Double Take by Melody Carlson

Double Take: A Novel by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

It's a familiar storyline with a new twist as NYC collides with rural Pennsylvania. The characters are likeable and fun and seem to deal with issues that most of your average teen girls also have to work through. I personally enjoyed the comparison of the life of the rich versus the life of the Amish from a teen girl's perspective.

Double Take was a fun book to read in a few hours of down time. It also has a neat message about the blessings of living life simply no matter what your life is - rich, poor, Amish, or English. I would recommend this for any 13-year-old and up to read as a great "beach book". However, I was disappointed in the weakness of the scriptural and gospel message. There was really nothing that set this book aside to make it clearly a Christian book except for mentioning God and "experiencing Him" a few times. My advice is to read and enjoy, just make sure it's not the only book your teen girl is reading this summer.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Bronner wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side. Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

Always by Melody Carlson

Always: A Teen Devotional by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Always is the perfect devotional for a teen girl to tuck in her backpack to gain fresh perspective and realign her focus through out the day.

I appreciated how all 90 days are based on the Words of Christ. Melody sandwiches a challenging thought between scripture and tucks in a prayer starter as well as a one-line thought that wraps up the devotional in one sentence. This is a devotional book that will help teen girls to apply the truth of the Word of God to their daily life and see how it can impact there life now.

My only caution is that this not become the only means of digging into the Bible for girls. This is a great starter book, or additional book, but I hope not their only book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It can be difficult for teenagers to understand how Jesus’ words hundreds of years ago relate to their lives today. To help teens dig deeper, bestselling author Melody Carlson releases Always, a devotional for teens that focuses specifically on helping teenagers take the teachings of Christ and apply those to their own lives, actions, thoughts and faith.

With 90 days’ worth of devotional readings in Always, Carlson takes key passages of Christ’s teachings, commands and promises from Scripture, and unlocks them, verse-by-verse for teens.

The devotionals address topics including:
• Living with purpose
• Avoiding religious traps
• Understanding the true character of God
• Learning to cling to Christ
• The power of prayer
• Living as an example to others
• Setting the right priorities
• Embracing servanthood

Each devotional includes a short passage of Scripture followed by insightful explanations, ideas for application, and accompanying prayers that encourage readers to start studying the Bible for all its worth.

“I became a believer during my teen years,” Carlson says. “One of the things that I did was take my Bible and read only the words of Jesus. It was awesome. I realized that Jesus’ words truly were words of life—and they were just the words that my life needed.”

Now, in Always, Carlson helps today’s teenagers discover those same inspiring truths in ways that they understand and can apply to their lives. Always is the third and final volume in her series of devotionals for teenagers “Words from the Rock,” following True and Life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell but the thoughts expressed are my own.

Choosing To See, by Mary Beth Chapman {Giveaway}

(GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT BOTTOM OF POST)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Grab a box of tissues before you even crack open the cover of this book! You will need them from the first page to the last as you glimpse the heart of Mary Beth Chapman and the journey of tragedy she and the Chapman family have traveled.

Choosing To See is a raw look at the grief and pain of loosing a child in such a tragic way. It is also the honest look at the life and testimony of God's grace in Mary Beth's life as well as the family as a whole. I appreciated how honest she was with her readers. Most likely she will face some criticism for some of what she shares due to her openness, but I praise her for showing us that life is not perfect and that it's not of ourselves, but only of God's strength, mercy, and grace that our lives amount to anything. When I set this book down I felt like I knew Mary Beth as a friend rather than like I just had an inside look at the life of a celebrity.

The end of the book is a pouring out of posts from her blog since the accident. For the distanced reader it's a lot to wade through, but I must say that I am glad she was real. She didn't try to tie pretty bow and make it seem like a fairy-tale ending. Mary Beth instead shares how God meets us where we are even in the depth of grief.

For someone who wants to know more about the Chapmans, the life of Maria, or dealing with the death of a child, I would recommend you read this book. No matter why you read it you will end it with a large dose of encouragement. It's the story of winter moments in life and how spring does come again...

BOOK OVERVIEW:

From the beginning, Mary Beth Chapman's life was not how she planned. All she wanted was a calm, peaceful life of stability and control. Instead, God gave her an award-winning singer/songwriter husband, crazy schedules, and a houseful of creatively rambunctious children. Most difficult of all, God's plans for her also included tragedy.

