{{Book Review}} Who's The New Kid by Heidi Bond

This post has been moved to my new blog! You can find it here.

In Who's the New Kid?, Heidi Bond, a self-described "ordinary mom," shares her story of how she helped her daughter overcome childhood obesity. She provides helpful insights and practical tips, equipping families to help their children establish healthy habits as well as lose weight. Bond's hope for her new book is "to shine a light on the truth surrounding childhood obesity, to let other families know that they are not alone, and to show the world that childhood obesity is 100 percent reversible and can be reversed in less time than you might think." At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of "Hey, Fatty!" Breanna's mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again? Who's the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids.  In just over a year, Heidi's plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl. Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who's the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family.

Meet the Author

Heidi Bond has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and The Biggest Loser. A sought after speaker, she has helped thousands of parents who are struggling with overweight, underactive children. Heidi lives in Clovis, California with her husband, Dan, and their children, Breanna and Nathan. Find Heidi online: website, Facebook, Twitter

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

{{Book Review}} Never Say "No": Raising Big-Picture Kids

This post has been moved to my new blog! You can find it here.

The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids?

Never Say No takes you on a personal journey to learn first-hand how they raised Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. They share practical advice for instilling wonder in a media-saturated culture, cultivating specific gifts, and balancing structure with individual choice. Our purpose as parents is the same as our child’s: to live creatively beyond ourselves, bringing the love, beauty and nature of God to this world. Let the adventure begin.

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

{{Book Review}} Heart Sisters- A MUST read for ALL women!

This post has been moved to my new blog! You can find it here.

Heart Sisters is for women who want to both be and have better friends and want a helpful guide to take them through the process.

Author Natalie Chambers Snapp uses her own and others' stories of successes and failures to illustrate what she has learned about girlfriend relationships. Healthy boundaries, honesty, tact, sharing, and agape love all play a part in being and maintaining a circle of close confidants. She also deals with the inevitable challenges that face many relationships including how to handle conflict; life changes like a new baby, move or divorce; and when it is right to "break-up" with your friend.

Discussion questions, space to journal, photos, and quick interviews of healthy female friendships are included within each chapter.

{{Book Review}} To WIn Her Favor

This post has been moved to my new blog! You can find it here.

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance---and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder---Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail---Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1OYbn27

About the author:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious---and precocious---silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from litfuse in exchange for my honest review. I am NOT required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

{{Book Review}} Side By Side

This post has been moved to my new blog! You can find it here

Part of New Hope® Publishers' contemporary missional fiction line,Side by Side opens the reader's eyes to the life of Muslims in Sudan as well as some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as pray for the salvation of those who persecute.

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia's life collides with that of another young woman. A young Christian American mother, Mia finds more than one dark secret on the streets of Khartoum. She finds Halimah, a young, upper-class Arab student with a bright future in her family's business whose risky and secretive decision has put her life in danger. What happens when the path of young mother intersects with that of a spunky Sudanese student? God transforms them both . . . forever.

{{Book Review}} A Heart's Obsession

Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?

When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.

But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.

Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arm.

*My Review*

I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, so I naturally I couldn't wait to get "A Heart's Obsession". I really thought I had a pretty good idea of how the book would go, but I was wrong. 

The author is such a clever writer and put in several twists & turns that I didn't see coming at all. A Heart's Obsession is a fast-paced sequel that I couldn't put down until the very last page. I am currently reading the third novella, "A Heart's Danger"!

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} A Sparrow in Terezin

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

*My Review*
A Sparrow in Terezin is the second bok in the "Hidden Masterpiece" series, "The Butterfly & The Violin" is the first. You really need to read both books in order. Both are written in two separate timelines, with the contemporary style in both.

Just like in the first book, the historical section of this book follows the story of a woman in WW2, following her from Prague to London and back to Europe over the course of three years.

When i got the email saying I was going to be reviewing "A Sparrow in Terezin" I quickly ordered a copy of "The Butterfly and the Violin" that way I would be ready for when this book arrived. I'm glad I did, because I thoroughly enjoyed The Butterfly and the Violin. 

There are some readers who don't like the way it skips between two timelines, but it was unique and I think it is great. 

