Although Dining with Joy was the first book I read by Rachel Hauch, I plan on reading many more of her books in the future. It was a very enjoyable read, that I found hard to put down, as I was brought into the romance between Joy and Luke.
Joy finds herself hosting a cooking show on television after her father’s untimely passing. The only problem is...she can’t cook! She is relatively successful in keeping this fact hidden until Luke, a recently bankrupt chef of a Manhattan restaurant, joins her show. Her relationship struggles with Luke, along with her inability to cook being revealed to all on television by Wenda Devine would be enough to cause any person to question their faith. Throughout all of these disasters, Joy must rely upon her faith and her close friends to help her get through her struggles.
This book was a very quick read, and I will definitely be adding it to my list of gift ideas for friends and co-workers. I also want to read other books by Rachel Hauck, especially to learn more about Joy’s friends and her family.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A Suitor for Jenny
A Suitor for Jenny, the second book in the Rocky Creek Romance books, by Margaret Brownley tells the story of Jenny and her two sisters as they travel to a new town with the hopes of finding suitable husbands. Although Jenny feels as if she is unlovable after her past mistakes, she is determined to find proper husbands for her sisters Brenda and Mary Lou. Since her parents are deceased Jenny is determined to find an educated man who is able to provide for her sisters so they never have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Throughout the book, Brenda and Mary Lou find themselves thinking about men who their sister does not deem appropriate, but they learn the plans God has for them may be different than their sisters plans. They must learn to follow their hearts and God’s guidance in their lives. Throughout their journey to this discovery, they are faced with many trials and tests of their faith. They must also reconcile their past relationship with their father and also move past Jenny’s controlling ways. As Brenda and Mary Lou find love, Jenny changes her position on finding true love.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, and even though it was the second book in a series, it’s not necessary that you read the first book in order to understand A Suitor for Jenny. I would be interested in reading the first book of the series to find out more about the townspeople of Rocky Creek. There are many characters that we only hear about in passing, and I think the additional books will also focus on these characters.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Throughout the book, Brenda and Mary Lou find themselves thinking about men who their sister does not deem appropriate, but they learn the plans God has for them may be different than their sisters plans. They must learn to follow their hearts and God’s guidance in their lives. Throughout their journey to this discovery, they are faced with many trials and tests of their faith. They must also reconcile their past relationship with their father and also move past Jenny’s controlling ways. As Brenda and Mary Lou find love, Jenny changes her position on finding true love.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, and even though it was the second book in a series, it’s not necessary that you read the first book in order to understand A Suitor for Jenny. I would be interested in reading the first book of the series to find out more about the townspeople of Rocky Creek. There are many characters that we only hear about in passing, and I think the additional books will also focus on these characters.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Where Hearts are Free
I was extremely excited to read the book Where Hearts are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons from the moment I set eyes on the cover which made me believe it would be a great romance book. Although this book concludes the Darkness to Light Novel series which I did not read in its entirety, I did not feel as if this book was lacking due to my not reading the first two books.
This book focuses on Bridget, a wealthy young woman in Philadelphia, PA in 1681. Edward Moorehead has been chosen by her father as the man she is to be married to, but Bridget has difficulty with this arrangement. Although Bridget wants to honor her family’s wishes, she realizes that Edward is not the man God has chosen to be her husband. Rather, she finds herself drawn to her childhood friend and family servant, Phillippe Clavell. Phillippe, who was once a member of French royalty, came to the United States as an indentured slave to Bridget’s family.
Overall, I was impressed with this book, and I really want to read the first two books in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical books and also books that contain romance.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
This book focuses on Bridget, a wealthy young woman in Philadelphia, PA in 1681. Edward Moorehead has been chosen by her father as the man she is to be married to, but Bridget has difficulty with this arrangement. Although Bridget wants to honor her family’s wishes, she realizes that Edward is not the man God has chosen to be her husband. Rather, she finds herself drawn to her childhood friend and family servant, Phillippe Clavell. Phillippe, who was once a member of French royalty, came to the United States as an indentured slave to Bridget’s family.
Overall, I was impressed with this book, and I really want to read the first two books in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical books and also books that contain romance.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Friday, September 10, 2010
Outlive Your Life
Recently I had the opportunity to read one of the most recently published books by Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference. I was extremely excited to get this opportunity, as I have enjoyed all of the previous books I read which were authored by Max Lucado. He did not disappoint with this work that focuses on how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
I like how Lucado uses the book of Acts for inspiration, or as a basis for this book, but he ties the concepts into our everyday lives. Through looking at the Church in Acts, he highlights the fact that we are called to help those in need. He focuses on helping others who are struggling with issues such as poverty, disease, and violence.
I would recommend this book for others, and I think it would serve as a great Bible Study for small groups. It is especially helpful that there is a Discussion and Action Guide at the end of the book which will provide topics that can be discussed in a small group setting.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
I like how Lucado uses the book of Acts for inspiration, or as a basis for this book, but he ties the concepts into our everyday lives. Through looking at the Church in Acts, he highlights the fact that we are called to help those in need. He focuses on helping others who are struggling with issues such as poverty, disease, and violence.
