The Uncommon Marriage Adventure by Tony and Lauren Dungy (and Nathan Whitaker)

Another winner by Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren! Right upfront I'll say that our family are big fans of Tony Dungy so I was pretty sure I'd like this before I opened the cover. I actually have not read his book Uncommon Marriage (somehow I missed that, but I'll look for it now!) but this devotional does not depend on your having read that book.

This book Uncommon Marriage Adventure is a daily devotional intended to be read by both husband and wife, with some days written by Tony Dungy and others written by his wife Lauren. Some days' entries are a more geared toward the husband, some more toward the wife, some toward the family. The book is intended to be read by married (or soon-to-be) couples. It addresses 8 key topics which the authors identified as "The Core Principles of an Uncommon Marriage" --

1. Look to the Bible as your guidebook and to Christ as your living example
2. Stay in sync spiritually
3. Manage expectations and appreciate your differences
4. Work as a team
5. Practice committed love
6. Communicate well and often
7. Don't run away from conflict
8. Support each other in serving others

The daily devotions center on one of these 8 topics (2 weeks per topic). The authors seem very down-to-earth and easy to identify with through their writings. They're pretty much a superstar family (I mean, TONY DUNGY!!!!!) but as you read through you identify with struggles and issues that they mention.

Each day has a topic, a core practice (or principle), Scripture passage(s) and a narration followed by an application section. I found that this is very easy to read and is a good addition to a daily time spent with God.

I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. It might not be all brand new ideas, but they are ideas that we need to be reminded of throughout life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Nature Girl by Karen Whiting and Rebecca White

My copy of Nature Girl by Karen Whiting and Rebecca White is subtitled "a guide to caring for God's creation," although the picture on Amazon.com subtitles it "a guide to going green." Hmm, weird, I wonder why that's different. Anyhow. . . It is a book that is written for junior high age girls. The chapter topics cover things such as nutrition, beauty (person), caring for the earth, animals, air, alternative energy, parties, etc. There is a little bit of Scripture and a little bit of talk about God, but I was hoping for something more. I was hoping for more information about WHY a person should care about God's creation and care for it. I didn't really find much of that in this book. I was also surprised that it really wasn't very science-strong either. There were some statements made which I would consider opinion that were put forth as fact.

I have a background in biology and have worked in environmental education for many years and now have my own family. I guess this book really wasn't what I thought it would be. I don't think it's offensive or objectionable, but not necessarily a "must have." There are sections on things like parties, making beauty products, and such~~ Do you know what it reminded me of? Kind of like what you'd find in an American Girl magazine or something (with a little "God" thrown in).

So -- I guess I'm pretty ambivalent on this one. I wouldn't recommend it, but I also wouldn't steer you away from it. Just~~ "whatever." :)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Hope Crossing by Cindy Woodsmall

Hope Crossing by Cindy Woodsmall is a collection of three books, all 3 of the books in the "Ada's House Trilogy." How nice to have three great books all bound together! The books contained in this volume are "The Hope of Refuge," "The Bridge of Peace," and "The Harvest of Grace." These three books are written by the same author and cover the same characters, region, religion, etc. It is fiction about Amish folks and though the characters remain the same, the predominant character/characters are different in each book. The story of one main couple, Cara and Ephraim, weaves throughout all 3 of the books.

The story begins with Cara attempting to escape from a horrid present and past, searching for something. She finds a place and a fight, a family that she wants but doesn't want, connections, friends, and a puppy :) Haha, that's pretty cryptic, huh? I really don't want to give away the stories. Read it!

The books are very interesting, light, a bit of romance, and the allure of reading about the Amish culture. They were a very light and enjoyable read, and it was great that as one finished, there were still 2 left in the series, right there! No waiting! :) The book is big (over 1000 pages) and is a little unwieldy, but you get used to holding the bulk of it! It also pictures the plain folks as more like the non-plain than we might think! They're not all perfect.

I would definitely recommend this book! It's a fun, light, entertaining read. I'll share my copy around!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Homemade Decadence by Joy the Baker (Joy Wilson)

Yummmmmmmmmm!!!!! That's my review of this book! :)

Oh, you wanted a little more information? Okay! This cookbook, entitled "Homemade Decadence" by Joy the Baker (aka Joy Wilson) is a gorgeous book to inspire you to satisfy your sweet tooth!

This book is a cookbook, and more. It's a cookbook that you'll want to read also. Interesting little snippets of information or entertainment by each recipe keep you reading!

Some cookbooks annoy me, this does not! :) One thing this book has is GORGEOUS photographs of each of the recipes. Not just the item, but beautiful plates and a pretty picture of the whole thing. Does that mean that your cake (or whatever) will look just like that? Probably not, but it's beautiful to look through!

The Recipes: here's where my pet peeves do not apply to this cookbook! The recipes are actual recipes, not made with cake mixes and canned fillings, etc. They're recipes made with ingredients. AND they are mostly regular ingredients that you would probably already have in your cupboards--not exotic ingredients which you will have to seek out and purchase particularly for only one recipe (some are more exotic than I have in my cupboard, but not most!)

