Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Review: Butter Baked Goods: Nostalgic Recipes From a Little Neighborhood Bakery [Kindle Edition] Rosie Daykin







  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 30809 KB
  • Print Length: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Appetite by Random House (Oct. 15 2013)
  • Sold by: Random House Canada, Incorp.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00CGI3JDO


Book Description

  Butter Baked Goods is a gorgeously illustrated cookbook, packed full of delicious recipes for irresistible baking that you will want to make, time and time again. These are recipes for the classics, rich in the nostalgic flavors of your childhood: from Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, Cinny Buns and S'mores; to Classic Chocolate Cake, Lemon Meringue Cupcakes and Good Ol' Apple Pie.

     Butter began as a tiny bakery in Vancouver, opened and operated by Rosie Daykin, a passionate home baker since she was six years old. The bakery is a pink- and pistachio-colored slice of heaven; its counters are piled high with glass cases and cake stands, filled with sugary treats. But word soon got out (the baking was too good to keep quiet!) and Butter is now famous across North America for being the home of the very best gourmet marshmallow. Butter's marshmallows are now stocked in over 300 (and counting) stores across Canada and the US. The recipe for Rosie's famous marshmallows is just one, of 101, tucked into the pages of this beautiful book.   

     Every recipe in Butter Baked Goods has simple, step-by-step instructions, and is written in an accessible and easy-to-follow style, so that everyone can create Butter's delectable treats--from grandmothers who have been baking all their lives, to teenagers making their very first cupcakes. Rosie's baking is not about trickery, flamboyance or hard-to-find ingredients, but about great-tasting, homemade treats to celebrate life's milestones: birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, baby showers, bridal showers--or just a gloomy, rainy afternoon when you need a little pick-me-up.


About the Author

 Rosie Daykin, owner of Butter Baked Goods, is a passionate home baker who had dreamed of opening a bakery since she was six years old. After a successful career as an interior designer, she transformed her favorite hobby into a phenomenal success story when she opened Butter Baked Goods in 2007. The bakery now operates in two locations in Vancouver B.C., and Butter’s baked goodies can be found at over 300 retail locations across North America. Rosie lives in Vancouver with her husband, Paul; their daughter, India; two fat cats; and a small dog.

My Review

 This is my favorite bakery in Vancouver. They make the most sublime marshmallows and baked goods. I cannot rave enough about their raspberry and strawberry marshmallows. We make special trips from our home in the suburbs to the west side of Vancouver quite often just to go there.

The true test of the cookbook though would be if I could replicate the taste and texture of the store bought baked goods when making them myself. My favorite cookie is the Big Sugar Cookie at Butter. I am thrilled to say that I have made these from the recipe in the book several times now and they taste exactly like my favorite cookies at Butter.  Next I am going to try the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie. And when I get really brave I am going to try making the marshmallows. These marshmallows are the marshmallows that they sell at Dean and Deluca in NYC as well as being the marshmallows that kicked off the new marshmallow trend.

The book is gorgeous! It is laid out beautifully and it has many pictures of the steps as well as of the finished products.

I cannot recommend this cookbook highly enough. Now if Maxie B in Greensboro, North Carolina would release a cookbook my sweet tooth fantasies would be complete!

Monday, February 24, 2014

Review: God's Beloved Daughters Daily Discovering the Blessings By Merrilynn Grodecki




  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 804 KB
  • Print Length: 469 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1449777333
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: WestBowPress (Jan. 3 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00AYAKZTW


Book Description

Both a daily devotional and an in-depth Bible study, God's Beloved Daughters is a tool "to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith" (I Thessalonians 3:2). Throughout her years serving in the ministry of Christian education, and as friend, mother, and mentor, Merrilynn Grodecki has championed her passion for seeing God's daughters step into that grace-enhanced, mountain-moving, peace-filled life that is theirs in Him. Now, after decades of studying God's ways of doing and being right concerning all of life's issues, she has written this devotional to help each beautiful daughter of God walk in the fullness of life in Christ and discover the eternal truth of God's promises. 

