Little Book of Great Dates by Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley

I am so excited about this date book! I love that it has 52 dates, one per week!

Inside you will find five guidelines to make your date great.

1.      Don’t administrate your mirage

2.      Stay current

3.      Try new and exciting activities

4.      Reminisce

5.      Select dating activities that communicate to both of you.

 

We are going to start working through these dates this weekend. It’s a great way to start of the New Year. The chapters are short so its time friendly. All of three minutes to read the chapter and includes one activity and some questions to get you talking. Not much if any planning is needed.

Go forth and have a great date!

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Critical Reaction by Todd M Johnson

Kieran and Poppy have just survived an explosion at the Hanford Nuclear Facility. They are seeking truth and justice, but can they find the truth before it’s too late?  Can Emily and Ryan prove that the health issues their clients face are from the explosion? As the evidence seems stacked against them can they prove Kieran and Poppy innocent? With millions of dollars on the line can Adam keep the truth from emerging during the trial?

This is a great book about truth, justice, and deceit at any cost.

I am pleased to give the book four stars.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

How to Talk to a Skeptic by Donald J Johnson

Talking with a skeptic is a huge undertaking.

We can break this book down into three parts:

1.      A framework for fruitful conversations

2.      What skeptics need to know about God

3.      Dealing with the data

 

Being able to stay calm while listening to what the skeptic believes can be quiet the challenge, but it’s very important! Find out what the skeptic believes the Christian world view is.

Asking the right questions is huge! In order to have a calm dialogue we need to set the tone. Let them do most of the talking. You can talk later on.

 I appreciate how the author recommends we go about this. It’s so easy to lose a skeptic when we don’t know how. This book will help guide you through any conversation that you have with a skeptic.

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

10 Great Dates by Larson & Arp

*Let’s get out for a date!

*But what should we do?

Don’t keep doing the same things. Try something different. 10 Great Dates is that “something” you’re looking for.

Each of the ten dates is going to help you know and understand each other better. Having been married for 18+ years I know there is still more to learn about my husband. We took this book out for a date. Honestly, we loved it. We haven’t completed all ten dates yet but we plan on it. Setting time aside for each other is difficult with all of our responsibilities, but our marriage is worth the investment and so is yours!

I am happy to give this book a five star rating. Happy Dating!

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Unspoken by Dee Henderson

At 16 Ruth Bazoni was kidnapped and held for ransom. Four years later she was rescued! Ruth changed her name to Charlotte Graham. In the years since the kidnapping she has yet to talk about what happened during that time. Upon her grandfathers death Charlotte is given the task of handling his estate.

Bryce Bishop is a coin dealer. He owns and operates Bishop Chicago. Charlotte has an interesting approach, one which catches Bryce of guard.

I was grateful to see how Charlotte handled the money left to her care. Giving her a heart to share what funds she was given is so inspiring. I pray that as people read this book they too will be inspired to do more for others than before.

At first I thought this was going to be a typical romance…but I was wrong! It’s not just romance, but oh so much more. I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

 

 

This is family feud at its finest. It’s only fifty years strong for the Calarco vs. Panetta family. Isabella Panetta and Orlando Calarco have put this feud on the fast track. They have fallen in love!

Family feud’s can be so very ugly. It was interesting to see how the author intertwined the family’s issues. Can they see their way past these issues or will the feud only become stronger?

Will their families force them apart or can their love bring the feud to an end? What a page turner.

I am pleased to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittemore

 

 

This is the third book in the Angel Eyes Trilogy. I recommend this series to be read in order. It is possible to read this first since the author has included a summary of the first two books in “A note from the Author.”

We pick up right where we left Brielle and Jake. Brielle is dancing when Jake is taken. Brielle is afraid and feeling Jake’s absence. Canaan has Brielle wait by the chest for instructions but she really wants to “do” something to help find Jake. Can she find Jake?

Marco wants revenge for Ali’s death. Can he find the person responsible? If/when he does will he take revenge? Olivia has lived a tragic life and has been involved with some terrible crimes. Can she find redemption? Will she spiral out of control? Brielle has a difficult decision to make. Will she make the right choice? Can Brielle overcome her fears? Will the engagement ring return?

Join Brielle and Jake as their journey comes to a stunning conclusion!

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating!

Book One: Angel Eyes

Book Two: Broken Wings

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

Well done! I enjoyed how the author wrote the novel around the Chicago Fire of 1871. I could sense the events of the fire unfolding and people’s reactions were very realistic. I felt like I was there!

Mollie is a watch maker in Chicago.  Join her as she struggles to get the shop back up and running while learning many lessons. Zack is a lawyer who made it out of poverty with the help of Louis Hartman. As the great Fire starts Mollie and Zack must get to safety. Along the way they pick up a few people. Can they make it through the fire? Will the nightmares end? Can the 57^th Illinois Watch Company reopen and survive? Will Sophie ever find her family? Can Zack come to terms with his Polish heritage? Will they find the person responsible for an untimely death? Is Zack or Colonel Lowe the man for Mollie?

 

I read the electronic version of this book and once again there was a problem with the letter “f,” in various places throughout the text the letter would be missing.

I enjoyed this novel and am pleased to give it a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Susanna is one that loves to have a plan for everything; even if that means staying in a relationship for too long. When Adam finally breaks up with her the whole Island is buzzing with the news. “I found the right ring but not the right girl”….ouch that hurts!

Nate has to adjust to changes coming his way. He doesn’t feel ready to be king, but when his father dies he must prepare for the coronation. While away on his last holiday he meets Susanna. Nate realizes nothing can become of the relationship…the Kingdom forbids him from marring a foreigner.

Can Susanna find God’s plan for her when nothing seems to be going her way? Can Nate move on and become King? Will he be able to change a law? Will Nate simply marry for the Kingdom?

I am pleased to give this novel a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

This is a great adventure, absolutely in-depth reading. I found myself concentrating throughout the novel. The depth of information given was astronomical. A lot of research was done to have this much detail. The depth of the main characters was well executed. I loved seeing how they were able to travel on the lamb; while gleaning more information necessary to recovering the bones of Elisha and securing the safety of their sons.

This is book two in a series. I enjoyed it so much that I downloaded book one: Elisha’s Bones.

I am thrilled to give this novel a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

NIV Leadership Bible

 

 

I love this Leadership Bible! I was so impressed by the high quality leather it makes it easy to overlook the lack of red lettering in the New Testament.

Inside you will find 52 weeks of practical leadership issues that fall into three main categories and a verse to memorize for the week.

1.      Personal Development

2.      Relationships

3.      Skills

 

Each week covers one topic.

Day One: Issue Introduction

Day Two: Who God Is

Day Three: Who I am

Day Four: How It Works

Day Five: What I Do

 

Throughout the scriptures you will find profiles about various people in scripture, insights on various Skills. Book Introduction gives a leadership principle, summary, and at a glance. Breaks down the focus, reference location, topics, place where things are happening, and a time frame.

 

I am thrilled to give this Bible a five star rating!

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Woman’s Guide to Hearing God’s Voice by Leighann McCoy

 

 

 

This is a great guide that is jammed packed with great information to help us as we seek to hear God’s voice.

Each chapter has:

Personal Reflection

Discussion Questions

Treasure Verse

 

The guide has been divided into four sections:

Wrestling with God

Where was God when…?

Let God define Good

God will make a way

 

This would make for a nice devotional study for a large or small group. I love finding new ways we can tune in to hearing God’s voice.

 

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

We have a glitch…with the letter “f” throughout the novel. I chose to read the electronic version and in random places the “f” was missing. This made reading the novel slower. Most readers would find this obnoxious but I didn’t want it to get in the way of giving an honest review. I loved the story!

Reformed outlaw, Silas wanted to please his daughter in any way that he could. So when she asks him for a preacher Silas decides to “get” one for her. Silas steals a Parson off the train! When Silas delivers Jo her “gift”….Parson Crockett Archer, things get interesting. Parson Crockett was on his way to a job interview. When released will the Parson press charges? What does Jo want with a Parson? Will Crockett get the job in Brenham? Or will he stay in Burleson County? Will Silas’s outlaw days catch up with him?

