Book Review: Sweet On You

From The Back:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who has spent the past eighteen months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies under mysterious circumstances, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, but Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also finally come to light?

My Reflections:
This is the sweet conclusion to the series "A Bradford Sisters Romance" 
This sassy, spunky novel will have you melting if you are a fan of fluffy romance novels. You must read them in order to get the full flavour of the story, so don't start with this one if you are new to Becky Wade. 

Zander's character is my all time favourite type of male lead characters. He is a sensitive, deep, attractive and all around kind person. His hard life was probably due to his keen drive and doggedly dedicated personality. 
It kind of killed me how he was so helplessly infatuated with Britt. He was an expert in all things Britt (his words) 

Britt, on the other hand, is sassy, fun and very generic. She has to slowly awake to the fact that Zander is attracted to her in more than a friend zone. This seemed to take forever and I felt like bopping her on the head to say, duh, come on woman it's so obvious that he is head over heels for you!

The icing on the cake is the unexpected mystery in this plot. It was a nice distraction from the romance that had been baking for 14 long years. As you can guess I loved Zander, he was just so adorable and his character just clicked for me. That is unusual as I tend to favour the female lead characters! 

If you are up for a nice romance with a twist of mystery this series will give you all that and a little more! I'm kind of sad to see this series end but also eager to see what Wade has up her sleeve for the next set of novels.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Becky Wade

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market,...

Continue reading about Becky Wade

Book Review: Whose Waves These Are

From The Back:

"An absolute gem of a debut! Whose Waves These Are transcends to the highest level of fiction."--Joanne Bischof, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of Sons of Blackbird Mountain

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family's past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

My Reflections:

Written like a song this book floats along in a melodious fashion. Filled with interesting characters a beautiful setting coupled with a tender plot.

A nice bonus to this novel is that you can pick up the prequel novella called Up From The Sea, this will completely immerse you into the history and characters of Ansel-by-the sea. 

This book is filled with heartache, well-hidden secrets that must see the light, and exquisite attention to detail. A must read!

Annie's story starts out with a simple purpose but soon morphs into so much more, will she be able to finish what was started so long ago?

I so enjoyed learning more about GrandBob, the pioneer of the story, his life during WWII and the aftermath, he is the true hero in this tale, and I just fell in love. This story settles into your very being, like a song that you want to listen to again and again. I am smitten with the style and cadence Amanda Dykes has created in this novel, so from here on out sign me up for reviewing any and all books by this authour! What are you waiting for, the perfect summer read is right here and waiting.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in,...

Continue reading about Amanda Dykes

Book Review: Loving My Actual Neighbor

From the Back:

As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbor. But how do we do that? Where do we start? What does this look like in our increasingly isolated world?

Following practices outlined in the first chapter of 2 Peter, Alexandra Kuykendall lays out the framework for where to begin. From practicing humility to listening with understanding to being generous in our relationships, Loving My Actual Neighbor offers practical, start-now steps you can take to love your actual neighbours.

My Reflections: I chose this particular book because as a family we felt that our neighbourhood was specifically chosen for us to live in, it was actually pretty clear from the start that God wanted us here.

 We live in a quirky little back road community with vibrant neighbours and strong community presence. Our family is young while most of my neighbours are retired and enjoying a different life stage. We are homeschoolers so I wanted the kids to be involved in the neighbourhood, I wanted them to pray for each and every one of the people on our street. So we embarked on our prayer walk project, which in turn moved onto our prayer drive. We would pray silently for each and every neighbour along our road, each time we drove by or walked by their homes. We have continued this off and on for the entire 7 years we have lived on this street. I believe God hears our prayers and will bless each and every one of the people who we have lifted up to him. 

This book is a practical and concise introductory plan on how to pray and minister to your neighbours. I loved how real and easy to follow this book was to read. This book starts with a thought-provoking introduction and moves onto well laid out chapters on practical ways to engage and foster meaningful neighbourly relationships. I particularly enjoyed how the segments were a real and not fluffy and airy fairy. Yep, you may not get along or seem to make much of a difference in your neighbour's spiritual walk, but you never know what God is doing on the inside! 

