Billy Joel

Billy Joel, by Fred Schruers, tells the story of one a great singer, from his childhood all the way to his present life. I think it was really interesting how the book looked at some of his family beginnings, and their experiences with the Nazis taking over their family business. The book chronicles Billy Joel’s wives, struggles with alcohol, family life, as well as his musical career. I also liked that this book was in collaboration with Billy Joel, so you know the details are accurate to the experiences he really had in his life.

 

I think this is a great book for Billy Joel fans. I don’t know if people who don’t like his music would enjoy this book as much as I did, since it is fairly long. It is definitely not a book that can be read in one sitting like so many of the other celebrity biographies that are currently on the market. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing it with some of my friends who are also Billy Joel fans.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of a Book Review Blogger 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.”

Unplanned

Unplanned: The dramatic true story of a former Planned Parenthood leader’s eye-opening journey across the life line by Abby Johnson is a must-read! This book tells Abby’s story about her quitting as the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas after being in the room while an ultrasound guided abortion took place. I could not put this book down once I started to read it, and I finished it in a single day. She explained everything that led her to working in a Planned Parenthood clinic as well as the time after she left the clinic, and how the pro-life protestors were kind and treated the employees of the clinic with love and compassion.

 

I cannot wait to share this book with my sisters, since I think it has a very powerful message that should be made public for people to learn about what goes on inside Planned Parenthood clinics.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of a Book Review Blogger 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.”

What Your Heart Needs for Hard Days

What Your Heart Needs for Hard Days: 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To, by Holley Gerth, is a great short book that has 52 devotions based on the Psalms. These were all quick reads, and they were the perfect length to read in the mornings before going to work. Even if you don't think you need to hear encouragement, this book gives you great topics to return to when you are having a difficult time in your life.

In addition to having great content, the book was really cute. It's a small size book, so it was the perfect size to put in my purse if I wanted to read it at lunch at work. I think this is a perfect gift for a family member or friend during this holiday season!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger 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.”

Trading Secrets

Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson is a cute, young adult book that is a relatively quick read. Micah has been pen pals with an Amish boy for the past 6 years, and when she thinks about going to visit him, she immediately has concerns that he will find out her secret…that Micah is not a boy! This was such a cute concept, and I really liked the interaction between an “Englisher” and an Amish person (Zach). Also, I liked that Zach and Micah really forged a great bond from their letter writing. Throughout the difficult times in their life, they were able to rely on each other.

 

 I think most teenagers would really enjoy reading this book, as well as learning about the lifestyles of their Amish counterparts. In addition to being an entertaining concept, the characters in the book were both very likeable. I would definitely be interested in reading more about Micah and Zach in the future.  

 

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 Christmas Cat

The Christmas Cat, by Melody Carlson, is the perfect book for any cat lover during the holiday season. Garrison Brown recently returned from missionary work in Uganda, but he did not take much time out of his busy schedule to visit his grandmother who raised him. When Garrison Brown’s grandmother passes away near the holidays, he has to return to her home and pack up her belongings. With those items are also six cats that need to be relocated to new homes. Although you would think this would be a relatively easy task, his grandmother left very specific instructions which made their placement a little difficult. Also, he was not going to be able to inherit his grandmother’s home until the cats find good homes.

Throughout the book, Garrison meets many interesting characters as he tries to place his grandmother’s cats. While the main focus of this book was not romance, I did enjoy the little bit of romance that was added. It made the book more than just a story about cats. Even though I don’t particularly like cats, I really did enjoy this book. I think many different people will enjoy reading The Christmas Cat during this holiday season.  

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."

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new book, Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish love Story, is a great read during the holiday season. Bess Riehl grows roses on her family farm. When she finds a rose she can’t identify, her family calls Penn State to have an expert come out and identify the rose. Little does she know, the person who will show up at her family farm is Billy Lapp. Billy and Bess have a history with each other, but they have not seen each other in years since Billy unexpectedly left his family. Bess, before even realizing Billy would be entering into her life again, found herself wishing her upcoming wedding would have Billy as the groom, instead of his best friend Amos.

 

This book was a really quick read, and I think it’s the perfect gift for someone during this holiday season. Even though I’m not particularly interested in flowers and roses, I still found this book very interesting. There wasn’t too much technical information about roses, and I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Billy and Bess. The way the book had flashbacks also did a great job of giving Billy’s backstory so we realize why he feels the way he does about returning to his hometown.

 

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."    

