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Heart’s Safe Passage

Posted by html404 on March 12, 2012
in Books

Yep, read another book this weekend, however, I won’t have too many more book reviews to post as we get into gardening season. There just won’t be time to do much reading, not that there is now, but you know what I mean, right?

Heart’s Safe Passage is the second book in The Midwives series by Laurie Alice Eakes. I read the first one a year or two ago, I believe, and really enjoyed it. I am very pro-midwives, after all I have given birth at home with one for my last three births and have even studied midwifery at one point but had to put it aside when my husband got laid off. I find the history of midwifery compelling and dates back to the beginning of time in the book of Exodus in the bible.

I found this second book interesting as well, though again this novel was not so much about the midwifery as much as the spiritual and personal life of the midwife, Phoebe Lee. The story is set in the early 1800s and shares Phoebe’s story, which was only hinted at in the first book, as she helps her sister-in-law Belinda. Phoebe is a spunky little thing. I actually loved Phoebe’s spunk, she made up for Belinda’s character…one spoiled rich girl.

Even though this was a romance-y book, there were twists in the plot and a fair amount of guessing when it came to figuring out who was against Captain Docherty, what Phoebe would do in any given situation and how she and the two other female characters were going to survive their time on board a privateer brig (different than a ship).

Revenge, bitterness, forgiveness and healing are important elements in this book and when these are presented there is always something for everyone to learn.

Heart’s Safe Passage gets two thumbs up from me!

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Sarai Book Review

Posted by html404 on March 12, 2012
in Books

Sarai is the first book in the Wives of the Patriarchs by Jill Eileen Smith, who wrote the a Wives of King David series, of which I read two of the three in that series. What can I say? After the Wives of King David series, I have to say that Sarai really did not entice my interest as much for some reason. I felt that it was dry for lack of a better descriptive word.

I enjoyed what the book made me think about and consider – what it would be like to be married over 50 years and then decide to give your husband your handmaid to produce an heir. I could not fathom that at all. This isn’t something I thought about while reading the story in my bible.

It also made me question the kind of faith Abraham had to believe for years and years and years that God would provide him a son, but then throws it aside when Sarai’s faith falters. They could have saved themselves so much agony and kept their relationship exclusively magnomous if they had stayed strong together and waited for God’s timing. Easy for me to say. They are human, I know. Although it does say a lot of Abraham that he did not take another wife all those years when he and Sarai did not conceive, but again their faith faltered and they get themselves into a disastrous love triangle.

I could not relate to Sarai’s barrenness and wondered at the fact that women were blamed for not conceiving more so than men. I liked the fact that Ms. Smith portrayed Abraham as a kindhearted man who took into consideration that he might be the cause of Sarai’s barrenness. But wondered why God didn’t just tell them and others in bible times the man determined the sex of a child? Why do eastern countries still blame the woman for barrenness or the sex of the child? These are all questions I asked as I pondered Sarai and Abraham’s story.

I liked the thought provoking questions the book brought about in me and how accurate the story was to the biblical account, but otherwise it left much to be desired.

“Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Barefoot Executive Review

Posted by html404 on March 5, 2012
in Books, Business

It is always exciting to learn of a person who is doing what you want to do. In my case it’s work-at-home. I know, I know, I am doing that already, but let me finish. Work-at-home and make enough money to obtain financial freedom for our family. Those are my goals and have been during the last four years since my husband was laid off and earning less than he did. Carrie Wilkerson minces no words in her new book, The Barefoot Executive and how she reached her financial goals.

Carrie shares her own journey and the lessons she’s learned in this book. I pretty much marked my copy all up reading it because what she had to say is what I needed to hear/read.

Quotes I like from the book:

“You simply cannot spend your life in fear of losing your job, your health, your life or your wife. I decided that I had to create my own financial reality and job security. Was I afraid of failing? Yes, but I could continue being scared and broke, or I could be afraid and well paid. I chose the latter. At some point, you have to be more afraid of not trying than you are of failing. ~ Carrie Wilkerson”

“Never, never, never give up.”

