Book review: "Pastors' Wives" by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen

I just finished reading "Pastors' Wives" by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. I finished the book, BUT I was seriously offended by this book as a whole.

I understand that this is a fiction book. However, it was extremely difficult for me to read it as fiction because I am a pastor's wife. I felt like this book shed a very negative light on pastors' wives and that was hard to stomach from my perspective.

The three pastors' wives in this book seem to be drama magnets and that's what the entire book centers around. I feel like that is not an accurate representation of pastors' wives. As a pastor's wife, I do whatever I can to stay out of the limelight and not attract drama. I also did not care for the fact that the senior pastor's wife had so much control at the church (this stems from my personal religious beliefs as a LCMS Lutheran).

I could list many more "issues" that I had with this book, but that's not the point. If you are able to read this book strictly as fiction, then you will likely enjoy it. If, like me, it hits closer to home, then it will more than likely not be as enjoyable for you (and may be slightly offensive).

Read more reviews and more about the author at the Litfuse website.

Enter Today - 5/2 - 5/23!
Through May 23, you can enter to win a free iPad Mini! Join the Facebook party on May 23 to see if you are the lucky winner.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book review: "It Happened at the Fair" by Deeanne Gist

While we were out of town for a week, I read the book "It Happened at the Fair" by Deeanne Gist. I don't read many historical fiction novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This is a very long book (about 400 pages), but I honestly read it fairly quickly. Once I got started, I was hooked into the story and couldn't wait to continue reading!

This story focuses on the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The main characters are a man and a woman. The man, Cullen McNamara, is an inventor who is showcasing his product at the Fair. The woman, Della Wentworth, is a teacher of the deaf who is at the Fair with her students. Of course, I am sure that I don't have to tell what happens by the end of the fair. ;)

This novel included so much fun information about the 1893 World's Fair - the descriptions were incredible and easy to imagine. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend "It Happened at the Fair!".

Read more reviews and learn more about this book on Gist's Litfuse website.

Enter Today - 4/29 - 5/22!  

Through May 22, you can enter to win a free iPad Mini. Join the Live Webcast Book Chat on May 22 to find out if you won!

 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book review: "Mommy Time" devotional by Sarah Arthur

I recently began reading the devotional book "Mommy Time" by Sarah Arthur. Each devotional thought is very quick and easy to read. I have been reading one each night and that's working nicely for me, especially at this stage in my life!

I would definitely recommend this book for any mom, especially a new mom, as Arthur focuses more on a mom's life shortly after baby's birth.

You can learn more about Sarah Arthur and "Mommy Time" in her Q&A.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.

Books I Read in March 2013

During March, I read three books. I haven't been reading as much since Hannah was born in February, but I am doing my best! I love reading and really just need to make it a higher priority (that, and crocheting!).

I finished reading "Lead Your Family Like Jesus" during April. I really enjoyed this book; you can read my full review in this post.

I also read "No Cry Sleep Solution" this month. While I didn't agree with everything in this book, I learned a few important tips from the authors. It is extremely important to me that Hannah learns good, solid sleep habits now as a baby, so I appreciate everything I can learn about the topic!

And finally, I read "It Happened at the Fair" last week while we were gone. This was a fantastic historical novel and I read it very quickly! Look for a full review in a couple weeks here on the blog.

Right now, I am reading two books: "Pastor's Wives" and "Bottled Up."

After four months, I have read ten books in 2013. My goal is to read at least 41 books this year.

Book review: "Lead Your Family Like Jesus"

I recently read the book "Lead Your Family Like Jesus" by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer. It took me way too long to read this book (my own fault), but I really enjoyed it! I have been slower with my reading since Hannah was born, but at least I am reading. :)

This was really a great book. It was packed with tons of practical advice and was very applicable to our family. After having Hannah seven weeks ago, I have quickly realized what a big responsibility we have as her parents! We need to lead our family in every way, so I will take all the help and support I can get.

Blanchard, Hodges and Goyer discuss how important it is to transform our hearts, heads, hands and habits as parents in order to lead effectively. They packed a lot of useful information in this book as they discuss this transformation.

I highly recommend this book for any parent!

Enter Today - 3/25- 4/16!
Read more reviews of this fantastic book over at Litfuse Publicity Group.

Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was provided to me by Litfuse Publicity Group and Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for the purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Books I Read in February & March 2013

I didn't post a reading update at the end of February (Hannah took precedence then!), so here's an update for both February and March. Check out this post to see what books I plan to read in 2013.

"On Becoming Baby Wise"

I highly recommend this book to all parents of new babies! I read this before Hannah was born and we are utilizing the Baby Wise principles with her - with great success! At 5.5 weeks, she is a great sleeper and eater, and her days are very consistent because of Baby Wise.

This book is a fairly easy read and was extremely helpful to me.

"Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate"

I wrote a full review of this book in this post. Overall, I did not enjoy this book, although it had some practical advice in it.

"Loving the Little Years"

This was a very quick, easy read. It was extremely encouraging for me - I read it in the first few weeks of Hannah's life! Rachel has a great message in this book - motherhood isn't easy, but it's so rewarding and so worth it.

I am currently about halfway done with "Lead Your Family Like Jesus" and will review it in April.

After three months, I have read seven books in 2013. My goal is to read at 41 books this year and I'm off to a great start!

Book review: "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" by Debora Coty

I recently read "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" by Debora Coty. This was an interesting book that did not take me too long to read.

While I did feel like this book had plenty of practical advice in it, I did not care for the book overall. Coty's writing style was a little strange and often, it seemed like it was too conversational. When I read most books, I expect a high quality writing style (with some sense of formality) and this book just didn't utilize that style.

From a Christian standpoint, I was also bothered by Coty's use of the name "Papa God," which she obviously used for God. This seemed unnecessary to me and quite odd. I also did not care for the many different Bible translations from which she quoted. She used translations such as the Contemporary English Version (CEV), New Living Translation (NLT) and the Message. None of these versions translate the Bible close to its original languages and unfortunately, this means that often the true, original meaning of a verse is lost in favor of a contemporary version.

This was an interesting book and certainly contained helpful, practical advice and insight, but unfortunately, these other concerns of mine made the book less enjoyable.

Enter Today - 2/14 - 3/6!
Through March 6, you can enter to win a Kindle in celebration of the release of this new book. Then join the Facebook party on March 7 to connect with Debora and see if you win the Kindle!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: "Miracle for Jen" by Linda Barrick

This week, I read "Miracle for Jen," a true story by Linda Barrick. This is a fantastic, inspiring book!

Linda writes about the tragic car accident that nearly claimed the lives of their entire family. Miraculously, God spared all of their lives that night - but led them down a long and difficult road. Their experience on this road created an inspiring testimony that they now share with millions of people through public speaking, the Internet, and now this book.

Linda's daughter Jen (age 15 at the time of the accident) suffered an extensive and traumatic brain injury. Doctors gave the family almost no hope for her survival, but God was with Jen during her long road to recovery. While she is not completely back to "normal" (and never will be), the Barrick family (especially Jen!) is okay with this - and even embraces it. Their entire story is extremely inspiring and provides a wonderful testimony of God's amazing healing power.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Miracle for Jen from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book review: "God Gave Us Easter" by Lisa Tawn Bergren

I recently reviewed the book "God Gave Us Easter" by Lisa Tawn Bergren. Since we are expecting our first baby (any day!), I was excited to review a children's book as we are attempting to build a children's library.

I thought this was a great children's book! It told the story of Easter in a beautiful way - and in a way that would make sense to a small child.

I appreciated that Bergren addressed the Easter Bunny. She reminds children that he is like Santa - The Easter Bunny reminds us of "gifts and happy surprises," but God is the One who gives us Easter. I also appreciated that Bergren intertwined a number of other Bible stories into this book and made connections to Easter with each one.

"God Gave Us Easter" has earned a place on our bookshelf and I look forward to reading it to our daughter.

WaterBrook Press is offering a free Easter coloring sheet to go along with this book. You can also learn more about author Lisa Tawn Bergren by visiting her website.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" by Tricia Goyer & Ocienna Fleiss

I recently had the opportunity to read and review "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss.

I really enjoy reading fiction books and this book definitely worked for me! I had not read anything by Tricia Goyer prior to this book, but I have heard so many good reviews about her writing. In fact, a number of her other books are actually on my 2013 Reading List!

