The Gratitude Journal for Women

With everything that I've had going on in my personal life, thankfulness has been like water quenching my thirsty soul.  It is so easy to let the darkness of life bring you down but having a grateful heart pulls your gaze upward to the light. 

Since it's nearing another year, I thought it would be perfect to start a new gratitude journal and in 2018 I would love a little help.  That's where The Gratitude Journal for Women by Katherine Furman comes in.

"Find happiness and peace in 5 minutes a day," sounds like its too good to be true but with The Gratitude Journal for Women it IS true!  Katherine Furman has done an amazing job with this journal!  The layout is beautifully done and artwork by Katie Vernon is colorful, alluring, and really makes this journal very inviting.  

When you first open the journal there is an awesome introduction with case studies cited on the benefits of writing down daily what you're thankful for.  I have kept a gratitude journal off and on throughout the years but I have never been as consistent as I should be.  After reading the introduction I am going to try harder, especially in this season of my life.

Throughout the book, there are multiple writing prompts so the entire journal won't be you saying, "Today I am thankful for..." and you writing the same things over and over.  The prompts are very thought provoking and help you focus on many different facets of your life, which I found very intriguing.  There are also some pages that are blank so that you can write whatever is on your heart that day.

  

Sprinkled throughout the book are inspirational quotes from inspiring women which are also very uplifting, and pair very well to the writing prompts and the whole thankful theme.  There is also an excellent resource directory in the back of the book so that you can delve deeper into your gratitude journey.

I was very impressed with The Gratitude Journal for Women and am not surprised to see that it is currently the #1 New Release in Quick Workouts on Amazon.  This would make a wonderful gift, but if you do decide to give one away be sure to purchase one for yourself to keep as well, and start 2018 with a thankful heart. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Callisto Media and Althea Press in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Random Review: Paprika Recipe Manager

I know I've mentioned this on my other reviews but it bears repeating: I hate cooking.  Growing up, I never liked helping my mom in the kitchen.  I felt like it was a waste of time.  Why spend time cooking when you can go run and get fast food?

As I mature, my thoughts on cooking are evolving.  Since I am going through the health issues I am going through, (see THIS post for more details) I need more things in my life that I can control.  One of those things is cooking, and giving my family healthier options than what's out there today.  It's time to take control of my families health.

In saying all of that, I am venturing into uncharted territories and trying things I've never tried before.  I've never had a collection of my own recipes.  I've never meal planned.  I am that girl that pins all the amazing recipes on Pinterest and never tries a single one.  There are a gazillion recipes out there, how can you keep track of everything you have tried or want to try?  It's so overwhelming.

It was in my state of confusion and utter defeat that I went on the hunt for an app that could help this poor, confused girl out and I stumbled onto Paprika.

The Paprika Recipe Manager 3 by Hindsight Labs is exactly what I was looking for!

You can store recipes which is so easy to do when you download their 'save recipe' button onto your device.  It keeps the link of where the recipe originated which is very handy, especially for someone who can't even remember what she ate last night.  You have space to put everything you'd want to know about that recipe, including your own notes, and nutritional information which is huge for our household since I have a diabetic son and have to know the carbs of everything my baby eats.  It's also easy to manually add your own recipes which is a blessing.  You can add your own tags and can search by recipe titles, ingredients, directions, sources, and notes so you can find what you're looking for in a flash.

You can create grocery lists right in the app, and if you are using the same ingredient in multiple recipes it combines them on your grocery list!  It also organizes your grocery list by aisle to make your shopping experience easier.  Usually I'm that frustrated shopper that keeps going back and forth all over the store because I forgot to grab something on my list.  Well, not anymore! :)

The Paprika Recipe Manager also includes a place to meal plan and you can create menus for any type of special occasions.  While you're cooking, there is a timer you can use right in the app and you can cross out each ingredient as you use it.  There is even a scale button that you can use to change the serving size without having to figure out the adjusted ingredients measurements.  Amazing!

You can also use this app offline, since all of the data is stored locally, which is perfect for people whose device has to be connected to wifi, and once you're logged in everything is synced wirelessly to all of your devices.

If you have any questions, the Paprika website includes user guides for all devices and has a wonderful support page that can help you answer your questions quickly.

The only downside to Paprika is that you do have to pay for this app.  For iOS, Android, and Kindle the app is $4.99.  The Mac version is $29.99 and Windows is $19.99, but on Windows it will let you download a trial version so you can try before you buy.  In my opinion, it's worth every penny.  I have tried other free recipe apps and websites recently and nothing compares to Paprika.  I purchased the iOS and Mac versions and they work flawlessly!  I am still trying to get the hang of meal planning but I have a feeling I'll be a pro soon.  I highly recommend Paprika!

Now it's time to get cooking! ;)

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Falling for a Duke

Novellas are something I have been enjoying lately.  Short yet satisfying reads which is perfect during the busy holiday season.

Falling for a Duke is a collection of three novellas from the Timeless Romance Anthology.  Each novella is by a different author but all three stories has one common figure: a duke. Falling for a Duke includes On the Duke's Errand by Rebecca Connolly, Vingt-Et-Un by Nichole Van, and I Kissed A Duke by Janelle Daniels.

On the Duke's Errand was one of those stories that took me awhile to get into but I'm so glad that I stuck it out.  The two main characters, David and Ceana, are wonderfully developed for a novella and you find yourself falling in love with them as they are falling in love.  On a Duke's Errand is very predictable but sweet story nonetheless!

