Friday, October 1, 2010
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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.
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.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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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.
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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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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.
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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
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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:
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.
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.
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