I actually like my hair today!

I do not have easy to control hair. It's half curly, half whatever-it-wants-to be and almost always frizzy thanks to the Texas humidity and heat. I have tried so many things to keep it smooth and controllable. It fights back.

So, when I got the chance to try Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine, through BzzAgent, I was so excited! I have washed with it three times now and I'm getting happier with my hair every day.

The first day of using it, I was mostly impressed by the scent. It smells soooo good. It's made with apricot oil and that is just a wonderful smell in the morning! Even my 5 year old smelled my hair after my shower. I didn't see much difference that day. I did notice that it was a little hard to get it to rinse out. That day I only used the shampoo because I'd conditioned the day before and I can't do that every day on my hair or it gets weighed down.

Day 2, I used the shampoo and conditioner and was so happy with the result. Again though, it felt like it took longer to rinse out. But...I had pretty hair without needing to add any style creme or gel. It stayed curly and soft all day. That's a big score!

Day 3, today, I only used the shampoo again and it really is starting to bother me that it feels like I'm not rinsing it all out. It is soft and shiny though.

The cool thing I noticed when I was looking at the bottle today is that Garnier uses recycled plastics in it's bottles and it has a little note on there reminding you to recycle the bottle in your hands. It's a little thing, but every little thing adds up.

The website says that the shampoo and conditioner will "lock out frizz for a full 3 days, even in 97% humidity" and I will be able to test that in the next few days when we're forecasted to be in the upper 90s.

The shampoo and conditioner are part of a system which includes a leave-in conditioner, frizz serum (getting that ASAP) and Frizz Defeat Deep Treatment.

I received a full sized shampoo and conditioner for testing purposes through BzzAgent. I was not required to write a positive review and no additional compensation has been or will be received.

Book Review: 1000 Days

1000 Days
By Jonathan Falwell
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 240 pgs

Description:

An opportunity to meet Jesus Christ like never before.

Have you ever thought that when Jesus Christ came to earth more than two thousand years ago, he could have simply given us salvation-period!-and never done another single thing? Jesus Christ could have chosen to be born of a virgin, live for 33 years in relative obscurity, die on the cross, be buried, and rise from the dead three days later, and still give us the opportunity for salvation without doing any of the things we read about in the gospels.

Yet there was more.

For three years-roughly 1,000 days-Jesus served in public ministry while on earth. He didn't need to do this ministry, yet he did anyway, and that's the key for us. This intentionality implies that there is a lot of information in Scripture that we need to grapple with. We need to understand what Jesus said and did during his 1,000-day public ministry, so we can apply his teachings to our lives today.

What makes these 1000 days of Christ so vitally important?

Jesus' public ministry was to help us understand what true love is all about-both for God and for other people. When we love God and others first, the rest of life falls into place: our possessions, our ambitions, our hopes and our dreams. Jesus modeled everything he taught, and his invitation is to make his mission our mission too.

Review:
This is a great book for Christians who want to truly live their lives as Jesus showed us. There's not really any new, earth shattering insights, but a good reminder of who we are to be like in our daily lives. The chapters are not long, but they're packed with information and each ends with questions for self-reflection. There is also a more in-depth Bible Study section for each chapter at the end of the book, with directions and helps for group leaders.  I find it a little strange that a book of this magnitude has less than 20 notes cited for the whole book. That means the majority of the writing is from Scripture and the author's mind alone. Kinda strange now a days, but still great because it's fresh.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Just Down the Road

Just Down the Road
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley, 2012
English, 336 pgs

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas is pleased to present JUST DOWN THE ROAD, the fourth novel in her award-winning Harmony series.

Harmony, Texas, is a place where dreams are born. As the townspeople face unexpected endings and new beginnings, they also come face to face with themselves—and what’s most important in life...

When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing, and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both their lives, forcing them out of the past—and into a future where love is just down the road...

In the meantime, as Reagan Truman grieves for her beloved uncle, she finds comfort in the makeshift family she’s made in Harmony—and in a new baby, the first born in the Wright Funeral Home in 45 years, proving to everyone that life does go on…

Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels and 11 short story collections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.

