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