Vingt-Et-Un is a story that keeps you guessing, which I absolutely loved.  The story is told through flashbacks into poor Liam's life, all the abuse that he went through at the hands of his father, and the friendship of Eliza that helped him deal.  Liam's father does not want Liam and Eliza to be together, so he sends him off to war.  I will not spoil the story, but I have to say this is a must read.  You will be on a rollercoaster of emotions in this extremely well written novella.

I Kissed a Duke was more of a fairy tale read for me.  Madeline is seeing her chances of marrying well quickly slipping away, and desperate times call for desperate measures.  Lady Louisa is a loathsome, devious woman who takes advantage of women in desperate situations, and gives them secret tasks that are next to impossible to fulfill.  If they succeed, then they are in her inner circle.  Madeline accepts her challenge: to kiss a duke.  

Out of all the novellas, this one was the most far fetched for me.  I felt like the story was rushed, and the ending clipped.  I would've loved to see more fight not only from Lady Louisa but also from the duke's mom, who is also very upset that her son does not want to be with Lady Louisa.

All in all, Falling for a Duke was a sweet, quick read.  You get a little bit of everything in all three stories, including twists, surprise endings, and three love stories that you will fall in love with yourself.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review

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Random Review: Sir 7's "Looking for Domingo"

Besides my faith, music has been one of the foundations of my life.  When I was growing up in the 1980's, my parents created a rock band named Colour.  They played parties, benefit concerts, and was even aired several times on a local radio station in Dallas.  When my parent's weren't practicing there was always some type of music playing.  I always tell everyone that I grew up with a record player more than I did with a television set.  Not everything I grew up with was rock 'n roll either.  I thank my parents for introducing all types of music into my life.  It's explains my very eclectic love of many various genres.

When my parents split in the early 1990's, Colour broke up as well but that did not stop my dad from pursuing other musical ventures.  When I graduated in 1999, my dad, along with two of my uncles, formed a band: Sir 7.

In the 18 years since their conception, Sir 7 has released four albums, the latest being Looking for Domingo.  You would think that since the band is family that I would be easy on them when I reviewed this album, but you would be mistaken.  In all actuality, I think I listened with a more critical ear because, knowing that they're family, they can take the criticism.

What I love about Looking for Domingo is how each song has it's own flavor.  Not one song sounds like the other so when you go to the next song you don't know what you're going to get.  From the blues ballad "Don't Keep Me Waiting" to the Latin-infused "Life is Bueno", there is something for every person and every mood.  Many of the songs are very catchy and I caught myself singing them long after I listened to them.

Sir 7's style is a fusion of Texas rock with jazz and rhythm and blues.  Looking for Domingo is a great album to listen to when you're just chilling or to have playing while you're cruising down the highway.  I personally enjoy listening to "Life is Bueno" on my way home from work on a Friday afternoon.  The Herb Alpert sounding trumpet line gets me every time.

I also had the pleasure of interviewing the members of Sir 7 this summer.  It was so fun to be able to sit down and talk with each band member about their inspirations, experiences, as well as the behind the scenes tidbits of the creation of Looking for Domingo.   You can find all of those interviews on their YouTube channel under Interviews but I also linked up my interview with Charlie "Guitar" Swisher below which happened to be my favorite interview.

In all honesty, this is by far my favorite Sir 7 album to date.  The mixture of musical flavors is tantalizing and you can hear the work that went into this album.  It is one that I have listened to several times since sitting down to listen for my review which says a lot.  

One of the greatest accomplishments I can say about this album, and Sir 7, was being able to see it performed live at the infamous House of Blues in Dallas this summer.  It was an unforgettable night and was so amazing to see a bands dreams become a reality.  

I highly recommend Looking for Domingo for those who love jazz, rock, and blues all rolled into one amazing package.  I promise you won't be disappointed. :)

You can purchase Looking for Domingo on Amazon as well as listen to the album on Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Deezer as well as hear it streaming live on ZooTapRadio.com.  If you're in the Dallas area, Sir 7 plays several venues regularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex so you can see them perform live.  Check out their website for all upcoming concerts, events, and all things Sir 7.

*I received a complimentary copy of this album from Robare Music and Sir 7 in exchange for an honest, unbiased review

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Merry and Bright

Christmas is in the air!  I love seeing all the twinkling lights, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and being able to snuggle up under a warm blanket and watch some sappy, romantic Christmas movies on Netflix.  Sometimes, though, you want to read a good book instead that has the same effect which is exactly what I felt when I read Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber.

Merry and Bright is the story of Merry Smith and Jayson Bright, two people who seem to be in two different places in their lives but are both secretly yearning for the same thing: love.  Merry's focus is helping to take care of her family as well as work her intense temp job.  Jayson is all business, as Jayson is Merry's boss, and his focus is all on a major campaign that is nearing its due date. 

For Christmas, Merry's brother and mother create an online dating profile for her, knowing that she needs a man in her life.  At first Merry is against the idea until she gets a message from a charming stranger and before long a relationship is blossoming.  What neither of them realize is that "Jay" online is really Jayson Bright and "Merry" online is Merry Smith.  (Jayson never puts two and two together due to Merry's name being misspelled on her desk at work.)

They agree to meet face-to-face but to Jay's disappointment Merry doesn't show.  What he doesn't realize is that as he sat there, Merry shows up and realizes who Jay actually is.   It's Mr. Bright, her boss!  Now Merry wants to end the relationship, since her and her boss do not get along well, but how can she when she can't without revealing who she really is?

