Trick-or-Treat Safety

Trick-or-Treat Safety

Megan Cooley Peterson

 Halloween can be filled with fun and candy. But it also brings some safety concerns that children need to be made aware of. Each page has a bright and colorful photograph of children dressed in Halloween costumes. The black lettering with an orange background really sets the mood. Each page talks about safety concerns and how to get the most out of the trick-or-treating experience. The author has presented the facts in a fun and non-scary manner. The book also includes instructions on how to make your own candy bucket. The list of needed items is simple and if not already on hand, should be inexpensive. The instructions are clear and easy for a child to make with minimal help. The end of the book has a glossary for those hard to understand words, a section with books for additional reading, and some interesting internet sites to visit that relate to Halloween.

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

Fisher of Men

Fisher of Men

The Dunbridge Chronicles

Pam Rhodes

Neil felt God calling him to be a priest, to minister to a body of believers. So he arrives in Dunbridge with hope and trepidation. What he finds is a family. He might not be quite the priest that he'd like to be. But his church family will love him through it. Some a bit more than others.

This book is like reading from a pastor's diary. There are a ton of details to give the visual for the story. But I had a hard time picturing the setting. There are quite a few characters. The author has done a great job with the character development, but there were so many that I still felt lost. Because this was more of a slow moving narrative of the curate's life, the sub plots are numerous and varied. The main protagonist doesn't really have a plot, except for the mild romance that is thrown in. The story doesn't really end as much as it just stops. The curate is left with a major decision to make and the reader must read the next book before finding out what happens.

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

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door

Denette Fretz

Conrad is going to stay on his uncle's ranch. He doesn't know anything about being a cowboy, but he does have a large first aid kit just in case. But Imogene the next door neighbor girl is filled with advice. Conrad learns all about being a cowboy, but sometimes it's the painful route. The illustrations are bright and cartoonish.

My kids didn't really seem to get into this book. The pictures tell at least half, if not more, of the story. I'm not sure if this played a part or not. The main message of the story was to love your neighbor. But the presentation left my kids remembering how mean the little girl was and totally missing the message. If I had to rate the story I would give it 3-4 stars. It had humorous parts, colorful illustrations, and a nice conclusion. My kids, when asked, said they would give it 2-3 stars. "It wasn't really that interesting and the girl was super mean."

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

Why Dogs Are. . .

Why Dogs Are. . .

Tana Thompson

 Brian can't hear and he can't see. His family tells him they love him by touching him. But how can God tell Brian that He loves him very much? He sends a dog. Dog didn't have a name so God named him Dog, because dog is God spelled backwards. Dog can show Brian how much God loves him by keeping him safe, letting Brian hug him, and helping him walk. And if dog does a good job, God will send other dogs to earth. Dog does such a great job that God sends lots of other dogs to tell more people about him.

My children enjoyed this book about Dog. The vocabulary fit well with the intended age group. Because of the large print, older children will be able to read the story for themselves. The illustrations are fun and bright. The story is whimsical and heartwarming. It draws the reader in and evokes feelings of compassion and love. The story mentions love, forgiveness, and trust. Children will be able to relate and it will open up discussions about God's love and how we can show this to people around us.

I will say a word of caution. This is a work of fiction. It doesn't follow the Bible at all. Most of what this book says is not scriptural. So if your child is old enough to grasp this, go for it. It's a cute book. But if you think your child would take this for gospel, hold off for a while. My children are 5 and 8 yrs old and they recognized right away that something was off. They asked me if it was fiction, because they know that God made dogs at creation, Adam named the animals, and God isn't limited in His ability to touch our hearts.

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

Purchase here.

Lady Emma

Lady Emma In Her Land of Wonder

Martha M. Harrison

Lady Emma learns at a very early age to pick herself up and continue on. But whenever she needs help her father is always there to help her out of her scrapes and messes. One day she meets a wonderful prince who is more than willing to help her too. But as she grows up she realizes that she can help herself and be independent. They are there to encourage her, but she can accomplish great things herself.