He asks us to be faithful in our walk and I believe this is one area where we can do just that. So if you are looking for ways to be impactful with the people God has nestled you between, here's your chance to get real! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Book Review: God's Answers For The Graduate Class of 2019

From the Back:

This bestselling graduation gift addresses questions grads will encounter as they move into the next phases of life and is a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word. Beautifully packaged in a stylish teal Leathersoft with foil stamping and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates.

God's Answers® for the Graduate is a fantastic graduation gift that addresses questions grads will encounter throughout life. It's a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word.

To commemorate your favorite student's high school or college graduation, give the gift of God's answers to the many questions they're sure to face as they take their next steps in life. God's Answers® for the Graduate addresses carefully chosen topics, such as character, relationships, time management, and decision-making, that are vital to successful living for a lifetime. Available in Leathersoft with foil stamping, rounded corners, and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates. The design lends itself to personalization by imprinting the graduate’s name.

My Reflections:
Graduation is an exciting and pivotal time in a persons life. Big changes are often on the horizon, whether it is moving out on one's own, enrolling in post-secondary education or seeking out gainful employment. These changes bring big emotions for everyone involved. As a parent of a recent graduate, I can attest to this. I had to shift my thinking on my now young adult.
Letting go is so hard to do, hower I think my biggest desire was for my child to continue following the path I had so carefully laid out. Would they still attend church? Would they deepen that relationship with their saviour? These are big questions. So when I saw this Beautifully appointed devotional I knew I had to check it out.

My first impression was the quality. It feels quite nice in your hands, made from a leather-like material it is soft and just the right size to carry around or put in a book bag.
I also loved the colour, the teal adds that punch of colour that makes you want to pick it up and take a peek inside!
The devotional itself is well laid out with an easy to manuver index that lists questions a young adult may be pondering. (some of my favorite) What does God say about substance abuse?, What is inappropriate sexual behaviour?, how can I live a life of excellence?, when I am tempted...

The devotionals are short to the point and filled with scripture relevant to the pondering of the reader. I wish I had had something like this when I was younger and had those big questions rolling around my head.
If you are looking for that perfect gift look no further this one my friends this is the gift that can keep on giving. God's word is life!

I received this book free of charge from Book Look Bloggers, all opinions are my own. Thank you, Book Look!

Book Review: The Perfect You

From the Back:

There's only one you!
When God created the blueprint for the universe, you were already part of the plan. Science and Scripture show you're a unique, brilliantly designed, and intelligent individual who fills a role no one else can. So the more Perfect You you become, the more fulfilling and impactful your life will be.

What is the Perfect You? It's how you process and exhibit your uniqueness through the way you think, feel, and choose. Everything you do and experience has an impact on the world, which is why it is vital for you to understand

· what your Perfect You is
· when you are stepping out of your Perfect You
· the mental, physical, and spiritual implications of stepping out of your Perfect You
· and how to stay in your Perfect You

In this book, Dr. Caroline Leaf tackles this concept from theological, philosophical, and scientific angles, challenging you to think deeply about your identity and enabling you to apply these insights to your daily life. Drawn from thirty years of original research and twenty-five years of clinical experience, The Perfect You includes groundbreaking new insights and an eye-opening questionnaire designed to help you understand your Perfect You.

Are you tired of living in a suffocating box of expectations? The Perfect You will help you realize there was never a box to begin with!

My Reflections:
Ever have a book cross your path exactly when you need it, Yes this one was it. 
I love how God works! 
In "The Perfect You" you will find a harmonious blend of science and faith. 
Dr leaf invites her readers on a journey of self-discovery. 
Who has God created you to be when he knit you together in your mother's womb?

