An Absence So Great Review & Giveaway

Book: An Absence So Great

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Summary:
Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams.

Despite growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is still at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing on her dream to one day own her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep those painful memories from seeping into her heart, and the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.


Author Bio:

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

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I am really looking forward to finishing this book! (being a mom has had me busy from morning till night recently) It's like the author takes you to a totally different time with her decriptions of people and scenes. The book starts off a little slow, but hang in there...I know I am glad I did.

To get your very own copy from me, all ya have to do is leave a comment. I'll end the giveaway & announce the winner on Thursday 4/8 at noon.

To purchase this book and check out others click here.

Giveaway WINNER: Relationships...

Denise is our random winner!

Congrats!-You'll like these!

More reviews & giveaways soon :)

Happy Monday!

Book Reviews & Giveaways: Relationships...

Book: Mother Daughter Duet

Author: Cheri Fuller

Summary:
When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Author Bio:
Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

Peronal Review:

I read 1/2 of this book and life just got busy- you all know what that's like! I love the kind of book this is. Now, I didn't read this to "fix" a relationship with my own mom, but to better prepare myself as to handle my 8 year old- going on 17! It's like reading an honest conversation between the authors. Each has their own perspective.

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Book: Dancing With My Father

Author: Sally Clarkson

Summary:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.


Author Bio:

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs , Colorado .

Personal Review:

I love the prayers and bible passages in the book! Very encouraging reading about how to get that connection with God back. I really took away this: He wants us to find his JOY in our everyday life. It's so much about trusting that He has a wonderful purpose for us.

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Now to the giveaway:

Just leave me a comment about how you'll be renewing yourself this spring. I love this time of year...everything seems fresh and new again. Like what you'll be doing for spring break? Doing spring cleaning? Or what you do just to renew yourself?

These books come together in the giveaway: so ya get 2 books!

If you aren't a follower, welcome! hit the button and stay a while :) you get an extra entry for that!

Repost on your own blog or Facebook for an extra entry too!

Random winner will be chosen on Friday at noon :)

8 Day Giveaway!

My friend Crystal is celebrating her bday with giveaways to friendly followers :) Drop by her blog and see what fun she has!! She's really crafty and loves Twilight!

Going in 100 Different Directions

This has been one busy week for this stay at home mom. I really do try and commit myself to staying at home and working for my family...goodness knows my home needs my constant attention :) This week was filled with crazy sinus pressure, grocery shopping, goodwill & dollar tree finds, errand running, birthday lunch & dinner, very yummy cake baking, present wrapping, dental appointment, and now it's friday. Taking one room at a time and then locking the door behind me when i'm done. My bathroom and 2 bedrooms (never mine, lol) are done and laundry is rolling.

Got some MatchBox 20 blaring while Adam and I straighten up.

Next week, I have 2 books to review and both are giveaways! Trav's birthday pics to post too. March and April are fast approaching. Seems like these two months are the busiest for us around here. I'm prepping for all that Spring has to offer, this crazy weather has to go.

Have a great weekend bloggy friends!

Love & War Winner

Congrats to Julie!

You'll love this book...and it's a good one to pass along to married friends.

I'll get it to ya this week.

Love & War Review, Plus Giveaway!!!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Author: John and Stasi Eldredge

Summary:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredge's candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

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This book is completely refreshing!!! I had so many "aha" moments while reading it. I love how the points of view change from John & Staci through the situations and you get to really see their perspectives. Their honest approach to romance meeting reality- with a Christian point of view is appealing. I could see a lot of my marriage in their experiences...like movie quotes, etc. I walk away from this book knowing that my marriage is a wonderful love story and a blessing in God's plan. I love that...our love story! I could go on and on about the notes I made about this book.

Though I didn't get an extra copy as a giveaway...this one is too life changing not to share it.

*To Enter:

1. All you have to do is comment with a little insight to your "love story" or what your family is doing for Valentine's Day.

2. Repost on your blog and/or Facebook and link back here. 1 entry for each

3. Make sure you are a follower here! I have several more books for review coming up soon! If you are new...welcome! enjoy an entry just for the new following :)

If you want to purchase your very own copy click here. Giveaway entries accepted through 2/14! I'll post the winner on Monday :)

40 Loaves Winner

Kristi-


Congrats! Leave me your email or drop me a note at sarahlee28@yahoo.com and we'll get you your copy soon.
Merry Christmas!!!

Keep checking in for more book giveaways in 2010!

