Book Review: Christian Mama's Guide

The Christian Mama's Guide to Parenting a Toddler
By Erin MacPherson
Thomas Nelson, 2013
English, 224 pgs

Description:
What's a mom to do when her sweet baby's smiles and snuggles turn to tears and tantrums? This take on everything toddler—from throwing food to potty training to massive toddler fits—is filled with sanity-saving advice every mom wants to hear. Helpful tips include how to:

• stop a tantrum in its tracks (or at least survive the tantrum without breaking into tears of your own)
• discipline your child in a way that demonstrates Christ's redeeming love
• make your marriage a priority when your kid is a squeaky wheel that always seems to need your time and attention
• introduce your child to Jesus in a way that leads to authentic faith
• convince a one-and-a-half year old that broccoli really is better than cookies—even if you don't believe it yourself

Moms will be entertained and encouraged by the amusing anecdotes and godly advice of this comprehensive, topical approach to parenting one and two year olds.

Review:
 I wish I'd read this before my oldest turned two. My youngest is now 3 and I still found lots of great tips and tricks that I can use. Because we all know the Terrible Twos does not just last one year.

I found the potty training chapter particularly funny. Especially since she tells you that she doesn't know all the answers, but here's what she has found that works. And doesn't.

Erin writes with a sly humor that I love and appreciate. Being a Mom is hard, but there are more moments of laughter than anything else in our lives and it's nice to see a book that isn't all serious.

Some of her tantrum tips for when you're in a store are still going to be handy for me since my son is in the "gimme" stage.

My number one favorite part of the book, though, is that she emphasizes over and over that our number one job is to lead our kids to Christ. We are to discipline with justice, grace and mercy, just as we are disciplined by God.

I'm going to try the tips on getting a toddler to eat. Mine seems to think that only bread and cheese are acceptable. There are really easy toddler approved meal ideas that I'm going to start adding into our diets.

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

Book Review: Organic Outreach

Organic Outreach For Families: Turning Your Home into a Lighthouse
By Keven G and Sherry Harney
Zondervan, 2012
English, 192 pgs

Description:

In Organic Outreach for Families, Kevin and Sherry Harney share insights from the Scriptures and give practical advice from their own experience to help you learn how to transform your home into a lighthouse of God’s amazing grace.

The Harneys discuss five ways you can naturally share your faith with others:

• Reaching your own children with the message of Jesus
• Sharing God’s grace with your extended family
• Raising your children to be beacons of light in their schools and in the neighborhood
• Opening the doors of your home to make it attractive and welcoming
• Shining the light of grace into your broader community

The Harneys balance a concern for developing your home into a safe, secure environment with the biblical mandate for believers to be salt and light in the world. Pastors and parents will discover creative ways families can become a natural and winsome presence in their schools, through community activities, and as a witness in their neighborhoods.

 

Review:

I requested this book from BookSneeze with the purpose of reading the middle section: Raising Children of Light in a Dark World, but I have received so much instruction from the whole book!

 

The first section, Reaching Your Own Family, really resonated with me because so many of my family are not Christians and I have been praying for them for so long. This book reminded me that each person comes at their own time and in their own way. Each person should be met where they are and related to in ways that are meaningful to them. It also reminded me that it's not up to me to save anyone. It's up to me to spread the seeds of the Gospel. I many only be one part of their salvation experience.

The second section, mentioned above, gives advice on raising our kids to know that their home is a safe place, to know that to know that our home has rules, to know that our home is a believing home where right and wrong are taught in accordance with God's Word. Our home can be a place where anyone who is hurting can be loved and consoled. Our home is a place where family, truth, grace and mercy are practiced daily. It is a place where we play together and pray together daily.

The third section, Turning Your Home into a Lighthouse, is focused on being a place in your community where people are comfortable. It's welcoming, it's loving and it's a place where the love of God is practiced for everyone. Impacting our neighborhoods is one of the major ways the Gospel can spread. There was a reason Jesus commanded the Disciples to GO first to their area, then out into the world.

