Tuesday, May 1, 2012

A Woman’s Wisdom, How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything is written by Lydia Brownback.

Wow what an awesome book! I loved every page and will be reading this book again and again. There is so much to learn and it is very easy to understand. The author, Lydia Brownback, does an excellent job making this a definite read for every woman. We all need wisdom in different areas of our lives. This book will show you that by understanding Christ, we will better understand the principles He is teaching in the book of Proverbs.

Every chapter has helpful information but the last chapter of the book delves into Proverbs 31 and is the best chapter. This chapter alone is worth buying the book for. I have read many books on Proverbs 31 and found this particular chapter in this book to have very realistic advice. Her explanations of the verses are practical and enlightening as well. The study questions at the end of the book are also excellent. There are extra verses to look up and questions to think about. A great way to really explore each chapter is to go through these study questions as well.

I gave this book 5/5 stars because it is exceptional and deserves it!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

MOMumental: Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family is written by Jennifer Grant.

Overall this was an entertaining book about being a mom. The author, Jennifer Grant, uses her personal experiences to reiterate a principle she is trying to get across to moms. From learning when to step in if the kids are fighting to remembering they are just kids and not to expect them to be more mature then they are, each chapter highlights an incident most moms will encounter.

The best principle to take away from this book is to stop judging yourself so harshly. I also liked how she talked about not being so judgmental of other moms! The author shows that learning to give yourself and others a break will help you be a better mom.

I did have a negative that led me to only give this book 4/5 stars. There were just too many personal stories. I think the book would be more enjoyable with less of the personal experiences. That said she is a good writer and you will learn valuable lessons from the book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is written by Wanda E. Brunstetter.

What a fun book! Emma Yoder decides to start a quilting class not realizing all the lives she will change. You might think that with all the different characters the book could get confusing, but it doesn’t. The author does a superb job of switching between the different viewpoints. Their interactions are also well written and make the book especially enjoyable.

From a couple struggling in their marriage to a man who has lost his wife, you will relate to each character in some way. This book held my attention and kept me reading till I finished! I think you will enjoy the book and fall in love with the characters. I hope Wanda Brunstetter writes more stories like this one, I know I will buy them! I gave this book 5/5 stars because the story is fun and the characters are lovable!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Trusting God While Unemployed!

The Roller Coaster of Unemployment, Trusting God for the Ride is written by Sarah Hupp and published by Discovery House Publishers.

Know someone who is unemployed? This would be an excellent book to buy for them. It is not a do this and you will get a job book but rather a book that directs you to look to the Lord for encouragement during this difficult time in your life. The devotionals are a perfect way to start your day. They have scripture, meaningful quotes and even suggested prayers.

I enjoyed this book and felt that it would be a great encouragement for those struggling with finding a job. Even those just needing some direction in their life will glean from this book. My favorite part was how much it directs you to trust God. It is difficult in our normal days to totally lean on the Lord and especially difficult when going through a hard time. This book was excellent in showing how much the Lord loves you and wants what is best for you. I gave this book 5/5 stars because it is a very encouraging book!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Parent or Friend?

Parent or Friend? Transitioning from Parent to Friend with Your Adult Child is written by Mary Ann Froehlich and published by Discovery House.

This book is a must read for all parents, especially those with college age children. Each page is filled with thoughtful advice on becoming a friend with your older children. The author stresses that it can be hard to go from parenting them to not judging their decisions and just being a friend. It will take prayer and diligence on the parents’ part to start drawing that new line between parent and their now grown up child.

Communication is the key! This is true at all stages of parenting but the author emphasis that it is extra important during this transition time. Learning to respect your child as an adult is also significant. You many not agree with what your child has decided to do or what direction their life is taking but learning how to respond is especially important. Responding with love and respect rather then correction and judgement will further your relationship and keep you communicating with your child.

This book is not saying that as the parent you just sit back and let your child go once they reach a certain age. The book is stressing that there comes a time when you have to let go and let God do the directing. I gave this book 5/5 stars as it was filled with lots of helpful information for every parent.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Help for building a great marriage

Renovating Your Marriage Room by Room is written by Dr. Johnny Parker and published by Moody Publishers.

The concept of this book is excellent and the completed project has exactly the information needed to build and strengthen your marriage. Using the example of building a house from the foundation to the roof the author applies simple steps and ideas to make your marriage better.

I think this book is perfect for engaged couples, newly married or even seasoned marriages! You can not read this book and say you did not learn something. An excellent tool for a Sunday School class to study together and perfect for couples to use in their devotions together.

I liked how he talks about building a good foundation. I especially enjoyed the helpful suggestions on ways to keep working on the "house" to maintain it. The language used is simple and easy to understand. The book is not written in a preachy or judgmental way, it is very open and caring in nature. I gave this book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone wanting helpful ways to strengthen their marriage.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

A book with a strong female lead


Skinnydipping is written by Bethenny Frankel.

I want to start by saying I usually only read Christian fiction books but I saw what this book was about and could not wait to read it. The personality of the author, Bethenny Frankel, is found on every page of this story. The book follows the fictional character Faith Brightstone as she navigates through different careers till she finds her perfect fit.

I loved how the character reacted to obstacles in her way. Her phone call with a creditor is one a lot of people will connect with. That is one of the best things about this book, how relatable the main character is! As you follow Faith and her encounters with different people, you can’t help but wonder if these interesting characters are based on real people the author knew!

I really enjoyed the main character being a strong woman with dreams and the gumption to follow through with them. I liked how the character grew as the story progressed. You find her more assure of herself and more open to the people and circumstances she encounters.

I do have a few negatives. The strong language of the character, especially at the beginning of the book, was distracting. I do not think it needed to be there as the story was strong enough to stand on its own without it. I also felt like the story lost its way in the middle but it did quickly come back to an interesting story line. Personally I did not like the sexual content but that is just a personal opinion not something that made the book unworthy of reading. I gave this book 4/5 stars because although the character was interesting and the story flowed well I think it could have had some parts edited out and still been a great book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Beyond Bath Time, Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role is written by Erin Davis and published by Moody Publishing.

Having trouble finding your purpose as a mother? Do you feel discouraged and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done everyday? Not sure whether you should work or be a stay at home mom? This book is a great resource full of helpful advice as you work through the daily grind of being a Mom.

The biggest lesson of this book is learning to accept your job of being a mother as a ministry. The author stresses that yes it will be hard and may not seem to be bearing any fruit but the job of being a Mom is a God given one. The job of motherhood is rewarding no matter if you are a stay at home mom or a mom that works outside of the home.

I thought the book was written well and enjoyed the personal testimony of the author. She writes in such an open and loving manner and you will really enjoy reading her interpretation of motherhood. I gave this book 5/5 stars because I felt it had plenty of information to help every Christian mother learn how to be a better Mom.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Her Lone Star Cowboy is written by Debra Clopton.

Gabi Newberry finds herself in a predicament when the trailer she is driving ends up in the ditch. She is stuck with two calves and needs help! Who should come to the rescue but confirmed bachelor Jess Holden. Jess has no intention of falling in love but just can’t seem to resist the spirited Gabi. As Gabi helps Jess with his sick cattle they begin a friendship that is quick to lead to something more!

The characters in this book are so real to life! The grandmother of the main character Gabi is such a delight to read about! The interaction of Gabi with the other characters is heartwarming. I really enjoyed the aspect of her being a new Christian and having strong values. The setting was also great. Being in Texas and dealing with cattle made for some interesting scenes. The author did an excellent job of describing the scenes and even made the conversations read with ease.

I gave this book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction set in the west!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.