I am pleased to give this novel a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Colleen Coble & Robin Caroll

I chose this book for two reasons:

I love Colleen Coble novels!

My daughter is a tween that loves to read!

 

Rock Harbor has a search and rescue dog team and Emily wants a dog so she can join the team. In her efforts to raise money for the dog she is accused of a crime. Emily and her friend Olivia set out to find who stole the necklace…and so the adventure begins!

Join Emily and Olivia as they take you on their journey to find the truth. I know my tween is going to love it and so will yours.

 

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

 

 

Meg and Bo are two people that couldn’t be more different….at least until there worlds collide. This is one that I just couldn’t put down! I Loved it!  It would be sooo easy to write a spoiler but I won’t. Undeniably Yours has it all…cowboys, horses, fear, divorce, single moms, kidnapping, old family money, deception, romance, and more.

Join Becky as she takes you on this journey as you read Undeniably Yours and watch how God guides the characters and inter-mingles Him through their lives. With all the twists and turns you’re not going to be able to stop until you get to the end…and still want more!!

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating!

 

Once you have read this novel you are going to want to get more from Becky Wade. Check out my link to: My Stubborn Heart

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Fixing My Eyes on Jesus by Ann Graham Lotz

 

 

 

Once again Ann shares her wisdom and insight of God’s word with us in this wonderful daily devotional. I enjoy the on the go availability of this electronic version. Join Ann as she guides us through scripture and a short message. Through all of life’s issues we (especially me) need to keep fixing my eyes on Jesus. This is a great start or end to the day and makes a fabulous gift for a girlfriend!

I am happy to give this devotional a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

 

 

Maryanna has been a widow for the past several years with four young children and no immediate plans to remarry. Maryanna is driving home one evening with her children when the youngest Sarah falls out of the carriage. After alerting the People, all they find is the little girls dress.

Meanwhile, Jodi is house-sitting for some friends and she decides to go out for a run. While out she finds little Sarah. How can Jodi find where this little girl belongs when she doesn’t speak English? Jodi contacts a policeman and he tells her that the child is probably Amish.

Once Jodi finds her way into Hickory Hollow Sarah is able to give directions to her home. The Amish people view Jodi as little Sarah’s Guardian Angel.

Maryanna and Jodi are going through some issues of their own. Can there friendship be useful to each other? Will Maryanna lose little Sarah’s affection to an “Englisher”? Will Maryanna see that she and the kids need a husband/father figure in their lives? Is Joshua that man? Jodi and her fiancé Trent are having differing thoughts on children once they are married. Trent wants them and Jodi doesn’t. Will this keep them from getting married? Jodi is suffering the loss of her sister and has strayed from the Lord. Can Jodi’s friendship with the Amish people help bring her back into fellowship with the Lord? Jodi loses her teaching job at her school and is having trouble trying to find one so late in the summer. After much debate the Amish leadership asks Jodi to teach the children on a temporary basis. Will Jodi do it? Can she follow all the rules?

I was surprised to hear that Beverly Lewis wrote this particular novel after having read an article on a similar situation….an Amish child was lost after falling out of a carriage. I pray all ended well for the child and family.

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

What a Son Needs From His Mom by Cheri Fuller

Cheri has a great advice to share with us moms of boys. Done in a way that is meant to encourage moms to raise healthy young men. It has always been my thinking that my children are “on loan” to me from God. I must choose to use this time with them wisely. I want them to be ready and able to stand d on their own two feet and be the man that the Lord wants them to be. Cheri will tell you it won’t happen overnight, it takes a lot of time and effort. Well worth the investment!

Some of the topics included are:

Encouragement

Safety

Support

Comfort

Trust

Release son to manhood

Prayer

Confidence

No matter if your boys are young or in their teen years you will enjoy learning from Cheri.

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

Pick up right where you left off with Brielle and Jake in this second book in the Angel Eyes Trilogy.  This time we have more demonic activity; so I will consider this as heavy reading for teens. We still have Angels, Demons, the Celestial, alcohol abuse, and some mystery.

