One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stick with me okay?

I began reading this book about 5 months ago via the audio format from Audible downloaded to my Kindle. I listened to the first chapter and never touched the book again. I had heard rave reviews and chatter from bloggers and non-bloggers both about how this book changed their perspective and what a wonderful author Ann Voskamp is. However, I just could not get into it and the first few pages had me loosing focus and interest. It felt wordy and drawn out and frankly, I just couldn't see the point clearly enough.

However.

Yes, however, I picked it back up because I knew there had to be something good in there that I was missing. After all, not every book has an app to go along with it! So I once again plugged it in and this time confined myself to baking for a whole day while I listened to this book being read by the author.

I am not quite sure why this happens, but at times there is just "a right time" to read a certain book and until that time arrives one just never appreciates such a book. This was finally the "right time" because this time I found myself absorbed into the flowing words and vivid descriptions of ordinary moments in life that - seen through the lens of grace - were extraordinary, life altering moments.

While the book could be so much shorter, and the point a lot more clearer at the outset, it would be too easily read and forgotten - leaving no lasting impact and thoughts to ponder. It was a challenge to get into at first but quickly became pure enjoyment. The more I read the more I was encouraged, challenged, convicted, delighted, overwhelmed, and in awe. Ann Voskamp paints a beautiful picture of what it is like to live in every moment - what we deem good and bad - with a heart that seeks God's gifts to us. She strips us of our idea of "good gifts" and invites us and walks with us on a journey to see every moment as a gift from God.

I feel like no words I possibly write could do justice to describing this book. At first if felt like a hard read, but now I stand at the back cover realizing it was hard because sometimes life is hard and yet there is a deep beauty that comes from hard things.

One Thousand Gifts is a perfect read for anyone no matter what your stage or phase of life is. We all need to be dared to live life more fully right where we are.

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!

Jump Off The Hormone Swing by Lorraine Pintus

Jump off the Hormone Swing by Lorraine Pintus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Encouraging. Inspiring. Convicting. Comforting. Exciting. Practical. Just a few words I would use to describe this book.

As a woman, have you ever thought about how your hormones and monthly cycle are a reminder of God's redeeming love?

Yeah. I thought not.

Neither had I...until I read this amazing book by Lorraine Pintus. Until now I have hated hormones and their affects on my body. But now I have a new appreciation and perspective on God's amazing creation in the female body. Not only has my thinking been changed about such matters, but I am now armed with a whole lot of understanding and practical ideas to embrace my hormones rather than antagonize them.

This book is extremely practical and very comprehensive as it not only addresses the physical and emotional components, but the spiritual ones as well. Lorraine, with both love and humor, shows us how the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are all tied together and how we should treat them individually and as a whole. Reading this book will open your eyes to God's grace - even to a woman who can go from feeling wonderful to crummy in 5 seconds flat.

This book is a perfect handbook for woman of any age - from teen to post-menopause. It will enable you to understand your own body and be more compassionate to the women around you. I also highly recommend it as reading for husbands who truly want to be a student of their wife or for a Mother/Daughter study together. Anyway you read this you will be blessed.

Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls by Gary L. Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Gary Thomas has written a thought provoking book that goes beyond the how-to's of parenting to the deeper issues of how parenting shapes us spiritually. I appreciated his open and honest sharing from his own life as he presented his ideas of how parenting is not just a responsibility but rather an opportunity for great spiritual growth.

I set this book down with a renewed hope toward the big, small, and daily challenges that come with being a parent as I gained a clearer focus on the the big picture of the gift of parenting. Thomas probes the hardest moments of parenting and does not dance lightly but pushes deeper into how the average days carry such a weight in the view of eternity. My favorite chapter was the one titled Joy! which challenged me to pray not "Lord change them!", but rather "Lord, change me!".

Sacred Parenting should be mandatory for every parent or parent-to-be to read. It provides hope and conviction in one dose. While it is a heavier read that offers a lot to ponder, it is also sprinkled with some very humorous stories both personal and second hand that bring a lightness to this stimulating volume.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Gary Thomas turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of raising a godly family. Grow closer to Christ and your children as you learn to:?

-Freely enjoy your kids for who they are.
-Build a closer, grace-based family.
-Reduce the pressure felt for your kids to turn out perfect.
-Manage anger and negative responses towards your child’s behavior.
-Increase your sense of worth and respect as a parent.

A Mom After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George

 

Welcome to Day 7 of the After God’s Own Heart post series!

