Voices of the Faithful-Book Review

I chose to review the book, Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore & Friends from Booksneeze.com, because I love to read inspiring stories from others. This is a paperback edition.

This is a devotional for each day of the year. Each day has one page. It has inspiring stories from Christians around the world. Each month is divided into a category. January is God's character, February is God's word, March is prayer, and so on.

I think this would be a great devotional book to start the New Year off with. This would also make a great gift. I highly recommend this book to anyone to add to their daily devotions or as a quick read on your lunch break.

I was given this book at no cost for my honest opinion. I did not have to give a favorable opinion. I give this book 5 stars.

Christmas Time with the kids 2010

Then Sings My Soul-Book Review

I chose to review the book Then Sings My Soul Special Edition by Robert J. Morgan because I enjoy hearing the stories about how great hymns were written. This book would be great for any music lover. I enjoyed reading it. Each song has 2 pages, one has the actual song on it as in a song book and the other is the story about the song.

This book has 150 best loved hymns. It includes hymns like, “Just As I Am” and “Amazing Grace”. This book is a paperback edition. It has the torn page look to make it look older. The cover has a lovely picture of a meadow. I think this book would be great as a gift for anyone who enjoys music, singing, or old hymns.

I highly recommend this book and give it a 5 star rating. I was given this book from Booksneeze to review. This is my honest opinion of the book. I did not have to give a favorable review.

God Loves Me More Than That-Book Review

I chose to review the book, God Loves Me More Than That, by Dandi Daley Mackall because I have grandchildren and I thought they would enjoy it. This is a very cute book. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations are great.

The story goes throughout asking the question, how much love does God have for me? Each time it is asked a little differently and answered a little differently. This is a story that will help the younger children understand that God’s love for us is never ending. I think any age child would enjoy having this book read to them. I think this would make a great gift. This is also one of those books for grandparents to gather the grandchildren in their laps and read to them. I loved it!

I received this book free from blogging for books for my honest opionion of the book. I was not required to give a favorable review

A Time to Embrace-Book Review

I received the book, A Time to Embrace, Timeless Love Series, by Karen Kingsbury from Booksneeze. I chose this book to review because I have read so many of Karen Kingsbury’s books in the past and enjoyed them tremendously.

This is the 2nd book in the series and starts out with the recommitment of a troubled marriage. This book is very hard to put down. It flows so easily and the characters are so lifelike. I laughed and cried with the characters in this book.

I think this book would be a great gift for anyone that enjoys a good read. All Kingsbury fans will love it as well. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it.

I was given this book free of charge from Booksneeze to do a review. This review is my personal opinion of the book and I was not required to give a favorable review.

Hatteras Girl-Book Review

This was a new author for me and I really didn’t know what to expect. I generally like the thriller and suspense books. Book from the very beginning of “Hatteras Girl” I liked it. This is not a thriller or a suspense book, it is an easy enjoyable read.

The character in this book begins with many dreams and a family that seems to want to marry her off. She dreams of a loving husband and owning a bed and breakfast. It seems like those dreams will never happen when she has one bad date after another. But she holds out and meets the perfect guy.

This book has a simple beauty of showing that dreams do come true. There really wasn’t a lot of romance in the book. However, it was a clean book to read. It was just your sweet little love story. I was a little disappointed, because it was so predictable, but it was an enjoyable read.

I was given this book by Bethany House to give my honest opinion.

Amy Inspired-Book Review

The book “Amy Inspired” is about an author that is failing in every aspect of life. Life doesn’t seem to be good for Amy. She meets another author that seems to have it together and they become roomates. This book shows the same struggles that many of us have during our life.

From the beginning to the end, I found it very hard to stay into this book. It started slow and it ended slow. When I read Christian fiction I do not expect to see girlfriend/boyfriend sleeping together without consequences shown for their actions. This book was more of a secular read than a Christian read.

I have to say I finished this book disappointed. I was disappointed in the fact that I really didn’t see the book point to Christ at all. The characters went to church, but that is about it. I feel like if a book is going to be characterized as Christian fiction, there should be more than that.

I was given this book by Bethany House to read and give my honest opinion.

