Pumpkin Patch Parable Re-issued In A New Larger Board Book Edition!

The Pumpkin Patch Parable has just been re-issued in a new larger board book format. An enduring story for harvest time, The Pumpkin Patch Parable is tenderly told by master storyteller, Liz Curtis Higgs and beautifully illustrated by Nancy Munger. Many are already acquainted with this wonderful book, and the story has been read to children for many years. If you have never read this book, it is a 'must' on the bookshelf of every parent and grandparent. If you are familiar with it, you will want to pick up several copies as gifts for those special people in your life.

GOOD GIRLS don't have to DRESS BAD by Shari Braendel - Book Review

The subtitle says it all: "A style guide for every woman." This soft-cover book is beautifully illustrated with full-colour photos. Shari has an important message for all of us. God has given us our body, we can accept and appreciate it, and always look our best. This 198 page book is full of advice that is both encouraging and practical. Shari covers such topics as determining our body type and choosing appropriate styles, colours and accessories. She also includes information on the seldom discussed details of undergarments , swimsuits, and how to select the most flattering jeans.  Other topics include make-up, hair cut, style, and colour. For those of us who are wondering what we really need in our wardrobe, Shari again comes to the rescue. All this and more make for a very helpful read, as well as a book to keep on hand for quick reference. Included is a resource list of where items can be found, as well as some blank pages for taking notes.

To learn more about Shari, visit her website http://www.sharibraendel.com/ and check out her weekly blog.  As a sought-after Christian speaker on fashion and beauty, shari hosts the What to Wear Christian Women's Conference at women's retreats and gatherings. A fabulous, fun, and refreshing fashionista, Shari is a speaker and writer with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  To learn more about Proverbs 31 Ministries, go to http://www.proverbs31.org/

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In The Pages

Joyful Beginnings Begin with Joy in the Morn

Life’s Like This

Literary Fan Girl

Mocha with Linda

Musings by Lynn

My Alabaster Box

My Reason is God

Next in Dianaland

Paper Bridges

Querido Deus, Obg Por Me Exportar

Refresh My Soul

Sunflower Faith

Sunny Days

The 160-acre Woods

The Gospel Writer

The Writing Road

This Mom’s Delight

Uma Pirralha Na Universidade

Word Up Studies
 
This book was provided for review purposes by the publisher, Zondervan, for inclusion in the http://www.blogtourspot.com/  blog book reviews.

AMISH PROVERBS - Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Simplify your life with Amish wisdom. Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, vlaues, history, and essence of the Plain People." (Back cover copy)
With so much wisdom contained in a small book, how does one choose a favourite? As I read this delightful book and savoured the photography, I found many proverbs which speak to my life and circumstances. But one stands out. It is found on page 111. "Contentment is not getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have." I find that challenging personally, but am encouraged that the apostle Paul had the same struggle. He had to LEARN to be content. (Philippians 4:11,12) In an age when people are continually striving for more, how good it is to be thankful for what we have, and to show our appreciation to the One from Whom comes every good and perfect gift.

Although I am not Amish, I have my own favourite proverbs. One is "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." This was on a plague on my firend's desk, and I have taken it to heart, quoting it on many occasions!

"Book has been provided courtesy of baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

AMISH PROVERBS - Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a delightful gift book, lavishly illustrated with photographs of Amish life. The book includes proverbs on a number of topics, such as time, money, faith, children and family, in word and deed, work ethic, handling adversity, education, community, character, and some just for fun.
Suzanne is the author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and the novel The Choice, the first book in the Lancaster County Secrets secrets. Her work has appeared in many magazines. Suzanne lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay area.
Check out her website at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
I enjoyed this book, with the beautiful illustrations and wisdom it contains. In the midst of our hectic schedules, it is good to take time to reflect on the simple things, the moments we treasure, and relationships that are lasting.

TOUCHING THE CLOUDS by Bonnie Leon - Book Review

Touching The Clouds is the first book in the Alaskan Skies series. The story is set in Alaska in 1935, and is filled with much historical detail of Alaska before it became a state. Kate Evans leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of becoming an Alaskan bush pilot. Kate is "an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. Not only does she have to battle the challenges of the Alaskan wilderness, but she has to stand up to male pilots." She is "a lone woman in a man's world." Kate holds a secret in her heart, and is carrying a very heavy load of guilt, which proves to be an ever-present challenge. Can she overcome that? She faces a new challenge when she meets a man living in the wilderness. He, too, carries a burden which he is unwilling to share. "Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?"

I am so glad that this is just the first of a series. Touching The Clouds definitely left me wanting to hear more of the story. Prior to reading this book, I knew little of Alaskan history. But Bonnie brings both the time period and the characters to life. I felt as though I was walking the streets with Kate, or flying with her over the dangerous terrain, sharing in her adventures and challenges, and feeling with her as she came to grips with her emotions. Bonnie writes as one who knows her subject well, through research and experience. This book caused my heart to pound, and I found myself holding my breath and making sure my seat belt was tightly fastened. It was a wild ride! Thanks, Bonnie, for a job well done. I look forward to hearing more from you in the coming days.

About Bonnie: I live a quiet life in the country. My children are grown and have moved away. Two live close (within three hours drive) so I see them often. My oldest daughter lives in Washington. I love playing with my grandchildren. One of the great surprises about being a grandmother is how intensely I love my grandbabies. Just can't get enough of them. :-)

Bonnie is the bestselling of several books of historical fiction, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women's Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women's gatherings.

