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.

The One Day Way

The One Day Way
by Chantel Hobbs

I chose to read this book as one who does not necessarily need to diet, looking instead at the book as a whole on it's intended audience and effectiveness in approach and reading style as I have friends I would be able to recommend the book to should it pass my test.

Chantel Hobbs approaches the idea of dieting one day at at time, breaking down the often insurmountable task into little pieces.  By setting oneself up for daily success, focusing only on the day at hand, not weeks ahead or behind, the dieter can begin to break down old habits and form new, healthier habits to replace them.  Spinning in her ten commandments of dieting, Hobbs puts a spiritual spin on the idea of losing weight.  She approaches the topic in a serious yet easy to read and non-judgmental way that invites readers to consider this approach and give it a try.

Like most diet books, this book does of course push the ideas of exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle change.  It is not a quick fix plan nor is it a guarantee... it is up to the inidividual to make the plan successful for them.  After having read the book, I am comfortable in passing it on to friends who are looking for ways to help with their weight struggle.  I appreicate the spiritual aspect to this book and feel it an appropriate, well written approach to helping those who wish to change their weight by doing so one day at a time and trusting in God to help.
I received this book 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.

Barnes and Noble review: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1679932

Regret Free Parenting

Regret Free Parenting:

Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right

by Catherine Hickem

A seemingly insurmountable task... raising good children without question of doing it right.  Catherine Hickem gives 7 applicable principles in her book to help parents raise their child and know they are doing a good job.  Based on the idea that a parent must have a goal and a plan all along, Hickem provides stories and ideas to help.  With chapters specifically geared for each major age group and it's challenges, including adolescence, the reader can begin with an infant and use this book for years to come as a reference, guide and encouragement.

A well written and easily read book.  Geared mostly toward mothers, the content is mostly intended for women and seemingly more even for those who stay home, although not stated.  Fathers can also glean bits of information from this book and use the ideas and principles along with their wives.

A concept that seems overwhelming and homework like at first, Hickem relieves the pressure by encouraging readers that one day at a time with goals and plans in mind make it easier.  While the principles seem good, as the book covers an entire childhood, it is difficult to say if they are successful for others as they were for the reader.   A good read with plenty of thought filled parenting ideas, but in the end, a book, not a fix it plan. 

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.”