Category Archives: Reviews

A fair and honest opinion about someone else’s work.

Reviews

Book Review & A Giveaway: The Expectation Gap

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The Expectation Gap says, “The key to managing expectations is to identify them and adjust them based on reality, not try to make reality conform to the expectations.”

The Expectation Gap was written by Jamie Hallman, CEO of a real estate business and world traveler. Jamie found herself enjoying others more for who they were when she took the burden of expectation out of the equation.

Jamie lays out a comprehensive guide to identifying and applying the tools to transform relationships. She says every relationship can benefit from identifying, setting, and communicating proper expectations.

I could relate to the need to identify, because expectations often lie below the surface until they are exposed by disappointment. How many times have we been hurt by something we didn’t know we wanted? Setting expectations is another way to establish boundaries in a relationship and helps us to know guidelines for relating to each other. Communicating expectations is the hardest part for me, knowing when it is appropriate to take that step in a relationship. Jamie helps the process by modeling the approach and follow up.

The Expectation Gap helps me see how interaction with my grands impacts their self-esteem. When I say, “You are smart, kind, sweet and I love spending time with you,” I am speaking into their character, and they will rise to fulfill that role. When I have unmet expectations in my marriage, I can be more mindful of interactions and notice my role in the interpretation of that expectation.

The Expectation Gap will encourage you in your quest toward your most authentic self and help you to dig deeper for transformation in yourself and with others.

I am giving away a copy of The Expectation Gap to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Thursday night, April 25. Tell me an example of a way to speak life into a relationship. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review & A Giveaway: Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest

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Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest says, “The world will often tell you that to find rest, you need to focus on yourself. Or that to find purposeful work, you need to look within. Don’t believe it! You will find true rest and purposeful work when you turn to God and focus on the beauty of His splendour.”

Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest was written by Anna Hawkes Cabral, a wife, mother of three, author, blogger, and podcaster. Anna writes about The Gospel, Identity, Motherhood, Rest, Purposeful Work, Slow Living, and Social Media, as well as articles about homemaking and motherhood, Christian poetry, and short stories for children. Anna lives with her family in Portugal.

Anna tackles the difficulty of finding rest while being busy, and asks, “Are there certain situations that you are trying to control…instead of asking God for His will?” She asserts, “Rest in God is not an absence of activity. It’s an absence of anxiety.”

Yes, anxiety can present itself as busyness instead of productivity, but as a steward of our time, Anna proposes we lay aside our self-sufficiency and anchor our hope to God. She reminds us it takes self-control to be silent—the real work of surrender.

Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest is an insightful collection of thought starters in the quest for rest and productivity. It’s packed full of brief reflections to lengthen time with God and equip us to stop striving. As we rest in God, we know He will fight our battles and those of our children. Anna says surrender is the work that pleases the Father!

I am giving away a copy of Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday morning, March 22. Tell me a tip about how you’ve found balance in your quest for purposeful work and blessed rest. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review & A Giveaway: Until Then—Stories of Loss and Hope

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Until Then—Stories of Loss and Hope brings a sense of camaraderie in the trenches of grief. Thirteen stories of the loss of a child tie together the purpose of showing God’s faithfulness in tragedy and unfailing love in the aftermath. For those who haven’t experienced the loss of a child, Until Then provides perspective in the need for a listening ear and a comforting shoulder to lean on.

The various authors are joined together by editors Dr. Gary and Laura House, founders of Our Hearts Are Home. After their son left earthly life, Laura and her husband, Gary, founded the Our Hearts Are Home ministry as a way to reach out to other bereaved parents.

The beauty of a variety of authors is found in the central message—each found hope and the renewed confidence that they would survive the unthinkable. John and Sharon said, “God supplied His peace, and we have hope, not a hopeless end, but an endless hope.” Molly found the Ultimate Treasure, Christ, and Melanie realized she could open her hands to bruising as well as blessing. Carol said, “Joy wins the day. It’s taken a long time for this to become a reality, for the joy and the sorrow to shift and change places. They coexist nicely now, both making room for the other when necessary.”

One especially helpful thought for me, Janet talked about the phrase “fear not.” “No one lays their fears to rest by simply telling themselves not to be afraid.” She talks about steps to take, then relying on the Holy Spirit to do the work necessary for the fear to dissipate.

All of the authors agreed that a community is essential for support in the grieving stages. Our Hearts Are Home is providing a conference for bereaved parents this weekend, October 13-14. The conference is available online with speakers and sessions to surround families with those who understand what they are processing. Take a look at this link.

I am giving away a copy of Until Then—Stories of Loss and Hope to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday morning, October 13. Tell me about your loved one who has gone ahead to heaven, or a verse that encourages your heart. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sending hugs to you if you are currently on the path of grief. God knows and He cares.

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the editor in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Family, Reviews

Meet Mandy Farmer!

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Guest Post. Meet Author Mandy Farmer! I’m happy to have her join us today.

Mandy Farmer

Mrs. Mandy (as the children call her) is passionate about children, animals, and music. She grew up on the family farm in Louisville, Ohio and Cambria, Wisconsin. After 25 years of pastoral ministry, she and her husband have retired to Savannah GA near their adult children. Mandy blogs about chronic pain and she is working on a children’s book about fibromyalgia- Soft Hugs for Mommy is close to being released. Also, in the works is a devotional book for the chronically ill.

Holly, the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows

The Birth of Holly the Holstein

Who knew that a simple favor to a friend could grow into a children’s book that the children love? Only God.

At the beginning of the year, I was determined to get busy writing and compiling my devotions for a book. For several reasons, I decided I would self-publish. I attended a writer’s workshop where I met a young mom. She created a course for homeschoolers to help moms encourage their children to write and publish their stories. She asked me to be a BETA tester. Thinking it would be a good introduction into the self-publishing world, I said yes. It was a wonderfully fun experience and I ended up with Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows. The course is now available at Mommyscribbles.com

I grew up on a family dairy farm and always had a passion for animals. So, when we came together to decide what to write about, this was only natural. I figured I would sell a dozen books to family and friends but before I knew it Holly was quite popular. In the first week, the book ranked number 10 in one category on Amazon. So, I created a Facebook page and a website offering free coloring pages. Then the reviews started coming in…

“I have to read this book ten times a day to my kids!”

“My grandkids take this book on their car trips.”

“Every night without fail, this is the book the kids want to read.”

When you read this book, you will meet Holly the Holstein and learn about the life of a milk cow on a family farm. This book is interactive, in that, Holly questions the reader throughout while she explains how much milk she produces, how much food she needs, and where the milk ends up.

Ideas for more Holly books are flooding my brain and I hope to offer more in a series very soon. There will be titles like, “A Day in the Life of a Milk Cow” and “Holly and her Farm Friends.”

Thank you for dropping by, Mandy!

Sally

Facebook Pages

Mandy Dawson Farmer Mandy Dawson Farmer | Facebook

Fibromyalgia Is it for Real? Fibromyalgia Is it For Real? | Facebook

Websites

www.mandyandmichele.com

www.thefarmersplace.com – Holly’s Book Club

Follow Mandy’s Writing journey and know what’s coming next at www.mandyfarmer.com

Reviews

Meet Beth Jones!

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Guest Post. Meet Author Beth Jones! I’m happy to have her join us today.

Beth is an International Speaker and Author of 25 books, wife to fire chief-paramedic Ray, and mom of 3 beautiful daughters, Heather, Eden, and Leah. Beth’s mission is encouraging women to use their gifts for God’s glory, fulfilling their purpose, and living a life they love. You can find out more about Beth’s speaking at women’s conferences, retreats, and online events at www.BethJones.net. Her Amazon Author Page is at www.amazon.com/author/bethmjones.

Walking With God

About the Book:

Have you ever prayed for something, and the answer(s) didn’t come? You wondered if God has taken the day off, is on vacation to a tropical island somewhere, or worse, He doesn’t notice you or just doesn’t care about you. Does prayer even work? Indeed, it does. Prayer is like dynamite power!

In Beth M. Jones’ book, Walking With God, she shares God has given to you and me an invitation, to just be with Him every day in the quiet, secret place of prayer. (Psalm 91) Through hers and her family’s difficulties in life, Beth has been in the trenches of spiritual warfare for years.

Her hard, painful marriage, severe financial issues, a house foreclosure and bankruptcy, medical problems with her children, heartaches, false accusations and attacks against her, and more, Beth has persevered with faith in Jesus.

Beth has learned the secret power of prayer and simple, childlike trust in God and His word, the Bible. She has a lifestyle of prayer, based on Philippians 4:6-7, New Living Translation:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Beth has been writing since childhood, but she wrote this book out of her personal experience in the “war zones” of life, praying for herself, her family, and others, and seeing God’s mighty power at work in response to her cries for His help.

You too can discover this amazing force of prayer and trusting Jesus, and know the joy of answered prayers, even God’s miracles. God wants to answer your prayers.

You will discover what to do when your prayers seem delayed. You will learn the key to fulfilling your destiny and your great purpose in Christ. Jesus is holding the door of intimacy with Him wide open. Will you enter in?

Book Drawing!

Beth is giving away a copy of Walking With God to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment here (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held Monday evening, October 3. Tell me a Psalm that draws you into prayer. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Thank you for dropping by, Beth!

Sally

Reviews

Book Review: Potiphar’s Wife

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Potiphar’s Wife

Potiphar’s Wife is the untold story of the woman who accused Joseph of rape. Looking at Joseph’s life through Zuleika’s eyes, we begin to see the backdrop of politics, people, and power struggles, and how they collide to ruin the lives of all caught in their path. Or, so we thought.

The author is no stranger to calamity. When Mesu was diagnosed with chronic illness, bedrest led to rest in God’s Word, and her love for writing biblical novels awakened. Now, “Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers.”

As one of her avid readers, I was immediately pulled into the story by envisioning the choppy sea and tasting the salty mist. Descriptions and dialogue convey surroundings and scenes in Zully’s story world, and I was drawn to the woman who was torn from her homeland in a time of crisis and despair.

Potiphar’s Wife tackles the age-old question of “Who does God favor?” His promise was made to Abraham’s seed, but what about the rest of us?

Mesu says she opened a hornet’s nest in researching Joseph, and research she did. Intricate details unlock the life he might have lived in Egypt. The story arc is one from her own imagination, but the tenants are true to both. Through the crises of living in times of war, to secrets inside the palace walls, Joseph’s growth continues to astound. The God of Truth Joseph knew is the same God who sees me and you. We can be confident He knows and He cares about every detail that concerns us.

Potiphar’s Wife is an excellent tool for better understanding of the Biblical narrative.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

See more reviews of Mesu Andrews’ work:

ISAIAH’S LEGACY

OF FIRE AND LIONS

ISAIAH’S DAUGHTER

MIRIAM

Reviews, Writing

Book Review: Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold

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Published.

Do you want to be published? Chandler Bolt gives you the tools in his book, Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold. Actually, rather than feeling like you’re reading a long tome, it’s more like sitting down with your own manuscript coach. Chandler’s writing style comes across as a conversation loaded with practical tips. Chandler’s approach is “Let’s move away from getting your book done someday and have a discussion about making it happen now!”

“Chandler Bolt is the CEO of Self Publishing School and Selfpublishing.com, the author of six books, and the host of the Self Publishing School podcast. He believes that ‘Books Change Lives’ and has helped 6,000+ aspiring authors publish a book.”

Published promises:

  • How to write a quality book and save time in the process
  • How to produce a quality book on a budget
  • Proven launch strategies and marketing methods
  • How to sell books and get booked for speaking opportunities
  • Three ways to grow your business with a book

Published came through on fulfilling those promises by showing how to have a clear vision for your writing, providing a strategy for organizing words, and tackling limiting beliefs. Chandler says when you have an outline, you create your own GPS that will help you navigate the writing process. He not only shows you how to map out an outline, but to also use it to create your rough draft.

I like the down-to-earth way Chandler works through the nuts and bolts of putting together a book. Checklists and Next Steps provide clarity and ingenuity. From mind mapping your outline to marketing your finished product, Published gives you a sound vehicle to arrive at your destination. Chandler’s contagious enthusiasm makes you believe you can do it and want to tackle the work to make it happen.

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Holidays, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Scandal of Christmas

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The Scandal of Christmas

The Scandal of Christmas asks how we handle our difficulty to understand God’s ways when He doesn’t answer prayer. It’s one thing to praise God when things go as we desire, but what happens when God is silent?

Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. chose four unlikely personalities to highlight the weeks of Advent—the approach to Christmas. Teacher and then pastor for 19 years, Bill’s “command of the dictionary often stretches our understanding and challenges us to the depth of word meanings.”