As a pastor's family, our home is often a place that is seen as "off limits". A lot of people tell us that they don't want to bother us at home or "be in the way" or be here too much. But that's what we want! We want people coming into our home. We want to have meaningful relationships and conversations around the fireplace. There is a lot in this book that I'm going to practice and I really hope that this book is useful to you as well.

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

Book Review: A Cast of Stones

A Cast of Stones
By Patrick W Carr
Bethany House, 2013
English, 432 pgs

Description:
An Epic Medieval Saga Fantasy Readers
Will Love

In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny.

Review:
I will do my best to not include spoiler information, but that may be difficult. Fair warning.

The book is about Errol Stone. He's the town drunk. He has nothing else on his mind but ale. He's given a chance to make money to get more ale and he takes it. Bet he regrets that decision...

He takes a message to a recluse priest and his servant, with a few dangers on the way. But that's just where his story begins. In the process, he escapes death a few times, overcomes his thirst for ale, gets stronger in body and mind and begins a journey for the kingdom.

The story moves pretty fast. One chapter they're in the city, running for their lives, and the next he's in the country barely alive. It's well explained though and really feasible in the plot lines. His time with a merchant caravan is interesting because we see him really becoming someone else in this time.

On the one hand, he tries to fight his "compulsion" to the church, but on the other I think it gives him something to reach for and hold as his own.

I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, I've really only read a little of it, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were parts of the story I thought touched on the books I have read (the ferrals are similar to Trollocs in Wheel of Time) but it's a pretty original story and concept. I'm excited to start the series with this first book and cannot wait until the next is available!

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for a review and was not required to write a positive review.

The Bzz on Olia

BASIC INFORMATION:
Unlike traditional hair color, Oila uses an exclusive 60% oil blend, with natural flower oils, in the colorant. The unique oil-based formula maximizes the coloring process to achieve permanent color results. It propels colorants deep into hair, without ammonia, for pure, vivid, long-lasting color. Olia visibly improves and restores the look of hair, as oils help to reverse roughness and dullness for softer, shinier hair with bounce.

The information promises 100% gray coverage. Available in 24 different shades.

It comes with a drop-shaped applicator, which is supposed to help you maintain maximum control.

It promises a delicate floral scent and a non-drip creamy texture when applying.

MY REVIEW:
I started with about 30% gray hair and a very mousy brown color.

I don't always perform the "patch test" when I color my hair since I've basically been using the same box for years (with about a year since my last coloring). However, since this is a new product, I did do the test on the inside of my left elbow.

I was a bit concerned with how my skin appeared lighter after I rubbed it on, but that faded really quickly and it does say in the instructions that can happen.

So, 48 hours later, there was no reaction so I got ready for color!!!

This is what you see when you unpack the box. There is an applicator bottle, a developer tube, a colorant tube, a conditioner tube, gloves and instructions. Neat little thing on the box:

There is a flap where you can record the date of coloring and have the number and name of your shade so next time you color you aren't standing there trying to figure out which one you used last! I chose medium golden brown. Seemed like that would be a brighter color than my mouse brown and I was hoping all my grays would end up looking like highlights. I didn't have much choice at my local Albertson's as far as color. However, I have seen large displays at Target and Wal Mart with all 24 colors available.

(Quick warning....when I opened the developer to put into the applicator bottle, it kinda popped out, like there was an air bubble in it. I got a pretty good sized glob of developer on the counter.)

Small thing...I like the gloves.

They fit well and didn't rip during use. I was able to take them off while the color developed and then put them back on for rinsing. Little pleasure, but still makes the whole process a little better.

Okay, after mixing the developer and colorant into the applicator bottle, I started applying to my hair. I worked in sections, starting at the top of my head, working down the sides, then the back and underneath. I found the applicator bottle very slippery and very hard to hold. I dropped it a lot. Thankfully though, only a few drops splashed out each time and I was able to wipe it quickly off the countertop and sink.

There are not pictures of my hair with the colorant on it...no one needs to see that! My kids thought I looked like Medusa with my hair piled on my head! While it was processing, I was able to very easily remove any color that had gotten on the tops of my ears, back of neck and forehead.