Surprised by Love

I am a huge fan of Julie Lessman, and having read her first two Heart of San Francisco books, I could not wait to read Surprised by Love. Surprised by Love follows one of the younger McClare girls, Megan. Megan grew us as a shy and chubby girl. When she returns from her year in Paris, she is a completely different person, and her relationship with her best friend Bram has changed too. Bram finds it hard to keep his feelings for Megan those of friendship. Megan gets an internship at the district attorney’s office where she learns she will be working with Devin Caldwell, the boy who was so mean to her in school. He soon begins to have feelings for her, but is he being honest with her, or will she face sadness again at the hand of Devin Caldwell, with Bram there to help her pick up the pieces just like in the past.

 

In addition to Megan’s story, her mother Caitlyn McClare must decide between following feelings for her brother-in-law, Logan, who has broken her heart time and time again, and the District Attorney who she has so much in common with as they attempt to clean up the streets of the Barbary Coast.

 

This book does a great job of tying together any loose ends that were left after the first two books in the series. While you don’t have to read the first two books in the series to follow what is happening, I would definitely recommend reading them because they are some of my favorite books. I really liked reading about the relationship between Bram and Megan in the earlier books, so I was very happy to see their friendship/relationship revisited in this book. I am really disappointed to be at the end of this series, and I’m hoping somehow there will be a spin-off of these books so I can read more about the McClare family.

 

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."    

At Bluebonnet Lake

At Bluebonnet Lake, the first book in the Texas Crossroads series by Amanda Cabot looks at Kate Sherwood and Greg Vange. Kate took a month off her job in advertising to take her grandmother to Rainbow’s End in the Texas Hill Country. Rainbow’s End is not exactly what she expected when she heard stories from her grandmother about what a great resort it was over 50 years ago. The paint is peeling, there are holes in the window screens, and it seems that the closure of the resort is in the near future. When she’s there, she meets Greg Vange. At first, she thinks he’s a handyman, but she soon learns he’s a guest at the failing resort. She doesn’t know he sold his software company for millions, and is at Rainbow’s End looking for the next step in his life.

 

I thought this book was a cute, romantic read. It was really easy to follow, and it was a very quick read for me. The characters were likeable, and I found myself relating to their struggling with slowing down after constantly being on the go with their jobs. I also liked reading about the relationship between Kate and her grandmother. You could really tell they cared for one another, and they had a special relationship since Kate’s parents were killed at a young age and she was raised by her grandparents. Overall, this is a great book that really focuses on the role God plays in the lives of both Kate and Greg.

 

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."     

Michelle Phan

My sister is very interested in makeup, and is always watching videos on YouTube so she can practice make and get tips. I learned about Michelle Phan after my sister talked about her YouTube videos, and since I’m not the best at makeup, I watched a few of her tutorials which were really good and informative. I was really excited to look at her book Make Up, and I think she does a great job of giving tips that range from everything to wardrobe and interviews to skin care tips and makeup application. The book has great photos, and I think it’s an ideal book for someone who is newer to the work force because of all the tips she gives about searching for jobs. This is the perfect type of book that you can read in depth once and then return to again and again for reminders of to start following some of the tips she gives.

 

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."    

A Promise to Protect

A Promise to Protect is the second book in the Logan Point series by Patricia Bradley. Dr. Leigh Summerall is a single mother trying to pay off her student loans by working at a hospital in Logan Point. As soon as she has her loans paid off, she wants to move from Logan Point. When her brother Tony is facing problems, the Sheriff, and her ex, Ben Logan, comes back into her life. Ben soon finds himself being asked to take care of Leigh and keep her safe. Lehigh has other plans. She does not want to remember the past she had with Ben, but there are things that happen that cause her to need protection from Ben.

 

I really enjoyed this book and the characters of Ben and Leigh. I was really rooting for them to have a relationship. I also liked the suspense aspect of the book. I don’t read too many suspenseful stories, but this one really kept me entertained. It’s a quick read, and I cannot wait to read future books in this series.

 

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."

Where Treetops Glisten

Where Treetops Glisten, by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin, is the perfect book for reading during the winter season. Since the book is written by three separate authors, I wasn’t too sure how well written and cohesive it would be, but I really felt like the sections of the book fit perfectly together. Each author told the story of 1 of the 3 living Turner children during the winter season. The story took place during WWII, which is one of my favorite time periods to read about in books.

