Of Stillness and Storm by Michelle Phoenix

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Of Stillness and Storm (Thomas Nelson, December 2016)
“I felt torn between two worlds. Each with its own mystery. One more captivating than the other, but the other more real and breathing.”
It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.
Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.

My opinion:

I just finished this book and have so many emotions from reading it. The ending totally took me by surprise and was not wrapped up neatly like most books, but isn't that how real life is?
This book is raw and intense, filled with deeply flawed people. Being that the author has lived and worked with missionary kids I think it is a very accurate of how some young people handle the situation.
This book is gritty and sad, but the author writes in such a way that it is hard to put down and at the end you are glad you read it.

Nothing to Prove vy Jennie Allen

This book was a great read, certainly just the book I was needing right now. This book is for those who feel like they never are good enough and are inadequate. This book really deals with how too often we are trying to prove ourselves to God and want to do things to make Him love us, often failing miserably.
This book is so encouraging in that it really speaks about God loves us and wants us to draw closer to him and when we let go of our insecurities and really embrace who we are how he can move through us.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Waiting for Wonder by Marlo Schalesky

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Waiting for Wonder: Learning to Live on God’s Timeline (Abingdon Press, November 2016)
What if, in this waiting, God is calling us to more?
It’s easy to believe God when a promise is new. It’s hard when the years pass and nothing changes. It’s even harder when desperation strikes, your plans backfire, and still God does not fill the emptiness. But what if, in this waiting, God is calling us to more?
Join author Marlo Schalesky on a unique, contemplative journey to reveal the wonder that is often missed when we find ourselves struggling to wait well. Walking through the life of the biblical character Sarah, one who knows what it means to wait, you will discover a glimpse of God’s character that will give you strength to keep hoping and praying for the desires of your heart.
Waiting for Wonder is a journey into the heart of God where you will wrestle with personal questions, think deeply about God’s true character, and learn to appreciate His divine work as you discover your own path to the promised land. Recapture your hope, restore your soul, and renew your vision of a wondrous Savior when you learn to live on God’s time.

My opinion: This book was just the kind of book I needed to read. Sometimes it feels like all you do in life is wait on God to move and sometimes it seems like it is the last thing He is going to do.  This book draws on the story of Sarah and how God called her to wait and how she had doubts, fears and even tried her own way. I have never viewed Sarah in a way that I can relate to by Marlo did a great job at drawing comparisons from Sarah's life to our own and it is amazing how similar it is, it is easy to point fingers at Sarah when she took matters in her own hand but how often do I do the exact same thing? This book was freshingly honest and very humbling to read, drawing heavily on scriptures and her own personal experiences this book was a wonderful read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A minute of Vision for Men by Roger Patterson

This book is an excellent devotional for men, such a quick,easy read to get ones day started off right with such short, but thought provoking things that pack quite a punch and are sure to get you thinking. I was surprised how well put together it was and how well written it was.
I loved how this book tried to help one get a vision for ones life, too often we do meander through life without doing the things are really meaningful and this book helps one get refocused.
 It was tastefully bound to which makes it visually appealing as well, this book would make a great gift!
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Where does love hide? by Mary Manz Simon

What a wonderful little book to read to ones little ones. Filled with insightful lessons, I love how this book incorporates scriptures to help reiterate the lessons the book is trying to teach kids manners and important things like sharing, being kind and helping others. This book is a gem, made of sturdy this book is thin cardboard, kind of a cross between a paperback and regular board book. It should hold up well to little ones hands.
This book is a great resource to have on hand, to use for Sunday school or give as a gift, such a great little book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pray A to Z by Amelia Rhodes

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Pray A to Z: Practical Guide to Pray for Your Community (Worthy, November 2016)
Change the world one prayer at a time.
How would our community change if instead of absently saying, “I’ll pray for you,” we actually did pray–deeply, intensely, and purposefully?
Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Praying for Your Community will help you topically organize your prayer requests and lay the burdens of your community at the feet of our Heavenly Father.
With compassion and encouragement, Amelia Rhodes offers Bible verses and prayer prompts, organized topically for every letter of the alphabet. There are five topics per letter–three prayers of petition asking God to work in a certain area of need, and two more prayers of praise to reflect gratitude for God’s presence in the daily issues and relationships of life. Through petition and praise, your specific, focused communion with God will lighten your heart as you place the heaviness of those prayer requests where they belong–on His strong shoulders.
Whether you are praying for a friend’s adoption journey, a neighbor’s bankruptcy, or a family member’s cancer, this book will give you Bible verses, prayer prompts, and prayer starts to guide you through praying for even the most difficult issues that affect the people you know and love. Perfect for either individual or group prayer, Pray A to Z will help you experience the peace that comes from communicating with God.

