Book Review: Picture Perfect, by Janice Thompson

Picture Perfect

By Janice Thompson

ISBN#978-0-80072152-7

From The Back

 Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides.
But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. 

Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.
 
With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen.

 Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

My Reflections

This book is the first book in Thompson’s new series weddings By Design.

I had not read any of Thompson’s books, and so I was unsure what to expect.

The main character Hannah is desperate to impress the premier wedding planner Bella Neeley at Club Wed, with her superb photography skills.
Although her arch rival and the very handsome Drew Kincaid has her all in a flutter. The competitive Irish nature, saddled with Hannah’s low self-image are sure to trip Hannah up along the way.

Will Hannah ever find a “the Hottest man God has ever made?” Can she click her way to the success she feels will make her life meaningful? I won't spoil the book by divulging the details.

I am hopelessly romantic by heart so I had some mighty high expectations.

Upon cracking this book open I was a wee bit disappointed. 

I have to admit I found this book to be a tad cheesy, and the main character was a little preoccupied with the appearances of the men around her. Perhaps it was the writer’s way of developing the story line and growing Hannah character. I am not sure, but it was all a little over the top for me.

Unfortunately the story lost my interest about half way through and it took some time to get through the rest of the book. I guess I all the clan jargon and Irish proverbs hung me up. The book did have humor and wit however, and dear dead Grandpa Aegus’s sayings got me through.

"May you never forget what is worth remembering, Nor ever remember what is best forgotten."   

  Irish Proverb

 About the author

About this author

My name is Janice Thompson. (You will find me published under Janice Hanna as well.)

I’m a Christian freelance author of novels, non-fiction books, magazine articles and musical comedies for the stage. I live in the Houston area, where the heat and humidity tend to reign, regardless of the season.

I’m the mother of four beautiful daughters, (Randi, Courtney Rae, Megan and Courtney Elizabeth. Yes, I really do have two daughters named Courtney! Long story…) I also have the three prettiest granddaughters any Nana could hope for – Madysen Lynae, Avery Rae and Peyton Renae. Grandbaby #4, Ethan Ames, was just born in the winter of ‘09 and baby Boston Craig just arrived in the spring of ‘10. Another baby girl is on the way – baby Brooke!

Our family is extremely active in local ministry. My oldest daughter, Randi, leads worship in the Houston area, Courtney Rae leads worship at her church in Montana, Megan works with children at our local church and Courtney Elizabeth sings on the worship team at her church in Michigan. I’m thrilled to have four grown daughters who love the Lord (and several granddaughters who one day will)!

Children's Book review: A + Attitude

        








       A+ ATTITUDE

By: Stephanie Perry Moore

Written By Karina Brown age 10

ISBN #10 0-8024-2263-2

The Mom's Thoughts

Morgan is sad and mad at the world because things are not going the way she wants them to go. Why does my daddy have to leave again to save the country? 

Why do I have to go live with mommy and her new husband? 

Why does my mommy have to have a new baby? Why do I have to go to a new school? Why do I have to make new friends? Why? Why? Why?

Morgan's whole life is about to change, and she has no control over any of it!

The only thing Morgan can change is her attitude, and let me tell you it really needs some adjusting!

Travel along side Morgan as she learns some valuable life lessons on how to react to hard situations in a positive manner.  If Morgan's teacher were to grade her on her attitude, she would get a big fat F for fail!

Though she is having a hard time adjusting to all the new things in her life, especially a new sibling and a step-dad, Morgan makes up her mind that no matter what is happening in her life, she is going to have an A+ attitude.

The Morgan Love Series is a chapter book series written for girls, 7 – 9 years old. The series provides moral lessons that will aid in character development. It will also help young girls develop their vocabulary, english and math skills as they read through the stories and complete the entertaining and educational exercises provided at the end of each chapter and in the back of the book.

I would recommend this book for young girls, I felt the characters were real, engaging and girls could learn some valuable life lessons though Morgan's troubles.

A Girl's Reflection age 10:

   A+ Attitude is a great novel for young adults; Morgan Noelle is facing exciting and frightening challenges. 

