Night of the Living Dead Christian ~ Book Review & Giveaway

Now is your chance to win an AWESOME book!  Read all about it below, watch the author speak about it in his video, and then enter a comment for a chance to win....easy peasy!  I'll announce a winner on Dec 22nd.

I've had the awesome pleasure of reading and reviewing Night of the Living Dead Christian: One Man's Ferociously Funny Quest to Discover What it Means to be Truly Transformed by Matt Mikalatos. I found myself laughing out loud many times as I was reading. It was a book that was hard to put down.  Even the cover art is comical.

From the back cover:

In his follow-up to the critically acclaimed Imaginary Jesus, Matt Mikalatos tackles this question in an entertaining and thought-provoking way—with MONSTERS!!! While Christians claim to experience Christ’s resurrection power, we sometimes act like werewolves who can’t control our base desires. Or zombies, experiencing a resurrection that is 90 percent shambling death and 10 percent life. Or vampires, satiating ourselves at the expense of others. But through it all we long to stop being monsters and become truly human—the way Christ intended. We just can’t seem to figure out how.

Night of the Living Dead Christian is the story of Luther, a werewolf on the run, whose inner beast has driven him dangerously close to losing everything that matters. Desperate to conquer his dark side, Luther joins forces with Matt to find someone who can help. Yet their time is running out. A powerful and mysterious man is on their trail, determined to kill the wolf at all costs . . .

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Night of the Living Dead Christian is a spiritual allegory that boldly explores the monstrous underpinnings of our nature and tackles head-on the question of how we can ever hope to become truly transformed.

My Review:

Matt Mikalatos is an author that uses monsters to look at our reality of our sin nature and the things we wrestle with in our own world.  This story follows Matt and his neighbor Luther, a werewolf.  They work with an interesting band of monsters that are trying to figure out how to be real people. Mikalatos uses vampires, zombies, a mad scientist, an android and a monster hunter to teach truth. You do, however, need to know that this is not a scary book or a horror novel.

Night of the Living Dead Christian creatively, and often hysterically, written. Mikalatos speaks what many of us think. Each of us can identify with at least one of the monsters in this book...maybe not every aspect of the monster but at least some. The zombies are the undead just agreeing with every theological utterance that comes out of the preacher's mouth but they are mindless. Vampires are the opposite of what Christ is all about. They take blood from people to gain eternal life instead living for others. Serious issues all addressed in a humorous and real way. The reality is we are all monsters who can only be transformed through faith in Christ.

I love that this book even includes discussion questions in the back along with A Layman's Self-Diagnosis Guide to Common Monstrosities and an Interview with the Author.

Follow Matt Mikalatos on Twitter, Facebook and his Blog.  I am!

Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions of this book are my own.

An Army Of Ordinary People~ Book Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

An Army of Ordinary People contains the key to explosive, transformational, 21st century evangelism. Renowned church planter Felicity Dale shares stories of how God has always used—and is still using—ordinary believers to carry out his work in simple ways throughout the world. Some of these stories are dramatic—people being led to the Lord by the friends who counseled them through drug addictions and criminal pasts. Some are everyday—a dad spending his Sunday teaching Bible lessons to his kids, or a couple inviting their neighbors over to dinner and a spiritual discussion. But in each of them, there is a light bulb moment, when someone just like you thinks I can do that! And as a result, the gospel is spreading . . . and lives are being changed.

MY REVIEW:

I honestly don't know how to review this book and I have struggle on how to rate this one.  The book, An Army of Ordinary People, by Felicity Dale, simply tells stories of different house churches and describes different struggles and victories faced by those who join, lead, or start them.  The main problem that I had with this book was that it seemed, and remember this is just my honest opinion, that the Church as you know it was not good enough.  That in her opinion it was just when two or more in a group were gathered together.  She never stated that there had to be prayer, communion, or Bible studies.  However, her writing was good, the stories were moving and she did an excellent job of offering a look into the basics of the house church movement.

Finally, I must say that I don't know if I would recommend this book or not.

