and Corrie find themselves drawing closer together, yet being torn apart by differing opinions.  Eli encourages Corrie to grow in her faith and to rely on Jesus in those moments of concern.  However, Aunt Trudy, a old magic practicing medium encourages Corrie that Jarrod is not lost to her and that she can reconnect with him and his spirit.  Corrie must decide how she will choose to live the rest of her life.

The book is full of deep characters, the struggle between good and evil and the growing romance that grief and healing allow.  It had a different plot than books I frequently choose, however, it drew me in quickly and kept my attention.  I would not hesitate to read another book by Tracey Bateman.

If you are interested in The Widow of Saunders Creek, follow this link to a free preview available at Scribd.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Waiting for Morning is a fictional novel, filled with fictional characters that took me on a very real emotional roller-coaster.  The main character, Hannah Ryan, experienced such tragic loss early in the book.  I cried with her in her anguish and at times I wanted to reach out and shake her as she struggled to find new ground.    I rejoiced in the new friendships she unknowingly formed in the midst of tragedy.

Karen Kingsbury has written what I would call plausible fiction.  While this is categorized and intended as a work of fiction, I found myself asking if I would respond the same way Hannah Ryan responded if faced with similar circumstances.  In many ways, I hope not.  Yet, I realize that Hannah's response is very real and possible.  Could I be the friend to Hannah that she found in Carol and Matt?  Would my relationship with God change for the better or worse?  Would I be able to reach out to my children in my pain?

Waiting for Morning is the first of Kingsbury's Forever Faithful Trilogy.  I look forward to completing the series and taking another ride on an emotional roller-coaster.  Kingsbury also includes discussion questions at the end of her novel for personal or group consideration.

An excerpt of this book is available here.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: The Lucado Inspirational Reader

I have the opportunity to review Max Lucado's recent book, The Lucado Inspirational Reader.  Max Lucado is a well-known and popular Christian writer and has written many books including, Facing Your Giants, Fearless, It's Not About Me and Next Door Savior.  This recent book is a compilation of inspirational quotes and passages from Lucado's many written works.  


I personally had difficulty reading this book for review purposes because, in my opinion, it is not designed to be read cover to cover in a few sittings.  I would consider this book to be an excellent choice for a coffee table or waiting area.  It is a book that could be picked up and flipped through and read piece by piece.  The passages are categorized into topical chapters such as: Comfort, Creation, Family, Prayer, Purpose, Salvation and Worship to name a few.  Each chapter includes several small passages and quotes from many of Lucado's complete books, each giving reference to the book it was drawn from.  The end of the book also includes a topical index for more specific searches of the passages.


I have found Max Lucado's works to be uplifting and thought provoking.  This reader is a wonderful addition for those who want to briefly read pieces of his larger works.  It would make a thoughtful gift for pastors, teachers, friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: God Gave Us You

I've been reviewing books for almost a year now.  The very first book I requested was a three book treasury by Lisa Tawn Bergren titled, God Gave Us So Much.  My children enjoyed it and I enjoyed reading it to them.  I recently had the opportunity to request a copy of the children's board book, God Gave Us You, by Lisa Tawn Bergren.  


The book, God Gave Us You, tells the story of Little Cub's entrance into the world in response to her bedtime question, "Where did I come from?"  Mama Bear chronicles the happiness and excitement that Mama and Papa experienced the whole time Little Cub was growing inside Mama.  Mama tells Little Cub of the preparations they made for her birth and the prayers that Mama prayed for her little cub.  Throughout the story Mama and Little Cub return to the statement, "because God gave us you."


This story is fun and easy to read to children of all ages.  I've read it frequently to my little "cub" and I love how she turns the theme to "God gave you ME."  It is a great length for a story before bedtime or nap time.   The book does just as the back cover claims as it "assures each child that he or she truly is a treasured gift from the Lord."

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Indelible is a romantic suspense novel written by award-winning author, Kristin Heitzmann.  Indelible features new characters such as Trevor MacDaniel and Natalie Reeve among others and also weaves in many residents of the Redford community first introduced in Heitzmann's book, Indivisible.  While the story-line stands alone apart from Indivisible, I believe readers will find Indelible much more enjoyable and somewhat easier to understand if they choose to first read Indivisible.


