The Christian Alphabet Book by Tracy Sands

The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible by Tracy Sands integrates Biblical concepts with artistic letters and symbols that form “The Christian Alphabet.” Rather than a recreational story containing a lesson, the material in this book is more like a children's church lesson plan. Each page spread is dedicated to one letter of the alphabet and has Scripture verses, brief explanations of the verses and/or the concepts, questions for discussion, a sample prayer, and the alphabet letter which is made of various symbols that are related to Christianity. An index in the back explains the significance of each symbol and most include a Scripture citation. Appropriate for ages four and older.

I think most Christians will agree with the concepts presented in The Christian Alphabet Book. However, there is prominent Catholic imagery in some of the symbols that non-Catholic Christians may or may not be uncomfortable with. Examples include: a person praying while holding an ornate cross, halos around the heads of Mary and Jesus. I found the information about the Greek/Latin words and letters to be quite interesting. I think this book would best be used in a Catholic Sunday school or children's church setting, but could also be effective in teaching one's own children.

To learn more about The Christian Alphabet, visit its website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via PumpUpYourBook. 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."

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Withering under a load of burn out, Kate Donovan agrees to accompany her grandmother to Pennsylvania and spend a few months restoring the old house that her grandmother grew up in. Matt Jarreau, the handsome man her grandmother hired to renovate the house, is a loner. When Kate's innocent attempts at friendship with him are rebuffed, her stubborn heart refuses to let her stop reaching out. As tension grows between Kate and Matt, so does something else. A love that leads them to a greater revelation of God's love for them. As they both face career decisions and the pain of Matt's past, only a love stronger than themselves will be able to hold them together. Can they accept God's will? Or must they sacrifice their hope and love?

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade far exceeded my expectations. From the explanatory, yet intriguing prologue, I was hooked on the story line. I would love to see this book made into a movie. To me, it has has all the great elements: authentic characters complete with flaws and pain, a strong mysterious male, romantic tension between the two main characters, personal tension internal to each character, and redemptive love. Kate essentially sums up the theme of the book during a conversation with Matt: “He [God] never promised us that we wouldn't suffer. But He's too good just not to redeem it. And He does promise us that He won't leave us. That He'll be with us through the worst. That He loves us.” (Page 180) This theme, woven into both the plot and characters, is strong enough to touch the reader's heart. My Stubborn Heart is one of the best books I've read this year and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic fiction. I'll definitely be looking forward to more books by Becky Wade!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House 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."

To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Melinda Colson and Evan Tarlow are in love. And have been for some time without progressing towards Melinda's desirable goal of marriage. Melinda is sure that they are ready to wed while Evan is convinced that he must be able to financially support a family before he can propose. Thus, a stalemate ensues and Melinda, a lady's maid by occupation, once again leaves Bridal Veil Island to serve her mistress and anxiously await the next visit to the island. When Melinda hears that a hurricane has damaged Bridal Veil Island, she casts caution aside and leaves her position to find Evan. Evan is safe, but he once again stifles Melinda's efforts to push him toward marriage. As Melinda and Evan's relationship struggles, danger lurks nearby in rumors of a presidential assassination plot. Will Melinda and Evan's love survive?

To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is a sweet love story, but I recommend renting it from the library before purchasing. Personally, I found it difficult to connect with the two main characters, Evan and Melinda, as they did not seem realistic to me and I never came to like either one. I actually liked the supporting characters better than the main ones. I also felt like the plot moved a little slow and even though it picked up in the end, I was never riveted to it. That being said, I did like the somewhat unique plot of a love relationship that was already established and needed to be maintained while waiting to move to the next level.

Click here to visit the publisher's website and read an excerpt from To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House 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."

A Perfect Pet for Peyton

For twins Peyton and Penny, this will be a birthday to remember. Joined by three of their friends, Peyton and Penny's adventure through Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Pal Emporium includes surprising animal encounters, eating Mythical Monster Sundaes, opening gifts, and finding their own perfect pet pals based on their personal love languages.

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, and illustrated by Wilson Williams, Jr. is based on Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages. As Peyton, Penny and their friends celebrate at Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Pal Emporium, they learn what the five love languages are and the characteristics of each love language. Though the concepts are explained in simple terms, children ages five to ten are probably target age group for this book. Still, the illustrations are beautiful and my five month old enjoyed looking at them. I thought it was neat how there were hidden insects on some of the pages. This adds a nice element that can allow for further child-parent or sibling interaction.