My opinion: I was really excited to get this book, I know my prayer life is sadly lacking and I was intrigued by the concept, hoping it would bring a much needed lifeline to my prayer life. This book was even better than I expected! Thoughtfully written it is such a gem! It talks about how deeply important prayer is and how all different aspects of our lives would change if we truly took prayer seriously. I loved the scripture books the author found to support her thoughts and how she went through A to Z. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Scripture Doodle

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ScriptureDoodle: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, October 2016)
With inspiring exercises and prompts, this unique interactive guide introduces readers to a creative connection between Bible study, artistic expression, and worship.
Often, in the busyness of life, Christians forget that God created them to enjoy creativity. With guided instruction and completed examples, this beautiful book invites readers to draw closer to God through their own art.
More than a coloring book, ScriptureDoodle is a combination of Bible study, creative expression, and artistic community with artwork shared online at #scripturedoodle. Exploring topics such as being generous, finding rest, and facing grief, ScriptureDoodle gives the heart the creative space it needs. This book stimulates the reader’s imagination and helps integrate God’s Word into everyday life.

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ScriptureDoodle God’s Promises: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, December 2016)
Some of the most incredible stories in the Bible are of God’s promises and faithfulness to His children.
ScriptureDoodle God’s Promises refreshes believers who are feeling burned out or stuck in a rut in their relationship with God. Each of the creative worship prompts in this interactive guide includes biblical encouragement and ideas for worship through art. Artist April Knight includes creative lettering tips, color ideas, and completed examples to inspire readers to respond to promises in Scripture related to trust, faith, and the power of God’s Word in all circumstances.
This unique blend of Bible study and creative expression provides the opportunity to connect with God as Creator in a new, life-changing way.

My opinion: Both of these books were so amazing and uplifting, filled with gorgeous drawings and such thought provoking themes I feel that this too adult coloring books to a whole different level as it is so much better than a mere coloring book, there is so much more to do and so much more to think about. These books were beautifully drawn and skillfully put together this book would make a great gift or to keep for ones self. I received a copy of these books in exchange for my honest opinion.

32 Yolks by Eric Ripert

I am not much terribly in the know when it comes to celebrity chefs so I honestly had no idea who Eric Ripert was when I received this book, despite that though I found this book to be a interesting and insightful.
This book is a look into what has made Eric Ripert the top chef that he apparently is. Written in a interesting and engaging manner this book is often heartbreaking, especially when he talks about his childhood which from all account was a not very happy one filled with loss and hurts to find solace in the kitchen and feeling like food was his calling. From reading this book one gets the sense of how deeply passionate Mr. Ripert is and how that passion drove him from a young age to truly be the best and be at the top of his game.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pursing Gold by Cynthia Simmons

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Pursuing Gold (Elk Lake, October 2016)
With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.
With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner’s daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter’s forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.

My opinion: I am a big Civil War buff so I was delighted to read this riveting novel about the Civil War and  I am so glad I did! You could tell the book was well researched and a lot of time and effort were put into getting the  details just right. The characters were enjoyable and interesting and I loved how sweet the romance was, just enough to satisfy the romantic soul while having a lot going on where there was so much more to the book. This was a great book and I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Getaway with God Letitia Suk

