My Review of Still LoLo

Written by: Lauren Scruggs and the Scruggs family with Marcus Brotherton
Published by: Tyndale

I have to confess that I had never heard of Lauren Scruggs before I first saw this book, so I simply picked it up because it sounded interesting.

Still LoLo is the (true) story of a twenty-something girl who was hit by a propeller after flying in a small plane to look at Christmas lights. After losing an eye and hand, Lauren’s life is forever changed. This book shares the story of Lauren’s life - before, during, and after the accident.



Who the book is for:

Teens, young adults and adults. Specifically females.

What I liked:

This book was interesting to read.

This book is open and honest.

This book is encouraging to believers.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn’t like in this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a good read and I finished it rather quickly.

I give Still LoLo 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Gunpowder Tea

Written by: Margaret Brownley
Published by: Thomas Nelson

I am little by little coming to enjoy historical fiction more and more, so I was excited to begin reading Gunpowder Tea.

This book is the story of two detectives, who meet and fall in love without knowing just who the other is. Together, they solve the crime and push past everything that tries to keep them apart.



Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy historical fiction, including those like myself who are just coming to like it.

What I liked:

The story was interesting and held my attention.

There’s a bit of mystery woven throughout the book - and it kept me guessing.

Parts are funny and parts are emotional.

What I didn’t like:

There’s not a whole lot that I didn’t like.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a good read.

I give Gunpowder Tea 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookSneeze. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Forever Friday

Written by: Timothy Lewis
Published by: WaterBrook Press

I received an advance reader copy of this book, and I was excited to give it a read.

Forever Friday weaves the stories of Adam Colby - a divorced man who recently discovered a book of postcards while hosting an estate sale - and Gabe and Pearl Alexander, the couple who originally shared the cards.



Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy historical fiction, as the focus is mostly on the couple and their relationship in the 1920’s.

What I liked:

For being historical fiction, this book is actually pretty interesting and enjoyable to read.

The author did a great job of making the reader feel like you are actually there with the couple.

What I didn’t like:

This is not your typical Christian book - with mentions of drinking and swimsuit modeling shows and rarely a mention of God, this book is definitely different in that respect.

I also found the continued mention of a guardian angel a bit weird for a Christian book.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a… different book.

I give Forever Friday 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Cassie & Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design

Published by: Moody Publishers
Written by: Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt

I am always excited to read new children’s books, and I usually end up liking them. I really wanted to like Cassie & Caleb Discover God’s Wonderful Design, too, but I just couldn’t do it…



The story:

This book tells about a brother and a sister, following them as they learn about how girls and boys are different.

The illustrations:

Aren’t anything extra special, but are still fun to look at.

How strong is the book?

This is a hardcover book and seems extra sturdy compared to some.

Who the book is for:

This book is for school aged children - ages five through eight.

What I liked:

Each section includes a Bible verse, and there are also other verses mixed in.

It’s fun to get to know the little family mentioned in the book and follow along with the characters.

What I didn’t like:

Includes a lot of stereotypes, such as girls are loud and boys are not… what about the boy reading the book who is louder than his sister - will this story make him struggle with his identity?

Talks about obedience, something that children have to learn about, yes… but it really has nothing to do with this book AND I don’t think most young children are going to enjoy reading about it in a fiction book like this - it made me feel uncomfortable as an adult.

Despite the fact that the book tries to imply that women and men are equal, there is still a bit of the submissive wife living under her husband’s rule mixed in… something that no child needs to read about.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found myself very disappointed with the book, and I cannot recommend it.

I give Cassie & Caleb Discover God’s Wonderful Design 2 out of 5 stars.


I received this book free to review from Moody. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Don't Bully... Please!

Today, I am partnering with Green Giant (and Raise a Giant) through MyBlogSpark, to help spread the word against bullying.

Through this blog post, $25 will be donated to efforts against bullying, and a $25 gift card will also be given to a family member of mine.

