New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding by American Academy of Pediatrics

Every pregnant woman has questions about how to care for her soon-to-arrive baby. I'm expecting a baby girl in about three months and my husband has been adamant that he wants me to breastfeed. I wasn't thrilled with the idea, but I had heard about the physical benefits for both me and the baby. After reading New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding, I am convinced that I do want to breastfeed and that the benefits far outweigh the hassles.

Far from being a book that glorified breastfeeding and made it sound like a walk in the park, New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding plainly explained the aspects of breastfeeding while emphasizing the benefits. The book's step-by-step approach was very informative and made me feel confident that I can breastfeed my child. It covered a variety of topics and many points that I never even thought to have questions about. I will definitely be keeping this book as a reference tool for when baby arrives.

Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food: First Impressions

A few days ago I signed up for a BzzAgent Campaign for Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food.  I've never used this particular brand of cat food because it is quite pricey at my local pet store. So, when I had the opportunity to get a bag of the cat food for free, I joined the campaign.

The cat food came in the mail today. I first noticed the ingredients listed on the front of the bag. Chicken is the foremost ingredient. I've heard that most dry cat foods use corn or grain as their main ingredient which is tougher on the feline digestive system.  Protein is supposedly better and easier to digest.

My second observation was the resealable bag - how pleasantly convenient! The (cheaper) brand that I normally use does not have a resealable top and by the third day the bag is open, the fresh cat food smell is always gone.

So, my first impressions of this product are pretty good, but the test will start tomorrow morning at feeding time.  More updates/information to come!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food from BzzAgent. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sometimes life circumstances make it hard to make the right choice. Sadie moved to Goldtree, Kansas to take a job as merchantile clerk and opera house singer on the weekends in order to support her family while her step-father heals from an injury. Unfortunately, her cousin, Sid, begins to act strange and the opera house owner, Asa Baxter, demands that Sadie perform a repertoire she is not comfortable with or lose her job. Included in the turmoil are her feelings for the town's new sheriff, Thad McKane, and the ever-present knowledge that she must provide for her family. When Thad begins to suspect Sadie's involvement in the crimes he is investigating, their new relationship fades. Will Sadie be able to support her family? How can she make the right choice in her situation? Can faith, love, and hope bring the peace she seeks? Read more in Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer was an enjoyable read to me. Honestly, it's what I consider a middle-of-the-road book. It has some good themes and there is nothing particularily wrong with the book, but I probably will not remember it six months from now. The storyline was entertaining, but perhaps a bit predictable. Sid's character was strange. Throughout most of the book, he seemed a bit mentally unstable, but became normal at the end without much explanation of the change. I loved Sadie's character though. Her struggles with circumstances of life were authentic and helped keep my attention. I also enjoyed the comic relief that Thad and the Baxter sisters added to the book. I recommend this book to fans of Christian historical romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Don't forget to visit the Blog Tour by clicking here.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. 

After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information. 

 

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}! Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!





One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers via Litfuse Publicity Group. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Heart's Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes

Phoebe Lee hasn't always had a good life, but lately things are better. She finds purpose and contentment as a midwife. However, when she refuses to accompany her pregnant sister-in-law to England, Phoebe is kidnapped by Captain Rafe Docherty's crew. As they set sail on the Atlantic, Phoebe struggles to escape, but eventually finds herself drawn to Rafe inspite of his illegal actions, painful past and thirst for revenge. As danger escalates, Phoebe and Rafe must first find peace with themselves and God before they can open their hearts to love.

Heart's Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes is the second installment of the Midwives series. Having read the first book, Lady in the Mist, I can say that Heart's Safe Passage works fine as a stand-alone novel, but the experience with the characters is deeper if you have read the first.

Overall, I really enjoyed Heart's Safe Passage and I'm looking forward to Laurie Alice Eakes' next book. I thought the author did an excellent job of dealing with Phoebe's dilemma of following her heart or following logic. By allowing Phoebe and Rafe to have painful pasts, the author added depth that enhanced the story. I appreciated this aspect as I feel that sometimes in Christian fiction authors use only ideal characters that are surrounded by perfect families and societies. I recommend to anyone who is looking for a historical Christian romance.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Creative Slow-Cooker Meals by Cheryl Moeller

Creative Slow-Cooker Meals by Cheryl Moeller takes a little different approach than other slow-cooker cookbooks I've used. The meal plans are designed for use with two slow-cookers. I was initially leary of having to use two cookers, but quickly realized that using two was not really necessary. Each meal plan is actually two recipes and it is perfectly acceptable to just make one of the recipes.