 Wife, mother, student, teacher, lawyer, doctor, businesswoman, pastor-despite all of these titles, there is one role that takes priority over all others-daughter! Our heavenly identity not only defines and characterizes every other relationship we take part in, it prioritizes our daily motivation. God's daughters; His ambassadors to the neighborhood, the workplace and the world. Do you see yourself that way? Do you open your door in the morning to step out into the day with that kind of vision? Do your heavenly credentials, your Kingdom citizenship, define for you your determined purpose? 

Each day offers an opportunity to practice our ambassadorship and extend God's love. We awake each morning to love God, to serve Him and continue to be loved and known by Him... Walk out in that carefree graciousness that will compel the world to take a closer look at what makes you different. "I don't know what she's got," they will say, "'but I want it."


My Review

 I love devotionals, I love devotionals specifically written for women and I love books that me study the bible and understand it better.  God's Beloved Daughters is all three of these things. I found the devotions to be both insightful as well as thought provoking. I found them to be inspiring and to encourage me to delve further at times. 

This devotional, God's Beloved Daughters, is an excellent addition to my devotional collection. I enjoyed reading Merrilynn's testimony at the beginning of the book. It was very inspiring. She also provided personal insight into her daily devotions.   I know that I will be using it often for my devotional time.




 

Review: Christian Faith in the Old Testament by Gareth Lee Cockerill




  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (Feb. 11 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1401677355
  • ISBN-13: 978-1401677350


Book Description

Sometimes it is easy to view the Old Testament as difficult to apply to our day-to-day lives. As contemporary Christians, we may even wonder whether it is possible for us to establish our apostolic roots in the Old Testament.

Christian Faith in the Old Testament helps us complete this daunting task is with ease. In this intriguing and informative study, Gareth Lee Cockerill helps us view the New Testament as a fulfillment of the Old Testament, giving us a broad perspective on Scripture as a whole. In language that is easily accessible to the layperson, Gareth explores the role of each major part of the Old Testament Canon and what part each plays in the total scope of biblical revelation. Additionally, Christian Faith in the Old Testament offers important guidance to contemporary believers about how each part of the Old Testament Canon applies today. This book is the perfect choice for intelligent modern Christians looking to discover their apostolic roots in the Old Testament.
Features include:
  • Understand how the Old Testament applies to life today
  • Discover the contemporary Christian’s apostolic roots in the Old Testament
  • Gain a broad perspective on Scripture as a whole

About The Author


Dr. Gareth Lee Cockerill has taught at Wesley Biblical Seminary since 1984. He is an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church who served with his wife Rosa for nine years as a missionary in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where they were engaged in evangelism, teaching, administration, and medical ministries.

Professor Cockerill has just completed a new volume on Hebrews in the New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, April, 2012). This volume replaces F. F. Bruce's classic commentary in that series and has been well received by scholars and pastors alike. Dr. Cockerill is one of the contributors to Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2006) and his essay "Melchizedek without Speculation: Hebrews 7:1-25 and Genesis 14:17-24" appeared in A Crowd of Witnesses: The Theology of Hebrews in its Ancient Context (LNTS, T&T Clark, 2008). He wrote Guidebook for Pilgrims to the Heavenly City (William Carey Library, 2002) for use in discipling Muslim background believers. He also published "Guidebook for Pilgrims to the Heavenly City, Building Bridges or Syncretism: A Test Case," in Contextualization and Syncretism: Navigating Cultural Currents (EMS #13, William Carey Library, 2006). Dr. Cockerill has contributed chapters to several popular-level books.

Dr. Cockerill has also published articles or book reviews in Tyndale Bulletin, Bulletin for Biblical Research, Journal of Biblical Literature, The Evangelical Quarterly, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Interpretation, and Missiology. He has read papers at national meetings of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Evangelical Missiological Society.

