The Beautiful Wife

I was asked to blog about a book for women - it was probably one I would not have picked up on my own.  I have read A LOT of books for women and wives, and I have not always found what I was hoping for.  SO, I was pleasantly surprised at this book.  The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya is a very powerful book - I was shocked over and over when I read parts that I felt were aimed right at me.  I have been inspired and encouraged by this book.  It's simple - one of the main points was so refreshing and simple - "How do you turn to God and receive His wisdom and power for your marriage?"  Take these four steps:  "Be still, Worship, Read the Bible, and Pray."  It isn't rocket science but all throughout the book, Ralya gives practical advice to women - from remembering to take care of yourself to ways of looking at beauty in new and different ways.

I was also privileged to receive the Mentor's Guide - which helps you, as a leader, to teach this in a small group.  What a great tool!  I loved how it even gave you ways to pray before you ever meet as a group.  This is a very handy tool.

The Prayer Journal is another fabulous tool.  I am just so impressed with this whole series for women - it is practical and something that women, even being busy, can tackle and learn from. The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives - discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex.

Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
• The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
• The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!


To visit other blogs on this tour go HERE.


ALSO, watch a video promo HERE.


 *I was sent copies of the book, prayer journal, and mentor's guide for review purposes.

Moon Over Manifest

Last year's Newbery Award totally escaped me - I hadn't heard of it or read it for that matter.  So - I just recently got a copy and read it and LOVED it.  Talk about fun - Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool is truly a feast for book lovers - it has a little of everything - mystery, family, quirky characters, prejudice, friendship, humor - and all superbly well-written.  I felt like I lived in Manifest and really KNEW these characters.  The main character, Abilene Tucker is a guaranteed pleaser - she is sweet, innocent, and totally likable.  The friends she meets in the town of Manifest are brilliant and all add to her growth in life - some good, some bad!  You can't miss Abilene's journey down the "Path to Perdition" and Miss Sadie as she pays off her debt - that is how she learns much about her past and begins to also start her new future.

C. R. Mudgeon

Leslie Muir has written a fabulous children's book - C. R. Mudgeon is wonderful read about a hedgehog that just needs to "lighten up a bit!"  This book was perfect from the first page!!  C. R. is very set in his ways until Paprika the squirrel moves in next door and gives his boundaries a bit of a "push"!  I am telling you - you will LOVE this picture book - share it with a little one and enjoy the sweet story and perfect illustrations by Julian Hector - what a brilliant combination!  (And what's not to love about a hedgehog book, really!?!?)


*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

The Great Sheep Shenanigans

The Great Sheep Shenanigans by Peter Bently and Mei Matsuoka is a laugh-out-loud read that will be perfect for story time or sharing with your little ones.  It is the story of Lou Pine the wolf that is out to get a tasty sheep for his supper - but it is NOT as easy as he thinks!  The rhyming storyline is catchy and fun and the illustrations are SUPERB!!  I love sharing this book out loud - it is a great read!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

The Priest and the Peaches

When you read a realistic book that is not all happy and wonderful - it isn't always the easiest to read - BUT it is one of  my favorite types of books.  I don't need everything to be rosy - realistic is ok too.  The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson is one of those books - in fact, it started out SO rough that I wondered if it could be too far fetched - five children left to rear themselves as they've lost a mother, grandmother, AND father.  But Peterson does a nice job of weaving humor into this story and the kids truly make their own fun - in spite of their circumstances.  This historical fiction tale is set in the Bronx in the mid-1960's and is strong with interesting tidbits set in this time period.  I was drawn to the character of Father Tim Sullivan who takes the children under his wing and loves on them with the love much like that of their Heavenly Father.  The family theme is powerful and the characters are strong - at some points in the story, I felt it dragging a bit, but for the most part - I was drawn to finish the story and see how the kids worked to succeed in spite of their situation, neighbors, lack of parents, etc.  Larry Peterson shows his creative abilities by writing a heartwarming picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes, previous to this and now, a novel that makes it worth turning every page.
 
*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

The King Who Wouldn't Sleep

The King Who Wouldn't Sleep by Debbie Singleton and Holly Swain is a great story about a royal family with a problem - the king won't sleep - EVER!  So when the princes come to woo his daughter, they can't ever speak to her since the king won't go to sleep.  It isn't until he meets up with a plain young farmer that a plan is put into place to give the young farmer a chance!  What a fun story and illustrations that just add to the fun feel of the story.


