The Glassblower

The Glassblower

Petra Durst-Benning

The Steinmann sisters help their father in his glassblowing business. But when he dies unexpectedly one day they are left to fend for themselves. Typically woman don't run their own business. So each sister sets out to find a way to support them. Each sister takes a different approach to their predicament and each sister must find her own peace and way through life.

The story started out painfully slow. It reminded me a lot of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, ironically enough. Starts out so slow you almost fall asleep and stays that way for about 200 pages. Then the story picks up, but the sex and violence are frequent and graphic. The problem was this book never grabbed me like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo finally did. It just kept dragging on. The sisters fight all the time. It never stops. This author is a best-seller in Germany so I think part of the problem may have been the translation. I kept getting glimpses of something great, but it was fleeting. I wanted so badly to like this story, but I just couldn't.

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

The Wishing Season

The Wishing Season

A Chapel Springs Romance

Denise Hunter

PJ McKinley, just out of culinary school, enters a contest to win a house. She intends to use the house for her new restaurant. She'll use the extra rooms upstairs for a bed and breakfast. But at the presentation she learns of her competition, Cole. Cole wants to provide a home for children who have aged out of the foster care system. The restaurant will bring jobs and money to the small town. The children's home is s worthy cause that already has sponsors. The elderly lady who owns the home can't choose between the two and gives them each half of the house for one year. They must both learn to work together for one year, yet one of them will lose at the end.

I really enjoy this author's writing style. It's straight romance, but not overly sweet and syrupy. She puts a strong sense of family into her novels. The two main characters, while flawed, were written to capture the heart of the reader. Another aspect of this author's writing is how seamlessly and beautifully she weaves in faith without coming across too strong. She's a favorite author of mine and this book didn't change that. Looking forward to her next book.

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

Freddy the Penny

Freddy the Penny

Gabrielle Begun

Freddy is a new penny on the quest to find his family. He makes new friends as he goes on a journey across the United States in his search. Freddy learns all about the importance of friends and family, while also picking up bits of history.

I read this to my six and eight year old children. They both really enjoyed it and my eldest took the book so he could read it for himself again. The story is written by a 10-year old so the humor and thought process definitely fit the age group intended. The author did a great job of weaving an entertaining story. I look forward to seeing more books from her in the future.

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

When I Grow Up. . .

When I Grow Up I Want To Be a Veterinarian!

When I Grow Up Series

Sofia's Dream Comes True!

Wigu Publishing

Sofia desperately wants a pet. But every single time she asks her mom, her mom says no. One night Sofia sees a stray cat and decides to feed it. This eventually sends the family to the vet so they can make sure the little cat is healthy. There Sofia learns all about animals and makes the decision to be a veterinarian.

My daughter wants to be a veterinarian so this book was perfect. It tells a story while weaving in facts about the different aspects and branches of veterinarians. Colorful drawings and colored photographs fill every page and add to the fun and learning experience. At the back of the book are some tips for children to follow on the path to becoming a veterinarian and a section on how to be a responsible pet owner. The book was informative, but fun.

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

Good Health, Good Life

Good Health, Good Life

12 Keys to Enjoying Physical and Spiritual Wellness

Joyce Meyer

 Diets come and go. Getting your life back on track and feeling healthy needs to be something that lasts. The author has taken well known steps for health and made them relatable. Each chapter covers a step towards good health, both physically and spiritually. The chapters are short enough to get the point across without being overwhelmed with information. The back of the book has some pages to use as check lists and guides with lines for writing.

I've read several Bible studies by this author and enjoyed them. But I think I enjoyed this book even more. It's a tiny little book, so doesn't feel overwhelming. But the author has taken a very practical and Biblical approach to turning health around and making it a life style change. She shares from her own personal experiences to make the book more enjoyable and relatable. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone tired of sluggish feelings and dieting drama.

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

Momma Days

Momma Days

Marie Schmuggins

Kids love spending time with their moms, doing all of the special things that moms can do. The book takes the children through some of the special things that four little kids get to do when on Momma Days when their mom doesn't go to work. Rhyming words make the book flow well and will make reading fun.

My daughter enjoyed the book. She liked the rhyming feel of the words and the funny colorful pictures. I liked the sense of love that I felt from the mother and how the author wove that love subtly through out the story. She also brought in a touch of God, which was refreshing. A cute little book that would make a great book for any family with small children.

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

If You Were Me. . .

If You Were Me And Lived In. . . Peru

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

This little book is packed full of facts about the country and the children who live there. Each unfamiliar word has the pronunciation so that it can be pronounced correctly. The young reader will learn about customs, festivals, food, and historical information about the country. The back of the book includes a glossary for all of the new words. While the book is approximately thirty pages, the author was able to pack quite a bit of information on each page.