Just a note...wear a really junky shirt. As with all coloring products, this stained my shirt and I was not able to remove it at all. No big whoop...expected that.

 So...the verdict...

The color had a lot more red than I was expecting, but I've always loved red hair so this isn't a big deal. It didn't completely cover my grays, but that may have been user error since it's a large patch that isn't covered. I may have missed a spot. The color on my forehead is very bright and the rest is a bit darker. Again, that was user error. I put too much there I guess.

All in all, I'm mostly happy with it. The smell didn't make me want to use the product outside for ventilation. The color isn't what I was expecting but I like it and will be purchasing another box really quickly so I can get the rest of the gray covered.

Sorry about the bathroom mirror/iPhone photo...it was the best I could do!

You can see more information HERE about the different shades available.  There is even a HOW TO section and a short video showing how to apply for both all over color and touch ups.

I received a coupon from BzzAgent for a box of color to test. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. I am not a professional hair stylist and have been coloring my hair for at least 15 years on my own. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: Your Beautiful Purpose

Your Beautiful Purpose
By Susie Larson
Bethany House, 2013
English,  240 pgs

Description:
Popular Radio Host Shows Women How to Embrace God's Unique Call for Their Life

Listeners to Susie Larson's radio show and women she meets at events across the country tell her the same thing: I want to do something meaningful for God, but I don't know what to do, or how.

Drawing on her own hard-earned experiences, Larson shows readers how to overcome insecurities, busyness, and other obstacles in order to focus their gifts and passions on their unique God-assignment. With biblical insights and inspiring stories from a variety of women, this action-oriented guide will speak to every woman who has felt a nudge from God--from the visionary who wants to end poverty to the empty-nest mom who feels called to help the young single mother next door.

From the Back Cover

Let God Breathe a Fresh Purpose Into Your Soul

We so want each day to matter--to serve God in big and small ways. But how, especially when everyday responsibilities, work, fears, and other obstacles get in the way?

Like a trusted friend, Susie Larson shares practical, scriptural ways to overcome whatever keeps us from living fully in God's will. Susie will help you learn to:

- Discern the best use of your time and gifts

- Confidently pursue God's unique desires for you

- Stretch your faith and deepen your impact

Respond today to that nudge in your spirit--that desire to use your gifts and passions more fully in God's work. Lay down lesser commitments and lay hold of God's beautiful purpose for your life.

Includes a study guide for personal or group use. A DVD study companion is also available separately.

Susie Larson is a popular radio show host, national speaker, and author. She has a passion to see women everywhere strengthened in their faith and mobilized to live out their high calling in Jesus Christ. Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Review:
I have spent the past 10 days in this book, devouring what Susie has to say, studying the questions at the end of each chapter. I have found so many good nuggets of truth. So much so that I've been driving my husband a little crazy! "You have to hear this!" "Read this paragraph!" Even though it's primarily written toward women, he's going to read it now that I'm done with it, just so he can share in the enthusiasm for God that I've picked up from reading this!

The book has 12 chapters, divided into 6 sections. They are just the right length for reading one a day for personal study, but they can also be done one a week with a group study. There are questions for personal study as well as group discussion starters at the end of each chapter.

The 6 sections are: Embrace Your Purpose, Trust God's Timing, Hear God's Voice, Believe God's Word, Walk By Faith and Take New Territory. It's incredibly exciting to progress through the book.

I have been journaling along with reading and doing the questions. There are so many things to think about in the book. From dealing with past hurts, understanding what it means to be called by God, trusting that we're in the season we are in (that's another part of the book) because God has a beautiful plan in His mind and we're just waiting and watching and praying while it unfolds within us.

One personal challenge I've been working on overcoming is finding a dream from God, for His purposes. I'm trusting that there is one He has for me and I'm opening my heart and ears for it.

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

Book Review: The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter
By Julie Klassen
Bethany House, 2013
English, 416 pgs

Description:
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame...and which brother to trust with her heart?

