Book Review and Giveaway: Afloat

Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini 
• iTunes gift card
• Afloat by Erin Healy 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!

About Afloat:

Who will you trust when dark waters rise?

Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel-shining residential units afloat in a protected cove of the gorgeous Rondeau River. The project is nearly complete, partially occupied, and ready to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way. Then torrential rains and a flood leave a ragged collection of builders, investors, and residents stranded in one floating building, cut off from the rest of the world.

They're bitterly divided over what to do next.

Architect Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mom Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together.

Power failure, a pall of unnatural daytime darkness, explosions in the distance, then a murder ratchet tensions to a boiling point. But Danielle's young son, Simeon, has spotted something strange underwater-beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below.
In this watery world where everyone's secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive.

Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liNmq

Meet Erin:

Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of "Burn" and "Kiss" (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels "Never Let You Go", "The Baker's Wife", "House of Mercy", and "Afloat". She and her family live in Colorado. Erin can be contacted through her website ErinHealy.com or through Facebook at erinhealybooks.

Find out more about Erin at http://www.erinhealy.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review:

This book definitely starts out with a bang and makes you want to keep reading.  It is not my normal choice for genres, but I was not at all disappointed and will look into more of Erin Healy's books.  There is drama, action, excitement and some romance all while touching on interesting topics like angels, life and death. 

I recommend this book to anyone who already likes this kind of book, but I also recommend it to people who have never read this genre before.  You will not be disappointed.  This is not an easy book to put down as there continues to be twists and turns.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. 

My Husband Doesn't Want Me To Work

I've finally come to that conclusion. 

 

He doesn't want me to work.

 

Oh, he likes to mention job opportunities to me... usually ones that I am not qualified for, but he really wants me home. 

 

I've nannied before and that seems to work out the best for me, but now being pregnant and having Kassidy also I don't seem to be a super attractive potential nanny, which I understand.

 

Anddd.... really Mike has been ok with me nannying because 1) the money is pretty good 2) the hours have worked out well 3) we were either at my house and/or their house was close-by and 4) we have been blessed with some pretty good "employers" (and then there were the craaazzy ones).

 

I just recently quit my awful job about 2 months ago and while I miss the money tremendously, I am so happy to be back home when I should be as that job was in the evenings.

 

I don't really know if Mike would completely admit that he wants me home, but I know it.

 

He likes me home during the day since we homeschool and are adding a baby to the family that will not be going to any childcare places.

He likes me home during the day also because it makes our evenings (usually) less chaotic.

 

He likes me home at night because he likes me home.  Hahaha.  He loves to watch tv together, eat together and just be together.  Plus, we have activities in the evening like sports, etc. 

 

So although we would absolutely love and really do need the income, my being home is more important. 

I've looked for jobs and been offered jobs in the past year or so and it does nothing but create fights between us.  Either it's too far, it's not enough money to be worth it, it's a "strange" job, it's hours he doesn't like, etc. etc. etc. 

 

Being home is where I feel I should be and if something comes up to make some money in a way that we both agree on that would be a huge blessing, but I really feel like being home is the biggest blessing ever.  :)

 

What about you?  Do you work outside the home?  How does your husband feel about it?

Book Review: When God Makes Lemonade

Book Description:

Do you know someone who needs some encouragement? Perhaps that someone is you.

In When God Makes Lemonade, author Don Jacobson has collected real-life stories from around the world that show everyday folks discovering unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances. Some are funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will bring tears of amazement. But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope.

There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day.

It's true that in life "stuff" happens, but as you'll see in these stories, Lemonade Happens too!

 

 

 

My Review:

This book is filled with stories about how God changes the situations we sometimes find ourselves in that seem hopeless to mold and impact our lives for the better.  There are some stories about a man shooting himself and almost dying, about a handicapped baby living a short life, and about a plane crash.  Those situations sound hopeless... like we were only given lemons.  But, God can make lemonade out of anything!  He works hard to make lemonade for all of us, every single day.  So often, we do not realize the beauty that has come from our pain and we miss an opportunity to see God's amazing work.  This book helps you see the lemonade in people's lives and hopefully will help you see the delicious, amazing, wonderful lemonade God has made and will continue to make in your life!