My children enjoyed reading the this book. The book reads more like a story than a factual book. The script is a bit like a rhyme, so will be more memorable. I appreciated the glossary so we could all learn new words. The series would make a great addition to any school library.

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

Snowbirds

Snowbirds

A Memoir

Jo Ann Bender

Jo Ann and her husband need to take a trip to Texas from their home in Washington. They decided to purchase a vintage (meaning cheap) motorhome and try out the concept of being snow birds. They would take the scenic route to their meetings in Texas and visit historical places and enjoy the comforts of their little home on wheels. The author wrote down her thoughts to share with other baby boomers who might be considering a trip or a lifestyle change in a similar fashion.

The author writes in a meandering journalistic style as she shares her thoughts and feelings about living in a RV with another person for weeks at a time. She mentions several of the places that they visited. She shares the good and the ugly parts of buying vintage. The feel of the book is conversational and I can definitely see this book appealing to the retirees who are looking for something different now that they are no longer committed to a job.

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

Our Children Are Watching

Our Children Are Watching

10 Skills for Leading the Next Generation to Success

Susan Ford Collins

 Children watch everything their parents do. And they follow in those giant footsteps. Any parent will tell you that children follow what we do and not what we say. So the author has written a book giving personal experiences, stories, and analogies to guide the parent or person in charge to correctly guide the people in their care. She wanted a book with instructions for those in leadership positions to be able to grasp and implement.

The book has three parts. The first part is pointing out the actions of a leader. The second part (the longest section of the book) is detailing the 10 skills for succeeding at leading. Each chapter talks about one skill. The last part talks about how the leader can guide someone into leadership themselves. Each chapter is filled with stories that tie into the skill or thought and help the reader get a clear vision of what is needed.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my review.

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

Betsy St. Amant

Kat is working at her aunt's bakery. But her aunt has a plain vanilla type of bakery and Kat can envision so much more. She would love to branch out into other types of flavors beyond the 3 they carry. But she lacks the confidence to go for her dreams. Her best friend Lucas is always by her side, encouraging and helping her. He secretly signs her up for Cupcake Combat in hopes of boosting her confidence. 

This was such a mixed bag for me. I love Cupcake Wars, the premise of the story, and the beautiful cover art. I really didn't care for the mostly inner monologue the two main characters had. The book was very big on thinking and very small on action. I'm okay with lots of talking, but there really wasn't a lot of that. The couple fought constantly and constantly misunderstood each other. I actually liked Kat. While whiny and lacking in self-esteem, she redeemed herself. Lucas was mean to her to protect himself, didn't make wise decisions, and came across as overbearing. In summery, the book was a light fluffy read that was fun, but could have been great with a few changes.

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

When We Met

When We Met

Fools Gold Book 13

Susan Mallery

Taryn is now living in a small town called Fools Gold. She's a city girl so this is now a whole new experience for her. But her business partners voted to move their company here and she was outvoted. She makes the best of her situation and soon makes some wonderful friends. But one person in particular is going to change her small town experience. Angel has some very visible scars. But it's the ones that aren't visible that may be his downfall.

The author did a great job of seamlessly weaving the secondary characters into the story. I sensed other stories, but had no idea this was book 13. I really enjoyed the two main characters. They were flawed, but endearing. Their story meshed well together. The secondary characters also had depth and made me want to check out her other books in this series.  There were some minor things I noticed such as people acting out of character, but it was minor enough that it didn't detract from the story.

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

Insects in the Infield

Insects in the Infield

Nancy Oswald

 

Buster is not crazy about his younger sister, Maggie's insect collection. Living insects just aren't his thing. But Buster is in a real jam. His math grades are terrible and he can't play on the baseball team unless he brings up his math grade. So super smart Maggie steps in to help him grasp the math concepts. She uses baseball to make the math relate-able. 

I'm an adult, but I still enjoyed reading this chapter book. The author brought several things into play in this story geared towards middle-school age children. Bullying, grades, friends, and family are all discussed in a story that kids will find entertaining. I'll be passing this book on to my son and I hope it sparks some conversations about the topics presented. My only complaint, and it's a tiny one, is that the issue of the bullies never seemed to be resolved. The incidents happened, but weren't addressed by a parent or teacher. The issues just faded after the ball game. 

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

Pearl in the Sand

Pearl in the Sand

Tessa Afshar

Rahab is feeling empty and has a great sense of longing. She just isn't sure what she's longing for. When she hears about the God of the Israelites she wants to get to know this God who is so loving and forgiving. Her opportunity comes when two men show up at the gate claiming to be merchants. Her life, and the life of her family, is forever altered because of that split second decision to save some lives. Can Rahab let go of her past hurts and accept the love and forgiveness of the God of Israel.

