Henry Hodges Needs A Friend

I don't believe that I've posted a kid's book in a very long time. Let me just say what a nice little "retreat" it was to get away and let my brain just relax for a little bit.

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend is a short story by Andy Andrews. It's about a lonely boy who ends up looking for a friend. His parents decide that he doesn't need a human friend, but a pet. Not just any pet though; a one-of-a-kind pet. The majority of the book is Henry thinking about all the possible silly animals that he could find.

The illustrations are vibrant. The text is easy to read, even for a beginner reader and would make a great learning tool. There was one thing I did find odd. On every page, only one word was a different color than the rest of the text. I don't know if there was a special reason for it or they just felt like doing that so it too was one-of-a-kind.

Overall this book was cute and I think kids would get a kick out of the pictures of the animals that Henry dreams up while the adult was reading the book to them.


I recieved this book for free in return for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers.

Capturing Love

Now....some of you might be thinking, "Oh my goodness, what is this she is posting..." because this is not my typical book that I would blog about. HOWEVER, I am SO SO SO grateful for Blogging for Books for their new opportunity for bloggers to branch out and try different genres of books. It makes blogging SO much more fun!

When I first saw this book, I saw it was about photography. Now, I am in so shape or form a professional photographer, but I'm a sucker for a good photograph that captures the essence of a moment. That was what drew me to this book. 

I thought it was going to be about all pretty pictures....that was what I was excited about. But this book was so much more than that. While this book is geared toward the photographer and helping capture the special moment between the same sex couple (this is what they refer to the couple as throughout the book) with amazing images that took my breath away, it is a great in depth "instructional" if you will. There are so many great tips and techniques for any photographer. It's chock full of different ideas. Whether you are shooting gay or straight sessions....anyone can learn from and gain from this book. Focusing on different angles, settings and emotions for the couples is an important part of creating the mood and capturing the couple in any photography session. This gives added advice on "general" portraits.

I also had a new perspective on the same sex marriage. I think they are beautiful and this book captures the moment for each couple beautifully. 

Martie Maguire (formally of the Dixie Chicks) states it wonderfully in her Forward about what this book is really about: "...this book not only offers an amazing collection of images of love between two people, their families, and friends, it also offers a practical and insightful step-by-step instruction for photographers on how to capture these unique wedding moments. It breaks down a million and one reasons why approaching a nontraditional wedding may require a different set of skills and considerations, and in the this book lie many ideas and solutions."

I hope you take the time to look at the amazing pictures and maybe learn something in the process. 

***This review was done solely off my own views of the subject matter. I received this book free from Blogging for Books in return for an honest review of the product. I am not getting paid to review these books.***

Silenced

When I first got this book, I was intrigued. I started reading it and the first sentence got me hooked. However, I started the second chapter......looked at the spine of the book, and didn't realize it was the fourth book of a series....

The only downfall to being a book blogger, is the company's don't always tell you that a book is part of a series...or silly human error on my part that I didn't bother to read more in to it before I started reading it.

But...I kept on hoping that I would understand. And honestly...the book did a good job of doing that for me. I may not have known who all the characters were at first, but like meeting new people, you eventually get to know them.

Now I'm almost tempted to go back and read the other books to learn more about everyone...from the beginning.

Passion

I will never forget the first time I ever heard Louie talk. It was on the Indescribable Tour with Chris Tomlin. His message still lingers in my soul, reminding how small I truly am in this vast universe, but how much more I am loved by this great God of the universe.

I've always wanted to go to Passion Confreneces. Every year I told myself I would go. I had a friend that went every year. The only thing holding me back was money: traveling to GA seemed like a bit of a stretch for me when I was having barely any money to live and pay bills as it was.

I've listened to all the Passion artists from Chris Tomlin to Christy Nockels. I have been involved. It was great to see that they streamed this years conference I think that I know of for the first time. It had so many wonderful artists and speakers. One of my favorites: Beth Moore.

Now she is one of the speakers that are included in this book. When I first got it, I didn't realize it was going to be a bunch of different speaker/artists talking about the passion movement for younger generations. While I'm an "older" younger generation, I was still moved by what these stories had to say. It gave me inspiration on how to involve the generations to come. These people have really made an impact for Christ in younger hearts and I want to be one of those people too.

