There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

I stayed up until midnight so I could get a free copy of this book to review for you!  I chose this book for it's setting, "Ireland", and the cover was cute.  Now I'm not usually influenced by such things, but it's time I gave fiction a chance.

Grief brought Finley to Ireland.  Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She’s witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.  She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will’s travel journal. It’s the place he felt closest to God.

So, I do like this book for several reasons.  Finely has several serious issues in her life; grief, an eating disorder, acceptance of her own abilities, possible romance.  Young women can identify with one or more of the elements in this story and perhaps find their own solutions.  There You'll Find Me reads easily.  If you want to "escape" to Ireland, this is a book for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Doctor's Lady, by Judy Hedlund - Review Coming Soon!

When Bethany House Publishers listed this book as a choice, the story of missions got my interest. Come back soon to read my review.

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

One Call Away - A Memoir

One Call Away Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith

By Brenda Warner with Jennifer Schuchmann 

Published by Thomas Nelson

One Call Away is the inspiring story of a woman who has prevailed through many of the circumstances that discourage women: tragedy, poverty, betrayal, and humiliation. But unlike most women, her life has been on display in the media.
Brenda’s faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Her dreams haven’t materialized as she had imagined, but Brenda has found that God has a much bigger plan for her. Conversational and candid, One Call Away invites readers facing their own difficulties to trust God and discover hope in the future.

My main reason to recommend this book is the fact that I admire Brenda's resolve to continue to move forward with her life, as each chapter of the book tells another major event that could cause most individuals to give up.  The second reason I would share this book with others is the fact that Brenda, Kurt, and their entire family are committed to helping others.  Through their work with First Things First Foundation, and Brenda's compassion for the babies she rocks at a local rehabilitation hospital where she volunteers, those are things that I believe matter in life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Surprised by Oxford - A Memoir

I was eager to receive this intriguing book, by Carolyn Weber, so I'm excited to share my thoughts with you.

A girl-meets-God style memoir of an agnostic who, through her surprising opportunity to study at Oxford, comes to a dynamic personal faith in God.
Carolyn Weber arrives for graduate study at Oxford University a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends, classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of love and a life that matters.
This savvy, beautifully written, credible account of Christian conversion follows the calendar and events of the school year as it entertains, informs, and promises to engage even the most skeptical and unlikely reader.

"Keep your spoon in the cup and you won't crack" was a quote from one of Carolyn's friends, Rachel, who shared her wisdom with regard to living life in the world and with God.  I liked that thought.  In fact, I liked this book so much I found the author's frank questions, her developing relationships with her new friends at Oxford, and most of all her slow, yet steady discovery of her own personal faith so soothing and calming. 

Within this easy-to-read memoir is a second relationship with TDH, who first introduced Carolyn to the question of "I wondered, for context, what kind of a religious background, if any, you grew up with?"  and then he asked, "Who is God to you? I'd really like to know." 

The exploration of doubts and the final acceptance of grace from God never ceases to bring me tears of joy.  If I did not have a personal faith with my Jesus, this book would certainly cause me to explore the same areas Carolyn Weber describes so honestly. I will keep this book to share with others who may need to be inspired or who are seeking answers in this troubled world.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Surviving Your SERENGETI 7 Skills to Master Business and Life

Surviving Your Serengeti is an adventure fable providing a captivating metaphor on how everyone can 

triumph over life’s challenges by each using their unique innate skills.

What a super "quick-read" book!  First,the cover caught my eye!
This fable of self-discovery will instantly draw you into the journey of Sean and Ashley Spencer's three day trip to Africa's Serengeti.


Sean's old friend, Zachariah Maekna, allows them to accompany him to witness survival skills displayed by seven animals that thrive in the extreme, constantly changing conditions of the beautiful Serengeti.


What I enjoyed most in this fable was the excitement provided in each chapter as the characters observed nature's reality in one of the most difficult places on earth.  I became curious to read the strength of each animal and how each trait is translated into the world of business and our personal lives.


I also liked the concise summary of the unique survival skill possessed by wildlife in the Serengeti at the end of each chapter.  An added bonus was the self-discovery opportunity suggestion provided by following the quick online quiz at www.WhatAnimalAmI.com.  Aren't you just a bit curious to read and discover what survival skill you possess?  I highly recommend this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How To Write A Book Proposal newly updated & revised!

How to Write a Book Proposal is THE resource for getting your work published.  This newly revised edition of the Writer's Digest Books classic outlines how to create an effective, nonfiction book proposal in a clear, step-by-step manner.  Noted agent and author Michael Larsen also provides insider insights into the publishing industry as well as a plethora of newly updated information, including updated trend information, new sample proposals, and expanded instructions for creating outlines.

My original purpose in reviewing this book was to satisfy my own curiosity on exactly what is involved in writing a book.  The title, "How to Write a Book Proposal", made me wonder if writing your own book might be the easy part of becoming a published author.

Guess what?!  If you are planning to see your dream come true of becoming a published writer, please consider investing in this extremely valuable resource. "If you have a salable idea and you prove that you can write it, this book can help you launch your career", says Michael Larsen.  

My favorite part of his book:  The way every chapter is designed to access a defined topic including an attractive highlighted title page, a text box with "The Golden Rule", numerous Hot Tips! throughout, and a short summary at the end of each chapter.

I'm so impressed with this valuable book, I'm curious once again:  "Maybe I can become a writer?"  With this resource, "How to Write a Book Proposal", I believe I can succeed. 

Finally, I like this book so much that I will not loan it out to anyone! It's like taking an expensive "how-to" course the economical way.  And the instructor is extremely experienced!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Horse Dreams Backyard Horses

Do you have a daughter who loves horses?

The first book in Dandi Daley Mackall's new Backyard Horses series brought back memories of wishing for my own horse.

Ellie James, a fourth grader with a great imagination, spends a lot of time daydreaming about owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show.  The answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life and it will surprise you at the dramatic turn of events.

I believe all elementary readers will find Ellie James to be honest and yet devoted to animals, especially horses. 
Also, each chapter's title includes the sign language spelling - an especially nice addition.  You'll need to read the story to understand the significance of this feature.

I would highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next  book in the series, Cowboy Colt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House.