My Thoughts on Books & Other Things Too

The Captive Heart

2012-01-30T06:47:00.001-08:00

by Dale Cramer

Read the Back:
The Epic Story of an Amish Community in Peril

Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family's second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight

But it's Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. "He is gentle," his sister said, "until someone he loves is threatened." Is Miriam that someone?

"Cualnezqui," he often calls her--the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she's haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.

Domingo the forbidden.

Inspired by Actual Events!

My Thoughts:
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This book is beautifully written and the author does an amazing job of both drawing the reader into the story and keeping them there. This is the 2nd book in the Daughter of Caleb Bender series (Paradise Valley being book #1). You do not, however, have to read the stories in order.

This book is definitely a tear jerker! You really can understand what the characters are enduring living in amongst bandits in Mexico all the while trying to build their community and prosper as a people.

What I love about this book is that it's a romantic story. The storyline between Miriam and Domingo keeps you guessing right up until the final chapter!

This story contains action, adventure, love, loss and through it all Faith. An amazing read by a very talented author. I recommend reading both of the Daughters of Caleb Bender books and I'm hoping there is another one after this so I can find out more about what happens in Paradise Valley!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Giveaway

2012-01-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Mom's Musings is having a giveaway! Head on over and enter for your chance to win one of three copies of Disney's Treasure Buddies DVD.

DVD Synopsis:

Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped.

Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete. Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.

Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet.

The Keeper

2012-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Read the Back:
A family. A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.

Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.

Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

My Thoughts:

Simply suspenseful. I kept having to remind myself to breathe throughout the entire book. While I found this book slightly harder to get into initially, it was surely no disappointment! The characters, as always, are simply endearing. I really enjoyed how Suzanne gave me mixed emotions about several of the characters. This kept me engaged in the story because I had to figure out how I really felt about them.

I really enjoyed the story lines and the twists and turns that rounded out the book. I was kept guessing right through the end of the story about what would happen in certain situations and that truly makes for a great read. I love reading how the characters faith in God can remain steadfast no matter what life throws at them. It's a great reminder to really examine our own faith and determine if we too could be so strong given the same circumstances.

I found the ending amazing, but also left in such a way as there is room for another book. Then upon reading the Author's note I was informed that there are to be two more books. One in August 2012 and one in January 2013. Can't wait to read them. There is a great journey contained on these pages and I hope it's one you'll decide to take :D

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Favorite Bible - God's Word Translation

2011-12-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald and Illustrated by Ariel Pang

Read the Back:
Bring the Bible alive!

The most treasured stories of the Bible come alive in My Favorite Bible.

Start your little ones on a life-long love of God's word!

This colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. Each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4—8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.

Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.

My Thoughts:
This is the Bible I've been searching for. It breaks the Bible down into terms that young children can understand and it is beautifully illustrated. I also enjoyed the Family Talk and Family Fun parts at the end of each section of scripture. The Family Talk page introduces a Faith Foundation (such as "God Created All Things for His Glory"). There is also a key verse introduced in this part as well as a few easy discussion questions. The Family Fun page has suggestions for activities that the family can do together to reinforce the theme of the previous passage of scripture. I love the idea of doing something that involves the whole family as well as really solidifying what the children have learned from the Bible. I fully intend to purchase a few more copies of this for friends and family members!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Cali Candy Cane Winner

2011-11-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jule Ann!

Groovy Girls - Cali Candy Cane

2011-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Made by Manhattan Toy

ABOUT CALI CANDY CANE:

DESIGNED FOR AGES 3+

Cali Candy Cane is as sweet as they come. Her velvet red dress and green and white striped stockings reveal her tasteful holiday personality. Her hair is full of candy cane colors with a mixture of light blonde and red highlights. Cali Candy Cane is as festive as they come, from her stocking cap to her cute green handbag.

MY THOUGHTS:
So I have been waiting for a while for this doll to arrive as I knew my now 3.5 yr. old daughter would LOVE her. I was right. The first words out of her mouth were "Thank you mommy, It's exactly what I wished for." LOL. My daughter has a tendency to over dramatize everything, but it still warmed my heart to hear her be so excited!

I absolutely love the groovy girls collection, though, honestly, this is the first one we've actually owned. April and I spent a great portion of the afternoon playing with Cali. The detailing on her is so beautiful. She has a red dress and a small handbag. The dress can come off with the simple snipping of one dart on her back, but I like that it's attached initially giving the parent the option of whether or not they want their doll's clothes to be able to be taken off. I find that my children always like taking the clothes off, but this time I opted to leave the stitch there and told April that the clothes are sewn on so they don't come off. Same thing goes for the handbag. You can take a stitch out if you want it to come off.

April says that her favorite part of the doll is the shoes. I think I better start saving now as April is already showing signs of being a shoe a holic! LOL.

I have to say that I have two favorite parts of this doll. I LOVE the green eyes that she has as many dolls have blue or brown eyes so it's refreshing to see a different color. The second thing is that the entire doll is plush so if you have kids fighting over the doll at least nobody gets hurt in the process :D

This would make a great gift for a little girl or even boy. My 2 yr. old son loves Cali too :D I think he just likes how soft she is and he really likes to pet her hair. All in all a great toy for any child.

Product available online at www.manhattantoy.com or a Specialty Store near you.

GUESS WHAT?! IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME AGAIN!

That's right, Manhattan Toy has offered a Cali Candy Cane doll to one of my readers! This contest is open to US and Canada residents only!

HOW DO I ENTER? Well I'm glad you asked...just follow the instructions below and Good Luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY:
"Like" Manhattan Toy on Facebook (HERE) AND Visit www.manhattantoy.com, browse their toys, and leave a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy products your child would like and why. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment too. No email address, no entry.

For additional entries -
1. Follow Manhattan Toy on Twitter (HERE) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the link to your tweet (one entry per day)

3. Refer a friend to my blog, have them follow it, and have them leave a comment that you sent them. (1 entry per each referral).

THIS CONTEST CLOSES ON NOV. 28th at 11:59 PM so enter soon and often! Winner will be notified on Nov. 29th and will be chosen using Random.org

A Lancaster County Christmas

2011-11-15T05:35:00.000-08:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Read the Back:
Jaime drove up a long lane, using the fence rails to guide her along the snow-covered road. When she reached the top of the lane, the sight nearly took her breath away. Before her was a farmhouse glowing with buttery lights, smoke from the chimney rising to the sky. A cozy, welcoming beacon in the storm.

From the Cover Flap:
Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn't likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled?

Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve--and into a much slower pace of life.

Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm--and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.

MY THOUGHTS:
What a charming and heart-warming tale. I think that any reader can find a character within this story that they can relate to. As always, I enjoy reading further about the lives of characters that Suzanne has introduced me to in her other books. I feel that by reading more and more of her books I really get to understand the characters and how they interact as well as get a general feel for the landscape of Lancaster County. This story takes us through a Christmas weekend when young couple C.J. and Jaime end up stranded at an amish farm. It's refreshing to read a book that openly talks about how things happen for a reason and that God always has his hand in life's happenings. I enjoy how through the simplicity of Amish ways, God's plans and love for all shines through. This book is an absolute treasure and I would recommend having your Kleenex ready as it will tug on your heartstrings in many different ways.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Rocket Boost Iron Man

2011-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Designed for Ages 3 & Up

Product Description:
Power up and prepare for battle with this awesome electronic Rocket Boost Iron Man figure! When enemies start to engage, make this figure’s battle cannon accessories spring into place, so he’s ready for whatever they throw at him. His light-up eyes and rocket pod accessories show he’s prepared for a knock-down, drag out battle and, when you press his chest button, you’ll even hear battle sounds and phrases like, “Hero up!” When the moment is right and it’s time to really shake enemies to the core, press his foot trigger for jet battle sounds and deploy his “wings” to their full 11 inches! No bad guys can possibly win against you and this mighty “metal-clad” warrior!

Includes 2 “AA” batteries.

My Thoughts:
I bought this for my 2 yr. old for his birthday and he just loves it! At this age he really enjoys pushing the buttons to hear all the sounds and phrases as well as opening and closing Iron Man's wings. A friend's almost 3 yr. old son was at my son's b-day party where Iron Man was in attendance and he was playing much more interactively with Iron Man. He was making him fly around the room and moving his arms and legs. I really like the chunky design of this toy as it makes it easier to move the parts and I just feel like it's not going to fall apart on me. The effects are well done and the phrases are clear and easy to understand. This would make a great addition to any little boy (or girl's) toy collection and can be found at most major retailers.

DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated for this review. All opinions are my own. I purchased this item on my own.

Playmobil's My Take Along 123 Noah's Ark

2011-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
Designed for Ages 1.5 yrs. and up

Set Includes:
Noah & his wife
One Ark w/ Loading Ramp
2 Giraffes, Elephants, Zebras, Lions, and Doves
Feed Bag
Water/Food Trough

PRODUCT FEATURES:
Removable Deck for Storage
Latched Roof on Deck
Boat Floats
Handle for Easy Portability

MY THOUGHTS:
I love Playmobil 123 sets as they are built for little hands. The pieces are chunky and well built so there is no worrying about parts making their way into airways. I purchased this set for my son's 2nd birthday and he just loves it. He was immediately drawn to the toy because of the handle on top. He grabbed on and walked off with it (once we got it out of the box)! One of the reasons I bought this toy was to try it in the bath. While the box didn't specifically state in words that this toy would float, it did show a picture of the boat in water so I decided to hope for the best. I was so glad I did. This boat is PERFECT for the bath! My son really enjoys making the animals get in to the ark and his laughter as each of the animals float around in the water is priceless. Since this is a high quality toy I made sure to set everything to dry after playing in the bath, but the pieces are designed to get wet and dry very easily. The only down side to this toy is the fighting over who will play with it in the tub! This would make a great Christmas gift to any little boy or girl and is available at many different retailers.

DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. I purchased this product on my own.