I received a FREE copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review of this book. 

ReChurch: Healing Your Way Back to the People of God ~ Book Review

Product Review:

It seems that everyone who has ever been part of a church has suffered a “church hurt.” The pastor had an affair or the congregation fought over money or the leaders were disguising gossip as “prayer.” Stephen Mansfield has been there. Though he is now a New York Times best-selling author, he was a pastor for over 20 years, and he loved it—until he learned how much a church can hurt. Yet he also learned how to dig out of that hurt, break through the bitterness and anger, stop making excuses, and get back to where he ought to be with God and his people. If you’re ready to take the tough path to healing, Mansfield will walk you through it with brotherly love, showing you how you can be better than ever on the other side of this mess … if you’re willing to ReChurch.

My Review:

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.  Now that I have read ReChurch, I have to say that it has great insight into the issues associated with leaving a church (for whatever reason).   The author Stephen Mansfield does not hand hold the hurt person but yet he wants to see them healed and back at church. Let's face it, unfortunately, Churches hurt people.  Often the hurt is over little things, sometimes it is over large things. But no matter the cause, once someone has left the church because they have been hurt, it is hard to get over the hurt and get back into church.  This would be a very good book for them.   I personally have not been hurt by a church but I know many who have.

Below Mansfield explains his purpose in writing `ReChurch':

I want to show you how to get clean and free from what you have done to yourself in your church hurt. That's it. Along the way we are going to talk a bit about how to be a part of a church without surrendering your soul and what healthy churches look like. But I'm not trying to fix the body of Christ. I'm trying to get you to fix what you can in you, so that God can fix the rest and get you back into the fold.  Counselors nurture souls. Coaches teach skills. I'm your coach.

Second, I want you to understand that you will not get free unless someone gets tough with you. When we are in pain, we have too many voices playing in our heads - voices from the past, voices of our critics, voices of our admirers, and even the voice of our own inner dialogue. There are likely other voices from demons we have known and loved... Suffice it to say, a riot is taking place in our souls when we hurt. All of this tends to make us distracted at best and crazy at worst. We need someone to cut in harshly and silence the storm. (p. 14)

The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The untold story of Nonna Bannister ~ Book Review

Product Review:

Nonna Bannister carried a secret almost to her Tennessee grave: the diaries she had kept as a young girl experiencing the horrors of the Holocaust. This book reveals that story. Nonna’s childhood writings, revisited in her late adulthood, tell the remarkable tale of how a Russian girl from a family that had known wealth and privilege, then exposed to German labor camps, learned the value of human life and the importance of forgiveness. This story of loss, of love, and of forgiveness is one you will not forget.

My Review:

WOW!  This is an amazing book and was very hard to put down.  Reading this book is like sitting down with Nonna Bannister herself as she unlocks the secrets of her past.  I actually found myself wanting more and more of her life told to me.  I was so engrossed in her writings and her family. I felt swept back in time with her experiencing almost the same sad and also some happy memories with her. I also like this book because is a view of the Holocaust that you don't normally read about.  This family was not Jewish and was from Russia.  I won't tell you much more about the story as it would spoil some of it for you.  I will tell you that some of the memories are horrific and you should monitor the age of those that read this book.  I felt that this was more a story of her and her family going through the Holocaust than the Holocaust itself.  I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading memoirs.  I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House and the views are my own.

The Band That Played On ~ Book Review

I received "The Band That Played On", by Steve Turner, for free from BookSneeze.com in return for my honest review of the material. If you are interested in receiving materials in exchange for honest reviews, please check out BookSneeze.com. 

This is not your typical book about the Titanic.  In fact it is about the 8 band members that were assigned to the Titanic on it's maiden voyage.  There isn't much known about these men but author, Steve Turner, researched their lives before they ever went aboard.  Not only did he research these 8 men but he gave us the history of the company that hired them as well.  It's an amazing book and I would recommend this book to history buffs and non-history buffs as it is very well written.

I found a video on Amazon.com that I've linked to here.  That and with the product description below you'll understand how amazing this book is.  I really can't wait to read more of his books in the future.