I was asked to write a letter to my child, and I have written the below to a future child and also to my three nieces and two nephews:

Dear child who is not yet born, and may never be.... or to all of my nieces and nephews who I love like my own,
You are so very special. There is no one in this world like you. No one could ever take your place. No one!
I pray that you will never allow anyone to make you feel differently. I pray that you will always know the truth of just how special and unique you are.
Oh, little one, know that bullying is never okay. Don't allow yourself to ever resort to something like that, and don't allow yourself to be bullied, either.
If you see someone being picked on, please seek the help of an adult to end that negativity. Please don't just let it go, find help.
No matter what, know that you are loved. You are precious.

Please also check out this video to see how you can get involved:



Thank you, Green Giant and Raise a Giant for supporting this cause and allowing me to join you!

My Review of Messages from the Pastor's Desk

Written by: Dr. Jerry L. Jones, Sr.
Published by: Outskirts Press

I was excited to receive Messages from the Pastor’s Desk - a little book of quotes and encouragement to read through - but found myself a little disappointed.



Who the book is for:

Any Christians.

What I liked:

Some of the “quotes” or whatever you want to call them are meaningful and give you something to really think about.

The book is short, so it’s not overwhelming to read.

What I didn’t like:

There are way too many commas used in each of the quotes - so many that they don’t even make sense, and are hard to read.

The grammar of the quotes is really off.

My conclusion:

This book really needed someone to proofread and correct it.

I give Messages from the Pastor’s Desk 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

*Giveaway and Review of Can't-Wait Willow

Published by: Ideals Children’s Books
Written by: Christy Ziglar
Illustrated by: Luanne Marten

I am always excited to read any new children’s book, and Can’t-Wait Willow was no exception.



The story:

This book is about a little girl named Willow, who is very excited for the circus to come to town. When she actually heads to the show, though, she is distracted by all kinds of things and ends up spending all her money and missing the entertainment - all because she can’t say ‘no’.

The illustrations:

Are really cute and playful, bright and cheery.

How strong is the book?

This is a hardcover book and seems quite sturdy.

Who the book is for:

I would recommend this book for toddlers through about age six. Because it is about a girl and has a glittery cover, I suppose this book is specifically for girls.

What I liked:

The message in this story is simple enough for young children to grasp.

This story is actually pretty unique compared to other children’s books out there.

The pictures are cute.

There are sparkles on the cover.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn’t like.

My conclusion:

Simple and cute, I think this book would make a fun gift.

I give Can’t-Wait Willow 4 out of 5 stars.

You can win a copy of this book for your child or another child you love:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received this book free to review from Fly By Promotions. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Broken Melody

Written by: Trudy Adams
Published by: Even Before Publishing

I was excited to read Broken Melody because I have a heart for foster children, and the main character is a foster child.

This (fiction) book follows the story of seventeen year old Danae Blackburn, who is living in an abusive foster home and seeks relief through piano playing. Her foster parents forbid her from pursuing her music, but she goes behind their back and does it anyway - with the help of various friends.



Who the book is for:

Teens in particular, but adults can read it, too.

What I liked:

Parts of the story were touching and enjoyable to read.

The short length was kind of nice.

What I didn’t like:

Boring read - I had to skim through so much of this story because it was just really hard to get into and enjoy - specifically the parts where there was no dialogue.

Uses apostrophes instead of quotation marks which just makes it a little weird to read.

My conclusion:

Overall, I am not a big fan of this book.

I give Broken Melody 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookCrash. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of A Perfect Pet for Peyton

Published by: Northfield Publishing
Written by: Rick Osborne and Gary Chapman
Illustrated by: Wilson Williams Jr.

Knowing that my sister is a fan of the 5 Love Languages book, I was excited to receive A Perfect Pet for Peyton to read and review and pass on to her children - my nieces and nephews.



The story:

This book shares the story of twins who go to a special zoo to celebrate their birthday. At the zoo, they - and each guest - receive a special pet who shares their “love language”.

The illustrations:

Aren’t my favorite, but they are okay.

How strong is the book?

This is a nice and sturdy hardcover book.

