Saturday, January 28, 2012

IMM: 1/29/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


Gifted:
Book Journal (Thanks Kirsten!)

Borrowed:
Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (Thanks Jenna!)

For Review:
Mornings With Jesus Devotional by multiple authors
Words Spoken True by Ann Gabhart

Won:
A Tailor-Made Bride (and swag) by Karen Witemeyer (Thanks Katie!)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Thanks Emma!) 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Mini Review and Blog Tour: The Shadow of Your Smile


The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Release Date: December 16, 2011
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting.
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re on the brink of divorce when an accident erases part of Noelle’s memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped them apart.

What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. What happened to her ambitions? Could she really be married to this grizzly man?

As she steps back into her role as wife and mother, Eli attempts to help with both humorous and heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will the secrets she discovers destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for the future?
I wasn't so sure about this book from the beginning, but I grew to love it! The drama and romance in this story pick you up and pull you right in. The setting is also perfect, with the icy winter weather adding to the cold situations in the story. Loved this book!

I received this book free for review from LitFuse Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Review: The Merchant's Daughter


The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian Romance
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.
This is my first book by Melanie Dickerson, and I was not disappointed. This book drew me in right away, and I quickly became intrigued with Ranulf's backstory and how he came to be the cold person he was. The romance also wasn't a quick "love-at-first-sight" kind of love, which I greatly appreciated. Annabel even keeps a smart head and doesn't let her feelings get out of control.

Now that I've read this one, and I eager to read The Healer's Apprentice! This is definitely a must read for romance lovers.



I received this book free for review from Teen Novel Teen Blog Tours. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

IMM 1/15/12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.

I only got one Kindle book this week, so no vlog! Sorry!
Bought:
Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Another giveaway!

Time for another giveaway post! These have been so many great giveaways lately, and I'm not gonna pass up on them! This newest one is a Kindle Fire and a $50 Amazon giftcard! Those who know me, know that I REALLY want a Kindle Fire, and who couldn't use more Amazon money? Check it out at Sparkling Reviews!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Review and Blog Tour: The Keeper


The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Release Date: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Amish Fiction
Series: Stoney Ridge Seasons #1
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.
Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.
I normally try to only accept books that I think I will enjoy. Why accept a book for review if I won't like it? Unfortunately this book didn't pull me in. I give each book I read 100 pages to catch my attention before deciding not to finish. I'm not sure what it was about this particular book, but I was just confused by the multiple story lines. I was expecting the book to focus on Julia and Rome, but it often switched between the other character's viewpoints. Also, I was just confused as to what the bees had to do with the story line. I love Suzanne writing however, and I will continue to read her books in the future.

I received this book free for review through a Revell Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.


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It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher! Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!


During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:
  • A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
  • A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
  • A copy of The Keeper
But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Nook Tablet giveaway!

I don't normally do blog posts about giveaways, but this giveaway is too awesome not to share! Sparkling Reviews is giving away a Nook Tablet!


Our fastest, lightest tablet with the best entertainment displayed in stunning VividView™

  • Movies, TV shows and music from the top names—Netflix, Hulu Plus™, Pandora® & more
  • World's most advanced VividView™ 7" Touchscreen
  • Over 2.5 million books, magazines, comics & kids' books
  • Lightning fast Email, Web & smooth streaming video
  • Thousands of must-have apps like Angry Birds and Epicurious
  • Extra-long battery life—yet ultra-light and thin
  • Always free NOOK support in-store

I don't know about you, but I'm excited! Feel free to not enter to give me a better chance, but I can't imagine you would want to pass this up! Head here to enter, and good luck!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Review: I'm God's Girl, Why Can't I Feel It?


I'm God's Girl, Why Can't I Feel It? by Kimberly Davidson

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 464
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
What if the perfect depression medication wasn't a medication at all? Drawing from personal and ministerial experience, join womens pastor Kimberly Davidson on a life-changing biblical journey where you will find encouragement, wisdom, and practical help to defeat depression and the blues. In the Bible, many of Gods girls, his precious daughters, dealt with depression. Follow Gods treasure map and feel the women depicted in Im Gods Girl? Why Cant I Feel It? urging you to climb out of your pit. Their stories are your stepping stones. Take their hand. Learn from them. Geared to women of all levels of Bible understanding, this effective, day-by-day healing study is for anyone struggling with depression or the blues. Gods Girl is not the description of one woman, but a portrait of different godly women, all with a direct connection to Jesus Christ. They became who they were created to be: women of hope, influence, and faith, because Jesus Christ, whom they put their trust and faith in, transformed and refined their lives.
This book was also a year long devotional, and I bought this one because I read another devotional by the same author and really enjoyed it. This book is targeted towards people with depression, but it can definitely help anyone who is simply struggling with something in their life. When I started this book I was in a much different place than I am now after reading it. This book is a great reminder on the little things that can help you enjoy life!



I bought this book. I was not required to post a review.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

IMM: 1/8/11

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren! We share books we received this week, whether we bought them, got them in the mail or checked them out from the library.


Gifted:
The Looking Glass Wars #3: Archenemy by Frank Beddor

For Review:
Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars by Marilynn Chadwick
Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz
What's Wrong With Me? by Daree Allen
Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot
The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Review: One Year Mini for Women


The One Year Mini for Women by Susan Taylor

Release Date: October 1, 2005
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Buy It: Amazon
Love your One Year devotional but don't feel like lugging it with you whenever you travel? Finally, you can have it all—inspirational One Year readings for each day alongside brief passages from God's Word in a compact 4 × 6 size that fits effortlessly in a purse or pocket. Includes a ribbon so you can easily mark your place throughout the year. Take the One Year experience with you anytime, anywhere.
This was lent to me by my best friend. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it, because I prefer devotionals that are more specific in their audiences. However, I very much enjoyed reading this book this past year. One thing I really loved is how quick it was! This last year I read my devotionals right before bed, so often I'd be falling asleep and long readings didn't help. (I plan on changing that this year!) This book was always so quick to read each day, which really helped me to be interested in reading my other devotionals. If you want a quick but satisfying devotional, go for this book!



I was lent this book by a friend. I was not required to post a review.
 
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