Book Review: The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Title: The Thorn
Author: Beverly Lewis
Series: Rose Trilogy Book #1 of 3
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: September 7, 2010
Website: http://www.beverlylewis.com/

Book Summary:

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives.

Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings. Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding?

Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband. Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

I've read at least a dozen other Amish novels by Beverly Lewis.  I've enjoyed all of them.  Unfortunately this one has been my least favorite.  For some reason I still can't figure out I just didn't connect with the characters in this one or really care about the story.  It was still a good read, one I don't regret taking the time to read and I'll likely read the sequels sometime in the future just to find out how the story ends.  I think it was just a problem of having too high of expectations and being a little disappointed when those expectations weren't met.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction definitely give this one a try.  If you haven't read Amish fiction I wouldn't recommend starting with this one.  Try one of Beverly Lewis's others series first like her Abram's Daughter Series, I really enjoyed those.

3 Stars - Worth Reading

Content: Clean

Source: Library

Other books by Beverly Lewis:

Book Review: The Story of Jesus by Eliza R. Snow

Title: The Story of Jesus
Author: Eliza R. Snow
Preface by: Kathleen Barlow
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: October 8, 2011
Website: http://storyofjesusbook.com/



Book Summary:

From Christ's birth and ministry to His Crucifixion and appearance to the Nephites, Eliza F. Snow, second Relief Society president of the LDS Church lovingly illuminates the Savior's life and teachings in her book The Story of Jesus.

Easy to read and beautifully designed, this special reprinting is made with both children and adults in mind to help all ages better understand and appreciate the basic truths that testify that Christ is our Savior and the Son of God.

This wonderful story is told by Eliza R. Snow as if she were talking directly to young children. The story connects Christ's life as told in the Bible with His visit to the Nephites after His Resurrection, as told in the Book of Mormon.

Connecting the lessons of Christ as a complete story adds power to the Savior's ministry, as well as displaying the knowledge and understanding that Eliza R. Snow had of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The text from this book was originally printed in 1867 by Eliza R. Snow. Originally title The History of Jesus this book was released a chapter at a time in the publication Juvenile Instructor.

There are 18 chapters in the book each of which is only about 5 pages long. Beautiful photographs accompany the text of each chapter. The text reminds me of a story a grandmother or mother would tell their child as a bedtime story.

Imagine trying to tell the story of Jesus' life in a story 100 pages. This book just nicks the surface of the stories told in the Bible and Book of Mormon but provides a good overview of His life.

The Story of Jesus could be used as a Sunday evening bedtime story for those wishing to teach their children more about the life of Jesus Christ.  It brought to my mind the song Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.

Content: Obviously Clean

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Independence Rock by Debra Terry Hulet

Title: Independence Rock
Author: Debra Terry Hulet
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Author's Website: http://debraterryhulet.com/


Book Summary:

Katie McBride seems locked into a life of failure. First her father abandons her, and then she is abused by her alcoholic mother. Katie’s path begins to look very much like that of her parents, and she sees no way out – until she is sentenced by a juvenile court judge to a difficult, two-week handcart trek.

Over one hundred and fifty years earlier, Katie’s pioneer ancestor Katherine faces great hardships as she travels West with a wagon train. A young, widowed mother, she keeps a journal along the trail, and Katie reads it as she completes her sentencing.

At Independence Rock, Katie’s and Katherine’s paths and divine intervention meet. Katie is discouraged, though, and decides that it is too late for her to change. She must be willing to believe in herself if she is wants to stop the downward generational spiral that has plagued her family.

Independence Rock is two stories in one. The chapters jump from a present day pioneer trek reenactment back to the real Trek from the 1800s. The stories are link through a journal that was kept by Katherine McBride as she journeyed west. Her descendant Katie McBride is part of the reenactment and is unknowingly traveling the same road as her ancestor. Through the journey both work to overcome the challenges their lives have brought them.

This was a good read that was worth my time. Recommended to those who enjoy LDS young adult fiction or stories of pioneers.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher from Review

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel

With the same candor and creativity that made Men Are Life Waffles-Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 270,000 copies sold) a bestseller, author Pam Farrel gives wives 52 ways to wow their husbands and add spark to their marriages. Pam delivers humor in her fun woman-to-woman style through inspirational stories, godly advice, and easy-to-read offerings that include:
wow assignments: simple ways to support, love, and encourage husbands
wow wisdom: Bible verses and wisdom to help women cover their spouse with prayer
wow dates: creative ideas for everything from shared meals to weekend getaways
Newlyweds, married with kids, or empty nesters will appreciate these ideas crafted for the busy life. A woman can try one idea a week for a year or take on a few at a time to deepen her spiritual, emotional, and physical bond with her loved one.

The title of this book scared me a little bit. I'm conservative and wasn't sure what would be involved in "wowing" my husband. The only reason I considered reviewing this book was because it was by a Christian Publisher. Although the author has no qualms about talking about the importance of sex, sex is not the main focus of this book.

This book has 52 creative date ideas and suggestions to build a stronger relationship.  Although not all of them were ideas that fit me there were some really great suggestions I'm planning to try.  The chapters are short which made this a really quick read.  With as crazy as my life has been this book helped me remember that despite all the trials and stresses of life with 5 kids I need to remember to take time for my marriage and put my husband first.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Content: Clean - but obviously aimed at married women.

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel was released August 1, 2011 by Harvest House Publishers.

Book Review: How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty by Sheila Walsh:

A fun guide book for God's little princesses.


What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

What a cute book!  The idea of manners and etiquette seems to be lost in today's world.  This book is aimed at about 8-11 year olds and is filled with a wide variety of information.  With everything from Internet Safety to planning a party, from meal time etiquette to being a good friend, from modesty to using time wisely...  There is a little bit of everything found within the pages of this book.

There are fun illustrations and quizzes that teach valuable lessons.  This is a book that is sure to be a hit with tween age girls.  Obviously you can tell by the title that this book is aimed at a Christian audience.  There are scriptures on the first page of each chapter with the overall message being:

"You are God's beautiful, incredible princess - a crowning jewel in His kingdom"

My review copy of this book will definitely be finding its way into my daughter's Easter Basket.



Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Book Review: God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter," taught President Gordon B. Hinckley. "The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."


With this deeper understanding given by a modern prophet, Latter-day Saints have an increased opportunity during the period from Palm Sunday to Easter morning to reflect upon the last days of our Lord's earthly ministry.


In God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, author Eric D. Huntsman takes us on a scriptural journey through the last week of our Savior's mortal life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and joyous resurrection. The author, by drawing on his wide knowledge of historical context, cultural background, and biblical insights, increases our understanding of these momentous events and helps us draw closer to the Savior. Full-color fine-art paintings, photographs, maps, music, and topics for personal reflection are included to enhance our commemoration of Easter week.


Brother Huntsman writes, "Each year has its rhythms with the passage of summer to fall, winter, and at last, again, spring. Holidays are part of that rhythm, helping us remember realities greater than mere seasons, and Easter, together with Christmas, can anchor each year securely in the promises of Jesus Christ."


This beautiful volume suggests meaningful ways for Latter-day Saints to refocus their Easter celebrations on the culminating events of the Savior's ministry. Whether used as a personal or family study guide or as a model for a devotional celebration of Easter week, God So Loved the World is a must-have addition to the library of every Latter-day Saint.


Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgments
Rediscovering Easter
Palm Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday
Easter Sunday
Choosing Easter
Appendix: The Gospels as Sources, a Chronology, and Symbolism
Jesus in the Four Gospels
Jesus during His Last Week
Jesus as the Anointed One
Notes
Sources
Index


Last year the week before Easter I read a book called A Christ-Centered Easter. It gave activities to do with your kids each day of the week leading up to Easter to help bring the focus of Easter back to Christ.

God So Loved the World is a book along the sames lines only it is much more in depth. It takes a detailed look at the life of Christ the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Centered around the accounts of Christ's life from the Gospels it is filled with pictures, quotes, songs, and scriptures to help us understand what transpired during the Christ's final week.

This is a beautiful book I would recommend to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Holy Week that culminates on Easter morning.  There is much out there about putting Christ back in to Christmas.  This book helps bring the focus of Easter back to where it should be... on Christ's atonement, death and Resurrection.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher

Book Review: Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy into the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reasons to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI, and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town goes missing, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed—about God, your family, and yourself—is transformed.

I started this book this morning - it sucked me in and I had to stay up to finish it.  Once Was Lost is a young adult book about a pastor's daughter.  Although religion plays an integral part of this book it was not at all preachy.  Much more the story of a young girl questioning her faith, family and friends as she faces the trials in her life.

Sam's "perfect life" begins to crumble - her mother is in rehab, an acquaintance has gone missing, her father is too busy to be there for her, there is never enough money... Not knowing when her mother will return home or who is responsible for the disappearance of the missing girl creates a story that held my attention from start to finish.

Once Was Lost dealt with real life problems in a way that felt very realistic.  Despite the subject matter this book had a hopeful, satisfying feel to it. I felt connected to the characters and cared about what happened to them.



Content: Mostly clean (2 swear words that I remember) but deals with more mature subject matter (kidnapping, financial & marital problems, alcoholism).

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Overdrive Download

Blog Tour: Book Review: Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era.

I had a really hard time getting into this book for the first 100 pages.  If I hadn't committed to review it for a blog tour I probably would have set it aside and quit reading.  Once I got through the first part of the book I ended up enjoying the last 2/3 of the book and was glad I read it.

This story follows the life of Sheba starting when she was a teenage girl growing up in New Orleans.  Tragedy leave Sheba orphaned and eventually pregnant with an illegitimate child.  If you've read the book summary it pretty much sums up the end portion of the story but that is only a portion of what the book is about. The majority of the story was spent detailing Sheba's life from the time she was a teenager until she ended up marrying a pastor.

This book deals with prejudice, hatred, forgiveness and the consequences of secrets.  Ultimately it has a message of hope and healing through Christ and the love of others.

I would recommend it to adults who enjoy historical Christian fiction.



Content: Clean Read for an adult, no language but there was adult subject matter.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book with a NOOK Giveaway, blog tour and Book Club Party!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!

Patti and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!! 

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at her Party on Facebook  February 16th! 

She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)!

Book Review: Impractical Grace by John S. Bushman

A COUPLE'S FAILING MARRIAGE, a family’s heartbreaking accident, and a woman’s excruciating childhood—these are just a few of the challenges confronting these individuals. But with struggle, patience and faith, they each discover that there’s no limit to God’s power to heal, strengthen, and transform.


PART TREATISE, PART NOVEL, Impractical Grace pulls you in as you learn with the characters how the grace of God and the grace we show one another really can change everything. Take part in these doctrinal insights to the Savior’s grace and love in this compelling novel full of true-to-life stories of hardship and hope.


What does Jesus offer us? What is the extent of the Lord’s power to heal, save, renew, and transform? In this novel, three broken lives find the transforming power of the Savior. Through this gripping novel, doctrinal insights of the Savior’s grace and love are shared. See the transforming work of God’s grace and love that moves through, and changes everyone in this compelling book.

Impractical Grace teaches doctrine and principles in a story format. The book chronicles a new bishop attempting to help 3 members of his ward understand the Lord's atonement and his "impractical grace".

I would recommend this book to any and everyone who would like to better understand grace, a term that is often used but hard to describe. John S. Bushman uses scriptures, as well as quotes from apostles and prophets to teach how the Lord's grace can help and heal us.

I'm sure everyone can relate to at least one of the trials the characters in this book are experiencing: a troubled marriage, a tragic accident, abuse, the inability to forgive someone who has wronged us. The doctrine taught in this book has the ability to change those open enough to give these principles a try.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Blog Tour Part 2: Book Review: Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards

You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophacy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

I really enjoyed this adventure story.  Enoch has heard the prophesy of the birth of Christ and longs to sail back to Jerusalem to see the Messiah.  It's been nearly 5 years since Samuel the Lamanite made the prophecy so he knows the birth of Christ is drawing close.  Along with a few companions he sets out on an impossible journey across the sea back to Jerusalem.

This was a fun book to read.  Likable characters and a well written tale that left me believing this really could have happened.  Although not a "Christmas" story this is a book I will likely reread around Christmas since it is set at the time of the Savior's birth. Full of details on what life was like at the time of Christ's birth this book brought special meaning to the Christmas story.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for Review

Christmas Book Review: The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere

The eighty-mile journey of a common carpenter and a simple peasant girl is one of the most powerful stories in history. As books go out of print and stories fade from memory, the journey of Joseph and Mary and her delivery inside a common barn continues to bless and inspire hope in people around the world. Accompanied by moving and beautifully rendered illustrations throughout, Donna VanLiere’s retelling shows that the story of the Nativity is alive in our modern world.

The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere is a narrative Donna wrote years back to read at a Christmas banquet. The book begins with the Christmas story as found in Luke 2.  It then chronicles the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the birth of the Savior.

"Somewhere along the way the cave has been sanitized, the birth made painless and the people involved stripped of all fear or emotion."

This short book describes a little of what it must have really been like for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem with Mary ready to give birth.  Having had 5 children it made me appreciate the reality of what they must have gone through.  Traveling eighty miles on the back of a donkey just days before having a baby, no thank you.  What a miserable journey that must have been. 

Reading this book made me appreciative for what Mary and Joseph went through and made me grateful for the conveniences of modern day life. 

This is a really fast read, probably less than 30 minutes total to read.  It's filled with beautiful illustrations that accompany the story.  A great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Received copy for review

Book Review: Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate by K.S.R. Kingworth

The School Library Journal compares Secret Speakers to the Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Wizard of Oz novels in their starred review: "“Kingworth has created a rich, detailed fantasy world that is unique and as vivid as all of them, with charming, whimsical touches.” Hidden in the depths of Cloven Grave, the harsh impostor Harrold King hides a deep secret the parents know nothing about. After spending nine years hidden in a cellar, thirteen year-old Fair O'Nelli finally assumes it's safe to be seen. She knows that her father and brother are missing or possibly dead.

But when she sets off in the company of three guardians to find Selador's Gate, she heads right into Harrold King's secret. If she and countless others are to survive, she will have to start making choices that place friendship above fright, faith over doubt, and compassion over fear.

The audio book adaptation is brought to life by Booklist's Voice of Choice, Simon Vance. (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, The Girl Who Played with Fire.) British-born Vance was awarded Audiofile Magazine Golden Voice status, June 2009.

I listened to the audio version of the book Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate by K.S.R. Kingworth.  The narrator did a great job with this story.  It was a cross between The Chronicles of Narnia and the Wizard of Oz.  I'm not one who reads for deep underlying messages.  I simply read for storyline and enjoyment.  My mother always used to say that one day she was going to write a book that had no deep meaning and some English teacher would find the meaning. This book obviously has a message.  It has an entertaining storyline that overlays an allegory for the Plan of Salvation.  Like the Chronicles of Narnia it can simply be read as a great story or you can dive deeper to look for the underlying message.

This is K.S.R. Kingworth's (AKA Karey Shane) debut fantasy novel.  I would recommend it to those who enjoy high fantasy.




Content: Clean Read

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Audio download from Audible

Book Review: Prologue: The Brothers by Chris Stewart

Before the Great War, before so many sons of God turned away from their Father and walked knowingly into the dark, there was a choosing, a sifting, a contest of ideas and a battle for souls. Brother fought brother. Families were torn apart. Some fought to protect their homes, their freedom and peace. Others fought to destroy everything they had once held so dear. And as the battle between good and evil came into each home, all God's children had to chose which side they were on, which principles would they fight for, and what price would they pay.


