Friday, August 30, 2013

One Year Devos for Teen Girls by Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel


The One Year Devos for Teen Girls by Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel is a great way to get your teen reading the Word, daily. It's hard for kids in a fast-paced world to take time to sit and be quiet (especially with so much technology around us) for devotions. This book makes it easier with a daily devotion aimed right at them. It tackles all kinds of issues including drugs, peer pressure, self esteem, eating disorders, and more. My daughter (who is a non-reader in general---breaks my heart!) has enjoyed her time with this book. I think it's because it is full of information that she finds interesting and useful.

This is new from Tyndale and I was given a copy to review.

Dannah Gresh is the founder of PureFreedom. You can learn more about her and her important ministry here. Suzy Weibel is an author and pastor's wife. You can learn a little about her here.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold by Joyce Magnin

Harriet Beamer is back and I couldn't be happier. I read the first book in the Harriet series earlier this year and giggled my way through it. This one made me laugh even harder and I'm pretty sure that I'll remember it for a long time.
Harriet now lives with her son and daughter-in-law in California, far from home in Pennsylvania. More than anything she misses her BFF Martha, and a space for her salt & pepper collection.
Harriet finds herself in some funny situations, some situations that angered me, and some that melted my heart.
If you haven't acquainted yourself with Harriet Beamer then it's about time. You'll love this woman in the second half of her life.

From the back cover:
After a whirlwind cross-country move, Harriet and her donut-loving basset hound, Humphrey, have settled into a new life in Grass Valley, California. When Harriet learns that she's going to be a grandma for the first time and gets a new suite with room for her salt-and-pepper shaker collection, she can't wait for her best friend, Martha, to come visit so she can share her good news.

But adventure is never far away when Harriet is around. After listening to the pleas of a desperate teen whose daddy needs money right away-and happens to have a gold mine to lease-Harriet falls hook, line, and sinker into the venture. Although she's nervous about  her investment, Harriet chooses to keep it a secret from her son, Henry, and his wife. She can only imagine what she'll do if this turns out to be her ticket to a golden windfall.

When suspicions arise, though, it becomes clear that Harriet may never see an ounce of gold. But will she continue to trust and risk losing everything? The fate of the young teen and a family emergency show Harriet where her true treasure lies.

About the author:
Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright's Pond Series and the middle-grade novel Carrying Mason. She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

This book was provided for review by Booksneeze.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden takes the reader back to the Chicago fire of 1871. The author does a great job of making the reader feel like she's been there and has smelled the odors, tasted the smoke, and shaken with the fear. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, things that I'd never thought about gave me moment to pause (how did people escape the fire from three sides of the city, bordered by the lake?)
I also learned quite a bit about watchmaking, which was interesting to me because for a while, my grandfather was a watch repairman (there's a skill that's no longer needed).
Filled with romance, mystery and action this is one book not to miss.

From the back cover:
As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.
As the people of Chicago race to rebuild, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's influence. Zack believes this may be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

This book was provided for review by Bethany House.

Friday, August 16, 2013

I AM SECOND


Have you heard of the I AM SECOND movement? You can visit the website here. I AM SECOND is a way to get people to ask you questions, questions like What does that mean? Who is first? As a Christian, we know who is first, but the world does not. This is a way to break the ice, to let someone else begin the conversation.

On the website you'll find stories from people just like you. People who have been abused, had abortions, have gone through divorce, have lost everything, and yet they have a reason to live. A reason to go on. I AM SECOND helps them share their testimony with others, and it can help you too.

You'll also find short film testimonies from people such as baseball player Albert Pujols, rap artist Lecrae, supermodel Kathy Ireland, and more.

You'll discover people who have tried it alone and failed. Find the hope and peace that they have, be second.

You can also take part in promoting this movement! Commit every Tuesday to give just $2 to their Give Change, Make Change fund and keep the life-changing films coming.

Visit their store to purchase I AM SECOND gear. I have a fabulous tee-shirt and bracelet. Share I AM SECOND with your friends! Let's keep this going!

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for the shirt and bracelet. I was given these items in exchange for my honest opinions of the website.

I believe this website and initiative to be life-changing. Let's get it into the hearts and lives of as many people as we can.

The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson


The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson was a perfect book for me. It had all of the wit and romance that the author is known for. Made me giggle and sigh. An easy read, it was also full of simple truths that every girl needs to know, such as: the right man will love you no matter your size, and crash diets never end well.

If you're looking for a light read that is uplifting and fun, search no more.

From the back cover:
Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Gavelston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.
But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?
Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best-bridal-business drama laced with laughs.

This book was provided for review by Revell.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leninger Craven

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leninger Craven is a fascinating tale of forgotten Pennsylvania history. Since I'm a PA girl I was drawn to this story, it amazed me that I'd never heard of the Penn's Creek Massacre before. This is something not taught in our history books, which is sad because with everything else happening at that same time these people were forgotten and their ordeal never mentioned.

Tracy does a good job sharing her family's story (she is a descendant of the Leninger girls that the book is written about) in a way that won't scare young readers. Her account made me look into it a little more and I'm hoping that others will do the same.

From the back cover:
Autumn 1955
The Leninger family settled deep within America's new frontier, in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania. They were celebrating their blessings, their faith, and a bountiful harvest when their family was torn apart by the Penn's Creek Massacre. When Barbara and Regina are carried away and separated by Allegheny warriors, both sisters rely on their faith in God's truth, even in their darkest hour. Rich in historical detail, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War.

Includes eight pages of photos from the movie adaptation.

Yes! This is going to be a movie, released in theaters September 27th. 

This book was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions.