Devotions from the Garden

Devotions from the Garden by Miriam Drennan is a devotional with garden themes and stunning photographs of nature. I am an avid gardener and I also desire to grow in my faith.  This devotional is a wonderful fusion of inspiration, visual beauty, and spiritual growth.

Each daily devotional has a scripture verse, devotion and a prayer at the end.  The vivid photographs bring a unique twist to the book.  These visuals really do add to the impact of the devotion as you are readying it. 

I can whole-heartedly recommend this devotional to anyone who appreciates God’s creation and sees God in nature.

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.

Paula's Choice Skincare

I’m in my nifty-fifties. Who wouldn’t want to erase some of those fine wrinkles and damage from too make years in the sun? I have recently tried the Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster serum. Just a drop, twice a day, should help minimize those fine wrinkles. It can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or on its own. I have been applying it every evening around my eyes. I have not had any burning or irritation.  Having the word “Acid” in the name was a bit concerning, but there was no irritation. Now that I know I’m not having any type of bad reaction from it, I plan to add it to my morning routine; applying it before putting on my cream foundation. Here’s to younger looking skin!

Thanks to BuzzAgent I was able to try Paula's Choice skincare for free. My opinion is my own and I was not influenced in any way by BuzzAgent.

Only God Can Make a Kitten

Great children’s books are able to join a sweet story with relatable illustrations. Only God Can Make a Kitten written by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant accomplishes both of those things. The simplicity of the idea is based on the Bible verse Genesis 1:31; God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Reading it will help encourage families to step outside into God’s creation to explore and learn about the beauty of  the world.

This book explores the natural world that surrounds us. As a little boy and his sister explore the world they live in, their Mama teaches them that only God can make a seed, a bird, the rain, a flower, the ocean, a plum, a tree, a stone, a kitten, the snow, a star, and best of all YOU!

The illustrations are sweet and complete. They span the pages with pleasing colors and uplifting images. Family images of adventure and wonder. The pastel  color scheme is pleasing to the eye and calming to the soul.

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

The Happy Christiam

The Happy Christian: Ten Ways to be a joyful believer in a gloomy world, by David Murray, has been both a joy and a challenge to read.  The reason I say it has been a “challenge” is because this is a topic that I struggle with; it’s close to home. I am a Christian who desires to be a light in the world, but it can be hard to keep that light burning while bombarded by brokenness in the Media, Our Past, Work, and even the Church.

The Happy Christian shares practical ways to help us to lean more on the optimistic, positive side of the spectrum.  This is not a book about the power of thinking positive or looking at a glass half full.  This book acknowledges that we are bombarded by bad news and real heart ships; but that is not where it ends. Instead, as Christians, we can learn to tap into the hope we find in Christ. There is no room for hopelessness in the heart of a person who has experienced the Grace of God.

If you, as the reader, desire to lighten the dark places in your heart, please be patient with yourself and use this book as a resource to strive to expose that light.

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

Dashing Dish by: Katie Farrell

I love a cookbook that includes delicious recipes along with photos of what the dishes look like. Dashing Dish by Katie Farrell has food that is healthy and full of flavor.  It even includes tips for developing healthy habits when you snack and during special occasions. I like that the recipes are not overly complicated. The estimated time each recipe takes is listed so I can select a quick option if I’m in a hurry or select a longer prep time on the weekend, when I have more time to spend in the kitchen.

This recipe book is divided into categories including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Side dishes, Snacks and Desserts. Having a healthy snack section is unique in a recipe book. I’m excited about trying some of these snacks instead of relying on junk food. Additionally I like that at the end of each recipe it shows serving size and nutritional information including number of calories, grams of fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein.

To peak your interest, I selected an example of a days’ worth of healthy eating. Start with Cookie Dough Overnight Oatmeal for breakfast, Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder for lunch, followed by a dinner with Apple Bacon Feta Turkey Sliders with a side of Zucchini Tots.  You can’t forget dessert which should be the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Simple, delicious, and healthy!

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.

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.

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.