Product Description

When Titanic collided with an iceberg at 23:40 on April 14^th, the eight members of the band had already retired for the evening. Still, they put on overcoats and mufflers came out to play in the lounge. When most of the First Class passengers had taken to their lifeboats, the musicians simply moved to the deck and continued to play, calming the passengers as the ship sank. One second class passenger said: "Many brave things were done that night, but none were more brave than those done by men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea. The music they played served alike as their own immortal requiem and their right to be recalled on the scrolls of undying fame." Survivors' accounts differ about whether their final tune was "L'Automme" or "Nearer My God To Thee." What has never been disputed is the courage of these musicians who deliberately sacrificed the possibility of escape in order to produce a mood of tranquillity at a time of extreme anxiety. But who were they? What journeys brought them to this deck on this icy ocean? Had any of them previously displayed signs of great courage? Who did they leave behind? Historian and biographer Steve Turner delves into the lives of these brave men, revealing eight unique portraits of bravery.

Dragons of the Valley ~ Book Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Water Brook through there Blogging for Books program.  I have finished reading "Dragons of the Valley" by Donita K. Paul and I would have to say that it was enjoyable! I hadn’t read the first book in the series so I was worried I wouldn’t know what was going on, but Donita K. Paul does a fantastic job of getting the story going with no knowledge from the prior book. I also loved the fact that there is an appendix in the back of the book that helps with the terms of some of the words used in this sci-fi world.  VERY HELPFUL!  Dragons of the Valley was exciting from start to finish. And now I really want to read the first book as well as the next book in the series!  I also enjoy the fact that this book is a Christian Fantasy Fiction.  I love the fact that Paul didn't shy away from writing this story with the purpose of revealing God to her readers. This is book 2 in a new series and it follows book one titled "The Vanishing Sculptor". Which is now a book that I'm going to have to read before going on to the next one.  This is a book however that you can read without reading the first one. I would definitely recommend this book for those that are pre-teen and older especially if you love sci-fi books!

Product Description

War threatens the peaceful land of Chiril… can one painter-turned-reluctant-swordsman really help?

With an invasion of her country imminent, Tipper Schope is drawn into a mission to keep three important statues from falling into the enemy’s clutches. Her friend, the artist Bealomondore, helps her execute the plan, and along the way he learns to brandish a sword rather than a paintbrush.

As odd disappearances and a rash of volatile behavior sweep Chiril, no one is safe. A terrible danger has made his vicious presence known: The Grawl, a hunter unlike any creature encountered before.

To restore their country, Tipper, Bealomondore, and their party must hide the statues in the Valley of the Dragons and find a way to defeat the invading army. When it falls to the artistic Bealomondore to wield his sword as powerfully and naturally as a paintbrush, will he answer Wulder’s call for a champion? 

About the Author

Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and nine novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she spends time mentoring and encouraging writers.

Book Review ~ Love: Cultivating Spirit-Given Character//a six-week study

I love my new car.

I love the book that I just finished!

We love the movie that we just saw.

Oh my gosh I love your shoes!

But is this really love? In the book Love: Cultivating Spirit-Give Character explores the first Fruit of the Spirit.

My Review:

First off...I really enjoyed reading this book/study.  My favorite part actually came in the introduction.  He states, "Paul listed it first because it is a prerequisite for the other fruits of the spirit.  Without love, there is no joy, peace, patience, and so on.  Without God's love, we can never live up to our God-given potential."  This is so true and yet so forgotten!  Without love we have nothing.  This book/study was designed to be used in a group format but can also be used as an individual study.  In this study you will explore different aspects of this fruit.  Some of the aspects covered are Love Forgiveness, Love--Unconditional Longing of God and Love--God's Passion for His World.  Truly an amazing study and I can't wait to use it with my Sunday School class.  I would recommend this study to anyone...group or individual.