In addition to scholarly articles and research, Professor Cockerill preaches and teaches in churches and camps. The Cockerills have three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Blog: http://frommangoestomelchizedek.wordpress.com/

My Review

Often we focus on the New Testament and the works of Jesus when we are going about doing bible study. There is so much valuable insight that you can gain by studying the Old Testament. Gareth lee Cockerill has written a very informative book called Christian Faith in the Old Testament: The Bible of the Apostles. Studying the Old Testament can assist you with understanding the Old Testament and how it applies to our lives today.

I love the layout of this book. It is very modern and very helpful for understanding the Old Testament. It is filled with figures and diagrams to assist with understanding. It provides excellent summaries of the books of the Old Testament and explains how the books are relevant to us today.

Christian Faith in the Old Testament is a wonderful, straight-forward and insightful books that will be useful for anyone who engages in bible study or how just wants to understand the Old Testament better. I definitely recommend this book. It was released on February 11th.



Sunday, February 23, 2014

Review: Missing You by Harlan Coben












  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1295 KB
  • Print Length: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Dutton Adult (March 18 2014)
  • Sold by: Penguin Group USA
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00DMCPQUW



Book Description

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben, a heart-pounding thriller about the ties we have to our past...and the lies that bind us together.
 
  It's a profile, like all the others on the online dating site. But as NYPD Detective Kat Donovan focuses on the accompanying picture, she feels her whole world explode, as emotions she’s ignored for decades come crashing down on her. Staring back at her is her ex-fiancĂ© Jeff, the man who shattered her heart—and who she hasn’t seen in 18 years.

Kat feels a spark, wondering if this might be the moment when past tragedies recede and a new world opens up to her.  But when she reaches out to the man in the profile, her reawakened hope quickly darkens into suspicion and then terror as an unspeakable conspiracy comes to light, in which monsters prey upon the most vulnerable.

As the body count mounts and Kat's hope for a second chance with Jeff grows more and more elusive, she is consumed by an investigation that challenges her feelings about everyone she ever loved—her former fiancĂ©, her mother, and even her father, whose cruel murder so long ago has never been fully explained. With lives on the line, including her own, Kat must venture deeper into the darkness than she ever has before, and discover if she has the strength to survive what she finds there.



About the Author

 Harlan Coben is the internationally bestselling author of more than twenty previous novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Six Years, Stay Close, Live Wire, Caught, Long Lost, Hold Tight and Six Years as well as the Myron Bolitar series and, more recently, a series aimed at young adults, featuring Myron’s nephew, Mickey Bolitar. The winner of the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, he lives in New Jersey.

My Review

Harlan Coben is an amazing author, I loved last year's release Six Years.  Missing You is equally fabulous! It is better than fabulous actually, I could not stand to put it down. What a thrilling and suspense filled read.

Missing You is the title of an annoying song by John Waite from 30 years ago. It is also the title of song that means  a great deal to Kat Donovan, a New York City detective. Kat finds an online profile on a dating site that belongs to a man whose photo is that of Kat's long lost fiance. She doesn't want to but she cannot help herself and she reaches out to him only to have her hand slapped away. Already suspicious, once she is contacted by a young man searching for his missing mother, they are off on a whirlwind of secrets, lies and action.

The most terrifying part of this story is how it relates to social media today. It makes you rethink some of the information you have online...how much is too much.

This is an amazing read. You need to read this book...entertaining and terrifying at the same time. Five stars...excellent!!!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Review: Death Runs Adrift (A Gray Whale Inn Mystery #6) by Karen MacInerney


  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: MIDNIGHT INK (May 8 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0738734608
  • ISBN-13: 978-0738734606

Book Description

 With her wedding plans in place and her future mother-in-law settling in at the Gray Whale Inn, it's a rare patch of smooth sailing for innkeeper Natalie Barnes. Even Natalie's guests--a mystery writer and a woman researching her grandfather's decades-old disappearance from Cranberry Island--are interesting and enjoyable, adding a lively element to the dinner conversations.