Ohhhh--and the end products--I will easily admit that I have a big sweet tooth. We like to have dessert for every dinner. I never realized till I was an adult that not every family does have dessert every day, but we surely do in our family! The recipes in this book are mouth-watering, and better yet -- very do-able. Listen to some of these: peanut butter cream pie, apple pie with cheddar-bacon crust (!!!!), lemon poppyseed pancakes, maple-apple upside down cake, brown sugar cream cheese ice cream. and on and on!!

It's a great book. Obviously I like this cookbook. My children like it as well! :) Lots of tasty treats will be inspired by this book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

This book, "To Everything a Season" by Lauraine Snelling, is a sweet book about a picture-perfect town and its residents. The town is Blessing, North Dakota, and this is one of a series of books about this town. The town is full of strong characters who are very helpful and growing the town. There are a few female doctors and they run a training center for nursing students. There are some strong families who tie the town together.

The book follows several events, one of which is a bank robbery and one of the perpetrators. Part of the story focuses on one of the nursing students and her family responsibilities and heartaches. There is a little bit of a love story here as well.

Basically -- it's a sweet story about family and a town you might wish you were a part of. It was an easy story to read, though I think if I had been more familiar with the characters (from earlier books in the series) certain things might have made more sense. However, I wouldn't that you won't enjoy this book even if it's the first you've read in this series.

This was a nice, light, easy-to-read, entertaining book. I would definitely recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Crap Taxidermy by Kat Su

Silly silly book :) Although the title "Crap Taxidermy" is a bit ummmm. . .crass. . .(not a word that is allowed to be used in my home!!) this book is hilarious. I am married to a hunter/fisherman whose family are also avid sportsmen, so taxidermy is commonplace to see--on people's walls, etc. I don't think I've seen any specimens as odd as those featured in this book!

I'm not sure if these examples were a part of someone's learning curve or products that they were proud to complete, but you'll be laughing as you go through the book. The titles only enhance the pages.

This is a small book and will make a great gift for certain people. For instance, my bachelor brother-in-law will be receiving a copy of this for Christmas -- and I'm sure he'll enjoy it. It's kind of a coffee-table book, again, for certain audiences. Some people may be uncomfortable with it -- don't give them a copy!! There's even a section at the back to learn to do-it-yourself-- making a taxidermy mouse, if you are so inspired. At any rate, this will fit the bill for some of those hard-to-shop-for folks!

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review from Blogging for Books; I was not required to write a positive review.

The Perfect Score Project by Debbie Stier

This book, The Perfect Score Project, is subtitled, "One mother's journey to uncover the secrets of the SAT." Okay, I guess that does summarize the book. Thinking of a subtitle I'd give the book--maybe more along the lines of "a mother with lots of empty time and energy on her hands becomes obsessed with the SAT and addicted to pursuing a higher score." I think that subtitle maybe does not show my complete annoyance with the book, but might hint at it.

The author, Debbie Stier, had decided to help her son (who she thinks is not serious enough about academics) get a great score on the SAT. The method she chose was to try out various test-preparation strategies and earn herself a perfect score, helping him along the way. She spends her year trying out many many many many tutors, programs, ideas, and etc. in the quest to up her score. She immerses her life in the SAT. Now, I'm not talking a few, not talking getting tips, I'm talking crazy. Obsessed? Beyond. Really.

I'm sure you've discovered by this time that I was not thrilled with this book. There are so many reasons why. One of them is that it is hard for me to understand someone who lives the life (of a single mom, even!!) that allows them to spend so much time, energy, mental strength, money, etc. on such a single-minded pursuit of a high SAT score. Really?? She does mention that she has some issues with her relationships with her teenagers, which are apparently resolved by the last chapter, but--priorities! Way different than my priorities, I guess.

Another issue is that of standardized testing in general. Things like how accurate is standardized testing, who is it intended to reward. Much of her preparation work seemed to center on trying to figure out how to beat the tricky-ness of the test and its questions (sorry if that's not a word!) So, the point of the test is. . .? When the "A" in the SAT stood for "aptitude" I guess that went along with it. Now?

Apparently (not mentioned in her book) the SAT is going through a major change to begin in the spring of 2016--not sure how much of her advice/ideas/information will be un-applicable at that point.

Unfortunately, the book was even boring to me. It was slow and awkward with all the insets.

Before I began reading this book, I was excited to read it. I have a high-schooler, so we will be joining the ranks of SAT takers soon enough, and I was interested in the inside view; however, this view was just too much. I want my children to be educated to do well in life, be ready for a variety of experiences, both academic and pragmatic. I don't want their learning to be tunneled into how to pass the standardized test.

I received this book through a book review program. For that reason I read the entire book. That was the only reason. Had I picked it up a the library I would have returned it unfinished. I really don't recommend this book. I just found it annoying, weird, and boring! I guess you have figured out by now that I wouldn't recommend it.

I received this book for free from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.