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.

Taste and Technique by Naomi Pomeroy

What an utterly invaluable book! This book is a must have for any amateur in the kitchen who wishes to improve ones skills. Filled with helpful and practical techniques this book is unique in that it is from a shelf taught chef. I loved how well the author explained and spelled out how to do things, the steps were broken down quite well.
My only gripe would be that the recipes were a bit too exotic to do daily, they are not made from ingredients that are readily available nor are they foods that I would make all of the time, especially with a little one!
This is a fun book though and I feel once you can tackle some of these recipes you would certainly improve your cooking skills!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Make it Zero by Mary Frances Bowley

What a truly memorable read, I was eager to read this book as the title and premise were so promising and it certainly did not disappoint. Unfortunately today there are so many kids that are facing things such as hungry, abuse, neglect, poverty, etc and in this books gives a small glimpse into the lives of people who have been able to climb out of that life and hope for something better.
Filled with practical advice for ways to help and to make a difference this book leaves you wanting to do more and make a difference, making it so every child is safe.
Having worked for Children's division for a short time, I know these stories are all too common and happen around us much more than we care to think. This book truly is a must read and is a great way to get you thinking and hopefully more involved.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall

I was beyond excited to read this gorgeous book, the cover alone was enough to make me want to read it and I was certainly not disappointed by the content inside.
I will start off by saying I have not had the privileged of reading the previous books in the series, so I know there are certain elements I am missing out on, but for anyone who wants to jump into the series I feel you don't have to read the previous books, it is a great stand alone novel as well. That being said after reading this book you will want to hunt down the previous books as they are just as good.
This book was everything you would hope for in a Christian historical fiction, I suburb heroine that is very likable and who you are rooting for every step of the way, an intriguing hero with a past, some very villainous characters and a tender, beautiful love story.
I love the strong Christian message in the story, it was beautiful and thought provoking which is a rare find in fiction.
I fell in love with the characters and highly recommend this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hope Prevails by Dr, Michelle Bengtson

This book is such a wonderful insight into the world of depression, written by someone who went through it herself as well as being a Dr. This book tells of a women who thought she knew all about depression from a clinical point of view, but realizes when she goes through soul crushing depression that there is something missing in the way she had previous viewed depression.
I love how the author explores the world of depression in such easy to understand terms and talks about what depression does to a person and also the hope  of getting on the other side of depresion.
Well written and truly engaging this book is an excellent read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

God Bless us every one by Eva Marie Everson

{MORE ABOUT GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE}

God Bless Us Every One(Abingdon Press, September 2016)

Charlene Dixon—called Charlie by family and friends—is devastated at the recent loss of her job.

For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the headmistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up her dreams and returns to her grandmother, Sis, who raised Charlie as her own in the mountains of North Carolina.

When Charlie arrives—broken and confused—Sis immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school’s Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. Charlie prickles at working with Dustin Kennedy, the drama teacher and her old crush from schooldays, but is even more put out at that the choice of the Dickens’ classic for the holiday performance. When she discovers her estranged father’s involvement her world turns on its head once more. But when Sis and Dustin encourage her to take a deeper look at the story behind A Christmas Carol, Charlie learns about trust, faith, and forgiveness and the needs of people in their own community.

My opinion: This little book was just the right sort of thing to start to put me in the Christmas spirit, just the thing to get one dreaming about the holiday season which will be here before we know it! Such a delightful little book filled with such charm. I loved the characters and enjoyed the developing romance between Charlie and Dustin. I also really enjoyed the character of Sis and the wisdom and sass she imparted. Filled with a sweet romance and a heartwarming plot this book is a little gem.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love Unending by Becky Thompson

This book is just what I needed right now. Never could anyone have prepared me for how much being a Mother would change me and change my marriage. We had gotten into a bit of a rhythm and routine after 5 years of marriage and I didn't think marriage would change it that much, but boy was I wrong!
This book really addresses the changes that do come during ones season of Motherhood and how to best handle that and not put ones spouse on the back burner.
Sparkling with humor and wit, this 21 day journey helps bring some sparkle back into your marriage, helps you remember what caused you to fall in love with your husband and focus on that. I can attest in the daily toil it is easy to forget those things that you love about your husband and this book is a great reminder.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Open by David Gregory

This little book is such a little gem, it is a small, easy to read book, I read it it one afternoon! Such an engrossing little story and one that sticks with you long after you have put it down.
Emma is like so many of us, struggling in life, not excelling in relationships or her job and wondering where God is in all of it.  When Emma starts getting mysterious envelopes to follow Jesus through the nearest open door she is off on an adventure that answers many of her deepest questions. I love how this little book tackles some really heavy stuff all in a simple, easy to understand manner.
I love how this books really brings the gospel to life, so often it is easy to understand the power and majesty of God and this book does a great job at catching a glimpse of it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Take your life back by Stephan Arterburn and David Stoop

This book was an interesting and unique read, it really focuses on  getting control of ones life and not allowing the baggage of the past tie down ones future. I really appreciated the biblical and psychological insight that are throughout the book. This book is a great resource for overcoming things in your past and being able to not allow others to influence your life.
It really gets back to core things and why the past influences you so much and how to put a stop to the vicious cycle,
Easy to read and very applicable to so many people this is a great read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Starving Hearts by Janie Mendenhall

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Starving Hearts (Heritage Beacon Fiction, May 2016)

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.

She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

My opinion: This book is book was a superb read, it was a unique Regency book which made it all the more fun. I immediately liked the main characters and even though there wasn't a huge mystery as to who Annette's mysterious rescuer was.  Still it was a well developed story with a lot going on to keep the pages turning.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Seeking refuge on the shores of the Global refugee crisis by Stephan Bauman

This book is such a  wonderful book in light of recent events in our country and gives a very thoughtful, well written response to the fears and concerns of many Americans with refugees coming over. I know that I myself have mixed feelings about the whole ordeal and this book addressed them all with well written, thoughtful answers that did much to allay my fears.
This book is backed with facts and data, so they are not feel good, trite answers but very solid and well researched. I love how it talks about addressing what individuals response needs to be and what the church could and should be doing.
Well written and engaging, this book is a must read in light of what is going on in our world. I highly recommend it!

Against the grain:Celebrations by Danielle Walker

Let me start out by saying that I am not into the anti-grain movement, but I was curious to check this book out to see how good the recipes were and to also see if I could cut out some gluten in my diet. This book did not make me a believer in the grain free life, but it did have some pretty good recipes that made cutting back on grains seem a lot more doable,
Apparently Danielle Walker has quite the series of against grain books and this one focused on celebrations. I really liked the wide variety of recipes and how delicious they looked, if one had to do a grain free celebration I really don't think you would feel like you were missing out! Filled with gorgeous photography that really make the recipes pop, this book is great and is doable for the seasoned cook and novice alike.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All under heaven by Carolyn Phillips

This cookbook is so incredible. One really gleans more of an understanding of the complexities and huge variety in Chinese cooking. This book draws on centuries of Chinese cooking and is filled with so much fascinating information, I came away feeling it as not only a cookbook but in many ways a history book too!
This book has absolutely gorgeous photography that really just add to the recipes. Filled with complex and simple recipes alike this book is for anyone who wants to explore Chinese cuisine.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.