I found this book to be written in familiar Heitzmann form.  I did find the antagonist's introductory parts of the book somewhat confusing. I considered the disjointing of thoughts part of the author's style and saw it through to the end.  As the book carried through I was able to easily tie it all together and realize the author had been referencing John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost.  This is a light romance of a budding relationship that develops despite Trevor's perceived past inadequacies and Natalie's almost super-natural and at times disabling ability to see into people with her eidetic memory.  The suspense keeps the story-line moving and the reader anticipating the next twist or turn. Indellible, like other Heitzmann novels, captured my attention and made for a quick, suspenseful and enjoyable read.  

The product description from the back cover of the trade paperback reads:


In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail? 
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.
 
Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.
 
When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.


If this sounds like a book you might enjoy, you can check out the first chapter for free at Scribd by clicking here.  This book is available in both print and ebook form from most retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Christianbook.com.  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.


My particular digital review format of this book had some quirky formatting as some other reviewers have noted. I downloaded the free Kindle sample and found it to be without quirks.  I believe the odd formatting and hanging letters is a reflection of the compatibility of my review copy and my Kindle device, not the author's grammatical error or inadequacy. 

Book Review: A Wedding Invitation

How much can a simple wedding invitation change a person's life?  In Alice J Wisler's new book, A Wedding Invitation, it drastically changes the lives of many.  Main characters, Samantha Bravencourt and Carson Brylie share a past together that has the potential to impact their present and future lives if they are willing to see past the hurt and disappointment of the past to embrace a second chance for a future.  

I found this book to be an easy and enjoyable read.  The elements within this sweet romance lead you questioning the direction the story will end for much of its forty-eight chapters. The story-line moves between the present and the past as it lays the foundation for Samantha and Carson's history together.  Throughout the book the author introduces many characters that provide a positive and encouraging support system to Samantha even in the midst their own individual struggles. The book includes some recipes that were alluded to throughout the story and also includes some questions for conversation.


If you are looking for an enjoyable, romantic read that will leave you believing in the endless possibilities of love and how our days and our lives can be altered by one small event then I suggest you take a look at this book.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review.

Shadows on the Sand - Book Review

Shadows on the Sand is a sweet romance laced with mystery written by Gayle Roper and published by Waterbrook Multnomah.  The author's ease of character development quickly drew me into the developing story-line. This book includes a variety of well developed characters that add to the drama and suspense of the book.  The detailed scene descriptions draw the reader into the story's seaside setting.  I found this book to be a work of fiction with a hint of reality as the budding romance strives to overcome many obstacles both past and present.  The mystery part of this story-line is laced with various forms of crime and cult activity.  While nothing is described explicitly, readers sensitive to such topics may not find it enjoyable.


This is the first of Gayle Roper's many books that I have read.  This book was not quite the emotional roller-coaster ride that I often find myself on while reading books from some of my favorite authors such as Kristen Heitzmann or Nicholas Sparks.  Even without the dramatic emotional swings I found it to be an enjoyable, pleasant, clean and easy read.  It kept me awake and turning the pages throughout the book.  I will consider reading other Gayle Roper books in the future.


Teaser from the Back Cover:


She serves him breakfast at her café every morning … but he never seems to notice her.
 
Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin. 
 
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
 
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  Please go here to rank this review!

Enemies of the Heart - Book Review

I was given an opportunity to review Andy Stanley's book, Enemies of the Heart.  This book identifies four emotions that have the power to control us if we allow them to do so. This book is well written; however, may be difficult to digest, especially if one or more of these four emotions has lodged itself in your heart. Stanley identifies the four enemies of the heart as guilt, anger, greed and jealousy.  Stanley uses multiple scriptures and personal illustrations to help the reader understand each enemy.  Throughout reading this book I began to find it easier to identify emotions in myself and those around me. The good news is that not only does Stanley identify these four enemies he also provides ways for us to overcome them.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to take control over his or her emotions. One chapter I especially enjoyed described how learning to model this control over our emotions can greatly benefit our children.  By learning how to model confession, forgiveness, generosity and celebration we can teach our children how to manage the emotions that rage within them and provide them with a valuable resource that will serve them well for a lifetime.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Chocolate Diaries - Book Review

I am excited to have the opportunity to review the new book by Karen Scalf Linamen, The Chocolate Diaries.  This is the first of her books that I have read.  I figured anything with chocolate in the title had to be sweet.  This book offered a healthy serving of fifteen chapters of the author's anecdotes on life seasoned with a variety of true and relevant stories from friends and acquaintances.  While this 201 page book could be digested quickly, I chose to spread it out over several courses to savor the flavors presented.


