Be the Best Mom You Can Be by Marina Slayton

As a mom, I need all the help I can get.  Growing up, all the parents I knew seemed like they had the parenting thing down pat... or maybe they were just really good at faking it.  Regardless, when I saw "Be the Best Mom You Can Be" by Marina Slayton, I thought I could use this "Practical Guide to Raising Whole Children".

First of all, I have read tons of books on the subject of parenting.  Some have been good, some haven't, and some have just made me feel like I'm an awful mom.  This book, though, is really encouraging.  I loved the idea of creating a family vision, of viewing motherhood as a ministry and not a contest, taking the time to identify generational curses, and so much more.  

This book definitely falls in the category of "glad I read" vs. "should've left it on the shelf".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bedtime Devotions with Jesus

"Bedtime Devotions with Jesus" is a darling hardcover book, written by various pastors and church leaders.  It includes 52 weeks of devotions, 6 devotions per week.  The devotions are short (2-3 minutes or so) and are perfect for the 4-8 age range.  Each lesson also includes a bible verse and the key point reiterated in a simple sentence.  As I read these devotions, I could not help but think that they were a great conversation starters, too.

What a great way to close out the day with your child!  


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Not Cool by Greg Gutfeld

Something I just really can't tolerate is how we have become a society of name-callers.  You know, if you don't agree with someone of a different race you are a racist, etc.  Well, I found "Not Cool" by Greg Gutfeld to be just that... not cool.  Just about every page included put-downs for someone the author did not agree with.

I am unclear as to the purpose of Mr. Gutfeld's book.  If it is to try to sway people of another mindset to his way of thinking, all he is going to do is alienate them.  If he is trying to "entertain" those of the same mindset, I'm sorry, that was lost on me as well.

I will say that the book was not a total loss for me, but pretty close. 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.    

The River Cottage Curing & Smoking Handook by Steven Lamb

I have always been fascinated by the traditional preparation and storage of food, so when I had the opportunity to review "The River Cottage Curing & Smoking Handbook" by Steven Lamb I was intrigued.

This small hardcover book is filled with easy to understand information written in manner that is enjoyable to read.  It includes a wealth of information about the science of curing, equipment needed, bacteria and molds, methods and ingredients, and recipes.  But what, I believe, makes this book valuable in addition to the information are all the pictures, of which there are many.

In addition, this book was encouraging.  I really felt the author's passion for his subject and felt that he did a great job of demystifying the art of curing and smoking.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.   

Believe Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus by Randy Frazee

"Believe Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus" by Randy Frazee is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated book.  Recommended for ages 4 and up, each chapter:

• starts with a key question (e.g. How do I best use my resources to serve God and others?),
• includes a paraphrased story from the Old Testament (e.g. Moses asking the Israelites to help build a tabernacle using whatever skills or resources they had)
• relates that Old Testament story to Jesus, and ties that in with a paraphrased New Testament reading (e.g. the story of the Wise Men visiting Jesus),
• shows how Jesus is the answer and how we can be more like Him.
•  ends with a key idea and Bible verse.

As an adult, I appreciated the effort the author took to bring the Old Testament stories and associate them with the New Testament stories about Jesus.  Also, it is a large, hardcover book, perfect to be shared with your favorite little person on your lap or seated next to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.