In this contest before the Great War, each of us learned the first lessons of life. The great ones may fall. The wicked can change. The weak and the foolish can be made the strongest of all. And when the contest was over, we also had learned the greatest secret of all: the children of God can defeat their adversary, for they have fought him before.

Prologue: The Brothers is the first book in the Great and Terrible series by Chris Stewart. I picked this book up several years ago when it first came out but never got further than the first few pages. A friend recently recommended this series to my husband so I started on this book again. This time I found myself fascinated with this book.

The Brothers is a fictitious account of the War in Heaven and our life before coming to earth. I was intrigued by the author's take on what pre-earth life might have been like. It's something I have never thought much about. At times I found myself with chills as certain elements of this story rang true. Admittedly the author took many liberties in this book but I found it to be thought provoking, entertaining and enlightening.

I'm definitely reading the rest of the series.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Borrowed from a friend

Book Review: A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman

Deepen the spirit that fills your heart and home this holiday season when you discover the meaning behind seven gifts of Christmas, each celebrated with an invitation from the scriptures and a simple tradition.

Each gift is based on a figure in a Nativity set, and the traditions can easily be combines with things you already do. This year as you prepare your home for the season, resolve to prepare your heart in a way that will lead you closer to Christ.

My husband and I had been discussing that we wanted to do something for Christmas this year to make it special. Our kids are getting a little older and only the youngest still believes in Santa Claus. We really wanted to focus less on getting and more on giving to others this year.

I have heard Emily Freeman speak at Time Out for Women and think she is a wonderful speaker and author so I was excited when I received a copy of her book A Christ-Centered Christmas to review.  As I started reading this book I realized this was the answer to what we needed to do to make this Christmas special. 

We have a nativity we set up each year but I opted to go purchase a new small nativity set that my children could handle without breaking to use in conjunction with this book.  There are 7 figures from the Christmas story that are used in this book.  Mary, Joseph, the Angel, the Lamb, the Shepard, the Wise Men & the Baby Jesus.  With each figure there is a song, story and activity/tradition to do to help keep the focus of the season on Christ.  The activities are simple and things that could easily be done or adapted to work in most families. 

We started tonight by talking about Mary.  Our 5 children were very receptive.  We now have a small nativity sitting on top of our TV with a the lone figure of Mary.  When we were done our 5 year old wanted to jump right in and start on the next figurine.

I'm looking forward to spending a little time each week from now until Christmas focusing on the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Recipes for a Beautiful Life by Julie Keye & Madaline Hall

Calling upon verses and Psalms from the Bible, these inspirational messages are framed by breathtaking color photography of nature's splendor, including sun-drenched deserts, white-capped mountains, and people of all ages and ethnicities. A charming addition to these messages is a sumptuous array of natural recipes for the enhancement of a woman's beauty and relaxation, using simple ingredients found in one's home. A life open to God and filled with the beauty around you, sharing it with those you love, and finding time to relax so that you can be the best you can be: these are the "Recipes for a Beautiful Life".

Recipes for a Beautiful life is a unique book that would make a great gift for a Christian teacher or friend. This book is filled with beautiful pictures of both nature and people that are accompanied by short passages from the Bible. At the end is a short section with relaxation and simple home spa treatments for pampering yourself.

Content: Clean & uplifting.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Review: Snow Rising by Matt Baldwin

Change can happen in your life as quickly as you'll believe it.

Jason Snow has lived his life making choices that he believed would bring him happiness. Ironically, he acted in ways that got him the exact opposite of what he wanted. Now, his relationship with his wife is hanging by a thread, he is miserable at work, and worst of all, he feels disgusted at the thought that his kids are suffering because of choices he-s made. Is there a way out?

