A Season To Wed {Novella Review}

A Season to Wed by

Rachel Hauck, Cindy Kirk and Cheryl Watt

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: November 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.

Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.

A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.

Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts.

Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it's served up on a silver platter?

Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career.

Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.

But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.

Shades of Doon {Review}

Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Doon #3

Visit the book Website HERE

Publisher: Blink

Publishing Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

After cheating death, Veronica Welling is determined to savor every moment in her idyllic kingdom with both her true love and best friend by her side at last. At the same time, Mackenna Reid is enthusiastically building her new life and a theater with her prince. But just as their dreams of happiness are within reach, the world Vee and Kenna have chosen is ripped away, leaving them to face their most horrific challenge yet—their old lives.

Thrust out of Doon, the best friends are confronted with tormentors from their past and no way to return to their adopted land. When the MacCrae brothers rush to their rescue, the girls' situation turns from nightmare to modern-day fairy tale. But their happiness could be short lived: unbeknownst to them, someone in their closest circle is aiding the witch of Doon in her bid to destroy the kingdom once and for all.

All Dressed Up in Love {Quick Review}

All Dressed Up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne

Year of Weddings 2 #4

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: February 24, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Greg Elizondo hadn’t bargained for this. Any of this.

Satin. Lace. Tulle. Pearl inlay, embroidered bodices, and Swarovski crystals.

The bridal shop business it took his mother three decades to build, the enterprise that covered his university and law degrees in full, was struggling because he might be part-genius when it came to contract law . . . But corset-style gowns with a mermaid flair? Shoot me now.

Tara Simonetti hated law school, but loved the community grant funding her presence at Temple University’s esteemed school of law. She could not fail. Would not fail. But when a notice for bridal store help appeared on the community notice board, Tara applied for the job immediately. While grants and loans helped pave her way, money for food was scarce. Legal precedence, moot court, and judicial clerking all had their place, but they were nothing compared to Alcenon lace, tucked silk skirts, and a well-placed peplum. 

Greg had grabbed her help as the act of a desperate man. Within weeks, he was desperate again, this time to win her heart. But after using community funds to get her degree, how can Tara turn her back on the people who helped finance her goal?

But if she leaves Philadelphia and Greg to return to her small-town in northern Pennsylvania, she’ll be leaving her heart behind. A heart he won, fair and square by posting a help wanted notice on the coffee shop board . . . A heart that filled the missing niche in his mother’s acclaimed bridal store. A heart Greg longed to cherish forevermore.

A Glorious Dark {Review}

 

A Glorious Dark by A.J. Swoboda

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Baker Books

Publishing Date: February 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

On Thursday as they ate the Passover meal with Jesus, the disciples believed that the kingdom was coming and they were on the front end of a revolution. Then came the tragedy of Friday and, somehow even worse, the silence of Saturday. They ran. They doubted. They despaired. Yet, within the grave, God's power was still flowing like a mighty river beneath the ice of winter. And then there was Sunday morning. 
Real, raw, and achingly honest, "A Glorious Dark" meets readers in the ambiguity, doubt, and uncertainty we feel when our beliefs about the world don't match up to reality. Tackling tough questions like "Why is faith so hard? Why do I doubt? Why does God allow me to suffer?" and "Is God really with me in the midst of my pain?" A. J. Swoboda puts into sharp focus a faith that is greater than our personal comfort or fulfilment. He invites readers to develop a faith that embraces the tension between what we believe and what we experience, showing that the very tension we seek to eliminate is where God meets us.

Both of Me {Review}

Both of Me by Jonathon Friesen

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Blink

Publishing Date: December 23, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

It was supposed to be just another flight, another escape into a foreign place where she could forget her past, forget her attachments. Until Clara found herself seated next to an alluring boy named Elias Phinn—a boy who seems to know secrets she has barely been able to admit to herself for years.

When her carry-on bag is accidentally switched with Elias’s identical pack, Clara uses the luggage tag to track down her things. At that address she discovers there is not one Elias Phinn, but two: the odd, paranoid, artistic, and often angry Elias she met on the plane, who lives in an imaginary world of his own making called Salem; and the kind, sweet, and soon irresistible Elias who greets her at the door, and who has no recollection of ever meeting Clara at all. As she learns of Elias’s dissociative identity disorder, and finds herself quickly entangled in both of Elias’s lives, Clara makes a decision that could change all of them forever. She is going to find out what the Salem Elias knows about her past, and how, even if it means playing along with his otherworldly quest. And she is going to find a way to keep the gentle Elias she’s beginning to love from ever disappearing again.