From the back cover:  

Love.  It's perhaps the most overused and misused word in our language today.  We love our cars.  We love sports.  We love Montana in the spring.  Somehow, we've come to understand love as a feeling that ebbs and flows or a "place" in life we're fortunate enough to land.  Yet the Bible paints a dramatically different picture of love.

Love is a characteristic of God.  Calvin Miller invites us to dive deeper into the biblical concept of love as the result of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us -- illuminating and transforming every selfishness so we can begin to reflect the image of Christ.

Love is one of the nine studies in this significant series on the fruits of the Spirit by author Calvin Miller.  Each six-week study guide is designed to focus your spiritual life on being like Christ by thoroughly exploring a different fruit of the Spirit.

You can get this book by either clicking the link provided below or by shopping my Amazon Store which is a tab above.  Enjoy!





Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Book You MUST Read in 2011 ~ Blind Hope

My Review:

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is one of the more touching and inspirational true stories that I have read in a very long time!  I can't begin to stress to you that this is a book you have to read.  You don't even have to be a dog lover to appreciate this story of faith. Because this story is more about faith than it is about the actual physical rescue of her dog, Mia.  It is about a rescue both in the physical nature and more importantly the spiritual nature.  It is a touching true story of an abused dog that was rescued and transformed a woman's life.  Mia, the dog, made her new owner, Laurie, realized how much their relationship was like her relationship with God and how it is growing and changing every day.  I can't seem to explain it much better than the author's themselves in the video below.  The only thing that could make this book better is a Study Guide for use in small groups.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue.
Two lives forever changed.
Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s grace even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.

"Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is."    --Kim Meeder, Blind Hope





**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my honest review.**

Book Review ~ The Truth of the Matter

From the backcover:

Ever since he woke up in a terrorist torture chamber--with a year of his life erased from his mind--Charlie West has been on the run.  He has one desperate hope of getting his life back: trade down the mysterious agent named Waterman. But in fact, reaching Waterman--and recovering the secrets lost in his own memory--will only increase his danger.  Because a team of ruthless killers is rapidly closing in on him, determined to stop him from finding the answers.  And the truth of the matter is more incredible...and more deadly...than he could ever imagine.

Book Description (from BookSneeze):

Charlie is certain that if he could just regain his memory, the chaos around him would make sense. But the truth of the matter is even more incredible than he could imagine.

Charlie West was an ordinary high school kid who went to bed one night and woke up in the clutches of terrorists and wanted by the police for murder. He also woke up with no memory of the events of the past year.

Now Charlie has found the one person who knows what happened . . . and who can help him remember. But remembering is painful--as well as dangerous--and figuring out what to do with this new knowledge may be Charlie's toughest challenge yet.

My Review:

I have only read this current book which is the third book so far in The Homelanders series.  I normally do not read a book out of order but from what I had read in other reviews is that it was a book series that was so well written that you didn't need to start with the first one.  So when I saw that it was being offered as a book to review for Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program I thought that I would give it a try.  They were right! The author, Andrew Klavan manages to tuck all of the previous important details into the book, without making it feeling like a recap. This is an amazing book filled with so much action that I felt like I was on a roller coaster.  I'd give you more insight but then I would be giving parts of it away.  What the backcover and book description say above is enough.  I will definitely read the first two books and await the 4th book that is due out on Aug 2, 2011.




Note: This book was provided to me free of charge to review through the Booksneeze bloggers program. The opinions in the review are my own; my only compensation was the book.

My Review??? Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella

From the backcover:

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

My Review:

I honestly don't know which way to go with my review for Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella
by Donita K Paul.  This is a book that I had a hard time putting down and read it in record time.  But I find myself wondering if there shouldn't be more to the story.  This book has a Fantasy/Christian theme which is very hard to do.  The characters were great to get to know and were really starting to develop but I was let down at the end of the book.  Don't get me wrong...I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to others...but for me personally I wish the story had gone further.  I felt as though there were some loose ends that needed to be wrapped up in several of the story lines.  And I honestly feel as though this story would have been better if it had been either all fantasy or all Christian.