I absolutely would recommend A Perfect Pet for Peyton to parents. It teaches the principles of the five love languages and contains underlying messages about animal kindness, friendship, and love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher 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."

My First Handy Bible

My First Handy Bible: Timeless Bible Stories for Toddlers, written by Cecilie Olesen and illustrated by Gustavo Mazali, provides an overview of the Bible's most popular stories from Genesis to Revelation. Each story is summarized in a few sentences. Just enough of the story is introduced that younger readers can easily understand without being confused by details. The Biblical reference for each story is given on the page so that older children and their parents can explore the story more deeply if they desire to do so. Bright, sharp colors effectively catch the attention of children and solid-board style construction provides durability needed by toddlers.

I enjoyed reading My First Handy Bible: Timeless Bible Stories for Toddlers to my five month old. The book is rated for ages one to three and my child didn't have the ability to comprehend the stories, but the illustrations did catch her attention. I liked how the Bible reference for each story is included on the same page as this could facilitate further discussion, especially with an older toddler. I was pleasantly surprised that so many stories were included. The latch that holds the book shut and the handle for carrying it are great. Even at this age, my daughter was able to grasp and touch different parts of the book. Also, the sturdiness of this book is great for a child that doesn't yet understand that pages are made to stay in a book. :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Scandinavia Publishing via the B & B Media 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."

Dr. Dobson's Handbook of Family Advice by Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is possibly the best-known family counselor among Christian circles. With a radio show and multiple parenting books to his credit, he's also a father to two grown children. He's gone through the years of raising children and offers insights in Dr. Dobson's Handbook of Family Advice that are based on professional and personal experience.

Dr. Dobson's Handbook of Family Advice covers approximately thirty-three topics although others are added in along the way. Topics range from boundaries and communication to marriage and stress. Each entry is short, less than a page, but there are often multiple entries on a topic.

As best I can tell, Dr. Dobson's observations and advice are in line with Scripture and backed up by research as appropriate. Personally, I felt the entries were too short. Often an entry would touch on a subject, but I'd find myself left with questions and wishing he'd gone more in depth. I suppose this book is a good overview, entry-level kind of book, perhaps for those considering children. But, as one who is immersed in the challenges of the preschool years, I was looking for more depth. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

The Deliverer by Kathi Macias

Though physically free of her prior life as a sex slave, Mara still struggles to leave behind the mental and emotional bondage of the past. Jonathan, the young man who rescued her from human trafficking, has spoken and written to her of a loving God who can free her of all the evil of the past. Mara desires this ultimate freedom, but doesn't believe it could truly happen for her. Mara's search for freedom will lead her through an examination of her feelings towards the family who sold her into slavery, her uncle who oversaw the entire operation, and the God who allowed it all to happen. Will Mara be able to move beyond her past? And if she could, would her growing affection for Jonathan blossom? Before anything else, she must learn to trust the One who knows her intimately and longs to bring healing and freedom.

The Deliverer by Kathi Macias is the third book in the Freedom Series. I highly recommend reading these books in order although some back story is given. I had expected this to be the final book in the series. However, there may be another book forthcoming as certain situations with some characters were left open at the end. The plot of this story is far more complex than a small synopsis can provide and that is one of the beauties of Macias' writing. Like the prior two books in the series, I was challenged by the topics presented in the book, but still enjoyed reading the characters' stories, particularly Mara's. It is far too easy to ignore or forget that human trafficking does exist and this series is a wake-up call for Christians to arise and fight the evil that is far closer to home than most of us realize. I recommend this book to any mature reader because it does deal with dark, though not overly explicit, topics.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis

Infant massage, the baby blues, husbands, pacifiers, lack of sleep, etc... As a new mom, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the so-called “new normal.” Still, a universal desire of new mothers is to love and nurture the wonderful new human beings that are born to them. In 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know, Linda Danis offers daily inspiration on how to love and nurture your child whether you are struggling or thriving in your new role as a mommy.

I actually received 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis about two months after the birth of my first child. Therefore, I read the suggestions for days one through sixty-five during feeding sessions and started with the daily readings on day sixty-six. As of this writing, I'm only on day eighty-six, but wanted to go ahead and give my review in a timely manner.