In Choosing to SEE, Mary Beth unveils her struggle to allow God to write the story of her life, both the happy chapters and the tragic ones. And as the story unfolds, she's been forced to wrestle with some of life's biggest questions: Where is God when things fall apart? Why does God allow terrible things to happen? How can I survive hard times?

No matter where you find yourself in your own life story, you will treasure the way Mary Beth shows that even in the hard times, there is hope if you choose to SEE.

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Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided for review courtesy of Revell.

 

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GIVEAWAY!

I am giving away 1 copy of this book.
Leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing.
A winner will be chosen on September 12, 2010.
Please click here to see entry rules.

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher

UPDATE 8/25/10 – Congrats to Jody who won this book!

This is a long review post!  First off, let me tell you that I am giving away a copy of this charming little book!  Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post to be entered into the giveaway!  (A winner will be drawn tonight using Random.org)

And now…with out further delay, here is my review and below that you will find a cool contest opportunity!

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MY REVIEW:

This book is simply sweet.

You can't help but become lost in the calming pictures and thought-provoking proverbs that Suzanne Woods Fisher has put together in this beautiful and small sized coffee table book. This is a perfect gift for someone who appreciates the simply side of life or anyone who enjoys the relaxing atmosphere of the country.

My favorite proverb featured in this adorable little book is:

"A task takes as long as it takes."

I get caught up so often in trying to finish as much as possible and usually end up frustrating myself. This simple little phrase is a wonderful reminder that I have no need to get discouraged but rather should enjoy the time that the task takes.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Simplify Your Life with Amish Wisdom
Insights into the Amish lifestyle of peace, simplicity and contentment

Spend enough time with the Amish, as author Suzanne Woods Fisher has, and you’ll hear them repeat a catchy turn of phrase or short words of wisdom, like “Good character like good soup is usually homemade,” or “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Suspended in these phrases are age-old lessons about how to live wisely and please God. Reiterated day after day, the proverbs are learned by heart and help guide the lives of the Amish, reminding them of what’s truly important.

Fisher has spent a great deal of time with the Amish and has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People, which she shares in her new book
Amish Proverbs.

These proverbs cover all aspects of life, from finances to faith to family, as well as overcoming life’s frustrations. Serving as teaching tools and maxims for practical living, they're not just for the Amish. Proverbs help point us all toward wisdom, toward good judgment, toward God’s teachings. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Some of the proverbs that readers will find in Amish Proverbs include:
o "It is better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind."
o "You are only poor when you want more than you have."
o "A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet."
o "Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not."
o "Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present."
o "Kissing wears out, cooking don’t."
o "If you sense your faith is unraveling, go back to where you dropped the thread of obedience."
o "You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough."
o "A smile is a curve that can straighten out a lot of things."

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows and bring some of the Amish wisdom to everyday life.

With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

AUTHOR BIO:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

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Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

CONTEST OPPORTUNITY!

 

Suzanne's Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she's giving away a KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin. See below for info and links.

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here. Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

  Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st! She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!

His Princess Girl Talk with God by Sheri Rose Shepherd {Giveaway!}

His Princess Girl Talk with God: Love Letters and Devotions for Young Women by Sheri Rose Shepherd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Girl Talk With God is a bff and confidant for any young woman. It is aimed at teen girls, but I would recommend it for older teen girls (15 & up) and even younger college age girls. This well written, and easy to read, devotional type of book offers comfort, hope, and encouragement for those who have or do struggle with a wide range of issues. From beauty to bulimia, friends to fashion, dating to drugs, purity to popularity, Sheri Rose Shepherd offers refreshment for the heart of girls reading this book.

I appreciated how Sheri dealt with many issues in a short yet personal way. She got to the point, and the heart, quickly and effectively. My favorite part of this book were the love letters from God - letters written based upon scripture that applied the Bible to the heart and mind of the woman reading it.

This book is considered a devotional, although it's more encouragement than devotional, and does address topics that some may not want their daughters reading about yet or through this type of format depending on the parenting style. I think this book can be a great tool for teens and young women, but highly advise the parent to know what their daughter is reading before she begins to read.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

You're the daughter of the King!

Like a loving father, God holds you in the palm of His hand. He loves you no matter what you wear, what you say, what you've done, or how you feel. And He wants you to live a wonderful life.

In His Princess Girl Talk with God, Sheri Rose Shepherd helps you experience God's unending love for you through forty devotions. Sheri remembers what it was like to be a teen girl, and she connects your experiences with God's love. Through these stories, love letters from God, Scriptures, and prayers, you'll feel just how much God treasures you--His Princess.

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This book was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and is available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller.

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GIVEAWAY:

I have 1 copy of this book to giveaway this week to 1 randomly drawn winner.  Leave a comment below (on this post) and be sure to include an e-mail or link to use to contact you in case you should win.  A winner will be drawn on Saturday the 14th of August.  U.S. address only, please!

UPDATE: Congrats to comment #4 (Genevieve) the winner of this book!

The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf

MY REVIEW:

The Faith Dare is a challenge to live your life to the fullest within God's design for you.  This is more than a motivating book, it's a 30-day Bible study, too.

Beginning with a short introduction and explanation on what it means to live life with faith, you embark on a 30-day journey of growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ and challenging yourself to take the next step.  This month long study is broken into 3 sections: Live Up, Live In, and Live Out.

I enjoyed Debbie's style and presentation of the material.  It's simple and user-friendly for both small group or individual use.  The daily studies pack a powerful message to encourage and convict, but are still easy to do no-matter what your schedule is.  The dares are not scary or overwhelming as the name makes it sound, but are rather simple steps for putting into action what you learned.  Don't get me wrong, some of the dares may stretch you depending on your personality and testimony, but it's not a huge mountain to climb each day of the study.

There were parts of this book where I didn't always see eye-to-eye with the author, but overall it is a good study to work through personally or with a group of friends.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Debbie Alsdorf wants women to experience the radically transforming difference that 30 days can make in their lives. It’s what she calls the Faith Dare, in which she challenges women to develop the habit of focusing on God and living out their faith in every situation for 30 days.

Alsdorf, a popular author, speaker and ministry leader, equips women to undertake this 30-day challenge in her new book, The Faith Dare. To cultivate a lifestyle of daily, passionate faith, she helps readers learn, day by day, to develop habits that will help them connect intimately to God.

Every day, readers will be challenged to go deeper. Examples of the daily dares include:

o    Dare to live in the miracle of who you are.
o    Dare to believe in God’s power in all circumstances.
o    Dare to surrender to the process of change.
o    Dare to speak praise, sing praise, and live with confidence in God.

Readers will also learn practical ways of applying God’s Word to their own lives, whether it’s in their personal relationship with God, learning to surrender to self, or living out God’s love to others.
With a personalized study guide, including daily readings, affirmations and challenges, Alsdorf’s 30-day challenge helps readers learn to live out their faith like never before and discover the incredible difference 30 days can make.

AUTHOR BIO:

Debbie Alsdorf is the author of Deeper and A Different Kind of Wild. She is founder of the popular Design4Living Conferences and speaks with Hearts at Home. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is director of women's ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, where her Bible study is attended by hundreds of women every week. Alsdorf lives in California.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell and is available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  The opinions expressed our my own.

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you liked the movie Napoleon Dynamite then you will like this novel aimed at teen girls. However, I thought that Napoleon Dynamite was rather pointless and that's how I feel about this book as well. There was a lot of drama, and some humor, too, but not a lot of clear purpose.

I liked the theme - conservative parents at odds with their generally well-behaved teen daughter. But there was so many other issues and characters packed into this book that it was hard to follow along at points.

The book begins with an excerpt from Daisy's prom journal with more excerpts throughout the story. I liked the general flair that they added, but there was too many entries and they were too long in my opinion.

