Book Review: "Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story" by Dee Henderson

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story" by Dee Henderson as part of the book review program for Bethany House Publishers.  The opinions are my honest opinion of the book.

In this book by Dee Henderson, we see an introduction into the life of Jennifer O'Malley.  Part of the O'Malley seven that are written about in Henderson's famous O'Malley series, Jennifer is the youngest.  This story tells about the young physician and how she comes to meet and fall in love with Tom Peterson that you can read about throughout the whole O'Malley series books.  She goes through a tremendous trial right at the end of the book and you can finish the story by reading the rest of the series.  Had I not already read the other books in the series, as soon as this short read was over I would have gone to buy the next book!!  It was a quick and easy read, but at the same time kept my interest in the story.  If you are curious about learning more about the youngest O'Malley family member, this is a great book to read.

Book Review "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood" by John Croyle

I was recently sent a complimentary copy of the book "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood: A proven game plan for raising sons" by John Croyle from B&H Publishing from Shelton Interactive.  I was not paid for my opinion and my review is my honest opinion of the book. 

John Croyle has much experience when it comes to parenting and helping raise young boys.  He established Big Oak Boys' Ranch for abused and neglected children in 1974 and has been helping more than 1,800 children since then.  He also has 2 of his own children as well.  Our sons need to be ready to be men in this society that so desperately needs men of God.  John Croyle uses the acronym MANHOOD to give a game plan for helping raise our sons.  This is a simple plan to remember but each step is very important in helping our sons become the men God has called them to be.  The book is called "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood" because of how quickly the teenage years are upon a parent and how important they are.  Just as the last two minutes of a football game are crucial, so are these formative years in our sons lives.  I loved this book and will keep it as a reference for my son who is only 2 at the time, but is quickly growing up before my eyes. 

Book Review: "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years" by Erin MacPherson

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years" by Erin MacPherson from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program.  The opinions below are my honest opinions of the book. 


In Erin MacPherson's new book, "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years," she gives wonderful insight and wisdom for the mother who is about to send her little off to school for the first time.  Sending your little one off into the world for the first time can be scary for many moms and this book will help prepare you!!  She covers everything from choosing the perfect school for your child to helping them become the person God wants them to be.  It gives practical advice for helping to equip your child to handle different social situations and how to instill in them courage and kindness.  I loved this book and enjoyed the parts where a principal of 35 years gives advice as well called "From the Principal's Office."  This would be a great book for any mom preparing to send her little one to school for the first time.  It will encourage you to pray for your child and to help them when difficult situations may arise.  I would highly recommend this book!! 

Book Review "Organic Outreach for Families" by Kevin and Sherry Harney

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Organic Outreach for Families" by Kevin and Sherry Harney from Zondervan Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program.  The thoughts and opinions below are my honest opinion of the book and I was under no obligation to give a positive review. 
In this wonderful book by Kevin and Sherry Harney, they give many practical ways that you can turn your family and home into a lighthouse for your community.  The book begins with talking about how to share Jesus with your own children within your own home.  This is the only way our children will understand what it means to be a beacon of light for Jesus.  It then discusses how to raise children in this dark world.  I love how it gives different ways to make your home a safe haven, an emergency room, a playground, and a place of prayer.  They then talk about how to make your home a lighthouse and how you can reach out to extended family and neighbors.  I love how this book gives wonderful, practical ideas and activities to inspire Christians to reach out to the community and others.  It also helps you to teach your children what it means to reach out to others just as Jesus did and He commands us to do as well.  I highly recommend this book to families who wish to be a lighthouse in their community!!

Book Review: "Intentional Parenting" by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, Melissa Trevathan

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Intentional Parenting" by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan  by Thomas Nelson Publishing from Booksneeze as part of their book review program.  The opinions below are my own opinions of the book.

Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan have many years of experience as counselors at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee.  Bringing their expertise together, they have written a wonderful book that all parents need to read today.  Many parents today are just parenting on "autopilot" and trying to just get through each day with their children.  "Intentional Parenting" helps parents to discover things about themselves first so that they can then lead and help their children.  It is based around 12 chapters that are common myths in parenthood today.  Some of the chapters are how to be a patient parent, consistent parent, merciful parent, and hopeful parent.  I loved every chapter and needed to read each one.  I have heard Sissy Goff and David Thomas speak before so I was very excited to review this book.  It did not disappoint and I will be reading this book again and again and adding it to my library.

Book Review "If you have a Craving, I have a Cure" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "If you have a Craving, I have a Cure" by Sheri Rose Shepherd from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program.  The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book. 

In this wonderful book by Sheri Rose Shepherd, she gives many wonderful spiritual applications for our lives when we are having a specific craving in our lives.  She gives ways of turning to God instead of always turning to food to help one live a healthier lifestyle.  Coming from a past where Sheri lost 50 lbs and has kept it off, she has much insight in staying healthy and growing spiritually at the same time.  Each chapter looks at a different specific craving we may have in our lives and then gives a spiritual application for satisfying that craving and also follows each with yummy, healthy recipes.  For example, chapter 5 is titled "Craving Something Sweet: Real Sweet Recipes and Some Sweet Jesus Time."  I really enjoyed this book and it gave me wonderful ideas for not only growing in my faith, but also growing into a healthy lifestyle with my food choices.  Some of the recipes seemed a bit daunting and time consuming for a mom with 3 young children such as myself but most of them looked wonderful.  I love the verse she uses from Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!"  I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with turning to God instead of turning to food!!