Get Out of Your Head : Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen – A Book Review

   

While this book may have been written with a female audience in mind, I cannot think of anyone, male or female, who would not benefit from reading this book. We may be very familiar with these words from Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” and these from 2 Corinthians 10:5, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” Jennie Allen breaks down the practical application of these verses. As a teacher I encouraged my students to be metacognitive, to think about their thinking, in order to improve their comprehension. Allen encourages us to do this as well, but for the purpose of grasping God's truth rather than the enemy's lies, for applying truth to our situations rather than sinking into the darkness that comes from believing lies designed to destroy. I cannot emphasize enough that this book teaches practical application, not theory that leaves us wondering what to do next. It is specific enough to lead, but general enough to apply to each of our individual lives and situations.

I am very grateful to Jennie Allen for being willing to share her own struggles and the path that lead her to spiritual and emotional health, as well as to Multnomah for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Mediterranean Diet Slow Cooker Cookbook: 100 Healthy Recipes by Shannon Epstein – A Book Review

  

We use our slow cooker – a lot! So, I was really excited about cooking Mediterranean dishes in this convenient manner. I like the way the author in the introductory chapter lists the types of foods we should eat more of, some of, less of, and none of. And who knew that the Mediterranean diet had its own food pyramid! The soups and vegetable dishes are definitely going to be the first chapters I will try out, especially the baba ghanoush and the cream of zucchini soup. I was a little surprised to see regular sugar, all-purpose flour and regular pasta in some of the ingredient lists as added sugar and refined grains are in the eat none of category. Although I must say that in talking about sugar, most of the desserts use coconut palm sugar instead of regular sugar. As in previous cookbook reviews, I wish the recipes included pictures because, as we all know, some things coming our of a slow cooker look more appetizing than others. Overall the cookbook is well organized, and most of the recipes sound appealing with ingredients that are readily available. The prep times appear to be a bit optimistic, but maybe I'm just a slow cook. I am excited to try lots of these recipes, and am grateful to Rockridge Press for providing me with a copy of this cookbook in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Legacy Reclaimed by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

    

Another book vacation in New Hampshire! Once again I've spotted a few old friends and made some new ones. In Legacy Reclaimed we are introduced to Chelsea Hamilton, heiress to Hamilton Clothiers of Coventry, New Hampshire. Educated in England after her father's murder, Chelsea has returned home following her mother's death in a car accident. Things are not as she expected, the business is failing, rumors abound, and it seems like someone wants to remove her from the equation.

Robin Patchen has once again masterfully woven together a story with memorable characters, great intrigue, and sweet romance. I carried my Kindle from chore to chore, finishing this book in one day as the Kindle read to me. Otherwise, the day would have been a total loss as I would have sat and read, unable to walk away from Chelsea's story.

I am privileged to recommend this third book in Patchen's Legacy series as well as her previously released books. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Murder at the Courthouse by Ann H. Gabhart - A Book Review

   

When recently reading Murder Comes By Mail, book two in Gabhart's Hidden Springs Mystery series, I noticed recurring references to the body found on the courthouse steps. Then I discovered that I already owned an electronic copy of Murder at the Courthouse. So, of course I felt compelled to read it. This book was more like what I had come to expect from this author than was book two of the series. I would describe it as a cozy mystery which would also fit into the category of Christian fiction. The characters are loveable, small-town folk, well with the exception of the murderer. Yes, I did figure out “who done it” mid-way through, but that did not diminish the reading pleasure of seeing how Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane came to the realization of the murderer's identity. This author, a fellow Kentuckian, remains among my favorites.

Whole Food Vegan Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Healthy, Natural Ingredients by Annie Markowitz, PhD

 

While we have cut way back on baking, especially on dessert baking, I was very interested in this cookbook because I often take desserts to church related functions, and was anxious to see some healthy choices. Each recipe in this cookbook uses only natural, whole food, plant-based ingredients. They use no refined flour, processed sugar, oil, or butter. These attributes have the advantage of creating foods that contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients not found in processed foods. These desserts are higher in fiber and lower in sugar than their traditional recipe counterparts.

While flipping through the recipes, I saw many of my favorites: pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and apple pie. Most of the recipes are well-known desserts, just made healthier. Recipes are included for a variety of breads, cookies, brownies, cakes and pies among other categories. I do wish that there were pictures accompanying at least some of the recipes so that I would know whether to anticipate the final result appearing differently than what I may be used to with traditional recipes.