The question I always fear the most when I’m traveling on book tour is, “Where do your ideas come from?”

In truth, I often want to say, “Where did yours go?” because for the most part I don’t know where ideas some from.  For the most part it’s not an idea, but a person who jumps into my mind first.  He, or she, walks in, sits down and begins to tell me a story I have to follow.

 

When that happens, as it did in JUST DOWN THE ROAD I grab my computer and start hoping I can hang on to wherever the story takes me.

 

My story opens with a rancher named Tinch Turner who is grieving the loss of his wife and best friend the only way he knows how, by working too hard and fighting just as hard.  He’s lost the light in his world and sees himself as just waiting to take his last breath.  Only problem is, he runs into is a doctor who sees her job as fighting to keep people alive, even him.

 

Doctor Addison Spencer moves in just down the road from him and before either realize it they both become involved in the same cause.  One little boy pulls them together and makes them both forget their own problems because his needs are so great.

 

I like to write my stories like life, with people’s worlds circling around one another and sometimes colliding.  The stories that happen in Harmony are like that.  Some ending as others begin but all richer for being together.

 

JUST DOWN THE ROAD is my fourth stop off in Harmony, Texas.  Though the books are related they don’t have to be read in order.  However, for those readers who love series, you might want to start with the first, WELCOME TO HARMONY.  Though the stories are different, you might have fun watching the way a few of the people grow through the books.

 

Step into my stories.  You’ll find a home in Harmony.

Check out the trailer on YouTube HERE.

My Review:

I am so happy to get to return to Harmony. Reading this book has been like calling home and getting the local gossip from my momma. I feel like I know the characters and can't wait to see what they've been up to since I last read about them.

The story grabs you really early on and doesn't let go until you put the book down, wondering about what will be the next story! From birth to death, this book covers a slice of life in a small town over a few weeks. 

Particularly touching to me, was the story of Jamie, a 4 year old little boy. Being the mother of a 5 year old, I laughed at some of the things he did! I can imagine a little boy learning about horses and smarting off with that knowledge as if he'd been an expert for years! My son also loves the round oat cereal that he carries in his pockets because horses like oats! Mine likes to throw them to the birds (no idea if they eat them or not, but he loves to do it!) in the backyard.

Several story lines were wrapped up, but some are still waiting for resolution. Hopefully that means that there will be another book soon!

I received a copy of the book in exchange for hosting a blog tour and a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you Jodi for including me again!

Book Review: Rose of Winslow Street

Rose of Winslow Street
By Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House, 2012
English, 342 pgs


Description:
The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.

Review:
This book hereby ends my reviews of Christian historical fiction. I have decided there is nothing new I will read in them. True, the specific circumstances change from book to book, but I'm getting fired of the "formula" of they meet...they don't like each other...they're both hiding something...they surprise each other...they fall in love...it's getting old. Just once, I'd like to see a couple NOT end up together. Let him fall for her best friend or maid or something.

For this reason, I'm torn about a rating.

The plot isn't bad. It's actually quite engaging and exciting. I admit that I didn't fully guess what was going to happen, but I had pretty close guesses (based on the formula). The characters are well developed and have a lot of "like-a-bility" to them.

I had read Camden's other book The Lady of Bolton Hill and did like it so I was willing to give this a chance. It wasn't by any means a bad read. It handles well the topics of how we treat others,  how we can define ourselves by our circumstances, the longing for home and loyalty.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: The Coming Revolution

The Coming Revolution
By Dr Richard G Lee
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 256 pgs


Description:
People need a creed and a cause, and today millions of patriotic Americans are finding their voices.
They say the best indicator of the future is history. How things have been can be a powerful signal of how they will be. But what will be our role in shaping the future for this country?
In The Coming Revolution Dr Richard G. Lee powerfully explains that a new revolution is coming. It may be in the streets of our nation's capitol-as we saw in Europe last year-or, better yet, in voting booths across America. Signs from our nation's past and present ring out the truth: a second American revolution is near at hand.
Using this country's rich heritage of liberty and democracy as a roadmap toward where we could be headed, Dr. Lee brings thoughtful clarity to the ever-growing probability of such a revolution in America; illuminating the important reminder that the voices of every revolution have been-and always will be-the ordinary everyman.
Discover how you can be a part of this country's social, political, and moral reform and how faith in God serves as the one truth that can provide both individual and national guidance for America's next revolution.