Mooney's Bay Bistro

2011-11-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

Located at:
731 Ridgewood Ave.
Ottawa, ON

We decided, on a friend's recommendation, to stop in to Mooney's Bay Bistro for a nice Sunday Brunch. We were not disappointed! My breakfast consisted of two eggs, ham, home fries, toast, and coffee for $4.99! Each of my kids had an egg, toast, bacon, and home fries and juice for $3.99! I really like the fact that you can switch out your home fries for fruit for an additional $1. This makes eating healthier that much easier. Our waitress was very polite and was kind enough to bring out mega blocks and coloring supplies for my 2 & 3 yr. olds. The food was amazingly prepared as asked and was delicious to boot! Can't wait to head back there again :D

You can view their menu HERE. Please check them out and let me know your thoughts here when you do!

Deadly Pursuit (Guardians of Justice #2)

2011-11-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

by Irene Hannon

Read the Back:

A stalker with deadly intent . . .
A woman who protects children . . .
An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective.

Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements--her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

My Thoughts:
Irene Hannon does it again! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. This book contains the characters in Fatal Judgement, but is more focused on Alison. True to Irene's style there is an ever budding romance aspect as well as the action and suspense we've come to love. This book is a great read and keeps you entertained the entire way through. If you loved Fatal Judgement, you'll love this one too. If you haven't read Fatal Judgement that's okay as the characters are reintroduced throughout Deadly Pursuit so you need not read the books in succession. Pick up your copy and enjoy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Queen

2011-09-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

By Steven James

Read the Back:

While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.

In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.

The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."

My Thoughts:
This is the 5th book in the Bower Series by Steven James. Preceding books are: The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop. This is, however, the first book by Steven James that I have ever read and I must say that he did NOT disappoint me in one bit! I didn't feel lost from not having read the other 4 books, which, to me, is an important thing within series of books.

This book is packed full of interesting characters in a great variety of situations. There is action on every page! This is another book that initially runs parallel story lines so that takes a little getting used to. I also found some of the initial descriptions of a crime scene to be a bit graphic, but it didn't distract from the story so that's a bonus!

This has a good blend of action and suspense as well as the "romantic" side too. I felt fulfilled by this book as it read just as if I were watching a movie. It was a quick read and it was enjoyable the entire way through.

I will definitely be reading the others in the Patrick Bower series and I recommend that you pick up a copy of Steven James' The Queen for yourself!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Realms Thereunder

2011-09-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

By Ross Lawhead

Read the Back:
ANCIENT LEGEND TELLS OF AN ARMY OF KNIGHTS THAT WILL REMAIN SLEEPING UNTIL THE LAST DAYS.

THE KNIGHTS ARE WAKING UP.

A homeless man is stalked by a pale, wraithlike creature with a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. Maimed animals and a host of suicides cluster around a mountain in Scotland. And deep beneath the cobbled streets of Oxford, a malicious hoard besieges a hidden city.

Freya Reynolds is a university student with a touch of OCD and an obsession with myth and folklore. Daniel Tully is living rough on the streets of Oxford, waging a secret war against an enemy only he can identify. Years ago, they found themselves in a world few know is real. They have since gone their separate ways and tried to put that adventure behind them.

But the mythical world is now bleeding into our reality -- a dark spiritual evil that is manifesting itself in forgotten corners of the British Isles. Alex Simpson is a Scottish police officer who specializes in hunting mythical creatures. Together, they must confront the past, the present, and points beyond to defeat the ultimate threat to humanity.

Nothing they've seen so far prepares them for what awaits...in The Realms Thereunder.

My Thoughts:

I had a very strong Love/Hate relationship with this book from the very beginning. At first, I hated it. I found it very hard to follow and was getting annoyed with the languages that were presenting themselves. Then, once I figured out the general layout and flow of the book, I enjoyed it more and more. (though I still didn't like dealing with the language).

The action and adventure that is in this book is amazing and I did find myself holding my breath a few times. The characters and creatures in this book are presented in such a way as to allow the reader to really imagine and extrapolate on how the author describes them. I enjoy this about a book. It lets me imagine things how I think they'd look.

The story lines are easy enough to follow, but there were a few parts, honestly, that I skimmed. However, I feel that it was the author's intent for the reader to do so and, as you'll see when you read this book, it helps the reader to really relate to the character of Freya in that moment.

There is a whole lot going on in this book and it really has you discovering new twists and turns right up through the end of the book. I definitely recommend picking up a copy and I look forward to reading the next book in Sept. 2012.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Stuck DVD Study

2011-09-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

By Jennie Allen

Read the Back:

We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God. These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.

Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.

Features include:
- 8 sessions on DVD
- Study Guide with story-driven teaching, Scripture study, and short
five-day-per-week lessons
- Leader’s Guide for facilitating group study
- Conversation cards help to facilitate more spontaneous and authentic
conversation
- Promotional resources for churchwide campaign

Additional Stuck study guides can be purchased separately (ISBN 9781418548742).
One kit is recommended for each group of 8-12 women.

My Thoughts:
This study is really different from many studies I've done and that's a good thing :D The chapters in the study are: Intro, Broken, Mad, Discontent, Scared, Overwhelmed, Sad, and Unstuck. The titles really describe what the chapter deals with. I was given the chapter of Mad, which was really ironic as I have been talking with my husband about anger management and this really spoke to me.

Basically the best way for me to review this is to explain how it is I think this curriculum would best work. I could see a group of women gathering and opening with prayer for the session. Then the video clip for the chapter (which ranged from 5-10 min. long) would be played. The corresponding scripture listed in the book would then be read. There are responses to the scripture that could be discussed with the group as a whole. The next section of the book is an inward reflection on yet another scripture and each individual's life. This would work well as a "take a few minutes by yourself and think on this, we'll then come back together as a group and share if you feel comfortable" section. Then there is a section with projects that could be done at the gathering or at home as a sort of "homework".

I enjoyed the DVD clips greatly as the pictures that accompany Jennie's speaking are so metaphorical and really drive home the point that she is making.

I definitely think that the conversation starting cards that come with the kit would give an added value to it, but I didn't have the opportunity to see those. This is not designed to be a solo study, and although you could do it by yourself, I feel that the encouragement and discussions that would come from doing this in a group would be greatly beneficial to anyone.

This curriculum would definitely be great for any group of women. It would be a nice retreat curriculum too if you broke it down into several chunk sessions.

Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Amish Values for Your Family

2011-08-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Read the Back:
"Amish Values for Your Family is charming! It will lift your spirits and bring you closer to the Amish."--Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times bestselling author of When the Soul Mends

When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. Just how do they establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions? In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the secrets of Amish family life. In this inspiring and practical book, you will meet real Amish families that are a lot like yours. Through their stories you'll discover how to

* slow down
* safeguard family time
* raise children who stand strong in their faith
* prioritize what's truly important

Amish values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.

My Thoughts:

This was an absolutely lovely book to read. Just in reading it I could feel the stress of the world lifting away. I love how this book reminds us of how even the simple things in life can make the biggest impact! The Amish Proverbs that start each chapter are truly words of wit and wisdom. Again, I found myself thinking about printing some of them off and hanging them around my house!

The section of the chapters titled "Road Map: Getting There from Here" are full of questions that the reader can use to examine how things are in their own lives and how they can challenge themselves to change the negatives into positives. I really enjoyed these sections as they got me thinking a lot about how I approach things in my life especially in relation to my children.

This book would make a great gift for anyone! I highly recommend it :D

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes™ Game Review & Giveaway!

2011-07-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

A BIT ABOUT THE GAME:

Includes 27 wooden dominoes with cute-as-a-bug illustrations for each number. These colorful dominos will provide hours of fun filled play. Tiles come in a portable bug habitat with sliding mesh window that is easy to take anywhere. Ages 2+.

MY THOUGHTS:

Skills Learned/Practiced & Lessons Taught
When I first received this product to review, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. Dominoes? Really?! I never played dominoes until I was much older and, to be honest with you, I often found it to be a boring game. However, now that I'm a parent, my views have changed drastically and I'll explain why.

This Busy Bug Count and Match Dominoes Game is great for young children. My daughter is 3 and we sat down together today and played this game. There are many different skills that she is learning and practicing by playing this game. She practices her counting by counting out each player's starting tiles (for her and I this was 7 tiles each). Next the instructions tell you to stand the tiles on their sides in a line. It was obvious that the fine motor skill of standing flat things on their sides needed to be worked on some more. While she got frustrated when the dominoes kept falling over, she persevered and was able to stand all 7 of her tiles up. She had such a smile on her face after accomplishing that small task.

Next the player with the highest totaled domino plays first. This part I had to help her with, but if I had been patient we could've easily counted all the bugs on each of her tiles and mine to see which tile had the most (wasn't quite that patient today :D).

Both times she had the higher tile so she played first. The next skill that presented itself was matching. My daughter was able to look at the two playable spots and match her tiles to them. After once or twice of explaining if she had no matches that she needed to pick a new tile, she learned to do it on her own when no matches were available. I was quite amazed at how quickly my 3 yr. old picked up on the rules of this game.

Mommy won round 1 and round 2 went to my daughter. The final skill learned from this game is good sportsmanship! Having lost the first round, my daughter became a bit upset that she wasn't the winner. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to her that you can't win every time. I asked her if she wanted to play again and she said yes. When she won the second round she proceeded to taunt me. Another teachable moment to explain that it's not polite to taunt a loser, but that you should instead shake hands and say good game.

I absolutely love the lessons I can teach by playing a simple game like dominoes!

Quality and Craftmanship of the Game
A wooden box encases 27 wooden tiles. The box and tiles are both very well made. The tiles are chunky enough for small hands. The pictures on the tiles are simple and colorful. The backs of the tiles sport a multi-colored stripe pattern that matches nicely with the color schemes of the rest of the tiles. The carrying case for the dominoes doubles as a bug habitat, but personally I'd be too worried about losing one of the dominoes when they are out of the case and I wouldn't want the beautiful case to get dirty. That's just me though! It would certainly work well to contain bugs and has a sturdy carrying handle!

The size of this game is great too. It'd be an easy game to throw into your carry on to play on the plane or in w/ your camping gear for a family game night! Very good size measuring around the size of a box of Mac - n - Cheese (only slightly deeper).

This is a great product for young kids and it is available online at www.manhattantoy.com or at a Specialty Store near you.

As an added bonus to my readers, Manhattan Toy is offering free shipping* on any order at www.manhattantoy.com from Today – August 31st, 2011. Simply Enter promo code TRAVELTOY.

