The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth J. Church

 

This beautifully written book is one that I almost didn't read. After requesting it, I had a hard time taking it off of my TBR shelf. I am very glad that it finally made it into my hands.

The father of the author helped create the bomb, plus the family joined him. A woman in that setting was expected to live for her husband and children so this story came to show a different world. One that spans a life that has come about because of the matriarchs, college and the women's movement.

This book is so well-written that once I picked it up, I had a difficult time putting it back down.

I give this the highest recommendation.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux

I received this book from NetGalley and Random House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Jude Deveraux's writing can always pull me in and captivate me. The Girl from Summer Hill is no exception. In this story, Deveraux does her version of Pride and Prejudice only she places the story in today's time. I love how she is able to change things so they reflect the way we would see the actions from this Austen book. 

The story's main character is Casey. This is a girl who stopped working at a four star restaurant to decide where she wanted her life to go next. Tate, a movie star, is the modern day Darcy. I absolutely loved this story. It left me smiling as much as Jane Austen did in the original.   

If you enjoy twists on Jane Austen books then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. 

Isaiah's Legacy

 

Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews is a lovely book to read during this time. There are so many messages in this book: God's love for us no matter what, unconditional love, and the mercy of God.

There are three characters which are followed: Zibah, Shulle, and Manasseh. It is set during the reign of Manasseh. The women in the book demonstrate the lack of control they had over their own lives which left me feeling frustrated for them. Then I began to think of the things in my life that I have absolutely no control over and I see how turning things over to God is the best thing to do. It is tempting to scream or yell but by taking it to God it allows them to feel God's love for them. 

As I said this is a lovely book but it is a book with powerful lessons for us. 

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

 

The Yoga Lifestyle by Doron Hanoch

 

I enjoy yoga as a way to revitalize my body and mind. This book is a wonderful resource for yoga. It gives guidelines to help build success physically, spiritually and emotionally. While doing this it does not give impossible directions. Everything is in simplified format which can be fit into life easily by making as few or as many changes as is desired. I highly recommend this book 

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and words are my own. 

Dying to Meet Jesus

In Dying to Meet Jesus Randy Kay shares his experience with dying and meeting Jesus. Throughout this book the author shares the questions we have about God and this Earth. I could tell that Randy Kay has a calling to share the love and his experience he had with all. 

I recommend this book to all.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my review. Each of the words and opinions are my own.

 

The Inner Live by Eberhard Arnold

The Inner Life: Inner Land: A Guide into the Heart of the Gospel by Eberhard Arnold is a small book that helps the reader to find some of the teachings of the author. In spite of being told to follow one leader or another, Arnold sets forth the challenge to follow Jesus.

A pastor during the 20s and 30s, Arnold became an influential man to Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His message is clear, the church, through Jesus Christ, should always be faithful to God. This is such a good message to send out to the world

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

differentiating instruction with menus: Physic

 

I find these books to be a potential instruction books for teachers with children of advanced learning. This book deals with the subject of physics.

It covers motion, forces, energy and waves with different topics within these areas. 

The first two chapters cover choices and how to use menus in the class including products that are used in the book. These include advertisements, collage, crossword puzzles trading cards, puppets and many, many more. 

I think this would be a useful book for any teacher which has higher level students in their classroom.

I was given this book by the publisher, Westphal, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own. 

Jesus, Day by Day

 

Jesus, Day by Day is a daily devotional that helps the reader find Jesus each and every day. 

I thought this devotional was great. Each day is begun with a perspective of God's plan for redemption for each of us, through Jesus. It takes you through the Old and New Testaments while it takes us through His Word. I highly recommend this book for anyone that wants to feel filled with encouragement and inspiration. 

I was given this book by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. All the words expressed are my own opinion. 

Tozer on the Son of God by A. W. Tozer

 I have studies A.W. Tozer through other devotionals in the past. I have found he always speaks to my heart and his entries have true meaning. 

None of the passages are very long so it make a convenient devotional that will resonate with the reader throughout the day.