But while picking berries for her Lemon Blueberry Pudding Cake, Natalie makes a ghastly discovery -- a dead man in a skiff adrift on the waves. With people she cares about on the hook for murder, Natalie must act quickly to bail out her friends and catch the killer.



About the Author


Karen is the author of the Gray Whale Inn mystery series. The first of which, Murder on the Rocks, was nominated for an Agatha award for Best First Novel. She has also authored the Tales of an Urban Werewolf trilogy, featuring reluctant werewolf Sophie Garou. Her readers nominated Leader of the Pack for the Paranormal Excellence Award for Romantic Literature (P.E.A.R.L.); thanks to them, the book was a finalist in the ‘Best Shapeshifter Romance’ category.

When she’s not toting children to or from activities, teaching writing classes, or hitting the Hike and Bike trail, you can often find Karen at her local coffeehouse working on her next book. She lives in Austin with her husband, two children, and a house rabbit named Bunny.

http://karenmacinerney.com/ 

My Review

 I have really been enjoying the Gray Whale Inn series by Karen MacInerney. In Death Runs Adrift, Natalie's wedding is quickly approaching. Not only is her future mother-in-law still in residence, the island's wealthiest, most influential citizen has become smitten with her...hmmm, that could perhaps be helpful! There are two guests at the inn - a mystery novelist and a woman searching her family's history on the island. All these factors are quickly overshadowed by a murder..which Natalie discovers.

It soon becomes apparent that there are more drugs infiltrating the island than ever before. The murder victim was caught up in the so-called easy money that producing and selling drugs can bring. Others are obviously involved as well...some of them right under Natalie's nose. Being a Vancouver resident who is very aware of "grow-ops" one of the aspects of the story popped out to me right away.

Karen MacInerney is a great writer who tells a great story! I enjoyed how the story wrapped up. Always a pleasure to return to Gray Whale Inn on Cranberry Island in Maine. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Review: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver







  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1440 KB
  • Print Length: 258 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1578562589
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (July 1 2009)
  • Sold by: Random House Canada, Incorp.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B000SEHC18



Book Description

With nearly a million copies sold, Joanna Weaver's popular book shows women how to blend intimacy with Jesus and service for Him. 

An invitation for every woman who feels she isn't godly enough...isn't loving enough...isn't doing enough. The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet...but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him...yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.

Then comes Jesus, right into the midst of your busy Mary/Martha life-and he extends the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters of Bethany. Tenderly he invites you to choose "the better part"-a joyful life of "living-room" intimacy with him that flows naturally into "kitchen service" for him.

How can you make that choice? With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story and its creative, practical strategies, Joanna shows how all of us -Marys and Marthas alike- can draw closer to our Lord, deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.

This book includes a twelve-week Bible study.

Also look for the ten-week DVD study pack companion product to this book, which includes three DVDs and a separate, revised and expanded study guide.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1: A Tale of Two Sisters
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.LUKE 10 : 3 8 - 3 9


Have you ever tried to do it all?

I have, I do, and I probably always will. It’s not only in my nature; it’s also in my job description–and yours, too. Being a woman requires more stamina, more creativity, and more wisdom than I ever dreamed as a young girl. And that’s not just true for today’s busy women. It has always been the case.

In 1814, Martha Forman was married to a wealthy Maryland plantation owner. You might expect she spent her days sipping tea, being fitted for lovely gowns, and giving orders to her servants as she chatted with important guests. Instead, Martha worked right beside her servants from four in the morning to eleven o’clock at night. Among her daily activities were the following:

Making thirty to thirty-four pounds of old tallow into candles; cutting out fourteen shirts, jackets or trousers for the slaves (whom she always called “the people” or “our family”); knitting stockings; washing; dyeing and spinning wool; baking mince pies and potato puddings; sowing wheat or reaping it; killing farm animals and salting the meat; planting
or picking fruits and vegetables; making jams, jellies, and preserves with her fruit; helping whitewash or paint walls; ironing; preparing for large parties; caring for sick family and slaves.

