Monday, April 18, 2011

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

As soon as I heard the title, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and American Kingdom, I knew I would love the book written by Susan Veness and I was not disappointed.

The book is broken up into four sections which focus on the separate parks in Walt Disney World. Within each section, it is broken into smaller sections within the park. Rather than tips for a good trip, the book focuses on small, unknown facts and hidden sights that guests may never have noticed. As I read through the book, I learned things I had never noticed before during my 10 + trips to Walt Disney World in Florida.

This book was interesting to me, since I have enjoyed trips to Disney World in the past. Some of the things I found most interesting were that the water in the Lagoon at Epcot is made of water from other countries and the fact that buildings were all made to be under 200 feet high so no beacons would be required for planes. I think this book would make a great gift for a first-time visitor to Disney World or someone who doesn’t think they will enjoy their trip because they have “seen it all before.” I know I really enjoyed reading it, and I will be looking at Walt Disney World more closely the next time I visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers 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."

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Unsinkable

I remember hearing of Abby Sunderland, a 16 year-old who was attempting to become the youngest individual to sail a solo trip around the world in 2010, as I am sure did many individuals who watched the news during that time. At the time of hearing about her solo-trip and her boat being de-masted in the Indian Ocean, I, like many others, looked at this as a media stunt orchestrated by her father as a way for their family to gain notoriety. I think the book changed my mind a little on the matter, but, as other reviewers have stated, I don't know if her family allowing her to make this trip at such a young age was the wisest thing to do.

The book was an extremely easy read, and I enjoyed the overall theme of perseverance in the book. I think it will show younger people that hard work is still rewarding, and it will give them motivation to go after their dreams and pursue their goals in life. Also, it gives young people a real role model to look up to...someone who is famous for more than just being famous.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through the BookSneeze review bloggers program for the purpose of completing this review. BookSneeze does not require positive reviews; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Monday, March 14, 2011

How to be God's Little Princess

How to Be God’s Little Princess by Sheila Walsh gives Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty for young girls. The first thing I noticed upon receiving the book was the cute pink and purple cover with a tiara on the front. This book was clearly made with a young girl in mind, and I can’t wait to give this book to one of my younger relatives to enjoy!

The book is divided into chapters focusing on How to dress like a princess, How to wear a tiara (and other princess necessities), How a princess perfects her poise, How to be friends princess style, How to dine with royal success, How to sparkle like a princess, How to have a rockin’ royal party, How to be media wise, How to be a perfectly polite princess, How to be a princess at home, How a princess sports a good attitude, How a princess knows she needs an inner beauty makeover. Throughout the chapters there are various quizzes, projects, and sections for royal notes. Each chapter begins with a short paragraph that indicates how the chapter relates to God’s desires. There is also a Bible verse that relates to the chapter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Seek Me With All Your Heart

Seek Me with All Your Heart, the first book in the Land of Canaan Novel, written by Beth Wiseman looks at Emily Detweiler and her family as they move from Ohio to Canaan, Colorado. In addition to the Detweiler family, the family of David Stoltzfus moves to Colorado from their home in Pennsylvania. Throughout this move, David faces health difficulties and Emily must face her past. Although they would both rather ignore their pasts, they begin to heal by leaning on one another. Through facing these difficulties, David and Emily find themselves drawn to one another and beginning to form a relationship.

I really enjoyed this book and liked the fact that it wasn’t a typical Amish story, in that it wasn’t based in Pennsylvania and it delved into the sensitive topic of rape and the way different people and families deal with difficulties in their lives. I liked learning about all of the different characters and cannot wait to read the future books in the Land of Canaan Series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Izzy's Pop Star Plan

I recently read Izzy’s Pop Star Plan by Alex Marestaing with the plan of giving it to my cousin to read since she loves to sing and play instruments.
The book is written from Izzy Baxter’s point of view in the form of an Internet Blog which can be read as a daily devotional. Each day is about two pages long, and it covers 90 days, so it’s ideal for a child to read a chapter each day. I also liked how each chapter had comments that were Bible Verses.

The main concept of the book is that Izzy enters a singing competition, called the International Pop Star Challenge, after years of dreaming of becoming a famous singer. She begins to travel around the world to pursue her dreams. At the end of the book, there is a note that you have to check a website to see who won the competition. I especially liked this since I tend to read the last page before I finish the book to find out what happens, and this makes sure no young reader does the same thing 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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

Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Shelter of God's Promises

I have always wanted to read a book by Sheila Walsh, as I have heard rave reviews of both her speaking and her books, and I was excited to read The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh. The book details God’s promises, and each promise is a chapter within the book. In addition to explaining God’s promise, there is a Bible Verse which relates to the promise God has for people. Some of my favorite promises in the book include Confidence: When we can’t see God’s Plan in this pain, God Promises that in All things God works for the good of those who love him, as in Romans 8:28, Hope: When we’re broken God promises to love us and never leave us as in Hebrews 13:5-6, and Home: We have a future and the Bible says There are many rooms in God’s house for us, as in John 14:2.

I also liked the personal aspect as Shelia Walsh intertwined personal stories that made the promises detailed in each chapter more personal. I think this book would be a great Bible study or devotional, as it’s format is conducive for discussion. There is also a Bible Study at the end of the book that contains important verses to read and questions to ask oneself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.”

Friday, January 14, 2011

Save the Date

I recently read and completely enjoyed the book Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones. This is the first book I read by Jenny B. Jones, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. She makes very believable and likeable characters. I was really convinced of their relationship as I read the book, and I was rooting for them.

Lucy is dedicated to the running of a non-profit girls program which is in desperate need of funding. Alex, a wealthy man, is looking for a seat in Congress, but he wants a financee to help him win the votes. They both decide to use what the other has in order to get what they want.

As other reviewers indicated, it was easy to predict what would happen in the book. Even though that was the case, I still really enjoyed the book. It was not only appropriate for reading by a younger audience (teenagers), but I think they would actually enjoy the book. So many times, I find Christian Romance books are geared more toward adults with their length and historical content, but I think teenagers and adults alike can enjoy this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."