Books - Faith and Family Reviews

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Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook

Posted by html404 on May 2, 2010
in Books, Business

OrganicFarmersBusinessHandbookcover

I realize this book may not be of interest to some of you, but in case there are aspiring farmers among our readers or in case aspiring farmers come across us via google or other sites, I thought I would share it. Plus, what I read gives you a sneak peek to yet another side of me and my family.

The book I am referring to is, Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook. It was written by Richard Wiswall, a successful organic farmer who worked hard to get to where he is and wanted to share his experience and knowledge with other organic farmers. The book includes a CD with Excel worksheets that farmers may use for their own business.

I found that Mr. Wiswall provided some invaluable information that both beginning farmers and veteran farmers alike can glean from and use. He points out some important tax info and how to make a profit from an organic farm.

Our library ordered this book when I requested it and now owns it, so I have been able to get it out a couple of times this past year. However, I am hoping to add it to our home library at some point, especially once we start our commercial farm as I really liked it and think it should be on our shelf for quick reference.

P.S. I just borrowed it from the library for the third time! 🙂

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In Harm’s Way – Revell Book Tour

Posted by html404 on April 18, 2010
in Uncategorized

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

In Harm's Way

In Harm’s Way was another suspenseful book that was a good read. I found it a bit more predictable than I did Too Close to Home, but it was a good story line with a bit of romance tucked in for the romantic at heart.

This book is actually the final in a series called, Heroes of Quantico, but each of the books can be read without reading the others, so it wasn’t like I felt I was missing any details. It was about another FBI agent who is hard pressed to solve an uncanny, yet intriguing mystery. All because of a rag doll. I loved how the author wove the story line of this together. She did catch me off guard with the spin she put on one aspect of the story.

What struck me in this book was how badly some people want children, but cannot have them. One character in this book wanted children so badly she was willing to do anything to have a baby. It is sad and I realize how much I take for granted my ability to conceive. Not that I haven’t had my own difficulties with our losses, but still I have seven children here with me. The rest just happen to be waiting in heaven.

Another topic of interest In Harm’s Way deals with is the intuition between twins. I find that intriguing and I know that this isn’t just some phenomenon, like ESP, which is touched on in the book as well. Before I even told my mother I was expecting again, she outright asked me if I was pregnant. I was taken aback and asked her what made her ask and she said she just had a feeling. Now, that doesn’t happen all the time or with every pregnancy and is certainly of a different calibur of intuition that that of twins; which I happen to believe in because I don’t doubt God’s ability to give such close siblings the ability to feel and “know” something about a person who was knit together with them in their mother’s womb. Intuition is just one of those uncanny things you just cannot explain. And it is one aspect of the story that the main character must deal with too.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a change of pace in their normal reading. It is another good, clean mystery that I really enjoyed.

“Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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The Twilight Gospel – Litefuse Book Tour

Posted by html404 on April 15, 2010
in Books

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

The Twilight Gospel

First, I want to clarify that I have not read any of the Twilight Saga book series. I am not really into those kinds of books, so you might wonder why I chose to read Twilight Gospel and right a review of it since it is based on the Twilight Saga. I decided to opt in for this review to have an open mind and because I wanted to see what author, Dave Roberts, had to say about these best-seller books.

I don’t agree with everything Mr. Roberts had to say. In parts, I could see his reasoning but other times I found this book hard to follow, even with the details Mr. Roberts shared about the characters from the Twilight series. There were times I just couldn’t get the connection between the scripture he used and the storyline of the Twilight books.

To me, it seemed like the author was almost justifying allowing Christian young people to read these books by trying to counter them with biblical insights. But I honestly don’t think Christian young people should be reading books like Harry Potter and the Twilight Saga. Yes, I am one of those Christians, but hey, I am admitting it!

Perhaps for those who have already read the series, this book could be a useful tool. However, based on the limited details provided about the Twilight Saga book series in The Twilight Gospel, I wouldn’t allow my teenager to read this book. She already asked and the answer is no, absolutely not.

No matter how people try to justify their reading material, reading about sex, vampires, and the occult has an affect on the way we think and act. Reading about sex at any age has the potential to arouse and awaken feelings that otherwise would lay dormant until the right time (marriage!). To be honest, I don’t think Christian young people need anymore temptation in today’s world. God’s Word, the Bible, is clear on what we, as Christians, are to think on:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 King James Version of the Bible.

For me there’s no question as to why I cannot recommend The Twilight Gospel, read the verse above again if you still wonder why, unless you have already read the Twilight Saga book series. Maybe then it might be helpful. Maybe…

About the Author:

Dave Roberts is the author of the best-selling The Toronto Blessing and Red Moon Rising with joint sales in excess of 100,000. He is a former editor of Christianity and won awards for his work on Renewal magazine. He is a local church pastor and conference director for three major annual conferences on worship, children’s ministry, and women’s ministry.

Resources:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-twilight-gospel-by-dave-roberts.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100414/ap_on_en_ot/us_challenged_books

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Too Close to Home – Revell Book Tour

Posted by html404 on April 13, 2010
in Books

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

The book Too Close to Home was a refreshing change from the historical romances that I usually enjoy and receive for reviews. It is about Special Agent Samantha Cash entering an investigation with Homicide Detective Connor Wolfe to crack the case of what appears to be a series of unsolved murders and disappearances of teen girls. Of course, intertwined within the case is a budding romance too. The story was filled with suspense and intrigue. It kept my attention and made me want to read until I found who committed the crimes.

This story also comes close to home to parents or it should. Due to the advances in technology, we all need to be watchful of our children’s activities online. I don’t think a week goes by without there being an article on how the police have arrested some person for solicitating sex from a minor online. I also found the details of Too Close to Home interesting in how investigators track and find these perpetrators.

Too Close to Home should also give us, as parents, pause as far as how busy we are in relation to how much time we spend with our teens. Teens need us as much, if not more, than younger children because of the many temptations that are bombarding them. Are we available and open and ready to listen to them when they need us? If we aren’t, then they are going to find someone else who is and just who will that person be?

I really enjoyed this suspenseful book and am looking forward to the next book in the Women of Justice Series, since Ms. Eason left me with a cliff hanger at the end of the last chapter! Reading this book was like watching a really good, clean detective show, seriously. Too Close to Home is Book One is the Women of Justice Series.

“Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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The Promise of Morning – Revell Book Tour

Posted by html404 on March 28, 2010
in Books

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

The Promise of Morning

The Promise of Morning
by Ann Shorey

The Promise of Morning is book 2 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series. This story was heart wrenching in some ways. In other ways it was a typical frontier story that showed the strength and endurance the pioneers are known for during such a tough time in our nation’s history. This story was set in Illinois and I haven’t read too many stories from the 1800s that were based in Illinois.

The pioneers faced many controversial issues just as we do today and the towns people of Beldon Grove were no different. Sometimes people are called to stand alone in certain issues/convictions which makes it a lonely road to travel. Our family can certainly understand what that’s like. Having seven children and another on the way in a time when 1.2 children per family is the norm, we definitely stand out in our townhouse community and when we go to public places. Plus the fact that we homeschool, but that isn’t so different anymore since homeschooling is becoming more well known. Most people are very accepting of that fact. It’s the amount of children we have that blows their minds.

I liked this story and the real life struggles the characters experienced, as well as how their faith was strengthened through their trials. So often during tough times it feels like we are at our weakest, but it is on the other side of the trial that life’s next hurdle of hardship show us how the tough times have made us stronger. The Promise of Morning characters endure hardships only to discover their marriages, their communities and families are stronger because of what they experienced during their trials. If only more people today had the endurance and strength of the early pioneers, how much better would individuals, marriages and families weather the storms of life.

“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Scattered Petals – Revell Book Tour

Posted by html404 on March 26, 2010
in Books

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

Scattered Petals

Scattered Petals is the second book of the Texas Dreams series written by Amanda Cabot. It is set in the wild west era (1856) and deals with very tragic events that occurred as a result of traveling across country from the East Coast to Texas. The experience of the main character, Priscilla Morton is devastating to her spirit and to her faith.

I devoured the book and cried all through out it. What can I say, I am a cry baby (wry smile). This book tugged at all sorts of emotions. I could only imagine what I would do and feel if I were the one who had to go through what Priscilla Morton did.

The way the author wound the story into one of healing, forgiveness, unconditional love and second chances makes it a delightful love story.

I found it hard to write this review because I really didn’t want to give away any of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for younger readers (11-18) until their mom has had a chance to read it first. The bible deals with many of life’s issues and if our children are exposed to scripture then our children will already be familiar with of life’s problems and sins. I would just hate to unnecessarily scare a young woman, especially one who might be prone to the sin of fearing too much.

“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Interview with Author Tina Turbin

Posted by html404 on March 15, 2010
in Books, DVDs & CDs, Giving Back/Charity

This interview was conducted before I received any of Mrs. Turbin’s Danny the Dragon products.

FF: I am looking forward to reviewing your products.

TT:Thank you for doing them!

FF: I just have a few questions about your upcoming DVD that is due to be released in March. Official street date is April 14th actually.

FF: Is the DVD an animation or does it have real actors?

TT: Neither, the DVD is the book read aloud by an actress and the DVD has sign interpretation for the deaf.
I am donating the money to the Blossom Montessori School for the deaf as well as for Literacy and Education.

FF: What ages is the DVD geared towards?

TT: 2- 9 years but I have attended many schools with it and the young teens sure love it!

FF: Is there a particular reason that you decided to make a DVD of Danny the Dragon?

TT: Kids love to watch things on TV and computers and I was also asked that I create one off of the book. I also wanted to make something for the deaf as well.

FF: Does the DVD deviate from the book? If so, how?

TT: Not at all. The exact story.

FF: You have included sign language in the DVD. Did you have a personal reason for doing that?

TT: I visited a school to do a reading of my Danny the Dragon book and the school works with kids from very young all through High School and they had a number of deaf students. Carol Downing did the sign while I read to these lovely children. These kids amazed me, the staff inspired me and I walked away from that day with a new view on many aspects, and so did my photographer who came with me for the reading. I got in the car and my ideas starting rolling away on how I could help or do more. I first attended a fund raiser and donated to that and that was not enough. So now we have the DVD as well.

FF: And were actual deaf actors involved? ( please see above)

FF: How was that experience for everyone who participated in the making of the DVD?

TT: We all felt a deep sense of commitment doing it and truly enjoyed working on it. The end was an accomplishment well worth the time and the kids love watching it over and over.

FF: It is great when authors, celebrities and businesses support different causes in the work they are doing. You support the Celiac Foundation and now the deaf; what made you decide to choose these two organizations?

TT: CELIAC: I am passionate about raising awareness to Celiac Disease and the many adverse effects that gluten produces in many children and adult bodies- and even animals! One in every 120-130 people have this disease which means about 2.35-2.85 million Americans to this date have not yet been diagnosed. It takes an average of 4-10 years (depending on who you reference) to be properly diagnosed and in the meantime other auto-immune diseases can begin and a whole mess evolves. People find out about celiac or gluten intolerance and start researching it themselves and bring the topic up to their doctors, after many years of tests and troubles to no resolution. I was one of these people! Also, many kids with autism are taken off of gluten for a very good reason. Much more is on my resource site about these topics: http://GlutenFreeHelp.info DEAF: (Explained above)

FF: I think I have exhausted my question reservoir for the time being. I appreciate the privilege to review your book and DVD, as well as the opportunity to interview you.

TT: I thank you VERY much and you can learn a bit more about me at this site: www.TinaTurbin.com

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A Distant Melody – Revell Book Tour

Posted by html404 on March 14, 2010
in Books

I received the following book free in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

A Distant Melody

A Distant Melody was written by Sarah Sundin, a new and upcoming authoress. After I finished the book, I couldn’t help but compare her to one of my all-time favorite Christian fiction authors, Lori Wick. A Distant Melody engaged me; I didn’t want to put the book down and even declined free pancakes at IHOP on National Pancake Day to stay home to finish it. It is over 400 pages long and I finished it in record time – I didn’t even pull an all-nighter to keep reading.

A Distant Melody is a a heartwarming-heartwrenching story set in the time of World War II. Mrs. Sundin’s detail and research of B-14s had me asking my husband questions about them so I could see if I was picturing correctly how the crew operated.

You know a story is good when the characters come alive to you. After all, that is a huge part of what makes a book a great book. I am already looking forward to the second book.

One thing I will say is that it was pretty predictable in some parts, but other parts had me on my seat – obviously, since I couldn’t put it down. And that’s not to say that there weren’t little things that I didn’t agree with or that could have been left out; there were and I know that most would argue that these “little” things were in keeping with the time of World War II. To that I say, “To each his own.”

“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Love of Books

Posted by html404 on March 11, 2010
in Uncategorized

Love of Books

If you haven’t guessed by now, our family loves books and I have to admit that I love it when they even fall asleep with a book! I also can’t go wrong with another sleeping baby picture by the response last week’s photo got. 😉

I also love Wordless Wednesday because it feels like I get caught up by simply posting a photo! Any one know who thought that up in the blogging world? I decided that I needed to conform just so it would help me over the midweek hump and give me a mini break from having to write up a post. I haven’t decided yet if that’s pathetic or smart, but am really leaning towards the smart!?

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Revell Young Adult Book Tour – Out With the in Crowd

Posted by html404 on February 22, 2010
in Books

I received the following book free in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

I thought I would be able to let my oldest daughter read this book after me and do her own book review for her blog, but decided that she cannot. While the book is aimed at high schoolers, I don’t think this book represents what should be a typical high school experience for Christian kids.

Years ago it would be an incredibly shameful to show your face in public with an out-of-wedlock pregnancy; today it is the norm. But I question that it should be for Christians. I don’t think it should be, regardless of what the world around us is doing.

Out With the in Crowd reminded me of a teen soap opera with the boyfriends, break ups, teen girl meanness and teen pregnancy. It is the second in the series Stephanie Morrill has written about The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt. Skylar is a teen who is from a seemingly Christian home, but sows some wild oats by partying and drinking. Then an event occurs to get her attention back on God. The whole book is about her struggle to live for Christ when things around her are falling apart.

I don’t know about you, but we are trying to raise our children differently than the world. I realize that Christian teens attending high school are no doubt facing the very things that this book addresses, but that is one of the reasons we are homeschooling.

The book also fails to even mention Scripture verses that could help Skylar focus on truth rather than her own thoughts and circumstances.

Needless to say, I was disappointed in this book. You may or may not agree.

“Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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