*FREE SHIPPING OFFER VALID IN U.S. ONLY!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!! OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS!
This contest will run until July 25th, 2011 (since it's my big 30th b-day that day!) All entries must be received by midnight on the 25th to qualify!

Manhattan Toy has graciously offered to send a Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes Game to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! Just follow the steps below to enter! Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted via email if they win.

!!!ALL COMMENTS MUST INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!!

MANDATORY TO QUALIFY FOR GIVEAWAY**:
1. Like Manhattan Toy on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.
2. Visit Manhattan Toy's website and leave me a comment stating what other Manhattan Toy your child would enjoy and why.

**These 2 items must be completed to qualify for the giveaway and before you can be eligible for any additional entries!

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An Amish Love (Three Amish Novellas)

2011-07-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long

READ THE BACK:

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR, OLD-FASHIONED COURTSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL, AND LOVE IS AN ETERNAL PROMISE.

HEALING HEARTS by Beth Wiseman
He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART by Kelly Long
Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

WHAT THE HEART SEES by Kathleen Fuller
When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident -- and then her boyfriend shortly after that -- she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

MY THOUGHTS:

This book came to me in the mail MONTHS ago and I have just now had the opportunity to read it. I'm glad that it didn't get lost among all the other review books I have because it really is a treasure of a book! The three novellas in this book are each their own story, but the characters from each story intertwine among all the stories. It gives the reader the feeling of congruency.

Each of these stories is beautifully written. Having grown up just a short distance away from several different Amish communities, I was familiar with the look of the characters and that really helped make the characters real to me.

My favorite thing about this book, however, is how it kind of caught me off guard. I was really hit hard by the unconditional love that these characters felt towards one another. There were many times I was teary eyed simply because of a heartfelt gesture or phrase that one of the characters would use. It made me take a look at the way I treat those around me (especially my hubby)and to cherish those things. I think it also makes me long for the type of relationship and romance that you see throughout this book. It's like once you're married, the romantic part drifts away. I miss the small things my husband would do for me to show me he cared. Now we are all so busy with the kids and such that life just gets in the way.

I really like that this book is broken down into three separate stories. By doing this, each of the stories has its own significant impact, but at the same time the reader meets new characters and sees how their lives fit into the lives of the characters they met in the previous story.

As an added bonus feature of the book, the authors have included several Amish recipes for treats found throughout the stories as well as a Reading Group Guide to help with discussions about the book once finished. The authors even state that the "guide contains spoilers, so don' tread before completing the novellas". This group guide allows the readers to delve deeper into their relationship with Christ. What a wonderful addition to be used at the readers' discretion.

Word of advice: If you are going to read this book, don't do it near your time of the month otherwise you will need to buy several boxes of tissues! Otherwise, I highly recommend this book! :D

The Lady of Bolton Hill

2011-06-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

by Elizabeth Camden

Read the Back:
When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain’s worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts – and lives – hang in the balance?

My Thoughts:
You definitely can’t judge this book by its cover. The image on the front does not fit the author’s description of Miss Clara Endicott’s personality one bit! I found this book captivating from the very start. You are introduced to Daniel as a boy and you learn about some of his and Clara’s back story before you are fast forwarded to 12 years in the future.

The passion with which these characters interact really made this story come to life for me. The author’s use of imagery also throws the reader into the action and drama as it unfolds. I found, however, that when the second, parallel storyline was introduced it initially disrupted the flow of the story line, but eventually it all came together nicely.

This book was a relatively quick read once I found the time to sit and just read it. A beautiful love story that will leave take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The Lady of Bolton Hill was just a delight to read.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Danino Go Yogurt Drinks

2011-06-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

As a mother of two young children, I find myself constantly struggling to find foods for my kids that are healthy, convenient, and that both of them like. I often find that the foods my kids like are hard for them to eat while we are on the go. Then, I stumbled upon Danino Go Yogurt Drinks. These are really convenient! I can bring them along easily and I simply grab a straw for each kid, poke it through the foil lid, and presto...instant mess-less breakfast or snack.

Danino Go comes in three flavors; Strawberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry Banana. I have only tried the strawberry banana yogurts with my kids and they slurp them right down. My oldest asks for a yogurt drink more often than for cookies or "treats" as she calls any other special/sugary food.

Another added bonus to these yogurt drinks is that they provide the calcium and dairy servings that my kids need. My children are NOT milk drinkers at all, but they love their yogurts & cheese.

Interesting fact: Danino Go is a source of calcium and vitamin D. A single 93 ml serving provides 3 g of protein! It also contains 30% less sugar than their original recipe did.

Overall, a great choice for busy moms on the go. I highly recommend them!

Heaven Is for Real

2011-05-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Read the Back:
“DO YOU REMEMBER THE HOSPITAL, COLTON?” SONJA SAID. “YES, MOMMY, I REMEMBER,” HE SAID. “THAT’S WHERE THE ANGELS SANG TO ME.”

When Colton Burpo made it through an emergency appendectomy, his family was overjoyed at his miraculous survival. What they weren’t expecting, though, was the story that emerged in the months that followed – a story as beautiful as it was extraordinary, detailing their little boy’s trip to heaven and back.

Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery – and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on. He talked of visiting heaven and relayed stories told to him by people he met there whom he had never met in life, sharing events that happened even before he was born. He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read.

With disarming innocence and the plainspoken boldness of a child, Colton tells of meeting long-departed family members. He describes Jesus, the angels, how “really, really big God is, and how much God loves us. Retold by his father, but using Colton’s uniquely simple words, Heaven Is for Real offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us, where as Colton says, “Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses.”

Heaven Is for Real will forever change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see, and believe, like a child.

My Thoughts:

Read It! Simply put. This book was an amazing read. It took me only a matter of hours to get through it. I could NOT put it down!! I would recommend this book to EVERYONE! If you weren’t a believer before reading this book, you would probably reconsider becoming one after.

This book has forever changed my perspective on death and life for that matter. To hear the words of such a young boy and the beauty of heaven as he describes it is truly a blessing. I have always suffered with a fear of death (as most people, yes even Christians, do), but this book has renewed a longing for getting to see Jesus on my final day!

I love the simplicity of how God uses Colton’s experience to touch so many lives. There is an underlying message of hope and restoration for all the readers.
As a parent I found certain portions of the book difficult to get through. I was suffering right along side the Burpos as they watched their little boy becoming sicker. There were several times where I was crying while reading this book. I love when a book can stir such emotion in me as it means it’s well written and relatable.

Read it…share it…talk about it.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Project Dad: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide for Becoming a Great Father

2011-05-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

By Todd Cartmell

Read the Back:
What does it take to build a great dad?

Men like to build things. We like to take parts and put them together to make a whole. Did you know that this do-it-yourself talent can help you become a great dad?
In his fresh, humorous style, Todd Cartmell takes you on an action-packed journey to help you become the dad God made you to be and that your kids hope you will be. You will learn the five key areas that every great dad needs to renovate, including how you look at, talk to, connect with, act toward, and lead your children.

Cartmell shows you that you already have the raw materials at your disposal, then gives you the blueprint for putting them together. Begin your Project Dad today. Your family will never be the same.

My Thoughts:
While this is a book written for men, I found it a useful tool as a mother too. There are many great suggestions to be a better role model for your children. I also thought it would be good to read it as my husband is not usually into the self-help type of books…not enough sci-fi in it for him :D Todd Carmell surprised me in this book. I was laughing and crying most of the way through. He reminds us that nobody is perfect and his humor (while probably more funny for the men) was the laugh out loud kind. I found myself looking around several times while reading to see if my laughing had drawn any sort of attention to me.

I really enjoyed the re-caps of the key points in each chapter. There is also a “Getting to Work” section that actively draws the reader to examine where they stand with God and their kids.

I recommend this book for any dad, but especially for Christian ones as it really digs into what God has planned for us and how to build our relationship with Christ in order to build our relationship with our kids.

The part of the book that struck me the most is: “Look at your children the way that God looks at them, and you will help them become what God made them to be.” How true is that? I plan to make a print out of it and post it where I can see it daily.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Thanks to the wonderful people at Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin, I have a copy of Project Dad to give away to one of my lucky readers. To enter is simple.

To Participate:
Leave me a comment stating one positive thing about one of the men in your life (i.e.: husband, brother, father, etc.) and include your email address. THIS ENTRY IS MANDATORY.

EMAIL MUST BE INCLUDED IN EACH ENTRY IN ORDER TO BE NOTIFIED IN THE EVENT OF A WIN.

Additional Entries:
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5. Link to this giveaway on Facebook and tell me about it.
6. Tweet about this contest and give me a link about it (one entry per day).
7. Blog this contest and give me the link. (3 entries) – leave 3 separate comments with your link and email address.

DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL FOR EACH STEP. NO EMAIL MEANS YOU CAN’T WIN!

Open to Canadian Residents Only!

Random.org will be used to determine the winner. If you win, you will have 24 hours to contact me and give me your mailing address to receive your prize.

Deadline: End of the day on June 10th, 2011.

Giveaway

2011-04-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Canadian Ladybug Reviews' blog to enter to win a PJ Tots doll for someone special in your life. Be sure to read the instructions for the giveaway carefully and good luck!!

While there be sure to read some of her reviews as she has reviewed many new and interesting products as well as a variety of software for home schoolers and parents.

PJ Tots are a product of Manhattan Toys and would be a great gift for any little girl (or boy).

The Search

2011-03-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Read the Back:

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE, CAN THE TRUTH SET TWO YOUNG WOMEN FREE?

As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O’Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge – the very town in which that decision was made – she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother, Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn’t take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.

Lainey’s and Bess’s worlds are about to collide, and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.
Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming – and surprising – tale of young love, forgiveness, and healing.

My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher does it again. What an amazing story this is! I love a book that can keep me guessing right up until the end, and I especially love a book that makes me think I’ve got it all figured out and then surprises me. This book does just that.

The characters are warm, endearing, and very relatable (even to someone who is not Amish). I can remember feeling the same way as both Bess & Lainey as I grew through my teenage years and my early 20s. My favorite part about this book, however, was catching glimpses of the characters from the first 2 books in the series (The Choice and TheWaiting) and seeing how all the characters tie in together within the community.