So, what did you do today? You may not have slaughtered a hog or harvested wheat, but I know you were busy. Whether you were out selling real estate or at home kissing boo-boos (or both), your day passed just as quickly. And your mind and body are probably as tired as poor Martha Forman’s as you steal a few moments to spend with this book.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. The thought intrigues you. Deep inside of you there is a hunger, a calling, to know and love God. To truly know Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit. You’re not after more head knowledge– it’s heart-to-heart intimacy you long for.

Yet a part of you hangs back. Exhausted, you wonder how to find the strength or time. Nurturing your spiritual life seems like one more duty–one more thing to add to a life that is spilling over with responsibilities. It’s almost as if you’re standing on the bottom rung of a ladder that stretches up to heaven. Eager but daunted, you name the rungs with spiritual things you know you should do: study the Bible, pray, fellowship…

“He’s up there somewhere,” you say, swaying slightly as you peer upward, uncertain how to begin or if you even want to attempt the long, dizzy climb. But to do nothing means you will miss what your heart already knows: There is more to this Christian walk than you’ve experienced. And you’re just hungry enough–just desperate enough–to want it all.

A TALE OF TWO SISTERSPerhaps no passage of Scripture better describes the conflict we feel as women than the one we find in the gospel of Luke. Just mention the names Mary and Martha around a group of Christian women and you’ll get knowing looks and nervous giggles. We’ve all felt the struggle. We want to worship like Mary, but the Martha inside keeps bossing us around.

Here’s a refresher course in case you’ve forgotten the story. It’s found in Luke. It’s the tale of two sisters. It’s the tale of you and me. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (10:38-42)

A MARTHA WORLDWhen I read the first part of Mary and Martha’s story, I must admit I find myself cheering for Martha. I know we tend to sing Mary’s praises in Bible studies. But Martha, to be honest, appeals more to my perfectionist tendencies. What a woman! She opens her home to a band of thirteen hungry men, possibly more. What a hostess! She doesn’t whip up an impromptu casserole of Kraft macaroni and cheese and Ballpark franks as I’ve been known to do on occasion.

Not her! She is the original Martha Stewart, the New Testament’s Proverbs 31 woman, and Israel’s answer to Betty Crocker. Or at least that’s the way I imagine her. She’s the Queen of the Kitchen–and the rest of the house as well.

And Luke’s story starts with Martha in her glory. After all, this is Jesus. She scraps her ordinary everyday menu of soup and bread and pulls out all her cookbooks. This, she decides, will be a banquet fit for a messiah. For the Messiah. Martha sends one servant to the field to slaughter a lamb, another to the market to pick up a few of those luscious pomegranates she saw yesterday. Like a military general, she barks commands to her kitchen staff. Soak the lentils! Pound the grain! Knead the dough!

So many things to do and so little time. She must make sure the centerpiece and the napkins match, that the servant pours the wine from the right and not the left. Martha’s mind is as busy as a room filled with kindergartners. What would be just right for dessert? A little goat cheese with a tray of fresh fruit? Will Jesus and his followers stay overnight? Someone must change the sheets and fold some towels.

“Where’s Mary? Has anyone seen Mary?” she asks a servant scurrying by. If Mary changed the sheets, Martha might have time to fashion an ark from the cheese and carve the fruit into little animals marching two by two. Productions of this magnitude require the skill of a master planner. And Martha’s an administrator extraordinaire–a whirling dervish of efficiency, with a touch of Tasmanian she-devil thrown in to motivate the servants.

I happen to be the oldest in my family. Perhaps that’s why I understand how frustrated Martha must have felt when she finally found Mary. The entire household is in an uproar, busy making ready to entertain the most famous teacher of their day, the man most likely to become the next king of Israel. I can relate to the anger that boils up inside of Martha at the sight of her lazy sibling sitting at the Master’s feet in the living room.