*Disclaimer* 

I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} God, Me, & Sweet Iced Tea

In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. Whether purchased as a personal resource or given as heartfelt gift, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection. *My Review* When I received the email to sign up for this book tour, I knew I wanted to read it right away. I have a few fav devotionals that I read, but this one has easily become my favorite by far.  I love keeping it by my bedside that way whenever I can't sleep in the late night hours(which is more often than not). One night while I couldn't sleep...I opened up "God, Me & Sweet Tea" to a page about trouble sleeping...fitting right?  I didn't take a screenshot of it, but this One of the questions for that day, as well as the "Sweet Tea" moment of the day.  "Can you imagine Jesus tossing and turning, worrying over the burdens that He carried for souls, or worrying about the trials & tribulations that lay before Him?" "Today's' sweet tea moment: God neither slumbers nor sleeps & He watches over me." If you are looking for a great devotional, then I would recommend "God, Me & Sweet Tea"...you won't be disappointed!

Meet the Author

Rose Chandler Johnson, a Southern girl from a tiny Georgia town, is the author of the devotional blog, Write Moments with God. A devoted Christian and mother of six, she has been a teacher of English and French over the last twenty years. She looks forward to continuing her writing ministry in the years ahead. Find Rose online: website   *Disclaimer* I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} Halo Found Hope. A Memoir by Helo Matzelle

Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room, was there any hope? A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life... and her family waited. Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn't feel half of her face, couldn't hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn't even tell anyone that she felt hopeless... or could she? Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo's story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo's story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn't need to be recognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Helo did, and that is how she found hope." *My Review* I cried while reading this book and cherished every page. Helo's story is an encouraging story of faith when her life took a terrifying turn.  Helo tells of everything that she went though and how she felt about all of it. "Halo Found Hope" is a very encouraging book. I really love the fact that Helo is giving a portion of her sales from her book to the National Brain Tumor Society. I think EVERYONE should go out and buy a copy. You will not be disappointed in such an encouraging book. You won't be able to put it down!

Meet the Author

Helouise "Halo" Matzelle was born in the city of Delft, Holland.  Three months after her birth, Helo immigrated to the United States with her parents. Helo graduated from the University of Washington where she met her best friend and husband, Rich.  Formerly in marketing for a major pharmaceutical company, Helo became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her daughter, Lauren. Later the Matzelles were blessed with two sons: Jordan and Austin. Helo led a charmed life until receviing a shocking diagnosis in 2011 of a rare brain tumor sitting over the main artery in her brain. She details her painful dignosis, risky surgery and miraculous recovery in her memoir, Halo Found Hope. Helo's passion is helping those who face various challenges and afflictions discover where true hope is found. She resides in Redmond, Washington with their three children: daughter, Lauren, and two sons, Jordan and Austin. Find Author online: website, Facebook, Twitter   *Disclaimer* I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} A Heart's Disguise

In the celebratory mood of the recently-ended Civil War, Sarah discovers her betrothed has been keeping a devastating secret.

While the tiny town of Wabash, Indiana, celebrates the end of the fighting,            Sara Montgomery attends the parties, but inside she’s fighting a deep sadness. The love of Sara’s life, Rand Campbell, didn’t come back from the front.

So her brother and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to another man—despite her misgivings. When Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that her fiancé Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off their engagement.

Croftner doesn’t take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. He abducts Sarah, his intentions anything but honorable. Then Rand comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and asks her to go with him as his wife.

Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

*My Review*

A Heart's Disguise is a very short novella at just 90 pages(not counting the 1st chapter of the 2nd book). I was able to read this in one sitting & I found myself instantly connected to Sara, the main character. 

A Heart's Disguise is an intriguing start to this new series. This is the first book I've read by Colleen Coble & I have to say...I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

I just received the 2nd book today and cannot wait to start it! 

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from LitFuse in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

{{Book Review}} How Many Times do I Have to Tell You?

I remember the day you were born." "Turn down the music!" "You make me smile." "Hold my hand." "This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you." You've probably said something similar to your kids, but have you really listened to what you're saying? The truth is, your Father in heaven wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you're raising children. (She has seven!) But these insightful, heartwarming readings will help you to hear God's still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, boo-boo fingers, and carpet crawlers. You'll learn to recognize and appreciate God's instructions for your life, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.