Andi Unexpected

This was a cute book. Very short read for me. I was able to read this in one night.

I know I'm an adult, and this is a children's novel, but sometimes, you just have to let the brain rest. And this was just what I needed.

Andi and her sister Bethany move in with their aunt. Andi (or Andora as we find out) is named after someone in her family. While living with her aunt, her new friend, Collin, and her spend time together cleaning out her aunt's attic to make room for Andi's new room up there. They end up going on an adventure after finding an old box. What's in it? Why is her name on it?

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new book for their child to read. It's a wonderful little tale. One that I could even see being made into a movie.

Doon

Scootish Moors, fancy dresses, medieval like town, fantasy, tales, mystery.

A boy in a kilt.

Everything your heart could want in a fantasy-like setting....

I'm a sucker for Young Adult collections...however, I'm starting to realize my obsession has gotten a little crazy and it's taken over my reading time a little too much. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

While I thought that the book was going to be based solely on Veronica, Makenna's best friend, I was glad to see that it wasn't just about her. The book is broken up in to chapters for each girl and I had to remind myself that the POV was from one of the two girls.

Makenna inherits her Aunt Gracie's estate in Scotland and she takes Veronica with her. Veronica, on the other hand, has been seeing a mysterious boy in a kilt, and thinks she's gone mad. ENTER: a trip to Scotland with Makenna to see her Aunt's house. They find Gracie's journal about stories that Makenna had grown up listening to and it all goes on from there.

I don't want to say too much considering it will give stuff away. I think this would be a great movie (MUCH BETTER THAN TWILIGHT!!!!!) I think it's kind of funny that it's labeled as "Christian" young adult, only due to some minor language and some more intimate relationship settings. Other than that, I can totally see the two girls talking. The use of "teen" language is heavy through the book and you can feel the teenage atmostphere. Which is fine for me, because teenagers are an interesting species. :)

Now...of to find me MY boy in a kilt....(my boyfriend is of Scottish/Irish ancestry, and he's HOT in a kilt!!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Samson

I'm not normally one to read books on the Holocaust, or boxing, or anything that sound remotely like a "guy's" kind of read. However, something drew me to this book.

Based on true events, Shawn Hoffman weaves a wonderful tale about a man named Samson and what he must do to save his family. He is found out that he was a previous boxing champion and is ordered to box for entertainment of those that run the concentration camp he is in. However, there's a catch. Winner gets extra rations, loser gets death in the gas chamber. An unlikely friendship between Samson and a Polish Catholic priest begins to blossom. Samson is down on his faith and wonders where is God when he needs him the most.

This is a great story. A part of history is being retold and you can't help but feel like you are part of the story. Shawn did an excellent job at having the story unfold. It's a tough story to read, but worth every minute.

Dear Mr. Knightley

I've always been a Jane Austen fan. There was always something about her writing that intrigued me. Maybe it was because I was always in love with times gone past and am a romantic at heart.

When I first read the book, I was hoping it was going to be something like the book "Austenland" (which is actually mentioned in the storyline a few times, along with other Jane Austen tales and classics of the time). The story is written in a series of letters to a man named Mr. Knightley. It took me a little bit to get into it, but as the story started to develop, I found it easier to follow along. I was almost ready to throw the towel in. Then...Alex came along. And it was much better from there. A little slow starting (for me at least) but over all a good read.

Redeeming Love

When I first read the back of the cover of the book, I noticed the parallels resembled the story of Hosea and Gomer. I was also a bit daunted by the size of the book. I haven't read any book, other than a text book, over 400 pages other than Harry Potter....but, I still dove in.

I was thoroughly pleased with the writing. I was easily drawn in (I'm a sucker for romance novels and period pieces as well...) and I had a hard time putting it down. I was so drawn in to the story, the characters, the writing, the atmosphere of the book... It took me on an emotional journey-not with just the characters, but within myself as well. This book is about love and redemption. Extraordinary love. Something that I needed in a very difficult time in my life right now...to show that God is good and bigger than anything I've ever imagined. And he can take something we think is nothing and turn it into something beautiful.

Dark Halo

I have been waiting for this book! I read the first two and I fell in love. When I saw that this book was finally available for review (a part of me actually forgot all about it....SILLY ME!!!) I was super excited.

WHen I first got Angel Eyes, I was a little concerned because I thought it would be another Twilight. It seems a lot of teen drama/romances are similar to that. However, I was very happy when I started reading it. THen came Broken Wings. And I finished that book in two days. So I couldn't wait for this book to come.

I was happy and sad when it finally was avaiable. I was happy because I could continue on with the story. I was sad becuase it's the final book in the story. I fell in love with the good characters, hated the bad characters. I "talked" to the book as things happened, talked to Brielle as she was going through stuff like I was her friend. I was so involved with this book. And sad that it has ended. I definitely recommend you read the first two. Even though there is a brief summary in this book, I recommend getting involved from the very beginning. I loved this series and will definitely read it again!

City on Fire

I don't know what's gotten in to me reading more historical fiction, other than my Amish novels I've read. I guess there's something intriguing about the characters of times gone before. I love seeing how people lived and how they interacted and if they are anything different than us in today's time.

When I read "City on Fire", I was captivated by the characters in the first few chapters of the book. It was almost like I was watching a movie in my head. I saw, I felt, I smelled....It was like I was almost there even. The characters are well developed and you really feel like you are part of their story. I had never read anything from Tracy Higley before, but I will definitely be picking up another book soon. I like finding new authors and adventures to go on. I will be reading this again in the future.

31 Days...

I started reading this book at the beginning of October, (so, two days ago.) and I've only read the first couple chapters. Maybe this book wasn't for me. Maybe I didn't try hard enough to try to "get" something from it. Maybe it just wasn't my style of writing that was in it. I don't know. But I wasn't captured by it. That's just me personally. Others may find this book to be fascinating. Hence the reason God created us all with different views. Life would be pretty boring if we all thought the same. I hope that my review doesn't deter you from reading. It might be something you might be interested it. As for me, I just didn't click with it.

The Secret Keeper

I love Beverly Lewis. I love Amish Romance.

This story came close to home. The story of Jenny Burns in "The Secret Keeper" brought back many memories of me growing up. I live in a small town in Wisconsin that is surrounded by the Amish. Being an Englisher, I've always wondered what it was like to be Amish: Do they allow the English to mingle with them? Help at home? "Hang out"?

The characters in this book were very believable. I felt Jenny's struggle and her sense of failure when she wasn't able to understand certain things. I fell in love with Andrew right away. He seemed sweet, funny, caring...everything you'd ever want in a guy.

It was a nice change to finally see what it's like for someone who doesn't feel like they fit in with "this" world. I know what it's like. I mostly don't feel like I fit in with my family because I love "old" stuff. I've been called "old" before. I think I just have an old soul. :)

Once Upon a Prince...

I love fairy tales. I'm a Disney geek through and through and always have dreamed about meeting my Prince Charming. I think most girls have that dream of waltzing around in a big poofy gown in the arms of their beloved and gazing longingly into his eyes.

I also love movies like The Prince and Me and The Princess Diaries. Oh to be a small town girl and be whisked away by a prince or be told that you are the princess of a country. Now, I'm not saying that I want to run a country...I can barely keep my own household afloat!

I'm also a sucker for romance novels. C'mon...you can't tell me after a long day of stress you wouldn't want to curl up with a book with a cheesy romantic aire and just lose yourself in the world of royalty, love, and romance. I know I do. Maybe that's what helps keep me "sane". Not sure, but I will choose to believe it for the moment.

"Once Upon a Prince" had a lot of the same similar ideas as the movie the Prince and Me: Royalty travels to foreign country, falls for a common girl, hides who he is, problems arise, becomes King, and so forth. The story was also fairly predictable throughout. But that didn't bother me at all. After reading books where you are trying to figure out the end, or remembering 500 characters and the storyline is so complex you need a Cliffs Notes and diagram to figure it out, it's nice to have an easy predictable read. I think the characters were easily distinguishable, relatable, and easy to understand. Even though I knew what was going to happen at the end, I still teared up. I guess I felt like I was Susanna, and was waiting for love to come along.

This is also a great story to show that you do not have control of your own life. You may have a "plan" as Susanna did, and like the beginnign shows, she was more in lvoe with the plan than the man she thought she loved for 12 years. Susanna had to let go and give plan over to God. And He obviously had more in store for her than she could have ever dreamed...far more grand, more full of love and passion than she probably ever let her heart desire.

I would recommend this book to those that love romance, predictable or non, those looking for love, those searching for a reason for their life. God's got it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Wishing on Willows

When I first read the description of this book, it sounded familiar to me. I couldn't place why though. After I started reading the first chapter, I was like, "Wait a minute....Robin sounds familiar....." And sure enough; I was right. 

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert was a nice little step back into Peaks with some familiar faces. I enjoyed reading Wildflowers from Winter, which was the prequel to this book. I sometimes have a hard time with series books, because I don't feel like they can live up to the first book (I've read some series recently that felt like they bombed compared to the original). However, Katie's style of writing had me drawn in once again and I felt like I got to know the characters more and meet some new characters. 

I can't wait to see where Katie takes us next. This is a good, easy, leisure read. Good, clean romance. 

Bread & Wine

When a small group from my church decided they wanted to read this for this month, and create some of the recipes from the book, I was really happy that when I saw that Thomas Nelson was having this books a BookSneeze selection. I was giddy with excitement as I got my package in the mail.

When I was flipping through it, though, it wasn't what I expected it to be. 

"My prayer is that you'll read these pages first curled up on your couch or in bed or in the bathtub, and then after that you'll bring it to the kitchen with you, turning corners of pages, breaking the spine, spilling red wine on it and splashing vinegar across the pages, that it will become battered and stained as you cook and chop and play, music loud and kitchen messy" Shauna writes on the back cover of the book. Even though in the book she says this is not a cook book, it is more of an collection of stories of her life. 

I was hoping for more recipes that are in here. This is not a book that I would bring into the kitchen with me. Some other people might, but that is not for me. My cookbooks are loaded with leftover food, stuck and curled pages. This book would never make it in my kitchen. 

I did find the book pleasing to read, and I will (try) to make some of the recipes in the book. And it will be interesting to hear what the ladies in the small group at church thought about the book too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Letters to Katie

It's been some time since I've read an Amish inspired book. I think it probably was one of Beverly Lewis' ones. When I read the description for "Letters to Katie" it sounded interesting and I decided to give it a go. This is a sweet story centered around Katie. It took some time to get in to where the "letters" were going to be part of the story, but when it was finally revealed, it made sense. I quickly fell in love with the characters. This is an easy, quick read and I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a wholesome love story, this is a good choice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Accidental Pharisees

My pastor read this book and presented it to our congregation. He said this was a challenging book. This is coming from a pastor who has read lots of different types of material. So I was happy to see that this was a BookSneeze selection. 

I agree with Pastor. It was a challenging read. It got right to the heart of things and dug in deep. Deep into scripture, deep into your heart, deep into your soul and really made you think about things. I liked the Discussion sections at the end of the each Part. This is a real eye-opening book and if you are ready to take a deep breath, jump off the cliff and learn more about God, yourself, your faith...then I suggest reading this. If you are ready to look in the mirror and acknowledge who you are, then this is the book for you. No turning back. 

Finding God in the Dark

Who hasn't been hurt by someone? Who hasn't felt the sting of doubt, fear, condemnation, guilt? I'm sure all of us can relate to something that has happened in our life where we have felt lost, alone, and in despair. I'm sure there have been plenty of times where you have felt like God wasn't around- especially when you needed Him to be.

Finding God in the Dark is a great book about learning to seek God when things don't seem to be going the way that you had your life planned to be going. I appreciate the men sharing their personal life struggles and feelings in the book. I enjoy reading books like this; it helps "bring it home" and make it more personal. The writing is easy and is a fairly quick read. It is written in a way that anyone would be able to understand. You don't need to be a philosophical genius to be able to read this and understand what God wants for you. 

Dirty God

Grace.

Dirty God from Johnnie Moore is a story of grace and how Jesus came to be one of us. I love how real he gets with the story and how relatable he makes the Scripture. This is an easy read in the sense that there are no difficult understandings to try to follow. But it is also a hard read emotionally and spiritually. This book really digs down into the soul and makes Jesus a person. A real person that you can confide in, understand, and talk to. He is not some historical figure that seems unattainable. He is real. And Johnnie does a wonderful job explaining how much God really does loves us and what he sacrificed for us. Grace. No matter how horrible we think we are, it's grace that covers us.