This story is full of charming characters, is wonderfully written, and a quick read which is perfect for the holiday season.  It's a sweet story that is not too far fetched and not too sappy.  You find yourself rooting on Merry and Jayson, and really do want to see these two get together.  Not to spoil anything, but I did finish the book with a little smile on my face.   It's a cute story that gets you in the Christmas spirit. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

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Finally Focused

I have always known that my firstborn was different.  The day he was born he was already straining to hold his head up.  Most babies that are only a few hours old would be chilling but not my little one!  From the word go he was everywhere.  He could never sit still through an entire television program and would go from one activity to the next after only a few minutes.  

I recognized the ADHD tendencies early on, and when he started school I saw the issues with even more clarity.  He was officially diagnosed with severe ADHD in 2012 and it's been a daily struggle.  We've tried several medications but the adverse reactions he's had have not made them worth it.  We did have one medication that actually did help him tremendously but with our high deductible insurance plan there is no way we can keep him on it.  It was time to find alternative treatments for my son. 

You can find many decent resources on ADHD all over the internet, but I have found none like Finally Focused by Dr. James Greenblatt.  Dr. Greenblatt has been a child psychiatrist for over 30 years and has see thousands of patients that struggle with ADHD. 

The main focus of the book is on nutrition and supplementation but Dr. Greenblatt also recognizes that there are certain circumstances where medication is needed.  This is not a one-size-fits-all plan but rather figuring out what works for you or your child.  Dr. Greenblatt uses The Plus-Minus Plan which he created to help you navigate through different treatments to find out what is right for you.  Some treatments are geared towards a certain age group but the Plus-Minus Plan itself is "age-neutral."

Finally Focused is written like an instruction manual but it is very easy to read and navigate.  Each step is backed by scientific evidence where are referenced continuously throughout the entire book, so you can feel secure in knowing that each step has been tested and not just the author's opinion. 

At the end of each chapter there is a "Step-by-Step Action Plan" that breaks down what you need to do into easy to understand steps.  Once implemented you should see results in as little as four weeks, so you do not have to wait very long to see results. 

I haven't been able to start my son on any of the recommended supplements yet but I intend to.  I love how Dr. Greenblatt isn't quick to put children on medication which is what we've dealt with so far on our ADHD journey.  I love how it is written for anyone to understand and this is a resource that I will continue to come back to.  Dr. Greenblatt has a wonderful way of explaining everything so you can do the steps with confidence.  Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House and Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest, unbiased review

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All She Left Behind

The roads life take you on are unpredictable.  You think things are going to go one way, but choices and circumstances end up taking you places you've never dreamed would be possible.  When you look back on your life you see the intricate paths that led you to the place you are now, and you realize you are exactly where you need to be.  It is amazing.  

I love reading stories about those that lived before me.  Hearing about life in a certain era and realizing they struggled with the same things that we struggle with now is fascinating.  

One amazing life's journey is the story of Jennie Pickett in All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick.  When the story begins, Jennie is living with her sister's family and her husband and son in Oregon, shortly after the Civil War ended.  Her husband works at a jail with her brother-in-law and is secretly addicted to drugs and alcohol.  He is becoming more and more verbally and physically abusive with her.  Jennie dreams of being a doctor but has struggled with reading and writing her entire life so she quenches her hunger for healing by using herbs to heal with naturopathy and hopes to one day be able to cure her husband's addiction.

When Charles secretly divorces her, and leaves her and their son for the "vile, enticing siren," that is drugs and alcohol, Jennie and her son move in with her parents and Jennie feels like her life is over.  Little does she know that this choice by her addicted husband sets her on the path to her dreams.

At times, Jennie's story is slow and seems to drag in parts but isn't that life?  It was a slower read for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  I felt such emotions as Jennie had to deal with quite a bit of loss in her life but I also rejoiced as I saw her dreams become reality.  Being based on a true story, I enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the book that give even more details about Jennie and those she shared her life with as well as where the author found her sources.

Another treat was "Jennie's Herbs and Oils," which lists out what homeopathic physicians used in Jennie's day.  Many of them are familiar and are still used to this day.  There is also a short reader's guide which several questions that would be perfect for book clubs.

Though this story is a little on the slow side, I feel like it is worth the read.  It is an inspiration to see a woman that is able to rise above her circumstances and fulfill her dreams despite the obstacles she faces.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell in exchange for an honest, unbiased review

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The Space Between Words

I remember where I was when I heard about the shooting at the Bataclan in Paris on Friday, November 13, 2015.  I immediately said a prayer about the situation and read all I could about what happened and what could've caused such an incident to occur.  It broke my heart that 130 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured and left to live with the nightmare of what happened inside that night club.  It's always the why that gets me.

As time passes incidents like these are still in our minds but what you never really ponder is the victims and how they are handling life after such an incomprehensible horror.  This is the reason why I was drawn to The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix. 

Jessica is living in Paris with her best friend Patrick and roommate Vonda.  Patrick and Jessica are planning a road trip across Paris but before they go Vonda invites Jessica and Patrick to a concert at the Bataclan.  Patrick can't make the concert but the girls do and they are there when the terrorists come in with guns blazing.  Jessica wakes up in a Paris hospital having been shot.  Patrick is by her side but Vonda can't take it and goes back to America.  

Jessica allows Patrick to talk her into continuing with their plans for the road trip so once she's out of the hospital and taken a few days to adjust to a new normal they are on the road.  They end up at a little bed and breakfast in the Paris countryside and this is where the story gets interesting.  There are some interesting twists that occur and Jessica ends up with "pages of a Huguenot Bible in an antique sewing box in Southern France, along with the journal of its last owner."  

The journal belonged to Adeline Baillard, a woman whose family was being persecuted for their faith, and had lived hundreds of years before Jessica reads her words.  This find sparks a hunger for knowledge of what happened to the Baillard family.  The journey to the truth takes Jessica to people and places she could've never imagined and brings her to a place she never thought she would get back to.

