Book: The Sweet Life

About the book:

Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she’s on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought).

Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she’s not about to let her only child suffer alone–even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month.

Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town’s tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything’s better with ice cream.

Her exasperated daughter knows that she’s the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother’s impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn’t get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don’t they?

Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod–a place where dreams just might come true.

My thoughts:

When I read the description of this book and saw the cover, I knew I would enjoy it.  And I was right! I enjoyed seeing the relationship between main characters Dawn and Marnie and how both of these characters grew throughout this book.   I don't guess I'd ever realized or thought about all the steps involved in making yummy ice cream and all the factors that must be considered.    

Another fun thing was we were on vacation while I was reading this book.  And we found a fun little ice cream shop that made me wonder if it was similar to the Main Street Creamery.  We love ice cream and always make a point to stop to get ice cream when we are on a family vacation....like every night we find an ice cream shop.  It's a fun little tradition we have.  

This is another good story from Suzanne Woods Fisher, and I look forward to the next book in this series. There is a sneak peek at the back of this book for book #2.  I'm glad I'll get to visit the Creamery again as well as these characters.  

#thesweetlife

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Book: Dreams Rekindled

I am excited to share with you a new book called Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot. This is the second book in the Mesquite Springs series.

 

About the book: 

Though she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers -- until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.

Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of challenging others and has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new -- and completely uncontroversial -- start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood.

With this second novel in the Mesquite Springs series, bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you to discover the healing power of truth.

My thoughts:

I read (and loved) book #1 in the Mesquite Springs series Out of the Embers and was looking forward to reading book #2.  

I really like the characters in this book.  I liked Dorothy and how she is getting to pursue her dream of writing in this book.  I also found it interesting that she is strongly opposed to ever marrying.  I liked Brandon too and how he has a secret that weighs so heavily on his heart.  I thought the dog was a nice addition to the story. 

It's always nice to have characters appear again that I met in the first book in a series.  There are several unexpected happenings in the story which keep it interesting.  

I enjoyed this book and you should check it out if you enjoy historical fiction.  I look forward to book #3's release!   

Here is the author's website.

I received a copy of this book from the Revell Reads review program for my honest review.  Thank you!

#DreamsRekindled and #MesquiteSprings!

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Book: The Better Mom

About the book:

In The Better Mom, Ruth Schwenk invites you to grow out of the "mess" of motherhood and into a place where you can grow as a better, happier mom. Ruth encourages you to embrace the refining work of the Holy Spirit to help you and your family not just survive, but thrive through the parenting years.

She says, "It's okay to come as we are, but what we're called to do and be is far too important to stay there! The way to becoming a better mom starts not with what we are doing, but with who God is inviting us to become."

About the author:
Ruth Schwenk is the founder of The Better Mom, and along with her husband, Patrick, the creator of For the Family. She is a pastor's wife, a mom of four energetic kids, a lover of coffee, and a dreamer of big dreams. She loves leading, speaking, and blogging. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Ruth is the coauthor of Hoodwinked and Pressing Pause. The Schwenks are the coauthors of For Better or for Kids. Ruth, Patrick, and their children live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

My thoughts:
This is one of those books that it was a blessing to read as a Mom.  I guess I am often drawn to books on mothering and some are of course better than others.  This one did take me a little while to "get into."  I did enjoy reading it overall.

I like how each chapter focuses on a different pressure or issue a Mom may have. For example some of the chapter titles are: "I Want the Perfect Home," "I Have No Idea What I'm Doing," and "I Want to Make a Difference."  Moms will be able to relate to this book. It is real about the struggles Moms face, but it isn't overly negative (like another book on motherhood I recently read).  Another aspect I appreciated in this book was the biblical truths that are tied to each chapter. 

Here is a quote I appreciated as I have been thinking about my oldest son having four more years of high school.  I shared it on my Facebook page as I was reading this book. 
"Time is not our enemy. While it is often sobering to think about the future and the fleeting time we have, this is why we are raising our kids! We are not raising our kids to keep them. We are raising our kids to release them to God for his purposes." 

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar review program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
   Bethany

Book: Angel on Assignment

About the book:
If your family loves the Elf on the Shelf and you want to keep the fun going, check out Angel on Assignment. It's a children's activity book that offers a Christian alternative to the elf, teaching children about the angels who watch over them, not just at Christmas but all year long.

My thoughts:

"Angels were there from the star to the stone,

When the greatest gift to the world was made known."

The title of this book intrigued me so I requested it for review.  We have never participated in "Elf on the Shelf" (that's another post for another day!), but I wanted to see what this "alternative" would be.  

I liked the rhyming text of the book, and the above line is my favorite.  I feel this book would be helpful to teach children about angels, their importance in the Bible, and their job in our lives today.  They aren't just cute figurines or decorations, but that they are real and have significance.   

In reading this book, I wasn't exactly clear how this is an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf.  It gives instructions at the end of the book on how to make your own angel at the back.  I believe it will cause families and children to think about ways that they can help others in their daily lives.  It is a nice book to read as a family.

I received a copy of this book through the BookCrash reviewer program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
  Bethany

2010 Book #36: Choosing to See

I have wanted to read Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman and was excited to find it available at our local library. It was a quick read for me, and I highly recommend this book.

I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman and his music for many years. On May 21, 2008 their daughter Maria was killed in a tragic auto accident. In this book, Maria's mother writes about the very personal journey of grief she is traveling.

This is a very touching book. It is not just about the loss of their sweet Maria though; it is also about the choice we have to see God all through life and how our plans are not always the same as what He has for us.

I have seen various people in my life deal with grief and loss. Some use their loss to point others to Christ; others are just use their hurt to hurt other people. Mary Beth Chapman does a remarkable job in this book sharing how she and her family are trying to do the best they can to point others to Jesus as they travel this hard path He has made for their family.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #35: Living with Less

I have (finally) finished reading this book by Jill and Mark Savage called Living With Less So Your Family Has More. It was a very informative, enjoyable book. I read it off and on, which is why it took me a long time to read.

This would be an excellent book to read to start out the new year. The Savage's give ideas on ways to cut back and create a "less is more" lifestyle. The book is divided into three parts: vision, attitudes, and actions. If you are going to live with less, you will really be living against the philosophy of most of the rest of the world. You will face adult peer pressure. In the action section the Savage's give ideas of various areas where you can choose to live with less including housing, college, holidays, and income.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for you. It is very encouraging to find new ways to save money as well as realize how less really is more.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #34: Hatteras Girl

I would like to recommend the book Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler.

Jackie Donovan's two dreams are to find a wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast. She lives with her childhood friend Minnie and Minnie's son Zane. Jackie and Minnie have dreamed together of having a bed-and-breakfast since their days spent as young girls at The Bailey House. Jackie feels her dream might be close to coming true when she begins dating Davis Erickson.

This book is full of interesting characters and has a great story line. I love how the author weaves the characters' lives together. It is interesting to read, and I didn't really want the book to end. This is a story of friendship, family, dreams, and loss. Also I must say I just love the cover too. I think it really captures the setting of this story.

I look forward to more books by this wonderful author, Alice J. Wisler.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #33: Love Finds You in Humble Texas

Last week when we went to the library, I wanted to get a fiction book for myself. We went upstairs and I found some choices written by some of my favorite authors. Caleb pulled a book off the shelf and said how about this one? Well it was Love Finds You in Humble Texas. I've never read one in this series before, but I wanted to. I checked it out with the others and quickly read it.

Trudie Abernathy's sister, Lane, tries to play matchmaker by inviting a male friend, Mason Wimberley, along for Trudie's birthday lunch. Trudie with her low self-esteem doubts that Mason, who seems perfect, would be interested in her. Trudie is put in an awkward situation though when her sister reveals her own feelings about Mason.

Mason is having trouble in his own life as he deals with his father's declining health as well as a decision regarding the family business.

This was a fun, enjoyable fiction book. Thank you Caleb for picking it out for your Mommy!

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #32: The Next Christians

I had the privilege of listening to the audio version of a book called The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons. It was provided through the reviewer's program at christianaudio.

In this book Lyons shares about Christians in our generation and how we've seen a change through time in how Christians are viewed by their culture. He points out many Christians just live in their own little worlds instead of actively reaching out to those in the world around them. He gives examples of people who are changing the world through the way they live and their actions, people who aren't afraid to take a stand for Christ in their lives. He gives six characteristics of the next generation of Christians.

The book is read by the author, and he was enjoyable to hear as he read his book. It was an enjoyable book.

Have a day of blessings!

The audio version was provided through christianaudio Reviewers Program.

2010 Book #31: The Book Whisperer

I have finished reading an interesting book called The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. I chose to read this book for my yearly book to count towards my continuing education credits. Sometimes I am disappointed with the book I chose to use; this year I really enjoyed reading the book and agree with the author's opinions about reading.

Donalyn Miller is a teacher who loves reading and shares her love of reading with each of her students. In this book she shares her techniques and advice for how to teach reading. Students are not given much time to just read in today's classrooms. Teachers say they don't have time for that. Instead they are forced to read a book assigned to the class by a teacher, prepare for a standardized test, and do worksheet after worksheet. This is not effective. Mrs. Miller has a totally different approach. The kids in her class actually read. They take ownership of their reading through selecting their own books and sharing favorite books/authors with classmates as well as their teacher. She writes that the average each student reads is 40-50 books per year. It was interesting to read about the different types of readers she has in her class each year and how she gets all of them to read.

I am glad I read this book and wish there were more teachers out there who valued reading as Mrs. Miller does.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #30: Amish Proverbs

I recently won the book Amish Proverbs Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher on a blog giveaway hosted by Mocha With Linda.

I have enjoyed this little book and the proverbs. The proverbs are divided by theme and each chapter begins with a brief introduction story or information about the Amish. Some of the themes include money, work ethic, and handling adversity. The photographs are beautiful and really added to my enjoyment of this book.

Last week I posted some of my favorite proverbs from the book as my Facebook status. Many friends really liked them and wanted to buy the book themselves. I think these proverbs are appealing because they are so true, and we can all relate and apply them to our own lives.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #29: Out Live Your Life

I had the opportunity to read a new book by Max Lucado called Out Live Your Life.
From the publisher:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My thoughts:
I always enjoy reading anything by Max Lucado. I appreciate his writing style and the message he shares through this writing. This book focuses on the book of Acts as a basic thought for each chapter as a guideline for how we should be living our Christian lives...caring for others, seeing the needs of people, and praying to name a few. At the end of the book is a discussion guide for personal reflection to apply what you have read to your own life.

One thing I didn't particularly like was the different Bible versions quoted. I think I would have preferred him stick with the same version throughout.

I saw this book on sale at Mardel if you are interested. Also it is important to note that 100% of the author's royalties are going to World Vision and other ministries. I enjoyed this book and am glad to be able to review it.

Have a day of blessings!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010 Book #28 : Shades of Blue

Looks like this week will be the week of book reviews on my blog!

I borrowed the audio version of Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury from our library and finished it last week.

Brad Cutler and Laura James are about to be married. They are weeks away from their dream wedding actually. Brad begins to have some unsettling feelings though....not about his love for Laura or his decision to marry her but rather about some things he has carried with him from his past. He decides he has to go back and deal with his past and seek forgiveness from his high school love, Emma Landon.

Since I listened to the audio version, I would also like to add that the narrator did a wonderful job with this book. I enjoyed listening to her as she used many different voices for the various characters.

I was touched by this book as I always am when I read a book by Karen Kingsbury. I always appreciate the life lessons that any reader can take away from her books. In this particular book she takes a very difficult topic and addresses it so well from both the woman and man's perspectives. I am happy to recommend this book to you. If you have never read a book by this author, you really should!

Have a day of blessings!

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect

I had the privilege of reading a new book from Andy Andrews called The Butterfly Effect. I have read other books by Andy Andrews, such The Noticer, so I expected this one to be good. I was not disappointed.

From the publisher:
Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

My thoughts:
This is a beautifully designed gift book with an encouraging message. We may not realize it in our daily lives but our lives do touch the lives of other people. Our lives really do matter. We may not see it now but the choices we make and things we do have an impact on others through history.

This book would make a nice gift because of both it's physical beauty and valuable message for readers.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010 Book #27: Adopted For Life

I had the privilege of listening to Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore.

When I saw this title I thought it sounded interesting and reading the blurb about the book made me want to find out more so I requested it.

The author explains why as Christians who are adopted as sons and daughters of God we should be leaders in the adoption of children into our families. I enjoyed the stories he told about things he has faced with the adoption of two of his boys.

I found this book to be appropriate for Christians, preachers, those considering adoption, or those who know someone considering adoption. Also it is appropriate for those who would like to help others adopt. I appreciated how the author focuses a lot of the time on comparing our adoption as Christians to the adoption of a child into your family. The reader (who is the author) was easy to listen to in my opinion.

This book was provided through christianaudio Reviewers Program.
Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #26: Seeds of Summer

I have finished Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts. This is book 2 in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.

Natalie Adams has returned to the family ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas after the sudden death of her father. She gives up her plans for college and as a rodeo queen to go home to run the ranch and care for her two half-siblings, Chelsey and Dillon.

Jared Logan is the new preacher in town. He meets Dillon one day while he's out fishing and then after that repeatedly comes to the family's aid. It is hard for independent Natalie to accept his help. While Natalie is attracted to him, she knows she is not qualified to be a preacher's wife.

Natalie has a lot of responsibility as she is faced with running the ranch, dealing with her father's death, and a battle with her siblings when their mother shows up after having left twelve years ago.

My thoughts:
This was a very enjoyable book. I loved the setting and the way the author describes the Flint Hills. She makes it easy to picture the scenes in your mind. I read the first book in the series Snow Melts in Spring, and those characters are briefly mentioned in this book too. I appreciated getting to know these characters in Seeds of Summer. They are easy to relate to as you read about their struggles and doubts. I am so glad to have found this author and look forward to the next book in this series.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010 Book #26: Radical by David Platt

I had the privilege of listening to the audio version of David Platt's Radical. It was provided through the reviewer's program at christianaudio. I had read other reviews of this book and was excited to be able to get the audio version.

In this book readers are challenged by David Platt to examine their Christian walks. Are we living what the Bible says, or do we change the true message of the Word to fit to be something that will be more convenient for our lives? The author gives a radical challenge....radical in the view that it is much different from the way our culture says we should live or what the culture says it means to follow Jesus.

We have the mindset that we must achieve what is known as "the American dream" and we usually fully believe that that dream is exactly what God wants us to have. But is that what He has called us to when we follow Him? Does he want us to have bigger houses, bank accounts, and fancy church buildings when people all around us and all over the world have never heard the Gospel?

I found this book to be very challenging personally. I let my husband listen to it as well, and he agreed with me that the author really has a good point. This author isn't just saying we need to be doing things differently; he is actually doing them with his own life and family.

I would encourage you to read this book and be challenged yourself in your thinking and hopefully even change how you live.

Have a day of blessings!


The audio version was provided through christianaudio Reviewers Program.

2010 Book #25: Growing Grateful Kids

I finished a book I've been reading on and off for a while called Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson.

This is a book that gives ideas of ways for parents to teach their children to appreciate what they have even in the midst of our materialistic world. One of the important things I saw over and over is that "We can't impart something we do not possess." So if we want our children to be grateful, we have to be in check on our own attitudes and behaviors. The author shares stories from her sons' younger days to give examples of teaching gratefulness.

Each chapter begins with a verse and quotation. Then at the end of the chapters the author has a personal application, personal application and a prayer.

This is an enjoyable book to read and I found it helpful as a parent.

I received this book for being part of the Hearts at Home blogger program

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #24: The Mailbox

I have finished reading The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen.

As a teenager on vacation, Lindsey started writing letters to the "Kindred Spirit" at the mailbox on Sunset Beach. It turned into a yearly tradition for her. Now 20 years later she is visiting Sunset Beach again for the first time since her husband left her and their kids. Lindsey's first love Campbell still lives at Sunset Beach and she encounters him on her vacation. She isn't sure she can trust him because of how he acted in the past, and he is working on building his relationship with his teenage daughter.

When I got the information about this new book, I thought it sounded interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mailbox. It is a great book to read in the summer too since it is about summer vacations. This is a touching story of forgiveness and second chances. I like the book cover too!

Thank you to the Karen Davis at The B & B Media Group for sending me a review copy.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #23: Never Say Never

I received a free copy of Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate from Bethany House Publishers for my review.

Donetta Bradford of Daily, Texas, along with her two closest girlfriends, are heading off for an adventure on a cruise ship. However, they are stopped while on their way by Hurricane Glorietta.

Kai Miller of Perdida works on a cruise ship. Due to the hurricane she ends up stranded with Donetta and her friends.

Never Say Never is the story of both Donetta and Kai....they learn about themselves during their ordeal. Donetta has gone through life just "settling" while Kai does not allow herself to put down roots or get close to anyway.

I enjoyed this story. I liked how it went back and forth in the chapters as Donetta and then Kai's point of view. When I finished I wondered if there will be a continuation so we can find out more about these characters. Another thing I liked was that since I'm a Texas girl, the names of the cities mentioned were familiar to me. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Have a day of blessings!