Be sure to have your tissues handy throughout this book as it really tugs at your heart strings quite frequently. Also, be sure to allot yourself some time to read as it is hard to put this book down!

This is a must read for someone that has read the prior two books, but is a stand alone book as far as story line goes so ANYONE can pick up a copy to read and I encourage you to do so!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Promises to Keep

2011-02-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

by Ann Tatlock

Read the Back:

A MOTHER fleeing unspeakable danger to keep her children safe…

TWO YOUNG GIRLS guarding secrets in a “cross my heart and hope to die” pledge…

A FATHER desperate to be reunited with his family…

Award-winning author ANN TATLOCK skillfully blends her well-drawn characters into an inspiring tale of unimaginable courage and selfless love.

My Thoughts:

An edge of your seat kind of book from the very first page! This book really delves into the life of 10 yr. old Roz and the entire story is narrated from her point of view. This gives realism to the characters and the events that unfold. It reminds the reader of the innocence and pure love of a child. This story also touches on the civil rights and war issues that were present during the 60’s & 70’s. I absolutely love the characters in this story. I love that the author gives each of them strength and wisdom beyond their years while still reminding us through naivety that some of them are just kids.

This book was a tear-jerker in parts and had you guessing until the very end what would happen next. I love the ending of this book and I hope that you’ll pick up a copy too so that you can find out what happens to Roz.

Disclaimer:

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Paradise Valley

2011-01-31T19:10:00.000-08:00

by Dale Cramer

Read the Back:

“I would do a great many things for you.” Even at sixteen, Jake’s handsome features hold the calm certainty and patient confidence of a man, and Rachel Bender knows – Jake Weaver is the one.

Rachel will grow into a strong young woman with powerful gifts – but in a faraway country, without her Jake. In 1921, Ohio’s new law forces Caleb Bender’s family to seek sanctuary in the wilds of Mexico, where the government will not interfere with their Amish way of life or take their children from them. Nor will it protect them from the bandits terrorizing the countryside.

In an unfamiliar land where no one speaks their language or knows their ways, the Benders establish a homestead in exile. Sisters Emma, Rachel, and Miriam find strengths unimagined, gifts unexpected, and yearning beyond their deepest dreams. Even steadfast Caleb is compelled to wrestle with the demands of faith, only to discover that love has its own demands.

My Thoughts:

Gripping from the very start. Within the first 5 chapters of the book I was hooked! It’s rare that a book can grab me that quickly, but I’m glad it did. Dale Cramer’s book differs from most Amish books in that it adds an adventure side to it as well. There were parts of the book that were very suspenseful and parts where you could just soak up the emotions of each character.

I really love the character of Jake Weaver. He is the hopeless romantic type that most women can only dream of. Each character has their uniqueness to them and I really love that about Dale’s writing. You can vividly picture each character and the emotions they feel are raw and grip the reader.

I also found myself still learning new things about the Amish culture and language. I just love the way that the Amish dialect is peppered throughout the book and it intermittently reminds me that the characters are Amish as sometimes you can forget or your imagination can drift away from who the characters really are.

Thank you to Dale for writing such a beautiful piece of work. I recommend this book highly to anyone!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Fatal Judgement

2011-01-26T16:02:00.001-08:00

by Irene Hannon

Read the Back:

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he’d rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven’t warmed in the five years since she drove her husband – and Jake’s best friend – to despair…and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he’s forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life – and his heart – are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

My Thoughts:

This book took me a little while to get into. It’s the first time I’ve read a book with the premise of a U.S. Marshal so being a little unfamiliar with the background of a U.S. Marshal’s job could’ve played into that a bit. Initially the plot felt highly predictable, but as I got further into the story I became more directly involved in the story. The way the author describes the characters via another character’s eyes really helps the reader to feel the emotions that the describing character is feeling. I was quite surprised to find out about a character ½ way through that I thought I’d spend the whole book guessing about, but it really helped his character develop more and fit the story well.

When I finally hit the ½ way point of the book I found it harder and harder to put down. There was a lot more action and suspense and I was becoming so engrossed in the book that it was as though I was watching a movie. There were several times I had to remind myself to breathe because I had been holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen next.

I really loved the way the characters interacted with each other from the jeering and the way the author describes each character’s facial expression throughout. It really helped the vividness of the story. My suggestion to anyone wanting to read this book is to pick it up for sure, but be sure to give it time to work its magic. Stick with it and you WON’T be disappointed!

This review was made possible because I was provided a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

2011-01-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

by Nancy Guthrie

Read the Back:

Draw nearer to God – and to each other – every day during Advent.

How many Christmas mornings have you found your family gathered around the tree with presents beautifully wrapped and a scrumptious feast on the table – but with hearts that have not been prepared to truly take in the wonder of God’s becoming human? Not this year.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, a family Advent devotional from Bible teacher and mom Nancy Guthrie, is designed to bring your family together during a season that is often too much about programs and presents and simply not enough about Jesus. Along with devotions for every day in December, this resource includes explanations of some hard-to-understand elements of popular Christmas carols and discussion questions that will draw your elementary through high school age kids into the conversation, transforming this time together from a dry lecture into a treasured family experience.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The readings were short and sweet which is important when you have a 2 yr. old trying to listen to your words. I really enjoyed the interspersing of well known Christmas carols and the explanations of what some of the words mean within them. The discussion starters are great for adults, but are definitely not for young children. The prayers are meaningful and relate perfectly with what each reading is trying to get across. There is also a section within each days’ reading that guides the reader to other scriptures that reference the theme of the day. For example, on the day that is titled Eagerly Waiting the author gives the readers two scriptures that talk about “Waiting for Jesus to Return”. These particular scriptures are ones that I wouldn’t necessarily have found on my own (Titus 2:11-14 and 2 Timothy 4:8).

This beautiful hard cover edition would make a great gift for the holiday season and its compact size would mean it would mail well (cheaper than bulky gifts) so why not surprise a loved one next Christmas?

Pink Espresso Giveaway

2011-01-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

What is PINK Espresso?

PINK Espresso is a proud Canadian fashion and beauty company (e-commerce), based in Ottawa, Ontario. They retail products include: Jewelery, Beauty and Organic/Vegan cosmetics, Nail products and Brand name bath and lotion products. Most of their products are made in Canada and from Canadian companies.

Their website is very easy to use and customers can purchase a variety of fashion and beauty products all at one stop only with their finger tips, perfect for busy moms and gals.

They also wholesale jewelery and they are seeking jewelery distributors which is perfect for moms if they are interested in starting their own business while taking care of their family at the same time! (text courtesy of Canadianladybug Reviews).

GIVEAWAY

You can win a 1.75Ct. 18K White Gold GP Solitaire Pendant with one 18K White Gold GP Chain - 18inch /18KGP-SC2 as well as a pair of earrings of 3.0Ct Stud Earrings. It's simple...visit Canadianladybug Reviews blog and follow the instructions to win.

Best of luck to everyone!

Voices of the Faithful

2011-01-07T05:13:00.001-08:00

Read the Back:

DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE…THE FAITH…THE FIRE?

Loving the world as God does involves extreme sacrifice. It also has radical effects, demonstrated in these 366 true accounts of fellow believers from around the world.

A Christian claims the names of God at knifepoint and lives to tell about it…
Prayer revives a coma victim, in defiance of village witch doctors…
A Bible verse between friends helps a Hindu family discover the light of Christ…
An abused seven-year-old asks, “Do you have any pills that would give me hope?”…
A former Muslim finds forgiveness in the Jesus she denied…

Voices of the Faithful brings you the amazing stories of hundreds of Christians worldwide who daily go to the outer limits of spiritual devotion and are living the passionate, courageous life Jesus challenged us all to live.

If you’re bored with your comfort-fit Christianity, if you’re ready for God to shake you awake, then take the challenge. Find out in these pages what on earth God is doing in your generation…and discover your role in making a difference in the world.

My Thoughts:
This is an amazing devotional. Each day starts out with a verse, followed by someone’s story, and ends with a prayer. The stories are truly impactful and really open your eyes to what’s going on around the world and what sacrifices people are making in the name of God.

I really enjoy the length of each day’s devotion as well. Being a busy mom, I constantly struggle to find time to be with God each day. These bite-size devotions are just perfect.

I love the vine artwork throughout the book. It really reminds us to bear good fruit. Another great feature is at the beginning of each new month, Beth Moore writes a couple of pages explaining what will be the focus for the month. It’s a great overview and it allows the reader to easily transition from one focus to another.

This review was possible because I received a free copy of Voices of the Faithful from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The Waiting

2010-12-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Read the Back:

SHE WAS WAITING FOR LOVE – AND FOUND IT IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACE.

Jorie King’s life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning – until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengths, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren’t as simple as they seem.

My Thoughts:

This is an amazing book that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I cried MANY times while reading it. I was shocked at how many of those times were just in the first 3 chapters!!! The characters are very charming and you instantly connect with each of them. I found it funny though that I kept trying to make Cal older than he was supposed to be. I guess we just see things as we want to sometimes. This story had many twists and turns and always kept you guessing. I had a couple of Ah Ha moments as well as a few Oh No moments! I absolutely love the integration of the Amish faith into Suzanne’s stories. I always come away from these books feeling blessed and reminded of God’s love for us and his promises for us.

I really loved the emotions that Suzanne makes her readers feel. I just wanted to leap into the book and hug the characters sometimes while at other times I wanted to give a stern talking to some of them. I really love when an author can pull me into the story and make me believe that each thing happening could actually happen. I hate reading stories where I have to roll my eyes and say, “yeah right…like that would ever happen.” Or have to groan at the mushy/gushy-ness of a book. I didn’t get that with this book. It is truly a heart warming story that will keep you guessing right up until the last chapter.

This review was made possible because I received a copy of The Waiting from Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Neighbor Totoro DVD - Rated G

2010-11-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Read the Back:

Enter a whimsical "garden of earthly delights" (The New York Times), in this enchanting fantasy adventure that has become an international favorite of children around the world.