This book is not characterized as a suspense but you never quite know what is going to happen next which adds to the stories charm.  Being one that loves history and suspense I really enjoyed this book, even if it was nowhere near what I was expecting.  The characters are well developed and the story itself is beautifully written.  The tale of faith and overcoming even the most horrific ordeals is so inspiring.  Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review

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The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder

I am one of those people that love the story behind the story.  After I read a book I love to do more research on the subject especially if it's historical fact or fiction.  I have read all of The Little House books as well as seen every episode of the television show in my lifetime but I've never really delved too much into the history of it all until I read The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Marta McDowell.

Talk about bringing back good memories!  Reading all of The Little House series I already felt like I knew Laura Ingalls Wilder and her world but this book takes you even deeper into the details about the actual landscape that surrounded her throughout her life.  You feel like you are actually seeing these wonderful sights with her and through her eyes.  The photography and illustrations are just beautiful and you would think that a book about landscape would be drab but it really does hold your attention.

The part I was most impressed with was the amount of details in this book.  There are resources to help you grow your own Little House garden as well as a comprehensive list of all the plants that Laura grew, pictures of her family, maps, etc.  This book is a plethora of information and great for horticulturists and history buffs alike!  I would love to be able to re-read the books and have this book beside me as a companion.  It truly does make the stories come to life.

Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Holiday Cookies

I absolutely love the holiday season.  There is an electricity in the air that is almost tangible.  The holiday spirit takes each person to a place they might not normally live in their every day lives.  For me, and many others, it takes me to the kitchen.  Being one that rarely (if ever) bakes during the rest of the year, I excitedly pull out my apron, and get started on traditional treats of the season.  

Usually I bake a pie or make some rice crispy treats but this year I really want to try something completely different and out of my comfort zone.    

Which is why I chose Holiday Cookies by Elisabet der Nederlanden.  Let me start my saying that this book is absolutely stunning!  The photos are gorgeous, yet the treats look like something that could be attained by anyone that attempts them.  The author talks you through everything throughout the entire book which is extremely helpful for one whose knowledge is lacking and she has a very down-to-earth language.  It has a "friend's swapping recipes" feel to me, especially when you read through the Cookie Tips & Tricks at the beginning of the book.

The "Very Merry Classics" chapter is pretty much the cookies that you'll see every holiday season but then there's the "Around the World" chapter which has cookies I've never even heard.  Many of the recipes look and sound delicious and have piqued my curiosity.  I also love the chapter entitled "Cookie Exchange Party" which are cookies that are easily massed produced for any of your holiday gatherings.  The way the entire book is organized makes it easy to find what you're looking for.

While skimming the recipes I did notice a few ingredients that I've never heard of before and I'm not sure how hard they will be to find if I attempt that particular cookie which could prove problematic.  I also have yet to try any of the actual recipes yet so I can't tell you how my results were just yet but I have several bookmarked and hope to bake them in the coming weeks.

I can't tell you if this book is good for the cookie novice but for a cookie newbie it is amazing!  Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ten Speed Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Liberty Belle

I am currently in the process of reading three nonfiction books that are all in the Civil War era.  Usually when I'm reading about something that is deep and historical I like to mix in a fun fictional read that is also in that same time period, which is why I picked up Liberty Belle by Patricia PacJac Carroll.  

It's 1859 and Liberty Longstreet is left at the altar.  Feeling trapped in her current situation, with a confused heart and an overbearing mother, Liberty decides to take her life into her own hands and travel to Denver with her Aunt Flora.

At the same time that Liberty is running away Sheriff Wade Calder is running from his own demons after giving up his badge in exchange for revenge on his greatest enemy.  What he doesn't know is that the path to revenge is actually going to liberate him in ways he couldn't possibly foresee.

There are parts that are pretty predictable but most of the time there are little twists throughout the book that keep you turning the pages.  The characters are well developed and the book is wonderfully written.  There are a few parts of the story that do seem to drag out a bit but if you push through I don't think you'll regret it.  I do think the ending is a little predictable but by the time you make it there you wouldn't want the story to end any other way.   

This is a sweet story with action, love, forgiveness, and a happy ending which was exactly what I had hoped for.

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Ruth: Discovering Your Place in God's Story (Drawn In Bible Study)

I am drawn to art.  Artistic expression abounds in my family and even though I do not paint or draw, like other talented ones in my family, I appreciate those that can and do so much and find joy in their creations.  The only 'art' I can do with any sort of skill is coloring which is why adult coloring books are a favorite past time of mine.

I have reviewed another faith-based coloring book in the past and enjoyed doing the study with my son.  My latest Bible study/coloring book is Ruth: Discovering Your Place in God's Story by Eugene H. Peterson and it's one I chose to do solo.

This beautiful Bible study is centered around Ruth, an amazing woman who is an ancestor to Jesus Christ.  The study is broken down into four 'sessions' which parallel the four chapters in the book of Ruth in the Bible.  Each session starts with questions that are personal to you and then questions that are relevant to the Bible chapter itself.  Even though many of the questions are simple in nature, they are also very thought provoking, which is perfect to ponder when you're coloring.

All the Scripture that is quoted is from The Message which is a Bible version which is very easy for anyone to understand and interpret.

As far as the coloring itself, I tried out several color mediums to find the best fit for this particular paper as well as my own personal coloring technique.  My Copics bled too much for my liking and my Crayola colored pencils were too light.  I finally settled on Crayola SuperTips markers.  There is a lot of variety as far as color choices and there was no bleeding onto the next page unless I colored over one spot too many times.

