Good Book Sites by Natalie {Guest Post}

If you know anything at all about me, then you know this: I LOVE TO READ. Couldn't imagine life without it. For as long as I can remember, I've always loved to read. Even as a little girl, other kids would be out playing, and I'd be in my room reading. That's how I remember it anyways.

Hubby bought me the Sony Reader (similar to the Amazon Kindle) a few years ago for Christmas. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received because as a reading fanatic, it was a gift from the gods! I haven't had a chance to take it with me on a vacation yet, but oh! The thought of putting a bunch of books on that little-less-than-a-pound Reader is thrilling! No more lugging (literally) a bunch of books in my suitcase! There's nothing worse than running out of books to read on vacation (if you're an avid reader, that is).

I can't think of anything I'd rather do than curl up with a good book. Before children, I would stay in my pajamas and read all day. Of course, that never happens anymore; I guess in another 20 years or so I may be able to do it again. But I still read constantly...it just takes me a lot longer to get through a book. Hubby will watch tv, and I will read. The kids play outside, and I'm out there reading. At doctor appointments, I don't mind the wait because it gives me a chance to read. Before I go to bed, I read. If I have 5 spare minutes, you guessed it, you'll find me with a book in my hands.

A lot of friends ask me for book recommendations because I read constantly. My sister H and my friend Diana probably hit me up the most for recommendations. Friends also ask me where I find all these books to read, sometimes obscure or unknown books or authors, and so I thought I'd tell you a couple of my favorite sites to find good books, authors, suggestions, recommendations, etc...

www.goodreads.com - Goodreads is an awesome site that my friend and fellow avid reader Tonya introduced me to a couple of years ago. It allows you to catalog books you've read, books you want to read, search for similar books, write reviews and rate books, learn about authors, join book reading groups and contests, enter contests to win free books (I've won a couple!), keep track of what you're friends are reading, and meet other people that love to read. A few of my "friends" on the site are just random people across the country that sent me friend requests so we can follow each other's readings (A 13-year old girl from India sent me a friend request, so we send each other messages about life in our countries, etc!).

www.bookseer.com - Really cool site that allows you to search for books that are similar to books that you've already read and liked. You type in the name of the book and author, and it'll spit out names of other books that are similar in style/genre that you might be interested in.

http://read-it-forward.crownpublishing.com/ - Check this site out the first couple of days of every new month. You can enter for a chance to win free books. Of course, the premise is that you will "read it forward", and pass it along to someone else when you've finished reading it. I won a book the first month I entered!

www.amazon.com - As I'm writing this, I click on the link to make sure it works, and I just added 3 more books to my goodreads.com "to read" list! Anyways, great book suggestions, features, and deals on both new and used books. Plus, if you preorder books before they're released, you get a guarantee of getting the lowest price.

www.ebay.com - I just realized that ebay is a very cheap place to buy books! I have bought three books on there for a total of twelve bucks (including shipping!). The books were each $1, and then shipping was another $3. They were used, but in perfect condition. They were each bought from different sellers. I have found my new favorite book-buying place!

So yes, I'm a total bookworm and I'm proud of it!

What is your favorite book?

Favorite author?

Do you have another go-to website that I should know about? And so it goes...

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Natalie is a stay-at-home mom to a toddler and 8 month old twins. She loves to read, cook, and garden. She also writes a blog Mommy of a Monster (I Mean Toddler) and Infant Twins in which she discusses her life as a stay-at-home mom and the chaos that comes with raising three children under three years of age.

When Life Is Hard by James MacDonald

When Life is Hard by James MacDonald

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

No matter if your life is hard or easy or somewhere in between right now, this book is for YOU. As the back cover says: "Find Hope. Right Here. Right now."

I picked up this book to read for review knowing that it would be good, but completely unaware of just how good it would be. James unpacks 4 scripture passages and what they each mean to us when we face various trials - big or small. Not only does this book open up new thoughts and understanding on timeless passages, but it also gives practical ways of applying what you are learning and ideas for processing and dealing with the trials you are or will face.

When Life Is Hard is real and despite the hard subject, this book is refreshing, uplifting, and incredibly challenging in an invigorating way. It is deep stuff explained in simple terms. It is biblical truth in a format that is easy to follow and read. You will be encouraged by this book no matter what you reading level or skills are. James MacDonald ministers to you from personal experience and a relationship with Jesus Christ. This messages hits home no matter where home may be. It is a must-read and must-own for any Christian, but especially for anyone in full-time ministry.  This book is one of the Best Of The Best!

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Moody Publishing. However, the opinions expressed in this review are solely that of the reviewer - Mandy.

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Below is a video clip that James mentions in the book.  Watch it now and you will laugh hysterically when you read about it in the book.  Or bookmark this page and come back and watch it after reading the book.

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You can go to www.whenlifeishard.com to access more resources and information about this book.  If you want to buy this book you can click on the amazon link below and To Read, Or Not To Read will get a few pennies from your purchase.

Great Links

If you have not already checked out the author links on my sidebar I would encourage you to do that soon. Like NOW!

Okay, so if you're in the middle of something really important, it can wait a minute or two...but wait, if you're in the middle of something important, why are you reading this blog? Oh! I guess that is important, too! {wink}

Seriously, when you have 3 minutes (no joke) hop, skip, or click right on over to GirlTalk to read THIS post.

Excellent!