I absolutely loved this book. The imagery with both the words and illustrations is beautiful. The author wove a message of self-reliance into a fairy tale type story. The illustrations help tell the story without overpowering it. I really appreciated the message of independence that my daughter will be able to take away from the story. It shows compassion, love, and determination to succeed as well. This is the author's first children's book and I can't wait to read her next one.

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

The Savvy Mom's Guide to Sons

The Savvy Mom's Guide to Sons
101 Real-World Tips to Improve Your Relationship-And Save Your Sanity
Tina Krause 
 
If you've just found you are having a baby boy or you've been the mother to one for several years, this book is for you. The book begins with advice for the newborn and is filled with practical and sometimes humorous advice for mothers of boys. The tips progress in age with the book ending with teenager tips. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is filled with scripture and advice from the Bible.

I have an 8 yr old boy, so I was already past some of the first few tips. But they certainly would have been helpful a few years ago. The rest of the book was definitely something I needed. The author is able to inject stories and humor so the tips aren't just dry facts. Each section has a Bible verse, practical advice, tips for implementing that advice, and final thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book for any new mothers of boys. It definitely helps understand where boys are coming from.

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

Making Marion

Making Marion

Beth Moran

Marion has come from a horrific childhood and is now on a quest to find answers about her father. She stumbles into a campground and meets Scarlett. Scarlett seems to take in lost and hurting souls. Marion soon finds herself working for Scarlett, living in an rv, and searching the small town for someone who might know her father.

This book is written by a British author. So the humor, language, and presentation of religion are not what the typical American Christian fiction reader will expect. There is some language, bedroom scenes, and references to nudity.  The references to God are subtle and almost appear to be an after thought. But there is humor, and a strong message of forgiveness.

The author has provided interesting and deep characters. The visual imagery is great. The story flowed slowly, but didn't lose my attention. Where there were some pretty serious subjects, the story didn't feel dark and depressive. It reminded me in some ways of the Mitford series with its multiple characters and feeling of family. 

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

The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail

The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail

Maureen Stolar Kanefiled

Maxwell loves learning about new things, spending time with his friends, and playing. But when his tail grows longer than normal he loses his confidence. His best friend becomes annoyed with him and the zest for learning just isn't there. But Maxwell sees his tail in a new light and learns there is a little bit of magic in everyone if they will look for it.

My children, especially my 8 yr old son, loved this book. The energetic feel of the story and the bright and colorful illustrations draw the reader in. The illustrations and words work well together to both tell the story and the emotions that the author wanted to convey. The message that everyone is special in their own way is beautifully presented. It is a great conversation starter and opens up the opportunity for discussion about talents, uniqueness, and being different.

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

The Black Beetle Bug

The Black Beetle Bug

Tongue Twisters for Toddlers and up

 Kim Kailuweit

Toddlers will love the tongue twisters and bright colorful illustrations. Parents will love the hard book and ease of reading. Each page is packed with potential learning. Colors, animals, word formation, and sounds are just a few of the things that little children will be able to pick up while reading this fun and whimsical book.

My daughter, while a bit old for this book, still enjoyed trying out the tongue twisters and laughing at some of the funny pictures. I know that my kids would have loved this at a younger age as well. I was impressed with how much learning was packed into each page. 

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

Love's Fortune

Love's Fortune

The Ballantyne Legacy Book 3

Laura Frantz

Rowena Ballantyne is thrust into Pittsburgh society when her father returns home after being gone since his marriage to her mother. With her mother gone, her father feels the need to return to the family shipping business. But Rowena is having a hard time merging her rural Kentucky upbringing with her high society family.

I haven't read anything by this author before. That will now change. Her characters had depth and were so entertaining. The plot felt true to the time period, but wasn't cookie cutter. The story line was refreshing and drew me in. The descriptions were just enough to give me a beautiful picture in my mind. I felt like I was living the story. The romance was sweet, but not overpowering. Not once did I feel thrust into the middle of a series. Everything flowed and I had to remind myself that I was jumping into a story already in process. I'll definitely be checking out the other books.

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

Jessie the Lyrics Fairy

Jessie the Lyrics Fairy

Superstar Fairies Book 1

Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kirsty are going to Rainspell Island to camp out with Rachel's parents during the Rainspell Island Music Festival. They are excited to meet The Angels again. The Angels are their favorite girl band. But the theft of the magic music clefs means the band can not sing. So Rachel and Kirsty must help the fairies get their clefs back so both the fairy festival and The Angels can sing as planned.

Young girls will love the drama, fairies, and friendships that the story talks about. The vocabulary fits the intended age group and young readers will enjoy being able to read the book themselves. Almost every page has a black and white drawing that helps illustrate the story. The intended age group begins at seven years old, but my five year old daughter still really enjoyed the book. Parents will love the theme of helping and working together that the author has emphasized in the story.

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

I Ate a Cicada Today

I Ate a Cicada Today

Rhyming words and hilarious pictures are set to music in this children's book. The words and the pictures work seamlessly together to create very funny pictures of improbably situations. Have you ever peppered a leopard or leapfrogged a warthog?

I'm not sure who laughed more, the kids or me. The accompanying CD is of the author singing the bold print words and saying the light print words. Hilarious! We loved the colorful pictures and after we'd listened to the music they wanted me to read it to them and then we talked about each picture. I can see this becoming a favorite. There isn't anything funnier to a child than the ridiculous. The author wrote, illustrated, and sang this book. Impressive. I hope he writes another children's book.

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

Messy Beautiful Love

Messy Beautiful Love

Hope and Redemption for Real-Life Marriages

Darlene Schacht

Love isn’t always pretty. It can be messy, stressful, and heartbreaking. But God can clean up the messes you’ve made and turn your marriage into the beautiful thing He designed it to be.

The author, well known for her blog Time-Warp Wife, has written from the heart to bring wives a message of hope. She shares candidly of her own experiences and failures, but also of her triumphs and faith. The style of writing is like sitting down with a friend or mentor. It’s honest, funny, convicting, and inspiring. I loved the stories she shared about her own family. It made the points more real for me. Each chapter focuses on a common issue that marriages have. The scripture and personal aspects make the topics easier to grasp and relate to. Even though I don’t struggle with some of the points she made, I was able to take a lot from the book and would highly recommend this book. 

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

The Treasured Bride Collection

The Treasured Bride Collection:

Three Timeless Romances from a Beloved Author

Grace Livingston Hill

1st story - Miss Marilla is a bit embarrassed. She's told everyone she knows that her war hero nephew is coming to visit. She's even enlisted the help of her next door neighbor to help her cook. But then he rudely sends a note saying he won't come. Marilla looks up from reading the note to see a young man in uniform walking down the lane. No one has seen her nephew since he was a young boy. Can she convince this young man to pretend to be her nephew for just one meal?

This was a sweet story. The story definitely had a vintage feel to it, but it was a refreshing change from the contemporary stories I've been reading. It was romantic and heartwarming.

 2nd story - Effie hasn't ever thought about being girly. She knows that she enjoys riding her bike at top speed and playing baseball. But when she overhears some girls cruelly discussing her behind the hedge she is devastated. What happens as a result sets event in motion that will change the very course of her life.

This was a nice story with a message of salvation woven throughout. But the slight romance that was added felt off and the story ended rather abruptly with no build up. This was my least favorite.

3rd story - Chris is living the life most young men dream of. His father is a wealthy, respected banker. He is the proud owner of a expensive new car. He'll be taking that new car back to college with him in a few days. But someone steals from the bank and in the process, his family looses everything. When Chris is at his lowest point, he learns who his true friends really are.

I enjoyed this story. It was a bit unrealistic at times, but in a sweet way. This story was also very vintage and reminded me a lot of a George MacDonald book.

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

Kids Guide to the 50 States

Kids Guide to the 50 States

 Barbour Publishing

Fun, informative, fascinating and amazing are all words that come to mind when describing this book. Beginning with the first state to join the United States the reader is taken on an informative journey through our country from a Christian perspective. Each page is packed with facts that you might not know about each state. It lists the usual suspects of the state flower, bird, a bits of history. But it also mentions a Christian connection and a weird fact about the state. These are the fun things that give this book a fun edge to the other books out there.

I'm not normally one to gush about a book. It's not my style. But this book is so well laid out and fun to read. Both of my kids (ages 5 and 8) loved looking at the pictures and discussing what everything they'd read. It's a wonderful resource for every family, but especially a family like ours that loves to travel. This would make an excellent addition to any classroom. I'm going to be giving a copy to the Christian school that my children attend.

 

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

Best Party Book Ever!

Best Party Book Ever!

From Invites to Overnights and Everything in Between

Faithgirlz

Do you want your friends to beg to come to your parties? Want to have the very best birthday party? Check out this fun and information packed book about 15 different parties for girls. Girls dream of having the party everyone talks about for months. This book can make it happen. Filled with tips, ideas, recipes, and social niceties, it's the perfect way to get started on that perfect party.

I loved the presentation and focus on faith. The book really covers all of the basics. Every day should be special and this book shows how the little things can be celebrated along with the extra special ones. I'm sure that all of this can be found on Pinterest. But it's really nice to have everything right here at your finger tips. Young girls will love pouring over the pages to get ideas. Parents will love the frugal tips and party manners that are mentioned. It's a cute little book that I'll be keeping for my daughter when she's a bit older.

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

Coloring Animal Mandalas

Coloring Animal Mandalas

Wendy Piersall

Beautiful, intricate circles called mandalas fill each page.Mandalas have been used for meditation and relaxation for thousands of years. The act of coloring them is intended to help the individual relax and focus. Each page has a detailed animal or animals such as the one shown on the cover.

I had no idea what a mandalas was previous to picking up this book. I was in awe as soon as
I opened the first page. The detail is outstanding. My kids were begging to let them color a page. But I think I'm going to be selfish and keep the book for myself. I'm really looking forward to coloring in the pages. I can definitely see why it's used as a relaxation technique. This would make a perfect gift for any of your friends or family.

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

The Desire

The Desire

The Restoration Series #3

Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

 Michelle and her husband Allan have been trying to get pregnant for over a year. Michelle feels the pain of this more than her husband. It has become almost an obsession. But Allan seems wrapped up in his mission work and just isn't seeing Michelle's grief. The main part of the story is about their journey towards parenthood. But it also includes members of their family as well, as it ties up parts from a previous book and sets up the next book in the series.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The emotions of the characters felt real. The decisions and feeling of family ties was very authentic. One of my favorite parts was the description of the main character's marriage. I could definitely see influences of Smalley. The overall story was heartwarming, but also convicting in its subtle message. While it was definitely not the first book in the series, I didn't feel lost. But I would recommend starting from the beginning. The series sounds interesting and thought provoking. The authors touch on real-life issues that families today seem to be facing.

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

Surviving Henry

Surviving Henry

Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe

Erin Taylor Young

Fond memories of a childhood boxer prompted the author to get a boxer for her young boys. What happened next is worthy of a book. Henry wasn't a typical boxer. He wasn't even a typical dog. Through all of the experiences and catastrophes that happen with Henry she learns the true meaning of unconditional love.

The author took what could have been just another dog story and injected humor and lessons on unconditional love. It was well written, funny, and endearing. I found myself laughing quite a few times and grimacing in sympathy as well. This is a fun little book that adults and children will both enjoy.

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

God Hearts Me

God Hearts Me

My Prayer Journal

 This little prayer journal is designed to encourage prayer and journaling with God for the young girl just starting on her prayer journey. Each section begins with a little devotional or "prayer starter". This ends with a prayer that relates to the topic. There is a question to get started and then space for prayer journaling. It ends with a scripture. Each page has purple artsy illustrations that make the page fun, but do not detract from the object of prayer. 

Each prayer is written to inspire thought and reflection. The writing section is large enough for someone just starting out in prayer journaling. The whimsical style will appeal to young girls and will add a fun element to their prayer time. Pair this book with the devotional, Bible, or other God Hearts Me books for a nice set.

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

Emma: Lights! Camera! Cupcakes!

Emma: Lights! Camera! Cupcakes!

Cupcake Diaries Book 19

Coco Simon

Emma works at a bridal store and her cupcake club also supplies the cupcakes that are served there. Her cupcake club consists of Emma and three of her friends from middle school. While working at the bridal store she meets her friend Romaine. Romaine is now famous and is getting married in town. But it is top secret and Emma can't tell her cupcake friends. Emma must find a way to bake the cupcakes for Romaine's wedding without telling her friends who they are baking them for.

Young readers will be entertained by the drama and tension in the novel. The author puts emphasis on the importance of keeping secrets and doing your best at any job. The emotions and conflicts between friends are situations that children will encounter in life and will be able to relate to. Girls will love the fashion, girl power, and friendships that are woven into the story. The author has written an engaging book that will make reading fun.

 

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

Nowhere To Turn

Nowhere To Turn

Hidden Identity #2

Lynette Eason

 Danielle has made plans to run from her abusive husband for months. She picks up her son and flies out of town. That evening in a hotel room she learns of her husband's death on the evening news. She returns to her home with a sigh of relief. But unfortunately her husband was a crooked cop and someone is trying to kill her to get to something he's taken from them. Danielle turns to Operation Refuge for help. What follows is a cat and mouse game with an unknown person. Danielle isn't sure if she and her son will ever feel safe enough to trust people again.

The author had my heart racing from the very first chapter. I simply couldn't put the book down. It was the type of book that grabs you and pulls you in. The characters were great. I really enjoyed the main two characters. I thought the author did a great job with the son, Simon, who is deaf. The romance was minimal, but that fit well with the type of story being told. The plot twists were perfect and a few even surprised me, which is nice. This is Christian fiction, but it was subtle. I wasn't aware that this book was in a series until I started writing the review, but I'm definitely going to check out the 1st book. If you like suspense, tension, a bit of romance, and Christian influences then pick up this book.

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

Tried & True

Tried & True

Wild at Heart Book 1

Mary Connealy

Kylie and her two sisters fought in the war and then used their service towards getting a homestead. But the wrinkle in their plans? They are doing all of this disguised as men. It might have worked in the war when they were posing as young boys. But now that they are grown women, it's getting harder and harder to accomplish. So when the local land agent, Aaron, finds out that Kylie is a girl, they know they've got a fight on their hands.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoy the author's writing style. It's entertaining and humorous. Her characters interact well and I loved the relationship between the sisters. But the romance was a little weak, I felt like the author couldn't decide whether to make one of the ranchers a good guy or bad guy, and the ending was completely off from the rest of the story. It just didn't fit.

So while this wouldn't be my favorite of her books, I still like her style and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

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

Big Book of Quizzes

Big Book of Quizzes:

Fun,Quirky Questions For You and Your Friends

From the Editors of Faithgirlz!

Teen and pre-teen girls love taking quizzes. At least I know my friends and I did. The editors of Faithgirlz! have come up with an entire book full of quizzes that make learning about oneself fun and entertaining. Bright, colorful, and fun all describe the layout of the book. The quizzes are designed to help a girl get to know herself better. The quizzes typically have 3-4 possibilities. So the end has 3-4 summeries based on the points you received. Each little summery is positive and affirming, but has pointers on how to change if the outcome is not satisfactory, such as not being good with money. Subjects such as faith, work ethics, family, school, and boyfriends are covered with skill and a Christian perspective.

I was really impressed with the look and feel of the book. The illustrations and bright colors will make the book fun, while guiding the girls towards a deeper understanding of how important faith and family are in a person's life. While the quizzes remind me a lot of what is going around Facebook right now, they also had quite a bit of depth. This is definitely something I want to share with my daughter a couple of years from now. I've been very impressed with every Faithgirlz! book I've read and this one was no exception. 

