The 5 love languages of children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

I am a big fan of Gary Chapman works and read his 5 love languages before getting married and it is so applicable in understanding ones spouse so now that I have a child I was eager to read his book about the love languages of children and I am not disappointed! Even though my little one is only a year I can already see that physical touch is a huge deal to her and is her primary love language and this book really helps me understand how to express love to her and help her feel loved. It is such a valuable book and is so direct and to the point.  All in all an excellent parenting resource that one should have on hand!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Raising a young modern-day princess by Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting

I was so thrilled to read this book as I have a young little princess of my own. This book certainly did not disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are so many parenting books out there, but I felt this one was unique as it really focused on the fruits of the spirit and helping mold ones daughter into   true princess of the Lord.
This book really focuses on helping implement true characteristics of a princess and helping her be all that she can be. Filled with wonderful stories, gentle advice and great tips this book is a must for anyone raising a little princess.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Catching heat by Janice Cantore

I was so excited to read the conclusion to this excellent trilogy by one of my favorite authors of Christian crime fiction. I think this is Janice Cantore's best series yet and I was kind of sad for it to end although I was happy to see everything come to an end after an emotional journey .
This book starts of with Abby having a hollow victory, Kelsey Cox is in prison, but is not admitting to much and they don't seem any closer to getting the masterminds behind Abby's parents death put behind bars. When something from the past gets brought to light Abby is hopeful that it will finally bring the guilty party behind bars, but is this obsession taking over her life?
Overall I thought it was a good conclusion to the series although parts of it were a bit anticlimactic after waiting so long to see it through. It was still a very well written, well researched book that had me going until the very end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Service Tails

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Service Tails (Abingdon Press, August 2016)

Heart-tugging true stories of the courage, faith, and loyalty of remarkable service dogs.

Not all heroic dogs wildly toss themselves into lifesaving situations. Some save lives simply by their incredible commitment to duty and service. Some lead the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives.

In Service Tails: More Stories of Man’s Best Hero, prolific author Ace Collins introduces us to leaders whose entire lives are wrapped in the banner of service. Their stories are remarkable snapshots of the value of vision and teamwork, as well as devotion to duty and unconditional love and acceptance–stretching the way we see both canine and human potential. Their training was intense, their loyalty unquestioned and each step of the way they constantly adapt to better serve those they lead. These unforgettable dogs are more than heroes; they are models from which we can learn how to love and serve unconditionally.

My opinion: This book was so heartwarming and endearing reading about some extraordinary dogs that have truly changed the lives of their owners.  I have met some pretty amazing dogs in my life so it was wonderful to read stories of dogs that are getting honored for the remarkable things they have done. This book is so uplifting and encouraging and I thoroughly enjoyed reading of these remarkable animals and the services they have rendered, often leaving a lasting impression.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Natural Color by Sasha Duerr

What an absolutely gorgeous book, isn't the cover alone enough to get one intrigued and want to buy the book? I totally fell in love with the cover and was equally pleased with the rest of the book. This book is such a down to earth approach to dyeing, I am a complete novice in the area of dyeing but this book was so simple in its instructions that I feel it is something I can attempt now. I love how the colors were arranged according to seasons which made it so much easier when looking for a certain color. I also loved how some of the dyes were from natural things that aren't so hard to get a hold of.
This book is wonderful and would make a gorgeous present.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink

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Fetching Sweetness (Harvest House, July 2016)

Standing between Stephanie and her dream is one hundred pounds of lovable trouble.

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes’s canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog…thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it’s a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

My opinion: After reading the previous book  by this author I was eager to read this book as the author has such an engaging, fun style of writing. This book certainly did not disappoint! This book is something a little different as it has dogs as a big part of the story which is really fun!  This book is just a sweet little read that is fun and cute, well written. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

(Un)Natural Mom by Hettie Brittz

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(un)Natural Mom: Why You Are the Perfect Mom for Your Kids (David C Cook, August 2016)

Do you feel like you’re the only mom who serves store-bought birthday treats, dreads school plays, and misses the days of going to the bathroom by herself?

Unnatural Mom gives you permission to say that mothering doesn’t always come naturally to you. Parenting expert and self-proclaimed unnatural mom Hettie Brittz helps you…

—Recognize how unrealistic our culture’s standards of mothering are
—Move beyond the myths of “supermom”
—Complete a profile to determine your own parenting style
—Understand and forgive the mothers who hurt you
—Embrace your capabilities as well as your challenges

Come find new hope in discovering that every mother has unique gifts. In Christ, the “unnatural” mom becomes the supernatural mom who is just right for her family!

My opinion: I was utterly delighted to receive a copy of this book because although my little one is only 15 months old I already am feeling the pressure of not doing enough and not being one of those perfect Mom's. This book is a great reminded that I am a good Mom and I am just what my child needs, it helps one focus on ones strengths and also talks about ones weaknesses so you can look at ways to overcome them.
I loved the authors down to earth approach, she writes in such a warm inviting way that really pulls one in and want to read more.
This book is a must for any Mom!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When death draws near by Carrie Stuart Parks

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When Death Draws Near(Thomas Nelson, August 2016)

Death has always been part of Gwen Marcey’s job. But when faced with her own mortality, everything takes on a different hue.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs and homes when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky. The Eastern Kentucky town, located deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, has been plagued by a serial rapist and a series of unexplained deaths. Before Gwen can develop a composite drawing, the latest witness vanishes, just like all the previous victims.