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Getaway with God (Kregel, November 2016)
What if a simple day away could transform your life?
Does spending time with God sound like just one more thing to check off an ever-increasing to-do list? How are you supposed to fit in anything that threatens to be more time-consuming? Too often there’s simply no room to experience the intimacy, grace, and peace that God offers us.
Getaway with God does more than invite you to step away from life’s pressures to take a personal retreat. It shows you exactly why you must–for your sake and for your family’s.
With grace and warmth, Letitia Suk provides step-by-step guidance and the necessary tools to enable any woman on any budget to plan time away, whether it’s a quick, half-day break or a weeklong time of restoration. You’ll find detailed steps for preparation, including descriptions of different kinds of retreats and how to choose the best one for you, and you’ll learn ways to bring the renewal you experience home with you. Practical appendixes identify retreat centers nationwide and provide exercises and prayers to kick-start your getaway with God.
No matter what your season in life, the time for retreat is now!

My opinion:  This book was a much needed reminder that making time to get away from the pressures of life and spending some time with the Lord is much needed. I loved how it focused on taking a personal retreat to be with the Lord and renewing ones heart and spirit, because it is so easy to get down with the day to day responsibilities and have ones walk with the Lord take the back burner. Filled with practical and excellent advice this book was a great and refreshing read for this tired, busy Mom.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The French Chef in America by Alex Prud'Homme

For any lovers of Julia Child this book is a fascinating read. This book details the fascinating women who found herself famous for French cooking in America and how it profoundly changed her life. Written by her great-nephew this book offers a vivid portrait of the women who forever changed how American's viewed French food and started a revolution. This book picks up where her previous book left off and I am profoundly grateful.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nonsense by Jamie Holmes

What a fascinating, thought provoking book. The concept behind the book as intriguing and I couldn't wait to get a copy and it certainly didn't disappoint.  If you are a fan of books by Malcolm Gladwell or like  books that make you feel like you are learning something and enjoyed the process this book is one you will like.
Filled with research and interesting stories about how humans face uncertainties and how to handle them better. This makes a compelling argument for how we deal with things we don't understand and how to do it much better.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Remnant by Monte Wolverton

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The Remnant (Plain Truth Ministries, August 2016)
In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn’t show up, as some expected.
Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth’s population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious books are banned. Citizens who will not renounce their religion are sent to work camps.
Grant Cochrin, imprisoned in a bleak petroleum camp in what was once North Dakota, leads his family and friends to escape and embark on a long, dangerous quest for a Christian community. Their resource in this journey? A cherished page torn from the now banished Bible—a remnant of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount handed down from Grant’s grandparents.
What if there were an Apocalypse and Jesus didn’t return? What if the survivors found themselves living in a world ruled by a totalitarian government, where religion is forbidden and all religious texts have been destroyed?
In The Remnant, award-winning author Monte Wolverton tells the tale of a band of concentration camp escapees who trek through the lawless American wilderness on a quest for authentic Christianity, only to come face to face with an unthinkable dilemma. The Remnant is a fast-paced story punctuated with dry satire, memorable characters and hard questions about religious institutions.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

My opinion: This book was fantastic, totally engaging and enthralling, certainly different from a lot of the books that I have read. It is very much a Christian dystopian book which made it interesting. I thought the writing style was very engaging and I really liked how thought provoking it was with fascinating dialog and engaging characters. I received a copy of this book in  exchange for my honest opinion.

Photographs from the Edge by Art Wolfe

What an outstanding photography book! The cover alone is enough to suck you in and I can guarantee that it does not disappoint! As one digs into this book you can really understand why Art Wolfe is considered a master photographer as his photography is sensational and his techniques and tips are sure to help improve anyone's photography skills.
This book is not only a how to book but it is also a wonderful read about Art's wonderful adventures in photography which have spanned over 40 years.
Not only is this a visually appealing book but it a very helpful and inspiring book, I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/

Trust my heart by Carol Post

Trust My Heart (Waterfall Press, October 2016)

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…

My opinion: This book was an easy read that was enjoyable, albeit not overly memorable or unique . I really liked the secondary characters, they added  a lot more to the book than the main characters did at times. Overall a decent read, just wish I felt more engaged with the main characters as they just seemed a bit stilted and cliche. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Radical Book for Kids

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The Radical Book for Kids(New Growth Press, October 2016)

A kid-sized explorer’s guide to faith and life

The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls age 8 and up. Along with examining some of the most exciting realities in the universe, the handbook is vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas. Deep truths are communicated to elementary and middle-school aged kids while stimulating their curiosity and sense of adventure within a gospel-centered framework.