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

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days:

52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To

Halley Gerth

Some days a girl just needs a spiritual pick-me-up. The author has taken thoughts from the Psalms and written quick, encouraging thoughts to brighten any woman's day. Each devotional starts with a verse from Psalms. The author then shares a relating thought. It ends with a prayer that can be added to, some space for writing, and some more verses from Psalms for further reading.

I loved the look and feel of this small book. It's perfect for a quick moment with God. The devotionals are thought provoking, but encouraging. I liked how each one could be tailored to the time I have with the further reading in Psalms. This would make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

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

Kitchen Confidence

Kitchen Confidence:

Essential Recipes & Tips That Will Help You Cook Anything

Kelsey Nixon

 I'm one of those people who loves the idea of cooking, but isn't really that great or confident about it. So this cookbook intrigued me. The book begins with an essential pantry list and tips for organizing your kitchen. It also has tips for the correct equipment and technique. The recipes that follow are all across the board as far as variety. But each one has a basic list of ingredients that are simple and easy to find in almost any grocery store. The recipe has a small section where the author comments about the recipe or gives tips for preparation. 

The instructions are straight forward and easy to follow. The variety is wonderful, especially for someone with a limited number of go-to recipes that I can put on my menu. I'm vegetarian, but there is still a huge option to choose from. Also some of the meat recipes can be easily adapted to fit my diet. Bright colorful photographs and colored print make this cookbook a fun book to just look through. But I will also be enjoying these recipes for quite some time. This book is definitely a keeper in my book.

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

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Joanna Weaver

If you've ever found yourself drowning in lists and projects, if you've ever felt frustrated with everything you are doing, or if you somehow feel that your crazy, busy life is getting in the way of a personal relationship with Jesus, than this book is a must-have. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of the stories. The book has study guides in the back that go with each chapter.

I've read this book twice now and both times have been incredibly impressed. The author clearly identifies with the subject. Her writing is straight forward, but not abrasive. She uses the different passages in the Bible and creates a feeling of comradery between the reader and the two sisters. There are parts of both of them that we can relate to and the author points out, using Christ as our example, how we can take the best of both sisters and become more like Him. I can't recommend this book enough.

A Bride in Store

 A Bride In Store
Unexpected Brides Book 2

Melissa Jagears

Eliza is not having a good day. She is a mail-order bride and had decided to meet her future husband early. But the train she is on is robbed and she loses all of her inheritance. It’s the money that she was going to use to invest in her husband’s store. She receives a nice gash to the face as well and inadvertently meets her new associate when he stitches up her face. Her husband, on the other hand, is nowhere to be found.

I’ve enjoyed every one of Melissa Jagears books and this one was no exception. I enjoyed the interaction between the couple. The message of grace that is woven throughout the story is prominent without being pushy or preachy. The full of life characters definitely add to the plot. There is heartbreak and sacrifice, but the overall theme is redeeming. If taken to heart, this book can help you grow in your Christian walk as well as entertain you. I can’t wait to read her next book.

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

The Couple's Retirement Puzzle

 The Couple's Retirement Puzzle:
10 Must -Have Conversations for Creating an Amazing New Life Together
Dorian Mintzer & Roberta K. Taylor

Retirement is something couples look forward to long before it arrives. But often after retirement arrives the couples find themselves in situations that they didn’t anticipate. Retirement isn’t just about quitting your job. It is about a complete lifestyle change. This book will take couples looking at retirement through 10 questions that will start conversations and help prepare the couples for what is ahead.

I was impressed with the depth and thought put into the questions and presentation of this book. The questions are all across the board and are about topics such as financial, health, family, new hobbies, and downsizing. Each chapter begins with a story that illustrates the question that will be discussed. The chapter is then filled with stories, advice, and thoughts surrounding the question. Each chapter ends with a special section designed to make the chapter more personal. It starts with “talking it out”, has several exercises, and ends with a puzzle piece and fun work. While I am quite a few years from retirement, I enjoyed reading the book and learned a lot. I will be keeping this book for the future and think everyone nearing retirement should read it.

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