What a beautifully written story. I'm always reluctant to read Biblical fiction. It is so easy to detract from the real story. But this author has not only written a story that sticks with you long after you've finished the book, she has written it in such a way that I wanted to go back and read the story in the Bible as well. The story came alive as Rahab dealt with the guilt form her past and her unworthiness. The two main characters were flawed, but likeable and inspiring. The book really made me think about the whole story in a completely different light. I was also impressed with the amount of research that went into this book. It gave the story a very authentic feel. I enjoyed the book and the author's writing style so much that I've already purchased several of her other books.

The Mouse Who Ate the Moon

The Mouse Who Ate the Moon

Petr Horacek

Little mouse is lying in bed looking at the moon through the hole in her little house. She makes a wish to have just a tiny piece of the moon. The next morning when Little Mouse looks out of her hole she sees a slice lying on the ground. It smells so good that she eats half of it. She's horrified when she realizes that because of her appetite the moon will no longer be round. Her friends try to cheer her up, but it isn't until the moon comes out that night that she begins to feel better again.

The peep through design with the adorable illustrations will delight children and parents. The pictures contribute and help tell the story. Children will love the lyrical text and fun plot. The print is large and easy to read. The moon and bedtime theme make this a perfect fit for a bedtime story.

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

The Viscount Who Lives Down the Lane

The Viscount Who Lives Down the Lane

Elizabeth Boyle

Louisa doesn't want to go to London for a season. But their late mother's friend has agreed to sponsor both Louisa and her sister, Lavinia. Lavinia is determined to go, so Louisa goes with her to help her find a husband. She insists on bringing her cat Hannibal. Hannibal is a crazy, demented cat who escapes the carriage upon arrival and races into the neighbor's house. That simple mishap helps to shape the girls entire time in London.

I was gifted this book as an ebook. I'll admit that I would never would have picked up this book with this cover. But since I was reading this as an ebook I didn't see the cover until I went to leave the review.

The plot was fun and light-hearted. The two main characters fit well together and were entertaining. But the secondary characters really added depth to the story. I'm a huge fan of romance and the author did a great job of mixing the romance with a little bit of drama and a whole lot of humor. My favorite parts were the parts with the crazy cat. Definitely a cute and funny book that made me want to check out the author's other books. Just ignore the cover!

Ten Rules of Being a Superhero

Ten Rules of Being a Superhero

Deb Pilutti

Every little child knows there are rules to being a superhero. Follow one little superhero, called Lava Boy, as he shows what all ten of these rules are. His little sidekick, Captain Magma, is with him on every page.

Young readers will learn about the rule of helping others, super powers, and other rules. Fun and colorful illustrations fill each page as the superhero learns how each of these rules fit into his everyday life. Parents will love some of the lessons learned from the rules, such as picking up after yourself or being considerate of other people. The author was also able to slip in several examples of good manners. Since each of the rules are numbered the book would be a fun way for preschoolers to learn their numbers. Children will love the whimsical drawings and little captions included with the rules. The print is large and the vocabulary will work well for the young reader.

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

God Loves Broken People

God Loves Broken People

And Those Who Pretend They're Not

Sheila Walsh

As human we are all broken in some way. And God loves each of us in and through our brokenness. The author, herself, has experienced the pain of being broken and has used her experiences to share how her brokenness brought her closer to God and allowed her to help others in their time of darkness.

My Bible study group picked this book out for one of our studies, since the book comes with discussion questions in the back. I was not impressed. We couldn't connect with the author and her presentation of the material felt stiff and un-relatable. She was so vague about her depression issues that even I, who suffers from depression, didn't feel a connection. She makes assumptions about the reader in both the book and the questions that aren't always true. The questions in the back were often closed and didn't really leave room for open discussion or other differences of opinion. But the last few chapters really picked up and I enjoyed them. I thought the author was able to connect better and was able to pull some thought provoking issues into the material. I'm not sure how an author can write a book that is so bad for two-thirds of the book and then end on such a strong note. The discussion questions never got better, but we were able to talk about what we'd read and take it from there. Because of this, I can't really recommend the book to anyone. But since it ended on a good note, I would be open to trying another book by this author.

Masterpiece Marriage

 Masterpiece Marriage

Quilts of Love Series

Gina Welborn

Mary is desperately looking for someone to draw some illustrations of her beloved tomato plants. She needs the illustrations as soon as possible so she can get a job. Very few botanists are women and she wants to get a job in her field. But when she asks her neighbor to help she is roped into helping with a quilt. She's also taxed with working with the neighbor's nephew, an infuriating man.

The story begins with quite a few details and a complex story line. It doesn't appear to be a part of a series, but some of the details were vague. The characters were entertaining and the plot picked up pace towards the end. The ending was romantic and the book cover is gorgeous, both pluses to me.

