The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook by Mike Berenstain

My kids were really excited to get this cookbook. Our family enjoys reading Berenstain Bears books, having read them ourselves when we were little kids. In fact, those books were some of the few my husband and I kept from childhood to share with our children.

Since our children enjoy cooking and baking, I was excited to have child-friend cookbook where we could do an easy recipe, but still create fun memories into the kitchen. As soon as my daughter opened the book, she started making a list of recipes for us to make together. Some of her favorites were the Bear-y Delicious Scones and the Banana Pops.

This cookbook has a wide range of recipes, including breakfast, lunch, main dishes, desserts, and snacks. The photos are very eye-appealing. The recipes are easy and include less than 10 ingredients. I also like that it uses a lot of fresh ingredients and not a lot of pre-packaged items. It's the perfect book to encourage healthy eating.

I'm looking forward to cooking many things in this book as we try out all of these recipes. This cookbook has already become a favorite among my children. I'm thankful for a book that will encourage family time in the kitchen and will give me many opportunities to spend meaningful time with my children.

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I received this book free from Zonderkidz through the Booklook Program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Halo Found Hope by Helo Matzelle

As someone who has watched a loved one go down the road of brain tumors, this book hit home. I currently have a friend's elementary-aged son going through a brain tumor and thought of her the entire time I read this book. Needless to say, I bought her the kindle copy so she could read it. I knew that if I had been encouraged by this book, then so would she. Walking down this road is a lonely, scary road. Helo did an amazing job telling her story and being transparent about her fears and her battles.

I found it very helpful to read about how her different family members handled the news of her brain tumor. She shares her perspective of what it was like for her parents to see their child suffer, her husband to watch his wife suffer, and her children watching their mom suffer. Everyone thought this would be a surgery with a 6-day recovery. When the unthinkable happens, the family each copes with the ups and downs of the prolonged hospital stay and near-death experiences in their own way.

I appreciated how Helo focuses so much on God and how her relationship with God brought her through those tough times. She shares her fears of dying and leaving her family behind, but she also shares the hope that she found in Christ. She shares how intense the battle of her mind was and how she had to deliberately focus on God when she was scared. I liked how she was able to get through the MRI scans! I could just see her toes wanting to tap right off the table!

This book is for absolutely anyone and everyone, in my opinion. However, this would be a huge source of encouragement for anyone walking through a brain tumor diagnosis. She shares her rehab frustrations and how she is different now from before the surgery. It will definitely minister to those who are anywhere on this journey.

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/halo-found-hope-helo-matzelle.

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{More about Halo Found Hope}

Halo Found Hope (December 2014)
Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room—was there any hope?
A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life… and her family waited.
Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless… or could she?
Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo’s story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn’t need to be re cognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Helo did, and that is how she found hope.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Helo’s website.

{More About Helo Matzelle}

Helouise “Halo” Matzelle led a charmed life until receiving a shocking diagnosis in 2011 of a rare brain tumor sitting over the main artery in her brain. Matzelle’s passion is helping those who face various challenges and afflictions discover where true hope is found. She resides in Redmond, WA, with her husband and their three children.
Find out more about Helo at http://halofoundhope.com/.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Dog Ear Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray

I always enjoy a new book by Shelley Shepard Gray. Her stories are always such a nice, relaxing read. I felt as if I was transported to Pinecraft, Florida, and found myself instantly dreaming of sunny weather and warmer temperatures. The cover of this book is perfect and really does hint at the story inside.

I like how the story focuses on Edmund and Leona, but also includes several other side stories, as well. Leona and Edmond's friends, as well as Beverly and her relationship with certain people made me feel as if I was really connecting with those within the community.

I was happy with Leona's choices that she made. I just couldn't stand the thought of her ending up with someone who didn't cherish her, value her, or love her for who she was. I didn't want to see her passion squelched or her zest for life to be snuffed out by someone who wanted to control her. She definitely had to learn to stand up for herself while she was in Pinecraft.

Another favorite character of mine was Effie. She was such a sweet girl. I would have definitely wanted to get to know her! Her determination to do things by herself was such a wonderful side story.

At the end of the book, Gray shares a snippet of her next book that will hopefully be releasing soon. I definitely am looking forward to returning to Siesta Key.

To read more reviews on this book, go to  http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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{More about The Promise of Palm Grove}

The Promise of Palm Grove (Avon Inspire, January 2015) Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her? A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé. Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures. Learn more and purchase a copy at Shelley's website.

{More About Shelley Shepard Gray}

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com. FacebookTwitterPinterest

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Avon Inspire in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Scary Close by Donald Miller

Donald Miller is probably one of those names that most people have heard about. He has written Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The thing I appreciate the most about Miller is his honesty. Even if it makes him less popular among people, he's not afraid to wrestle out his thoughts with others, including his readers.

Scary Close is a book that is a bit challenging to people like myself, who are introverts. Sometimes it takes a lot to be around people and to open up and be honest. I enjoyed going on the journey with Miller as he found how to balance life with an extrovert and the own problems that come with being an introvert. Honestly, I could relate easily to his desire to rent a cabin and be away from people for an extended time just to write. I think all introverts can relate to the always occurring problem of being with people and opening up and risking yourself with those who enjoy and long for the spotlight vs. being alone in a room to recharge.

Miller holds nothing back in this book, even sharing some stories from his therapy sessions. He talks about his childhood experiences at school and other issues that I think most people would hesitate to tell their close friend, let alone a random reader. However, that's what I appreciated most. The honesty, transparency, and vulnerability. It revealed to me how much I long to be those things with certain people, but it comes at the risk of ignoring what others will think of you. Miller reminds his readers that life isn't supposed to be about "more" and "impressing others." There's more to life and happiness than that.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

How do you catch a prince? Or maybe the question could be "how do you lose a prince?" The third book in The Royal Wedding Series features American heiress Corina Del Ray (of the infamous Del Ray family) and Prince Stephen of Brighton. Considering their wealth and titles, you can easily see how they would cross circles. However, that is not how they originally met. They had no idea who each other were.

The story focuses on 5-1/2 years later. A war and tragedy have occurred and have rocked the world of both families. Trying to pick up the pieces and move forward aren't as easy as it seems. There's a secret that only the two of them know about, a little divine intervention and a message from the Lord about how to start living again.

Corina is an easy character to like. Though she put her life on hold, she starts living again after a job offer at an online paper. She had the task of trying to help many others affected by the tragedy of the war to grieve and start moving forward in life.

Prince Stephen had a lot of guilt. I liked him a lot, but he was a bit frustrating when he made some of the choices he made. However, I could easily see his humanness in him. So many hold onto their guilt and have a hard time forgiving themselves. This leads to them thinking they are unworthy for any kind of happiness.

Who couldn't love the royal family in this book. There was so much laughter and a close family unit that it was easy to picture stepping into a family like his.

Rachel Hauck has yet to deliver a book I haven't enjoyed reading. With spring break and summer approaching, it's the perfect book for those travel destinations. I'll warn readers, though..... it's a hard book to put down!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck.

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{More about How to Catch a Prince}

How to Catch a Prince (Zondervan, February 2015)
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.

{More About Rachel Hauck}

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe' by Max Lucado

I absolutely love the cover of this book. It's beautiful. To a coffee lover, such as myself, this made me want to sit down with a cup of good coffee and read uninterrupted. The colors, the font, and the cup of coffee were beautifully designed on this cover.

I liked watching the real-life struggles between husband and wife, Sawyer and Chelsea. Throw in the children who are affected by their parent's every decision and this scenario is probably a typical one that many face in these days. Forgiveness doesn't come easy for Chelsea and she needs a little help in order to see what she has and will be missing out on if she continues on the path of unforgiveness. But to forgive herself, she has to see herself as God sees her.

There are quite a few lovable characters in this book. Bo is probably one of my favorites, and of course, Manny and Katrina. They play a huge part in Chelsea's life, but you also get to hear their story of redemption as well.

I struggled to enjoy one part of the book, though. I understand the point being made about being able to access God at all times, anywhere, but I wasn't particularly fond of how the point was illustrated in the book.

This is a nice, short book that reminds readers that the battle for us is not fought just on earth, but in heaven. Satan is very real and God is very real. It reminds us how involved Satan wants to be in our lives if we aren't careful.... and even if we are careful.

To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/miracle-higher-grounds-cafe-max-lucado.

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{More about Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe}

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe (Thomas Nelson, February 2015)
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea’s door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Max’s website.

{More About Max Lucado}

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.
Find out more about Max at http://teamlucado.com/beforeamen/cbd.html.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan

I really enjoy reading any book by Maggie Brendan. Her books are always full of history and this book is no exception. The Trouble with Patience centers around Nevada City. The time is when the Montana gold rush is booming and people are coming from all over to either start a new life or to strike it rich.

Patience Cavanaugh has to be one of my favorite characters. Her name is her character. She has flaws of learning to trust again, but I really like how we see her personal struggles of the more inward kind. In a way, the struggle is almost the same for Jedediah Jones, too. It's a struggle of learning to forgive himself for his past and moving forward.

The story keeps moving along at a good pace. There's love and suspense wrapped up with so many of the characters. Brendan does a good job at slowly revealing facts about the characters to keep your interest peaked. I felt like I could see myself roaming the streets in this sweet, charming town.

I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series, which hopefully comes out in the near future!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Then Sings My Soul by Amy Sorrells

After reading a few pages in this book, I turned to the back of the book. I knew I had read a book by Amy Sorrells before because I recognized the writing style. Sure enough, she was the author who wrote How Sweet the Sound, as well. That was another book that I had fallen in love with.

I was immediately sucked into the story and found myself saying "okay... just one more chapter and then..." I wouldn't call this a happy book per se. It wasn't a depressing book, but it was full of Jewish history in Ukraine and those other countries at the time when persecution of the Jews was high.

I had a hard time reading the treatment of the Jews because some of the things done to them was absolutely horrible. It was beyond comprehension and absolutely sickening to know people have been and are still treated in ways like this.

Jakob has survived a lot in his time on earth. As he walks through dementia, he holds his life story very near his heart and doesn't want to share it with anyone. That doesn't stop his wife Catharine from trying to find out his story, though. When she doesn't find it out, his daughter Nel is left wondering if he will die with his secrets or if he will let her in to know her family history.

I finished this book and wanted there to be so much more. It ended perfectly...I just wasn't ready for the story to end yet! I am looking forward to the next book by Amy Sorrells. She is such a talented writer, in my opinion.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Nel Stewart returns home due to the sudden death of her mother, she realizes her beloved father, Jakob, is struggling with dementia. With the reappearance of a high-school sweetheart, deliveries from Ukraine addressed to her, and the discovery of a mysterious, vintage aquamarine gemstone, Nel senses God is pulling her into the past to restore their faith and their futures. Told partially through Jakob's flashbacks of fleeing genocide-ridden eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel combines elements of mystery, history, faith and romance to reveal how God redeems the broken years ... and our future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Then Sings My Soul, go HERE.

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I received this book free from David C. Cook and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.