Turning her attention to sketching the face of an unidentified body, she discovers a link between his death and a Pentecostal serpent-handling church. Serpent-handling is illegal in Kentucky, and the churches have gone underground to avoid the authorities and continue to worship as they believe. Gwen is offered a handsome reward to infiltrate the renegade members, a reward she desperately needs as it seems her breast cancer has returned.

Joined by her digitally-obsessed, Generation Z daughter, Gwen goes undercover to a nineteenth century revival, planning to draw the faces of the snake handlers so they can be identified and arrested. Instead she uncovers a murderous plot and a festering evil.

My opinion: I am not going to lie, these are probably one of the darkest, creepiest mysteries I have read, usually I shy away from these sort of books as they can really get to me and make me even more paranoid, but these books are just too good and interesting to not read! I love the authors style of writing and how down to earth and gritty they are, the main character is totally believable and is someone you could imagine meeting. You can tell these books are well researched and the plot was solid. Filled with page turning suspense and the ability to keep one guessing until the very end, this book is a must read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Culture by A.W. Tozer

I forgot how insightful and thought provoking Tozer's works were until I picked up this gem of a book. Filled with short articles on various topics which is a wonderful format as it is so much easier to get through as it is broken up quite nicely. Each topic is so though provoking and leaves one with a lot to ponder.
Tozer is not like so many popular Christian ministers today who seem more interested in making people feel good rather than rely on what the Bible has to say. Not so with Tozer, he really digs deep into the scripture and rely on them to make points. It is so refreshing to read something that is deeper and not all fluff and nonsense.
Many of the articles remind me so much of C.S. Lewis, the wisdom, the elegant prose, the keen insight, makes for a delightful read.
If you are looking for a intellectually stimulating book, broken down into short segments that are easy to tackle, I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Victuals by Ronni Lundy

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I am really enjoying reviewing cookbooks with regional cooking as it is so much fun to explore the pallet of a different place that is very different from the Midwest. This book was no exception, filled with traditional Appalachian cuisine this book is utterly fascinating as it really explores the delicious food from that region but also tells a lot of the rich history and culture of the Appalachians which is very rich indeed.
This book had  80 recipes that are fabulous, such variety some of  which are difficult and some which are quite easy.
Gorgeous book with breathtaking photography and detailed and easy to follow directions.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson

I was eager to read this book as it looked exactly like the sort of book I would enjoy. I have to say that overall this book disappointed. The premise on the back is not exactly how the story goes, the books is about a women thinks her man betrayed her and man who thinks he is righting his wrong when in reality he is getting taken advantage of and it all seems to work out in the end for them. I really wasn't thrilled with the content and I thought it was rather predictable and quaint how everything worked out nicely in the end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

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A Beauty Refined (Bethany House, July 2016)

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

My opinion: I enjoyed this latest read by Tracie Peterson more than I have enjoyed a lot of her previous works. This one actually kept my attention and was filled with more interesting characters and an intriguing heroine.
This one had an intriguing mystery and a sweet, well developed romance that I really enjoyed this book was a real page turner and had all of the elements that one appreciates in a historical novel.  An easy and very enjoyable read this book is a gem.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Find your brave by Holly Wagner

This little book was a delight to read. Filled with inspiring narrative that draws on personal experiences, Biblical insight and profound knowledge this book is very encouraging and insightful. It took me no time to read and left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated ready to tackle life head on.
The author has gone through her fair share of trials and had a particularly rough year so it was wonderful reading about how she was able to overcome the hardships and press on with a hope in Christ.
I feel this book would make a great gift as it is applicable to so many people and is really encouraging.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinon.

If My Husband would change, I'd be happy by Rhonda Stoppe

If My Husband Would Change, I’d Be Happy: And Other Myths Wives Believe (Harvest House, August 2015)

Like most brides on their wedding day, you no doubt were filled with love for your husband and the hope of a happy life together.

But perhaps today, as the realities of life together have settled in, those happy expectations are going unfulfilled. And it’s tempting to think, “If only my husband would change, I’d be happy.”

That myth is but one of many that Rhonda Stoppe dispels in her easy-to-read exploration of what it takes to experience a truly happy marriage. In the process, she addresses such important topics as

—understanding your husband’s need for your unconditional respect
—rekindling the love that drew you to your husband in the first place
—refusing to believe the lie that you’d be happier married to someone else
—learning to be content in the midst of financial struggles
—thinking about sex from a biblical worldview

If you desire to rekindle the love and hope you felt on your wedding day, this book will go a long way toward making that dream come true.

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.

My opinion: I was not overly thrilled to read another marriage book as I have read quite a few and I figured it would be a lot of the same information rehashed, but I was very surprised to find that this book was different from most books on this subject and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. Filled with refreshing honesty and humor this book was very thought provoking and I feel that it apply applied to myself. Sometimes it is so easy to buy into the myths that are floating around out there and sell yourself short but this book really addresses those myths and helps one think differently about your marriage and focus on the positives and the things that caused you to fall in love with your husband.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast

This book is such a wonderful, comprehensive guide to delicious Mushrooms in Northern California. I love how all 750 species identified are meticulously documented and recorded with pictures and they are each described in great detail which helps eliminate misidentifying any of them.
This book is well researched, well executed and very details and yet simple to understand for beginners and experts alike.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.