Visit Bonnie's website. http://www.bonnieleon.com/ Read her blog. http://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com/

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

THE RELUCTANT ENTERTAINER by Sandy Coughlin - Book Review

Wow, what a beautiful book! This hard-cover book by Sandy Coughlin is "every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality." It is about "real entertaining for real people." Sandy, who has a blog by the same name, "The Reluctant Entertainer", has written a very practical guide, in order to "help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining-connecting deeply with others-she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love." (from back cover) In her book, Sandy includes chapters on real entertaining for real people, joy busters and joy building, overcoming pitfalls of perfectionism, discovering your inner Martha, engaging the five senses, the heart of hospitality:conversation, more than dinner parties:deeper connections, and from reluctant to gracious living. Sandy also includes a section on how to organize your pantry, and a host of mouth-watering recipes. The book is lavishly illustrated with full-color photos. Sandy includes quotations from such well-known authors as Chuck Swindoll, Elizabeth Schaeffer, Beth Moore, Henri Nouwen, Joyce Landorf Heatherley, Liz Curtis Higgs, and her husband, Paul Coughlin.
What comes through loud and clear is the message that hospitality is not about me, but rather, a way to show love to others and make them feel 'at home.' It is not about perfectionism, but rather, a striving for excellence. One of my favorite concepts is expressed so beautifuly by Sandy. "Food brings us to the table, but it is grace, the soft golden butter on the warm bread of the common life, that makes us want to stay there."
This is a book to be savored, read cover to cover, and then kept within arm's reach for referral. I HIGHLY recommend this lovely book!

Check out Sandy's website at http://reluctantentertainer.com/, follow her on Twitter, join her Facebook page and sign up to receive her blog posts via email.

Below is a post from Sandy's blog:
Hello, my name is Sandy Coughlin and welcome to my blog, Reluctant Entertainer!
Pull up a chair and sit back and enjoy some daily inspiration, casual, simple savvy entertaining ideas, and ways to reach out and grow your hospitality.
I’m often asked: Why a blog and now a book on the lost art of hospitality? And my answer is this: Because a growing number of people across the world are realizing that something deep is missing in their lives. And that something is connection to others, often through the blessing of hospitality.

Hospitality can be a blessing to both the hostess and her guests, but for many women today, it simply doesn’t happen. Feelings and beliefs of inadequacy, unrealistic expectations, fear of failure, and a lack of time all conspire to steal the joy that comes from opening one’s home and sharing fellowship with others.
Here at RE, I often share my entertaining stories, little tidbits about my family, what’s growing in the garden or cooking on the stove, bargains and thrifting ideas, along with recipes and posts that encourage readers to put image and perfectionism aside in order to live a more authentic and connected life with others.

Why did I start my blog, Reluctant Entertainer?
My husband and I came up with this title for this blog years ago, before I even thought about blogging. We were puzzled about why people are so reluctant to entertain and invite people into their homes. It then took some courage to start my blog, Reluctant Entertainer, in 2006, as I started sharing my life and entertaining stories with others. I’m so glad that I did.

I’m also asked, “Why do I include my family so much in the blog and book?”
Because we are a normal family and we live in a normal home (noisy, cluttery, dusty, dishes in the sink, and incredibly active), which most people can relate to. I am married to the best husband in the world, Paul, who’s also a stellar, witty, fun and brilliant father to our 3 teenagers. Yes, 3 teenagers and 3 animals – 2 kitties (Filly & Hobbes) and 1 Cairn Terrier (Haggis McStitch), with personality with a Capital P! (For more information on my husband, author and sought-after men’s speaker Paul Coughlin, please click here.)
In our home hospitality is a group effort. It’s not just about me and it often takes all-hands-on-deck to pull us all together. And it’s around our dinner table is where we often have some of our best conversations about life and what it means for be truly hospitable to others. (Christmas 2009)

I’m also asked where do I get my photography?
All of my pictures and stories on RE are from real life, taken by us or people we know. My philosophy is that when I write about true-life happenings, it’s important that I capture the moment with true-life photography. In other words, if I write about a dinner party, the pictures will reflect that party. What you see is what you get. I never use stock photography and all photos on RE are taken with a Nikon D70.

Another common question is, “Why do I use a dollar store goblet as your icon?”

Years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. It says that dinner parties are attainable, they are affordable, and that they can be beautiful even when on a budget.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

FORGET ME NOT by Vicki Hinze - Book Review

From back cover: Their elusive enemies took everything. Now they want more. Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man-in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away/ His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He'd failed to protect his family.
Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help-a victim who eerily resembles Ben's deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of his identity, his life, and everything except her faith-and Susan's necklace.
The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman's situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

My review: Difficult to put down, this story was gripping from beginning to end. It had me turning the pages and having to read "just one more chapter." Vicki Hinze has masterfully drawn the characters. The reader feels the pain and emotion as the characters face momentous challenges and dilemmas. I found it an emotional read, and that surprised me. I needed a few tissues as the story concluded.

Vicki is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, and this is her first book of Christian fiction. Thankfully, it won't be the last! For a very informative interview, go to http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com/vicki-hinze-interviews-with-nora-give.html

Forget Me Not is published by Multnomah Books and is available through http://www.amazon.com/