This was not only a wonderful Bible study but also a beautifully designed coloring book.  I highly recommend for anyone and everyone!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review

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Love and Other Consolation Prizes

A beautiful story of love in an unlikely place, Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford had me entranced from the beginning.

The story takes place in two eras in a man's life and both are in years of the Seattle World's Fair: 1909 and 1962.  In 1909, Ernest Young is a young boy who has had a hard life in his short twelve years.  Being the child of a Chinese mother and Caucasian missionary father, Ernest is sold and shipped to America with other Chinese children.  Once in America he becomes a charity student at a boarding school and realizes his dream of belonging and having a family is quickly slipping away.

When Ernest gets a chance to go to the 1909 World's Fair he is beside himself.  This is a once in a lifetime event!  Every day there is a huge raffle and Ernest is astonished to find out that the day he goes is the day that a person is going to be raffled off, and that someone is him - a healthy, young boy.  The owner of the winning ticket is a madam of a high-class brothel.  Ernest finds himself in an unknown world, in a brothel, surrounded by some colorful characters that you can't help but fall in love with, working as a houseboy. 

Interwoven with Ernest's memories are his current life.  In 1962 he is married to a woman who doesn't remember him and the father of two daughters, one of which who is trying to find out the truth about Ernest's past.  The story see-saws back and forth between past and present and it is a wonderful balance.  Your heart goes out to all of the characters and the story itself and the writing of certain scenes in the story were very tastefully done.

This was a wonderful read and one that I am glad I took a chance on.  Love and friendship, despite your circumstances, can conquer all.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Yesterday's Promise

I love Michelle Paige Holmes' books and was so excited when I heard that she was coming out with another book, Yesterday's Promise, this being the first story in the Hearthfire Scottish Romance series.

Katherine Mercer is a nineteen-year-old English girl who has a passion for painting and a heart to help out her family financially.  With her father passing away and her stepsister off on her honeymoon it leaves Katherine and her stepmother to fend for themselves.  Katherine hopes to ease the financial burden by selling her paintings and can think of nothing else.

She soon discovers that her father, before his passing, has promised her to a Scottish lord that she has never met.  Before the poor girl can wrap her head around the idea of marrying a stranger, she is a wife to a man who seems to be indifferent to her and being taken to Scotland, an unknown land, or so she thinks.

During the journey to Scotland Katherine soon realizes is that her life and family are not what she thought.  She is connected to Scotland and her new husband, Collin, in ways that were unimaginable only days before and a whole new world is open to her.

Each chapter starts out with events that have happened in the past to both Katherine and Collin that you find as you read the chapter, parallel their current situations.  At first this was a little confusing to me but as the story went along I found it really beautiful how the author intertwined the past with the present.

This being the first book in the series the end does leave quite a bit open, but that's to be expected when you're reading a book from a series.  There are not so many questions that you couldn't read this as a stand-alone book.  For me personally, I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out just so I can see what happens next.  Great story with wonderful characters.  Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Making Local Food Work

When my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year food became a priority in our house.  I have been exploring ways to help my family eat more healthy while saving money and growing my own fruits and vegetables continues to draw my attention.  

Being one who has tried (and failed) numerous times to grow produce, I still look for resources that might help me to achieve my goal which is why I picked up Making Local Food Work by Brandi Janssen.

What I never dreamed of was how my eyes would be opened to a whole new world!  I've never really thought about where our produce comes from and the challenges that farms go through in today's world.  No, it did not show me the best way to grow a tomato but it did make me realize that food does not go straight from the ground to your plate and how there is a whole other side to the food we eat.  

This book is extremely well written as well as throughly researched and is a wonderful resource.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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The Best of Us

Some people are lucky enough to find their soulmates early on in life.  My sister and her husband met when they were thirteen and fifteen and are still going strong over 20 years later.  I was one of those that didn't meet their soulmates until they were in their 30's but I thank God every day that I finally found him.  

Joyce Maynard didn't meet her soulmate until she was in her 60's.  The Best of Us is their story of true love and a life together that was cut off before it had really even begun.

Joyce Maynard was a woman who did not need a man to complete her.  She had a few serious relationships but she knew deep down that nothing would ever come of them and was perfectly content just having fun.  She had met many different men in her time of singleness but after one long phone call, and a very nice dinner with Jim Barringer, a man that had found her on Match.com, her world would never be the same.

The chemistry was instant and Joyce knew Jim was not like the other guys she had dated before.  Theirs was a whirlwind romance with lots of fun and adventures.  They were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony the summer of 2013 and began a beautiful life together.

Maynard/Barringer Wedding - From "Just the Beginning of Their Growing Time"

Marriage was a little tough for the fiercely independent Joyce but Jim was perfect for Joyce, nurturing her independent side and going along with all of her crazy ideas.  Life was as close to perfect their first year of marriage, and then everything changed with one doctor's visit.

Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Their adventures ceased and the hunt for any and every treatment they could find ensued.  Joyce poured over research and reached out to other pancreatic cancer survivors to gain all the knowledge she could to help her husband.  Jim went along with every idea, including drinking breast milk, hoping the colostrum would help.  It didn't.  Nothing did.

Over the course of a year and half Jim fought for his life with Joyce by his side the entire time.  The book goes into great detail about each treatment and surgery that was done which I think would be a great resource for anyone who is struggling or knows someone that is struggling with pancreatic cancer.