The suggestions in 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know are quick to read and very practical. Each one probably takes less than a minute to read with the exception of the end of the week devotional and that probably takes five minutes or so. (Clearly the author knows the value and scarcity of a new mother's free time!) The author gives some great tips. Some I already knew and some I didn't. Some of my favorite ideas are when she gives poems that include hand motions to do. I loved the motions for the Itsy-Bitsy-Spider! So cute and Baby does seem intrigued by it.

In my opinion, 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know is a blend of practical ideas to nurture a child and spiritual refreshment for new moms. I absolutely would recommend this book to any new mom, whether it's their first, second, third or any subsequent child! It would also make a nice baby shower gift.

Click here to visit the FIRST Wild Card Blog Tour for 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis and to read an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of the FIRST Wild Card Tour. 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: 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis

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:

Linda Danis

and the book:

365 Things Every New Mom Should Know

Harvest House Publishers (April 2012)

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen of Harvest House for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda Danis has a degree in marketing and spent five years in hotel management before staying at home to run a hotel of a different sort—guests ages 3, 6, 9, and 11. Linda has written Sunday school curricula, started a co–op preschool, and leads a Moms in Touch prayer ministry at her children’s school.  She lives with her husband, Dave, and children in California.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This daily guide to the first year of a baby s life combines prayerful, playful, and practical information to energize new moms. Features weekly devotionals and daily activities that foster a baby s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.

Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Language: English
ISBN-10:0736923829
ISBN-13: 978-0-7369-2382-8

Click here to read my review of 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis.

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

My child, you hold the whole of my heart in your small hands.

Author Unknown

Week 1

Day 1

After all these long months, your precious little baby has finally arrived. The child you have longed for is here to hold, to look at, and to touch. Your baby will look up at you and recognize your familiar voices. You are the ones he has been longing to meet—his mommy and daddy! Get to know your sweet little baby—hold him, rock him, smell his skin, gaze at him, marvel at his tiny fists, caress him. Treasure this awesome miracle!

Day 2

On the day you bring your baby home for the first time, have everyone in your family place their hands on her and pray for her. This will be a precious moment for your family to share together as you welcome her into your family and give thanks to God for this wonderful gift!

Day 3

If you have older children who want to hold their new sibling, use a nursing “donut pillow” to help them support your baby’s head. Have your child sit all the way back on the couch. Place the semicircle nursing pillow around his waist. Set your baby on the pillow with his bottom wedged in between your older child’s tummy and the pillow. Rest your baby’s head on your older child’s arm that is resting on the pillow. Even if your child lets go of the baby, his head will still be secure on the pillow. Of course, you should always be sitting right next to your new baby, monitoring his safety. This also works for young visitors, but I would suggest waiting a week or two before letting a nonfamily-member child hold your baby.

Day 4

Despite what all the books may say, most women experience some soreness (or a lot of soreness!) in the first weeks of nursing. Try using your Lamaze breathing when your baby latches onto your breast. If your nipples are cracked or blistered, blot them dry with a cotton diaper after you have finished nursing. Saliva has enzymes that can irritate sore nipples. After you have dried the saliva off, express a little milk and rub it on your nipples. Let them air dry. Also, do not look down at your baby the entire time you nurse. This position can strain your neck and cause tension headaches. If you can persevere through the first two weeks of nursing, things will get better.

Day 5

Sometimes as a new parent it’s hard to tell whether or not you should call your pediatrician. If you are reluctant to call your doctor in the middle of the night, you can usually call the nursery at the hospital where you gave birth. The nurses are awake and can advise you as to whether you should call your doctor right away or if it can wait until the morning. Do not wait if your baby has a fever higher than 99.9 degrees rectally (this is the most accurate way to take your baby’s temperature). Call your doctor immediately.

Day 6

Drink water every time you nurse to stay hydrated and to maintain your milk supply. Always keep a water bottle close at hand. It is a good idea to set up a “nursing station” wherever you will be nursing the most. Have everything you need right at hand—a water bottle, a burp cloth, a nursing pillow, a book or magazine to read, and nursing pads.

Day 7

When your baby startles while lying on her back (the Moro reflex), gently but firmly hold her hands together close to her chest to calm her and make her feel more secure. Say, “It’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy will help you.” This reflex will disappear by four months.