 

In Cara Putman’s “White Christmas,” Abigail Turner, who is attending college  and working at a candy store, is not looking for love. Her boyfriend was killed at Pearl Harbor, and she has sworn off relationships until after the war. Like it always seems to happen, she finds love when she least expects it. After meeting a man on the bus, who she senses needs her father’s help, a relationship soon follows.

 

Sarah Sundin’s “White Christmas” focuses on the one boy in the family, Pete Turner. He is home from his combat tour, but he continues to have feelings of remorse and sadness over his brother’s death many years before. Soon, he forges a friendship with a young girl and her mother, who knew him when he was little more than a bully. Again, there is romance during this part of the story.

 

Lastly, Tricia Goyer’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” follows Meredith “Merry” Turner as she is in the Netherlands serving as a nurse after having her heart broken by a boyfriend. When her past catches up with her, she needs to decide if she will trust the man she loves  and forgive him for the heartbreak he caused.   

 

I really enjoyed this book and the way the Turner family was so close to each other. They experienced their share of grief, but they all still have a strong faith that was clearly displayed in the pages of the book. I look forward to reading books by all three of these authors in the future!

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

 

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."

Deceived

Deceived is the third book in the Private Justice Series by Irene Hannon. Kate Marshall is suffering from the loss of her husband and 4 year old son three years after they died in a boating accident. Kate soon begins to question her sanity when she thinks she sees her son at a mall. Connor Sullivan, a private investigator and former secret service agent, is soon hired by her to investigate the death of her husband and son.

 

I really enjoyed this mystery because it had the perfect amount of romance tied into the story. It was hard for me to put this book down, since I really wanted to find out what exactly happened to Kate’s son when he disappeared. Although I read the other books in this series, you do not need to read them to enjoy Deceived.

 

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."

Thunder

Thunder, by Bonnie Calhoun, is a sci-fi book that is set in post-apocalyptic America. With all of the dystopian young adults books that are so popular right now, I wasn’t sure how this book would compare to some of the others. I really enjoy books like The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Giver,  etc., so I was really excited to read this book. Selah is the main character, and she is just about to reach her 18^th birth remembrance. She tries to show her brothers that she has value by capturing a Lander. Her brothers decide to sell the Lander, despite the fact that she is the person who captured him. When she finds herself also being marked, she makes the discovery that she is part Lander. With Bodhi, the Lander she previously captured, she begins to search for her real father.

 

I enjoyed this book, and that could be because I really like dystopian books. I think that most teens would enjoy reading this book because it has just the right amount of suspense and action. I’m looking forward to reading more of Selah’s story in future books in this serious.

 

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."

A Robertson Family Christmas

A Robertson Family Christmas, by Kay Robertson and Travis Thrasher, is a cute short book that follows Hunter Clarke. Hunter lives with his mom, but he’s wishing he was able to spend more time with his dad and his brother. When Hunter travels to West Monroe, Louisiana to stay with the Robertsons, he is less than thrilled. Hunter soon takes part in all of the family traditions, cooking, hunting, and spending time with family.  

 

I thought this was a cute, short read (it only took me a day to read it) that is perfect for the fall/winter season. Although a younger audience may be best suited for this book, I think people of any age can enjoy it and the focus on family. It’s also nice for people who follow their show on A&E, since all of the same people are in the book that are on the television show. I also like how this book looks at a big family during the holiday season. It reminds me a lot of my family, so I think that made me even more interested in this book!

 

Also, I will be giving away a copy of this book to a reader. If you can leave your name and email address in the comments, I will randomly select the winner on October 7^th.

 

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."

Willie's Redneck Time Machine

Willie’s Redneck Time Machine (Be Your Own Duck Commander) by John Luke Robertson and Travis Thrasher is a cute book for younger children who are interested in the Duck Dynasty Television show. The book is written by Phil’s grandson, and it’s a book where you get to choose your own path. These were one of my favorite types of books as a kid, so I’m glad I was able to get this book to read and share with my younger family members. I like how this book has the characters that can be found on the show, so a reader can relate the book characters to the Robertson family characters they see on A&E.

 

The book starts with the discovery of an outhouse in the Duck Commander warehouse. It turns out that this outhouse is a time machine that takes the reader throughout both the past and the future. There are four books in this series, and I am sure younger children, especially boys, (9-12) will really enjoy all of the books in this series.

 

Also, I will be giving away a copy of this book to a reader. If you can leave your name and email address in the comments, I will randomly select the winner on October 7^th.

 

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."