The entire time I am reading I know what is going to come and as the pages turn you know it's coming.  I was curious to see how Joyce would write about her husband's last breaths and she did it with such love that tears spilled onto the page as I read the words.  What really gripped me the entire time I was reading is that my husband, my soulmate, and me got married just a few short months before Jim and Joyce were married.  I cannot imagine losing my husband right now and cannot even begin to imagine what Joyce went through.

Joyce Maynard and Jim Barringer - From "Just the Beginning of Their Growing Time"

The Best of Us is a beautiful story of true love and great loss.  It is wonderfully written and when you are done you feel like you know Jim and Joyce on a deep, personal level.  There are parts that are difficult to read and there are things that get repeated but I think that's all part of the journey that these two went on.  I wish I could've heard more of Jim's voice in the story but the portrait of the man that Joyce loved was painted beautifully and I know that he will live in Joyce's heart forever.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Still Waiting

Waiting.  Waiting is a concept that is immediately met with apprehension.  You instantly feel that inner struggle.  In our society instant gratification is all around us.  You want it now and if you can't have it right away the waiting can be torturous.  In short, waiting is not something that may of us choose to do if we have the choice. 

As a Christian, waiting is something that we can do a lot of in our Christian walk.  We pray for something and we wait for God to answer.  The waiting can be hard and sometimes even painful but it is usually in that time of waiting that we grow the most.  

In Still Waiting, Ann Swindell tells her personal story of waiting for healing from trichotillomania and parallels it with the story of the bleeding woman in Mark 25.  You feel the emotions of waiting interwoven in each story.  I saw myself in so many moments since I have had seasons of my life of waiting, especially in regards to physical healing from a mysterious pelvic pain that I've had for the past six years that baffles many doctors and specialists.

While Ann waited to be healed from trichotillomania, or trich, she grew closer to Jesus "and that changed everything."  As you read about Ann's story, and the various battles that she went through while dealing with this disorder, you can see yourself in the reflection.  We've all been in a time where we can't control our circumstances.  We are waiting for things to change.  Still Waiting gives hope to the hopeless.  God might not change whatever battle it is that you personally face but he can be by your side throughout the waiting and you will come out the other side stronger than you were before.

I felt uplifted after reading this book, though my heart goes out to the author.  I was hoping that she would be free from her condition but it seems like it won't happen this side of heaven.

I loved that there were discussion questions at the end of the book so that you can focus on your own time of waiting and find Jesus in the midst.  Bottom line: we all have to wait but what's important is WHO you focus on.

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is hands down my favorite read so far this summer.  I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I first sat down to read it but after the first few pages I was hooked.

Georgiana Rannoch is ready to be married to the love of her life but there is one little snafu.  Georgie is thirty-fifth in line to the British throne and the only way she can marry her love is to renounce her claim to the throne.  The Queen has one little mission for Georgie before she can continue with her wedding plans, and before long she is at a house party in a beautiful villa in Italy.  Georgie is supposed to be keeping an eye on her cousin Prince David and his lady friend Wallis Simpson but soon everyone's attention goes to solving a murder that has happened inside the house.

As the story unfolds everyone becomes a suspect and every time you think you know who could be the murderer there is another twist in the story.  There are parts of the story that are a little predictable but all in all it was such a fun read.  If you've never read any of the other Royal Spyness books, like myself, that is not a problem.  The author did a wonderful job of filling in the gaps so I never once felt lost.

This is the first book that I've read by Rhys Bowen and I can honestly say that I am in love with both the author's writing style as well as her attention to detail.  The imagery is amazing and even though On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is set in the 1930's, and in Europe, you can see the characters, the villa, and the beautiful Italian countryside.

I would highly recommend On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service to anyone who likes a good mystery.   You fall in love with the characters and genuinely want to know what's going to happen to them.  I plan on reading the other books in the Royal Spyness series and cannot wait to see where the next book takes Georgie Rannoch.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Fearless Food

Anyone who has children understands the daily struggle with food.  We want our kids to be healthy and they want food that tastes good.  The struggle really gets real when one of your children has an allergy to a certain food type.  This brings on a whole other struggle and adds more pressure to your day.

Fearless Food by Katrina Jorgensen is a cookbook that is geared towards children's tastes.  It steers clear of the "Big 8" food allergens and each recipe is supposed to be easy enough that your child could make it with little help from an adult.

I decided since this review is focused on recipes for kids that I would let my 10 and 12 year old boys help me review it.  We all agreed that the overall look of the book was great.  The colors are bright and vibrant and the pictures of each dish are very appetizing.

I wanted each boy to pick out a recipe for us to possibly try and each of them struggled with this task.  When I read through the Table of Contents I found many recipes I would love to try but from a kids point of view they were just not feeling it.  When I asked them what it was about the recipes they didn't like they couldn't really say.  I think it could be that many of the dishes are out of our normal daily eating and that could be what was scarring them off.

As they flipped through the book they would point out a certain recipe that they thought might be interesting but then then would read the ingredients and there would be one item they don't like so they would dismiss it.  Gotta love picky eaters.

What I really liked about Fearless Food was that it had an explanation on what a food allergy is as well as a conversion chart right at the beginning of the book which is very handy.  What I wasn't too happy about was that I thought this book was focused on children as a whole but upon further inspection realize that though the recipes are formatted for children, many of them I would not trust my boys to cook on their own.

All in all, I would say that this is a decent cookbook for what it is.  The layout is clean and easy to read and the recipes are appealing but I wish there would've been more tips for getting your children involved with the cooking process.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

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Grace in the Mirror

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale?  What about a fairy tale with a contemporary twist?  That's exactly what you get with Grace in the Mirror by Kristy Tate.