It’s simply too much. With everything still left to do, there sits little Mary, being quite contrary, crashing a party meant only for men. But worse, she seems oblivious to all of Martha’s gesturing from the hall.

Martha tries clearing her throat. She even resorts to her most effective tool: the “evil eye,” famous for stopping grown men in their tracks. But nothing she does has any effect on her baby sister. Mary only has eyes for Jesus.

Pushed to the limit, Martha does something unprecedented. She interrupts the boys’ club, certain that Jesus will take her side. After all, a woman’s place is in the kitchen. Her sister, Mary, should be helping prepare the meal. Martha realizes there is a cutting edge to her voice, but Jesus will understand. He, of all people, knows what it’s like to carry the weight of the world.

Now of course, you won’t find all that in the Bible. Luke tends to downplay the whole story, dedicating only four verses to an event that was destined to change Martha’s life forever. And mine as well. And yours, if you will let the simple truth of this passage soak deep into your heart.

Instead of applauding Martha, Jesus gently rebukes her, telling her Mary has chosen “what is better.” Or, as another translation puts it, “Mary has chosen the better part” (NRSV). “The better part?” Martha must have echoed incredulously. “The better part!” I say to God in the midst of my own whirl of activity. “You mean there’s more? I have to do more?”

No, no, comes the answer to my tired heart. Jesus’ words in Luke 10 are incredibly freeing to those of us on the performance treadmill of life. It isn’t “more” he requires of us.
In fact, it may be less.

A MARY HEARTThe Bible doesn’t tell us a lot about Mary and Martha. They are mentioned by name only three times in Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, and John 12:1-11. But from these brief accounts, a fascinating picture develops of what life must have been like at the house in Bethany–and what life is often like for us.

They say variety is the spice of life. Perhaps that’s why God so often puts people of such different personalities in the same family. (Either that, or he’s trying to prepare us for marriage!) Mary was the sunlight to Martha’s thunder. She was the caboose to Martha’s locomotive. Mary’s bent was to meander through life, pausing to smell the roses. Martha was more likely to pick the roses, quickly cut the stems at an angle, and arrange them in a vase with baby’s breath and ferns.

That is not to say one is right and one is wrong. We are all different, and that is just as God made us to be. Each gifting and personality has its own strengths and weaknesses, its glories and temptations.

I find it interesting that when Jesus corrected Martha, he didn’t say, “Why can’t you be more like your sister, Mary?” He knew Martha would never be Mary, and Mary would never be Martha. ...
About the Author

Joanna Weaver is the best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and the award-winning gift book With This Ring. Her articles have appeared in such publications as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and HomeLife. Joanna and her pastor-husband, John, have three children and live in Montana. Visit her website at www.JoannaWeaverBooks.com.

My Review

I recently pulled this book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, from my book shelf to skim through as I am attending a bible study on Women of the Bible...two of whom are Mary of Bethany and her sister Martha. I have always enjoyed this book because I have always seen myself as such a Martha with a huge desire to be a Mary. Don't know what I'm talking about...read the book and find out!

This is an excellent book for women particularly in these busy times when we are pulled in every direction. Joanna Weaver provides wonderful insight into these two women's lives and how we can learn from them today. There is also a study guide at the end of the book. I have found this book to be very helpful and inspiring and I highly recommend it.

Love this:

Ten Ways to Tame the Worry Habit

From Joanna Weaver's book entitled Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.