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

His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and The Power of Hope

 

This book was a little overwhelming at first, but as I went through it, it gained in relevance. It does begin with quite a bit of religious content and I could see if a non-Christian picked up the book, they would probably put it back down. I am glad that I did not.

As the book progressed there is discussion on whether John Lewis is a saint and then it goes on to tell of earlier stories of him, including one where he accidentally drowned a chicken that he was baptizing only to see it come back.

I truly like John Lewis' message against hatred and I am so glad that I read this book cover-to-cover. The words within will stay with me for a long time. 

I was given this book by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House in exchange for my honest review. I thank them for this opportunity to read this great book. 

Desert Diary by Michael O. Tunnell

 This is a fascinating book about life in a Japanese internment camp from a child's perspective. It was obvious that the author went to great lengths to present this accurate account. My college friend's father was interned in one of these camps during WWII. This started my process of looking into it. Between my friend and my desire to obtain knowledge of historical events, I have researched this topic quite a bit. This book is an excellent resource for anyone that is not aware, or is interested in more awareness of this time. I could even see using this in middle or elementary school classes as a resource. 

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

The Mirror: Broken Wish

 Wow! This is such a wonderful book. Each chapter made me stay around to see what would happen next. This is such a magical book.

 Mathilda and Agnes had such a friendship which led effortlessly into the rest of the story. As was intended, the story is reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers and the tales they created. 

Elva is Agnes' daughter and is one of the main characters in the story. It was easy to love, and feel emotional for her as her story unfolded. She has such a warm heart which touches those around her.

The author has such a magic touch for blending words together that made me want to drink in each word and not to miss one. To all who enjoy reading fairy tales, or stories of family, friendship and aiming to do what is best, this is a wonderful choice. I cannot recommend this book any higher.

I am so glad that those at Disney Hyperion and NetGalley made this book available for me to read. All opinions are my own. This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

Eligible A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld

Eligible is a contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice. This is not a version that I care for. I feel like Jane Austen gave her character depth where in this version there were backstories but I didn't feel like I could connect with any of them. Plus there were enough other twists and turns that made me feel that this book  was a shabby interpretation of the classic.
If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice I would not recommend this. If not, go ahead and try it.

The things we wish were true

Sycamore Glen, North Carolina has a small neighborhood that has held a connection to some girls who grew up here. Jency began receiving threats from a stalker when she left high school. After her husband was sent to prison, Jency came back to this town, with her two young daughters, to live with her mother. When she left this town, the boy she loved married  her best friend. As this summer, spent mainly at the pool, progresses a boy nearly dies and secrets come out.
When I began reading this book I was not sure if I would be able to follow so many characters, however, the author gives each of them easy-to-read chapters that helps to clarify them. Each of the characters are complex in their own ways, which makes it easy to be pulled into the story and into Sycamore Glen.
There are a few publishers that I can rely on to put quality books out on the market and one of them is Lake Union Publishing. Along with them, NetGalley provided me this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Jew and the Goy Boy

The Herring Cove Road Books consist of four books. This is the first I have read and I enjoyed it.
In this book the Rosens, Ruth and Av move to a small house on Herring Cove Road. They become friends with their neighbors through an unforeseen accident. Lisa and Dewey, her son, become friends with Ruth and this doesn't thrill Av. However soon he lowers his defenses and lets them in. When Lisa locks her drunken husband out of the house a series of events follow which affects all of them. 
I loved this book which explores friendship, family, PTSD, antisemitism and more. The characters are so well written that it is easy to become apart of their world. This is a quick read because it is one that you will not want to put down. I give this a very high recommendations.
I was given this book by NetGalley and DMD Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Better Choices by Rod Pennington, Jeffery A. Martin

This book centers around Allison and her life. Each day she deals with an unhappy marriage, as she awaits her divorce when her twins graduate high school and turn 18. The girls are intelligent however trouble seems to always be on their heels. Allison knows something is going on with them but is unsure what it is. Included in the story is Allison's mother, who had a heart attack and cannot live alone any more. Robert is her brother who inherited most of the family business. Whereby Allison's father loved the business, Robert does not share this passion

One of the things that makes this story enjoyable is the characters are complex, just like we are. Each story is included in such a way that it makes a great voyage. Watching Allison grow in confidence as she faces each trouble is enriching. The writers have a gift with storytelling and developing rich characters. I recommend this book.