The stories are short and sweet at only a few pages each so you can always pick up and stop quickly.  I recommend this book to everyone. 

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review and Giveaways: Darkness Before Dawn

In his latest novel, Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press), Ace Collins leads readers on an emotionally charged ride from revenge to forgiveness.

Ace is celebrating the release of Darkness Before Dawn with a Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway!

Go {HERE} or click the button for all the details. Follow along for a new giveaway each day. (Moleskin journal, books, Starbucks gift cards and so much more!)


 About Darkness Before Dawn: Will grief push Meg over the edge?

On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards's husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He's a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life---and Meg's future---forever.

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court's decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jZlsf

Meet Ace: Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels "Swope's Ridge" and "Words of the Father," as well as the nonfiction "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas"; and "Lassie: A Dog's Life". His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Learn more about Ace at: http://AceCollins.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review:

This story makes us all consider what we would do if we were in the main character's position.  Meg is faced with an enormous trial in life and in the beginning she doesn't really do what we are called to do as Christians, but would we be able to act any differently?  This book is a good read and is not so easy to put down.  It challenges you to think about how you would react to losing a loved one and if revenge would follow.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a great "beachy" read.  It isn't an easy book to read in that it's not all rainbows and smiles, but it is a capturing book with real issues.

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sharing the Kicks

Our little frog, aka Rylee, aka the baby in my tummy, is quite a mover and kicker.  I am not at all surprised as Kassidy was also.

 

I pretty much have this girl's schedule down.  I'm thinking she might, unfortunately, not be the amazing morning child that Kassidy is. 

 

She might be more like me... anything but a morning person.  :/

 

We will see. 

 

I first felt Rylee move around 14 weeks.

 

At our 22 week appointment, Mike barely felt her move in my belly.

 

The past 3 weeks have consisted of me constantly grabbing Mike's hand to try and feel her, with no success and to the point of Mike thinking I was crazy for thinking he could feel her kicks.... they could only be felt from inside.

 

Untilllll.... two nights ago, at 25 weeks.  He felt her kick a couple times and tonight he felt her give a few really great ones!!

 

She is a crazy mover!!

 

One minute she is bouncing on my bladder.  The next she is kicking my ribs.  After that she kicks some right in the middle of my belly.  And of course, there are those that can be felt on complete opposite ends.  I have no idea what she is doing in there!

 

Wouldn't it be cool if we had clear bellies?  Ok, maybe only during pregnancy.  And maybe only the ability to see our growing babies.  Not everything else.  :) 

 

 

When did your husband first feel your baby?

Book Review & Video: Lead Your Family Like Jesus

More about Lead Your Family Like Jesus:

Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families

(Focus on the Family/Tyndale) - Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light-as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jizhQ

Meet the Authors:

Tricia:

 Bestselling author of more than 30 novels, nine nonfiction books, and more than three hundred articles for national publications; 2003 "Writer of the Year" at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference; popular blog writer, speaker, and radio host

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

Ken:

Leadership expert and author of over 50 books, including the New York Times bestseller, The One-Minute Manager; cofounder of Lead Like Jesus; and coauthor of Lead Like Jesus; Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time

Learn more about Ken at www.kenblanchard.com

Phil:

A human resource and industrial relations manager in corporate America for 36 years with Xerox Corporation and U.S. Steel, co- founder of Lead Like Jesus; co-author of five books, including The Servant Leader and Leadership by the Book with Bill Hybels.

 

Learn more about Phil at www.leadlikejesus.com

My Review:

Who doesn't want to lead their family like Jesus would?  I know that we do, as parents.  I loved this book!  And look at the authors!!  They are definitely leaders and people who I can learn alot from.  Of course, there were bigger issues that the book dealt with, but I think my favorite parts were when they discussed the little issues, that turn into big issues.  I really learned alot from this book and plan to read it over several more times.  It is definitely a great book for every single parent to read, whether you are Christian or not.  Every idea is great for every parent and does not all have to be taken from a religious point of view.  Excellent book for every parent!