Adventure Bible for Toddlers Review

Adventure Bible for Toddlers 
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publishing Date: September 24, 2014
Goodreads Summary:

The Adventure Bible for Toddlers starts children ages 2-5 on the journey of a lifetime, teaching them about the Bible s great stories and themes. It helps young children grow in their relationship with God using stories and art from the wildly popular Adventure Bible Storybook. With ten beautifully illustrated and beloved Bible stories from the Old and New Testament, this sturdy padded board book will stimulate toddlers minds and fill their hearts with love for their heavenly Father.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy from Barnes and Noble today. 

My Thoughts:
I was excited to see this title on BookLook as I had been thinking about getting my daughter her first Bible. The cover portrays adorable drawings that I knew would appeal to Baby Girl. The Bible itself contains ten of the more popular children stories (Creation, Daniel, Jesus' birth) and all throughout more wonderful, appealing illustrations.

Baby Girl's verdict? Meh. She will read it with me if I pick it out, but it is not a title she will bring to me on her own. The stories themselves are too short. The ages suggested for this title are 2-5 but I would change that to 1-2 year olds. They are basic and short with not a lot for a child to grow with. 'Adventure Bible' is still the only title I have for Baby Girl however, so it does help me make Bible reading an intentional time.

One of the things I loved the most? The end story about Jesus returning and the adventure still continuing. One thing I found baffling? The penguin included in the illustration of Jesus' birth. I didn't think penguins were found in Israel....

Overall, 'Adventure Bible' has a fun adventure theme that makes Bible stories seem cool and fun. Would I recommend it to others? Meh. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for something better for both me and Baby Girl. I settled on a neutral 3 stars for the book's rating.

Quick Review: Goodnight, Ark

Goodnight, Ark by Laura Sassi 

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Publishing Date: August 5, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

Beds are ready.
Food is stored.
Noah hollers,
'All aboard!'
It's bedtime on Noah's ark, but the animals can't sleep because of the storm. Two by two, they crowd into Noah's bed, creating a sticky situation. Will Noah ever get them back to their own beds? Climb aboard the ark for this rollicking, yet ultimately restful bedtime story as Noah finds a way to make things calm and cozy, even in the midst of a storm.

I received this book from the publisher via BookLook for Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy direct from the publisher HERE! 

My Thoughts:
First, let me apologize to just about everyone out there. I have fallen behind on the blogging schedule, and while I race to catch up on a few other things in life, my reviews have gotten out of hand. This week will be pretty review heavy! I appreciate your stopping by to check out these phenomenal books in advance :)

Goodnight, Ark was the perfect pick for Baby Girl. The author creates a delightfully fun bedtime story, that is both quirky and comical. It was not what I was expecting. Most books and stories about Noah and the Ark focus on the building of the ark, the loading of the animals, the flood, and so on. Sassi pauses the story and takes us in for a fun glimpse behind the scenes of the first night on the ark with the animals. The rhyming and cadence are fun for both parent and child, easily reminding us of the rolling waves beneath the ark.

And oh my goodness the adjectives! This book will open up a whole new vocabulary for your child to learn: quail, zoom, zing, thump, stomp, rumble, pouncing, snorting, blaring, and so much more! Because of the excitement of the book and the actions your child would love to replicate, I would say this book is better read before other more calming bedtime books.

The illustrator, Jane Chapman, has illustrated over a hundred books including some NYT bestsellers. Let me just say: the illustrations are.the.best. Each painting is a double page spread and uses all available white space to illustrate the story and action, but also to draw the eye to all the beautiful details. Just check out the video below to get a glimpse of all the animals :)

So I easily rate this book as 5 stars. Baby Girl loves the animals and I think she will grow into it more as she grows up as well. Add this one to the bedtime routine, and soon!

Quick Review: Jonah and the Great Big Fish

Jonah and the Great Big Fish by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Visit Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: August 12, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

God told Jonah to obey,

said, "Go to Nineveh this day..".

But, stubborn Jonah fled instead.

Didn't do what God said.

Jonah's disobedience landed him inside a big fish! And there he had time to think and pray.
Children will feel the waves and hear the splash as Jonah sinks down and down and down into the belly of the fish. This story serves as an excellent reminder of how important it is to listen to God.

Home Behind the Sun {Review}

Home Behind the Sun by Timothy Willard and Jason Locy

Visit the book's main page HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: April 29, 2014

Goodreads Summary:

Timothy Willard and Jason Locy show readers how to discover the brilliance of God in the shadows of everyday life.

Life opens up before each of us, it beckons, it tempts, it thrills, it betrays. And what do we desire? All of it and none of it.

We’re not in this to survive, but to live. We want to experience joy in the everyday grind of work, relationships, and parenting. We want healing in our suffering. Forgiveness in the midst of our pains. Purpose through the journey. We want to break free from the temporal and live with an eternal perspective. We want to be brilliant.

