Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child
by Boris Vujicic

Having read all of Nick Vujicic's books this far, I was very interested in reading the book recently released by his father for a few of reasons.  First is that I was curious to have an insider's look into the Vujicic family life and learn about Nick from a different angle.  Second is that I know several friends who have children with disabilities and would love to share the inspiration and hope with them.  Third is that I was sure I could learn something about loving and appreciating my own children through the journey.  I was right on all three accounts.

Written from the viewpoint of Boris Vujicic, the book follows the family from the moments they learned of Nick's limitations through his life to current times.  In it, Boris shares with transparent honesty his true feelings during those difficult times.  He also shares inspiration and encouragement for other parents to embrace their own children as they are.  There is validation, hope, honesty, encouragement, truth and love in his words  Each chapter finishes with some takeaway thoughts.

Whether you have a child with disabilities or not, there is so much to glean from this book.  A Christian perspective into loving all children because of their imperfections.  I most definitely recommend this book and will be sharing it with all of my friends raising children with disabilities.  Nick's message of hope and love continue through Boris' words and leave the reader feeling filled and encouraged to face the days ahead.

You can find this book here

* I received this book for free through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Essential Oils Guide Book Review

Ultimate Essential Oils Guide

by Alexa Moore

I have used essential oils for many months now, but have a lot to learn yet, so I am always eager to check out books that help me gain knowledge about these oils as well as recipes for making my own blends.  Alexa Moore has written such a book, geared directly toward beginners.  This is an e-book currently.

Moore has clearly spent some time in writing this book.  It is filled with recipes which break down the oils and ingredients needed, the instructions for mixing and the desired results it should produces or ailments it will address.  Unfortunately, many of them require oils I have not yet heard of or had opportunity to obtain, which makes me think it may not be such a good book for true beginners.  Nonetheless, they are very thorough and easily followed.

The book starts out with a break down of aromatherapy and talks about why oils can be helpful.  It also addresses how and why to use essential oils.  This information was helpful and easily followed.

Some unfortunate things that took away from the positives of the book for me:
-  I found many spelling or grammar errors that were distracting to me and made the book less authoritative for me.
- In addition, I also dislike that the final pages of the book link to oils sold on Amazon, but the links did not work.
- Also, I noted that the author either sells or has a strong affinity to Doterra Oils, as the company name showed up in the book.  As a beginner, I don't want to be sold on the different companies or drawn into multi-level marketing, I just want the basics, the hows and whys.

Sadly, I can't say this was one of my favorite essential oil books so far.  It was OK, but just that.


You can check it out here 

* I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Raising God's Girl Review

Raising God's Girl
by Rich and Mary Lou Graham

A mom of three precious girls, I am always interested in learning how to be a better parent and to raise them in a manner pleasing to God.  In a world filled with low self-esteem, poor role models and detached relationships through social media, I want my girls to grow up seeing and feeling love in a very real way.  I want to do my best to raise them to rise above the worldly mess sucking in so many of their peers, to become strong women of faith who are confident.

The Graham's book is one such tool I have discovered to help me on this path.  Their book is filled with very real and down to earth stories, examples and ideas to help other parents raise their daughters.  Each chapter is full of insight and Biblical wisdom as well as personal experience on the behalf of the Graham's.  Written by both a father and a mother, the reader gets both sides of the parenting field, and as such makes it a great read for moms and dads alike.

I have enjoyed getting to know the Graham family through this book and have learned much about myself as well as how to better parent my daughters.  I have also enjoyed reading insightful segments from the daughters of that family, to hear how they have perceived their parents' guidance.  It has given me perspective from both the parent and daughter side of things, and has given me confidence that I am doing a good job and can continue to do so in learning and following Godly examples such as theirs.

This book will remain on my shelf as a reference and repeated read as I rear my girls, no doubt I will want the reminders over the years.  I highly recommend this book to any parent of girls.  Christian or not, there are plenty of tips and pointers to help raise a confident and emotionally healthy young lady.

You can find it here

* I received this book for free through BookCrash in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Cheap Chic

Cheap Chic: Hundreds of Money-Saving Hints to Create Your Own Great Look

by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy

The 40th Anniversary Edition of Cheap Chic has recently been released, with a Foreword written by Tim Gunn.  This book was originally published in 1975 and looked to as a classic guide for finding clothes to make one feel comfortable and fashionable, regardless of where the clothing items are purchased.  Forty years later, it is promoted as providing advice to build an affordable wardrobe that can help one make their own fashion statement without breaking the bank.  Original vintage photos along with advice from noted fashion icons fill the pages.

I was interested in this book because I do not have the income to afford new clothes and seldom have the opportunity to shop for clothing at all.  I was hoping to find money saving options and advice to help me fit in the world of fashionable clothing without needing to start over.  Sadly, I am very disappointed in this book.  I am admittedly not a fashion world follower, nor am I one to follow trends.  However, I read the pages of this book hoping to find those tidbits of helpful information as the book claimed to help guide the wardrobe regardless of where the item was purchased, even thrift stores.  

Essentially, the outdated pictures detract from the information, and it felt like I was flipping through an old magazine at my grandma's.  What I learned was what I already knew - dress in what makes you feel comfortable, define your own style and shop within your means.  So, no big revelations there.  I can't say that I learned anything about how to look fashionable and I definitely did not discover "hundreds of money saving hints to create my own great look".

This book is a huge let down for anyone who is not into fashion models and designers.  A waste of my time reading it and a book headed to the thrift store itself.  Don't waste your time unless you are a contestant on "America's Next Top Model".

If you are interested in checking it out, you can do so here or through the publisher.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review, thanks to the Blogging For Books program.

Life, In Spite Of Me

Life, In Spite of Me
by Kristen Jane Anderson
with Tricia Goyer

Reaching out to others who may be hurting or looking for answers, Kristen Anderson shares her story in a refreshing, easy to read and free flowing way that hooks readers immediately.  Through the journey of her hurts, suicide attempt, recovery and disappointments along the way, Anderson sheds light on a dark story, finding hope in Christ and a new life.  Among chapters are intermittently spaced notes from Kristen to the reader in regards to specific topics such as sucide and what to do to get help if one is in that situation. 

I initially chose to read this book because I was curious.  Having never heard Kristen's story, I was unaware of the book's true message.  Once I got started reading, I had a difficult time putting the book down, finishing it in a matter of two days.  This story is a quick read, with short chapters that flow smoothly, walking the reader through Anderson's life from the point right before her suicide attempt to the present, sharing insight and encouragement through her hurts, pain, depression and strggles.

A highly recommended read.  Readers from all walks of life and histories will find some nugget of truth and help within this book.  Especially recommended for teens or other individuals facing severe depression and thoughts of suicide.
I received this ebook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Jennifer Flanders

A book full of chapters and ideas to support the Christian woman in her role as wife, Flanders discusses in depth the requirements based in the bible and the Christian Faith that women should follow in order to truly love and honor their husbands, creating a strong marriage based on faith and love.

While I found the information and ideas to be encouraging and helpful, I had a hard time getting through this book as I found it wordy and the chapters long and difficult to wade through.  Sadly, I cannot give it more than 2.5 stars because it was a challenge for me not to put the book down and walk away from it permanently.  For it to be effective for me, I need to be engaged, which I was not.

Still, I do recommend it on the basis of the information contained.  While definitely written for the more traditional woman who stays home and is devoted to the house and family without other work requirements, all women can glean some bit of information that will help them love their husbands more fully and create a safe and loving marriage environment that is strong and faith based.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  I was in no way compensated for this review.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts

by Ian Cron

An engaging memoir that keeps readers interest through the pages, memories, stories and lessons.  So much more than just a memoir, this book offers a look into the life of a man who straight forwardly shares the hurts, fears, struggles and battles of a life lived with an alcoholic mysterious father, bouncing from well being to near poverty and back.  Brutal honesty draws readers to Cron's side as cheer leaders through the book.

Prior to reading this book, I was unsure what I would be finding.  Not familiar with Cron's story, I was intrigued by the title.  I am so glad I stepped into the adventure his book offers.  With a spiritual force backing his story, he leads readers through more darkness than is imaginable, spun with laughter and humor, complete with a faith that finds readers identifying and searching their lives for that faith as well.  A good read, quick and light yet deep and fully engaging.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Daddy Dates



Daddy Dates
Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter
by Greg Wright

This is a very fun and engaging book written by the father of four girls, full of funny stories and interest.  Through his attempts to connect with his girls and set a Godly example for them, he shares his experiences and encourages other fathers to make similar commitments to do the same with their children.  A well written book full of honesty and humor, down to earth, encouraging and challenging for fathers.  Full of practical advice and stories easily followed and put into practice.

Setting out to raise confident and successful women-to-be, Wright walks through each stage of life a girl faces, from grade school to pre-teen, puberty, dating, college, etc. In seeking to show his daughters what is is like to be treated with true love and respect by a man who truly loved them, he shares some of the ways he made sure he met his girls at their level and really got to know them.  Through his "dating" his daughters, he shares some of the stories and offers suggestions for other dads to step up and do the same.  Full of practical "take action" type writing, it is easy to follow and implement.

Geared toward men, this book is easy to read through, engaging and entertaining to read.  Women can get their share of information from the chapters as well.  My husband absolutely loved the book and has already set out to begin "dating" our infant daughter, implementing ideas and adapting them to fit the lifestyles of a baby, seeking to make this a lifelong venture in which he can invest many positive hours and build a foundation for our daughter.  A wonderful Father's Day book or for that new daddy in your life.  Very highly recommended!  A tool every dad should have!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”