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

Let Me Be Clear

Let Me Be Clear: Barack Obama’s War on Millennials, and One Woman’s Case for Hope is an interesting read by Katie Kieffer. I really enjoy reading the political perspective of young women, since I am also in this age category, and I am actively involved in politics. Ms. Kieffer looks at the promises President Obama made during his campaign, and then she reviews these promises to show that he did not follow through on those very things he based his campaign upon. The topics she looks at range from gun control and the military to foreign policy and the economy.

 

I enjoyed this book because I though she very thoughtfully laid on her claims, and she is an author I can relate to. Her writing style is easy to understand and is well-written. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books in the future and also sharing this book 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

A Bouquet of Love

A Bouquet of Love, by Janice Thompson, is a cute, fast summer read that I really enjoyed. Working in a family business, I understood completely what Cassia Pappas is feeling throughout the book. Cassia and her family move to Texas to open a Greek restaurant, but Cassia’s real passion is working with flowers. When an opportunity comes for her to work at a flower shop she knows it is the perfect opportunity for her, but she has concerns about how her father will react to her desire to leave the family business. Add in some rivalries with a competing restaurant, some romance, and you have the perfect recipe for a romantic comedy.

 

I enjoyed the characters in this book, and I did like their strong commitment to family. Also, there was the perfect amount of humor in this book to keep me completely entertained. Although this is the fourth book in the Weddings by Design series, it can be read as a stand-alone book and you won’t be confused or unable to follow what is going on in the story.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book free from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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.”

In Perfect Time

I’ve really enjoyed all of the books in Sarah Sundin’s Wings of the Nightingale series, so I was a little sad to read In Perfect Time, which is the final book in this series. In Perfect Time follows Lt. Kay Jobson, an Army Air Force flight nurse. She had things in her history she wasn’t proud of, and during this book her character develops as she learns more about God and the forgiveness he gives. During this process, she becomes closer friends with Lt. Roger Cooper, a pilot of a C-47. He, also, has a past he isn’t proud of. As the book progresses, I really liked to see their relationship grow.

 

I really enjoyed this book and the characters, and I liked that they were also mentioned in the first two books so you could really see their growth and the changes they made in their life. I also thought the focus on nurses during WWII was very interesting. You don’t always see that side of wars, and that historical component was very interesting. Also, their faith, and the faith of their friends, made this an enjoyable read.   

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Strange Glory

Recently I have been hearing a lot about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his life during the time of WWII. When I got a chance to read Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Charles Marsh, I was really excited to learn more about his actions against the Nazis in the 1930s. Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived in Germany and was a Pastor and Theologian who took a stand against Hitler during the height of his power. Ultimately, this led to his execution.

I liked all of the details that this book contained about Bonhoeffer’s life, from childhood all the way through adulthood. There was not too much focus on just one particular part of his life, rather the book seemed to show how each part of his life contributed to the man he became. It was well-written and contained completely new information to me, since I never read anything about Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the past. Since I already enjoy reading historic books, and anything about WWII, this book was not a stretch for me to read. I think it may be a little on the long side for people who don’t typically read biographies.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of a blog tour. 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." 

Debt-Proof Living

I don’t have a big problem with my finances, but I thought Debt-Proof Living: How to Get Out of Debt and Stay That Way by Mary Hunt might offer me some tips and ideas to make sure I stay out of debt. The book covers topics like the different kinds of debt, student loans, mortgages, credit scores, etc. I found this information really interesting, and the book was written in a way that was easy to understand. Some financial books can use terms and explanations that are confusing, but Mary Hunt did a great job of keeping the book on my level. I also liked that there was a glossary of terms at the end of the book. These will really be great in the future as I may need to refer back to some of the topics she addressed in the book when I am thinking about purchasing a home and things like that.

 

I think this book would be an especially great read for someone just graduating from college, but anyone would be able to benefit from the information contained in her book. Her stories make this especially a good read because it is always nice to learn more about the author and their personal experiences.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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." 

Surviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe

When I read Surviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe by Erin Taylor Young, I felt like I was reading about my own experiences with my dog! When Erin and her family get Henry, she has memories of what a great childhood she had with her boxer. Henry is nothing like the dog of her childhood. He will not listen, destroys household items (like a window!), and has a ton of energy.

 

The book tells a lot of cute stories about some of the adventures Henry gets himself into. With every chapter, and new story about Henry, I felt so much better knowing my dog is not the only one who spends more time at the vet than a human does at the doctor’s office. The story was written in a way that reads like a friend is talking to you, telling you about Henry. It’s a very quick read, and I read it in only two days. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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." 

