Happy Father's Day!

All Pro Dad Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to your Kids By Mark Merrill What a great Father's Day gift! Mark has written a book just for dads. Being a parent is not easy. We all need reminders of how to actively love our children the best we can, as well as new strategies and tips for how to do this. Included in this book are 5 chapters that help dads (and mothers!) analyze who they are and how they should act. My favorite part about this book are the questions at the end of each chapter - “Huddle Up and Ask Your Child”. Asking children directed questions about our relationships is not easy, but with the help of these questions, I hope many fathers will have meaningful, life-changing conversations with their children. Thanks Thomas Nelson! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God Gave Us Love

God Gave Us Love
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Art by Laura J. Bryant

This is not your typical children’s book. Bergren has written a unique story explaining God’s love to children (and adults who read them the book!). Little Cub asks deep, everyday questions to his knowledgeable Grampa, who in response teaches Little Cub of God’s special love for us.

The concepts in this book are sound and Biblical. God’s love is hard to explain and understand, but it is great to teach young children the concept early and give them a lot of time to grasp the concept.

I received this book first from Blogging for Books, and in the next week I was given it (and it’s sister book) at a baby shower, and in the next week my church gave me a copy. I believe this book must be or already is popular! You can’t teach your children anything more important than God’s love – pick up this book for them today!


Thank you Blogging for Books for this free book!

Garden of Madness

Garden of Madness
The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Daughter
By Tracy L. Higley

I read this book in a few days, which is some sort of record for me (I was reading while nursing, day and night, so I cheated a little)! Higley has written a novel of secrets. Tiamat is a Babylonian princess who has become a widow. As secrets slowly reveal themselves, Tia is torn between fulfilling her familial duties and following her heart. The bonds of family grow stronger as the princess discovers love and God. You won’t be disappointed by this clean, romantic, religious novel.

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I Am Second

I Am Second Real Stories. Changing Lives.
By Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender, Forward by Colt McCoy
Many stories are never told. Or never heard. I Am Second gives readers a chance to hear life changing stories - along with the reasons behind these life changing stories. Stories are told of the famous and un-famous, drug addicts, athletes, rock stars, and others in-between and how their lives have been changed forever by Christ.
I Am Second is an easy read. The chapters are short and well written. I don't typically enjoy books of "short stories" and was hoping this book would appeal more to me. I was hoping to hear life changing stories that weren't as dramatic, that involved everyday people (like me!) - people who may have been struggling in their relationship or came to know Christ in unusual, relatable ways. To read a short story or two from this book was enough . It is a book better enjoyed in chunks.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thanks Blogging for Books!

PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline

I can't say I've put the advice in this book to practice, but someday I hope to. Janet Holm McHenry has written a much-loved book about walking with purpose – finding and making time to exercise our bodies and prayer life. Her advice is easy – just pray while you walk! (Advice is usually easier said than done!).

I am due in about a week and hope to use these principles and practices while walking our newborn. Prayer has always been a difficult practice for me to form a habit of, but I hope Janet's advice will help. It can't hurt!

Thank you Blogging for Books for this free book!

Sweet Sanctuary

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Wren is a single mother working at a library. Charlie is a young boy struggling with school age friendships and his father. When a grandmother unexpectedly shows up at their house for an extended stay, old trials and repressed situations are brought to life again. You won't be disappointed by this heart touching novel. Sheila Walsh will drag you into one family's trials and tribulations to show the healing and encouragement that can come from confrontation and forgiveness.

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I want to be Amish!

Money Secrets of the Amish
Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving
By Lorilee Craker

God calls us to be good stewards of money – to use what he has given us in God approved ways. I could own a newer car than my 1994 LeSabre, live in a real one bedroom apartment for more than $385 a month, and worry about saving money for retirement until retirement, but I believe God has called me to be smarter with what he has given me. Lorilee Cracker is on her way to spending less and saving more. Money Secrets of the Amish is full of easy money saving tips that are smart, practical, and easy to apply.
Learn to shop at second hand stores, buy local foods, save money in many ways, and live like the Amish. Life can be simple, we can have more free time, and we can have less clutter. Learn to buy only when you have the money to pay for what you want! Teach children how to be responsible and caring for their things. I hope you like this book as much as I did, and now want to join an Amish community too. :)

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wonderful Recreation of Ruth

Here Lies My Candle
Liz Curtis Higgins

Liz is an amazing writer. Although a little slow to start, I couldn't seem to put this book down after the first 50 to 100 pages! Reading nostalgically about cultures and lifestyles foreign to me is one my favorite things to do. Escaping our busy, greedy culture for a few minutes to look into how life could be or used to be is freeing.

