A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists Book Review

Is it easy for you, as a parent of young children, to get scatter-brained and lose track of once well planned situations? Worry no more! On the shelves of your local Christian book store, and most other book stores as well, is A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists. Author Michelle LaRowe has compiled lists that cover needs and situations from the very first trimester of pregnancy to the pre-school years in this comprehensive book of lists. Lists that include things to take to the hospital for the birth of your new baby, easy steps for taming tantrums, top toys for the first years, growth charts, average clothing size comparison lists, and even some fun, fast, family snack and meal recipes to try out and enjoy!

For the mom with an infant that wants to sleep train your baby, Michelle has you covered. There’s a list and instructions for sleep training your infant. Trouble with a toddler that doesn’t have a good bedtime routine? You guessed it…Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists includes what you need to get started on a bedtime routine in the toddler years as well.

There are lists of recommended reads from pregnancy to the pre-school years, both for the parents and for the children. Lists and instructions for activities for the children, and for the whole family, are included in LaRowe’s book as well. In addition to the activities, there are tips and lists for the family traveling with infants or small children.

And just when I thought there was nothing left to cover, you will also find lists of scriptures and inspirational, uplifting thoughts and words for the mother and father, for the single parent, and for the expectant parents. With this solid foundation from the Word of God as a part of her book, Michelle LaRowe has truly given us the ULTIMATE Book of Lists. Highly recommended, and a great read as well as a wonderful resource, this book has made a wonderful addition to my shelf, and is often in my hands.

A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists is published by Revell, and is now available at your local Christian Book Store.

Jenna's Cowboy: A book review

Nate Langley was back from his tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his enlistment was complete. Back home in a small town in Texas, he hoped to be able to return to somewhat of a normal life. But the time he spent overseas did things to him that even he didn't understand.
Jenna Callahan Colby had suffered a terrible marriage and divorce and was now raising her nearly two year old son as a single mom. She thought she was happy with the way things were before Nate came rolling back into town. Nate was now a war hero. Given an award for an unselfish act that saved lives. Would he remember what they shared? They had been sweet on each other in the years past, but neither had the courage to step forward, and here they are again, years later with another chance at life together and love.
Nate is afraid that his flashbacks and nightmares would hinder a relationship with Jenna, and when true danger comes, he is faced once again with the fears he knew once on the other side of the world in the midst of a war zone. If he comes through and lives are once again saved, Nate hopes he will get a second chance at his first love.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite reads for a loooong time! Jenna's Cowboy is contemporary fiction that doesn't seem fiction at all. A page turner from the very start to the end, I give this book two thumbs up! Sharon Gillenwater put romance, fun, action, and drama all into a small Texas town, and brought out a wonderful story. I will recommend this book to everyone I can. Loved it!
This book was provided by Revell Publishing for the purpose of book review

Levi's Will--A book review for Bethany House Publishing company

Will (Mullet) McGruder made a mistake. He shamed his father, his family and friends, and himself. This single mistake put Will under the Amish ban, and led him down a road of trial, test, tribulation, and the Refiner's fire.
When he left his Amish lifestyle behind and traded Mullet for McGruder as his name, Will became a different man...on the outside. But his upbringing held true in his heart, and as he found later, in his relationship with his own son. He soon discovered that he was being the father that he, himself, had become bitter against in his youth. His relationship with his own son was a saddening reflection of the relationship Will had with his Father, Levi Mullet.
On the road of life, Will turned to the Father of love and mercy, Jesus Christ. Then he knew he had to travel yet another difficult journey...the road home to his past, to seek the forgiveness of his family, and to make things right.
Will he be able to break the generational chain of father/son tensions and restore his relationship with his father, Levi, and breach the gap that has grown between himself and his own son before it is too late?
This is a wonderful story that shares a light on the long road to forgiveness from people, and yet a reminder that the mercies of God are readily available when we but fall to our knees and ask for His forgiveness?
Cramer takes the reader on a journey with down-to-earth, real-life, experiences and problems that real people face today: mistakes, pain, heartache, fear, mercy, forgiveness, love, joy, happiness, and sacrifice.
A recommended read for anyone!!

Book Review for A Voice in the Wind

Broken, scarred, and empty of all but fear and sorrow, Hadassah has witnessed the destruction of her beloved Jerusalem, lost her family, her freedom, and fears for her very life. Struggling every step of the way, both physically and spiritually, she miraculously survives the journey from Palestine to Rome. But it is her arrival to Rome when the real test of faith begins.

Julia Valarian is the daughter of one of the richest merchants in the empire, yet she is unsatisfied with life. She is passionate, emotional, and selfish. She longs to be free like her brother, Marcus, and enjoy life. When Hadassah was presented to her as her personal slave, Julia was, at first, mortified. A plain, prudent Jew, as her slave, would make her the ridicule of her peers. But when life begins to change for Julia, in marriage, deaths, illness, deceit, and abandonment, her loyal servant is the one person Julia clings to. But will her distrust for others ruin her faith in the loyalty of her slave?

Marcus Valarian, Julia's older brother, loves women, social gatherings, wine, and the games. One cannot be Roman if one does not attend the games, and Marcus is Roman. His desire is to live well, become more wealthy than his father, and enjoy life for what it is: entertainment. But all of his ideals come crashing down at his feet with one person, his little sister's Jewish slave, Hadassah. When he discovers that she is not only a Jew, but a Christian, Marcus tries to save Hadassah from the fate that befalls Christians in Rome, but she does not recant. Her love for God has become her strength. Her faith has become life. God has not deserted her, and she will not deny Him. Will her God be the death of Hadassah, or will she reach the souls of this family, God has sent her to serve, in time?

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors, and I feel that even what I have written above does NOT do her book justice! She fills the story with emotion and drama. Every time I open this book (for I've read it more than a few times) I am drawn into ancient Jerusalem, Rome, and Ephesus. The characters of this book come alive and I feel that I am a part of the story. Hadassah's struggle within herself reminds me of the spiritual struggles people endure today. Fear is the hardest thing to overcome, especially fear of the unknown. Hadassah faced her deepest fears, and God was with her. An awesome book you don't want to pass up!

I wanted my first blog to be of something inspirational. Here it is:

This is a poem I wrote a few months ago for a friend who's daughter was fighting cancer.

As Spring gives way to Summer,

Flowers bloom in brilliant color,

And the Sun beams bright from heaven above.

In the shade under Summer’s tree,

I think of all He’s done for me,

And I am so thankful for His love.

As Summer fades into Fall,

Words cannot describe all,

The beauty that covers the land.

And as I sit under Autumn’s tree,

I think of all He’s done for me,

And I’m thankful He holds me in His hand.

The Autumn breeze becomes Winter’s wind,

The days grow short and quickly end,

And I wonder what the future may bring.

But as I gaze out at Winter's tree,

I remember all He’s done for me,

And in this darkness He gives me strength to sing.

Then the Winter snow becomes Springtime rain,

And life returns to everything,

And the Sun dries Winter’s tears from my face.

Now I dance around Springtime’s tree,

Thanking God for all He’s done for me,

Knowing I would not be here, but for His grace.

Even when the Seasons change,

God will always be the same,

And no matter what trials come my way,

I can just lean on the rugged tree,

Where He bled and died for me,

And I know He hears me when I pray.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall,

When it seems you life’s gone wrong,

It can end well, just watch and see.

Come with me to the rugged cross,

Where he heals the sick and saves the lost,

He can break your chains and set you free.

Here, at the foot of Season’s Tree.