The Last Christian by David Gregory Book Review

Abigail, a lady who has lived in a jungle has had her whole tribe mysteriously die from
a death and she is forced back into a world so different.  Times have changed but has Christianity?

This book was very hard for me to read.  In fact, I started over twice and read aloud to my husband just to make sure it wasn’t just me.  He said “Are you getting tired Dear?”  - meaning you are putting me to sleep – please quit reading.

This book did not inspire me and it was difficult to follow.  I could not recommend it especially as an easy read.

I also could not recommend it for younger readers just for the material that is suggested.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson Book Review

This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3274-5
Available May 2010; $14.99

This book is superb! I love how the author makes the story so engaging.

Mariette Puttnam came back to town after attending a Catholic all-girl school.  She then meets a new guy in town, Thayne.  Knowing her “prestigious” parents would never allow her to see him, she finds herself in deceit.  With deceit brings total life changes. Changes her parents didn't quite prepare her for!

This book kept my attention.  I loved how it presented a timeline and yet didn’t have to give a lot of history.

I would recommend this book highly to a married lady.  It is a great read to take on vacation. 

I would think it would also challenge many peoples thinking about their faith and walk with God.
Again, I loved this book!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

 Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.
 
“Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Winner of the Rachael Ray Cookware

The Winner is:
Number 14

14. SavannahsSmiles said...

I LOVE Rachel Ray and I love Cobalt Blue! Hope I win.

You have 24 hours to return my email!  Congrats Christina! 

Christina has an awesome blog – she is making like 100 different kinds of muffins.  Like a Julia and Julia.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann Book Review

ISBN: 9781400073092
Publisher:  Waterbrook Press
Available May 2010
Retail:  $13.99

Just the cover of the book made me question if I should be reading this book at bedtime….it just looked like a thriller.

Jonah Westfall, the police chief has a mystery to solve involving some mutilated animals.  Is there a serial killer on the loose?  The little town problems seems to be escalating with big town problems.  As if his job is not enough, his personal life seems to be having its own share of problems as well.  Tia Manning, a local candle-maker is wanting a new life that makes a difference.  Her past haunts her to thinking she is not capable of doing the right thing.  Liz, a local veterinarian seems to have a crush on Jonah but is battling leaving her sister alone.  The little town has so many dilemmas and must lean on one another time and time again. 

This book is not something I would have picked up from the bookstore.  It just looked and sounded too scary.  However, I was pleasantly surprised – it was more of a relational book than a thriller.

There were a couple of “bad” words in the book therefore I could not recommend the book because of my stance on using foul language.  It also would not be recommended for younger eyes, just for the fact of the type of drama that is suggested.

This book could be easily read over the weekend.  Here is a link to read the first chapter.

Overall, the book is very well written and kept me engaged.  I would not mind reading more of Kristen Heitzmann.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way

It Had To Be You by Janice Thompson – Review

It Had to Be You by Janice Thompson
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3344-5
Available May 2010; $14.99

Bella Rossi, a wedding organizer who lives in Galveston, Texas is a very busy lady.  Her most beloved Aunt Rosa and her Uncle Lazarro have finally decided to tie the knot.

Italian weddings even in Texas take a lot of preparation and patience.  With family coming in from Italy, Bella’s own wedding to a Splendora cowboy, tons of other weddings to be coordinated, construction, and maintaining friendships this was a busy book.

This book characterized by the publisher as a comedy.  However, I did not laugh very much.  I think it would make a funnier movie than it did as a romance book.

I will say it was very clean and I could recommend for younger eyes.

Usually this size of book, I could read in couple of nights but for some reason this book dragged on.  It just did not hold my attention except for the fact that its setting was in my hometown area.  I was not expecting to hear Splendora, Texas mentioned in any book so this was a sweet surprise.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Ransomed Dreams by Sally John – Book Review

List Price:  13.99 
ISBN:  978-1-4143-2785-3 
Release:  July 2010

When I learned about this book, I was a little intrigued.  Eliot Montgomery, an U.S. ambassador to Venezuela is shot that leads him to an early retirement to Mexico with his wife, Sheridan.  Only the retirement is more like in hiding from family, friends, and the world. 

Luke, a friend of the family who also works for the government find them.  He has bad news for Sheridan, her father is very ill.  They have to leave Eliot in Mexico while they travel to the states.  They then find more than they bargained for in every way.

Sheridan has to decide what is important in her life.  This was no easy task to unlock secrets at every step of the way.

This book was a fairly easy read.  It was a thought-provoking that had led me to assumptions that were not necessarily how the book turned out.

The author had me thinking that there is always something more going on in people’s lives than just the surface dirt.

This would be a great book to take to the beach or a road trip although the content is not meant for children’s eyes or ears.

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Bible Jumble for kids Review

List Price:  9.99
ISBN:  978-1-4143-2696-2 
Release:  May 2010

Immediately as the postman delivered this book to my door, I gave it to my 9 year old.  I told him to turn to the first puzzle and work on it.  He said “No problem.” 

He came to me in the first five minutes and said “I don’t get it.”  I then explained to him that the clues were not in order and then he got it.  Except he didn’t.  He then had to open the Bible and read the corresponding story to unscramble two of the words.  He also learned the the definition of the word “founded” and “fellowship.”

I loved it!  It made it fun to go and read the Bible to search out the right scriptures.  Anything that makes learning fun – is pleasing to my ears!

Each puzzle has a different Bible story and a mystery word to find from solving each word jumble.  They are usually very easy words but not words that are used every day so parents might be needed for counsel.

The price seemed kind of high to me for a crossword puzzle book.  However, the benefits of learning scriptures, history, and vocabulary words, $9.99 doesn’t seem so high.

I would definitely recommend this book to any Mom or Dad who needs some peace and quiet from video games or something needed on a long trip.

Blessings to you!  You are loved! 

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Adventures in Odyssey – Take It From The Top Review

List Price:  24.99 
ISBN:  978-1-58997-490-6 
4 CDs 
Release:  March 2010

Growing up I listened to Focus on the Family’s - Adventures in Odyssey, on our local radio station every night at 8:00 and on Sunday mornings before church.

It was on of the highlights of my day and week.  I could always count on a good wholesome story.  I never have to worry about questionable “language” or grown-up bad humor.  The stories and acting always were encouraging and were good examples of what to do in certain situations.

This series, Take It From The Top is no different.  I have enjoyed listening to it with my kids and then talking about the stories afterwards.  It seems to be a great resource and a wonderful alternative to television.  My kids actually beg to listen to it and I gladly turn it on for them (and me).

I found myself learning parenting techniques from the parents just like the kids are learning how to respond to certain situations.

The one thing negative I would have to say is that - some of the voices sound different than I remember growing up.  I miss Whit’s voice…then again my ears have grown up - so maybe it was just me.  (Did I just call myself old?) 

The entire series is 5 hours long.  Honestly, it just goes too fast.  This would be perfect to have along for a road trip or to listen to before bed.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.