I have made several of the changes suggested in this cookbook already, white whole wheat flour for regular plain flour, and applesauce for oil. As you would likely expect due to the growing number of options on the grocery store shelves, other ingredients being used in these recipes are coconut sugar, flaxseed, coconut milk, almond milk, nut butters, coconut flour, spelt flour, etc. I believe many of these recipes will make nice addition to my make and take file. I am grateful to Rockridge Press for providing me with a copy of this cookbook in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

101 Quilting Tips & Tricks Pocket Guide by Penny Haren – A Book Review

 

This book contains 101 short, clear, concise, and helpful tips and tricks. While these are absolutely wonderful for those new to quilting, I imagine there are some that even seasoned quilters will say, “Now why didn't I think of that!” I think I will regularly be referring back to this pocket guide, and am grateful to have received it from Landauer Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Healthspan Solution: How and What to Eat to Add Life to Your Years, 100 Easy Whole Food Recipes by Julianna Hever and Ray Cronise – A Book Review

      

This is not your average cookbook, but is one based on science and history. The goal of The Healthspan Solution is to, “deliciously optimize your health, sustainably manage your weight, and to not just live longer, but to live longer with vitality, clarity, and intention.” The authors address how living in a society centered on food impacts our eating and our health. They stress the need to change our habits. Eating habits during the first half of one's life can dramatically impact the quality of life in the second half, but it is never too late to make new habits. The book includes a lot of scientific information to explain its premise, specifically research on aging. Our biggest problem may be overnutrition. Information is also provided on a variety of nutrients, their function, and the best source for providing them to our bodies. Meal frequency and the question as to how often and for how long our bodies need to remain in a fed state is discussed, as is the impact of sleep and activity.

The first recipe doesn't appear until page 96 beginning the chapter on soups. The recipes in this cookbook focus on whole foods. Some of the recipes require ingredients not readily found in our small town grocery, but most sound so delicious that I plan on ordering the necessary ingredients online if I cannot find them locally. Most of the recipes have color photos of the dish that look upscale restaurant worthy. They certainly don't look like diet food, but they do look like delicious, healthy food.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this unusual cookbook from Penguin Random House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook: Easy, Balanced Recipes for Busy Mornings by Shayna Telesmanic - A Book Review

First for the positives of this cookbook, Chapter One is packed with basic information about the importance of breakfast and what it should include. The photos that are included make the dishes look very appealing. The recipes are organized by type of food (eg. Granola/Oats/Grains, Eggs, Muffins/Breads/Bars). The recipe instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Now for the drawbacks, I would say that for our household, very few of these recipes would be considered easy for a busy morning. Most would be for the weekends, even with some of the prep done the night before. While the recipes may be healthy for the average person, it would have been helpful for diabetes friendly and heart healthy recipes to have been labeled as such. In my opinion such recipes do not seem plentiful in this cookbook.

I am grateful to Rockridge Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this cookbook. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Vegetarian Mediterranean Cookbook: 125+ Simple, Healthy Recipes for Living Well by Sanaa Abourezk - A Book Review

   

The introduction and first chapter of this cookbook are full of useful information regarding Mediterranean cooking and lifestyle. Then follows a collection of mouthwatering recipes that I cannot wait to try. There are a few that I may need to lighten up a bit, but most fit right into our efforts to be very careful and smart about our carbs. I will just need to use Chapters Six 'Pastas, Pizzas, and Breads' and Chapter Eight 'Sweets and Desserts' sparingly. I also think these recipes will turn making dinner together into a date night, creating interesting, new, savory dishes to share. So here's to trying Chickpea Fatat, Fattoush, and Fatayers!

I am grateful to Rockridge Press for providing me with a copy of this amazing cookbook in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Light Changes Everything by Nancy E. Turner - A Book Review

It doesn't happen often, but this was definitely one of those times when I knew within the first few pages that the author's style was not a match for me. I flipped to the middle, confirming that, and then had to close the book. So, I cannot tell you anything regarding details, but I can let you know what created the mismatch. The author's writing reads a bit like a rambling speaker. Transitions are not smooth. The dialogue is too folksy for my taste. I am sure there are readers who would like this style, referring to it as down-home, and saying it reminds them of Great Aunt Lucille. However, with so many books available, I chose to abandon this one.

I do appreciate Thomas Dunne Books providing me with a copy of Light Changes Everything via NetGalley. Opinions here are strictly my own.