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

Sorry I Missed You by Suzy Krause

This is a humorous book which meant that it was a quick read. I love how Suzy Krause was able to combine romance, humor, and mystery together in a book which had me chuckling out loud, at times.
The story is told through different perspectives with each character sharing their unique view. Three women meet when they rent from the same property. Each of them are dealing with things from their pasts and possible ghosts in the house. It was interesting watching how their relationship evolves into a friendship.
If I were to name a theme through this book I would have to say it is ghosts. There are ghosts in the women's, plus one man's, pasts plus the ghosts that may be in the house. Plus each must face letting go so they can move forward.
This was such a fun read during the time when we are trapped in our homes, trying to stay safe. I recommend this book to anyone looking at a fun, book that is hard to put down. It was great.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Pony on the Twelfth Floor by Polly Faber

What would you do if you wanted a pony so much? Then you found one at the supermarket? This was Kizzy. She found the pony in the donut section and knew they needed to be together. How would she keep it a secret in her apartment, though? With the help of her best friend, Pawel, she was able to feed, ride and hide him. What will she do as the pony becomes harder to keep.
This is such a good story about dreams, having them and following them even if they seem to be out of reach. I could see how young readers would enjoy this book however, as a parent who wanted her children to tell the truth, I do not know if I would want this to become a favorite. I also felt uneasy when she went some places, with a friend, that it may have been better for them to avoid.
Putting these issues aside, the story is cute and the illustrations are bright and inviting.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Candlewick Press in exchange for my honest review.

Something Needs to Change

This is a book for all believers. David Platt has used a journey of a lifetime to answers some difficult questions and to find questions he never thought he would ask. This pastor talks about his own struggles and how God is faithful through every doubt, or question we may have. It was refreshing to read a book about a person with questions instead of trying to preach answers. The answers he received were that more important for me.
I was given this book by Multnomah publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith

I love when a book surprises me, in a good way. This book offers 40 different verses which may be overlooked normally and they show the importance of these words to the time and to my life. As the title states, these verses can ignite a faith that may have become a little stale. Each verse has a short, maybe 1-2 page, reading to give insight to the verse. Laurie P. Short has done such a good job, I would love to see her speak sometime or perhaps meet with her.
This book would be for anyone who could use a fresh look at the scriptures. I highly recommend it.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

The Cranky Mom Fix

All mom's have days when we are cranky, even if we hate to admit it. Becky Kopitzke addresses these times in The Cranky Mom Fix with humor. She shares her own humorous stories and shows how to :
*Sidestep the triggers
*Three family rules to help stop the bickering
*and enjoy your children more  and scold them less
She shows how regular family meetings and fun activities can help to open up communication.
This book would be a wonderful addition for anyone who is a mother or about to be a mother.
I was given this book by Bethany House publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Jesus Who Surprises

I love how the Old Testament is filled with mentions of the coming Messiah. The Jesus Who Surprises: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture shows these mentions. From the first book of Genesis through the last book Malachi there are mentions of our Messiah woven through out. Some of them are more obvious than others however he is still there.
This book is written for a Bible Study group or for individual study. For Bible group leaders they even include a nice ice-breaker activity.
Each chapter also includes the authors testimonies. I like the way that the author is able to build on the prophesies of Jesus with her own stories. I came away with a lot from this book and I recommend it to leaders of Bible studies or persons who are interested in building on their knowledge of the Bible.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Everyone Can Bake by Dominique Ansel

I chose this book because I love to bake, so I thought I would see what I can learn from Dominique Ansel.
This chef is world renown as a French pastry chef however, he knows how to break recipes down so that even a novice is able to create them. Included are his basic recipes that he then includes tricks to make them appear to be a different item.
The book is divided into 3 sections: basics, fillings and finishes. Just looking at this book. A basic recipe could be given a filling, like a lemon curd, and then a finish such as a ganache to make it spectacular.
The instructions are written to be easy to follow and the pictures show you what the item should look like. I think this book would be an excellent choice for all bakers, whether a beginner or advanced.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Salmon Sisters: Feasting, Fishing, and Living in Alaska by Emma Teal Laukitis; Claire Neaton

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.
When I asked for this book, I was not sure what I would be receiving. This is a beautiful book in so many ways. The pictures are stunning and the story about their lifestyles is fascinating. Then there are the recipes. I have not tried the recipes yet, but I am going to. Just reading the names of the recipes was enough to make me eager to dive in. Some of them include: Coconut Curry Fish Soup, Halibut Ceviche, and Paella with Chicken, Shrimp and Mussels. They even include some desserts like Old Fashion Apple Dumplings.
I am so excited to try many of these dishes.
I recommend this book highly.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible

This thin book, only 185 pages, gives summaries of some of the most popular stories of the Bible. It does not include every story, but what the authors consider to be the most meaningful that tie the entire Bible together. There are six sections within the book:
Beginnings,
Patriarchs,
Israel's Family Becomes a Nation
Kings and Prophets
Stories of jesus
Stories of the Early Church

The summaries of the stories are only a few paragraphs long and it is easy to make it through each section at a sitting. There is also one sentence at the end that gives the main point.
I think this would be a good book to read as a family or to children to get them interested in reading the Bible. It does not go into theological study of the stories, which is what would make it ideal for families or new believers.
I received this book from Bethany House Publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions express are my own.

Listen Well Lead Better

Listen Well Lead Better is a resource book for those that desire to lead people whether in the church or in other areas of life. If a person is to be a good leader, they need to learn to listen to those around them.
This book, by Steve and Becky Harling, shares ten ideas to help develop this skill. The Harlings are a married couple who have lead people through ministry, nonprofit organization, or through speaking to groups. They take turns sharing experiences and downfalls they have experienced, as well as insights they gained throughout their lives.
Each chapter begins with a question that a leader can ask their team plus there are questions to help a person become grow in strengths and become aware of weaknesses.
I am giving this book to my husband who is a leader in his employment and a teacher at church to help him become a better leader.


I received this book from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Operating in the Power of God's Grace by Robert Henderson

The Last Bathing Beauty Amy Sue Nathan

This is such a heartwarming book. It takes place in 1951 at South Haven, Michigan. At this time there were Jewish summer camps in the Catskills of the Midwest. Girls looked forward to this time every year. This would be a time of change for Betty Stern.
Amy Sue Nathan writes with such feeling and her descriptions were such that I felt like I was there with the characters. By using the past and the present, switching back and forth I felt like it helped add depth to the story. It is filled with summertime, family, friends, secrets, love and more.
I enjoyed this book as a book of second chances which shows the impact people can have on our lives.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Lake Untion Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Origami Boxes

Adorable Fruits and Vegetables to Crochet

Remember My Beauties by Lynne Hugo

This book is a good one for those that enjoy books with horses in them.
Throughout the book here are sections that are narrated by the horses from Kentucky. I think their voices create depth to the story. The human characters did not make me relate with them as much as the horses but they were realistic. By the end of the book each character's story came to a satisfactory resolution.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Shadow Weave Simply Understanding the Weave Structure 25 Projects to Practice Your Skills by Susan Kesler-Simpson

I enjoyed reading this book. It is filled with weaving ideas along with tips, techniques and complete instructions for each of the projects. I was first attracted to this book by the colors and designs on the cover. The pictures inside are just as colorful for all 25 projects. I have not been a weaver, however, after looking at this book it may be my latest craft. For anyone that is interested in trying to weave or those that are all ready weavers, I highly recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Any opinions expressed in this review are my own.

HappiNest : finding fulfillment when your kids leave home by Judy Holland

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I do with that I had this book when my kids left home. Judy Holland takes a emotional topic and has fun with it. I was afraid that it would be advice and difficult to read but she was able to make it easier with the humor that she put into to help make learning easier.
I think this would be a good book for anyone that will be, or has, faced an empty nest. It will make this time of life a lot better.

