A Good Study Bible - My Review of NIV Life Journey Bible

Published by: Zondervan

With contributions from Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

I’ve read a book which Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend co-wrote with a couple of other authors, a book that really spoke to me, so I was excited to check out this study Bible that they put together.

The NIV Life Journey Bible includes short pieces of inspiration and help for one’s life, along with a well-organized, easy to read Bible.

Who the book is for:

Those who are looking to grow in their faith – old and new believers.

What I liked:

The study pieces are applicable to my life.

The Bible is easy to read.

The book is sturdy.

What I didn’t like:

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

My conclusion:

Overall, this is a good Bible.

I give NIV Life Journey Bible 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. 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.

No Recipes for Me - My Review of The Great American Slow Cooker Book

Written by: Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Published by: Clarkson Potter

I used to have a thing against slow cookers, I didn’t understand their purpose and didn’t really get why people loved them. Then, I found some great slow cooker recipes and I understood. My eyes were opened. I began to look for more and more slow cooker recipes – and that is why I decided to review this book.

The Great American Slow Cooker Book includes a variety of recipes to be used with your slow cooker.

Who the book is for:

Those who love to use their slow cooker when cooking – especially those who like meat…

What I liked:

Each recipe is available in a few different “sizes”, so that you can customize it depending on the size of your slow cooker.

There are a lot of recipes in the book.

What I didn’t like:

I didn’t find a single recipe in the book that was applicable to me or that I would want to cook – I am a bit picky, though, cooking gluten free and mainly vegetarian.

I wish that the book would have included more pictures.

My conclusion:

Overall, this book might be right for some, but not for me.

I give The Great American Slow Cooker Book 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.

Not the Interesting Story I Was Looking For - My Review of Until I Found You

Written by:Victoria Bylin

Published by: Bethany House

I enjoy reading contemporary fiction, and that is why I chose to read and review this book – and I have to say that the cover got me, too, making the book seem interesting.

Until I Found You tells the story of two struggling people who begin to build a relationship together, and the obstacles that they face as they do that.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy nature and a love story.

What I liked:

Parts of the story are touching and enjoyable to read.

What I didn’t like:

Talked about the condors way too much, so much so that it got really boring – to me, at least.

Parts of the story are hard to follow.

My conclusion:

Overall, I wasn’t really a fan of this book.

I give Until I Found You 3 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.

Suspenseful Fiction with Likeable Characters - My Review of Blind Trust

Written by: Sandra Orchard

Published by: Revell

I enjoy reading suspenseful fiction, as long as it still has a story and some heart, that’s why I was excited to read and review this book.

Blind Trust tells the story of Kate Adams, a woman who gets mixed up in a counterfeit scam – and is determined to dig into things and find out what is going on.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy suspenseful fiction that has a story to it.

What I liked:

The characters are likeable – something that I always look for in fiction.

The story is interesting.

What I didn’t like:

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

My conclusion:

I give Blind Trust 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Revell. 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.

Colorful and Fun Bible for Kids - My Review of Adventure Bible

Published by: ZonderKidz

I enjoy reviewing Bibles, especially Bibles that were made with children in mind. The Adventure Bible was made in a way that makes it attractive, fun, and easily usable for children.

Who the book is for:

Ages 6 through 10 is what the back of the book stays, and I would say that is about spot on.

What I liked:

There is a section that references “children of the Bible”, something that I found really cool for the children reading the book, so that they can see just how important children are to God and to the world.

This Bible includes study help for children, so that they can learn more about God and his word.

Translated in a language that is easy for children to understand.

What I didn’t like:

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

My conclusion:

Overall, this is a good Bible for kids.

I give Adventure Bible 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. 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.

A Hard to Get Into Book of a Different Time - My Review of Shades of Mercy

Written by: Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira      

Published by: River North

I chose to read Shades of Mercy because it sounded like an interesting piece of fiction set in the 1950’s and centered around prejudice.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy historical fiction.

What I liked:

The plot was interesting.

What I didn’t like:

I found this book really hard to get into.

Somewhat poorly written.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found it hard to get into this book.

I give Shades of Mercy 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from MPNewsroom. 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.

Novelized Prussia in 1945 - My Review of Daisies are Forever

Written by: Liz Tolsma

Published by: Thomas Nelson

I chose to read Daisies are Forever because I thought that the story seemed like it would be different from other books that I have read. I was right in that.

