Sunday, December 7, 2014

Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, by Kristen Feola, is more than a cookbook. It’s a complete guide to the fast, the focus, and the food. It gives a compelling description on what fasting is and what it isn't. It gave me a deeper insight into the Biblical reason for fasting along with the different types of fasts. The Daniel fast is for anyone who desires a deeper connection with the Lord and is willing to commit to a three-week fast with the result of pursuing a deeper connection with God.

This book is broken down into 3 parts.  The first is about the fast, the second is about the focus, and the last is about the food. I must admit that I’m most excited about the food section. I’m sold on the benefits of fasting, but am intimidated by the practical, day-to-day meal planning.

The food section includes weekly suggested meal plans along with preparation tips. The recipes cover breakfast items, appetizers, snacks, salads, salad dressings, soups, vegetables, and main dishes. There are also a few photos of the food items in the center section of the book.

I’m prayerfully considering participating in the Daniel Fast in the New Year. I know one thing for sure, I will use the recipes included in this book!


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Book Review: The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig

When is a cookbook a great cookbook? When it not only includes delicious recipes, but also entertains and educates the reader about the ingredients that go into these regional recipes. The Southern Foodie’s Guide to the Pig by Chris Chamberlain does just that. It includes interesting back stories, destination restaurants and insider tips.  On top of that, it’s all about the pig; from snout to tail and it is pure comfort food.

I would like to call myself a good cook who also loves to travel. While traveling, we always like to search out local spots that serve regional foods. This recipe book is two in one; a travel guide and a cook book. There have been so many times when I've eaten at a restaurant and wished I could recreate the dish in my own home kitchen. With this cookbook, it can now be possible.

The book is well designed and eye appealing.  The full page photos of the food are like artwork. It will literally make your mouth water! I especially enjoyed the Restaurant profiles. My daughter recently moved to Nashville, TN so I am looking forward to checking out, first hand, a few of the places mentioned in the book the next time we are there for a visit.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk Insoles: Chase away the Meanies

I had some fun testing out Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk insoles.  I created a shoe meanie ... the way my feet feel before wearing Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk insoles.  Try them out for yourself and chase the meanies away!

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston

I can’t say enough about The Hope Quotient by Ray Johnston. I absolutely loved this book!  I would call it life changing. There are times in life when you read something and you immediately feel like the words are speaking directly to you. That is how I felt reading this book.  From the very first section called “Read This First”, the author captured my attention. This book has inspired me to work toward a more hopeful existence. 

Part one of the book shares with the reader what hope is and what hope is not.  The most unique aspect of the book is that there is an access code on the book jacket that the reader scratches off. You enter the code on a website and take a HQ assessment.  At the end of the assessment, you are given a personal HQ score. The overall score is further broken down into seven different categories. I found my results to be very accurate; pointing out three areas where I needed help to improve and two areas that I scored quite high and had a solid foundation.

The second section of the book helps the reader learn how to elevate each of the seven different essential life practices that the author refers to as hope factors.  It is a wonderful detailed teaching tool to help the reader begin to make changes and improvements. This is where the real heart of the book lives. 

The third section helps the reader to unleash an attitude of hope in various aspects of his or her life. In marriage, career, family, church, community and even into the world. Our society and many people we all know and love often struggle with depression, worry, fear, anxiety and discouragement.  This book is a bright light; offering a way to dig out of that mindset and work toward a bright, hopeful future. 


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Book Review: Along Came You

Along Came You, written by Karona Drummond and illustrated by Estelle Corke, is a delightful children’s board book.  The illustrations are darling and the dialogue is between a mother and a daughter; sharing all the joys that have happened to the mom after her daughter came along. 

Along Came You embraces the changes that happen when we become mothers.  Even dressing up takes on a new meaning.  The story itself is sweet, but I felt like the strength of the book was really in the illustrations.  I am in love with the bright colors that are used, the movement that is portrayed on the pages, and the faces of mom and daughter.  There are so many details illustrated on each page of this book.  While reading, you could also become very interactive in looking for a cat, teddy bear, butterfly, or even a Mr. Potato Head on the page.  Reading out loud can be so much fun!

