Showing posts with label 2015 reading challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015 reading challenges. Show all posts

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Book Review: The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren

The Purpose of Christmas is a moving, inspirational seasonal title by Pastor Rick Warren.

In this powerful book, Warren shares the three purposes of Christmas and how they can solve your greatest needs. From the beginning, this book will touch your heart and open your mind to the rewards of accepting God's Christmas gift to us--His Son, Jesus Christ.

This is a challenging review for me to write simply because this tiny book with beautiful photography meant so much to me this year.


  • It reminded me that our family's focus must be on Jesus. 
  • It encouraged me to give control over my life to God.
  • It renewed for me the hope of God's most precious gift--my Savior. 
I'm no sure I can get my husband to read it, but I feel it would make a difference in his way of thinking too. Even we Christians get so caught up in trying to manage our lives that we forget everything we do and everything we have comes from God. We scramble about trying to make things work, when all we need to do is give our lives fully to God and let Him figure it out. 

Warren definitely has a beautiful gift for words. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and look forward to reading more of his work. 

Hardcover: 132 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; 1 edition (November 4, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416559000
ISBN-13: 978-1416559009


I borrowed this book from my local library. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:


Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Book Review: Michael Landon's Legacy by Cheryl Landon


Michael Landon's oldest daughter, Cheryl, shares what she feels is her father's legacy alongside seven key principles she believes can change your life and the world in Michael Landon's Legacy: 7 Keys to Supercharging Your Life.

The book opens dramatically with an account of the car accident that almost killed her. Cheryl talks about her addiction to pain killers and a suicide attempt, crediting Michael Landon's unwavering love as crucial to her survival.

This is a book I borrowed from the library on a whim because I saw Michael Landon's picture on the front. I had heard some of Cheryl's story in discussing plots for Little House on the Prairie episodes with other fans of the show, but I knew very little about the author before reading Michael Landon's Legacy. 

In many ways, her story is amazing. A life of hardship until her mother married Landon, she suddenly knew the grass to be greener. That didn't mean, however, she was promised a happily ever after. Problems plagued her after that near-fatal car wreck. His sudden illness and death, along with last-minute will changes that tore the Landon family apart, could have left Cheryl bitter; but the seven keys found within the book's pages changed her life and she shares them now with millions as a motivational speaker.

Since it is titled Michael Landon's Legacy, I thought it would be more about his contributions to the world. While the author talks about Landon and how she feels what she is doing honors his legacy, this book mostly focuses on these seven keys:
  • Trust in God
  • Choose love over fear
  • Believe in daily miracles
  • Take action now
  • Believe in truth between people
  • Build bridges
  • Don't judge each other

The tone of the book is New Age and Cheryl admits she follows the Church of Religious Science; though she also says she is a born-again Christian. No matter what faith she identifies with, these keys are good principles to live by.

Not my favorite book by any means, but I'm glad I read it to see how a family member viewed the iconic Michael Landon and to know that the author has dedicated her life to making a difference in the world.


Hardcover: 172 pages
Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company (February 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1571742859
ISBN-13: 978-1571742858


I borrowed this book from my local library. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Book Review: Love Your Husband Love Yourself by Jennifer Flanders

In Love Your Husband Love Yourself by Jennifer Flanders, the author shares the Biblical view of wives in marriage and how listening to God's Word blesses a marriage and families in countless ways.

Though Ephesians 5:22-33 is considered a controversial portion of Scripture in today's modern world, Flanders shows throughout her book that this is the way marriage was designed to be by our Creator from the moment He created Eve for Adam. Sharing her personal experience as a wife and mother, the author indicates the many benefits if you embrace God's purpose for passion in marriage.

Too often I fear this portion of Ephesians is maligned and used to bring division into a marriage. Here is what it says:

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Each person has responsibilities to the other. A wife is supposed to provide for her husband's physical needs and defer to him as head of the family. However, a husband is charged with an even greater responsibility: to take care of his wife and love her as much as he loves himself. In this world of self-satisfaction and being told to consider what we need first and then worry about everyone else, this is not a popular sentiment. But it does make one wonder how different relationships would be if every husband and wife were doing their best to follow Scripture.

