Thursday, January 29, 2015

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

If you're looking for a sweet romance to snuggle up with this winter then you'll love Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh. This book has several layers to it and the characters are believable and will win you over one by one. From the bookstore owner who has been labeled the next town spinster, to the group of old ladies who want to find romance for her, to the new man in town trying to escape his past, you'll love them all. At almost four-hundred pages you'll have plenty to enjoy and it'll take you a while to get through it.
 Here's a video about the Paper Hearts




From the back cover:
Abigail Pressman never would have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could challenge her doubts about romance. A business owner in a quaint tourist town, she dreams of expanding. But lately, she's more focused on resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park's tradition of stamping the mail with the city's romantic postmark.
When Abigail is unwittingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the hearts, a distraction that couldn't come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail's new landlord, and he's threatening to end her lease.
As she fights a growing attraction to this man intent on crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts arrives, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail's doubts, or could it rescue her dreams...and her heart?

This book was provided for review by Tyndale.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Loved Back to Life by Sheila Walsh

In Sheila Walsh's latest book, Loved Back to Life, we read about Sheila's battle with depression that landed her in a psychiatric hospital in the early 90s. She shares her heart in this book and isn't ashamed to do so. It is a beautiful story of truth, God's love, and what mental illness really is. 
I was a fan of Sheila's music in the 80s and enjoyed watching her on the 700 Club. I was as shocked as anyone when she left. Not much was understood in those days about depression and mental illness. 
This book can help those who struggle with the same thing and those who love people who do.
It was a book that made me smile to see how far she's come and cry to see how much she was hurting during those early days.

This book was provided for review by BookLook.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

The Paleo Chef by Pete Evans

Whoa. 
That was my thought when I cracked open this cookbook. It's a carnivore's delight. Full of healthy recipes to appease any appetite. The Paleo Diet is a very healthy way to live and this book is packed full of incredible foods to keep you on the path you've chosen.
It's a lifestyle change and a way to a healthy body and slimmer figure. The first several pages explain Paleo and then the next several talk about some of the common ingredients that are used in the plan. 
Then come the recipes.
Tell me your mouth isn't watering by just looking at these Vietnamese chicken wings
Of course, you'll also find breakfast foods, vegetables (sweet potato fries with rosemary and sage, yes please), fish and seafood, poultry.....like this jerk chicken and papaya-mango salsa
Or this Quick Chicken Curry


Then there are chapters on meat, dessert, and drinks (including a chai smoothie!)

If you are looking to make a change and get away from processed foods then check this out. Real food with real ingredients that will make you feel real good. 

This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

I love a book written in first person. Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell is the kind of book that I imagine other books aspire to be. The main character was ignorant in all things that society expected of her and I found her to be delightful as she bumbled her way through events. This book warmed my heart, made me giggle, and reminded me why I adore this author. 

From the back cover:
It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.
Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assstant so that Carlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.
Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that  the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors that she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

This book was provided for review by Bethany House. 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Romancing Your Better Half by Rick Johnson

Romancing Your Better Half by Rick Johnson is a marriage that both men and women can benefit from. Rick covers topics in-depth and doesn't shy away from anything. As a woman reader I appreciated the advice that he shares on how to gain intimacy with your wife. The stories are easy to relate to and the advice is sound. I really enjoyed the chapters on communicating and romance and intimacy.
If you're looking for a marriage book that will bring a spark back into your relationship then I urge you to pick this one by Revell Publishing.

This book was provided for review by Revell.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Supermarket Healthy by Melissa D'Arabian

 Supermarket Healthy by Melissa D'Arabian (winner of The Next Food Network Star a few seasons ago) starts out with Melissa writing, "Whenever I walk into a high-end health food store, I drool. I would love to buy all of my food from those beautifully curated aisles where the oranges are assembled in perfectly aligned pyramids, the lettuces glisten with dewy drops of water, and the endcaps boast cold-pressed juices bursting with vitamins and goodness."
This girl is speaking my language. I would much rather drop good money on good food than on good clothes.
No comments please.
Healthy eating is something that I'm truly passionate about and this cookbook is full of healthy recipes. Check out some of these pictures:





 These are foods that I would feel happy feeding my family. A lot of people don't think that they can afford to eat healthy, Melissa shares how to eat healthy and be on a limited budget. She sets up your pantry by recommending some staples that you should always have on hand. Then she takes you through breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even has a section on pasta (note: I typically substitute spaghetti squash in most pasta recipes). 
If you want to get started eating healthy but don't know where to begin, I urge you to pick up this book. Consider it a primer.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Clean Slate

Clean Slate - A Cookbook and Guide, from the editors of Martha Stewart Living.

I've never gotten into Martha Stewart but this book caught my attention from the moment I saw it and I'm so glad that I got it! It is full of information from start to finish. Our family is really interested in healthy and clean living and this book not only includes recipes, but tells you why you should live this way. 
There are menu plans and then recipes to follow. There are short detox programs and also longer ones.
This book is a treasure chest full of information. 