Although this book follows Jason Snow on a life-changing quest beginning at the base of Mt. Hood, Snow Rising is not a novel. It-s an invitation to take a personal journey. Author Matthew Baldwin says, -I invite you to join Jason Snow, and leave you with two questions: one, can you be an advocate for the changes you desire to see in yourself and in the world around you; and two, do you have the audacity to find out?-

Snow Rising can put individuals back together, revitalize marriages and families, and help recover fractured organizations. It shares four axioms, absolute truths, that are at the root of all happiness. But as the author says, -Then again, perhaps the answer is not in the answer, but in the journey to the answer.-

Take the journey. Make the change. Know the peace.

Snow Rising by Matt Baldwin is a self-help book in story format. The author uses a fictional story to teach life changing truths. This was not a fast read for me. In fact it took me nearly a month to get through it. I could only digest a couple chapters a night until I reached the last 100 pages. Then I didn't want to put the book down.

Snow Rising is a book worth taking the time to read. I could relate to the problems facing the different characters in this book and enjoyed the way the author used a story format to teach life changing principles.

I could share tons of amazing quotes from the book but I'll just share two:

Human behavior is an avalanche, subject to the same sequence that governs all of nature. We choose what we believe, and we choose our actions. Everything else is a consequence. Life is a sequence that begins in choice and ends in consequence.

Life is about the small things...Do the small things...
It means that when you come to the end of your life and look back, a slow walk with your daughter will mean more than your account balance. It means that flowers and a note for your wife for no particular occasion, only because you adore her, will mean more than diamonds on an anniversary. It means that showing gratitude to a friend for absolutely no specific reason will have more impact than picking up a lifetime of dinner checks.

I'm looking forward to the sequel that will be released in 2011.

Content: A clean, motivating read

Rating: 5 Stars - This was a hard book to rate but ultimately I couldn't give it less than 5 stars. I could put it down and walk away, in fact it was a book I had to put down because I could only digest a chapter or two a night. It was also a book that got me thinking and kept me thinking when I put it down. It's well written and full of truth and I would recommend it to anyone looking to make changes in their life and in their relationships with others.

Source: From Publisher for Review

He Blew Her A Kiss by Angie Pechak Printup

It comes as a brush of the shoulder, a breath, a familiar scent, or perhaps a gentle breeze when everything else is still. These remarkable sensations are all examples of our loved ones communicating to us after they are gone from this life-letting us know they are in a better place, and yet still with us.

He Blew Her a Kiss collects dozens of such stories of after-death communication, in which husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and others, gently let us know that their spirit lives on. This series of short, delightfully written vignettes-based on real-life stories from all over the country-describes:

-How a simple note tied to a balloon proves the incredible power of love to transcend all, following the death of a beloved wife

-The voicemail message a sister receives after her brother has passed-and its incredible tidings of hope

-The uncanny revelation contained in a TV game show that supplies comfort to a family after the death of their patriarch

-The nightlight that flickers only when a granddaughter speaks of her late grandmother-and how it refuses to go out...and much more

Filled with touching accounts that will make you smile and cry at the same time, He Blew Her a Kiss is required reading for anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one and needs a little help to carry on.

He Blew Her a Kiss is a collection of inspirational stories that tell of experiences people have had with those who have passed away. Having a had my own experience at the passing of my mother I found many of these experiences ones I could relate to.

By far my favorite story was the story the book title was based on in which Tom sends a message to his deceased wife and receives a miraculous message himself. Most of the other stories were nothing spectacular in comparison but still touching to read.

I would recommend this heartwarming book to those who have lost a loved one and are seeking comfort and peace.

Authors Angie Pechak Printup & Kelley Stewart Dollar are collecting stories from those who have felt the presence of someone who has passed away on their website.

Content: Clean and uplifting

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From author for review.

The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan

Step into the wonder-filled world of Christmas with this endearing collection of original stories. Even though he has two million copies of books in print, Robert J. Morgan writes only one short story each year-an original work to share with his church on Christmas Eve. These Christmas stories are now available in one beautiful volume for your own enjoyment. You'll meet a shy, bookish boy who finds himself center stage in the Christmas pageant, a Pennsylvania family whose car disappears on December 24th, and a mountain man trapped in a blizzard with his grandson on Christmas Eve. From six different settings, you'll meet characters you feel you've known your whole life, who'll make you laugh one minute and cry the next. So this year, and the years to follow, gather your family and experience the true spirit of love at Christmas through this timeless gift of story.

Robert J. Morgan is a Nashville, Tennessee pastor. Each Christmas he writes a new fictitious Christmas story and reads them to his congregation on Christmas Eve. This beautiful gift book is a collection of six of those stories accompanied by beautiful photos.

Of the six stories in The Nativity Collection, the first story "Ollie" is my favorite. In this story a family's car filled with their gifts and Christmas feast disappears from a parking lot leading to a memorable Christmas Eve spent with a lonely elderly lady.

Content: Clean and uplifting.

Rating: 4 Stars

Gift Books by Carol Lynn Pearson Book Reviews & Giveaway

Carol Lynn Pearson has created some beautiful gift books. If you are looking for a gift for a spouse, a friend, your mother/daughter or someone who is struggling with a trial look no further. These elegant gift books are the perfect answer. Each book has a touching message to share with someone you love.

What Love Is by Carol Lynn Pearson
What Love Is tenderly unfolds the beauty of a marriage, from love's first kiss to growing old together. This lyrical book will be treasured by couples of all ages.

I have always loved the song The Last Touch by Lex de Azevedo & Carol Lynn Pearson. This book although different than the song has the same feel.

The Lesson by Carol Lynn Pearson
In this fable that unravels the story problems of life, readers will find joy, peace, and understanding in the true meaning of living and loving others. Perfect as a gift for graduation, the death of a loved one, or any time.

A touching story of a boy facing and conquering one problem in life after another.

Girlfriend! by Carol Lynn Pearson
In Girlfriend! celebrate the joy of true friendship, with all its ups and downs, sorrows, surprises, and triumphs. Taking you through the milestones of life, Girlfriend! is a celebration of the women who are always there for each other.

Where would we be without our friends. This book reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by Marjorie Hinckley - "It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other.”

I'll Always be Your Daughter by Carol Lynn Pearson
This fable of two trees beautifully chronicles a daughter's journey to adulthood and the everchanging, complex, and powerfully loving relationship between a mother and daughter.

A beautiful book about the evolving relationship, friendship and love between mothers and daughters.


Giveaway Details: One winner will receive their choice of one of these fables by Carol Lynn Pearson. To enter you must be a follower of this blog. Giveaway open only to those with a US mailing address. Open until 10/10/10. Winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator.

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Constant Christianity by Jenny Sidri

In her inspirational book, Jenny Sidri offers a practical perspective to the teachings of Jesus that recall his direct words to us: Be perfect, even as the Father is perfect. The author shares her recovery from illness through a 3-step approach that employs daily meditation, thought training, and a personal inventory to increase self-understanding. Using the Master's words and universal truths, this volume lights the path to discovering a new sense of well-being and spiritual living. The busy and burdened lives of today's population can benefit by using this intensely practical approach for relief of stress and re-energized purpose in each moment. The author encourages spiritual seekers to develop conscious selfawareness, using the highest ideals to guide daily choices. The result is positive and productive living that engenders new joy and enthusiasm. Although this book is religious in nature, its precepts can be applied by all, for the methods speak to the universal side of everyone. The guidance offered in Constant Christianity will help readers recognize the beauty of developing sterling character, ultimately realizing a balanced and universal life of joy and fulfillment.

This is one of my more eclectic reads. I received this book from the author for review. A good Sunday read.

This is a really fast read. It's filled with simple truths and reminded me I need to take more time for spiritual things. Reads like good advice from a parent, grandparent or trusted friend.


The book focuses on taking time for Daily Meditation, Daily Inventory and Positive Thinking.

Content: Clean, uplifting read

Rating: 3.5 Stars