A Mom After God's Own Heart: 10 Ways to Love Your Children (George, Elizabeth by Elizabeth George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Sometimes being a Mom is way more than what we bargained for and we feel overwhelmed, inadequate, like failures, or all of the above. Elizabeth ministered to my heart with tender truth found in God's Word - the Bible - on how to love my children with God's love. Her practical advice and wisdom from her own days of parenting was such an encouragement to me in raising my three. I know that any believing mother will enjoy this book and be refreshed by it's content.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The bestselling author of A Woman After God’s Own Heart® (more than 700,000 copies sold) has a brand–new release! Elizabeth George’s A Mother After God’s Own Heart offers 10 principles to help moms make God an everyday part of their children’s lives. Readers will explore how to...

* teach their children God’s Word
* train them in God’s ways
* talk to children about Jesus
* pray with and for them

Elizabeth, who has two grown children and six grandchildren, gives practical advice and real–life suggestions for helping children—no matter what their ages—incorporate God into daily life. Elizabeth’s husband, Jim, also provides biblical advice from a dad’s perspective.

Tea Party Bible Time for Mom and Me by Mary J Murray

Tea Party Bible Times for Mom and Me: Fun Bible Studies to Do Together by Mary J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

A good cup of tea, the Bible, and my daughters! What a precious way to enjoy all three by having a Mom and Me Tea Party Bible Study!

This book is a very unique and helpful book for Mom's with daughters ages 6 to 12. It clearly lays out an interactive Bible study and tea party from the first detail to the last. I love all the little helps and tidbits through out the book. One of my favorite parts was the emphasis about memorizing scripture together.

I would highly recommend this book to any Mom of young daughters and hope that you too enjoy the creative fun that it can start!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This charming and unique Bible study offers mothers and daughters aged 7-12 a delightful way to strengthen their special bond and grow in their faith. Author Mary Murray inspires great conversations and interactions with clever Scripture-based activities that explore inner beauty, kindness, friendship, and more as she draws moms and daughters together with

* special tea and treat recipes to cook up collaboration and hospitality
* craft projects to turn thoughts and talk to the Creator
* tea party ideas that serve up fellowship and fun
* Bible readings and memory verses along with journaling sections
* mother-daughter moments that celebrate life and faith

Once completed, this study, journal, and activity book will hold dear memories and will provide great joy and encouragement for years to come.

This gift-worthy gathering of sweet ideas will make every occasion extra special and special occasions more meaningful for moms and their little girls.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2862-5
Price: $11.99

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This book was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expressed is 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 - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Real Moms…Real Jesus, by Jill Savage

Real Moms...Real Jesus: Meet the Friend Who Understands by Jill Savage

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Mothers come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, but they all share the same feeling over and over again - weariness. In the midst of answering questions, cleaning up messes, running errands, we Moms tend to loose our perspective in the one load of laundry that never seems to get folded! Jill Savage writes this book to guide us like a close girlfriend in refocusing our eyes on Jesus Christ.

Real Moms...Real Jesus takes 13 perspectives we Moms cling to and shows us 13 new perspectives that Jesus models for us. Through personal examples, Scripture passages, and a heart that seeks God, Jill gives us a real and refreshing handbook for Moms at any stage of the journey.

I enjoyed each "perspective" story and it's companion chapter showing us the real Jesus and the hope He gives for being faithful to our call of motherhood. It's an easy-to-read book that hits home quickly and encourages deeply. In the back of the book are some great discussion questions and helpful small-group study guides that make this book a perfect match for a small study group of Moms.

If you are in the trenches of motherhood, or know someone in them, this is a wonderful gift of encouragement for her.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

What does Jesus know about the peanut-butter-and-jelly life of a mom? Plenty! Jill Savage, founder and director of Hearts at Home, introduces the real Jesus to real moms. In chapters that examine key behaviors and decisions Jesus made during His life on earth, Jill brings those lessons right down to the laundry-filled, sticky-fingered days every mother knows. Between the chapters are interactive vignettes that provide brief, refreshing glimpses into real, messy, busy lives. Jill continually reminds the reader that Jesus is not an unattainable deity, but a Friend who understands.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers.

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

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For some fun motherhood stories told by Jill, watch the video clip below…

Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley

Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World by Carolyn McCulley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Radical Womanhood could radically change your thinking on what it means to be a woman!

Carolyn McCulley has written an eloquent and comprehensive, yet straight-forward and simply-stated book on how the feminist movement has altered womanhood and the role that women have in our culture today. This book is both informative as well as challenging. I greatly enjoyed how Carolyn would share the background of the feminist movement and how it has impacted a specific aspect of womanhood before addressing the Biblical side of that issue. This book is not another "Bible thumping message", but rather a probing look into how the feminist movement disconnected from the radical design of God for women.

