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!