The Prime by Kulreet Chaudhary

I was intrigued by the concept of this book as it deals with the idea of healing ones body and not doing a bunch of these fad diets. The fact that it was written by an Dr and had more scientific backing was appealing as well as quite a few book have very little.
I have not been able to try her recommendations yet but am willing to do so as she makes a very good argument and it is an intriguing and compelling idea.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Your new money mindset by Brad Hewitt

Your New Money Mindset: Create a Healthy Relationship with Money(Tyndale, October 2015)

Have you ever thought: If I just had a little more money I would be happy? Research has shown this belief to be false. Through personal experience, Biblical passages and timely research, coauthors Brad Hewitt, CEO of Thrivent Financial, and Dr. Jim Moline, consulting psychologist, reveal that financial happiness and security have little to do with how much money you have, and a lot to do with the role money plays in your life.

Your New Money Mindset isn’t just another book about managing finances. It’s a book about reshaping your relationship with money by examining your attitudes and beliefs around money.

Your New Money Mindset:

—Defies the consumerism that infects our culture and sickens our hearts.
—Shows us how to replace the tension and fear we feel about money with contentment and peace.
—Guides us to live open-heartedly with our time, energy and money.
—Provides an online New Money Mindset Assessment™, which will help you pinpoint what attitudes about money you could work on in order to develop an openhearted attitude to life.

Regardless of your financial situation, we invite you to journey with us to discover how to transform your relationship with money by remaking your heart.

My opinion: This book is a wonderful guide to improving ones relationship and most importantly, ones attitude towards money. I can firmly attest to the role that how money pays a role in your life affects your financial happiness. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that more money will make you happier and yet no matter how much one makes, if you make your idol you will never be happy or content. I love how the author addresses consumerism which surely is something I know  I struggle with. I like how the book also addresses tithing and giving money to others as that is something I often struggle with. Such  a rich resource and one that is perfect in this day and age. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Come Empty by Saundra Dalton-Smith

{MORE ABOUT COME EMPTY}

Come Empty: Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Love (SonRise Devotionals, March 2015)

When a water vessel is filled with dirt and stones, it cannot be used to quench a thirst.

But, when this vessel is emptied, there is an opportunity to fill it until it overflows with fresh, cool, life-giving water. Water that quenches. Refreshes. Soothes.

Our souls are the same: filled with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Running over with unanswered prayers and lingering questions. When we empty the mess of our lives in the presence of God, we’re offered an invitation to come. An invitation that allows us to come empty – so that we can be filled until we overflow.

Come Empty: Pour Out Life’s Hurts and Receive God’s Healing Loveguides you through fifty days of experiencing the fullness of God’s love and His ability to overcome life’s hurts. Each day, you will receive assurance of God’s presence in your difficult situations. Each devotion gives new vision and perspective when you’re hindered by emotional blind spots, and leads you to experience God’s peace and wholeness. When His invitation is accepted, He will set your captive mind and heart free to live fully by His grace. The question is not if you will get an invitation. The question is, will you come?

My opinion: This book really speaks to the soul. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, letting issues in our lives clutter our lives, I know it is something that I struggle with and this book really addresses that and talks about working to empty those things out of your life over a period of 50 days. I like how the book broke into daily readings that were totally manageable and so very encouraging. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kissed by a cowboy by Debra Clopton

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

My opinion: This was a fun, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. With likable characters and a cute western spin this book is very enjoyable and is just plain fun. I like how this book deals with flawed characters and second chances  I liked how if you had read the previous book that you would recognize some characters but it worked well as a stand alone novel too. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Farrell

{MORE ABOUT BLUE RIBBON TRAIL RIDE}

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (David C. Cook, January 2016)

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp—a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom’s antique jewelry box.

But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.

My opinion: What an absolutely delightful book! This sweet little series is perfect for the young reader filled to the brim with great characters who are challenged to do the right thing, a lot of talk about Jesus which I was happy with and it involves horses and what young girl does not love horses?  It was fun to see each character develop and grow. I feel like this is a perfect book for young adults and is one that I would want my daughter reading. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

If I run by Terri Blackstock

{MORE ABOUT IF I RUN}

If I Run (Zondervan, February 2016)

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

My opinion: As always I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Ms. Blackstock, I have to say overall it wasn't quite up to par with some of her previous works though. It was fast paced and I read it very quickly but the mystery was pretty predictable and there wasn't as much of a build up. Still the story line was solid and the characters were likable which made it for an interesting read. Oh, and the villains were awful, the side mystery about the young girls abduction was sad.:( I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hope unfolding by Becky Thompson

I really needed this book as I am getting use to to this exhausting and crazy beautiful journey called motherhood. I lovely how candid and down to earth the author is and makes you laugh and is someone you cant totally relate to, I can see why she has a popular blog.
Being a Mother is so daunting and you have no idea if you are doing enough and you certainly don't feel good enough. I love how encouraging and revitalizing this book really is. I highly recommend it .
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Flower Workshop

What a gorgeous book with such insight and skill. For anyone who has any interest in flowers this book is simply a must. It is great for amateurs and for the skilled alike, coming up with designs that are above and beyond what most people do. I couldn't believe how stunning most of the designs were and how the author went more of the natural route which adds so much to the flower arrangements. I was  expecting a mere flower arranging book, but this one was so much more than that and is a beautiful one to have on hand.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

Because it’s not always love at first sight!