Carolyn's approach is gentle, knowledgeable, sensitive, respectful, and simple. I appreciated that she is not another "old woman" passing on tradition, but rather a highly studied student of this topic from both sides of the issue. She does not merely write from a stereotypical conservative view point, but one based solidly on Scripture.

Radical Womanhood is 8 chapters long and addresses a thorough overview of the feminist movement, what our problem really is, what the rolls of both men and woman are, how the movement has impacted life across the spectrum, and much more. This book is incredibly empowering and helps you understand the background to various beliefs about the process and history of feminism. Each chapter is followed by a short personal story of a woman that illustrates the message talked about in the previous pages. They bring a sense of community to this book as you read about the struggles and victories of other woman grappling with the same things you may be wrestling through. You gain an emotional and real-life view of Biblical principles being lived out in the real world.

The were many challenges and encouragements that I walked away with, but one thing that seemed to stand out above all was when Carolyn shared that there is a difference between fighting for woman's rights - restoring their God-given rights - and setting women above both men and God. This is not your "be-a-doormat-and-serve-your-husband-without-question" book, this is a call to be Radical Women!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Biblical womanhood is not for the weak. In an age that seeks to obliterate God and His authority, modeling biblical womanhood involves spiritual warfare. Radical Womanhood seeks to equip new believers and long-time Christians alike, exposing the anti-God agenda of the three waves of feminism to date and presenting the pro-woman truth of the Scriptures. Illustrated with numerous personal testimonies, this book will dig deep into the Word and show how it can be lived out today. The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.

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You can view my chapter-by-chapter vlog reviews by clicking on the following links:

Chapter One   - Chapter Two 
Chapter Three  -  Chapter Four
Chapter Five  -  Chapter Six 
Chapter Seven  -  Chapter Eight

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This review copy was provided by Moody Publishers.  All opinions expressed are that of 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!

Raising A Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel

Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you are a Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or an influential woman in the life of any girl you will not only appreciate this book, but benefit greatly from it, too. Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna have written a book that will encourage you in your relationship with your daughter(s) as well as walk you through many things we want to do, but just don't know how to do. Most of us want to inspire our daughters and breath purpose into their lives and Raising A Modern-Day Princess is the guide to help you do just that.

I appreciated the combination of personal stories and insight that Farrel and Hanna shared along with all the simple and practical tips on how to raise a modern-day princess in a world that wants just the opposite for them. The book is easy to read and offers huge amounts of creative ideas for you to glean from.

The focus of this book is on teaching young girls about becoming godly young women. My favorite part of all that was shared was the idea of intentionally choosing mentors, along with your daughter, to mentor her. There is a treasure trove of information in this book to help you at whatever place in life you are at. Not everything will be for everyone, but I doubt anyone could walk away without gleaning something.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers and the opinions expressed our strictly my own

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Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker {GIVEAWAY}

Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load by Jen Hatmaker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Lighthearted.  Funny.  Occasionally hysterical.  Encouraging.  Comforting.

These are a few words I would use to describe this book by Jen Hatmaker. You will truly feel like you are taking a break from the "spin cycle" when you take time to read one of the many short chapters in this book.

As expected in a devotional, the chapters are short (mostly 2 pages) and are encouraging with an impacting message held in each one. Jen's stories were real and easy to relate to making you feel like you are having a good laugh with a friend. The main focus is motherhood and these 40 thoughts are great for any mother of younger children (Newborn to Jr. High).

The only reason this book did not get 4 stars in my opinion is that while containing a biblical perspective through the book, it did not always have scripture for each devotional thought. I personally would call this an encouragement book rather than devotional book. However, while I wouldn't use this for my daily time with God, I do think it makes for a great mid-morning, lunch time, or nap time pick-me-up that will bring both laughter and learning to your day.

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Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

To enter this giveaway you need to leave a comment & follow this blog through Facebook OR Google Friends.

A winner will be drawn using Random.org on Saturday June 19th.

Momology: A Mom’s Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic

Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Momology by Shelly Radic is the 2010 theme for MOPS International and was designed and written for a new generation of mothers. However, while the concept is good, I personally felt that it was leaving the "older" generation of mothers completely behind.

The book is set in a format that is easy to read in short amounts of time - maybe during a 2am feeding, or while waiting to pick up a child from pre-school, or at any "break" in our mothering days! This feature is nice, but there is also the side of it that makes it feel disjointed and a little challenging to follow completely through to make one resounding impact. Because there is such variety of material covered it can be a little overwhelming despite the simple and easy-reading layout. However, the book is very interactive which allows for good discussion possibilities if you and a friend read it at the same time.