What Flanders points out so well in Love Your Husband Love Yourself is that this Biblical view of marriage is not easy. It takes commitment, dedication, and most of all--prayer. Toward the end of the book, she is talking about marriage being a marathon, not a hundred-yard dash. This is so true. We need to keep our eye on the goal and keep moving forward.

If you've struggled with accepting God's purpose for passion in marriage or if you would like to explore more on this topic, Love Your Husband Love Yourself is an excellent resource.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Prescott Publishing (February 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982626908
ISBN-13: 978-0982626900


I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge.


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Book Review: Stop The Diet, I Want to Get Off! by Lisa Tillinger Johansen, MS, RD

Trying to lose weight and considering the latest fad diet? You should read  Stop The Diet, I Want to Get Off! by Lisa Tillinger Johansen, MS, RD first.

In this informative book, Johansen shares "The Skinny" on popular diets and why they don't tend to be effective long-term. From the 3-Day Diet to the Zone Diet and everything in between, the author discusses these diets, talks about how there is no magic pill you can take to lose weight permanently--darn, I wish that weren't true--and helps you put together a plan to lose weight by improving your overall diet and adding in exercise.

There's too much in this book to tell you everything, but I can say that what I liked most about it is that the plan seems achievable. Why? Because Johansen helps you understand why fad diets don't work; talks to you not only about portion size, but also teaches you which foods fit into what categories and how they effect your body; discusses reasonable ways to increase fruits, vegetables and water into your regular routine, as well as increase your fiber intake; and informs you what our bodies need per gender and age group for our nutritional as well as exercise needs. There are substitutions and grocery shopping tips and the Appendix includes additional resources.

As I have gotten older, staying healthy has gotten more important to me. I see habits I should have formed earlier in life that would have helped me now. In addition, as a result of reading this book I've already been implementing some of the changes to my lifestyle that I will be able to share with my family.

Stop The Diet, I Want to Get Off! is a must read for anyone looking to lose weight effectively and needing a encouragement to make some forever changes.

For More Information


  • Stop the Diet, I Want to Get Off! is available at Amazon.
  • Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Book Review: Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health & Well-Being by Amber Khan


Which mother out there hasn't felt guilty at one time or another? I think I've carried around more than my fair share of guilt over the years. In Amber Khan's Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health & Well-Being, moms learn how to free themselves from the power guilt has over them.

Khan gets right to it, helping the reader discover what she feels guilty about and letting you know you're not alone. As she acknowledges, times have changed and moms are pulled in more directions than ever before. In Part One, she talks about different things that can make moms feel guilty and overwhelmed--like being unable to say no (something I really struggle with). In Part Two, the reader learns to recognize the "guilt traps" they fall into. From balancing family life and career, to neglecting your health, to over-committing, and more, Khan takes the reader through these traps so the reader can understand what she's dealing with. Then in the final part of the book, Khan provides a 5-Step Guide to help you live a guilt-free life.

The author has kept this book to only 154 pages, so it's easy to read, but still offers a ton of great information. It's not a philosophy where you are expected to totally change your life. It's realistic and will help you learn how to take things one day at a time. The exercises get you thinking how to make this work best for you.

If you're a mom who feels guilty for one reason or another, I believe Guilt Free Motherhood can help.


File Size: 905 KB
Print Length: 154 pages
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00WY9MZJ4

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I have read this book for the following challenge:


Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Book Review: My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me By Ruxandra LeMay, Psy.D.


I don't know many couples who haven't struggled with this issue at some point or another: the commitment to family and career dulls the blooms on the rose and the physical relationship with our partner suffers. But who has time to commitment to reading a 250-to 300-page book about how to fix it? Now, there's a solution.

In less than seventy-five pages, My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me by Ruxandra LeMay, Psy.D. boils this topic down into what you need to do--and can do in a short period of time--to improve your relationship.

