Friday, February 21, 2014
a miracle of hope review
I like to read Ruth Reid books, generally. I am not a big fan of Amish fiction, but there are a few authors I like. Reid is one of them. "A Miracle of Hope" is by far the best book she has written yet. I really liked this book. I read it in a day and a half. Couldn't put it down. Lindie is an Amish woman no longer in good standing with the church. Though she has confessed before God and was forgiven, as with any religion, the congregation is a little more hard nosed. She had spent the night with an outsider (against her will) and the scornful looks and comments just wouldn't die. Eli, her brother, arranges her to be married to his friend, Josiah, in the north who is widowed and in desperate need of someone to help him with his deaf daughter; preferably a woman who isn't interested in a romantic relationship. In steps, Lindie, a pregnant unwed Amish girl. Perfect fit. This novel covers a lot more than just the obvious romance that will bloom between the two. It is a really good book. 5 stars. I received this book from booksneeze.com & netgalley.com.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
bounce back review and giveaway
"Bounce Back: When Your Heart is Empty and Your Dreams are Lost" by Julie Clinton is a life coaching style Christian based book on helping women who are hurt or struggling, to learn to: breath, believe, and bounce back. Clinton gives in a text book format using scripture and women's life stories to share how to do those three things to recover from pain and enjoy life again.
I read this book when I didn't have any true problems or struggles currently happening in my life. So, I found it to be a bit of a downer. However, about in the middle of the book, Clinton takes on a chapter about the common "overwork" of women, especially mothers. You know, where you hide in order to have a little peace. This part of the book I sat up and took notice. I completely absorbed this area of the book. It actually made me feel better that what I go through on a regular bases is common enough to be given a whole chapter. I would expect that the rest of the book, though not pertaining to me at the moment, would be exceptionally helpful to someone who is struggling. I received this book for free from First Look.
I have a spare (courtesy of Worthy Publishing) to giveaway to a reader. Leave me a brief message on the moment in motherhood when you knew you needed to breath, believe, and bounce back.
I read this book when I didn't have any true problems or struggles currently happening in my life. So, I found it to be a bit of a downer. However, about in the middle of the book, Clinton takes on a chapter about the common "overwork" of women, especially mothers. You know, where you hide in order to have a little peace. This part of the book I sat up and took notice. I completely absorbed this area of the book. It actually made me feel better that what I go through on a regular bases is common enough to be given a whole chapter. I would expect that the rest of the book, though not pertaining to me at the moment, would be exceptionally helpful to someone who is struggling. I received this book for free from First Look.
I have a spare (courtesy of Worthy Publishing) to giveaway to a reader. Leave me a brief message on the moment in motherhood when you knew you needed to breath, believe, and bounce back.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
without a trace review
I received "Without a Trace & Blue Bottle Club" 2 in 1 e-book for free in exchange for a review from The Book Club Network. The two books are not a series and are by separate authors. Due to length of the e-book (over 600 and some pages) I will review "Without a Trace" by Colleen Coble first and then "Blue Bottle Club" at a later date. "Without a Trace" is in the Rock Harbor series by Coble, however, the other books are not necessary to both follow along and enjoy "Without a Trace."
Bree, a widow whose husband and son's plane went down in the Northern Wilderness a year before, is half of a search-and-rescue-dog team. Bree and Samson, the dog, not only are looking for her family, but also look for lost campers, hunters, and children as well. Shortly into the book, Fay, Bree's no good sister-in-law, turns up missing and then dead. Bree, a modern day Nancy Drew, is trying to solve the mystery of the how and why in the murder.
This is a pretty good book, well written, characters are good, the mystery part is well...mysterious. The main draw back is that the reader is introduced to Rachel, a mentally impaired woman living in the wilderness with a four year old boy that she is not equipped to care for, almost immediately. This leaves the reader to worry more for the boy than to follow along with the murder mystery. I wished Rachel had been brought in about half way through. However, the search and rescue part of the story was incredibly interesting. I had not read or heard much on that aspect of searching before. I would recommend this book.
