Monday, September 29, 2014
Hope
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Skinny Taste Cook Book
Christmas at Rose Hill Farm- Book Review
Christmas at Rose Hill Farm

Back of the Book:
Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It’s time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy’s cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos’s wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can’t forget Billy.
When a “lost” rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That’s his plan. The only catch is that he’s having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can’t get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.
As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy–and Amos, too–that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.
Find out more and purchase a copy at Suzanne’s website.
My Review:
While Bess is preparing a wedding her heart is torn because she is secretly smitten with an old love, Billy Lapp. However, she has found a good man, Amos Lapp who loves her, is kind and a hardworking guy. The problem is, Bess can't stop thinking about Billy. She has found a real dilemma on her hands when Billy comes back into Stoney Ridge to help with a lost rose. As the history of the rose is discovered, Billy, Bess and Amos discover that miracles still do exist. This book is a great Christmas read and I love the dynamics of the book. With the fall turning cold here in Michigan, Christmas books are the perfect read when its cold, especially with a warm cup of cider in my hand. This is a great book and it appeals to many different readers. 5 stars in my book! Thank you Litfuse for allowing me to review this book for my honest review.
About the Author:

Saturday, September 27, 2014
Joyful- Book Review
Joyful
Return to Sugarcreek series

Back of the Book:
A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.
Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.
When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.
Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.
Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Shelley’s website.

Book Review:
This is the third book in the Sugarcreek Series, not having read the first two, I thought it was a good read, but not my cup of tea. Would I recommend it? No! Not unless you have read the first two. Honestly, I felt like this book was really confusing. The book starts with Elizabeth and Randall who have a broken relationship, but within time Randall has to show Elizabeth how he feels. Meanwhile, there are a series of other side stories going on in this books going with other characters. Pippa is an interesting character that has a side story, that isn't like an Amish book I have read before and I'm not sure I really enjoyed it. Then, every couple chapters we would get back to the main characters of Elizabeth and Randall. I just felt like this book was all over the place, was hard to follow and I would have benefited from reading the other two books. If you're going to read this book, I think maybe read the other two first, or don't waste your time. It is not a book that can be read as a stand alone. Just not a fan on this one..
About the Author:

Thursday, September 25, 2014
3 things Thursday
Monday, September 22, 2014
Tuesday Homemade Toothpaste
Saturday, September 20, 2014
940 Saturdays Family Activities & a Keepsake Journal
Friday, September 19, 2014
Returning to Running
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Whasssup Wednesday?
Monday, September 15, 2014
Young Living- Essential Oils
Friday, September 12, 2014
Before Amen- Max Lucado

Pre-order a copy of Before Amen by 9/29 and receive a FREE ebook copy of Max’s best-selling Second Chances: More Stories of Grace.
We all pray . . . some.
We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.
But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?
Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.
We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.
And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?
In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

My Review:
If you're anything like me, your working and your trying to do a million things at once, but seem to not have enough time in your day. Sometimes sitting down to read a book can seem like the last thing you want to, especially when it comes to thinking about reading about the power of prayer.
However, if you read anything by Max Lucado, you know he's worth a read. "Before Amen" is no exception because this book hits prayers right where YOU need it and where I need it. We all pray, whether big prayers, small prayers, long prayers or short prayers. We all pray. Sometimes we pray with great faith, other days with no faith, but just hoping the God of the universe is listening to us. Somedays and moments I don't want to pray a long prayer, but something simple, something I can remember and something I will relate with. I love this book because it has simple prayers, but ones that will help me to have big faith. These prayers aren't just meaningless, but will help you find peace and rest that a consistent prayer life can bring. I loved the ABC'S of thanksgiving. That was the best idea and one night my husband and I prayed through all of the ABC's things we were thankful for. It was really cool. We kept swapping letters back and forth throughout our prayer and it was interesting to hear what we were both thankful for. This book is practical, useful and a quick read.
About the Author:

Thursday, September 11, 2014
#Whippingchildhoodcancerchallenge
The month of September is dedicated to bringing awareness to childhood cancer. As you may know, my husband and I, are huge advocates to bring awareness to this issue. Of course, we took on the #whippingchildhoodcancerchallenge because we believe in bringing awareness to this issue.
Social media has a huge influence and we believe in the power of one person making a difference in the lives of others. 46 children are diagnosed with cancer each day and 7 children are lost. Folks, we just cant have this! It's unacceptable and cancer doesn't just affect the child, but the entire family. It creates a tidle wave for everyone.
So, here's how to get involved. You must record a video of yourself taking a pie to the face (can be a paper plate with either whipped cream or shaving cream). Once completing the challenge you must choose a pediatric cancer charity to donate $7 to and tag/challenge 7 friends (46 if you're feeling really bold!) to make their own pie in the face video. If you're unable to complete the challenge within 46 hours, you must donate $46 and tag/challenge 7 friends.
To learn more information click here!!!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Just another Day
Sunday, September 7, 2014
The Natural Pregnacy Book
I have been doing research on pregnancy, books and what resources are out there for mothers who are looking for Holistic choices. When I had the opportunity to take a look at this book for a review, I was excited to see the variety of topics it covered. Not only does it cover the usual things that many pregancy books cover, but it covers some very things like Herbs, physical exercise, emotional changes for each trimester, specific changes to your family, magazines to subscribe, nutrition and lots of other various topics. The Natural Pregnancy Book has a wealth of knowledge on so many topics for a soon to be mommy or someone who is recently pregnant. This book is a total resource that is worth $17.99, especially with the wealth of knowledge it contains inside. I love that it has holistic options.

My only hangup about this book, the lack of pictures or organization. As a person who needs organization and pictures, this book contains a lot of knowledge, but could have used a different layout. However, most people don't care about that, they are more concerned about the knowledge inside the book.
Thank you to Ten Speed Press for allowing me to review this book. The opinions expressed here are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Move On- Book Review

If you're life is messy or if you feel like it could be a hint of a mess, this book is for you if you want to get honest. If you're not looking to get honest, then don't even think about looking at this book. If you're wanting to get past legalism, shame, guilt struggles, getting beyond broken dreams and Christian snobs, this book will help you get through those sticky situations. I really enjoyed this book and was challenged by this book, but challenged to make good changes in my life.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me a complimentary copy for review. I was not compensated for a positive review.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Treasury of Bible Stories Childrens Review
Magnificent Tale Collection (David C. Cook, September 2014)

Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.
Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kelly’s website.
My Review:
The pages in this book are brilliant in color and instantly gravitate your attention to the illustrations, which is very important to a child who is trying to imagine the Bible. The Rhyming that went into these Bible Stories is Amazing and I don't believe I would have the talent to write these as well as the Kelly Pulley did. With that said, I think many children will love these Bible Stories because they can relate, laugh and treasure the rhymes. I think this type of Bible Stories book will help children remember Bible Stories and making going to bed enjoyable. As an adult, I love thought these were funny and I can't wait to curl up with a child to read these fun stories.
About the Author:

Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Alls Fair in Love and Cupcakes
{MORE ABOUT ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND CUPCAKES}
All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes
Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.
But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.
As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.
The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.
My Review:
This is such a sweet book, literally and you can see the depth of love Lucas has for Kat that he's willing to sacrifice his own dream to help her accomplish hers. I think Lucas' childhood made him always take care of others, which is why he wanted to help Kat. I also love Kats personality and the way she describes people in terms of cupcakes. It's super sweet and sugary goodness. Finally, you won't want to miss the cupcake challenge in this book between Lucas and Kat. Will it bring the two together or apart? This book is great and will have you turning the pages from the start all the way to end as you can't wait to find out the ending. For another book that I enjoyed, you should check this one out!

{MORE ABOUT BETSY ST. AMANT}
Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
Find out more about Betsy athttp://www.betsystamant.
Thank you Zondervan and Litfuse for allowing me to review this book. I was provided a complimentary copy for review purposes and was not compensated for a positive review.