Review:
 I am purposely not a political person. I do not like studying history. Yet, I see the purpose in these as a participant in American culture. I vote, therefore I need to be informed about the vote I am casting.

Dr Lee gives an overview of American history and what lead to the formation of our government and explains some of our laws as they were intended by the authors. A vast number of Americans are upset with the "change" we received from the last Presidential election. I don't think many realized how that change would infringe upon our lives.

Dr Lee describes what he sees as a mandate for change, back to what our country was supposed to be about in the first place. There is a lot of history and a lot of current facts which are used to support this view.

This book is deep, yet it all makes sense. I think it's interesting that he even uses examples from Lenin and Marx to support his views. He sites battles over the definition of family and marriage, the health care dilemma, problems in our schools and the basic dignity of human life as the major areas where a growing number of Americans want change. Or at least to get rid of the change we just had forced upon us.

The last chapter is "What You Can Do' and it really spells out steps you can take personally to start making a difference.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Resignation of Eve

The Resignation of Eve: What if Adam's Rib is no Longer Willing to be the Church's Backbone?
By Jim Henderson
Tyndale, 2012
English, 320 pgs


Description:
Why millions of today’s most committed church members may be ready to bolt—and what to do about it
In talking with women around the country, Jim Henderson has come to believe that an epidemic of quiet, even sad resignation is developing among dedicated Christian women who feel overworked and undervalued in the church. As a result, many women are discouraged. Some, particularly young women, respond by leaving the organized church . . . or walking away from the faith altogether.

The Resignation of Eve is a field report on what women have to say about how they’ve been affected—both positively and negatively—by their experiences within the church. Listening to their stories is crucially important because, across the board, the research shows that women are driving changes in the church. What will happen if many of them resign?

It’s time to pay attention before it’s too late—time to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who went out of his way to honor, elevate, and work through women wherever he went.

Containing personal interviews with women and surprising research from George Barna, The Resignation of Eve is a game-changing, conversation-starting book for women who have been engaged in the Christian church, as well as for their pastors and ministry leaders.

Review:
I was really interested in reading this because I have been feeling unappreciated in working for our church. I've seen lots of other women feeling this way. I didn't expect this to be a series of stories in a collection. I understand why it's written in this way, but it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. The women in the stories are all relateable and honest and I appreciate them telling their stories.

It's my opinion that this feeling of resignation is what leads to resentment and ultimately women not wanting to be in a church. This is a very relevant book that I believe ministers need to read. Mainly to make sure this doesn't happen in their churches.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Real Marriage

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together
By Mark and Grace Driscoll
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 272 pages


Description:

Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, talk about sex and marriage in down-to-earth terms, hitting issues other Christian books won't.

While a wonderful wedding day is important, it's the last day of marriage that really counts. Will the last day of your marriage come prematurely through divorce? Will it be filled with regrets as you sit at the funeral of your spouse? Or, by God's grace, will the last day be a day to rejoice in the life you lived together?

Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, want you to finish well on the last day. From the importance of date nights to answers to the most tricky "can we do that?" sex questions, they share practical help and hope with people just like them-who entered marriage a complete mess-or who are planning to be married someday and want to avoid some sticky pitfalls.

Together Pastor Mark and Grace tackle the tough issues, such as:

• Why being your spouse's best friend changes everything and how to achieve it.
• Pornography and sexual sin inside and outside of marriage.
• Submission and respect - marriage's most misunderstood tenets-and what they should really look like.
• Honoring your spouse emotionally, technologically, and financially.
• What the Bible says about masturbation and oral sex.
• The "Can we do that?" questions you're too embarrassed to ask your pastor.
• How to deal with intimacy issues and create the joyful and fun sex life God intended you to have.
• What type of man or woman are you? What type of lover are you? And what type of marriage do you have?

Review:
I have a good marriage. I have an amazing partner and friend. I did not pick this book because something was bad and it needed to be fixed or anything like that. This is a very practical book written by one of our shared favorite authors/pastors. This would be a great engagement present for a young Christian couple. It's important to understand how to love and respect each other, and the Biblical mandate behind each one.

It does get pretty graphic with the sexual talk, but what doesn't these days? I'd rather read and understand from a Biblical/Christian perspective than from another view.

The chapter that hit home most with me was "Taking out the Trash". I can become very critical and can harbor resentments really quickly. This has taught me the error in that and I'm working on being better with my husband.

I think what I like best is that they don't hold back. They're open and honest and, most importantly, Scripturally based. It's a book that should be read together. I can't imagine doing this in a small group, although there is material available for this.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: What a Son Needs From His Dad

What a Son Needs From His Dad: How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life
By Michael O'Donnell
Bethany House, 2011
English, 141 pages


Description:

No one can prepare a son for life better than his father. Dads are role models and this book encourages fathers to grow into the kind of men they want their sons to become. Practical topics include preparing boys for work, marriage, sexuality, friendships, and their relationships with God. The author researches and speaks on family issues, and is also a dad himself. Originally published as How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life. Updated by the author.

 

Review:

If I were allowed a one word review, it would be...EXCELLENT! I love this book. This is my new official "congrats on having a baby boy" gift book for dads.

My husband read it too and I wasn't sure if he was going to feel like I picked this book to review because I was saying something about him or whatever, but he read it and loved it too. He has started implementing some of the lessons from the book with our sons and I'm seeing a difference in behavior.

My 5 year old is understanding better what it means to work hard. I can tell him that all day, but when Daddy shows him with a lesson, he seems to get it. They've been playing a lot more together. We've been enjoying that as a family, but I know it's important for Dad to get on the floor and play. (Living room obstacle courses are great!) We haven't quite moved on to the good citizenship and sexuality chapters, but I know they're coming...way too soon for my taste...and we'll be able to handle them when they get here.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes and was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: The Exceptional Life

The Exceptional Life
By Stephen Arturburn
Bethany House, 2011
English, 224 pgs


Description:

Steven Arterburn, popular author, speaker, and radio host, shows readers what they need to give up in order to have God's best for their lives. After candidly sharing his give-up moment, he examines eight things that hold Christians back--including guilt and shame, resentment, ear, anger, and isolation. He then helps readers give up their lives to God, resulting in lives full of hope, love, trust, forgiveness, connection, community, and much more. Discussion questions are included for individual and small-group use.

 

Review:

This is one of the more amazing books I've read lately. It's not a long book, only 8 chapters, but each chapter is packed full of good stuff. The book deals with guilt, shame, resentment, fear, anger, instant gratification, learned helplessness, isolation and addiction and how each can harm your personal relationships. Each chapter has 5 parts to discuss how to break the cycle of each and move toward a healthier you. Each chapter discusses what needs to be given up, why, how, what you'll gain from God and what you'll be able to do and be after giving it up.

This is not a light, sit down and read it real quick book. This is a change-your-life book. It has questions at the end of each chapter for diving deeper into what you think and feel. I can see application in it for personal study as well as a group study. I also see great value in the book for professional or pastoral counseling.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Going Deep

Going Deep: Becoming a Person of Influence
By Gordon MacDonald
Thomas Nelson, 2011
English, 400 pages




Review:
I found this book agonizing to read. I couldn't get into it at all and ended up putting it down, frustrated. The ideas presented are great. (According to what it says on the back of the book.) There's nothing really new to it and there's nothing hard about what is being presented.

It was interesting that this was written as a fiction book. I can see that was an attempt to make it "flow" better and to make it more presentable, but that also made it too long.

I wish there was an abridged version or a non-fiction version with just the "meat" of the book.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.