Grace James is a sixteen year old girl who's life has been turned completely upside down.  She is having to move from her home with her mother, older sister, and younger brother and live with her mother's parents in Santa Magdalena, away from her friends.   Grace's father has been deployed which adds to the difficulty her family is facing but then there is the transition to a new town with a new school where she doesn't know anyone.

To help out her family financially, Grace takes a job at an antique shop and soon strange things begin to happen to her.  She starts to hear voices, tiny men are following her everywhere she goes, and she is continuously mistaken for someone named Blanche.

Grace makes friends quickly and adjusts to life in Santa Magdalena, and dealing with her selfish grandparents, as more oddities continue to happen.  The entire story is definitely geared towards a teen audience but intermingled is fairy tale hints which keeps the reader intrigued.

Grace and Brock (the antique shop owner's son) are two characters that you easily fall in love with and root for the entire story.  There is enough mystery to keep you turning the pages, but the ending leaves you with more than a few questions than answers.

All in all I say this was a fun read.  It's definitely a young adult book but it was cute.  The only thing were a few of those unresolved issues that I hope will find resolution in the next installment.  If you love fairy tales and innocent romance with a touch of suspense you will like Grace in the Mirror.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Our Way Home

One of my fondest memories growing up was bedtime.  I know you don't normally hear a child say that, and it wasn't that I loved to sleep, but I loved our bedtime rituals.  My dad would sing us goofy songs and get us all amped up, and then my mom would read us a Bible story.  I loved every moment but the best part was right before we would go to sleep and we would say the Lord's Prayer together as a family.  

When you're a child, you do not realize the significance of the Lord's Prayer.  You are actually speaking to the creator of the universe and the Lord's prayer is God's lesson to us on how we should pray.

In my Christian walk, prayer has always been a struggle and I cannot figure out why.  How can it be hard when God gives you the blueprint to prayer?  In Our Way Home, Daniel E. Paavola walks you through the Lord's Prayer and helps you gain the confidence to pray with power.

All those times that I prayed the Lord's Prayer I didn't really understand the depth of what I was praying.  I had just memorized it and recited it over and over.  Mr. Paavola unpacks each aspect of the prayer and helps you delve deeper into what it means to pray to our Father.

This is one resource that I can see myself going back to over and over again.  As I was reading I was constantly highlighting things that I wanted to remember.  When I sat down to write this review I realized almost half of my book is highlighted!  A wonderful reference and resource!

Each line of the prayer is broken down and explained in simplistic terms.  The analogies that are sprinkled throughout the book paint such a picture in your mind that you will not forget the principles taught.

I highly recommend Our Way Home for anyone who wants to enrich their prayer life and get closer to the Lord.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Harvest

I have always had a desire to garden.  Growing up my grandfather had a beautiful vegetable garden in his backyard that I frequently admired and enjoyed the harvest of.  Over the years, I have attempted to create my own little garden with disastrous results.  After each failed attempt I've wondered if it's me or if it's what I'm trying to grow.  It's this reason that I decided to read Harvest by Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis.  Maybe this book could help me realize what has been missing in my gardening endeavors.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the gorgeous photography.  It has a rustic feel to it which is very calm and inviting.  The book is separated into three sections that align with the time of year that you should be planting these certain plants or vegetables.  There is early (late winter to early spring, mid (summer to early fall), and late (late fall to early winter)  For someone who knows nothing about gardening, I found this to be very helpful.

Not only are there vegetables and flowers that are included in this book but other "ingredient alternatives" like Edible Flower Garnishes, Simple Syrup, and even a wreath and garland.  This part had to be my favorite part of the entire book and only wish there were more.  Many of the decorative alternatives most likely will never be used by me but I can see those that do thrive in decorating loving them.  There really is something for everyone in this book.

For those that are knowledgable in gardening, this book could be disappointing but for anyone that is inexperienced like myself I think you will really enjoy it.  Even if you never try anything from the book itself, just flipping through and looking at the beautiful pictures is relaxing in and of itself.  

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

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The Mountains of Ararat

Ever since I was a child I have always loved the story of Noah's ark.  Seeing the cute little photos of the animals going in two by two and imagining how it must've been to be in the ark with them for such a long time can set your imagination running wild.

When you read the story you find the account to be so amazing that it couldn't possibly be true but it is!  It really happened and Lutheran pastor Aaron Simms took a trip around the world and up the mountain of Ararat to prove it.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  I love Pastor Simms simplistic writing style and the entire account of his trip with his son and follow brothers in Christ to find the ark.  Interwoven through the story of the treacherous climb up Mount Ararat, Pastor Simms ponders different aspects of the story of Noah and the parallels to the Christian faith.

Many say that this account is a fabricated story and that the proof isn't proof enough but I say that's where faith comes in.  Even if you don't believe the story of Noah's ark to be true, this book is still a wonderful tale of adventure, brotherhood, and overcoming major odds.  Highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

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The Matchmaking Game

I have been such a fan of several of the books from the Timeless Romance series that when the opportunity to read another in the collection I jumped at the chance!

The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch is a historical romance novella about two childhood friends, Rowena and Evan, that, after years apart, realize they are falling in love with each other.  With neither of them wanting to ruin their friendship, they keep their feelings for each other to themselves, though their attraction is obvious to everyone else.

Rowena puts all of her focus on her matchmaking game: trying to unite her father and Evan's mother, two widowers who would greatly benefit from the union, but she cannot shake the feelings that she is feeling for Evan.

Evan is struggling with his own internal struggle.  While at war, he witnesses his best friend die.  His friends dying wish is for Evan to take care of his sister Cynthia when Evan returns home and he vows to live up to his promise.   What does Evan do?  Does he follow his heart or follow his head?