Promised Land by Robert Whitlow - A Book Review

    

Like every Robert Whitlow book I have ever read, I did not want this book to end. Readers cannot help but get deeply involved in the lives of Hana Abboud Hasan and her husband, Daub, Christian Arabs living in Atlanta, Georgia. Hana and Daub married following the harrowing events told in Book One of Whitlow's Chosen People series. (I won't include any spoilers for those who haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet.) Daub has moved his security business to live in the United States where Hana is an attorney. After briefly returning to the Middle East as a contractor with the CIA, trouble follows him both home and abroad, impacting those for whom he cares. This action packed, tension-filled novel will follow readers wherever they go as well, but the only trouble involved will be chores left undone and sleepless nights. Throughout the story readers will be reminded that we are not guaranteed tomorrow and that our safety lies in God's hands.

I received a complimentary copy of Promised Land. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lean on Me by Pat Simmons - A Book Review

   

My second new-to-me author of the new year, and another winner! In Lean on Me Pat Simmons uses the story of Tabitha Knicely's caregiving for her Aunt Tweet who suffers from dementia to demonstrate the blessings and challenges of being a caregiver. Marcus Whittington's role in the story prompts readers to be more aware of the support needed by those in caregiving situations. God places people in our lives who need our time and attention with no strings attached. Simmons tells this story against a backdrop of a love story: Tabitha's love for her aunt, Marcus' and Tabitha's love for one another, and God's gracious love for each of us. She also inserts enough humor into the telling that readers do not become bogged down in the heaviness of Tabitha's responsibilities and sacrifices, and so that they can appreciate the deep emotions that make one willing to bear those things.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Lean on Me from Sourcebooks via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Hill Women by Cassie Chambers - A Book Review

 

Cassie Chambers is a strong woman from a long line of strong Appalachian women. Hill Women is at once her memoir as well an exploration of the social strengths and challenges of life in Appalachia. Having been brought up there and also having been educated in law at Harvard, Chambers has a unique lens through which to conduct this exploration. She focuses a great deal on the females' role in this society. She reflects back on the past, but also addresses modern issues such as the opioid crisis.

I truly enjoyed the author's writing style. I felt as though I were sitting across the table from her, sharing a pot of coffee and a piece of pie as we got to know one another. I live not too far from her home county. Our church supports a mission nearby. I have met some fine educators who work to improve literacy rates in the area. Chambers' work puts faces and personalities to the statistics with which we have become too familiar. I am left to ponder what next, what now; how to honor, how to help.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Hill Women from Ballantine Books an imprint of Random House via LibraryThing in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

Tessa Swan is indeed an uncommon woman. She seems unaware of her inner or outer beauty as she helps her mother and also pitches in assisting her five brothers at Swan Station along the Buckhannon River in Western Virginia in the mid 1700s. Swan Station is located near Fort Tygart in border country, an area prone to Indian attacks.

Colonel Clay Tygart, recently assigned to the fort bearing his name, prefers to remain unattached and unencumbered, but ignoring the beautiful Miss Swan becomes harder and harder as time goes by. How can he be sure that the people under his care will not be harmed by such a distraction as signs of Indians increase in the border area? How much of that increase may he have brought upon them in the form of the Lenape's warrior Tamanen's resentment of him?

Laura Frantz has given us another piece of wonderful historical fiction. This time there are no fancy gowns, and only simplest of lace. Linen petticoats are more at home in this settlement area of Western Virginia. Even without these fripperies, Tesssa is a true lady among ladies. I recommend this book and this author to all fans of historical fiction, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

  

We hear the phrase self-worth regarding one's self-esteem often enough. Baby boomers nearing or entering retirement are very familiar with the concept of net worth. Lynette Eason in Collateral Damage delves into the worth of humankind, the worth of all as being created by God. She also explores the theme of laying one's life down for another, and how the lens one sees others through impacts the willingness to do so. Of course in true Eason style she explores these weighty themes against the backdrop of a superbly told suspense story with plenty of danger, intrigue, and a bit of romance.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Collateral Damage from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd - A Book Review

   

This historical, romantic mystery has everything fans of these genres look for in a story. For me it was the mystery that kept the pages turning, that and the strong feelings of sympathy the author evokes for her characters. This is truly a story of beauty from ashes, of joy in the morning, something we may all need to be reminded of from time to time. Ladd paints vivid mental images of her settings and her characters in a way that draws the readers to them. I enjoyed my time spent at Lanwyn Manor and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Sarah Ladd's latest book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinons expressed in this review are completely my own.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

