Book Review: "Love: Written in Stone" by Philip Carlson, MD

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "love: Written in Stone: Finding God's Grace in the Boundaries He Sets" by Philip Carlson, MD from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program. The opinions below are my honest opinion of the book.

This book is written by a physician in Pasadena who is also the senior pastor of a church. The book talks about different subjects in life from nutrition and family relationships to the environment. He answers the basic question of whether or not God wants us to be happy and live the good life. Some people look at the Bible and see nothing but rules and legalism, but Philip uses scripture to back up why our God does want us to live a happy and fulfilled life. He gives a basic outline for following God's guidelines to bring about wellness in our lives. I enjoyed the book considering it was written by a doctor who is taught to look at scientific research as evidence for believing something. I like how he uses scripture to back up what he is saying. It isn't just another self help book, but one based on God's Word.

Book Review: "Desert Gift" by Sally John

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Desert Gift" by Sally John as part of the Tyndale Publishers Book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

This is the story of Jillian Galloway, an author and speaker on the subject of marriage. Her first book is a huge success and she is on many radio shows and speaking events. She encourages many women in their marriages and speaks and writes mostly on how to communicate with your husband. The sad thing is her husband of 24 years decides to give her some terrible news right before they are supposed to leave on a trip together to promote her book: He wants a divorce. She is in shambles and tries to continue promoting her book while inside feeling like a hypocrite. She is staying with her sister and brother-in-law and trying to figure out this news. The story is one of hope in the Lord even in our times of troubles. She must lean on Him to help her through this. This is another wonderful book by Sally John. I have read others and they never disappoint!!

Book Review: "Money Secrets of the Amish" by Lorilee Craker

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving" by Lorilee Craker from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

Today's economic recession has effected everyone in some way or another. Lorilee Craker had some income issues as well and noticed that the Amish people were still thriving and surviving in this recession. She did research and found great pointers and ideas from this recession-proof people that we can all learn from. In this book, she talks about how we need to "use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without; rethink your gift giving; repurpose, recycle, and reuse; and eat like royalty for a peasant's pittance." I really enjoyed this book and I think we can all learn some great financial principles from the Amish people. My favorite chapter was "Operation De-spoil the Kids." I feel like my kids are so blessed and they don't even know it. They always seem to say, "I want this toy." I enjoyed the pointers to help raise thankful and content children in today's "give me what I want" society. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ways to save money and be more resourceful with what you have.

CD Review "Women of Faith Worhip: rejoice"

I recently received a complimentary copy of "Women of Faith Worship: rejoice" CD from the Booksneeze team to review. The opinions below are my honest opinions about the CD.

Whenever I got the chance to choose to review this CD I was excited. I have always enjoyed the books and music from the Women of Faith line of products. I put the CD in to listen to it right away and have not stopped listening to it since. This is a worship group of women who sound fantastic and give a wonderful sense of worship. I love the songs on this CD and they put my mind and heart in a state of worship. There are 10 songs on the CD including "Great is Thy Faithfulness" which is one of my favorite hymns. This CD would make a wonderful addition to any CD collection and is great for helping focus on the Lord.

Book Review: "The Chocolate Diaries" by Karen Scalf Linamen

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "The Chocolate Diaries: Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life" by Karen Scalf Linamen from Water Brook Multnomah as part of their book review program.

In this book, Karen Linamen shares many stories from women from all over who show us how to live a sweeter life when the road may seem bumpy or rocky. There are many different chapters and sections with great, funny, and uplifting stories to cheer up your day. There are also some chocolate recipes at the end of the chapters that sound very delicious. This book's stories inspire you to laugh again no matter what rocky road of life you may be on today. It reminds us to have joy in our day to day lives no matter what situation we may be in. We need to look on the brighter side of life and look for a sweeter side to our problems. This is the encouragement you will find in this book. I would recommend it to all chocolate lovers as it correlates life's ups and downs to the sweet we all know and love!!

Book Review "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney" by Susan Veness

I recently received a copy of the book "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" by Susan Veness from Adams Media as part of the Booksneeze book review program. "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" takes a deep look into all four theme parks at Walt Disney World. It gives you little hidden things to look for and how they secretly do things in each park. From history to the underground workings of these parks, you will find all of the answers in this book. If you are planning a trip to Disney, this would be a great book for you to take in the park with you and try to find some of these hidden secrets. Also, if you are a Disney regular this will give you some new things to do and seek in the parks. We are planning a trip to Disney this year and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and discovering some very interesting facts about Walt Disney World. This is a book we will take with us on our trip.

Book Review: "Max on Life" by Max Lucado

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Max on Life" by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinions of the book.

Max Lucado's books are always written so well and communicate to the reader in a way that makes you understand God's Word better. In "Max on Life," Max takes many of the questions people and readers have asked him and he gives a Biblical answer for each. It covers topics from the big questions on faith and heaven to the more personal questions we may have about managing our money or raising our kids. The book is divided into topics to help you find the questions you may have quicker. You could read this book all the way through or simply look up an answer to a question you may have had for awhile. What I love about this book is Max Lucado's simplistic yet knowledgeable way of communicating the Bible to help the reader better understand a topic. I found many questions and answers to be very helpful to me and one of the things I love is how much scripture he uses to reference his answers. They are not just his opinions, but he gives God's Word to back up his answers. This is a wonderful book to add to your library.