Thursday, October 29, 2015

Book Review: Julia's Daughters

This is such a strong book. Julia has three daughter, that is until her middle daughter died in a car accident which was the result of her eldest daughter's actions. The chapters alternate from points of view of the events. The event caused Julia to go into a depression and her husband to begin drifting away. The eldest daughter is also beginning to act out at school. To help overcome all of this they go on a car trip from California to Maine, where Julia's best friend lives.

I had times when I could not help tearing up while reading but still I had to keep going. This is such a well-written book it kept me coming back.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for my review.





Book Review: Wishes For Christmas by Fern Michaels

Fern Michaels, the author of Wishes for Christmas, writes very enjoyable romance novels. When I saw this book at NetGalley, I wanted to read it. This book consists of short stories and the characters in each one came from her other works. Because they were short stories they were not filled with the details that are usually a part of her novels. However, these books are still very enjoyable. This makes a nice book to read to find, or feel, that Christmas feeling, no matter what time of the year.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review. 





Book Review: Modesty - More Than A Change of Clothes

Modesty can mean different things to different people. It is very hard to define. The authors of Modesty - More Than A Change of Clothes, Martha Peace and Kent Keller address this subject from a biblical point of view. They also give a list of questions to decide where the actions that are witnessed come from.

This book is relevant to parents, teachers, students, children, church staff.....anyone that deals with this subject.

I was given this book by NetGalley and P& R Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 





Book Review: Hot Mama

Product DetailsMost mothers understand the concept of feeling exhausted and having very little left to share with their husbands. Kathi Pipp and Erin Macpherson, in the book Hot Mama: 12 Secrets to a sizzling hot marriage, share how to help keep your relationship hot. These two put such a humorous touch on this topic, yet they are able to touch all tired-out mamas. They use proberb and tips from all over to show how to revive that feeling from newlywed days.

Great book. I was given this book by Revell books in exchange for my honest review.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Book Review: Doctor Who: The Drosten's Curse

The Doctor is here to help where needed. In this book, the Doctor, Bryony, and Putta are working together to help find what is happening to golfers who seem to be disappearing. In addition, several others seem to be able to read minds. For the follower of Dr. Who, you know the Doctor is going to find out what is behind it.

I must say, even though I love the Dr. Who series, this book was not as exciting as the series is but still, if the reader is a Dr. Who fan, they should give this book a chance.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: Last Chance Hero

Last Chance Hero (A Place to Call Home, #4)Dr. Jessica MacLeod has moved to Last Chance, New Mexico and she feel like she does not fit in anywhere. Andy Ryan has come home from being a professional football player to become a couch of the high school team. These two are somehow drawn together even though they seem to have nothing in common.

This book was a little too predictable for my taste. Plus I felt really let down by the fact that there did seem to be any climatic part in the story.

I would not be able to give this book any more than three stars.

I was given this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.



Book Review: The Wounded warrior's Wife

Whitleigh Cromwell was looking forward to her husband coming home from deployment. She was not foreseeing the changes that this would bring into her life. she had to deal with the return of her husband, the memories that he has of the war, and how to deal with forgiveness. There are also war wounds to help with, those that can and cannot be seen.

Having a young husband and father in my family who serves in the military, I know from his wife and family the feelings that his deployment and his return brings to everyone in the family.

This story is a touching one that I think all families, whether they have a member of the military in their family or not, should read this book and think of those that do serve. 

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. 

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Book Review: 15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband

Praying for your husband should become a part of a wife's daily life. Elizabeth George has such a thoughtful way of writing and through this book she suggests passages from the Bible to use as a basis for aiding your husband. By using the Scriptures as a foundation it shows that you are concerned for what God wants for his life. 
George also helps the reader know that these prayers also help the wife's Spiritual life.
This is an excellent book for every wife.  
I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 


Book Review: The 50 Most Important Teachings of the Bible

Wonderful book to read. It covers a variety of subjects in the Bible from a personal view. Through these teachings that Jim George presents, Christians are given a foundation of information to share with others. This is a perfect book for Christians, no matter how far in their journey they are on.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.


Book Review: Chivalrous

Chivalrous is the second book in the Valian Hearts series and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first book, Dauntless.

The main character in  this book is a strong woman and believes in fighting for what they believe. this book is so well written and the descriptions are so exact that I felt like I was there in the story line.

Even though this has been reviewed by others as a young adult read, I feel like this is also a good book for anyone that enjoys this kind of character and medieval stories.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Crowns of the Believers

The Crowns of Believers, by Gina Burgess, talks about the entire life of a Christian. You can tell the passion that Gina Burgess has for her faith and the dedication she feels for passing what she has learned with others.  She also shows the reader the crowns worn by individuals in different biblical stories. Some of these crowns are actually physical and others are metaphorical. She does not ask anything of the reader that she has not done herself.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.





Book Review: Skin in the Game

This easy-to-read book, Skin in the Game, talks about how walking with will not necessarily be easy, but it is necessary if we want the rewards that are waiting for us. Each chapter talks about a story from the Bible and how they relate to risks we have to face. For example The Woman at the Well had to face shame, or confronting your fears as with the story of Jesus Walking on the water. 

For the reader that wants a more complete Christian life this book is an excellent resource. I received this book from bookfun.org and Kregel Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Taming the to-do list

We can all become overwhelmed with the things that we commit to doing. This book helps the reader learn hot to choose which ones to do so the best work can be done.

This short book is aimed at everyone in the family. In fact, it might be easier for those that have not made a life-time habit of overdoing, but all can learn from it.

The author, Glynnis Whitwer, states that she was an expert procrastinator and tells us how to identify the motivation behind it. She also helps the reader determine which work helps out lives and others. Some aspects of identifying procrastination and getting past it include the cost of decisions and procrastinating, the stress it brings, perfectionism, time management, and more.