  

On Wings of Devotion is the second book in White's The Codebreakers series. It was great to get glimpses of characters from the first book as well as from her Shadows Over England series. This is a special treat as White creates characters to whom readers quickly become attached, characters which this time are set in 1918 London, England. I love that White always includes an 'Author's Note' that helps readers separate the fact from the fiction. The intrigue of spies during the Great War is central to On Wings of Devotion as is the theme of the value of inner beauty and being true to oneself and the ones you love. I highly recommend this book and all of Roseanna M. White's works, and am grateful to have received a copy of her latest release from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

   

Forever Hidden introduces us to the Powell sisters whose story we can continue to follow in The Treasures of Nome series. Set in the early 1900s, readers get to see the treatment of the day of pulmonary disease and stroke, complicated by living in the Alaska Territory. The main characters in this novel are models of faith and strength, but also demonstrate the struggles with forgiveness and following one's own agenda that even stalwart Christians face. This novel also addresses the wisdom of keeping secrets, even when it seems the right thing to do.

As always Peterson and Woodhouse have crafted a story not meant solely to entertain, but also to encourage and challenge. As with many series these days, this one is built around a family of three siblings with a book devoted to each. Interestingly, The Treasures of Nome begins with the focus on the middle sister. The eldest and youngest are polar opposites, and I cannot wait to see the direction their stories take. I am grateful to have received a copy of Forever Hidden from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

End Game by Rachel Dylan - A Book Review

   

How am I just now discovering this amazing author!!! I have read so many mystery, suspense stories that I am always pleased when I am surprised that my suspect did not commit the crime, but in End Game I could never pin down a suspect. Rachel Dylan does an outstanding job of keeping the suspense alive and intense. Her plot is truly plausible, which is always appreciated. Her own legal background is likely a large contributor to that attribute. I am most definitely going to be on the lookout for book two in the Capital Intrigue series as well as her past releases. I am thankful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

100 Ways to Love Your Husband by Lisa Jacobson - A Book Review

   

100 Ways to Love Your Husband is a quick read, but is filled with great advise pertinent to the newlywed as well as to those who have been married for decades. Jacobson's advice may be labeled traditional by some, but is based in Scripture. She shares personal experience, both positive and negative, making the read entertaining as well as informative and motivating. I would definitely call the book inspiring, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Murder Comes by Mail by Ann H. Gabhart - A Book Review

    

I have read quite a few books by this author: historical, romance, and mystery. This book is different than the sweet, cozy Gabhart books I have read in the past. This one is more of a psychological thriller and the murders are quite gruesome. While it is not my favorite Ann H. Gabhart book, it is still an interesting story that kept my interest and made me sorry that I had let it sit on my shelf for so long. While I would recommend her mysteries Gabhart's historical novels remain my favorite of her works.

Find Your Weigh: Renew Your Mind...Walk in Freedom by Shellie Bowdoin – A Book Review

    

To be honest, at first I really didn't think that I was going to like this book, but the further I read the more I liked it. Bowdoin focuses on our relationship with food, and its impact on our relationship with God. Scriptures are used to reinforce the truth of her words. I especially liked the book's stressing the importance of developing a mindset of healthy eating over a mindset of dieting. Dieting points us toward denial which only makes us think more about what we are being denied. Healthy eating points us toward caring for our bodies as God intended and providing appropriate fuel for our body, while still allowing for the role of food in our culture and in our celebrations. I am grateful to Source Publishing a Division of ICI Ministries and Victory Editing for providing me with a copy of Find your Weigh in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock - A Book Review

   

The Gray Chamber is Grace Hitchcock's second contribution to Barbour Publishing's True Colors series. The fictional novels are based on true crimes in America's history. The Gray Chamber is based on the atrocities that took place in New York's Asylum for Women on Blackwell's Island. Nellie Bly's articles published first in the New York World's newspaper, and then in the book Ten Days in a Mad-House, were an integral part of Hitchcock's research.

Edyth Foster, a fictional character, was wrongly committed to the asylum on Blackwell's Island. Her eccentricities made passing her off as mad much easier. Will the perseverance of her long-time friend Raoul Banebridge be enough to gain Edyth her freedom? Readers will enjoy the thrill of the rise and fall of emotions as they follow Edyth's trevail.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Gray Chamber from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation. It is a five star read that I am happy to recommend.