Bountiful Blessings Cookbook

Bountiful Blessings Cookbook

Taste and See That the Lord Is Good

Life is full of blessings. Some of the first ones that come to mind are family and food. So the creators of this cookbook have put together over 700 easy-to-prepare, home-style recipes. Each recipe is more traditional in style with easy to find and prepare ingredients. The idea behind the book is to encourage family interaction over great tasting food.

The unique style took a little bit to grow on me, but now I really like it. The book appears to be sideways. So all of the recipes in the book are "sideways" on the page. This allows for about 3 recipes per page and works really well. I also like the home cooking style of the recipes. They are simple enough for me (an adequate cook) to make, but nice enough to make for guests. Considering the sheer number of recipes, there should definitely be something for everyone. Will be adding this to my collection.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Brides of Chance

The Brides of Chance

The Chance Brothers Journey into Romance in Six Historical Novels

Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracey V. Bateman & Cathy Marie Hake

Six orphaned brothers all live and work together on a ranch in California. These six books are put together in one large book to tell the story of their lives and romances. Each book is the story of one brother with details about the whole family included.

I had actually read all six of these books before. But I really enjoyed them all together like this. It helps the stories appear more seamless and keeps the details more organized in my mind. Obviously there are some books that I liked better, but I enjoyed all of them. The ladies did a great job of getting the feel for the characters to match up in each book. It's a fun, romantic read that will appeal to fans of historical romance. I will be keeping this book and getting rid of my six individual books.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Princess and the Pig

The Princess and the Pig

Jonathan Emmett

A farmer is traveling home and stops in the shade of a castle with his baby piglet in the back of the cart. When a baby is dropped into the cart and the pig flies up into the baby bed. Both the farmer and the queen are astonished, but blame it on the fairies they've read about in books.

I absolutely love this book. It's one of my favorite children's books. I picked it up at a book fair last year and have read it to my children so often that the pages are already becoming worn. The writing is comical and mocks the common fairy tales we've read so often. The illustrator matched the pictures perfectly with the story and feel the author was going for. I won't spoil the ending, but it makes us laugh every time. Definitely a keeper.

Owl Moon

Owl Moon

Jan Yolen

A little girl goes hunting in the dark of night with her father. They go deep into the woods, hoping for a glimpse of an owl. She stays quiet as her father calls to the owl.

Lyrical sentences and colorful illustrations make this one of my new favorite children's books. My children enjoy it as much as I do. The slight rhyming pattern to the words make it a very easy book to read. The descriptions of the world around the child help the reader visualize the hike as they go owl hunting. We will definitely be keeping and sharing this book.

GQ GQ Where Are You?

GQ GQ Where Are You?

Adventures of a Gambel's Quail

Shaon I. Ritt

Gregory, often called GQ, is a little Gambel's quail that lives in the dessert. Follow the little quail as he travels through the dessert seeing plants and other animals. The book comes complete with a music cd and is packed full of information about the Gamel's quail and the dessert it lives in. It also has pages of extra activities for home and school. The book would be excellent for use in a school/home school setting.

All of the learning aspects aside, my children loved this book. The rhyming words and colorful illustrations captured their attention and had them asking me to read it over and over. They also enjoyed the sing-a-long cd that came with the book. This book is definitely a keeper.

I received this book free of charge from Five Star Publications in exchange for my honest review.

The Dawn of Christmas

The Dawn of Christmas

The Apple Ridge Series Book 3

Cindy Woodsmall

Sadie was burned several years ago when she walked in on her fiance in the arms of her cousin on her wedding day. She vows never to marry and begins to pursue mission work in a town far away from her family. But circumstances bring her home and she is beginning to feel smothered with all of the match making. After rescuing a charming man, they hatch a plan to get the match makers off their backs until they can both get on with the plans they've made. But plans are meant to be changed.

I enjoyed this story. The different aspects that brought it all together made it different than I'd expected. It was nice to learn a bit more about the characters from the previous two books and have it all tie together so nicely in the third book. The relationship between the two main characters was funny, sweet, and romantic. The author did a great job. I hope she writes some more about this community.

The Christmas Singing

The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Apple Ridge Series Book 1

Cindy Woodsmall

Beth works with her Aunt Lizzy at their general store. She seems unable to move on after the death of her fiance and her aunt is concerned. Noticing her fascination with a wood carving she sets out to find the carver. Beth is drowning in guilt and sorrow and is unappreciative of her aunts meddling. Can she find the forgiveness to respond when the carver writes to her? Can she move beyond the darkness to find love and peace again?

The plot was slightly predictable, but still fun and enjoyable. The romance was sweet and the family's love for each other was touching. The characters, while flawed, were engaging and entertaining. The message of forgiveness and redemption was subtle, but uplifting. I enjoyed the story and look forward to more books by this author.

Christmas in Apple Ridge

Christmas in Apple Ridge

Cindy Woodsmall

The three books from The Apple Ridge series are all put together to make a three-in-one collection. Since each book is also a stand alone I'm going to only review the aspects of them being together and will refer you to my individual reviews since I've previously reviewed the first two and will write a separate review for the third one.