This power-packed book is “radical” in more ways than you might think! It is “radical” in the sense of the original meaning of the word, “going to the root or origin.” The Radical Book for Kids will take children on a fascinating journey into the ancient roots of the Christian faith. But it’s also “radical” in the more modern sense of being revolutionary. Kids read about men and women who learned to trust Jesus and stand for him—displaying radical faith—even when everything seemed against them.

But The Radical Book for Kids is also “radical”—meaning fun or cool—in the eyes of a child. Kids read about ancient weapons (and how to make one), learn about jewels, create pottery, discover ancient languages, use secret codes, locate stars, tell time using the sun, play a board game that’s 3,000 years old—and more.

Check out the table of contents, skip around, or read straight through. However a child chooses to explore it, The Radical Book for Kids will open new vistas for their imagination and help to make straight paths for their feet.

My opinion: This book was an utter delight! I did not know what to expect but I can safely say that it exceeded all expectations . This book is a wonderful resource for younger kids as it presents church history in an informative and interesting way, I know I was utterly sucked into the book and found it to be really fun. I look forward to holding onto it for when my kids are older, this would be a great home schooling book for sure or just to have on hand.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The most wonderful time of the year by Ace Collins

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Abingdon, October 2016)

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

My opinion: What a perfect book to get one into the spirit of Christmas! This book book helps one prepare for Christmas and New Years by being properly focused on what is important and what really matters. Such a short, easy read that it is nothing to fit it into ones day and yet it is sure to brighten it. Filled with thought provoking words this book is such a charming book that is sure to become a yearly tradition. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Master your money by Ron Blue

I had never read this book before, despite it being a very popular book on Christian finances and after reading it I can see why! This book combines approaches with a very biblical base that pulls so much from the scriptures and is very thought provoking.
This book has a very practical and excellent plan for getting out of debt and staying out of debt, of controlling ones finances so they do not control you which is a huge issue in this day and age.
This edition is newly updated and would make a wonderful book to keep on hand to help keep one on track in being a good steward over ones money or as a gift to a friend who is struggling in that area.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Super forecasting by Phillip Tetlock and Dan Gardner

What a fascinating read. I was needing a good nonfiction book to read that would be interesting and really draw you in and this book was just that!
This book took a look at the art and science of prediction, sometimes it seems like people are good at it whereas others aren't, this book was meticulously researched over a long period of time to look at the science behind predictions. I really enjoyed the real life stories woven in with all of the data as it made it fascinating and educational at the same time.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for  my honest opinion.

The other side of infamy by Jim Downing

What a amazing life Jim Downing has had and what an inspiration read. This was such a fascinating read, giving an account of the attack on Pearl Harbor from a man who was there!
This book was a real page turner as it was an eyewitness account to one of the most infamous days in America's history. Filled with vivid detail this book is an excellent read.
I am a history buff so this was a thrilling read for me, but it would appeal to those who aren't big into history either as is written in a very engaging style.
It is amazing thinking of what Mr. Downing has seen in his very long life, he has gone through so much and did so much with his life.  This is a real gem and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All the pretty things by Edie Wadsworth

I am not usually a huge fan of autobiographies and overall this book didn't do a whole lot to win me over to that camp although it was an interesting and very sad read.
It was hard as a parent reading the things that Edie went through at the hands of her Father and it was heartbreaking the need for approval and love that she so desperately sought from him. One of the best aspects of this book is that Edie was able to accomplish many of her dreams and make something out of her life, despite her rough beginnings, but it really makes one pause and think of all those who have had similar upbringing who were not able to move on and make something of themselves and that makes me sad,
In some way this book is an interesting blend of sadness and hope, of light and darkness, of failures and triumphs.
Edie is an amazingly strong women and I greatly admire her courage to pen her memoirs as I cannot imagine it was an easy thing to do.
This book is a great reminder that one of the most essential needs of a child is to be loved and to love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Inspiralize everything bu Ali Maffucci

What a wonderful and practical resource. I was wanting to do more with trying to spiralize  different veggies to come up with healthier recipes and this is just the book to have as I am not nearly this creative on my own!
This book really does have so many different things to try,some that you think of like zucchini and others like apples that you don't think of right away.  Filled with mouthwatering recipes, excellent nutrition guides and gorgeous photography this book is truly a gem!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Christian's hope by Ervin Stutzman

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Christian’s Hope (Herald Press, October 2016)

When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted.