For an example her mom broke up with her dad and now is re-marrying someone Morgan doesn’t like very much.

Will her life end up like Cinderella’s? 

 To add to Morgan’s stress she is starting second grade in a brand new school with weird classmates. Morgan learns that she has to grow her faith in Jesus and get her attitude back on track.

 I would recommend this book for ages 8-9 as it deals with some pretty heavy issues. It is an easy to read book with understandable language.

The book includes word searches and a section with a letter to Morgan’s dad; it also includes vocabulary words which can help children learn new words the meanings as well as parts of speech. 

So not only do you get a fun book to read but parents will like that their children are learning something as well. 

We received this book free of charge from PM Newsroom (Moody Publishers) in exchange for our honest opinion.

Thank you, Moody Publishers! 

About the Author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God's way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at www.stephanieperrymoore.com.

Valentine's Day Carrots Cut Into a Heart Shape

Well Valentine's Day is here, are you scrambling to find a idea to make your valentine swoon?

I wish I had that idea for you, unfortunately all I have is this cute little addition to your supper table or perhaps your snack time.

Heart shaped carrots!
Cute and good for your heart to-boot!

My family thought I was a tad looney as I had dear daughter capture the whole process with her camera.
 But that's OK they love me, (I made them heart shaped carrots for goodness sake)  I am pretty sure my little sweet hearts will be begging me to make them again next year about this time. 

So here we go... carrot cutting 101...

 Take a carrot, ah so simple so easy!

Peel the carrot.

Cut both sides off, I'm telling you it is dead easy!

Cut a V shape along the inside of your carrot lengthways.

Shape bottom of carrot into a point, to form a cute heart shape.

Ahhh see cute, eh?

Now cut up...

You can steam them, put them in soup or have them with dip. For toddlers you need to cook them, as they are a choking hazard. And  a choking child would not be any fun!

My plate full of love!
Enjoy your day, and show your Valentine just how much you love em!

Happy Valentines day !!

Allergy- Free Rice Krispy Treats!

 Here is the recipe for Allergy-Free Rice Krispie Treats.

To make these fun Valentine treats you’ll also need a heart shaped cookie cutter and gluten free chocolate chips.  melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute and stir it continuously until it is fully melted. Drizzle the chocolate sauce across the heart and sprinkle with red sprinkles.
Or you can frost it, with a recipe you trust, I like the one on the back of the Rogers Icing sugar bag!

 If you want to make them into Rice Krispie Heart Pops then you’ll also need lollipop sticks.

 I pray this treat will delight your allergy blessed children!

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

15 mins

Ingredients

• 3 TBS. Earth Balance Butter Substitute (dairy-free & soy-free)
• 4 cups Mini Marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies (Gluten free)
• ½ cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips or Enjoy Life Chocolate Chunks for drizzling
• Red Food Coloring (if you wish)
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add in the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. Remove from the heat. Add in the Rice Krispies and stir until well coated.
3. Use a greased (allergy free butter or shortening) spatula to spread the mixture onto a lightly greased 9×13 pan.
4. Once cooled, use a 2-3 inch heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
5. Enjoy. ~   Happy Valentines Day!!

Book review: Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

Firefly Island

By: Lisa Wingate

ISBN# 978-0-7642-0823-2

From the Back:
Lisa Wingate Is a Top Name in Inspirational Contemporary Romance

At thirty-four, congressional staffer Mallory Hale is about to embark on an adventure completely off the map. After a whirlwind romance, she is hopelessly in love with two men--fortunately, they're related. Daniel Everson and his little boy, Nick, are a package deal, and Mallory suddenly can't imagine her future without them.

Mallory couldn't be more shocked when Daniel asks her to marry him, move to Texas, and form a family with him and motherless Nick. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying.

Mallory takes a leap of faith and begins a sweet, mishap-filled journey into ranch living, Moses Lake society, and a marriage that at times reminds her of the mail-order-bride stories. But despite the wild adventure of her new life, she discovers secrets and questions beneath her rosy new life. Can she find answers on Firefly Island, a little chunk of property just off the lakeshore, where mysterious lights glisten at night?