The Matchmaking Game is a cute little love story.  Each character is well developed and the story line is wonderful.   There is plenty of sparks but this is a clean romance which is my favorite kind.  The whole time I was reading I was rooting for love!  If you're looking for a quick read with a good story, great writing, and a lot of love than look no further!  Highly recommend!  

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

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The Bravest You

So many of us live our lives in fear.  Fear can be so powerful that it can be debilitating and oftentimes keeps us from pursuing our dreams and passions.  

In The Bravest You, Adam Smith gives you five steps to help you overcome your fears and put you on the path to pursuing your passions and living the life you've always dreamed of.  This book is meant to be interactive and is not something that you can speed through.  It was very hard for me to read straight through but I was constantly highlighting and making notes about steps I can take in my own walk to overcome fears in my life and points to go back and revisit.

I highly recommend this to anyone who has been playing it safe in life.  It's time we all faced our fears and pursued our passions and this book will give you the steps you need to walk that path.  If you follow the steps outlined in this book it can be life changing.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Where Dead Men Meet

I am a sucker for a good suspense novel.  I love the feeling of being on the edge of my seat and speculating the direction the author is going to take me.  I have also been on a historical fiction kick this year so I was very excited when I picked up Where Dead Men Meet by Mark Mills.

Set in 1937, you see the framework for World War II being set in Europe and all the horrors that went along with that time period.  Luke Hamilton was an orphan who was taken care of for years by a kind-hearted nun before being adopted.  Years later, the nun is brutally murdered and Luke finds himself being in the assassins crosshairs.  With Luke's journey of dodging assassination attempts and traveling all over Europe trying to find the truth, you find yourself getting lost in the details, and never feeling like you can keep up.

This is the first book I've read by Mark Mills and I hate to say I was extremely disappointed.  It took me months to get through this book and I finally gave up.  The beginning grabbed my attention but as I read on the pace felt forced and the story line became muddled to me.  I finally gave up and put it down.  Sometimes you're just not in a right frame of mind to read a certain type of story.  

I didn't want to give up on Where Dead Men Meet since the synapsis was intriguing and I've heard good things about Mark Mills' work.  I picked the book back up a few weeks later and the same thing happened.  I struggled to get lost in the story.  I felt no connection to the characters whatsoever and even though I was curious to find out who it was that was hunting Luke and killed the nun, I couldn't finish it.  

I really wanted to love this book, but I really didn't.  It was chaotic, convoluted, and forced and this is the first fiction in a long time I couldn't finish.  

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams, and Rumors

My parents were in a rock band when I was growing up.  Not only was it amazing to see them evolve into wonderful musicians themselves, but I was also introduced to a lot of music that kids my age weren't a custom to.  Fleetwood Mac was one of those bands that I did not really appreciate growing up but now that I am an adult they are one of my all-time favorite classic rock bands.  Though I know their music quite well I knew little about the bandmates themselves and their rocky history until I read the latest Stevie Nicks biography Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams, and Rumors by Zoe Howe.

I personally fell in love with Stevie Nicks when she did her solo album Rock a Little which was released in 1985.  Stevie's unique voice and her beauty and fashion sense are something I've always admired.  Reading about who she was as a person, where she came from, and the tumultuous journey that she has been on in her music career was something I was very excited about.

I've always heard about her love/hate relationship with Lindsey Buckingham but I never realized the depth!  I loved hearing about her start with Fleetwood Mac and the stories behind many of their songs.  I wish there would've been more focus on Stevie and her solo career but the author seemed to stick with Stevie and her association with Fleetwood Mac more than anything.  Fleetwood Mac is touring this year so I'm sure this biography was a push to get more interest in the band reuniting and the tour itself.  

There were many quotes that I did not find cited which I thought was strange and, to be honest, the book was hard to get through for me.  It is extremely long and after awhile you feel like the story becomes redundant.  I still think the story of Stevie Nicks is fascinating and I plan on picking up Gold Dust Woman by Stephen Davis, which is coming out in November of this year.  I hope Davis delves deeper into his subject more than Ms. Howe has.

For someone who has never read anything on Stevie Nicks, or Fleetwood Mac for that matter, I would say this is a decent book to start out with, since the majority of the book is bits and pieces of other articles and interviews.  But I do believe this book could've been better.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review   

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The Long Run

I do not seem to possess the endurance that it takes to become a runner.  I admire those that can lace up their sneakers and run for miles at a time.  I'm lucky to do jogging intervals when I attempt to run.  Maybe I do not have the mental stamina it takes.  Maybe I need a shove in the right direction and a little inspiration from those who have ran before me.  This reason is why I picked up The Long Run by Australian writer and runner Catriona Menzies-Pike.

Catrina Menzies-Pike started running after mourning the deaths of both of her parents in a plane crash.  After dealing with depression and addiction for years, Ms. Menzies-Pike started running first as a hobby and later adopted the running lifestyle.  It is during this time that the author begins to research the history of women in running and the road that has led to her own participation in a half-marathon.

Any avid runner will be able to relate to her stories and why she runs and this is the part that I really enjoyed reading, despite it being a small part of the book as a whole.  The majority of the book is a history lesson on women's rights and women in sports.  I was hoping this story would be more about the author's overcoming a personal tragedy and working through grief through running but I felt like Ms. Menzies-Pike keeps her readers at arms length throughout the book.  The focus feels more on history and not on the author's story.

The Long Run is very well researched but lacks the author's personal story which is why I chose this book in the first place.  I started this book hoping for inspiration to run and I did not find that at all.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

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