There was no one specific thing that I would caution readers concerning this book, but an overall advisement that it addresses drugs, drinking, easy girls, and what unfortunately is typical teen drama and topics. And the book overall is for entertainment with no real moral to the story. I personally would not have my daughters read it and if anyone else was to let their girls read it I would highly recommend it for only older teens girls; probably 16 and up.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

From bestselling author Kristin Billerbeck comes Perfectly Dateless, a hilariously endearing story about a regular high school girl, trying to fit in. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

Can Daisy talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, who offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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Related articles:

• How Do You Tuck In a Superhero? by Rachel Balducci 
• Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker {GIVEAWAY} 
• Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic
• Green: American Style by Anna M. Clark {Giveaway!}

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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What Happened to My Life? by Danna Demetre

What Happened to My Life?: Finding New Passion, Purpose, and Joy by Danna Demetre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

What Happened To My Life? is a book that will help women find new passion, purpose, and joy in their life. Danna Demetre knows what it is like to be searching for those three things and now she is helping others to find it through this book and the included 40 day devotional.

I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability with which Danna wrote. She not only wrote about some important things, but openly shared how her own life has been changed. Encouraging doesn't even seem to begin to cover the refreshing content of this book! It is biblical, applicable, and helpful.

My favorite part of the book was the message she wove through the whole book about the importance of what we are feeding our minds. Danna excellently explains the power of scripture to change your life by transforming your mind. She does not give "just another program" but rather real answers for life change.

The 40 day devotional is simple to use for any woman at any stage of life. While the devotional thought is different each day, the application section keeps the same thread going through all 40 days to help you keep building as you establish new changes. It is easy to use and highly effective in being a tool to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Whether you choose to do the 40 day devotional or not, the first 2 sections of this book are easy to read and wonderfully helpful, uplifting, and comforting. This book is a must-read in part or in entirety.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Though they may not voice their frustrations aloud, many women are faced with the aching feeling that their lives have fallen short of their hopes and dreams. Instead of joy and celebration, they seem filled more with frustration and heartbreak. ‘What happened to my life?’ they ask with disappointment.

Danna Demetre, popular conference and motivational speaker, knows that this scenario is all too common in the lives of women today. Many are reeling from broken relationships, unfulfilling careers and other personal disappointments, leaving them feeling discontent and empty. That’s why Demetre, also an accomplished author, has released her latest book, What Happened to My Life?, where she helps readers discover authentic and lasting joy—despite the dispiriting circumstances they may face.

What Happened to My Life? is a 40-day journey that teaches readers a few simple yet transforming life habits that will help them discover the joy and passion that God has in store for their lives. With daily devotionals and thought-provoking questions, readers will learn to break the cycle of discontentment.

As readers work their way through Demetre’s 40-day journey to joy, they will learn:

• How to fight discontentment in every situation
• What the Bible says about discontentment
• How to “walk in the Spirit” and rely on God's strength for joy that will last
• How other women have changed their lives using these principles

Demetre invites women to “Join me on a journey to discover the one thing worth pursuing, to implement a few simple yet transforming life habits, and to realize the incredible life God has for those who love him.”

Whether dealing with a life crisis or simply feeling that life is not all they'd hoped for, readers will find that this new book will help them discover authentic contentment and joy, regardless of their circumstances. And it will help them transition from simply surviving to truly thriving once again.

AUTHOR BIO:

Danna Demetre is an author and popular conference and retreat speaker. She is the president and founder of Women of Purpose, an evangelistic outreach ministry. Danna lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, Lew, and adopted 13 year-old grandson, Jesse. They also have three grown children and are expecting a new grandchild.

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This review book was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and is available at your favorite book store starting in May 2010.

This Fine Life Review -- Kristina's Opinion

This Fine Life by Eva Everson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mariette's parents had conflicting aspirations for their only daughter. Her mother felt she should marry a man of "means" and take her place among the community as a dutiful housewife and philanthropist. Her father dreamed of her obtaining a college degree and eventually running the family business. Both dreams were dashed the summer that Mariette decided to run away with the love of her life, Thayne and get married. After coming to terms with the decision they've made, Thayne and Mariette settle down into the every day ins and outs of married life. But what happens when the man you married turns out to have a different plan for his life than you thought? What happens when God calls your husband to a place neither of you planned? This Fine Life follows Thayne and Mariette Scott through their first few years of marriage and subsequently their first few years of ministry.

When I first picked up This Fine Life I must admit I was skeptical. A book set in the 1960's is not normally my cup of tea. I dove in, however and I was thrilled to see a well-written novel full of real-life difficulty. A girl distressed about what she was going to do with her life; a man in her life who had a somewhat hidden past; their passionate love and the decisions they made together were enough to engross me in this story. Eva Marie Everson is to be applauded for her character development and her settings. ALL of the characters in this story were very real and believable; a trait that is hard to come by in fiction. I enjoyed reading this book and I was even sad when it was over! I wanted to know more about Thayne, Mariette and their family. I give this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone!

A copy of this title was provided by Baker Publishing Group for Review. This has in no way affected the content of this review. Thank you for reading!

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.

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

MY REVIEW:

A Distant Melody is one of the best fiction books I have read recently. It is a beautiful love story with several spiritual lessons sweetly woven in the tender and twisting storyline.

I enjoyed the historical setting with a glimpse into the life of a fly-boy and the depiction of the time period without compromising the quality of the book. The characters were portrayed with believable emotion and interaction and I quickly found myself relating to them and feeling like I knew them.

This sweet story is 415 pages of friendship, love, failure, and forgiveness. Anyone, adult to middle teen, would enjoy this first book in a new series by Sarah Sundin.

AUTHOR BIO:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of LitFuse Publicity.

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK RECAP:

Bestselling author releases new biblical fiction that tells the story of Abigail: Her marriage to David and their life on the run.

Turmoil marked her life—what price must she pay for love?

From Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author of Michal, comes the latest biblical fiction in The Wives of King David series: Abigail.  Abigail's hopes and dreams for the future are wrapped up in her handsome, dark-eyed betrothed, Nabal. But when the long-awaited wedding day arrives, her drunken groom behaves shamefully. Nevertheless, Abigail tries to honor and respect her husband despite his abuse of her.

Meanwhile, Abigail's family has joined David's wandering tribe as he and his people keep traveling to avoid the dangerous Saul. When Nabal suddenly dies, Abigail is free to move on with her life, and thanks to her brother, her new life includes a new husband--David. The dangers of tribal life on the run are serious, but there are other dangers in young Abigail's mind. How can David lead his people effectively when he goes against God? And how can Abigail share David's love with the other wives he insists on marrying?

Smith draws on Scripture, in-depth historical research and her vivid imagination to unveil the story of Abigail and David in rich detail and drama, for a riveting page-turner that will keep readers looking forward to the next book in this trilogy. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Abigail was an enjoyable novel that brought to life the story of Abigail and David. Jill does a wonderful job of unpacking the details of culture and life in Biblical times that we do not always understand in reading the Biblical account. This books gives dimension to the felt Sunday School character you learned about as a child and brings color to the black and white pages of the Bible you read today.

I thought that Jill did well including all the Biblical information we have available through Scripture, but one needs to be cautious to remember through out reading this story that the majority of it is still fiction. Abigail is a wonderful book for any woman who wants to better understand the Bible times and enjoy a relaxing read at the same time. However, I am not sure that the emotional issues of this story are appropriate for younger teen girls. I would highly recommend Moms to read this book before allowing their teen daughter of to do so and then, if so, I encourage you to take advantage of the conversation that can come from having both read the story.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill is the author of the bestselling Michal and lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

BOOK DETAILS:

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3321-6
Softcover / 372 pages / $14.99
Published by Revell

You can go here to read an excerpt from the first chapter!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell and is available February 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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.

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson

  Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Anything But Normal is a novel that could be real, that most likely is real in the lives of many girls across the United States and around the world. The storyline is that of High School senior, Sophie, and her unexpected pregnancy. Sophie is a good girl, a Christian, so how could this happen to her? Melody Carlson gives us an afternoon read of what 9 months is like for a girl who finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in.

I found this novel, written for teen girls, to be a challenge to myself and the way that I judge teen pregnancy. It compelled me to focus on helping them find forgiveness in Christ rather than just condemning the sin. After all, it's by the grace of God, not my own doing, that I myself was not in the same situation. This book is a wonderful resource to help anyone, teen or not, to think about what it may be like to be a pregnant teenager or pregnant out of wed-lock at any age.

Personally, I would let my 14 & older teen daughter read this book and then use it to talk to her about the whole topic of teen dating and teen pregnancy. However, I also realize that this book could possibly be offensive to some parents depending on how they choose to raise their kids and deal with topics such as this one. That being said, I would encourage all parents/guardians to read this book prior to their daughter reading it. The time it would take is minimal, maybe 4 hours, and it would then help both you and your daughter.

