Amish Proverbs GIVEAWAY!!!

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell Publishing

This is such a beautiful book!  My husband even picked it up and look through it and found a fun proverb:

"There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's the wife who can't cook and will." (page 201)

No, I am not a bad cook, he just thought that was so funny.

My grandma always says, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."  I love this proverb.  If you keep asking, or haggling or looking for whatever you need you will find it.

Price: $13.99

*I was sent a free copy (and a free copy to give away) to read and review.  The opinions on this blog are my honest opinions and I am not compensated for the review.

To win your very own copy of this beautiful book please leave your favorite proverb (or saying).  Make sure you leave your email as well so I can contact you if you win!  I will give you an extra entry if you get a friend to come and leave a favorite saying~ just make sure you leave another comment saying you sent them!  I will randomly select a winner Monday August 30th.

Let's Do Lunch

by RogerWilson

Thomas Nelson Publishing

Very rarely do I finish a book on "dieting."  Usually diet books are full of scientific facts, psychological mumbo jumbo.  Don't get me wrong I do not believe that science and psychology are junk, but when you want to lose weight, you want to do it NOW.  I would get discouraged reading the stupid book~ and go off the diet before I even finished the book!!  Not with this book.  Not only did I finish the book but I did so in 2 days! 

Wilson writes about what he learned when we lost his massive amount of weight.  He told the readers what to eat, not why it scientifically worked that way.  There was no psychological basis, just the facts.  He is giving his readers what they need, a way to change their diets forever.

I am so excited to start this new eating plan.  I will keep you updated as to how things are going.  I need to go buy grapes first!

*I was sent this book as part of the book sneeze review program.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest review.

Cast of Characters

by Max Lucado

Thomas Nelson Publishing

"Some of the most powerful stories from the Bible will come alive for today’s readers through these

inspiring selections from the writings of Max Lucado. Max provides a compelling look at the most

high-impact moments in the biblical narrative, drawn from his previous 20+ years of writing.

At the end of each chapter will be study guide questions so the reader can go deeper into this

scripture.

Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters:

Mary, Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, David, Esther, Job, The Samaritan Woman, John, Rich Young Man."

I have read a number of Max Lucado's works.  Most of them I have found to be wonderful and profound.  However this book felt wrong.  I picked it up to read today.  I was disappointed and a little upset at the way Lucado portrayed the Bible and Biblical characters.  I felt he was trying to fit in with today's hip way of life.  I have respect and reverence for my Father in Heaven and the Holy Scriptures.  I felt that the respect and reverence that the Bible demands was not there.  It was almost callous in the way it was written.  I was unable to read the entire book, because of the uneasiness that I found from reading the small bit I did.  Maybe this book will appeal to others in a way it did not to me.

Price: $14.99

*I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am  not compensated for my honest opinion.

Offworld

by Robin Parrish

Bethany House Publishing

Okay, so yesterday I was reading this book and told Brian what a great book it was.  He asked me what it was about.  I told him it was about these 4 astronauts that went on a 2 1/2 year mission to Mars and when they came back EVERYONE in the world was gone.  I happened about 2 months before their return~ the same time they lost contact with NASA.  So as they are traveling to this bright light in Houston from Florida, they find a homeless gal (about 19 or so)~ the only person alive.  Not knowing what to think they took her with them.

  Brian was shocked he said, "Your are reading science fiction?"  I told him I was and it was soooo good and they needed to make it into a movie! (I never read sci-fi).

Well this morning I finished it and while it was really good, I can not tell you any more.  It will spoil the ending for you if I tell you more then what I told you already.  But even if you are not into sci-fi (like me) you should try to read it.  Only took me about 5 hours to read!
Loved it!

Price $14.99  purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Though Waters Roar

by Lynn Austin

Bethany House Publishing

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning."

One girl's story intertwined with her grandmother's life story.  This truly is a unique story of courage and trusting God with our lives.  There is quite a bit of history in the book that I was able to glean.  I found myself hoping and wishing for good to happen from Bebe as her life was so hard..  It was easy to follow a long, although I did find it a bit long and hard to get into in the beginning.