Download Chapter 1

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Nativity Collection ~ Book Review

I am officially ready for Christmas to be here after reading The Nativity Collection by Robert Morgan.  I know it's a bit early and I'm one that hates seeing Christmas ads and decorations in the stores before Thanksgiving (except craft stores of course) but I have to say that this book has picked me up and has put me in the mood for it to be cold outside, fires burning in the fireplace, carols being sung and the Christmas tree is up!

From the back of the jacket:

In each home, beyond the Christmas gifts and decoration the Nativity holds a special memory.  Robert Morgan, the author of Then Sings My Soul, has two million copies of books in print, but he writes only one short story every year~an original work to share on Christmas Eve.

From six different settings, each story centers around a different Nativity and how it impacts a family's legacy.  You'll meet characters you feel you've known your whole life who'll make you laugh one minute and cry the next.  You'll meet a shy, bookish boy who finds himself center stage in the Christmas pageant, a Pennsylvania family who discovers the value of hope when their car turns up missing on December 24, a mountain man with his grandson fighting for their lives during a blizzard on Christmas Eve, and much more.

These stories all touched my heart in different ways and the photographs that accompany the stories are just amazing!  This is a must read now every Christmas for me and it would make a wonderful gift anytime of the year you want to get in touch with that Christmas spirit.  My favorite story in this book would have to be of the bookish boy that finds himself in the lead role of the Christmas pageant. How he deals with his lines is so beautiful!  I won't give it away as it would ruin the story for you...but you've got to read it!

I'm planning on sharing these stories with my Sunday School class over the Christmas season.  Pick up a copy today to share with your friends and family...and don't forget to get a copy for yourself.  In fact don't even worry about going out to pick up your copy/copies...purchase it right here:




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Summer Secret ~ Book Review

A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller is the first book of the Mysteries of Middlefield series.

Mary Beth Mullet is an Amish teenage girl living with her parents and brothers, struggling with having a little privacy during her last summer of freedom, before she will have to get a job. With her food stash, her journal, and her privacy, Mary Beth finds great comfort in her hideout; a barn close to their property. There are only two problems. First of all, her father has forbidden her from going to the barn. Second, she's not as alone as she thought. Was it her twin brother or someone else using her secret place?

I don't want to give to much more away as this is a mystery but I have to say that at one point I misplaced the book and almost went crazy looking for it because I wanted to know how it ended. This is a quick and good read.

In A Summer Secret, Fuller does an excellent job of helping the reader to understand and appreciate the Amish lifestyle. She even has a glossary of Amish terms, which I found extremely helpful, as this vocabulary is used throughout the book. Though this book is intended for juvenile readers, I believe many adults would also enjoy reading this Christian mystery. I know I did!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Revolutionary Paul Revere - Book Review

Product Description
"Quick in the saddle and fast out of town." Watch one of America's most remarkable heroes come alive through fast-paced prose and gripping storytelling.

The Revolutionary Paul Revere starts at a gallop and never slows down. Follow Revere's adventure-filled life from childhood through the French and Indian War; from the prerevolutionary economic disasters through the incendiary tax fights and riots; from military occupation of Boston through Revere's part in the Boston Massacre trial; from his role in the Boston Tea Party through his early service as express rider for the Massachusetts patriots; from the tragic death of his first wife through the whimsical pursuit of a new love; from his role as waterfront spy through his famous midnight ride; from his participation in the worst American naval disaster before Pearl Harbor through his eventual vindication.

Learn about Revere's life in the Freemasons and the secret political clubs of Boston. Discover his role in Massachusetts' ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Get the inside picture of his business dealings, and see how he transformed himself from poor artisan to wealthy industrialist, making everything from kettles to cannons. Revere's life story is the quintessential American story.

My Review

The book is a quick and easy read that follows the life of Paul Revere from the immigration of his father, Apollos, in 1716 to Revere’s death in 1818. Miller highlights every day events in Revere’s life that propelled him into the limelight. For example, his work as a goldsmith granted him access to key people in his community which led to his joining the influential brotherhood ~ the masons.