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

$50 Book Giveaway!

A City Full of Santas Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas. A must read for everyone. Just like Pooja's other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message. A story that parents would love to read to their children.

Just .99 cents on Amazon.com

Author Pooja Sardana Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree. Her books and her initiative - PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in 'Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India" , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work. Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.

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Praise for the Book "Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read." "Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa's surprise." "Artwork "pops" off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children's book that I would recommend!"      

Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/4/15 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 I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homemade Decadence

Homemade Decadence

Irresistibly Sweet, Salty, Gooey, Sticky, Fluffy, Creamy, Crunchy Treats

Joy Wilson

 Food blogger Joy Wilson has taken some of her most irresistible treats and brought them to us in a beautifully designed and photographed cookbook. Each recipe comes with a gorgeous photograph and a little personal note from the author about the recipe.

I was pleasantly surprised to see such a wide variety of recipes when I opened the book. There is a recipe for every meal, including breakfast. Quite a few of the recipes were added to my list to try. But some of the recipes are a bit much for my non-adventuresome family, since they included ingredients  or combinations that aren't typically thought of. 
She included several pages of advice about baking and I also liked the recipes that could be used with several other recipes, such as the pie crusts. The photograph was beautiful and really added to the appeal of the book. This would make a wonderful present for the baker in your life.

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

To Everything a Season

To Everything a Season

Song of Blessing Book 1

Lauraine Snelling

The town of Blessing is growing faster than the houses can be built. As the towns people deal with the various issues that come with a rapidly growing town, a prominent family is also growing. Trygve is working on a well drilling crew. But when he feels God calling him to stay home in Blessing he returns to help his family and find his place in the town. He also meets a young woman that captures his heart.

This is the first book in this series. Since I haven't read anything by this author I wanted to make sure I started at the beginning. But somehow I still picked up in the middle of a long story. The book begins with a massive family tree for the Bjorklund family. I also read that this is the 3rd Blessing series. So while this is the first book in this series, it isn't the first story about the family or town.

While I was completely lost with all of the unfamiliar names and circumstances, I did enjoy the flow of the story. The author weaves a plot with lots of sub plots and extra details to keep the reader engaged. The book brought out several thought provoking issues surrounding Christianity that still pertain to today. The story didn't end, leaving it open for the next book in the series. Someone who enjoys family sagas will love this small town story. Just be sure to start at the very beginning so nothing is missed.

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

Jonah and the Bear

 Jonah and the Bear

The Bible Amigos

Frank Fraser

 

Three friends named Wall, Donk, and Edge go where ever their flying bible takes them trying to rescue other animals while spreading the news about God's love. Each book in the series is based on a Biblical story and helps the young reader grasp the meaning behind the stories. The book begins with the young friends playing in the fall leaves.  But when the flying Bible appears they jump on to rescue someone. The Bible story helps them know how to help the little animal in trouble. The story ends with several Bible verses.

My children loved the illustrations which helped to tell the story. The Bible story is woven into the modern story very seamlessly. The lesson on sharing is something that every child should hear. The way the story is told will open up opportunities to discuss why the bear was having problems. The Bible verses at the end add dimension and help tie everything together. Because of the fun interpretation children will better remember the lessons they learned while reading. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with young children.

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

Five Loves,Two Fish, And One Big Hat

Five Loves,Two Fish, And One Big Hat

The Bible Amigos

Frank Fraser

Three friends named Wall, Donk, and Edge go where ever their flying bible takes them trying to rescue other animals while spreading the news about God's love. Each book in the series is based on a Biblical story and helps the young reader grasp the meaning behind the stories. The book begins with the young friends getting ready to eat some pizza. But when the flying Bible appears they jump on to rescue someone. The Bible story helps them know how to help the little animal in trouble. The story ends with several Bible verses.

My children loved the illustrations which helped to tell the story. The Bible story is woven into the modern story very seamlessly. The Bible verses at the end add dimension and help tie everything together. Because of the fun interpretation children will better remember the lessons they learned while reading.

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

If You Were Me. . .

If You Were Me And Lived In. . . Greece

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

 

Children have a wonderful curiosity for the world around them. Spark this by showing them how little children around the world live. This little book is packed full of information about the country and the children who live there. Each unfamiliar word has the pronunciation so that it can be pronounced correctly. The young reader will learn about customs, festivals, food, and historical information about the country. The back of the book includes a glossary for all of the new words.

My children enjoyed reading the book. The style of writing makes it more like a story than a list of facts. The information is presented in such a way that children are more likely to remember it. I liked the pronunciation help so we didn't have to try and guess how the words sounded. The series would make a great addition to any school library. 

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

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

Regina Jennings

Abigail, a nurse, marries a confederate soldier on his death bed. After she buries him she keeps her promise to go to his home and care for his sister. She also uses her extensive knowledge of horses to keep his farm running. But the entire community is shocked when the man returns home a few months later. If Abigail didn't marry Jeremiah Calhoun, then who was the man she buried several months ago? And what is she supposed to do now?

The plot was unique and it was a nice change from the usual. I enjoyed all of the characters and felt the author did a great job of showing their flaws while also making them endearing. The story, while fun, also had an underlying message of forgiveness. The author also brought in some romantic drama, suspense, and a little bit of heartache. It was a really neat story that made me want to check out her other books.

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

The World Almanac

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2015

Sarah Janssen - Editor

Would you like to know all the results for the 2014 Elections? Do you wonder what the top news stories for the year were or how the world changed during 2014? All of these answers and many more are included in this information packed book. Sports, History, Science, and Statistics are just a few of the topics that are covers. Bright, colorful pictures throughout the book add visual appeal.

This thick book would make a wonderful gift for the knowledge hungry person in your life. College students, schools, and the home library would all benefit from having this book on the shelf. My son poured over the book when it arrived and kept reading sections to me that interested him. I was impressed with all of the subjects that were covered and how thorough the information was. Definitely a book worth keeping.

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

Watch For The Light

Watch For The Light

readings for Advent and Christmas

There are very few Advent devotionals out there. So the creators of this little book have picked from some well known authors and speakers and complied a devotional for every day of Advent. The purpose of the book is to bring the true reason for Christ's birth back into our thoughts as we celebrate this beautiful season.

First, I love the cover of this book. Also this is a pretty impressive line up of authors. Several of the devotionals touched my heart and convicted me to spend more time on the meaning of the season. But some of the days had incredibly long chapters and the thoughts were a bit too deep or complicated for me to share with my children. I was hoping for a shorter devotional I could read to the whole family. This book is more for the Bible scholar who would like some deeper thoughts for the Advent season. It is a really nice book and would make a great gift as long as the concept is for deeper study and not a family devotional.

 

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

The Bachelor

The Bachelor

Plain City Peace Book 2

Stephanie Reed

Betsie is home in the Amish community where she feels she belongs. But things are rapidly changing. Taking care of her siblings, as well as an Englisher girl can be overwhelming. Confusing thoughts about two completely different men, troubles with her siblings, and worry about her parents all pile on top of the tons of work that needs to be done almost overwhelming her. Can she decide where she wants her life to go while filling the ache in her heart?

I have the very bad habit of picking a book without realizing it is the middle of the series. This happened once again. The book is definitely not a stand alone. So be sure to read the first book before picking this one up. That being said, it starts off well and is entertaining. It follows the typical Amish pattern with conflicts about religion and distractions with the English community. The book hints at some endings, but leaves the reader hanging in anticipation for the next book in the series.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my review.

Adventures in Glendragon

Adventures in Glendragon

Mike the Knight

HIT Entertainment

Mike the Knight and his sister Evie live in a castle in Gledragon with their mom, Queen Martha. Mike has a horse named Galahad, and Evie has a pet frog named Mr. Cuddles. Together they go about the kingdom trying to perform good deeds. They also enjoy playing with their friends, Sparkie and Squirt, the dragons, and Mike, the troll. 

Readers can join the siblings as they try to fix their magic mistakes. The book is designed as a coloring book and activity book that also tells a story. Each page is filled with plenty of coloring space and activities that children will love. The book is geared towards pre-school to kindergarten age and has activities such as matching games and counting. The answers are included in the back of the book. The book also includes forty colorful stickers. The activity book is based on a popular set of videos. There are also books that can be purchased to accompany this coloring book.

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

The Daniel Plan

The Daniel Plan

40 Days to a Healthier Life

Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman

Pastor Warren was baptizing a lot of people one day when it dawned on him - Americans are fat, grossly fat. But it also hit him that he was right there with them. So he made a plan to lose weight. He spoke with his congregation and thousands of people joined him in his pledge to not only lose weight, but to become more healthy. This book is the team effort of Pastor Warren and two doctors to make a Biblical plan to become healthier.

This book is a massive, almost 400 page book, packed full of tips, recipes, menus, exercise plans, and scripture to help the dieter get on track and lose weight. The plan is set out to encompass every aspect of a persons life. I had a love/hate relationship with this book as I read through it. I'm a list maker and a planner. So all of the charts, graphs, and menus were wonderful. But the book was so large and detailed that I quickly became overwhelmed. I honestly don't think I would ever start with this challenge. It was just too huge and confusing. Warren did stress the importance of doing this challenge with friends or family to keep you on track and accountable. So maybe if I'd read this in a small group or with a friend it wouldn't have been so daunting. All in all, it is a great book, I'm just not sure how many of us overwhelmed individuals will be helped by the tons of information presented.