For the first few chapters of "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska," I did find myself a bit confused. The story switches between present time and events in history (told in the form of letters between people), and I had a difficult time keeping the two stories separate when I first started reading.

Eventually, though, the stories began to make more sense...and by the end of the book, the two sets of stories were intertwined in a way that definitely made sense to me.

The authors did a great job of intertwining faith throughout this book and encouraging readers to trust God and His plans for them. I would certainly encourage you to read this fantastic book by Goyer and Fleiss!

Enter Today - 1/21-2/11!
See more reviews of "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" at this link. You can also enter to win a special Glacier Bay Prize Pack. The prize will be given away on February 12 during an author chat on Facebook.

Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was provided to me by Litfuse Publicity Group, for the purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" Kindle ebook $0.99 {today only!}

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal Paine's new ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? The Kindle version of this fantastic ebook is on sale for only $0.99 through tonight (Jan. 31)!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The Kindle book is priced at just $0.99 now - only through tonight!

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it. Please note that this version is currently priced at $4.99.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there for just $0.99. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

Books I Read in January 2013

During the month of January, I read four books - so I am right on track with my planned reading for 2013! Here's a glimpse at what I read:

"You Lost Me" by David Kinnaman

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It focuses on why young people (approximately ages 18-29) are leaving the church today - and not returning. Kinnaman has done a lot of research to back up his theories. I highly recommend this book for anyone in ministry to young people.

"I'm More than the Pastor's Wife" by Lorna Dobson

The ladies of our pastor's wives' group read this book before meeting in January and then discussed the book when we got together. I thought this was a great book and it sparked great discussion among us. It's a fantastic book for any pastor's wife!

"Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

I really enjoyed this fiction book by Goyer and Fleiss. As with most fiction books, I got sucked in rather quickly and zipped through this book in a hurry! Look my full review on Saturday, February 2.

"Natural Hospital Birth" by Cynthia Gabriel

I found this to be a very informative book about having a baby in the hospital - without interventions. Even though I've already read numerous books about birth and babies, I still learned a number of new facts as I read this book.

"21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" ebook, only $0.99 {through tonight}

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal Paine's new ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? This fantastic ebook is on sale for only $0.99 through tonight (Jan. 5)!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The book is priced at just $0.99 now - only through tonight! - and there are two ways to download it:

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

"21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" ebook, only $0.99 {through Sat.}

 

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal Paine's new ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? This fantastic ebook is on sale for only $0.99 through Saturday, January 5!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The book is priced at just $0.99 now and there are two ways to download it:

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

"21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" ebook, $0.99 {through Sat.!}

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal Paine's new ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? This fantastic ebook is on sale for only $0.99 through Saturday, January 5!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The book is priced at just $0.99 now and there are two ways to download it:

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

"21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" ebook, $0.99! {through Sat.}

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal Paine's new ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? This fantastic ebook is on sale for only $0.99 through Saturday, January 5!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The book is priced at just $0.99 now and there are two ways to download it:

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

My 2013 Reading List

In 2012, I read 43 books over the course of the year! I love reading and enjoyed having a goal to work toward as the year went on.

Because I enjoyed this approach so much in 2012,  I am doing the same thing in 2013. My goal is to read 41 books in 2013 - or more!

Here are the books that are on my 2013 Reading List. All of these books are available through the inter-library loan system at our local library, which means they are all free!

January

• You Lost Me by David Kinnaman (I started this one around Christmas, so I just need to finish it.)
• I'm More than the Pastor's Wife by Lorna Dobson
• Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer (for review after its release)
• Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel

February

• The Everything Breastfeeding Book by Suzanne Fredregill
• Radical by David Platt
• On Becoming Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

March

• Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
• Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst

April

• No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley
• Be the Mom by Tracey Lanter Eyster
• Broken by Jonathan Fisk

May

• Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
• 10 Habits of Happy Mothers by Meg Meeker
• What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff

June

• Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer
• Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
• Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
• Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

July

• Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer
• All the Money in the World by Laura Vanderkam
• Unshaken by Dan Woolley
• Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay

August

• Night Song by Tricia Goyer
• Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker
• The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
• First-Time Mom by Kevin Leman

September

• From Dust to Ashes by Tricia Goyer
• 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker
• Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa Ross
• Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller

October

• One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
• Living with Less So Your Family Has More by Jill Savage and Mark Savage
• Love and Logic Magic: Birth to Six by Jim Fay and Charles Fay
• Please Stop Laughing at Us by Jodee Blanco

November

• Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
• Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson (2010)
• Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell
• Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson

December

• Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury
• The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman (2006)
• Parenting Isn't for Cowards by James Dobson (2008)

2012 Final Update: Reading

Update: Check out my 2013 Reading List in this post!