One of my favorite things about this particular slow-cooker book is that the majority of the recipes are on the simple side. There are some complex recipes that require technique, but for someone with basic, not professional, cooking skills (like me), these recipes are perfect. Despite the simple recipes, the meals I tried tasted great. The first meal I made was the Salsa Chicken on page 44. The flavor was delicious, though it did have quite a bite. I've already picked out more recipes to try once I make a trip to the grocery store.

Other things to love about this cookbook include:

• The basic slow-cooker cooking tips.
• Chapters of recipes for specialized diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free.

The only complaint I had was really very minor and it was that some of the recipes seem better suited to the oven than the crock-pot. For example: Little Piggies in a Blanket. Why would I cook it in the slow-cooker for 1.5 to 2 hours when I can make it much more quickly in the oven? One of the main reasons I use slow-cookers is because the recipes generally require longer (minimum of four hours) and can cook while I'm away at work. Again, that is a very minor complaint and I definitely recommend Creative Slow-Cooker Meals by Cheryl Moeller as a great resource for anyone who loves to use the slow-cooker.

Click here to visit the First Wild Card Tour for Creative Slow-Cooker Meals by Cheryl Moeller and view a chapter of the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

FIRST Wild Card Tour: Creative Slow-Cooker Meals

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Cheryl Moeller

and the book:

Creative Slow-Cooker Meals:
Use Two Slow Cookers for
Tasty and Easy Dinners [Spiral-Bound]

Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cheryl Moeller is a seasoned mother and a standup comic. She is also a syndicated columnist with her own blog (www.momlaughs.blogspot.com) and contributes monthly to several online parent websites. Cheryl has coauthored two books on marriage with her husband and has written for www.mops.org and Marriage Partnership. Cheryl does comedy for parenting classes, MOPS groups, wedding or baby showers, church retreats, women’s conferences, and those in line at the grocery store.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the celebrated coauthor of The Marriage Miracle comes a new kind of cookbook and a new attitude toward planning meals. With an eye toward the whole menu, not just part of it, columnist Cheryl Moeller teaches cooks to use two crockpots to easily create healthy, homemade dinners.

Don’t worry about your dinner being reduced to a mushy stew. Each of the more than 200 recipes has been taste-tested at Cheryl’s table. Join the Moeller family as you dig into:

• Harvest-time Halibut Chowder
• Salmon and Gingered Carrots
• Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
• Indian Chicken Curry
• Apricot-Pistachio Bread
• Shrimp Creole
• Rhubarb Crisp

... and many more! Perfect for the frazzled mom who never has enough time in the day, Creative Slow-Cooker Meals gives readers more time around the table with delicious, healthy, frugal, and easy meals!

Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Spiral-bound: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736944915
ISBN-13: 978-0736944915


AND NOW...THE FIFTH CHAPTER (click on pages to enlarge):

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

The death of her father changed Annabel Chapman's life drastically. Unable to pay her family's debts and unwilling to marry the much older Baliff Tom, Annabel is forced into indentured servitude to the gruff Lord Ranulf le Wyse. Her intention is become a nun after serving her term under Ranulf, but as she encounters Ranulf, she finds herself sometimes pleasantly surprised. As Annabel struggles with her feelings, she witnesses an incident that could place Ranulf in danger. Will the truth preserve or destroy their lives? Is Annabel willing to give up her dream in exchange for an uncertain future?

The Merchant's Daughter is the first book I've read by Melanie Dickerson and I'll definitely be looking for more. Maybe it is because the story has a less common sort of historical setting, but I loved the setting and it was part of what really hooked my attention, even before the characters and storyline did. All characters were authentic, which is something important to me when I'm reading a book. The romance, struggles and action created a charming story. I would definitely read The Merchant's Daughter again.

I'm not sure why this was categorized as Young Adult (YA) Fiction. Annabel Chapman is a young woman, but I think this book could appeal to far more than the YA market – historical romance, historical fiction, romantic fiction. I recommend to anyone looking for a clean historical romance.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson.
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced reading copy of this book free from Zondervan Publishers as part of their blogger review program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."