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ISBN: 978-0-8007-3258-5
Details: Soft Cover, 251 pages, $9.99
Published by: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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The review copy was courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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50 Ways To Feel Great Today

50 Ways to Feel Great Today: Keys to Beating Stress, Worry, and the Blues by David Biebel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We live in a fast paced society where stress seems to be the normal. However, just because it may be normal does not mean that it is good for you. So how do you beat it? How do you slow down and de-stress?

50 Ways To Feel Great Today is full of easy tips to minimize the stress and blues in your life. It is an easy-reading book with short, stand-alone chapters. Each chapter covers one way to feel great today and offers explanation, a personal example or two, and information or resources to help you further. Rather than just tell you to "free your inner artist", the book includes a link to an easy way you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

This book would be a great one to use as a spring board to doing new things this year. Why not buy the book and do one thing each week? You would even have two grace weeks!

I enjoyed the randomness of the book and the creativity it sparked in my own mind. While, there were several things that the authors said that I do not agree with 100%, I appreciate very much the overall idea of this book. This is not a book to cure depression or the fix that will make you feel better, but rather a good book for those who are looking to add spice to their day that has been forgotten in life's busy routine.

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Available December 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Want more Christian Living books to read?  Check these out!

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Choice is not your typical Amish novel. It's better.

A young Amish girl, Carrie Weaver, has a choice to make that will change her life: run away and become English or become a member of the Amish church. Among the twisting and turning story line are two steady characters who are firmly rooted in their relationship with God and shine brightly to those around them. Meanwhile, the lives of others are being tossed around as they search for purpose in the trials of life.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has authored a book that will draw you into the world of the Amish and the simple, yet hard life they live. The Choice is surprisingly filled with much humor and the ending is nothing like what you expect as you begin the chapters of the book. Yet despite the disappointment and grief, you witness through the pages of print the incredible plans of God and His overwhelming provision.

After living among the Amish just two counties away from Lancaster, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was more than just nicely packaged fiction, the story seemed real and the characters came alive on the pages. It touched my heart and had me crying; but it also had me celebrating and laughing. The Choice was encouraging and in many ways a gave good reminders for my own life. I look forward to reading more in the Lancaster County Secrets series.

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

The review copy was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Click here to read more reviews on fiction that is worth your time!

The Christmas Dog

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Christmas Dog is a delightful book that will spark your Christmas spirit!

Melody Carlson had written a sweet and sassy story about Christmas and life through the eyes of a widow. When Betty's routine life suddenly gets interrupted by suspicious neighbor, a runaway granddaughter, and a mangy mutt, it looks like Christmas might just crumble.

However, by "killing with kindness", Betty overcomes frustration and fear and to find the heart of Christmas once again. This story will stir the tenderness of your heart and have you laughing at the same time. I enjoyed a good does of Christmas cheer with this relaxing and easy read.

You can read my interview of Melody Carlson at this post.

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Thank you to Donna Hausler and Revell for the review copy.  These books are available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Unfinished Gift

The Unfinished Gift: A Novel by Dan Walsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little, seven-year-old Patrick Collins is on the verge of becoming an orphan with a newly deceased mother and his father now missing in action. His fate rests in the hands of a tenderhearted social worker and a cranky, old grandfather he has never met.

Dan Walsh takes you back in time for a heart-wrenching Christmas story set in the early 1940's during World War Two. It's the story of a brave boy, a grumpy old man, a caring neighbor, and an unfinished gift.

Will the last wish of a a wife, mother, and grandmother actually be realized? Will the untimely death of a beautiful, young mother bring over due reconciliation or create a greater family divide? And will a hand-carved, wooden soldier become a cherished keepsake or continue as a symbol of conflict?

This book mixes a little bit of history with sad a tale of father-son conflict, and adds Christmas cheer to make it a story you won't soon forget. I enjoyed reading this book with it's honest characters and tear-jerking story line. Walsh has written a story that both young and old, male and female, will enjoy.

A sequel is scheduled to be published in June of 2010.

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Thank you to Donna Hausler and Revell for the review copy.  These books are available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.