A Rush of Wings-Book Review

I chose to review Kristen Heitzmann’s “A Rush of Wings” because I really enjoy Christian suspense books. This book gets you easily interested from the start with the mixture of emotions felt by Noelle. The book opens with Noelle running away…boarding a bus and leaving…and for a little while you are left wondering why.

As the book moves on, I got bored with all the unnecessary details. Noelle ends up at a Christian ranch. The ranch is owned and operated by Rick who seems to be a great match for Noelle. Only Noelle would rather fall for Rick’s brother.

It didn’t take long to figure out the mystery of this story. The actual storyline was ok, sometimes it was a little confusing. In the end, the characters figure out what is best for them.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion of the book.

"I Will Lift Up My Soul" -Book Review

I received the book I Lift Up My Soul: Devotions to Start Your Day with God by Charles Stanley from Booksneeze. This is a short devotional book. The format has a Scripture passage to read, a verse, a few paragraphs of inspiration and a sentence prayer. Each daily devotion fills one page and can be read from start to finish in about 5 minutes.

Even though these are short devotionals, they are very thought provoking. Each day you will be challenged in some way.

I would not suggest this be the only scripture you read, but it is a great way to start or end your day. This devotional would make a great gift.

I recommend I Lift Up My Soul: Devotions to Start Your Day with God to anyone wanting to share a light devotional thought each day.

I was given this book free of charge from Booksneeze for my honest opinion.

The Way Home-DVD review

I chose to review the movie “The Way Home” from Booksneeze because I enjoy family movies. This movie is based on a true story. The story is about a family whose lives were turned upside down in the blink of an eye. While the father is watching their 2 year old son, the son goes missing. This story shows how the love of our neighbors can help us get through the tough times in our lives.

This family has to rely on God’s strength and their faith to get them through this tragedy. Their faith is strengthened as they go through this trial. This is a good movie that you can watch and enjoy as a family. There are numerous lessons to be learned throughout this movie.

I enjoyed this movie and will recommend it to others to watch. I received this DVD from Booksneeze to review for my honest opinion.

The Least Among You -DVD Review

I chose to receive “The Least Among You” from Booksneeze because I love to watch a good family movie. The Least Among You is an inspired true story based on the life of Richard Kelly. Richard was arrested in the 1965 Watts riots and as a result ended up at an all white seminary on probation.

This movie was seemed to drag somewhat throughout the story. However, it does show viewers how someone can be singled out just because they are different. Throughout the movie you see drug and alcohol abuse, fighting, and shooting. If you have younger viewers you may not want to watch this movie with them.

Even though this movie had a good lesson to learn, I wasn’t impressed with it enough to purchase it or recommend it.

I received this DVD from Booksneeze to review and give my honest opinion.

No Small Chores-Book Review

I chose the book “No Small Chores” to review from Dorrance Publishing because it was a book I think my grandchildren would enjoy having read to them.

This book was good. It is the story of a little boy and a little girl that really didn’t want to do their chores. The father explained to them why it was important to take care of the stable where the animals stayed. After a talk with father, the children went to the stable and found it in terrible shape. They decided to work together and clean the stable for the animals to enjoy.

The great twist in this story was when the author brought the Christmas Story into the storyline. Shortly after the stable was clean the children went home. It wasn’t long until they heard a knock at their door. A man and his wife, who was expecting a baby, needed a place to stay. There was no room left in the inn and she was about to deliver their first born. They were able to use the stable and because the children seen the importance of their chores, the stable was clean for the birth of the little baby. Even though there were no scripture references given, we all know the story from which the author was speaking.

There were very simplistic, black and white illustrations throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book and I am sure my grandchildren will enjoy it as well. I was given this book at no cost to me from Dorrance Publishing for my honest opinion.

Out Live Your Life-Book Review

I chose to review the book, “Out Live Your Life” by Max Lucado because I had read other books from this author and enjoyed them tremendously. This is by far my favorite book from Max Lucado yet. In this book the author shows us how to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.

Maybe one person cannot change the world, but one person can make a difference in someone’s life. We can’t do it all, but we can do something. This book is very convicting if you are one that turns your head when you see someone in need. I enjoyed reading this book and want to pass it along for others to read now that I have finished it. This is a book that I think every Christian needs to read.