Written with authority and humor, LeMay understands what couples are dealing with because she has dealt with it too. She has taken what can seem like an overwhelming situation and gives the reader ideas they can try right away to make a difference in their relationship with their spouse.

My favorite part is how the material is presented. While acknowledging the content slants more toward women, LeMay doesn't forget how men feel about this sensitive topic. She talks to them too; making this an excellent resource for both genders. I also like that the author talks about the commitment marriage requires. Her dedication to helping couples understand each other is evident throughout the book.

I would highly recommend My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me to anyone struggling with this issue or to anyone looking to maintain a happy and fulfilling physical relationship with their spouse.


File Size: 231 KB
Print Length: 67 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: LJAR Services, LLC (May 1, 2015)
Publication Date: May 1, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00W5TXGGY


Dr. Ruxandra LeMay is a licensed psychologist in Phoenix, Arizona. After earning her undergraduate degree in Business Management, she spent 15 years in the corporate business world. While working with numbers and negotiating contracts, she realized that she enjoyed working and motivating co-workers with different personalities and different ways of doing things. She liked working with people, helping them focus on their strengths, and mediating communication with their management or conflict with peers. It was during this time, she decided to dive into the world of psychology. She went back to school and earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.
During her formal training, she continued with her interest in relationships, this time in family and couples’ therapy: pre-marital education, marriage counseling, and post-divorce mediation. In addition, she worked with adults and adolescents struggling with addiction, anxiety, and mood disorder related issues. Last but not least, as she became a wife and mother, women’s life concerns became another topic of interest. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, ante- and post-partum challenges, low sex drive, and parenting have all been at the forefront of her study for the last ten years.
She has a very direct and practical style. Therapy takes time and money. They are both valuable and she does not want to waste your time or your money. She wants to offer the most effective recommendations that you can implement right away so you can feel immediate relief from whatever it is that you are facing. Her book, blogs, and therapy are all a reflection of her belief that even small changes, if they are the right ones, can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Her latest book is the nonfiction/psychology/self-help book, My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me: The 2-Minute Solution for a Happier Marriage.
For More Information

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.



I read this book for the following challenge:


Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Book Review: The Minimum Wage Millionaire by Bill Edgar

The Minimum Wage Millionaire by Bill Edgar is a must have book for every working or soon to be working teenager.

In under 100 pages, Edgar gives the average teen advice on the importance of saving and investing in order to secure his future. From smart saving to investing wisely to never touching your investments and more, The Minimum Wage Millionaire provides young people with the advice they need in a conversational and easy to understand manner. With graphs and full explanations, this book can help put your teen on the road to success.

Also included is a list of resources with additional reading material, information on brokerages and investment advisors, and a list of career websites.

If there was any book that should be required reading in high school, this is it.



File Size: 823 KB
Print Length: 80 pages
Publisher: Bill Edgar; 1 edition (April 14, 2014)
Publication Date: April 14, 2014
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00JOZST82

I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:


Monday, June 29, 2015

Book Review: Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother

A frightening, yet fascinating story of greed, deceit, and murder can be found in Dead Reckoning.

This is a true crime investigative account by Pulitzer Prize nominee Caitlin Rother. She lays out the story of Skylar Deleon, a former child star, who along with his wife and others plots to kill a retired couple and steal their yacht.

Dead Reckoning is a chilling story. It reveals the horrible evil this world can contain. It leaves the reader wondering: are killers born or are they made? A life of abuse was all that Skylar Deleon knew. Did that turn him into the greedy, immoral person who could hatch a plot to steal the Hawkses' yacht and throw them overboard while they were still alive?

Or was it the influence of his wife, Jennifer? Was Skylar willing to do anything to please her--even murder?