When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself… and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

My opinion: This is one of my favorite books by Robin Lee Hatcher which is saying a lot since I am a fan of her books! This one was just a sweet romance that definitely  wasn't love at first sight which was a nice change from most romance books out there. I really like characters and how they both developed as the story progressed and how their romance progressed as well. I really did feel for the character Penny and all of the losses she went to through. A very touching, good read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Taste of Many Mountains by Bruce Wydick

First off let me say I am utterly shocked that there are so many negative reviews of this book, I have to say that it really is one of the best books I have read in quite some time with so much substance and depth to it. I really feel like this book was like college class in economics that was fictionalized and written so the average person with very little background in economics can understand.
I loved how this book explored and explained the concept of fair trade and the coffee industry, showing where the money tends to go and how fair trade isn't really favorable to the growers.
I loved getting a glimpse into living conditions in South America and the turmoil that has been a part of their history. The flashbacks between the past and present added another fascinating layer to this already fascinating book.
I just loved how this book had so much more substance to it and really stayed with you long after you finish it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

I was excited to read this new series by the riveting author Dani Pettrey and I certainly was not disappointed. This book certainly measures up to the high standards of her previous works and was as thrilling as can be. I loved the main characters and the romantic tension between them. I am also excited about where this series will hopefully go.
With such action packed suspense, a intriguing mystery both old and new, great characters and a brilliant narration this book is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection as it is guaranteed to delight.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Burning Prood by Janice Cantore

I was so happy to receive a copy of the newest Janice Cantore book to read in exchange for my honest opinion as she is my favorite crime writer. I must say that this is probably my favorite series by the author thus so far and I was delighted with the latest installment in the saga of Detective Abby Hart and her quest to figure out what exactly happened to her parents that fateful night when she was 6 years old and who was to blame.
This book was a page turner and was riveting, but was  also incredibly sad as it dealt with terrible things like a child's brutal murder and the Father taking justice into his own hands, a young girl trying to overcome a terrible situation while knowing the person responsible was never caught and several other really tough things. The main villain was pure evil and super icky. The author  handled the  hard issues tastefully and had some very well thought out arguments for why God allows terrible things to happen, especially to those who love Him. I love how the author has depth to her characters and doesn't just give trite answers.
Overall a good read and I look forward to the next book in the series in hopes that the killers of Abby's parents will finally get caught.

Bronner: A Journey to Understand by Sherri Burgess

God teaches and refines us through pain and suffering. Author Sherri Burgess, wife of Rick Burgess of The Rick and Bubba Show, knows this to be true. After the earthly death of her youngest son, Bronner, Burgess asked, “Why?” And God answered.

Journey with her through this powerful testimony of healing to understand the purpose behind the pain. An empowering resource for book-club discussion or small-group Bible study, this is much more than simply a retelling of an inspiring story. It is a call to action beckoning us to know our Holy God like never before.

My opinion: As a new Mom myself this book really was so very, very hard for me to read. Talk about heart wrenching and hard book to read. Sherri Burgess went through every Mom's nightmare, losing a beautiful child in a devastating accident. The fact that she can is able to praise God and try to find some understanding amidst her pain is a beautiful testimony and one that is so deep and rich. Full of raw emotion and honest this book is for anyone who has suffered and is trying to find purpose and peace in the middle of their suffering. Well written and hauntingly beautiful it sticks with you far after you have turned the last page.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beyond the silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.

Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love–or will it endanger her even more?

My opinion: This is a wonderful mystery with memorable characters and an intriguing plot line. I like how the love story developed as the two main characters get to know each other, it was sweet and fun to be along for the ride. I liked how there was a mystery as well which made it all the more interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Indian Family Kitchen

What a fabulous book. I know that Indian food is something I very much enjoy but it is something that I feel a bit daunted to make myself. I like how this book takes things that I usually cook anyways, such as butternut squash and has you adding spices to give it so much more flavor and depth! This book has so many delicious recipes for various skill levels and with some very unique spices and some more common ones. The photography is great, the instructions are gorgeous, all in all this is a great book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.