Joyful Momentum: Growing and Sustaining Vibrant Women's Groups

I have been part of or lead women Bible Studies in the past but they all seem to fade or loose interest over time. I know there is a need for it and this book is a good guidebook to help begin and grow a study.
I don't believe that you have to be a leader of a Bible Study to appreciate this book, I believe that anyone who has even thought of being in one should pick this book up and read it. These groups are essential to the growth and unity of the church. Plus they allow a safe place for women to gather and share emotionally and spiritually. 
I highly recommend this book to all women interested in Bible Study.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

If for Any Reason by Courtney Walsh

In this book, If for Any ReasonI, Courtney Walsh goes to Nantucket. Emily Ackerman has inherited her grandfather's house, so this means she must go to a place that she has not been in 18 years. While there, she finds her friend from when she was a child, Hollis McGuire, a former professional baseball player. Emily also uses her time here to find answers about her mother's death many years ago.
I love the story of Emily's late mother. The reader is taken on a trip through time from the years 1989 to 2001, when Emily was a teenager through young adult. The love that was there from her mother was undoubted and was evidenced in the letters the mother wrote to her. 
I recommend this book to lovers of contemporary Christian romance or anyone who enjoys Courtney Walsh's books. 
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Mystery on Hidden Lane (An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 1) by Clare Chase

Eve has been sent to write the obituary of Bernard Fitzpatrick, a cellist. When she arrive  in the village she begins to hear talk that his death may have been a murder. Using her journalist nosiness, she begins on the trail to find the true story.

Eve was a character that was easy to relate to, and who can resist a quaint, little village. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy light murder mysteries. 

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

Chosen

Eist has been surrounded by dragons all her life. Her grandfather helped with the hatchery and her parents were famous dragon riders. She was orphaned as a child, this plus here injuries could jeopardize here dream. However, she goes on with the training not knowing if a dragon will even choose here in the end of it.
Chosen is the first of a series in the Brindle Dragon stories.
I loved this book. It was easy to immerse myself into the world of dragon riders and the training they had to do. Eist's story is one of not giving up on her dreams. 

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

Living Memento Mori by Emily M. DeArdo

This is a touching book about the author's approach to death. Emily DeArdo was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at eleven. She decided to use memento mori (remember you must die), a medieval Christian practice to help others find meaning of life and death in Christ.
This would be a great book for a small group study or to use in one's own time of meditation.

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

The Acorn Stories

The Acorn Stories tells about the lives of the people of Acorn, Texas so that it reads like a collection of short stories. I found myself not wanting to put this book down because I quickly felt like I belonged in this town.  The stories tell about a community and how their lives are intertwined, as is the case in most small towns. I loved the glimpses into their lives in a relaxed style. Prepare to sink into a nice comfortable chair and make yourself home in Acorn, Texas.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Knit Tight

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the only book in the Portland Heat series that I have read. I admit that I picked it because it had Knit in the title and I am both an avid reader and an avid knitter. There is knitting content in here but I felt detached from the book, probably I have not read the story of the other characters.
Brady takes care of his younger brother and sisters after this family's parents died. He is a hard worker however, he is not perfect, as are any of the others in this book. That is good because it can help the reader to be drawn to each of them.
Each chapter is opened with an entry from blogger Ev. These entry's help us to see into his character a little. He cared for someone that had cancer, which definitely left a mark on him.
This was a good book, it just was not my cup of tea.

Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us

I feel like the timing of this book is excellent for now. Holy Disunity. I feel like it helped me to place my faith in God even more than I already do. People do not have to agree with me to love them. I can love them either way and this book helps with that.
I was given this book by Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for my honest review. 

50 Shades of Stitches

This book is a great reference book for any knitter. I found the unique patterns easy to follow. I believe that I will be using many of them for Christmas gifts in the future.
Marina Molo is able to describe the steps needed to create her patterns. This will be a book that I will place in my knitting library.