I've been fascinated by true crime stories for decades, and this is one of the best told books I've ever read. Rother covers all sides to this story. The reader learns about the Hawks family; Skylar and Jennifer and their families; the detectives on the case; the attorneys on both sides of the case; the family of Jon Jarvi--another of Skylar's victims, and Skylar's co-conspirators. The end of the book includes an interview Rother had with Skylar in prison.

If you enjoy true crime, Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother is one book you shouldn't miss.

Series: Pinnacle True Crime
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Kensington; 1 edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786022175
ISBN-13: 978-0786022175

I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

This book has been read for the following challenges:




Friday, May 8, 2015

Book Review: From Tours to Paris by Linda Kovic-Skow

Escape to a world of romance and adventure in From Tours to Paris, the second book in the French Illusions series by Linda Kovic-Skow.

Having moved on from her dreadful au pair experience, Mademoiselle Kovic is ready to get her life back on track. Enrolling at a French Institute, she hopes to learn French well enough to fulfill her dream of becoming an international flight attendant. But when her boyfriend Adam returns from holiday with a shocking announcement, all her plans are up in the air. Her new direction leads her to Paris, where her money struggles continue, but she discovers a great deal about life and herself.

I had the pleasure of editing the first book in this series, French Illusions, so I was thrilled when Linda contacted me and asked me to edit her latest memoir, which is a follow up to Book One.

In some ways, the books are similar: the beauty of France, the spontaneous adventures of being in a foreign country when you are young and untethered, the sheer joy of being in love. For the most part, however, From Tours to Paris is a very different story told in the same elegant and engaging manner. While the first book finds Linda dealing with the consequences of a decision, in From Tours to Paris, the reader watches as she blossoms: moving out on her own, learning French, and meeting new people. In addition, the reader is left sympathizing with her as she is dealt a terrible blow and must once again move in a different direction, and cheering her on as she becomes more decisive.

It's always a joy to read Linda's work. I hope she will continue to create captivating stories for her loyal--and growing--audience.


File Size: 2572 KB
Print Length: 294 pages
Publisher: Dreamland Press, LLC; 1 edition (April 29, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00WXD8V9O

I served as an editor on this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:




Friday, April 3, 2015

Book Review: Harvest of Blessings by Charlotte Hubbard


Welcome back to Willow Ridge with the latest Seasons of the Heart novel, Harvest of Blessings.

Nora Glick Landwehr returns to Willow Ridge after many years away. Once cast out by her strict father, she seeks forgiveness and a chance to make amends to the daughter she gave up.

Luke Hooley doesn't hide his interest in her, but she doesn't have time for his recklessness. Somehow, though, he's helping her find her own way in faith.

Can Nora hope for a chance at forgiveness and love?

What a wonderful addition this is to the Season of the Heart series by Charlotte Hubbard. I've loved this series from the start, and Harvest of Blessings reaffirms everything I enjoy about Hubbard's work. Faith, forgiveness, and love play roles in Harvest of Blessings. Hubbard has created an engaging cast of characters who depend upon their faith even when they remain unsure of the future. We see the joy of a mother at the return of her daughter. We see a strict father set in his ways. We see a daughter searching for herself in the place she once called home. We see family members divided on this woman who has lived as an Englisher. We see members of the community working toward the common good. And if you thought that the former bishop, Hiriam Knepp was out of the picture, think again.

While I would definitely recommend starting this series at the beginning to fully appreciate it, Harvest of Blessings stands on its own. I am eager to see what comes next for the community of Willow Ridge.

Seasons of the Heart, Book 5
Zebra (February 24, 2015)
ISBN-13: 9781420133097 •• ISBN-10: 1420133098
Click on these links to buy this book now!
The Book Depository •• Amazon •• Barnes & Noble
B-A-M •• Chapters •• IndieBound •• Powell’s •• Kensington Books
Ebook: • Kensington Books •• Kindle •• Kobo •• iBooks

www.CharlotteHubbard.com

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Enter below for your chance to win!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


I read this book for the following challenge:


Friday, March 27, 2015

Book Review & Giveaway: Love on the Menu by Ellen March

Funny and sexy, Love on the Menu by Ellen March is one wild ride.