In Home Behind The Sun coauthors Timothy Willard and Jason Locy invite you to step out of the shadows and into the brilliance. They want to introduce you to the God of the mysterious. A God who combats despair with joy, topples bitterness with forgiveness, and eliminates cynicism with belief and whimsy.

You're invited home. Home, behind the sun.

The Nesting Place: Review

The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith
Publisher: Zondervan
Publishing Date: April 29, 2014
Visit the Author's website HERE
Check out the Book Launch page HERE
Goodreads Summary:

Perfection is overrated.
Popular blogger and self-taught decorator Myquillyn Smith (The Nester) is all about embracing reality---especially when it comes to decorating a home bursting with boys, pets, and all the unpredictable messes of life.In The Nesting Place, Myquillyn shares the secrets of decorating for real people---and it has nothing to do with creating a flawless look to wow your guests. It has everything to do with embracing the natural imperfection and chaos of daily living.Drawing on her years of experience creating beauty in her 13 different homes, Myquillyn will show you how to think differently about the true purpose of your home and simply and creatively tailor it to reflect you and your unique style---without breaking the bank or stressing over comparisons. Full of easy tips, simple steps, and practical advice, The Nesting Place will give you the courage to take risks with your home and transform it into a place that's inviting and warm for family and friends.There is beauty in the lived-in and loved-on and just-about-used-up, Myquillyn says, and welcoming that imperfection wholeheartedly just might be the most freeing thing you'll ever do.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Booklook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy the hardcopy for $11.99 on Amazon today! (5/3/14)

My Thoughts:
I have only loosely followed The Nester, as Myquillyn is commonly known, on her blog, just popping in here and there. It is chock full of encouraging tips and picture after picture. But I knew I had to read her book because I have been in such a home renovation/improvement mood.

However, "The Nesting Place" is not a beginner's book. Smith isn't writing this book to complete newbies or those who pretty much lack the decorating gene. She isn't going to help you determine your perfect color scheme or help you pick which room to start in first. This was a bit of a letdown for me. I fall into the 'those who lack the decorating gene' category and could use LOTS of help. Smith doesn't leave us completely hanging; she does give general ideas for decorating, thrifting, and repurposing. Mostly just small tips and encouragement.

As someone who lacks the decorating gene, some of Smith's tips fell flat for me. She trusts that everyone has extra decorations or furniture laying about to reuse, move around, and repurpose. I don't. I have exactly what I need and not much more. I am also not very crafty, so making a slipcover?? Beyond me. Obviously, this is a personal problem, but it really affected how I read and reacted to the book. Some of Smith's tips for decorating cheaply frustrated me because they are things I can't employ myself, which kept me from truly taking away from the book.

But Smith's general purpose, and main focus, of "The Nesting Place" was her tagline: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. This was a love/hate relationship for me. I would chuckle out loud at Smith's definition of 'imperfect', which just seemed to be a house that is lived in. After cruising through hundreds of pictures of her house, I am pretty sure it is just about perfect. Any imperfections seemed to be staged (a clown nose on her white bust vase) or a result of simply living with humans (shoes on the floor, blankets on the couch). What would she think of my home with it's cookie cutter cabinets, toddler toys sprawled everywhere, and five year old couch cushions?? I shudder to know.

image via The Nester

But her point was also freeing for me. She tells her readers to just try, it is okay to fail, no one has to know! What a simple revolution, but like I said, completely freeing for me. Smith also provided some simple tips to get husbands on board. I've been taking her idea of starting small and creating wins on my husband. It's slow going..... but I think it is working!

"The Nesting Place" is motivational. I feel super inspired to make my house into our home. Hubby and I are slowly but surely going to be making changes to our bathroom (my least favorite room at the moment. Perhaps I will share a little as we go along. This book was definitely worth the read and might even be worth the re-read as we continue to work on our home. Smith's "31 Days of Home. On Purpose", a quick and easy read, is something I would recommend reading through if you are a newbie like me and looking for more motivation, inspiration, and practical tips.

If you are a long time reader of the Nester, I don't think you will find much new content in her first book. Even most of the pictures I have seen on her blog. I think you will still find it an enjoyable read. And if you are completely new to the Nester, I think you will enjoy this book more than others. Everything will be new and fresh for you. I also believe that readers who are already into decorating and design will benefit more than complete newbies. I'm rating it with 4 stars, because after all the 'negative' I shared, the inspiration and motivation that Smith shares outweighs any of that bad.

One Realm Beyond {Review}

One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: January 28, 2014

Visit the author's website HERE

Goodreads Summary:

Cantor D Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to jump between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms. But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment---finding a dragon to assist him on his quest---has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won t leave him alone. With the help of his new friends Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren t progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild s layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies.