The Song by Chris Fabry

The Song by Chris Fabry (Based on the motion picture screenplay by Richard L. Ramsey) is an emotionally charged novel based on the life of Solomon and the Song of Solomon.
From the back cover:
Jed King's life has been shaped and scarred by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Jed's dream of a successful music career seem out of reach...until he meets Rose.
Inspired by his love for the vineyard owner's daughter, Jed pens a new song--a song with such emotional power and longing that it catapults him into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago and now threatens to unravel his marriage.
The pull of "The Song" takes Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with failure, the pain of loss, and the desire to be who God created them to be. Together they will test the limits of the promise that love is the power that heals.
Lyrical and deeply honest, The Song asks hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men is a fool for love, can true love persevere?

My thoughts:
Raw and deeply honest, this book offers thought provoking situations and real-life issues that will have the reader on the edge of their seat. I read this in a few hours in between housework and life. I ached for Rose and Jed and cheered them on towards the end.

Some parts of this book might be a little too much for readers who blush easily (it is based on Song of Solomon), others will think it's mild.

I enjoyed my time with this book and look forward to viewing the movie when it comes out on DVD in February 2015.

This book was provided for review by Tyndale.

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Love Unexpected is the newest release from Jody Hedlund and Bethany House. It's the first in her Beacons of Hope series and it's everything I've grown to expect from this author. When I get a new book by her I let it sit in my pile for (admittedly) too long. I know that once I start reading it I won't want to put it down and that I'll finish it too soon and the wait in between is long and full of other books that don't measure up.
I've long loved lighthouses and this book helped me learn more about them. Throw in some pirates and a whirlwind wedding and I was captivated by the end of the first chapter.
Once again, the romance is tender and sweet with enough tension to keep the reader awake and wanting more.
Thanks, Jody, for this clean read. Can't wait for the rest of the series!

This book was provided for review by Bethany House.

Homemade Decadence - Joy the Baker

I take back everything I've ever said about a cookbook on here before. This is the perfect book for me. Joy the Baker - Homemade Decadence by Joy Wilson is a delight through and through. From the witty anecdotes that dash the top of each page, to the gorgeous pictures, to the mouthwatering offerings. Yes, we will be spending much time together, Homemade Decadence. You are my new treasure. Included in this books are not only desserts (as pictured below), but breakfast foods, drinks (from cocktails to dirty chai), cakes, ice cream, blackberry pie cookies.

 Joy has had her food blog Joy the Baker for several years. I'm new to her but look forward to getting to know her through her food. I love her wit and have giggled my way through the book already.

This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.

Wisdomantics DVD board game

Sometimes when I'm offered something to review I get pretty excited about it. I thought this DVD game Wisdomantics would be fun. It was quite a disappointment. Cheesy Christian entertainment at best. There are way too many instructions and rules to follow, we lost interest after we'd each taken one turn. This is for ages 12+ but it seems a little juvenile and I would venture that younger children would enjoy this more.
The DVD with questions isn't too bad, the questions are Bible verses that you have to choose from multiple choice answers to fill in the blanks. Most people would easily be able to choose the correct answers. When you get an answer right, King Solomon raises his hands and affirms you. 
Then you pick an advancement card (which are unmarked and just by power of deduction I realized they were the advancement cards--I guess you place them with the blank side up on the board?) and it tells you how many spaces to go and how many "blessing cards" to pick up. You then get a tile to build your temple on your temple card. Pass the question card to the next player and it's their turn to take a shot at a question.
The board is set up like a Monopoly board and two of the corner spaces have Praise Report (on one) and Prayer Request (on the other). You're then supposed to offer a praise report about what God is doing in your life or offer up a prayer request. 
We didn't even make it one turn around the board as we were...bored.
You can check it out for yourself here. 

This was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Swept Away by Laura V Hilton and Cindy Loven is part of the Quilts of Love series, where every quilt has a story. This volume was a delight to read. It had me giggling alongside Sara Jane and Drew as they navigated their feelings towards each other and misread quite a few things. It ached my heart as I watched Grandma descend with her "memory problems" and as her personality changed from moment to moment (as I know happens in Alzheimer cases).
If you're looking for a sweet romance to read this winter then I suggest this one. Snuggle up with your favorite quilt, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy this clean read offered by two authors who happen to be the very best of friends.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse.

Susie's Hope DVD

Warning: this is a tear-jerker. I started crying at the beginning and the tears really didn't let up until it was over.
If you've ever loved a fur baby then you will love this film. Based on a true story it is about love, loss, and learning to trust again. There were some scenes that may not be suitable for young children as they are quite graphic. The dog attack is re-enacted and could be quite scary. The images of the abused dog could also make one feel queasy.
Overall this was a very good film with a good message. Bad circumstances don't have to have bad outcomes. Visit the website for Susie's Hope to learn more or to donate. 
If you have young children you will want to watch this with them so you can discuss the different scenes.
About the movie: Run time 105 minutes

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as thyey lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twighlight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.

About Susie:

Susie was found nearly dead in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 20, 2009. Just a puppy, Susie had licked the face of her owner’s newborn baby. Her owner became violent—she was beaten so severely her jaw was broken. That wasn’t enough, though. She was then set on fire and left for dead. Incredibly and against all odds Susie survived. Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later. Susie is now a trained therapy dog and event won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year!

This was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions.

Books to Bully-Proof Your Kids

Dr Dan and Bli Dugi have put out a new series of children's books designed to help them stand up for themselves and not be bullied.

 The Principle Gang's first two books Don't Judge a Lizard by His Scales, and Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway are bright colorful stories that will keep your kids attention while you read. They are short stories and are easy for little ones to understand.
The first book addresses the issue of being friends with who you want to be friends with and not who people think you should be friends with and not to judge a book by its cover. The story centers around a lizard and a fly.
The second book finds our two friends again, this time taking their "No bullies allowed" message to New York City where they promote their friendship and their cause.
This is a cute series that can help kids understand each other.

 This was provided for review by PR By the Book