Who the book is for:

I would recommend this book for ages four through eight, but older children could also understand it - and younger ones, too, with an adult’s help.

What I liked:

This book helps children understand themselves and others better.

Through this book, parents will learn how to better love their children.

What I didn’t like:

This story is a bit long…

My conclusion:

Overall, this is an informational read.

I give A Perfect Pet for Peyton 5 out of 5 stars.


I received this book free to review from MP Newsroom. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

* Giveaway and Review of One Way Love

Written by: Tullian Tchividjian
Published by: David C. Cook

I am so into grace, so I was really excited to read One Way Love and see what it had to say on the subject.

Written by a grandson of Billy Graham, this book shares about unconditional God’s love for us.



Who the book is for:

Christians or those seeking to learn more about God and Christianity.

What I liked:

There are a lot of real life stories included in this book to keep the reader interested.

The message of grace is a good one.

What I didn’t like:

I feel that some of the points could have hit harder and that this book really wasn’t all I expected it to be in regard to grace.

The chapters are too long for me.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was an okay read. I wanted more from it.

I give One Way Love 3 out of 5 stars.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received this book free to review from Fly By Promotions. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Heart of the Country

Written by: Rene Gutteridge and John Ward
Published by: Tyndale

I was excited to read Heart of the Country because I somehow got the impression that it was about a country singer and focused on the music industry. I don’t know where I got that idea from, but it wasn’t what the story really was.

Heart of the Country shares the story of Luke and Faith, a young couple who virtually abandoned their families when they fell in love. When the world they’ve created falls apart, they must turn back to those same families for support.



Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, specifically women.

What I liked:

The story is decent.

The chapters are short enough to keep me interested.

What I didn’t like:

Could have been better, such as more emotional.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was an okay read. I also received a copy of the DVD, so I am looking forward to checking that out and seeing how it compares to the book.

I give Heart of the Country 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

*Giveaway and Review of Audrey Bunny

Published by: BH Kids
Written by: Angie Smith
Illustrated by: Breezy Brookshire

I am always looking for new children’s books, so I was really happy to receive a copy of Audrey Bunny to read and review.



The story:

Has been done a million times… but is still cute.

A bunny is waiting at a store, just wanting someone to love it. The problem… she has a mark on her chest. Finally, a little girl falls in love with her and eventually buys her. Happily ever after for Audrey Bunny.

The illustrations:

Are cute and gentle and soft…

How strong is the book?

This is a hardcover book and seems quite sturdy.

Who the book is for:

The back of the book says four to eight, but I would think that younger children could listen to it and enjoy it, too.

What I liked:

The illustrations are so cute.

Cute tale…

What I didn’t like:

…but it’s been done a million times.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a cute book, but not the most unique story.

I give Audrey Bunny 4 out of 5 stars.

You can have a copy of this book for yourself! Just enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I received this book free to review from Fly By Promotions. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of Dangerous

Written by: Caleb Bislow with Ted Kluck
Published by: Bethany House

I enjoy reading about those who are doing great things for God, and that is definitely what Dangerous is all about.

Caleb Bislow witnesses in dangerous places, doing great things for God rather than living in fear, and he shares about that in this book. Reading this will - hopefully - inspire you to live more bold in the faith.



Who the book is for:

Any Christian who needs a challenge to live more boldly. Teens and adults.

What I liked:

This book was interesting to read and kept my attention.

This book is good at challenging us to live our lives more boldly.

Includes real-life stories.

The author seems so humble, and he isn’t attacking any of us for not living his more extreme lifestyle.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing about this book that I particularly didn’t like.

My conclusion:

Overall, this is an inspiring read.

I give Dangerous 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My Review of The Wacky World of Wendy White

I recently received the opportunity to review an interesting and unique book... The Wacky World of Wendy White.

This is a cute story involving lots of tasty treats... from candy to restaurants. It will leave you feeling up for a snack of some kind. :)

I've never read a book quite like this, but I was happy to get the chance to check it out.





I received this book free to review from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.