When loner Jago Tanner requests the agency find him an assistant, he has no idea what he's getting into. Not only was he expecting a man, Riley--a woman--dresses like a trollop and curses like a sailor. She's the sexiest woman he has ever seen. She's also the most frustrating woman he's ever known.

Jago has trouble trusting his feelings for Riley. He's also not sure anyone who dresses and talks that way could still be so naive. When her brother's shady friends come to harass her, Jago is not sure what to believe. Are they really meant to be together?

What a great book! I couldn't put it down. Riley and Jago are such opposites: he's introverted and gruff  while she's outspoken and bubbly. Riley is almost comical in her behavior. Her strong sense of right and wrong, however, give her a more serious side. Jago was tough to like, but I found myself rooting for him to win Riley's heart in the end. The author also created a group of secondary characters I loved--even Riley's mixed up brother, Rob.

Love on the Menu has its share of steamy love scenes, but it's really the characters and the fabulous plot that make this book an enjoyable read. I would like to meet these characters again one day. That this happens to be a cowboy romance means I was already partial to it; but it is the great characters that made it impossible for me to walk away until I turned the last page.

Prices/Formats: $13.95 paperback
Genre: Steamy Cowboy Romance
Pages:
244
Release:
February 14, 2015
Publisher:
Fanny Press
ISBN:
9781603815680

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SXEU2F8

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-on-the-menu-ellen-march/1120956615?ean=2940150154094

Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/515200



Ellen March's Web Site:
http://ellenmarch.jimdo.com/

Ellen March's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ellenmarchauthor?fref=ts

Ellen March's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Ms_ellen_march

Ellen March's Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5571507.Ellen_March

Love on the Menu Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24401519-love-on-the-menu

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186
 
Love on the Menu blog tour site:
http://loveonthemenublogtour.blogspot.com/


ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received a copy of this book from the author through Tribute Books Blog Tours. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge.





Saturday, December 27, 2014

100+ Book Challenge Sponsored by Freda's Voice



Freda's Voice is one again sponsoring the 100+ Book Challenge. I didn't come close to my goal last year, but I am optimistic about 2015. 

Rules are as follows:

1. Create a post, but list as you read, either a blog or GoodReads, somewhere she can see it, and leave your url to that post in the Linky at Freda's Voice.
2. Read some books. Any books. No limit in pages, even the phone book counts if that is your fancy. Just read!
3. That's it!



Sign up closes April 1st, 2015

Same as last year. Easy. Just read and link up your reviews each month so Freda can read it and possibly add to her wishlist. :-) 

Same as last year she will be awarding prizes (I won one last year) if she can afford to. She is not under obligation to award prizes though, just to be clear. She did pretty good last year. Freda tried to award everyone who added to the Linky each month. 

Each beginning of the month a new Linky for your reviews will be posted.

See you there and happy reading!

Read 100 books or more in 2015!
Good luck!


My starting list:
  • Dead Reckoning by Caitlin Rother
  • Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
  • The Paladins DuBois by Patricia Donaruma Wiliford
  • Out of Control: Why Disciplining Your Child Doesn't Work by Shefali Tsabary, PhD
  • Rush of Heaven by Ema McKinley with Cheryl Ricker
  • While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax
  • Love Your Husband Love Yourself by Jennifer Flanders
  • Water to My Soul by Pamela Bauer Mueller
  • The Map Across Time by C. S. Larkin
  • The Economy of You: Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur and Recession Proof Your Life by Kimberly Palmer
  • The Minimum Wage Millionaire by Bill Edgar
  • The Chosen by Andrea Buginsky
  • The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazar
  • The Covert Element by John L. Betcher
  • A Bride for Pastor Dan by Katie Crabapple
  • Little Girl Gone by Brett Battles
  • For Keeps by Aaron Paul Lazar
  • Every Precious Thing by Brett Battles
  • The Corner Cafe: A Tasty Collections of Short Stories
  • Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker