5 days to a clutter-free house by Sandra Felton & Marsha Sims

5 Days to a Clutter-Free House is a great book geared toward someone (or a family) that is overwhelmed with their clutter and needs a direct strategy and instruction on how to get your place cleaned up. I really liked how the authors were very loving and encouraging when they were addressing who may be struggling with clutter issues and why they may be struggling. It truly offered insight to me into the motivations of people who horde or are extremely messy. I am undeniably a neat freak and was hoping to possibly learn something I didn't know. Although I did not find anything in the book that was applicable to me, I did learn some tools to help others become cleaner and more organized. This book really is geared toward someone who has a very large task ahead of them, and who may have people who are willing to help them. This book would be perfect for an adult chid of a parent who has a hoarding issue, or a concerned friend who would like to come alongside someone who needs assistance. I learned a lot about why messy people are messy. The psychology behind why people have a hard time being clean and organized is really fascinating. By reading this book, I have a deeper understanding of the struggles and thought processes of people with messy homes. I am walking away feeling more compassionate towards people who struggle with cleanliness, and for that I think this book is well worth buying. I received this book from the publisher. 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".

Savesaeed.org

American Pastor imprisoned in Iran for his faith. Please watch the video and sign the petition.

The widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is an interesting read. This is Christian fiction romance, with a twist. There is a paranormal element in this book, and not just a subtle one. The premise of the book is that it is based around a young army widow (Corrie) who moves back into her dead husband's childhood home. Corrie has not reconciled her husbands death, and her unsettled emotional state is compounded with a demonic presence that has been in the house for generations. Corrie thinks that the spirit is actually her husband, and she wrestles with this throughout the story. There is, of course, a handsome, wonderful guy in the mix (her dead husband's cousin, Eli). Eli tries to direct Corrie to seek truth in the God's word regarding death and the afterlife, and in the meantime develops an attraction for Corrie. I have never read a paranormal romance, and for that, I must give credit to the uniqueness of this story. I was very unsettled by the demonic descriptions, and it was hard to feel warmth toward the characters because of that element. The story is written in first person narrative with two point of views, Corrie's and Eli's. This gives insight into what they are feeling, but once again, it is a little unsettling. I give this good ratings because it is so different and because it did a good job of scaring me. I like books that aren't predictable and just like everything out there. It is a very clean read and will keep you up at night wanting to know what happens next! I received this book from the publisher. 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".

Daring to Choose by Michele de Reus

Daring to Choose: Gaining Momentum from your Darkest Days by Michele de Reus is a wonderful book for hurting hearts, and/also for people who want to get back on track. The author, Michele, is candid about her darkest hour in discovering infidelity and being confronted with the reality of becoming a single parent. Adding to this, her ex-husband quickly marries again, creating another set of complexities for the author. Michele is a breath of fresh air and creates hope for the reader within this book. Each chapter addresses an issue that the reader must work on in order to gain victory over their circumstances. A biblical scripture is stated, and then perfectly weaved within the premise of each chapter. Chapters include,"Choose You," "Choose Love," "Choose Grace," and many others. Each chapter shows the reader how the author handled personal situations in regard to the topic, and then she asks the reader to contemplate your story, she gives examples, she asks you to invite god in, write it down (and make a declaration). I was especially intrigued by the information regarding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a tool presented that the reader can seek out to possibly help for healing. The author really does a great job of showing the reader that circumstances that may cause setbacks can be overcome in a practical way, and with the assistance of the Creator. I really liked that the author listed all scriptures, declarations, and extra tools for the reader in the back of the book. Don't pass this book up, I am very glad that I purchased it and will recommend it to people that I know could use it. I am looking forward to Ms. De Reus's next book!

Cheaper, Better, Faster by Mary Hunt

2,000 Tips and tricks to save you time and money everyday - whew! Talk about a comprehensive book! This book has 386 pages of tips on ways to save your precious time and money. There are sixteen chapters, which are then broken down into tips - with an average of six tips per page. The chapters are topics such as cleaning, food and cooking, health and beauty, laundry, pets, and many more. Mary Hunt has gathered all of these tips over the course of her endeavor to teach others through her ministry (Debt Proof Living) on simple ways to save more of your money. Some of the tips are pretty unique, such as putting basil in fresh fruit becaue it repels flies and makes it last longer (which I did not know). Some are downright over the top frugal such as suggesting a woman buy men's hair color because it is half as much as women's hair coloring products. Some tips are practical, such as how/why/when to change filters and how to effectively negotiate a car purchase. Overall, if you are looking to save money in any capacity, this book will spark your creativity and teach you how to dig deeper and analyze how you can save yourself, and your family money. Mary Hunt is very knowledgeable in her expertise of how to stretch and manage money, and this book is an extension of her research and effective ministry. You don't have to apply every tip in this book, but if you even use one quarter of these tips, you will be well on your way to being a good steward of your finances. I received this book from the publisher. 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". Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Desperate : Hope for the Mom who needs to breathe by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson

Desperate is a non-fiction breath of fresh air for the Christian mother. These two women each have different perspectives - one is a seasoned mother with her last just entering college, and the other is a younger mother up to her ears in childrearing. Maybe I gobbled this book up because the title spoke to me. Having two teenagers and two toddlers, I can relate to this book. (Or, I suppose I should say this book relates to me!). The authors take turns writing on each topic presented, and each author has a great statement to make that is real, and relatable. Some of the chapters include, "Formulas don't always work," (in regards to parenting a specific way)and my personal favorite, "Sacrifice in the Mundane," (on selfishness). The authors don't sugarcoat anything in this book. They don't lie to you and tell you motherhood is a waking up and crafting and cooking and holding hands with your children (every day). This book shows the reader that mothers are all tempted by our flesh, and by the world to compromise and give up, but that we must "stay fast until victory is achieved." I loved that they authors spoke many times about overcoming - overcoming weariness, selfishness, perfectionism. This book speaks to a mother's heart about conforming to Christ, and coming into alignment with godly child-rearing. I loved Sally's final encouragement to "live a story that your children and grandchildren will be speaking of for generations to come." This is a very encouraging, and real book on mothering. I am SO thankful to have the opportunity to read it. You should too! I received this book from the publisher. 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".

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

I review a lot of books, but rarely do I say that a book has hit the ball out of the park. I will say that about this book. The author has done an impeccable job at telling a story that you (the reader) will love to read. Even though romance books are fairly typical, with a protagonist, a hero, and some sort of conflict - the author has creatively weaved a story that is not predictable, not boring, and is able to touch on quite a few emotions. The characters are well developed, and the story is truly believable, not an easy feat. The main character, Bethany, has depth and her backstory is well told. The hero, Evan, is shown to have depth of emotion as well. Without revealing the story, the conflict between them is powerful and well laid out. Christianity is weaved within the story line, but it is not overwhelming nor in your face. I loved the small town and farm setting, and the intimacy of the story. The contemporary attitude of Bethany struggling against her desired life vs. her childhood roots was a very compelling and real anguish for someone to struggle with. Additionally, her friend Robin's new widowhood was raw and well written. Overall, this book is a five star read, and you will certainly be missing out if you pass it by. Please read this book, you will be so happy that you did! I received this book from the publisher. 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".