Take a look at Zechariah. He remained faithful through years of service, but seemingly had no answers to his plea for an heir. Or, Joseph, an unlikely candidate whose story remains hidden in the shadows. What did he sacrifice for the young bride’s reputation? Obedience was the hallmark of his life.

Bill says Mary is not an object of our faith to be worshipped, but a pattern of faith to follow. “From confusion to amazement to surrender, she offered her willingness for whatever God wanted.”

And then, there’s Jesus—The One of mystery and revelation who defies all protocol.

Take a step back from Christmas this year to consider what it means to prepare for Christmas. Bill says God used ordinary people in the Christmas story to remind us we can do the exceptional to bring His message to a needy world. When we grant God access to our lives, He reminds us He has not forgotten about us, but remembers us and His word.

The Scandal of Christmas has great applications for our culture today, stunning illustrations from artist Dave O’Connell, and personal takeaways to implement. It will encourage you to use prayer as “a personal approach to an approachable God!”

I am giving away a copy of The Scandal of Christmas to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday, December 10. Tell me a tradition that draws you into Christmas. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of The Scandal of Christmas from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Family, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Farm to Film

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Farm to Film

In Farm to Film, the lens of an old camera provides a fun way to look at life on the farm. Author and illustrator, Hannah Miles Pierrou captures childlike wonder as she meanders through the barnyard.

Hannah Miles Pierrou is a lifestyle photographer, designer and artist. She views the world around her from a treehouse cabin in the Colorado foothills. “Hannah loves sharing the concept of capturing the beautiful creation found in everyday experiences. She utilizes her experience as an artist to expose her readers to various design elements such as detail, contrast, movement, composition, shape and rhythm.”

Step back in time to a simpler lifestyle, where there’s ample opportunity to visit the animals and explore the barn. Children of all ages will enjoy the lyrical storyline and pictures, stirring up the imagination in pursuit of the next image caught on film.

Virtues of family (at Pop and Gram’s farm), wonder (to view the world through the lens), and a sense of humor (the Alpaca eats with funny little teeth) lead the way. From A to Z, the animals play their part in farm life and the humans who tend them benefit with honey, milk and eggs.

pig https://www.instagram.com/p/CVehZXcsGtX/

I can’t wait to share Farm to Film with my grands. They’ll love the cow pies, splatters from the galloping horse, and the old truck in the muddy field. Truly, child’s delight!

I am giving away a copy of Farm to Film to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What is your favorite farm animal?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Black Friday, November 26. I can’t wait to hear about your barnyard friends!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Faith, Family, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Growing Season

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The Growing Season by Sarah Philpott http://allamericanmom.net/

The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions didn’t make it a full year for me. Instead, I devoured Sarah Philpott’s anecdotes as fast as I could. Sarah describes farm life, calving season and adapting to challenges we face daily, whether we’re a farm gal or a city gal.

Sarah Philpott is the author of Loved Baby, a book I cherished on finding comfort in the midst of grief. She and her family live on a farm in Tennessee. Sarah finds life lessons in manure spreaders and mudcaked boots, and opens our eyes to the beauty of the fields beyond her window.

The Growing Season is broken into segments of seasons, following the cycle of life. Walk the furrows of the field with Sarah while you plant, cultivate, prune and meditate. Sarah starts with a recipe for hot cocoa (one of my go-to beverages), a challenge to tackle (I’m task oriented), and an invitation to look for the blessings in the mess of life (I need that perspective), and gives practical advice for every gal to “meet people where they are.” Farmer Perry even chimes in with tips for planting seeds, harvesting watermelons and chopping down a Christmas tree.

Farmer Perry Tip

Sarah says taking care of God’s land is holy work, and reminds us we are all stewards. Maybe not of a farm, like she and Perry, but “Stewards of our home. Stewards of our family. Stewards of God’s land. And most importantly, stewards of God’s Word.”

Sarah sees joy in the canvas of the farm horizon and says we can find it, too, when storms dot our landscape. She says, “We don’t always choose change—sometimes change chooses us… We know we can bounce back from anything when we walk with (God). In an ever-changing world, the one thing we can trust will never change is the great I Am.”

I’m loving this new book from Sarah Philpott and can’t wait to try out her recipes for Blackberry Cobbler, Fried Apple Pies, Honeybun Cake and more!

I am giving away a copy of The Growing Season to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What are you thankful for in this season of your life?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, Sunday, November 7. I can’t wait to hear about your blessings!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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