Mothering from Scratch by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo

Mothers are so different from each other! Kids are so different from each other! Babies are so different from each other! We all know this, in a philosophical way, so why are we so concerned when we are not just like other moms? When our kids are not just like other moms' kids? We all tend to compare ourselves to others (not for any positive benefit, however!) -- why?



I just read this book, Mothering from Scratch. It is a great book for mothers of all ages! It is encouraging and helpful -- there are 2 authors and they go back and forth, giving examples of things from their own life, successes as well as failures. They identify things that are positive in mothering and some things that need to give way to better things. For the most part I felt that the book was very encouraging -- "you're doing a great job" type feeling from reading it. There are helpful hints to how to handle some situations better and how God will give you wisdom and guidance.

I felt like a big message of this book is to stop comparing yourself to others and do a good job with what you've been blessed with.

I'd definitely recommend this book. It'd make a great gift as well!

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.

Keep it Shut by Karen Ehman

Keep it Shut is a great book written by Karen Ehman on a topic that applies to all of us. This book is written in an interesting, engaging style, not accusatory, but kind.

The book teaches us about our words, what we say and how we say them. It hits on all kinds of topics, such as talking too much, speaking in anger, gossip (of course!), encouragement, when to not talk at all, and so much more. The author speaks of her own experiences, both failures and successes. She uses Scripture to guide us in how to properly use our words.

The author is a "talker" and it seems obvious that this book would be written for "talkers". HOWEVER, I am really not a talker, more of a listener, and I do believe that this book applies to me as well! Some of the great points I'd like to share from the book are things like sometimes we just need to go to God in prayer rather than blabbering to everyone who will listen to us about what is weighing on our hearts. He really IS enough. Some other things are the power of your words, both for encouragement as well as destruction -- and the importance to use them wisely. The thought that sometimes it is better to just not speak, just keep silent. Your written (or texted) words -- and how you should measure them as well.

This book has been a good guide for me as well in helping my teenage daughter reign in her speech. She (unlike me!) IS quite the talker, and she will benefit from the guidance offered in this book -- at this age and hopefully as her life progresses.

I would recommend this book. It is an easy to read, helpful book. It's written in a kind manner, you will probably identify with the author, rather than feel preached at. Give it a read!

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.

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.