Book Review & Giveaway: 40 loaves

"40 loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day"

Here’s a summary:

“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”
There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.
Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.
Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts.
–Psalm 139:23 NIV

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

I read this book over Thanksgiving break and it brought up a lot of questions and situations that I could relate to. There were several days that really struck me. Fear of death...yes, I have it. That's one of my confessions, but as it says in the book: confession of fears, replaces them. I can say that I am confident in where I will go when i die, but that still doesn't take away the fear of unknown, fear of ending, fear of what will go on without me. BUT, I know that everything will be according to His will and His perfect plan. Sad that it takes being called back to heaven to see his plan, but I have faith that He knows way more that I do :)

Another day that spoke to me in a way was: Why does God seem silent in my life? Well, I felt some comfort that this author see it the same way I do. He writes about how "God is love. We listen for God by listening for love. When we experience love, we have heard the voice of God." God is speaking to me loud and clear everyday. I am so very loved and I love so many...

So now here's the big giveaway: To get your copy of 40 loaves, all you have to do is leave a comment. You get 2 entries if you share this on your blog as well :)

Contest ends 12/23 at 3pm central.

"Yes" Mom Challenge

ok, this is so hard for me, but i do find myself saying "no"so much more than "yes". so i'll focus on saying more "yes" to the kids and harmless fun. if you read in jill savage's blog-i find myself guilty of being selfish with kid activities-like i don't want to have to clean up more, or just plain end up with anything more to do that i already have going on. you know my day is a full plate of busy! but they need fun! so here's to having more "fun mom" days, won't you join me?!

jill is having a giveaway when you post on her blog your "yes" mom stories...here's what she has to say "Anyone who posts a "yes mom" story to this post from today through the month of July, will be entered to win a Hearts at Home mom gift package, full of mom resources designed to encourage you! And here's the best part: the more you say "yes," and share your "yes" stories, the more times you are entered into the August 1 drawing. And the more we are all encouraged!"

sounds like a plan- i wonder what fun will the kids suggest we have today??? i'd love to hear what you all say "yes" to. take pics, share & document all the fun, crazy things :)

Giveaway Fun with Julie

100th Post Giveway on This is Me Then

this week julie is having a ton of fun stuff going on all week on her blog in celebration of her 100th blog post. so drop on over by her blog and say hi!

And the Winner is.....

Heather!

congrats! i will drop off your dvd :) thank you gals for sharing about your children. it's so great to know we have a strong mommy community-either in our hometown or online.

here's to all the moms gearing up for summer vacation-make the times memorable. we all know it goes by in a blink of an eye.

End of the School Year Contest!

i can't believe there's only 4 weeks left!

the end of the school year is such a great time for reflection. i love to look at the pics i did of my kids on the first day of school and compare it to how they look 9 months later. it is astounding how much a child can change, learn & grow in that time!

like my oldest son, travis for example. he started his kindergarten year a little rough. there were many new rules to learn and a new pace of learning to adapt to. he was resistant at first and came home on "oops" and "bad news" for a while as he was learning the ropes. it was so hard to hear him upset coming home at the end of the day! but now he has way more "super" days than not and is doing a great job of reading. still in shock that he's going into first grade in the fall, new school, new teacher, new rules.

cayley seems to excel in any situation! second grade has been a breeze to her. i have tried to give her a little more responsibility along with a tiny bit more freedom. several teeth lost and visits from the tooth fairy, reading books like nobody's business, made straight a's, growing so tall that it's hard for me to carry her to bed when she falls asleep in mine...that's what i'll remember.

so adam...not such a baby anymore. now this is a hard adjustment! he still loves to cuddle up, but will run and play at any moment. i enjoy it while i can! he's finding out he can do things on his own and boy does he, lol. praying that he can gain independence with the comfort of holding his mommy's hand.

so here's the contest part! you can play even if your little ones aren't in school. just post a comment on how much your children have changed since the end of last summer till now. what they have learned? grown? challenged themselves? discovered some new interests?

i'll pick a random winner who will receive the movie "The Ultimate Gift". if you haven't seen it- it's amazing! really illustrates the "gifts" we should bless our children with :)

this is a great movie to watch, keep, and share! tim and i adore the messages in this one and love sharing it with family and friends. we get something more from it each time we watch it.

so, leave a comment and i'll pick a winner on the morning of may 19th. thanks to sarah smith for helping me with this :)

good luck & happy start of summer!