Each chapter offers "Sweet Secrets" from the author's readers with different answers to the question, "What's your secret to a sweeter journey on the rocky road of life?" Each chapter concludes with a handful of questions the author titles, "Food for Thought" and also a section "Because Real Women don't need a Cookbook" that offers various types of chocolate indulgences.  


I personally enjoyed chapter four with seven "pick-me-ups" to brighten each day.  I found them to be practical and possible.  I also tried the recipe offered at the end of chapter eleven for Three-Minute Cake in a Mug with my girls and it was a huge hit.  This book offers some real-life, practical advice on managing the ups and downs of life.  This book's wit, recipes and questions would make for some fabulous fun for a women's group that meets on a regular basis.  If you are searching for your next bible study, please keep in mind that although there are references to Christian living within this book there are not regular passages of scripture in each chapter for study.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright - Book Review

Daddy Dates is one man's journey through parenthood raising four daughters. This book is full of practical tips for fathers to get to know their daughters. The book offers twenty-five short chapters and additional helps such as personality profiles and a list of the top 15 daddy dates.

I love the idea presented throughout this book, as the author once penned it, “I show my girls that they are understood, valued, and cherished by the first guy who ever loved them for who they are.” I found this book to be well-written and easy to read. I think this book is a great handbook for all parents raising daughters in today's culture. The platform of this book seems so simple, yet so foreign to our families today. I love the example of a father guiding his daughters into womanhood by showing them how a man should love and respect them. I also appreciated the author's chapter dedicated to “Mommy Dates.” This chapter is devoted to reminding men that “mommy” was their first girl and that they need to continue to pursue that relationship in the midst of the parenting years.  I believe the suggestions in this book have great potential to build and strengthen the father/daughter relationship for years to come. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I'm hooked!

Many of you may know that I am now blogging for books.  I just completed my 2nd book and am so excited to write about it.  For several years now, I have been a fan of Nicholas Sparks.  So much so that I didn't even know of another fiction author I would enjoy reading.  In my blogging for books quest, I took a leap and requested Kristen Heitzmann's book Indivisible. This book did not disappoint!  I began reading it much like I do with my others, a couple chapters before bed and then I set it aside until the next night.  On about the third night or so, I began reading around page 80...and didn't put it down until page 236, leaving me another 90 pages which I was anxious to finish the following morning.  This book had so many elements of suspense and romance, I found myself trying to predict what would happen next.  The first few chapters set the scene with a variety of characters and glimpses of their history together.  The history continued to unfold throughout the book, leading me deeper into the lives and struggles of each character.  The back cover of this book accurately refers to it as "a spell-binding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone." Indivisible is well written by a Christian author and a pleasure to read and recommend to friends and family.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Yes, He did! (a review of God Gave Us So Much)

God Gave Us So Much is a three book treasury by Lisa Tawn Bergren that includes God Gave Us the World, God Gave Us Love and God Gave Us Heaven. God Gave us the World is a new addition to this series. In this new book, Mama Bear takes Little Cub to the museum to learn about the different bears around the world. Little Cub learns that all bears are not alike, but that all bears are created by God. This story focuses on God as the creator of the world and everything in it.

The second story in this treasury is God Gave Us Love. It is a wonderful story about love for each other. Throughout the story Grampa Bear teaches Little Cub about love. It highlights the many ways God shows His love for each of us including the most important way, “he sent his Son to save us, to show us the way.”

The third story is a dialogue between Papa and Little Cub about heaven. Little Cub has many questions and Papa answers them all. Here is a sampling of some of the questions Little Cub asks Papa: “What's heavn'n? Can we take our stuff to heaven? What will God look like? How do we get there?” This book provides thoughtful answers to many questions that children often ask about heaven.

I requested this book to share with my three little girls. I am so glad I did. My girls enjoy many types of books and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the dialogue that Little Cub has with special people in her life. The illustrations are well done and add untold elements to the story. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. I also think it would make a great birthday gift or baby shower gift and a great addition to a church library or nursery.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

A New Adventure

Recently I have rediscovered my love for reading.  I have specific authors I enjoy reading and tend to stick with them religiously.  Today I found myself ambitious to try something new.  I discovered a website that will send me FREE books in exchange for my review of the book posted to my blog and to a retail website.  Although I am excited about this new adventure, the idea of having a deadline (30-90 days) to complete the task is somewhat daunting for this Lucy-like persona.  I did not shy away from this new adventure but I am entering in the shallow end...a children's book (a treasury of three books), titled "God Gave Us So Much."  Look for the review in the weeks to come!