Reflections on the Week

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

Jeremiah 1:5

An Incredible Love

You have had your baby only one short week and yet you can hardly remember what life was like without him. You prepared for months for his arrival—read books, set up the nursery, went to prenatal classes—yet nothing could prepare you for the overwhelming love you feel for this child. There are no words quite powerful enough to describe the emotions you feel.

Then the impossible happened; each day you grew to love him more. The sheer magnitude of love takes your breath away. Can there be anything more wonderful than when he gazes into your eyes, when you feel his small body curled up in your arms, when you feel his warm breath on your cheek, when his little fingers wrap tightly around yours? Your heart is ready to burst with this new miracle in your life.

It doesn’t matter if this is your first or fifth child, the profound love you feel for your new baby never changes. I remember during my second pregnancy, I secretly worried that I might not love this new baby as much as my first. How could I ever love another child as much as I loved her? But the moment I held my new baby, I knew immediately I had worried for nothing. There was no difference in my love. It was as amazingly wonderful and intense as the love I had for my first. It happened again when my third and fourth children were born. We don’t have to divide our love between our children. Our love actually multiplies, giving us even more love to share. It is one of the ways God’s love works in motherhood. We just have more and more love to give away!

Dear God, thank You for this precious little baby. He is everything I prayed for. Everything about him is perfect. Words can hardly describe how much I love him. Because of him, I have a better idea now of how much You, my heavenly Father, love me. Please help me adjust to all the changes I will face as a new mother. Amen.

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Silas Ballantyne needs only to complete his blacksmith apprenticeship before he can finally embark on his journey to the west. Eden Lee dreams of escaping her dysfunctional family and joining the Quaker hospital. Liege Lee, Eden's father and Silas' employer, appeals to the tradition of the apprentice marrying one of the master's daughters. Liege decides that Elspeth, Eden's sister, should wed Silas, but will Silas agree to such a plan? The developing kinship between Eden and Silas threatens to ruin Liege's plan and Silas' choice will determine the course of far more than simply his own destiny.

Love's Reckoning is the first installment of The Ballantyne Legacy Series by Laura Frantz. I did enjoy reading this book, but it isn't a piece of light fluff. There's more suspense in this historical romance than I expected. The foreshadowing at times left me with a sense of impending dread – literarily, of course. However, Frantz's writing is flawless and it was hard to put this book down at times. The characters are vibrant, yet authentic. I especially enjoyed Silas' character. He was imperfect and human; yet, he rose above his circumstances to be the hero. I also appreciated Frantz's originality in her choices of scenes and plot development. Far too many Christian fiction novels lack that spark of originality to set them apart. If there was not a sequel on the way, I would have been disappointed by the ending. Fortunately, the next installment in the series appears to be slated for publication next year and I intend to continue reading this family saga.

I definitely recommend Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz to fans of historical romances.

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  Click here to visit Revell's website and read an excerpt from Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz.

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."

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar

Sarah finds purpose and fulfillment as scribe to the Queen of Persia. Pleased with Sarah's work, the Queen arranges Sarah's marriage to Darius Pasargadea, a respected and handsome aristocrat, as a kindness. However, after a disasterous wedding celebration, Sarah finds that marriage has stripped her of position, security and dignity. Locked in a miserable marriage and missing her old life, Sarah must open herself to new ideas and people, including her distant husband.

With Harvest of Rubies, Tessa Afshar cemented herself as one of my favorite authors. Having previously read Pearl in the Sand, I had high expectations for Harvest of Rubies and I was not disappointed. It had a unique storyline filled with a memorable protagonist, a little mystery and suspense, a history lesson and plenty of romance. I loved Sarah's personal and spiritual development. This is the type of book I could sit down with in the morning and read all day. Although I didn't have that luxury, it was that good! I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.


Click here to visit the publisher's page for Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from River North 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."

Filippo Berio Olive Oil: First Impressions

I'm usually not too picky when it comes to olive oil. I usually buy whatever is on sale or whatever brand my husband wants. We've used Pompeian, Carapelli, Filippo Berio and probably others that I can't remember off the top of my head.  When I got the chance to be part of a bzzagent campaign for Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I immediately accepted the invitation.  We do go through the olive oil at our house, so why not grab a free bottle, right?

The kit I received was filled with all the goodies you see in the picture below. The butter to olive oil exchange chart is particularly helpful and now sits on my refrigerator.

I'm looking forward to trying the Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and I'll be posting my thoughts here soon!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a bottle of Filippo Berio Olive Oil free via 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."

The Exceptional Life by Stephen Arterburn

What is an exceptional life? Is it amassing tremendous wealth? Is it a perpetual state of happiness? Is it even possible? In The Exceptional Life by Stephen Arterburn, an exceptional life is essentially experiencing God's best for one's life. An exceptional life is filled with hope, love, trust, forgiveness, patience, power, connection and freedom.

Arterburn addresses eight difficult issues keep can keep a person from leading an exceptional life: guilt/shame, resentment, fear, anger, instant gratification, learned helplessness, isolation and addiction. Each chapter is divided into three parts that address what the issue is, how it affects a person and how to break free from the power of it.

Because The Exceptional Life by Stephen Arterburn addresses several heavy issues, I really appreciated the bits of humor that were incorporated throughout the book. Just the introduction had me laughing and the humor made the topics less intimidating. Reading the book was like sitting down with a therapist and getting some honest, non-biased advice about life. I feel like Arterburn's descriptions and solutions regarding each issue were right on target. Although I have not personally experienced all of the issues addressed in the book, I found that I could always see some way to apply what he was saying to my life. I liked that, when applicable, he used Scripture to back up his points.

I would recommend to any Christian who is looking to experience the best life that God intends for him or her.

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

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

After the death of her abusive and wicked husband, Audra Gilliland is determined to become independent and assertive.  She agrees to a marriage of convenience with Ethan Kincaid as a way to protect herself, her two daughters, and to get out of her new married step-daughter's home.  Audra desperately wants to be able to stand up for herself. After all, she does not care what her husband thinks about it. Ethan does not have high hopes for the marriage other than to have a wife who can cook, clean and live amicably with him.  Surprisingly to both Ethan and Audra, affection begins to grow quickly. However, before they can see what this fondness will lead to, they must each deal with lingering remnants of their past lives.

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy is the second book of the Kincaid Brides series. I haven't read the first one, but this one gave enough background information that I easily understood what was going on after a few chapters.  To be honest, I found the back story and ongoing drama caused by Audra's previous husband (a situation presumably addressed in the first book and in the forthcoming third book) more interesting than the love story between Ethan and Audra.  Audra's character was well-developed and authentic. However, Ethan's character was a little flat and somewhat unbelievable to me.  I will not mention the exact details because that would lead to spoilers, but most of the time he is presented as reasonably intelligent and talented and then other times he is unbelieveably naive.  I know that people and characters are multi-faceted, but the naivety was not cohesive with the rest of his character.

This is one of those books that I recommend renting from the library before buying.  Some readers will probably love it, but I don't see myself ever reading it again.

Click here to read an excerpt from In Too Deep by Mary Connealy.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House 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."

Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food: Product Review

I love my cats. For many years I fed them the cheaper brands of cat food. It was not until I had a cat diagnosed with heart disease that I found out more information about feline nutrition. Basically, protein is very important (it's what they would be eating if they were in the wild) and grains can be hard for them to digest. Since that time, I've tried to do better in making sure they get the proper nutrition to keep them as healthy as possible.

Science Diet has a new line of cat food available called Ideal Balance. It features fresh chicken as the first ingredient, fruits and veggies as secondary ingredients and is free of corn, artificial flavors and preservatives. It is conveniently available in the Kitten, Adult and Mature Adult varieties.

When I gave my cats this dry food, they enthusiastically ate it. This is actually nothing new. They do that with all cat food. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that as the days went by and they continued eating the food, there was less throwing up from one of our cats who apparently has a sensitive stomach. I have no doubt the switching of brands is what caused her throwing up to lessen. Although Science Diet does cost more than other brands you can find in the big box stores, the higher price is worth it to be able to give my cats good nutrition.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a bag of Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food free via 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."

Reminder: Free Bag of Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food!

Just a small reminder about the great offer that Science Diet has going right now.  You can visit their website to compare your current dog or cat food with their brand and get a bag of food free by signing up for a rebate!

Although I am still awaiting my rebate, I found that the rebate form simple to print and easy to fill out.  I recommend to anyone looking to switching pet food brands or anyone who just likes saving money!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a bag of Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food free via 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."