This book helps to determine the steps to take for Taming the To-Do List.

I was given this book by Revell books in exchange for my honest review.


Monday, October 26, 2015

Cookbook Review: Donabe

Donabe is the clay pot that is used in Japanese cooking. In this book Naoko Takei Moore and Kyle Connaughton have placed some delicious and eye-appealing recipes which include ingredients such as tofu, miso sauce, leeks and so much more

Naoko Takei Moore is an expert in Japanese cooking and teaches cooking classes in California. Kyle Connaughton is a chef, author of cookbooks and is a culinary teacher.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Ten Speed Press in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: The Little Christmas Tree

The Little Christmas Tree begins with a storm coming to the woods. All of the larger trees decide to fight the storm but the little fir tree knows that it would do a better job being a shelter to the animals. During this time a baby was born and when the stars celebrate they come and settle on the little tree.

What a wonderful book about doing good for others, without expecting a reward. I believe that the smallest child can begin to understand this lesson. What a beautiful book to read to young children or for families to read together.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Lion Children Books in exchange for my review.

Children's book review: Charlie's Birthday Wish

Charlie's Birthday Wish takes a look at bullying from a bully that regret's his actions. Charlie's mother needs a list of friends for his birthday party. Charlie needs to find the words to tell his mom how he does not have any friends due to his own actions.

The illustrations are bright and eye-catching. The story is a good read for parent's to read aloud or for the independent reader to show the effects of bullying, regret and forgiveness.

This book was given to me by the author, Rene Micka, NetGalley and Mirror Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Chase

I had a feeling when I began The Chase: Trusting God with Your Happily Ever After  that it would be best for newlyweds or those about to be married. And while these couples would benefit the most from the writing, I found a few hints for those married for a long while also. Some of the ideas that they give also would apply for raising a family. Each member needs someone to pray for them, just like they suggest praying for each other.

There were some very honest stories throughout the book. This book would be good for anyone that is in a family situations. Very well written and very applicable.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.


Book Review: The Methuselah Project

The Methuselah Project, by Rick Barry is an interesting adventure. It is set during World War II, at a time when Germans were experimenting on prisoners.

Roger Greene was born to fly, so when the time came to fly for the Allies, he went. Greene was shot down and captured by the German's. While there he was experimented on and when the camp was bombed he discovered what the experiment entailed...his wounds healed and he never aged.

The theme is the similar to other works but it is done with humor and it pulls in a wide variety of readers. I also enjoyed that some of the book took place in Indiana. I spent 15 years there and it is so nice to hear mention of some places where I have been.

I would recommend this book to adventure readers, those that enjoy history and those that like Christian fiction.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review by bookfun.org and Kregel publishing


Children's Book Review: Chickadees, Bumbelbeez, Pussy Willow Trees and Two-And-A-Half

Chickadees, Bumblebeez, Pussy-Willow Trees and Two-And-A-HalfThe cover of this book gives a good idea of the illustrations that are waiting the readers inside. They are bright and beautifully done.

The story begins with a monkey that wants to explore the world beyond where he lives. So he saves his money and heads off on an adventure. On the trip he comes across a little cat and a pelican. Each has the desire to explore. Once they reach their designation they make friends with a dog.

The animals learn how each friend has some skill that is useful to the others. The cat is able to talk the local language, the pelican brings fish, monkey is able to find bananas and coconuts, and the dog teaches them about their surrounding and how to ride horses.

There are so many easy to learn lessons in this book such as the importance of explorations, culture, friends, skills, respect for new surroundings and languages.

From the first page, I could see how my own granddaughter is going to enjoy this book. She already loves books, but when she finds the animals that this book is about and the illustrations she is going to be enthralled. Any one that knows someone that enjoys being read to, or even independent readers, should look for this book for them.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Book Review: The Ghost of Popcorn Hill

This book begins with two brothers, Peter and Martin, who would love to have a dog. They love where they live and feel a dog would be a great addition. the one downfall to their home is they have a ghost. When their parents decide to allow the boys to get a dog, they are all excited and looking forward to getting the largest dog they can find. Mom and Dad had other thoughts so they ended up with a smaller dog. They are happy with the dog but they become even happier when a sheepdog showed up and decided to stay.

This book has characters and a story line that young readers will enjoy.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 




Book Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre


This story, The Mistress of Tall Acre, takes place after the American Revolution. I do enjoy historical fiction and this is a very well written one. She captured my attention with the first chapter and kept calling me back when I would put it down. Each of the characters in this book are so well-developed that I could see them in my mind.

The Mistress of Tall Acre shares a story of loyalties, betrayal and hope.

The relationships were believable as is the storyline. I recommend this book for those that enjoy Christian romance or Historical romances. Very well done. 

I was given this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Book Review: The year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606

This story tells about the world during a certain event. Shakespeare's three plays from 1606 reflect the issues that were taking place at that time. Some of the events covered included the Gunpowder Plot, the King of Denmark traveling in London and so on.

If the reader enjoys reading historical events surrounding works we know today, they would enjoy this historical book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Simon and Schuster in exchange for my honest review.







Children's book review: Papa Gave Me a Stick

I love the cover of this book and my granddaughter enjoyed the story. The story is about a little boy who saw a mariachi band and then he wanted a guitar. His father gives him a stick. The boy then trades the stick to a dog. This keeps on happening and he is always asking what good..... is.

The story let children know that if you really want something they may have to work for it and even then they may not get what they want.

The story includes some Spanish words which is a good way to work them into a child's vocabulary.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Star Bright Books in exchange for my honest review.