I enjoyed having all three of these books together. It made it easier for me to speed through the books and gave me a better sense of the community. Reading each book separately might leave time in between for me to forget some of the details. Woodsmall is about the only Amish fiction author I will read. Her down to earth characters and intriguing sense of style make this genre, that I typically don't enjoy, an enjoyable read. She always keeps me coming back for more. It was nice to read the new book in the series and to refresh my memory with the previous two books.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review.

A Special Gift for Grammy

A Special Gift for Grammy

Jean George

Hunter collects stones while at his Grammy's house for a visit. Grammy isn't sure what to do with the pile of stones. Hunter tells her to do what everyone does with stones. So Grammy waits. Soon she finds that everyone does have a use for her pile of stones. Hunter returns to find his pile greatly diminished. Grammy takes him on a walk to find a purpose for the last few stones. It's a story of a very special relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. Imagination and creativity are showcased in this fun little story about all of the different things can be done with a pile of rocks. The illustrations are done in a colored pencil look that will help tell the story with tons of color and inspiration. Children will love the family feel. Discussions about imagination, creativity, and family love will follow reading this book. The story book will make a great addition to the family library.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

A Boy Called Duct Tape

A Boy Called Duct Tape

Christopher Cloud

A poor young boy, Pablo, and his little sister Pia found a gold coin in the river. Add a treasure map, a cave, bad guys, and lots of fun. What happens next is a wild adventure that none of them expected in their wildest dreams. At the end, they learn that no amount of money, adventure, and excitement can change who they really are.

I'm definitely not in the target age group for this book. But I still enjoyed following the kids on their adventure. There is enough suspense and drama to make this a great book for my son when he gets a little bit bigger. I'll definitely be keeping it.

I received this book free of charge from Kelley & Hall Book Publicity for my honest review.

My Life With Snoopy

My Life With Snoopy

How One Shelter Dog's Love Changed a Man's Life and Other Tails of Adventures

Joey Camen

Snoopy is written in the first person view of the dog owner. The story is also a about the author and his experiences with dogs before he became the owner of Snoopy. So it reads more like a journal than a novel. Each story does, however, relate in some way to the dog that changed the authors life.

The story was sweet and simple. It is very clear from the beginning that this is the author's personal view of how the dog effected his life. The beginning and middle parts of the book are light and fun. But the end, when the dog is getting older, are written more as a therapeutic work for the author. The author is still grieving for his pet and this comes through very clearly in the writing. So be prepared for some tears if you are an animal lover.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

A Lady Most Lovely

A Lady Most Lovely

Love's Grace Trilogy Book 2

Jennifer Delamere

Margaret is one of the wealthiest young women in London. She's in town to find a husband. Her fiance Paul is another wealthy titled person and the local gossip is talking about the wedding of the year for the perfect couple. Mr. Tom Poole is a wealthy man, but comes from a poor family. He earned his wealth in the gold mines of Australia. The ton is reluctant to accept him, but his wealth is apparently speaking for them. When Margaret finds herself in a bind she learns who she can really depend on.

The characters are real, flawed, and fun to read about. I was a little nervous reading the second book in the series. But the book can be read as a stand-alone. There are definite mentions to the previous story, but I wasn't once left feeling lost or confused. It did, however, make me find the first book so I could read it as well. I didn't realize the book was Christian fiction until I had read a bit into the book. There are very subtle references that some might not even pick up on. So for the person who might normally stray away from CF, I would recommend giving this book a try. It certainly isn't preachy or in your face. I, personally, would have preferred more of a Christian feel since the book was labeled as such, but it was a great book that I will be keeping. The author does a great job of engaging the reader.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads & Hachette Book Group in exchange for my honest review.

Rules of Murder

Rules of Murder

Julianna Deering

Drew and his best friend love reading mysteries. So when a person dies on Drew's property during a huge party, they decide to help the police investigate. But when the murder hits closer to home it becomes harder to separate the fact from fiction. Murder isn't fun when it's personal.

I could not put this book down. Stayed up really late finishing it. I really enjoyed the style of writing, the way the author wove the styles and thoughts of famous mystery writers into the story. I don't read a lot of mysteries so this had some pros and cons for me. The clues were perfectly misleading at times, which makes the book fun. I didn't figure out the story until very close to the end. I will admit that the small bit of romance thrown in was weak and not my favorite part. But I read a lot more romance than I do mystery so this was a really nice change and I focused on the who-done-it part instead. Die hard fans of mystery might find this a bit bland. But it made a welcome change from my typical genre and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be keeping this author on my radar.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Little Book of Great Dates

Little Book of Great Dates

Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley

A cute little leather book filled with creative and fun ideas for dates to enhance your marriage. Use the book to have one date a month for a year, or jump around in the book to fit the date to the occasion. Each date chapter begins with a story, then has the list of activities that fit with the subject. At the end of the list is some questions to ask your spouse at the end of the date.

The ideas were fun. Not all of them will apply to every person, but there are enough in each chapter that everyone will be able to find something to fit their style. The questions were prompt deeper intimacy and will help you learn more about the one you love the most. The authors shared their own stories which gave it a more personal feel and helped to bring across some important points. I also liked the pretty blue cover. It added a nice touch. I really enjoyed this and look forward to going on these dates with my husband.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

What Once Was Lost

What Once Was Lost

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Christina has taken over the poor farm when her father died. It's the only life she's ever known and she feels a sense of value with her life work. But when a fire destroys the kitchen the residents are displaced among the towns people. One of her favorite charges goes to a reclusive saw mill owner. The next few months are filled with faith testing experiences. Christina is shown that maybe her plans aren't necessarily God's plans.

The characters in this story were well defined and fun to spend time with. The message of salvation and Christ's love was an integral part and woven throughout the book. The middle of the plot seemed to drag a bit with very little leading to a conclusion. It was also a bit dark and sad in the middle. But then the story picked up and wrapped up well. I like a bit more romance in the story. The ending seemed to be a bit much considering the amount of time the couple spent together throughout the book. This was a good book, but not a favorite for me personally. I enjoyed the writing style though so will be checking out this author's other books.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

Worship Walk

Worship Walk

Where Worship and Life Intersect

Gareth J. Goossen

Worship is more than just showing up for church and singing some songs. It is a complete life experience. The author takes us through the steps to make worship a constant part of our lives. He uses his own experiences to explain his points. Each chapter ends with questions that can be used for a small group Bible study or further personal style.

Worship is a subject that people often overlook or gloss over. The author has taken it to a deep and personal level. I really enjoyed the in-depth chapters, questions, and the stories that he wove into the message. The points that he brought out were thought provoking and convicting. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to someone wanting to deepen their worship experience.

I received this book free of charge from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Beloved

Beloved

Where the Heart Lives

Robin Lee Hatcher

Diana's life has been a strange mix of ups and downs. She was orphaned at six years old and sent on the orphan train. Loving parents adopted her and gave her a new life. While still a teenager Diana fell in love with Tyson Applegate, the son of a very wealthy and influential man. But it isn't long before Diana finds out that Tyson married her to make his father angry and gain control of his inheritance. She is soon abandoned as Tyson leaves with no intention of returning. Years later, thinking he is dead, she agrees to marry another man. Tyson shows up at her engagement party wanting to reconcile. Diana isn't really ready to give Tyson another chance, but finds herself with very little choices.

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of telling a love story and weaving God's love for us throughout. There were romantic, suspenseful, and spiritual aspects to this book. The humorous elements were a bonus. It all added up to make a very enjoyable read. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author.

I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

No Excuses

3 Off the Tee: No Excuses

The Fit Mind-Fit Bod Strategy Book

Lorii Myers

Life should be approached, like golf, as it every day is a new round. Using strategy from the game of gold, the author takes the reader on a path to becoming more physically fit and active.

My husband enjoys golf, so I figured I'd be able to understand the references and would enjoy the physical fitness aspect. The concept was great. But I'm not sure if I got bogged down with the golf references I didn't really understand or it was the format of the book. It was difficult for me to read and even harder for me to apply. I think the book would be great for a person who is very fond of the game and wants to up their fitness level. But it really wasn't my type of book.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Experiencing God at Home

Experiencing God at Home Day-By-Day

A Family Devotional

Tom Blackaby & Rick Osborne

This little devotional is designed for the family devotions. It would work well for those who already have this practice in place and would also be perfect for the family trying to establish this routine. The devotions are set up so that families can pick and choose what they are going to use that day based on the age of the child.  It begins with the scripture for the day and a question to get the discussions going. The devotional is based on the first two and is followed by prayer time and quiet time sections. There are several different ways to read through the devotions and a quick chapter at the beginning explains the way the authors set the book up.

I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to sharing it with the kids. The topics will interest them even though they are young, but we can still use this again when they are a bit older. The authors bring out several great points about establishing the habit of daily devotions and the effects it has on the children. The subjects are relevant to families today and are well thought out.  My favorite part is the little devotions called Parent Connection that are the devotionals just for parents. I've enjoyed everything I've read in this series and this one didn't disappoint. It's a book I'll be adding to my library.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

10 Great Dates

10 Great Dates

Connecting Faith, Love & Marriage

Peter & Heather Larson

David & Claudia Arp

There are a ton of books out there about Christian marriages. But this book takes the couple on a path using dates to reconnect the marriage spiritually. When the stresses and daily grind of life happens, a couple can find themselves drifting slowly apart. Then as they age, their differences seem to become insurmountable. The authors wrote this book to bring the couple together again (or to be used as the marriage is starting) while connecting their faith. The end result will be a powerful couple for Christ.

There are tear-outs at the back of the book to be used on the dates.

I enjoyed reading the stories throughout each chapter. They did a great job of illustrating the points. The chapter discusses the topic that will be used on the date. At the end of the chapter are the instructions for each couple do do to prepare for their date. The dates is a bit of a misnomer. These are really just some quiet time set aside to talk about the chapter and to answer the questions from the tear-out pages.

My only reservation would be length of the chapters. It's going to take both people being completely committed to doing these dates. And I know several people that would love the idea, but would balk at reading that much each week in addition to the dates. 

I received this book free of charge from in exchange for my honest review.