Price: $ 13.99 purchase from the publisher.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

Granola Bar and Fruit Snacks GIVE AWAY!

My friend Janet from Simply Schooling Mom is having a giveaway from Costco.  She is giving away a huge box of granola bars, real fruit roll up snacks, and a $25 gift card to Costco. To enter go here.

Thank you Janet!!

Amazing Adventures, Creative Connections, & Daring Deeds:

40 Ideas That Put Feet to Your Family's Faith 

by Tim & Alison Thompson

Nav Press Publishing

"Say good-bye to passive family devotions! The energy and creativity of these 40 activities, which can be adapted to all ages, is a great resource for individual families or for churches with family and inter-generational ministries.

Instead of reading a verse that is soon forgotten, you and your kids will engage in activities both inside and outside the home that demonstrate biblical faith in action. The result? Seeing how you can live as disciples whatever your sphere of influence.

Each of the 40 activities includes a creative introduction, a brief exploration of a Bible passage, and active ideas for applying biblical truth

This great discipleship and outreach tool includes age-appropriate discussion questions and activities for age four through teens."

I read this book and am really excited!  I think this would be great devotions or Family Home Evenings to do with the family.  I plan on using it once a week in our home school this coming year as a devotional.

Each chapter contains  an introduction message about the chapter~the topic.
There is also a Reaching In section where you would reach in to your own family and discuss various questions.  Reaching Into the Word in the next section~  a scripture is given and various questions based on children's ages to discuss.  The last section is the Reaching Into the World~ service based ideas to help others in the community.

Price: $ 12.99 go here to purchase

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  This review is my honest opinion which I am not compensated for.

Growing With Purpose

by Jon Walker

Zondervan Publishing

"Spend a year exploring God's purpose for your life. This thought-provoking, yet practical one-year devotional will help you understand that God's grace is the most powerful tool for change in your life. In this time of uncertainty and fear, Growing with Purpose teaches that God's perfect love drives out all fear. It's a fresh look at biblical truth that will strengthen your faith and encourage you to trust that God's promises are as certain as the sun coming up tomorrow. You'll find yourself reading it over and over again, growing with purpose and in intimate pursuit of God every day. Spend a year exploring God's purpose for your life ... spend a lifetime connected to the heart of God. Learn more about author Jon Walker's ministry" here.

For those of you who enjoy reading a page a day in a devotional fashion with really like this book.  I find that I do not like them as much.  I  feel guilty if I do not read everyday.  But, this would be good if you do devotionals for homeschooling or with your family.  Very upbeat with scriptures to read along with the message.  

This is a Christian based book.

Price: $18.99 click to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Blind Hope GIVE AWAY!!

by Kim Meeder & Laurie Sacher

Multomah Publishing

This was a very powerful book and true story.  I enjoyed it immensely.  It is a quick read (with pictures of sweet Mia), but also amazing.  Readers will learn so much about loving themselves and trusting God.  This book is a message of hope to all of us who struggle from time to time. I guarantee you will be a changed person after reading this book.

When Laurie decides to rescue a mangy sick dog, she had no idea her life would change more then her dog's.  After Mia goes blind Laurie has to train the dog to hear her voice.  She realizes she needs to listen for God to tell the direction she needs to go as well.

"Coming to a book retailer new year July 2010."

Price $13.99 to purchase go here.

* I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

I have a brand new copy from the publisher to give away on my blog.  Here is how to enter to win you very own copy!!

For each of the following you will get one entry.  Maker sure you leave me a  note on how to get a hold of you if you win.

1.  Become a follower of my blog.

2. Tell me why you would like this book.

3.  Get a friend to become a follower of my blog.

I will randomly select the winner on Saturday July 10th 9pm MST

The Silent Gift

by Michael Landon Jr, & Cindy Kelley

Bethany House Publishing

There are so many layers to this book.  I was intrigued, angry, hopeful, and sad during the reading of this book.  I must say the authors are fabulous writers! There was such depth to the story and many layers to the main character.