10. Separate toxic worry from genuine concern. Determine if you can do anything about your situation. If so, sketch a plan to handle it. Proverbs 16:3

9. Don't worry alone. Share your concerns with a friend or a counselor. You may receive helpful advice. Talking your fears out with someone often reveals solutions that were invisible before. Proverbs 27:9

8. Take care of your physical body. Regular exercise and adequate rest can defuse a lot of worry. When our bodies are healthy, our minds can handle stress better and react more appropriately. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

7. Do what is right. A guilty conscience can cause more anxiety than a world of problems. Do your best to live above reproach. Take care of mistakes quickly by confessing and seeking forgiveness. Acts 24:16

6. Look on the bright side. Consciously focus on what is good around you. Don't let yourself speak negatively, even about yourself. Ephesians 4:29

5. Control your imagination. Be realistic about the problems you face. Try to live in the "here and now" not in the "what might be." Isaiah 35:3-4

4. Prepare for the unexpected. Put aside a cash reserve and take sensible measures so you'll be ready if difficulties arise. Proverbs 21:20

3. Trust God. Keep reminding yourself to put God in your equation. Then, when fear knocks, you can send faith to answer the door. Psalm 112:7

2. Meditate on God's promises. Scripture has the power to transform our minds. Look for Scriptures that deal with your particular areas of anxiety. Answer life's difficulties with God's Word. 1 Peter 1:4

1. And the number one way to tame a worry habit? Pray! Joseph M. Scriven's hymn says it all: "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." Colossians 4:2

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Review: The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: The Pot Thief Mysteries, book 1 of 6 by J. Michael Orenduff


  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 881 KB
  • Print Length: 268 pages
  • Publisher: Open Road Media Mystery & Thriller (Jan. 28 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00HO12CTK

Book Description

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Review: Death of a Policeman (Hamish Macbeth #30) by M.C. Beaton


  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 792 KB
  • Print Length: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (Feb. 25 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group Digital, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00CRMATDM


Book Description

Local police stations all over the Scottish Highlands are being threatened with closure. This presents the perfect opportunity for Detective Chief Inspector Blair, who would love nothing more than to get rid of Sergeant Hamish Macbeth. Blair suggests that Cyril Sessions, a keen young police officer, visit the town of Lochdubh to monitor exactly what Macbeth does every day. Macbeth hears about Blair's plan and is prepared to insure that Cyril returns back to headquarters with a full report. But Cyril is soon found dead and Hamish quickly becomes the prime suspect in his murder.

About The Author

M.C. Beaton lives in the Cotswolds with her husband. In addition to the Hamish Macbeth series, she writes the Agatha Raisin mystery series. 

My Review

I always find M.C. Beaton's books to be completely entertaining! Death of a Policeman is the latest book in the Hamish Macbeth series. Hamish is a policeman in a small Scottish town and he likes it that way. He loves life in the small village. He loves his police station. And we know that Hamish will do what it takes to keep his life the same as it always has been.

Troubles continue with Hamish's superiors in this latest outing. He spends as much time battling with his superiors as he does fighting crime. This entertaining book is full of murders, twists and turns and an interesting cast of characters!

Death of a Policeman publishes on February 25th, and you'll not want to miss Hamish's latest adventures in Lockdubh in the Scottish Highlands.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Review: Chicken Soup for the Girlfriend's Soul: Celebrating the Friends Who Cheer Us Up, Cheer Us On and Make Our Lives Complete by Jack Canfield et al



  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 799 KB
  • Print Length: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul (Aug. 7 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B008SKRQI8

Book Description

An inspiring and humorous celebration of the special bond of friendship She championed you through your years wearing braces and you calmed her nerves before her walk down the aisle. She advised you on what to wear to land your perfect job and you taught her how to get her newborn to sleep during a midnight phone call. Together you’ve dug through your backyard looking for pirate’s treasure and dug through bargain bins during shopping outings; you’ve shared your secrets, doubts and dreams; and you look forward to conquering hot flashes together. You may have met her in kindergarten or at work, in a playgroup or on the Internet—but if she’s cheered you up, cheered you on, or lifted your spirit, Chicken Soup for the Girlfriend’s Soul is the perfect tribute to that special friend. Whether she’s your lunch companion, your sounding board, your confidant, or all of the above, she anchors you during life’s storms and helps you revel in life’s joys. With tales of finding friends in unexpected places, of strength during life’s toughest challenges, and of forging lifelong bonds and memories, this book will tug at your heart and hers as you celebrate the unique spirit of female friendship.