Captured as a child during the French and Indian War, Christian has spent much of his life among Native Americans, who cared for him and taught him their ways. Now that Christian is home, his father wants him to settle back into their predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian’s budding friendship with Orpha Rupp beckons him to stay as well.

Yet Christian feels restless, and he misses his adoptive Native American family—who raised him as their own son. When faced with a life-altering decision, will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community yet again?

Christian’s Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series. Based on actual events and written by a descendant of the Hochstetler family, Christian’s Hopebrings the sweeping epic of the Return to Northkill series to a soul-stirring end.

My opinion: This was a well written, interesting characters and an intriguing plot. This book is about a young man who is torn between two worlds, the world he was born into and so cruly snatched from and the world he was raised in, as he experiences the pull from each worlds, which one will he ultimately chose?
This book was certainly different from ones typical Amish fiction as it is set in a historical setting and deals with so much more. I truly enjoyed it,
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cold-Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner Wallace and Susie Wallace

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Cold-Case Christianity for Kids (David C. Cook, October 2016)

Between the ages of 8 and 12, kids often start to wonder if Christianity is true.

In Cold-Case Christianity for Kids, detective J. Warner Wallace draws readers into the thrill of high-stakes investigation by showing them how to think rather than telling them what to think. In this children’s companion to the bestselling Cold-Case Christianity, detective Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity. Includes author illustrations and links to a website where kids can download activities, fill in case notes, and earn a certificate of merit.

My opinion: What a great resource for kids! I am always impressed with what great resources are coming out for young children to deepen their faith, much needed resources might I add! This book is a great book that very thought provokingly gets younger kids to really start thinking about the gospel and investigating why it is true and what makes it true. Great resource for at home or at Sunday school, I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn

Ah, kindness, such a simple concept but such a hard one to execute in ones life. I know I for one feel a great lack of kindness in my life especially to those who I am close with. This book is a little gem for improving ones relationships with others and after reading it I can definitively see how it can help.
Filled with extensive research that has come to be Shaunti's trademark, this book offers great insight in how to make good relationships great and how to overcome some of the challenges in being kind to others.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Sound of Silver by Rachelle Rea

Very rarely does a historical fiction leave me breathless and eagerly anticipating the next book, but this book did just that! This engaging and amazing series written by an up and coming author who is quite a master storyteller is everything that historical fiction should be, but often isn't . Filled with rich historical detail that one can tell was maliciously researched, I loved the characters development, there were so many real and meaningful conversations and interactions that made these characters totally come to life! I also loved the romance, I am a sucker for a good romance and this one was perfect, with just enough to keep it interesting without it being too much and it developed nicely.
This book really was an excellent read and I highly recommend it!

10 Myths of Teen Dating by Daniel Anderson

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The 10 Myths of Teen Dating: Truths Your Daughter Needs to Know to Date Smart, Avoid Disaster, and Protect Her Future (David C Cook, September 2016)

There’s no greater moment of panic in a parent’s life than when their daughter begins to date.

Due to their lack of knowledge about the world their teens face coupled with the scant dating information they received as teens, many parents feel ill-equipped to guide their daughters through the minefield that is teen dating.

And by the same token, teenage girls crave information about dating and relationships. And left to their own devices, many will develop their own assumptions about dating by talking to their friends or watching the latest TV shows and movies. But that will only lead them down a path toward heartbreak.

So how do you engage your daughter in discussions about dating, relationships, and her future happiness? Expert educator Daniel Anderson and his twenty something daughter, Jacquelyn, help you navigate the biggest dating myths, including: the myth that a boyfriend will make your daughter happy, that she should trust her feelings, or that sex will enhance her relationship. Combining the latest scientific research with poignant personal stories, as well as proven truths and practical application, The 10 Myths of Teen Datingwill equip you to teach your daughter how to date smart for today . . . and tomorrow.