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Favorite Maternity and Newborn Pics

Absolutely love these photos!

http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/02/21/alisias-healing-hypnobirth-natural-hospital-vbac-in-australia/

Photo by Jane Gilbey Photography

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/39406565459324371

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/226657793718001310

 

http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/02/21/alisias-healing-hypnobirth-natural-hospital-vbac-in-australia/

Photos by Jane Gilbey Photography

http://pinterest.com/pin/128141551869838398

This one literally brought tears to my eyes, maybe because K will be about this age when little Rylee comes.

http://pinterest.com/pin/245446248413973064

I hope that I have given credit where credit is due have completely forgotten how to do it!!  Since only a week or so ago.  Yes, that is my brain especially my pregnant brain. 

New Site and So Long to a Million Books!

As you might have noticed, I review a lot of books!

 

Why?  Because I love to read and I love free stuff!

 

I read the books and keep what I like for my ever-growing collection and I sell the ones I don't think I will read again. 

 

It works out wonderfully.

 

Except, that it is taking up wayyy too much room on this blog.

 

So, for a while I will still post my reviews on this blog and then after a couple weeks I will transfer them over exclusively to my new blog, which will be just for reviews.  I will keep my faves on here, because, well, they are my faves and I think you might like them also!

 

Reviews of companies, games, toys, clothes, movies, you name it.  Oh, and books.  ;)

 

Here is that site:

http://ToBuyOrSkip.blogspot.com

 

Do you like reading reviews?  Do you review stuff on your blog?

 

Oh and if you ever want to get some books for free and you blog here are two sites that I use:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

and

http://booksneeze.com

 

 

 

Book Review: The Christian Mama's Guide to Baby's First Year

 

From the back cover:

The Christian Mama's Guide to Baby's First Year has the advice you want to hear (and some you probably don't).  Inside you'll also find:

-Suggestion on how to get into the motherhood groove

-Breast-feeding advice

-Tips for losing the baby weight-before your baby is no longer a baby

-Time management ideas... get the laundry done before you run out of clean underwear

-Guidance on being a godly mother and good wife on less than three hours of sleep a night

 

 

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book!  I really look forward to owning the other ones, which include Having a Baby, Having a Toddler and the Gradeschool Years.  Why a Christian mama's guide?  I love that Erin addresses why this book is for Christian mamas.  She says it is because we also deal with the trials and successes of wanting our family to be the way God intended it to be.  We want our families, above all else, to become more and more Christ-like.  Of course, our bodies are similar and our lives change in the same ways as non-Christians during a baby's first year, but why not get the info and help from a sister in Christ?  This book is so much more uplifting, inspiring and helpful because of the Christian background it has.

I definitely recommend this book to every mama with a little one already or a little one on the way!

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinions.

Book Review and Giveaway: Unrivaled

Celebrate Unrivaled with Siri Mitchell by entering to win a Kindle Fire and joining her on April 18th for a Facebook Author Chat Party!

 
One "swooning" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Vintage Candy Kit
• Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell (one for you and one for a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Unrivaled" Author Chat Facebook Party on 4/18. Connect with Siri, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books, vintage candy kits, and more!

So grab your copy of Unrivaled and join Siri on the evening of the April 18th for a chance to connect with Siri and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

 

More about Unrivaled:

Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager-a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy's skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/jiUA3

Meet Siri:

Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists "Chateau of Echoes" and "The Cubicle Next Door". A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area.

Visit www.sirimitchell.com

 

 

 

My Review:

When I read about this book, I instantly thought of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Why?  Because of the candy making and Truly Scrumptious.  Was that her real name or just the song?  Anyways, who wouldn't enjoy a book about a candy making family?  This book was filled with all of the usual romance and drama that I enjoy reading.  Lucy is a strong, independent woman who is a great character.  Charlie (not to be confused with the one from the Chocolate Factory) is also a great main character.  I absolutely love when an author switches between the points of view, as Mitchell did in this novel, between the main characters!

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good romantic novel.  This one does have some great periodic fun in it also. 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinions.

Small and Unique Garden Ideas

 

Source: urbanroots.org via Leslie on Pinterest

Source: lifelovingldnr.tumblr.com via Sayra on Pinterest

Source: inspirebohemia.com via Leslie on Pinterest

Source: cottageintheoaks.com via Marisol on Pinterest

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Pam on Pinterest

Source: facebook.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Source: housekeeperlondon.com via Andrea on Pinterest

 

Definitely some cute ideas for small gardens or ways to somewhat upcycle, which I happen to have for the next few years.