Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

"Traces of Guilt: An Evie Blackwell Cold Case" by Dee Henderson was a book I just could not put down.

In past books, I felt that the author could be unnecessarily wordy and the story lines unbelievable.  But Ms. Henderson hit a home run with this one.  I especially enjoyed the process and questions an investigator might take when working on cases such as these.  Also, the characters were likeably flawed and the two main characters, although attracted to each other, did not have a romance to clutter the story.

This is my favorite book by this author (so far) and I'm really looking forward to reading more about Evie, Gabe, and the Thane family.  Encore, please!

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

Dressed for Death by Julianna Deering

The 4th book in Julianna Deering's Drew Farthering Mystery series, "Dressed for Death" was my least favorite. 

I really like the idea of a young, rich, married couple sleuthing in England in the 1920's, but I found this book didn't capture my attention as the previous books had.  As a matter of fact, I had to reread certain sections to make sure I understood who was doing what (there are a lot of nicknames used by characters which is confusing at first).

Although it is impossible to figure out "who done it" until the very end (which is somewhat of a plus), I do wish that there had been a few less references to Jane Austen.

Even though I didn't care for this book, I do look forward to reading more of Drew's and Madeline's adventures.

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

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette

I love historical fiction, and better yet when it's Biblical historical fiction.  "Counted with the Stars" by Connilyn Cossette was a pleasant surprise.  A fresh story line, unique insight, and characters that aren't perfect (except for the woman portrayed on the cover!) made for a great read.  I never before had entertained the thought that there may have been Egyptians fleeing Egypt with the Israelites.

My only concern:  Although the story is pretty G-rated, some of the romantic scenarios I question if they are appropriate for Christian readers.

Other than that, I would give this book an enthusiastic two thumbs up and I look forward to the next book in the series!

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

The Prime by Kulreet Chaudhary, MD

Over the past 18 months, my sister-in-law has lost over 50 pounds, increased her energy, and improved her health and life while working with a naturopath to rid her body of toxins and eliminating inflammatory foods from her diet.  With that said, I have seen how toxins can effect a person’s body, so when I was offered the opportunity to review this book, I must admit that I am already a believer of the basic information covered in “The Prime” by Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D.

This book is easy to read and understand and covers concepts in traditional Indian medicine that healing the body starts with healing the gut.  While Western medicine treats symptoms, Dr. Chaudhary shares how she truly heals (not just masks symptoms with medications) patients through detoxification.  Although weight loss was not the primary objective of this program, it was a happy circumstance. 

Healing the body, clearing the mind and improved overall health are the targets.  Dr. Chaudhary shares how to do that with the use of herbal supplements to cleanse the digestive system over a period of several weeks.  This program does not require you to stop eating certain foods, but through the improvement in your body’s function as you begin to heal, foods that are not “good” for you will not be (as) appealing. 

I think it’s important that we take responsibility for our own health, and the ideas in “The Prime” make sense.  I, for one, am going to give it a go.  I promise to let you know my results.

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

Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife by Barbara Rainey

“Letters to my Daughters” by Barbara Rainey is a book of loving encouragement for women wanting to be the best wife they can be. Definitely a wonderful reminder for those of us who have been married for several years, but also great insight for those just embarking on their marriage journey.

We have done the “Passport to Purity” weekend with our children that Dennis and Barbara Rainey share, and I have always aspired to have that same openness with our children that they have with their family.  Their honest and caring teaching style is again found in this book for wives.

Also, this book is absolutely beautiful.  The calligraphy found throughout is stunning.  I found myself wanting to frame several pages and hang them on the walls of my home.  Definitely a gift-worthy item all the way around.

 

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

The Knot: Outdoor Weddings

I requested this book to review as my hubby and I are considering renewing our wedding vows. 

"The Knot Outdoor Weddings" is full of ideas, many of which would be great for an indoor wedding/reception, too.  The book is absolutely filled with gorgeous photography that really gets one's creative juices flowing.  Although the weddings featured were larger, upscale events, again, the ideas given could help with smaller ones.  Every time I page through this book, I see something new.

Great book if you are planning a wedding, a vow renewal, or other important life event.  Not so great if you are doing it on a very limited budget.

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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 Bee-Friendly Garden by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn

“The Bee-Friendly Garden” by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn is an enlightening book about my favorite insect.  This book is written in an engaging way that is easy to read and understand.  The book covers information about different types of bees and their preferred habitats as well as lists of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs that these beautiful creatures are most attracted to.  In addition, there are good ideas about bee-friendly flowers that can be incorporated in your vegetable garden to make not only a productive, but pretty space as well.  All that, and gorgeous photography, too.

If you are considering making your garden a beautiful and bee-friendly place, I would recommend this book.

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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.