*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

Elmer and Super El

I know I have told you that I do LOVE Elmer - so David McKee scores big with me with his latest Elmer book - Elmer and Super El.  All of our little super hero fans will LOVE this wonderful children's book about Elmer helping his little super hero friend.  What a great read - the illustrations are so colorful and fun - they just add to the whimsicalness of this fun jungle story.

*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

I Want to Win!

Tony Ross' A Little Princess Stories are a big hit in our house.  His latest, I Want to Win! is no exception.  The main character in these stories is a little girl that is about the farthest idea of a princess that one would imagine - she isn't fancy by any means but she does ALWAYS wear her crown!  In this story the Little Princess really wants to win - AT EVERYTHING.  It is a great lesson to us all - we can't always win and how will we handle it when we don't win?  I love the ending and it does encourage each of us to try our hardest!!
*I was sent a review copy of the book by the publisher.

Who Am I?

Simply Marvelous!!  Gervase Phinn and Tony Ross have teamed up to write and illustrate a simply wonderful children's book - Who Am I?  What a wonderful tale - a little chameleon is out to figure out what kind of animal he is.  He bumps into many other animals who share with him why they are each special and then he meets up with Mr. Crocodile who tries to lure him into being a tasty meal.  You will LOVE who finally saves the little chameleon AND then teaches him how special he is!  What a great read for you to share with the little ones in your life!
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes.

Elmer Board Books

Oh how I love Elmer books!!  And now they are available in board book format - Lerner sent me Elmer's Opposites and Elmer's First Counting Book, both by David McKee.  They are both WONDERFUL board books that your young ones will love.  And how thrilled I am - because now even our youngest readers will be introduced to Elmer!!  They are the same great quality and pictures that we know and love with McKee - so make sure and find these for your little one!

*I was sent copies of each of these for review purposes by the publisher.

Four Letter Words

A "needed" book?? Yep, this is it!  I have three teenage boys that I am trying to prepare for the big world - and what do we discuss with them the most?? How to stand firm in what we believe and how to share that with others.  So I feel that Bill Giovannetti has hit the nail on the head with his book, Four Letter Words.  We need to know WHAT we believe, WHY we believe it and WHAT to say when it seems there are no ways to put it into words - Giovannetti does just that.  As a pastor and professor - he's been through the trenches and knows how to put our faith into words that others will relate to.  This is relevant for everyone, but especially so with our teens and those heading into college - as this is when we get challenged and asked so many of these tough questions. 
Don't just take my word for it though - here is what others on the book blog tour are saying.  AND if you want even more information - go to Four Letter Words.  I love what the publisher says:

Thou shalt tolerate every opinion... except the Christian's. Today's postmodern "prime directive" leaves many followers of Jesus tongue-tied. In the global village, isn't it unreasonable, and even dangerous, to suggest that the Bible has a monopoly on truth? The church needs a new breed of Christ-follower. We need Christ-followers who are alert to today's touchy ideas, the truths that fire up more heat than light. We need Christ-followers who can make a clear case for the Bible's worldview; who are ready to help our friends think through their beliefs; who can recognize inconsistencies and challenge them; and who can do all of this with humility, confidence, humor, and love.

*I was sent an ecopy for review purposes.

The Shadow of Your Smile

I do not want you to miss Susan May Warren's latest book, The Shadow of Your Smile!  It is a heartwarming book that challenges us as we read - remember back - why we fell in love with our spouse - just as the main character, Noelle, has to do when an accident erases part of her memory.  The story made me laugh and it kept me intrigued - it would be a wonderful read when you need a quick book that will make you smile!

This is interesting - read here what prompted this story for Warren.
Read what others say about this book HERE.
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

*I was sent an eCopy of this book for review purposes.

Unhallowed Ground

Mel Starr is the author of Unhallowed Ground - the fourth book in the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series.  I had not read any of this series until this one.  I was pleasantly surprised - this is a mystery that will keep you guessing - at one point I really thought I had it figured out - I was ALL WRONG!  (And yes, I do love that!!)  These books are definitely stand-alones - but now that I've read one - I will be on the hunt to find more - Starr is an author that wraps you right up in the time period and culture with his wit and dry humor, there is never a dull moment to be sure!  Although it is not super fast-paced as some mysteries are, it is a read that still draws you in and keeps you focused.  It is set in the medieval time period so the history is rich and the story is strong!  Come along with Master Hugh, a 14th century English surgeon, as he unravels the murder set in Bampton - and be surprised at the ending!!

