Thursday, January 28, 2016

Book Review: Every Girl Gets Confused

This  is the second book in A Brides with Style series. In this installment, Katie moved from a small town to Dallas. In the move she left her former boyfriend behind to move into the world of Brady, a basketball player who she has fell for. She stands by him through his knee surgery, however, her ex-boyfriend and her parents want her to move back to their small town.

I found it a little difficult to follow all of the characters, but this is probably because I did not read the first book. This is a book that brings smiles to the face easily and the author, Janice Thompson, knows how to involve the reader emotionally into the lives of the characters.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, once I began to connect to the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoy a light-hearted book.

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



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Book Review: The Lopsided Christmas Cake

The Hochstetler twins, Elma and Thelma are leaving Illinois to go back to a familiar place, their grandparents' farm. The farm was left to them when their grandparents were killed in an accident.

Each of the girls in this book are so much fun to meet and to get to know. I think I started smiling when I first began to read the book and I was able to keep that smile through most of the book.

The girls do not know exactly what is going to be facing them when they take over the farm, and the fact that they are different personalities just add to the adventure.

This is a wonderful book about family closeness and the adventure of the new.

Wanda E. Brunstetter knows how to keep readers coming back. She has such a talent for writing and when I see her titles on the shelf I know that it will be a good read.

I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.



Book Review: God's Servant Job

My husband thought that it was funny that I was going to review this book. I have never been a fan of this book of the Bible. If I had been presented it the way this book does, when I was younger, perhaps I would have felt differently.

The author made it a fun read by presenting the book of Job as a poem. Bond also stresses faith even though Job has so many trying times. The illustrations by Todd Shaffer are perfect also. They are bright and colorful, but yet still portrays the times of the story.

I would read this book to children with ease and I would recommend it to my family and friends. Thank you Mr. Bond and Mr. Shaffer.

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

Friday, January 15, 2016

Devotional review: Love and Care for the One and Only You

This book first attracted me because of my health issues. Once I opened the cover I discovered this is so much more than a devotional. The sections include warm-up; cardio; strength training; and stretching. Then there is a section  with recipes.

Each of the 52 scripture-filled entry includes a reading, a power prayer, a healthy hint and a way to help the entry work with the reader's journey. This book is filled with devotions surround health and fitness, but not in a preachy, superior nature. More like an encourager who wants the reader to succeed on their journey

 I am going to be placing this book on my shelf to be looked at again, and again.

I received a copy of this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.


Cookbook review: Super Foods Every Day

For a small book, this book, Super Foods Every Day, is packed with great information. For those that are unsure what a super food is, Sue Quinn gives a good description of the what make one super.

The recipes in this book are complete, includes preparation and cooking time and the serving size of the item. There are also listed the benefits and vitamins in each recipes.

Included in the recipes are things such as Stir-fried greens, Salmon with Watercress Sauce, Virtuous Brownies and so, so much more.

Anyone looking for a healthier alternative should try this book. I found it very helpful.

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


Book Review: Ask Me Anything, Lord

These words are easy to say but very difficult to truly mean. Anything....one word that can open up more than we can possibly imagine. However, when we ask these words sincerely, the rewards can also be unimaginable.

Heather C. King placed these words as the title of her book sending the readers on a trip beyond the conceivable. But with trust in God, and faith, He is with them the entire way.

She does not suggest anything that she has not done herself. She shares her stories as a study. I know as I read this book I could feel the challenge being placed before me. I also know that by excepting I will be filled with challenges and wonder.

This book is ideal for an individual or group study. And as a study it should be looked upon as something to take time over, not rushed through. 

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




Thursday, January 14, 2016

Bible Review: The CEB Study Bible

It is interesting reviewing Bibles because going into it, it is difficult to know how it will be set apart from others. This one has.

Each book has information on the book's theme plus it cross-references to other places in the Bible that relate. There are also many illustrations and pictures of places from today's viewpoint. 

This is a lovely version of the Bible and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in another version and a new way of looking at this most powerful book.

I was given this Bible by NetGalley and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review. 