Here is the final update on my reading for 2012. I set a goal to read 36 books and I actually read 43 books! I really enjoyed having a set list of books to read...it kept me focused on my goal. I also read additional books that weren't on my initial list (and I adjusted my Reading List partway through the year!), but overall, this was a great experiment for me.

Because of my great success (and love for reading!), look for my 2013 Reading List tomorrow!

Here are the books I read in 2012...some links include my thoughts about the book, while others simply link you to the book on Amazon.

1. When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden
2. Quitter
3. The Happiness Project
4. Hannah's Hope
5. Eat That Frog
6. Kisses from Katie
7. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
8. The Infertility Companion
9. Goals: How to Get Everything You Want - Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
10. Please Stop Laughing at Me
11. A Love that Multiplies
12. Margin
13. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Adoption
14. The Tightwad Gazette
15. The Meaning of Marriage
16. Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families
17. Dear Birthmother
18. He Remembers the Barren
19. How My Soul Yearns
20. Write It Down, Make It Happen
21. Be Centsable
22. The Fiddler
23. Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey
24. My Stubborn Heart
25. What to Expect When You're Expecting
26. Belly Laughs
27. Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy
28. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
29. Almost Amish
30. Sink Reflections
31. Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day
32. When Hope Blossoms
33. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
34. Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas ebook
35. When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up
36. 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook (or get the Kindle version here)
37. The Bridesmaid
38. 10 Secret's to Life's Biggest Challenges
39. From the Hips
40. Power of a Praying Wife
41. Real Food for Mother and Baby
42. Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
43. Courageous

*I also listened to the audiobook version of "Money Saving Mom's Budget."

"Simple Christmas" or "21 Days" ebooks: $4.99 each!

"Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas" is Crystal's newest ebook. This ebook is focused on celebrating a simpler Christmas season. I love this idea and am very encouraged by Crystal's words. Christmas is certainly about much more than presents and fun, right? In our home, we intentionally focus on the "real reason for the season" - the birth of our Savior!

"Savoring and Celebrating a Simple Christmas" is only $4.99 on Amazon. This new ebook is available as a Kindle book from Amazon. Click here to purchase and download your copy. Remember, Kindle ebooks can be downloaded to a Kindle, Android device or a computer!
Are you looking for more discipline and intentionality in your everyday life?

Have you gotten your copy of Crystal's other recent ebook, "21 Days to a More Disciplined Life" yet? This fantastic ebook is only $4.99!

She has taken her "21 Days to a Disciplined Life" blog series and revamped it (quite a bit!). The end result is an encouraging ebook that is sure to help you become more intentional and disciplined. I continue to be encouraged by Crystal's words about intentionality!

The book is also priced at $4.99 and there are two ways to download it:

• For the PDF version, click this link to purchase and download it.
• This ebook is also available on Kindle for Amazon - head over to Amazon to purchase it there. (Remember, Kindle books can be downloaded to Kindles, smartphones and computers.)

Book review: 10 Secrets to Life's Biggest Challenges by Peter Lord

Just this week, I finished reading "10 Secrets to Life's Biggest Challenges" by Peter Lord and Kent Crockett.

I really enjoyed this book and felt that it had quite a bit of practical advice in it. Lord discusses challenges such as temptations, relationships, conflict, managing money, submitting to authorities, and more. I know that I certainly face all of those challenges in my life! I appreciated the advice that Lord offered throughout his book.

I also enjoyed the fact that Peter Lord used a Biblical basis for his advice and thoughts. I'd encourage you to read this book for practical advice on the issues you may face throughout life.

If you would like to receive review copies of books, you can sign up with Bethany House, too!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of 10 Secrets to Life's Biggest Challenges from Chosen Books, a division of Baker Puiblishing Group. The opinions expressed here are my own.