Your Life Still Counts by Tracie Miles is a devotional style book that I read this last month. I was given a copy to review by the publisher, my opinions are my own. If you ever wondered if you can recover from mistakes you've made, or that wondered whether or not you are worthy of love because of those same decisions. Please, read this book. You are worthy of love, you are important, you are still a person. The book is written for those who are hurting, and shares the stories of the hurt and broken. For some this book will be amazing, healing, and wonderful, but I will forewarn, for some the stories of the broken will be triggers to bring back memories in their own lives, and can be graphic for all involved. The message is amazing, but I would say, go into this book prepared for the stories.
The Skinny Gut Diet - I was given a copy to review by the publisher, my opinions are my own. I hated this book. It was repetitive, and boring, and I'm not sure I agree with what was said. It wasn't all terrible, there were some good points made, but it was so hard to read much more than a few paragraphs at a time (and I love to read). I will not be taking the advice of the authors, I will just continue to eat food (more plants) and move my limbs. :)
Sabotaged - I am slated to be given a copy by the publisher, but it was taking so long to get my copy that I went out and got my own! And I am so glad I did! I loved this book! The McKenna family is one of my favorite literary families, and I was so glad to spend this book getting to know the youngest brother Reef. If you have read the rest of this series, you've already met Reef, and here is your chance to get to see him grow up. Reef is an adventurer, and enjoys life to the fullest, always ready to take a chance on something new. This book opens during the Iditarod race in Alaska, but when Kirra's cousin goes missing the McKenna's are again drawn into a life and death search and rescue mission. Read this book!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Review of The Patmos Deception
The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn is a great book. I have always enjoyed titles by this author, because he always includes the historical aspects of the areas where his books are set. I enjoyed seeing how the lives in Greece were affected by the problems they have had in their government. It was interesting to see how everyday life was affected, and how people who had high levels of education were suddenly either out of work or began working in service jobs.
When the story moved to the Isle of Patmos it was really interesting to hear all the history of the island. How the apostle John had been imprisoned on the island, how the caves and monasteries were built into the hills on the island, were all interesting aspects of the current island, and its colorful history.
This is a "romantic suspense" story. There is a mystery to figure out, and a little romance along the way. I didn't think the romance story was really explored, because we spent so much time trying to figure out the mystery, but isn't that how life is sometimes. Sometimes life just takes over and you don't have a lot of time to figure out how you feel about other things.
Bottom line, if you have enjoyed Davis Bunn before, you probably will again. If you enjoy a good mystery that includes a hunt for a historical artifact (and all the historical background that comes with it) you will probably enjoy it as well. I could use a little bit more "fleshing out" of the story before the cliffhanger at the end, but I enjoyed the read. Thanks again, Mr.Bunn.
When the story moved to the Isle of Patmos it was really interesting to hear all the history of the island. How the apostle John had been imprisoned on the island, how the caves and monasteries were built into the hills on the island, were all interesting aspects of the current island, and its colorful history.
This is a "romantic suspense" story. There is a mystery to figure out, and a little romance along the way. I didn't think the romance story was really explored, because we spent so much time trying to figure out the mystery, but isn't that how life is sometimes. Sometimes life just takes over and you don't have a lot of time to figure out how you feel about other things.
Bottom line, if you have enjoyed Davis Bunn before, you probably will again. If you enjoy a good mystery that includes a hunt for a historical artifact (and all the historical background that comes with it) you will probably enjoy it as well. I could use a little bit more "fleshing out" of the story before the cliffhanger at the end, but I enjoyed the read. Thanks again, Mr.Bunn.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Book Review
Are you ready for a new stack of books? Turns out that I had a few more in my stack that I had not gotten to yet, so I had some reading to do this week. I actually have a few more to go through before the next update.