Deep inside a tree trunk, two children discover a fascinating new world inhabited by Totoros - amazing, charming creatures who become their friends. Some are big, some are small, but all of them are furry, lovable and ready to do wondrous, magical things...like fly over mountains and make giant trees grow in the middle of the night! Best of all, Totoros can't be seen by adults, only the children who love them.

With its imaginative characters, heartwarming story and striking animation by the award-winning Hayao Miyazaki, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is "certain to delight" (Los Angeles Times) again and again.

My Thoughts:

This is a very enchanting film for "children" of all ages. We purchased this DVD on a whim since we have liked several of Hayao Miyazaki's films and we were NOT disappointed in the least! My daughter (2.5 yrs. old) watches this film repeatedly in any given day. She really enjoys the Totoros which look similar to bunnies or teddy bears. She also really enjoys the music that plays during the credits. What I love about this movie is that even if we watch it multiple times in a row there is always something new to discover in it. Also, it's not annoying as most children's DVDs can be.

I found the back of the DVD to not really hit on the plot description so here is a basic run down without spoiling the movie.

The main characters are sisters named Mei (4 yrs.) and Satsuki (10 yrs.) and they have a mother who is ill and in the hospital. They move into a new house with their dad and discover that there is more to their new place than they expected. They befriend the Totoros and have a few adventures along the way.

Just in case you are wondering what a Totoro is exactly...

What is Totoro?

He has been called many things from "a giant furry thing" to "a rabbit-like spirit". Basically, he is a spirit of the forest. Totoro is not a traditional Japanese character, he came completely from Miyazaki's imagination. However, he is obviously a mixture of several animals: tanukis (ie. the raccoon dog, a wild dog similar to raccoons), cats (the pointed ears and the facial expressions), and owls (the chevron markings on their chests and the "ooo"-ing sound they make with their ocarinas at night).

The name "Totoro" comes from Mei mispronouncing (she has a tendency to do so, though it wasn't clear in the dub) the word "tororu", which is the Japanese word for "troll". When Satsuki asks her "Totoro? You mean, the Troll in our book?" she is referring to their book "Three Mountain Goats" (The Three Billy Goats Gruff). In the closing credits you can see their mother reading the book to them. Although it's hard to see it on the tape, in the picture book for the movie you can see the picture on the cover shows a goat running over a bridge while a Totoro-like troll looks up from underneath the bridge.

I would give this DVD a 5 out of 5 stars as I found it engaging and not annoying :D

ALPHIE GIVEAWAY - Details at end of Post

2010-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Created by Playskool

About ALPHIE:

Who better to explore the world with than someone who's new to it? This ALPHIE robot is on a "field trip" from his home planet and, with a kooky grin and funny faces, it's his "mission" to explore the world! There's practically nothing this little dynamo doesn't want to "talk about" -- from letter sounds and shape sorting to patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and much more, your ALPHIE robot is like a classroom in one little portable robot buddy. Educational fun on-the-go is as easy as can be, too, with this little guy's handled noggin and storage spot for his cards in his backpack. There's a whole lot to discover when you're a preschooler and this ALPHIE figure shares one of the most important lessons, too: learning can be tons of fun!

Product Description:
Now more lifelike than ever before, this learning buddy boasts an LCD screen to depict facial expressions, a childlike friendly voice and a playful, inquisitive personality making ALPHIE robot not just a learning toy, but a beloved companion. Along with an animated personality that children will adore, this modern ALPHIE friend from PLAYSKOOL features important educational activities that help develop early learning skills in toddlers. With their playful ALPHIE pal leading the way, preschoolers can learn the alphabet, rhyming, counting, colour and shape recognition, matching, animal names, instrument sounds and much more! The new and improved ALPHIE learning companion has a sleek new look and convenient carrying handle and comes with thirty double-sided cards containing over 350 fun questions and challenges. Alphie language will have the Canadian Pronunciation of the letter "Z" as well as Canadian spelling of the word "colour" Requires three "AA" batteries, included.

Add even more educational fun to your child's ALPHIE robot (sold separately) with this fun booster pack of number-themed cards! Help your little learner choose from 25 double-sided cards with more than 300 questions and challenges featuring all kinds of number excitement. From counting to 20 and number-object correspondence to amount comparisons, money funamentals and more, there's a whole "world" of discovery waiting to be explored!

Set includes 25 double-sided cards and is geared for ages 3 and up. Also available is the Playskool Alphie Bookster Pack – Letters.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN AN ALPHIE ROBOT AND YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF CANADA PLEASE GO TO http://canadianladybugreviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/annoucing-giveaway.html AND ENTER TO WIN!!!!

Which None Can Shut

2010-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

by Reema Goode

Read the Back:
“See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” REVELATION 3:8

Imagine a place where becoming a Christian is a punishable crime – and your own family exacts the punishment. Where those who spread the Gospel among locals are deported if discovered. Where converts to Christianity face persecution, isolation, or even death as the price for their faith.

“Reema Goode” and her family are Christians working in a closed Middle Eastern country where all of these things are true. Yet they are also firsthand witnesses of a whole new world, where an unprecedented number of Muslims are becoming followers of Jesus.

In this powerful collection of personal stories, Reema takes us deep inside her Arab neighborhood to show how God is opening doors in just one of many Islamic communities. As she walks us through everyday life in a Muslim town, she reveals the diverse, creative, unexpected, and thrilling ways God is reaching her neighbors with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This encouraging, uplifting, and even humorous firsthand account of a Christian family living among Muslims will inspire you in your own walk of faith, teach you how to pray for Muslims and those who minister to them, and encourage you with the knowledge that God’s loving Light is penetrating the darkness.

My Thoughts:
What an amazing testimony of how lives are being changed in the Muslim world and about the power of prayer! This collection of stories will touch your life in ways you never thought possible. I found it to be a great insight into the lives and culture of the Muslim people. The moments that Reema speaks about when a seeking Muslim person finally “sees it” brought me great joy and spread a smile across my face. These testimonies are similar to many of our stories. There are many prejudices towards those of Middle Eastern descent (especially after the tragedy of 9/11). I think that this book can help alleviate some prejudice as well as some ignorance that western society has. It is quite important for us to continue praying for the Middle East and those that are living in the dark. God is doing AMAZING work there!! Each story in this book blessed me in a different way and opened my eyes to the amazing power of God and of prayer. Please pick this book up for yourself and/or someone you know and help eradicate ignorance!

This review was made possible because I received a copy of Which None Can Shut from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Catching Moondrops

2010-11-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

by Jennifer Erin Valent

Read the Back:
Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she has grown up. Having just turned nineteen in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of.
But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett – a young, black doctor – comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface.
The tension starts to bubble over when Miss Cleta, Jessilyn’s neighbor, becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that anger can make her heart as full of hate as the Klan members who have terrorized her family and her town.

My Thoughts:
This is book 3 in a series of books by Jennifer Valent. The first book is called Fireflies in December, followed by the second book, Cottonwood Whispers. This book, Catching Moondrops, is incredibly well written. The author transports the reader back into a time when whites and blacks were separated from each other and the tension between them was at its peak. At times it feels as though you are reading two different books as you have the love story plot lines and the racial tension plot lines. This keeps the book very interesting. I found myself not knowing what could happen next. I really enjoyed the author’s ability to portray the hatred that Jessilyn was feeling towards some of the characters based on their actions. I also really like how Jessilyn struggles with her faith like many people must have during that time period, and still do now for that matter.
I really like how you forget that Jessilyn is only 19. She encounters things that no one, no matter what age, should have to deal with. I have a very hard time imagining what it must’ve been like for someone to live during that time period, but Jennifer Valent really paints the picture of the language, mannerisms, and conflicts that were rampant in the south. One of my favorite parts of the book is the dialect. I can really “hear” the southern drawl of the characters. You can, based on the dialect, picture the mannerisms that the characters must’ve been using (i.e.: a curt nod of the head, a little curtsy, etc.)

Again, a very well written book and I highly recommend it!

This review was possible because I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Ring Sling from Celiascreams

2010-10-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine (Amanda) makes and sells ring slings, nursing necklaces, and wool soakers. I have used the ring sling that she made for me with both my 11 month old son (20 lbs.) and my 2.5 yr. old daughter (30 lbs.). Both my husband and I can use it comfortably and our kids really enjoy riding in it (my daughter actually asks to ride in it!). It is easy to adjust with just one hand, but it does take some practice. Amanda can custom make the sling for you as well. I decided to have her make me a khaki colored sling so that I could convince my hubby to wear it as well. The prices are amazing (average cost of a sling $25) considering you’d easily spend at least $40 on a ring sling in a specialty shop. For more information or to place an order, please visit Amanda’s etsy site located at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/celiascreams

This review was possible because I received a ring sling from celiascreams.

The Way Home DVD

2010-10-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

Read the Back:
An Inspiring True Story

Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”) stars as Randy Simpkins, a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and commitment to his family. Asked by his wife Christal to watch their two-year-old son Joe for a few minutes, Randy is distracted by work and Joe disappears. Racked by guilt, Randy joins Christal in a desperate search for their missing son alongside hundreds of others from their Church and community. Randy and Christal’s strained marriage must now weather the ultimate test – the potential loss of a child. THE WAY HOME is the story of Randy’s powerful spiritual journey back to love, faith and a Godly understanding of what must always take first priority in a man’s life – his family.

My Thoughts:
Remember to have a box of tissues handy when watching this film. I found myself sobbing multiple times. If you’ve ever lost your child, even for 5 minutes, you can relate to the panic and fear that Randy and Christal must’ve been feeling when they discovered that little Joe was missing. As a mother of a two and a half year old, I found this movie EXTREMELY intense. I could just picture myself losing my little girl and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! This is a great movie to watch on a girls’ night out or possibly when you just need a good cry, but unless you have a softie of a husband like I do, you probably won’t be able to convince him to watch it with you. My favorite part of this movie was the way the people of the church and the community came together. Randy’s mother phoned her pastor and a prayer phone chain was started. They had SO many helpers come out. What an amazing testimony to the power of God. Also, it got really gritty when Randy prays out to God in the forest. The rawness of emotion was very gripping. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this film.

This review was made possible because I received a copy of this DVD from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The Thorn

2010-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

by Beverly Lewis

Read the Back:
“Two Amish sisters divided by one sister’s impulsive marriage to an outsider.
Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind…
Rose is unsure of her own heart – devoted to the bishop’s rebellious foster son, yet courted by another.”