My opinion: This is a great book about a subject we parents don't really like thinking about, our kids dating! I know I don't like thinking about my sweet baby girl dating someday but I know it will come sooner than I want and I want to be adequately prepared for it when it does happen and that is exactly what this book aims to do. Filled  with sage advice and backed with research this book is exactly what parents need and I feel like it addressed so many of the concerns and things that need to be addressed. Instead of just ignoring the inevitable this book faces it head on and helps equip both the parents and the child to navigate this scary and exciting time.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Life Creative by Wendy Speake

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Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom(Kregel, September 2016)

What was God thinking when He created you creative and then gave you children?

Creative moms often feel as though they must lay their passions down. But God had something special in mind for the creative woman during this intense season of mothering.

In this Pinterest age of handcrafted children’s parties, Instagram photos of beautifully decorated homes, and blogs filled with poetry and prose, it is clear that we are in the midst of a brand new artistic renaissance. Not one born in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs, but rather in kitchens, nurseries, and living rooms around the world. Mothers, working in the cracks and crevices of each hectic day, are adorning the world with their gifts, and they’re showing all of us the beauty of this Life Creative.

In this book, you’ll learn:

—Why the world needs your art
—How this Life Creative begins at home
—When art can turn a profit
—Your part in this modern day Renaissance

Life Creative paints the stories of moms, just like you, who are fitting their inspired lives into the everyday, ordinary places of motherhood. Women like home decorator Melissa Michaels and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard, author Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and many more.

My opinion: this book is just the inspirational book one needs to nourish the soul and revive the heart. Being a Mom is tough and it is easy to get discouraged and down especially when you are creative and feel like that gets lost in the busyness of being a Mom. This book gently reminds you that you can still live a creative life and was to fully embrace that.
I like how encouraging and edifying this book is, encouraging one to be all that God has called them to be.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Far Afield by Shane Mitchell

This book is enough to satisfy the wanderlust in all of us along with filling ones belly! Filled with not only delicious recipes from all over the world but tales from afar too this book is not only a great cookbook but a wonderful read.
This book is really so much more than a just a cookbook, although the 40 recipes in here look fabulous, but this book tells a story of people in far lands and makes one feel like you took a little trip to some pretty remote places.  Filled with lush photography and mouth watering recipes this book is a wonderful feast for the eyes and belly.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Things I wish I'd known before we became Parents by Gary Chapman

This book is such a awesome resource for new parents as it goes over so many of the issues that new parents face and ways to deal with them and not only deal with but thrive and enjoy being a new parent. I know I tried to prepare for being a parent but it is so hard to be prepared for the wide array of emotions and craziness that comes with being a parent, this book would have been so handy to have before having our little one. I think this book would make an awesome and unique baby shower gift! Filled with sage insight and very to the point this book is wonderful!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Union With Christ by Rankin Wilborune

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Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God (David C. Cook, July 2016)

Nothing is more basic or central to knowing and enjoying God than Union with Christ.

Have you ever had difficulty connecting what you know to be true about God with how you feel or how you live each day? Have you ever longed to change but just felt stuck?

The Bible makes a stunning claim: God has provided a way for your life to be united to Christ’s. What does that mean? Is it really possible for me, now? What would it look like?

In Union with Christ, Rankin Wilbourne makes union with Christ accessible and beautiful, for you. Union with Christ is not an abstract idea. It is a powerful reality. And recovering a sense of your union with Christ can change everything for you, like finally putting on a pair of desperately-needed glasses.

Discover how coming to see your life through the lens of union with Christ can help bridge that gap between your head and your heart, between your belief and your experience. Union with Christ is what we most need in order to know and enjoy God.

My opinion: This book was so encouraging and insightful. It really focuses  on ones relationship with the Lord. I know I have been struggling with my relationship with the Lord so this book is just what I needed.  Sometimes a good relationship with the Lord seems unobtainable but this book shows that it truly is not and shows how a wonderful with the Lord really is.  After reading this book I felt so uplifted and encouraged. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Experiencing God through His names by Sheryl Giesbrecht

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Experiencing God Through His Names (Bold Vision Books, June 2016)

What’s in a name?

Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person’s character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God’s attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. InExperiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God’s character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

My opinion: This was an intriguing book that would make a great devotional for anyone who is feeling in a funk and is needing to draw closer to the Lord.  So often we get hung up on certain aspects of the Lord's nature and often overlook how majestic and wonderful he really is.  This book is a great way to recenter and refocus one and I really appreciated that. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love Our Vets" Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD

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Love Our Vets: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD (Deep River Books, April 2015)

Chances are that if your loved one has seen war, he or she has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at some level, and you who love your veteran will also be deeply and profoundly affected.

Finally, the cries and needs of the loved ones have been addressed in this comprehensive, practical book, now newly updated in its second edition!

Love Our Vets answers more than 60 heartfelt questions, providing down-to-earth wisdom and much-needed tips for taking care of yourself. Sharing as a counselor and from her personal experience of living with a 100% disabled veteran with PTSD, Welby O’Brien gives hope, encouragement, and practical help for families and loved ones who are caught in the wake of the trauma. This book addresses a broad spectrum of issues and concerns and offers realistic wisdom from a wide variety of individuals who share from real hearts and lives.

Now newly revised and updated with additional material, the second edition of Love Our Vets continues to be enthusiastically welcomed by VA and other counselors. This is not just another book about PTSD; rather, it is a tremendous resource for families and loved ones who struggle heroically along with their vets to face the day-to-day challenges.

My opinion: What an eye opening book! This is such a humbling and hard to read book, but such an awesome resource at the same time. This book speaks from the authors own experience with dealing with PTSD in her husband and with her background in counseling this book is a great resource for the loved ones of those dealing with PTSD. It really stresses how patience is the key and it is so insightful with how to lovingly deal with the many issues that come with a loved one struggling with PTSD.  This book is yet another reminder for me of the many sacrifices that our veterans have made for us and makes me prayerfully support them and their families.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Food52 A new Way to Dinner

I had never heard of the Food52 books but apparently they have quite a large following and there are quite a few books in the series. This book is excellent in that the recipes don't take a ton of time and prep work which makes it ideal for the busy individual. While I am not a working Mom, I still don't have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen in between chasing an active 16 month old and everything else I have to do.
These books are delicious, healthy and oh, so easy.  This book really encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and not to compromise delicious food for when you don't think you have time to fix it.
Filled with gorgeous photography, sage advice and tips and delicious looking recipes this is a great cookbook.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cuba by Dan Goldberg

What a fun cookbook! The cover alone was enough to suck on in with its gorgeous, vibrant colors that are so alluring and the inside certainly did not disappoint! Filled with lush photography that really showcased the Cuban food this book is something else.
I was not very familiar with Cuban food so this book was a good introduction with absolutely delicious looking recipes and I loved the stories that were written in the book as well, it made the book seem like so much more than a cookbook which was really nice.
Unfortunately Cuban food is horribly underrated and not very well known, but this book made it seem approachable and delicious, I look forward to trying all of the recipes out!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Total Family Makeover

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Total Family Makeover: 8 Practical Steps to Making Disciples at Home(Abingdon, September 2016)

Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6

God calls us as parents to be key disciple-makers in our children’s lives, but if we’re honest, some days it’s a battle just to get them dressed and ready for school on time. How can you mold their hearts when sometimes you can’t even find their shoes?