"The decade of the 'thirties was a time of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of unyielding love and incredible sacrifices in the face of circumstances beyond belief. 

But then The Gift appears where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who cannot communicate provide comfort and direction to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary to her beloved son, Jack. Will it be enough?"

I could not put this book down.  I stayed up until after 1am (I am an early to bed kind of gal) so that says a lot.  I am not sure I would have picked this book up to read if I had not been given an opportunity to review it.  It is not usually a type of book I read, but this was so well written and kept me reading on and on to the end.  Thank you!!

Price $ 13.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY!!

I am giving a brand new copy of One Day Way away to one of my lucky readers. 

For some reason when I posted it, the date changed to March, so it is not on the front page of my blog.  To see the instructions click here.

Fit to Be Tied

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Zondervan Publishing

Unbeknown to me this is the second in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series.  I really dislike reading sequels when I have not read the first book.  I was able to understand the plot, but did not get a lot of the background needed to understand the characters in detail. There is also a third book in the series coming out 2010.

Cleo is a girl comfortable on a ranch and around horses.  She dislikes wearing dresses and is more comfortable in a pair of jeans.

Lord Sherwood is sent from London to live in Idaho for a year to earn his keep and understand work.  He has a war injury and is need of learning the value of hard work.

Lord Sherwood, or Woody as Cleo calls him, begins working as a ranch hand on Cleo's family ranch.  She despises him and wishes she did not have to train him.  However as time passes she finds herself becoming more interested in him, but will royalty and a ranch girl be able to be together?  You will have to read this book to find out.

Price: $14.99 Click here to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Through the Fire

by Shawn Grady

Bethany House Publishing

Since his father's death  in a fire, firefighter Aiden O'Neill is determined to find out who the arsonist was in that fateful fire.  Aiden has a gift of being able to read fires, but after he caused a fellow firefighter to be seriously injured during a fire, he seems to have lost his gift.

An arsonist is on the loose, causing major fires and death in his wake.  Aiden and Julianne, a fire analyst, are teaming up to discover who is behind the fires.  I guarantee the end will surprise you.

I enjoyed the story line, but some of the writing was out of character of the rest of the book.  There were paragraphs that were almost poetic~ but forced and did not reflect the other parts of the book.  I also got confused in several places as new characters were introduced.  The parts about God and Christianity seemed forced and put in as an afterthought. 

Price $ 13.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong

by Leslie Vernick

WaterBrook Multnomah

 Experience the Blessings of an Imperfect Marriage. We all–at one time or another–have the opportunity to act right when our spouse acts wrong. There are no perfect marriages or perfect spouses. We know that having a good marriage requires effort and hard work. Yet we often don’t know how to continue to love when we are angry, hurt, scared, or just plain irritated. Nor are we sure what that kind of love is supposed to look like. Should we be patient? Forgive and forget? Do something else entirely?

Acting right when your spouse acts wrong will not necessarily guarantee a more satisfying marital relationship, nor will it automatically make your spouse change his or her ways–although both could occur. It will, however, help you see how God is stretching you in the midst of your marital difficulties, teach you to respond wisely when wronged, and lead you into a deeper relationship with Christ as you yield your will to his plan for your life and learn to be more like him.

Price: $ 6.99 to buy

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to review.  I am not compensated for my review.

Somewhere to Belong

Book one in the Daughters of Amana series

by Judith Miller

Bethany House Publishing

I had a hard time with this book, it takes place in the Amana colonies. I am unfamiliar with this religion (the author does not even explain what religion this is) and so was confused why any one would want to join these people.  Also, it said that being single was better then being married, however it was not forbidden.  One of the girls was punished for not keeping the other girl in line~ seems unkind.  I wished the author explained more about the religion.

The story is about two young women.  One has lived in Amana her whole life, and the other has just moved there from Chicago.  It goes through several months of various happenings of the girls.

I think I would have liked the book better with more explanation of the community.  It is also book one in a series as the ending of this book does not explain what happens to one of the girls.  I dislike having to read another book to find out the conclusion.

Price:  $14.99 to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Levi's Will

By W. Dale Cramer

Bethany House Publishing

Winner of the 2006 Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction

"Dusk. An Amish farm in Ohio. Will's father doesn't recognize him at first--it's been eight years--so he holds a match up to Will's face to see him better. "I thought you were dead," Levi Mullet says, then blows out the match and walks away. 

This is not how it's supposed to be. Where's the fatted calf? The party?

For years, Will has worked to overcome the ban of his father and the Old Order Amish community. Only now, when the life of his own son hangs in the balance, does he begin to see the truth--that love is the proof of God, and forgiveness the proof of love.

Levi's Will is the mesmerizing story of an Amish man seeking to build a bridge across three generations."

 I tried reading this book twice~ and I still could not get in to the book.  I found it dragging and long.  I am sorry I could not give any other opinion.  Very rarely do I not finish a book~ but this one was one of the few.

Price:  $ 13.99 to purchase go here.

*I was sent a free copy  of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Out of the Spin Cycle

by Jen Hatmaker

Revell Publishing

MOPS 2010 Theme Devotional book.

This book is divided into 40 chapters or devotionals.  They are short~ about a page or two.  Perfect for a quick read each day.  Jen Hatmaker makes motherhood fun and also gives us the spiritual boost we need from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

There are questions & activity suggestions at the end of each chapter to encourage readers to think about the chapter they just read.

I think the reason for me not enjoying this book is because I was reading it straight through to review, instead of one chapter each day or week.  I did not have the time devoted to dive deeper in to the book.

Price:  $11.99  purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Fit For My King

by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Baker Publishing Group

In this 30 day journey, the bestselling author of His Princess shares how God healed her from an eating disorder, helped her conquer chronic fatigue, and gave her the strength and wisdom to lose over sixty pounds and keep it off. Today, at nearly 50 years old, Sheri Rose is healthy and free. More than a half a million women have been set free through this life changing teaching.

You can win this diet war once and for all! Sheri Rose Shepherd walks through each day with you, supporting you with 30 days of life changing devotions, heartwarming stories, creative cooking, and a daily dose of Scripture to keep you on track. The treasures of truth found in these pages will transform the way you see yourself forever.

It's time to get your girlfriends together and become the best version of you! God loves you and will be with you every step of the way.

 Price: $ 14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher for me to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest opinion.

Momology

A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids

By Shelly Radic

Revell Publishing

As a mother we all need support from one another.  Momology : A guide to Shaping Great Kids is designed to give moms a helping hand with mothering.  Shelly Radic is chief of staff for MOPS international.

Each of the four sections is broken in to several subsections.  here are also various real life "field studies" to help along the way. 

I had a hard time with this book.  Most of the book is about improving one's self as a mother.  I really had a hard time getting in to it.  I though it was going to be a book about giving our children values and helping them in the world today and shaping their character.  I also found it to be dry and unappealing.  It was text bookish.  However you may discover this book is exactly what you are looking for.

Price:  $13.99 to purchase

*I received this book for free from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

A Love of Her Own

by Maggie Brendan

Revell Publishing

Maggie Brendan is a wonderful author.  In the third book of the Heart of the West series she brings Josh's sister, April, to Montana~ just in time for his wedding to Juliana.  I have read book two, The Jewel of His Heart to read my review click here.  Although this is book two, it can be a stand a lone one.  I have not had the chance to read the first one, but I did fine reading the next two.

April is finished with love after her heart was broken several years ago.  When she receives word from Josh, her brother in Montana, that he is getting married she decides she is ready for a change of scenery for a couple of weeks and leaves to go to Montana.  

While in Montana she has a number of crazy adventures.  She may find Montana to her liking especially when considering a certain gook looking man.

A delightful read.  I wished I could have read it closer to her last book, but after I got in to the book I remembered some of the people from the previous book~ although you would clearly understand the book without reading book 2.

Price:  $14.99 to buy go to Revell Publishing

*I received this book for free from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way and this is my opinion.