The author shows us in the Bible where Jesus didn’t mind getting his hands dirty to help others. He was one to befriend the outcasts. He was one to do the hard things. The things that were not “popular” to do. As Christians, do we stay in our comfort zone too much? Are we hanging with our other Christian friends and not getting out into the world and spreading the gospel as we should? We are called to help others, to love others.

If we read this book and take to heart the message, we can do so much to change things in the world for the better. This book also has a in depth study guide in the back. I think this would make an excellent book to give anyone.

I was given a copy of this book at no cost from Booksneeze for my honest opinion.

You Were Made To Make A Difference-Book Review

I chose to review the book, “You Were Made To Make A Difference” by Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop because I have a teen living at home and thought it would be a great book to review and pass along to her. I have read many of Max Lucado’s books in the past and have enjoyed them. This book is the teen version of “Outlive Your Life” by Max Lucado.

This book is great for teens. In my opinion it helps them to see that every little thing they can do will make a difference. God created them for so much more than just being on earth and enjoying life. This book gives them real life examples of teens making a difference and also is a practical guide for them to get ideas on doing the same.

I think this book will help each teen realize that God has a great plan for their lives and it doesn’t take much to help out in this world. Little can be big when you allow God to work through your life. I would recommend this to any teen or parent of a teen. This will also be good for youth groups to read together and then organize ways to help as a group.

Teens sometimes get the attitude that they can’t make a difference until they become adults. This book really shows them that they can indeed make a difference in this world. This book would be a great gift to any teen.

I was given this book at no cost to me for my honest opinion from Booksneeze.

Living with Confidence in A Chaotic World-Book Review

I chose to review the book “Living With Confidence In A Chaotic World” by Dr. David Jeremiah from book sneeze, because of the chaotic times we are experiencing in our lives today. In the world today we rarely hear good news anymore. Everyone seems to be stressed. People are losing their jobs, their homes, and their sanity. So how do we, as Christians, respond to the stresses and problems in our lives? In this book Dr. David Jeremiah outlines ways a Christian can live with confidence in today’s crazy world. He gives us 10 biblical ways to stay focused in the times we are living.

This book is full of encouragement I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it very insightful in the things that are going on right now in my life and the lives of my family and friends. If you read Dr. Jeremiah’s book, “What In The World Is Going On”, you will want to read this one as well. I think this book would be great for anyone who has questions on how we should, as Christians, respond to the turmoil going on in our world today. Dr. Jeremiah has done a wonderful job showing us how God’s word teaches us to handle what we are experiencing in the world today.

I was given this complimentary copy to review and this is my honest opinion of the book.

All I See Are Stripes-Book Review

I chose the book "All I See Are Stripes" by Teresa White from Dorrance Bookstore because I thought it would be a great book for my grandchildren.

This book is about a zebra among many horses. This story teaches us that it is okay to be different. This is a cute story with adorable pictures. I enjoyed reading this story and I think any child would benefit from the story.

God makes us all unique and it is okay to be ourselves. This book doesn't reference God, but it would be very easy to use it as a lesson when teaching small children that we are each unique and God made us to be that way.

I was given this book at no cost to give my honest opinion.

Embracing Your Second Calling-Book Review

I chose to review Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke from Booksneeze because I feel that I am in the second half of my life now. Upon beginning this book I could tell right away it was meant for me at this time in my life. This is a well written book about the second half of our lives as women. The author uses the story of Naomi in the book of Ruth as a parallel.

This book would be a great for any woman entering that time in her life when everything seems to change. There is a point in our lives as women when we are busy raising our family and trying to do everything we are expected to do. But as we get older and our children grow up and move out, it seems that our passion seems to change. We are not so worried about the things in life that really doesn’t matter anymore. This book helps us embrace this time in our life and shows us that God can use us in a tremendous way.

I would highly recommend this book to any woman that is beginning that second phase in life. This book would work great for group study as well. I was given this complimentary copy to review and this is my honest opinion of the book.

Sarah's Garden-Book Review

I recently received the book Sarah’s Garden A Patch of Heaven Novel by Kelly Long from Booksneeze. I chose this book because I have a dear friend that loves reading about the Amish. I have never read any books about the Amish, but have heard most of them were very good. I decided to try this one and see what I thought.