Brielle is having nightmares and she can’t seem to figure out why. Is the Throne Room communicating with her through dreams? Her dad is struggling with alcohol; can Brielle do anything to help him? Jake is afraid to tell Brielle that her ring is missing from the chest; will he tell her or does she find out on her own?

Brielle and Jake tell Marco and Kaylee about the halo, they have different reactions to this news. Will it all end well for them or does trouble ensue?

Damien is on a quest to capture Brielle and Jake! Is he successful??? There is only one way to find out……

I am happy to give this book a five star rating.

Dark Halo….book three coming out August 2013!!

Link to Angel Eyes review…book one in the Angel Eyes Trilogy. http://readitsfundamental.blogspot.com/2012/05/angel-eyes-by-shannon-dittemore.html

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

 

Six Sister’s Stuff by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Debut Cookbook with crafts and loads of ideas!

Inside you will find…

Recipes:

Main Dish, Slow Cooker, Sides, Salads, Breads, & Desserts.

 

Crafts:

Easy kid friendly ideas, inexpensive to low cost, simple D.I.Y. ideas for year round fun, and ideas for just about everything.

 I chose to make two of the recipes for my review.

 The first one was the “Baked Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos” on page 23.  This was a quick and easy meal to put together and my kids gave these 3 out of 4! This is one that my kids or husband could prepare and cook!

The second was the “Chubby Hubby Buckeye Truffles” on page 189. I did need to make a few adjustments to this recipe. Once I had all my ingredients mixed I felt it needed more (1-2tbs) of peanut butter for it to form a ball. Then I switched out the homemade chocolate dip for store bought container of chocolate melts. This worked out so much better for me. Lastly, I chose not to put melted peanut butter and chopped pretzels on top for garnish. My family likes things more on the plain side. It turned out great and we gave these 4 out of 4!

 

 

Click on the link below to learn more about the 4 x 4 Family Dinner Challenge!

Six Sister's Stuff

I am looking forward to using my new “Six Sister’s Stuff” and I am happy to give this cookbook a four star rating.

 

I received this book free from Shadow Mountain Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Matter of Trust: A Mia Quinn Mystery by Lisa Wiehl

After the loss of her husband Mia is charged with the task of raising their two children alone. Mia is having trouble adjusting to the loss. Her husband left things in a financial mess for her. Gabe and Brooke are having issues of their own. Gabe is in high school and needs to bulk up for football. The guys on the football team keep things interesting. Brooke is having terrible nightmares. Is something terribly wrong with her or is she just struggling with her dads death?

Mia’s coworker Colleen is murdered while on the phone with Mia. Mia is assigned to work the case with Officer Charlie. Mia is not sure about having to work with this particular Homicide Officer.

Both Colleen and Stan were murdered with the same style of gun. The prosecutor’s office looks into the fact it might be the same killer. Pressure is on to solve both cases even though Stan’s murder was five years ago.

Darin Dane is a suicide victim of high school cyber stalking and bullying. The reasons are wide and varied…no real rhyme or reason. Will teens just be teens or is it something more? Will the family get justice or will the teens get away with it?

Can Mia and Charlie solve Colleen and Stan’s murders? Is it just one person? Is the murderer stalking Mia? Why did Darin commit suicide? How much of a role did the internet play in his death? Could his parents have kept it from happening?  

I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

 

 

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

  

As a young girl Cate lost her mom and ended up raising her sister Betsy. Now as a young Amish woman almost past the typical age for marriage, Cates dad decrees that Betsy cannot “court” unless Cate is being courted. The only problem is Betsy already has someone courting her.

When Pete arrives and gets the job working in the showroom working for Cates dad, plans are set in motion. Ultimately, will Cate settle for a marriage of convince? Will her sister Betsy use Cate to get what she wants like always? Will dad find out before Cate marries? Does life get worse for Cate as a wife?

I enjoyed how the author kept changing course so you never know what is around the next page. This was a great novel about family and life doesn’t always work as planned and that it can be messy.

I am happy to give this book a five star rating.

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255