Strong is the New Skinny

I really enjoy exercising, so I always like to look at books to get new ideas on what exercises I should be doing to get the best results. I was so excited to read Strong is the New Skinny: How to Eat, Live, and Move to Maximize your Power by Jennifer Cohen and Stacey Colino. In addition to exercise routines, there is an overall diet and lifestyle program. I especially liked the HIIT workouts that can be completed when you’re short on time. The photos gave great examples that made it really easy to understand each of the different moves. Also, Jennifer definitely gives motivation to make you want to exercise!!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

Love's Fortune

Love’s Fortune, by Laura Frantz, is the third book in The Ballantyne Legacy series. This book focuses on Rowena “Wren” Ballentyne. Wren grew up in Cane Run, Kentucky, not really knowing her Ballantyne family who lives in Pittsburgh. When she goes to Pittsburgh, it is a completely different environment than where she grew up. Soon, romance is growing between her and James Sackett, the pilot of the steamship she travelled on to get to her family in Pittsburgh. Although they have feelings for one another, James believes they must not act on their feelings because of his abolitionist activities.

 

Although I read the first two books in this series, I think this book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s easy enough to understand what is going on, but I would definitely recommend reading the first two books. All of these books are written so realistic. It was hard for me to put this book down. Even though it’s not the shortest book, I read it in only a few sittings. I cannot wait to read future books by Laura Frantz.

 

Following is a link to watch a short video about the Book: http://youtu.be/6-pqeyQoN9Y

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

The Desire

In The Desire, by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley, Michele wants nothing more than to have a baby. She spends her free time at a playground dreaming of the time when she, and her husband Allan, will have a child of their own. Although having a child occupies all of her thoughts, Allan is more interested in his mission work with displaced children in Africa.

 

This book was a great read, and I think all of the characters were very compelling, as the situations they were going through felt very realistic, and I would imagine the emotions they were feeling are ones many couples struggle with. I enjoyed reading this book in the Restoration Series, and I cannot wait to read more in the future books.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Revell. 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

Nowhere to Turn

Nowhere to Turn, by Lynette Eason, follows Dani Harding as she takes her young son to escape her FBI Agent husband Kurt, who is abusive. After Kurt’s death, she continues to be entwined in the mysteries her husband left behind. Dani and her son must soon go into hiding, as she tries to answer many questions left by her husband.  

 

This suspense book kept me interested from the first page. I also liked reading about the romance during this time in her life. I think it helped keep me interested in the story, so there was the perfect amount of suspense. Dani is a strong character, and I think the focus on her learning that others need to help her is one most all people can relate to in some manner.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Revell. 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

Let Us All Eat Cake

Since I have a few friends who are Gluten Free, I was very excited to receive Let Us All Eat Cake: Gluten-Free Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Cakes so I could try out a new recipe to share with them the next time they are visiting. Even though I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, the book is a great addition to my kitchen for the photos alone. They definitely want me try to make the recipes included in the book, but some of the ingredients aren’t ones I normally keep in my kitchen since I’m not gluten free. I think they are normal ingredients for those who follow a gluten free diet.

 

This book is authored by Catherine Ruehle with SarahScheffel, and they do a great job of making some of the most well-liked recipes gluten free. I cannot wait to share this book and the recipes in it with some of my friends.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for books. 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

Draw-A-Saurus

Draw-A-Saurus: Everything You Need to Know to Draw Your Favorite Dinosaurs is a cute book that shows dinosaur fans the easiest way to draw their favorite dinosaurs. My mom is an art teacher, so I thought this would be the perfect thing for her to keep in her classroom for those times when students finish their projects early and are looking for something to keep them entertained. I decided to try out some of the photos, and it really did help me since I do not have any artistic ability. Also, there are some facts about dinosaurs that some of the youngest dinosaur fans will find interesting.

 

This was an overall really cute book, and it will keep children entertained for a little bit of time as they try to draw their favorite dinosaur. I’m sure all young students will be interested in this book.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for books. 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

A Light in the Wilderness

book I read I really enjoyed reading more about the time period when families were travelling West. Three different women are focused on in the book. Letitia is a former slave who now has her papers to prove she is free. She marries a white Irish man, and they travel along with others. A second family is also travelling West.  Nancy Hawkins, the wife of a doctor, has young children that must make the journey to their new homes. Finally Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian living in Oregon Territory. Throughout the book we see these three women interact with one another as they form connections in their new homes in Oregon.

 

Although this book was a little slow at the beginning, I really enjoyed it and learning about all of the different women and the struggles they faced during that time in our history. Making it even more interesting is the fact that it’s based on a true story. You can visit this link to view a video about the book: http://youtu.be/8Ixka881BNY

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Revell. 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