As far as the content goes, I think it was rather shallow. This book may be a great encouragement for very young (I'm not that old!) or new Moms, but as a Mom of 3 it felt pretty redundant and over-dramatized in some ways. I know that may sound harsh, but I think it's important to find (write) a book that will meet a broader scope of mothers when you are making it your theme book for a wide range of woman such as MOPS. It does have a lot of practical tips for daily life that many younger or newer moms will find helpful. But my main concern with the content is that it approaches motherhood from a much more secular perspective than with a Bible based perspective.

My overall thought is that while it's a good book, maybe even fun to read with all the little stories and tid-bits sprinkled throughout, it's not my first choice for reading about the topic of Motherhood. On the same note, it's not the worst either, so enjoy it for whatever it is and for the laughs that it holds, too.

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Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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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.

Misconception by Shannon & Paul Morell with Angela Hunt

Misconception: One Couple's Journey from Embryo Mix-Up to Miracle Baby by Paul Morell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The title really states what the book is all about. It's the emotional story of two families caught in the effect of human error.

This story held some twists and turns that would make one think it had to be fiction. However, this is a true story despite the hurt and pain caused. I appreciated the honesty with which Shannon shared their journey to overcome something bad in order to enjoy the blessing. It is such an amazing encouragement to read of the sacrifice of one family for another so that life could be celebrated.

In this audio version I greatly enjoyed the narrator and the high quality reading. It was easy to listen to and engaging.

While I don't necessarily agree with the views and beliefs presented in this book about IFV, it was still a fascinating biography and testimony to the sanctity of life. It's a book you won't want to put down/turn off until you've read the last page or heard the last track.

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This audio book was provided for review courtesy of christianaudio

Voices of the True Woman Movement: by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Voices of the True Woman Movement: A Call to the Counter-Revolution by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW V

oices of the True Woman Movement is an amazing compilation of messages given by a handful of wonderful speakers on what it means to be a woman in light of scripture. While this is in audio book format - so you are not hearing the voice of the actual speaker - the narration is still high quality and delivers the messages with authentic quality.

I was both refreshed and challenged by the content of this book. It explained biblical truth and a loving way that encourages and convicts, too. The personal illustrations and examples shared in this 5 CDs were uplifting and helpful. I highly recommend this book - in print or audio format - for any woman seeking to know and grow in their understanding of what the Bible says about being a woman.

This audio version was wonderful to listen to while doing household chores or exercising and I think it makes it easier to digest, too!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Just Like You by Marla Konrad

Just Like You: Beautiful Babies Around the World by Marla Konrad

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Just Like You is a beautiful way to teach your children about how much you love them and about life around the world. This tender tale looks at how much your child was loved when he/she was born and how much other Mothers around the world - in places like Australia, China, South Africa, and Egypt - love their children, too. The illustrations are soft, comforting, and tenderly life-like.

I enjoyed reading this book to my children and looking at the pictures of other lands and learning about the different ways other families care for their little ones. My children were intrigued by the various kinds of clothes and climates and were fascinated by the fact that on the same day they were born so was someone else in some other place.

This is a lovely story to read to your children and while recommended for children 4 to 7 year of age, both younger and older children most likely will enjoy this storybook being read to them.

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Thanks to Zondervan for the courtesy copy for review.

I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith

I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Grab a box of tissues.

For those who followed Angie Smith and the story of Audrey unfold on her blog this book feels like a chat with Angie over a nice warm drink. And for those who are new to the Smith's dance with joy and grief you will quickly fall in love with this family and their testimony.

Angie puts into words the thoughts and emotions of a mother who clings to hope while grieving, lives life fully while preparing for the worst, and who begs God for a miracle all the while praising Him no matter what. I Will Carry You is the story of the life of Audrey and the huge impact this small little girl had on her family and on the world. It will leave you counting your blessings, living with abandon, and celebrating life - no matter how long or how short.

I was touched by Angie's honest and vulnerability with her readers and her simple, yet profound, explanations of what her dance was and continues to be like. I have been touched by the music of Selah for years and since 2008 even more so with the music being backed up by authentic lives. Though their road has not been easy, they have blessed many lives through their tears and their joy in the time of great grief.

Whether you are a Mom or not, this book will have you crying and rejoicing all at the same time. Both Angie's writing and Todd's chapter from a man's perspective will be an encouragement in your life.

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Thank you to B&H Publishing Group for providing the review copy.