My Thoughts:
What an AMAZING book. This book had me near tears several times and beaming right along with the characters in other parts. The story flows really well and makes it a page turner with little desire to set it down in between. Beverly Lewis develops the characters in such a way that anyone can relate to at least one or more of them. I related with Hen, but not for her relationship with her husband, but rather for the one with her daughter Mattie Sue. A young child with a great imagination and zest reminded me SO much of my little girl. You could feel the love that Hen has for Mattie.

I also really enjoy how the author incorporates the Amish lifestyle into the story of the book as opposed to just having it be the scenery where everything takes place. She really describes the layout of the farms and the location of things such as the phone shanty so that you can draw a perfect mental image. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn about the Amish culture when I read a book by Beverly Lewis. I really enjoyed learning phrases commonly used amongst the Pennsylvania Amish and since I have a grandmother that lives just outside of Lancaster, PA, I can appreciate the culture that much more.

I definitely recommend picking up a copy of The Thorn, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Rose Trilogy in April 2011!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Great Contest

2010-09-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

Would you like the chance to win a free pair of mock-diamond earrings from DiamondEarrings.org? Well, it's simple to do. Go visit my friend Canadianladybug's blog HERE. While you're there be sure to read some of her many other reviews on products, books, and much more. Good luck to you!

Hermie and Friends: Who is in Charge Anyway?

2010-09-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Read the Back:

GOD EVEN CARES ABOUT A LITTLE FLEA.

When Freddie hears Hailey and Bailey ask their mother what’s special about fleas, he thinks it’s time to have a talk with God.

Freddie is reminded that Hermie and Flow and Buzby and Webster and even Antonio all had to learn important lessons before their special talents were put to use. Freddie learns that God didn’t make anybody by accident, and that he’s not finished with us yet.

Contains newly animated flashbacks of key garden characters in their youth…along with pivotal scenes from classic episodes.

Lesson is based on Psalm 90:16 “Show your servants the wonderful things you do; show your greatness to their children”.

My Thoughts:

When first given the opportunity to review this DVD for Thomas Nelson I was quite excited. I hadn’t yet seen a Hermie & Friends movie. When I saw that it was associated with Max Lucado I thought that it would be great. Unfortunately, I found this DVD to be rather dull. Granted I’m almost 30, but my 2 yr. old lost interest in it within the first 5 min. and she can often times sit through entire feature length films. The characters were forgettable and the animation wasn’t the greatest. The message (God has a purpose and plan for everyone) was appropriate for the age level, but if my child won’t watch it then the message won’t get across. I would forgo purchasing this DVD…instead, visit your local library to borrow it.

The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman’s Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality

2010-08-30T05:41:00.001-07:00

by Sandy Coughlin

Read the Back:

Real Entertaining for Real People

True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it’s about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining – connecting deeply with others – she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love.

My Thoughts:

I have never been one to open my doors up and let others in. I always had one excuse or another. We’ve all done it. My house is too small, I can’t cook, I don’t know how to hold a conversation, etc. Sandy has many solutions for women everywhere. This book encourages women to let go of perfection (one of the main deterrents of hosting) and to embrace the opportunities to connect with others. She reminds readers about God’s grace and his love for us and how we can use hosting parties or dinners as a means to pass that along to others.
Sandy offers suggestions for hosting parties on a budget and offers up many great recipes that are tried and true from herself and her friends. Some of the recipes include a Dill Bread, Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and Easy Cinnamon Bites with Maple Drizzle (YUM!). There are suggestions for what to stock in your pantry as well as what dishes would be handy to have on hand when you begin hosting more regularly.
Also, ever had an idea for a type of party, but you weren’t quite sure how to pull it off? Well, Sandy has 11 different types of parties that she suggests and each can be tweaked to fit your personal needs. One of my favourite parts of this book (next to the myriad of recipes sprinkled throughout) is the section on conversation. I have a very difficult time not having the same conversations with the same people every time we get together. Sandy gives several suggestions on ways to approach starting conversations and they aren’t as intimidating as one might think.
I feel that this would make an excellent gift for a new bride, but this book would work for any age woman in any stage of their life.

This review was made possible because I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Constantine Conspiracy

2010-08-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

by Gary E. Parker

Read the Back:

THE INNOCENT DON’T RUN – UNLESS THEIR LIVES DEPEND ON IT.

When international playboy Rick Carson stumbles onto a murder in his Montana home, he knows his life will never be the same. But he certainly doesn’t expect to be the prime suspect. And he doesn’t expect to find himself in the middle of a 1700-year-old conspiracy with tentacles reaching into the very highest levels of the government.
Park ranger Shannon Bridge is the first responding law enforcement agent on the scene. She seems legitimate, but is there more to her than meets the eye? Why is she willing to help Rick elude the law?
With unanswered questions and the law closing in, Shannon and Rick must find some way to exonerate him – and expose the truth before it’s too late. In a place where no one is who they say they are and danger lurks around every corner, can they even trust each other?

My Thoughts:

This was a very engaging book. I found myself immediately transported into the story. The characters are well developed and relatable. I really enjoyed the plot twists that the author puts throughout the book. These help to keep the book interesting and the reader engaged in the storyline. Parker writes in such a way as to lead the reader to “solve” the plot twists before the characters, but not in the usually predictable way. There are subtle hints throughout the story that allow the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Another thing that I enjoyed about this book is how the layout is. There are parallel plot lines running which makes the book read more quickly. This style of writing helps keep me interested as I have a short attention span when it comes to reading and plot development. It’s kind of like reading two books at once!
The only thing that I didn’t really like about this book was the love interest parts. They felt a bit “hokey” and/or fake to me and that kind of drew away from the suspense of the main story line. There were actually a couple of times I groaned out loud because of the cheesiness of certain lines of dialogue. Overall this is a great murder mystery story with a wee bit of history thrown in. Definitely an enjoyable book and worth the read.

This review was made possible because I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Picture Me Cooking

2010-07-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

There is a great new recipe book out called Picture Me Cooking. This book is VERY child friendly and is a great way to make memories with your kids. There are many colorful photos of the foods that are created and this makes the cooking experience (or even the decision making process of: Which recipe should we make?) much more enjoyable. You can find out a lot more about this book and it's Authors at their website: www.picturemecooking.com

You can also enter to win 2 copies of this book (one for you and one to pass on to a friend) HERE.

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us

2010-07-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

by Sonya Haskins

Read the Back:
Overwhelmed?
Wonder How Others Do It All?
Not Sure You're Cut Out for Homeschooling?

It's time to break a myth: Homeschooling families aren't perfect. In fact, real-life families like yours can be -- and are -- successful homeschoolers! That's the life message of Sonya Haskins, who is dedicated to helping everyday families meet the challenges of home education and enjoy its countless benefits.

In this practical, encouraging guide, Haskins shares tried and true ideas for how to:
- Discover a realistic vision of homeschooling for your family
- Help your child get excited about learning
- Find a routine that fits your goals and lifestyle
- Nurture a biblical worldview in your child's heart and mind
- And much more

Whether you are already homeschooling or just considering it, this book offers the support, answers, and flexible strategies to help you succeed.

My Thoughts:

If you are considering homeschooling but you aren't quite sure what it entails, then this is the book for you! I knew nothing about homeschooling other than the fact that I was interested in doing it and I had several friends that were doing it too. This book takes a look at the joys and challenges associated with homeschooling. It tackles topics such as socialization, budgeting, routines and schedules, and dealing with relatives. This book gave me a different perspective on things so that I can better decide whether homeschooling is for me or not. This book gives several examples of schedule styles and even includes a chart that will help you compare the differences between homeschooling, private schooling, and public schooling. When you read books on certain topics you tend to see a bias towards one side or another. I didn't find that with this book. It really took a neutral stance and mentioned several times that homeschooling isn't for everyone. While it didn't give me a clear yes or no for homeschooling, it certainly gave me a lot more to think through and consider before embarking on the homeschooling adventure.

This review was made possible because I received a copy of "Homeschooling for the Rest of Us" from Bethany House - a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan

2010-06-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

Notes by Robert Wolgemuth

The Dad's Bible is the perfect addition to any Dad’s library. The language is easy to understand and makes reading the Bible more enjoyable. This Bible offers additional features. At the beginning of each book there is a summary of what the book you are about to read focuses on & what to look for as far as applying it to your own life. There are also sections that take closer looks at particular verses within book. I found this Bible to be easier to sit down and read as it was broken up with the smaller sections that take away some of the tediousness of reading the Bible.

One of my favourite features of this Bible is the Topical Index. This is extremely handy. When your child comes to you asking questions about X,Y, & Z, you can simply refer to the back of your Bible and find verses that deal with said subjects. Even better, there is a section called “Questions and Answers” that delves into specific questions such as:

“Why did God rest on the Seventh Day?” and “Where's Noah's Ark now?” What a great reference for ANYONE!

This Bible would make a fantastic gift for ANY Dad!

This review was made possible because I received a Dad’s Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub

2010-04-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

By Rick Burgess & Bill “Bubba” Bussey

Read the Back:
“ALL THE FAT IS THE LORD’S…”
- Leviticus 3:16
Radio personalities Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey love their grub, and they love it well – and now they want to tell you everything they know about it!
In this bountiful buffet of all-things-vittles, Rick and Bubba of the syndicated Rick & Bubba Show – heard nationally on more than 60 radio stations – will offer you a veritable smorgasbord of tantalizing tidbits to help you get the most out of America’s favorite pastime – eating!

Features of Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub include:

Rick and Bubba’s no-fail Weight Loss Tips

Palate-pleasing recipes to tickle your tummy

Rick and Bubba’s Tribute to the Casserole

“Da Rules” for eating with excellence and grace (including Rick and Bubba’s Never-to-Be-Broken Rules of the Church Potluck)

Rick and Bubba’s Favorite Places to Eat

The official list of interesting Food Fairs and Festivals

“Eating is an art…an event…an experience,” say Rick and Bubba. So grab your forks, y’all, and come on. There’s eatin’ to do! Let Rick and Bubba show you how!