Bree, a widow whose husband and son's plane went down in the Northern Wilderness a year before, is half of a search-and-rescue-dog team. Bree and Samson, the dog, not only are looking for her family, but also look for lost campers, hunters, and children as well. Shortly into the book, Fay, Bree's no good sister-in-law, turns up missing and then dead. Bree, a modern day Nancy Drew, is trying to solve the mystery of the how and why in the murder.
This is a pretty good book, well written, characters are good, the mystery part is well...mysterious. The main draw back is that the reader is introduced to Rachel, a mentally impaired woman living in the wilderness with a four year old boy that she is not equipped to care for, almost immediately. This leaves the reader to worry more for the boy than to follow along with the murder mystery. I wished Rachel had been brought in about half way through. However, the search and rescue part of the story was incredibly interesting. I had not read or heard much on that aspect of searching before. I would recommend this book.
Monday, February 3, 2014
faithful, fit, and fabulous book blast & Giveaway
Filled with humor and I can relate life experiences, Faithful, Fit and Fabulous is the ideal 8-week life boost that will refresh any woman’s life. Gospel principles from scriptures, priceless gems from general conference addresses, and more, are shared along with ways to readily apply them in your busy daily life. Establish holy habits, feel fit and fabulous, and get organized. Just one goal a week for eight weeks simple and fun.
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Connie Sokol is a mother of eight, a sought after local and national presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine, and TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as the creator of talk CDs, podcasts and the “8-week Challenge.” Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.
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Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/23/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" target="_blank">I Am A Reader, Not A Writer</a> and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
REVIEW
"Faithful, Fit, and Fabulous" by Connie Sokol, is an 8 week program for self improvement following Christian guidelines. Each chapter takes a self-improvement topic, say: financial, physical fitness, marriage and family, organizational skills, and breaks them down into easy methods. She has stories, biblical and Mormon scripture for back up and reference. She then describes ways to manage life and strengthen characteristics as well as achieve goals in the areas. Each chapter also has "suggested goals" sections. The book is designed to be read one day a week and the rest of the week working on the goal (she suggests only one change or goal a week) and homework.
I read the book as intended and worked the program. (for the most part since I had pneumonia for about three weeks out of the 8, those three were a little loosely worked.) I felt the book was effective. I also liked how Sokol is a self-proclaimed B+ woman. She says that the woman should never get so caught up in achieving goals to perfection that she forgets how to enjoy them or to continue to remember others.
The draw back is that the book is LDS based; which is fine if you are familiar with it, but she makes references to people and readings without saying who the people are or where the reading is found. It will say Jacob 11:2, but not mention The Book of Mormon, which might leave some people confused. A little more explanation would make the reading experience more clear for a wider audience. The program however, is not LDS specific. The program would be effective by any Christian of whatever branch of religion. I received this book from www.iamareader.com blast giveaway.
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Saturday, February 1, 2014
ghost of sherwood review
You have probably heard the theory that Robin Hood was never a real guy, just a fictional story. "Ghost of Sherwood" by Wilson Harp is a twist on that theory. What if all of the things that Robin Hood did really did happen, but Robin Hood was an imaginary scapegoat? A Hoax. Harp takes the story and does an excellent job of researching the 12th century England and spins it into a conspiracy theory that would stand the test of centuries.
I really liked this version. I have read the theory that Robin Hood was a woman and this book was much more believable. Robert, the sheriff, is the main character with Sir Guy being the bad guy. The book did seem a little long; I would probably have cut out a little bit. However, it was a fast read. I would recommend this to conspiracy theorist and history buffs. I give it a B. I received this book for free from www.librarything.com.
I really liked this version. I have read the theory that Robin Hood was a woman and this book was much more believable. Robert, the sheriff, is the main character with Sir Guy being the bad guy. The book did seem a little long; I would probably have cut out a little bit. However, it was a fast read. I would recommend this to conspiracy theorist and history buffs. I give it a B. I received this book for free from www.librarything.com.
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