And for people who don't believe that healthy food is good food, I offer these pictures of recipes in the book:
Yes, yes you do want to eat this coconut breakfast pudding with sauteed nectarines. 
How do banana-apple buckwheat muffins sound? Or cardamom quinoa porridge with pear?

There's an entire chapter dedicated to juicing and smoothies. Right up our alley. 

And lots of recipes for vegetables, which as we all know is central to healthy living.
This is one for barley with brussels sprouts, spinach, and edamame. It looks amazing, does it not?

There's even a section on healthy desserts.

This is the time of the year when everyone is looking to kick-start a diet or new plan for health. This book can help you turn your life around from dorito-crusted casseroles and feeling lethargic to energizing food that will wow your taste buds and give you life.

This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.


 
 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Financially Confident Woman by Mary Hunt


Originally published in 1996, The Financially Confident Woman by Mary Hunt, is still as relevant today as it was then, if not more so. More and more women are working and are living alone, this guide is for women (though men could learn some too) in any stage of life.
Mary shares a bit from her background and urges the reader to learn from the mistakes that she made early on. I appreciate that she does this, it is nice to know that she has had her struggles and failures and life hasn't been an easy road for her (because it certainly hasn't been for me, either!)
She teaches the reader how to change bad habits and introduces good ones to adopt. Her book is easy to read and easy to understand.
She helps you prepare for today and also for the future.
I'm glad this was re-released, it is certain to help a generation of women who don't know where to start with their money issues.

This book was provided for review by Revell.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

2015 Reading List

January
1. Hidden Affections by Delia Parr
2. Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart
3. The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen
4. Dubiosity by Christy Barritt
5. No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig
6. The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer
7. Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell
8. A Path Made Plain by Lynette Sowell
9. Loved Back to Life by Sheila Walsh
10. Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh
11. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

February
12. Team Us by Ashleigh Slater
13. Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock
14. Double Date by Melody Carlson 
15. How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
16. Bella's Gift by Rick and Karen Santorum
17. Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
18. The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick
19. The Color of Justice by Ace Collins
20. A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott

March
21. Secrets Lies & Alibis by Patricia H Rushford and Harrison James
22. After a Fashion by Jen Turano
23. One Last Thing by Rebecca St James & Nancy Rue
24. Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock
25. A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano (Kindle)
26. Truth Be Told by Carol Cox (Kindle)
27. Still Room for Hope by Alisa Kaplan
28. The Legacy by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley
29. Corridor by Robin Parrish (Kindle)
30. Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

APRIL
31. Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson
32. Hurricane Allie by Rachel Hauck
33. Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman
34. As Young as We Feel by Melody Carlson
35. Hometown Ties by Melody Carlson
36. All For One by Melody Carlson 
37. Here's To Friends by Melody Carlson
38. On A Ring and a Prayer by Sandra D. Bricker
39. Vinnie's Diner by Jennifer Allee
40. Whenever You Come Around by Robin Lee Hatcher

MAY
41. Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert, Susan May Warren
42. The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert
43. No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason
44. Hollywood Lost by Ace Collins
45. As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad
46. Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary
47. Taken by Dee Henderson

JUNE
48. Fatal Trauma by Richard L Mabry, MD
49. Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson
50. Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard
51. Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund
52. Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney 
53. A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

JULY
54. As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti
55. Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K Vogt
56. Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

AUGUST
57. Luther and Katherina by Jody Hedlund
58. War Room by Chris Fabry
59. For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
60. Barcelona Calling by Jane Kirkpatrick
61. Book of Days by James L. Rubart

SEPTEMBER
62. How Could I Ask for More by Cindy Morgan
63. Bathsheba by Angela Hunt
64. Dehydrated by Karen Schatzline
65. The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick
66. Never Said by Carol Lynch Williams

OCTOBER
67. Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.
68. Be My Valentino by Sandra D. Bricker
69. Another Way Home by Deborah Raney
70. Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado with Candace Lee & Eric Newman
71. Falling Away From You by Nicole Vinson Bingaman
72. Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury
73. The Novelist by Angela Hunt (Kindle)
74. Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

NOVEMBER
75. Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman (Kindle)
76. The Five Times I Met Myself by James Rubart
77. Good Clean Murder: A Plain Jane Mystery by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
78. Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay
79. At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings 

DECEMBER
80. Dirty Little Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
81. Bright New Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
82. Health Wealth and Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
83. Spoiled Rotten Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
84. Killer Honeymoon by Traci Tyne Hilton (Kindle)
85. What A Girl Needs by Kristin Billerbeck (Kindle)
86. Love & Care for the One and Only You by Michelle Medlock Adams
87. Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne with Ken Abraham 
88. Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson (Kindle)
89. Dating, Dining, and Desperation by Melody Carlson (Kindle)
90. Home, Hearth, and the Holidays by Melody Carlson (Kindle)
91. The Fruitcake Murders by Ace Collins