I don't always enjoy reading biographies because usually they are fact filled and boring. Sorry but that's how I feel. I was surprised when I read this book because it was more like a novel than a biography! It was refreshing and informative to read and kept my interest to where I didn't want to put it down. The book has 22 relatively short chapters, each with a one word title followed by a heading that briefly summarizes the chapter’s emphasis.

I was very much surprised with the captivating story of Paul Revere.  From humble beginnings, he worked hard to improve his standings and eventually attained recognition and success. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a gripping account of life in colonial Boston.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Purchase the book

Celia's Puppies: The Denver Cereal Vol 2 ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Product Description:


Celia Marlowe believed people blossom with loving support and resources. Over the course of her life, she gathered those who needed her special brand of love. Now, nine years after her death, Celia's puppies are facing themselves and their lives. Exciting, heart warming, and always fun, Celia's Puppies is the second installment of Denver Cereal. An internet sensation, Denver Cereal is a serial fiction grounded in Uptown Denver, Colorado. 


About the Author:
Claudia Hall Christian is a beekeeper who writes novels and serial fiction. She lives in Denver, Colorado.


Product Description and About the Author were taken from Amazon.com


MY THOUGHTS:
When I first began to read the book, Celia's Puppies, I have to say that I was a bit confused with the characters as Celia's Puppies is the second installment of Denver Cereal. But with the wonders of the internet I was able to read the first book as it is a "serial fiction" book.  What is "serial fiction" you ask? Serial fiction is the practice of publishing a work of fiction while it's written. The evolving nature of serial fiction lends to depth looks are people's lives, complex relationships and lots of drama.


Once I had read the first story I realized that Claudia’s characters aren’t the type you can leave. Luckily I already had the second book in hand and I could take it anywhere I went. Yes, I love the fact that I can get on the computer and read a chapter every week but I also love to take the book with me.


Celia's Puppies was the second book of the series. Both the Denver Cereal books are available for free download here.


I was instantly hooked once I started this book. I didn't really want to put it down! I found myself engrossed with the characters lives and wanted to read more. Remember, I'm a busy mom and that makes it harder to put a good book down. I would recommend this book to anyone! It's that good!


Would you like to win your own hard copy of it? Well now you can! One lucky reader will win a copy of Celia's Puppies in Paperback.


Mandatory Entry:
Tell me if you think you would like reading serial fiction.


Extra Entries:
2 Entries ~ Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email as you don't want to miss anything including upcoming giveaways!
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Giveaway ends 5/14/10 at 9pm Central Standard Time. Giveaway is for US residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will be contacted via e-mail and then will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.


I was given this opportunity  from the wonderful folks over at Business2Blogger to team up with Claudia Hall Christian, author of Denver Cereal to do a book tour.
Disclaimer: I received the listed product(s) in exchange for this review. I was compensated in no other way. The thoughts here are my own honest opinions.  I was not required to give a positive review. 

Book Review: It's Either Her or Me

BOOK REVIEW: It's Either Her or Me: A Guide to Help a Mom and Her Daughter-in-Law Get Along by Ellie Slott Fisher

Product Description:
THERE’S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT—YOU’RE NOT LOSING A SON AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GAINING A RIVAL.

For a mother who’s accustomed to having been number one in her son’s life, the arrival of a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife can be a complicated, confusing, and emotionally challenging event. Likewise, coexisting harmoniously with the mother of her partner can be an overwhelming challenge for any woman. Sons, often caught in the middle, are sometimes understandably reluctant to take sides.

In It’s Either Her or Me, relationship expert Ellie Slott Fisher examines the complex dynamics of these potentially fraught relationships and how they can be made rich in rewards for all parties. As a wife and the mother of a grown son, Fisher has been on both ends of the spectrum. She recounts her own experiences and those of the mothers, sons, girlfriends, fiancées, wives, and even sisters she interviewed. With the help of psychologist Dr. Beatrice Lazaroff and licensed professional counselor Esther Ganz, Fisher offers practical solutions to help women on both sides cope—and thrive—in this most sensitive of relationships. Discover how to

• gauge when it’s time to voice an opinion—and when it’s best to bite your tongue
• reach out to the woman in your son’s life without being overbearing
• handle the partner or mother-in-law who’s truly impossible
• show respect to your partner’s mother
• ensure that your partner’s mother respects your boundaries
• deal with jealous sisters and other difficult family members
• and much more

Also including welcome advice on what he can discuss with either woman, It’s Either Her or Me is an invaluable resource for women and the men they love.

About the Author:

Recognized by the national media as a relationship expert, Ellie is the author of Mom, There’s a Man in the Kitchen and He’s Wearing Your Robe (Da Capo Press 2005), Dating for Dads (Bantam Dell 2008) and the soon-to-be released It’s Either Her or Me: A Guide to Help a Mom and Her Daughter-in-Law Get Along (Bantam 2010). She also contributed to the anthology, Single Woman of a Certain Age.

A print journalist with more than 25 years of experience, Ellie has been featured in CHILD, Working Mother, Parents, Essence, Complete Woman, and numerous regional magazines. A former reporter and editor for United Press International, and landscape designer, she has also edited a magazine for professional landscape designers. It was during that time, Ellie’s husband of 15 years suddenly died. In her late thirties with two small children at home, she unexpectedly found herself doing something she had long ago given up: dating.

My Opinion:

This book was very informative and helpful and it would benefit anyone who is or is going to be an "in-law". I know that with having a son I am going to refer back to this book constantly as he grows up. I'll refer to it while starts dating, starts to seriously date and then once he gets married. I know that he's only 10 now but it will be great! I would recommend it to anyone!

WIN THIS BOOK:

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Why would you want to win this book?

Extra entries:

2 Entries ~ Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email as you don't want to miss anything including upcoming giveaways! 

5 Entries ~ Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog

5 Entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link

1 Entry ~ Become a fan via Google Friend Connect

1 Entry ~ Become a fan on Facebook

1 Entry ~ Follow The Misplaced Midwesterner via Networked Blogs

1 Entry ~ Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter ID

1 Entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet.  You can tweet this once daily for 1 entry a day.

Entries will be taken until May 6th at 11:59 p.m.  Everyone entering must have the mandatory entry or they will not be counted.


This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. 

Disclaimer: I received 1 copy of this book for my honest review. 

Purchase The Book:

Donut Days ~ Book Review & Giveaway

Synopsis:

Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she’s known all her life is suddenly smokin’ hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

In a fresh, funny voice, newcomer Lara Zielin offers up a mesmerizing, fast-paced narrative full of wit and insight.

Review:

A few weeks ago when I was at the public library while Sam was there for his tutoring I was looking for some new books to read. I was in the Young Adult section and found a display of the books that were on the reading list for 6th - 8th graders. Okay...I'll bite. Looked at the list and picked one out. I'm so glad that I did. I picked up Donut Days by Lara Zielin. I had posted it on my Spring Reading Thing 2010 list and Lara saw it and contacted me! How cool is that! From those emails she asked if I would do a review of her book and do a giveaway. SURE! I was reading it anyway so why not go ahead and review it. Now that I have read it I am very pleased that this book is on the recommended reading list.

I honestly was hooked from page one. It was completely refreshing to read a book about a young lady struggling with her faith. You really don't see that much in young adult books. It's not pushy on the religion but it is a main theme of the book. I feel as though it would not be a turn off if you are not a religious person.

Emma, the main character and narrator, is a wonderful refreshing young girl. She is struggling with her faith, she is having a fight with her best friends, and she is trying to write an article to get a scholarship because her parents have put strings on her college fund. Speaking of her mom and dad, they are going through a lot at the church where they are the preachers and Emma really wishes they would share their feelings and thoughts about everything that is going on there. For Emma to write her article she turns to the Crispy Dream Donut Camp. The main characters that she meets at the camp are a bike gang that are born-again Christians that help her realize that it's okay to be different.

Emma is such a believeable character as well as all the others. I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults that love to read young adult fiction. It's a quick read, funny, and refreshing. Great job Lara! I can't wait for your next book!

