The Chocolate Diaries

I just finished reading The Chocolate Diaries: Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life by Karen Scalf Linamen. It was a really quick and easy read. And it talked about chocolate. I love chocolate. And it talked about God. I love God more.

At times, the book was a little ADD for me, but then in the book the author said she had ADD, so then I understood. There were a lot of people stories - how various individuals overcame life's hurdles - which I liked. At the end of each chapter, there is a list of discussion questions and a chocolate recipe.

While the book itself didn't give me a whole lot to think about, what I am excited about is using this book as a starter study/discussion book for a women's small group. The Chocolate Diaries has a real "girlfriend" vibe and I can picture a small group of women, sitting around a living room, eating chocolate, discussing life's journey, laughing, crying and praying. The book is easy to read and very conversational, thus appealing to a wide variety of women (sorry guys, I just don't see you reading this).

I received this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions were my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

Same Life, New Story

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

In Same Life, New Story Jan Silvious examines ten women of the Bible and discusses how women today can change the stories of their lives. Each chapter is a study on a different Biblical woman, and each chapter focuses on a different aspect of "changing your story." The book can be used as a 10-week Bible study for women. Silvious incorporates stories of modern day women and how they have changed their stories into a study of women from the Bible such as Leah, Naomi, and Abigail. Silvious encourages women to be proactive and change their story rather than being stuck in the same situation due to the circumstances of life. Overall, this book was encouraging and informative. However, it did have a hard time holding my attention. It was easy to become bogged down in all the personal examples and examples of modern day women and lose sight of the strong Biblical characters up for discussion. I would have preferred a more in-depth look at these Biblical women. The tips for changing the story you are living were interesting and easy to apply to daily life, particularly in the last few chapters. The message that only you can control the story of your life is a powerful one and one we can all benefit from hearing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bad Girls of the Bible

Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs

Just by reading the title and looking at the great cover photograph of Liz Curtis Higgs peering out from behind a black veil, I knew immediately this wasn't your average "Christian book." And you know what, I was right. But in my opinion, this book is more "Christian" than most other Christian books out there today. Why? Because it teaches forgiveness and redemption, no matter WHAT your background or experiences in life. After all, wasn't that Jesus' core message? Liz Curtis Higgs isn't your average Christian author--she freely admits her sordid past filled with promiscuity, drug use, and abusive relationships. She frequently uses her own stories to illustrate the points made in her book. She used to be a radio jockey whose show was so racy it made Howard Stern tell her to "clean up her act." But then Liz found the healing and redemptive powers of God's love, and it's this message which drives "Bad Girls of the Bible." Her non-judgmental and forgiving attitude will make any "bad girl" feel welcome. Most Christian authors today often come off as "holier-than-thou" with no clue about anything outside their own Christian sphere of influence. No matter what you've done, Liz has probably been there and done that, too.
Liz uses examples of "bad girls" from the Old and New Testaments to show how bad actions can affect our lives, and how we can be healed and forgiven by God. The stories are told with Liz's trademark wit and humor, which makes the book a rather entertaining read. She breaks down the stories verse-by-verse and makes amusing and insightful commentary on each. You don't have to be a Bible scholar to enjoy the book--Liz breaks everything down into bit-sized, easy-to-swallow pieces for your reading enjoyment!
I would recommend this book to any woman out there, whether you're a "lapsed Christian" or just need a change of pace from the usual conservative Christian fodder that's out there. Liz calls herself an "encourager", and she really is.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

Another great book and adventure of Dragon and Turtle! This book held my young ones attention the whole time.
The illustrations are amazing. This book teaches teaches children that proper adventure's always say "please".
I love these books that are a fun read and help the children to learn manners.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

The Pirate Queen

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

I read this book in one day, it was so good!

Saphora is a person that some women look up to. Sephora is a woman who has it all and I’m jealous.

This is a great read. The book made me laugh, cry, and want more. Saphora is the kind of person you hope to be if someone close to you gets ill. This book makes you ask yourself if you could do what Saphora did. I can honestly say I am not sure.

That is what makes this book so great. You hope to take what you have learned from Saphora and apply it to your life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

God gave us the world

God gave us the world by Lisa Tawn Bergren & Laura J. Bryant

This is such a cute book for a family of young children. My three children range in age from 7 years old to 1 ½ years old and they all loved it. I loved reading it to them and finding out the answers to Little Cub’s questions.

Little Cub starts asking her mommy about a museum exhibit about bears from around the world. She wanders what is life like outside of the North Pole, where she lives.

Her mommy explains to Little Cub about the different places and types of bears that God has made. 

This is a great book that can help you explain to your children about the different places and different people that God has made in this world and how the people are alike in some ways an different in other ways.

I highly recommend this book! 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

This is your brain in love

This is your brain in love by Earl Henslin

I need to be honest with you to tell you how great this book is.

I have been married for over 7 years. My married started out great, which most do, then the marriage slowly started to go downhill.

This is your brain in love is such a great read and it helps me to understand and fix the problems within myself as well as to help me understand my husband.

The book includes test, descriptions of different types of “lovers”, as well as ideas on what to do if you are one of these types or if you are married to one of these types.

I have had a hard time dealing with some of my frustration, headaches, and total bad attitude. This book has helped me to change myself. I have not changed so much yet, but through this books help, I am learning to change myself to be better.

I have also learned how to deal with my husband’s addiction to porn as well as how to deal with his ADHD. 

My husband and I enjoyed reading this book and we now have hope for the future of our marriage.

I would recommend this book to any couple who is having a hard time in their relationship.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”