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition: First Impressions

I just got my full size samples of the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair in the mail recently.  I've used Garnier Fructis products in the past, but I was neither impressed nor disappointed. They were just an okay brand to me.  However, I've heard really good things about this line from Garnier Fructis, so I am definitely open to trying it.

My first impression of this particular shampoo and conditioner is pretty good. The bottling is clean, simple and attractive. The shampoo and conditioner have different smells, but both smell good with the conditioner having a lighter scent than the shampoo.

From the information I received, Garnier Fructis is going green and that's not just the color of their bottles.  These bottles contain PET, the most widely recycled plastic, and are composed of 30% recycled plastic.  Add in the fact that they are 10% lighter and Garnier Fructis estimates that over 125 tons of plastic are saved annually.  Nice.

Garnier Fructis makes some strong claims about what this shampoo and conditioner combination can do for my hair:

• Nourish the hair to the core so that it shines.
• Formulated with three weightless nutritive fruit oils (olive, avocado and shea)
• Packed with ultra-rich and nourishing conditions that rinse clean. 

I don't like to think of my hair as dry and damaged, but it is.  It is naturally curly, coarse and quite dry.  I am looking forward to seeing how this product works and will update once I've tried it a couple of times!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received  Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo and Conditioner free via 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."

Special Delivery by Kathi Macias

Two years ago Jonathan Flannery stumbled onto a human trafficking operation and rescued the beautiful, abused Mara. Mara's testimony against her uncle, the leader of the operation, put him in prison and gave her freedom from sexual slavery. When Jonathan returns from Bible college for the summer and their paths cross, Mara finds herself longing for him, though she swore off all men long ago. Intentionally discounting her sudden affection for Jonathan, Mara focuses on her waitressing job until a man and young girl appear one day. Mara is certain that they are involved in human trafficking but feels lost as to what to do. More than anything, she wants to stay far away from her past. Adding to her distress, Mara suspects she is being followed by someone hired to exact her uncle's revenge.

Special Delivery by Kathi Macias is the second book in the Freedom Series. I highly recommend reading Deliver Me From Evil, the first book, prior to reading Special Delivery. The story could stand alone, but reading the books in order makes for a more meaningful reading experience. A well-written story with heart-gripping characters, Special Delivery catches and retains the reader's attention from the very beginning. Macias handles the subject of human trafficking by providing a hefty dose of reality coupled with gentleness towards its victims.

I highly recommend this series to any adult, as it is probably not appropriate for younger readers. It is Christian fiction. However, I think everyone should be aware that such atrocities do happen in America and ignoring reality only leads to more victims.

Click here to read the first two chapters of Special Delivery by Kathi Macias.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author via Pump Up Your Book. 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."

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

Lindsay Hall, daughter of the Vice President of the United States, is more troubled than the normal teen. When threats are made on Lindsay's life, Special Agent Meghan Connors is assigned to her protective detail. Although Meghan's dream is to protect the President, she is determined to use this opportunity to rise in rank. Unfortunately, Ash Zinders is assigned as the Special Agent in Charge. In spite of Ash's criticism and lack of friendliness, he and Meghan must work together to find the person behind the threats against Lindsay. Will they sort through the conspiracy before it's too late? Will what started as a working relationship blossom into something more? Find out for yourself in Diann Mills' Attracted to Fire.

When the opportunity arose for me to review this book, I jumped on it. I've read historical romances by author Diann Mills and looked forward to reading a contemporary suspense by her. She did not disappoint in Attracted to Fire. The suspense and action of the story kept things moving and I enjoyed the relationship growth between Meghan and Ash. The combination of romance and suspense was perfect. I'll definitely be reading Attracted to Fire again in the future.

Click here to read an excerpt from Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House 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."

Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food: Comparison Tool & Free Bag Rebate

I confess I don't normally look at the ingredients in my cats' dry food.  Most of the time if they eat it and aren't sick, I'm happy. I know that the first ingredient listed should be protein, but I don't know what other ingredients should be in there or in what amount.

Well, Hills Science Diet has a comparison tool for people like me. This tools allows you to compare the Science Diet Ideal Balance cat food with whatever brand of other cat food that you use.  What is really helpful though is that they explain what each ingredient is for and what the recommended balance is.  Go here to see how your current cat food measures up.

While you're there, be sure to download the Hill's Science Diet rebate for a free bag of cat food!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this Hill's 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."

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):