Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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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
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.
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?
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.
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
Friday, June 17, 2011
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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.
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.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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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!
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!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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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.
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.
Monday, May 30, 2011
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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:
1. Subscribe to my RSS Feed at the top of this page and tell me about it.
2. Follow me (benjiesluv) on Twitter and leave me your user name.
3. Follow me with Google Friend Connect on the right hand side of my page and tell me about it.
4. Follow me on Networked Blogs on the right hand side and tell me about it.
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.
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:
1. Subscribe to my RSS Feed at the top of this page and tell me about it.
2. Follow me (benjiesluv) on Twitter and leave me your user name.
3. Follow me with Google Friend Connect on the right hand side of my page and tell me about it.
4. Follow me on Networked Blogs on the right hand side and tell me about it.
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.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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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).
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).
Friday, March 18, 2011
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by Suzanne Woods Fisher
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.
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