Annie's Stories

Annie’s Stories by Cindy Thompson is a cute story set in the early 1900s. Annie is a young Irish housekeeper when the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book was first released, and Annie finds herself very interested in this very popular book. She also loves reading the stories her father wrote for her before he passed away. The characters were very interesting, and I liked the relationship between Stephen Adams, the mail carrier, and Annie Gallagher.

 

I enjoyed reading this book and the characters that were within the pages. Although I did not read the first in the series, I was still able to read the story without any confusion. This was easy to follow, and it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale as part of a blog tour. 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." 

Through the Deep Waters

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors, and every time I see a new book of her, I try to read it as soon as possible. I recently read Through the Deep Waters, and I’m glad I got the chance to read this book. Dinah Hubley was raised in a Chicago brothel, and her mother was a prostitute who did not take care of Dinah. Dinah decided to leave the city and become a Harvey Girl in Kansas. Although she was too young to get the job of a server, she was able to begin work as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel. Dinah made new friendships with her new job, and also was faced with making a decision of entering into a new relationship or following her dreams of becoming a server.

 

I really enjoyed this book, and the character of Dinah, and her friend Ruthie, were both very likable characters. Theirs was a great friendship, and it was great to read about Ruthie sharing her faith with Dinah.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of a blog tour. 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."  

Death Takes a Ride

Death Takes a Ride is the most recent book by Lorena McCourtney in the Cate Kinkaid Files series of books. Cate seems to always have trouble following her, and the third book in this series is no different. The book focuses on Cate becoming an Investigator with the plans of taking over her Uncle Joe’s agency as well as with her relationship with Mitch. Although both of these side events are going on, Cate must solve a mystery. When she is waiting to pick up her aunt’s friend, there just so happens to have been a shooting at the same place. Thus, Cate is thrown into the middle of a mystery that she must solve.  

Although this isn’t my typical type of book, I really enjoyed all of the books in this series. Cate is a really liable character, and I like that her faith plays a prevalent role in her life. I also like the relationship between her and Mitch. It’s nice that throughout the mystery there is a relationship between these two characters. If you are planning to read this book, you can read it as a stand-alone, or in conjuncture with the other two books in the series.   

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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 Comes Home

I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be for people returning for war, and that is exactly the premise of Love Comes Home, Rosey Corner Book #3, by Ann Gabhart. Kate, Tori, Evie, and their adopted sister Lorena must deal with different emotions in light of the war. The youngest adopted sister is dealing with her family abandoning her, another working through the emotions of her husband returning as a POW,  one sister whose husband did not survive the war, while the last one needs to get to know her husband. This book is written in a way that the characters feel very realistic, and you could imagine people during that time going through those same situations.

 

I really liked this book, and I’m a fan of any book written by Ann Gabhart. I also like historic books, so I enjoyed reading about the time following WWII and some of the emotions the returning soldiers were experiencing, as well as what their spouses and families were going through during that time. It was great getting to read again about Rosey Corner, but you would be able to read this book as a stand-alone and understand what is going on with the characters.  

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

90 Minutes in Heaven

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life is Don Piper’s story about his death on January 18, 1989. After being dead for 90 minutes, and spending that time in heaven, he came back to life when a person arrived at the scene of the accident and prayed for him. This book tells his story and what heaven was like for him, but it is more a focus on the actual accident and recovery.

 

Although I thought the concept of this book was interesting, I have to admit it wasn’t my favorite book. I think I liked Heaven is for Real (a similar book about a young child who goes to heaven and comes back to life) more than I did 90 Minutes in Heaven. There wasn’t as much focus on heaven in this book as I would have liked. Also, some of the recovery portions of the book were cumbersome and caused me to lose interest. Although I didn’t think this was my favorite book, I did like reading the first few chapters and found them interesting.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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 Revealing

The most recent book by Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us again to Eagle Hill in her book The Revealing. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I was really excited to get the chance to read the final book in the series. We get to follow the same characters again, and this book really focuses on Naomi King and her boyfriend, Toby Schrock. Toby is currently in Federal Prison due to his actions explained in the first two books. Soon, an “English” girl, Paisley, arrives in their community, causing problems in Naomi’s life.