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall, was given to me by the publisher, my opinions are my own. If you enjoy Amish fiction then this is more of what you will love. This is the third in a series following the life of Hannah Lapp. Hannah has been through the ringer in life (read When the Heart Cries, and When the Morning Comes for more). She is living in the English world finishing nursing school and helping to raise her boyfriend's niece and nephews when she hears from her sister that her friend Matthew and his brother David have been in a fire and are at the local hospital. Her world is about to collide back into the Amish world again. Being home again is painful, and healing all at once. Now she has to make decisions about how she wants to live the rest of her life. You can't go home again, or can you?
Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas, was given to me by the publisher, my opinions are my own. This is a novel set after the Great Depression in a small town. Where most of the townspeople go to the same small church. I think that it will make you think about both sin and forgiveness in new ways. Both a "pillar in the church" and a woman scarred by her own sin, have to decided how to let things affect their lives and the way they treat other people. In the end, it's a story of love and forgiveness and I really enjoyed it. I haven't read any other books by Ms. Thomas, but I will be looking to read more of her work.
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall, was given to me by the publisher, my opinions are my own. If you enjoy Amish fiction then this is more of what you will love. This is the third in a series following the life of Hannah Lapp. Hannah has been through the ringer in life (read When the Heart Cries, and When the Morning Comes for more). She is living in the English world finishing nursing school and helping to raise her boyfriend's niece and nephews when she hears from her sister that her friend Matthew and his brother David have been in a fire and are at the local hospital. Her world is about to collide back into the Amish world again. Being home again is painful, and healing all at once. Now she has to make decisions about how she wants to live the rest of her life. You can't go home again, or can you?
Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas, was given to me by the publisher, my opinions are my own. This is a novel set after the Great Depression in a small town. Where most of the townspeople go to the same small church. I think that it will make you think about both sin and forgiveness in new ways. Both a "pillar in the church" and a woman scarred by her own sin, have to decided how to let things affect their lives and the way they treat other people. In the end, it's a story of love and forgiveness and I really enjoyed it. I haven't read any other books by Ms. Thomas, but I will be looking to read more of her work.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
What I've Read Recently.
I had a chance to read a lot of different kinds of books this month.
In the fiction category I got to read:
Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould - I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
This is an Amish fiction romance. If you like this genre, you'll like this book. I have to admit, when I want a light read, books in this genre tend to fit the bill. This was an interesting book, I had to guess which young man the story was going to follow (although it wasn't hard to figure out as I read on) and I did like that I couldn't immediately tell the ending of the story. It is the story of a young woman who is naturally an introvert, living with a sister who can be overwhelming and take the reigns of life. It was great to see Bea come into her own. To see her continue to be herself, but to find the value in herself, and the ability to speak to her sister, instead of just allowing her sister to control her life. Pick it up, enjoy!
Aging with Gracie by Heather Hunt
This is one of the books I "bought" when it was free on amazon. When I looked it up to write the review it is only $.99. It is totally worth the purchase. I loved Grace's personality, and I loved how hard she worked to make life better for all of the people around her. She took her job seriously, and took people personally. If you want to read a story of a strong woman, with real spirit, this is a good read. Doesn't hurt to have a little romance thrown in too.
Non - Fiction :
Restaurant Success, by The Numbers - I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
This book was an interesting read, and I think a good resource to look at if you are opening any kind of brick and mortar business. Each chapter was well thought out and had good information for you to think through before you open your doors. I read the book, not because I'm opening a business, but because these kinds of things interest me, and I wanted to know what went into planning to open a restaurant. It sounds like Mr. Fields has put a lot of thought into this, and would have a good idea of how to get anyone started in this business.
Colliding with Destiny by Sarah Jakes- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
I loved this book. Sarah Jakes makes her own life very transparent as she tells stories to emphasize points. She brings the story of Ruth (from the Bible) to life and does a great job of relating things that Ruth is going through to things that are probably occurring in your life. This is an uplifting devotional, that I found to be well written, and well thought out.