I have been a follower of Dr. Caroline Leaf since I read her book "Switch on Your Brain"
Dr. Leaf's expertise in brain science shines throughout this book. Leaf clearly lays out the brain's function, the philosophy and the science behind the unique ways we function. She weaves in how God created us each uniquely and perfectly formed. How we think is directly linked to how we feel, which often times is warped and just plain wrong. The deceiver wants to shatter our joy. God has the perfect plan for our lives. He already knows. Quote from the book:

"The Perfect you is how you uniquely and specifically feel, and how you uniquely and specifically choose. Our thinking is designed to reflect his image since we have the mind of Christ"

This is a very heavy book, don't expect to sit down read it over and have it all sorted in one go. Caroline Leaf has been studying the human brain for the entirety of her career.
There is a lot of information to get through in this book, but your effort is absolutely worth every minute. I love to unravel human nature, why we think certain ways and the outcomes of negative and positive habits. I find this stuff insanely intriguing! 


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist whose passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain and find their purpose in life. She is the author of Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat...

Continue reading about Dr. Caroline Leaf

things to do when you are sick Autism

No one likes being sick, so you want a fast recovery. Here is my list of things you can do to help get better faster.

1. Go outside and get fresh air
2. Drink hot water mixed with a small spoonful of honey 
3. Have a bath or shower
4.  Eat as much as you can- NOT if you are vomiting
5. Drink a lot - I started to hallucinate because I didn't drink enough

Do not eat ice cream- funny story I am sick right now and my dad came home with ice cream and I can't eat it!!!
Sorry if it is short... have an awesome day and don't get sick in the 30th of MAY!!!! Flu season is SUPOST to be over you here that germs?!?! 

PLEASE GIVE ME IDEAS ON WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT!!!
                              THANKS




🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃
                                                                                 😃 Turkeys 😃

Book Review: Powerful Prayers For You Daughter

From the Back:

From the moment your little girl was born, you knew you were going to be doing a lot of praying. So you may wonder, What exactly should I be praying for?

Collecting specific prayers you can use, along with stories from other parents about how God has answered their prayers, Rob and Joanna Teigen give you a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of praying for your daughter. They also help you understand what girls go through growing up, including stress, purity issues, social pressure, modesty challenges, spiritual growth, and more.

Remember: you may not always understand your daughter, but God does! Start asking him for guidance, protection, and blessings today.

My Reflections:
This is the second book this month that I have read by this husband-wife duo. Since I have a son and two girls I was thrilled to read Powerful Prayers for your daughter. 
You will want to pick this book up, It is not just another how-to book, it is literally a road map that helps guide you to a purposeful prayer life for your daughter.

Have you ever gotten into the rut of I pray for...help her to.. and be... If you find yourself stuck in the habit of repeating the same prayers over and over. God does hear you, friends, no matter if it is just a silent..help! But as humans, we sometimes need to feel like we are doing everything we can to get it right. This book may help you learn to purposely pray for your daughter's life in a meaningful manner.
It is set up perfectly with well-categorized chapters that help you find just the types of prayers you want to wash over your child. Another aspect of this book that I love is that is not just for little kids, these prayers can be for your teens, your adult children or your baby girls. 

If you are looking to step up your prayers for your daughter this may just be the book you are looking for. I just want to clarify one more time. God hears our heart, all the time. He answers our prayers even if they are just silent pleas for help. You don't need to say just the right thing to be heard, God answers his children. Sometimes not on our timing or in the way we want, but his way is the best way!
 I do love having books like these on hand, If I am in a rut they help guide my prayer life. So in closing, I do recommend this book and the other title by these authors  "Powerful Prayers for Your Son"

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Rob Teigen

Rob Teigen was a publishing professional for more than twenty years and is the author of the bestselling Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids series (under the pseudonym Rob Elliott). He and his wife, Joanna Teigen, have celebrated twenty-five years of...

Continue reading about Rob Teigen

Joanna Teigen

Rob Teigen was a publishing professional for more than twenty years and is the author of the bestselling Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids series (under the pseudonym Rob Elliott). He and his wife, Joanna Teigen, have celebrated twenty-five years of...

Continue reading about Joanna Teigen