This book tells the (fictional) story of a group of people who are fleeing the Red Army in Germany – and the trials that they must face and overcome as they do this.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy historical fiction.

What I liked:

I found the story really interesting and unique.

Was special to read about a different time period than most books are written in, and I enjoyed the history that I gleaned from the book, too.

What I didn’t like:

I didn’t quite feel a connection with the characters – and I really need that to fully enjoy a book.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was an okay read.

I give Daisies are Forever 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Book Look. 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.

Decent Read for Struggling Parents - My review of I Need Some Help Here!

Written by: Kathi Lipp      

Published by: Revell

I am not a mom, yet I continue to read parenting books. They are partially inspiration for my novel writing, partially to help with my life as an auntie, and they are also just interesting.

I Need Some Help Here! is an open and honest read, sharing the author’s heart and the pain that she has been through in regard to her children.

Who the book is for:

Parents, obviously, but also weird people like me.

What I liked:

The author is real and isn’t embarrassed to share what she has been through.

Includes lots of scripture references.

What I didn’t like:

There was one spot where the author called herself a “bad mom” and sounded proud of it, and that bothered me just a little, even though I do get her point.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was an okay read.

I give I Need Some Help Here! 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Revell. 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.

Fun Cookbook Using Simpler Ingredients - My Review of The Chopped Cookbook

Published by: Clarkson Potter

I love the Food Network. I love food. I enjoy cooking. I like watching Chopped. I have recently moved to a new place where I am given more opportunities to cook. I received this book at the perfect time.

The Chopped Cookbook includes all kinds of recipes, from chicken recipes to salad recipes, using ingredients that you have around. I found a couple of recipes in the book that I am interested in trying right away.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy the show and those who just enjoy cooking.

What I liked:

The colorful, large pictures. I really don’t like cookbooks that don’t include real pictures, so I was happy to look through this one.

The recipes don’t call for a whole lot of weird ingredients, like some do.

What I didn’t like:

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

My conclusion:

I really liked this book, as far as cookbooks go.

I give The Chopped Cookbook 5 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.

Hope for the Anxious Like Myself - My Review of The Anxious Christian

Written by: Rhett Smith    

Published by: Moody Publishers

I have a problem with anxiety. I have always worried a lot, since I was a little kid. That is why I chose to read The Anxious Christian, in hopes that it would help me with my problem. This book hit home in a lot of ways, to right where I am at in life. I am going through a stressful time, and I really identified with the book.

Who the book is for:

Anxious Christians such as myself and the author.

What I liked:

The real-life stories and experiences that were shared were similar to things that I have faced and am facing.

Teaches the reader to trust in God even through anxious times.

What I didn’t like:

The book kind of jumps around without making too many solid points.

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a good read.

I give The Anxious Christian 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from MPNewsroom. 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.

Parenting Older Children - How to Really Love Your Adult Child

Written by: Ross Campbell, MD and Gary Chapman, PhD

Published by: Northfield Publishing

I am not a parent, yet I choose to read parenting books. I had heard good things about the “How to Really Love…” books, and I had been wanting to check them out, so I jumped at the chance to review How to ReallyLove Your Adult Child, even though… I am nowhere near the targeted age group for the book.

Who the book is for:

Parents of young adult and adult children.

What I liked:

This books shares some really good information and ideas for dealing with various issues that might come up when parenting adult children.

I found the chapter on healing your relationship with your own parents to be very helpful and applicable to me.

What I didn’t like:

While I don’t agree 100%, exactly, with everything in this book, there is nothing in particular that I didn’t like or that bothered me.

My conclusion:

Overall, this is a good book for parents of adult children.

I give How to Really Love Your Adult Child 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from MPNewsroom. 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.

A Good, Contemporary Read - My Review of A Woman of Fortune

Written by: Kellie Coates Gilbert

Published by: Revell

I enjoy reading contemporary fiction, so I was excited to pick up this book and give it a read.

A Woman of Fortune tells the story of Claire Massey, a rich woman whose husband gets convicted of cattle fraud and sent to prison – completely changing the dynamics of Claire’s life and the lives of her children.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy contemporary fiction, like myself.

What I liked:

The story was interesting and unique.

The characters were different from those in other books.

What I didn’t like:

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

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a pretty good read.

I give A Woman of Fortune 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Revell. 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.