Elizabeth is newly married, to an unfaithful husband. She lives as a well-to-do lady with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law in town far from her hometown. When war comes suddenly, many physical and spiritual changes result. Please read this book – and other's by Liz Curtis Higgins – and make it a point to figure out what Biblical story this book is based on!

Thank you Blogging for Books for this free book!

Lovers of Socks and Knitting....cute patterns!

Knitting Knee-Highs Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary
By Barb Brown

Thank you for the knitting book Thomas Nelson! I am a beginner knitter, and these socks intimidate me! These girls have knit some amazing looking socks, which I hope to someday tackle.
I was not very impressed by the pictures in this book. They are a cute idea, but they are not very professional. I loved the pictures of just the socks on the wooden stick, but pictures showcasing the socks on legs was a little unattractive. Another blogger called them “sensual”, which I guess I might agree with. They are not inappropriate by any means, just a little out of the ordinary.
The socks are amazing and I hope to one day be able to accomplish these socks!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please read me!

My Foolish Heart
Susan May Warren

I laughed, and cried, and cried a little more. All tears of joy, of course. This book is simple, heartwarming, and gripping. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I want all women in my life to read this book, but I am not sure I can part with it long enough for them to borrow it.

Issy has panic attacks after witnessing firsthand a fatal accident. Confined to her small world that includes only two blocks, she makes a living by being the talk show host of Miss Foolish Heart. Cameron is physically broken from his stint in Iraq, and learning to live a normal life again is difficult with the scars left behind. But yet, but the broken people learn how to love and live again.

Please read this book. I can't wait to pick up more books by Susan May Warren and learn how only how to be a winner on the field, but off.

This book was given to me by LitFuse, and I participated in a free book review program. Try it today!

Veganism

The Part-Time Vegan: 201 Yummy Recipes
By Cherise Grifoni

Who doesn't love new cookbooks??? I am not a vegan or a vegetarian, but I do love to cook! My husband is a hunter, so simply vegetarian is not an option (although I would prefer it). I love making recipes with no meat, and in order to be allowed that privelage, the food I make without meat better be good! I am very excited to try some new recipes from this great cookbook.

The book starts with an introduction to vegansim, explanations of strange sounding foods, and then jumps into delicious sounding recipes. This is a greatly recommended cookbook to those who are into cooking new, healthy dishes (that are often expensive to prepare). Enjoy!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Beautiful Devotional - Hard to ReGift :(

God's Promises Devotional Journal
by Sarah Young, Max Lucado, John MacArthur, Sheila Walsh, Billy Graham, David Jeremiah, and others

Devotions without time for personal application and reflection and ineffective, which is why I love the short, thoughtful questions posed by this beautiful, daily devotional. A variety of amazing authors have come together to present a short, one paragraph devotional followed by a personal thought provoking question.
I accepted to review this book hoping to give it to a friend as a gift – but I am on the fence whether I can really give it away or if I should hold on to it with all my might! It is a wonderful tool for growth, and if taken seriously for a whole year, the reader would be more mature, have a deeper relationship with their Father, and a great basis for getting into the Word daily.

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Charlatan's Boy - Jonathan Rogers - 305 pages

Imagination, truth, and love are the basis for this interesting book by Jonathan Rogers. Grady was born for the stage! And Floyd was born to make money. Put together, the two make an interesting “family”, with Floyd as the ringmaster and “Grado” as the specimen people pay to see. When times get hard, the two conjure up a mighty plan for their best performance yet...

Rogers has written a fresh story. It is unique and fun to read. The demeanor in which he writes is not by the books – words are purposely misspelled and taken out of context – adding to the story.

This was not a book that just captured me and I couldn't put it down, but it was a good, easy read. I would recommend it for middle or high school ages verses adults. Rogers is creative and imaginative, and the book concludes with a simply Beautiful ending. :)

Thank you Blogging for Books for this free book!

There's Hope!

Same Life, New Story
By Jan Silvious

We can learn so much from the past, even if the subjects are from before Jesus walked the Earth! The Bible does not tell stories from many women, but the stories it does tell are remarkable. Jan has wonderfully written of the situations the following women experienced: Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Naaman, and Elizabeth. Each women knew that life on Earth is temporary and was able to push through or move on after less than ideal conditions.
I do not have a past I need to run away from or a dramatic situation I cannot deal with. I know that life is very hard without God and that I need to turn to him for my every care and concern. Reading these amazing stories just drives it home that even after a bad day at work, life goes on. Even after a small fight with my friends or husband, there are good things to come. I will definitely let my friends and family borrow this great read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

True Love!

The Chasm
Randy Alcorn
110 pages

If you want to read about love, true love, look no further. Randy Alcorn has written a spiritual love story that all need to experience. He brings Nick to the edge of a deep, dark chasm, relating spiritual truth in physical words. Nick is simply a character, a toy in the story, symbolizing you and me. Just when Nick thinks there is no hope, circumstance that he cannot yet understand develop that put him in his place, give his life purpose, and show him a love greater than any experienced before.

The pages will fly by when you dive into this “story”, written like fiction, but portraying real, deep purpose. Twelve original illustrations depict the reality of our spiritual battle and help to set the scenes as we put ourselves on the edge of the same chasm Nick experiences. If you are looking for an easy read or depth – dive on in.

No book better shows the love of Jesus in a physical, understandable way. I love that Nick goes through life with a mask over his eyes – not really understanding what he is experiencing, but moving forward all the same. Even after his up-close-and-personal experience with Jesus, he does not full grasp what has just happened. Discover God and Jesus in a personal way in this wonderfully put together adventure.

Blogging for Books - Thank you for this free book! My opinions are not the opinions of Blogging for Books.

Baby Boy Shower!!! Help!!!!

We are having a baby shower for a friend in a few weeks. I have the invitations, cake recipe, and a few ideas for decorations. Does anyone have any helpful advice - taking into account how cheap I am??? Games, decorations, fun things.....Help!!!

God and Marriage

FamilyLife Marriage Bible: Equipping Couples for Life
By Dennis & Barbara Rainey


I love getting Bibles from Booksneeze to look at, some to keep, and most to give away. We all know someone who could use a Bible! This is no exception. The Family Life Marriage Bible will be a wonderful tool for those married for any period of time! We can always learn more and more from God's word. I am not a scholar, and the devotions and insights provided in this tool are incredibly useful.
I cannot wait to go to a friend's wedding this coming summer and give them this Bible! Putting God at the center of your marriage is so important, and I believe this doesn't start with reading one of the MANY How To books out there, but it starts with reading God's word and applying his principles to your marriage. Marriage is not new. The concepts behind what makes a good marriage and the roles we should take are recorded over and over in scripture. The Family Life Marriage Bible will be a treasure for those who put their relationship in God's hands.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you want a best friend??

Love at Last Sight by Kerry & Chris Shook

We all want deeper relationships with friends, family, and our spouses. The Shooks provide great advice and information for doing the easy and hard things that will strengthen relationships. The book is meant to be read in 30 days, each day consisting of 5 or 6 pages of personal stories and practical advice. Each chapter is completed by a Love at Last Sight Challenge to push your relationships to that next level.

The Shooks have give us great information, but instead of a 30 day journey, I would have gotten a lot more out of this book as a year long journey. So much of the advice is wonderful and takes TIME. It is hard to just take note of how to change relationships without having the time to put it into affect. I love the idea - I want to pass it along to friends who often seem distracted by their children or computers or tv. A simple life filled with friends and not technology or shopping is so rewarding.

Take the advice given by the Shooks to heart - you will become a better friend and encourage the same in others!


I received this book from Blogging for Books. My options are not their opinions. Blooging for free books is an awesome program! http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/

LitFuse - new review site...

LitFuse Reviews

The Clouds Roll Away
by Sibella Giorello

A book about murders, gangs, and cops – with no swearing or sex scenes? I love not having to put down a book part way through in response to the obscenities...thank you! Raleigh works for the FBI and has just moved home after a transfer to Washington, and she immediately gets put on a case involving a rapper in a historical Eastern setting. As I have never really been out East, it is hard to imagine the rich culture and beauty – and also the racism involved. Giorello paints a beautiful picture of Virginia in this easy to read page turner.

I liked this book, I wouldn't say I loved it. The plot was good and well executed, but I felt that when a big turn in the book took place, there wasn't a lot of gusto leading to it or explaining it. I would have loved to read an extra 50 pages to have more things explained, such as the history of the gang or the others involved in the drama.

Thanks LitFuse for this book!

Need help reading the Bible?

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index
“Best Bible Subject Index Ever”
by Thomas Nelson

I am so grateful to receive this resource as it is my first cyclopedic index and Bible studying tool! It is so easy to use. Subjects include people, terms, and concepts listed alphabetically. The subjects often have an A, B, and C further describing the subject in an easy to read and use manner. I love that each name is followed by the meaning of the name (Jachan means troubled and Nahum means full of comfort)!

This book “combines the best features of a concordance, topical Bible, and Bible dictionary into one unique reference book”. My husband and I will get a lot of use out of this amazing tool – I hope you do too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”