What I Thought:
This book is VERY funny! I went into reading this book thinking that it was a recipe book with some funny stories sprinkled within, but it was exactly the opposite. Rick and Bubba talk about all aspects of food/eating and then sprinkle in some of their favorite recipes. This book is a great light read and will uplift anyone’s spirit! I really enjoyed the Top 10 lists that Rick and Bubba share with us throughout this book. Some topics include: Top Ten Reasons Why the Turkey Toss Should be an Olympic Event & Top Ten Reasons to Attend the Annual Spam Festival. The book definitely reads as though you are listening to a humorous morning radio show complete with jabs between your “hosts” Rick and Bubba. This would be a great gag gift with say a box of donuts or some other food that people indulge in.

I would’ve liked to see more recipes in this book, but the ones that are included are simple to make and sound DELICIOUS (translated as Un-healthy!). Rick and Bubba have several other books out there and after reading this one, I just might have to pick one up. My eyes are on the Rick and Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage. Great fun!

Book is courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers (BookSneeze.com).

Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers

2010-03-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

The mom’s Bible is the perfect addition to any mom’s library. The language is easy to understand and makes reading the Bible more enjoyable. This Bible offers additional features. At the beginning of each book there is a summary of what the book you are about to read focuses on & what to look for as far as applying it to your own life. There are also sections that take closer looks at particular verses within book. These can be small stories about the love a mother feels for her new baby or a deeper look at specific characters that you meet along your journey. I found this Bible to be easier to sit down and read as it was broken up with the smaller sections that take away some of the tediousness of reading the Bible.

One of my favourite features of this Bible is the Topical Index. This is extremely handy as a mother. When your child comes to you asking questions about X,Y, & Z, you can simply refer to the back of your Bible and find verses that deal with said subjects. Even better, there is a section called “Answers to Questions Kids Ask” that delves into specific questions such as:

“Can Scientists Prove That Creation Isn’t True?” and “Why Do Good People Suffer?” Even as an adult I found myself asking some of these questions. What a great reference point for ANYONE!

This Bible would make a fantastic gift for ANY mom!

This review was made possible because I received a Mom’s Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Green Planet Parties

2010-03-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

Little April is turning 2 in just 1 more month and memories of all the plates, silverware, and decorations being taken down and promptly thrown away after her 1st b-day party are flooding my memories. What a waste! Well, I just discovered a greener alternative.

www.greenplanetparties.com

Green Planet Parties offers a variety of green solutions for your party. They have everything you could need including reusable party decorations, earth-friendly tableware, loot bags, craft items, lead-free jewelery, and even gift wrap! It truly is your one-stop shop. My favorite items on the site are the reusable cotton name/birthday banners with matching cloth loot bags.

All of their disposable tableware is biodegradable and compostable. They also offer reusable tableware that is made from recycled yogurt containers from Stonyfield Farms in the US. Also, each ‘Party In A Bag’ tableware order comes with a complimentary oxo-biodegradable garbage bag and informational tent cards about your better environmental choices. What a great way to share with your guests about your lifestyle choices!

I really enjoyed the diversity of goody bag items that are offered on the website as well. They are great alternatives to the standard dollar store trinkets that we are all too familiar with. They offer goodie bag items for boys and girls of all ages. My particular favourite goody bag item is the stainless steel cereal bowls. They are VERY cute!

In addition to all the great items for sale at Green Planet Parties, there is also a section filled with great tips about hosting an eco-friendly party.

Special for my readers:
The gracious founders of Green Planet Parties have offered a savings of 10% off any purchase from their website from March 5th to March 18th. Simply follow the link below and check out as normal:

http://www.greenplanetparties.com/?code=benjieandbooks

Anything But Normal

2010-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

by Melody Carlson

Read the Back:
SHE THOUGHT SHE LEFT THE SUMMER BEHIND…

This year should be the best of Sophie Ramsay’s life. She’s friends with all the right people, she’s a shoo-in for editor of the school newspaper, and she’s managed to turn the head of one of the hottest guys in school.

But something’s not quite right. Sophie has a secret – one she won’t be able to keep under wraps for much longer.

What I Thought:
What an amazing story! I’ve always enjoyed reading Melody Carlson’s books as she gets right down to business with tackling the issues facing teens in today’s society. This book gave me a new perspective on how people, even Christians, can be really judgmental. Sophie is faced with a big problem and has many decisions that she needs to make throughout this book. Sophie begins to doubt and question her faith. Her friends can see a difference in her attitude. She falls away from God when she really needs him most.

As a Christian, I found this book really eye opening. It gave me a new perspective on how cold people can be. It also gave me the gentle reminder that God is there no matter what! Couldn’t we all use that reminder? Even though this book is written as young adult fiction, I think that any adult could benefit from reading it. I found myself crying right alongside the characters. I also got that desperate feeling too. Melody Carlson has done it again and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Beguiled

2010-02-25T11:53:00.001-08:00

by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

Read the Back:
IN THE SHADOWS OF CHARLESTON, SOMEONE IS WATCHING HER…

RYLEE MONROE, a dogwalker in Charleston’s wealthiest neighbourhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is following the break-ins with the hope of publishing his coverage as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.

As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

What I Thought:
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I set aside some time to do so it was SO worth it. The characters in this book are really charming. You can easily relate to most of them. I enjoyed how the author made each of Rylee’s clients’ dogs a character as well. This mystery novel isn’t like most of the others I’ve read. It has a good blend of Romance (but not Harlequin levels) and Mystery. I’ve ready many different mystery books over the last few years and have usually been able to figure out “who dunnit” by about ½ way through the book. That wasn’t the case with this book. I really wasn’t sure until the chapter with the big reveal. To me, that’s how a mystery book SHOULD be. The authors did an excellent job at portraying each character’s thoughts as they occurred. The use of internal dialog helped me to really get into what each character was feeling.

I really like that even though Rylee was a victim in this book, the authors didn’t really make her seem all wimpy. I find that a lot of times women are portrayed as too vulnerable and unable to take care of themselves. While I found Rylee to act irrationally at times, I could easily see myself making those same decisions. I liked, however, that she did get in some peoples’ faces at certain points in the book and wasn’t afraid to tell people what she thought. You Go Girl!

Another great aspect in the book were the characters’ direct relations with God. Rylee finds herself coming back to got through a series of circumstances out of her control. We also see Logan turning back towards God after some encouraging words from his father. Sometimes I found the parts that referenced God to be a little out of place with the feel of the story, but overall the storyline continued to flow pretty well.

I think that if you like mystery novels then you’d like this book, and if mysteries aren’t normally your cup of tea, I think you’d like this book too. It really does have a bit of something for everyone. ENJOY!

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Change in Review Formatting & A New Look

2010-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

When you go to buy a new book, what's the first thing you do? When I'm looking to purchase a book, I read the back (or inside sleeve) first to see if it'd even be a book I'm interested in. Since this is how most people buy books I figured I'd put the back of the book in each of my reviews from here on out. This way people can read what the author has to say about the book as well as what I feel after having read it. I hope this will make my blog more appealing and a better place to come to find out about books.

Also, for those that frequent my blog, you will have noticed the change in the background and layout of my blog. I find this layout to be much neater and more appealing to the eye. I hope you enjoy the new look as much as I do!

A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists

2010-02-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

by Michelle LaRowe

This book is a VERY comprehensive compilation of lists that are helpful to ANY mom. The lists start with Common Pregnancy Symptoms and Solutions and go through choosing a childcare provider. There are also lists about what you DON’T need as a mom and places to take your child for the day. There are lists on so many subjects. The lists are easy to understand and are EXACTLY the type of lists mom’s need (especially first timers). This book would make an amazing baby shower gift!

As a mom of a toddler and an infant, I find the lists helpful in overcoming the inevitable “Mommy Brain”. Like any pre-fabricated lists, there will be some items that don’t apply and some that you feel you need that aren’t on the list, but at least you are given a jumping off point. With so much going on in your life, the last thing you want to think about is making a huge list of stuff to take with you on your first trip.

My favourite parts of this book are the recipes for freezer friendly meals and toddler friendly treats (i.e.: Dirt Cups). I found this book to also be a great reference guide for following your infant/toddlers growth and development (both charts are in this book!). It also lists the dietary needs of children along with the suggested serving sizes of each food category.

I would highly recommend this book to ANY mom with young children.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Choice

2010-01-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I can’t even begin to say enough good things about this book. This is the first of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books that I’ve ever read and I can definitely say that it won’t be the last. The Choice is set in an Amish community in Lancaster County, PA. The characters each add their own uniqueness to the stories that Suzanne unfolds for the reader. I found that I became Carrie as I read the book and so I laughed and cried right along with her. The emotions that the characters felt were well portrayed and any reader, whether they’ve gone through similar circumstances or not, can relate to what each character must be feeling at any given time.

This book was easy to read, and hard to put down. It has two parallel running story lines which break the book up a bit so that you don’t become bored with what any one set of characters is doing. In one story you are following Carrie’s life and in the parallel story you are following the life of Solomon. What two different lives they are and yet there is still a common connection of love between Carrie and Solomon.

Another great advantage to reading this book is to learn a bit more about the Amish lifestyle. There are a number of things that Suzanne writes about in this book that are new concepts to me. If you aren’t overly familiar with the Amish ways, then you’d probably enjoy this book just for its educational value. I definitely recommend this book.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

50 Ways to Feel Great Today

2010-01-26T09:28:00.001-08:00

by David B. Biebel, DMin; James E. Dill, MD; and Bobbie Dill, RN

I really enjoyed reading 50 Ways to Feel Great Today. The authors gave great ideas for simple and inexpensive things that you can do to improve your everyday life. I enjoyed how some of the ideas involved more than just the reader. There were suggestions such as “Kidnapping” someone or planning a treasure hunt. I loved that these ideas could involve others (i.e.: family and/or friends) and would also help reduce their stress levels as well.

There were some points throughout the book where I felt the ideas were geared more towards an older crowd than where I am personally, but each suggested idea would work for any age. In particular, the chapter titled “Use the Internet Creatively”, seemed to be written to explain the wonders of the web for an older generation. The things mentioned were such as Write a Blog, Join a Forum, Find and Share Humorous videos, and Skype someone. As someone who is only 28 these ideas seemed obvious. They are pretty much a part of everyday life and I got thinking about how stress relieving these things could actually be. Personally, there is a lot of drama on forums. I do, however, agree with the Skyping section as I use Skype with my kids all the time so that they can talk with their grandparents.