I would recommend this book for others, and I think it would serve as a great Bible Study for small groups. It is especially helpful that there is a Discussion and Action Guide at the end of the book which will provide topics that can be discussed in a small group setting.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Skin Map
Recently I read The Skin Map, the first book in The Bright Empires Novels Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. I have to admit, I was not familiar with this author before reading this book, but I was fairly surprised that I enjoyed it from start to finish. I typically don’t read suspense novels, but I found this book to hold my attention and even found it hard to put the book down at certain points throughout the reading.
The book centers on the life of Kit Livingstone from London. When he is visited by his deceased great-grandfather, his life is forever changed. Throughout the book, there is the focus on traveling between different realities. In order to return to his reality and home, he must piece together the Skin Map which is dispersed among the various realities. There is also the aspect of rescuing another, as Kit must find his girlfriend and also return her to her own reality.
Although this book could have become extremely confusing with the different places and times, I felt he was able to maintain my understanding of what was going on during the jumps in time. Overall I enjoyed this book. I don’t know if I will stray from my more common reading of historical fiction, but I do know I will make sure to read the rest of the books in this trilogy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
The book centers on the life of Kit Livingstone from London. When he is visited by his deceased great-grandfather, his life is forever changed. Throughout the book, there is the focus on traveling between different realities. In order to return to his reality and home, he must piece together the Skin Map which is dispersed among the various realities. There is also the aspect of rescuing another, as Kit must find his girlfriend and also return her to her own reality.
Although this book could have become extremely confusing with the different places and times, I felt he was able to maintain my understanding of what was going on during the jumps in time. Overall I enjoyed this book. I don’t know if I will stray from my more common reading of historical fiction, but I do know I will make sure to read the rest of the books in this trilogy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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, September 7, 2010
They Boy who Changed the World
They Boy who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a great book for young children. It tells them that although they may not realize it now, the actions they are doing today will change the futures of others not just in the surrounding areas to where they live, but throughout the world.
The book looks at the lives of Moses Carver, George Washington Carver, Henry Wallace, and Norman Borlaug. Through the actions of all of these individuals came the creation of special seeds which were able to provide plants to feed two billion people throughout the world. The book looks at how all of these individuals’ lives were intertwined.
The pictures in this book were very cute, and I can see them being enjoyed by young children as they are read the book. I liked the historical aspect of the book too, as it focused on individuals that were vital to this country. I cannot wait to give this book to one of my younger relatives as a gift! I am sure they will enjoy it!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
The book looks at the lives of Moses Carver, George Washington Carver, Henry Wallace, and Norman Borlaug. Through the actions of all of these individuals came the creation of special seeds which were able to provide plants to feed two billion people throughout the world. The book looks at how all of these individuals’ lives were intertwined.
The pictures in this book were very cute, and I can see them being enjoyed by young children as they are read the book. I liked the historical aspect of the book too, as it focused on individuals that were vital to this country. I cannot wait to give this book to one of my younger relatives as a gift! I am sure they will enjoy it!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Edge of the Divine
Any woman who has ever struggled with their weight and balancing work, motherhood, and attempting to diet has something in common with Sandi Patty as she explains the journey she went through after her weight loss surgery in her book The Edge of the Diving: Where Possibility Meets God’s Faithfulness.
The main Bible verse which Sandi Patty continually references is Job 26:14 which states “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, And bow small a whisper we hear of Him!” She compares her decision to undertake weight loss surgery as an edge in her life. She makes it clear throughout her book that this decision was not entered into lightly, rather she prayed and looked to God for guidance in making this decision as much as she did with the other decisions in her life. Although this work is clearly about her decision to become healthy, there are other aspects of her life, rather than just focusing on one component. Sandi Patty also spoke about the difficulties her family went through as they relocated to another state, her musical upbringing and career, and some components of her marriage.
This book was a great afternoon read, and I really enjoyed learning about the struggles Sandi Patty went through with her weight, as it is an issue most women seem to struggle with at some point in their life.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
The main Bible verse which Sandi Patty continually references is Job 26:14 which states “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, And bow small a whisper we hear of Him!” She compares her decision to undertake weight loss surgery as an edge in her life. She makes it clear throughout her book that this decision was not entered into lightly, rather she prayed and looked to God for guidance in making this decision as much as she did with the other decisions in her life. Although this work is clearly about her decision to become healthy, there are other aspects of her life, rather than just focusing on one component. Sandi Patty also spoke about the difficulties her family went through as they relocated to another state, her musical upbringing and career, and some components of her marriage.
This book was a great afternoon read, and I really enjoyed learning about the struggles Sandi Patty went through with her weight, as it is an issue most women seem to struggle with at some point in their life.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."
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