The Trouble with Patience

Patience Cavanaugh is determined to make her grandmother’s boarding house successful after it is left to her when her grandmother passes away in The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan. Upon her new arrival in town, she stands up to the sheriff in town, Jedediah Jones. As can be expected, there seems to be something more between Patience and Jedediah, but they hide and deny their feelings as they are both trying to focus their attention on their jobs. Add into the romance some mystery, as cattle go missing from a wealthy ranch, and there is even the murder of a local, well-known and liked, townsperson.

 

I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Patience and Jedediah. I liked that Patience was not as young as some of the heroines are in historical fiction books. She was in her mid-twenties, and she didn’t seem to be looking for someone to marry and settle down with. She was focused on her career, while also trying to be independent, moving away from her mother who was so demanding of her throughout her life. This is a great, quick read, that I think will be enjoyed by anyone who likes romance stories.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from 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."

Stay

Stay: Lessons My Dog Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace, by Dave Burchett is a great book about a man and his Labrador, Hannah. When Dave Burchett found out his dog was sick with terminal cancer, he began to think about all of the lessons she taught him in his own life and how he could relate those lessons to his own relationship with Christ. I was a little nervous to read this book, since I thought I would be too upset to read about a sad subject. I’m really glad I ended up reading it though, because there were some great parallels between a relationship between Dog and Master, as well as the things we need to learn about grace and kindness.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale Blog Network. 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 Crimson Cord

The Crimson Cord, by Jill Eileen Smith, is a book in the Daughters of the Promised Land series that tells the story of Rehab. While I knew of this Bible story from past Bible studies, I really enjoyed reading this book to read Rehab’s story more in depth, based on what the author imagined she may have experienced. Rehab was sold into prostitution, due to the actions of her father and deceased husband. The book then looks at her actions when Jericho falls. She displayed great bravery throughout the story, as she went against her people to protect the Israelites.

 

I really enjoyed this book, and I think it provides a great way for people to learn more about the lives of those in the Bible. This book created a very realistic picture of what Rehab’s life may have been like. The book is a great example of forgiveness and also strength in the face of adversity.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from 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."

This is What You Just Put in Your Mouth?

Lately I’ve been really interested in healthy eating and trying to avoid chemicals in everyday products. When I saw Patrick Di Justo’s book This is What You Just Put in Your Mouth?, I was really excited to read it, but also a little nervous to see what were in some of the foods and products I come into contact with on a daily basis. This book contained details about Cool Whip, Coffee, Red Bull, etc. Each item contains a list of the ingredients, and then the ingredients are broken down into what they contain and what they actually do to a person’s body.

 

I think this book is a must-read for anyone who is trying to find out more about what they are eating. It’s not the type of book I would recommend reading in one sitting, rather it’s something you can pick up every once and awhile to see if the product you are using has harmful ingredients in it.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from 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."

The Paleo Chef

Although I don’t follow the Paleo Diet every day, I am interested in healthy cooking and there are some great healthy recipes in The Paleo Chef: Quick, Flavorful Paleo Meals forEating Well by Pete Evans. I like that these recipes are relatively easy to follow, and everything I made so far out of the cookbook has tasted great! Although some of the ingredients may not be the easiest to find, there are other recipes that I have all of the ingredients for already in my kitchen.

 

In this book there are seven chapters that have recipes for breakfast, vegetable sides and snacks, seafood, poultry and meat dishes, desserts, and drinks. There are photos included in each chapter, and they definitely make me want to try making some of the more detailed recipes.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from 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."

Where Rivers Part

Where Rivers Part, by Kellie Coates Gilbert, is the second book in the Texas Gold Novel series. This story looks at Dr. Juliet Ryan, who has spent her life’s work providing safe drinking water. Although Dr. Ryan and her father are estranged, she must find a way to work with him to unravel a scandal in Corporate America as she is put in the middle of this scandal. Throughout the story, we see some of her family life, and the relationship she has with her mother. Although her mother is a Christian, Dr. Ryan and her father don’t share the same faith as her. As the book progresses, Dr. Ryan begins to realize she needs God in her life.

 

I liked that this book was different than other Christian books I have read in the past. There aren’t many that focus on Corporate America, and some of the scandals that go on in that environment.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishers 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."

It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are

It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Are: Life Lessons from Winners, by Pat Williams and Jim Denney, tells short stories about some of the conversations Pat Williams has had with celebrities. These short stories show that celebrities are many times more than what we see or read about them, it’s how they truly are. Pat Williams tells stories that show the morals and the motivation behind these individuals’ successes in life.

 

I liked this book because you could just read one of the short stories in one sitting. It’s the perfect book to read if you are short on time. Also, the stories were very inspirational. Each of the people seemed to face some type of obstacle that they overcame. It is really a story for people who are looking for motivation in their life.

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.”

The Beauty of Grace

The Beauty of Grace: Stories of God’s Love from Today’s Most Popular writers by Dawn Camp is a compilation of stories written by various authors that focus on Purpose, The Big Picture, Surrender, Trust, Lessons Learned, Hope and Encouragement, and Worship. Each of these stories were relatively short, most only two pages long. Each story also ended with a Bible verse or quote that relates to the story.

 

I really liked that these stories were short, so I could pick up the book and read 1 story in a few minutes, or I could read the entire section. I also think this book could be read as a devotional, and it’s the perfect length for busy mornings when you don’t have much time to finish a long devotion. Also, the photos in the book were very pretty nature scenes that tied the stories and photos nicely to one another.

 

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.”

The Knot: Big Wedding Ideas

The Knot: Little Books of Big Wedding Ideas, is the perfect for a friend or family member who is recently engaged. There are four small books that each contain different ideas including a book about: Details, Boutiques and Centerpieces, Cakes, and Vows and Toasts. Each book includes really pretty photos, along with tips and advice you need to know about each topic. They tell you what types of questions you should ask of florists and cake decorators. Also included are different terms that are important to know when you are looking for a specific item for your wedding.

 

Although I don’t think you can plan your whole wedding from these small books, they do help take some of the guesswork out of the process for people who don’t know too much about wedding planning. I really like the small size of these books, and how the four of them come within a cardboard case.

 

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.”