I am so glad that someone came up with this book and that the ideas are inexpensive. A lot of times with books like these they have suggestions that are a little too pricey (i.e.: take a family vacation, go on a romantic cruise with your spouse, etc.). It’s refreshing to have simple and free things to focus on to better enhance my life experience. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with stress or even to anyone struggling with day to day monotony. It’s a great read and a wonderful book to refer back to time and time again!

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World

2010-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

by Dr. David Jeremiah

First I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing this book for me to review. I would never have read or even heard about this book otherwise.

When dealing with all of the stressors in today’s society it’s easy to stray in your walk with God. This book gives great ways to remain confident and ties them into scripture in a meaningful way. The chapters include:

Stay Calm

Stay Compassionate

Stay Constructive

Stay Challenged

Stay Connected

Stay Centered

Stay Confident

Stay Consistent

Stay Committed

Stay Convinced

In each chapter the author talks about an area where many people find chaos and then proceeds to tell the reader how to go about surmounting each stress related area. There is humour sprinkled throughout some chapters and the stories/examples the author uses are engaging. I found this to be an easy read and very applicable to today’s high stress environment.

Offworld

2009-12-10T07:23:00.001-08:00

by Robin Parrish

First I’d like to thank Bethany House publishers for providing this book for me to review. I would never have read or even heard about this book otherwise.

Offworld falls into the genre of science fiction, which typically isn’t a genre that I fancy. This book, however, is extremely well written. A crew of astronauts that are on a mission to Mars return to Earth to find that every living thing has vanished! We follow the crew as they try to figure out what has happened. Each chapter has a new twist and I found this book hard to put down. As with many books, there were some predictable parts, but not so many that you know the ending before you get there. The imagery in the book is phenomenal. Robin Parrish describes the scenes in such a way that you feel as though you’re standing right there with the crew. I’d highly recommend this book to any sci-fi fan, but also to anyone looking to break into the sci-fi genre. Happy reading!

How God Makes Babies

2009-10-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

by Jim Burns

This is another of several books in the Pure Foundations series by Bethany House Publishers. These books are geared towards specific aged children with this particular book being for 6-9 yr. olds.

I really like the books descriptions of how “A husband and wife show their love for each other in many ways.” It doesn’t just start right out with sex; it talks about living together, encouraging each other, praying together. All of these are values we want to teach our children from a very early age.

This book addresses the fact that both boys and girls have private parts that are not to be touched except for by a Dr. during a check up or when you are young by a mom or dad helping to keep you clean. I like that the book does say that no matter who it is, touching of private parts in not acceptable and you should tell a trusted grown up right away. Unfortunately, in this day an age, anyone can be a sexual predator so this is an important lesson to teach kids.

I love that in the description of the birth it talks about both a doctor and a midwife as a person that helps deliver the baby as well as talking about baby getting nourishment from a mother’s breast as well as that sometimes a baby needs formula. I appreciate that the book has a picture of a breastfeeding baby as most books will show a baby being fed from a bottle.

This book also addresses adoption and how it fits into God’s plan. Overall this book is a great resource for parents trying to teach their children about sex in a healthy way.

God Made Your Body

2009-10-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

by Jim Burns

This is one of several books in the Pure Foundations series by Bethany House Publishers. This particular book is geared towards children age 3-5. The purpose of the Pure Foundations series is to teach children about sex in a healthy home environment. This can deter a child from only having a media eye’s unhealthy view of sex and sexuality in general. It also incorporates how God made each child special and this can also lead to a healthy self-image.

I really enjoyed the interactivity of this book. As the book describes how God has created everyone special, it also asks the child questions such as “What color are your eyes?” and “What are you good at doing?” The book really facilitates conversation between the reader and the child.

This book also brought up conversation between my husband and I. Since our little girl is only 18 months at the moment we were able to discuss the use of certain terminology. The book is very medical in nature in that it uses the words penis and testicles as well as vagina and womb. This got us to thinking about whether or not these are words we want our daughter taking off with her to school. Is it appropriate for a 3-5 year old to use those terms or would we like to use something different? However, the book isn’t 100% consistent in its “grown up” talk as it then goes on later to talk about mommies fixing “owies”.

I really like that the book talks about both doctors and midwifes delivering a baby as well as those families that are blessed with adopted children.

The book concludes with a short prayer of thanks and a scripture passage. Overall the book really is great for gradually introducing a child to the differences between boys and girls as well as for introducing the concepts of “making love” and the development of a baby.

Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook

2009-10-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

by Dawn Hall
Who doesn’t need a cookbook that has recipes that can be ready in 30 minutes or less? In this day an age, anything that can be done well in less time is a bonus. This cookbook is laid out very well. The chapters target specific parts of a meal (i.e.: Appetizer, Salad, Soup/Chowder, Main Meals, Side Dishes, etc.). Each chapter has its own mini index at the beginning of it breaking down the meals based on the time they take to make. This is great if you are looking for super quick meals on the busier nights of the week.

The recipes are broken down with separate instructions for preparation of the meal and the actual cooking of the meal. Also, the recipes tell you the important nutritional info including calories, total fat, cholesterol, fiber, etc.

My favorite part of this recipe book is that it also has suggestions for what to pair up with certain main dishes to make a total meal. I always struggle with this part of meal planning so it makes planning well balanced meals MUCH simpler.

Another great feature of the recipes is that they have both a supplies list and a grocery list. Also, it categorizes the ingredients that should be in your pantry to make it easier to do that quick check for those items before heading out for your groceries.

My favorite recipes are in the breakfast/brunch, breads and biscuits, desserts, and beverages sections. I didn’t find many recipes that appealed to my tastes in the other sections, which was a little disconcerting. However, every person enjoys different flavors and it could be your gold mine!

What's He REALLY Thinking?

2009-09-22T10:29:00.001-07:00

by Paula Rinehart

I decided to review this book because what woman wouldn’t want to know what the man in their life is REALLY thinking? This book was broken into two sections each with 3-5 subcategories. The two sections were titled “Understanding the Man You Love” and “Loving the Man you Understand”. Topics that were touched upon were:

Why Men Hurt

How Men Change

Respect

Conflict

Intimacy

All of these topics would be of great interest to a woman. I, however, found that the chapters lacked the ability to draw me in as a reader. I found the examples used were a bit stretched for and didn’t always fit the situation. I would’ve liked to have heard more stories about real people as those were the parts I found most interesting. Overall, I didn’t find that this book taught me a whole lot more than what I already knew, and I found myself simply reading it to review it instead of enjoying and taking from it important information.

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear

2009-09-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

by Max Lucado

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and written by Max Lucado is a book that poses the question of, “What would your life be like if you could live without fear?” Lucado takes the reader through several key fears that most people face day to day and reminds them about what Jesus and the Bible have to say about dealing with those fears.

Some of the fears this book tackles are:

Fear of Worst Case Scenarios

Fear of Life’s Final Moments

Fear of Not Protecting My Kids

Fear of Not Mattering

This book is an easy to read look at how Christians approach the fears in their lives and what we should do to overcome them. One of my favourite parts of the book is the list of 8 Worry Stoppers that Lucado gives his readers. You’ll have to get the book to find out what they are. I can, however, tell you that they spell out the acronym P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L, which I found highly appropriate. The other thing I really enjoyed about this book were the real life stories interjected throughout the chapters. This broke up the deep parts of the book to make it easier to read for long periods of time.

This book also has a study guide for either group or individual reflection on a chapter by chapter basis. The questions presented really stop and make you think and to examine your life. I highly recommend this book to both new and old Christians as EVERYONE deals with fear in their life and it’s high time we knew what to do about it!

The I Believe Bunny

2009-07-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

by Tish Rabe and Illustrated by Frank Endersby

The I Believe Bunny published by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a children's book about a little bunny, a rainy day adventure, and the power of prayer. The little bunny faces a dilemma in which he is in desperate need of help. He calls out for help and no one comes. He then prays to God for help. I would recommend this book for kids of any age, but the message may better be understood for kids 2+.

This book is beautifully illustrated and the story couldn’t be sweeter. The messages that this book conveys are two-fold. The first being to give glory/thanks to God for what he has given you. The second is that you should call upon God for help. I really liked the introduction scripture of Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” What a great message to convey to any child.

This book is written in poetic form which makes it a fun book to read through. Tish Rabe brings the characters to life with the help of illustrator Frank Endersby, and she really conveys the desperation and urgency of bunny’s needs. I highly recommend this book.

God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible, ICB

2009-06-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible written by Sheila Walsh and published by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a great devotional Bible geared specifically towards girls and their mothers. The scripture selections are from the International Children’s Bible and are very easy for young readers (and adults!) to understand.

I really love how this Bible has numerous features that help children to apply scripture and God’s teachings to everyday events in their lives. This Bible teaches girls that they are God’s princesses and then continues to teach morals/values to the girls that help them to be the best princess they can be. One highlight of this Bible are the sections that have the mother and daughter act out scenes from the Bible and then has questions that review what happened in the scene. What a great way to make sure the child is comprehending what she’s reading and to really make sure that God’s message gets across to her.

There are many features within this Bible that are great for young girls in today’s society. This Bible has sections called “Beauty Secrets” and “Princess Charming” that teach girls, through examples, about inner beauty as well as teaching them about manners and respect for others.

This Bible is very durable and uses a large font which makes it easily readable. I highly recommend this book to any mother of girls from ages 3+.

Just Starting Up

2009-06-15T08:15:00.001-07:00

Well...I recently decided that I really enjoy reading books and with the inevitable spare time I'll have while breastfeeding baby #2 I figured I should start reviewing books as a hobby. I am hoping to hear soon that I have a new book to review.

Right now I am reading 3 different books! I'm reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (great book for anyone that enjoyed the Twilight series), The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill (very humorous book about life as a mom), and The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian (wonderful book to read over the course of a month).

Stay tuned to this blog for future updates on books I've read and/or am currently reading.