If I have any one criticism of the book it is just that it is geared only to a little girl; it wouldn’t be engaging for a little boy.  It would be wonderful if the author/illustrator would produce a companion book with a father and his son.



I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Book Review: Goodnight Angels

This children’s book, Goodnight Angels, by Melody Carlson, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp is designed as a board book and it tells a bedtime story.  The illustrations are colorful and have some fun details that help tell the story of a little boy’s bedtime routine.  It follows a little boy around his house while he says goodnight to people and things that surround him.

The story is a prayer to God, thanking Him for the blessings of the day. It is very similar to the book Goodnight Moon. This book is comparable in its size, feel, and cadence to that beloved book.   

The illustrations are very pleasing. They capture a day in the life of a little boy.  It includes images of his family, a playground, a dog, toys, bath time, and being tucked into bed.  It gently steps the reader and listener through a predictable bedtime routine.  It ends with the little boy getting sleepy as he thanks God for his blessings, and says goodnight to the angels who are watching over him.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Book Review: Pirates on the Farm

I love reading and reviewing children’s books.  As a mother of two, I’ve spent countless hours reading to my children.  My latest read is Pirates on the Farm written by Denette Fretz and illustrated by Gene Barretta.  I love the idea of using a good story book with the goal of imparting Christian virtues to children.  This book addresses the second greatest commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself.  But what if your neighbors are pirates?  Can you really love someone who lives their life in such a different way?

It’s a fun story that is full of lively characters.  Who doesn’t like a good pirate adventure?  Depending on the age of the child, the vocabulary might be more of a stumbling block than a teachable moment.  The author does include the Seadog Definitions at the back of the book, but words like doubloons, hardtack, landlubber, and salmagundi might actually just confuse the reader and take away from the message.  It makes this book better for the older child, I think the message will be lost on the youngest of readers and read out loud listeners.

The illustrations are whimsical.  They show movement, action, and capture the character’s personalities.  


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Book Review: 20 and Something

20 And Something: Have the Time of Your Life (And Figure It All Out Too) is a book written by David H. Kim with Re/Frame by Phylls Tickle.   It’s a pocket sized book that the Barna Group, a trusted analyst of religion and culture, has produced.  The series is called FRAMES.  The topics of each FRAME is varied, but I selected this title for selfish reasons; I am a parent to two 20 somethings, better known as Millennials.  I have to be honest; there are times that I just don’t get where they are coming from.  I need help figuring out how they tick and why they approach life the way they do and why so many are living in their parent’s basements?  This quick read did shed some light and provide some hope for a bright future.
Every generation struggles with the differences between generations. That is nothing new. It doesn't have to be a stumbling block.  It doesn't have to be negative or cause discouragement.  All we really need is a chance to get to know what our differences are so we can begin to relate on a positive level. 

Sure, we know this generation has had access to the world through technology, has been impacted by the reality of terrorism at home and abroad. But what we are just beginning to unravel is the mystery of how these things really shape how they view adulthood, marriage, career, and organized religion.  When my 22-year-old says to me “YOLO … you only live once” when I am stressing over something, it makes me pause and think how much her generation really does want to make the most of this life that they have.

This FRAME gave me a clear lense to look through; one without judgment but filled with facts.  Having read it I can say I better understand by own 20 somethings.  I celebrate our differences and see a bright future.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Let There Be Light By: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

God is good and all that He has made is good.  Let me tell you that this book, Let There Be Light, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman is certainly good.  The Creation story has been told many times in many ways, but never with such joy, acceptance, and vibrant visuals.

The story line is obvious; a retelling of the Biblical account of the Creation of the world and all that is in it.  The descriptive words used by Desmond Tutu place us in a new world that is wondrous, dazzling, glorious, and joyous.  I love his word choice when he says, “And on the seventh day, God laughed, and rested, and enjoyed his glorious creation.”  What a wonderful image of a God who is well pleased with His Creation.

Now don’t get me started on these illustrations.  Each page is a work of art.  Nancy Tillman captures the beauty and newness of the world and its inhabitants.  The images are bright and filled with color and light. Even the animals look like they are smiling.  There is also an overriding theme of diversity of cultures.  I was delighted by this book and honored to read both its words and images.   


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.