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

Love Without End

Love Without End

A Kings Meadow Romance Book 1

Robin Lee Hatcher

Kimberly has lost almost everything. Her husband died unexpectedly, leaving Kimberly and her daughter Tara homeless and destitute. They move to Idaho to live with Kimberly's best friend while they try to regain their footing. While there someone gives Tara a horse. But since they don't have the space or knowledge to take care of the horse they hire Chet, a local horse trainer, to help them.

I absolutely loved this book. The author wove two beautiful stories together so seamlessly. She created such wonderful word pictures that now I want to go visit this town. I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one really resonated with me. Real life can be hard and sometimes it's hard to separate the desires of our heart with what God might want for us. Hatcher addressed this issue in the story and wrote about the necessity of prayer. Yet the book never had a preachy feel to it. It just flowed together with the story and seemed a part of their lives. I liked that she didn't sugarcoat the difficulties of ranch life, all the time making it seem so appealing. She also touched on the importance of family and its importance to us. It is an all around beautiful story that has made me impatient for the next book in the series.

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

Shooting the Rapids in a Wooden Canoe

Shooting the Rapids in a Wooden Canoe
Real Life Stuff for Couples Navigating Transitions

Tim McLaughlin

Marriages change often and sometimes unexpectedly. How you weather those changes says a lot about your marriage and you as a person. This little study book walks couples through different transitions and how to weather them together. Each chapter begins with a thought from the author called the beginning place. It's a place to begin thinking about that particular transition. Each chapter varies from here, but sections called Read have stories that relate to the subject. After each Read section there is Think, which is questions that get the reader to thinking about what they've read. There are also sections called Live scattered throughout the book that take the lessons learned and give ways to apply them to the readers life.

I really enjoyed reading through this book. The thoughts the author presented were thought-provoking, but weren't dry or boring. This would be a great book for a small group study or for a couple to study together. There are three other books that go in this study. I liked how the author offered practical advice and didn't sugar coat the issues. Every couple is completely different and will face different issues in life. The chapters seemed open to adapting to the differences in couples, and didn't come across as judgmental of the choices that some might make. Definitely a book I can recommend.

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

When Chicks Hatch

When Chicks Hatch

Heather Randall

Five women all intersect as they deal with major issues that change their lives and bring them closer to their friends, family, and God. Each woman also learns who her true friends are. Since each woman is at a different place in her life, everyone should be able to find a character to relate to.

The book had a very chick-lit, contemporary feel. The author wrote a story that will capture the reader's attention and tells a tale of redemption and forgiveness without coming across as too preachy. Because there were so many characters the plot had a soap-opera vibe with many different intersecting stories being told at once. I'll admit to some confusion at the start, but quickly figured everything out and settled in to enjoy an adventure that included faith, romance, and some plot twists.

This was a sweet book by a new author. I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next.

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

The Generosity Bet

The Generosity Bet

Secrets of Risk, Reward, and Real Joy

William F. High with Ashley B. Mccauley

 Generosity can be scary and confusing. There are so many ways and places to be generous. And yet what is the benefit to you? These authors have taken stories and experiences from other people and turned them into a book about how generosity can change lives. It changes the lives of the people who give and the people who receive. And often it changes the lives of the observers as well.

Each chapter is about a person who made the sacrifice to give generously and how it changed them. Filled with inspiring quotes, Bible verses, and true life experiences, the stories are uplifting and encouraging. At the end of each chapter is a section called Your Story. It asks questions that helps the reader make the story relatable to them personally.

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

5 Elephants

5 Elephants

Rob Laidlaw

Elephants are graceful and beautiful creatures. They have a huge capacity to love and nurture. The author has chosen five famous elephants and told their stories in this book. There is also a chapter filled with interesting facts about elephants. The book also has tips on how to become an elephant guardian, a list of elephant welfare organizations, and a glossary.

I love elephants so this was a really neat book for me. The photography was wonderfully done and really shows the elephants at their best. The author is a biologist, but the book was written for us laymen to understand. I read the book to my children (8 yrs and 5 yrs) and they loved it. The writing style is simple, but tugs at your heartstrings. I could definitely see this book becoming a great resource in a school setting.

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

Shield Up

Shield Up

How Upstanding Bystanders Stop Bullying

Marcella Marino Craver

Five friends enjoy spending time together and working at the theater after school. Each one has a different talent that they can put to use on or around the stage. But one of their group, CJ, decides to pick on a new student. At first the friends don't say anything. It would be too awkward. But when things get out of hand, the friends realize they need to step in and help the new girl and their friend CJ.

The book is written entirely in comic form. The comics are fun and fit in with what the author is trying to convey. The message is very spot on for dealing with bullying. My son read the book quickly and enjoyed it. The book sparked a conversation between us about the effects of being bullied. The back of the book has a note to readers that deals with different aspects of bullying and also offers additional resources. It was a great book for me to use to discuss the topic with my son, but I think all schools should have this book in their library as well.

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

Unexpected Christmas Hero

Unexpected Christmas Hero

Kathi Macias

Josie has the perfect life - a husband who loves her, two wonderful children, and a gorgeous home. But when her husband dies she realizes that their home is mortgaged to the hilt. She has no time to regroup before she loses her home and finds herself and the two children on the streets. Life literally becomes a day to day game of survival. But God places people in the her life that will show His love and change hearts.

The author has a talent for creating an emotional story. The subject of homelessness is often sad and depressing. But this story has an underlying theme of God's love and ends on a redeeming note. I don't usually like books that make me cry, but this one was worth it. It definitely made me think of how I could help not only the homeless, but anyone around me who might be needing to see God's love.

The Promise

The Promise

Beth Wiseman

Mallory was prevented from giving her cousin a kidney when she was a teenager. So she promised her dying friend that she would save a life when she was an adult and could make her own decisions. Her best friend's fiance convinces her to go to the middle east to save a young girl with cancer. Her friends and family try to convince her it's a mistake, but she is determined to save someone since she couldn't save her cousin. 

The Prologue starts the book off with a bang. The author has a strong writing style that carries well with this plot. The author based this book on a true situation that happened to a friend. Knowing that this was based on a true story made it feel very authentic and scary. I can see this book easily becoming a favorite with a lot of readers. But it wasn't really my style. The book has some slow points. And the book didn't really seem to fit into the Christian fiction category. I felt that several of the religions weren't portrayed authentically or fairly. It's definitely not a book that I would recommend for younger readers.

Louie's Big Day

Louie's Big Day

Maria I. Morgan

 Louie is very nervous. He's been purchased from the hardware store and tomorrow is the first day that he tries cutting grass. He doesn't know if he'll do a good job and he's always had his friends with him. Now he's all alone. But the next day proves that he's great at his job and also has a wonderful surprise.

My children enjoyed the story. The illustrations are realistic enough to catch the meaning of the story, but whimsical enough to capture the imagination of the children who are listening. As a parent, my favorite part of the book were the thoughtful questions at the back of the book that allow the readers to dig deeper and learn more about the meaning behind the story.

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

The Daughter of Highland Hall

The Daughter of Highland Hall

Edwardian Brides Book 2

Carrie Turansky

Katherine is ready to enter the London social season. Her cousin is her guardian and her rather abrasive aunt has taken it upon herself to get Katherine ready for the season. Everyone hopes that Katherine will make an advantageous match and live a life of luxury. But Katherine catches a glimpse of what it would be like to live a life in service for God and others. Now she's torn. Which direction should she go?

Regency or English historical fiction is one of my favorites. So I was super excited to read this book. The book started off slow and didn't really grab me at first. I wasn't aware when I picked it up that it was book 2, so maybe the first book would have set the story a little better and made it less confusing. Once I got into the book I enjoyed the characters and was drawn into the story. There were several things that didn't ring true to the time period, but for the sake of fictional license I ignored them. The messages of faith and trust that were woven into the story were insightful and thought provoking. They were the best parts of the book, to me. In summery, I enjoyed the story and will try another book by this author.

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

Princess Cupcake Jones

Princess Cupcake Jones Won't Go To School

Ylleya Fields

Cupcake doesn't want to go to school. So she comes up with a plan. But each time her mother thwarts her plans. Cupcake is really scared, but her mother reassures her that it will be fine. When cupcakes meets her teacher and classmates she feels much better. Maybe school won't be as scary as she'd thought. And having a new friend is pretty cool.

The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make for a really fun story. The author shows kids that it's okay to be scared, but new things can be really fun. This book would be perfect to read to any little one just starting school. My five year old daughter loved the story and the illustrations. She laughed at the antics of the little girl. The story is a great opening to talk to children about what their concerns might be with school.

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

The Long Road Home

The Long Road Home

Four Romances with an Enduring Pioneer Spirit

Judi Ann Ehresman & Naomi Mitchum

Story 1 - Mandy watches her husband walk away to work on the railroad, wondering if she should have told him she was pregnant. When she gets notice that he was killed in an accident she wonders how she is going to survive. But God sends a run-away slave with a the message of salvation. Deidre saves her financially by helping with all of the work and by helping provide an income. But most importantly she saves her spiritually.

Story 2 - Bess grew up in a brothel. But when one of the patrons "finds Jesus" she realizes there might be a way out of her former life. But old thoughts are hard to shake and Bess struggles with the concept of forgiveness and a new life.

Story 3 - Deidre ran away from a cruel master who had sold her husband and was getting ready to sell her baby son. She's found a wonderful home with Mandy, but she misses her husband. Will she ever be reunited with him?

Story 4 - Frederika wasn't happy about her family leaving Germany. She protests vehemently, but eventually steps up to the plate and takes over when neither of her parents are there to help her.

The first three stories are sweet, well written, and romantic. They all tie together to form a nice cohesive story about three woman who overcome difficulties to become strong women in Christ.

The fourth story doesn't fit with the first three and is by a different author. The feel of the story is completely different. The romance felt rushed. I'm sure that the author writes a great story. It was just didn't seem to fit with the first three stories. I would recommend this book for the first three stories alone.

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

Surprised by Love

Surprised by Love

The Heart of Sand Francisco Book 3

Julie Lessman

Megan is returning from Paris a completely different woman. She's lost some weight and gain some confidence. But she's hoping that her friendship with her best friend Bram hasn't changed a bit. 

Bram is shocked when he sees the beautiful woman that Megan has become. His feelings for her are very non-best friend like. But he's made some commitments that might prevent him from following through on his new feelings.

I really enjoyed the double romance in this story. The author painted a beautiful visual as she told the story. There were times that I felt a little lost since I was coming into the story without having read the first two books. But instead of frustrating me, it made me want to check out the other books. The story was sweet, had a bit of drama, and had great secondary characters as well. I'll definitely be adding this author to my wishlist.

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

What is Wind?

What is Wind?

Robin Johnson

What exactly is wind and where does it come from? This small, informative book will help parents and teachers answer these questions. Readers will learn about air pressure, the effects of wind on plants and animals, and tools that scientists use to harness the wind. Each page is filled with colorful illustrations, charts, photographs, and fact bulletins. The graphics and variety to each page will engage and entertain children while helping them learn more about the science of wind. The vocabulary is simple enough and the print large enough that a young reader can read the book for themselves. Several bonus features include a wind craft for children to make, instructions for a weather journal, a list of books and websites for further study, and a glossary of wind words. This little book only has twenty four pages, but it packs in a ton of information. This book would be a great resource for schools and home school parents to supplement the science curriculum.

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

Lomelino's Cakes

Lomelino's Cakes

27 Pretty Cakes to Make Any Day Special

Linda Lomelino

Gorgeous pictures, delicious cakes, and tons of helpful tips make this book a must have for cake enthusiasts. A wide variety of recipes will appeal to all different kinds of cake lovers. Simple instructions make amazing cakes within reach of the basic baker. The first 30 pages are full of detailed instructions on how to make your cake stunning. The rest of the book is filled with over 25 different and beautiful cake recipes.

I loved all of the photography. The cakes were truly gorgeous. The instructions were simple and not intimidating to the amateur baker like me. But the end results looked amazing. I've got several of these cakes earmarked to try soon. This book would make a wonderful gift for that baker in your life.

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

Trading Secrets

Trading Secrets

Melody Carlson

Micah began writing to Zach when she was in the fifth grade. Because of her name, he assumed she was a boy, and she never corrected him. Now Micah is a senior and the opportunity for them to meet is here. She has to come clean, but she's afraid that it will ruin her friendship. And Zach has become her best friend, the one she shares all of her secrets with.

Somehow I missed that this was a young adult. I've read books by Carlson before and remembered enjoying them. This book was sweet and I think will really appeal to a younger generation. It was a quick read with very little drama. The relationship between Zach and his parents was not one that I've seen in the Amish books I've read in the past. It was definitely a different spin on Amish fiction. The book wrapped up neatly, but without a resolution between the friendship of Micah and Zach. Not sure if the author is leaving this open for a sequel or if this is typical of YA. It was a nice book, but did not prompt me to read her other YA books.

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

The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Cat

Melody Carlson

 

Garrison was raised by his grandmother when his parents were killed. But when he went to the mission field, his grandmother began collecting cats. She knew he was severely allergic, but she kept adding more cats to her home. When she passes away, Garrison finds out that her cats are in her will and he has to follow specific instructions to find them new homes. He's torn between wanting to follow his grandmother's last wishes and feeling less loved then a bunch of cats. Throw in some noisy neighbors, rumors of money, and lots of sneezing to make a wonderful Christmas story.

This was such a sweet, fun story. The author mixed a little bit of everything to make a small town novella that is great for the Christmas season.  There is a whole neighborhood of characters, but the author has given them enough definition that they don't get lost in the story. There is a little bit of romance and a whole lot of faith and love. I enjoyed the story and will definitely read more by this author.

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