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How Do You Tuck In a Superhero? by Rachel Balducci

How Do You Tuck In a Superhero?: And Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys by Rachel Balducci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Author Rachel Balducci is no longer surprised when she has to say things in her house like: "I am not a wrestling mat." "Stay off the roof." "You can try to invent a jet-pack, but I will not buy the fuel for it." Or, "Wear something nice—like a t-shirt with no stains on it."

As the mother of five boys, Balducci has her hands full, which makes for some hilarious stories. She shares more than 50 of those tales--from finding her boys climbing through windows, making traps for catching bad guys or rooting through the refrigerator, ever hungry--in her delightful new book How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?: And Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys.

Readers will laugh out loud at the antics she experiences on a daily basis, as she pulls back the curtain on what a life filled to the brim with boys is like for one woman. From the curious scenes she catches her boys in, to the entertaining conversations she overhears, to the unimaginable rules she's been forced to make, this laugh-out-loud celebration joyfully explores the sweet and wild side of boyhood.

MY REVIEW:

Some books you read to learn more about a subject, and then others you read to gain insight and advice on the problems you are facing. And then there is a book you read for pure enjoyment that keeps you laughing for days and weeks after you have turned the last page. This is one of those books.

How Do You Tuck In A Superhero? will make you laugh whether you have all boys, all girls, or a mix of both. This lighthearted look at parenting will encourage you and remind you to take one day at a time and enjoy each one for what it is. They fly by to fast...just like superheroes.

I appreciated Rachel's light approach that packed real life lessons, laughter, and a shot in the arm to any weary mother. This fun book is broken into short stories in short chapters to enable a quick read in the midst of chaos. Even if you don't normally like to read you will love this book! And you will laugh!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson

Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can’t. With the currents of materialism and entitlement flowing so strong, how do we raise kids who are simply thankful?

With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.

MY REVIEW:

Growing Grateful Kids is amazing! Susie has written a parenting book that breaks the mold on traditional parenting books with it's approach that you can't give what you don't have. This 236 page book not only gives biblical advice and direction on how to raise your children, but points out ways to implement godly perspective and character in your own life. Each of the 16 chapters is followed be a "personal application" and a "parental application" section that will help you to apply the truth of what you just read.

I was personally blessed by Susie's humble and real life manner and examples. Her writing addresses issues such as grace, humility, wisdom, contentment, compassion, forgiveness - and more - with deep biblical truth presented in an easy-to-understand format. I was convicted with every chapter and encouraged with each turn of the page. The focus is not about what to-do, or not-to-do, instead the focus is on the Word of God, the life of Chris,t and what that means to our daily lives as parents.

This book should be a must-read for all parents at any stage of the game. You will be encouraged and blessed, challenged and refreshed! There are not many books I give a 5-star rating to, but this is one of them! It is worth investing in your own copy so that you can dog-ear and underline important truths that will bring inspiration each time you browse through this book again.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers.

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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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A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists by Michelle LaRowe

 A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists by Michelle LaRowe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do you wonder about what baby products you really need?

Are you wondering how your baby, toddler, or preschooler is doing developmentally, but you can't remember where you put that list you got from the pediatrician's office?

Have you ever questioned your child's diet and want to know how much of each food group they really need?

Are you going on a trip and feel like you might be forgetting something?

Do you wish you had a list of the top resources to read for the various stages of motherhood rather than sift through all the options a Google search offers?

Or maybe you are dealing with what seems to be one of the BIG questions for moms of young kids: how much sleep does my child need?

A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists has the answers for all of these questions and many more. Michelle LaRowe, former nanny and current mother, has made it much easier to find the answers to our daily questions in motherhood by writing a resource book for Moms. From your first moments of pregnancy through the first day of Kindergarten, you will find yourself reaching for this book to help you figure things out and make the best choice in your parenting journey.

Do not let the idea of a book of lists scare you away from adding this to your own library shelf. It's more than just a book of dry lists - it's full of encouragement, quick mom-to-mom tips, and fun. From what to stock your car with, to feeding a picky eater, and back to age appropriate chores, it will quickly become your faithful companion.

I appreciated the readability of this book seeing that Mom's do not always have much time to research an answer to a question or concern. A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists is easy to read in brief moments of time or browse through during afternoon nap time. The table of contents is organized easy to use to find a list you need for the current moment. The only thing I wish it had was an index of topic or items. However, I feel that you can still search well enough to make it a user-friendly book.

This book is perfect for a mother-to-be, new mom, or a "second family" mom. It also is a great resource for any mom with children from 0 to 4 years of age.

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The review copy was courtesy of Revell.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.