I really enjoyed this book. At first it started out a little slow I thought, but it quickly became a book I didn’t want to put down. One thing I didn’t like about the book is that some of the phrases were written in the Amish language, but you soon get used to it and there is a key at the beginning of the book so you know what is being said.

This is a story of an Amish girl who falls in love with an outsider and the conflict that is going on in her heart. This is the first book in a series and I will be looking forward to the next one to come out. I don’t think you will be disappointed in this book.

I received a copy of this book as a complimentary copy to review. The above review is my honest opinion of the book.

A little surprise!!!!

I came home from running errands today and found a nice little surprise waiting for me on the table. Attached was a very sweet little note. What was inside???


Ricky had went and purchased me a Brighton necklace. It was beautiful. It has a crystal type cross and lots of hearts.
I absolutely love it!!! He couldn't have picked out one that I would love anymore!!
Attached to the back was a little heart that says "love" on it. I love it!!! And I love him!! He is the best!!!

The Money Answer Book-Dave Ramsey

I received The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey from Booksneeze. I chose this book because I am currently trying to get out of debt and wanted to refresh my memory on Dave Ramsey's plan to financial freedom.

This is a great book for anyone. It is very practical and easy to read and understand. It sums up Dave Ramsey's plan for financial freedom in a shorter version than his other books. This book is a quick read and would be an asset to anyone's reference library. He does a very good job keeping this book short and to the point. This book makes it easy to understand his plan for financial freedom.

This book is in question and answer format instead of the normal chapter reading. It is divided up into subjects, which makes it easy for you to look up a particular topic. This book gives practical advice and would make a great graduation or wedding gift.

I was given this complimentary copy to review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and are honest.

Book Review "How should a Christian Live"

I received “How should a Christian Live?” devotional & journal from Thomas Nelson Publishing. I choose this book because I have a teenage daughter and this looked like something she would enjoy reading.

I really like this devotional/journal because it also has an audio cd. In each lesson you have audio to listen to, a short devotional, puzzles, quizzes, articles and pages to journal about what you have learned. I also like the way it reinforces key points from each lesson. There is also a “define it” section in each lesson that defines key words that you may not know the meaning of.

This includes and all star cast with Corbin Bleu, Emily Osment, Jordin Sparks and more! There is also 6 hours of mp3 audio.

There are four different books in this series. I would recommend this book to any teenager or new Christian.

Book Review on "Gigi's Hugest Announcement"

I received the DVD “Gigi’s Hugest Announcement” from Thomas Nelson Publishing to review. I chose this DVD because my granddaughter loves Gigi. This particular DVD has 2 different stories on it.

The first story is Gigi’s Hugest Announcement. This story lets us know how each one of us are special to God. Gigi tries to think of the best way to tell her best friend, Frances, that she is God’s princess too.

The second story on this DVD is The Pink Ballerina. During this story Gigi tries to learn ballet. While learning, she has many difficulties with the ballet moves. Gigi thinks that if she dances perfectly, it will make God proud, but she actually learns us that God is most proud of us when we show others that we love them.

I did notice that this DVD was completely animated. I did enjoy this movie and the lessons it teaches throughout the stories. I think little girls age 3-6 would love these DVDs.

Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God Review

I received “Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God” by Sheila Walsh from Thomas Nelson Publishing to review. I chose this book because I have seen the author speaking on television and my grand-daughter likes the Gigi DVDs, which made me interested in reading her book.

The book is geared toward women and focuses mainly on going through trials and how you can learn to trust God through those trials even when it may seem impossible. Walsh tells about some of her personal experiences and also gives many biblical references to show that God is and will always be there. As you read about the author’s struggles, you also read about various biblical people, such as Paul, Tabitha, and David and see how they came through their struggles.

The book includes a discussion guide and Bible study guide for individuals or small groups who wish to have more in-depth discussions on the details in the book. I think this is a good book for any woman going through trials, especially those who are trying to learn to trust God more.

More Pics from Sydney's Birthday Party

She enjoyed all of her presents
Katie is enjoying watching
Sydney and her new doll house from Mimi and Papa Ricky
Austin enjoyed running in the gym area

Sydney's 1st Birthday Party

Opening presents
Getting to taste her cake.

Waiting on the fun to begin.
Miss January