“To live an extraordinary life, you must resist the ordinary.” ~ Frank Mckinney

“Most miss opportunity because it shows up in overalls and looks a lot like work.” ~ Ben Franklin

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Those quotes were just nibbles, I could add a slew more!

This past weekend I spent time going through Carrie’s websites, videos, blog etc. and I must say I was impressed. Impressed but still skeptical, but only because that is my nature. I am impressed because in some ways she echoes what I have heard in the past but Carrie has more credibility than the others. Carrie has made her money. She’s been on CNN, Forbes, Lifetime.com, Success and others. She’s established herself as an expert and I want to learn from her. There are not too many business books I go ga-ga over but I have gone ga-ga over The Barefoot Executive.

If you have ever been waiting, waiting, waiting for something and then it was all of a sudden right in front of you, wouldn’t you be in relieved? Excited? That’s me. I feel like this book was written specially for me at this time in my life.

You may learn more about Carrie and her book at http://BarefootExecutiveBook.com/

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“God Loves You!” Personalized Children’s Book Review

Posted by Brande on March 2, 2012
in Baby Products, Books, Education, Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Parenting

“God’s love graces each creature, the great and the small,

and it soars to the sky like His redwoods so tall.”

This is a beautiful heartfelt book for your children is written by Jennifer Dewing and Illustrated by Maria Carluccio. It is available at “I See Me! Inc. Personalized Children’s Books“.

“God Loves You” won multiple awards in 2010, including Mom’s Choice Award and Creative Child Magazine’s “Preferred Choice” Award.

There is a great deal of personalization in this book. You are able to include the following information, child’s first, middle & last name, gender, dedication, sender, the month, day and year!

The book flows along paths of different illustrations, including the ocean, thru the wood, springtime, etc.

Follow this link for a tour of the book - “God Loves You!”

This is a great gift for Easter, baptisms, births, or just because.

My Review:

This book is full of love and inspiration for you and your child. This is going to be the “go to” present for when friends and relatives have new babies. The personalization in this book is extensive, no more writing in the front cover for me. I’ve read “God Loves You” for my daughter the past few nights. She loves the illustrations and I love the message coming from the book.

**”I See Me!, Inc.” did mention to please place your order before March 23rd if you’d like it for Easter.**

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Pizza Hut BOOK IT!

Posted by Brande on March 1, 2012
in Books, Education, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Parenting, Restaurants, School

“YOU ARE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST TEACHER” Great slogan and so true. Here’s a great reading incentive program for your K-6 kids. The program is available for Home School Children or contact your child’s teacher and tell them about the program. It runs October to March – the home educator/teacher sets a monthly reading goal of books to read. If that goal is achieved, the child will get a “Reading Certificate Reward”, with that certificate the child goes to Pizza Hut (with their family, of course) and they will receive a free one topping personal pan pizza, “BOOK IT!” card, and a Backpack clip. Enrollment for 2012-2013 begins in March, CLICK HERE for the enrollment form!

What about the Pre-K kiddos! Try the R.E.D. ZONE.

No pizza for the little one, sorry. If you register for the “Give Me 20 Reading Challenge”, you’ll be entered to win one of 50 “Skippyjon Jones Prize Packs”!

There are also printables for your little ones!

Happy Reading!

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Words Spoken True

Posted by html404 on February 25, 2012
in Books, Contests

Set in 1855, Words Spoke True is about a young woman who was raised in her father’s newspaper offices in Louisville, Kentucky. Shunning cultural norm, she was a newspaper woman in a man’s world. However, due to her father’s expectations, political and financial woes he puts her in more danger than anyone ever expected. Amidst the danger and political unrest Adriane Darcy is attracted to an unconventional new editor….her father’s rival newspaper.

I really enjoyed this book. I was an entertaining, suspenseful novel with a romantic twist. It was far from your predictable romance, which you may recall I am weary of. Adriane’s romantic life is filled with more than just controversy and not what you would call a dream romance. More like a nightmare run wild, but that’s all I’m saying!