*My Review*

When I got the signup email for this book, I was super excited...but I never got an email saying I was picked to review it, so I forgot about this book. Then, one day it was waiting for me at our leasing office! When I opened it up it was wrapped in tissue paper, M&Ms & a pen and included a sweet note. How awesome is that? Thank you SO much Rachel for your sweetness!!

I absolutely loved this book. It is written about every day life as a homeschool mom of seven, with 23 years of experience. I'm a homeschooling mom of 3(2 are actually IN school) & any momma who homeschools SEVEN children and still finds the time to write a book is unbelievably amazing.

"How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You" is written with everyday life thrown in as the theme of each chapter. Each chapter is a small devotion with questions at the end. You can read them in order or you can pick and choose which devotion you want to read that day.

Meet the Author

Rachael Carman has been married to her husband Davis since 1986. Their life together has been a roller coaster ride with God at the controls. They have seven kids with whom they love to laugh --- family dinners are one of their favorite times as a family. Rachael loves to play in the dirt, enjoy dark chocolate, walk on the beach, and relax with a good book. She is the author of two books herself:How to have a HEART for Your Kidsand How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? She loves her family but is first of all a daughter of the King of kings. Rachael is passionate about God's Word and encouraging moms to pursue Him with all their hearts. She and Davis are the owners of Apologia Educational Ministries. Find Rachael online: website, Facebook, Twitter *Disclaimer* I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own

{{Book Review}} How To Catch A Prince

Behind him, beside him, before him, the synchronized cathedral bells began to ring out. One, two, three . . . Then she said it first. The words his heart burst to share. "I love you, Stephen. You are my true prince." An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? American heiress Corina Del Rey caught her prince once. But the tragedy of war kept her too long in a fog of grief. Now she's shifting her life forward, reigniting her career as a journalist. Still, nothing can relieve her of the secret and the love she carries in her soul. Prince Stephen of Brighton is one of the world's most eligible bachelors and a star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life. But his days in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Command have marked him forever. And he can't seem to shake their dark shadow. But when his brother, King Nathaniel, confronts him with a document the prince thought long buried and forgotten, Stephen is forced to face the pain of his past and the love he left behind. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again? Read chapter one. *My Review* "How To Catch A Prince" is a beautiful love story about redemption. The characters are lovable, but the storyline was kind of sad.  This can be read as a stand alone but if I were you, I'd go back and read the first two books in this series if you haven't already.  Books are available to US and Canadian bloggers and ebook everywhere --- please sign up in the sidebar.

Meet the Author

RITA Finalist and Carol Award winner Rachel Hauck, named by Family Fiction readers as one of the top five romance authors in CBA, is the author of more than seventeen novels, including the acclaimed Songbird novels with multi-platinum country singer Sara Evans and the EPCA/CBA best-selling novel The Wedding Dress. Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from litfuse publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

{{About the Book}}

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

*My Review*

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this Max Lacado fiction. It took me several chapters to actually get into the book, it was very slow for me. Don't get me wrong....It was entertaining, but I love Max Lacado & his non-fiction books way more than his fiction. It was a sweet story though & an okay read. Just because I didn't absolutely LOVE the book, doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. 

{{Advance Praise}}

"Have you ever wished that you could sit down with God over a cup of coffee and ask any question that's on your heart? Well, patrons of the Higher Grounds Café have found just such a place, and lives are being changed. In this fantastic novel from America's pastor, Max Lucado, we're reminded that no matter how alone we might feel at times, heaven is all around and God is near."

---Sheila Walsh, author of Loved Back to Life

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

{{Book Review}} The Promise of Pine Grove

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she's pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love---the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author's new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she's happy because she's away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona's real joy is in being away from her fiancé.

Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her---and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona's faced with two vastly different futures.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1aQJuw2 

*My Review*

I've read a few of Shelley's books before and loved them, and this one is no different! 

This is the first book of The "Palm Grove" series. This book was such a quick and easy read. The characters are all easy to like, except maybe one...but you will have to read to find out who! Shelley has written this book with great detail that you will feel like you are actually IN sunny Pinecraft, FL! 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a nice book to read. 

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find Shelley online: website

*Disclaimer*

I received this book free from litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.