Review:
I enjoyed this more than I have enjoyed a Christian romance in a while. I liked the suspense aspect of the story. I thought the author did a good job setting up the surprises with clues in the story (now that I've finished it, I can see clearly where she did so) and the romance part of the story isn't overly mushy.

I like that Emma is a strong, smart woman. Especially in comparison with Lady Weston and Lizzie. I like that she is learning about herself at the same time as the reader. It's fun to watch her grow and realize her heart.

The Westons are interesting. Lord Weston is weak and doesn't at all seem in control of his family or estate. The sons are so diverse and really well developed as characters. Even the secondary characters in the story (house maid, steward, local miscreant) are well done.

As for the story itself, I don't want to give too much away. It's suspenseful and satisfying. It's heartwarming and will leave you breathless in some parts.

The only negative I have is toward the ending. The characters who cause the most harm are not dealt with in any way. They're "punished" by the family instead of the law, which was often the case in this time period, but I was left wanting more.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are?
By Mark Driscoll
Thomas Nelson, 2013
English, 256 pgs

Description:
WHO ARE YOU?
WHAT DEFINES YOU?
WHAT IS YOUR IDENTITY?
How you answer those questions affects every aspect of your life: personal, public, and spiritual. So it’s vital to get the answer right.

Review:
 I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. It's well researched and written and very applicable to life. I just didn't find anything terribly special about it either. I almost feel like Driscoll is cashing in with a book that he spit out in a week or something. He's starting to be too public and too loud about what he feels is the way to live and be and worship. He seems to be getting divisive in his public image and it's making me not really want to read his books. I had to force myself to read enough of this to get an opinion and I stopped as soon as I had one.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was only required to be honest.

Book Review: Chance of a Lifetime

Chance of a Lifetime
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley, December 31, 2012
English, 336 pages

Description:
Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony's library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adams. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before...

From the Author:

Welcome to my town, Harmony, Texas.  I thought readers might like to start the new year with a book set in a small town called CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.  Once in a while everything comes together in a story that makes it fun to write. I think you’ll love the visit where secrets whisper of old love affairs and kindness to others warms your heart.

I wanted to write a deep love story about two people who had been friends in childhood and lost each other one night because of an attack.  She was hurt and he felt guilty for not being there to help.  When Emily Tomlinson sees Tannon Parker ten years later, they don’t know how to mend the fences to find one another again.  I wanted to write a very tender love story about an attraction far deeper than physical, a love that went all the way to their hearts.

While they are getting to know one another, they’re also dealing with problems in the library that she runs.  The place is suddenly infested with want-to-be writers meeting upstairs.

If you are looking for a book that will let you step out of daily life into a world of mystery, laughs and falling in love, you’ll enjoy CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.

So, come along with me to Harmony.

 
My Review:
It's good to be back in Harmony! I have loved every story from this series, and this one is no different. I like that new and different characters are highlighted and actually missed some from the other books (Reagan, Tyler, etc). There was a lot focused on Beau too. He and Border are characters I've wanted to see more about and hope that there will be more about them in future books. 

Anyway, I digress...

The story is mainly about Emily and Rick (as described above) and what they go through. I love the Emily story. It is a very sweet and tender love story that just blossoms and leaves you feeling really happy for the characters. It's satisfying to read about her and Tannon and see how they grow and change in response to their friendship and history.

Rick's story is much more action packed. The "accidents" are terrifying to imagine and the story of him and Martha Q, Trace and his Matheson cousins will keep you turning the pages wanting to know what's going to happen! I really like the interactions with the bookstore owner downstairs! What a funny little character!

The book is hard to put down. I think I finished it in three days because I just didn't want to stop reading! I'm pretty sure I was cooking and reading a few times. The Harmony series just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Congrats to Jodi for CHANCE OF A LIFETIME reaching #20 on the NY Times Bestseller List!

I received an advance reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Ms. Thomas for continuing to include me in her book tours for the Harmony series.

Book Review: If You Have a Craving...

If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure
By Sheri Rose Shepherd
Tyndale House, 2012
English, 224 pgs

Description:

Life can be hard . . . but food, faith, and fun are three amazing gifts from God to satisfy and refresh us every day. Yet all too often, we focus primarily on what we can not do, and what we should not eat—which leaves us feeling deprived and depressed. Instead of being energized by following Christ, we waste our days feeling bored and burnt-out on our faith, while battling the guilt that comes from craving the food that we love. In If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure, best-selling author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd encourages you to embark on a new adventure with faith and food. She reveals the food coaching tips that enabled her to lose over 50 pounds and keep it off, and shares fun recipes in celebration of the healthy, delicious food our God created for us to enjoy. It’s time to let go of guilt, grab hold of grace, and recapture the life God craves for us to live! “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)

 

Review:

What a better time than the beginning of a new year to make new choices...

 

This book has 15 very short chapters. Each chapter is broken into 4 parts: a personal story, a short devotion, life tips and recipes. There are short, encouraging sayings with each chapter as well as a prayer.

The chapters are about what you're craving in food and that's tied into what you're craving in your spirit. For example, Craving Something Salty: Salty, Satisfying Recipes and Faith Seasonings for Life's Seasons or Craving Real Refreshment: Delicious Drinks and Hydration for Your Soul.

Each chapter will take about 5 minutes to read. That would make this a very easy book for a women's group to use as a weekly Bible Study. Then the group could make the recipes related to the chapter. I think that would be a great way to use this book.

The Life Tips in each chapter kinda feel cliched...if you want more energy then you should exercise and remove excess from your life...or...if you need rest, take a bath or go to bed early...nothing new to those, but they are good reminders sometimes and each has Scripture related to it.

Now, the recipes...I can't wait to try the cheeseless cheese dip (!) and the kale chips, but there isn't really anything new in these either. For instance, there is a recipe for a vanilla shake and there are several that are "adapted" from other cook books.

All in all, this is a good devotion/Bible study book for a group to use or even for just solo reading and study. I think discussion and involvement with the study would make this better than just reading alone though. What a better time than the beginning of a new year to make new choices...

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

Book Review: Wild Texas Rose

Wild Texas Rose
By Jodi Thomas
Berkeley, 2012
English, 320 pgs

Description:
Twenty-five year old Rose McMurray may be beautiful, smart and capable of running her adopted family's ranch at Whispering Mountain, but she's backed away from marriage three times without giving any reasons. Everyone thinks Rose is a coward, afraid of any adventure, including falling in love. She's never done a single wild or reckless thing in her life...until now.

Duncan McMurray, like Rose, was adopted into the family. As a Texas Ranger, he swears he'll never settle down and marry. Duncan has been Rose's guardian angel since they were kids but now, for the first time in their lives, he's the one who has put her in danger. So, somehow, and without letting Rose know, he has to protect her from an outlaw gang determined to kill her. He's convinced that her heart can't take the stress if she knows. The only question is, can his heart take the nearness of her?

When opposites collide, the adventure into love begins...

Review:
I have mixed feelings on this one. Jodi Thomas has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to losing myself in her books for a couple of days while I forget everything else and read. This one was good, but I didn't really feel like it was a love story about Rose and Duncan. They just kind of did a "well, we have no one else..." and decided to pursue a relationship.

The other stories, Abe and Sara and Killian and Victoria, really receive the bulk of the attention and they are completely enjoyable and satisfying story lines. Abe and Sara is actually kinda steamy and chaste at the same time...you just have to read it to understand...

Rose gets a fair amount of action when she's forced into a situation to protect Victoria and another to protect Duncan. But I'm not sure I'd call her actions wild or reckless. She's pretty calm and keeps her head in her situations.

I had figured out the surprises in the story before they were revealed and it didn't change my enjoyment one bit. I actually was looking forward to when it was revealed! However, there was a letter mentioned that was never dealt with in this book. I'm betting it's coming in the next though.

This is only my second Whispering Mountain book to read, but when I get a chance, I'm going to go back and start at the beginning. I kinda feel like I'm missing parts of the story by picking up where I have. I'm not disappointed about that at all...looking forward to it!

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