Now Lara is offering a giveaway! She is offering a $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate to be won by commenting about the most bizarre donut you have ever tried or liked. I'll select the winner by using random.org on Wednesday, April 21, at 9:00 pm Central Standard Time.

E is for Ethics -- Review and Giveaway!

STICKY NOTE...Please scroll down to see current entries.

REVIEW:

Have you have been searching for the perfect book to help teach your child/children good moral values? Then your search has finally ended. E Is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most, by Ian James Corlett, is it! It was designed to be read out loud and discussed as a family.


There are 26 read-aloud mini stories which are about a page or two long and include wonderful illustrations. There are two characters throughout the book named Elliott and Lucy. The author of this book has questions at the end of each story to be asked your children and engage conversation and it will help your children understand the concepts. The E Is for Ethics website offers a toolbox of resources including a FREE coloring book featuring Elliott and Lucy which is a wonderful accessory to the book!


Honesty • Understanding • Forgiveness • Courage • Tact • Perseverance • Politeness • Loyalty • Gratitude • Truthfulness • Fairness • Acceptance • Patience • Sincerity • Citizenship • Integrity • Kindness • Responsibility • Effort • Empathy • Charity • Helpfulness • Generosity • Willingness • Trust • Respect


Even though I think this book would be best for children in the 5 to 6 age group I think you could still use the questions at the end of the stories to engage any age child in a wonderful discussion. I know that when I shared the authors background with my son (who is now 10) he was pretty thrilled to actually listen to some of these stories. You see the author is well known in the world of children's television. He has either created, written for, and/or developed shows such as The Adventures of Paddington Bear, Roli Polie Olie and the part my son loved...he is the voice of the Dad in Johnny Test.

I would highly recommend this book to all families or to give as a gift to a family or a family to be.  What a wonderful tool it is to discuss those matters with your kids.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

How would you like a chance to win this wonderful book?   This giveaway will be open until April 2nd at 11:59 p.m.

Mandatory Entry (First entry)
I thought that it would be interesting to see which of the 26 ethics would you read first in your house? 



Additional Optional Entries:
Eligible after completing mandatory entry above: You can do any or all of the following for one entry each. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done.


10-Entries--Purchase E Is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most through Amazon and leave a comment here stating that you did.  Just click on the link and it will take you straight there.

2 Entries~Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email
5 Entries~Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog
5 Entries~Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
1 Entry~Become a fan via Google Friend Connect
1 Entry~Become a fan on Facebook
1 Entry~Follow The Misplaced Midwesterner via Networked Blogs
1 Entry~Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter ID
1 Entry~follow Ian James Corlett on Twitter
1 Entry~Fan Ian James Corlett on Facebook
1 Entry~Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet (Can tweet once daily)


Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by email. I will give the winner 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Comments not meeting requirements will be deleted.  Sorry but this giveaway is for Continental US residents only and no PO Boxes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for this review. The opinions were from my experience and were not influenced by any source. I was not monetarily compensated in any way.

Everyone Communicates Few Connect

Every single one of us communicates every day, whether it be in person, on the phone, in a text message, emails, someone reading your blog or maybe even social media.  But at the end of that communication has it ever left you feeling as though you never really did connect with that person?  In John C. Maxwell's new book Everyone Communicates Few Connect: What The Most Effective People Do Differently he explains how to actually connect with those that you are communicating with.


From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked.  It amazes me that no matter if you are trying to communicate with an individual or a large group Maxwell will walk you through it.  At the end of each chapter you will learn how to apply what you just learned.   One of my favorite lines from the book is:  "Yes, people are people.  And wherever you find them, they desire to connect with others!"


Maxwell's book is divided into two parts: Five Principles and Five Practices. Some of these include finding common ground, keeping your communication simple, capturing people's interest and staying authentic in all your relationships.  This book is a great resource for anyone who needs to communicate, which is pretty much everyone.This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson as part of their BookSneeze program.  I was not required to write a positive review.   To see my full disclosure just click here.