My Review

 Don't you just love this wonderful series of books - the Chicken Soup for the Soul series? I find them to be wonderful sources of uplifting stories that provide comfort and encouragement. I find that they also are an excellent gift for certain situations such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovering for friends who have just lost someone.   The Chicken Soup for the Girlfriend's Soul is a wonderful addition to this series. As mentioned in the title , the book celebrates those friends who cheer us up, cheer us on and make our life complete.

I have girlfriends that I've known my entire life and some I've known less than a year. The stories in this book celebrate all of these types of friendships. It is inspiring, funny and thoughtful. A great book to remind us all how important our friendships with other women are.



Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Review: Bullseye: An Original Will Robie / Camel Club Short Story by David Baldacci



  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 410 KB
  • Print Length: 74 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (Feb. 4 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group Digital, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00G2GMRCU


Book Description

In this all-new short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci, worlds collide when government assassin Will Robie is caught in the crossfire with Oliver Stone and the Camel Club.

Will Robie is closing in on his next target when he finds himself in the middle of a bank heist--and he's taken hostage alongside Oliver Stone. But is this just a simple bank job, or are the robbers after something even more valuable--and dangerous--than the cash in the vault?

Available only as an ebook.

About the Author

David Baldacci lives with his family in Virginia. He and his wife have founded the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He invites you to visit him at www.david-baldacci.com and his foundation at www.wishyouwellfoundation.org.


My Review

I don't know about you but I've been looking forward to the next Will Robie mystery for some time. The Target is out in April but David Baldacci has given us a short story to hold us over until then. Bullseye is set in Washington, DC. Will Robie is about ready to close in on his target when he finds himself in the middle of a bank robbery ... or does he? Oliver Stone and the Camel Club are back in action as well.

Great short story for fans. The beginning of The Target is on the last few pages. Looking forward to April!







 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Review: Dying to Know by T.J. O'Connor







  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 2784 KB
  • Print Length: 386 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0738739502
  • Publisher: MIDNIGHT INK (Jan. 1 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00H3R53NW


Book Description

Detective Oliver Tucker prefers to be the guy investigating shootings, not the guy getting shot. So when he returns as a ghost after being murdered in his home, it's only natural for Tuck to investigate the most important case of his life--his own. Detective, solve thyself!

Piecing together cold cases, foggy memories, and eerie premonitions, Tuck fears that if he doesn't figure out who pulled the trigger, his wife may be the next victim. Surprised to discover many earth-bound spirits chasing the same killer, Tuck's unique perspective from the other side leads him to a chilling conclusion--it's the living, not the dead, who are most terrifying.

Praise: "TJ O'Connor has a smash hit with his debut novel Dying to Know . . . I couldn't stop reading."--Stephen Frey, New York Times bestselling author


About the Author

As an international security consultant and former government agent, TJ O'Connor has conducted security consulting, investigations, and anti-terrorism operations around the world. Today, he provides independent security consulting to government agencies and private businesses. He lives in Winchester, Virginia and can be visited on online at http://tjoconnor.com/.

My Review

Dying to Know is written by first time mystery author TJ O'Connor. It is set in Winchester, Virginia..I always like reading about places I've been and Winchester is located on the amazing Highway 50, a beautiful ride in Virginia and into West Virginia. Also, Mr. O'Connor is highly qualified..he is an international security consultant and a former government agent so he must know what he is talking about in regard to weaponry and police procedures.

I don't normally like paranormal stories but this is a different kind of ghost story. I wouldn't really class it as paranormal. This ghost was a part of the story and kept the plot moving along. I probably could deal with the ghost aspect because the author ensured that Tuck, the ghost, did not seem like a ghost. Rather he was one of the characters of the book. Tuck had been a detective in real life and he continued his detecting in the afterlife. Interesting unique story all around.

Great ending...I was kept guessing until the end. One thing I would change...the cover of the book...not eye-catching at all.