 

Overall, I really liked the characters in the story, and I liked to read more about Naomi. She is a very likable character, and her kindness and compassion was clear throughout the pages of the book. I don’t think I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did if I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, so I would definitely recommend that, if you plan to read this book, you might want to read the first two books before reading The Revealing.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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."

Atlas Girl

Atlas Girl: Finding Home in the Last Place I Thought to Look, written by Emily Wierenga, is an autobiography where Emily writes about her childhood, marriage, and taking care of her mother while she suffered from a brain tumor. This book takes an honest look at someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. Emily wrote about the emotions that led to her anorexia. After getting married, Emily moved back home to take care of her mother. It was there that she found relief and answers to many of the problems of her childhood.

 

Emily was very honest about her feelings toward God in the book. She even addressed the times in her life when she struggled with her faith and when she decided to stop believing. This honesty made the book a great read. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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."

Fit Bottomed Girls

Since I frequently visit the Fit Bottomed Girls website, I was really excited to get the chance to read Jennipher Walters and Erin Whitehead’s book: The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet: 10-Minute Fixes to Get the Body You Want and a Life You’ll Love. This book is not written like a typical diet book that says eat this or eat that. Rather, it gives you the necessary tools to have the motivation to eat well and exercise. I like that it also stresses that it’s not a diet…you have to look at your way of eating as a lifestyle. When reading this book, it really feels like you’re just talking to a friend. There aren’t difficult to understand concepts or rules that not everyone can follow. They also stress that there are portions of the book that might particularly relate to you, so you should focus on those areas.

 

This was a quick read, but I think I will keep it close by so I can skim over some of the chapters again in the future. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to have an overall healthy lifestyle, not just a quick diet fix.

 

Go to this link if you would like to read an excerpt of the book: http://www.scribd.com/book/218927222/The-Fit-Bottomed-Girls-Anti-Diet-10-Minute-Fixes-to-Get-the-Body-You-Want-and-a-Life-You-ll-Love

 

You can follow them on facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/fitbottomedgirls

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of a blog tour. 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."

 

 

Blind Trust

Since I never read the first book in the Port Aster Secrets Series, I was a little concerned I wouldn’t be able to follow Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard. Although I was confused at points, I did enjoy the overall book. The book begins with Kate Adams being arrested for circulating counterfeit money when she goes to the grocery store to pick up some groceries for her elderly neighbor. She soon finds herself trying to prove that her neighbor is innocent, which connects her again with Detective Tom Parker as he is investigating the case.

 

I really liked the mystery and suspense part of this book, since I don’t typically read this type of book. It was definitely fast paced, which made me not want to put the book down. There was also the perfect amount of romance mixed into the book. The characters were all very likable, but I think I would have liked them better if I had read the first book in the series. I would definitely recommend that you read the Deadly Devotion before reading Blind Trust if you don’t want to be confused throughout the story.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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."

Guardian of the Republic

Since I’m interested in Politics, and I frequently see Allen West as a contributor on Fox News, I decided to read his book Guardian of the Republic. Lt. Colonel Allen West began his political career after serving in the United States Army and spending time as a teacher. This book was a very quick read, and I liked the fact that this book contained information on Lt. Colonel West’s background and upbringing-Not just his political beliefs.

 

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone, not just people who enjoy politics. His story and political ideology are really interesting, without being too complicated that people who aren’t interested in politics wouldn’t be able to follow what he’s explaining.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books as part of a blog tour. 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 Place in His Heart

In Rebecca DeMarino’s book, A Place in His Heart, Mary Langton is about to be forced into a marriage she does not want, so she convinces her father to let her marry the man she is falling in love with, Barnabas Horton. Although Barnabas does not reciprocate those same strong feelings, he feels that he must be married to have a mother for his two young sons. A few years into their marriage, they are traveling to The New World. Although Barnabas knew, from before their marriage, that he would leave his current home, he did not really share that with Mary.

 

One of the main reasons I liked this book is because one of my favorite genres is Historical Fiction. It was interesting to read about this time period and the persecution many people were going through because of their faith. In addition to the background of the story, I did like the character of Mary.  She was a very likable character, and I liked her interaction with her new children. She really cared for them and raised them as her own, even though she seemed to be repeatedly reminded that they missed their birth mother. This was a pretty quick read, and I look forward to reading more books by Rebecca DeMarino.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Revell as part of a blog tour. 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."

 

Visit Rebecca's Blog to get more information about a giveaway.

http://www.rebeccademarino.com/a-place-in-his-heart-giveaway/