In the fiction category I got to read:
Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould - I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
This is an Amish fiction romance. If you like this genre, you'll like this book. I have to admit, when I want a light read, books in this genre tend to fit the bill. This was an interesting book, I had to guess which young man the story was going to follow (although it wasn't hard to figure out as I read on) and I did like that I couldn't immediately tell the ending of the story. It is the story of a young woman who is naturally an introvert, living with a sister who can be overwhelming and take the reigns of life. It was great to see Bea come into her own. To see her continue to be herself, but to find the value in herself, and the ability to speak to her sister, instead of just allowing her sister to control her life. Pick it up, enjoy!
Aging with Gracie by Heather Hunt
This is one of the books I "bought" when it was free on amazon. When I looked it up to write the review it is only $.99. It is totally worth the purchase. I loved Grace's personality, and I loved how hard she worked to make life better for all of the people around her. She took her job seriously, and took people personally. If you want to read a story of a strong woman, with real spirit, this is a good read. Doesn't hurt to have a little romance thrown in too.
Non - Fiction :
Restaurant Success, by The Numbers - I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
This book was an interesting read, and I think a good resource to look at if you are opening any kind of brick and mortar business. Each chapter was well thought out and had good information for you to think through before you open your doors. I read the book, not because I'm opening a business, but because these kinds of things interest me, and I wanted to know what went into planning to open a restaurant. It sounds like Mr. Fields has put a lot of thought into this, and would have a good idea of how to get anyone started in this business.
Colliding with Destiny by Sarah Jakes- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
I loved this book. Sarah Jakes makes her own life very transparent as she tells stories to emphasize points. She brings the story of Ruth (from the Bible) to life and does a great job of relating things that Ruth is going through to things that are probably occurring in your life. This is an uplifting devotional, that I found to be well written, and well thought out.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
A Whole Lotta Books!
I read a whole lot of books, and totally forgot to write anything about any of them!
Dirty Faith by David Z. Nowell (I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my opinions are my own) - This book is life changing! If you want to talk about "putting feet to the ground" when caring for widows and orphans, this is the book. It was a hard read, but a good one. It made me think about how I want to help people, ways that I wanted to love on people, and how love makes you want to help them change their situations. The author has a connection to kids in Brazil, and he tells their story very clearly. It isn't pretty or safe, but its life for a lot of street kids. It'll make you cry, but you'll leave with a "fire in your belly."
Answering Your Kids Toughest Questions by Fitzpatrick and Thompson - ( I received a copy of theis book from the publisher, my opinions are my own.) Do your kids ask questions that make you want to curl up in a ball and pretend like you never heard it? You want to answer the question and help mold their lives, but you just aren't ready to answer yet?!? This book can help, you may not agree with everything the authors say, but this gives you time to think through the answer before they ask. The authors give really well thought out answers, and they separate the answers into age appropriate sections. They give you an idea of what a 4 year old can understand, a 7 year old can understand, or a teenager can understand.
The Year of Learning Dangerously by Cummings (This I checked out of the library.) This is one woman's story of the year she and decided to homeschool her daughter. This was a great read, Quinn Cummings and I definitely don't see eye to eye on everything, but I think we would be friends. :) She tells her story of going into the grocery store and worrying she would be stopped for her daughter's truancy, checking out all the local homeschool groups, dropping in on a homeschool prom, and even "infiltrating" homeschool conventions. She really wanted to see all that there is to this homeschool thing. Seems to me, she mostly found out, that there are no two families that do it the same way. Good funny read, even if you aren't a part of the homeschool movement.
Tried and True by Mary Connealy (I received a copy from the publisher, my opinions are my own) This is book is fiction. If you like stories based in the old west, this is one for you. This is a twist I hadn't read before. It has all of the things you are used to seeing in an old west story, beautiful woman, hard circumstances, hard work, and a whole lot of cows and horses. There is a twist to this though, but you'll have to read it to find out.
Dirty Faith by David Z. Nowell (I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my opinions are my own) - This book is life changing! If you want to talk about "putting feet to the ground" when caring for widows and orphans, this is the book. It was a hard read, but a good one. It made me think about how I want to help people, ways that I wanted to love on people, and how love makes you want to help them change their situations. The author has a connection to kids in Brazil, and he tells their story very clearly. It isn't pretty or safe, but its life for a lot of street kids. It'll make you cry, but you'll leave with a "fire in your belly."
