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.

The Dragons of Chiril

The Dragons of Chiril
by Donita K. Paul

A fantasy tale geared toward younger readers in the teen years, this book spins a tale of dragons, a missing artist and a quest.

Usually able to find enjoyment in reading any book, I had an extremely difficult time with this book.  Having read other books within the genre and able to enjoy young adult literature, I was terribly disappointed in this book from the start and sadly cannot give much recommendation.

Very slow to start, with confusing terminology and titles that are never defined, I found myself confused as to who characters were.  The plot is confusing and I found myself frustrated that I had no idea what was truly going on.  After several attempts to read this book, skimming, skipping ahead, re-reading, etc. I finally gave up.  This may be a really great book, however I could not get past the confusion and frustration enough to get into the book.  After 10 chapters, I was no more hooked than the first page :(
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.

The Money Saving Mom's Budget

The Money Saving Mom's Budget
by Crystal Paine

The soon to be released and much anticipated book by Money Saving Mom, The Money Saving Mom's Budget will be available January 10, 2012 at Amazon.com.  This book is sure to be a favorite among moms everywhere, filled with ideas to help home economists cut spending, eliminate debt and save money all while making the best of what one has been given. 

From amzon.com's book description:
"Mommy-money blogger Crystal Paine distills her best financial advice and secrets from her blog MONEY SAVING MOM®, to help families get their finances in order. Based on The Money Saving Mom’s Seven Rules for Financial Success and written in a simple, straight-forward style, this book offers an easy plan for a complete financial makeover.

In the first few chapters, you'll learn how to set big financial goals and actually follow through with them, how to organize your home and life so you can have more time to focus on getting your finances in order, and how to implement a realistic cash budget system that can transform your financial situation.

After laying the foundation for financial success in the first few chapters, Paine then teaches you step-by-step how to cut your grocery and household expenditures by 30% to 50%. You'll learn both basic and advanced couponing techniques, 25 practical ways to save money on groceries without clipping coupons, how to buy prescription glasses for under $20, how to dress your children for free, and much more.

If you think living a frugal, simple and debt-free life means you can't ever enjoy dining out, entertainment or vacations, guess again! From money-saving vacation ideas to secrets to dining out on a budget, this book shows you how to enjoy strategic splurging -- and how to do it at half the price.
Sprinkled throughout the book are testimonies from people whose lives have been transformed through the principles Paine shares. You'll be inspired, challenged and motivated to spend less, save more and make the most of what you have."

I am eager to get my hands on this book next year and look forward to furthering my money saving endeavors with the sure to be helpful advice included in this book.  To pre-order a copy for yourself, click the link :The Money Saving Mom's Budget

The Scroll

The Scroll
by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky

The Scroll spins a tale that quickly draws readers in and keeps them constantly guessing page after page.  As a team of archaeologists are drawn together to serch for a great treasure, trouble greets them in many manners, threatening both the team as a whole and individuals as they struggle to remain involved while maintaining their personal beliefs.  Challenge and growth greet characters around every turn and readers quickly find themselves drawn into the turmoil, eager to see it through to the end.

Jeffrey and Gansky make a great writing team and readers will find their work easy to delve into and hard to put down.  I enjoyed the story entirely.  The only complaint I have is that the ending seemed a little too vague and left me confused.  Possibly intended for a sequel, with the end as it is and as a solo book, I was disappointed  a little.  Overall, however, I did really enjoy reading the book and would recommend it to history buffs, biblical enthusiasts and casual readers alike.  A good read!

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.

40 Ways To Get Closer To God

40 Ways To Get Closer To God

by Jerry MacGregor

For the Christian looking to get a little deeper into their walk with God, this book offers 40 opportunities to stretch and grow while becoming more active in one's faith and reaching out to others.  40 Ways offers 40 different activities designed to stretch and grow the reader while providing practical applications in the form of challenges.

Designed to be a 40 day walk, this book could easily become a weekly study for the individual or for a group.   Each chapter is a short 4 or so pages, complete with a story, challenge, scripture and journaling space. 

Topics include: serving others, scripture memorization, prayer, scripture reading, and visiting elderly in a nursing home among many others.  Designed to force one out of the box a little, there are some challenging chapters that force one to stretch outside of comfort limits, but to the reward of growth.  A definite keeper, this book is for the Christian who needs a little shove to get moving, or for those who are wanting some more depth to their walk. 

I was provided a copy of this book for review by Bethany House Publishers.  I was in no way compensated for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts on this book are my own.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1945903

Yeshua's Dog

Yeshua's Dog: A Gospel Love Story
by Barbara Rogers

Yeshua's Dog is a fresh look at many of the stories surrounding Jesus' presence on earth, as found in the New Testament of the Bible.  Through short chapters, each containing a single illustration opposite the chapter page, readers follow a forsaken and forgotten dog as it finds it's way into the presence of Jesus and finds love and acceptance there. 

Stories of Jesus are told from the dog's point of view and offer a fresh look at many of the stories.  It also brings to light the characteristics we humans often exhibit in relation to faith and following and compare them to the childlike faith and trust of a dog.  There is much to be learned from this dog and his journey with Jesus.
As a dog lover, I really loved this spin and found the book refreshing.  A nice read for animal lovers or not, this book has something to offer for everyone.  While I feel the text is most likely geared toward upper elementary and middle school students, it can be enjoyed as a read aloud book for younger children, or as a nice light read for adults as well.

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.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1945681

The Donkey's First Christmas

The Donkey's First Christmas

by Susanne T Schroder

Donkey does not like to do any work and tries everything he can to get out of helping.  One day, he is forced to help a couple on a long trip, despite his many complaints.  Along the way, he discovers that he is a part of a much bigger event and learns some important lessons along the way.

This is an adorable book for young children, ages 3-7, and even those younger and older, with something to take away on every level.  The book brings a new way of seeing the Christmas story and brings in a different perspective that is fun and engaging for children and adults alike.  With many rhymes and a rhythm that flows smoothly, the book is both fun to read and listen to.

Illustrations are soft and inviting.  The text is unique and fun.  Using vocabulary and ideas familiar to children today, the book offers all sorts of fun and learning as well as opens up room for discussion and more learning.  A really adorable book!  Most definitely a book that will become a favorite in our home as it is so fun to read.

I received an e-copy of this book for review and enjoyed the opportunity to view it this way.  While the book opened up nicely via the link I was given, when I tried to see it on my iPad I found many of the illustrations to be missing either in part or in whole, which distracted greatly from the book.  So, for now this book will remain a computer only book, which is a disappointment, but that aside, I was very pleased with this book and highly recommend it.

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.