It was interesting to learn just a little about life inside the newspaper office. What is intriguing is the idea that years ago, printing stories that were true could cost not only subscribers but also your life. It makes me wonder if there is still that risk today? Do reporters focus on truth or a story that will sell? Hmmm…..

Adriane’s father seemed to have lost sight of what was important in his life when he began flirting with a politician. A politician whose wealth and position had “pull” shall we say. I just couldn’t imagine being under the thumb of someone who had the power to control what I said and did. What a scary thought.

I admired Adriane’s grit. She had courage, strength and talent, all of which she used for the good of “her” newspaper. And the loyalty shown to her and her father from their trusted employees is something to envy. Loyalty and honesty among friends are rare gifts not to be taken advantage of, but to be treasured and held like a prized possession.

Two thumbs up for Words Spoke True!

The author of this book, Ann Gabhart, is hosting a fun contest that you can check out here.

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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When the Smoke Clears

Posted by html404 on February 18, 2012
in Books

When the Smoke Clears is the first book in the Deadly Reunions series written by Lynette Eason. Of course there was romance (and that part was pretty much predictable), but the mystery that kept me sitting on the edge of my seat was anything but predictable!

Lynette kept me intrigued and mystified as to who the perpetrator was surrounding the attempts on the main character Alexia’s life as she returns home for her high school reunion. I was taken by surprise when I figured out who it was.

I shed a few tears as Alexia dealt with demons from her past. It was good to read how her circumstances brought her closer to God and not farther away from Him. We humans have a tendency to run from Him, don’t we?

As a heads up this is a murder mystery with multiple murders occurring, but no really graphic details were revealed.

This book was definitely worth the read and I cannot wait for the sequel!

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Sweeter than Birdsong

Posted by html404 on February 17, 2012
in Books

Yes, I have been at it again and had a reading spree! Ha! Sweeter than Birdsong is written by Rosslyn Elliot. This book revealed the harsh realities of a behind the scenes look at one wealthy family’s home life in the 1800’s. Appearances are not always as they seem. 150 years ago the line between one’s pocket book and status in society was of much more importance than it is today. Though depending upon the place or people it can be very much alive today as well. The wealthy seem to have to put on airs and keep one’s appearance impeccable. God forbid there should be a tarnish on one’s image! That alone was a societal faux pas! One reason I am glad I did not live in that era of our history. I think the pressure would have stolen all my joy!

I admire people who take risks for the good of others even when it is not socially acceptable. Today those people would include midwives and God-fearing politicians going against their political party’s “norm”. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. In Sweeter than Birdsong those individuals were a part of the Underground Railroad. They obviously took great risks and paid a huge price if they were caught or if word leaked to members of their community. And it grieved me to relive what the blacks had to go through to fight for their freedom.

I enjoyed the personal journey of the main character, Kate Winter. Her shyness and fear of public speaking is something that I can definitely relate to. I loved how Rosslyn used Kate’s experience with the Underground Railroad to propel her to take courage and speak up for what is right. She lost her fear and shyness when it came to defending the innocent. It took seeing the “under world” to realize that her problems were quite petty and insignificant compared to those of the fugitives.

There was one surprise that I loved in the book and that was what happened to Kate’s mother at the end of the book, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers so that is all I will say about it!

This book with all of its impossibilities gives hope for change and shows that when we use our God given talents for God’s glory we will find life more rewarding, no matter the monetary cost.

Read an excerpt here.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website.

Link to buy the book.

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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Goes Digital!

Posted by Brande on February 16, 2012
in Downloads, Ebooks, Education, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, News Worthy, Parenting, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, School, Techie Stuff

Homeschool parents, this one is for you! This app is available for Apple & Android devices! Now you can read “The Old Schoolhouse Magazine” at home or on the go for FREE!

These are very interactive apps. You can watch videos, zoom in on advertisers, web links to order, and more!

Here’s the links! Apple App – FREE Android App – FREE

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FREE Christian Fiction!

Posted by html404 on February 16, 2012
in Books, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff

If you enjoy reading Christian Fiction, I came across a site on Facebook this week that is offering some FREE books for your computer, Kindle, Nook, etc. There is even a FREE movie or two, but only for a limited time.