*I was sent a copy of the book, by the publisher, for review purposes.

More Chinese New Year

I just found another great resource on Chinese New Year books - don't miss another great blogger in action!
My Overthinking..."Overthinking Chinese New Year Children's Books"

The Bungalow

After my second Sarah Jio book, I am convinced she's onto something!  I have enjoyed both of her novels - they are short, easy to read, and yet both seemed to pull me right in and left me sad to see them end.  They may not be long reads, but her character development is strong - and you really feel for the characters.  The Bungalow, her second novel, is a touching storyline set on the Pacific Islands during World War Two.  Anne Calloway, an Army Nurse, is sent to Bora Bora on her first assignment as a nurse.  The story is gripping as she and her best friend, Kitty, find a whole new world on the island - one with war, violence, and new love.  I think what I love most about Jio's books is that they are not predictable - AND I am a sucker for books that do not end "happily".  I know, it sounds horrible to say that, but I enjoy a book that isn't always rosy.  I cried through two chapters as I finished this one up - and it takes a lot for me to cry- but I was so disappointed at how it all was coming to a close - I wanted happy and yet resonated more with the heartfelt words of "real life" - it isn't always happy and perfect.  It's a fast read - but a great story!
 

Happy Chinese New Year!

I hang my head in shame - I have been remiss this year.  I haven't posted one thing on Chinese New Year AND with two daughters born in China - that is just not right!  So I'm going to make it right - and direct you to a wonderful post that one of my favorite bloggers has put together - don't miss it!!

Jama's Alphabet Soup - "A Little Chinese Take-Out"

Mornings with Jesus

There are just some devotional books that really hit you - as a woman and mom, Mornings with Jesus 2012 really impacted me.  These are devotions written by women for women.  They get it - they live lives, they mother, they work, they just get it.  And as a busy mom, I just need short nuggets to chew on throughout the day.  That is what this devotional book consists of - nuggets of truth that are easy-to-digest and yet challenge you to be the best mom, wife, follower of Christ you can be.  I don't know about you, but I need that - and I take it so much better coming from other women that understand.  Don't miss this compilation of "daily encouragement for your soul" - you WILL be encouraged!

*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes.

The Sound of Red Returning

I am thinking it is the month for historical fiction over here!  This is my second or third historical fiction title and I am just loving this!!  The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy is another great novel full of history.  This one particularly drew me in with the music-theme - it is so well-written one can almost hear the sounds of piano as you read!  Liesl Bower is the main character in this story and she is a famous pianist that is running from the Russian and American CIA agents.  Liesl changes throughout the novel, and as the reader, you can appreciate those life challenges and struggles that grow you and make you who you are, as she encounters them.  The story is fast-paced and full of action.  All of the musical themes are wonderful and for those of you that enjoy a little love story - yep, there's that as well!  Duffy's first novel in this series is page-turner!

  *I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

A Darkly Hidden Truth

I was not familiar with Donna Fletcher Crow as an author - but after just finishing A Darkly Hidden Truth, I am going to find book one in this series!  This is book 2 of the Monastery Murders Series and this is really a well-written series.  I love the way she ties church history in with a murder mystery - I mean REALLY, not too many people can boast that!!  It is a wonderfully tangled mystery - I love it when, still halfway through the book, I have no idea what is going to happen.  This is not a book that you read and can guess the ending - Crow takes you for twists and turns.  GREAT read!!
 
*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

Chasing Mona Lisa

Tricia Goyer and  Mike Yorkey have teamed up and written a historical novel that exposes a side of history I knew nothing about.  Chasing Mona Lisa is a fascinating story set in Paris in 1944 - the soldiers of the Third Reich are coming into Paris and totally ransacking the county - which includes stealing artwork by the great masters like Leonardo da Vinci and even the famous Mona Lisa.  This is an action-packed story - with tons of history and a little romance thrown in to keep it "light".  It was a fun read and a new-to-me part of history!

If you would like to read what others in this tour are saying about the book - go HERE.

AND here's another fun opportunity!!

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer @mikeyorkey! Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world  - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!


*I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.