31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are lots of books out there to help those who want a clean house, but I don't know of any others that break it down into such "bit-sized" bits for each day. I really appreciate and respect Sarah Mae's day-by-day approach to getting your home clean all the while keeping Christ at the center.

This book is balanced with helpful how-to hints, Biblical perspective for each day, and the why behind what we do to keeping our home clean. 31 Days to Clean isn't about making you fit into the perfect routine, it's about finding the right routine that fits your home, enables you to bless others, and most importantly - glorify God.

I really enjoyed this book and the encouragement it has to offer no matter what the state of your home. Anyone can read this book and find practical and useable ideas as well as spiritual truth to change your thinking concerning your home. For those who want to get your house in order, it is a great friend to walk you daily through the process. And for those who have already well established routines and order this is a great look into tweaking what you do and evaluating your heart motive in keeping a clean home.

And last, but far from least...did I mention how wonderfully short and sweet it is?! It only takes a moment to read the daily chapter and walk away invigorated with new perspective!

Tell Your Time by Amy Lynn Andrews

Tell Your Time: How To Manage Your Schedule So You Can Live Fulfilled by Amy Lynn Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Simple. Short. Easy. Practical. Hands-on. Inspiring. Helpful.

As an organization freak I can honestly say I have read dozens of books on time management. And I have even read many books about reading books about time management. Yes...I have issues! However, setting my "issues" aside, I must say that THIS book is the BEST book I have ever read about the topic of, solution to, and aid for time management.

Hands down. Without a doubt.

It is short and sweet - only 30 pages! - and it's extremely simple. So simple that it only took me 3 hours to read the book, print off the four resource/tool pages, and complete the action steps. I really liked how I could fill out the downloadable worksheets as I read through the book making it all one smooth process. This book sticks to the basic principles and breaks them down into four easy and manageable steps. There are no long chapters waxing eloquently about what we should do, but rather step-by-step instruction, encouragement, and personal example of what to do. Whether you are a fellow "freak" like myself, or someone who hates time management, you will be encouraged and enabled by this book to become more managed in your time.

I highly recommend and challenge you to put down the big, thick books you're reading and pick-up this short book and see some results! Find your freedom in time!

You can purchase your own copy through Amy’s website or through Amazon.com.

A Woman’s High Calling by Elizabeth George

A Woman's High Calling: 10 Ways to Live Out God's Plan for Your Life by Elizabeth George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Have you ever sat down and read Titus 2:3-5 and then wondered what exactly does it all mean and how does it apply to your life?

Elizabeth George digs into that passage, and many more, in this book and not only explains the meaning but also how to apply it to your life in simple steps. A Woman's High Calling is part Bible study, part cozy chat with a dear friend, part how-to guide which brings to life the high calling of Titus 2. I love the easy flow of the book that is clear, focused, and above all, Biblical. The study guide in the back of the book helps you work through more Scripture passages to better understand and apply what you have learned.

This is the updated edition and I like how it has condensed the original two-part book and study guide to one book that flows better as well as being simpler to use. However, the one negative that I found was that it seemed to cut out some of the deeper digging passages found in the original study guide. That being said, it still presents a sound Biblical message in a format that is great for individual reading or a group study.

A Woman's High Calling is suitable for new believers and mature believers both young and old. It is a great overview of Biblical womanhood that will encourage and challenge single, married, or widowed women. I also think it would make a great study for a Mother/Daughter Bible study.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Now updated with an exciting, practical study guide and a new cover—one of bestselling author Elizabeth George’s popular titles, with over 200,000 copies sold.

“Every woman would love to replace a life of survival with a life of meaningful accomplishment,” says Elizabeth. In A Woman’s High Calling, she helps readers to eliminate the clutter and chaos of everyday life and focus on the few things God considers truly essential. And they’re spelled out in Titus 2:3-5, where God shines the spotlight on…
-wisdom
-purity
-wholesome speech
-personal discipline
-love of husband
-goodness of heart
-love of children
-Christlike conduct
-ministry to other women
-love of home

There’s no higher calling for women than making God’s priorities their own. Readers will be eager to simplify their lives, adopt God’s essentials, and pass them on by mentoring other women. With the now-included study guide, they’ll realize immediate results.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own and I was in no way compensated for my review.

The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you afraid or intimidated by the thought of entertaining? Or are you one who relishes in inviting people over for a casual dinner or party?

No matter who you are, what your style is, whether you are organized or not-so-organized, have children or not, this book is for YOU! It truly is as the subtitle says, every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality.

I love hospitality and have read a number of books on the subject and will still say that this one if one of my favorites. It is fun to look at - full of colorful photos - and a sweet mix of encouragement and practical help. The ideas Sandy shares will help you get started and keep you wanting to think of new ways to entertain. Over all this book is easy-to-read, enjoyable to browse, and a delight to any person who desires to entertain. And you don't want to miss these yummy - oh so wonderful looking - recipes! If for nothing else...buy the book for the recipes!

Enjoy the read!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Faced with feelings of inadequacy or unrealistic expectations, most women never experience the joy of inviting others into their homes. But no more. Speaking candidly about her entertaining highs and lows, popular blogger and author Sandy Coughlin offers apprehensive hostesses genuine encouragement and practical tips for simple yet savvy entertaining.

Hospitality is not about perfection or complicated, expensive meals. It's about connecting deeply with others--all you need is an open door and an open heart.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy Organized Home by Kathy Peel

The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home: Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas by Kathy Peel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Do you feel like you are always busy?

Do you long for way to simplify your life?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then The Busy Mom's Guide could be the book of the year for you!

In an easy reading format this book provides help and encouragement for the organized and unorganized Mom alike. It is fun to read straight through or easy to read in any order you need. It also is a great book to read a page a day with-out feeling like you're lost. Kathy breaks life down into 7 manageable categories and then provides a variety of helpful tips and ideas to make each of those categories work better in your life. Whether you browse the book or read from cover to cover, this book is for you! It is a great addition to anyone's personal bookshelf and one that you will go back to over and over through out the years of motherhood as you fine tune your home and routines.

I liked the easy read format along with the index for quick finds if searching for tips on a particular subject. I also enjoyed all the sidebar tips, tricks, and tid-bits. Kathy has truly given you fast solutions to hundreds of everyday dilemmas!

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishing, but the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.

Queen Of The Castle by Lynn Bowen Walker

Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker by Lynn Bowen Walker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Queen Of The Castle is the perfect book for a woman who wants some inspiration and encouragement in the area of homemaking. Whether you are domestically challenged, or just simply looking for some refreshing ways to spice up your skills around the house, Lynn Bowen Walker has written a book for you.

Walker has divided the book into 52 short chapters that contain fun tid-bits like a new word to learn, a short devotional/encouragement reading, quotes, prayer prompts, and a great variety of advice. Every 5 chapters are followed with a Chocolate Break where she gives a yummy recipe containing chocolate, and who doesn't enjoy chocolate?! This book covers a wide range of topics about homemaking; from holiday ideas to schedules and chores, organization to housework and meals - Lynn talks about it all.

I enjoyed reading a chapter of this book each Saturday to encourage me for the upcoming week. While you could read it all in one sitting, it is enjoyable to read like a weekly dose and use the tips as a way to slowly tweak your household skills. Queen Of The Castle is fun and easy to read and I found it to be the perfect amount of encouragement for each week.

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