Adoption~ The Sweet Hope of Family

Teresa Hull presents this beautiful story, "Loves Complete A Russian Journey", in simplistic terms for children who are preparing to be adopted.  In terms they could understand she breaks down the process so that they will be ready for their journey.  She does a wonderful job and covers everything.  A much needed book that will prove to be beneficial for many.  I was given the opportunity to review this book for Harper Collins Book Look Club. 

Scores of Young Mothers Agree "The Bump Pregnancy Planner" is a Great Tool

                 Scores of young mothers agree that Carley Roney's "The Bump Pregnancy Planner and Journal" is the best resource and tool that they can have.  This book is full of tips of what to eat, places to record questions for the obgyn, prenatal exercise suggestions; preparing for the coming baby month by month and so much more.  It's a fun book, where the mom can write memories to share later in life.  "The Bump Pregnancy Planner and Journal" was written to use along with The Bump Website .  The Bump Website was created for first time parents and is almost an online Bible of everything to prepare for birth and thereafter.  This book would make the perfect gift for new mom's.  Blogging for books gave me the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.  

Bedtime Devotions With Jesus

             The sweetest little devotional for children which examines a new bible verse daily.  Speaking in terms a child would understand easily, the author relates a story to further examine the verse.  Actually Bedtime Devotions was created by many pastors and church leaders.  The illustrations are adorable.  This book makes for the perfect bedtime story and learning time between parent and child.  I highly recommend as a gift.  A wonderful way to teach our children the value of God's Love in our life.  I was given the perfect opportunity to review this book for the Book Look Network.

Jessie Minassian's "Unashamed" Helps Young People Break The Silence

                  Unashamed 'Overcoming the Sins No Girl Wants to Talk About' by Jessie Minassian is a tremendous asset for young women today.  This knowledgeable book will help individuals understand that they are not alone and need not isolate. Young people no longer need to suffer in silence.  The most wonderful news is that there is hope.  The author helps the reader find the spiritual tools to break from bondage and free herself of self-hate, anorexia, cutting and other disturbing practices that become addictions.  Ms. Minassian makes a sensitive approach on dealing with those things that what otherwise beset us.  I was given the tremendous opportunity to read and review this book for the Tyndale Blog Network.  

52 Uncommon Dates Teaches Couples How to Have Fun Interacting and Praying Together

52 Uncommon Dates (A Couple's Guide for Praying, Playing and Staying Together) by Randy Southern is a must read for all couples.  Between it's pages you will find countless creative ways to have fun while integrating prayer throughout your experiences.  The author suggests the candlelight date; the jigsaw puzzle date; the spiritual heritage date; roller skating date just to name a few.  With each exercise there is a reference to scripture and tips on how to bring each's individuals spirituality to the table.  A marvelous tool for deeper conversation and making life better together. I was given the awesome opportunity of reviewing this book for Moody Press.  Also find a stellar introduction by Gary Chapman #1 New York Times bestselling author of the 5 Love Languages.

Inspiralized: Turns Ordinary Vegetables into Extraordinary Meals

            Growing up Italian and struggling with menopause, I knew I had to do something about the unwanted weight gain that just naturally comes with growing older.  Knowing I would have to give up on a lot of my favorite foods was going to be difficult but I sought out some way that I could still have my pasta sauce and eat it too!  Kudos to Ali Maffucci and "Inspiralized turn vegetables into healthy, creative, satisfying meals" my new meal plans would be way less difficult and actually delicious.  I had just bought Veggetti slicer and this book opened the door to dozens of different recipes I could enjoy with it.  Whatever your vegetable of choice:  zucchini, eggplant, carrots, onions, squash, or cucumber to name but a few...this cookbook has sensational recipes to keep your tastebuds begging for more without the calories.  Ali Maffuci even has a section of healthy snacks, what more can we ask for.  This book is not only a blessing for me but my favorite book of the year which will get much use in the coming years.  I highly recommend.  I had the priviledge of reviewing this book for Blogging for Books.  A+

Finding some Light through the Media

                    Growing up in a faith based family, I can totally relate to Kevin Harvey's new book "The Bible in Pop Culture; Finding our creator in superheroes, prince charming and other modern marvels".  It was a real treat to find Faith mentioned in the media through song, books, plays or movies as a teenager to confirm my belief.  While I was growing up in the seventies, my christian friends and I rocked to Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" and learnt all the words to the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar".  The Staple Singer's made billboard hits of "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There".  When Star Wars hit the big screen everyone was on board to taking the side of the good force.  So we were blessed with a number of inspirational sources and we actively sought them out.
Kevin Harvey presents today's inspirational and faith filled films and examines how they affect christians of today.  One of my favorite movies "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington is listed along with "Bruce Almighty" which features Jim Carey.  The author even compares the infamous family, the Kardashians to dysfunctional families from the beginning of time in the Bible.  This book is geared towards teenagers and young adults.  There is even a section of puzzles and word games.  I was granted the ability to read this book for BookLook bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  Great gift for teens~