My reflections:

 Oh this is a book you will simply have to sink your teeth into.

I related to the story line in this book on so many levels. Although I did not fall in love at first sight and marry in mere months, I did however move to a remote area, and have to adjust to the wilderness and my own perception of the world around me. I must say I am still enjoying the adventures of a city girl gone country!  

This story had everything I look for in a great novel, it had romance, adventure, drama, mystery, suspense and top that off with superb writing and plot management and there you have it, a top seller for sure!

Lisa Wingate has a way of drawing you into her story. You experience her characters pain like it’s your own; you become so entangled in her tale that you find yourself pondering the storyline at odd times during the day.

For instance one of my neighbors is a real live cowboy and I pondered asking him if he had ever ridden in a cowboy convertible (back of a pickup truck) over the hills of our small town, just to see what he would say. Although I am sure he would ride his faithful steed, and not settle for the back of a pickup truck!

Now that is your reading life clashing with reality!

But back to this book: I loved how it illustrated our biases. It teaches us to not be so quick to pass judgement on people we don’t know, that we need to keep our eyes and hearts open to new experiences and new people, God works in funny ways. He has a knack for teaching us through people and situations when we least expect!

In closing I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great reading experience. The book is filled with real life, and the characters could be just like your cowboy neighbors!

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

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". Thank you Graf-Martin!

About the Aurthur: 

Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of 16 books.  Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its fifteenth printing from Penguin Putnam.  Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores.
Recently, Lisa’s Blue Sky Hill Series, set in Dallas, received national attention with back-to-back nominations for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for A Month of Summer (2009) and The Summer Kitchen (2010). In 2011, Lisa's Novel, Never Say Never, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award.  Pithy, emotional, and inspirational, her stories bring to life characters so real that readers often write to ask what is happening to them after the book ends.
Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, in mainstream fiction.  Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational southern fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.
When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read.  Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.

Book review: Bible Study, Living in God's Will

Living in Gods will

Basic Bible Studies for everyone.

Stonecroft

ISBN978-0-7369-5266-8
Back of the book:

Living in God's Will

A Guide to Decision Making

Stonecroft Ministries

“What does God want me to do?” This study for small groups and individuals encourages people to stop being anxious about God’s will and instead turn to His Word. As participants consider the story of Ruth, they will come to understand that good choices come out of trusting a good God.
Each chapter includes helpful Bible passages, open-ended questions for discussion and thought, and straightforward explanations and applications, all of which work together to build freedom and confidence in the Father’s guidance.
About This Series: Stonecroft Bible Studies encourage people to know God and grow in His love through exploration of His life-transforming Word, the Bible. Each book is designed for both seekers and new believers and includes easy-to-understand explanations and applications of Bible passages, study questions, and a journal for notes and prayers.

My reflections:

This is a fabulous study for any small group or individual.

It’s thought provoking, jam packed with scripture readings and set out so that it is easy to teach and follow. Small group leaders will absolutely love the simple layout, easy to read language and thought inspiring questions and study sections.

There are seven chapters that include topics like: Can we know God’s will, Right Motive- Wrong Decision, Ruth’s Decision, Israel’s Custom, A new Beginning, Ruth’s Request, and The Result of Right Decisions.  
 During the reading portion of the chapter there are questions to ponder and scripture to look up to guide the reader to further delve into God’s word and find truth and meaning. After each chapter there is a section on personal reflection and application and a prayer. Along with the study you can opt to purchase the Abundant Life Bible, this paper back Bible uses the new living translation, with corresponding page numbers to each verse mentioned in the study, this is especially helpful to individuals who have trouble locating verses.

I thoroughly loved the layout of this little study, I especially enjoyed the questions that are peppered throughout the book, it really gave me a clear insight on what the bible had to say on the subject of living in the will of God.

I would have no hesitation to recommend this little gem to anyone looking for a good life changing bible study!

This book was given to me free of charge, for the purpose of reviewing by Harvest house Publishers. My opinions are my own and I was not encouraged to give a positive review.

Thank you Harvest House!