In Total Family Makeover, author Melissa Spoelstra gives parents a way—a sort of spiritual track to run on—when it comes to building family discipleship. She focuses on eight key habits of growth:

—Spending Time in Prayer
—Reading God’s Word
—Growing Through a Mentoring Relationship
—Finding Community in the Church
—Serving Others
—Taking Time to Rest
—Giving Back to God
—Sharing Your Faith

Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

My opinion: What a wonderful book, I am quickly finding out what a challenge being a parent really is and I am not very far into it, this book really addresses ways to really touch your children's spiritual lives and not let it get lost in the shuffle of day to day activities. It is so easy to get caught up in everything one has to do and to forget to invest in ones kids spiritual lives but this book is such a great resource and is so encouraging and practical. Filled with such practical and easy ways to make time and serve God this book is awesome.  I really liked the 8 areas she focused on and felt they were very helpful, I have been thinking a lot about showing ones kids how to serve others and am glad this book talked about that, Such a great resource for parents of any kids, regardless of the age! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Jesus and the beanstalk by Lori Stanley Roeleveld

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Jesus and the Beanstalk: Overcoming Your Giants and Living a Fruitful Life(Abingdon Press, September 2016)

What if a fairy tale and ten Bible verses could free you to live an effective, fruitful life in Christ?

We live in unsettling, challenging times. Everywhere we look, we see giant problems: giant obstacles to sharing faith, giant barriers to peaceful lives, giant strongholds of fear. But what if you knew eight small secrets to unlocking a strength big enough to overcome whatever obstacle life may bring?

Using allegory and a bit of humor, Jesus and the Beanstalk explores a passage in 2 Peter 1 to uncover eight truths that will help you unleash a larger-than-life faith:

—Faith
—Goodness
—Knowledge
—Self-control
—Perseverance
—Godliness
—Affection for others
—Love

In this creative, refreshing perspective on spiritual growth, you will discover an unyielding strength when you tap the power of a God who is stronger than any beanstalk and bigger than your biggest giants.

My opinion: What a fascinating book! This book had an utterly unique concept and made me think about the story of  Jack and the beanstalk in a totally different light, i don't think I will every think of it lightly again! This book is such a fitting book for the day and age we live in and is very encouraging and mindful about faces the giants in ones own life and ways to overcome them no matter how large they seem to be. It was a perfect blend of humor. allegory and thoughtfulness and I loved it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The London Cookbook by Aleksandra Crapanzano

British food is not usually a cuisine one get excited about and thinks of as some of the best in the world because of it bad reputation from the past, but London especially is emerging as a vibrant city with delicious cuisine and is really putting England on the map in the food department.
Taking the best recipes from some of the best restaurants in the city, from well known places to little hole in the walls you can really tell the author did his research. I also love how approachable some of the recipes were with stuff you readily have on hand while others were  so sophisticated and would be quite a feat to make. Filled with delightful classics and ones I have never heard of this book is an utter delight and will help cement the idea that London really is a wonderful place for food.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Low-Pressure Guide to Parenting your Preschooler by Tim Sanford

I was utterly thrilled to receive this book in the mail, even though my daughter is only 16 months I know that the preschool years are just around the corner (don't remind me!) and I felt that this book and so many of its ideas are applicable to kids even younger than preschool age.
This book does a great job at breaking down some of the pressure that parents face and going over why so many of them are really not what is best for both the kid and the parent and as a result is causing high stress.
I like how this book deals with so many issues parents face and is a gentle reminder that you need to do what is in the best interest of the child no matter what others say.
Such a good reminder that parenting doesn't have to be as stressful as we often make it and ways to simplify and get rid of some of the stresses.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

To follow her heart by Rebecca DeMarino

I am always on the look out for  good, clean historical fiction and this one did not disappoint! Set in the mid 1600's this book is full of rich historical detail and makes one feel like you are being transported back to that time. I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and was fascinated to see how their situation would turn out, the uncertainties in their lives keep me at the edge of my seat!
A good plot, interesting characters, rich detail and good dialogue this book is a great addition to anyone shelf!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Choose and choose again by J. Kevin Butcher

I was intrigued by this book and am so glad I picked it up and read it. This is one of those books that really gets you to thinking, written in an utterly candid and raw manner that really speaks to you this book is about God's love and how little we understand it.
This book is about people from all walks of life, the prostitute, the druggie, the Pastor, the good kid and everyone else in between.
This book is for anyone who has felt empty and never good enough. This book is a reminder that we have to choose and choose again in our daily lives to embrace and relish God's love.
This book was encouraging and yet at times so heartbreaking, to realize what a broken world we live in and how many people are truly hurting and don't know the redeeming love of God.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.