Book Review: Grace Unplugged

When I see that Melody Carlson has a book up for review, I try to grab it. I am so glad that NetGalley and B&H books placed it up for review.

As with her other books, Carlson pulled me in at the beginning of this book. Grace, a worship minister's daughter, performs with her father. She may not always agree with his choices. However, when she decided to do things her own way there grew a little tension between them. Each wants what they see is best. 

As Grace follows her path we go with her.

The characters and the story line were both so intriguing that I only put it down when my eyes could not stay open any longer. Then I picked it up the next morning. 

This book would be for so many different types of people that I know I could not list them all. However, if there is a teen that is growing and trying to go their own way, the parents should read this. I loved this book!

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







Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Book Review: A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season

I love the way Katherine Paterson writes. This book is made up of short stories about those who make discoveries about themselves and others; those who are discouraged then uplifted; those that discover love is always here.

I believe I will find myself reading this book a few times a year just to revive these beliefs in myself.

This would be a great book to give to loved ones or to share with those you love.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Know Press in exchange for my honest review.





Book Review: Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel

I enjoy the writing of Melody Carlson and this book has all of the qualities that I enjoy, except for one. I believe that the story left me hanging. I thought at first that, perhaps, not all the pages downloaded, but this was not the case.

The author does a great job of creating an interesting story line and she has a knack for helping build the characters so that there is a connection between the reader and the character. I also felt that the book kept moving nicely.

If the reader enjoys stories that are obviously part of a whole, they will not mind the ending. However, I feel if a reader is to pick up the second book they will be totally lost, just as I was frustrated by the ending of this one.

I was given this book by NetGalley and B & H Books in exchange for an honest review.




Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Book Review: Praying the Prayers of the Bible

God has expressed His desire to talk with us throughout the Bible and as this book shows us He even provided us prayers to help. He never wants us to feel alone or hopeless. So when he gave us these prayers he is showing His love for us and He is helping us to open our hearts to Him and a stronger faith, and blessings.

This book is a wonderful resource to keep close at hand throughout life.

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




Monday, January 4, 2016

Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas

This book is a set of 12 Christmas novellas. Each one is wonderful. The book include books by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Margaret Brownley, Amanda Cabot, Mary Connealy, Susan Page Davis, Miralee Ferrell, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Amy Lillard, Vickie McDonough, Davalynn Spencer and Michele Ule.

Some of the authors I had not read before, but I enjoyed them so much I plan on making this an annual read.

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

Book Review: Robert the Wayward Prince

The Robert, which this book is written about, is Robert Curthose, the son of William the conqueror. This time period has always interested me so, even though I did not read the first book, I was able to follow along very well.

Robert goes on the First Crusade, leaving his mistress and his children in England. The country is left under the ruling of William, Robert's brother. When he returns he finds that his brother has dies and now Robert can become King.

This is a historical fiction but still the details are interesting. I was able to stay with this book and I felt like it was well-written. I look forward to reading more works by this author.

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


Saturday, January 2, 2016

Book Review: A Winterfold Christmas

This is a continuation of a series about the Winter family. Unfortunately, I have not read the previous book so I had a difficult time connecting with the characters.

In this book, Joe Thorne is taking over a job that has always belonged to Martha Winter, preparing the Christmas dinner. Because this can be tricky, there were a few fumbles but the ending of the story is quite satisfying.

It was well-written, as are all of Harriet Evans books. If the reader has read the previous book, A Place for Us, I believe they will enjoy this book also.

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


Friday, January 1, 2016

Book Review: flatiron Books: Winter 2015 Reader

Flatiron Books distributes these books to give a preview of books to be published. I generally find a few that I have an interest in reading and there may be a couple that just aren't for me.

In this book are the following excerpts: Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story by Mac McClelland; The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History, by Robin Givhan (I enjoyed this one), A Kim Jong-II Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power, by Paul Fisher (interesting read), The Skeleton Cupboard: The Making of a Clinical Psychologist, Tanya Byron, Year of the Cow: How 420 Pounds of Beef Built a Better Life for One American Family, by Jared Stone (another one that I truly enjoyed).

Each of these books are well-written and I am sure they will find their audience. 

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