Answering Your Kids Toughest Questions by Fitzpatrick and Thompson - ( I received a copy of theis book from the publisher, my opinions are my own.) Do your kids ask questions that make you want to curl up in a ball and pretend like you never heard it? You want to answer the question and help mold their lives, but you just aren't ready to answer yet?!? This book can help, you may not agree with everything the authors say, but this gives you time to think through the answer before they ask. The authors give really well thought out answers, and they separate the answers into age appropriate sections. They give you an idea of what a 4 year old can understand, a 7 year old can understand, or a teenager can understand.
The Year of Learning Dangerously by Cummings (This I checked out of the library.) This is one woman's story of the year she and decided to homeschool her daughter. This was a great read, Quinn Cummings and I definitely don't see eye to eye on everything, but I think we would be friends. :) She tells her story of going into the grocery store and worrying she would be stopped for her daughter's truancy, checking out all the local homeschool groups, dropping in on a homeschool prom, and even "infiltrating" homeschool conventions. She really wanted to see all that there is to this homeschool thing. Seems to me, she mostly found out, that there are no two families that do it the same way. Good funny read, even if you aren't a part of the homeschool movement.
Tried and True by Mary Connealy (I received a copy from the publisher, my opinions are my own) This is book is fiction. If you like stories based in the old west, this is one for you. This is a twist I hadn't read before. It has all of the things you are used to seeing in an old west story, beautiful woman, hard circumstances, hard work, and a whole lot of cows and horses. There is a twist to this though, but you'll have to read it to find out.
Friday, August 8, 2014
A mystery....
*I received a copy of Murder at the Mikado from Bethany House. My opinions are my own."
I wanted to love this book, I do love mystery novels, but I just didn't. It was just slow moving for me. I had a very hard time getting into the novel. I have read either of the previous Drew Farthering mysteries, if I had, it may not have taken me as long to get into the novel. I had to play catch up on each of the characters and the back story.
Once I got about half way through the story, I started to get into it a little bit more. I enjoyed the second half of the book, it seemed to move much more quickly. I may try to read the first two to see if I would enjoy it.
I wanted to love this book, I do love mystery novels, but I just didn't. It was just slow moving for me. I had a very hard time getting into the novel. I have read either of the previous Drew Farthering mysteries, if I had, it may not have taken me as long to get into the novel. I had to play catch up on each of the characters and the back story.
Once I got about half way through the story, I started to get into it a little bit more. I enjoyed the second half of the book, it seemed to move much more quickly. I may try to read the first two to see if I would enjoy it.
A new review - Snack Girl to the Rescue!
*I received a copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program. My opinions are my own.*
I had another chance to read a book through the Blogging for Books program. This time I took advantage of the extension of the program and got a cookbook from their list. I got Snack Girl to the Rescue from the program. I loved the writing style, but have to say that I was disappointed in the foul language. Since I have only gotten books from Waterbrooks Multanomah (their Christian publishing division), I didn't even think about that potential of language, so I was taken by surprise.
If you need some new ideas to get you headed in the right direction. There were some great snacks and ideas in the book to help with some new ideas in the kitchen. If you can handle the few curse words, you may find a great resource for your new "skinny lifestyle."
I had another chance to read a book through the Blogging for Books program. This time I took advantage of the extension of the program and got a cookbook from their list. I got Snack Girl to the Rescue from the program. I loved the writing style, but have to say that I was disappointed in the foul language. Since I have only gotten books from Waterbrooks Multanomah (their Christian publishing division), I didn't even think about that potential of language, so I was taken by surprise.
If you need some new ideas to get you headed in the right direction. There were some great snacks and ideas in the book to help with some new ideas in the kitchen. If you can handle the few curse words, you may find a great resource for your new "skinny lifestyle."
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